— Daily Digest

1-26 Championships Day 2 Try 1

Well the forecast this morning was pretty encouraging. We were given a 2hr TAT to the east and then south and back. There was a wind out of the south forecast in the 10-15 mph range but with cu forming around grid time we were optimistic. We have the Region 6 contest here now and…

It’s hard to say “no”

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…

1-26 Championships Day 1

Once again I don’t think anyone was too inspired by the forecast this morning. Weatherman John Lubon said it was going to be blue blue blue, unless a crazy thermal was heated up enough to make it up to the lofty altitude of nearly 7000 feet. So, we all expected solid blue. What most of…

1-26 Championships Practice Day

Leah and I arrived at the beautiful Caesar Creek Soaring Club last night for the 1-26 Championships. For those unfamiliar, the 1-26 Champs are the only outlet in the US for one design sailplane racing, are organized by the 1-26 Association (www.126association.org), and feature competition among only Schweizer 1-26 gliders. With only 23:1 book performance…

My first solo — I’m stoked! [HD Video]

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…