Glider Competition Classes - FAI Competition Classes

FAI Competition Classes

Seven glider classes are currently recognised by the FAI and are eligible for European and World Championships:

  • Open Class, places no restrictions except a limit of 850 kg to the maximum all-up mass, may be one- or two-seater e.g. JS-1C, Lange Antares 23E, Quintus, ASH 30, ASH 31 and LAK-20.
  • Standard Class, restricted to a maximum wing-span of 15 metres and fixed wing sections (flaps or other lift-enhancing devices not allowed), maximum all-up mass 525 kg, e.g. ASW 28, LS8, Discus-2, LAK-19.
  • 15 metre Class, as Standard Class with lift-enhancing devices allowed, maximum all-up mass 525 kg, e.g. ASW 27, LS6, Ventus-2, Diana 2.
  • 18 metre Class, as the 15 metre Class with wing-spans up to 18 metres, maximum all-up mass 600 kg, e.g. ASG 29, LS10, DG-808, Ventus-2c.
  • 20 metre Two-Seater Class, restricted to a maximum wing-span of 20 metres, maximum all-up mass 750 kg, e.g. Duo Discus, DG-1000, Arcus
  • Club Class, allows a wide range of older small gliders within a specified range of performances, e.g. Libelle, Standard Cirrus, LS1, Pilatus PC-11, with the scores being adjusted by handicapping. Disposable (i.e. water) ballast may be installed but must not be used in this class.
  • World Class, a monotype class comprising only the Warsaw University of Technology (Politechnika Warszawska) PW-5, with maximum all-up mass up to 300 kg.

Gliding World Records are classified by the FAI under sub-classes that do not have a one-to-one correspondence with the above competition classes:

  • DO - Open Class, accepts sporting performances achieved with any glider type. Sporting performances by Open, 18 metre and Two Seaters are eligible only for this sub-class.
  • D15 - 15 metre Class, accepts sporting performances achieved with gliders whose wing-span is smaller than or equal to 15 metres.
  • DW - World Class, for sporting performances by World Class gliders only.
  • DU - Ultralight Class, for sporting performances by gliders having maximum mass below 220 kg, e.g. the SparrowHawk, Apis WR, Silent 2 Targa. A subdivision of the ultralight class, known as the microlift gliders have a wingloading not exceeding 18 kg/m2. Types include the Carbon Dragon, AL12 Alatus and the Lighthawk. Microlift gliders do not have separate world records.

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