Women Pilots Conquer Moriarty

Mark M. gives his best...

Mark M. gives his best…

Moriarty has opened its big skies for Women Pilots from all across the United States and for some foreign pilots. In the briefing hangar we found a number of colorful flags, which show that guests from Canada, Germany, Serbia, China and Australia have travelled a long way to participate in a fine week of soaring over New Mexico. Hopefully a fine week – unfortunately the skies have also opened the way for some huge clouds, scattered thunderstorms and some rainfall here and there…

Not beer but lots of oxygen support high altitude soaring...

Not beer but lots of oxygen support high altitude soaring…

The official first day – Monday – started with an extended weather and safety briefing. Most of the pilots have never been to Moriarty before. So we had an introduction to high altitude adaptation and learned about the effects of hypoxia. To get a feeling for the airspace near Albuquerque International, a controller was invited who explained not only why it is a good idea to have a transponder onboard a sailplane. He also showed us what he can see on his screen and how he manages commercial traffic around Moriarty’s airfield when the air is full of gliders. Good to know how people on the ground are able to take care of these issues.

Heather, a US Air Force Academy Graduate from 2008 renews her glider knowledge

Heather, a US Air Force Academy Graduate from 2008 renews her glider knowledge

Those women who did not have the chance to do a field checkout during the weekend were invited to start their Moriarty exploring on Monday afternoon. A number of instructors and local pilots takes care of the ~30 people crowd. As usual, there are several male pilots joining the seminar as instructors, crew or to take advantage of some great soaring.

Maja and Billy tried a first flight in the Duo Discus

Maja and Billy tried a first flight in the Duo Discus

We are now hoping for a little less moisture to open up the way for some longer flights. One of the goals for the gals is of course to go cross country, either on their own or in a two seater. Connie Buenafe, who hosts and organized the 2013 WSPA seminar, offered to share her Duo Discus, and from its back seat Billy Hill will maybe tell us the secret of his fast flights? Barton Tate (DG 505M) also supports the seminar, and of course Albuquerque’s club two seaters are available to be used for training. Look for an update on the seminar achievements and events later this week. I hope to be able to provide some aerial views…

Lining up for a first launch

Lining up for a first launch

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