Tim,

"A superior pilot uses his superior judgment to avoid situations that would require the use of his superior skills." -unknown. :-)

Interesting that you bring up my decision not to fly that day at Parawon during 2011(?) sports class nationals. I did not fly because the CD decided to launch on a day which was windier (gusts to 40 mph) than the day before (35 mph, which was cancelled due to the "extremely strong winds"). Sorta makes your brain hurt when you think about it. I decided not to fly on a day where the Porta Potties on the North end of the Parowan runway actually blew over while we were out on the grid "considering" things. Crews had to sit on the wings without pause as they would bang around violently. The intense winds made emergency landing options on tow extremely dangerous (IMO) off the south end of the runway. The tow planes made a right turn directly over the town of Parowan at about 100 ft.

I made a "judgement" decision that the strong wind conditions were just too unsafe (based on the previous days decision and common sense) and talked to the CD about it and informed him that I was going to pull off the grid for that day. I felt the CD was under tremendous pressure from certain pilots to launch as the previous day one pilot was able to get up and fly. My argument, other than the simple wind strength, was that if 40 gliders launched and were stuck at or near tow release altitude and then needed to return it would be crowded and dangerous, and that towing itself was dangerous as well. The sniffers were struggling to get up and drifting downwind rapidly. The turbulence along the mountain at tow release hight was another concern. The way to get up at parawon was to work up over that high terrain and often that meant being less than 1000 AGL. Etc, etc.

Yes, I was dissapionted with the decision to hold a contest day in such strong winds when two fatalities had just occurred that summer in strong winds (20-25 mph) at contests.

Francois Pin also pulled off the runway that day and did not fly. I guess the conditions were to advanced for him too? I'm not sure that your assessment of our decision not to fly that day is entirely accurate. I also believe the Air Force Acadamy grounded all of its gliders as well.

After that, with only one or two days left in the contest and no real competitive concerns, I decided to tour the local parks with my wife who had just flown in. I had already had a great time and was not worried about the results anymore. I had no problem with the terrain itself (on days with surface winds less that 40 mph), it was just a matter of maximizing a fun vacation when the competitive chances were no longer important.

Zion is amazing by the way!!!

I just see it a little differently then you describe Tim. I hope that helps you understand. I do have all sort of pictures and video from on the grid and of the conditions that were launched in that day. I'm sure historical weather records are available. Perhaps I should post them for you?

Sean