Arizona Downwind Dash

Last Saturday saw the first annual Arizona Soaring Association Downwind
Dash in which Arizona pilots attempt long-distance one-way flights.
Originated and inspired by Steve Koerner, three pilots including Steve
(ASW 27) took part. The others were Cliff Hilty (Ventus B) and Ted
Wagner (304 CZ).

All three struggled north from Pleasant Valley Airport north of Phoenix
in breezy conditions with broken thermals and faced developing storms
as a frontal system moved in to the state. They squeaked up onto the
high ground north of Sedona and finally connected with better lift
north of Flagstaff. Circumnavigating the Grand Canyon National Park to
the east, they parted company at Tuba City. Steve headed north-east
towards Colorado across virtually unlandable terrain, finally landing
at Cortez, Colorado after 7 hours in the air. Cliff and Ted flew north
to land at Page, on the shores of Lake Powell on the Arizona/Utah
border. About 1,400 km total for the three of them.

The flights will be posted on the Aerokurier OLC site.