Early this year, the Café published a announcement from the creators of a Kickstarter project called “Wings Over Sweden,” which sought crowd-funding to begin a TV documentary on sailplane racing. As backers of the project, we just received a project update from spokesman Andrew McQuiggan and would like to share it with our readers. We…
Other News
Jet Fighter Narrowly Misses Glider in Scotland
by Bill Elliott •
According to the August 23, 2013 edition of The Independent, a mid-air collision between a DG-808C sailplane and an RAF Tornado jet fighter flying over Scotland was averted by quick action on the part of the RAF pilot.
Vinon Airfield Hit by a Mini-Tornado
by Bill Elliott •
It has just been a few weeks that the European Gliding Championships in Vinon took place. Now, the airfield in Southern France has to cope with the results of a mini-tornado that hit the area yesterday around 05:30 in the morning, causing excessive damage to planes and buildings. Local media reports that the wind speed…
Mitch Polinsky Sets Three U.S. Soaring Records in One Flight!
by Bill Elliott •
Readers may recall a recent post summarizing an OLC interview by Elke Fuglsang-Petersen with U.S. pilot Mitch Polinsky who, at that time, had flown six 1000K plus FAI triangles in eight days (he later added a seventh). Well, the indefatigible Polinsky apparently doesn’t know when to quit. He notified us last week that on July…
Summer Issue of VSA’s “Bungee Cord”
by Bill Elliott •
The Summer 2013 Bungee Cord has been published and sent to Vintage Sailplane Association (VSA) members. If you have an interest in vintage or classic gliders, consider joining the VSA. The purpose of the Vintage Sailplane Association (VSA) is to promote the acquisition, restoration and flying of vintage sailplanes by its members, and to assist…
2013 Queensland State Gliding Competition
by Bill Elliott •
Once again Warwick Gliding Club is organising the Queensland State Comps in Australia. Come to fly in the beautiful Darling Downs area. Please go to our registration webpage and enter your info on the registration form. You won’t be disappointed !
Soaring News from Greece
by Bill Elliott •
We are happy to announce a proclamation for the acquisition of a two-seat self-launched motorglider by the Edessa Gliding Club, based in Greece. The prοject is co-funded by the European Union and by national funds of the participating countries.
Two Glider Fatalities on Saturday, June 29th
by Bill Elliott •
We regret to report that two fatal accidents involving sailplanes occurred Saturday, June 29th: one in Jacumba, California and one in Pemberton, Canada. In both cases, all persons aboard the aircraft were killed.
Looking back at VINON EGC: 159.59 and 1000 points ahead and loosing spot 2 for spot 5!!!!
by Bill Elliott •
Day 8 winner in open class Erik Borgmann flying the QUINTUS with speed 146.3 km./h. over the 205 km. task. Brilliant! That was the fastest speed in open class.[pic.2] courtesy Dutch team as shared on FB. The in the end nearly nail biting EGC in Vinon is over and I take you through the…
“The Aviators” To Feature Soaring in Fall Premiere
by Rand Baldwin •
The Aviators, now in its third season, is a TV show all about—you guessed it—aviation. My only gripe about the show is that there’s been nary a word about my favorite way to aviate. Well, that’s about to change. The season premiere, scheduled to air this September, will feature a segment on soaring.
