USA Nationals Schedule for 2014 and 2015

On Mar 27, 5:30*pm, wrote:
For those of us with Standard class ships based the Pacific Northwest, there will not be a Standard class or Sports class Nationals for three consecutive years which does not require at least six days of driving. *(Time and distance data from Map Quest, time rounded to nearest hour.)

2013

Benton, TN * * * * 78 hrs * *5142 miles
Reedsville, PA * * 83 hrs * *5444 miles

2014

Hobbs, NM * * * * *56 hrs * *3486 miles
Midlothian, TX * * 64 hrs * *4169 miles

2015

Waynesville, OH * *72 hrs * *5252 miles
Elmira, NY * * * * 84 hrs * *5558 miles

So are you all so afraid of getting thrashed by an SZD-55 that you won't hold a Standard class or Sports class contest in a location that I can get to?

P9

FAI classes for me next year

Montague, CA (6350 miles and 94 hours)
Minden, NV (5942 miles and 88 hours)
Hobbs, NM (4380 miles and 66 hours)

If I decided to go to any of these contests my wife would probably
call a shrink.

For me flying to Europe and renting a glider there to fly in a contest
is probably a better solution than spending 70-100 hours in a car.

I feel your pain.

The point is that those of us residing in the Pacific Northwest are looking at a THREE year drought for national Sports class and Standard class contests, not just missing one year.

P9

So Andrzej, are you volunteering to organize and
lead any contests on the east coast ?
Or just complaining that other volunteers don't
suit your preferences ??

So, this thread seems to remind us just how large our country is and the time commitment needed to participate in a national contest on the other side of the continent.
I'm sure this has been discussed before, but perhaps we should try again? We could have co-National contests each year in a couple of the more popular classes? How about Mifflin and Parowan each year for Sports? The same scenario for 15M/18M combined? By utilizing the most popular classes, it derives a better chance of filling the contest and making making instead of losing money for the contests organizers. US Team member selection could still work using this format and it would get a national contest within somewhat reasonable driving distance. Not a perfect solution by any means. Thoughts?

So, this thread seems to remind us just how large our country is and the time commitment needed to participate in a national contest on the other side of the continent.
I'm sure this has been discussed before, but perhaps we should try again? We could have co-National contests each year in a couple of the more popular classes? How about Mifflin and Parowan each year for Sports? The same scenario for 15M/18M combined? By utilizing the most popular classes, it derives a better chance of filling the contest and making money instead of losing money for the contests organizers. US Team member selection could still work using this format and it would get a national contest within somewhat reasonable driving distance for many pilots. Not a perfect solution by any means. Thoughts?

On Thursday, March 28, 2013 12:27:05 PM UTC-4, Craig R. wrote:
So, this thread seems to remind us just how large our country is and the time commitment needed to participate in a national contest on the other side of the continent. I'm sure this has been discussed before, but perhaps we should try again? We could have co-National contests each year in a couple of the more popular classes? How about Mifflin and Parowan each year for Sports? The same scenario for 15M/18M combined? By utilizing the most popular classes, it derives a better chance of filling the contest and making money instead of losing money for the contests organizers. US Team member selection could still work using this format and it would get a national contest within somewhat reasonable driving distance for many pilots. Not a perfect solution by any means. Thoughts?

Sounds like a reasonable idea for participation as long as the winners are not declared National Champions. When 2 "winners" both get 100 ranking, who goes to the worlds?
Shields Up
UH

How about we solve that problem with live webcast "dance off?" Results will "of course" be derived via a lengthy pilots poll written carefully by the RC to allow several guided choices which they provide for us via their wisdom... ;-)

I can think of several formulas to use to determine a class champ that would be fair and equitable. I am very sure that the RC could come up with significantly more than I can (and perhaps some options would be acceptable to even the sarcastic members of the soaring community)...
Another benefit would allow someone to compete twice in the same class (toss the worst contest score?) and it would allow the guys with convertible ships (15/18M) to fly in both (traveling would be required) ;-)