Sailplane Racing.....news and views

Logan Survival Training Camp Region 9 and 15 Meter Contests

2011-08-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

REPRINTED with permission from Nigel Cripps and ASA website As I had to leave early due to other commitments, I only flew a non-practice day. As many of you had seen TA's reports, I do hope he will continue them. I, for one, enjoy ALL articles on sailplane racing, but I am a hopeless junkie and I hope it never changes for me.

ASA website link http://www.asa-soaring.org/

Click the pic.

by Nigel Cripps August 1, 2011

OK so that's a cheap shot at an event that took a lot of organizing by a dedicated group of individuals, although at times that's exactly what it felt like to the uninitiated, from the time we were dropped off low on the ridge for the slow grind up the hill side with 60 of our newest friends, to running at ridge top - or below - with little height to spare to reach potential landout spots in the valley, and to the inevitable late night retrieves for self or friends. It seems almost no-one was spared at least a little agony, although as usual those who really knew what they were doing seemed to (mostly...) breeze through the contest and even get back in time for some dinner in the evenings.

The Region 9 and 15 Meter contests were held concurrently at Logan in July 2011, with about 60 pilots attending. More than usual rainfall in the spring had left the contest area very green and spectacular to view from the air, with some snow still visible at ridge tops, however the damp ground seemed to kill any hope of thermals in the valleys, and for many days the fleet was not reaching the hoped-for climb heights. Even so, a couple of days late in the contest period gave the lucky survivors a taste of the promised land.

Much has already been written, commented on, censored, etc., about the organization, tasking and landout opportunities (or lack thereof), and Frank Paynter's consistently interesting and entertaining reports initially posted to the SSA site did well to catch the flavor of how pilots new to the area were responding to the challenge; a little exaggeration for entertainment could have been taken without offense, but some of the organizers must have been concerned that it might be detrimental to Logan's chances for future contests, and so they were removed.

Were the risks any greater than elsewhere? Perhaps; I didn't feel any more vulnerable flying along the ridge than usual, didn't have any close calls, and with some sensible planning it was always possible to reach a reasonable field for landing. But that's because I was flying in survival mode much of the time and not able to think much about competing, so I was making sensible rather than competitive decisions. There was some damage to a few gliders whose pilots knowingly carried on into bad weather over inhospitable terrain, but not necessarily more than would occur in a contest anywhere else. The real carnage was in the dwindling number of competitors as the contest went on. Mass landouts, late night retrieves and aggressive and inflexible tasking options relative to the actual weather conditions took their toll, and by the end of each competition a very significant proportion of the competitors had chosen to go home early, rather than risk becoming a statistic.

Otherwise, Logan was a very fine place to fly and with my new-found experience of what to expect there I will jump at the chance to return for more contests, hoping for better weather and a crew. The ground infrastructure - airport, local hotels, the town, Starbucks, restaurants (of which I can attest at least some will give you a table after 11pm) - was the best I have experienced at any contest site; the contest area is rightly challenging, with numerous ridges requiring careful transitions, and the weather was - well, it wasn't the best Logan can offer this year, but there was no adverse wind or rain (correction: but of course yes there most definitely was on day 1; the nice dry cut alfalfa field I landed in had been turned into a mud bath by more than one passing thunderstorm by the time I returned, singlehanded courtesy of my WingRigger, for the retrieve. But that's another story). Crews appeared to be enjoying the site enormously, unfortunately punctuated by the need for the occasional retrieve. The organizating team mostly met the many challenges thrown at them, and many thanks are due to Micki Minner for suffering through the pain of having to deal with a bunch of pilots, Karl Striedeck and Tim McAllister for stepping up to take on CD duties, and Barb Smith for running the launch very effectively each day. Ron Gleason handled the scoring very efficiently and will make an excellent future CM/CD. And not forgetting the many other helpers who go into running a contest.

In the regional contest, Tim McAllister strode away with the Sports class in his beautifully-prepared SZD-55, and Bif Huss took the combined FAI class with ease. In the 15 Meter Nationals, John Cochrane had to abandon the contest with a clear lead after 5 days due to back problems, leaving the field open for local pilot Tim Taylor to come through to win on the final day.

Arizona was sadly under-represented by just 3 pilots, yours truly, 1X and MM. We all left before the end - I was exhaused after a couple of late night retrives and left rather than fly in my sleep - but it was nice to see MM trying as hard as always, both for 1 week of practice before the contest started, and then for most of the contest week. He won the landout stakes with probably 7 or 8, alternately keeping the tow pilots rich with expensive retrieves, or his crew on the road for ground pickup. Good seeing you John, and looking forward to having you fly the Discus/Ventus/Arcus M etc with us again. WA and PC were also there, Mike was choosing which color hat to wear each day for the weather briefing, and PC was crewing for another pilot.

See you all next year, hopefully, at another Logan contest.

PS: In the original version of this report I forgot to mention just how useful Dave Leonard's excellent Logan scenery in Condor had been while preparing for the contest. Flying in real life at Logan for the first time, it was uncanny just how familiar things looked. The only thing missing was those comforting green and red blobs showing where the thermals are; can we have those next time please?

Logan Region 9 and 15 Meter Nationals

2011-07-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

CD KS is going to weight to keep them boys and girls busy.

Just another bright and sunny sky.......just not here.

MM, John Weber, always has a blue hole wherever hes standing.........above him.

more Logan pictures

2011-07-18T12:23:00.001-07:00

Mike, the weatherman and Ron, the scorer.

Hey, I am just trying to find the sun.

How to dry a Libelle wing without opening the dump valves.............

more pictures

2011-07-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

Mike is trying again to remove the falling sky from his wings. His best flight in his 201B is 850 K without any water. Ya, thats good, really good.

Peter and Dave, and rain shafts..................

Rewal bonding going on. Well, this really shows a real passion for our obsession, ya something like that was said.

Hmmm.............task advistor filling with water, Pete #98. Tells me 3 turn MAT 2 hr 30 minute task has been called. Background comment..........was good, is good, but I dare not print it.

Can't find TA anywhere. TA where you hiding?????

Ok TA, food for thought...........

2011-06-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

Well, TA, Frank Paynter, is at Region 6 south, and just posted about their great dinner. Well, I am sure he is right as last year we had great food and drink during the 18 Meter nationals when we were their. We also had what hes having.....rain.

But what we had today wasn't rain, but it was wind, lots of it. I have some time to blog, just for TA's sake, the dinner menu for the 18 Meter Nationals. Ha, bored is me.

Tuesday, 1st contest day, now this is really some good stuff, Lasagna, green salad, fresh hot bread sticks of course with garlic and butter, and the best banana pudding you can find in the southwest.

Now, comes Thursday, "THEE BEST" Texas Brisket you can find anywhere in New Mexico. Period. All the trimmings and its sponsored by ( yes, we have a sponsor) Lea County State Bank. They even do glider loans...hint TA for your new 18 Meter ship.

Now, if I post here what the next 3 nights are, well, just easier to say since your not here, you'll never know what you missed. But the awards banquet is being held at the Zia Park Casino, top floor and this party will be hard for anybody to out do. Maybe ties for first, but its going to be good. TA, dessert will be NEW YORK style cheesecake............large portions. Oh yum, yum.

Folks, Hobbs is coming back big time. Next time theirs a contest here try to slip it in if you can.

I plan on some picture taking tomorrow, so you all come back, ya here..........

Ouarzazate, Morocco 2011

2011-06-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

I met Norbet Schlafke in Parowan, UT., some years back. Hes from Germany, has a lovely wife and family. As he is retired, his enjoyment is not only traveling, but soaring the world. He owns an ASW 22 ble and in his travels to the USA has also enjoyed soaring in Ely during the season.

We have sharred our flights, dinners and to my surprize he is now in Ouarzazate, Morocco. Hes their with the ASW 22 ble and these are some of the pictures he has sent me. Spectacular to say the least. I believe the one with clouds is of the Sahara convergence zone. He speaks of the mountains, valleys and terrain and of its not easy soaring this area.

Their are hotels, resturants and the airfield you can see on goggle earth. I just thought I would share these with you, as I didn't fly today in Hobbs. Last night a loud "POP" was hear from my forward ac unit. Luck is Lowes RV in Hobbs had a new unit in stock and they got it repaired. Luck also was with me as the high today is near 108 in Hobbs. Its windy, no clouds, but the new ac is doing just fine.

Maybe we fly tomorrow, as another pilot was driving in and has car trouble in Dallas. Trust me, if we see any standing water, anywhere, I will take a pic and happily post it.

Hobbs 18 Meter Nationals 2011

2011-06-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

After all the years coming to Hobbs, its the first time I have ever arrived and theirs not one glider trailer on the ramp. First thought I had was maybe I was in the wrong place @ the right time? Like Hobbs is to racing gliders as apple pie and ice cream are to America. The SSA offices are still here, but no trailers.

Good news is I found the water, so my spot is good, really good. Also, close to the hanger where the scorers office is.

Tow plane is due in tomorrow, so early practice will be available. Another 4 or 5 are showing up early. Looks like 21 over all will be here. Folks, this is Hobbs and it hasn't rained here since last year when the Nationals were flooded out. Notta a drop has fallen. Yesterday, a brush fire started southwest of us over near Carlsbad, NM and the smoke is drifting our way.

Right now we have cus starting to pop and bases look well over 8000 AGL.

Heres some pics, one of even my shadow, another of some small life. Will keep updating and will also update thru the contest, but not daily.

Todays Day 3-13-2011

2011-03-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

Somethings for me are hard to share. But in our World of Soaring, we share the same Freedom and Joy which is what I believe are different than in many other walks of life.
Today, I feel I would like to share something with you. Just before launch, a good friend walked up and said Hi. I hadn't seen him in close to a year, as the last time was at the Seniors awards dinner in 2010. We sat at the same table and chatted over the past.
Today, I asked how a friend had been. I didn't know my friend had passed on, Dec. 15, 2010. My friend is Rick Howell. Rick and I flew for the same airline, he retired as a Line Captain and a check airman. Rick's love for soaring speaks for it self as where ever he traveled, soaring was his game, his life and love. From contests to encampments at Parowan, his accomplishments were many. He touched many lives, all good, very good.
After I learned this today before launch, I deicated this day to Rick and received a gift. Today was for you, Rick, Godspeed my friend.

USA 2011 Seniors Practice Day 3-12-2011

2011-03-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

DB's dog coming to say Hi. We been buddies along time.

Now the practice day report.

Well, here we are. Ray's weather was very close to being right on. Weak thermals to 3000 msl. I check the soundings and see the same thing.

KS and I rig next to each other and after the pilots meeting, we pulled out to the open grid. He choose the number one spot and I got the number 2 slot. Then it dawned on me, like what am I doing wanting to launch into a weak sky so early?

Ken Sorenson, who tells me he has a poster of me in his garage, riding my motorcycle, which he trains his dog to chase me and bite me, has pulled in right behind me in spot 3. We are one big happy family.

We then have a brief pilots meeting and CD Good anounces a noon launch. Few, and I mean few, if any birds were seen thermaling. I did make that comment, but CD Good went ahead with the launch. Well, off tow and a slow climb was made. We were at least staying up. Maybe 2500 msl. KS, myself and DB are together. Well, DB went off in one direction(he won the day), KS went in another, I made the smartest choice of all, and just kept circling and going lower.

Shortly, DB is reporting North at Grass Roots and lift is just fine, with climbs arount 3500 msl. Don't know where KS is as I am circling even lower now. But lift cycles and we, I mean the whole group who launches, climbs away in weak lift.

I take a late start, not by choice, but by sheer luck in even starting. Its a 2 1/2 hour TAT. North first, then South, then North, then home. Most left around 1:30 pm which is what I wanted to do, but ill forces caused me to start about 1:45 pm. On course near Osborne I nailed a big climb to 3500 msl and now felt alot better. Shortly thereafter met up with KS. A small group of us started digging ourselves out of a hole. Ron Clark , who was riding with KS, smiled and waved several times as we slowly climbed to 2500 msl. Then off we went again, testing low spots and having fun.

The rest of the afternoon just had weak climbs and short glides. KS later reported after landing they had several low points. One being 400 ft. over a small fire.

Looks as most had a good flight and thats what we are here for. Time jumps forward one hour tonight, so practice day went really good, tomorrow the game begins.

Best wishes for all entrants, a safe contest and a good nite to all.

USA Seniors Rules and history.

2011-03-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

The story below is from Tom Knauff. Some is from our talks and other parts have been reprinted.

The Special Rules.

1. The emphasis of this unique contest is having a good time, enjoying the companionship, and the good soaring conditions. Nothing serious should be implied about the "competition."

2. Minimum age 55. When Tom Knauff first wrote the rules he was 51 so couldn't get in.

3. Mandatory crew day. The trip is to be fun for everyone, and with all the very special things to do in the area, it would be a shame for the crew not to have fun too.

4. 2 1/2 hour optimal task length. Senior seniors don't need or want to maximize the soaring day.

In order to enforce the low key competition, special penalties would be applied to anyone caught making speacial performance enhancing modifications or preparation to their gliders. Penalties would be assessed for special sealing, cleaning, or waxing.

Penalties would be assessed for winning any contest day, or placing in the top half of the score sheet.

Evening gatherings are encouraged, so an attempt is made to have a social event every other day.

The Seniors future.

Tom Knauff and all others agree that since 1990 this contest has been outstandingly successful. In 2010 their were 77 pilots hoping to get on the list of contestants. The late Charlie Spratt had become the premier soaring contest director. Along with his skills, Knut and Ingrid's Seminole-Lakes gliderport, "The Seniors", found a home, which lasted 20 years.

Now the new owners are showing they are enthusiastic about "The Seniors", and are hosting the 21st Seniors which starts this Sunday, March 13, 2011.

Their is good reason to be comfortable that "The Seniors" will be around in the future.

Seniors Pre-practice Friday 3-11-2011

2011-03-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Butler, with their ASG 29. Dick will be flying the 2011 Seniors in the 18 Meter version. Today, he headed down to the South, first turning Chalet Suzanne. Then heading North to Montgomery. Dick reported 2.2 kts on the overall day getting up to 4,000 msl. No low spots and had a fun day.

Towing the ASG 29 back to its trailer. DB has a great rig and even has a relaxing sofa inside the van.

KS reported a good day and flew up to Ocala, which is North. Ron Clark went along for the ride.
2-3 kts and up to around 3,000 msl for the day.

Karl and Ron cleaning bugs off before boxing the Duo.

Now, the important stuff. Beer contest. Yep, first person gets a 6 pack when they see me when they email me who these four guys are.

Contest starts now. 3-11-2011 5:15 pm EST.

Seniors Thursday mornin news 3-11-2011

2011-03-10T08:17:00.000-08:00

Wednesday evening and everyone is back in the box or tied down and covered. Day was reported as maybe 3500 msl alitudes and 2-3 kts lift. Seems most headed South to the Lake Wales area and then home.

Then around 6:30 pm, thunder was heard, lighting, then the sky just came unglued. This was from a smaller convergence zone passing thru the area. The big front wasn't here...yet, as it came later in the night. Thursday morning still raining and now its around 12 noon and the rain has let up and sky is slowly getting lighter.

These pictures are from last night.

Friday looks flyable, lift will be weak and might be windy. Not to many entrants have pulled in today.Saturday looks better and next week shows a improving trend all week long.

Will get some more pictures when folks start to move around.

2011 Seniors Seminole-Lake Gliderport FL.

2011-03-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

Tom and Doris getting their Duo out for a days flight. Click the pic to enlarge.

Shortly, this group will launch into todays skys. Winds are 20 plus kts. @ 2000 msl.

Looking south sky cover is fairly heavy, but its opening up as the day warms.

Sky looking North.

John Good, the CD, has brought his Duo Discus X, as Doug Jacobs will fly it. We have quite a few Duos here, so it going be a great battle for top honors.

Brief wrap.

We had a good day Tuesday, March 8th. Lift was 3-5 kts to a cloud base of 6300 msl in the late afternoon. Today is windy with winds @ 2000 msl around 25 plus knots. Cloud bases are slowly rising and some are hoping they can get in alittle practice. A front is marching down towards us for tomorrow. But sometimes they fall apart, so maybe we can fly tomorrow. Weather for the contest period is looking pretty good. More shortly.

Safety finish brush up...........

2011-02-03T10:10:00.000-08:00

Have you got the safety finish rules down if your looking at something like this?

How close would you go...........

Mifflin USA new club house 2011.

2011-01-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

Building is on far left, upper picture, right side lower picture. Click pic to enlarge.

I just recieved these pictures from Brian Glick. They are of the new club house being built in Mifflin. Brian said it should be done by mid May in time for the Region 2 contest.

Will be used for contest headquarters, retrieves and pilots meetings.

PRE WORLDS Information and requests

2010-11-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

Most know that the pre worlds are coming to Uvalde during Aug. 2011. When our US Team went to Europe this last summer, we had folks step up to help us out with cars and gliders. Also, we had folks who stepped forward to help move gliders and also crew. All the US Team members were and are extremely grateful for this help.

Just as we needed help, our European friends are coming over and are requesting our help.

Its now our time.

Please contact Linda Murray if your interested in loaning or renting your glider. It need not be current generation. Also, if you can come forward with a car that has a hitch or are willing to help out (if only for a few days) in crewing, please contact her.

linda@easternsailplane.com

Red Wright many years ago asked us to give up a lunch to help out the US Team with needed funds. The response was overwhelming. I can never fill his shoes, but I do know many of you. Now with our fewer numbers, we need ALL of you to get the word out that cars and gliders are needed not only for the pre worlds, but the Worlds in 2012. Not including the Juniors, we had 12 US Team pilots go to Europe this last summer. In Szeged, Hungary we had over 150 pilots and their were 6 of us. Shortly, that entire flock is heading over here.

Whats needed most are gliders for the pre Worlds. Older generation ships are fine, as the pilots just want to learn and fly the Uvalde sky's. So, please come forward and contact Linda.

If you have any questions please contact me.

Thank you.

Ely report mid-Aug 2010

2010-08-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

Arrived in Ely on Saturday, Aug. 14th. Got in around 3 pm and the sky was exploding with CU bases well over 18 thousand. Had to do an annual inspection on the ASG 29. As it was to late to fly, Sunday became the first fly day with the next week being really great for this time of year.
Have been keeping the daily flights to around 5 hrs. and still could have gotten in maybe 7 hrs each day. OLC flights showed maybe 650 k average with thermals being 5.7 kts (have had climbs in excess of 10 kts). Had several days with long cloud streets and flew them around 15 thousand plus.
BUT what I want to share is no one is here except Lee and 25H, his ASH 25. We have the skies to ourselves and maybe we aren't getting 1000 k flights, but for 5 hours are having a great time and am covering some distance. We are watching the weather and are hoping for another warm spell to come thru allowing several more good flights.
Today, Saturday, Aug. 20th and tomorrow we have high winds, so am waiting to see what Monday and the rest of the week will bring. Sometimes early Sept. will bring another warm period and hopefully we can get in some 800 k plus flights.
So, to sum it up, the flying has been good, no crowds to speak of and you might want to think about a late summer vacation for some good soaring times in the Great Basin.

18 Meter Nationals USA 2010

2010-06-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

We have a daily task advisor and weather meeting at 9:30 am. Today, Monday, it was decided that the grass runway could accept the weight of our watered 18 Meter class and be launched safely. The runway has been really soft from all the rain, so up till today, its been a no water contest.
I am briefing the weather, and Ray Galloway sends me his reports and daily picture of what he thinks will be going on. Also, our task advisers are extremely talented, with weather knowledge. The top 5 had to weight if they had water on board. I put on a half load, 20 gallons, so had to weight after the pilots meeting.What we saw on the different soaring software compared to what we were watching on radar loops, caused, well, maybe best to say, the pilots meeting was called till 11:15 am. What we got, was what we had been watching, marching at us.Everyone got back in the box as the day was cancelled. Of course, I got weighted. The guys running the scales were happy someone finally showed up, weighed me, and yep, it was little over 3,000 pounds. Just think, only half a load of water. End joke. Scales reset. Now 1114 lbs.Got back to the trailer, had help, now into box.
Sky then not only got very dark, BUT had green patches where this monster was coming from. Wind came, then thunder, lighting and heavy rain. Now several hours later, still raining. Standing water everywhere. Several days ago a motor home had to be towed out as it had sank into the axes. Mine is down to the rims from just sitting where I am at
What we have been racing in is very weak lift. Our climbs, most of the time are 1.0 to 2.0 kts. Last 2 race days less than 2500 agl and the tasking has been fair at 3 hrs task time..Yes, several days ago, day 3, we had 12 land outs. Yesterday 8 landouts. The road home from the last turn took its toll. That day we also had several land outs which didn't even make min. distance. Of course on this day one person thought the task was under called, gave heck to the advisers and me, the weather guy. Then flew right over me enroute to a landout and I had a 2 knoter. Yep, landed out at the same place, with the same advisor, he gave heck to earlier. As he walked by the advisor, the advisor then asked if they over called the task. Not a peep was heared.
Yesterday, it was a long and hot day in the cockpit. With 8 land outs, you just couldn't miss a small thermal, which were around 1.5 kts. Yes, I said this has been a weak contest and even some our best guys are working very hard to get around.
KM did a great job of flying yesterday. Ken is a weak weather guy and was smiles from ear to ear with his daily win. The CD, Linda Murray. is going a great job, she has not only managed well, but called fair tasks and has used her advisers, testing every ones skill.
Our dinners and the US Team dinner were great and kudoos to all for their time and effort. Since I am the weather guy, I need to say "thanks" to Ray, as when we read his thoughts on what our day will bring, everybody listens and Ray, everyone says "thanks".
So, to sum up what has been going on. Weak lift, less than 3,500 agl most of the time. Last 2 days almost blue, ya, 2500 agl and max LD. You touch maybe 60 kts. and like wow, the cars don't pass you as fast............

Region 9S El Tiro, AZ. Several short stories.

2010-05-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

Above is Alex and his father, Sean Franke. Read below to find out more.

Folks, if you ever get the chance, stop by and fly with this group. The soaring was great and even what was better were the folks from the club and the young folks who helped put on the contest. They have a very modest $30 guest fee for private owners and you need to show them your insurance before you get a tow. El Tiro is an old Stearman training base and has many runways.

The surrounding areas vary from flatland soaring conditions to mountain flying. Varied conditions can test your soaring skills. Lift can run as high as 6-8 kts on the average with lift to 17,000 ft. plus. See the SSA web page for Region 9S contest with tasks called and winning speeds. Below link is great video from Bruno who came down from UT. for a ride with US Soaring Team member Garrett Willat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugSVYMfpwfw

During the Region 9S contest I would like to share with you the folks who came forward and really helped the US Soaring Team raise funds for the World Soaring Championships this summer. The US Team held a beer, pizza and dessert feast on Tuesday evening, May 11. John Seaborn, Gary Ittner and Garrett Willat all gave presentations on different subjects about the past Worlds. Many question were asked and a good time by all was experienced.

Wednesday morning, contest pilot Bob von Helens, came forward at the pilots meeting and offered to match up to $1000 in donations from the pilot group to the US Soaring Team fund. Thursday morning came and we had only one donation. This is where contest manager Micki Minner came in. She approached me and had an idea. See, since we didn't fly on Tuesday, she was going to refund the daily tow fee to the pilots, but what she did instead was talk to the pilot group and see if they would use those tow fees as an donation to the US SoaringTeam fund instead. Well, it appears close to 30 pilots made that donation and what a great surprise. Many thanks to all that did. Micki, thank you and Charlie "lite" for your time in helping the US Soaring Team raise needed funds.

The Tucson Soaring Club also came forward and really helped us with the beer and food feast on Tuesday night. Many thanks again to all of them. It wouldn't of happened if the club members didn't step forward. El Tiro is along way from the food stores but Tony Smolder and his trusted set of helpers stepped up to the plate for us and really helped out. Thanks TS 1. Mike, the towpilot, chef, cook and all around great guy came forth with a big effort in helping out. Many kudoos, Mike. Many kudoos to everyone at El Tiro.

Now, the final story is about a young boy. See, his father is on the World Team, Sean Franke. His son, Alex, whos 10, came forward. He helped his father crew, he helped on the line and also one other place. On Thursday morning we had only 4 Clear Nav raffle tickets sold. Well, Alex took over the sales, and by the end of the contest on Saturday, we now had 34 Clear Nav raffle tickets sold. Yep, all in cash and not one dollar lost!!! His award winning smile and smooth sales approach won everyones heart and the great Region 9 contest pilots one more time stepped in to help.

Even if we had not raised any funds, we still would of claimed success. In having young folks at our contests and having them help out and be apart of our sport is the best thing that could ever happen. See, the late Charlie Spratt, still has his golf cart with kids smiling and ridng around the airport. This is a good thing, a very good thing.

Thanks again to all who came out and helped, raced and was apart of the Region 9S contest.

Videos that bring "Extreme" back........

2010-03-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK5XVGV8eM8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnoCzC9uwOw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD-ZIILtI2I&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbvIvFHkiwc&feature=related

US Team raffle news & stuff.........

2010-01-15T21:20:00.000-08:00

THIS MIGHT BE THE NEW US TEAM LOGO...........................

Clear Nav raffle tickets should be $25.00 each. Drawing, at this time, will be mid-Sept at New Castle, VA. Winner need not be present. These Clear Nav raffle tickets will be available to purchase @ the US Team booth @ the SSA convention and an announcement will be made shortly where and when they can be purchased elsewhere. At the SSA convention, the US Team might have silent auctions to be held for various gifts. The silent bid allows you to bid on an item which then will go to the highest silent bidder. Yes ladies, jewelry, is also in the planning stages.

THE FOLLOWING VENDORS HAVE MADE DONATIONS

as of Jan. 11, 2010.

Bob Drew (10 copies of the newly remastered Sun Ship Game),

Chris Woods ( 4 copies of The Gray Eagles),

Craggy Aero (4 logger calibrations),

Cumulus Soaring, Paul Remde (3 books),

Eastern Sailplane, John Murray (Canopy Cover, Canopy Cleaning Kit),

Jonker Sailplanes, Leo Benetti-Lonhini (JS1 Shirts),

Knauff and Grove, Tom Knauff (4 copies of 2010 edition of "The Glider Flying Handbook"),

M&H Soaring, both Heinz and Monty (Racing Calenders),

NK, Richard Kellerman, (ClearNav),

Lee Kuhlke (desktop StrePla and a Spot-2),

Noelle and Williams Soaring Center (refurbished Sage Vario),

Wings & Wheels, Tim Mara (1) flyWithCE Flight recorder (2)flyWithCE Navigator software license for PDA,

Sky Sailing (silk screening with the US logo),
GoVino (donating 4-6boxes (of 72) wine glasses. 1 box will be grouped in 4, 18 4 packs for the convention. The others will go to various contests for the US Team wine and cheese taste.
Silver Parachute Sales (1 repack plus re-shipping back to owner in the US).

SEVERAL VENDORS maybe missing, this post will be updated as new information is received.

At the up coming Seniors, you will be able to review and purchase clothing items, Clear Nav raffle tickets and hopefully other goodies.

Region 5N Perry, SC will have a cookout to raise US Team funds.

Also, at other contest sites, the US Team will be planning events. If you would like to help out, please do so by contacting any past or present US Team member. Or contact me, Pilotnx211@gmail.com. ALL funds raised go into the general US Team fund.

The US Air Force has been contacted about helping to get the gliders over to the World's. Word came today that this won't happen. Also, a major airline (one that I use to fly for) has just turned down the request for travel tickets, as they don't support sports teams. My personal view on this is fly United, Delta and American, now these are great airlines. If anyone you know, including yourself, can help out with frequent flyer miles, this would be welcome.

I know I am shaking the tin cup, but the estimated cost of one team member going to Szeged, Hungary is over $20,000.00. Our Team funds have never received any tarp funds and there are no Wall Street bonus's coming from any of the US Team Funds.

When we get some pictures of the clothing and other items, I will update that here.

My plan will be to ship my ASG 29 to Bremmerhaven, Germany early June. I then will fly over to Frankfurt, take a train ride, pick up the car, go to Bremmerhaven and then drive 950 miles to Szeged, Hungary.

I plan on flying in the Flatlands Cup, Szeged, Hungary from July 3, 2010 to July 14, 2010 and then pre practice, then the World's from July 20, 2010 thru Aug. 7, 2010. Drive back to Bremmerhaven, drop glider, take train, fly back to the States, get glider, go home and sleep. Then when I awake after my summer travels and racing of 2010, it shall be with a priceless smile....................

For old and new racers & RAFFLE

2010-01-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

EARLY ROUGH DRAFT.......................
Changes will be made.

Here's a link which will take you to Doug Jacobs post's on many different topics.

http://www.dragonnorth.com/djpresentations/index.html

Also, you will see Andy Davis as you scroll down. Andy has written several articles which the new and old sailplane racer, which I believe, will benefit from.

Shortly, their will be a major announcement from the US Soaring Team, which pertains to a raffle. Tickets are being printed now and the top prize will be a Clear Nav. Also, their are many other prizes which will be won in the raffle. All the past and present US Team members want to say "Mahalo" to all the sponsors who have made prizes available for the raffle.

At the SSA convention, the US Team will be manning a booth, which will have a big screen TV, playing dvd's and the US Team member's manning the booth will do their best to answer any of your questions. So stop on by if your going to the convention and say "Hi".

At the World's, in both Prievidza and Szeged, Flarm's will be allowed. In Szeged, Hungary, we may have up to 150 glider's in the air before start, circling around the airport. The current Flarm range is several miles and you can imagine what the display will be doing. I do believe that no electronic transmission on data will be allowed between Team mates, but this will be hard for the organizer's to enforce.

Their are also new proposed entry requirement's which concern the IGC ranking list. You might want to review this, as it will affect who gets into the World Championship's. Each country gets only one spot guaranteed per class, after that, it comes from the IGC ranking list. Its possible some country's may have only one entry in a class and other's may have more than 2 in a class.

A big "thanks" to XC Skies for their 12 subscribtions for the US Team members. I now have been using XC Skies for several years and do find it useful. The 3 day Thermal Index Analyzer is a very useful tool. Also, you can plot a route and what it gives is amazing information.

New Nimeta flys

2009-09-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

Just ran across this.........

http://www.streifly.de/news-e.htm

Below is from Ralph Woodward who owns an EB 28:

This glider was flying in the recent German Open Class> Nationals - at Mengen, Germany -> in the presentation for that contest it was called the> "Nimbeta" (versus Nimeta) - and Bruno finished> 4th as I recall - all reports were that Bruno was very happy with the> new configuration -> In the next 2 weeks Walter and Oliver Binder will fly their new single> seater EB 29 - the EB wings> with 29 meters wing span (ETA is 31 meters) and a completely new> fuselage. I own an EB 28> which is a self-launching 2-seater with 28 meters wing span - this new> glider will appear on their> web page in the next couple weeks - http://www.binder-flugmotorenbau.de/> - Hanko Streifeneder> built the fuselage and mated the ETA wings with the new fuselage -> probably with a lot of help from> Schempp-Hirth

2010 National dates

2009-09-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

Sports Class Parowan, UT. Practice days June 13 & 14.
Contest days June 15 thru June 24.

18 Meter Waynesville,OH. Practice days June 13 & 14.
Contest days June 15 thur June 24.

Open/Standard Class Hobbs, NM. Practice days June 27 & 28.
Contest days June 29 thur July 8.

15 Meter Uvalde, TX. Practice days Aug.1 & 2.
Contest days Aug. 3 thru Aug. 12.

The dates and sites are confirmed.

Lunar Crater dry lake landout

2009-07-24T17:14:00.000-07:00

Their's a Nimbus 3D in the above picture. Mark and Sam were flying out of Minden and ended up on Lunar Crater dry lake. It's about 109 mile from Ely off of Route 6 headed towards Tonopah, NV. No cell phone coverage, but they got lucky and a fella saw them land and came over and helped them. He even gave them a ride to Ely.
Sam and Mark stayed at their sister in law's home and then drove back out the next day where the tow plane came from and then towed back to Ely.

Getting their game plan together. I drove out to help and take pictures.

Cockpit air vents closed...............

Later in Ely, heard from the Nimbus guys.... """where da towplane go???''''

Now, they have towed out and I am the only one left...........and it get's really quiet. But, they flew over to make sure I got under way, before heading to Ely. Later, we all talk about the dust devils we saw running across the dry lake bed. We watched 3 dust devils which were very close together. Two were turning counter clockwise and one was clockwise. The largest one turning clockwise had several smaller ones in it which were turning counter clockwise..............yep.

Gray day 1 Cordele 2009

2009-05-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

Its a gray day on the grid. 15's grid first, club class is in the back. Notice the folks as they are cold.

Well., the sky hasn't changed much for the last several hours. We had rain this morning around 9 am.

Fernado Silva is sitting down and has a dark blue jacket on. Folks, its really on the cool side this morning in Cordele. Even the bugs are staying inside.................

Well, around 2 pm the days cancelled and here's another picture of one member of the "smiling bird chrip group."

Lee's a great crew and is helping the Doctor with the daily polishing. I did ask Sam if it was ok for me to say anything about his V2CX he has for sale. He didn't mind. Normally, I wouldn't do this, but his V2CX does have the 600 K weight increase and is really in great shape. He does have options on it, and if your looking for a great 18 and 15 Meter ship and want to save some bucks, it might be something for you to think about. Now it doesn't come with the crew, Ok, but you need to really Sam a call, I believe its listed on several sites.

Cordele shootout... 15 Meter 2009 USA Nationals

2009-05-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

Morning sky already poping at 10:30 am.

Above, our morning "smiling bird chrip group". Good news for everyone, Dale Kramer is back with a new V2cx. His wife, Karmen, is on the right, the Doctors (SZ) wife, Lee, is on the left. More on the Doctor below.

Cordele 15 Meter shootout 2009.
Folks are rolling in. Hopes are high for a safe and good weather Nationals. Two 15 Meter US Team members will be choosen from the results of this contest. I have looked forward into my crystal ball and both the weather and who it will be is still hidden inside, as it didn't work for the recent Kentucky derby either.

Those of us camping on the field have a limited power suppy which feeds the entire area of only 200 amps. Brown outs and power outages have occured last night as AC units were turned on high. Most have gone to gas for their water heaters and refrigerators which will save some southern draw.

We did do some tows yesterday. Some guy, who's a Doctor (SZ), made a radio call that his new instrument was giving him at least a 5 kt increase in cruising speeds over the rest of us. Of course I asked him if he would like to share what his new instrument was and then he just went on and on about it. Of course it had nothing to do with the fact he had a full load of water on board and the rest of us were dry..........cough.

We had good lift up to 4500 agl but winds were out of the wsw around 15 kts. Thermals were broken and if you got low, you had to work to get back up. Oh, right after SZ shared what his new instrument was, yep, he was turning and burning at 800 agl trying like all heck to dig himself out.
Today, many are already watered and gridding for a pre practice day flight. Thermals, should be 3-5 knots and 4500 agl to 5000 agl are what should be seen with less shearing. Our task area has had alot of rain over the last several weeks. South has seen well over 11 inches and North is well over 8 inches in just the last week. We do have standing water in many fields.

But the south does dry out fast and the soil is sand, so by contest time, Tuseday, we should be seeing higher bases and stronger lift.

R5N Wrap up 4-28-2009

2009-04-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

Well, last round and the lights are coming back on. Region 5N @ Perry, SC. were different this year. Not with new types of racing gliders or pilots, but everything worked and flowed along really smooth. From the morning pilots meetings, griding and launches, relights and landings, to the evening dinner's, everyone I saw was pretty kicked back and had extra time on their hands.

Some note worthy items that were left out of the daily reports were LX, an AS sailplane dealer who was the mentor for, yep , Leo and his JS 1. When I asked the LS dealer and SH dealer how they felt about this mentor and the mentee thing, well, they just both grinned. I did get my new shirt from Leo, the JS 1 dealer, never got a thing from this AS guy.

We did have 2 gliders that got broken. One was from a land out and the tail boom was broken from a ground loop. The pilot was OK. The other was on the last day landing at Perry. It had server damage and the pilot I believe is OK.

Our Standard Class winner, Ken Sorenson, was asked what his game plan was on the second day. He told me he just tried and wanted to do his best each and everyday. He and his wife got up around 6 am every morning and by 8 am the glider was watered and being pulled out to their grid spot. This left Ken unhurried and time to relax and look at the day's weather, and then make plans according. We did meet several times out in the task area and KM does fly very aggressively.

Fernando Silva put together a well deserved win in 15 Meter. He also watered early and gridded early, he seemed not rushed and well organized. Fernando always has a warm smile when greeting folks each and everyday. Early in the contest he did have some problems with his tow release but several folks helped him fix the problem. He did speak during the pilots meeting on the cable release and everyone should to give though to having a game plan together when on early tow theirs a premature release with a full load of water on board. Might be a good idea to review your plan of action each and every time before you launch as to what you will do it the release fails.

Sam Gilter, 5U, and I didn't talk during the contest period in Perry. Sam and his LS1 are a hard combination to beat as all of us have seen over the past few years. Sam was an advisor for the sports class during the contest.

In 18 Meter, XG, Jerry Szemplinski, and I spoke several days. He said he had never seen so many air mass changes as he had seen in Perry this year. He tends to put together very long glides using all available energy he can find along his route. Of course, if one can do this kinda thing it does make soaring rather kicked back and highly enjoyable. If you have See You, you can run DJ's and XG's igc file on day 5. I did this and saw maybe 2 thermals that really were strong that gave Jerry a big climb and helped him stay in cruise mode that much longer than the rest of us.

Sunday, Allison Tyler, was getting out 8H, for another day of soaring as the weather was looking really good with cue's popping before 10 am. Maybe 90 percent of the folks had already left and had headed towards home. The cook house was receiving its cleaning, the tents were being taken down and the garbage truck was driving around looking for something to do.

See, all the racers and crew, like they do everywhere they go, had left Perry in the state it was in before they came. A clean, quite grass airport which will be enjoyed by a few over the next year waiting on every one's return. I did ask Allison Tyler what his game plan was during the contest. He said it was for "everyone who came to Perry to have a good time, good food, good fun and some of the best soaring flights of their life." With that. I'll turn on the light's and say the party's just over for now, as next year will be number 10........ that quite, clean grass airport is waiting for our return......you best come.......ya hear.

Thermal tight, Soar high, Fly safe.......#711 reporting

End of day 1 R5N 4-20-09 Perry, SC

2009-04-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

Gary Ward came for the annual airshow. Gary comes every year and puts on a show that is just something else to see. He is at the top of the list of aerobatic pilots in the world. Thanks Gary Ward by all who came and saw your great airshow.

Dinner was "chicken on the beer." The evening now is capped by the annual bonfire which has just been lit.

Gary Ward Perry Airshow 4-20-09

2009-04-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday 4-19-09 Practice day R5N Perry, SC. USA

2009-04-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

Rhonda Tyler opening the practice day pilots meeting. She went over daily meeting times along with dinner times and introducted our CD. CLICK the pics to enlarge.

The 2 green back t-shirts are the contest shirts anyone can purchase. Baud Litt did the design work. Good job Baud.

Ray Galloway, our CD. I just spoke with Ray. Today, no task was called, as our weatherman, Sam Zimmerman, said the max height would only get to 3500 msl and the window is very small for any soaring, if the window even opens up. Right now, its high overcast and cool. Tonight, maybe thunderstorms and tomorrow could be high winds. Its 11:30 am now, and no one has pulled out to the grid for a tow.

Sam Zimmerman (center) weatherman, US Team committee member and past US Team member and past US Team Captain.

Russell, orange shirt, operations manager.

Update #2 Thursday 4-17-09

2009-04-17T14:28:00.001-07:00

J4 is very, very happy. His new LS 10 is here and he plans on flying tomorrow. I'll get more pictures of the cockpit and the LS 10 after he finishes unwrapping.

Spoke with W3, Tim Wells, after his flight today. After he climbed up after release to about 4,000 agl, he and SZ headed down to the Orangeburg area. He dumped his water as conditions were soft and they climber back up and headed over to Barnwell. From Barnwell then to Dolittle and then Don Bells I believe. He said most climbs were 2.5 to 3 kts on the average with an 5 knoter thrown in every so often. He felt he went about 165 miles or so. His flight will be posted on the OLC shortly.

After KM's landing, I went and spoke with Ken Sorenson. He had about a 9 psi wing loading for the day as he feels it gives him more"wiggle room" for thermaling. Folks, I just write what they tell me. He stayed North of I 20 and had a good day. He found 3-5 kts up to 5,000 agl. He went about 175 miles for the day. His flight will be on the OLC shortly.

The picture above this one is of Dixie, their dog, who had a burr in her paw. Ken came to the rescue.

Welcome back west Texas Skies to Perry, SC.

2009-04-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

ALL these Pics were taken at 6:15 PM. CLICK the PIC to enlarge.

K2 and I flew up to DAVIS and made good time. We launched about 12:30. Coming back from Davis it was slow and cycled on us. We headed to Orangeburg and then up to Aiken. By this time it was starting to really get good. Bases rose to over 6,000 agl and lift was 6 plus kts.

The skies finally turned into west Texas skies , I landed about 5:40 and K2 just landed at 6:50. SZ also flew today.

The airport is groomed and the grid has been numbered. Al Tyler is still riding his tractor and mowing as the sun sets. The weather looks good and is now on a warming trend.

If your coming to Perry.........remember.........the man is watching and keep your speed within limits.

2010 National sites

2009-04-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

Open and Standard Class Nationals....... Hobbs, NM. No dates and good rumor.

Sports Class.......Parowan, UT......check SSA website for dates. Confirmed.

18 Meter Nationals....Waynesville, Ohio....check SSA website for dates. Confirmed.

Now you ready for this............

15 Meter Nationals....Uvalde, TX...........No dates yet and really a great rumor.

Also, have been sent a new score sheet designed by Guy Byars for Winscore. It looks great and when you see it, send him an email thanks for all his hard work. guy@byars.com

Region 5N Perry, SC

2009-04-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

Well folks, a few notes for all those heading to Perry in the next few weeks.

REMEMBER, the man who writes speeding tickets for Wagener is still employed and he has a new pen. Watch your speed as you head into town as he also has new radar equipment and a new black Dodge Charger with tinted windows.

Also, Perry and the surrounding areas have had alot of rain. Their is standing water in town and when you come onto the airport properity drive carefully as the grass is GREEN. Al Tyler does plan on mowing soon as he doesn't have a hay bayler yet to stack the fresh cut with.

Also, Rhonda has been working very hard for us on one of the meals. It will be a treat and all will be happy. Also, only 3 have dropped out so far this year. Can you believe one x entrant has choosen marrage over racing at Perry.

Also, aero tows will be available starting Thursday, April 16th, before the contest starts for those wishing to do some practice.

8H and myself did fly about a week ago. We did an auto tow and off tow I snagged a 5 knoter to climb up in. Also, I did break the towline, claiming a first in Perry history for this feat. We glided to Bamberg on our first run, where I clawed my way back up and then the day was off to a great start. Much of the task area is greener than its been in the past years, but the thermals were 4-6 kts on the average and high for the day was over 8500 msl.

Start and Finish notes Seniors 2009

2009-03-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

OK, now I have finally got a good internet connection and can go into alittle more detail about our new start and finish.
About the new start. What is really great about it is, when we decide to start, we drop below max start height for at least 2 minutes, then enter the thermal and then thermal up through the top and then below cloudbase head out on course. Gone are the gaggles that clang to the wisps of the bases circling and waiting for a top contest guy to head out on course and then leach out after him.
From the center of the circle you can easy see the smaller gaggles circling and planning their start. Its only a few minutes to get to them and then make your plans for start. No longer are huge gaggles circling at the exit point of the cylinder for the start. We found several strong thermals within the start area and when clouds would drift through we would plan accordingly. Most days the CD would call the MSH at 4,000 agl. One day it went to 4,500 agl. But 4,000 agl worked very good and would allow a climb up through the top and then up near cloudbase with then a departure out on course. Once you climb up through the top you need to get gone as sticking around waiting for others will cost you time or another start.
Also, what's great is, when you leave on course, you cruise at what your next expected MC will be. Most days I used a MC3.5 which on my glider dry is around 90 kts. One day I did drop back into the cylinder near the outer radius and was back in the cylinder for less than 2 minutes. But my speed was within reason and I didn't get a speeding ticket.
I do think after you start using this new start, you will see better benefits to it and it does relieve congestion near the cloudbase and spreads more of us out.

Now about the finish. On RAS I said """SLOW DOWN"" Man, like your driving down the road and see a sign that says SLOW DOWN and you slam on the brakes??? Make me a pancake at IHOP, for god's sake. You can no longer pull up into the bottom of the cylinder. When you cross the cylinder radius you must cross it at or above the minimum finish height in order not to get a penalty. OK, make it really easy on yourself, I am trying to help you, none of us are perfect, see, and when we are out on course we slip and skid and miss thermals and circle un-centered, so stop trying to be perfect on this finish crossing altitude. Slow the """Joe the sailplane racer""" down about 20 seconds before you get to the finish circle( just hold your altitude about 200 feet higher than finish and let your speed drop down. This will work. Your altimeter isn't a electric viabrator type, SEE, so its still going to lag. Your logger is what records your altitude and read the rules, as its different than the start rule. The scorer doesn't SEE YOUR GLIDER ALTIMETER which probaly hasn't been checked since it was made. We had more old folks dragging thier lower jaw about this than all the prunes that are sold at Wal Mart.

On the start,.... again some thoughts, most did start upwind ......when on a downwind first leg. When the first leg was into the wind, we looked to start closes to the whatever point you could get to making the first leg the shortest. You might wanta reread that, cause that's more important than this 130 kt king kong ""Joe the sailplane racer''' finisher.

I will try and bring you better updates on the Perry contest, BUT here's a great idea, if you have a favorite racer, why not call his cell at the end of the day and find out how he did??? Trust me, their's not a glider guy or girl around that won't talk your head off about how their day went.......................

New Information on Fossett's accident

2008-12-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

I was contacted by the NTSB a short while back. The above RUC blipmap is now from the DATE of Fossett's accident (Sept. 3, 2007). You may "click the pic" to enlarge it. This blipmap is of the correct day, year, and shows its correct time. Due to personal health reasons of certain folks, and privacy rights, its the best I can do for now. I believe each of you should and will understand this. Thanks for doing so.

Its the "vertical wind shear" in the boundary layer blipmap. I had been thinking of heading back to Ely for some late summer flying, and had been reviewing the blipmaps over this period of time (Sept. 2007). When I saw the "mid morning" NAM on this day,( remember the above blipmap is RUC), the vertical wind shear areas had alarmed me, because of 2 areas, the first was over Elko, NV and had a radius of maybe 25 miles and was solid red and showed vertical wind shear greater than 50 plus kts. The other area was around and to the best of my recall, maybe Lake Crowley and was also in red, but with a much smaller radius.

I contacted the NTSB after they found the crash site and a short time ago they contacted me. We went over what I remembered and they then contacted Dr. Jack. The good news is Dr. Jack has all the numbers for those days and will be reconstructing new charts on a much greater resolution. The ruc is 13 km's and in that area are not of much help. His new charts (NEWS FLASH....these new maps have been reproduced and due to privacy rights they can not be displayed now, BUT will be displayed when able. They are superior and trump the blipmap above). These will have better resolution and maybe, repeat, maybe, give more needed information for the area on that day.

Also, the rapid responce satelite, which is used for firefighting, does have satelite photos of the area on that day, I have seen these photos, which I believe were taken at 11 am local time. I am looking for my link to their web page. http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/subsets/?subset=AERONET_Moss_Landing.2007246.terra.1km

Also, on the OLC several flights are posted for this day. Who they are, along with their comments might surprize you, along with where they landed that day.

I am sharing this and am not suggesting or speculating on Fossetts accident, and will wait for the NTSB and what their final findings are.

Australian Qualifying

2008-11-30T14:51:00.000-08:00

http://www.australianglidinggrandprix.com.au/
11/30/2008 thur 12/06/2008 with live daily tracking.
Gliding Grand Prix, Narromine, NSW, Australia
1, 30.11.2008, Preliminary results
Australian Gliding Grand Prix 2008
Narromine Start - Peakhill - Yeoval - Warren - Tooraweenah - Microwave - Narromine Finish
Task length: 450.4km
Regatta start time : 14:05:00
1.
M
Ichikawa Makoto
Japan
ASG 29/18m
14:05:00
17:44:36
03:39:36
123.1km/h
450.4km
2.
KB
Sommer Michael
Germany
Ventus 2cT/18m
14:05:00
17:44:47
03:39:47
123.0km/h
450.4km
3.
JB
Brigliadori Riccardo
Italy
ASG 29/18m
14:05:00
17:54:39
03:49:39
117.7km/h
450.4km

Jet substainers

2008-10-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

Been watching the development of these over the last few years. Here's AMT's site where you can find information on the Titan UAV. http://www.amtjets.com

Basicly, the 88 lbs thrust engine, at full thrust, burns .31 gals per minute. Thats a sea level burn rate, as you climb, your burn rate does drop, yet the thrust almost remains the same. With 10 gals this gives you a run time of 40 minutes. Range should be somewhere around 100 miles while cruisng, or maybe alittle more doing climbs and glides. Climbs should be around 250-300 fpm. Gas substainers weigh more, as the Jet weighs 10 pounds plus fuel of 60 pds or around 75 lbs with a tank. The gas engine substainer weighs about 95 lbs, so their is a weight savings.
Also with the this Jet engine, you can do a short auto tow, maybe a climb to 2,000 agl, and still have enough fuel for 30 minutes of cruise, or 60-70 miles.

If you look at the factory cost of an added substainer gas engine, it about 20,000 euros more, which at the present exchange rate is over $27,000 USD's. Also, the gas substainers have a hard time at western altitudes to get home on. Several at Ely have used their substainers but to get back into the valley its a hold your breath experience.

The other Jet engine is 150 lbs thrust. But I have been watching this for well over 3 years and I have been lead to believe its still in development and completion could be aways off.
http://jetbeetle.com/

I think the AMT Jet Titan, at 88 lbs thrust, is a way to go if your thinking about a substainer, installation should also be pretty simple, so costs maybe something to explore.

Search for Fossett

2008-10-03T12:16:00.001-07:00

Its a 5 page article in National Geographic about a year ago........................part of a quote......and a link to the whole article.

The Final Flight

In mid-September a psychic was brought to the Flying M. "You are needing me," she reportedly told those there. Fossett had encountered engine trouble, she said. He tried to find a safe landing place but crashed into a mountainside. "He is in a dark place, covered with white, powdery dirt, with one arm hanging out." The psychic was operating in the realm of pure conjecture, but so, too, were investigators. And almost every theory formulated had numerous sensible reasons against it.

Special Report: Steve Fossett - National Geographic Adventure Magazine

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/10/081002-steve-fossett-plane-found.html

Humor on Speeding...............

2008-10-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

Top This One For A Speeding Ticket

Two California Highway Patrol Officers were conducting speeding enforcement on I-15, just north of the Marine Corps Air Station at Miramar . One of the officers was using a hand held radar device to check speeding vehicles approaching the crest of a hill. The officers were suddenly surprised when the radar gun began reading 300 miles per hour. The officer attempted to reset the radar gun, but it would not reset and then turned off.Just then a deafening roar over the treetops revealed that the radar had in fact locked on to a USMC F/A-18 Hornet which was engaged in a low flying exercise near the location.
Back at the CHP Headquarters the Patrol Captain fired off a complaint to the USMC Base Commander. The reply came back in true USMC style:Thank you for your letter. We can now complete the file on this incident.You may be interested to know that the tactical computer in the Hornet had detected the presence of, and subsequently locked on to your hostile radar equipment and automatically sent a jamming signal back to it, which is why it shut down.Furthermore, an Air-to-Ground missile aboard the fully armed aircraft had also automatically locked on to your equipment location.
Fortunately, the Marine Pilot flying the Hornet recognized the situation for what it was, quickly responded to the missile system alert status and was able to override the automated defense system before the missile was launched to destroy the hostile radar position.The pilot also suggests you cover your mouths when cussing at them, since the video systems on these jets are very high tech.Sergeant Johnson, the officer holding the radar gun, should get his dentist to check his left rear molar. It appears the filling is loose. Also, the snap is broken on his holster.Thank you for your concern.Semper Fi.

2008 Lusse race reports

2008-07-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.wgc2008.org/RACE-DIARY.365.0.html?&L=1

http://usteamluesse2008.blogspot.com/

07/26/2008
17:30
Refreshments delivered on Time

At 32 ° the arrival of those dark thunder clouds, which have formed within the last half hour is most welcomed. A few kilometers further on the rain is pooring down just for a few minutes - enough to cool down the earth to comfortable 24 ° - with little steam clouds rising everywhere.
14:00
Talking to "US Ground Control"

Team Captain Sam Zimmerman is fully established in Luesse. The entire US crew has already arrived with most of them up in the air enjoying this hot sunny day. Doug Jacobs had just picked up his new Ventus 2aX "DJ" from Schempp. Tilo Holighaus lent the very first serial No. 1 Ventus 2 to Gary Ittner, who will be flying in the 15m Class. Heinz Weissenbuehler had his Nimbus 4T shipped from New York State. And Karl Striedek flies Gerhard Waibel's ASW27. Garret Willat managed to get an ASH25 from the Netherlands. Quite an internation glider collection!
12:00
Arriving

Bustling activities all over the place. Trailors coming from everywhere. Tents being put up, helpers busy getting everything into place. Those, who have already installed themselves are enjoying a hot summer day - 32 ° with the first cumuli setting in at noon. Take a look at our pictures. They show what's happening here.

"Godspeed" to the Willat family

2008-07-22T16:18:00.000-07:00

and to the US Team in Lusse, Germany during the 2008 World Soaring Championships. The above named individuals pledged support for Garret and his family in their travels to Lusse, Germany.

This plaque will be on display at the Warner Springs Gliderport office.

I thank everyone for their support and during my flights to get the mileage pledges, I do have a few memories to add to my soaring adventures.

Also, many "kudos", to the all the folks at Seminole Lake Gliderport, Perry International airport, Mifflin airport, Alamogordo airport and Parowan airport who helped tow and launch 711 for all these flights.

Shortly, the 15 Meter Nationals, along with the Open Class Nationals will be going on in Uvalde, Tx. When I get their in a few days, I will again post what I see is happening.

I was in Ely, Nv earlier, and had several good flights. But alot of smoke from the fires in California put somewhat of a damper on the long flights I had been hunting for. Ely Jet center caters to our needs and James, along with his staff, are again thanked for the service they provided. Ely now has been not only groomed, but has support for a major National Championship. I believe when Ely does host a National Championship, we will see not only one day, but several days of AST's called, which will produce 1000 k to 1250 k flights, slowest speed 100 mph, and we will see 100 percent completion's.
Folks, thats how big the sky in "The Great Basin" can get.
More later on this.

18 Meter Nationals Rain day May 21, 2008

2008-05-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

Well, we put them together, rolled them out for a 1 pm grid. Then mother nature changed her mind and then we pushed them back, dumped our water and got them in the box. Its really windy now, rain showers are passing and the worst stuff isn't here .......yet.

What I have seen so far on the view side of this blog.

Bill Elliot is flying extremely well. Making good judgements are primarily the reason he's in first. Also, fellow racers, he reads the rules and knows what he can and cannot do. Also, this past winter, Bill has been studing numerious articles, which has helped his contest flying. Maybe to put it in the best light, his desire to win has made him explore all avenues to make him a better competition pilot.

I have seen some posts on the JS1 sailplane here at Mifflin. I do think its best to remember, that the V2CX and V2CXT, along with the ASG 29 and the JS1, have all won one day, as we have had 4 days. The fastest speed posted was 133 mph by P7 flying a ASG 29. The verdit from this reporter is I haven't flown with the JS1, but do believe all the current generation 18 Meter ships are very close together in climb and glide. My fellow racers I spoke with all shared the same feelings. The workmanship and quality of the JS1 is of the same level as the current 18 Meter ships, which is outstanding.

What I have seen is the current 18 Meter ships out climb the 15 Meter ships when carrying full ballast ( I weighted 1275 lbs, which is 50 pds below max gross) and we can slowly catch and pass the 15's on the ridge. On one ridge day as I passed UH, my gear dropped several times, which was not done on purpose, as turbulence caused it. But UH did bring it up several times, all in fun, as I blew by him. On all days here, the newer 18's did show that without climb, you get no glide.

I also think our rules committee should consider giving maybe a small 3 percent kick to the 15 Meter crowd to encourage them to attended the 18 Meter Nationals and for regional contests a 4 percent kick to their speed to keep our regional contests better attended. Just my 2 cents, but the score sheet here in Mifflin supports this. As costs rise for all of us, we need to do what we can now, to continue to seed our contests, so our contests have a chance to "break even" on costs.

Well, its pouring rain now, the day has been cancelled several hours ago and my thinking is that "The lady has sung her last song, turn out the lights, the contest is over." As folks are leaving now, it maybe a bit early, as we do have one day left, but our current leader could very well have his first 18 Meter National Championship in the bag.

Sunday May 11,08 Mifflin CLICK the pics.......

2008-05-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

Corey Sullivan, yes, we do have young pilots, he's 18 ladies, and flying a V2BX
His office.............
another of where he works...........ha...........
KS, and some of the grid folks............. MD is what Corey's flying, KS running the wing........

Sunday May 11,08 Mifflin practice

2008-05-11T09:48:00.001-07:00

P7 US Team member Gary Itner and his ASG 29

1st practice day..P7 Ittner, Gary ASG-29 1 719 133.60 378.94

Thats ....133.6 mph ....distance 378.94 st. mi .....11 turn mat 1st place.

His office..........
Charlie "lite" working and holding P7 wing
P7 on the roll..........

CLICK the pics.... Mifflin 08

2008-05-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

Electric taking off................ CLICK the PICS and they get BIG
YO...Antares

prepractice staging

Just north from the airport where the Antares took off..............no electric, running water........or computers..........

and more pics 18 Meters Mifflin

2008-05-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

UH getting taped...............

UH new tips........just adding a bit to a 27................

more pics 18 Meter Nationals prepractice

2008-05-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

8H...Al Tylers ASG 29......
His nickname by someothers, other than me, "OLC slut"..........

Hmmmmmmmm......whats UH got going on??????
UH has added something new to his ASW 27.........look at the tip section.........is it a bug collector or will it really work? Is this a 27 with 2cx enveeeeeee???

18 Meter Nationals Mifflin 2008

2008-05-10T11:01:00.001-07:00

Butch, towpilot Mifflin and his Husky
SZ, Sam pushing out...........
W3 on the roll.......Tim Wells

Saturday afternoon, the sun appears and prepractice launching begins. Many smiles as its looking to be a good day.

80 degree's & summer's coming

2008-05-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

This will work...............trust me..............

Rest Day news and views R5N Perry

2008-04-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

Today, Tuesday, was called off because of a upper level low spinning off the Carolinas bring us low, solid cloud cover. We did grid, and our CD called a 12 noon meeting on the grid to talk about maybes or what ifs. The satelite picture really did tell the story and won with the day called at 1 pm. A few tried local soaring, some simply fell out and landed shortly after release.
The top picture is sunset this evening and the bottom is of Skip Pate, P8, who is an advisor, and of his 2 lovely daughters. Skip flys for US Airways, and is base manager in CLT.
The rest of the week looks good as the low is moving out of the area and all the racers are ready to go. Theirs a shoot out going on in all the classes and if you go to the SSA website you will see what I mean. Yesterday, we did have some landouts, but good news was no damage.
We do have 8 new folks who are at their first regional event and this is good. All have top mentors and get daily briefings. UH, Hank Nixon, even heald a class for the new guys and spent several hours going over racing ideas and things to think about.
Remember, coming to a National, such as Mifflin, which is hosting the 18 Meter Nationals, is experience which shouldn't be pasted up. Even if you don't have an 18 Meter ship, you will still gain racing experience in the area and trust me on this, you have a chance to win if you come. Staying home won't get you on the score sheet, and that a fact. XX himself took 10 years to win a National, so Mifflin still has slots available. Its a top site, and one really great ridge day will hook you, for sure, for the remainder of your racing career. So, jump in and give KS an email while some slots are still available.

OK, photo contest....winner, contest over

2008-04-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

On the flag pole, along side the flag, is a wireless repeater. click the pic and it enlarges. The windsock is new. BV working with TA guessed the right answers.

Again, first one who emails me with the winning answer, gets a brewster.

This one is easy. You need only tell me what the 2, yes two, new items are in the photo, along with where they are located. If you can tell me what one new item is and what its being used for, then I'll give you a 6 pack of brewsters. Hint, "go climb a flag pole", could help out with the windy times.

Saturday Region 5N Perry 4-19-08

2008-04-19T10:51:00.000-07:00

Today, Saturday, 45 pilots have registered for the Region 5N contest so far. More are on the field, including some that are on the standyby list. Today, some weather that is unfriendly towards us, is moving threw the area. But for the contest period, it looks really good and tomorrow, Sunday, will be a practice day.
This last week ,we had one stellar day. 8H, owned by Al Tyler, led the way with a 595 K. flight on this last Tuesday. Its on the OLC, including flights by SZ, TO, and 711. The day was filled with hard bottom cues with bases over 8500 msl. 8H reported way above Spartenburg that he had not only reached the mountains, but had climbed to 10,000 msl. 711 reported thermals were climbable below 600 agl as he barely got out of the airport area without a relight. On course all had a great time, with no difficult areas.
Sunday, looks like a good day, and the grid should be full for the practice day. I will try and do a post and let you know before hand how things went. Remember the SSA website as the place to go and see scores and writeups of the contest.

Region 5N, Perry, SC.

2008-04-11T16:40:00.001-07:00

Perry, home of Region 5N, which Rhonda and Al Tyler, with Wes and the Carolina Soaring group have been doing for the last 8 years is gearing up again for a great contest. Check their website for the pilot list, as this is going to be a shoot out for all the classes. Its a full field of 65 +2 = 67.

We have flown the last 2 days, Wednesday and Thursday, and today, needed to get some chores done, and yep, the sky exploded shortly after 1 pm and had the look of west Texas skys. Its been dry and any rain simply just evaporates when it hits the ground.

To ALL that are coming to Perry, SC. remember the local smokey in Wagener with stop and write ya for a very small infraction of the speed limit. I saw one smokey in the local laundry and he had writen up a dryer that was spinning to fast, .....so be careful, ....ya here.

Next few days, some weather is moving thur, but we expect to be flying and getting some practice in for the up coming contest.

Over the next few days I am going to do a photo contest again and the first person to guess what or who, wins a free brewster when I see them.

Best bang for your buck

2008-03-14T14:14:00.001-07:00

Well, today we sit in Seminole, as it rains. Tomorrow shows winds, but the changes are happening so fast, we could fly. Today, at the morning pilots meeting, John Seaborn, A8, who sat in the back seat with KS on Thursday, told us about how he has kept notes since 1994 on what to do and not to do.
Back in '94 he wrote down what not to do and that was to try and follow KS out on course. Today, he reported, it is possible to follow KS out on course, as long as your sitting in the back seat of KS's Duo. They won the day.
On another note. The US Team is selling tickets at $25 bucks per ticket for a "Clear Nav". I have seen it, and I will say this is your chance for the best bang your spent dollars will ever bring you. All sales go to the US Team fund and folks, its this simple, with the euro so high, our team needs some extra bucks. Remember, just take one less drive to the drive-thur hamburger place, take a walk instead, and take a chance and get a ticket. The SSA website is selling the tickets.
I do believe what I am seeing here with Chip "CG" and Mark "7K" team flying, is what we have needed along time ago, simply practice. They are posting their scores and you can now see how effective they are with being able to work with each other.
I know, I am banging on this US Team fund, but this year, you get a real chance to win something that will really update your panel and help out the team. Trust me on this, I do think the winning ticket has NOT been bought yet, yep, so get on over to the SSA website and try your luck.
If you win, just let me know you got the idea from this blog, and what I'll do is whenever we meet, sometime, somewhere, I'll get ya a 6 pack of brewsters. Now, thats a bang for your buck, for sure.

Seniors 2008 Seminole Gliderport Florida

2008-03-08T12:34:00.001-08:00

Well, today is Saturday, March 8, 2008, and here in Seminole we sit with all gliders in their trailers. Last several days have been rain with thunderstorms and today the winds are out of the west and are over 25 kts. Temperature is dropping as I type this and its getting colder with nite time lows expected into the upper 30's.
Tomorrow morning mandatory pilots meeting is at 9:30 am, but with the clock jumping an hour, thats really 8:30 am and it will be cold tomorrow morning and highs will only be into the 60's. Good news is as the week gets older an improving trend is happening and it will be warming each day.
New ships here, V2cxt's and ASG 29's. Most folks have showed up that have had fairly long drives. If we grid tomorrow, I will try and post some pictures. Last several years we have been luckly with the weather and lets hope it warms faster than the forecast.
Did hear Charlie Spratt is doing well and is still on the list for a transplant. Not much else in the way of rumors as most are staying inside, out of the wind and cold.

Help please/ pledges/sponsers

2008-01-06T20:10:00.000-08:00

Pilotnx211@gmail.com WE HAVE TEN (10) PLEDGES
OUR GOALS HAVE BEEN MET>ALL SPONSER SPOTS HAVE BEEN TAKEN

As many of you know, the World Championships are this Aug. 08 in Germany. I am looking for sponsors which will pledge 1 cent for every mile I fly from Feb. 08 to Jun 08. I will match every 1 cent with 1 cent of my own, for each pledge. My flights will be on the OLC, and that will record the distance flown. Max. mileage flown will be 7500 Statue miles within this time frame.

I have 10 sponsorship/pledge spots available. As an example, if I fly 5000 Sm, your pledge will be for $50.00 and I will match it with $50.00. You may take one or more.

You will then send your pledge to me, Jul 1st, 2008 and I will send a personal check to this party. A plaque also be sent, the cost of which I shall pay for and displayed with your name, showing of your support. The location of where it will be displayed shall be shared at a later date.

I am hoping to make this a surprize, and as many of you know me, it will be done. After your pledge/sponsership, I will disclose to you, in confidence, who it is for. The euro's very high so its a way we can show our support and it does go towards a good purpose. My email is at the top of the page. I will answer all emails sent to me.

I do thank you, I know they will.

Best regards, Tom Kelley # 711 USA.

Who is it??? Winners, contest over.

2008-01-03T18:44:00.000-08:00

CONTEST WINNERS.............CONTEST OVER
We have a winner, Ray D. Lovinggood, PE, and he has claimed the prize. The above picture, shows 5U, Sam Glitner, helping with the launch during the R5N soaring contest in Perry, SC. What I am going to do is if anybody can say who it is in any of the shown gliders, they will also get a free brew. Listen you guys and girls, just don't send me the score sheet as someone has, and claimed they were on the list. That won't work..............

Matt, flying PF in the sports class, has some good eyes, if you look under the wing, you will see W3, which is Tim Wells. TO, flown by Richard Mealdy, is the background glider. He has some art deco on his tail. Matt is looking for the grid sheet now, ha, ha, the contest is over now, Matt.

First one to guess who it is, in the glider or standing their, gets a free beer when I see you somewhere. Hint, its Perry, S.C. R5n.

Here's a email link to John down in New Zeland. He's putting together a new magazine...Gliding International. It will be good and as soon as I get his webpage, we will get that here for you.

john@johnroake.com

Early entry closes shortly for "The Seniors", get your stuff in, with the lack of rain, the soaring might be the best we will have ever seen, this spring, around Seminole. Last spring we had some great days, with some guy going over 600 K for a days fun flight and yes, GV, I know it was you and congrats on a flight well done and a new Florida State record. Good job, George.

Tom Knauff does put out an email newsletter. If you don't subscribe, you should, its one of the last free good things that come along. tknauff@earthlink.net

Also, Paul, at Cumulus Soaring, is putting out a newsletter, its free and Paul does a great job in what he has written so far. He has been looking for help at the convention, I haven't talked with him, as to what he needs, but if you can help out, then let it be done.

http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/

Flutter and FL 180

2007-12-31T10:59:00.000-08:00

VFR flight ends at 17,999 ft. FL180 and above is PCA. When climbing or decending thur FL180, the altimeter is reset to what is required by the FARS. With a hair sitter on your jumpseat, before climbing thur FL180, you should be resetting your altimeter to 29.92 and have 29.92 in that box before the needles point to FL180. When assigned an altitude during IFR flight, during cruise at that altitude, your altitude may vary by up to 300 ft. before an ATC controller is required to report the violation. Controllers are friendly and will call you when they see a smaller difference. Remember for IFR flight in controlled airspace, instruments need to be checked within certain time frames.
At 500 ft. plus or minus the assigned cruise altitude, the report is done by the computer. When the computer does its report, it can't be turned around, until the authorities deem what the verdic shall be. In this case, a NASA report should of been filled out. Also, when you land, ground will call you, give you an number, and they ask you to call the ATC center. A logbook write up for a malfunctioning electric altimeter might be considered an appropreiate entry. Filling out a NASA report, on your part, is a good idea. No biggie, and no one will show up with leg irons and haul you away. Several hundred feet above FL180, most likely didn't even show up on their radar (high altitude sector).
Flutter limits for sailplanes are set by True Airspeed. I have an AS glider. At 16,500 ft. its 133 kts IAS VNE. At sea level its 154 kts IAS VNE. A placard by the A/S indicator is required for high altitude flight, which AS considers above 10,000 MSL. A design flutter speed test to 173 kts. has been done. If you happen to forget, and do 154 mph indicated at high altitude, the design flutter limit of 173 kts will not be compromised.
Last summer, out of Ely, I was cruising at 17,500 or so. Going SW bound, under a street, south of Eureka, its on the OLC, now that was a ride for all of mankind.

My blog, my thoughts......on 08 proposed rules

2007-12-30T17:52:00.000-08:00

As many of us have been reading the proposed rule changes for 2008, may I remind those that either agree or don't agree, or whatever, to give their director input to their thoughts. Send an email to them. SSA website has their email addresses. Even the rules committe asks for your inputs on these proposed changes. Trust me, they want your thoughts.
Let me say that a contest is not required to go to Parowan and enjoy the soaring it has to offer. Many go before and after a contest is held, and since only 3 contests so far have been put on their, none of them have ever been full. That's right, even last year, we came up with 49 entrants (even JJ got in) and on the first contest day, I asked the USAF academy if they would like to move a cadet into an entrant slot. Boy, that made that young man happy and he even made sure we spelled his name right.
My personal thoughts on super regionals are we should not just target one or 2 sites. Regionals have always been that, for in region folks first. No matter where they are held. Alot, if not, all regionals, do target new comers, which our sport does need. Regionals are designed for choosing regional winners and encourageing newcomers. Saying one site is safer than another is hog wash and really pulls my string. You say what??? I say Caprock, go land out their, west of Tatum, or southwest of Hobbs. Warner Springs, I say, I know one very good contest pilot, who fly's out of Ely, does 1,000 k flights, and at Warner Springs, he and I, ya, me, at their regional had a very hard time breaking the string on the first day and getting away. Heck, theirs an area NW of Perry that will pull your string, and when I was an advisor their several years ago, a top pilot, whos a director, came up and chewed on me for sending us in that direction. I said Charlie did it..........yep. Mifflin, New Castle, Montaque, man, give me a break. Minden hasn't filled in years, Ely goes empty. Parowan can hold 60 now. 07 we had 58, Everybody worked with each other, it was good. Look on RAS, the racers even were happy.
What we do need, is what we have been doing, offering the new folks mentors, and morning racing camps, teaching them and watching them grow in our sport. Should we lock these new folks out of a regional where they live, soar in and are problay adding more to than we are??............ God, I hope not.......

FAI GP NZ Link

2007-12-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

http://www.gpgliding.com/

http://www.observatory.org.nz/weather/omarama/

http://timmcallister.blogspot.com/ Tim's daily blog on the NZ GP.

24.12.07 - Day 5
5.23 - Peter Harvey crosses the finish line first today, with Kawa closely behind which give him the points to claim the title of World GP Gliding Champion. Congratulations Sebastian Kawa from Poland. Second place on the final leaderboard is tied between Uli Schwenk (GER) and Ben Flewett (NZE).

Regional contests dates, so far for 08

2007-12-15T13:54:00.000-08:00

Region 12 will be at Warner Springs, CA. Confirmed dates are April 21, 2008, Monday thur April 26, 2008, which is a Saturday.
Email G. Willat gliderstud@hotmail.com
Web page http://region12.deltavictor8.com/
Region 5 North, Perry, SC, April 19-26, 2008. Confirmed
Region 5 South, Cordele, GA, May 10-17, 2008 to be held with the Standard Class Nationals May 13-22, 2008. Confirmed. Web page http://www.regionv-south-soaring.org/
I have heard that plans are being made for a Region 9 Parowan. I am NOT involved in this contest and do not have anymore information.
Just me thinking, Region 4S, New Castle, Sept. 2008.
Heard of a Fredricksburg, TX Region 10 for 2008. Don't have any idea on dates yet. But considering Uvalde, TX is having the 15 Meter Nationals and Open Class Nationals Aug. 5-15, do think it wouldn't be held during that time frame.

Flying with style

2007-12-14T15:44:00.000-08:00

This is the Region 12 award for 2006 for the fastest handicapped speed on a called task. The shear line was working out of Warner Springs, CA. and I averaged over 98 mph for the day. Cloud bases were close to 17,000 ft and it still is hard to believe that such conditions can be found so close to sooo much water. The Willat family of Warner Sprngs gliders hosted the Region 12 contest for 2006 and this award has been appraised at over USD 75,000.00.

Its of an SHK and the picture does not do it justice. The workmanship and detail is really something to experience. It stays in the office at Warner Springs and if your close by, drop in to say "Hi" and see it. Click the pic to enlarge.http://www.skysailing.com/

ASG 29 speed secerets uncovered.........

2007-12-14T14:20:00.000-08:00

Why does the ASG 29 goe so fast? Well, at the USA 18 Meter & Open Class Nationals at Albert Lea 07, certain members of the contest group found morning prayer meetings were going on undercover of 7T.

Later, a young US Team pilot, confessed of starting this new ministry. No names here, but, at the SSA convention, ABQ 08, he will be giving lecture's on how to fly faster.

Tis the Season

2007-12-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

Shortly will be heading to Seminole for some precontest practice for the upcoming 2008 Senior Nationals in March. Looking at the Seminole gliders website, it appears again the field will be full, with past World, National, Regional champions and a great group of racers and folks.
I have started this blog in place of doing reports on RAS. I will post this blogspot on RAS giving directions to see what I report here.
Should be in Seminole first part of 2008. http://www.soarfl.com/

Thermal tight, Soar high, Fly safe # 711 reporting.