Other Contests?

Aha-I had a senior moment and forgot my blogging password! But such moments have passed and normal service has resumed.

In June I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the US Nationals in Montague-Northern California. Like all good soaring sites it is out in the country, away from city life. Lovely and the weather was great for this kiwi winter escapee. Mid 30s most days low humidy...luverly...

It was with some sadness I noted that entry numbers were way down in these challenging times. 10 entrants Open Class, 10 entrants Standard class. I was at briefings for 5 mornings and observed the organisation, to see what I could learn that would help make our competitions better. Readers will be pleased to know that(OK I might be biased) but I think our Nationals are at the top of the game. One lesson that became very clear to me, and yes I suspect we suffer from this, Competitions are not run as PR events!!! During the 5 days nobody wandered over to this "enterested looking" old bloke to strike up a conversation.

Therefore gentle readers, expect me to be chatting to spurious visitors during valentine glide!

From the pre contest bulletins site I have just read the checklist for pilots for the last South African Nationals

A reminder to all pilots that the following documentation as per CAA Regulations are required to be carried on board when you fly (photocopies are probably a safer bet, but have the originals somewhere safely):-
The Certificate of Registration
The Certificate of Airworthiness, however in our case the ATF (Authority to Fly) as approved in our MOP by the Commissioner.
The appropriate licence for the pilot in command
The Aircraft Radio station licence
Noise certificate
The list of visual signals for use by intercepting and intercepted aircraft

Of course for Valentine Glide you will be under NZ rules. You need to sign that you and the Glider are legal for the duration of the competition and have public liability insurance to the value of $500,000. But you dont need a list of visual signals.............

Progress at the Taupo club is steaming ahead(not Geothermal steam but good old fashioned sweat)
The new construction is well advanced on the new Contest/Managers Office with great facilities and a plenty of space for scorer and other bodies who need to "do stuff" to enable the competition to run smoothly.
The Airspace is being "booked" with CAA so we can get high, stay high-final glide!!!

Any day I am expecting the entry fee to be finalised and then the entry forms will be put on the GNZ website for your eager entries!!!!! Remember it is better to enter if you think you might be able to fly and then maybe cancel, rather than put in a late entry...Also early entry will save you dosh with a goodly discount.

Now to write down that blog password before I forget it again!!

Roy