EPH Contest 2010 time elapsed grid and launch

Fans of the EPH “Grid Whenever It’s Convenient” concept are upset. I
understand - messengers are frequently shot. But it often takes an
outsider to see problems participants don’t.

As said before, on time gridding has a big benefit of not periodically
blocking an active runway during a 1 hour launch period. Another
benefit is the CD can call a pilot’s meeting at the grid, in case the
sniffers detect a problem and a task change is needed. Sure, the CD
could just tell whoever happens to be there, and hope word gets to
those who aren’t. But why jeopardize safety by doing GWIC - because
some pilots are too darn lazy and inconsiderate to arrive on time?

Most interesting is that no one is defending the GWIC concept - there
are just lame excuses (we’ve always done it this way, nothing has ever
happened, it looks like fun). That’s a sure sign that folks recognize
there’s a problem with GWIC.

Tell you what - send a copy of the video to EPH’s insurance carrier
and the local FSDO, with a note saying “this is how we do a contest
launch, isn’t it cool?” I suspect both will disagree, and will have a
few things to say that EPH won’t want to hear.

For Tom Udd, I can’t show you a time lapse of what I consider a good
launch. But look at “A Fine Week of Soaring” at 4:19 to 4:56, 19:35 to
21:10, 54:35 to 57:05, and 57:59 to 58:10. I’ve participated in
Mifflin launches 3 times (as crew and pilot), and it’s done
professionally, without GWIC. Show up this spring - you’ll see.

-John