Visitor & Spectator Information
What are these planes doing?
IAC 38 has held an "Aerobatic Box" just east of the Tracy Airport for over 45 years!
We utilize the convenient location, the great facilities and welcoming residents of Tracy to our advantage. The proximity of the aerobatic box and the airport allow pilots, instructors and coaches to have eyes on the ground when they practice and get evaluated. This is an invaluable tool in the aerobatic training world. We host practice days several times throughout the aerobatic season, April-October and infrequently in winter months.
IAC 38 has members from all over the world that love to train in Tracy.
While we don't publish practice day schedules, residents are encouraged to come out to the airport and watch if they see aerobatic activity. Many times a pilot will gladly give you a tour of their airplane, and show you just what it is were doing.
Out of respect for those that don't like airplane sounds, we avoid flying on Sundays.
How can I watch you practice?
When IAC 38 is hosting practice days at Tracy, Visitors are welcome to observe from American Legion Airport Park. The park has clean bathrooms, picnic tables and shade and is a great place to enjoy watching some aerobatics! You can talk to pilots over the fence while they are fueling their planes and are almost always willing to go out of their way to talk with you! We love Tracy Residents & we love your support!
What is an Aerobatic Contest
An aerobatic contest is a competition where pilots demonstrate their skill and precision by performing complex, choreographed maneuvers in the air, judged by a panel of experts on technical execution and overall presentation.
- High-precision aerial events: Aerobatic competitions are a form of air sports where pilots showcase their control and coordination over their aircraft.
- Choreographed stunts: Pilots perform a series of maneuvers like loops, rolls, spins, and other acrobatic figures within a defined airspace called the "box".
- Judged performance: A panel of judges evaluates the pilots' performance based on factors like precision, timing, and creativity.
- Categories: Competitions often feature different categories based on skill level, ranging from beginner to advanced.
- Specialized aircraft: Pilots use specially designed aircraft that are lightweight, powerful, and highly maneuverable.
Schedule of Events for the Nor Cal Classic Aerobatic Contest 2025
Schedule of Events
Many times are tentative. Beginning and end of light times are always unknown. The beginning of the Four Minute Freestyle and Demonstrations will commence only after the conclusion of the contest flights on Saturday.
Pilot briefing times are hard start times. Pilots who fail to make the 7AM briefing time are penalized.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
10:00 AM - Set Up Day Begins
Practice Flights begin after completion of set up activities.
ALL DAY - Aircraft Arrivals
Thursday, May 29, 2025
10:00AM - Registration Opens
10:00 AM - Practice Slots Open
7:00 PM Registration Closes ( Late arrivals must contact CD prior to 7PM)
ALL DAY - Aircraft Arrivals & Practice Flights
Friday, May 30, 2025
7:00 AM - Pilot Briefing: Tracy Airport
8:00 AM - First aircraft airborne
5:00 PM - Targeted end of Known and Free flights
7:00 PM- Aerobatic Box Closes for the day
Saturday, May 31, 2025
7:00AM - Pilot Briefing: Tracy Airport
8:00AM - First aircraft airborne
At the conclusion of all competitors having flown all their flights:
(Target time 3:00PM)
4 Minute Freestyle ( 4 pilots )
Demonstration By Sukhoi West Aerobatic Team
Potential additional Aerobatic Demonstrations
7:00 PM - Awards banquet Gala @ Patriots Jet Team Hangar Byron, CA
Sunday, June 1, 2025
10 AM - Site Clean Up. Volunteers are encouraged to help out Sunday morning for final site cleanup.
ALL DAY - Aircraft Departures
How can I watch the aerobatic contest?
The 2025 Nor Cal Classic is done in conjunction with Tracy Airport Family Fun Day on May 31, 2025. This is a FREE event. Parking is free and spectators can set up chairs in American Legion Airport Park at the Tracy Airport.
Personal Food & Beverages may be consumed. Bring chairs , sunglasses and sunscreen!
Please remove all your trash.
