Glider Grand Prix

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The soaring grand prix is a relatively new form of competition in gliding . It was developed primarily from the point of view of media marketability.

development

The rules and procedures of conventional competitions are difficult for laypeople and media representatives to understand. That is why the IGC (International Gliding Commission) decided to develop a new, easier-to-communicate form of competition. The first Grand Prix was held in Saint Auban in 2005.

procedure

A task between 200 and 400 km is set on each evaluation day. So-called sprint races are also possible, one of which only takes about 30 minutes. In contrast to conventional competitions, all aircraft start at the same time in the so-called regatta start. Because the pilot who crosses the finish line first is also the winner of the day, it is easier for laypeople to follow the competition. Similar to Formula 1 , the participants receive points depending on their placement in the daily ranking, which then result in the overall ranking.

Media preparation

Modern hardware and software make it possible to follow the participating aircraft very closely. Tracking systems, which determine their position with the help of GPS and transmit them to a ground station via satellite or other radio link, make a virtual representation of the air race possible in media-based form.

On-board cameras and chase planes with live video transmission have also become established. Thus, for the first time, soaring competitions are accessible to the general public and easy to understand.

criticism

The new form of competition has been criticized again and again recently, not least because the start of the regatta has led the original intention of the normal 'rectified' departure procedure (participants can choose their actual departure time themselves) to absurdity. At the Grand Prix, all the participating aircraft are thus on the move in a very confined space, which is classified as very dangerous by many pilots. The possible pressure to perform by the media on the pilots is also criticized here. Last but not least, two fatal accidents at Grand Prix competitions within a year fueled the discussion.

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