The 2008 edition of the International Air Rally of Malta will be held from today to Wednesday, on the theme of “39 Years of European General Aviation Ties”.
A total of 26 light aircraft will be participating, coming from seven European countries, and bringing with them some 80 participants. The main entries this year are coming from eight major European countries – the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Holland, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland. The first aircraft in will be flown by Janet Fitzpatrick who resides in France.
Another important visitor to the International Air Rally of Malta 2008, is the participation of another Bulldog Trainer Aircraft, similar to the ones in the batch sold to the Armed Forces of Malta
The year 2008 will see the 2,980th participant in the air rally, since 1969, bringing to Malta 1,094 light aircraft from 25 countries in Europe, North Africa, the Far East, and the United States of America.
The rally has had to move from Park 4 for the second time in 28 years. The first light aircraft start arriving today at 11.50am. The arrival of aircraft will be at a 10-minute interval up to 5.30pm. More aircraft will be arriving on tomorrow up to 1.30pm.
Competitions
Pilots will be tested for their precision flying by keeping strictly to the second in their designated arrival over Giordan Tower, and navigation skills through a flight planning Competition. Marks will also be given for the upkeep and safety of their aircraft.
A further exciting competition takes place between Gozo Giordan Tower and Luqa Air Traffic Tower through an elapse time flying competition. Upon arrival at Park 3 at Malta International Airport, they will be put through a further test of a spot landing competition on the 05 side of the airport, which becomes more exciting with every aircraft touching down.
New technologies are being used to judge this competition for the second time, using cameras and laptop to judge precisely the touch down spot. This setup has been ably taken up and put to practice by Ing. Henri Portelli, aided by spot landing members. Finally a Concours d’Elegance competition will be judged by four judges led by Joe Chetcuti. The air rally chairman, Capt. George E Kissaun, committee members, hostesses and voluntary staff will welcome pilots and their friends at Malta International Airport with a glass of champagne.
The overall winner of the International Air Rally of Malta will be presented with the Falcon Trophy on Tuesday, 1 July during the prize giving ceremony at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard at 7pm. Rallyists leave Malta on Wednesday morning.