Hansjörg was a founding member of Bitterwasser(PTY)LTD. Without the commitment of these founders, Bitterwasser would not be the paradise that all pilots in the world know it to be today.
For over 30 years, Hansjörg (left in the picture) was an integral part of the Bitterwasser community - not only as a passionate glider pilot, but above all as a friend. With over 2,300 flying hours in a glider from Bitterwasser alone, he knew this region like no other. He was proud to have completed his 500th glider flight in Namibia, covering over 1000 km, just a few days before his death. However, he not only flew over Namibia in a glider, but also in a motorized aircraft. He was also one of the pilots who carried out temperature flights every morning in the early days to obtain weather information for gliding. His stories, his passion for flying and his special manner will be fondly remembered.
Even in his last days, Hansjörg was still doing what he loved most: flying. Together with his friend Carl Schönherr (pictured right), he once again experienced the Kalahari from above.
It is with great sadness, but also with deep gratitude for his commitment to Bitterwasser, that we bid farewell to Hansjörg Schweizer.
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.