Red Bull set to bring ‘Flugtag’ back to Dubai

DUBAI // Red Bull is accepting applications for its human-powered flying competition, Flugtag, which returns to Dubai on November 20 following a nine-year gap.

Flugtag, which means “flying day” in German, has taken place more than 100 times around the world since its 1992 inception in Vienna.

The event gives flying enthusiasts the chance to be heroes for the day in front of thousands of spectators, propelling their flying machines off a six-metre-high flight deck.

Flugtag was last in Dubai in 2007 with 36 teams of four or five participants challenging gravity in front of 30,000 spectators at the Dubai Creek Park, which this year will again host the event.

Participants will have the added incentive of breaking the world record set by the Chicken Whisperers team, whose chicken-flying machine flew an impressive 78.64 metres in Long Beach, California in 2013.

Teams will be judged on distance, as well as creativity and showmanship, making the event inventive, inspiring and comical.

Previous teams have used such inspirations as their favourite food, pop culture, technology and mythology. Some entrants have even attempted to drum up hometown support with elements that Dubai is famed for.

To enter, applicants must visit www.redbullflugtag.com before July 20 when the organising committee will select the 40 participating teams.

Applicants must be over 16 years old, produce a handmade aircraft with a maximum weight of 200kg (including pilot), and pass the Red Bull Flugtag safety check.