Is it a bird? No, it’s the Birdman!

 

Aviation expert Tony Hughes has thrown himself off a pier into the English Channel – winning £12,150 for his feat.

The former world hang-gliding champion took the title of Worthing International Birdman after flying 106m (or 347ft) from the end of Worthing Pier.

The annual contest – now in its 8th year – involves people throwing themselves off the pier in fancy dress and home-made flying machines.

For Tony, who lives at Fyfield and has owned and run the Wiltshire Microlight Centre at Yatesbury for 15 years, the crown came after nine attempts – he competed at the last Bognor Birdman competition before the event was moved to Worthing.

He won the Condor class for modified hang-gliders, and the £12,150 prize money included at £10,000 jackpot for exceeding 100m.

Last year, he managed 113m in perfect gliding conditions, but was beaten into second place by his arch-rival Ron Freeman. This year, Mr Freeman hit the water after 60m.

Tony said the challenge of the Birdman competition was the short run-up of 10m and the relatively low platform above the water. “Hang-gliding from 8,000ft in The Alps I can do 100 miles – not just 100 metres,” he said.

The water landing is also problematic. His £3,000 34ft hang-glider with Duralumin frame and Dacron canvas will not be able to fly competitively again, due to the damage caused by salt water.

Meanwhile, a hang-glider his built to enter the Leonardo Da Vinci Class – for self-designed and built innovative craft – was wrecked after an awkward landing.

“It took me 500 hours to build the X-Plane 7, and landed fine after 33 metres, then a big wave came and destroyed it,” said Tony.

“It was designed to fly at wind speeds of 15 knots, and I had four knots.”

Tony offers leisure flights in light aircraft and microlights and training for anyone who fancies taking up hang-gliding as a sport. For more information, log on to www.wiltsmicrolights.com