THE "FIVE" DIAMOND STRAIGHT GLIDE - July,2021 VOLUME 14 - No 10 - Gliding International
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GLIDING
July,2021 VOLUME 14 - No 10
l N T E R N A T I O N A L
THE
July 2021 “FIVE” DIAMOND STRAIGHT GLIDE 1
GLIDING
July,2021 VOLUME 14 - No 10
Editor:
John H. Roake
Manager:
Janice Armstrong
Correspondents:
l N T E R N A T I O N A L Aldo Cernezzi
Robert (Bob) Downe
Joseph King
Myles Hynde
Arthur Liddington
Gliding International published by:
Gliding International Ltd
From Offices At:
79 Fifth Ave, Tauranga, New Zealand
Phone +64-7-571-4161
Office email:
office@glidinginternational.com
Editor’s email:
editor@glidinginternational.com
INDEX
The magazine’s web pages can be viewed
Hana Zejdova – The Czech Pilot Par Excellence 4
at www.glidinginternational.com
One of the First Diana 2’s – A Disaster! 12 You can subscribe through our web page.
Lilienthal Medals, From 1938 to 2021 13
From Hana’s Zejdova Own Book 13 Gliding International is published
monthly with the exception of December
Hana Zejdova’s World Records At Year 2000 15
and January. Ten issues per annum.
Championship Results, 2021 Northern Hemisphere Season 21
The Sailplane - Advertisement 1931 23 Subscriptions:
The Space Race 24 Printed Version Air Mailed:
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VSS Unity by Richard Branson 25
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Fire! Fire ! 26 (all prices quoted in NZ Dollars) or
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Next-Gen Battery 29 Digital Version emailed:
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Organic EV Battery 31 2 Years $163 ($US106) or equivalent
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Volocopter Acquires DG Flugzeugbau 32
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SparrowHawk – U.S.A.’s Ultra Light 35 Personal cheques acceptable.
How Others See Us 36
Skytrac and Gigsky 38 New subscriptions can be originated
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Are You One of Our Aging Pilots? 39
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International News for Glider Pilots 41 card at: www.glidinginternational.com
Things With Wings 46
Advertising:
Contact the magazine’s advertising
department by email at:
COVER: Richard Branson space shuttle “Unity.” (Glide angle not quoted.)
office@glidinginternational.com
2 Gliding International July 2021 3
HANA ZEJDOVA -
THE TALENTED WOMAN PILOT AWARDED THE LILIENTHAL MEDAL
Born 1962 - A Czech citizen, Single, Professional photographer, Rated
soaring instructor, 4000 pilot in command soaring hours, Started soaring
at 16 years of age, Soloed at 17, Preferred sailplane - Jonker JS-2.
4 Gliding International July 2021 5
WHO IS
HANA ZEJDOVA ?
This is a story about how male pilots and administrators treated a very talented female soaring pilot
with abilities far above the discerning males. Gliding certainly has room for a vast number of
female pilots and a female encouragement program could well be the sport’s saviour.
the women‘s Czech Championship in 1992 and the International She was the second woman in the history of world glider flying
European Championship in 1993. She became an equal partner of (after Russian Olga Klepikova) to set absolute records (together
men at competitions, and often surpassed them. She repeatedly won with men) in traditional disciplines.
at international competitions, and most often with a safe margin
above the male pilots of the Czech team. During an international Congratulations from foreign pilots at the world championship in
competition in Poland, she set a new national record with a world New Zealand gave her strength. This was her entrance into the
class time and was faster than the Pole, Janusz Centka, three times permanent awareness of gliders worldwide. It took a lot of courage
the world champion, in the 500 km speed triangle race. She finished and determination from the two characters on the world stage.
second in the Czech national championship for men.
Father Vladislav and daughter Hana, set out barehanded toward
However, neither the national team coach nor the Czech Aeroclub their ambitious goals after the fall of the Iron curtain between the
nominated her for the men’s world championship in the United West and the East. Hana was not put off by the politics and in
States in 1991, although she was qualified for the event (at that seclusion, exited the sport events in her mother country, struggled
time, women did not yet have their own championship). The coach’s on with the support of friends and her father. She chose a relatively
nomination still prevailed. Her skills demonstrated her undoubted difficult future path, influenced by club functionaries, skilled in
soaring ability. Equally, she was not accepted to be a part in the deciding about directions and fate.
following men‘s world championship, being restricted to the women‘s
section. It was an unprecedented breech of the FAI sporting code Although without financial means for a living, let alone not even
by the Czech Aeroclub administrators. The word ‘nomination‘ considering the means necessary for an Australian expedition, and
thus gained a new meaning in the sense of decisions made by despite the complicated situation, Hana received the Australians‘
the sport functionaries, elevated over the proven capabilities of invitation, (including, the flight tickets).
B orn in 1962 in Brno in the Czech Republic. Her parents were
active glider pilots. Her father was a successful member of the
national team and the first Czech record holder from 1957 before
aviation, ultimately choosing different careers. She graduated from
a conservatoire, where she studied ballet, and was a successful
prima ballerina and star of the National Theatre in Brno. She also
a sportswoman in the qualification by mere discrimination of a
superior woman. They wanted her to continue with her record flight attempts out of
Australia. The directors of the world-famous gliding organisation,
his representation activities were put to a halt for his progressive appeared as a guest performer in Bratislava and later danced Next, Hana was nominated for the men’s world championship in Sportavia Soaring Centre were very well aware just how valid her
attitude to top performance sports. It took 38 years for his daughter in Bonn, Germany. Both sisters have healthy ambitions to be Sweden in 1993, specifically, at her own request. Women had no performance for the promotion of their school could be. Donald
to pick up where her father left off, starting an unprecedented successful. gliding championship at that time. At this summit she was the Escott and Jeff Close, then acting directors of the centre, as well
series of world records. It is unusual for just one family to set all only woman at two contests, but nevertheless in Sweden, was as Charles William Riley, laid out the scheme for motivating the
world records that their country possesses in a given sport. Hana Zejdová‘s steep ascent in competition is accentuated by suffering from a virus cold and fever, which of course impaired her Australian research project.
several national records at the beginning of her sports career. performance. The Czech coach, who did not believe women were
Hana started glider pilot training in Brno-Medlánky in 1978. As early Consistency a pragmatic visions leading to grand goals are able to compete with men on a peer-to-peer basis, ruthlessly used Bill Riley who was the founder of Sportavia supported the potential
as 1980, although she had to extend her training because of a hand inherent to her. However, that was to become her problem in the this fact against her. of Hana for his training school especially with the likelihood of Ingo
injury, she won her Silver “C” glider pilot award, soon followed by future. In 1989, she unexpectedly finished third in the European Renner becoming a part of the team. Ingo came to Australia from
gold and diamond ones. Later, she added the much-appreciated Championship in Oryol, then USSR, although she was the youngest In 1995, the coach did not nominate her to the ladies’ team for the Germany at the end of the 60‘s to seek work as a boat technician,
1,000 km “clusters” to her diamond badge, being the first Czech of the participants and flew the oldest aircraft, a fact the media did men’s world championship in New Zealand, although she received an and became one of the leading personalities of this sport. Solidarity
national to do so. Her flying competition career was also off to a not miss, pointing out that in the last discipline she dropped from invitation from the organisers, including free transport from Europe was also manifested by pilots from Japan, Germany, Poland,
successful start. the second post to the third by only 14 points. to New Zealand, a bonus accorded to European champions only. She Canada, and USA, but also from the Czech Republic.
made up for her inexplicable absence at the world championship in
Hana won her first junior competition competing against men and In team collaboration she helped her colleague reach the then Australia, where she sets a number of world records, assisted by Thanks to them all, Hana had a quite a variable line-up of sailplanes
flying a VSO 10 glider owned by her flying club. Her sister Soňa, highest women‘s championship title. Furthermore, Hana gained Australians, who have bought a low-cost glider for her in Europe. she could fly. Although they were not always the most efficient
who was two years younger also decided to devote herself to the vice-champion title in the men‘s championship in 1990, won Again she was denied any help at home. gliders (singles and twins,) it was with joy she sat in the cockpits
6 Gliding International July 2021 7
of older types, the so-called ‚super orchids‘ with spans of over 25 flying clubs and from the Flyers‘ union that submitted the proposal
metres. During the six week season in 1997 she chalked up 37 the way it is required by the rules. The national Czech flying club
female records including several world records. Thus Hana became of the pilot, (the Aeroclub of the Czech Republic), accepted the
the second woman in the history of Australian gliding - an era few request to honour Hana’s achievements and it was passed by them
Australians know much about. to the FAI. In 1997 she was awarded the Pelageia Maiewska Medal,
the highest gliding FAI award exclusively created for women only.
Although the documents to five performance routines (involving
32 records) got mysteriously lost somewhere between Prague and All in all, what this pilot has managed to achieve so far is all the
Paris, she caused much ado in international aviation. The documents more valuable if we add the “willingness” of the functionaries at
lost recorded success activity that is unmatched in gliding almost home in their activities of causing her problems in sport and in life.
anywhere. On January 4, 1997, in Australia, Hana completed a What sportsman would manage to overcome this with their will and
distance flight of 1,025 km, to get over the legendary limit of 1,000 tenacity ? Hana was forced to leave top competition flying that she
km. The flight equalled one previously flown seven years earlier in liked so much, at the peak of her success. It was not only her loss,
1990. Australia was the first and only country to have a female pilot but also a loss to the sport itself, mainly for its sportsmen/women.
overcoming this dream limit.
Yet she fought on for her position in the sport limelight with record
Therefore Hana has badge No. 1 for the Czech Republic and after record flights seeking organisational support even more
international number 304. In 1997, the Czech Flying Club accounted strenuously. Nomination to record her sport achievements comes
for 32 of a worldwide total of 52 general aviation world records via her sport skills, not from sport officials. She is an exemplary
that had been submitted for approval and registration. Thanks to sportswoman who does not give up when faced with an appalling
Hana Zejdová, the Czech Republic achieved, for the first time in lack of support.
aviation history, the most significant successes. Now permanently
embossed in gold in the annals of the International Aviation Moving forward toward greater goals under the difficult conditions,
Federation (FAI). all without home technical support but with foreign financial and
technical assistance, is not easy, no matter how renowned one’s
The Czech Republic wins the first place among record holders in name is. With no other option left, the world’s number one record
sailplane flying, and with a very safe margin at that. It is also fourth setter is still attempting to break even more records using a forty
in the category of general aviation records, although it does not years old aircraft, namely a Caproni A21 SJA glider purchased by
compete in transport aircraft and rotary wing aircraft classes. Hana Australians in Germany and assembled from parts of five crashed
Zejdová finally became the ultimate world record holder, with 52 motor-gliders! No one in motor sports would likely attempt a world
records under her belt – the highest number ever of world records record on a motorcycle several decades old.
anyone has ever achieved in aviation sports.
Hana is probably the only top pilot in the world and the only Otto
We have here a success which will be difficult to repeat. Foreign Lilienthal medal laureate who has to look for support in places
experts all highly appreciate the benefits for Australia. Hana’s other than her own country. She is a sportswoman fighting for noble
feats earned a well-deserved reaction both within the International goals in sport, while maintaining honour and high moral standards.
Aviation Federation and worldwide. Hana became an honorary
member of the Hong Kong Aviation Club, with a multitude of It is a true story about an enormous spiritual will of man aimed
invitations to international competitions (participation limited) but at high goals, believe in them and win. In today’s world of over-
received numerous foreign awards and diplomas. commercialisation and departure from sporting ideals, and
huge amounts of cash in many cases flowing into pockets of
Previously unrecorded, Hana received an offer to head a movie on representatives of so called popular sports. The genuine story of
the history of world aviation which included her own achievements Hana Zejdová is almost unbelievable.
and fantastic future plans. It is difficult to understand why
the Aeroclub of the Czech Republic as well as the Ministry of Hana Zejdová is a rare example of a successful amateur sportswoman
Education and Sports have overlooked Hana Zejdová‘s results in the delivering top-level professional performance. In today’s world, this
representation of her country. Why they have not supported her is an exception. We cannot do more but wish her every success in her
nor publicly evaluated her achievements such as in other sports, is plans, namely the Icada Project. And particularly luck in fundraising
difficult to understand. and in recruiting sponsors who will appreciate her achievements
and commit themselves to great pioneering feats of world aviation
The financial and technical support from a state subsidy is, by – the feats for which this sportswoman has been purposefully and
old rules, administered by representatives who have for a long determinedly preparing herself for quite some time.
period of time (even decades as in the national team) not provided
comparable rewards for gliding from international competition The patronage of sponsors and supporters in exchange for her
results nor for a significant number of Czech or world records. sacrifices to and hard work for sport and pioneering efforts in
aviation is something that the activities of this outstanding pilot
Therefore Hana is an exception not only as far as the sports results really deserve.
are concerned. She stands out among sportsmen/women who
get help from the state subsidy administered to our sport. This Team of collaborators from the Czech Aviation Association and
sportswoman has not cost her mother country a penny. Finances Icada Project Quotation from a letter of congratulation: “We thank
for a sport, in which she created values worth tens of millions, are you for a heart-pleasing announcement of the outstanding sporting
divided among others. It is an irony that those who make these achievement and congratulate you not just on the first Czech
decisions are not against going to officially collect the prizes won thousand kilometres, but also on the other records. I would like to
by Hana. Yes, even the Lilienthal medal dedicated to Hana was emphasize I am very proud the first-ever thousand kilometres in
delivered at the General Conference of FAI into the hand of the the Czech Republic was achieved by a lady pilot from Brno! What
functionaries who did not invite Hana to be amongst the delegates. could this achievement be compared to? Let’s put it as follows: For
the entire aviation world, Lindbergh will always be the first man to
They did not help nor participate in any part of the winning of this submit the Atlantic Ocean; “Chuck” Yeager will always be the first
(Above: Hana enjoying the wonders of the Australian thermal skies)
high international prize. It arose from the support of several foreign one to lick the Mach speed for all in the flying business;
8 Gliding International July 2021 9
Another Hana masterpiece. An Australian “thermal sky”
at its best. “They don’t appreciate how lucky they are!”
10 Gliding International July 2021 11
THIS . . . . .
We have dedicated space to our sponsors who contributed
to our actual success like the Civil Aviation Authority of the
Czech Republic, Air Traffic Control Services, Praha - Ruzyně THE AWARD HISTORY OF THE LILIENTHAL MEDAL
The ill-fated Diana 2 which was
made available to the Czech’s
Australian record attempts, but
Airport, and the Ministry of Transportation. I would also like
to thank film director Mr. Luboš Ondráček for shooting a short
documentary movie about the historical achievements of
1938
1948
Poland
Sweden
Tadeusz Góra
for goal flight 577 kilometres
Per-Axel Persson
TEXT FROM
which proved to be a liability
rather than an expedition asset.
Czech gliding and the Hana Zejdová called “PER ASPERA AD
ASRA”. We would also like to extend our thanks to the Czech
Aviation Association for their contribution to the chapter “Who
1949
1950
1951
United States
United States
France
John C. Robinson
William S. Ivans
Marcelle Choisnet-Gohard
HANA’S BOOK
1952 France Charles Atger
H
is Hana Zejdová”, . our work and future plans. 1953 Soviet Union Victor Iltchenko, world two-seater record, ana Zejdova applied her photographic skills to the production
from Moscow to Stalingrad - (520 miles) of a delightful book entitled “The Otto Lilienthal medal
Glider Diana 2 – ser. No. 003, 1954 United Kingdom Philip Wills awarded to the Czech Republic for the first time,” a project that
“elegant” at first sight, supplied 1955 Germany Joachim Küttner
was successfully created with the help of friends who wanted to
1956 United States Paul MacCready
by a Polish manufacturer to 1957 Spain Don Luis Vicente Juez Gomez publicly acknowledge the truly historical success of their Czech
1958 Germany Wolf Hirth female friend, glider pilot Hana Zejdova.
Hana Zejdová in 2006 for her 1959 United States Richard Schreder
record long distance flights 1960 Poland Pelagia Majewska This little known publication features photographs from the
1961 Switzerland Adolph Gehriger
in Australia – had irremovable 1962 United States Paul Bikle Kangaroo Expedition to Australia and outlines the future plans of its
protagonists. The Lilienthal Medal, which Hana Zejdová received
production and construction Hana Zejdova, the Professional photographer.
1963 Germany Heinz Huth
1964 United States Alvin H. Parker for her part in the Australian project was the first awarded to a
defects and was not usable for 1965 Poland Edward Makula Czech citizen, and something not granted every day or without
1966 United Kingdom Anne Burns
safe flying. 1967 Sweden Lennart Stahlfors
extraordinary and rare achievements. It has been bestowed every
1968 Chile Alejo Williamson year since 1938 to the most successful glider pilot in the world for
1969 France Eric Nessler his or her pioneering feats. For glider pilots, it is something like
The irresponsible manufacturer 1970 Germany Hans-Werner Grosse, - German bomber pilot the “Golden Ball” Award for the best soccer player in the world.
harmed our sponsors and who established 50 world records In glider flying, it may be held in an even higher esteem than an
1971 United States Karl Striedieck Olympic gold medal.
caused the Kangaroo Expedition 1972 Poland Jan Wróblewski Twice World Champion
1965 Open/1972 Standard Class
and ICADA project big material, 1973 United Kingdom Ann Welch The Czech Republic has waited a full 61 years for the award,
financial and moral damage. One 1974 Switzerland August Hug and the first Czech national to win it is a woman. In his “HIGH
1975 Poland Adela Dankowska for her world records & her FLYERS” book published on the occasion of the 100th anniversary
wonders how the supervising winning the 1975 International of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). They evaluate
aviation authority could women’s Gliding Competition
worldwide aviation successes since its birth in 1905.
1976 Netherlands Louis A. de Lange
approve such an un-airworthy 1977 United States George B. Moffat, Jr.
1978 Germany Helmut Reichmann Pierre Morath defines what aviation records are in comparison to
aircraft to be exported beyond 1980 Austria Hans Wolf those achieved in other disciplines, how they affect the progress
the manufacturer’s country and 1981 United Kingdom George Lee - World Gliding Champion of mankind, what sacrifices they require from those who boldly
on 3 consecutive occasions
let it be sold despite the most 1982 Switzerland Hans Nietlispach strive to achieve them, and explains the difference between the
records and performance at world championships. As a matter
important thing – risk to human 1984 Australia C.E. Wallington
1985 New Zealand Sholto Hamilton Georgeson of fact, glider world championships now comprise six classes or
life. 1986 United States Dick Johnson categories, and the average number of participants is well over a
1987 Finland Juhani Horma hundred, and there are many world champions. This, in the opinion
1988 Australia Ingo Renner
1990 Germany Fred Weinholtz of FAI’s experts themselves, somehow devaluates
1991 New Zealand Raymond W. Lynskey the world champion’s title. Contrary to that,
1992 Poland Franciszek Kępka a world record cannot be divided among
1993 United States Bernald S. Smith multiple players. It belongs to a single
1994 New Zealand Terrence Delore pilot and is a historical record of its
1995 Norway Tor Johannessen
1997 Germany Manfred Reinhardt time, its technical possibilities and the
1998 United States Oran Nicks pilot‘s skill.
1999 Czech Republic Hana Zejdova
2000 Germany Klaus Ohlmann Another characteristic of record
2001 United States James M. Payne achievements is the fact that
Hana and her father 2002 New Zealand John Hamish Roake
2003 Italy Piero Morelli no flying association nominates
at Tocumwal, Australia the pilot for a record flight. Its
2004 Poland Janusz Centka
prior to their second
2005 United Kingdom Ian Strachan actors provide proof and personal
round of record attempts 2006 Australia Alan Patching organisational capabilities and
2007 United Kingdom Derek Piggott audacity during the preparation
2008 France Roland Stuck
2009 New Zealand Ross Macintyre phase or during the flights. So far
2010 Germany Reiner Rose unexplored meteorological conditions
2011 Italy Giorgio Galetto or problematic terrain provide the
2012 New Zealand Bob Henderson likelihood of both high risks and a large
2014 Not awarded multitude of dangers connected with
2015 Netherlands Loek Boermans
2016 Germany Rainer Wienzek it. Record flights are often generated from
2017 Belgium Patrick Pauwels competition flights.
2018 Not awarded
2019 South Africa Dick Bradley Besides a perfect preparation by pilot and technology, the weather
The ill-fated early Diana 2
2020 Germany Gisela Weinreich phenomenon plays an important role. Let us refer again to the
2021 United States Eric Mozer
evaluation presented in the “HIGH FLYERS”. Hana Zejdová, due to her
12 Gliding International July 2021 13
impressive feats and definitely
not by accident, is often ranked
among the most famous record
setting female glider pilots. She
is also among the most renowned
names of female test pilots and
female record holders in general
aviation and aerospace in the
hundred-year history of world
aviation. FAI know that it is the
record-breaking pioneering feats
in aviation that move technical
progress and life of mankind a
great deal forward. They acquire
the character of challenging
technical inventions.
I remember our first expedition
to Australia in search of
records, shortly after 1989.
After the dismantling of the iron
curtain, Australia was still an
unknown country. We did not
dare to disclose our ambitious
future plans to anyone. In our
promotional material seeking
sponsors.
From 1991 we set a goal for
our future expeditions – “to
overcome several world records”.
When the news of our goals
reached the officials of Czech
sports aviation, they, instead of
supporting our plans they called
them “vain promises and visions”.
They said no one had previously
ever attempted anything like Hana’’s gliding photography is exceptional. The selection in this issue endorses her abilities !
them. Not true!
During the previous, very difficult era, I had intensively attempted I believe that our team will also reach the future goals, and in larger
a number record goals, but to no avail. Public expressions on our international involvement it will bring fame to our country and
efforts and achievements were quite intense, but not for the Czech aviation by stratospheric flights and a future flight around
better. For sure no one was expecting that someone from Eastern the Earth using solar and wind energy, just like the mythical flyers
Europe could produce such significant achievements in the tables Icarus and Daedalus.
of world records. We were regarded with suspicion - of being
profiteers working only for our own benefit, and therefore bringing I am glad that I have lived long enough to see this. Despite all
no contribution to the flying community. We were even considered difficulties that this hectic era brings, we can express our spirit,
to be millionaires in disguise; after all, only the rich and powerful although it is done at the expense of frequent obstructions on the
are supposed to be able to afford costly trips abroad. The overall way to fulfil our plans and dreams. I believe that the success of the
evaluation of record performances as such was adjudged to be of Kangaroo Expedition built on international collaboration, we will
little value to the Czech aviation sport and we were excluded from manage to follow this road through to much higher goals that are
the country’s financial assistance programme. represented by the Icada project, which already begins to evolve.
Although we can hardly speak of pleasant circumstances at home, At the beginning of this article I have mentioned the names of those
we were lucky to meet up with some very fair and decent people on who have supported Hana significantly. I consider them our story‘s THE CZECH DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION HAS THIS TO SAY . . . . .”“I was introduced to Czech pilot Hana Zejdová in 1991; I was then
our journey into the future. We achieved a clear future vision, one heroes who should not stay nameless. Their contribution in big the last director of the Sportavia Soaring Centre glider pilot school, successful in record-breaking efforts. Her strong desire to fly and her
with whom we could establish a good rapport in Czechia as well solidarity on the way to peak performances in gliding, appraised by lust after records prompted us to help her in her difficult situation. Although she was known as an international Championess of Europe,
as abroad. the highest recognition within this sport, the Otto Lilienthal Medal. Championess of the Czech Republic, a record setter who had beaten men on numerous occasions, she did not have her own aircraft or
support accorded to many other, often unknown or rookie athletes. Her tremendous elan and the sacrifices she was willing to put into her
We were surprised by the friendly attitude of Australians during I apologise to all that have not been mentioned directly. We are favourite sport made us adopt a decision to support her technically and morally as much as we could. She became our great discovery. She
our preparations for our various record flight attempts. Pilots from aware that without the help of all of you who believed in Hana and set more than fifty new women’s and absolute world records here, plus several hundreds of national records. Our former Sportavia Soaring
all over the world provided a feeling of support which created this without your solidarity, Hana certainly would not have managed Centre has thus played a part in the careers of two world glider flying legends: Ingo Renner, an Australian, four times the world champion
friendly atmosphere. Hana Zejdová and her many world affiliates, to endure. Although many of you do not know each other, you and twice the world record holder, the most successful glider flying competition pilot, and the audacious Czech lady, Hana Zejdová, the
the Czech aviation Kangaroo expedition and the future plans of the formed a team which is responsible for the inclusion of the Czech ultimate glider world record setter. Both have been awarded the supreme accolade of the International Aviation Federation – the Otto
Icada Project, rank the Czech Republic among technically advanced sport aviation among the world top class. You showed an excellent Lilienthal Medal.”
countries participating in aviation pioneering efforts. example of international solidarity and disinterested collaboration.
continued page 16
14 Gliding International July 2021 15
“We, at the Centre of Transportation
Research are very pleased there still exist
people who are not satisfied with what
they have already achieved and keep their
eyes fixed on as yet unexplored horizons.
We are even more pleased by the fact these
people are involved in an aviation segment
that has already given the mankind a lot
of useful inventions and knowledge …..”
Centre of Transportation Research, Brno.
As I had a chance of seeing the Mother
Earth from an altitude of 19,000 to 20,000
metres when sitting in the pressurised
cockpit of a Mig-21 or Su-7bm, wearing a
pressurised suit and a helmet, I see the
glider flight across the Atlantic Ocean,
and later around the Earth, in stratospheric
altitudes as an extremely demanding task,
which requires perfect preparations and
even better support.
I believe that the zeal and perseverance
of Hana Zejdová and Vladislav Zejda can
make the exceptional feat come true.” Col.
(ret.) Ing. Stanislav Filip, Ex Czech Air Force
pilot, President of the Association of Flyers
of the Czech Republic “Hana and Vladislav
Zejda are not only top pilots. They also
proved their courage and the perseverance
of pioneers.
The Ikada project will not make their life
easier. The strong will to try what has not
been tried has formed the aviation of today.
The pioneers must often ignore established
schemes and rules and risk failures or
worse. I wish them strength and also luck
in the discovery of new possibilities of long
distance soaring at extreme altitudes.”
prof. Milan Danek (aerodynamics and flight
dynamics) The pioneers must often ignore
established schemes and rules and risk
failures or worse.
I wish them strength and also luck in the
discovery of new occasions, she did not
have her own aircraft or support afforded
to many other, often unknown or rookie
athletes. Her tremendous talent and the
sacrifices she was willing to put into her
favourite sport made us adopt a decision
to support her technically and morally as
much as we could.
Donald Bruce Escott ex director of the
Sportavia Soaring Centre, Australia
TOCUMWAL - Hana Zejdova and Bill Riley’s playground.
Photo: Hana Zejdova
16 Gliding International July 2021 17
In 2004, the FAI asked Pierre Morath, an
expert in history of sports and a member
of the Olympic Committee, to write a book
on the history of international aviation.
This was published a year later on the
occasion of the 100th anniversary of the
Federation‘s foundation, under the name
of “1905–2005 HIGH FLYERS, A Century
of Sporting Achievement.” The author only
marginally mentioned the accomplishments
of flying competitions. He dedicated more
space to record scoring, substantiating
his decision as follows : “records – the
heart of the matter. The history of the
FAI is inextricably linked with that of the
pioneers of the air and space and with all
the barriers they have risked their lives to
break. These records sometimes attain the
status of myth, for while the international
championships organised in various
disciplines under the aegis of the FAI are
now legion, it is the records that remain.
Perhaps more than in other sports, but
the single distinguishing feature of these
titans of the air. We came back to them a
number of times in the book. Personalities
and women’s FAI records in recent history
are recorded for posterity. This chapter on
women cannot come to a close without
mention of those who have distinguished
themselves the most over the hundred-year
history of the World Air Sports Federation.
The list is obviously not all encompassing
but certain names must be cited, notably,
for general aviation, the Russian Marina
Lavrenteyvna Popovich, who was awarded
the FAI Gold Medal in 1972 and who, as a
test pilot, collected a string of speed and
distance records throughout her career.
In space, Valentina Vladimirovna
Tereshkova (USSR) was the world’s first
woman cosmonaut. June 16-19 1963. On
board the Vostok 6, she set four women’s
records for orbital flight. Her duration was
70 hours and 40 minutes, her altitude 231.1
kilometres, and distance flown 1,970,000
kilometres. In 1951, Frenchwoman Marcelle
Choisnet was the first woman to receive
the FAI’s highest honour for gliding, the
Lilienthal Gliding Medal. At that time she
had totalled 21 women’s world records.
Over her career, she was to set 27 in
all, between 1945 and 1955. The most
prestigious among them was the 1948
duration record, with 35 hours and three
minutes. Before her, the Russian Olga
Klepikova had, in 1939, set an absolute
distance record with a score of 749,203
kilometres. Among their successors, in
addition to Poles Pelagia Majewska and
Here’s Benalla - superb Australian base used on occasions by the Czechs as
Adela Dankowska and the Englishwoman
those strove to set more world records. A World Championship location of
Ann Burns, all of them had broken many considerable merit.
world records, is the Czech Hana Zejdova, Photo: Hana Zejdova
who in just two years, 1977-1999, rewrote
the record books for gliding records, both
women’s and absolute.
18 Gliding International July 2021 19SOARING
SUPPLIES
& PILOT SHOP
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Largest Selection • 100% Customer Service • Same-Day Shipping * 2021 REVIEW
AUSTRIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS of an hour earlier. I was flying with a 51 wing loading that day. This
ST. JOHANN, MAY 29 – JUNE 5, 2021 is also my minimum wing loading that I can fly with, since I am
relatively heavy myself. On the second day I was 8km/h faster than
AIRCRAFT PARTS PILOT SUPPLIES INSTALL/ GROUND The Schleicher AS33 celebrated two podium finishes in the “mixed” the second place finisher - how did that happen? In total there
• Batteries/Chargers • Accessories MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT class - (The standard and 15 m glider combined into one class). were six scoring days in St. Johann. You had racing tasks, AATs and
• Brake Conversion Kit • Apparel Flying the 15 m version of the AS 33 Es, Guido Achleitner displayed a mixed field of gliders. So, how did the 33 do in my eyes?
• Aircraft Tubing • Canopy Cover
• Brakes & Parts • Books • Cable & Wiring • Glider Covers
superb technique while Werner Amann finished in third place in his
• Canopies/Windows/Rails • CamelBaks • Connectors and Switches • Glider Tow Bar ASG 29. It was a good contest for Schleicher sailplanes and Guido In Austria, we now fly according to the Austro Index. We created
• Contest ID & Decals • Emergency Equipment • Instrument Hardware, • Sailplane Rigger Achleitner who won the championship title. our own index list and since so few people fly in the standard class,
• Launch & Tow Equipment • Headsets Mounts & Covers • Trailer Vents we combined the 15 m and Standard class for this championship
• Seatbelt / Harness • Plotters • Pilot Relief System • Wing Stands Commenting on his success, Achleitner said “I immediately felt and flew according to our Austro Index. In the index AS 33, JS 3 and
• Skids & Tip Wheels • Seat pads & foam cushions • RAM Mounts • Wing Wheel comfortable in the AS 33. It is very easy to fly. The big unknown, Ventus 3 have the same index of 114. The index flying is of course
• TE Probes • Gifts & Gift Cards • Speakers • Tail Dolly however, was how the flight characteristics would behave with the always dependent on the weather. On really good days, you are
• Tires, Tubes & Wheels • Decals, Videos, T-Shirts, Hats • Wax & Polish • Trailer Drawer higher wing loading at 15m. In comparison, you have about 5 kg simply faster with the modern aircraft now on offer.
more wing loading with the motor - which by the way, is great to
still have in a 15m glider - that glider performs really well. However, My buddy Michael is going to the Alpe Adria Cup with the 18m
in retrospect, I have to say that I had at least 2 kg too much in version and I told him directly that he can fill the plane up to 600
the tail making it noticeably too tail-heavy - affecting the glide kg. There is absolutely nothing against flying the plane with these
performance. I noticed it immediately in the glide, but there is still excellent flight characteristics with 600 kg. We had the restriction
COBRA TRAILER AVIONICS/ TAPES/SEALS PARACHUTES a lack of experience and you have to get a feeling for where the of 525 kg for the 15m class, but I don’t think that the flight
centre of mass is best. characteristics would have been worse if I had flown with the 550
• Axle & Brake INSTRUMENTS • Cloth, Zig-Zag, Transfer, V-Seal • National
• Draw Bar • Teflon Fabric Tape with Adhesive • Paraphernalia - Softie kg wing loading. If I were to go wave flying now, I could imagine
• Airspeed Indicator
• Extras • Foam, Gap, Mylar, PTFE • Strong The weather forecast for the first day of the competition was not flying with 550 kg. On one day, I mistakenly dumped the main
• Altimeters
• Ground Handling • Combi, Dimple • MarS so good, so I flew without water for the time being, except for water ballast tank on final glide. The 33 can dump main and tail
• Antennas
• Inside Trailer the 3L in the tail, which was not necessary. But then I immediately water tanks separately. I accidentally drained the main water tank
• Compass
• Lights • ELT
noticed that I was performing much better as compared to the ASG as well. But even empty, I was gliding just as well as the comparable
• Ramp • Flight Computers 29. That day I flew with the Amann Werner and his configuration sailplanes on final glide and didn’t lose anything.
• Trailer Top & Bottom • GPS & Data Loggers made so much difference on the last leg that I was home a quarter
• Hour Meter/Clocks/Gauges Additionally, I am very supportive of the AS 33’s
OXYGEN • Power FLARM seating position. It is simply perfect, which is
EQUIPMENT • Radios/Transceiver of course very important in competition soaring.
• Aerox • Slip/Skid indicator
• Mountain High • Transponders
RÄYSKÄLÄ (FINLAND) MASTERS JUNE 9-15,
• Variometers
2021 SIX FLYING DAYS OUT OF SEVEN
PROPOSED (Open Class);
1. Petri Sucksdorf (AS 33 es) 5,030 points.
2. Hanu Halonen (Ventus 3T) 4,/877 points.
3. Mikko Nurminen (Ventus 2/18 m) 4,357 points.
RÄYSKÄLÄ (FINLAND) MASTERS JUNE 9-15,
2021 (Racing Class);.
1. Harri Hirvola (Ventus) 5,314 points.
2. Kristian Roine (LS 8 st) 5,269 points.
3. Aku Jaakkola (Discus 2A) 5,153 p.s
FREE CLASSIFIEDS
*Same-day shipping on most items.
wingsandwheels.com RÄYSKÄLÄ (FINLAND) MASTERS JUNE 9-15,
North America’s Largest (208) 994-4110 2021 (Cliub Class);
1. Tapio Tourula (LS 7) 5,546 points
Sailplane Listing 3525 W. Bavaria St.~ Eagle, ID 83616 USA “The love affair” - Guido Achleitn 2. Sakari Pyorre (LS 7) 5,013 points
wingsandwheels.com/classifieds.html sales@wingsandwheels.com and the 15m AS 33 3. Kim Toppari (LS 7) 4,833 points
20 Gliding International July 2021 212021 SPANISH OPEN CLASS CHAMPION Louis Bouderlique FRA Ventus-3TP
1. Rodriguez & Lanzieri (ASH 25) 1,736 points. Gintas Zube LTU TBA
2. Miguel Jurado Navas (Ventus) 1,558 points. Bostjan Pristavec SLO JS1c Evo Jet
3. Carlos Gonzalez de Herrero (ASW 27) 1,461 points. Marius Pluscauskas LTU TBA
Thomas Gostner ITA Ventus-3TS
2021 SPANISH CLUB CLASS CHAMPION; Christophe Abadie FRA JS3 Jet
1. Jorge Arias Riera (St Cirrus) 1,250 points Sylvain Gerbaud FRA JS1
2. Toquero and de Albert (ASK 21) 1,151 points. Philippe de Péchy FRA TBA
3. Sergi Puyol (Mini Nimbus) 1,083 points. SGP - Spain (1) ESP TBA
SGP - Sweden SWE TBA
(Seven Day Contest - Six flying days) SGP - Sweden (1) SWE TBA
SGP - Italy ITA TBA
NORWEGIAN NATIONALS - OPEN CLASS SGP - Italy (1) ITA TBA
June 13-June 20, 2021. A proposed seven day contest - scored SGP - Russia RUS TBA
only three days - 16 pilots competed, One female - Rebecca SGP - Russia (1) RUS TBA
Hansen who shared the flying in a Duo Discus, the courtesy of SGP - Usa USA TBA
Marin Bjornein. SGP - Usa (1) USA TBA
1. Per Morten LS6) 2,393 points.
2. Marin Bjornebekk & Rebecca Hansen 2,106 points FURTHER RESULTS TO BE PUBLISHED ONCE
3. Henning Lassen (Ventus 2CM/18m) with 2,091 points. EVENTS HAVE CONCLUDED
FRENCH 18 M CLASS - With just three out of seven flying days
the new National Champion in 18m is:
1. Adrien Henry (JS 3) 1.084 points.
2. Christophe Abadie (JS 3) 1.001 points.
3. Anne Ducarouge in ( JS 3) 993 points. NEW GLIDING
FRENCH OPEN CLASS - With just three out of seven flying days
the new National Champion in the Open Class is: INTERNATIONAL
FEATURE
1. Eric Bernard (JS 1c/21 m) 1,137 points.
2. Philippe de Pechy ( JS 1C/21m) 1,107 points.
3. team Bouderlique /Astrid Galaret ( ARCUS-20) 1,062 points.
• T
he new Italian 15 m. ITALIAN CHAMPION is Ricky Brigliadori,
who won three days in a row out of four flyable days.
•
The new Italian Standard Class Champion is Elena Fergnani
(Discus). She won two days out of four. The competitions were
.
flown from Varese ,(13 Standard class entries , 15m class nine.)
Gliding International directors feel we
At press time the UK Nationals (Lasham) (St. 15m and Open need to pay more attention to competition
classes) had flown only one day. - a 1000 point day flown by 19
entries and won by Andy Davis (JS 3). Seven completed the task, results and keep our subscribers better
but none in the Standard class. Open class: ;Richard Browne (JS 1C informed.
) scored the 1000 points with a speed of 96 km./h.
The Swiss Nationals [June 26-30] in mixed open and mixed 15 m. Competition organisers are requested to
suffered from the same bad weather. email pertinent competition information
The Slovak National Championship having more soarable weather
and results to Gliding International (i.e. up
at Nitra (Three classes) Nine flyable days to date. At press time, to and including the first 10 places).
Tibor Fratik in a Pegase was leading with 6.907 points.
The QUALIFYING SAILPLANE GRAND PRIX was won by The information will be printed in each
1. Gilles Navas (ASG29) (France) 50 points issue.
2. Mario Kiessling (Ventus 3T) (Germany) 43 points
3. Didier HAUS (JS 1) (France) 33 points.
Organised byAero Club Adele Orsi Acao. This series of Qualifying Results will be analysed, conclusions
SGPs is now complete. Gilles Navas and Mario Kiessling will drawn and a summary made available to
compete at Saint-Auban for the FAI World SGP Final, September competitors and to those who have a
5th - 11th, 2021
desire to be fully informed.
GRAND PRIX FINAL - NEXT SEPTEMBER
On next September, the Provence Alps, south-east France will host
the final of the current Sailplane Grand Prix (SGP). Twenty qualified
Subscribers can request a free email
pilots will race for the world title. Provisional entries are as follows: service relating to competition issues.
Tilo Holighaus
Oscar Goudriaan
GER
RSA
Ventus-3TS
JS3 Jet . GLIDING ADVERTISING - 90 YEARS AGO!
22 Gliding International July 2021 23Billionaires are “VSS UNITY” -
racing into space The Commercial
Virgin Galactic Connection
taking passengers With Space
R ichard Branson, announced this morning ( a.m. July 2) that he Friday last week, Branson spoke about Bezos and how he doesn’t
Blue Origin Jeff Bezos, founder of Blue Origin, was photographed inspecting New
will be taking his rocket ship into earth orbit on July 11, one see their plans to leave earth behind as a competition, as his project
Shepard’s West Texas launch facility before the rocket’s maiden voyage week before his 71st birthday but a likely two weeks ahead of rival has been years in the making. “I know that it’s been painted as a
billionaire, Jeoff Bezos, another American who is also interested in race, honestly I don’t think either of us see it that way,” Branson
aims to launch
creating a business version of space experience for the wealthy. told our interviewer. “We’re both doing something pretty different
stock price shot up on that news, though the long-term viability of
And you need to be wealthy too. Like $US200,000 for just minutes — the people that go up with us are going up in a spaceship —
a business model built on selling six-figure tickets to space has not
in weightlessness atop the world but still only miles from its surface they launch from the beautiful space port in New Mexico. Jeff has
persuaded every analyst. Virgin Galactic has not confirmed when
- July 20
- like around 55 miles (88 kilometres). The small “commuter (VSS a different approach so at that point we are hardly comparable.
Branson will climb aboard, though the company plans three more
Unity) with seven on board, is first flown attached to a much We’re not really in direct competition, I have enormous respect for
test flights before paying passenger flights begin.
larger jet aircraft flown to 50,000 feet (stage one)(9.45 miles) what he’s doing and I know he has enormous respect for what our
above earth. When in free flight, Unity’s pilot activates its rocket wonderful team are doing as well.”
“We’re incredibly pleased with the results of our most recent test
T hree separate companies are preparing to launch civilians into
space, with a billionaire entrepreneur at or near the front of each
line. News of progress boosted investor confidence in the business
flight, which achieved our stated flight test objectives,” Virgin
Galactic CEO Michael Colglazier said in a June 25 news release.
motor which powers “Unity” to its ultimate distance, 55 miles from
earth, where it it remains for several minutes. Likely no longer than
4-8 minutes maximum. Then starts the long time consuming return,
“We have spent 17 years trying to get to this stage. The first time I
got truly excited was yesterday when the final safety check came
“The flight performed flawlessly, and the results demonstrate the
prospects of this budding space tourism industry, though it is not gliding totally like any earth bound glider, all without motor or jet through and I was asked whether I’d like to go and, of course, the
safety and elegance of our flight system. Today’s approval by the
yet clear how soon, or how often, individual paying customers will assistance. Hence the suggestion that the crew could qualify for answer was ‘yes,’” Branson added during his GMA appearance. “I’m
FAA of our full commercial launch license, in conjunction with the
follow. the Lilienthal medal and a Gold C with three (and more diamonds). just expecting the most extraordinary trip of my lifetime and, by
success of our May 22 test flight, give us confidence as we proceed
toward our first fully crewed test flight this summer.” Real interesting stuff. pioneering it myself, an extraordinary trip of a lifetime for other
Fewer than 600 people have flown high enough to pierce the people in the future and obviously for the other five people who
boundary of space. Hundreds more are said to be waiting in “I’ve always been a dreamer” says this dynamic/dreamer promotor are going to be on board the spaceship with me — we’re all now
Amazon CEO and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos has signalled his
line, tickets in hand, for a flight above in Virgin Galactic’s Unity Branson.“ My mum taught me to never give up and to reach for the hitting the ceiling.” Come the day of the flight, Virgin Galactic
intent to launch July 20, the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon
spaceship, one of three spacecraft built by private companies with stars. On July 11, it’s time to turn that dream into a reality aboard says the flight will be live-streamed on the company’s website and
landing, and this month announced that his brother, Mark, will join
paying customers in mind. Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson the next Virgin Galactic, named after the airline he created, “This across various social media channels beginning at 9 am ET.
him on that flight. Another seat on Blue Origin’s first crewed space
may soon take his turn aboard VSS Unity, the air-launched rocket project is so professional and beautiful. I love this company so
launch was claimed with a $28 million winning bid in a charity
developed from an original design by Burt Rutan. Virgin Galactic has much - you have no idea. I am going into space!” The 70 year old founder of Virgin Galactic announced Thursday that he
auction that drew 7,600 participants from 159 countries. (The
reported selling 600 tickets for a round-trip excursion from New will travel to space as a mission specialist aboard his company’s VSS
winning bidder will be named later, Blue Origin said.)
Mexico that will include a few minutes of weightlessness. The Gateway to Mars - The adventurer, philanthropist and Unity on July 11, and will be among a six-person crew on the “Unity
troublemaker Branson, (otherwise known as Dr Yes at @virgin ) 22” mission, which is scheduled to take off from New Mexico ahead of
SpaceX founder Elon Musk sold a rocket ride aboard the Dragon
A successful VSS Unity test flight in May was followed in June by believes in turning ideas into reality. So a new space age is coming. Bezos’ New Shepard rocket, which will depart on July 20 from Van Horn,
spacecraft to fellow billionaire Jared Isaacman, an experienced Texas. The forthcoming trip to space will be Virgin Galactic’s fourth
FAA approval to carry passengers on future flights. The company’s Watch Virgin Galactic spaceflight Unity 22 LIVE on July 11 at 6 am
aviator who will lead an all-civilian crew on an orbital mission crewed spaceflight and the VSS Unity’s twenty-second flight test, the
that aims to raise more than $200 million for St. Jude Children’s PT/9 am ET. Joining him on his mission will be pilots Dave MacKay
and Michael Masucci, as well as Virgin Galactic’s chief astronaut company said. RELATED: Jeff Bezos Travelling to Space with His
Research Hospital. The Dragon capsule and Falcon 9 rocket have Brother in July: ‘Greatest Adventure with My Best Friend’. We are
completed three successful flights with NASA astronauts aboard instructor Beth Moses, lead operations engineer Colin Bennett and
Sirisha Bandla, the company’s vice president for government affairs at the vanguard of a new industry determined to pioneer twenty-
since the company made the first crewed flight to the International first century spacecraft, which will open space to everybody — and
Space Station on May 30, 2020; they were the first people launched and research operations.
change the world for good.” Sir Richard
into orbit from the United States since 2011. Isaacman and his Branson. – Sir Richard Branson, Founder,
Inspirational four crew have been training for their multi day orbital Virgin Galactic“I truly believe that space
mission, the first orbital flight by an all-civilian crew, that they plan belongs to all of us. After more than 16
to launch “no sooner than” September 30. years of research, engineering, and testing,
Virgin Galactic stands at the vanguard of
With billions of dollars spent to date on this flurry of commercial a new commercial space industry, which
space superlatives, sceptical spectators wonder how many flights is set to open space to humankind and
The cabin weere the six billionaires will
will be packed with millionaires who are able to afford tickets change the world for good,” Branson said
experience their first ever weightlessness.
priced at $200,000 or more (possibly much more) before the flight in a press release. “It’s one thing to have
pace picks up enough to create something more like an economy a dream of making space more accessible
seat on a future rocket ride. VSS Unity being “carried” to 50,000 feet below the mother ship - built specifically to provide the to all; it’s another for an incredible team to
commuter’s launching into space. The beginning to a 55 mile powerless glide back home. collectively turn that dream into reality.”
GLIDING - REQUISITE FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE NEW SPACE PROJECTS
24 Gliding International July 2021 25FIRE! FIRE!
FIVE FATALATIES IN FIVE YEARS FROM MOTOR GLIDER MID-AIR FIRES
There are solutions to this problem -
Trelleborg have recently launched Soteria FR1500 fire-resistant battery box liners. Offering a density of 1.28 g/cm3, Trelleborg’s
Soteria FR1500 material is flame-resistant to +1500ºC for up to seven hours, and has a cryogenic performance rated to -192ºC. Sheets can
be bonded or mechanically fastened to cover larger surface areas and machined to a specific shape using traditional cutting tools. This
lightweight material (flame-resistance for up to seven hours,) makes it eminently suitable as a protective material for EV
battery boxes.
SOLUTION ONE - According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), every 24 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire in
the U.S. The exact number of motor-glider fires is not accurately recorded but a year hardly goes by without our hearing about a fatality.
We decided to find a solution to the problem and identified two possible saving routines that will combat the problem, Mar-Bal Inc. (Chagrin
Falls, Ohio, U.S.), a fire retardant composites manufacturer has developed the Waste-Safe fire-resistant wastebasket. Made at the company’s
state-of-the-art 110,700-square-foot facility in Painesville, Ohio, the fire-resistant wastebaskets are made from thermoset composites with
fibreglass reinforcement and are available in a range of colours and sizes. The UL-classified and California State Fire Marshal (CSFM)-listed
product is able to contain a fire without burning, melting or collapsing, and lead to an overall improved risk management plan. Designed for
safety and efficiency, Waste-Safe wastebaskets will not burn nor contribute to a fire, are low smoke and non-toxic and feature seamless
construction. Soteria FR1500 is said to be easy to transport and install, making it suitable for both new and upgraded applications.
SOLUTION TWO It’s called FACE, which stands for Fire Activated Canister Extinguisher FACE has been
invented by San Francisco high school student Arul Mathur. He tells us that he was inspired to create it after
moving from New Jersey to California, where he discovered firsthand just how much of a threat fires pose to
people’s dwellings and I knew that I needed to do something about it.” The resulting device takes the form
of a wall-mounted metal canister with an air valve on top, an air pressure gauge on the side, and a sprinkler
head on the bottom. It’s filled with an environmentally friendly fire retardant by the name of Cold Fire. Users
initially pressurise the canister by pumping it up through its valve, utilising either a manual air pump or an
electric compressor. They then periodically check the pressure on its gauge, topping it up to about 50 psi
(3.4 bar) if necessary. Other than that, it pretty much just sits around until a fire occurs nearby. When that
happens, the heat from the flames causes a glycerine-filled bulb in the sprinkler head to burst. This allows
the pressurised water/retardant mix to shoot out the bottom of the canister and deflect off the sprinkler
itself, spraying 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m) in all directions. The device doesn’t have to be connected to the home’s water supply or electrical
system, plus it can be refilled after each discharge using a kit – and unlike a handheld fire extinguisher, it does its job even if no one is
home to operate it. Should you be interested, FACE is presently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. Assuming it reaches production, a
pledge of US$99 will get you one. The planned retail price is $120, although the price per unit will be less if multiple devices are purchased.
26 Gliding International July 2021 27You can also read
