2007 Albert Lea Soaring 2007 Albert Lea Soaring ContestContest

Welcome to Albert LeaWelcome to Albert Lea

Paul Remde: Contest ManagerPaul Remde: Contest Manager

2005 Albert Lea Soaring 2005 Albert Lea Soaring ContestContest

Pilots MeetingPilots MeetingPaul Remde: Contest ManagerPaul Remde: Contest Manager

Charlie Miner: Competition DirectorCharlie Miner: Competition DirectorPhil Schmalz/Leo Benetti Longhini: Operations DirectorsPhil Schmalz/Leo Benetti Longhini: Operations Directors

Welcome to Albert LeaWelcome to Albert Lea

• Safe ContestSafe Contest

• Fun ContestFun Contest

• Learning ExperienceLearning Experience

Key PersonnelKey Personnel

• Operations Directors: Phil Schmalz & Leo Operations Directors: Phil Schmalz & Leo Benetti LonghiniBenetti Longhini

• Scorer – Rick GreenScorer – Rick Green• Weighing Director - Tom ChrisfieldWeighing Director - Tom Chrisfield• Awards – Paul RemdeAwards – Paul Remde• Weather – Tom KelleyWeather – Tom Kelley• Network Administrator – Eric StrandjordNetwork Administrator – Eric Strandjord• Office VolunteersOffice Volunteers• Social Events Coordinators: Paul Remde Social Events Coordinators: Paul Remde

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Critical Assembly CheckCritical Assembly Check

• Teach someone the critical assembly Teach someone the critical assembly items for your glider. items for your glider.

• Have them check those items each Have them check those items each time you assemble and initial your time you assemble and initial your wing tape on the left side of the wing tape on the left side of the glider/wing junctionglider/wing junction

Children and PetsChildren and Pets

• They are welcome but…They are welcome but…– Airports are dangerous places with Airports are dangerous places with

whirling propellers, high-speed landing whirling propellers, high-speed landing airplanes, etc.airplanes, etc.

– Educate children and watch them Educate children and watch them closely.closely.

– Keep pets on a leashKeep pets on a leash

No SmokingNo Smoking

• No smoking at contest meetings or in No smoking at contest meetings or in the contest headquarters hangarthe contest headquarters hangar

Airport OverviewAirport Overview

• Car proceduresCar procedures– Where to parkWhere to park– When to go backWhen to go back

• OuthousesOuthouses

• Tow proceduresTow procedures

• Runways and patternsRunways and patterns

• RelightsRelights

Airport OverviewAirport Overview

GriddingGridding

GriddingGridding

GriddingGridding

UnitsUnits

• Distance: Statute MilesDistance: Statute Miles

• Speed: Statute miles per hourSpeed: Statute miles per hour

• Altitude: Feet AGLAltitude: Feet AGL

RulesRules

• Read the rules. I’m very serious Read the rules. I’m very serious about that.about that.

• The rules of the contest are an The rules of the contest are an agreement between the contest agreement between the contest officials, the pilots and the SSA and officials, the pilots and the SSA and are the only way to insure fair and are the only way to insure fair and consistent competition.consistent competition.

Task Advisory CommitteeTask Advisory Committee

• Assist the CD in the selection of tasksAssist the CD in the selection of tasks– Open Class Nationals:Open Class Nationals:– 18 m Nationals:18 m Nationals:– Region 7 Sports Class:Region 7 Sports Class:

Contest Competition Contest Competition CommitteeCommittee

• CD and up to 3 other members CD and up to 3 other members appointed by the CD.appointed by the CD.– Experienced competition pilotsExperienced competition pilots– Not competitorsNot competitors

•Paul RemdePaul Remde

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Valid ContestValid Contest

• Open and 18 m NationalsOpen and 18 m Nationals– 5 Entrants per class whose final score is 5 Entrants per class whose final score is

greater than zerogreater than zero– Minimum of 4 valid competition daysMinimum of 4 valid competition days

• Region 7Region 7– 5 Entrants per class whose final score is 5 Entrants per class whose final score is

greater than zerogreater than zero– Minimum of 2 valid competition daysMinimum of 2 valid competition days

Buddy SystemBuddy System

• At least 5 pilots that are new to At least 5 pilots that are new to contestscontests

• Match new pilots with experienced Match new pilots with experienced pilotspilots

Daily Safety TalksDaily Safety Talks

• Monday:Monday:

• Tuesday:Tuesday:

• Wednesday:Wednesday:

• Thursday:Thursday:

• Friday:Friday:

• Saturday:Saturday:

• Sunday:Sunday:

• Monday:Monday:

• TuesdayTuesday

• Wednesday:Wednesday:

• Thursday:Thursday:

Weighing ProceduresWeighing Procedures

• Tom ChrisfieldTom Chrisfield

Official ConfigurationOfficial Configuration

• A sailplane’s official configuration is A sailplane’s official configuration is the one used on the first competition the one used on the first competition day at takeoff.day at takeoff.

MotorglidersMotorgliders

• Please launch using your motor if Please launch using your motor if possible to help us get everyone possible to help us get everyone launched as quickly as possible.launched as quickly as possible.

• You may elect to take an aerotowYou may elect to take an aerotow

Daily Pilot’s MeetingDaily Pilot’s Meeting

• 9:30 in contest headquarters hangar9:30 in contest headquarters hangar

Grid TimeGrid Time

• Grid time will be 11 AM unless otherwise Grid time will be 11 AM unless otherwise announced.announced.

• It is very important that you make grid It is very important that you make grid time. If you are not there on time the time. If you are not there on time the gliders will pull out onto the grid and you gliders will pull out onto the grid and you will not be able to get to your spot.will not be able to get to your spot.

• As you pull down to the launch grid please As you pull down to the launch grid please find your assigned number and pull off the find your assigned number and pull off the runway near it so others can go by you on runway near it so others can go by you on the way to theirs. the way to theirs.

Grid TimeGrid Time

• Pull off with the tail of the glider in the grass Pull off with the tail of the glider in the grass and the nose pointing to the center of the and the nose pointing to the center of the runway. runway.

• At grid time I will announce over 123.3 At grid time I will announce over 123.3 “Ladies and gentlemen please grid up”. “Ladies and gentlemen please grid up”. Please pull your gliders out and be ready to Please pull your gliders out and be ready to fly.fly.

• I will also announce the time of the grid I will also announce the time of the grid meeting. At this meeting we will discuss the meeting. At this meeting we will discuss the latest weather info. and the task sheets will latest weather info. and the task sheets will be passed out. be passed out.

Grid TimeGrid Time

• We will be on Task “A” unless you hear directly We will be on Task “A” unless you hear directly from me on the grid or through a roll call in the air.from me on the grid or through a roll call in the air.

• If you need to pull back for any reason please see If you need to pull back for any reason please see me or the Operations Director Scott Elhardt.me or the Operations Director Scott Elhardt.

• Remember, Pulling back is to deal with unforeseen Remember, Pulling back is to deal with unforeseen problems and not as a routine part of contest problems and not as a routine part of contest strategy.strategy.

• Sunset is at: 8:45Sunset is at: 8:45• On most days the sniffer will be launched at grid On most days the sniffer will be launched at grid

time so there can be no gliders towing out to the time so there can be no gliders towing out to the grid on the runway.grid on the runway.

CarsCars

• Cars may be parked near gliders before grid time. Cars may be parked near gliders before grid time. After the pilots meeting near the front of the grid After the pilots meeting near the front of the grid all cars must be moved behind the wing of the all cars must be moved behind the wing of the last glider so there can be no possibility for last glider so there can be no possibility for accidents involving cars and launching gliders.accidents involving cars and launching gliders.

• No cars will leave the launch area after the No cars will leave the launch area after the launch starts.launch starts.

• An announcement will be made on the radio on An announcement will be made on the radio on 123.3 when it is clear for all crews to move the 123.3 when it is clear for all crews to move the cars back to the tiedown area. Even then it is cars back to the tiedown area. Even then it is possible that the movement may be stopped to possible that the movement may be stopped to accommodate a relight – so keep your radios on accommodate a relight – so keep your radios on 123.3 until you are back at the tiedown area.123.3 until you are back at the tiedown area.

Sniffer and TowingSniffer and Towing

• I will launch the sniffer when the weather looks I will launch the sniffer when the weather looks favorable. favorable.

• As soon as it goes through 2,500 feet AGL I will As soon as it goes through 2,500 feet AGL I will announce a launch time. announce a launch time.

• Tows will be to 2,000 feet AGL.Tows will be to 2,000 feet AGL.• All tows will be to the designated drop zone for All tows will be to the designated drop zone for

that contest day. that contest day. • Towplanes will be on 123.0Towplanes will be on 123.0• If the weather is iffy and the advisors have not If the weather is iffy and the advisors have not

reached the minimum of 3,300 feet AGL then I reached the minimum of 3,300 feet AGL then I will announce that the last in the class has been will announce that the last in the class has been launched with the task opening to be announced. launched with the task opening to be announced.

RelightsRelights

• If you need a relight call on ground control If you need a relight call on ground control (123.3). (123.3).

• If the launch is still underway the preferred If the launch is still underway the preferred landing location is the cross runway. landing location is the cross runway.

• A relight list will be kept and takeoff will be A relight list will be kept and takeoff will be according to the sequence in the relight according to the sequence in the relight process after all assigned launches have process after all assigned launches have been completed.been completed.

Start CylindersStart Cylinders

• There are 4 start cylinders: There are 4 start cylinders: – Start N, Start S, Start W and Start EStart N, Start S, Start W and Start E

• We will be using turnpoint #1, Albert Lea We will be using turnpoint #1, Albert Lea for the center of finish cylinder.for the center of finish cylinder.

• The radius of the start cylinder will be 5 statute The radius of the start cylinder will be 5 statute miles. miles.

• The maximum altitude will be 8,000 feet AGL or The maximum altitude will be 8,000 feet AGL or about 9,260 feet MSL unless specified otherwise on about 9,260 feet MSL unless specified otherwise on the task sheet.the task sheet.

• A start occurs each time a sailplane exits the start A start occurs each time a sailplane exits the start cylinder (either though the side or top).cylinder (either though the side or top).

• No flying faster than 115 mph in the start cylinder.No flying faster than 115 mph in the start cylinder.• Call back your start time on 123.3 within 15 minutes Call back your start time on 123.3 within 15 minutes

after the start is made. The reported time must be after the start is made. The reported time must be accurate to within 2 minutes.accurate to within 2 minutes.

Airfield Landing BonusAirfield Landing Bonus

• A pilot with an incomplete task who A pilot with an incomplete task who lands at a designated airfield can lands at a designated airfield can receive a score bonus for such a receive a score bonus for such a landing.landing.

• All airports on a current US Sectional All airports on a current US Sectional Aeronautical Chart will be accepted.Aeronautical Chart will be accepted.

TaskingTasking

• I will make every attempt to insure I will make every attempt to insure you are on a doable task each day you are on a doable task each day that follows the rules of creating a that follows the rules of creating a safe and challenging task.safe and challenging task.

• Assigned TaskAssigned Task– Open and 18 m classes onlyOpen and 18 m classes only

TaskingTasking

• Modified Assigned Task (MAT)Modified Assigned Task (MAT)– Minimum flight time will be assignedMinimum flight time will be assigned– CD may designate from 0 to 11 turnpoints. CD may designate from 0 to 11 turnpoints.

They must be flown in the designated They must be flown in the designated sequence, but a pilot may elect to finish after sequence, but a pilot may elect to finish after any turnpoint in the sequence.any turnpoint in the sequence.

– After completing the designated turnpoints the After completing the designated turnpoints the pilot may fly to additional turnpoints.pilot may fly to additional turnpoints.

– No turnpoint may be repeated unless 2 No turnpoint may be repeated unless 2 intervening turnpoints are claimed. intervening turnpoints are claimed. • The start and finish are not turnpoints.The start and finish are not turnpoints.

TaskingTasking

• Turn Area Task (TAT)Turn Area Task (TAT)– Speed over a course through one or Speed over a course through one or

more turn areas.more turn areas.– Turn areas are turnpoints with a Turn areas are turnpoints with a

designated radius defining a cylinderdesignated radius defining a cylinder– Minimum flight time specifiedMinimum flight time specified– The pilot decides where to turn in each The pilot decides where to turn in each

cylinder in an attempt to finish in a little cylinder in an attempt to finish in a little more than the minimum flight time.more than the minimum flight time.

FinishingFinishing

• Finish CylinderFinish Cylinder– Radius: 1 statute mileRadius: 1 statute mile– Floor of the finish cylinder is 1,000 feet AGL (2,260 MSL)Floor of the finish cylinder is 1,000 feet AGL (2,260 MSL)– Finish time is when the glider enters the finish cylinderFinish time is when the glider enters the finish cylinder– When 4 miles from the center of the finish cylinder call When 4 miles from the center of the finish cylinder call

“[Contest ID] four miles” on 123.3.“[Contest ID] four miles” on 123.3.– Switch immediately to 123.0Switch immediately to 123.0– Silent finishSilent finish– Upon entering the downwind leg of the landing pattern, Upon entering the downwind leg of the landing pattern,

the pilot should transmit “[Contest ID] downwind for the pilot should transmit “[Contest ID] downwind for runway [runway ID]” on 123.0.runway [runway ID]” on 123.0.

RetrievesRetrieves

• Please call the retrieve office upon landing Please call the retrieve office upon landing away from Albert Leaaway from Albert Lea

• The retrieve office phone number is on the The retrieve office phone number is on the bottom of the task sheet. It will be 952-bottom of the task sheet. It will be 952-484-0239484-0239

• You may also call your crew directly, but You may also call your crew directly, but be sure to have them check-out with the be sure to have them check-out with the retrieve office before they leave the retrieve office before they leave the airport so we will know you are being airport so we will know you are being taken care of.taken care of.

• The retrieve office will close at 6:30 PMThe retrieve office will close at 6:30 PM

Landing Cards and Submitting Landing Cards and Submitting Flight LogsFlight Logs• Landing cards will not be required except in Landing cards will not be required except in

certain circumstances:certain circumstances:– A Safety Finish is claimedA Safety Finish is claimed– Motorized sailplane used the motor after startingMotorized sailplane used the motor after starting– Flight documentation includes and incomplete flight log.Flight documentation includes and incomplete flight log.

• Flight recorders (or flight log files) must be turned Flight recorders (or flight log files) must be turned in to the scorer within 1 hour of landing in to the scorer within 1 hour of landing (preferably ASAP).(preferably ASAP).

• Please leave the scoring area after you turn in Please leave the scoring area after you turn in your documentation. Hanging around the office your documentation. Hanging around the office slows the process of scoring and causes the slows the process of scoring and causes the scorer to miss dinner. scorer to miss dinner.

Radio ProceduresRadio Procedures

• Contest Frequency: Contest Frequency: 123.3123.3 (almost everything) (almost everything)• Takeoff & landing (Airport Freq): Takeoff & landing (Airport Freq): 123.0123.0• Pilot to Crew: Pilot to Crew: 123.5123.5

• Before Launch: Before Launch: 123.3123.3• Aerotow: Aerotow: 123.0123.0• Immediately after release Immediately after release 123.3123.3• Announce start times “[Contest #] started at 13:15”: Announce start times “[Contest #] started at 13:15”: 123.3123.3• Talk to gliders while on course: Talk to gliders while on course: 123.3123.3• Talk to Crew with position and heading updates: Talk to Crew with position and heading updates: 123.5123.5• When approaching the finish When approaching the finish 123.3123.3 “[Contest #] 4 miles out. “[Contest #] 4 miles out.

Approaching from the SSW.”Approaching from the SSW.”• Switch immediately to airport frequency: Switch immediately to airport frequency: 123.0123.0• Announce landing pattern: Announce landing pattern: 123.0123.0

Safety FinishSafety Finish

• Cylinder centered on the finish point Cylinder centered on the finish point with a radius of 5 miles.with a radius of 5 miles.

• If weather conditions warrant, the CD If weather conditions warrant, the CD may activate the Safety finish by a may activate the Safety finish by a radio announcement on the contest radio announcement on the contest frequency.frequency.

Missing PilotsMissing Pilots

• If there is a contest day in which a pilot does If there is a contest day in which a pilot does not return or call within an hour of sunset I not return or call within an hour of sunset I will launch “Albert Lea Air”. This aircraft will will launch “Albert Lea Air”. This aircraft will go up over the airport with enough altitude go up over the airport with enough altitude to cover the task area and broadcast the to cover the task area and broadcast the missing call sign on 123.3 and 123.5. missing call sign on 123.3 and 123.5.

• I and all involved in the contest will do all in I and all involved in the contest will do all in our power to find the pilot. We will search our power to find the pilot. We will search until dark and resume at daylight.until dark and resume at daylight.

• An ELT is a very good idea.An ELT is a very good idea.

CrewlessCrewless

• If you are crewless make arrangements to have If you are crewless make arrangements to have your vehicle moved back to the tiedowns after the your vehicle moved back to the tiedowns after the launch. launch.

• Have your trailer ready to goHave your trailer ready to go• Make sure you have an agreement with someone Make sure you have an agreement with someone

to be your retrieve crew.to be your retrieve crew.• You cannot expect the contest organization to find You cannot expect the contest organization to find

you a crew after you have landed out.you a crew after you have landed out.• If we are flying a TAT or MAT please make If we are flying a TAT or MAT please make

arrangements to have a crew following your arrangements to have a crew following your progress via the radio on 123.5. Tell them the progress via the radio on 123.5. Tell them the turns and headings you are attempting. Searching turns and headings you are attempting. Searching for you without any information is impossible.for you without any information is impossible.

CrewsCrews

• Please put your contest ID on your crew Please put your contest ID on your crew vehicle – use wing tape. It will make it a vehicle – use wing tape. It will make it a lot easier for contest organizers to find you lot easier for contest organizers to find you in case of a phone call or retrieve. in case of a phone call or retrieve.

• Please read the rules concerning crews Please read the rules concerning crews and radio transmissions. This is one area and radio transmissions. This is one area in which you can get your pilot a penalty.in which you can get your pilot a penalty.

• Have a plan for the recovery of your glider Have a plan for the recovery of your glider and pilot. Have the tail dolly with you and and pilot. Have the tail dolly with you and be ready to pull the pilot off the runway be ready to pull the pilot off the runway quickly so others can land.quickly so others can land.

Rule ChangesRule Changes

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Thank YouThank You

• I am open to suggestions as to how I am open to suggestions as to how to improve safety or increase fun!to improve safety or increase fun!