... and the subsequent suspension of competition class gliders from FAI category 1 races
The events at the WC in Piedrahita saddened us and we understand the decision to end the WC early. However, we believe that the unequivocal designation of the new generation of gliders as the culprit of accidents and the subsequent suspension of the Competition class category from FAI.1 competitions is not entirely objective. The safety of competition flying is always influenced by several factors, which are: the experience and ambitions of the pilot (and it is precisely the ambitions that force pilots to take more risks), the choice of the competition task depending on the weather conditions and the characteristics of the glider. We believe that in order to improve the level of competition flying, it is essential to change all three of these fundamental factors rather than pushing for the use of EN-D gliders as the only "racing" gliders in PG competitions. We believe that EN-D category gliders are commercial products intended for the experienced sport pilot with overflight ambitions, and manufacturers design and market them with this in mind. However, if there is pressure in this category to dramatically increase performance, we can expect gliders in the next generation that will be dangerous for sports pilots despite EN-D certification. We are in favor of a solution that will allow the continued use of racing gliders for the purpose for which they are designed. That is, to racing. However, it is necessary to redefine the requirements for competition class gliders in a suitable way, so that their characteristics allow non-standard flight situations to be solved after adequate intervention by the pilot. This important condition is probably not met, especially for some 2-liners.
The experience of pilots and the system of building competition tracks also play a significant role in matters of safety at races. However, the minimum qualification requirements for participation in FAI 1 competitions are very low, and the current state, where 90% of flying tasks are of the "Race to goal" type, is unprecedented in any related sport. We believe that there is room for change here as well, which will have a significant impact on future competitions.
Although we know that opinions on current developments in competitive flying are very diverse, we would like to reach out to our manufacturers, designers, representatives and top pilots with a request for cooperation and finding consensus. If we succeed in this, we can then promote our positions through our delegates at the EHPU and CIVL.
The board and sports commission of the PG Association.