PWC Bulgaria · Day 2

Date
Distance: 113.08 km
SSS: 13:00
Task deadline: 18:00

AI-generated feedback summary

Responses: 49
Satisfaction: 4.49/5
Safety: 3.92/5

Overall, pilots rated the task very positively, while safety was viewed as generally acceptable but noticeably more mixed. Many comments thanked the organizers for a good or excellent day, alongside recurring safety concerns that could be addressed in future task planning.
Many pilots liked the task quality, describing it as good, well adapted to the meteo, beautiful, and enjoyable; a few said it was slightly too short because the day was so good. A few also felt the first leg followed the mountain for too long and could be more interesting with turnpoints alternating between the flats and mountains.
Several pilots raised safety concerns about limited landing options, especially over the large forest area, the south ridge, and the section from TP2 to ESS or the final westbound leg. Some noted this was particularly concerning for pilots behind the lead gaggle who might have to cross less landable terrain alone or take a less direct route to stay near landing options.
Several comments mentioned challenging conditions, including rough air at the beginning, possible lee-side flying on the first part, north or east wind effects, turbulence near takeoff, and dust devils on launch and landing. Pilots suggested avoiding staying on the main mountain in north wind and using the flats or front mountains when appropriate.
Several pilots asked for more takeoff time and earlier preparation, such as sending the task QR in advance, allowing launch soon after briefing, or setting a later start gate; one concrete suggestion was to have about one and a half hours before the start gate. A few also asked for more launch assistance, ideally from experienced local or BG pilots, and for pilots to prepare on the sides to reduce crowding in the center.
Pilot behavior was mostly described positively, with a few pilots noting nice gaggle flying and no aggressive flying despite rougher conditions early in the task. One concern was that too many pilots gathered in the center at takeoff, which affected launch flow and safety.
Organization received appreciative comments, especially retrieve, with one pilot specifically praising the Mercedes jeep pickup after bombing out on a hill. Isolated improvement ideas included providing a more substantial sandwich and continuing to refine route choices to preserve landing options while keeping the task enjoyable.