World Helicopter Championship 2018 kicks off in Belarus today

By Veronika Buta: The Borovaya Airfield near Minsk is hosting one of the most spectacular tournaments in the history of Belarus – the FAI World Helicopter Championship 2018. The World Championship will bring together nearly 40 crews from eight countries. Belarus is among the favorites of the championship.

The World Helicopter Championship is held every three years. Belarus was up against the Czech Republic, Ecuador, the US, and Bulgaria for the right to host it. Eventually, the FAI Rotorcraft Commission (CIG) chose Belarus. The CIG were impressed by the test championship, which was held one year ago at the Borovaya Airfield, as well as by the attention paid to the development of the helicopter movement in the country.

This year, the best female crew will be chosen, and the championship will continue with the festival #ProNebo. Traditionally, the most spectacular event will be helicopter racing. This year's surprise is the night drones races that will be held for the first time.