FAI rulebook structure
FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) sporting regulations are collected in the Sporting Code. Model aviation is covered by Section 4 (Volume F1 – Free Flight, F2 – Control Line, F3 – RC, etc.). Each volume is split into a general part (General Rules) that applies to all classes and a detailed part for each class.
The rules are updated annually – amendments take effect on 1 January. The CIAM (Commission Internationale d'Aéromodélisme) Plenary Meeting votes on proposed changes. Always check that you have the latest version – it is available free of charge on the FAI website in PDF format.
Class technical requirements
Each class defines precise technical requirements. For example, F1B (rubber-powered): minimum weight 230 g, maximum rubber weight 40 g, no span restriction, mandatory DT timer. F1A (towline glider): minimum weight 410 g, maximum wing area 34 dm², towline maximum 50 m.
Key parameters are: minimum weight (checked on a scale at technical inspection), span or wing area, material restrictions (e.g. carbon fibre banned in some junior classes), DT mechanism requirements and maximum flight time. Failure to meet any parameter means the model is not admitted to fly.
Contest procedure
Competitions consist of rounds. Each round has a defined maximum time (max) – e.g. 180 seconds in F1B qualifying rounds – and a working time window in which the contestant must launch. A typical window is 5–10 minutes. The contestant chooses the moment of launch within the window.
Flight time is measured from the moment the model is released (in F1B – releasing the rubber or hand-launching) until it lands. If the model reaches the maximum time, the max is recorded (e.g. 180 s). The number of rounds is set in the contest rules – usually 5–7 rounds in a one-day event.
Scoring and classification
In most free-flight classes, scoring is the sum of flight times from all rounds. A contestant who achieves a max in every round advances to a fly-off. Fly-offs have shorter maximum times (e.g. 240 s, then 180 s, 120 s) and continue until a winner is decided.
In case of a tie, additional criteria apply: last-round result, sum of times excluding maxes, or an extra fly-off round. National rules may differ from FAI – for example, Polish rules may specify different round times or fly-off procedures. Always read the rules of the specific contest, not just the general class rules.
National rules vs FAI
The Polish Aeroclub issues national rules based on FAI regulations but may contain local modifications. This applies particularly to junior classes (e.g. P-30, national HLG) that do not exist in the FAI rulebook, and to simplified versions of FAI classes for lower-level contests.
Differences may concern: maximum round times, number of rounds, licence requirements, technical inspection procedures, and even model dimensions and weights. Polish Cup and Polish Championship events use FAI rules. Regional and club contests may use simplified rules. Always ask the organiser which rulebook applies.
Practical tips
FAI rules can be found at fai.org in the Documents section. National rules are published by the Polish Aeroclub on its website. Subscribe to your class mailing list or modelling forum – experienced competitors discuss rule interpretations and announce changes.
The most common regulatory traps: an outdated version of the rules (changes take effect every year), not including timer weight in the minimum weight, exceeding towline length, missing required markings. Before every contest, make a checklist of technical requirements and check the model point by point. A single formal mistake can undo months of preparation.