Pushing Limits in the Aerobatic Box

When an unexpected opportunity appeared to compete at the Canadian National Aerobatic Championships in Steinbach, Manitoba, SFC’s Projects Manager, Tristan Cheam, did not hesitate. What began as a simple idea to try something new quickly turned into a journey across the world. For Tristan, the question was straightforward. Why not step into a new competition environment and see what he could learn.

Tristan grew up in Malaysia and first took to the skies in 2013. Flying has always been more than a skill. It has been a dream shaped over many years. Over the past decade he has built experience as a pilot and spent six years working as a flight instructor. Aerobatics became a natural extension of his love for flying and he has been involved in the discipline for about seven years, earning his aerobatics rating around six years ago. He stepped into the competition scene only in the past couple of years.

Preparing to fly overseas involved an entirely new set of processes. With the support of his friend and mentor, Canadian aerobatic pilot Luke Penner, Tristan completed the requirements and was given the chance to fly the Extra 300L during the competition. Luke also coached him leading up to the event, helping him adjust to the aircraft and the style of flying expected in the North American competition environment.

Arriving in Canada, Tristan joined thirty three pilots from across North America. He describes the aerobatic community as a group of like minded aviators who share the same enthusiasm for precision flying. It is a space where new friendships form easily and where pilots encourage one another. He sums up the experience as a mix of connection, skill, and what he affectionately calls Vitamin G.

Understanding the Art of Aerobatic Competition

Competition aerobatics is highly structured. Each pilot flies a sequence of figures in front of a judging panel. Judges score accuracy, control, symmetry, angles, and the smoothness of loops, all guided by the International Aerobatic Club rules. Every figure has a difficulty coefficient known as the K factor, which influences the final score. The sequence is flown from a card that uses the symbolic system created by José L. Aresti.

THE SEQUENCE CARD

These sequences must be flown inside an aerobatic box measuring one thousand metres by one thousand metres. Each competition category has its own altitude limits and pilots must remain within those boundaries. The lower limits are monitored closely for safety and precision.

THE AEROBATIC BOX

What Stood Out for Tristan

Competing in a different country pushed Tristan to adapt rapidly. The rules, procedures, and expectations were different from what he was used to in Australia. This aspect of the experience became one of the most memorable parts of the trip. The challenge of learning a new system sharpened his awareness and reminded him of the importance of flexibility in aviation.

Lessons from the Sky

For Tristan, every flight brought something new. Aerobatics includes around one thousand two hundred figures and each one requires a technique. Staying current matters. Entering the competition immediately after travelling highlighted the importance of consistent training and preparation.

Looking Ahead

Flying the Extra was a standout moment in the entire journey. More importantly, Tristan walked away with a deeper understanding of the physical and mental demands of aerobatics. These insights will shape his preparation for the 2026 competition season. With events building across June, July, and September in the United States and the World Aerobatic Championships approaching at the end of August, he expects the next chapter to be an active and exciting one.

Tristan’s experience in Canada reflects dedication, curiosity, and a willingness to push personal boundaries. It is a journey that captures the spirit of continuous learning and passion for aviation within SFC.

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