Tennessee State SSA Recordkeeper, Linwood Stevenson reports that Wednesday, April 11th was a banner day for glider pilots flying from Knoxville’s Downtown Island Airport (KDKX).

“We had three very nice flights out of Knoxville’s Downtown Island Airport on Wednesday. The Clinch ridge was working northbound, so we had two locals and an Atlanta pilot fly here.

Steve Fessler (ATL) completed Gold distance, Diamond Goal, and Diamond distance with an official distance of 526 km out and return in his ASW-19. Actual flight distance was more like 576 km.

Kevin Anderson (Maryville, TN) flew his Silent IN motor glider on a 300km O&R speed attempt at an average of 60.98 mph, good for a new TN record in that category.

Don Bickers (Knoxville) flew his 304CZ a bit over 460km, actually achieving his first five hour flight and first OLC entry! The rules of flight may preclude a Silver distance award, but he actually flew nine times further than required for that.

All made it back to the airport after crossing the same finish line at the end of the ridge. The ridge was working well, but thermals were better, at 8-10 kts all day, so the flights mostly stayed high in the thermals.

I acted as Official Observer for all, as my glider was at Chilhowee being used by one of the U. S. Team members for this week’s training camp.

Finally, congratulations to Bill Elliott (WE) for re-setting the 200 km speed triangle record last weekend!”