Billed as the number one sport series of the new generation, the event will see the best drone racers from across the globe compete for the most prestigious title in the sport across four days of competition.

"Drones are a hot topic today" FAI President Frits Brink said.

"They are easily accessible and revolutionary flying machines, and are found in all parts of life, including leisure, business, science, media and sport.

"In the last few years we have seen the rise of FPV - first person view - drone racing around the world.

"It is establishing itself as an independent air sports discipline in its own right."

The FAI and European Air Sports have previously expressed concerns about the safety of aircraft being used in the Drone Racing League, the sport's premier competition. 

Brink claimed they are now "embracing the amazing rise of drone sports and working with official regulators on a global, regional and national levels".

"We are excited about the launch of the first FAI World Drone Racing Championships," he added.

The FAI is inviting bids from interested cities and venues around the world to host the Championships in either the last quarter of 2017 or the first quarter of 2018.

The competition may be staged indoors or outdoors and the concept is based on the rules framework that the FAI has developed for radio controlled drone racing.

"Drone racing lends itself to iconic locations, from historic castles to scenic landscapes, stadia, cultural centres or famous tourist landmarks," an FAI statement said.

"Chosen venues need to be challenging, safe and interesting, and accessible for spectators."

Medals are due to be awarded in several classes, including individual, junior, female and team.

Earlier this year, the FAI Executive Board met in Frankfurt with Deutscher Aero Club, the FAI’s active member in Germany, to discuss the implications of the fast development of drones for air sports. 

It was agreed in the meeting to present a joint thesis paper to the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI), urging the promotion of aerial sports.

"Without access to airspace, there is no air sports," the FAI claimed.

"This is reflected in the German law on air traffic, where it is noted 'the use of airspace by aircraft is free', and also in the criteria defined by the BMVI for the setup of air space - it is mentioned that the interests of all users of air space have to be taken into consideration."

The FAI has also issued an invitation to attend the inaugural FAI International Drones Conference and Expo in Swiss city Lausanne from September 1 to 3.

The Conference and Expo are part of the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Drone Days 2017, providing three days to "enjoy everything about drones".  

"For an overview of the most recent developments in the world of drones, attendance at the first FAI International Drones Conference and Expo is a must," Brink said.

"You will be informed about the exponentially fast-growing use of drones in society, be it for maintenance, rescue operations or daily logistics.

"The safety issues coming with these developments will be discussed by experts from Government authorities and those who are at the forefront in developing state-of-the-art technology to make drones a regular part of air traffic in the sky.

"Last but not least, drones are already being seen as a top-level air sport and emerging to become the number one air and maybe e-motor sport."

The Conference is due to feature a mix of international speakers from the world of drones as well as site visits and social events.

The three main themes are drones and innovation, drones and safety, and drones and sport.

On the final day, there will be an opportunity to see live drone racing organised by the Swiss Rotor Sports Association, as well as a visit to the National Centre of Competence in Research Robotics Expo.

The registration process for the event can be accessed by clicking here.