A Flugtag (German: flight day) is an event in which competitors attempt to fly in homemade flying machines. The flying machines are usually launched off a pier about 6 metres (18 ft) high into the sea (or suitably sized reservoir of water). Most competitors enter for the entertainment value, and the flying machines rarely fly at all. The first Flugtag took place in Austria in 1991, and the activity has recently gained much popularity as a result of Red Bull sponsored events in London, Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Miami, Antwerp, Berlin, Johannesburg, New Zealand, Stockholm, Israel, Lausanne, Dubrovnik and others.
Environmental groupss express concern over elements of litter and pollution involved in Flugtag events.
See also: International Bognor Birdman
