Glider Aerobatics

FAI World Glider Aerobatic Championships

Event Description

Glider Aerobatics pilots, like their powered colleagues, have to demonstrate their ability to fly specific manoeuvres within a limited “box”. As gliders are not engine-powered, pilots rely solely on the energy they derive from converting altitude into speed. Glider Aerobatic pilots are the actors in a three-dimensional ballet in the sky, where gliders soar through the air with the grace and elegance of a bird.

Venue Requirements

Air Space Requirements : A box of 1 cubic km (with 0.5 km safety margins on top of the box and at all sides) above the main venue or in close proximity. A tow area adjacent to the box must be available to tow gliders to the required altitude of 1,200 meters AGL.

Event Site : A runway below or in close vicinity of the aerobatic box for gliders and tow aircraft. Spectators are located 200-500 meters from the box. Ideally, judges and spectators should be able to look at the aerobatic box with their back to the sun.

Technical Equipment

3 tow planes (2 in operation, 1 spare) with pilots and spare tow ropes (Tow planes and pilots can be shared with the Gliding event)
Portable radios for Jury President, Contest Director and Chief Judge
Scoring software (provided by CIVA)
Box markings to be placed on the ground to define Performance Zone (specifications provided in competition rules)
Parking facilities for gliders with tie-down (cables).
Smoke cartridges

Athletes

Type : Individuals and Teams
Expected Competitors: 40 pilots (Advanced category) and 30 pilots (Unlimited category).

Officials

Jury : 3
Chief Judge : 1
Judges : 7
Assistant Judges : 7
Organizer: 8

Timeline

Championships usually take place over 10 day period with buffer built into schedule for weather and wind delays. Six flight programmes are included in the Championships.

Additional Comments

Depending on the location of the World Glider Aerobatic Championships, assistance from the Organizer might be required to identify and rent aerobatic aircraft for overseas pilots. Advanced and Unlimited Championships are usually combined to make events financially feasible as required infrastructure is identical.