🎉 Saltby Open Aerobatic Competition Recap!
by Merlin Ohta
Last weekend marked the first Saltby Open Aerobatic Competition since COVID, and it was an incredible event with a fantastic atmosphere! We’re excited to share some insights and invite you to join next year’s competition. 🚀
🏆 What’s Involved in a Competition?
During our aerobatics competition, each class is given at least two sequences to fly. This year, the club and sports classes were given two known sequences, while the intermediates received one known and one unknown sequence. Known sequences are published ahead of the competition, but the unknown sequence is only revealed once the competition starts.
📏 Participants fly within a 1 km box with A and B axes perpendicular to each other, defining the center. The goal is to position your maneuvers so the judges can clearly see and assess them based on accuracy, angles, and heading. It might sound challenging, but it’s a fantastic way to become a better pilot with greater situational awareness.
đźš© To signal the start and end of your sequence to the judges, simply rock your wings. Pilots make sure that all maneuvers are completed within the specified height and respect the hard deck for safety.
The competition levels include:
- Club
- Sports
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Unlimited
✨ Getting Into Aerobatics
Now is a great time to get involved in aerobatics! Start by getting your Standard badge and work your way up. The Fox MDM-1 is coming back online in the UK, unlocking opportunities for more advanced training. It’s the perfect chance to refine your flying skills and situational awareness.
No matter your level, you can join in! To compete, you need to complete a flight evaluation with an examiner, flying a sequence at your intended competition level and in your chosen glider type. If you don’t have an examiner nearby, you can arrange for a flight evaluation at the club a few days before the competition. It is also possible to fly with a safety pilot. You won’t be able to win the competition but you’ll get a chance to see what competing is like and receive a score for your flying.
Have questions? Reach out to us on our socials @bgateam for Instagram or British Gliding Aerobatic Team on Facebook.
🎥 Video credits to Neil Oakley
