First, let me say that this post is NOT in any way sanctioned or approved by the management or ownership of Highland Aerosports.
Now that we have the legalities covered.....our good friends Sunny and Adam have worked hard and incurred huge expenses to once again put on a top notch hang gliding competition (and Texas Holdem poker championship) for all of us to enjoy in early June. Last time I talked to Sunny, the number of people who had signed up was on the low side (only around 24). So we need YOU to get off your duffs and go to their web site and register to compete ....... NOW!!!!
If you've never flown in a comp before, don't let that hold you back. It's the most fun you can have attached to a hang glider. And if you are worried about the using your GPS or other flight instruments, just let Lauren and I know. We'll be around a few days early this year and will be glad to work with any of you to help get you ready to go.
And remember, if you're intimidated to fly in the open division, you can always give it a go in the Sport Class. Even if you fly a topless you can still fly in the Sport Class and be given a handicap for your faster wing.
I have even been told that they will allow gliders to fly that are emblazoned with all manner of odd decoration such as the "Batman Logo". So there are NO excuses. Go to http://www.aerosports.net and sign up.
Paul
Shameless request for entries to ECC!!!!
Moderator: CHGPA BOD
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Paul Tjaden
- Posts: 398
- Joined: Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:28 pm
Marketing
Paul,
If you want to be the unofficial PR rep for the ECC, you should contact the list-servers and newsgroups for all of the clubs and big schools on the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic, such as the Windriders, The Water Gap Club, The Mountaineers, The Dedalus Club in Pittsburgh, Hyner HG, the schools and clubs in Ellenville, the Tennesse Treetoppers, the SW VA club, Lookout Mtn Flight Park, Kitty Hawk Kites, Morningside, etc.
People can't go if they don't know.
Matthew
If you want to be the unofficial PR rep for the ECC, you should contact the list-servers and newsgroups for all of the clubs and big schools on the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic, such as the Windriders, The Water Gap Club, The Mountaineers, The Dedalus Club in Pittsburgh, Hyner HG, the schools and clubs in Ellenville, the Tennesse Treetoppers, the SW VA club, Lookout Mtn Flight Park, Kitty Hawk Kites, Morningside, etc.
People can't go if they don't know.
Matthew
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Flying Lobster
- Posts: 1042
- Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:17 pm
I think that having someone take on a "PR Rep" role with eastern
chapters would provide a real boost to the ECC.
The Sport Class is a great way to learn a lot about XC flying, but there
are barriers:
- fairly hefty entry fee
- gotta pay for tows, and arrange for retrievals
- you have to burn vacation days to participate
- travel and accomodations for non-local pilots
So there has to be a concerted effort to explain exactly what/why/how
a (casual weekend XC) pilot should enter.
Especially for the Sport Class, building some buzz & excitement can
really count for a lot. People have to see the ECC as an opportunity to be
taken advantage of. It takes a motivated and excited person to make
that happen. Contact clubs, track down listservs and forums, collect
names of pilots known to fly XC and contact them, try to facilitate
ride-sharing and room-sharing...
For myself: I'm thinking pretty seriously about the Sport Class this year.
Figure I can always bail and go to work if there are days that look really
marginal.
Taking on that PR role for a moment myself: I'm thinking about it
because it's a chance to fly when lots of people WILL DEFINITELY
be going XC, every flyable day. How often have you ever gone anywhere
when there's been more than, say, 2 other pilots with you? More pilots,
more chances to stay up, and to learn.
MarkC
chapters would provide a real boost to the ECC.
The Sport Class is a great way to learn a lot about XC flying, but there
are barriers:
- fairly hefty entry fee
- gotta pay for tows, and arrange for retrievals
- you have to burn vacation days to participate
- travel and accomodations for non-local pilots
So there has to be a concerted effort to explain exactly what/why/how
a (casual weekend XC) pilot should enter.
Especially for the Sport Class, building some buzz & excitement can
really count for a lot. People have to see the ECC as an opportunity to be
taken advantage of. It takes a motivated and excited person to make
that happen. Contact clubs, track down listservs and forums, collect
names of pilots known to fly XC and contact them, try to facilitate
ride-sharing and room-sharing...
For myself: I'm thinking pretty seriously about the Sport Class this year.
Figure I can always bail and go to work if there are days that look really
marginal.
Taking on that PR role for a moment myself: I'm thinking about it
because it's a chance to fly when lots of people WILL DEFINITELY
be going XC, every flyable day. How often have you ever gone anywhere
when there's been more than, say, 2 other pilots with you? More pilots,
more chances to stay up, and to learn.
MarkC
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Paul Tjaden
- Posts: 398
- Joined: Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:28 pm
Thanks for all the excellent feed back, (and for Hugh's entry). I'll do my best to contact the clubs that Matthew mentioned.
Mark's points are all valid. It does cost a few bucks and several vacation days to compete. I am often amazed at the huge number of pilots who spend large sums of money and weeks of their vacation time to travel to FL for the spring comps. I also realize that some people don't particularly like competition. But if you can find the time and money I think you will find it was well worth it. Flying XC with lots of others is great fun and you will find yourself achieving goals that you thought were beyond your abilities. I hope you can find time to join us this year, Mark.
P.S. I only picked on Chris because I always pick on Chris and it just seemed like the right thing to do.
Mark's points are all valid. It does cost a few bucks and several vacation days to compete. I am often amazed at the huge number of pilots who spend large sums of money and weeks of their vacation time to travel to FL for the spring comps. I also realize that some people don't particularly like competition. But if you can find the time and money I think you will find it was well worth it. Flying XC with lots of others is great fun and you will find yourself achieving goals that you thought were beyond your abilities. I hope you can find time to join us this year, Mark.
P.S. I only picked on Chris because I always pick on Chris and it just seemed like the right thing to do.
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Flying Lobster
- Posts: 1042
- Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:17 pm
All very good points by Mark. Even shit-hot comp pilots are beginning to drop out of big time point meets for some of the same reasons. Balancing big airtime and staying in the money to afford these things are often antagonistic to hang junkies.
I'm entering because I view it as a "hang glide university" where I can learn from some of the best. I have no real interest in comp flying--but I do have an interest in improving my xc, navigational and decision-making skills. Also, the eastern shore is really one of the best places in the entire US for brain-dead easy and safe cross country flying. So even a few hundred dollars for a week of intensive flying and learning is really something of a bargain--though I couldn't afford to do this kind of thing frequently.
It's interesting to note that the US paragliding comps are now consistently filling to capacity and perhaps there's something to learn there for HG comp organizers.
marc
I'm entering because I view it as a "hang glide university" where I can learn from some of the best. I have no real interest in comp flying--but I do have an interest in improving my xc, navigational and decision-making skills. Also, the eastern shore is really one of the best places in the entire US for brain-dead easy and safe cross country flying. So even a few hundred dollars for a week of intensive flying and learning is really something of a bargain--though I couldn't afford to do this kind of thing frequently.
It's interesting to note that the US paragliding comps are now consistently filling to capacity and perhaps there's something to learn there for HG comp organizers.
marc
Great Googly-moo!
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Paul Tjaden
- Posts: 398
- Joined: Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:28 pm
Oh yeh, We were serious about offering help to anyone wanting it regarding using their flight instruments in a compettion environment. Our schedule isn't cast in stone yet but we will be in the DC area by May 24th so I am sure we can work out a time and place. If interested, contact us at 703-727-3423 or on line at tjadenhors@aol.com.
Paul
Paul
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Flying Lobster
- Posts: 1042
- Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:17 pm
You can pick on me Paul, I can take it 
But I will be joining you & Lauren for some XC practice this Spring/Summer while you're in the DC area. I'd really like to make the Beach this year! Tomorrow doesn't look like much of an XC day, but who knows where a ENE wind will take me. Baby steps to Federalsburg maybe?
But I will be joining you & Lauren for some XC practice this Spring/Summer while you're in the DC area. I'd really like to make the Beach this year! Tomorrow doesn't look like much of an XC day, but who knows where a ENE wind will take me. Baby steps to Federalsburg maybe?-
Paul Tjaden
- Posts: 398
- Joined: Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:28 pm
David Glover will once again be running the meet and trying to take all your money at the poker tables. I'm assuming that the way points will be the same as last year. I think I have a file if you want it in advance.Flying Lobster wrote:Paul--any idea if a waypoint list has been done yet? Who's running the meet? I will take you up on your offer for deck instruction.
marc
Lauren and I are thinking the best time for GPS instruction would be Saturday, June 2nd which is the day before the comp starts. We are both very familiar with the Flytec 5030/ Brauninger Compeo and I think we can help out with most Garmin products. Regarding other makes, if you have a general idea of how to use your GPS we can probably help you relate to what you will need to do with it during a competition. So far we have Hugh and Marc. If any ithers want help let us know. Also if the timing doesn't work out, we're pretty flexible.
Paul
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Flying Lobster
- Posts: 1042
- Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:17 pm
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Lauren Tjaden
- Posts: 371
- Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2005 6:27 pm
Kevin used to say one of the best things about competing is that there is magic fairy dust sprinkled all over (other pilots) so you can see exactly what the air is doing. Not that you guys are fairies, though there's nothing wrong with that. I mean, where would home decorating be without fairies? And who doesn't love Tinker Bell? But I digress.
If you are flying with others, you get almost instant feedback on how good or bad your decisions are. If you took a longer track to fly in what looks like a better line, you'll quickly know if it was smart -- or not. If there's a better core in the thermal, you'll know, because someone else will find it. You'll find out when it is good to be cautious and when it's okay to blast ahead. The most amazing thing to me is what you can actually accomplish sometimes. Personally, I found I could do tasks I thought were impossible, if I just didn't give up.
Anyhow, it really is a good education. And LOTS of fun, just as long as everyone remembers IT'S ONLY HANG GLIDING!
Lauren
If you are flying with others, you get almost instant feedback on how good or bad your decisions are. If you took a longer track to fly in what looks like a better line, you'll quickly know if it was smart -- or not. If there's a better core in the thermal, you'll know, because someone else will find it. You'll find out when it is good to be cautious and when it's okay to blast ahead. The most amazing thing to me is what you can actually accomplish sometimes. Personally, I found I could do tasks I thought were impossible, if I just didn't give up.
Anyhow, it really is a good education. And LOTS of fun, just as long as everyone remembers IT'S ONLY HANG GLIDING!
Lauren
I have a Garmin 76S and a Flytec 4010. I probably have a cable for the GPS somewhere. Not sure I've ever had a cable for the vario... Before the ECC a year or two ago, Paris Williams started to show me how to use the GPS feature that predicts glide range. At that point my eyes were starting to glaze as I hit tilt on the amount of technical detail I could absorb, so we went flying... There are also the minor details of how to start/stop and do housekeeping on track logs, routes (sequences of waypoints), how to represent start circles and turnpoints, and controlled airspace. I possess the owner's manuals and have attempted to read them some, but would actually prefer that they were written in either Homeric or New Testament Greek... - Hugh
The ECC a fun meet for any aerotow rated pilot
Folks this is a great fun meet for anyone who wants to get a lot of airtime in in just a week. You could easily get as much airtime and as many flights in during this week as you will the rest of the summer. You will make new friends and maybe meet some old ones, and you will probably get your butt kicked at texas hold em if you are brave enough to enter.
Don't be intimidated by the GPS rules. If you have a garmen 76 or any similar model the comp organizers will deal with the technicalities for you including uploading the routes and detail maps and downloading your day's track log. If you enter the sport class most of the routes are straight line or have only one turn point so it isn't difficult to learn to navigate it. The sport class typically shares a portion of the route with the open class so you get a chance to fly with some of the best pilots around as well.
If you figure out what it actually cost you per hour to fly our sites, including the drive, and compare it to the cost per hour during this meet, you will find it's a bargain. It's the best use of vacation time I can think of. I hope to see a bunch of you there.
Dan T
Don't be intimidated by the GPS rules. If you have a garmen 76 or any similar model the comp organizers will deal with the technicalities for you including uploading the routes and detail maps and downloading your day's track log. If you enter the sport class most of the routes are straight line or have only one turn point so it isn't difficult to learn to navigate it. The sport class typically shares a portion of the route with the open class so you get a chance to fly with some of the best pilots around as well.
If you figure out what it actually cost you per hour to fly our sites, including the drive, and compare it to the cost per hour during this meet, you will find it's a bargain. It's the best use of vacation time I can think of. I hope to see a bunch of you there.
Dan T
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John Simon
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Fri Feb 11, 2005 12:33 pm
ECC
So many good points. The bottom line is... this is a GREAT way to learn XC and fly XC every day for a week with some really great pilots and friends. Fun WILL be had.
The "comp" (especially sport) is not really that at all, it's a group of folks having a ball flying XC and learning and improving massively in Cross Country.
1. Expensive Yes... but how much is a week skiing in VT or CO?
2. Accomodations: I spend a few nights at Ridgely (tent) and a few at home during the ECC. Tents work well and you won't be alone. I have a spare room in Annapolis... 410 224 0778
3 Retrieve: Can be tricky but will work out. This year I'll be scratching around for one again as well. But you can usually find a ride... that's all I'm saying. Heather will come out and hopefully drive a day or 4. I'll hitchhike if I must but someone usually will come get you. Sport tasks are short... After I bomb out I'll come get you. I'm sure JD will bomb out and drive too. really sure of it.
4. Time: another tough one, really. You don't have to make everyday, but paying the money you'll want to make at least 4 or 5. Not easy but that's why God made vacation. If you have some, come on out.
YOU WON'T REGRET FLYING THE ECC XC EXTRAVAGANZA! It's just too much fun and lot's of great people. XC, XC, XC. I flew my 3rd XC ever in the 2005 ECC (apologies to Pete L). And then my 4th, 5th, 6th, etc. COME ON OUT!!!!!
Hoping,
John
The "comp" (especially sport) is not really that at all, it's a group of folks having a ball flying XC and learning and improving massively in Cross Country.
1. Expensive Yes... but how much is a week skiing in VT or CO?
2. Accomodations: I spend a few nights at Ridgely (tent) and a few at home during the ECC. Tents work well and you won't be alone. I have a spare room in Annapolis... 410 224 0778
3 Retrieve: Can be tricky but will work out. This year I'll be scratching around for one again as well. But you can usually find a ride... that's all I'm saying. Heather will come out and hopefully drive a day or 4. I'll hitchhike if I must but someone usually will come get you. Sport tasks are short... After I bomb out I'll come get you. I'm sure JD will bomb out and drive too. really sure of it.
4. Time: another tough one, really. You don't have to make everyday, but paying the money you'll want to make at least 4 or 5. Not easy but that's why God made vacation. If you have some, come on out.
YOU WON'T REGRET FLYING THE ECC XC EXTRAVAGANZA! It's just too much fun and lot's of great people. XC, XC, XC. I flew my 3rd XC ever in the 2005 ECC (apologies to Pete L). And then my 4th, 5th, 6th, etc. COME ON OUT!!!!!
Hoping,
John
OK, Paul, you've shamed me into it
Paul,
Being of weak moral character and subject to bad influences, I'm in.
Pete
Being of weak moral character and subject to bad influences, I'm in.
Pete
Pete Lehmann
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theflyingdude
- Posts: 359
- Joined: Thu Jan 06, 2005 11:40 pm
- Location: Cumberland, MD
Re: OK, Paul, you've shamed me into it
We always knew that about you, even of it was never expressed (although it often was).lplehmann wrote:Paul,
Being of weak moral character and subject to bad influences, I'm in.
Pete
JR
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Flying Lobster
- Posts: 1042
- Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:17 pm
Man--great to hear you'll be in, Pete! Any other Deadheads coming?
I've been trying hard to get Terry Presley to come up--but I think he's a little burned on the comp thing in general. He took me for an evening ride in his Stearman last night for some low-level site-seeing and strip- hopping. Terry is one of the most generous fun-flying souls I've ever met in my path through life. What a friggin' blast. Also dropped in on Claire and saw her beautiful new home and her fantastic art work--although she's had no formal art training her silk paintings are exquisitely well done--I sincerely hope she decides to devote her energies full time to that. Kevin Carter, Melanie and little Amber are visiting too--they're thinking of buying a home here and settling into the best best flying community in the country (though I'm sworn to secrecy to not tell anyone that).
marc
I've been trying hard to get Terry Presley to come up--but I think he's a little burned on the comp thing in general. He took me for an evening ride in his Stearman last night for some low-level site-seeing and strip- hopping. Terry is one of the most generous fun-flying souls I've ever met in my path through life. What a friggin' blast. Also dropped in on Claire and saw her beautiful new home and her fantastic art work--although she's had no formal art training her silk paintings are exquisitely well done--I sincerely hope she decides to devote her energies full time to that. Kevin Carter, Melanie and little Amber are visiting too--they're thinking of buying a home here and settling into the best best flying community in the country (though I'm sworn to secrecy to not tell anyone that).
marc
Great Googly-moo!
No, Bacil, the best vario is a friggin' vario!
No, Bacil, the best vario is a friggin' vario!
Pete Lehmann