Grand Prix gliding

When gliding Grand Prix is a relatively young form of competition in gliding. It was developed especially among aspects of the medial marketability.

Development

Rules and process of conventional competitions are difficult for lay people and the media to understand. Therefore, it was decided in the IGC (International Gliding Commission ) to develop a new, easier to promoting competition shape. The first Grand Prix was performed in Saint Auban 2005.

Expiration

At each competition day a task between 200 and 400 km will be provided. Also known as sprint races are possible, one of which takes only about 30 minutes. Unlike traditional competitions all planes taking off in the so-called race start time. Because by the pilot, the first car to cross the finish line, also the winner of the day is, it is easier for the layman to follow the competition. Much like in Formula 1, the participants get depending on their placement in the daily standings points, which then yield the Gesamtclassement.

Media preparation

With modern hardware and software, it is possible to track the competing aircraft very accurately. Tracking systems which determine its position using GPS and upload them to a ground station via satellite or other wireless connection, a virtual representation of the air race in the medial processed form possible.

Also on-board cameras and Followers aircraft with live video transmission have been established. Thus gliding competitions are accessible and easy to understand for the general public for the first time.

Criticism

On the new form of competition criticism the original intention of the normal equalized ' departure procedure was lately also repeatedly expressed not least because by the regatta starts ( the participants to meet their actual departure time will choose ) is ad absurdum. At the Grand Prix are for all participating aircraft in a confined space on the road, what is considered by many pilots as very dangerous. Also the potential performance of media pressure on the pilots is here in the criticism. Not least two fatal accidents have further fueled at Grand Prix competitions within a year the discussion.