Britain’s finest … British Paramotor Championships 2014. Expect similar wide open grassy fields and rolling landscape at Popham 2016
A change in venue means the Paramotor World Championships 2016 will now be held at a famous Spitfire airfield in the south of England, from 20-27 August 2016.
Popham Airfield is a well known airfield an hour south west of London. It has two grass airstrips and is home to Britain’s famous Spitfire Flying Club.
Announcing the new venue co-organiser Barney Townsend said: “We are fully confirmed at Popham. They are very used to holding big events and know what they are letting themselves in for! So yes, it’s confirmed for the World Championships.”
The Paramotor World Championships will be held alongside the Microlight World Championships.
In a statement, organisers said they were very happy to be going to Popham. “Popham is an historic airfield, home to the Spitfire Flying Club and situated in picturesque rolling countryside less than one hour’s drive from London and within easy range of the beautiful south coast and the Isle of Wight.”
Mike Chilvers will be meet director. A veteran of the British Paramotor Team Chilvers has directed a number of British national paramotor championships.
Organisers said: “Pilots can expect a challenging and efficient competition that will set new standards for international championships.”
Key dates for the competition are:
1 April: Registration for pilots and teams opens on the competition website
16 July: Deadline for ‘early bird’ preferential entry fee rates
15-19 August: Arrival of pilots on site and training flights
20 August: Opening ceremony:
20-26 August: Competition flying days:
Saturday 27 August: Closing ceremony and awards
Tasks will consist of ‘classic’ competition tasks: Navigation, Precision, and Economy.
Navigation tasks involve long-distance flying, in which pilots typically cross a start gate and then navigate a route through a a series of waypoints over a period of up to 90 minutes before crossing a finish point and returning to the airfield. Scoring is conducted through GPS-logged tracks.
Precision tasks are either landing based or slalom-based. Pilots fly timed circuits around a course of inflatable pylons or poles.
Economy tasks consist of taking off with a measured quantity of fuel and using thermals to fly for as long as possible whilst still being able to return to the airfield.
Popham Airfield
Organisers are looking for marshals and volunteers to help make sure the competition runs smoothly. Barney said: “Marshalling is a great experience, not only to see all of the competition action from the very front row, but to develop your own skills as a pilot and learn all about competition flying.
“Many of those who marshal find themselves competing soon after. Marshals will get free camping on site throughout the competition as well as other benefits. If you would like to get involved in this way, please register your interest through the competition website.”
For more information see the competition website at www.wmpc2016.com
