This chapter gives the class structure and some general rules for FAI World Soaring Championships and other international competitions. Class rules also apply to world records (see Chapter 1).
More detailed rules for World Championships and International Competitions are given in Annex A to this code (SC3A) and also in the General Section of the FAI Sporting Code. For convenience, where "competition" shows in any of these rules, the rule applies to both World Championships and international competitions. If claims are made for badges and records, the provisions of the Code have to be fulfilled regardless of the regulations of the competition concerned.
An OO shall certify that the glider used for a record flight complies with the requirements for the class rules of the record classification involved and shall certify any measurement and checking required.
Gliders shall be presented to the competition organiser as prescribed in the local regulations in order to be checked and measured for compliance with class rules.
7.1.3 Measurement of wing span
Wing span, for the purpose of measurement for conformity with class rules, is the maximum distance between the two planes tangent to the wing tips and parallel to the glider plane of symmetry and the weight of each wing supported to allow the wing to match its unloaded shape.
The unloaded shape depends on the design of the glider, but will generally mean that the trailing edge is straight along the length of the wing.
7.2.1 Airworthiness certificates
A glider may be flown in a competition only if it holds a valid Certificate of Airworthiness or Permit to Fly not excluding competition flying and complies with the conditions of its airworthiness document and the rules of the class in which it is entered.
Except where specifically allowed in the Championship rules (see Annex A) a glider shall fly throughout a competition as a single structural entity using the same set of wings or wing components, fuselage and tail unit.
The organisers of competitions may limit the maximum mass of a glider in any class. Any such limitations must be stated in the official bid and must be approved by the IGC.
If handicapping is to be used, its purpose shall be to equalise the performance of gliders as far as possible. The handicap figures used shall be directly proportional to the expected cross-country speeds of gliders in typical soaring conditions for the competition concerned. The handicap shall be applied directly to the speed or distance achieved, for finishers to the speed only, for non-finishers to the distance only. Competitors completing the task shall not be given less than full distance points, and competitors not completing the task shall not be given more than full distance points. Any list of handicaps proposed for a competition must be approved by the IGC.
The minimum period between the announcement and implementation of a new class or major alteration to the rules of an existing class shall not normally be less than four years. Minor alterations not requiring design changes shall normally have two years notice. The IGC may reduce the period of notice for special reasons.
7.6.1 World Soaring Championships classes
World Soaring Championships are organised in the classes defined in 7.7, Women's Championships (7.8.2a) and Junior Championships (7.8.2b) may also be organised at the World
Championship level.
Motor gliders are integrated into the other championship classes (except the World Class which is a one-design class) under championship rules for motor gliders (see Annex A).
See also 7.3.
7.7.1 Open Class No special rules.
7.7.2 18 Metre Class The only limitation is a maximum span of 18,000 mm (7.1.3).
7.7.3 15 Metre Class The only limitation is a maximum span of 15,000 mm (7.1.3).
a. WINGS
The span (7.1.3) must not exceed 15,000 mm. Any method of changing the wing profile other than by normal use of the ailerons is prohibited. Lift increasing devices are prohibited,
even if unusable.
b. AIRBRAKES
The glider must be fitted with airbrakes which cannot be used to increase performance. Drag parachutes are prohibited.
c. UNDERCARRIAGE
The undercarriage may be fixed or retractable. The main landing wheel shall be at least 300 mm in diameter and 100 mm in width.
d. BALLAST
Water ballast which may be discharged in flight is permitted.
The World Class glider is the PW-5 design which was the winner of the 1994 World Class design competition. All gliders must be built to the IGC specifications for the World Class and must conform to all applicable IGC rules. No modifications are permitted except as approved and circulated in writing by FAI to all NACs on behalf of the IGC.
a. ALTERATION TO AIRFLOW
Any alteration affecting airflow around the glider is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of turbulation devices, fairings, and special surface treatment. The only exceptions are:
(i) a yaw string,
(ii) a total energy probe,
(iii) adhesive tape to seal gaps between wings, fuselage and tail. Sealing between moveable control surfaces and the airframe is not permitted.
b. ELECTRICAL DEVICES
Electrical and electronic devices are allowed, including instruments and navigational aids.
c. BALLAST
Ballast which can be jettisoned in flight is prohibited. In a World Class competition, a mass shall be specified by the Competition Director between the maximum gross mass and the lowest takeoff mass attainable by the heaviest entrant. To attain the specified mass each glider shall incorporate a fixed ballast system approved by the IGC, which may include tail ballast.
d. CENTRE OF GRAVITY CONTROL
Any device capable of altering the centre of gravity location of the glider during flight is prohibited.
The purpose of the Club Class is to preserve the value of older high performance gliders, to provide inexpensive but high quality international championships, and to enable pilots who do not have access to gliders of the highest standard of performance to take part in contests at the highest levels.
a. ENTRY
The only limitation on entry of a glider into a Club Class competition is that it is within the range of handicap factors agreed for the competition.
b. BALLAST
Water ballast is not permitted.
c. SCORING
A Club Class championship shall be scored using formulas which include handicap factors (7.4).
7.7.7 20 Metre Multi-Seat Class
a. ENTRY
The 20m multi-seat class consists of multi-seat gliders having a crew of two persons. If handicaps are to be used the glider must have a handicap factor within the range agreed for the competition.
b. CREW
The crew shall consist of two pilots who must represent the same NAC and have a Sporting Licence issued by that NAC. The winning crew shall jointly hold the title, Champion.
c. WINGS
The span must not exceed 20,000mm.
d. BALLAST
Water ballast that may be discharged in flight is permitted.
(See Annex A 4.2.1)
e. SCORING
The 20 metre multi-seat class may be scored using formulas that include handicap factors (see 7.4).
7.8.1 International competitions may be held in the World Championship classes (7.7) and in other classes specifically approved by the IGC.
7.8.2 Restricted entry championships
a. Women's championships
Championships in one or more of the approved classes, which are open to female flight crew members only.
b. Juniors' championships
Championships in one or more of the approved classes, which are open to pilots whose 25th birthday occurs in the calendar year (1 January to 31 December) which includes the date of the start of the championships, or occurs later.