Continental records

[Laura Nelson]

It seems that getting continental records is the latest challenge for pilots, seeing that World Records are getting harder to break.

 

As there are NO official African Continental records as yet, it could be fairly easy to get as any distance can count. However, there is a downside to this. See a later point.

 

To apply for such a record, the following must happen:

 

1.    The pilot must have his local licence and FAI licence - if he is paid up with SAHPA, the FAI Sporting licence is automatic.

 

2.    Have an Official Observer along to witness the attempt, check the instruments and documents, and make sure that no foul play is taking place (cheating by driving part of the distance, or being in another type of aircraft, or having the instruments fly with another pilot, etc). The OO is also the only person who may download the tracklog from a gps and/or the barograph from the vario.

 

3.    The pilot must make the declaration of which records he is going to attempt to set before the flight.

 

4.    The pilot and the OO must inform the local body and the FAI Records of the successful attempt(s) after the flight.

 

5.    The pilot and the OO must make sure that all documentation is properly completed and sent in to the local body.

 

6.    Unfortunately a continental record must still be declared a National Record as well (a World Record requires the same thing), which means that to set African Continental records, SA pilots will have to beat other SA records that had already been officially recognised. For example, Nevill Hulett's 502km record. Or Des Pansi's SA women's record of 200odd km. The Continental Record has not been set yet, so a pilot from (for example) Austria or Great Britain can set a distance record of 250km as the African Continental record as long as their country's official distance record is less than that. A South African will have to beat 502km, because Nevill's World record is also the official SA record and no lesser distance can ever be declared a National Record. Pity, even if it is somewhat unfair.

 

7.    The local body (SAHPA and Aero Club in SA) must verify that everything has happened as indicated.

 

So there is a good chance that hang glider pilots can feature on the African Continental list, as there are very few official SA records in that sport. Hence it is really possible to get a few records on the books! If one of the pilots from another country does not put it out of reach.

 

Of course, we can also try to beat the Asian or South American or European or any continent's current records, at any time. They are also up for grabs, albeit by still having to beat our own National Records!

 

Just out of curiosity, I will get confirmation that an SA paragliding pilot will definitely have to beat Nevill's record in order to get a distance Continental Record on any continent.

 

Best regards

 

Laura Nelson
Funwings CC
P O Box 8587 Edenglen 1613
Tel: (011) 609-1678
Fax: 086-618-2057
Cell: 082-678-1392

 

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