6
international gliders
fill the skies at the 2016
asia pacific f3k open
IT WAS WITH A NEWFOUND SENSE OF PRIDE AND EXCITEMENT THAT VICTORIA’S RADIO
CONTROL GLIDING ASSOCIATION (RCGA) HOSTED THE 2016 ASIA PACIFIC F3K OPEN AT
LONGWOOD, VICTORIA IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
It was the biggest F3K event of its
kind ever held in in Australia and the
first since F3K Hand Launch Radio
Controlled Gliders were promoted
to an official class by the Federation
Aeronautique Internationale (FAI),
the international body responsible
for the global governance of
aeromodelling.
Thirty-one competitors from seven
nations were welcomed by event
coordinator Shona Guest and fellow
members of the RCGA.
“It was fantastic to be able to have
so many people from the Asia
Pacific region come to Australia.
We really gave them a taste of our
Aussie hospitality and lingo,” said
Shona.
The very hot and windy weather
made for tough conditions but
that didn’t wilt the camaraderie of
visiting pilots and their families,
or the enthusiasm of the locals
who turned out in big numbers to
support the event.
Everyone pitched in transporting
competitors, providing
accommodation, serving meals,
sweeping dust and making sure
the tents didn’t fly off. Competitors
were also grateful to Richard and