- Read about some of the competing pilots here
THE Wimmera is set for a thrill when the 2017 International Sailplane Grand Prix hits its skies.
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Horsham Flying Club is hosting the event’s sole Australian leg which will see some of the world’s most impressive pilots take to the sky from December 14 to 20.
The high quality field boasts two former jet-flying RAAF pilots, a US gliding open champion and a pilot who holds gliding championship honors in three Australian states.
A former Qantas pilot also joins the ranks, as well as a pilot who flew in combat in Afghanistan.
Melbourne pilot David Wilson and Australian pilot John Orton are familiar with the Wimmera skies, having competed in previous Horsham flying events.
Wilson said he has fond memories of flying in Horsham and knows the country well.
“I enjoy seeing the countryside from the air,” he said.
“I enjoy getting an understanding of the way the air works to provide us with lift.
“Even after fifty years, I am still learning more about that.”
Event co-ordination and Horsham Flying Club president Arnold Niewand said the event was attracting worldwide exposure for the Wimmera.
Niewand said he encouraged the public to watch the take off and landings from the Horsham Aerodrome on competition days.
Those unable to watch in person can tune into YouTube, where flying images from a tracking device in each glider will be uploaded.
Two aeroplanes will launch gliders between 12.30pm and 1.30pm each day with official racing to start at 2pm. The aircraft are expected to return between 4pm and 4.30pm.
“We have attracted a great line up,” Niewand said.
“The pilots are excited about flying in this competition as it is a different format to most. Some have never flown this type of competition before.”
Niewand said organisers were hoping for skies with cumulus-cloud cover to make thermals easier to locate and flying faster.
Niewand, competition director Tim Shirley, operations manager Selwyn Ellis and safety officer Peter Wiesenfeld will determine a route to cover 200 to 300 kilometres on each competition day, depending on weather conditions.
The Horsham competition is a lead event to the 34th World Gliding Championships planned for Benalla next year.
