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.
In early September, the containers holding the gliders for the 2026/27 season were loaded in Waghäusel. Transported by trailer, truck, and cargo ship, the gliders are now on their long journey to Namibia, to the Bitterwasser Flying Lodge.
The Bitterwasser Flying Lodge was the main sponsor of the Junior World Gliding Championships, where from August 2 to 17, 2026, around 80 pilots from 22 nations competed for the titles in the Standard and Club classes. The grand prize for the JWGC winners was a one-week stay at the lodge, including travel and an airplane.