I responded at length to UH's posting because I was concerned I had
communicated the wrong message. My response to some of the latest
postings is pretty short, however. I've been flying competition since
1968. I consider myself to be a serious competitor even though the
results don't always show it. My glider is definitely NOT
expendable. Nor do I think contest flying is dangerous. There are
risks, certainly. But if I thought they were significant, I wouldn't
fly. Publishing these kinds of statements serves only to increase the
divide between contest pilots and those who might think of trying it
but are put off by the perception that it's dangerous or insular or
just too difficult. I think the Rules Committee does a superb job of
considering the safety aspects of every decision they make.

Chip Bearden
ASW 24 "JB"
USA