I checked, both of these guys live more than 100 miles away from Greenville, that makes them experts by definition.

Seriously, these guys really know their stuff. And they actually do try to predict the future on a regular basis, I'll make sure they go to the Future of racing session to help out.

www.ssaconvention.org


TOPIC: "Weather-to-Fly Revisited" Dan Gudgel 2/18/2016, 10:00 - 10:45 AM

As soaring meteorology forecasting has become more sophisticated with the use of numerous computer algorithms and computer modeling, there still exists a need for soaring pilots to intuitively understand the basic meteorological lift processes that enable soaring flight to better understand what computer modeling is offering the community. Utilizing diagrams, pictures, and narrative descriptions, Dan Gudgel will present aspects of atmospheric lift mechanisms. The information presented will be useful as an introduction for new soaring pilots but yet still provide a review of the concepts for experienced pilots and flight instructors.

Dan has been around aviation his entire life in varying capacities in aerial application, flight instruction, air charter, and a glider tow-pilot. He has been a Certificated Glider Pilot since 1984, holds a Glider Flight Instructor Certificate (among other instructor certificates), and is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner for the Glider Category based in Central California, accumulating over 6500 hours in various categories of aircraft.

As a professional meteorologist with the National Weather Service, he has served as a contest meteorologist for local, regional, national, and international soaring events including two World Gliding Championships since 1979. Continuing to fly and do contract meteorology work, Dan also contributes weather-related material within an informative series entitled "Weather-to-Fly" in SOARING Magazine.

TOPIC: "Practical Use of the Newest Meteorological Models" Walt Rogers
2/19/2016 9:00 - 9:45AM

Walter Rogers is a retired NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) forecaster, glider contest pilot, and soaring weather forecast "guru." He served with NWS for over 42 years, retiring from managing the Los Angeles ARTCC (FAA) Center Weather Service Unit in 2010.

Key expertise is in providing tailored aviation weather briefing support for special projects which have included: Voyager "Around The World" meteorologist team 1986, World Gliding Championships 1983, 1991, 2012, Perlan Steve Fossett altitude record 2004-2005, and numerous U.S. Regional National soaring contests. He is an active Discus 2A contest pilot ìWXî with over 4,000 hours total time. Competition wins include nine U.S. Regional championships and the 2008 Western Baron Hilton Cup.

He currently resides in Palmdale, California.

SF