AD - ouch!! (USA)

The lubbock class C posed a classic problem on the first day. Great
cloudstreet goes to lubbock. Blue hole, then storm lies on the right.
You had to accept a period of poor climbs to get around it, and the
temptation to skirt the class C was strong.


I also note with some curiosity that 5 of the top 7 finishers for the
day were flying 15M gliders. Must have been a strong day! (It seems,
after all, there is at least one substitute for span!)

Sorry to report, there isn't a substitute for span now that span comes
with waterballast. I was one of those 5. The day got much stronger than
forecast, so the result really depended on geometry exercises, not
performance or skill, as everyone finished under time. And Rick
Walters, winning day 2 in 15m could do well in a 1-26.

Flying alongside the V2CX and ASW29 in my 27 is a humbling experience.
They visibly walk away at about 3 knots even at 100 knots. I guess
it's a good psychological incentive -- you have to push really hard
with a 15 meter glider just to stay even.

John Cochrane BB