Human flight is truly made possible by means of a wingsuit. In recent years, interest and popularity of wingsuiting has grown exponentially. Improvements in wingsuit design have kept pace allowing feats of flying that were thought impossible only a few years ago.

FAI recognition in 2015 of the already mature competition formats for Wingsuit Performance Flying and Wingsuit Acrobatics allow competitors to demonstrate their abilities on the world stage.

WINGSUIT Flying - PERFORMANCE FLYING

This format measures the three different performance parameters of a wingsuit pilot (best lift, least drag and best glide ratio) and combines them into a single result. All measurements are carried out using a GPS logging device whilst within the competition window (3000m to 2000m AGL). Practically this is done over a minimum of three separate skydives using identical equipment, with each skydive dedicated to an individual task:

For the time task, the time spent in the evaluation window counts; the longer you stay in the competition window, the better.

For the distance task, the horizontal distance covered over ground while in the evaluation window counts; the further you fly while in the competition window, the better.

For the speed task, the highest average horizontal speed over ground achieved while in the evaluation window counts; the further you fly in the shortest time while in the competition window, the better.

WINGSUIT flying - ACROBATIC flying

This is a Competition that pitches teams against each other in an aerial display of flying skills, showcasing their best to impress the judges. The competition is centred around 2 way teams with a camera flyer and includes both compulsory moves and free rounds.

The compulsory figures are randomly drawn from a dive-pool with a series of loops, rolls, transitions and docks. The free rounds are where teams are invited to go impress the judges and fellow wingsuit pilots with creativity and flying skills.

Teams not only score points for the number of figures shown, but also get a score for the camera work and flying style. The flying style is a crucial element in these type of wingsuit competitions, as it's what forces teams to fly their best. Style points are given for body position, smoothness of flying, controlled docks and forward flying speed.

Speed Skydiving

Speed Skydiving is the fastest non-motorized sport on Earth.
The goal is to achieve in freefall at standard jump altitude the fastest average speed possible over a 3 second scoring time anywhere between the altitude of aircraft exit
at 4000m and 1700m above ground. The last 1000m of freefall distance is needed to slow down before deploying the parachute.
Freefall speed is measured by a GPS device mounted on the skydiver’s helmet. The speed achieved by a human body in free fall is slowed down by air resistance
and mainly conditioned of body orientation. In a stable, belly to earth position, terminal velocity of the human body is about 200km/h (about 120 mph).
A stable, freefly, head down position has a speed of around 240-290 km/h (around 150-180 mph).
Further minimizing body drag and streamlining the body position allows the skydiver to reach higher speeds of 530 km/h (330 mph)
In thin air at higher altitudes reduced air pressure allows increased freefall speed of far more than 1000km/h with the well known Stratos jump of Felix Baumgartner who holds the top speed record of 1.357 km/h (843 mph)

Source: FAI