Glossary of Defined Terms

IACSF

Glossary of Defined Terms

2026 Edition | International Aerial Combat Sport Federation, Inc.

The following definitions apply throughout all IACSF governing documents, including the Technical Code, Competition Rules, Franchise Agreements, and Rulebook. Where a term is defined in this Glossary and also appears in a specific IACSF document, the definition in the specific document controls to the extent of any conflict.

14 CFR — Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, governing aviation in the United States. Key parts referenced in this Technical Code include Part 21 (aircraft certification), Part 43 (maintenance), Part 91 (general operating rules), and Part 107 (small unmanned aircraft systems).

A

Aerial Combat Sport — Any competitive discipline in which aircraft engage in structured combat scenarios governed by IACSF rules, including all recognized disciplines in the IACSF Rulebook. [IACSF Bylaws, Article III]

Aircraft — Any full-scale piloted aircraft, remotely controlled aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), drone, or other aerial vehicle operating under IACSF rules, regardless of class designation. [IACSF Bylaws, Article III]

Aircraft Incident — An unplanned event involving an aircraft that does not result in injury or significant damage but which is recorded and reviewed for safety purposes. [IACSF Safety Manual]

Airworthiness Certificate — A certificate issued by the FAA or a recognized foreign civil aviation authority confirming that an aircraft conforms to its type design and is in a condition for safe operation. Required for all Class I aircraft competing under IACSF rules.

Airworthiness Directive (AD) — A mandatory notice issued by the FAA requiring aircraft owners and operators to perform specific inspections, modifications, or operational limitations to address an unsafe condition. All applicable ADs must be completed prior to IACSF competition.

Annual Inspection — A complete inspection of an aircraft required once every 12 calendar months under 14 CFR Part 91.409, performed by an FAA-certificated Airframe and Powerplant mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization (IA) or, for Experimental aircraft, an appropriately authorized individual.

Appeals Committee — The standing committee of the IACSF established under Article XXI of the IACSF Bylaws, empowered to hear and decide appeals from Technical Standards Committee decisions, including homologation denials and Technical Inspector findings.

B

Board of Directors — The governing body of the International Aerial Combat Sport Federation, Inc., responsible for approving substantive amendments to the Technical Code, ratifying emergency Technical Directives, and overseeing the Technical Standards Committee.

C

Category Exclusivity — A contractual right granted to a Federation Sponsor preventing the IACSF from entering into a sponsorship agreement with a competing entity in the same product or service category. [IACSF Sponsorship Integrity Policy, §1.2]

Championship — Any competition designated by the IACSF as an official championship event, including World Championships, Continental Championships, and any event so designated by the Board. [IACSF Bylaws, Article III]

Chief Judge — The senior IACSF official responsible for the administration of competition rules and procedures at a sanctioned event, with authority to direct post-event technical inspections in consultation with the Technical Inspector.

Class I Aircraft — Any full-scale piloted aircraft operating under IACSF rules, requiring a current FAA Airworthiness Certificate and operated by a licensed pilot aboard the aircraft.

Class II Aircraft — Any remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operating under IACSF rules, subject to FAA Part 107 or equivalent civil aviation authority authorization.

Class III Aircraft — Any high-speed drone or small unmanned aerial system (UAS) competing in IACSF Drone Combat disciplines within FAA-authorized or waivered airspace, subject to IACSF class-specific rules and homologation standards.

Combat System — Any IACSF Board-approved system used to simulate aerial combat engagement, including gun camera systems, laser tag systems, smoke systems, and electronic scoring systems. Only approved Combat Systems may be used in sanctioned events.

Commissioner — The chief administrative and enforcement officer of the IACSF for sanctioned events, with authority to direct post-event technical inspections and refer technical violations for disciplinary proceedings.

Competition Rules — The class-specific rules published by the IACSF governing the conduct of competition, engagement parameters, scoring, and eligibility within each aircraft class. Competition Rules supplement but do not supersede this Technical Code.

Conditional Sanction — A sanction that remains in force subject to specified conditions that must be met by a stated deadline; failure to meet conditions may result in suspension or withdrawal. [IACSF Withdrawal of Sanction Procedure, §1]

Confidential Information — Any non-public information relating to the IACSF or its activities, including Board deliberations, enforcement proceedings, financial data, and member communications. [IACSF Bylaws, Article III]

Conflict of Interest — Any situation in which a Covered Person has a Direct or Indirect Interest in a matter before the IACSF that could improperly influence their judgment or actions. [IACSF Bylaws, Article XXV]

Conservatorship — The temporary assumption of operational oversight of a Member Team by the IACSF, as authorized under the Franchise Agreement, to address material non-compliance or operational failure. [IACSF Bylaws, Article III]

D

Direct Interest — A financial or personal stake held by the Covered Person themselves, including ownership of equity, receipt of compensation, or a personal relationship with a party to the matter. [IACSF Bylaws, Article XXV]

Drone Combat — An IACSF competition discipline involving Class III unmanned aerial systems competing in simulated aerial combat engagements within designated, FAA-authorized controlled airspace.

E

Electronic Scoring System — An onboard telemetry-based engagement scoring system that records and transmits combat engagement data meeting IACSF data integrity specifications. One of the approved categories of Combat Systems.

Emergency Access Corridor — An unobstructed route from the venue entrance to the flight line and all spectator areas, passable by emergency vehicles at all times during an IACSF-sanctioned event. [IACSF Safety Manual]

Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) — A radio transmitter that automatically activates in the event of an aircraft accident, transmitting a distress signal to search and rescue services. Required on Class I aircraft in accordance with 14 CFR Part 91.207 where applicable.

Emergency Safety Officer (ESO) — The designated on-site safety official responsible for making and enforcing safety decisions at an IACSF-sanctioned event; ESO decisions on safety matters are final. [IACSF Safety Manual]

Event Director — The individual with overall accountability for a sanctioned event, responsible for ensuring the ESO is empowered, coordinating with the venue operator, and liaising with IACSF officials. [IACSF Safety Manual]

Experimental Aircraft — An aircraft operating under an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate in the Experimental category, including Exhibition subcategory aircraft commonly used in airshow and competition operations. Subject to specific inspection and operational requirements under IACSF rules.

F

FAA — Federal Aviation Administration, the United States federal agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation. The primary regulatory authority for airworthiness, pilot certification, and airspace operations referenced in this Technical Code.

FAA Waiver — A written authorization issued by the FAA permitting deviation from one or more provisions of 14 CFR for a specific operation, time period, and location. Required for Class II and III aircraft exceeding standard Part 107 operational limits.

Federation Sponsor — A commercial partner holding a sponsorship agreement directly with the IACSF at any tier (Title, Presenting, Official Partner, or Official Supplier). [IACSF Sponsorship Integrity Policy, §1.2]

Flight Zone — The designated airspace volume through which competing aircraft operate during an IACSF event; no unauthorized personnel, structures, or aircraft may enter the Flight Zone during competition. [IACSF Safety Manual]

Form 337 — FAA Form 337 (Major Repair and Alteration), required to document major repairs or major alterations to type-certificated aircraft airframes, engines, propellers, or appliances. Must be completed and submitted to the FAA where applicable for Class I aircraft modifications.

Founding League — Any league or Member Team that was operating at the time of the IACSF's formation and executed a Founding League Agreement with the IACSF. [IACSF Bylaws, Article III]

Franchise Agreement — A contractual agreement between the IACSF and a Member Team governing the terms of team participation in IACSF-sanctioned events, into which this Technical Code is incorporated by reference.

G

Gun Camera System — A digital video-based engagement scoring system with a defined field-of-view and hit-detection parameters, used to simulate aircraft gun engagements. One of the approved categories of Combat Systems.

H

Homologation — The process by which the Technical Standards Committee reviews and certifies that a specific aircraft type or equipment system meets IACSF technical standards for use in a designated competition class. Homologation is valid for two years from issuance.

Homologation Standards — The published technical specifications and criteria established by the Technical Standards Committee for each IACSF competition class, against which aircraft types and equipment systems are evaluated for homologation.

I

IACSF — International Aerial Combat Sport Federation, Inc., the governing body for aerial combat sport established to sanction, regulate, and promote competitive aerial combat events.

IACSF Official Partner — A Federation Sponsor at the third tier of the IACSF sponsorship hierarchy; non-exclusive within category unless exclusivity is specifically negotiated. [IACSF Sponsorship Integrity Policy, §2]

IACSF Official Supplier — A Federation Sponsor at the fourth tier of the IACSF sponsorship hierarchy; product/service category exclusivity at event level with product integration rights. [IACSF Sponsorship Integrity Policy, §2]

IACSF Presenting Partner — A Federation Sponsor at the second tier of the IACSF sponsorship hierarchy; exclusive within product category with prominent branding across all IACSF Championships. [IACSF Sponsorship Integrity Policy, §2]

IACSF Title Partner — The highest tier Federation Sponsor; exclusive across the board with naming rights to the Federation's flagship Championship series available by negotiation. [IACSF Sponsorship Integrity Policy, §2]

Indirect Interest — A financial or personal stake held through a spouse, domestic partner, dependent child, sibling, or any entity in which the Covered Person holds an ownership or leadership position. [IACSF Bylaws, Article XXV]

Inspection Authorization (IA) — A certification issued by the FAA to an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic authorizing that individual to conduct Annual Inspections on aircraft. Required for inspecting Standard category aircraft; Experimental aircraft may have alternative inspection authorization arrangements.

L

Laser Tag System — An infrared or laser-based engagement system meeting IACSF signal strength and safety specifications, used to simulate aerial weapon engagements. One of the approved categories of Combat Systems.

M

Material Breach — A failure to comply with sanction conditions, IACSF standards, or applicable law that poses a risk to safety, participant welfare, or the integrity of the IACSF. [IACSF Withdrawal of Sanction Procedure, §1]

Medical Station — A designated first aid and triage area at an IACSF-sanctioned event, clearly marked, with direct access for emergency vehicles and staffed by qualified medical personnel. [IACSF Safety Manual]

Member Team — An organization that has entered into a Franchise Agreement with the IACSF and fields aircraft and personnel in IACSF-sanctioned events. Member Teams are bound by this Technical Code as a condition of their Franchise Agreement.

N

Naming Rights — The contractual right to associate a sponsor's name with an IACSF event, competition series, facility, or Championship designation. [IACSF Sponsorship Integrity Policy, §1.2]

Notice of Intent to Withdraw (NITW) — A formal written notice issued by the IACSF Commissioner to an Organizing Entity advising of potential withdrawal of sanction and specifying grounds and cure period. [IACSF Withdrawal of Sanction Procedure, §3]

O

Official — Any person holding a credential issued by the IACSF to perform a defined role at a sanctioned event, including judges, technical inspectors, safety officers, and scorers. [IACSF Bylaws, Article III]

Operating Standards Manual — The IACSF operational handbook establishing mandatory standards for Member Team operations, event production, media, and hospitality. [IACSF Bylaws, Article III]

Organizing Entity — The club, organization, or individual to whom an IACSF sanction has been issued and who bears responsibility for conducting the sanctioned event in compliance with IACSF standards. [IACSF Withdrawal of Sanction Procedure, §1]

P

Part 107 — 14 CFR Part 107, the FAA's regulatory framework governing the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) weighing less than 55 pounds. The baseline regulatory standard for Class II and III aircraft operating under IACSF rules.

Pilot Certificate — An FAA-issued airman certificate authorizing the holder to act as pilot in command of aircraft in specific categories and classes. Class I IACSF competitors must hold at minimum a Private Pilot Certificate with appropriate category and class ratings.

Primary Exclusion Zone — The ground area directly below and immediately adjacent to the primary flight corridor; access is strictly controlled and restricted to authorized personnel during competition. [IACSF Safety Manual]

Prohibited Category — A product or service category that the IACSF will not accept as a Federation Sponsor under any circumstances, including tobacco, weapons manufacturers, and predatory financial products. [IACSF Sponsorship Integrity Policy, §1.2]

Prohibited Substances — All substances and methods listed on the current WADA Prohibited List, as updated annually, applicable to all IACSF-licensed pilots and officials. [IACSF Bylaws, Article XVIII]

Provisional Classification — A temporary authorization granted by the Technical Standards Committee permitting an aircraft type not yet fully homologated to participate in IACSF events for exhibition or qualifying purposes only, subject to enhanced technical inspection and Board approval.

R

Remote Pilot Certificate — An FAA-issued airman certificate, obtained by passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test under 14 CFR Part 107, authorizing the holder to operate small unmanned aircraft systems as remote pilot in command. Required for Class II competitors.

Restricted Category — A sponsorship category that the IACSF may accept subject to Board approval and specific conditions set out in the Sponsorship Integrity Policy. [IACSF Sponsorship Integrity Policy, §1.2]

Rulebook — The comprehensive compilation of IACSF rules governing competition conduct, eligibility, scoring, and officiating, published and maintained by the IACSF. The Rulebook incorporates this Technical Code and the applicable Competition Rules by reference.

S

Sanction — The written authorization issued by the IACSF Commissioner permitting an Organizing Entity to conduct a specific event as an IACSF-sanctioned competition. [IACSF Withdrawal of Sanction Procedure, §1]

Sanctioned Event — Any competition, exhibition, or qualifying event formally authorized by the IACSF and subject to IACSF rules, including this Technical Code. Participation in a sanctioned event constitutes acceptance of all applicable IACSF technical standards.

Safety and Compliance Committee — The IACSF standing committee responsible for reviewing safety incidents, compliance matters, and Technical Inspector inspection records, and for making recommendations to the Board of Directors on safety-related rule changes.

Serious Incident — An event resulting in substantial aircraft damage or moderate personal injury requiring medical attention; triggers mandatory written report to the IACSF within 24 hours. [IACSF Safety Manual]

Significant Incident — An event resulting in aircraft damage, minor injury to personnel, or a near-miss with another aircraft or person; must be documented and reported to the ESO. [IACSF Safety Manual]

Smoke System — A pyrotechnic or non-pyrotechnic smoke generation system approved by the IACSF for use as visual engagement indication in sanctioned events, subject to FAA approval and applicable event venue authorizations. One of the approved categories of Combat Systems.

Spectator Zone — Areas of an event venue open to the ticketed public; must maintain minimum standoff distances from the Flight Zone and Primary Exclusion Zone per IACSF-STD-002. [IACSF Safety Manual]

Staging Area — A controlled marshaling area for aircraft awaiting or completing competition runs; restricted access with ground crew supervision required at all times. [IACSF Safety Manual]

Suspension of Sanction — A temporary hold on a granted sanction pending resolution of identified deficiencies; the event may not proceed during a suspension period. [IACSF Withdrawal of Sanction Procedure, §1]

T

Team Sponsor — A commercial partner holding a sponsorship agreement with a Member Team that involves visibility at IACSF-sanctioned events, subject to IACSF approval requirements. [IACSF Sponsorship Integrity Policy, §1.2]

Technical Code — The IACSF Technical Code governing aircraft classification, equipment specifications, airworthiness standards, homologation, and technical inspection procedures. [IACSF Bylaws, Article III]

Technical Directive — A binding directive issued by the Technical Standards Committee addressing an urgent technical or safety matter between scheduled Technical Code reviews. Technical Directives take immediate effect and are subject to Board ratification at the next regular meeting.

Technical Inspector — An IACSF-certified official authorized to conduct pre-competition and post-competition technical inspections of aircraft and equipment at sanctioned events, verify compliance with this Technical Code, and document inspection findings.

Technical Standards Committee — The standing committee of the IACSF established under Article X of the IACSF Bylaws, responsible for administering this Technical Code, conducting homologation proceedings, issuing Technical Directives, and overseeing technical inspection programs.

Type Certificate — An FAA document certifying that the design (type) of an aircraft meets applicable airworthiness standards. Aircraft operating under type certificates must be maintained and modified in accordance with the limitations and data of the type certificate.

U

UAS / UAV — Unmanned Aerial System / Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. An aircraft operated without a pilot aboard, controlled remotely or autonomously. Class II and III aircraft are UAS/UAV under IACSF rules.

V

Voluntary Withdrawal — A request by the Organizing Entity to cancel a sanctioned event and surrender its sanction prior to the event date. [IACSF Withdrawal of Sanction Procedure, §1]

W

Withdrawal of Sanction — The permanent revocation of a granted sanction by the IACSF Commissioner, effective as of the date specified in the Notice of Withdrawal. [IACSF Withdrawal of Sanction Procedure, §1]

This Glossary is maintained by the Technical Standards Committee and updated in conjunction with each annual review of the IACSF Technical Code.