How Pilot Ratings Work

The Algorithm

We use the Glicko-2 rating system, developed by Professor Mark Glickman at Boston University. Glicko-2 improves on traditional Elo by tracking not just your rating, but also your rating deviation (how uncertain the system is about your skill) and volatility (how consistently you perform).

When results are processed, the system compares your finishing position against every other pilot in the event, treating each pair as a head-to-head matchup. This makes it well-suited for multi-pilot FPV races where final placement is what matters.

Rating Scale

Ratings use the standard Glicko-2 scale. New pilots start at 1500 with a high rating deviation, meaning the system is initially uncertain about your true skill level. As you compete in more events, your deviation decreases and your rating becomes more stable.

2000+
Elite
1750
Advanced
1500
Starting
100
Floor

Rating Deviation & Volatility

Your rating deviation (RD) reflects how confident the system is in your rating. A new pilot has a high RD (~350), meaning their rating will move significantly after each event. As you race more, your RD shrinks and your rating stabilises.

Volatility tracks how erratic your results are. A pilot who consistently finishes near the same placement will have low volatility, while a pilot whose results swing wildly will have higher volatility. This affects how quickly ratings adjust.

How Events Are Scored

Every event where results are recorded contributes to your rating. The algorithm compares your placement against every other pilot in the event:

  • Beating a higher-rated pilot gives you a bigger rating boost
  • Losing to a lower-rated pilot costs more rating points
  • New pilots' ratings change more quickly due to higher rating deviation
  • All events are weighted equally — no tier multipliers
  • If you stop competing, your RD gradually increases, reflecting growing uncertainty

Classes

Ratings are tracked per class (Open, ProSpec, Micro, etc.). Each class has its own leaderboard. An "Overall" rating combines results across all classes using your best placement from each event.

Scoping

AUFPV profiles show your national rating across all events. Club profiles show your rating within that club's events only.