Competition Guide

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Judging Criteria

 

Aerobatic judging is all about precision, geometry and presentation. Every flight is assessed by a panel of qualified judges who evaluate how accurately each figure is flown according to the published sequence.

 

The judges’ task is to score what they see against a set of international standards defined in the CIVA Sporting Code, Section 6, Part 2 (Sections 4 and Appendix B), which British Aerobatics competitions follow.

 

Each figure starts with a perfect score of 10, and judges apply deductions for errors in line, angle, shape, or positioning. The score for each figure is then multiplied by its K factor (difficulty rating) to calculate the total points.

Geometric accuracy

 

Every figure must be flown along precise lines and angles relative to the aerobatic box axes. Most lines are judged according to the zero-lift axis of the glider, not the flight path. This means for a vertical upline, it doesn't matter how the wind affects the glider, just that the glider zero-lift axis (broadly aligned to the fuselage) is pointing vertically up. 

 

However for a loop, when the wind blows, pilots must apply wind correction so that the figure appears to be a perfect circle to the judges on the ground. That means, for example, flying slightly into wind on uplines and cross-box figures so that the figure’s geometry looks symmetrical from the judges’ perspective.

 

Scoring deductions

 

• Line and angle errors: 0.5 points are deducted for every 5° deviation from the correct attitude or line (e.g. climbing when supposed to be level). In gliding, a 10 degree downline is permitted between figures without a penalty being applied. 

• Roll rate variation or uneven stops: typically 0.5–1.0 points depending on severity.

• Shape distortion: e.g. egg-shaped loops, unequal radii or uncoordinated corners attract progressive deductions.

• Missed or incorrect figures: scored 0.0 for that figure.

• Inserted extra figure: 0.0 for the inserted and the following figure.

• Breaks (for gliders): penalised per the British Aerobatics General Rules 2025 – see Appendix for current penalties.

• Floor or safety infringements: lead to additional penalties or exclusion.

 

Example figures

 

Loop – The loop must be a perfect circle in the vertical plane, constant in radius through all four quadrants. Wind correction should be applied so the entry and exit are at the same height and position relative to the box. A “clover-leaf” or egg shape will attract deductions.

 

Stall Turn (Hammerhead) – The upline must stop cleanly on vertical, with no “bridging” or curve at the top. The yaw rotation should occur exactly about the glider’s centre, followed by a clean downline with no wing-drop or roll-off.

 

Rolls – The roll rate must be constant and stop exactly on heading. Any hesitations or rate changes should occur precisely where intended, with equal timing between segments.

Positioning score

 

In addition to the figure marks, judges award a Positioning Score from 10 points downward. This reflects how well the pilot presents their sequence within the box — maintaining visibility, height profile, and lateral balance. Start at 10, then deduct for being too far left or right, too near or far. A well-flown sequence appears centred and consistent, with figures starting high on the far side of the box and progressing closer to the judges as altitude decreases, keeping the viewing angle roughly constant throughout.

 

Further reading

 

For full detail on how each figure type is judged, refer to:

CIVA Sporting Code, Section 6, Part 2 – Sections 4 and Appendix B (the international standard used in UK competitions)

British Aerobatics General Rules 2025 (PDF) – see final pages for national-specific penalties and glider procedures

CIVA: Judging Aresti and Sequences – a clear illustrated overview of the principles