Scalaria Air Challenge 2007

Sankt Wolfgangsee

From 13 to 15 July, the Scalaria Air Challenge 2007 took place on the scenic Austrian lake in front of the village Sankt Wolfgangsee.

This is a regular event (yearly since 2005) and for those who are interested in water planes, this is a “must”. The airport of Salzburg is nearby and also Vienna is only three hours by car. The good part is that St. Wolfgang and its surroundings are beautiful and have a lot to offer, also for the non-aviation interested visitors, from golf to sailing, shopping and many other activities. This is probably interesting information for those among us who frequently have to justify their hobby and particularly the trips to their family members and/or partners. With this event you can bring them along and turn it into a (small) holiday. Besides hotels and a camping, also chalets at the water front are available for an enjoyable stay.

The event is mainly aimed at owners, pilots and “wannabees” of water planes. Furthermore, Breitling and Aston Martin are the main sponsors and demonstrate their products prominently. Pictures, with a beautiful background, can be taken from several places alongside the shore. It is advisable though to have 400 to 600mm available. Nevertheless, the smart ones will rent a little boat to make pictures from…

Besides sea planes, there are also several helicopters to be seen. On their website (www.airchallenge.com) the organization shows, among others, the AH-1 and other interesting (Red Bull) aircraft.

Highlight of the meeting was, without any doubt, the Dornier 24, designed in the 1930's for the Government of The Netherlands (see also: http://www.do-24.com/do24.htm).