Team Challenge 25 September 1 October 2011

[mcelrah]

I just registered (no money down) - filling up fast. If you are interested, best act now.

The Tennessee Tree Toppers sponsor this event, which matches experienced XC comp pilots with newbies (H3) - the team score forces the skygods to bring their lesser-skilled team-mates along for points. Great way to learn, superb sites, loooong ridge, very friendly host community. good camping on launch (some of us are evaluating this as a retirement venue...)

This will be my first one. Wanna make up a CHGPA/MHGA/Mountaineers group? People have rented a big house in years past (although that is not a requirement).

- Hugh

P.S. At USHPA board meeting in Colorado Springs. Sallie and I drove up Pike's Peak (14k) - could see the snow coming down all the way in Vail! Locals say the reason they don't launch from there is lack of bailouts. Hell it was only blowing 25 mph west (6 degrees F on top)...

P.P.S. Enjoyed Sparky's and Stacy's excellent hospitality in Evergreen CO when we arrived at DIA. Alas, by the time we got there, the locals were packing up at Lookout 'cause it was starting to blow over the back - had my bag with me 'n everything...

P.P.S.S. For my sins, I was called upon to lead a brainstorming session yesterday: lots of concern about supporting instructors better, also how not to lose our 2s. Turns out our clubs are apparently doing an exceptional job of mentoring (we call our mentors "observers" but there is a separate program for that...)

[Flying Lobster]

We usually have luminaries like Dennis Pagen, Mikey Barber (Kevin Carter sometimes) and other expert pilots give informative lectures which are by themselves nearly worth the cost of the comp. This is probably the premier non-sanctioned learning comp in the US. If you're an aspiring xc or comp pilot and have never been to the Seqautchie Valley--you won't want to miss this.

marc

[RichH]

Its a great event and Im looking forward to it ..Already signed up ...Rich

[Dan T]

I've been to it twice. It's the very model of how an informal competition should be run. Because the scoring system is set up to encourage more experienced pilots to bring along less experienced ones, it is an idea way for H2s to get introduced to XC.

I've been a member of a local CHGPA team in the past. Honestly I think you will learn more and fly more if you team up with at least one of the locals. Maybe we could bribe one by offering to buy him/her dinner in the evenings.

Dan

[mcelrah]

Correct me if I'm wrong: I believe H3 is the minimum.
- Hugh

[Dan T]

You are correct H3 is the minimum. I recall there being a split between experienced and novice XC pilots but they were both expected to be at the H3 level at least.

Sorry for the confusion.

Dan