The finish altitude was 500 agl at the recently completed 18 meter nationals in Bermuda High until someone asked (safety box) for 700 agl and a 200 ft wider safety margin. There was some friendly debate at the pilots meeting ;-). I supported the change to 700 as well as 5-7 other pilots. 2-3 were against it, firmly. The CD decided to go with the 700 ft agl suggestion and it was raised from that point forward in the contest. The problem that led to this debate was that certain approaches to Bermuda High had few landing options (mainly forest with small obstacle filled options) for the last 5-10 miles. We also experienced regular amd significant sink at lower altitudes approaching the airport on certain days. One pilot went from 300 above MC 3.0 at 10 miles and was sunk to 180 below 1-2 miles out. He barely made the airport as it was his best option. Several competitors had landed within a few miles of the airport on other days in the same situation. I was often just making at 500 agl and 1 mile from 15-20 miles out and MC 3.5 with a 500-700 ft safety margin. Yes, my polar is accurate.

When the floor was raised to 700 there seemed to be much less issues in general and I felt safer in this particular location.

The issues in Mifflin appear to me to be more a problem with a contest flying area that has much more complication and risks. I don't really like contest at these types of locations. I prefer thermal contests in flat terrain and ample farmland. I like flying in the complex areas, but not racing (or AATing, :-))

I have no solution to the concerns other than site selection. I think Mifflin in marginal weather is marginal.

In the end I agree with Tom, it's PIC responsibility. We can only set a safety margin and hope its enough to keep pilots who push it (or have no other choice like Evan did) to stay safe.

For the Mifflin situation, there is no safe answer. It's a rodeo and the bull has sharp horns when condition are as described.

Best,

Sean
F2