What’s known as the Olympics of aerobatics is underway over northern Iowa’s Cerro Gordo County.
The 33rd FAI World Aerobatic Championships are underway with more than 30 of the world’s top aerobatics pilots representing nations from around the globe. They’re taking part in what’s billed as the premier event in competitive flying.
At the opening ceremonies Sunday night in Clear Lake, contest director Wayne Forbes said the Mason City area is very welcoming.
“It’s really been remarkable how they’ve laid out the red carpet for us, they’ve opened their doors, their hangars, their hearts, and it’s really been an amazing experience to be around these communities,” Forbes says. “I want to thank you very much for allowing us to be here, and to welcome us the way you have.”
It was announced about three months ago that the event was relocating from Batavia, New York to the Mason City Municipal Airport. FAI Aerobatics Commission president Tamas Abranyi of Hungary says while the competition was in doubt, many people stepped up.
“Just a few months ago, it was far from certain that this world championship would take place at all,” Abranyi says, “but thanks for the dedication, motivation and determination of the US Unlimited Team and the volunteers, what once seemed uncertain has become a reality.”
Abranyi says the competition is important to the success of the organization.
“You have turned our hopes and dreams into a reality, and this championship is very important to CIVA as well,” Abranyi says. “Having seen the preparation and organization behind this, I am confident that we are looking forward to an exciting and successful competition.”
It’s typically an 18-month planning process to host the championships, but Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce CEO Stacy Doughan says local organizers met the challenge.
“As soon as we got the word, the community really showed up to make this event happen,” Doughan says. “The USA team has been working really hard to put on a great ten days, so here’s to a safe and memorable event.”
Mason City Mayor John Lee hopes it will be a memorable competition for those involved and for those who will be watching.
“I know you are all here to compete for the gold, you’re all here to compete as hard as you can, but obviously while you are here, I hope you get to experience truly what makes North Iowa special, and that’s the people,” Mayor Lee says. “We’re proud of what we have here, but I think now you’ve all heard it, and I got the privilege of talking to Wayne earlier this week, the talent that is standing on this stage right now, we need to be the humble ones as well, because truly this is their Olympics.”
The competition runs through September 2nd. It’s only the fifth time the United States is hosting the World Aerobatic Championships, with previous competitions being held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 1980, Oklahoma City in 1996, Lakeland, Florida in 2003, and North Texas in 2013.
(By Bob Fisher, KGLO, Mason City)