Baudouin Litt ("Baude" for the friends), a retired Belgian Air Force fighter pilot (Mirage V and F-16) and a former co-worker of the BMSO, has already, for many years, a rather remarkable hobby (or should I say, passion ?). He is an extremely talented glider or soaring pilot (Google his name to discover his achievements).
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Carine and I were very interested by this "something out of the ordinary" and so we visited last Sunday, the Region 4 North Soaring competition at Fairfield (PA). About 40 glider pilots compete during a week for the Regional title on a different speed circuit. Spectacular moments were the launch and the low pass finishes. Baude competed with his own glider (tail sign "LBL").
Soaring offers a sense of freedom unique in sports. The intellectual challenge of soaring is its main appeal to many glider pilots. Gravity tells you that you and your machine, which together may weigh 500 to 2000 pounds, have no business staying aloft and that your place is on the ground since you have no engine to stay airborne. You know that the sun and the wind are providing an invisible force frequently far stronger than the force of gravity, but it's up to you to make the most of that force through your interpretation of it and of your own pilot skills. The best combination brings the longest flight, the highest altitude gain, or the fastest speed in a contest.
More pictures ? Click HERE.