Air racing: a discipline for the fearless

Air racing is a sports discipline, in which different types of aircraft (mainly airplanes) take part. The pilots compete against each other while operating the aircraft. Although this sport is not for everyone since it requires particular skills, it is quite popular among pilots coming from different countries. Let us take a look at this discipline to characterize it.

Active air races

Nowadays, there are many air races that take place regularly. What are they?

• Air Race Classic. This race was once known as All Women’s Transcontinental Air Race. This competition usually lasts for four day. The routes are changed every year, but they usually remain 2100 miles’ (3890 kilometers’) long.
• Air Race 1 World Cup. This is a pylon race, in which 8 airplanes start simultaneously. To become the winter, it is necessary to be the first to cross the finish line.
• British Air Racing Championship. This competition has been held since 1952. It is special because the winners are determined with the help of handicap. What does it mean? This system is applied to the sports that consists of several stages. It means that in the final stage, each sportsman gets an advantage, based on the previous stages. It helps to determine the winners without additional calculations.
• European Air Racing Championship was first held in 2000 under the wing of Royal Aero Club Records Racing and Rally Association.
• Hayward Rally. This race is held in the western part of the United States. The peculiarity of this race is that the routes are changed annually, so they are quite unpredictable.
• Parabatix Sky Racers. This event includes several types of races, involving interactive ground obstacles and pylon racing. Up to two aircrafts can compete at a time.
• Reno Air Races. This Championship has been held since 1964. Nowadays, it is the only unlimited race.
• Schneider Trophy. This competition was revived in 1981. It involves operating landplanes, while originally the aircraft was different.

Powered paragliding

Although this discipline does not require using an airplane, it is often mentioned when people start discussing air raced. This sport is more dangerous than ordinary paragliding, because there is much more pressure on the wing. Windy weather is not suitable for powered paragliding. The construction of a powered paraglider consists of a wing, which is very similar to the ones used in ordinary discipline. Pilors attach a special construction to their back. This motor construction comprises the motor, the frame, the suspension, the fuel tank and the wing attachments.

To take part in powered paragliding, it is necessary to have some experience. In some countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the license is not required, whereas in other countries, such as France or South Africa, pilots have to be trained in theory and practice.

History

The very first air race took place on May, 23th. This happened in 1909 in an international airport located next to Paris. There were four participants, two of them successfully took part in the race. Although none of them managed to complete all the race, there was a winner. According to the rules set for this air race, the one who covered a longer distance became the winner. At that time, a French pioneer in aviation Leon Delagrange became the winner. Several months later, the first international air race was held at Reims, and it lasted for a whole week. This event involved many outstanding pilots. The most significant event that took place that week was the Gordon Bennett Aviation Trophy. Before the beginning of the World War One, this championship had been held annually, but in 1920, it was held for the last time.

This does not mean that there were no air racing events after that. Actually, more races appeared in England, Italy, the United States of America. The most outstanding event took place in 1919, in the USA, and it required covering a 2700 miles’ (4345 kilometers’) distance with the start in Long-Island and the finish in San-Francisco. This race is still known as the one, in which seven pilots died. Then the air race movement developed rapidly, and it is now very popular all over the world.

As you can see, air racing is a popular sport. Although it is dangerous and risky, some people are excited to take part in the competitions. This discipline is perfect for those who want to experience the ultimate feeling of freedom when flying in the sky.