1st Contest. Where Should I Go?

On Nov 24, 6:32*pm, Barry wrote:
I am interested in entering my first contest. I am looking for
recommendations of where to go. I currently reside in region 7. I am
willing to travel just about anywhere. Most of my resent cross-country
has been in and around MN. *I have had minimal mountain flying, a week
in Minden and learned in Montana quite some time ago. There seems to
be fewer regional’s than years past. Perhaps more will be scheduled
later in the year. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Barry Jaeger

Barry,

The choice depends quite a bit on experience - primarily with
outlandings - and your comfort level overflying rough terrain. Most of
the west/southwest requires that you cross tiger country at one time
or another. The compensating factor is the top of lift is frequently
8-10,000 above the ground, but getting low at the wrong spot can leave
you with a busted ship and a very long walk. My specific comments on
sites I've flown at at least once.

Parowan/Logan: Beautiful country, strong conditions. Parowan is less
mountain flying and generally slightly stronger. Both have decent
stretches of rough country. Parowan has only a single runway which can
get busy (only the Sports nationals there this year so unlikely you
can get in). You should be good at keeping the alternates on your
computer well within range.

Ephrata: More cultivation than just about anywhere in the west.
Conditions probably the most similar to what you've seen in MN - maybe
a bit better on average. Great airfield, but some scary country to the
east-southeast make for interesting final glides.

Minden/Air Sailing: Great conditions and a fun first contest under
JJ's direction at Air Sailing. It is pretty rough country in a lot of
directions and there is a lot of local knowledge with the strong
effects of the Sierra-Nevada mountains with convergence, strong
thermals and occasional wave.

El Tiro/Tucson: I think it's been awhile since they've had a contest
here and I'm glad to see it happening as it's perhaps the best soaring
site in Arizona. The enthusiasm of the Arizona Soaring Association
when it come to racing will ensure a fun contest. Some mountains in
the form of the Santa Catalinas to the northeast and some significant
stretches of open desert make this another site where knowing the
alternate airports well comes in handy.

Cordele (Charley Spratt was quoted as saying it rhymes with 'ordeal'):
A great airport and flatland that's completely cultivated makes this
pretty friendly for a newbie. I landed out every day at the 1983
contest and got to know the local crops well. It's usually hot, humid,
hazy and you can get thunderstorms on top of it all. Top of lift is
lower than you'll get out west so you'll get a good look at those
friendly fields.

New Castle: Great site, really fun people. It's the east so the
possibility of rainout is higher. If you don't have ridge-running
experience you have a good chance of doing some here. It's more
forested than any of the above sites, which can give you pause on a
marginal ridge day.

Ionia: Usually a well run contest. Flat, landable terrain. Downside is
the chance of a washout. Not sure if they are putting one on this
year.

Micki is right - a mentor program is a good thing. Most contest try to
organize something along these lines - just ask the Contest Manager.
Most racers are willing to mentor - some are really good at it. I
generally prefer well attended contests, but the small ones can be fun
too.

9B