With increasing intensity the rain reminds us of oncoming autumn, but air conditions on August 20th in Latvia were favourable to “Riga FAI Elite Aerobatic Formula” competition organised by Jurgis Kairys. 9 aerobatic grandees from 8 countries impressed aviation fans and the entire crowd of spectators with complex competition programs and awe-inspiring manoeuvres in the centre of Riga, over Dauguva river.

In the venturesome fight for the right to be titled “Best of the Best” the fortune favoured Martin Šonka. In Riga the 33 years old Czech aerobatic champion became the first and won 10 000 Euro prize. The second place according to the rating went to US aerobatic champion Jeff Boerboon. He was also awarded the 5 000 Euro prize. The third place and 3 000 Euro prize went to the six-time world champion - the Russian lady Svetlana Kapanina.

Other pilots, who participated in the “Riga FAI Elite Aerobatic Formula” competition, according to their results were: fourth place – Nicolas Ivanoff (France), fifth place – Michail Mamistov (Russia), sixth place – Sami Kontio (Finland), seventh place – Tom Cassells (Great Britain), eighth place – Castor Fantoba (Spain), ninth place – Yoshihide Muroya (Japan).

The aerobatic elite competition in Riga this year was the fifth competition organised under the supervision of Jurgis Kairys according to “JK Aerobatic Formula” rules. These rules were approved by the Commission Internationale de Voltige Aerienne (CIVA) and recognised by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). In 2007 Jurgis Kairys organised the elite aerobatic championship in Al Ain (United Arab Emirates), in 2009 – on the shore of the Black Sea in Mamaia resort (Romania), and in 2010 the event was held in Riga.

Participants of “FAI Elite Aerobatic Formula” competition fly two programmes – “Aerobatic Against Time” and “Aerobatic Freestyle”.

Competition designed by Jurgis differs from the traditional aerobatic competition not only by new elements of the figures, but by strict time limits, as well. Penalty seconds are given to the pilots for mistakes while flying the figures. Moreover, “JK Aerobatic Formula” rules provide more freedom for pilots – in the freestyle they may disclose more than creativity. They are given a possibility to fly new elements, which might not fit within a strict frame of the first program.

Organising a top level international competition is not an easy task. It is time and energy consuming effort. Still, I am glad that “Elite Aerobatic Formula” found its place and filled in a gap in the world of aerobatics, says Jurgis Kairys. According to him, it is important that both the pilots have possibility to compete in straight and ardous fight and the spectators have a chance to enjoy masterly flight.

Jurgis Kairys intends to continue the series of “Elite Aerobatic Formula” competition. For the moment no information is available about the country, which will host the competition next year.