Flugtag: Yes, People Actually Do This
*Draught Horse's Aircraft
If you’re unfamiliar with Flugtag, you are missing out.
Red Bull’s Flugtag (German for Airshow) is an amazing craze that was first popularized in 1991. Due to popularity, it has since been run every year in over 35 cities around the world. The rules are simple: build an aircraft that meets Red Bull’s guidelines, launch yourself from a 30 foot deck, stay flying as long as you can, and eventually careen into the river below.
What could be better?
Philadelphia’s very own Draught Horse, located just off Broad on Cecil B. Moore has taken the spirit of the event to a new level. A team consisting of pilot Nathan Szwerdszarf and four Draught Horse employees will make their flight over the Delaware on September 4th, aboard their majestic Pegasus-like aircraft. With the help of bartenders, engineers, and friendly hands, the vehicle took approximately four weekends of building to complete.
This is not the Draught Horse team’s first foray into the indie sports arena. They entered WMMR’s Cardboard Classic in 2009, where entrants had to pilot a vehicle constructed entirely from cardboard. After winning the gold there, they’re looking to set some records at Flugtag.
On September 4th, 2010, Thirty-Four teams will get in line to launch their manned aircrafts over, and into the Delaware. Get there and show some support, Philadelphia likely won’t see another event like this for a few years.
The event will be on Pier 1 of the Camden Waterfront. Doors open at 11AM, with the first flight starting at 1PM. In case you’re wondering, you can’t bring alcohol into the event, but don’t worry, beer will be served inside.
Thank God.
Find out more here.
08.31.10