His death has caused us great consternation. Gerhard had been an enthusiastic guest at the Bitterwasser Lodge for many years.
In 2016, he achieved his 1000 diploma in Bitterwasser and was able to proudly plant his palm tree.
For 3 years, Gerhard enriched the Bitterwasser team as a highly valued permanent member. Numerous exciting reports and photo contributions were written by him and informed the international gliding community online about the current events at the Bitterwasser Lodge.
Gerhard was a quiet, fine person with a mischievous sense of humour. His flying expertise was appreciated and recognised by all.
He died in the pursuit of his great passion, gliding. Our deepest sympathy goes to his relatives and loved ones as well as to the relatives of his co-pilot. Gerhard leaves a big gap.
We will miss him.
Although the season in Bitterwasser seems to be coming to an end in mid-January, the weather is at its best. Pilots from all over the world enjoy impressive thermals, breathtaking cross-country flights over 1000 km and a unique community.
The last season 2023/24 ended with a spectacular highlight for Dmitry Borovyk and Anton Minskii: on the very last day, they managed to fly around three declared turning points that cover an impressive distance of 1250 kilometers. This extraordinary achievement earned them the privilege of planting a palm tree in Bitterwasser - an honor only bestowed on the best pilots. One year later, the two are now returning to Bitterwasser to plant their palm tree in a festive ceremony in keeping with the old Bitterwasser tradition.