Flying the 2024 Glider Sportsman Sequence
by, Jared R. S. Bachman, 2nd Lt., USAF, IAC 440685
Introduction and Disclaimer
This article provides general information and techniques for flying the International Aerobatic Club’s 2024 Sportsman Known Glider sequence. It is not intended to replace an aerobatic CFI or your pilot’s operating handbook (POH).
There are a few concepts that impact the sequence overall that I will cover before discussing individual figures. These concepts involve entering the box and figure exit lines.
Box Entry
Unlike powered pilots, the aerobatic glider pilot is constantly losing altitude and should plan their box entry accordingly to best present to the judges. IAC Rule Book, Section 29.3.1, states that judges must consider “control of distance and altitude for best viewing angle” in their presentation scores. Additionally, Rule 27.15.1 states, “For each figure that cannot be properly graded because of viewing angle or distance, deduct 2 points.”
Judges grade any line or looping segment relative to the horizon and the glider’s flight path. If a judge cannot keep both the horizon and the aircraft’s flight path in sight simultaneously, they cannot accurately grade the figure, resulting in a point deduction on the figure and overall presentation.
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