Bitterwasser, known for its excellent gliding conditions, recently offered an exceptional weather for long-distance flights. In optimal gliding weather, 20 launches took place, which the pilots present used to achieve impressive performances.
Of these 20 flights, 16 exceeded the 1000 km mark - proof of the exceptional thermals here. Particularly noteworthy are the achievements of Guy Bechtold and Frerk Frommholz, who together won the day with an impressive distance of 1320 km.
Another highlight was the performance of Margherita Acquaderni. She fulfilled the dream of every glider pilot: the flight of her first declared 1000 km diploma according to the requirements of the FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale). As a symbol of this success and as a tradition in Bitterwasser, she will plant a palm tree in the famous palm tree allée, which has been planted by successful pilots as a sign of their achievements.
The results of this flight day are an impressive example of the potential of Bitterwasser as a gliding center. The combination of experienced pilots, first-class equipment and almost perfect weather conditions makes this place an indispensable meeting place for gliding enthusiasts worldwide.
The conditions in Bitterwasser will remain ideal for gliding in the next few days. The weather forecast continues to promise excellent thermals, so the chances of further impressive 1000 km flights are high. The pilots are preparing for the upcoming takeoffs with great anticipation and there is great anticipation of whether the impressive records of the current flight day can perhaps even be surpassed.
A stay at the Bitterwasser Lodge is usually beyond the financial means of young pilots. At the same time, the next generation is the key to the future of our wonderful sport—and of the lodge as well. That is why supporting young pilots is a core part of the Bitterwasser Flying Center’s mission.
Early October is the ideal time to prepare the runways for flight operations. You can land at the Bitterwasser Flying Lodge in every which direction—depending on how you look at it, on 8 runways (plus one emergency runway), each in two directions. Jeremias carefully levels the landing area over the course of several weeks.