Hey Guys,

Aero Club Albatross is excited to announce that the second annual winter seminar tickets are now available on:

February 1st: Risky Ridges!: Understanding and Mitigating the Dangers of Ridge Soaring: https://aca-risky-ridges.eventbrite.com

The speaker list includes the following expert ridge pilots: Karl Striedieck, Richard Kellerman, Erik Mann, Jonathan Leal, Robert Cook, and William Thar. They will explore the dangers of ridge soaring and what skills and tools pilots can bring to bear to manage the risk.

The event will have lunch included and a social gathering for both presenters and attendees.

Our seminars sold out in previous years, so be sure to sign up early!

All the best,
Daniel

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10:15am -- 11:15 am | Good Ridge Gone Bad - Karl Striedieck

Karl will describe the numerous ways in which ridge flying can go wrong. Karl has captured nine World records on the ridges, including an exceptional 1362.68 km triangle distance. As a racing pilot, Karl has been National Champion 17½ times, represented the US Team at 13 World Gliding Championships, and is a member of the US Soaring Hall of Fame.

11:30am -- 12:15pm | Wonky Weather - Richard Kellerman

Richard Kellerman, our regional weather expert will show us what a good ridge day looks like, what to pay attention to in the weather models and how the weather go wrong. Richard is an accomplished racing pilot, Barron Hilton Cup winner, won several competitions and completed a 1000km Diploma.

12:15 -- 1pm | Lunch

1pm -- 2pm | Ridge Fundamentals 101 - Erik Mann

What makes a ridge work? Erik will present on how ridge shape, wind speed and direction interact to make lift. Next, he will discuss safety and traps such as illusions when maneuvering in close proximity to the terrain, box canyons, and more. Erik Mann is a long-time CFI and an accomplished racing and record pilot, Barron Hilton Cup winner, who also completed a 1000km Diploma.

2:15pm -- 3pm | Tricky Transitions - Jonathan Leal

Jonathan will lead a discussion on the challenges and process of transitioning from one section of ridge to another. Transitions are often the most difficult stages of ridge flying, requiring experience and judgment to do safely and efficiently. Jonathan is an experienced ridge pilot, having flown and competed in hang-gliders and sailplanes since the 1970s. His accomplishments include a 500 mile flight in a 1-26!

3:15pm -- 4pm | When the Music Stops - Robert Cook

When the ridge is not working well, what do you do about it? Robert Cook (Cookie) will discuss the options and solutions when the ridge conditions deteriorate. Cookie is an experienced CFI, with over 30 years and 5500 hours instructing gliding and soaring. He has completed two Diamonds in a club 1-34.

4:15pm -- 5pm | Preparation and Task Planning- William Thar

Bill Thar will lead a discussion on preparation and task planning for ridge flights. Ridge flying requires a tremendous amount of technical knowledge in order to be prepared for all stages of a ridge flight. Bill will point out the tools to build your situational awareness and set your expectations for your ridge flying. Bill Thar is an accomplished soaring pilot, having completed many long ridge flights, including a 750km FAI triangle.

5pm -- 6pm | Social Hour

Be sure to join the presenters and participants during the Social Hour (included in ticket price!) at the Panther Valley Country Club.