Daredevil pilots took off and landed without a runway on a Belgian beach today as part of the world’s first short take off and landing competition on sand.
Thousands of spectators turned out for the event at a beach in Knokke-Heist that attracted pilots from all over the world.
The first event, the Zoute AirTrophy, saw pilots take off and land in the space of just a few yards. Both the take off and landing distance are then added up, with the shortest distance declared the winner.
The event was organised by ex-military pilot Sam Rutherford who wanted to combine the skill of landing on beaches with short take off and landing competitions.
Last month Mr Rutherford told Reuters: ‘Aeroplanes landing on beaches has been done and STOL competitions have existed almost since the aeroplane has existed itself, all we are doing is put the two together.’
Some of the lighter planes in the competition needed just six metres to land, whereas a passenger jet typically uses more than a mile.
The event began on Thursday June 14 and ended today.
Thousands of spectators gather on a beach at Knokke-Heist in Belgium today for the end of the world’s first short take off and landing competition on sand
Sam Rutherford, who organised the event, wanted to combine the skill of landing on a beach with traditional short take off and landing competitions
The first event, the Zoute AirTrophy, saw daredevil pilots take off and land in the space of just a few yards on the sandy beach
Both distances travelled in landing and taking off are added up, and the pilot with the shortest combined distance is declared the winner
Mr Rutherford said: ‘Aeroplanes landing on beaches has been done and STOL competitions have existed almost since the aeroplane has existed itself, all we are doing is put the two together’
Some of the lighter planes in the competition needed just six metres to land, whereas a passenger jet typically uses more than a mile
The competition began on Thursday June 14 and ended today. Thousands of spectators watched the event which is a world first
The event was organised by Vintage Air Rally who organise events around the world involving vintage planes
The unusual day out seemed to keep spectators of all ages entertained throughout the weekend-long event
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