July 1-2, 2009 the Grand Aero Challenge took place in Balatonfüred. In this stunt-flying competition the professional competitors of several nations compared their skills in three events; Francesco Fornobaio from Italy, Peter Steiman from Germany, Nigel Hopkins from South-Africa and Zoltán Veres from Hungary. At first they competed in synchronized stunt-flying. During the synchronised flying two planes are doing the same routine, just as in synchronised swimming. The second event was the balloon hunt, when a balloon filled with helium was released to the air, and the pilots had to hunt it down within a certain area. In the third, also the last event the pilots completed a freestyle programme to the music of their choice.

In the course of the twodays event on July 1 the practices took place, whilst today, on July 2 the edgy combats were on the programme. From the Tagore promenade of Balatonfüred and the surrounding beaches nearly five thousand people were observing the interesting combats all the way through the event.

The first race of the Grand Aero Challenge ended up successfuly. According to the plans it will be staged again next year in Balatonfüred and on several international sites also.

Results:

Synronised stunt-flying

I. Zoltan Veres, Hungary
II. Nigel Hopkins, Republic of South Africa
III. Fransesco Fornabaio, Italy
IV. Peter Steiman, Germany

Balloon hunt

I. Nigel Hopkins, Republic of South Africa
II. Zoltan Veres, Hungary
III. Peter Steiman, Germany
IV. Fransesco Fornabaio, Italy

Freestyle

I. Zoltan Veres, Hungary
II. Fransesco Fornabaio, Italy
III. Nigel Hopkins, Republic of South Africa
IV. Peter Steiman, Germany

Summary

I. Zoltan Veres, Hungary
II. Nigel Hopkins, Republic of South Africa
III. Fransesco Fornabaio, Italy
IV. Peter Steiman, Germany