judging criteria
Precision. Performance. Showmanship.
HeliFest uses a refined judging system designed to reward skill, creativity, and pilot expression.
Our criteria are built around the Zone Judging Format, developed with input from Stu Smith, ensuring total fairness and complete transparency across every class.
Whether you’re flying Intermediate, Pro or International, the judging system is structured to highlight what you do best - and motivate you to elevate your flying.
Why This Judging System Works
✔ Transparent scoring
✔ Fair, balanced categories
✔ Clear expectations for all pilots
✔ Encourages creativity and progression
✔ Matches modern global competition standards
HeliFest isn’t just a competition - it’s a platform for pilots to level up.
Flight Requirements (All Classes)
- Duration: 2:50–3:10
- Music: Submit at least 7 days before HeliFest
- No sets required
- Two flights: one Saturday, one Sunday
- Your lowest score is dropped
This structure keeps competition fair while allowing pilots to push their creativity without penalty for a single imperfect flight.
Ready to Improve Your Score?
Know the criteria.
Build intentional routines.
Fly with clarity, confidence and rhythm.
HeliFest rewards the pilots who fly with purpose - and perform with passion.
INTERMEDIATE JUDGING
(UK Only)
Technicality
How well you fly.
Judges look for:
- Clean, confident manoeuvres
- Controlled transitions
- Range and variation
- Difficulty appropriate to the class
- Minimal repetition
A strong technical routine feels smooth, stable, and intentional.
Musicality
How well your flight matches your soundtrack.
Judges assess:
- Timing and rhythm
- Choreography that fits the music
- Use of accents, drops, and transitions
- Emotional or energetic connection to the track
A great musical routine feels performed, not just flown.
Excitement
The entertainment factor.
Judges look for:
- Energy and pace
- Height variation and direction changes
- Audience “wow” moments
- Visual impact
- Confidence and commitment
If the crowd reacts - the judges will too.
PRO + INTERNATIONAL judging
These classes use the five-pillar Zone system - a world-recognised, professional judging format where each discipline is scored independently by a dedicated judge.
This ensures precision, consistency, and unbiased evaluation.
1. Technical
The difficulty and execution of your manoeuvres.
Clean, controlled flying scores high.
2. Variety
How diverse your routine is.
More manoeuvre types = higher scores.
3. Innovation
Your creativity.
New ideas, fresh combinations, unique entries - this is where originality shines.
4. Excitement
The spectacle of your flight.
If your routine could headline a show, you’re in the right zone.
5. Precision
Your accuracy and refinement.
Smooth lines, clean geometry, defined transitions - precision is what separates great flights from exceptional ones.
PRO + INTERNATIONAL CRITERIA
WITH COLLABORATION OF STU SMITH AND THE ZONE JUDGING FORMAT
score sheet example
scores will be added as close to the pilots flight as possible
