Hang Gliders in the Skies over Birchip

Article by Hugh Alexander – Competition Co-Organiser

 

For the 16^th time the Birchip Easter Hang Gliding competition ‘Flatter than the Flatlands’ was held, with hang gliders flying from the paddocks of Ian and Warrick McClelland, near JilJil – landing at a destination determined by wind strength and direction - filling the airways with beeps and talk of locations.

 

Each year the event donates to Birchip community groups in recognition of the vital roles they play. In 2008 nearly $800 was donated to the RSL, CFA, SES, CERT, BCG and Birchip P-12 School.

 

The pilots, from SA, NSW and across Victoria, are towed into the air by cars with a 500m rope, allowing them to reach 1,300ft. They then catch thermals (rising warm air) to gain heights of up to 10,000ft - although this Easter only 6,500ft was achieved.

 

The winners of each day are the pilots who fly the fastest to the destination selected. This can come down to seconds over a course of up to 100km with scoring assisted by GPS carried by each hang glider along with radio, altimeter and parachute.  

 

In the state challenge, SA beat Vic for the second year running (though it is not a very nice trophy anyway!). SA pilot Steve Blinkinsop won the overall competition.

 

On Friday the winds were too strong, so the safety committee ‘canned’ the day and pilots spent time viewing old aircraft engines at Warren Kings’.

 

Saturday the task was to Warracknabeal, with 9 of 40 pilots achieving goal. One pilot was injured before take off while trying to save his glider when a whilly whilly tore through the paddock – lifting him and his glider off the ground then harshly back down, breaking a collar bone.

 

The Sunday task was to Litchfield, but was achieved by only two pilots as the rain forced many of the higher performance hang gliders to the ground. They do not fly so well when wet! Half the pilots and several cars were stuck in the take-off paddock as the storm event dropped nearly 20mm before all got away. 

 

Monday, the skies cleared by a good hard rain, and much lightning, saw the competitors move to a firmer paddock. Corack East was reached by five pilots as the rain, changing wind direction and strength, once again brought pilots back to earth before reaching goal.

 

Thanks to the McClelland families for their generosity, the businesses who looked after us and individuals who assisted. We will be back next Easter to do all again!

 

Photos by Alexandra Gartmann:

Bendigo pilot Allan Beavis, who initiated the Birchip competition, landing next to the Litchfield Silos.

Melbourne pilot Don Rottman, day two winner of the ‘fun’ class, landing at Warracknabeal.