It's been a big week for announcements in the world of Competitive Wingsuiting.
First off, the FAI came to a decision on the highly debatable topic of altitude for the Competition Window of Performance Flying. This argument had been brewing for a long time. The current altitude for the window is between 3000 and 2000 metres, at the World Championships in particular we saw a lot of problems being caused due to bad weather and clouds, making it hard to ascend in the aircraft to the required altitude. This resulted in a lot of fuel being wasted by the organizing Drop Zone and therefore a lot of money too. The simple truth is no D.Z will want to host these events if they keep running them at a loss. On the flip-side to that of course is the aspect of safety and the concern that lowering the altitude for the window also brings people closer to the ground. This would reduce time that a Wingsuit Pilot would have to safely open their main parachute if they were out of control and spiralling towards the ground in a high-speed flatspin. You can see how that might be important too.. For now the Competition Window will remain at the same altitude. Although nothing came from the hot topic at this stage, at least we can all see that the wheels are starting to turn and that everyone wants to see this sport grow. In other news, it has just been announced that the 2017 World Cup for Wingsuiting will be held at Las Vegas in early November. This year will not be a World Championship which means I will retain my World Title until at least 2018. That doesn't mean it won't be a fierce battle though, if the past 2 years of progression in this sport are anything to go by then you can expect to see huge leaps in performances. I'm expecting to see records getting smashed and I'll be training accordingly. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions on how to get in to Competitive Wingsuiting or how to train. Ciai for now, Cruza.
4 Comments
sudeep
1/31/2017 06:44:40 pm
Whats the difference between wingsuit world cup and world wingsuit championships?
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Cruza
2/1/2017 11:07:14 am
Hi Sudeep,
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Sudeep
2/1/2017 11:22:03 am
Thanks! Looking forward to jump with you. There isn't a whole lot of difference as far as I can make out.. A world Cup doesn't quite have the same prestige as a Championship but that is in the eye of the beholder. Both are still run by the FAI and category 1 events. The only difference from my point of view is that I don't get any financial help for registration of the World Cup! That's a big difference from where I'm standing. :P Leave a Reply. |
Chris GeilerF.A.I World Champion, Archives
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