Jonker Sailplanes is taking flight in the 35th World Gliding Championships. The first part of the championships took place in Ostrow, Poland from 7 to 22 July. Prof Attie Jonker, an academic from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Engineering and the chief design engineer of the company, competed with their JS3 glider in the 15 m Class competition.
Of the 37 contestants, Prof Jonker finished ninth overall. “This is my ninth World Championships in which I have participated. My best position was fifth in 2003 and again in 2014,” said Prof Jonker.
A total of 130 competitors – representing 27 countries – took part in the championships. Other competitors who also flew with the JS3 glider included the French team – Christophe Ruch (third) and Maximilian Seis (fifth), Prof Jonker’s brother, Uys Jonker (17th), and Zoltan Kore from Hungary in the 20th position.
The 18 m Class and Open Class competitions are taking place in Hosín in the Czech Republik from 28 July to 12 August. “Of the 45 participants in the 18m Class, 12 will be flying with JS3 gliders. In the Open Class of 31 competitors, 18 JS1 gliders will be flying out,” said Prof Jonker.
We wish the team all the best!
Prof Attie Jonker and Dr Johan Bosman is ready for action at the starting grid of the 15 m Class competition
