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Birdman aims for jackpot

Aug 16 2009 by David Black, Sunday Sun

“I flew 85.9 metres at Worthing last year, so I am only about 14 metres away from winning the jackpot. I would love to do it. I know it can be done because I have flown 117 metres in practice.

“I am gradually getting closer, but it comes down to a jump of 12 seconds in the air and the wind and weather conditions have to be perfect.”

The £30,000 jackpot prize has never been won in the 30-year history of the event. Birdman rules say flying machines can be any shape and size but must have no engines, pulleys, mechanics or even elastic bands.

Ron, a hang gliding and paragliding instructor who runs his own Northumbria Air Sports business, is supported by British Holidays, who provide a caravan for him and his family to stay in during the Birdman event.

He said: “I will be taking my Geordie Flyer adapted hang glider with me this time, and also a new rigid-wing mini sailplane which I have been building for three years.”

The International Birdman contest had to be moved to Worthing last year after the Bognor event was cancelled because of the decision to shorten its pier and concerns over the continuing ability of the listed structure to support the weight of the 35ft-high launch platform.

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