MASON CITY, Iowa — Organizers of the 2026 World Aerobatic Championship (WAC) are pleased to announce the event has been relocated to Mason City, Iowa, while maintaining its previously scheduled dates. Competition flying will take place from August 24 through September 2, 2026, bringing many of the world’s most accomplished aerobatic pilots to north-central Iowa.
KMCW
The World Aerobatic Championship is the premier international competition in precision aerobatic flight. More than 35 of the world’s top aerobatic pilots, representing countries from around the globe, are expected to compete for individual and team honors while demonstrating the extraordinary skill, discipline, and precision required at the highest level of the sport.
Competitors will fly highly capable aerobatic aircraft through demanding sequences of maneuvers that test accuracy, energy management, spatial awareness, and aircraft control. Pilots are evaluated by an international panel of judges and must execute complex figures with remarkable precision while operating in three-dimensional airspace. The result is a remarkable display of aviation skill that few pilots ever attain and even fewer master.
Wayne Forbes, WAC 2026 CD
“We are excited to bring the World Aerobatic Championship to Mason City,” said Wayne Forbes, Contest Director. “The airport facilities, community support, and central location make Mason City an outstanding venue for welcoming competitors, officials, volunteers, and spectators from around the world.”
Mason City offers visitors a welcoming Midwestern atmosphere, convenient transportation access, and a variety of lodging, dining, and recreational opportunities. Known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant downtown, and strong aviation community, Mason City provides an ideal setting for an international event of this caliber. The city’s hospitality, combined with the resources of the surrounding region, will help create a memorable experience for competitors and visitors alike.
The championship is expected to draw pilots, judges, team personnel, volunteers, family members, and aviation enthusiasts from around the globe. Organizers anticipate that the event will generate significant economic activity for the region through hotel stays, restaurant visits, local transportation, tourism, and other visitor spending. The championship will also provide an opportunity to showcase Mason City and north-central Iowa to an international audience while fostering cultural exchange among participants from numerous countries. “We are honored to host this prestigious aviation event. Often compared to the Olympics of the aviation and aerobatic community, this event represents the very best in the industry, and we are proud to bring it to North Iowa.” said David Sims, Airport Manager.
In addition to the competition itself, visitors can expect opportunities to meet pilots, view world-class aerobatic aircraft, and experience the unique atmosphere of an international aviation championship. Additional information regarding spectator opportunities, volunteer participation, sponsorship opportunities, and event activities will be released as planning progresses. Event updates and information for competitors, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators can be found at www.2026wac.com.
Media Contact:
Lorrie Penner
(513) 284-5076
Website:
www.2026wac.com
Event Information:
2026 World Aerobatic Championship
Contest Flying: August 24 – September 2, 2026
Location: Mason City Municipal Airport, Mason City, Iowa
About the World Aerobatic Championship
The World Aerobatic Championship is the highest level of international competition aerobatics. Sanctioned by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the championship brings together the world’s best aerobatic pilots to compete in precision flight while representing their respective nations. Pilots are judged on the accuracy and quality of their performances as they fly increasingly complex sequences of maneuvers in pursuit of individual and team world titles.
