Roy Clark, B6
May 6th 07, 07:09 PM
Those who didn't make the cut at Parowan might consider the Region 8
Contest at Ephrata (EPH). Almost same dates (07-01-07 to 07-07-07).
EPH offers very safe flying, primarily over the Columbia Basin; the
field is at 1280 ft msl; at about 4500 ft msl, you can see more than
20 of the turnpoints. A majority of turnpoints are, or are near,
airports. The Ephrata Airport is an old WW2 Bomber training site with
long runways for cross-winds and the large former parking ramp used
for glider ops.
For all classes, especially anyone flying 15m wingspan or less, there
are abundant closely spaced landable airports, public and private.
There are several airports that will allow even the longest winged
ships to land safely and call for a pick-up or tow. If you can't
reach an airport one-third of the large dry land wheat farm fields are
fallow; you land in several inches of tilled dirt.
The Seattle Glider Council provides a clubhouse with fully equipped
kitchen, 6 bathrooms (5 with showers) and RV sites are available on
the airport or in town.
Checkout past contest results and the OLC traces for an idea of
soaring conditions. Our contest manager estimates an average of 1-1.5
weather days per contest. The surrounding geology offers endless
places to visit. Ephrata is adjacent to the airport; Soap Lake, Moses
Lake, Wenatchee, Lake Chelan, and Grand Coulee Dam are all within an
hour's drive. Trout streams meander and Ephrata has a professionally
staffed guide service.
There are some negatives. EPH is located in the Pacific NW and a
longer drive from points East and South. Landing spots with the 5
miles around the airport are limited.
For more information, contact Robert Wallach, contest manager, at
.
Contest at Ephrata (EPH). Almost same dates (07-01-07 to 07-07-07).
EPH offers very safe flying, primarily over the Columbia Basin; the
field is at 1280 ft msl; at about 4500 ft msl, you can see more than
20 of the turnpoints. A majority of turnpoints are, or are near,
airports. The Ephrata Airport is an old WW2 Bomber training site with
long runways for cross-winds and the large former parking ramp used
for glider ops.
For all classes, especially anyone flying 15m wingspan or less, there
are abundant closely spaced landable airports, public and private.
There are several airports that will allow even the longest winged
ships to land safely and call for a pick-up or tow. If you can't
reach an airport one-third of the large dry land wheat farm fields are
fallow; you land in several inches of tilled dirt.
The Seattle Glider Council provides a clubhouse with fully equipped
kitchen, 6 bathrooms (5 with showers) and RV sites are available on
the airport or in town.
Checkout past contest results and the OLC traces for an idea of
soaring conditions. Our contest manager estimates an average of 1-1.5
weather days per contest. The surrounding geology offers endless
places to visit. Ephrata is adjacent to the airport; Soap Lake, Moses
Lake, Wenatchee, Lake Chelan, and Grand Coulee Dam are all within an
hour's drive. Trout streams meander and Ephrata has a professionally
staffed guide service.
There are some negatives. EPH is located in the Pacific NW and a
longer drive from points East and South. Landing spots with the 5
miles around the airport are limited.
For more information, contact Robert Wallach, contest manager, at
.