Latest News

Sean Sweeney Gone West
March 20, 2023

By Cleta Sweeney, IAC 438225 

Sean loved the IAC. The first context I can think of was in 1974 when he qualified for nationals. He showed up in Sherman/Denison, Texas, without pre-registering. All the guys took him under their wing, and he had such a blast. 

Sean was born in July 1958 and lived an adventurous childhood, learning about the farm from his mother and learning aviation and engineering from his father. Relocating to the west, Sean met his high school crush, Cleta, whom he later married and enjoyed life with for over 40 years.

As teenagers…

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2023 IAC Rules Revsion A Released
March 16, 2023

At a recent special meeting of the board of directors, on March 13, 2023, the feedback of many members led to a change in the newly adopted tech inspection process.  With this change the rule book was revised with two changes:

  1. Starters will no longer be asked to confirm with pilots that they have performed a pre-flight prior to each flight.
  2. Competitors will be given at least 30 minutes to prepare for their flight after any contest obligation.

"The only differences from the original 2023 rule book are in paragraphs 9.3 and 9.4 (pages 7 and 8), plus…

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International Aerobatics Day is June 24, 2023!
March 13, 2023
ENJOY THE SKILL, BEAUTY AND EXCITEMENT OF AEROBATIC FLIGHT AS IT IS CELEBRATED AROUND THE WORLD AND AT AN AIRPORT NEAR YOU!

International Aerobatics Day will be held on the fourth Saturday of June, in continuation of last two years successful events.  Mark your calendars and reserve June 24 for a worldwide celebration of aerobatic flight!

We ask all aerobatic enthusiasts to make plans to share their passion for the sport of aerobatics no matter where they live.

Watch for more information on International Aerobatics Day in the months ahead! There will be a wide variety of…

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Greg Principato Announces Retirement as NAA President
March 10, 2023
IAC board member Greg Principato is retiring from the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), the governing body for all aviation records and competitions in the USA. 
Per the IAC bylaws, there are two Class III Directors on the board, which include an appointment of one EAA representative and one NAA representative.  Greg has served on the IAC Board since 2017.
"I know we will all miss working with Greg.  He completes his term on September 15." said Jim Bourke IAC President. Below is the official…
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2023 Judges Revalidation & Currency Exam
February 22, 2023

Welcome to the 2023 Judges Revalidation & Currency Exam.

All IAC Grading Judges must pass this test to qualify for judging in the current calendar year.

The intent of the exam is educational, not to stump you. Each question includes a hint or hints, so we recommend taking the exam with a copy of this year's Official Contest Rules at hand. 

Visit: …

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2023 IAC Rule Book available for download
February 22, 2023
The 2023 edition of the IAC Contest Rules is now available to members at: www.iac.org/download-contest-rules 
Most of the changes are a direct result of IAC members' input.  Twenty-Seven proposals were submitted by members.  After these were published last fall, other members provided valuable comments.  The Rules Committee discussed each proposal and associated comments in depth, then provided recommendations to the IAC Board of Directors.  Additional changes were also made directly by the Board.  After…
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Reminder to register for Online Judges School this weekend!
February 21, 2023

Register today!

Coming up this weekend - "Intro to Aerobatic Judging" (Sessions 1&2) Saturday Feb 25 and day 2 continuing on Sunday, Feb 26. Starting time both days is at 09:00 MST and ending approximately at 16:00 MST each day.

DJ Molny, Judge program chair, will lead this two-day training for current judges and prospective judges. It is also great information for anyone who wants to learn more about competition aerobatics. We have many non-pilots participate who are friends and family and it gives them a better…

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The Federal Aviation Administration issuing AD - Continental and Superior Air Parts
February 9, 2023

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD)for certain Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (Continental) GTSIO-520, IO-470, IO-520, IO-550, IOF-550, LIO-470, LIO-520, LTSIO-520, O-470, TSIO-470, TSIO-520, TSIO-550, TSIOF-550, and TSIOL-550 model reciprocating engines with a certain Superior Air Parts, Inc. (SAP) cylinder assembly or intake valve installed.

The affected cylinder assemblies and intake valves are installed as a…

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Important Changes to Contest Rules and Operations for 2023
January 26, 2023
During the 2023 Rule Change process, a number of rules were proposed and approved that affect the way chapters run a contest. To make sure that all our contests run in accordance with IAC policies, below are some important changes for all contest organizers and participants to be aware of.
 
1. Boundary judges are now optional: Contest Directors do not have to apply for a Rule Deviation for this issue. Instead, they can simply inform competitors that they are exercising this option. As with any Rule Deviation, inform competitors before they arrive…
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2023 U.S. NATIONALS CD APPOINTED
January 24, 2023
The IAC Board of Directors met for a Special Meeting on January 20, 2023, and appointed Shad Coulson as the new 2023 U.S. National Aerobatic Championships contest director. Shad replaces previous contest director Mike Heuer, who resigned the position in December.
 
Shad has been the contest director for the Estrella Classic, Maricopa, Arizona for the past three years. He worked with Jason Stephens to bring the U.S. National Unlimited and Advanced Glider Aerobatic Championships to Arizona acting as contest director for the inaugural event in 2022 and will be acting…
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