Report for the GTA race at Monroe, GA August 23-24 A Class Cumulative Score Rank Points ID Name Glider 1 1999 FS Silva, Fernando ASW-27 2 1933 BZ Mittell, John ASW-27 3 1759 H6 Ruf, Chris 303 Mosquito 4 965 FP Pin, Francois ASW-27 5 915 DL Linnekin, Dennis ASW-27 B Class Cumulative Score 24-Aug-14 23-Aug-14 Rank Points…
Cafe Columns
Farewell to Frank Paynter (TA)
by Bill Elliott •
I am very saddened to learn that my friend and mentor Frank Paynter (TA), a long time Soaring Cafe contributor and racing enthusiast has been dealt the terminating blow from the SSA. Their decision from Frank’s email to me summarized is: No contests the rest of this year, no Seniors, no Perry, and no Nationals next year, anything past…
Ireland’s First 500km Flight by Kevin Houlihan
by Bill Elliott •
My mother always claims that June 22nd is really the longest day. It certainly was for her in 1954 because on that day in that year I, her firstborn, arrived. I’m not sure if she has recovered yet. June 22nd this year was, for me, the longest day ever – in a glider. I pedaled…
Tullahoma, Tenn GTA Race – Day 3
by Bill Elliott •
I’m writing this from the comfort of my home office back in Columbus, Ohio. I got home about 3am Ohio time this morning, after an uneventful drive back from the Tullahoma. We got in a 3rd day on Sunday – a 2hr TAT. Conditions were variable – OK to very good to the north of…
Tullahoma, Tenn GTA Race
by Bill Elliott •
I’m sitting in my Micro-Castle here at the Tullahoma GTA (Georgia-Tennessee-Alabama) race site, on Saturday July 5, waiting for my brain to wake up and smell the coffee. Tullahoma regional airport (KTHA) is a great soaring site, with lots of ramp space for assembling gliders, huge runways with at least two separate grass runways, and a…
1-26 Championships Wrap-Up
by Bill Elliott •
No update for a few days, I know. I hate it when that happens, so here is the rest of the story. Thursday was, I think, the 5th attempt at Day 2. The morning meeting wasn’t very optimistic on the weather and Hutch called a 12:30 grid time. We decided to squeeze the annual 1-26…
Classic Glider Flight “SG38” [HD Video]
by Bill Elliott •
Schulgleiter “SG38” at Eutingen Airport (Germany / Baden-Württemberg), Summer 2014 That’s how to feel freakin Free!
It’s hard to say “no”
by Bill Elliott •
I confess that I am experiencing a new feeling: I tend to be stubborn. Yes, I am willful and I want to reach my goal; especially, when it is so close! I’m also a real perfectionist, but not always in a positive way. I wanted to do my stuff again; however, I didn’t know that I shouldn’t have sat in…
My first solo — I’m stoked! [HD Video]
by Bill Elliott •
Cockpit set. Thumbs up. The super cub starts revving its engine. The slow start of the spinning wheel directly under me vibrates the entire cockpit as our beautiful club starts speeding past me. I only need a gentle touch and I am airborne, waiting for the tug to lift off as well. The rest is…
Thoughts on Low-Cost Gliding Navigation
by Bill Elliott •
Thoughts on Low-Cost Gliding Navigation Ok, before we start a little DISCLAIMER: The following text only represents my personal, subjective opinion and reflects only upon the personal, subjective experiences I gained over the last years, flying club, private and rental gliders in recreational, cross-country and competition flying and is subject to change and in no…
