Aerobatics Badge Scheme

Standard

The very basics, this badge is as much about learning to fly aerobatics as it is about learning to fly the figures. Easily achievable in a day, the Standard badge clears you to fly aerobatics solo.

• 45º lines
• loop
• 1 turn spin
• wingover
• climbing turn
• 2g turn

If you can fly a sequence of these figures + humpty-bump you can compete at beginners level.

Sports

The figures are a little more difficult but much more interesting.

• standard figures (except climbing turn) +
• humpty-bump
• 1/4 cloverleaf
• stall turn

When you can fly a sequence with all these figures, you can compete at Sports level. Competition sequences may include figures that are not in the list of badge figures, e.g. vertical downlines or saw-tooth figures. However, they will be composed of similar elements and therefore similar to fly. If in doubt, ask your instructor.

To qualify for the Sports badge you need to fly a 12 figure sequence including all of the figures at least once, but not more than twice, and score at least 70%. The sequence needs to be scored by a BGA aerobatic examiner or a BAeA judge; this is usually easiest at a competition.

Intermediate

This is your introduction to rolling and inverted flying.

• sports figures +
• half rolls
• slow roll
• Cuban eight
• 1/2 Cuban
• 1/2 reverse Cuban
• split S

Ability to fly a sequence with these figures + inverted turns means that you can compete at Intermediate level. As with Sports, competition sequences may include additional figures but by now you should be sufficiently experienced either to work out how to fly them yourself or realise that you need an instructor to show you.

To qualify for the Intermediate badge you need to fly two sequences, not necessarily on the same day, a 12 figure Known sequence and an Unknown with a maximum of 14 figures. You need to score a minimum of 75% and be judged by a BGA aerobatic examiner or BAeA judge.

Unlimited

The name says it all. Flick rolls, outside loops, tailslides and rolling turns are all commonplace in Unlimited sequences. It helps to be friendly with one of the owners of the Saltby based Fox to receive training at this level - that and a fondness for negative G.

The Unlimited badge involves flying three sequences, a Known, an Unknown and a Free with a minimum score of 75% in each. You need to be judged by at least three BAeA judges.

Badge claim form

The definitive explanation of the badge scheme can be found on the BAeA website glider badge page.