Day 2 brings a new point of learning for this Nugget. The task was a MAT, a modified area task. Because the weather guy expressed concern that Perry might suffer damaging winds, hail, and other nasty stuff, the CD shortened the day. The sports class was given a MAT that had two turn points specified and a minimum time of 1.5 hrs. For those readers who are not familiar with a MAT, it gives the participant a different problem to solve. Essentially, after the first mandatory turn points, the pilot can self-select up to 9 more turn points to include in the flight. One constraint is that the pilot cannot bounce between two turn points.
Since I had never done a MAT, I found other participants that were more than willing to explain the various conditions that must be met and thy offered helpful guidance on how to build a competitive strategy. The gist of that was to go to the required turn points and then add turn points that fit the weather conditions. There was little wind so I tried my best to follow what looked like energy lines. I got advice to go long on the first one or two legs, preferably also flying over or near other turn points that could be used if the weather turned bad or I decided the turn point would be too far or would take me into unfavorable conditions. That is essentially what happened.
The two required turn points were Aiken and Williston airports. After Williston, I took a track to the north for Gilbert, some 25 miles away. My 3rd turn point was back to the southwest and 23 miles distant. I got about half way and the area in front of me look “blue” so I decided to change to a turn point that was closer. When I climbed enough to get home, I realized I would be early if I went directly, so I changed course to another turn point that was neaby and that gave me more distance and used up the remaining time. One of the advantages of MAT is the flexibility to alter the flight plan to suit the weather. A downside is it that it increases the pilot workload. Altering the flight plan requires the pilot to enter new points to the nav system.
Learning point: Pilots know the “keep your head on a swivel” axiom but with a MAT, I found that glider tracks crossed more frequently and in unexpected places. Coming into a thermal, I saw gliders approaching from nearly every quadrant. Even though the CD tried to spread out gliders using different starts and initial two turn points for each class, we all seemed to have a similar mindset and did not stray too far from Perry. I set my tracks to return near Perry as I went to my next turn point. I do not imply a fault but rather a caution for me to be extra alert when approaching a good-looking cloud. It looks good from all directions.
Still I managed to finish the task just over the minimum time limit of 1.5 hrs. Although I completed the task without a hitch, I was forced to do a relight when I could not connect with lift on the initial launch. Even though I was near the back of the grid, thanks to Andreea from Seminole Lake and Andy Mc’qurgg, I was able to get launched again and get out on course quickly. Andy is the epitome of the cooperation and support that I have witnessed in this sport. Andreea is here to help out and to learn more about glider operations and competition. She wants to learn how other places do things so she can make Seminole Lake even better. She is a great addition to the world of soaring, by bringing new energy and having a desire to make things better for those of us who fly.
BZ
