THE 98 SCHNEIDER CUP (Cont'd 3)

What are the lessons of this first edition, what are the perspectives for the years to come ?

Lessons are very positive:

1/ This is the only competition that is entirely in view of the public and the media, and the only one for amphybian or hydro multiaxis ultralights in Europe. This is hence a very popular competition, with the warranty that attention will be drawn on the organizing town, the competitors, and their sponsors. Presence of the TV is an additional asset.

2/ The handicap formula allows any pilot, without experience penalty, and any ultralight, without power or building method penalty, to compete. As a matter of fact, a very good pilot with an old ultralight will win against a less experienced pilot flying a top notch brand new ultralight.

3/ Security, be it for pilots, ultralights or visitors was perfect.

4/ With three factory aircraft on the start line, the Iniziative Industriali Italiane demonstrated that the interest of manufacturers truely exists. In this case, they were right, as they won the 1st, 4th and 5th places, which will allow the III to use this success on a marketing basis.

What about the future ?

In 1999, a Targa will again take place, and we will inform you as soon as the details will be available.

Actually, the Schneider Cup is made of two distinct competitions, raced on the same circuit and dates:

a/ the Targa, which are a promotional and selection race, open to all serial made multiaxis ultralights, that allow to compete against participants of other nations.

b/ the true Schneider Cup, which should, in year 2000 or 2001, allow ultralights especially built for that race, or derivated from serial ones, represent their country according to the historical Schneider Cup's formula. The only difference being that these aircrafts will have to comply with the ultralight regulations and the races' regulations (the later to ensure security).

In both cases, there should not be more than 3 ultralights for each nation (this regulation will probably not yet apply to the 99 Targa). Should a large number of competitors apply, the relevant country will organize a national Traga to find and select its three best representatives.

This together is the Schneider Cup: a unique opportunity to regularly see a race between nations.

This is as well a unique opportunity for the manufacturers to promote their aircrafts and to demonstrate their know-how.

Last, this is for the pilot's sponsors the warranty to get important press coverage.

CALLING PILOTS AND MANUFACTURERS:

Should you be a good amphybian or hydro ultralight pilot, should you have or manufacture that kind of aircraft, should you wish to take part in this challenge, please contact us.

ULM Europe will ensure communication with pleasure. Should you be in Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, or any other country, we will forward your requests to the organization.

That green flag allowing to enter water, this brieffing, the TV cameraman might be for you.

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