Nowadays unique is an overused and abused word – yet the Helli Lasch Challenge is a truly unique event. Since 2003 this biennial event has seen the reigning World Champions and the South African squad sharing two weeks of intense flying and moving experiences in an exclusive setting in the spirit of Helli Lasch. Before…
The Third U.S. Vintage Nationals officially began in Lawrenceville, Illinois on Monday, June 13th and continues through Sunday, June 19th.
The first weekend at Lawrenceville (prior to the meet) included two absolutely beautiful summer days; several pilots arrived with their gliders and experienced moderate soaring conditions above this inviting agrarian part of southern Illinois.
[Editor’s Note: We have recently received a more detailed obituary for Charlie and have updated this post. Charlie lived a rich life and loved soaring giving so much to the sport. –WE] Susan McCallister posted the sad news about Charlie on RAS just a short while ago. I am so sorry to have to report…
Dateline: May 31, 2011, 1640 Pacific Daylight Time: As I write, Gordon Boettger, the indefatigable U.S. Master of the Wave, has been riding the Sierra wave in his Kestrel since early morning Pacific time. He is aiming for a 2,000 km + distance today. If you are reading this on May 31, 2011, before the…
The Mountain Wave Project (MWP) – a project of the scientific and meteorological panel of OSTIV, was conceived during a 1998 OSTIV seminar in Serres/France by René Heise and Klaus Ohlmann. The project has grown in scope since its inception and has attracted an impressive team of enthusiastic scientists/pilots as active participants. Its ambitious goal is the…
THE WORLD’S first sailplane, something new in gliding, has just been constructed by John Demenjoz of Bridgeport, Connecticut. This novel glider represents nearly a year of work. It has a 40-foot wing spread, is 30 feet in length, and altogether weighs less than 600 lbs. It has no motor, and is to be propelled by…
The Great Tennessee Air Show was held May 7th and 8th at Smyrna Tennessee. This year’s highlight was the the Air Force Thunderbirds, along with other static displays. A lot of smoke from biplanes like Gene Soucy’s to FA-18’s whose afterburners made you cover your ears to soften the noise, and a lot jet fuel…
It is with great pleasure that I announce the latest US Sports Class and Club Class National Champion. Sarah is a good friend and I could not be happier for her at this moment. I want to also congratulate Sean Franke and Ryszard Krolikowski for their fine performances too. Sarah has worked hard over the…
Your erstwhile Cafe editors reside in Huntsville, Alabama, which as many of you may know, was in the path of a very large and vicious storm that swept through North Alabama last Wednesday. The storm birthed a series of tornados that devastated many communities and left approximately a million residents of the state without power.
I’m writing this from my home in Columbus, OH after starting from Perry this morning about 6am. Last night featured a relaxing pizza and beer dinner with the Tylers and some of us that decided to leave Sunday morning instead of Saturday afternoon. Day 4 at Perry dawned with heavy fog over the field, but…
