currency for contests

On May 27, 12:26*pm, Brad wrote:
I haven't flown in any contests yet, but I'm
wondering................to be safe and competent, how many hours or
flights would be prudent to have under my belt before I went out and
flew my first contest of the season?

Thanks,
Brad

It all depends on your experience level. Quite often I have few or no
flights before my first club contest flight of the season and the ASA
series is as competitive as many regionals. However you need to be
completely comfortable with your equipment and to have no concerns at
all about flying cross country before you mix it up with other pilots
who are intending to win the day.

It really isn't possible to answer your question without knowing what
contest experience you had in previous seasons and what contest you
were intending to fly first this season. However a contest need not
have risks any greater than you choose to make them. You don't have to
be in the 30 glider start gaggle and you don't have to go out on task
if you don't like the conditions. Set a caution level consistent with
your total and recent experience.

I'm reminded of a truism I heard from Paul Dickerson (19) many years
ago - A good contest is one where you leave with as many pieces as you
started.

Andy (GY)

I can't help but think you are setting yourself up for a big
frustrating week and if you are asking us for our opionion if you are
safe, I must refer to page 463 of my Psychiatry for Sailplane Racers
manual which reads , " if you are looking for an excuse not to race,
or do not feel you are ready to race, then ask all a question in which
the answer is already known...".
I used the excuse that the weather was going to suck (they flew 6 out
of 6 days) and didn't go when the truth was my head wasn't in the
right place (now there's an opening for a UH shot if ever).
Racing is addictive and nothing in this world that can be compared to
it. It is the only place where one can experience WHAT the great lift-
engine has to offer and what amazing talent can be observed finessing
it to the maximum. But, you have to be out on course.
Your first race is the most important. You must be totally prepared.
Having your flying skills sharp is one of several areas that must be
ready. Lives depend on it.
Maybe you are ready, got the jitters about your first race. Taking
that first step. **** on that, get out on course and join the magic.
Just don't follow TA, he's in a slump.
R