18th FAI European Paragliding Championships · Day 2

Date
Distance: 80.44 km
SSS: 13:15
Task deadline: 18:00

AI-generated feedback summary

Responses: 69
Satisfaction: 4.70/5
Safety: 4.78/5

Based on the averages, pilots rated both task satisfaction and task safety very highly, with safety viewed especially positively. Many pilots praised the task committee, organization, food, and the overall day.
Task quality was generally seen as great, but several pilots felt the task was too short for the day’s conditions and could have been longer. A few pilots wanted more route options and decision-making rather than everyone following the same optimum line “like a train.”
Several pilots reported strong, violent, or bumpy thermals, especially on the way to ESS and on the last leg, with some collapses including severe ones. Isolated comments mentioned low-altitude turbulence in the Prilep area and incidents that were not considered task-related.
Several pilots raised safety concerns about the SSS/start cylinder position near the Crocodile Hills or little ridge, saying it encouraged pilots to take the start from outside and then make a course reversal or 180-degree turn in a large gaggle. Suggested fixes included moving the SSS farther out onto the flats or adjusting the cylinder size so pilots can take the start in the race direction.
Pilot behavior was a recurring concern: several comments mentioned crowded or aggressive thermaling, pilots turning opposite directions in gaggles, blocked radio frequency, and weak takeoff skills for this level of event. Pilots suggested reminders about thermaling etiquette and more training or discipline around takeoff and gaggle flying.
A few pilots felt the final glide could be improved, including concerns about gliding over black fields and having a downwind final that left low pilots needing a stressful turn into wind to land. Several pilots were observed landing downwind, so a future goal or final-glide direction more aligned with landing safety was suggested.
Organization was strongly appreciated, and several practical improvements were suggested, including more water or watermelon for hydration and larger flags at takeoff and the landing field. One comment also recognized that the SSS may have been a reasonable last-minute compromise without delaying briefing.