The sixth international paragliding competition “Desant na Drvar” began on Sunday in Drvar, and this year’s edition, which runs until August 29, will bring together 80 pilots from 24 countries.
105 pilots registered for the competition, but due to organizational requirements, the number of participants is limited to 80. This year’s “Desant na Drvar” is being held as a PrePWC, or test competition related to the Paragliding World Cup format, with which the organizers want to further confirm Drvar’s organizational and flying capacities for a possible hosting of the World Cup in the future.
Competition organizer Marko Zarač said that the first day is planned to familiarize the pilots with the terrain, possible dangers and procedures that they need to follow during the competition.
“Through a briefing, we will familiarize the pilots with the terrain, possible dangers and all important information, including who to contact in case of problems. This will be followed by a short socializing and test flight for those who have already arrived,” said Zarač.
Official competition flights begin on Monday. Before each competition day, depending on the weather conditions, the take-off location, flight direction and the given route will be determined.
“We determine the starting point, and then the waypoints are set and the route is defined,” explained Zarač.
During the competition, the pilots will fly on given routes between 60 and 150 kilometers long, depending on the weather conditions. Their movements are monitored via satellite equipment, so the races will be able to be followed in real time.
The competition is included in the official calendar of the International Aeronautical Federation (FAI) Hang Gliding and Paragliding Commission, or CIVL, as an international competition of the second category – Cat.2.
The main take-off location is the Kruškovac airfield in the area of the Podovi settlement, about four kilometers from the main road Drvar – Bosanski Petrovac.
The competition program will last throughout the week, and the winner is scheduled to be announced on Saturday, August 29.
