Seminar of competitive UL flying and 1st round of the Petr Tuček Cup in "Havlbrod"

author: Marek Velát 

The ultralight competition season was launched on the first weekend of May with a navigation seminar and the opening round of the Petr Tuček Navigation Cup. The start took place traditionally at the airport in Havlíčková Brod. The weather order this time was excellent. It didn't snow, there wasn't a strong wind, and it almost didn't even rain. These pleasant conditions, really unusual for the spring Highlands, made it possible to make the most of the entire weekend. Saturday morning was dedicated to the theoretical seminar. Anička Zichová took charge of beginners and introduced all those interested in navigation competitions to the important basics. She explained what such a navigation competition looks like, how it is carried out step by step and how to properly prepare for such a competitive flight. The important message of this part of the seminar was that you can fly exactly along the track without any worries with only a map and a stopwatch, you can compete in it and it's even quite fun. Ivo Lengál, a more experienced competitor, conducted the advanced part of the seminar, in which he addressed the issue of construction and economic tasks, analysis of precise landing and practical tips. Those interested in participating in the Czech UL flying championship will certainly use these tips. The afternoon was reserved for practice navigation flights. Navigation course assignments from previous years and a landing deck on the runway for practicing precision landings were available. 

Sunday was the first round of this year's Petr Tuček Navigation Cup. A total of 38 crews in five categories took part in it. The crews of the recreational categories went south from Havlíčkov Brod and explored the surroundings of Jihlava, Třešt, and some even unplanned the landscape of Dačice. This year I decided not to bother the crews of the sports categories with the construction task, after all it is the first competition of the season. During the preparation of the track, however, I found the compass before the ruler, so all the arms led along the arc. I think it was an ideal and pleasant opportunity to fly through the beautiful countryside around Želivka, Sázava and the Švihov reservoir. There was a large number of more or less challenging photos and signs that the contestants were looking for during the flight. The coat of arms was placed in an unusual place, namely on the tower of Lipnice nad Sázavou castle. He was clearly visible from a distance, but no one expected him in such a place. And so it happened that some crews did not find the sign, despite the fact that the castle tower was also a turning point. I even took a picture of the sign, because otherwise they wouldn't believe me during the evaluation.
Competition flights took place from early in the morning, the last competitors returned from the track at two in the afternoon and the announcement took place at three. Nice and at the same time very practical prizes were donated to the competition by sponsor CoraHB.
Congratulations to the winners and honor to the losers!

Thanks to all the participants for being disciplined and making the weekend run smoothly. Special thanks also go to all the helpers who helped ensure the entire event and especially the Sunday competition. I look forward to seeing you during the next NPPT rounds!