INTERNATIONAL AERIAL COMBAT SPORT FEDERATION Pilot & Operator Licensing Grades | IACSF-LIC-001

INTERNATIONAL AERIAL COMBAT SPORT FEDERATION

PILOT & OPERATOR LICENSING GRADES

IACSF-LIC-001 | Version 1.0 | Effective Season 2026

Document No.	IACSF-LIC-001	Effective Date	January 1, 2026
Approved By	IACSF Board of Directors	Review Cycle	Annual
Administered By	Competition Rules Committee	Related Documents	IACSF Bylaws; IACSF Safety Manual; IACSF Competition Rules; Technical Code

This document establishes the IACSF tiered pilot and operator licensing system. All persons competing in IACSF-sanctioned events must hold a valid IACSF license at the tier required for the event level. Licenses are issued in two discipline streams — Full-Scale Piloted Aircraft and UAS/Drone — and in four tiers reflecting competition level, experience, and qualification.

REQUIREMENT. An IACSF license supplements, but does not substitute for, any government-issued airman certificate or remote pilot certificate required by the FAA or national aviation authority. Both must be valid and current to compete.

SECTION 1 — LICENSE STRUCTURE OVERVIEW

1.1 Discipline Streams

IACSF licenses are issued in two independent discipline streams. Pilots and operators may hold licenses in both streams simultaneously, but licenses in one stream do not confer eligibility in the other.

Stream	Abbreviation	Governing Regulation	Applicable Disciplines
Full-Scale Piloted Aircraft	FSP	14 CFR Part 91 / national equivalent	Full-Scale Combat, Full-Scale Dogfight Simulation, Mixed-Class (piloted component)
UAS / Drone	UAS	14 CFR Part 107 / national equivalent	UAS Combat, UAS Dogfight Simulation, Mixed-Class (UAS component)

1.2 Tier Overview

Each stream has four tiers. Higher tiers grant access to more competitive levels and carry greater experience and qualification requirements. Tiers are progressive — Tier 1 is entry-level and Tier 4 is elite.

Tier	Name	Competition Access	Key Distinguishing Requirement
1	Club	Club, local, and exhibition events only	Valid government pilot/operator certificate; IACSF Orientation Course
2	Regional	All Tier 1 events plus Regional events	Minimum competition experience; IACSF Written Examination
3	National	All Tier 2 events plus National events	Demonstrated competitive performance; IACSF Practical Assessment
4	Elite	All events including IACSF Championships	Points threshold; Board of Examiners review; annual re-certification

REQUIREMENT. A Tier 4 license is required to compete at any IACSF Championship event. Tier 3 is required for National-level sanctioned events. Event organizers may not waive tier requirements.

SECTION 2 — FULL-SCALE PILOTED (FSP) LICENSE GRADES

2.1 FSP Tier 1 — Club License

TIER 1 — CLUB LICENSE │ Full-Scale Piloted
Government Certificate	Valid FAA Private Pilot Certificate (or national equivalent) in the aircraft category/class to be flown. Current FAA Medical Certificate (Class 3 minimum).
Currency	Minimum 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days (per 14 CFR §61.57 or national equivalent).
Total Flight Time	Minimum 40 hours total flight time in category.
IACSF Requirements	Completion of IACSF Orientation Course (online, ~4 hours). Signed IACSF Participant Agreement. Annual safety briefing acknowledgment.
Examination	IACSF Club-level Open-Book Rules Quiz (minimum 80% pass mark).
Competition Access	Club events, local invitationals, and IACSF-sanctioned exhibitions. Not eligible for Regional, National, or Championship events.
License Term	1 year from date of issue. Renewable upon confirmation of continued government certificate validity and currency.
Fee	Per current IACSF Fee Schedule.

2.2 FSP Tier 2 — Regional License

TIER 2 — REGIONAL LICENSE │ Full-Scale Piloted
Government Certificate	All Tier 1 requirements. Commercial Pilot Certificate (or national equivalent) strongly recommended but not required at this tier.
Currency	Minimum 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days. Biennial Flight Review current.
Total Flight Time	Minimum 150 hours total flight time, including at least 25 hours in high-performance or complex aircraft or in the specific category to be flown in competition.
Competitive Experience	Minimum 2 completed IACSF-sanctioned events at Tier 1 level within the preceding 24 months.
IACSF Requirements	IACSF Written Examination — closed book, minimum 75% pass mark. Covers: competition rules, safety procedures, aircraft certification, and emergency procedures.
Additional Training	Completion of IACSF Combat Airmanship Module (online + practical session at approved facility or IACSF event).
Competition Access	All Tier 1 events plus Regional-level sanctioned events. Not eligible for National or Championship events.
License Term	2 years from date of issue. Renewal requires current government certificate, 1 competitive event in preceding 24 months, and fee payment.
Fee	Per current IACSF Fee Schedule.

2.3 FSP Tier 3 — National License

TIER 3 — NATIONAL LICENSE │ Full-Scale Piloted
Government Certificate	Commercial Pilot Certificate (or national equivalent) with Instrument Rating. Current FAA Medical Certificate (Class 2 minimum). Category and class ratings appropriate to competition aircraft.
Total Flight Time	Minimum 500 hours total flight time, including at least 100 hours pilot-in-command in category.
Competitive Experience	Minimum 4 completed IACSF-sanctioned competitive events at Tier 2 or above within the preceding 36 months, with at least 2 in the preceding 12 months.
Performance Threshold	Placement in top 50% in at least 2 Regional-level events within the preceding 24 months, or recommendation of 2 IACSF Tier 4 pilots in good standing.
IACSF Practical Assessment	Successful completion of IACSF Practical Airmanship Assessment conducted by a certified IACSF Examiner. Assessment covers: aircraft handling, combat maneuver execution, situational awareness, and emergency procedures.
Examination	IACSF National-level Closed-Book Written Examination — minimum 80% pass mark.
Competition Access	All Tier 2 events plus National-level sanctioned events. Not eligible for Championship events.
License Term	2 years. Renewal requires: current government certificate, minimum 2 competitive events in preceding 24 months, and renewal examination (open-book).
Fee	Per current IACSF Fee Schedule.

2.4 FSP Tier 4 — Elite License

TIER 4 — ELITE LICENSE │ Full-Scale Piloted
Government Certificate	Commercial Pilot Certificate (or ATP in multi-engine competition aircraft). Current FAA Medical Certificate (Class 1 preferred; Class 2 minimum). All required type ratings.
Total Flight Time	Minimum 1,000 hours total flight time, including at least 250 hours pilot-in-command in category.
Competitive Experience	Minimum 6 completed IACSF-sanctioned competitive events at Tier 3 level within the preceding 36 months, with at least 2 in the preceding 12 months.
Performance Threshold	Top-25% finish in at least 2 National-level sanctioned events within the preceding 24 months; OR IACSF Continental podium finish (1st–3rd) within the preceding 36 months.
IACSF Board of Examiners	Application reviewed and approved by IACSF Board of Examiners (3-member panel including at least 1 current or former Tier 4 pilot). Interview and performance review required.
Annual Re-Certification	Required each calendar year: confirmation of government certificate validity, completion of IACSF Annual Refresher (online module), and minimum 1 competitive event in preceding 12 months.
Competition Access	All events including IACSF Championships, Continental Championships, and invitational elite events.
License Term	1 year (renewable annually). Failure to complete annual re-certification results in automatic downgrade to Tier 3.
Fee	Per current IACSF Fee Schedule.

SECTION 3 — UAS / DRONE (UAS) LICENSE GRADES

3.1 UAS Tier 1 — Club License

TIER 1 — CLUB LICENSE │ UAS / Drone
Government Certificate	Valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or national equivalent). Current and not under suspension.
Remote ID Compliance	All competing UAS must be equipped with FAA-compliant Remote ID. Operator must demonstrate understanding of Remote ID obligations.
IACSF Requirements	IACSF UAS Orientation Course (online, ~3 hours). Signed IACSF Participant Agreement. Annual safety briefing acknowledgment.
Examination	IACSF UAS Club-level Open-Book Rules Quiz — minimum 80% pass mark.
Competition Access	Club events, local invitationals, and exhibitions. Not eligible for Regional, National, or Championship events.
License Term	1 year. Renewable upon confirmation of valid Part 107 certificate.
Fee	Per current IACSF Fee Schedule.

3.2 UAS Tier 2 — Regional License

TIER 2 — REGIONAL LICENSE │ UAS / Drone
Government Certificate	All Tier 1 requirements. Part 107 certificate current with no disciplinary actions.
Flight Hours / Logged Operations	Minimum 25 hours of logged UAS flight time in class appropriate to competition (FPV racing, combat simulation, etc.), verifiable by logbook or operator log.
Competitive Experience	Minimum 2 completed IACSF UAS-sanctioned events at Tier 1 level within the preceding 24 months.
IACSF Requirements	IACSF UAS Written Examination — closed book, minimum 75% pass mark. Covers: UAS combat rules, RF management, failsafe standards, emergency procedures.
Additional Training	Completion of IACSF UAS Combat Operations Module (online + skills assessment via video submission or at approved event).
Competition Access	All Tier 1 events plus Regional-level UAS events.
License Term	2 years. Renewal requires current Part 107, 1 competitive event in preceding 24 months, fee payment.
Fee	Per current IACSF Fee Schedule.

3.3 UAS Tier 3 — National License

TIER 3 — NATIONAL LICENSE │ UAS / Drone
Government Certificate	Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with no violations or suspensions in the preceding 36 months.
Flight Hours / Logged Operations	Minimum 100 hours of logged UAS flight time in competition class, including at least 20 hours in competitive events.
Competitive Experience	Minimum 4 completed IACSF UAS-sanctioned events at Tier 2 or above within the preceding 36 months, with at least 2 in the preceding 12 months.
Performance Threshold	Top-50% placement in at least 2 Regional UAS events within the preceding 24 months; OR recommendation by 2 current IACSF UAS Tier 4 operators.
IACSF Practical Assessment	Successful completion of IACSF UAS Practical Skills Assessment via standardized obstacle/combat simulation course under certified IACSF Examiner. Minimum score: 75%.
Examination	IACSF UAS National Written Examination — minimum 80% pass mark.
Competition Access	All Tier 2 events plus National-level UAS events.
License Term	2 years. Renewal requires current Part 107, 2 events in preceding 24 months, renewal quiz.
Fee	Per current IACSF Fee Schedule.

3.4 UAS Tier 4 — Elite License

TIER 4 — ELITE LICENSE │ UAS / Drone
Government Certificate	Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Clean regulatory record for preceding 36 months.
Flight Hours / Logged Operations	Minimum 300 hours of logged UAS flight time, including at least 50 hours in sanctioned competition.
Competitive Experience	Minimum 6 completed IACSF UAS events at Tier 3 or above in the preceding 36 months, with at least 2 in the preceding 12 months.
Performance Threshold	Top-25% finish in at least 2 National UAS events within the preceding 24 months; OR IACSF Continental UAS podium finish (1st–3rd) within preceding 36 months.
IACSF Board of Examiners	Application reviewed by IACSF UAS Board of Examiners. Performance record, aircraft configuration documentation, and interview required.
Annual Re-Certification	Annual: current Part 107, IACSF UAS Annual Refresher module, minimum 1 competitive event in preceding 12 months.
Competition Access	All events including IACSF UAS Championships and elite invitational events.
License Term	1 year (annually renewable). Failure to re-certify results in automatic Tier 3 downgrade.
Fee	Per current IACSF Fee Schedule.

SECTION 4 — LICENSING PROCEDURES

4.1 Initial Application

Applications for all license tiers must be submitted to the IACSF Commissioner or designated licensing administrator via the official IACSF licensing portal. The application must include:

• Completed IACSF License Application Form;

• Copy of current government-issued airman or remote pilot certificate;

• Proof of flight time or logged operations (logbook pages or equivalent);

• Evidence of competitive events (signed event participation forms or IACSF event records);

• Completed examination results or practical assessment certificate where required;

• Payment of applicable licensing fee;

• For Tier 3 and Tier 4: additional documentation as specified in the tier requirements.

4.2 Examination Administration

4.2.1 Written Examinations

Written examinations are administered online through the IACSF licensing portal. Tier 1 examinations are open-book. Tier 2, 3, and 4 examinations are closed-book and timed. Candidates who fail may re-sit after a 14-day waiting period. Candidates who fail three consecutive attempts must wait 90 days and complete a remedial study module before re-sitting.

4.2.2 Practical Assessments (Tier 3 and Tier 4)

Practical assessments must be conducted by a certified IACSF Examiner. The IACSF maintains a register of authorized Examiners. Assessments may be conducted at IACSF-sanctioned events or at approved training facilities. Assessment results are valid for 12 months; if the license application is not completed within that period, a new assessment is required.

4.3 License Issuance and Format

Upon approval of a complete application, the IACSF will issue:

• A digital license credential accessible via the IACSF portal;

• A printed license card (on request) bearing the licensee's name, license number, tier, discipline stream, and expiry date;

• Entry in the IACSF Pilot Registry, accessible to event organizers for verification.

REQUIREMENT. Organizers must verify IACSF license status for all entrants prior to the close of event registration. Competing without a valid license at the required tier constitutes grounds for disqualification and referral to the Judicial and Disciplinary Committee.

4.4 Renewal

License renewal applications must be submitted no later than thirty (30) days before the expiry date. Renewal applications submitted after expiry are treated as new applications and must meet current tier requirements in full. There is no grace period for competing on an expired license.

Tier	Renewal Requirements
Tier 1	Confirm valid government certificate; pay renewal fee; complete annual safety acknowledgment.
Tier 2	Confirm valid government certificate; evidence of 1 competitive event in preceding 24 months; pay renewal fee.
Tier 3	Confirm valid government certificate; evidence of 2 competitive events in preceding 24 months; open-book renewal quiz (minimum 75%); pay renewal fee.
Tier 4	Annual: confirm valid government certificate; complete IACSF Annual Refresher module; evidence of 1 competitive event in preceding 12 months; pay renewal fee. Failure results in automatic Tier 3 downgrade.

4.5 Tier Upgrade

A licensee may apply for a tier upgrade at any time by demonstrating all requirements for the higher tier. Upgrade applications follow the same process as initial applications. There is no automatic upgrade — meeting the threshold does not upgrade the license until a complete application is submitted and approved.

4.6 Tier Downgrade and Suspension

• A license will be automatically downgraded if renewal requirements are not met within the renewal window;

• A license may be suspended or revoked by the Commissioner following a Judicial and Disciplinary Committee determination;

• A licensee whose government airman certificate is suspended or revoked must immediately notify the IACSF Commissioner. IACSF license is automatically suspended until the government certificate is reinstated;

• A suspended licensee may not compete at any IACSF event regardless of tier during the period of suspension.

SECTION 5 — EXAMINER CERTIFICATION

5.1 Qualifications

IACSF Examiners must hold a current IACSF license at Tier 3 or Tier 4 in the discipline stream in which they will conduct assessments. Additional requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of active IACSF competitive experience;

• Completion of IACSF Examiner Training Course (approved by Competition Rules Committee);

• No active disciplinary proceedings or license suspensions;

• Annual re-certification as an Examiner.

5.2 Examiner Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments objectively and in accordance with the published assessment rubric;

• Submit assessment results to the IACSF licensing administrator within 5 business days;

• Maintain confidentiality of candidate performance data;

• Disclose any conflict of interest with a candidate before commencing an assessment;

• Participate in annual Examiner calibration sessions.

5.3 Examiner Register

The IACSF maintains a public register of certified Examiners on the IACSF website. Candidates may only have practical assessments conducted by a currently registered Examiner. Assessments conducted by unregistered or expired Examiners are invalid.

SECTION 6 — APPEALS AND DISPUTES

6.1 Right of Appeal

An applicant or licensee may appeal any licensing decision — including denial of application, denial of upgrade, suspension, or downgrade — to the IACSF Appeals Committee within thirty (30) days of the decision.

6.2 Grounds for Appeal

• The licensing administrator erred in applying the requirements of this document;

• Relevant evidence was not considered in the original decision;

• The procedure followed was not consistent with this document.

6.3 Appeal Procedure

Appeals must be submitted in writing to the IACSF Commissioner, who will forward them to the Appeals Committee. The appeal must identify the specific decision, the ground of appeal, and any supporting evidence. The Appeals Committee shall issue a written decision within forty-five (45) days. The Appeals Committee's decision is final and binding within the Federation.

END OF DOCUMENT — IACSF-LIC-001

Licensing enquiries: licensing@iacsf.org | Examiner register: iacsf.org/examiners