Greenville to welcome pilots from air rally

GREENVILLE – More than 75 pilots from around the world participating in the International Air Rally 2005 will discover Maine this year, and Greenville will be among their destinations, selectmen learned Wednesday.

The air rally is a 10-day journey in which pilots and their crews from around the world test their navigation and flying skills and participate in on-ground competitions to learn the particularities of each region visited.

Greenville Town Manager John Simko was obviously pleased that about 25 of the pilots and their passengers will land on Aug. 18 in Greenville, where they will spend the afternoon and an overnight at Squaw Mountain resort.

“The Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce has worked diligently to make this rally happen,” Simko said Wednesday.

The rally provides a venue for aviators and tourists from throughout the world to develop strong ties and experience the U.S. and Canada while having fun, according to an informational packet provided to Greenville officials.

All pilots holding a valid pilots license may enter the event. All categories of aircraft are admitted, including single- and twin-engine planes on wheels or floats, and helicopters.

Registered contestants originate from different countries, including the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, and Switzerland, according to the organization’s Web site.

The pilots have a chance to take part in three challenges. The one including Greenville has them starting in the city of Sherbrooke, Quebec, traveling to Greenville and then to Fredericton, New Brunswick, and concluding in the city of St. Jean sur Richelieu, Quebec, according to the Web site.

While in Greenville, the pilots will participate in a canoe race organized by the Chamber.

For more information, see www.airrally.com/2/accueil.htm