That's $550 on top of sanctioning fees (whatever that is for the 1-26
contest), but that's moot, as the 1-26 Champs draws a plenty of
competitors. Indeed, the 'air meet' insurance may not even be required
at many sites, depending on underwriter. However, it has put the
damper on some local, friendly contests at sites like my club's
gliderport since our former Rocky Mountain Soaring Contest was never
SSA sanctioned and attendance was not very large. Now it has an $850
insurance tag for three days of flying if we ever hold our local
contest again. FWIW, my club did host the 1-26 contest in 1989 and have
been approached to do so again since.

I agree with your other points WRT PLB, the 123/406 technology, and
poor timing of the decision.

Frank

309 wrote:
Wow, the SSA "Seal of Approval" only cost $200? That would not pay for
he first ELT!!! A collection from the pilots ($10 apiece for a 20 ship
1-26 contest) would surely be worth it, and (knowing 1-26ers) I bet you
could get the contestants to pony up!

sniP
-Pete
#309

Frank Whiteley wrote:
A contest policy is something like $850 for
non-SSA sanctioned events, $550 for SSA sanctioned events.
Frank Whiteley