Team Challenge in Tennessee

[Dan T]

The Team Challenge is coming up the first week of October I believe. Is
anyone planning on going? I have plenty of vacation time and would like to make
the trip. I've never been to it but everyone who has says its a great time.

Dan T.

[flying_story]

That _does_ sound like a lot of fun! The school district is closed 2 days that week for religious holidays, maybe I could take the rest of the week off.

Hmmmm.....

Judy

[Scott]

Hi Dan and Judy (and others)...

Yes! We've already assembled a team to represent Blue Sky flight park (Bruce Engen, Hank Hengst, Bill Priday, Daniel Shapiro, and me). We're all registered and ready to go.

I think it would be great if you guys wanted to assemble a CHGPA team, or a Highland team---you've got 2 people already...anyone else want to join in?

It should be a fun event, with a focus on first-time XCers (not a "real" comp this year). And Henson's Gap is a great site. Some say conditions aren't good...but we had fantastic conditions down there last year in October, so I'm biased!

Scott

[Dan T]

The team challenge is October 1-8. They require a check in on Sept 31 (sic)
at 6:00 PM. My plan is to drive down on the Thursday the 29th so there is
plenty of time to get ready and maybe get a little flying in.

I've requested the leave time and barring any unforseen events I think I'll
be able to make it. Judy McCarty is trying to get the time off to go.
Assuming she can make it, she's planning on riding down with me. That leaves room
for one more pilot and glider in my truck. I plan to return on Sunday the 8th,
arriving home fairly late.

The team consists of 5 people and the contest is structured so that the more
experienced pilots are encouraged to assist those less experienced. Based
upon that a senior H2 and two more pilots more expert than I would be ideal.

I've never been to this contest but I hear it's terrific, and you will
probably get to dive off the radial ramp too! The comradrie, evening events and
the prearranged retrieves make these contests great vacations for anyone
desiring to go XC. If you are interested drop me a note at wuffo1@aol.com. I'll
post updates to the server as they transpire.

Thanks
Dan T.

[Scott]

Ditto everything Dan said, with one modification---to participate in the Team Challenge requires being a H3. (I'm doing it contingent upon having my 3 by then, which I hope to!) But the Treetoppers welcome all H2s for free flight at Hensons Gap (NW) with an Observer, of course. Their other launch (Whitwell, NE) I believe is an H3-only launch (due to longer glide to nearest LZ).

If Holly doesn't come down with me (possible due to work issues), I'll have room in my truck for someone else and their glider---so drop me an email if you're interested! (I'll be leaving the morning of September 31st.)

Bruce and/or Bill and Daniel (both Blue Sky pilots) might be able to take additional passengers too.

Scott

[flying_story]

Well, unfortunately I cannot have the three days off. Have fun, all of you who can attend.

Judy