Texoma Host U.S. National Aerobatic Championships at North Texas Regional Airport Perrin Field
The U.S. National Aerobatic Championships got off to a great start at the North Texas Regional Airport Perrin Field on Saturday, September 24th. Currently in the top three; after the Free Known – Goody Thomas, Rob Holland and Mark Nowosielski. The event is sponsored by the International Aerobatic Club, the world’s largest aerobatic club, with the main purpose of promoting and enhancing the safety and enjoyment of aerobatics. Sunday’s flights were cancelled due to weather. Sportsman/Primary Power/Glider and Advanced Power/Glider flights scheduled for Sunday will be flown on Monday, September 26th. The Nationals will continue thru Friday, September 30th.
At this year’s U. S. National Aerobatic Championships, three teams will be selected for participation in next year’s World Championships in various categories. Pilots will try out for slots on the Unlimited Power Team and the Advanced and Unlimited Glider Teams. The final results of the Nationals will determine who goes to world competition next year in South Africa and Europe.
Team selection is governed by the IAC Official Contest Rules but also specific policies written for the Nationals and which are contained in IAC’s Policy & Procedures manual. This year, IAC will be trying something new by utilizing a “Free Known” sequence in team selection categories for the first time. This new sequence was implemented this year at world and continental championships by CIVA, the FAI’s aerobatics commission and governing body for international competitions. Since pilots will be flying Free Knowns next year at these championships, it was decided by the IAC Board of Directors that team aspirants should be exposed to this flight program at Nationals. The Free Known substitutes for the traditional Known program. Free Programs, which are usually the second sequence flown, are deleted from the schedule. Pilots will also fly “Free Unknowns” this year as they have during the past few Nationals.
The IAC is quick to point out that Aerobatic is not stunt flying. It is precision flying. It is about the pure freedom of flight in all forms. The routes and maneuvers the pilots take are carefully choreographed and awards are given in a number of categories in both Power and Glider divisions. This competition isn’t about speed or breath taking stunt flying. It is all about gentle, relaxed maneuvers that combine technical skills and art, where both the analytical and intuitive sides of the brain are used.
Pilots must stay within an “Aerobatic Box”. It is a block of air 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) long by 1,000 meters wide. The upper and lower limits of the box are set based on the category a competitor is flying in. The competitor has to stay within the lateral limits of the box and within the height limits. The lower limits of the box are, for safety reasons, strictly enforced. During competition there are boundary judges in place that determine when a competitor leaves the box. Boundary infringement penalties are subtracted from the pilot’s overall score.
If you are driving on Hwy 289 this week you will notice an open field on the west side of the highway across from the North Texas Regional Airport. You may even see spectators in lawn chairs grouped together in the field. They are in perfect position to watch the action in the “Aerobatic Box.” If you get a chance, head on out to the NTRA and watch these magnificent men and women flying bold and beautiful flying machines.