Local pilot flies to New Zealand record

Edouard Devenoges of the Tauranga Gliding Club has set a New Zealand speed record in the “World Class” gliding division.

The “World Class” in gliding is a one type class of Glider also known as the PW5. With an eleven metre wingspan and a maximum weight including the pilot of 300kg, pilots can compete at local level through to World level competition. The Tauranga club has two PW5 Gliders for members to use.

Devenoges has flown his PW5 locally and in New Zealand National competitions since the class was introduced in the 1990s and is an instructor at the club.

Devenoges’s motivation came while working as Gliding New Zealand’s awards/records Officer where he was encouraged to set some records of his own. This required specific paperwork and approvals as he could not approve his own record.

“Not earth shatteringly fast, but now I know the way I should be a lot quicker next time,” Devenoges said.

The flight followed a course along the South Western side of the Kaimai Range from the Highway 29 Road crossing to a point Near Te Aroha.. The 100 kilometre return distance was covered at a speed of 94.23 kph.

For further information contact
Roy Edwards
Ph 021 923517