The United Kingdom National hang gliding championships are held annually and, since 2000, separate championships have been held for Class 1 and Class 5 gliders. Some years ago the UK women's championships was combined with the Class 1 competition.
The format, length and locations of UK National Championships are decided and arranged by the hang gliding Competitions Panel . Some detail on the venues used can be found here.
Along side The Nationals, an "Open" Competition is held. This attracts Pilots from both home and abroad in Class 1, Class 5, and Sports Class
To compete for the National Class 1 Championship title a pilot must hold an Advanced Pilot rating and be eligible to fly for the UK in a FAI Category 1 Championship - subject to CIVL eligibility criteria. To compete as a guest a pilot in either competition pilots may be of any nationality but must hold a minimum of Pilot rating or equivalent standard i.e. equivalent to the SAFEPRO IPPI4 rating.
Minimum criteria for National Championships
- 3D GPS flight verification to be used
- Latest Gap Formula
- FSComp (latest versions) scoring to be used
- Minimum of five task days to be scheduled
- Minimum task distance set to be 30 miles
- Run to current year nationals rules
- Appointment of an independent safety committee
- To be self financing and non-profit making.