Rest Day, Not So Fast

Many of our family members do not know what we do during a weather caused rest day.  We all need a break from the stress of competition. Many of us have been on the road for days just to get here.  Well, it was nice to get a day off to do laundry, tour the area a little and resupply food stores.

During the pilot’s meeting we found out some interesting tidbits.  It seemed like an episode from an old show called “True Confessions”.  Yesterday we had a pilot who tried to land his ship minus the gear being down.  A very alert fellow pilot was able to get on the radio and announce his contest ID and say Gear, Gear!  Luckily the pilot heard the call and lowered the gear.  The CD gave that hero a well deserved gift certificate.  We also found out that both the CD and a very new National Champion had a face to face with the taxi lights that seem to be everywhere.  Car verses taxi light interactions always ends up with the taxi light losing.  That is not the same outcome with a glider verses taxi light interaction. 

After the pilot’s meeting, a rules input meeting was proposed.  This is where Andy Blackburn puts on his Kevlar vest and answers questions ranging from Sports Class handicap procedures, FAI rules for National Championships, and motorglider rules.  He also gave a good presentation regarding the retirement of Guy Breyers in 2022 and the status of an alternate scoring program.  After a 90-minute meeting Andy was still in one piece and the pilots had a better understanding of what the Rules Committee actually does for them. 

Today Team 98, ZO, and P7 decided to stop by the Slap Tank craft brewery in Springville.  This nice brewery is in a uniquely designed building that is surrounded by small restaurants, stores and a motor cycle dealership.  This complex is run by the same owners and is a great place to have lunch and a beer.

Many of the pilots and crews did the Nebo loop which is a nice tour around Mount Nebo.  I heard that Team 89, AG, and a number of intrepid aviators set out on the tour with dinner to follow.  Knowing the crew for both of these teams, I’m sure this will be a late night with many good stories.

The weather for tomorrow looks a little better than today but time will only determine if we will fly.  The long range weather looks good and all of us are looking to getting into the sky to race. 

 Now that we were able to get all our administrative tasks complete, we are hoping to get back into the air.  If we do not fly tomorrow, there is a group that plans to head to Park City and enjoy some of the craft breweries that abound on main street.  Until then, have a good day.

Best Regards,

Rich Owen
ZO