Some said it could not be done. Just months ago, the 33rd FAI World Aerobatic Championships were on the brink of cancellation. Plans had fallen apart, and the future of one of aviation’s most prestigious competitions was uncertain.
Instead of giving up, members of the U.S. Aerobatic Team and a dedicated group of volunteers found a new home for the event in North Iowa. In just a matter of months, they rebuilt the championship from the ground up and invited the world to come. And the world is coming.
From August 23 through September 2, 2026, the 33rd FAI World Aerobatic Championships will take place at the Mason City Municipal Airport. More than 30 of the world’s top aerobatic pilots will compete for individual and team world titles, representing countries including France, Spain, Romania, Canada, Guatemala, Portugal, Brazil and the United States.
It marks the first time in 13 years that the United States has hosted the World Aerobatic Championships, making this a rare opportunity to witness the sport’s highest level of competition in North Iowa.
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What is the World Aerobatic Championship?
One of the most common questions the organizers have heard is:
“What time does the airshow start?”
The answer is that this is not an airshow.
The World Aerobatic Championships are an international sporting competition, often described as the Olympics or World Cup of aerobatic flying.
Rather than watching a choreographed airshow performance, visitors will see pilots compete one at a time inside a designated aerobatic “box” in the sky. Every loop, roll, spin and maneuver is judged for precision, accuracy and control, with fractions of a point often separating the world’s best pilots.
Each flight spectators watch is part of the actual world championship.
Whether someone is an aviation enthusiast or simply curious to experience something new, it is a chance to watch elite pilots compete at the highest level of their sport.
Help welcome the world to Clear Lake and Mason City, Iowa
The championship officially begins on Sunday, August 23, with a free community celebration in downtown Clear Lake. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, line Main Avenue and help welcome competitors from around the globe as Clear Lake kicks off this international event. Countries competing include Brazil, Canada, France, Guatemala, Portugal, Romania, Spain and the United States.
Opening celebration schedule
5 to 5:30 p.m.
Faith Takes Flight gathering with Open Throttle Ministries.
5:30 to 6:15 p.m.
Live music by Stubble Trouble at the City Park Bandshell.
6:30 p.m.
Parade of Nations down Main Avenue, featuring pilots and teams from around the world carrying their national flags. Parade route: Clear Lake City Hall parking lot to City Park. Mini flags for each country present will be provided while supplies last.
6:50 to 7:50 p.m.
Opening ceremony at the Bandshell, including a formal welcome, recognition of participating nations and the official opening of the 33rd FAI World Aerobatic Championships.
8 to 9 p.m.
Stubble Trouble returns to the Bandshell for another evening performance.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, line Main Avenue and help welcome competitors from around the globe as Clear Lake kicks off this international event.
Watching the competition
The competition takes place August 24 through September 2 at the Mason City Municipal Airport.
Spectator viewing is free, and no tickets are required.
Parking
Parking is available in the Mason City Municipal Airport terminal parking lot, with overflow parking in the adjacent grass lot.
Spectator viewing
Spectators are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the competition from the designated spectator viewing area outside the airport fence near the former airport terminal.
For safety and security, airport gates will not be open to the public during the competition. All viewing will take place from the designated spectator area outside the fence.
Be part of history
The championship is about much more than aerobatic flying.
It is the story of people who refused to let an international event disappear. It is about volunteers, competitors and communities coming together to create something under an Iowa sky.
For 10 days, North Iowa will welcome some of the world’s best aerobatic pilots, their families and supporters from around the globe.
Spectators are invited to cheer them on, experience a world-class sporting event and be part of a moment that does not happen every day.
