Aerobatic Competition Levels

There are five different aerobatic competition levels.  For each aerobatic level, the pilot has to be ‘signed off’ qualifying them for that level.

Beginners

The beginner’s level is a great introduction to aerobatic flying.  There are several BAeA beginners’ competitions each year as well as the Loop beginner’s days.  At this level you can expect Loops, rolls, stall turns, half Cubans and a quarter clovers in one short, cut down sequence.  To compete at beginners you do not need to be signed off however you need to be recommended by an aerobatic flying instructor.

Standard (sportsman)

Standard level has the same figure as beginners with the addition of spins, humpty bumps, goldfish and rolls on the vertical down lines.  At standard, you can expect to fly the known sequence and at least one unknown sequence.  To compete at standard you need to fly the sequence in front of a BAeA check pilot and demonstrate the ability to recover from an unusual attitude and a spin.

Intermediate

Intermediate level has the same figures as standard but with the addition of snap rolls on both the horizontal plane and the 45° down line, inverted spins, vertical rolls on the up lines, avalanches, inside and outside rolling circles and outside loops.  You can expect to fly a known, unknown and a ‘free.’  The ’free’ sequence is designed by yourself and has to have a specified ‘k’ factor.  To get signed off for intermediate you have to fly the known sequence in front of a BAeA check pilot.

Advanced

At Advanced the figures are the same as intermediate with the addition of snaps on the vertical down and up 45° lines and loops with rolls at the top.  The is a large step up from intermediate to advanced as the figures are a lot more involved.  At advance you are also introduced to the CIVA unknown creation process.  At Advanced you can expect to fly the ‘Q’, a ‘free’ and at least one unknown sequence.  To qualify for advanced you must fly the advanced Q in front of a BAeA check pilot.

Unlimited

At unlimited there are no restrictions; you can be expected to fly any figure.  At unlimited you will fly the ‘Q’, your ‘free’ and at least one unknown sequence.  There is also the 4 minute freestyle which is a separate competition.  Again to qualify for unlimited you need to be signed off by a BAeA check pilot.