March 2nd Schedule

10:15-10:30: Introductions

10:30am-11:15pm: Gliding to Soaring: Thermalling Techniques by Robert Cook

Robert Cook (Cookie) will introduce the fine art of thermal soaring. He will present thermalling in the simplest terms for beginners and the tactics and strategies of finding and exploiting this important form of lift. Cookie is an experienced CFI, with over 30 years and 5500 hours instructing gliding and soaring. He has completed two Diamonds in the club 1-34.

11:25am-12:10pm: Reading the Sky by Erik Mann

What do you do when you climb up in a thermal? Now you have to go find the next one! Erik Mann will discuss the strategy for finding thermals, how to read clouds and the ground to best increase the odds to climb up once more. Erik Mann is a long-time CFI and a successful racing and record pilot, who has also completed a 1000km Diploma.

1pm-1:45pm: Learning to Train by Ron Schwartz

May the Schwartz be with you! But just how do you get the Schwartz in your cockpit? By practicing of course! Ron will teach practical training techniques that you can use to improve your flying. Ron aka: The Schwartz is a seven time 1-26 Champion and successful ridge pilot, having completed a 1000km diploma flight in his 1-26.

1:55pm-2:30pm: Going for Gold by Steve Beer

Once you learn how to soar and stay up, what's next? Going cross country of course! Steve Beer is a newcomer to soaring and he will show how you can go for your badges and get involved in Cross-Country Flying. Steve has completed his Silver Badge and Gold Distance in an Aero Club Albatross 1-26.

2:40pm-3:40pm: Your First Competitions by Hank Nixon

Once you learn to go cross country, what better way to put your skills to the test than by racing? Glider competitions are a great way to develop soaring skills in a fun environment with experienced pilots and mentors. Hank will introduce how to get involved in the competition racing scene. Hank is a successful racing pilot, having won several National competitions and represented the US at World Gliding Championships.

4:30-5:30pm: Social Hour at the Buckhill Inn

Be sure to join the presentors and participants during the Social Hour at the nearby Buckhill Inn.