Updated: National Feminine Records Set in Tennessee

Sarah Kelly-Arnold at Chilhowee Gliderport which she owns and operates.

[This just in from Linwood Stevenson, SSA State Recordkeeper for Tennessee with and updated section by Sarah’s excellent co-pilot, Dianna Fleming]

Sarah Kelly-Arnold, of Chilhowee Gliderport fame, had an amazing flight on Thursday, March 24th. Sarah and Dianna Fleming appear to have set 12 new records in the Feminine Category, Open Multiplace Glider for Tennessee, and possibly two National Records! This flight was made during her annual Sequatchie Valley Ridge and Badge Camp on Thursday, March 24. What is more amazing, is that this was done in a lowly Schweizer 2-33A trainer!!! The flight file is posted here on OLC.

From the Front Seat in a 2-33 Record Sailplane by Dianna Fleming

The week had already been over the top, in the flying department, for me!  Flying is usually a special treat only enjoyed a few times a year in my busy schedule. The first day of the Sequatchie Valley Badge Camp offered me an opportunity to fly with Mr. John Good in his Duo Discus MP for a 3 State cross-country flight–that is truly a nice sailplane!  His verbal instruction along with the wonderful PowerPoint presentations over the next two evenings unknowingly prepared me for the flight on Thursday.

The Schweitzer 2-33 on the Ridge Setting Records

The weather was forecasting a lovely ridge day for Thursday, so Sarah [Kelley-Arnold] and I hoped to be able to fly her Schweitzer 2-33 up the ridge on that day.  I, the pessimist, hoped just to be able to fly. Sarah, the optimist, hoped to accomplish a 300Km or better flight; but, we would need to get an early start, and all the paperwork and declarations needed to be in order. Sarah offered to take care of the paperwork as she had done that before and I readily agreed.  I have always wanted to fly this ridge system including flying over my house located on the side of Walden’s Ridge approx. 30 miles north of our departure point at Marion Co. Airport in Jasper, TN. Sarah thought that Thursday would be a good time to fulfill that dream, assuming the weather held.

The launch, first leg, second leg, and most of the third leg went well. But nearing the third turnpoint, we found the lift less plentiful and still much needed. The wind had shifted and weakened making the climbs less frequent and the sink much more frequent. But after some struggles (Sarah flew this area – it was her glider at stake!) we made it to our turnpoint and found some lift that enabled us to extend our leg slightly.

Sarah Kelley-Arnold and Dianna Fleming

By the time we started back, it was afternoon and between the lack of sun, dropping temps, and slight glider draftiness, Sarah and I both were rather chilled. I learned that layering, even when you are very warm on the ground, is wise and will be utilized on my future cool cross country flights!

After warming up on the ground, and putting everything up for the night we found that we had actually done better than Sarah had thought…356Km, 4 hours and 28 minutes, and possible applications for 6 Tennessee records and 3 National records! The joy was heightened as the other pilots came in telling of their completion of various Gold and Silver Badge tasks accomplished on the ridge that same day. Soaring is wonderful because it is a sharing sport. Without a scholarship, wonderful mentors, God’s orchestration of the weather, quality resources, Richard our tow pilot, Sarah and her amazing example, patient instruction, optimistic goals, experience, and 2-33, this flight would not have been possible.

 

Here is a tentative list of records established during Sarah’s amazing flight. She at least deserves a medal for sitting in the back of that glider for the four-hour plus flight!

Tennessee Records in the Feminine Category-Open Multiplace

Free Distance 57.656 miles
Free Out and Return Distance 118.826 miles
Free 3 Turnpoint Distance 217.533 miles
Straight Distance to a Goal 57.436 miles
Out and Return Distance 114.302 miles
Distance Up to 3 Turnpoints 199718 miles

Tennessee Records in the Feminine Category-Sports Class
(Schweizer 2-33A handicap is 1.84)

Free Distance 106.087 miles
Free Out and Return Distance 218.639 miles
Free 3 Turnpoint Distance 400.260 miles
Straight Distance to a Goal 105.682 miles
Out and Return Distance 210.315 miles
Distance Up to 3 Turnpoints 367.481 miles

Tennessee Records in the General Category-Open Multiplace

Free Out and Return Distance 118.826 miles
Out and Return Distance 114.302 miles

National Feminine Category Records (tentative)

Free Out and Return Distance 118.826 miles
Free 3 Turnpoint Distance 217.533 miles
Distance Up to 3 Turnpoints 199.718 miles

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