The 12th World Glider Aerobatic Championships (WGAC) opens tonight in Niederoeblarn, Austria. This will be the third WGAC held in Austria since the event began in 1985. 51 pilots from 12 countries are competing. While most are from Europe, an American team is also entered in the competition. Pilots are from Austria, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, and the USA. The event is being directed by Manfred Echter of Germany and Chief Judge is Helmut Stas of Poland. Weather is not suitable for flying today but may improve enough for the Known programme to begin tomorrow.