• World Team 1999
• What Is A Club Class World Competition?
• FAI And TWI Sign Exclusive Contract
• Speed Gliding Greece
• 1999 british National & International Championships In Paragliding Accuract

The World Team Organizing Committee is pleased to announce that World Team ’99 will conduct a series of international skydiving world record attempts in Thailand, December 2-17, 1999. Under the title “Royal Sky Celebration,” this event will be held in honor of HM the King of Thailand, on the occasion of his 72nd birthday. The first record attempt will take place in Bangkok on December 4, 1999. Exiting from multiple C-130 Hercules aircraft flying in formation, 520+ skydivers will break the world record for the largest mass freefall jump. Although the Fédération Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) has no official record category for mass jumps, this achievement will be presented to the Guinness Book of World Records for recognition.

From December 6-16, World Team ’99 will attempt to break the existing FAI World Record for the Largest Freefall Formation, by building a 300-way and a 324-way in Ubon Ratchathani, 500 mi / 800 km northeast of Bangkok. Following a series of 12 preparation jumps from lower altitudes, 24 record attempts are scheduled to take place from four C-130’s flying in formation at 22,000 feet. These jumps will take place on a former military air base with a large open infield and minimal air traffic.

21 World Team Captains - based in 15 nations - will be inviting a talented contingent of the world’s most experienced large-formation skydivers, who will represent 30+ nations from all the populated continents. Previous World Team efforts have resulted in building the largest freefall formations at the time, including a 216-way in Bratislava, Slovakia, in 1994, and a 297-way in Anapa, Russia in 1996.

The World Team’s Royal Sky Celebration will be organized by B.J. and Bobbie Worth, in close association with the Royal Thai Air Force and the combined Armed Forces of Thailand. The event will be conducted much like an FAI World Championship - complete with national flags and team tents on site, opening and closing ceremonies, world class camera flyers with digital video reviews, FAI Judges, cultural exchanges, and leading-edge skydives.

Club class has been strong in Europe for a number of years, and is very similar to the Sports class which is equally successful in the USA and Australia. It involves gliders which are no longer competitive in Standard, 15 m and Open class, but which still provide some excellent soaring, at usually a much lower cost. Clubs around the world have these gliders readily available for their members, gliders like Cirrus, Libelle, LS3, ASW20, Astir.

The running of competitions in this class has made competitive flying available to as much broader group of people. With the agreement from the International Gliding Commission (IGC) in 1998 for this class to be recognised as a World Championships, we now have an opportunity to bring the highest levels of competition to the majority of our membership, world wide. Countries which have rarely flown in world championships previously, can now afford to fly in Club Class.

The first world championships in Club Class will be held in Australia, at Gawler, in January 2001.

For those people new to Club Class, or those wishing to get some practice prior to the ‘real thing’, or those just wishing to enjoy some great soaring conditions in the Northern hemisphere winter; the Australian National championships in Club Class will be held at Gawler in January 2000, incorporating ‘Barossaglide’, an International championships.

Barossaglide will run from the 17th-28th January 2000, and is open to pilots from any country, provided they have previously flown in National or other major championships. With a very favourable exchange rate, it should be affordable for pilots from across the world.

Incorporating the Australian National Gliding Championships-Club Class and a pre-world championships in preparation for the Gawler 2001 world Gliding Championships - Club Class

Gawler was selected because of its reliable and impressive weather conditions. During National championships over the past 12 years, tasks have been flown on an average of 11 out of 12 available days. Speeds of 140kph have been common, and a large number of 1000km flights have been competed from the site. Long days with thermal heights typically 6-9,000 feet and up to 14,000 feet and thermal strengths of 3-7m/s.

The competition will be based on Speed-Only POST tasking, as used in Australia and the USA for many years. In this competition, a minimum time is allocated for the day and pilots are then able to select any of the available turnpoints in order to achieve as big a distance as possible in the set time (and hence the fastest speed). The task is scored on the speed achieved during the day, the speed is calculated from the actual distance traveled divided by the actual time taken.

Task times will depend on the day’s weather but will usually be within 3-5 hours.

The advantage of this type of tasking is that it caters extremely well with a range of handicaps, all pilots must fly during the same part of the day. Evidence is that gaggling is greatly reduced, in fact it is common not to share a thermal with another glider for the whole task. As a result, safety is improved

Various options based around this task philosophy will be used in order to test a broader range of skills. Some of these options include:

• compulsory turnpoints or a choice between two or more turnpoints
• restricted number of turnpoints
• restricted areas to fly in

30+ turnpoints have been identified, predominantly to the North and East of Gawler, which also includes turnpoints around Waikerie, site of the 1974 world championships. The furthest is approx 250 km North of Gawler. Details of each turnpoint will shortly be placed on the competition web page and will include GPS coordinates.

The task area is over varied terrain but is predominantly cultivated, flat pastures with some low ridges running North - South.

The Royal Australian Airforce controls much of the airspace over the competition area and we have assurances that this airspace will be released to 15,000 feet for the whole of the competition and practice period. This should be sufficient, we expect very few days with cloud base above this level.

Both cameras and FRs will be permitted at Barossa glide, (only GPS at the world comps). We are approaching FR manufacturers in order to try and get some sets for hire. With support Barossa glide will be an all FR competition.

Start and finish times will be determined from the FR trace.

A number of startpoints will be used and these will be selected in three groups of four. Each pilot will be allocated one start point in each group so that each has a choice of three start points to select from.

This approach will be used to reduce gaggling around the start area, to reduce following and therefore to reduce gaggling on track.

Since this technique has been introduced in Australian championships we have had a great reduction in gaggling and following and no incidents which are attributable to the starting system.

As stated above, the finish times will generally be determined from the FR trace.

We also plan to introduce an alternate finish point which the pilot can elect to use if the weather deteriorates at the airfield. We expect that a small technical penalty will be applied if the pilot elects to use the alternate finish point.

We will be using the Gliding Federation of Australia handicaps, subject to approval by IGC. These have been compared with those in force in Europe and the USA and allowing for variations in weather conditions, the comparison is quite favourable.

These handicaps are also available on the web page.

For the world championships the handicap range available to competitors will probably fall in the range from Std Libelle through to DG300/Mosquito.

Handicap factors in Australia are fixed at a particular flying weight and at a specific configuration (winglets, wing fillets, span etc.). At the start of the competition, pilots must present their glider at the weight and configuration which will be used for the whole competition. Ballast is permitted to get the glider up to that specified weight if the pilot so elects. The weight selected will remain constant for the whole competition. Handicap adjustments will be made for the use of winglets and fillets, wingspan variation and if the aircraft/pilot combination is above the handicap weight (due to the weight of the pilot with no ballast).

Gliders will be weighed daily to ensure that the weight does not vary, regular inspections of configuration will also be checked.

A number of gliders will be available for hire, contact numbers are available on the web site. There may be opportunity for arrangements to be made for vehicles and crew for the competition.

Sending gliders to Australia by container is a viable option. Trailers should be available for hire if required. Again, see the web site for options here.

A large range of accommodation options are available within the district. Excellent camping sites, on site vans, Motel and Hotel rooms, guest houses and the Roseworthy College which has a large number of 2-5 bedroom houses only 10km from the airfield.

Australia is a multicultural society and there are many community groups who retain contacts with their country of birth. Many nations will find community groups from their own nationality living in South Australia who would be very pleased to support pilots during their visits.

The entry forms will be available on our web page and can be submitted by email, fax or regular mail. Entries for Barossaglide will be required by the end of October 1999.

Further information is available on the World Gliding Championships 2001 web page: www.worldclubclass.on.net

The Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) - the world governing body of all air sports - has signed an exclusive contract with Trans World International (TWI) to distribute the Federation's first-ever televised seriesof World Championships. The six programmes (four half hours and two one hours) cover gliding, paragliding, hang gliding, hot air ballooning, aerobatics and parachuting. The FAI itself is funding and supervising the specialist coverage, which will be produced mainly by the Barcelona-based company Intervideo.

We are delighted to be forging this new partnership with the FAI just at a time when new channels, as well as established ones, are looking at the opportunities provided by exciting sports new to television», says Bill Sinrich, Managing Director of TWI, Europe, Africa & the Middle East.

With the rapid development of micro camera technology, it is the perfect opportunity to transport viewers into a whole new sports experience. We are genuinely excited by the possibilities and confident about the interest the series will create. Michel Masquelier, the Sales Executive responsible for the series, believes the exciting coverage with minicams on competitors and equipment as well as inside cockpits showing the G-force effects on pilots' faces, will stimulate a whole new awareness of air sports. «We will have the first three shows completed before Mipcom and that's when broadcasters will realise just how powerful and new it all is», he said. «Our job then will be to carry over that interest into the World Air Games, taking place in two years' time in Spain".

Max Bishop, FAI Secretary General, said that the TWI contract represented a breakthrough for air sports. "We have been planning a major TV launch for our World Championship events for some time now, and are delighted to have reached agreement with TWI, the leading name in television sport. We are sure that new, increased levels of coverage will foster new perceptions of our different sports, which are exciting to watch as well as take part in."

The FAI expects the World Air Games in Andalucia (June 2001) to achieve world-wide television coverage. Top level skydiving, aerobatics, ballooning and aeromodelling contests will take place alongside soaring championships (gliders,hang gliders, paragliders), and precision events for microlights, helicopters and light aircraft. Ivo Mazzola, FAI's chief planner commented: " With over 4 000 participants, this is going to be the biggest event ever in the air. We are going to make sure it will be "on the air" too, for all to share the thrill of top competitive flying."

1st WORLD SPEED GLIDING CHAMPIONSHIP 2000 at Mt. OLYMPUS the Mountain of the Gods PRE-WORLD 1999

We would like to extend an invitation to all hang gliding pilots around the world to come to Greece - land of the beautiful islands - and test their speed and agility, taking part in the PRE-WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN SPEED GLIDING which will be held at the same site as the 1st World Championship.

The 1st World and Pre-World Speed Gliding Championship will be organised by the Aeroclub of Athens & Mt. Olympos, the Aeroclub of Thessaloniki and the HangGliding Association of Larissa on behalf of the Hellenic Aeronautical and Airsports Federation. The organisation will be supported by the Prefecture of Larissa and the local Municipalities.

Mt. Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece. Its highest peak is 2930m ASL. The mountain is located in the North Eastern part of Central Greece near the city of Larissa which is the 3rd largest city in Greece. The flying site is located on the South West side of the mountain near the town of Elassona. Elassona is about 20 minutes by car and Larissa is about 45 minutes by car. There are different launch areas at various altitudes ranging from 1200-2200m ASL. The take-off for speed gliding is at an altitude of about 1500m ASL. Headquarters: the village of Kalyvia, which is in the valley of Elassona. Mt. Olympus has been the site for all National HangGliding Competitions for the past 5 years and the site for the National ParaGliding Championship for the last two years.

In 1998 more than 28 foreign pilots, including Dennis Pagen and Manfred Rhumer, visited and flew in the area and all were enraptured by the incredible possibilities offered. (See Cross Country Magazine No.58) Competition dates

August 13th-14th Registration & Practice
14th Opening Ceremony
15th-21st Competition Days
22nd Closing Ceremony

A total of USDollars 6,000.- (six thousand) PRIZE MONEY is being offered by the Organizers for the speed gliding event. During the same dates fun Cross-Country events will be held and daily prizes will be offered to the winners. All prize money has already been deposited in an escrow account.

All interested pilots should pre-register at the email address given below. There is a limited amount of participants and is on a first come first serve basis. There are no teams for this year - so individual pilots can compete. In the year 2000 - countries must send national teams.

Entry fee The entry fee is USDollars 250.-(two hundred fifty) and includes accomodation in a children's camp.

Accomodation is on a first come first serve basis so register early. Registration Deadline: July 10th 1999

There are small hotels and pensions, located in the villages and towns in a radius of 20 km around headquarters. The cost is under USD 40.00 for a double room with breakfast.

There are also hotel and camping areas along the beach (Olympus Riviera) located approximately 60km from headquarters, ideal for accompanying assistants.

You can get meals at local tavernas. The average cost of a meal is around USD 5.00-8.00.

1. flying in
   - Pilots coming by plane should try and arrange for direct flights into the International airport of Athens or Thessaloniki.
   
   To avoid unpleasant surprises it is very important that you check with your airline about what type of airplane they use and that your gliders can be accomodated.
   
   I understand that AIRBUSes and 734s have no problem with gliders. Also some 727s and some 737s can accommodate gliders.
   - Athens airport is about 5 hours by car from headquarters. Thessaloniki airport is about 2.5 hours by car from headquarters
   - August is considered as the high-season so book early.
   - Olympic airways has promised us discounts for the participating pilots but we will have a definite reply from them by 10 June.
   - If you require a local travel agent please advise so we can give you the contact details.
2. traveling by car
   In order to come by car you must drive through Italy - we have already made an agreement with one ferry company to grant a 30 percent discount to participating pilots' cars/accomodation. They have regular sailings from Venice, Ancona and Brindisi. Book your passage for Igoumenitsa (on the west coast of Greece across from Corfu). Information available - need your arrival/departure dates and car type. car rental can guide you on prices.

Mt. Olympus ........ some words the mythical residence of Zeus, who had authority on Gods and humans, sitting on his throne hurling thunderbolts from the highest peak, Mitikas, when he was enraged with the other humans and Gods. Although Mt. Olympus is no longer the seat of the humanlike Gods, it does shelter the divine work of a wild and untouched nature and sinc 1938 has been declared a National Park. On the North side very tall fir, beech, pine, chestnut and arbute berry trees exist along with 1500 species of plants, 23 of which are rare and unique. The fauna of the mountain consists of wolves, wild cats, foxes, boards, hares, deer and birds of prey. A network of forest roads and trails makes the majestic mass of the mountain accessible to the visitor or the hiker. There are many archeological sites and findings from the Hellenistic and Roman eras are exhibited at the museum of Dion, the city where Alexander the Great sacrificed to the Gods prior to every campaign. The region is rich in monuments, like the Temple of Zeus, and many precious offerings to Gods. Approximately 70 km away, the magnificent area of Meteora is located, where the huge boulders (about 300-400m high) reach towards the sky, having on top monasteries. (this is the site where SKY RAIDERS was filmed).

Contact :
Lillian LeBlanc
Email: alao-olympos2000@ath.forthnet.gr
Mobile number: 094-4-363693
Fax number: (01) 6915498 or (01) 3451395

For information, preliminary information and the invitation for the 1999 British National & International Championships in Paragliding Accuracy can be downloaded from the FAI Web site at the following address : ftp://www.fai.org/hang_gliding/competitions/accuracy.zip ( compressed ZIP archive version) or ftp://www.fai.org /hang_gliding/competitions/accuracy.exe ( self extracting compressed version)

For further information, you should contact the organisers directly at derek@godfrey3.freeserve.co.uk (Mr. Derek Godfrey)