Lift off: A glider, competing in the Multi-Class Nationals, is towed into the air at Benalla Airport on January 18, 2024.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Well, neither really. If you see a narrow white silhouette in the skies above Benalla this week, odds are it’s a glider.
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Based in Benalla, the Gliding Club of Victoria is currently hosting the Multi-Class Nationals, with competitors taking to the skies from January 15 - 26.
Some of the nation’s best glider pilots descended on the Rose City from all corners of Australia to participate.
GCV member Terry Cubley is a steward at the event and said competitors missed one day due to heavy rain, but forecasts for the coming days look like good gliding conditions.
Pre-flight checks: A pilot gets his glider ready to take-off.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“We would usually have competitors in four classes,” Cubley said.
“But we only have 14 entries this year, a bit lower than a typical event.
“So we have them in two classes, the open class, which every glider can compete in, and we have the 24-metre class.
Banking: Gliders make an immediate turn after taking off so as not to fly directly over the town.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“That is for gliders with a wing span above 24 meters, which is wider than a cricket pitch, so very big.”
Cubley said Benalla Airport is always an excellent location for any event.
“Not many airports are within walking distance to the local town,” he said.
Specs in the sky: Gliders and tow-planes gain height quickly as they soar into the blue.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
As such, competitions held at the airport bring important tourism dollars into the community.
“For example, we’re all off to the Northo (North Eastern Hotel) tonight for dinner,” he said.
“And we have competitors from across Australia who will stay at local hotels and motels.”
Majestic: After being towed into the air gliders can stay aloft for hours at a time,
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Pilots compete in a number of competitions during the event, including top speed achieved.
Spectators are welcome in the viewing area at Benalla Airport, although there is a good chance you will see gliders from many parts of the Rose City until January 26.
You can keep up to date with the competition results or find out more about GCV via www.glidingclub.org.au/
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