10/10/2025
The skies above Forbes came alive over the NSW Labour Day long weekend as pilots from around the country gathered for the annual event. Forbes is famous for — flatland flying, friendly mentoring and the unmistakable spirit of the hang gliding community.
Four of Australia's top pilots — Jonny Durand, Steve Blenkinsop, Glen McFarlane and Guy Hubbard — led the teams this year. Each has represented Australia at World Championships, and their experience provided invaluable guidance for the mix of novice, intermediate and advanced pilots.
Friday's practice tows offered a great warm-up for the weekend ahead. Many pilots enjoyed take off and landing practice before the welcome party, highlighted by an Italian dinner cooked by Vicki, Greg, Elena and Marco.
Good food and a friendly buzz set the perfect tone for the weekend.
Saturday saw teams formed to balance skill levels and maximise learning.
Under blue skies and a light southwesterly, the first task was set: an out and-return of 60 km for the advanced group, led by Glen McFarlane, with a 30 km goal for newer pilots. Thermals rose to about 5,000 ft, ideal for a challenging yet achievable day of flying.
Glen's team led off, followed by Guy Hubbard's intermediate crew, while Steve Blenkinsop and Jonny Durand guided the single-surface pilots. They helped three of their group reach goal — one achieving their first-ever cross-country flight.
Glen and his team reached the turnpoint but faced a tough headwind home, with Drewe completing the full task alongside Glen. Guy's group also performed strongly, with two pilots making the waypoint and Brett flying the furthest. By evening, there were many smiles and stories.
Sunday's strong winds grounded the fleet, but pilots still learned plenty. A Q&A session with the team leaders turned into an impromptu masterclass, with Jonny discussing landing techniques and Rohan Taylor presenting updates from SAFA. The evening brought a home cooked Mexican dinner, and a relaxed presentation with Steve Blenkinsop presenting 3 pilots with their FAI Bronze badge. While still leaving time for the NRL Grand Final!
Calmer weather on Monday allowed for landing practice, with around 35 tows as pilots put new techniques to use.
In total, the weekend saw 171 tows without incident — a credit to the organisation and the professionalism of everyone involved.
It was wonderful to see Curt Warren back teaching, he ran an aerotow endorsement course alongside the event for three new pilots, including his 15-year-old son Wylie! Big welcome to the 3 new pilots Tim, Jakota and Wylie.
A huge thank-you to all involved in bringing this event to life. Especially to our tug pilots, Blaino and Marco, for their patience and precision in the tow paddock; to the Forbes Aeroclub for their warm hospitality; and to the dedicated retrieve drivers who ensured every pilot made it safely back home.
And of course, our heartfelt appreciation to Bill and Molly Moyes for once again allowing us to fly from BMIA (Bill Moyes International Airport) — the spiritual home of Australian flatland hang gliding.
The Forbes Team Challenge remains one of the most rewarding events on the calendar. Pilots leave with new skills, new friends and renewed passion for the sport.
Thank you to everyone for coming along!
As one pilot summed it up:
"You come to Forbes to learn to fly better — but you leave with a bigger love for the sky."
