The wildest, most colorful exhibition of man taking to the skies in his own flying machine revisited the Dubai Creek Park in front of 25,000 spectatorswhen Red Bull Flugtag returned to Dubai after nine years yesterday.

The Millennial Falcon took the trophy from the 30 teams that were shortlisted to enter the one of a kind birdman event, following them was Premier Falcons and in third position was The Wicked Witch Rides Again

Chasing the World Record distance of 78.64 meters, that was set in 2013 by the Chicken Whisperers in Long Beach, USA, the Premier Falcons came in second place after managing to land 71 metres into the waters of the Dubai Creek Park, although, as per the pilot, the wind was against them.

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The first ever “Flugtag” which means “Flying Day” in German, took place in Austria in 1992, more than 100 events taken place around the globe, attracting over 300,000 spectators worldwide.

A 6 meters high flight deck, water, no shortage of bravery and a touch of craziness was all what was needed to challenge the world record and proved yet again that Red Bull Flugtag pushes the envelope of human-powered flight.

Distance wasn’t what made Millennial Falconclinches the win. Although they landed 27 metres away from the ramp, the team of 5 had an outstanding performance. Premier Falcons made the best landing, with a distance of 71 metres, coming a couple of meters short in breaking the world record, and ensured the fight for flight would go down to the wire at the Dubai Creek Park. The Wicked Witch Rides Again secured the first in creativity with their great design that gave them place in the top three.

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Judging panel of Mohammed Al Balooshi, Karen Mc Lean, Ali Jasmi, Mark Lewis, Soul flyers Vince Reffet and Fred Fugen, Mohammed Harib

Red Bull Flugtag might be a very entertaining event but it always puts safety first. Therefore, the 30 plus teams which were present at the Dubai Creek Park followed strict guidelines which included the pilot not being physically attached to the aircraft when it landed and they also had to wear buoyancy vests. Also, all pilots were confirmed swimmers, for a minimum of 50 meters.

The key to a winning Red Bull Flugtag aircraft is that it must fly for as long as possible after being launched from the flight deck using no more than five people including the pilot with nothing but strong human power and without the aid of lifting devices or any kind of stored energy such as giant rubber bands or springs.

The maximum weight was capped at 180kg including pilot and officials stayed one step ahead of cleaver competitors by not allowing hang glider type aircraft to take part.