February 2nd Schedule:

Agenda: February 2nd

10:15-10:30: Introductions

10:30am-11:10pm: Multiprocessing with Doug Jacobs

Doug will explain the decision-making process in the demanding art of cross-country racing. He will present his 3/30/3/30 cognitive model for managing and prioritizing decisions and maintaining situational awareness. Doug has represented the US Team in nine World Championships, earning the Gold at the 1985 15 meter class World Gliding Championship in Rieti and two Bronze medals in 1987 and 1991 respectively. He is a 14-time US National Champion and member of the US Soaring Hall of Fame.

11:20am-12:00pm: Soaring Convergences Lines with Michael Opitz

Michael will present on convergence lift. On the theory of how they form, reading the sky to spot their features and how to soar this exciting form of lift. Mike has represented the US Team in three World Championships, placing 2nd at the 1987 WGC in Australia. A successful National competitor, Mike has won two US national competitions and is a leading force at the Nutmeg Soaring Club in Freehold, NY.

1pm-1:45pm: Advanced Ridge Soaring Technique with Karl Striedieck

Karl will discuss the nuances of how to fly the ridge faster and farther. The discussion will be moderated by William Thar, an experienced Aero Club Albatross ridge pilot, with opportunities for Q/A with the audience. 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 twenty-three times, represented the US Team at several World Gliding Championships, and is a member of the US Soaring Hall of Fame.

2pm-2:45pm: Flying Faster with John Good

John will examine cross-country optimization techniques, especially associated with Speed-to-Fly theory. He will explain some issues with classic MacCready theory and how an understanding of these can lead to better cross-country speeds in thermal conditions. John has coached the US Team and is the current holder of ten US National Records. John has been a member of the US Team at many World Gliding Championship events, serving as crew, Team Captain and report author. He was the Deputy Championship Director/ Task-setter at the 2012 WGC in Uvalde, Texas and brings a wealth of international rules knowledge as Captain.

3pm-3:40pm: Gear-Shifting with John Bird and Daniel Sazhin

John and Daniel will present their paper on optimizing risk strategy in thermal soaring. They will demonstrate the statistical reasoning behind risk strategy and how/why to change strategies given the expected thermal conditions. John Bird is a soaring pilot and a PhD candidate at Pennsylvania State University, studying flight dynamics and meteorology in particular as they relate to unmanned aerial vehicles. Daniel Sazhin studies psychology at New York University and is a member of the 2019 US Junior World Team.

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.