U.S. Glider Aerobatic Team

08/06/2023

Contest Update - The 2023 World Advanced Glider Aerobatic Championships (WAGAC) has come to a close. It was a year challenged by weather, but the contest organizers and competitors prevailed. We were unable to finish program 4, which marks the first time in nearly a decade that a championship was decided on three flights. It was a great honor to represent our country and to spend time amongst some of the best glider aerobatic pilots in the world. We are looking forward to the continued growth of the U.S. Glider Aerobatic team and participation at future WGAC/WAGAC events. Congratulations to all the individual flight winners and the world champions on their victories.

08/02/2023

Contest report - The wet weather persists. The advanced category endured another 48 hour delay in completing program 3 (Free/Unknown). The first 1/3 of the advanced competitors completed their flights on Monday, while the remaining pilots had to wait until this afternoon. High winds, intermittent clouds in the box, and a few small rain storms provided additional challenges for todays pilots and slowed the contests progress. Team USA finished with great marks. We’re sad to report that Malory has withdrawn from the contest after reagrivating a back injury. We wish him the best and a speedy recovery. Time to begin preparing for program 4.

07/31/2023

Contest report - Program 2 (Unknown 1) is finally in the books. It took more than 48 hours to complete the program for the Advanced group due to multiple weather delays. Team USA had mixed results, but our spirits are high and we’re looking forward to program 3 (Free Unknown).

07/28/2023

2023 WAGAC - Program 1 (Free/Known)

07/28/2023

Contest Report - the rain has passed but low ceilings persist. No contest flying will happen today. Forecast looks better tomorrow morning and the field is set for Unknown 1.

07/27/2023

Welcome to Toruń! Let’s go Team USA!

07/27/2023

Team USA Practice run!

07/27/2023

Contest report - the first official contest day is in the books. All team members were able to complete their free/known programs. Results were mixed but overall very positive. Last night was the opening ceremonies, which were attended by all contest competitors, FAI & contest officials, and local leaders. Patience was the name of the game today as low clouds were a problem in the box throughout the day. Figure selection was completed for tomorrows first of 5 potential unknowns and the Unknown 1 was published by the contest jury. These contests are a marathon, not a sprint, and team USA is feeling strong and prepared.

07/26/2023

Contest Report - today is the last practice day. Opening briefing and ceremonies are this afternoon along with figure selection for the first of five unknowns. The team is fully assembled and has spent the last few days acclimating to the new time zone, practicing, and taking in some of the local sights/cuisine. First contest flights begin tomorrow, July 27th. Team USA is grateful for the hospitality shown to us and for the graciousness of the Polish team to loan us an MDM Fox to compete in.

07/01/2023

Meet the members of the 2023 U.S. Advanced Glider Aerobatic Team

DONATE | News and Updates | Pilot Bios Meet the U.S. Advanced Glider Team.jpg Click on the Competitor's name for their bio. [collapsed title=Shad Coulson] Shad Coulson Team Captian.jpg [/collapse] [collapsed title=Mallory Lynch] Mallory Lynch Team Manager.jpg [/collapse] [collapsed title=Joe Gerner]...

06/30/2023

Team members Mallory Lynch and Shad Coulson just completed a 3 day training camp in preparation for the 2023 WAGAC. Big thanks to our main tow pilot Nate and Williams Soaring Center for the tow support. Big thanks also to for the coaching. Preparations continue and we’re excited for the trip to Toruń Poland and for the opportunity to represent the U.S. on the world stage.

05/11/2023

It is an incredible honor to be selected to represent your country at an international level. Unfortunately, it is also an incredible expense and is a burden often left to the individual competitors.

We are asking for help to offset the costs of the competition so we can field a strong, united, and well-prepared team that will represent the U.S. with pride and distinction. Your generous donations will be used to help cover costs associated with travel, lodging, registration fees, aircraft rental, aircraft towing, and coaching.

We appreciate your support and involvement! Please share this with your local clubs and anyone you think would be interested in supporting the team.

Dear Friends, Each year, the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), whic… Shad Coulson needs your support for Help send Team USA to the 2023 WAGAC