World Cups

World Cups are a series of international competitions held during the competition flying season.  The competitors range from the highly experienced and successful fliers through those in the mid-field who are working their way up the rankings down to those who are just moving into international competition.  World Cups are a excellent way for young people to taste the thrills of competing in international competition alongside experienced, successful competitors - including current and ex-World or European Champions - and to hone their skills so that they may one day qualify to represent their county in World and Continental Championships.

The season generally begins in February and ends in October in any year. A World Cup is held each year in the categories of:

• FAI Drone Racing
• F1 Free Flight
• F2 Control Line
• F3A Radio Control Aerobatics
• F3B Radio Control Soaring (Multi-task)
• F3C Radio Control Helicopters World Cup
• F3F Radio Control Soaring (Slope)
• F3J Radio Control Soaring (Duration)
• F3K Hand Launch Gliders
• F3M Large Radio Control Aerobatics
• F3P Radio Control Indoor Aerobatics
• F5B Electric Motor Glider - Multi Task World Cup (held in alternate years only)
• F5J Electric Motor Glider - Thermal Duration World Cup
• Space Modelling

The World Cups take place in various countries and in various classes within the categories mentioned above. Essentially, a competitor may enter as many World Cups in his particular class as he wishes but only a limited number may count for classification purposes. This number, and the rules, may vary from category to category.

Each category of World Cup has a Co-ordinator who regularly publishes the results during the season. There is a “leader board” for each of the classes which is also updated regularly. The final results and rankings are published at the end of the season. At the annual meeting of the FAI Aeromodelling Commission held in Lausanne, Switzerland, the World Cup winner and the second & third placed competitors in each class are presented with an FAI medal and diploma.