700 agl / 1 mile finish

That makes three.

T8

While I appreciate the feedback, I would hope you'd consider how the rule works at a variety of contests and weather conditions, rather than have us design and modify a rule according to how it worked on one day at Mifflin, in rather special weather and rather special orientation of airport and ridge.

The rule is designed for thermal tasks at 99% of airports. It is written flexibly enough so that it can be adapted to the special circumstances of Mifflin on a backside ridge day. Does it really make sense to write the rule for all the 99% of circumstances thinking only about how it worked on a backside ridge day?

Last, when thinking about a rule like this one, adding up the number of times a pilot got a penalty, but feels he or she had adequate energy misses the whole point. We need to also add up the number of times pilots don't have adequate energy. 5 clicks in a row does not make Russian Roulette safer.

So, I would encourage you all to take a deep breath, and evaluate how finishes are working out in all of your contests this season, especially when you face a tough final glide over rough terrain.

And, next time there is a backside ridge day at Mifflin, encourage the CD to lower the finish altitude.

John Cochrane