Aerobatic Competition

Competition flying is the ultimate test of a pilot's aerobatic skill; winning involves flying a set of sequences of complex figures with the greatest accuracy. The top pilots fly with a smoothness and precision that is visibly superior.

The BAeA hold three glider competitions during the year:

The Dan Smith Memorial Trophy
London GC, Dunstable Airfield, Beds
Late March / early April

The season opener and a chance to blow away those winter cobwebs, all competitors fly the same sequences in ASK21s. The more experienced pilots might score highest and take the medals but the Dan Smith Trophy is awarded to the highest placed Sports level pilot. A beginner's level contest is run concurrently.

British Glider National Championships
Buckminster GC, Saltby Airfield, Lincs
June

The main event, this competition decides who will be the champions at the various levels for the next year. A training camp is held during the week preceding the championship so that pilots may practice their flying and learn from the more experienced competitors.

The Saltby Open
Buckminster GC, Saltby Airfield, Lincs
September

The season ending fun contest has a different format. Pilots fly sequences appropriate to their skill level but their scores, expressed as a percentage of the maximum, are amalgamated into a single table. A good sports pilot can quite easily snatch the trophy from a more experienced unlimited pilot by scoring a higher percentage on an easier set of sequences. A beginner's level contest is held concurrently.

Full details of the year's events are available through the Competitions menu on the BAeA website.

There are different types of sequences flown during a contest. Known sequences are published early in the year so that pilots can practice them, Unknowns are given to pilots on the day and flown without the benefit of practice, Free sequences are those devised by the pilot and handed to the organisers before the start of the competition. The latest known sequences and the sequence archive can be accessed from the Pilot Briefing menu on the BAeA website.

Separating contestants into different classes means that pilots will only compete against those with similar levels of skill, usually in similar gliders:

Beginner's:- simple figures, short sequences, welcome to competitive aerobatics.
Sport's:- positive G figures only, full length sequences, a popular and competitive class.
Intermediate:- includes rolling and simple negative G figures.
Advanced:- includes complex negative G figures, but without the intensity of the unlimited class.
Unlimited:- success at this class brings the opportunity to compete at international level.

Competition sequences are deliberately composed so that it should be possible to practise, compete and win at Beginner's, Sport's and Intermediate classes in the same two seat training glider that pilots first learn to fly aerobatics. Older single seaters such as the Pilatus B4 and the Lunak will also be competitive. Only at the Advanced and Unlimited classes is a specialised aerobatic glider necessary to be competitive.

Curious glider pilots are welcome to attend contests as spectators. If you would like to learn to compete, contact one of the BGA aerobatic training clubs.