Segelflugsports

Segelflugsports is a term used to describe competitive activities involving sailplanes in which pilots use energy-efficient gliding techniques to complete a set of tasks. The sport emphasizes navigation, situational awareness, and precision in addition to speed and distance flown. Competitors may fly solo or in two-seat trainers during official tasks, and scoring is based on time, distance, and accuracy according to standardized rules.

Governance and history: Segelflugsports emerged from mid-20th century gliding communities and is organized internationally by the International Segelflugsports Federation (ISSF), which adopts rules aligned with broader aeronautical sport regulations. National federations oversee local events and licensing, and they coordinate training programs, safety standards, and event calendars.

Disciplines and scoring: Common tasks include distance tasks where pilots attempt to maximize straight-line distance within a time window, speed tasks that measure fastest completion of a course, and assigned-distance tasks with waypoints. Precision tasks test landing accuracy within a designated target area. Scoring combines points for task completion, deviations from course or altitude guidelines, and landing performance, with penalties for safety violations or rule breaches.

Equipment and training: Segelflugsports uses standard sailplanes equipped with instruments such as variometers, altitude readouts, GPS flight computers, and safety gear. Training emphasizes aerodynamics, weather interpretation, thermal searching, cross-country navigation, and adherence to airspace rules. Participants generally hold appropriate glider ratings and medical clearance.

Events and impact: Regional qualifications lead to a world championship held periodically. The sport promotes propulsion-less flight, efficiency, and shared techniques among clubs. It is practiced worldwide, with diverse weather and airfield conditions shaping regional competition styles.