A Tale of Two Takeoffs

Actually, I consider this incorrect.

When trained for any job, there is a lot to learn. Things like:
Glass ship, dive brakes open, pilot typically HAS to be holding them open. No comment pre launch
Metal ship, dive brakes open, may be by mistake, say something.
Check for tail dolly
Point out other traffic
Etc.

Nut behind the stick is final say.

Example, annual Snowbird contest in Elmira, people talk about practice for the event (look it up for rules and goal). In reality, it is to reinforce energy management for potential off airport landings and proper landing placement. People that have to practice means they are not ready when it happens in the future, but if properly reinforced all flying season you should do well when needed.

Running a wing should be the same every flying day, contest should only get a minor tweak due to a slightly faster than normal launch and potentially higher glider density. Judgement on go/no go by the runner may be hard, but all the other basics should be covered.

Posted by someone that used to work contests (as ground crew, runner, retrieve, etc.) since the mid '70's and contest flying later on. I also do ground duties even now when at the airport.

The old adage of, practice for the worst, hope for the best, comes to mind. If you don't do it all the time, a contest can be a bad place to learn.

Chip, thanks for the thread. It takes some guts to post this in front of some of the RAS crowd. I have had some of my own nail biters in the past, so I understand.