SAFA Skysailor Magazine

16 SKY SAILOR November | December 2020 Due to Covid restrictions, this year’s Dalby Big Air hang gliding competition, usually one of the biggest aerotow comps in Australia, this year saw only pilots from across Queensland soar high over the Western Downs, promoting this beautiful region as well as attempting to grow the sport. The Dalby Big Air competition, held earlier this year from 20 to 26 September, is renowned for its ideal soaring conditions, smooth thermals and excellent road network that facilitates easy retrieves. Despite only attracting a smaller number of pilots from across the state of Queensland this year, Event Organiser Bruce Crerar said, it was still a friendly, fun competition that brought a ‘family’ of pilots together for a week of flying. Many hardworking and passionate people came together for the event to ensure its success despite Covid. Bruce and Annie Crerar have been involved in the local hang gliding scene in Dalby since 1990 and with the Dalby Hang Gliding Club since 2003, with Annie has been involved for 13 years and acted as the Big Air comp director while Bruce has been the comp organiser for 11 years. This friendly, fun competition, situated in the country town of Dalby – the central hub of a vast cotton and sorghum growing district – is about introducing pilots to the excellent flying conditions and spectacular region, as well as supporting novice and intermediate pilots to ensure the longevity of the sport. “This area has a rich history in the sport, with some of the competing pilots being mates for more than 40 years. This event is an important part of keeping the sport alive,” said Bruce, Dalby Big Air