The Bill Moyes Flight of the Year Award
In memory of Bill Moyes, founder of Moyes Gliders, we're proud to honour the most inspiring hang gliding stories from around the world. Whether it’s a flight that left you in awe, brought a deep sense of accomplishment, or created an unforgettable moment — we want to hear your story.
Congratulations to our October winner, Pawel Cedro – Poland
This month’s winning entry comes from Pawel’s final competition flight at the Forbes Flatlands 2025 — a day defined by uncertain forecasts, ambitious task setting, and the kind of persistence that separates a good flight from an unforgettable one. Battling low saves, crosswinds, and long glides across the Flatlands, Pawel’s account captures not only the technical demands of competition flying, but the emotion of committing when it matters most. It’s a vivid reminder of why we fly, and a worthy recipient of the Bill Moyes Flight of the Year Award.
Here is his story:
By Pawel Cedro
Last Day at Forbes 2025 – A Flight to Remember
The end of the year is always a good time to look back, and while going through old photos I was reminded of the final day of the Forbes Flatlands 2025 competition. It’s hard to believe that a year has already passed.
The forecast was uncertain, but the task was ambitious: a triangle of over 100km, finishing back at BMIA, with a crosswind component. It was the last day of the competition — there was nothing to do but commit and fight for it.
After towing, there was time to assess the conditions. The climbs were there, but not particularly strong. Everyone was being cautious, trying to stay up and work out what kind of day it was going to be.
I moved away from the airport toward the start gate and found a solid thermal at around 4 m/s. I climbed to the ceiling and decided to go, even though it was the first start gate. I launched early, with Noma as my closest companion.
After two thermals we headed toward the first turnpoint, but things quickly deteriorated. Noma disappeared, I was alone, and losing height fast. Ending the task so early was not an option.
Scanning the ground, I spotted a tractor working a field and dust lifting into the air — a classic Flatlands trigger. I headed straight for it, joined by Peter Burkitt and Scotty Ireland. We were low, around 500 m AGL, which is uncomfortably close to the ground in Forbes. I climbed patiently, metre by metre. My new RX proved its worth, smooth and forgiving in the weak conditions.
Peter eventually gave up and landed. Scotty stayed with me, fighting hard. I climbed to around 1,700 metres and pushed on, encouraged by the first signs of developing cumulus. Under one of them I found a clean climb that took me up to 2,500 m, putting me back in the game.
Approaching the turnpoint, I found myself slightly into wind and struggling to find a decent climb. Then I remembered Scott’s lecture at Corryong: take the turnpoint first, worry about the rest later. I committed, tagged the point, and returned to a previously marked thermal. This time it delivered — a smooth, consistent 3m/s climb to nearly 3,000m.
The long return glide followed. Pilots were scattered left and right, some high, some low, but nothing was clearly working. I made a brief stop, gaining a couple of hundred metres, then pushed on again. After losing over 1,000 metres, I found myself well below cloudbase and searching.
Then I recognised the area — the same tractor was still working the field. I turned toward it, and once again it delivered: a wide, strong, stable 4 m/s climb that carried me up past 3,200 m AGL. Finally, I was in position.
From there, I committed to the glide toward goal. A pilot to my left remained higher, but I stuck to my line. Ahead of me was another glider at a similar height. I slowly reeled him in, still with nearly 40 kilometres to run. Staying high was everything.
Mid-glide, the pilot ahead stopped and climbed. I joined him — it was Noma! Together we climbed again and continued toward Forbes. One final thermal put the goal well within reach.
I left early for the final glide, tagged the point, and headed straight for the finish. The vario suggested an arrival height of around 200 metres — close, but comfortable. With every kilometre, the picture improved, and soon I knew I had it.
Crossing the finish line, I couldn’t believe what I saw.
No one was there.
For a brief moment, I was first to goal.
The feeling was incredible.
Later, Gordon called in from above. He had started later and been well ahead but had to find sink to land!
In the final results, I finished fourth behind Gordon, Olav, and Attila, all of whom took later start gates.
It didn’t matter.
Only six pilots made goal that day, and the memory of being first across the line — even briefly — is something I’ll never forget.
The final turn above Bill’s hangar at BMIA was the perfect way to end not just the task, but my Australian hang-gliding trip.
It was a truly unforgettable flight.
How to Enter:
- Write about your most inspiring flight (minimum 250 words).
- Include photos or videos to bring your story to life.
- Submit via the Dropbox link below:
- https://www.dropbox.com/request/hYqCEArKJSzSjaS2qcYK
- or email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Note: Your flight must have taken place in this calendar year.
Prizes:
- Monthly winners will receive a $200 voucher and entry into the grand final.
- The grand final winner will get a $1000 voucher and their name engraved on the Bill Moyes Flight of the Year trophy!
- The winners will be chosen by the Moyes family. The monthly winners will be announced in the first week of each month, and the grand final winner will be revealed in January.
We can’t wait to see your stories! Fly high, share your journey, and celebrate the spirit of flight with us!
