Hang gliding: Austin proves Kiwis can fly

Karl Reichegger from the Italian team flies on Monte Cucco. Photo / Supplied

While hang gliding is often seen as a recreational pursuit, the serious side of the sport has been seen in Italy over the past fortnight.

The 18th hang gliding world championships were held in Monte Cucco, featuring gruelling cross country races of more than 100km that can see pilots in the air for up to six hours.

Around 150 competitors from 25 countries did battle in the skies above Tuscany, including three Kiwis - Jonas Lobitz, James McKirdy and Dave Austin. Lobitz, at just 18 years of age was the youngest competitor and finished inside the top 50, making him the best of the New Zealanders.

"There is usually a large 'gaggle' of pilots all in the same thermal lift, circling around each other in close proximity trying to be at the top of the lift," explains Austin. "The more pilots there are in that first gaggle, the more spectacular the start as all pilots stop circling and fly in the direction of the first turn point."

Competitors race between waypoints before eventually reaching the finishing gate. The track of each pilot's route is registered using a GPS, which is downloaded to calculate daily results.

The speeds involved are impressive. Generally competitors will average 50-70km/h but can reach up to 100km/h. "Pilots need to change their speeds constantly," says Austin. "Flying slowly in rising air improves your climb rates.

"Generally, pilots will slow right down in lift to take best advantage of climb rates that in strong conditions can go over 2000 feet [600m] per minute but good climbs around 600-800 feet per minute are the norm."

The competition is also a battle of endurance. For up to six hours a glider's body is totally cocooned in a harness with only the head and arms exposed.

Their arms are tucked up with bent elbows and their hands stay close to the chest while holding the control bar.

From this position their arms move the body mass by pushing or pulling on the control bar.

"Any pilot that is not flying fit will not be able to condition the body to this sort of punishment," says Austin.

"You can get into an upright position to briefly relax but this is an inefficient way to fly. When the body starts to fatigue, you need to be mentally tough to continue to fly efficiently, especially when conditions start to deteriorate towards the end of the day."

Difficult landings are the most common issue.

"The result of this situation is usually broken glider parts and damaged egos," says Austin. "Glider parts can be replaced. Egos are not so easily fixed if a witness happens to catch you on camera, especially now with You Tube, where your stuff ups can be viewed by the entire world just minutes after."