He was the treasurer of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) from its foundation (1905) to 1919, and its Secretary General from 1913 to 1945, and it awards the Paul Tissandier Diploma every year in his honor.

Tissandier began his flying career as a hot air balloon pilot and later moved to airships and finally to airplanes.

[3] Together with Count Charles de Lambert, he was involved in the construction of hydro-gliders.

[citation needed] The Aero Club Paul Tissandier based at the Saint-Cyr-l'École airfield was named in his honour.

Each Aero club which is a member of FAI may recommend a number of deserving candidates for the diploma each year; the U.S. is allowed three.