Woohoo! CIVL sanctioned comp, level 2, Quest, Dec 17-18

Lauren Tjaden · Post by **Lauren Tjaden** » Tue Nov 08, 2005 6:27 pm

Sunday, I was informed that Paul and I would be the organizers of an international level 2 sanctioned hang gliding meet to be held at Quest Dec 17th and 18th. This is a comp that would qualify both Paul and I to compete in the world championships, to be held at Quest in May of 2006, providing we finish in the top 2/3rds of it.
Well, nothing comes free. And why should anyone else do all the dirty work? Unfortunately, Paul is out of town on a family emergency. So, it became my responsibility.
I started organizing yesterday. I filled out the FAI application form with David Glover's help, and faxed payment to them yesterday. We are also supposed to have the NAC (National Aero Club, for us that's the NAA) approve our comp in order for the FAI to approve it. But when I contacted the NAA, they said they needed USHGA approval to give NAA approval for the FAI approval. Sigh.
Our NAA contact (Art) is in Paris, validating a record attempt in a Boeing. He will not return to the US for weeks.
But some people are cool. I appealed to Nancy at the NAA, and called Jim Zieset at the USHGA.
Jim sent USHGA approval 5 minutes after I spoke with him. Damn. He was good. I also told Nancy my story finally; that I would not have a chance to compete in the worlds if this didn't get done. It was not her problem, but she cut to the chase and HAS ALREADY sent our application to the FAI.
So I think it is a done deal! Now, all we need is 15 competitors who will fly in the comp. They ALL need to have NAA licenses, which are $30 a pop. You can get them online or by phone. But maybe someone can help you this expense, should you decide to come and help us in our effort to have the United States of America represented by full teams, both in the women's and rigid division.
Well, OK, it is really for my personal glory, but I thought I would play the patriotic card. And seriously, we will have big fun, and would love you to come on down to FL and share in it.
Further, though the team slots for the women are already filled, other women could fly in the Quest meet this December and qualify to fly in the worlds as individuals. Like, maybe, Christy Huddle? Or Skippy? When else could you find a chance like this? I think it's pretty great.
I missed flying today but I was totally exhausted even though the clouds looked fine -- high and inviting. Besides, DR Jack's blipmap said lift was just OK and the winds were marginally strong. I am looking forward to an evening without a dinner out -- more like laying on the couch, watching TV and eating (I only have one houseguest now) -- and tomorrow I will pull the covers off my most beautiful of friends, my Angel, my Litespeed (isn't that so weird that I have a topless, chicken-sh** me, but she is so fabulous) and fly her until we both land in ecstasy!
Lauren

Post by **brianvh** » Tue Nov 08, 2005 7:15 pm

I have no doubt both of you can place in the top 2/3 of any 30 pilots. But just in case you get a pack of ringers like Manfred and Kari coming in the same day you both come down with fevers, would you like to charter a van full of anti-ringers to come down and balance things out?

Don't know if I can make it, but me and my little falcon make a great counterweight to any skygod.

Paul Tjaden · Post by **Paul Tjaden** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:07 am

In a message dated 11/8/2005 7:15:55 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, brianvanthull@yahoo.com writes:

But just in case you get a pack of ringers like Manfred and Kari coming in the same day you both come down with fevers, would you like to charter a van full of anti-ringers to come down and balance things out?

You guys are pretty great. Marc Fink called this morning, too. OF COURSE we want you to come. However, we hopefully can get 15 pilots here who are willing to compete -- not that I know that for sure. I need to go around, ask, and count them. I would also warn you?that the flying may not be stellar. I mean, it MIGHT be great -- but I might be dragging you down here for a party, some low, scratchy flying, and that's about it.
So, I will see what we can get going here for entries, and let you know if we are desperate for you to come or not. Of course, even if we are not desperate we WANT you to come, but I know it may prove difficult for many of you to get away.
You guys really do choke me up. Marc thought?I was being sarcastic when I said that. Nothing could be further from the truth. Friends like those we have in the CHGPA are hard to come by.
Lauren

Post by **John Dullahan** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 9:51 pm

Lauren,
Together with Paul, your rapid assent in the pantheon of sky gods smites me with a mixture of admiration and envy

But your invitation to join you at Quest for a few days is really enticing. Kudos for stepping up to the plate and organizing the event.
I would love to participate. However, I have never participated in a real competition, and wouldn't expect anything more than an enjoyable and learning experience. Besides, if I bomb out I can always serve as a driver.
Don't have a lot of extra vacation time, so I would probably fly down on the 16th with helmet/harness and try to rent a glider. How are the other preparations coming?

Best regards,
John

Paul Tjaden · Post by **Paul Tjaden** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 12:21 am

In a message dated 11/9/2005 9:52:16 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, johndullahan@comcast.net writes:

Together with Paul, your rapid assent in the pantheon of sky gods smites me with a mixture of admiration and envy

?
as if. But you have earned huge brownie points for saying that

But your invitation to join you at Quest for a few days is really enticing.? Kudos for stepping up to the plate and organizing the event.?

?
?
PLeeez come. The only thing?I am worried about is that the flying may suck, and then?I will feel so guilty about pilots who have made the trip

? ? ? ? ? ? ? I would love to participate.? However, I have never participated in a real competition,

?
this will be pretty small for an "international sporting event" (as the FAI says it will be). 20 pilots or so,?I would imagine -- but we should have fun!

. How are the other preparations coming?

?
Getting there. Paul is out of town and I have the flu, but when?I am not on the couch?moaning in self pity I have been busy. The entry fee is set at $50, and we will buy a sporting license ($30) for each competitor out of that. Tows are extra --?I think Quest charges $20 a pop for a tow to 2500. This will not be the big party or production that the Flytec is, more like a pizza party or the like on Saturday night, so please don't be disappointed. I should have the entry forms together in a few days. The FAI has said the forms look to be in order, and I faxed credit card info to them a couple of days ago, but they said they still need to get the payment processed. I think it is a done deal, though. You are really great.
Back to?bed now.
Lauren

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Post by **John Dullahan** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 10:28 pm

Lauren,
Sorry about your flu misery. With your continuing efforts to stage the comp - despite the nasty bug - you an Paul really deserve success.

I still intend to help out, participate, and have a good time, and will contact you off-line about details.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and a successful comp.

Best regards,
John D.