How to Prepare for Your First Contest
Entering your first aerobatic competition is an exciting milestone — and a great way to build skill, confidence, and camaraderie. A bit of preparation goes a long way toward making the weekend relaxed and enjoyable.
1. Know your sequence
Before the contest, practise the Fixed Known sequence for your class until you can fly it safely and confidently within height limits. Fly with an instructor — they can help refine your lines, positioning, and accuracy.
2. Get to know the airfield
If you’ve never flown at the contest site before, visit in advance for a check flight. Study the aerobatic box map published on the competition’s sign-up page so you can visualise where to position yourself relative to the airfield, landmarks, and wind direction.
3. Pack smart
Bring your licence, logbook, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, and camping equipment if you plan to stay overnight. A warm layer is useful too — there’s often more time on the ground as in the air.
4. Expect to learn
Don’t worry about results at your first event. Focus on flying safely, learning from the judges’ feedback, and enjoying the experience. Most pilots start at Club or Sports class, and everyone remembers what it was like to be new — you’ll find the community incredibly supportive.
5. Get involved
When you’re not flying, offer to help with judging assistance, scoring, or video recording. It’s one of the fastest ways to understand what judges look for and how the scoring system works.