UAC 2026 Progress
Ultimate Air Challenge
Microlight Long-Distance International Open above Europe
A unique European microlight competition. Autonomy, navigation and strategy at the core of the challenge.
The Adventure
on a European Scale
Long-distance navigation. Real decisions. One single rule: fly right.
UAC 2026 in Video
A glimpse of what awaits you across Europe
4 categories
Four competition formulas defined by aircraft type and, for multiaxis aircraft, by empty weight (Empty Weight). A shared competitive spirit, based on navigation and strategy.
ROTORCRAFT Category
This category is open to all rotorcraft ULM, regardless of their empty weight.
TRIKE Category
The Trike category includes weight-shift controlled ULM, with no distinction based on weight.
2 MULTIAXIS Categories
The Multiaxis Adventure formula applies to light multiaxis ULM, with an empty weight less than 300 kg. It focuses on efficiency and autonomy.
The Multiaxis Advanced formula is intended for multiaxis ULM above or equal to 300 kg, designed for long-distance navigation and higher performance levels.
A European Aeronautical Challenge
The concept
To accumulate the maximum number of points by overflying or approaching designated markers distributed across European territory, within a maximum flight duration of seven (7) days (departure: August 1, 2026) between a starting and finishing gate located at Chambley Airfield (LFJY), France.
Free Navigation
No imposed route. Each pilot defines their own navigation strategy.
Full Responsibility
Weather, regulations, fuel, fatigue. Every decision lies with the pilot.
Endurance & Strategy
UAC rewards preparation, consistency and the ability to make the right decisions.
Qualification Week
A decisive week to enter the Challenge
Before the main event, all selected pilots must successfully complete a mandatory qualification week. This phase is designed to validate navigation skills, precision flying and operational decision-making.
#1 – Economy Task
Long-distance navigation exercise. Route planning, airspace management and strategic decision-making: maximum flight duration with a full fuel tank over French territory.
#2 – Navigation Task
Advanced navigation scenario. Autonomy, adaptability and consistency under operational constraints: flight within a pre-defined corridor with at least one landing in a country bordering France.
#3 – Precision Landing Task
Aircraft handling and landing accuracy. Assessment of precision, control and safety margins.
The Race, briefly
The Ultimate Air Challenge is Europe's premier endurance and navigation event for microlight aircraft, where pilots take on a unique challenge: designing their own route across Europe with complete autonomy. Within a set time window, participants must depart from and return to Chambley, France (LFJY), the mandatory starting and finishing point. An adventure where strategy, freedom, and passion meet in the skies!
From route planning to weather assessment, fuel management, and compliance with airspace regulations, every decision rests in the pilot's hands. This is a test of skill, adaptability, and self-reliance, where participants navigate the challenges of the skies independently, guided only by their expertise and preparation.
Safety, regulatory compliance, and in-flight decision-making are the sole responsibility of the pilot. The Ultimate Air Challenge celebrates discipline, foresight, and the art of flying smart, rewarding those who demonstrate skill and consistency throughout the journey.
Official Timeline
The main stages of preparation, qualification and race of the Ultimate Air Challenge 2026.
March 1st → April 30th, 2026| Late entry: June 15th, 2026
Registration Opening
Administrative validation, pilot documentation review and aircraft accreditation.
July 25th → July 31st, 2026
Qualification Week
Tests, accreditations and three mandatory qualification tasks: two navigation flights assessing planning, autonomy and decision-making, followed by a precision landing evaluation.
August 1st → August 7th, 2026
Race Week — The Main Event
Free adventure across Europe, strategic navigation, weather decisions, endurance, fuel optimization and workload management.
August 7th & 8th, 2026
Crew Return
Mandatory return within defined time windows. The final landing officially stops the clock.
August 9th, 2026
Results & Prize Giving
Final ranking and official awards ceremony.