FAI European Gliding Championships 2009 - 15m, 18m, Open Class
June 27 - July 11 2009 NITRA, SLOVAKIA

Competition - 29th Jun 2009

2009-06-29 11:26:26

Though the Cu built steadily with bright sunshine and good temperatures during launching, they remained relatively low and it wasn´t long before over-development started as forecast.

Even as the last gliders released and joined the climbing gaggle, the excessive humidity following days of exceptional rain that has seen severe flooding across Slovakia (see David Schneider´s photos) was creating the conditions for the thunderstorms which arrived over and around the airfield during the afternoon as well as out on track. Despite this, only 21 gliders landed out. David, flying his first EGC for Germany in an ASW27, was the first to land out at 15.15 but he reported an enjoyable day´s flying with some good streets and values. Only the detours for showers and Ts activity slowed him down and finally, with the thermals washed out, left no option but to make a safe field landing rather than struggle on.