2. Japan International Birdman Rally and
The Team "Active Gals"

2.1 Japan International Birdman Rally

We have the Japan International Birdman Rally (JIBR), sponsored by YOMIURI TELECASTING CORPORATION, which takes place at Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, with the intention of bringing "the desire to fly like-a-bird dream" and the interest in the aircraft being spread many people. This year, the 18th rally will be held. It is said that the rally brings us a real feeling of summer and has become one of Japan's national events. The rally is a contest to compete for the longest flight distance from the runway which is 10m long, 12m wide and 10m above sea, located about 180m off the coast. The first JIBR took place in 1977 and was designed from the famous "Selsey Birdman Rally" in England. The JIBR consists of two classes.

Figure2. Japan International Birdman Rally in 1991
Glider class, Pilot : Kotono Hori, Flight distance : 157.4m

One is a glider and the other is a human-powered propeller aircraft. The total number of flight is over 1,100 now. The JIBR is open not only for the people pursuing the flight distance and duration records, but for amateurs who wish to enjoy participating with their creations. There was a lady's class and a bizarre aircraft class to expand the number of participants.


2.2 Asanuma Corporation Birdman Team "ActiveGals"

Our team was formed in 1988 with the aim of making records in the lady's class of the JIBR. The team members are amateurs in terms of flight mostly and work as engineers for a general contractor called "Asanuma Corporation". The flight concept of the team is "To prove that an amateur female pilot can fly". It was our first try in the JIBR; however we were very lucky to win with a record of 225.9m after capturing a fair wind by glider. Since then we have been participating in the JIBR every year. It was the new challenge by the Japanese female who is eager to make the domestic records of the straight distance and duration by FAI rules. The challenge was carried out after four years since the team was formed.