Speed/Altitude Record » Record Requirements

Official Rules and Regulations for the Speed and Altitude Records

Checklist for setting an Aviation Record. These rules apply for both World and South African records

• • Contact us to let us know that you will be attempting to establish or break a record. We will appoint an Official Observer that will help you through the requirements. We will also be able to let you know the current status of the World and/or South African records. This information is also available on the SAPFA and FAI web sites. Just click the links above.
  • Obtain a FAI sporting license if you do not already have one. This can be obtained by completing the online Application Form. Membership of an affiliated section of the Aero Club of South Africa is a requirement.
  • The requirements for official records is contained in Section 2 of the Sporting Code of the FAI. Annex 2 to the Sporting Code prescribes the documentation that needs to be completed. Should you prefer we can email the documentation to you. Please note that the General Section of the Sporting Code applies as well.
  • Arrange the flight and documentation requirements with the Official Observer.
  • Note that distances must be calculated using the FAI Distance Calculator

• Make the flight.
• Within 7 days of the flight a Preliminary Claim Form (Look for Records / Standard Preliminary Record Claim Form)(zip format) must be submitted to the Official Observer. In the case of a World Record this form needs to be submitted to the FAI within 7 days.
• The prescribed forms must be completed and be submitted to the Aero Club of South Africa for ratification as a National Record. The Aero Club will submit the documentation to the FAI if the record is a World Record

For ease of reference (and downloading) a complete list of all the documentation is included below:

• Sporting Code – Section 2 (incl Annex 1 and 2) This contains the rules and a table of documents required.
• Preliminary Claim Form To be sent to the Aero Club/FAI within 7 days.
• Sporting Code – Section 2 Annex 3 All forms for completion.
• Sporting Code – Section 2 Annex 4 This contains the requirements for a GPS logger, if used.

The South African Speed and Altitude records will be run in accordance with Section 2 of the Sporting Code of the FAI.

• SAPFA has authorised that, for purposes of South African records, aircraft need not be weighed before a record attempt unless the aircraft weight is within 5% of the upper or lower limit of the weight category. Weights per weight and balance, together with confirmed weight of the crew and fuel will be acceptable. Subject to the confirmation by the Official Observer/s.