General News

16 February, 2026

Gliding from Bridgewater to Cairns for world titles

THE Australian model glider team for the 2026 world championships has sent their craft into the sky above Bridgewater.

Members held a weekend training run at Bridgewater Airport in preparation for the international event in Cairns in August.

Mani Riederich, leader of the team, will be attending his third world titles. The first was 1994 and his last in 2014.

He said the team would be contesting the F5B category - a fast glider category for models with an electric motor.

Mani said Bridgewater had been selected as a training base as it was accessible for team members spread across Victoria and New South Wales. It’s also where he is a member of the local model aero club.

“Speed, duration and landing the model glider in a designated circle are all part of the event’s skill,” he said.

Read More: Bridgewater

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