The World Gliding Championships are coming back to Uvalde, Texas!
In August 2024 the Uvalde airport (Garner Field KUVA) will be buzzing with the 38th FAI World Gliding Championships. This world-class event is organized by the Soaring Society of America, under the auspices of the National Aeronautics Association of the USA, at the direction of the FAI Gliding Commission (IGC) as hosted by the Uvalde Soaring Association. Soaring pilots in the Open, 18 meter, and Multi-seat classes from over thirty countries will compete for the coveted title of World Champion at this event. Uvalde is famous for its Texas-sized hospitality and some of the best soaring conditions possible.
World Gliding Championships (WGC) are the highest expression of the sport, with the best sailplane pilots worldwide coming together to determine a champion in each of the three classes. Championships typically last ten to twelve days, with courses of 100 to 400 miles (160 to 600 km) set each day the weather is suitable. Uvalde has hosted two World Championships, the first in 1991 and another in 2012.
Uvalde is located on the edge of the famous Texas Hill Country, where intense solar heating routinely produces superb thermal soaring. On a good Uvalde day, cloudbases might be 6,000 to 8,000 feet AGL (1,800 to 2,500 meters) with climbs consistently around 5 to 8 kts (2.5 to over 4 m/sec.). Prevailing South or southeast winds often produce cloud streets that extend over large distances – pilots commonly report covering 60 miles (100 km) without circling. On a strong day, winning speeds may approach or exceed 90 mph (150 kph).
See the Schedule for specific dates and events.
The International Gliding Commission (IGC) is the international governing body for the sport of gliding. Governed by meetings of delegates from national gliding associations, the IGC is one of several Air Sport Commissions of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale.
The Soaring Society of America (SSA) is the national organization responsible for soaring in the USA. Formed in 1932 to forster and promote all phases of soaring, both nationally, and internationally.