On November 7, a stamp dedicated to Gliding was put into postal circulation in the Sport series



Gliding is a type of sport and recreational activity, which implies pilots flying without the use of propulsion in specialized aircraft referred to as gliders. Under favorable weather conditions, experienced pilots can fly up to 100 km before returning to their home airfield; sometimes the flight distance reaches 1,000 km or more. In competitions, gliders show their ability to use weather conditions and demonstrate their flying skills. Many countries organize national gliding competitions and world championships. The classic discipline of gliding is speed flying along a preset route.

The beginning of mass development of gliding in the USSR is considered the Ist All-Union gliding tests on November 7, 1923, in Koktebel, which accepted the first records of the USSR. Nine glider models were presented at the trials. The first record-breaker was Leonid Jungmeister on an A-5 glider designed by K. Artseulov.

The development of gliding in the USSR is connected with the Society for Assistance to Defense, Aviation and Chemical Construction (since 1951, named DOSAAF). In 1934, the title of Master of Gliding of the USSR was introduced. In 1948, the All-Union Gliding Section was arranged, and since 1966, the Gliding Sport Federation started its activities.

The Gliding Sport Federation of Russia was instituted on November 2, 1994. The main objectives are to promote the development, popularization and promotion of gliding in Russia; to ensure the rights of the public and members of the Federation to go in for aviation sport and participate in the fitness and sports movement in Russia.

The postage stamp provides an image of an AS-4 glider against the background of a mountain landscape.

In addition to the issue of the postage stamp, JSC Marka produced First Day Covers and special cancels for Moscow, St. Petersburg, Koktebel of the Republic of Crimea and Orel, as well as a maxi-card.


Design Artist: Kh. Betredinova.
Face value: 50 rubles.
Stamp size: 50×50×70 mm, sheet size: 80×80 mm.
Emission form: a sheet with 4 (2×2) stamps.
Quantity: 60 thousand stamps (15 thousand sheets).

« back