|
2003 U.S. Soaring
Team News |
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12/02/03 |
IGC REPORTING AND
NEWS
The
FAI's gliding activities, in
particular World Records and International Competitions and with the
exception of glider aerobatics, are conducted under the direction of
the
International Gliding Commission (IGC). A small IGC news section has
been added to the U.S. Team Committee page.
IGC news will appear here as well. Thanks to Eric Mozer, the U.S.
representative to the IGC.
- John Seaborn |
|
11/30/03 |
IGC RECOMMENDS
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR AND WGC CHANGES
The IGC working committee, headed by Eric Mozer, has made
recommendations regarding the future direction of World Gliding
Championships and published the pending 2007/2014 WGC calendar. These
two documents are recommendations at this stage and will be presented
to the full IGC in February 2004. See the U.S. Team Committee
page for the documents in PDF format
or have a go here.
WGC Changes,
Report (pdf)
/ WGC
Calendar,
Report (pdf)
- John Seaborn |
|
11/25/03 |
PROPOSED
CHANGES TO TEAM SELECTION
Selection to the U.S. Soaring team is both an honor and the
opportunity to compete against the best soaring pilots in the world.
The selection procedures have evolved from the early 1950’s through
the voting system of the 1970’s to the formula approach of the mid
1980’s. In light of the recent expansion in the number of FAI classes
it has become clear that current team selection procedures are in need
of refinement once again. The US Team Committee (USTC) will be
proposing to the SSA Board of Directors a number of changes to the
“SSA US Soaring Team Selection Policy” at their winter meeting in
Atlanta, and the USTC solicits your thoughts on these changes by
December 31, 2003. See the U.S. Team Committee Page
here...
- John Seaborn |
|
09/30/03 |
TEAM E-NEWS
BULLETIN 12
The twelfth U.S. Soaring Team e-Bulletin was sent to subscribers.
Team Bulletins are provided by the U.S. Team Committee to bring you the latest team and
international championship news. To receive future
team E-News Bulletins for a free subscription click
here.
- John Seaborn, Team Bulletin Editor |
|
09/29/03 |
U.S. CLUB CLASS
SELECTION FOR 2004
The U.S. Club Class is a rapidly growing FAI class both here at home
and internationally. Over the last several years excellent
performances have been turned in with Alphonso Juardo, Tim McAllister,
Hank Nixon, Bob Barber and Manfred Franke all in contention for the
2004 U.S. Soaring Club Team who will compete in the 3rd Club Class WGC
in Elverum Norway in June. As the dust settles it looks like Alphonso Jurado
declined his 2002 selection, opening the door for perennial top
performer Bob Barber to be selected. Out of 2003 Manfred Franke and
Tim McAllister have earned a position on the 2004 team. As it stand
now the 2004 U.S. Club Class Soaring Team will be Bob Barber, Manfred
Franke and Tim McAllister. |
|
09/29/03 |
ATTENTION U.S.
TEAM PILOT CANDIDATES
At the January 2003 Board of Directors meeting, a little remarked
proposal to change the current selection procedures (Version 1.0) for
the various US Teams was made by the Contest Committee Chairman Ken
Sorenson and adopted by the Board. The key change is with regard to
selection for Team classes having only a single participants (such as
Open and 18 Meter in Poland). Previously such Team members were
selected from ranking list for the year just previous to the World
Championships. To facilitate participation in Pre-World competition,
the selection rule change dictates that selection will be made from
the ranking list two years prior to the World Championships, leaving
pilots free to attend the Pre-Worlds. This rule change applies to all
US Teams.
As an example, for the 2006 World Championships in Sweden, a single
pilot will be selected for each of the four announced classes (15,
Std, Open, 18) in 2004. Additional selections, if any, will be made
from the 2005 ranking list. At the current time, the FAI has approved
5 member Teams for Sweden's four classes, with no specified breakdown
among classes. If this does not change, the US Team for Sweden will
consist of four pilots selected in 2004 and one pilot selected in
2005. Pilots aspiring to the Team should make their plans accordingly.
As part of their mandate, the US Team Committee is considering a
variety of selection rule changes, and plans to circulate and publish
these proposals in the coming months so as to obtain feedback from
affected pilots. Any final proposals will be made to the full SSA
Board at the Atlanta Convention meeting in 2004. - Doug Jacobs,
Chairman U.S. Team Committee |
|
09/29/03 |
NEW CASTLE REGION 4
FUNDRAISING SUCCESS
The recently concluded Region
4 South contest at New Castle chalked up another stellar fundraising
success. Again Dianne and Hank Nixon along with 15-meter winner Tim
Welles and Doug and Martha Jacobs all pitched in to sell team
merchandise and collect contributions. Just over $2,500 was raised at
this traditional year end contest. |
|
09/17/03 |
Robertson Trust
builds on success, keeps teams flying
First came the successful 2002 Funding The Future campaign
which raised over $110,000 for the Robertson Trust. As of August, 2003
contributors continued to support our teams with over $19,500 in
contributions to the Trust. The success of
the 2002 campaign, followed by a successful 2003 are critical steps on
the road to adequately funding U.S. soaring teams to compete and win
in future World Gliding Championships. See the
Robertson Trust web site
for more... |
|
09/15/03 |
U.S. TEAM
COMMITTEE POSTS DOCUMENTS
In keeping with the U.S. Team Committee's commitment to
operate in an accountable and operationally transparent manner,
several disclosure documents have been posted on the Internet for
public review by the soaring community. Included in this reporting
cycle are, Minutes of U.S. Team Committee meeting in
Dallas (see below), accounting of team expenses from the recently
concluded 28th World Gliding Championships in Poland, U.S. Team
Financial statement through August 03, U.S. Team Committee Chairman
Doug Jacobs Fall 2003 Activity report given to the SSA Board of
Directors. Click the various documents to bring them up in Adobe
PDF format. See the information here... |
|
09/12/03 |
U.S. TEAM
COMMITTEE MEETS IN DALLAS
The U.S. Team Committee held its first meeting on Friday,
September 12 in Dallas, TX a day prior to the Fall SSA Board
meeting. All Committee members were present and a wide variety of
topics were discussed. All travel, lodging and meal expenses were
covered by each committee member. See the minutes posted here in
Adobe PDF format. |
|
09/01/03 |
2003 WAS LONG ON TEAM
PARTICIPATION AND SHORT ON EXPENSES
Included is a summary expense sheet showing total US Team Fund
expenditures of $26,291.02, a remarkably low number for a six man
team participating on European soil, and far lower than the last
several contests, particularly Mafikeng. My congratulations to
John for great record keeping and parsimonious management, and to
all the pilots who worked so hard to arrange cost free gliders and
tow cars, as well as bear significant expense to participate. This
clearly indicates to all who worked hard at fundraising, and to
all those who gave, that money contributed to the US Team is very
carefully spent. Together with the World and Juniors Classes in
Nitra, the US Team total spending for the 2003 contest season is
$36,291.02 - Doug Jacobs, U.S. Team Treasurer. See the
Funding page here...To see all the team and SSA financial information
use your SSA number to access the finance page
here... |
|
09/01/03 |
U.S. TEAM PILOT
LENDS ASSISTANCE TO WSPA
In a great example of
U.S. Team Members making a difference hear at home within the
soaring community, team pilot Chip Garner was recognized in n the
September 2003 issue of Soaring Magazine about the Woman's Soaring
Pilots Association (WSPA) Seminar in Moriarty. Chip gave
valuable information on local flying conditions and cross-country
techniques and served as a cross-country mentor. US Team members
have been encouraged to give generously of their time and talent
in support of soaring. |
|
09/01/03 |
PERFORMANCE SOARING TRAINING BRINGS IN CONTRIBUTION SUCCESS
Early in the year Karl Striedieck announced that he would offer
dual performance soaring in his Duo Discus to those interested in
improving their contest and cross country skills, or are simply
interested in riding along on contests tasks. The cost was $200
per day donation to the US Team Fund. Of course these flights were
very popular and Karl raised over $7,000 for U.S. Soaring teams.
Doug Jacobs also used this format during the Senior Championships
to great success. |
|
09/01/03 |
 U.S.
TEAM COMMITTEE FUNDRAISER DIANNE BLACK NIXON ORGANIZES VOLUNTEERS
This year marked a departure from
traditional team fundraising with team members and other
volunteers organizing and in many cases funding team dinners and
talks at regional and national contests. The effort was very
successful both in educating the competition community on recent
changes to team management with the U.S. Team Committee, building
bridges to supporters and of course bringing in contributions to
the team. Here is a listing of the hardworking volunteers who put
these programs together under U.S. Team Committee fundraiser
Dianne Black Nixon.
Doug
and Martha Jacobs organized
the team fundraising event at 2003 Seniors in Florida. Doug did double duty by demonstrating the
secrets of performance soaring with many of the participants in a
two place at this event, as did Karl Striedieck who flew
Sweepstakes winner Marty Optiz for the event in Karl's Duo Discus.
Ken and Michelle Sorenson along with Tim Welles did Perry, North
Carolina. Junior team pilot
Garret Willat and Gary Ittner organized the event in Cordeal,
Georgia.
Hank and Dianne Nixon and Tom and Carole Beltz plus Tommy and
Taylor Beltz, and Mike and Laurie McCarran did Mifflin. The
Sports Class at Elmira was organized by Mike and Becky Newgard, Mike and Laurie
McCarran plus Hank and Dianne Nixon.
John and Brenda Seaborn did both the Regionals and Nationals in
Hobbs while
Ruth and Ray Gimmey organized the event at Montague. Hank and
Dianne Nixon are planning on organizing the event in New Castle. Tim Welles has been drafted to give commentary at Seniors, Perry,
Mifflin, Elmira, and will be drafted likely for New Castle. At New
Castle Dianne and Hank Nixon along with 15-meter winner Tim Welles
and Doug and Martha Jacobs all pitched in to sell team merchandise
and collect contributions brought in just over $2,500 in
merchandise and contributions. Many thanks to all the hard working
volunteers who made the extra effort to raise team funds and
especially to the members of the soaring community who contributed
or purchased team merchandise.
|
|
09/01/03 |
GIMMEY'S PULL OUT THE
STOPS FOR TEAM FUNDRAISER IN MONTAGUE
Participants in the Standard Class
Nationals, held at Montague, California in early August, showed
their strong
support for the US Team at a fundraising dinner. The highlight of
the
evening, organized by Ruth Gimmey, was a Coho salmon barbecue
starring fish she and Ray caught. Ray did the
honors as
chef, and the result was a meal beyond compare. Because of the Gimmey's
generous donation of all dinner items, wine and beer, 100% of the
proceeds
of ticket sales went to the Team. Merchandise sales were also
brisk, and
a huge cake, decorated with the U.S. Team colors topped off the
evening.
Despite the small turnout at the contest, the event raised almost $1,000
for the
Team, and a good time was had by all. -
Martha Jacobs |
|
08/10/03 |
U.S. TEAM
COVERAGE CONCLUDES IN POLAND
 The
28th World Gliding Champions are Andy Davis (Great Britain -
Standard Class), John Coutts (New Zealand - 15-Meter Class),
Wolfgang Janowitsch (Austria - 18-Meter Class) and Holger Karow (Germany -
Open Class). There is no one at Leszno with even the smallest
doubt that these pilots deserve their titles.
For the US, Ron Tabery finished in 5th
place overall, Gary Ittner 17th overall in 18-Meter class, Dave
Mockler 17th overall, Karl Striedieck 27th overall in 15-Meter
class. In the Standard class, Tom Beltz was 9th overall with Chip Garner 13th overall.
See the Day Reports here... |
|
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YOU-ARE-THERE COVERAGE OF 28th WORLD GLIDING CHAMPIONSHIPS
On July 27, with support form the SSA, the U.S. Team Committee and
especially John Good and Rick Sheppe blow-by-blow coverage of the
28th World Gliding Championship went live on the web. In Poland,
John and Rick are spending many hours writing these reports,
taking the pictures and sending them to John Seaborn in Colorado,
who assembles that parts and published the daily reports to
the SSA server, updating several times a day. See the results
here... |
|
07/27/03 |
U.S. CLUB
CLASS PILOT TO NORWAY
After a win in Elmira Club Class pilot Tim McAllister "EY" will be
traveling to Norway for some flying at Elverum, the site of the
3rd FAI Club Class World Soaring Championships in 2004. The trip
is scheduled for August 8th-18th. Tim and Susan will be doing a
complete pre-worlds report with detailed notes and observations
for the U.S. Team that is selected to this contest in 2004. |
|
07/25/03 |
U.S.
TEAM COVERAGE CONCLUDES IN NITRA
Thanks to the brilliant work of Team Captain Conrad Suechting and
Web Poster Frank Whiteley coverage of the
Combined World and Junior championships went without a hitch. The
excellent reporting and pictures give you a very good feel for the
event. Special thanks to Frank who is a
long time glider enthusiast and supporter of the Junior Team.
Final results place Junior Standard Class pilot Jez Hood of Great
Britain and Club Class Michael STREIT of Germany in first.
U.S. Junior Team pilot Garret WILLAT flying a Discus 2a (Y1) was
24th overall. The Final World Class Standings are first place
Sebastian KAWA (Poland) with
Francois PIN in 11th, Patrick TUCKEY 13th and Bill SNEAD in
17th.
|
|
07/11/03 |
U.S. SOARING TEAM
TO POLAND
 United
States soaring team members are starting their final preparations
for the 28th World Gliding Championships in Leszno, Poland.
Opening ceremonies will be held on July 26. Competition flying
will be from July 27th to August 9 and Closing Ceremonies on the
10th. The 28th WGC promises to be the largest and most competitive
world championships ever held with 134 pilots from 31 countries
competing in four classes. Follow all the action on the U.S. Team
Web site Day Reports (click here)
starting on July 25th. To get a feel for what the team can expect read
the Pre-Worlds report for a pilots
view of the site, weather and flying provided by team pilot Chip
Garner.
|
|
07/11/03 |
SSA Foundation & ROBERSON TRUST Supports
Teams
SSA Foundation Trustees authorize and disperse to the 2003 U.S.
Soaring Teams, $24,000 in funding from the Robertson and Woods Trusts.
The total for the 2002/2003 period was $29,000 with $5,000 going to
the 2002 Club Class effort. This brings the total support provided
over the lifetime of the Robertson and Woods Trusts to United States
Soaring Teams to over $195,000. |
|
06/25/03 |
TEAM E-NEWS
BULLETIN 11
The eleventh U.S. Soaring Team e-Bulletin was sent to subscribers.
Team Bulletins are provided to bring you the latest team and
international championships news. To receive future
team E-News Bulletins subscribe by clicking
here. They are free! |
|
06/21/03 |
U.S.
JUNIOR TEAM PILOT WITHDRAWS
Junior Team pilot Chris Saunders has made the very difficult decision
to withdraw from participation in the upcoming 3rd Junior World
Soaring Championships. Several factors were key in Chris's lengthy
consideration, not the least of which was the timing of the contest
shortly after graduation and limited time after returning from Nitra
to prepare for his first year of college. Chris placed a brilliant
second place in the recent Standard Class nationals. At 18 years old
this undoubtedly will not be the last time Chris has the option of
team participation. Junior Team pilot Garret Willat will be
representing the USA at the upcoming championships to be held from
July 7-13. See the Day Reports for all the championship reports here.
|
|
06/21/03 |
 U.S.
TEAM COMMITTEE INCREASES SUPPORT TO JUNIOR TEAM
Faced with higher than expected expenses the U.S. Junior soaring team
petitioned the U.S. Team Committee for increased financial support.
While Team funds are extremely tight this championship cycle, the U.S.
Team Committee, after some deliberation, has made additional funds
available to the 2003 Junior Team on an as needed basis not to exceed
$5,000 in recognition of the special circumstance of both the
championships and the Junior team. |
|
06/21/03 |
U.S. TEAM
COMMITTEE TO MEET IN SEPTEMBER
U.S. Team Committee members, Dianne Black-Nixon, Doug Jacobs, Tim
Welles, Ken Sorenson and John Seaborn will be meeting on Friday,
September 12th in Dallas. This is just before the SSA fall board
meeting. Agenda items include team funding, fundraising programs,
junior team management, team documents and the annual policy and
procedure review to name a few. All committee members are self funding
and no team funds will be used for this annual meeting. |
|
06/04/03 |
WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIP DAY REPORTS ARE
ON THE WAY
This year the 4th World
Class and 3rd Junior World Gliding Championships will be
held in the Slovak Republic near the beautiful hamlet of Nitra. Hosted
by the
SLOVENSKY NARODNY AEROKLUB
and the AEROKLUB NITRA this
years event has over 100 competitors signed up. Preliminary entries
show 39 pilots in the Club Class, 37 in the Standard Class and 25 in
the World Class. The action will begin with the Pre Contest & Official
Practice - July 3-5. The official championship flying
starts on July 7 and ends on the 19th. See the
Day Report page for full coverage.
|
|
05/19/03 |
FINAL TEAM
FUNDRAISING
The Teams are leaving soon to represent the US Soaring Community at
the World Class Competition in the Slovak Republic, The Junior World
Soaring Championship in the Slovak Republic, and the multiclass World
Soaring Championship in Poland. They need your financial support.
Please watch your mailbox for a letter asking that you make a tax
deductible donation either directly to the US Team Fund, or to the
Robertson Trust which provides perpetual support for the team. If you
don't want to wait for the letter, you can send a donation now to the
US Team, PO Box 2100 Hobbs, NM 88241 or call Jim Kashner at
505-392-1177 to put a donation on your credit card. |
|
05/06/03 |
U.S. TEAM
FINANCIALS AVAILABLE
As part of the on going effort to make teams more
financially accountable and transparent the SSA, in conjunction with
U.S. Team Chairman Doug Jacobs, have posted a complete financial
accounting of team contributions and expenses. The new page includes
full disclosure on the SSA and is available to SSA members. To see
this new SSA Web page
here
and follow the links. |
|
05/06/03 |
TEAM
SWEEPSTAKES WINNER RECEIVES PRIZE
 As part of the continuing effort on the part of U.S. team members to
build the sport and make a difference here at home, 18-Meter team
pilot Gary Ittner and Junior team member Garret Willat presented a
Cross-Country Flying and Racing Seminar for beginning through advanced
glider pilots. The second prize winner Steve Pachura and 22 of his
club mates participated in the US Soaring Team XC seminar at a school
near Warner Springs gliderport on the evening of May 3. While there
were 22 attendees, the opportunity to get a picture of everyone did
not present itself. Click the picture of Garret Willat, winner Steve
Pachura, and Gary Ittner. |
|
04/11/03 |
TEAM E-NEWS
BULLETIN 10
The tenth U.S. Soaring Team e-Bulletin will be sent to subscribers in
a few days.
Team Bulletins are provided to bring you the latest team and
international championships news. To receive future
team E-News Bulletins subscribe by clicking
here. They are free! |
|
04/10/03 |
 JUNIOR
TEAM SHIRTS AVAILABLE
The 2003 Junior Team has newly printed tee shirts available. The idea
is to make a contribution to the Junior Team of $100 or more and
receive both the pride of sponsorship and a handsome Junior Team shirt
with artwork by 3-time Junior pilot Joe Walter. Send your contribution
payable to SSA to John H. Campbell, SSA Youth Chairman, 4671 Kipling
St. #68, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 or send e-mail by
clicking here.
Currently available in XXL, XL, L in "ash" (grey) and "natural" (tan).
|
|
04/07/03 |
NEW
WEB SITE FOR JUNIOR & WORLD CLASS WGC
This summer the Slovak Republic will host the combined
World Gliding Championships for the 3rd FAI Junior and 4th World Class
Championships from July 7 to the 19th. The organizers have created an
excellent new web site for these championships. Go direct
http://www.nitra2003.sk/ or
visit the U.S. World and
Junior teams. See all the team links
here. |
|
04/06/03 |
U.S. TEAM CROSS
COUNTRY SEMINAR
As part of the continuing effort on the part of U.S. team members to
build the sport and make a difference here at home, 18-Meter team
pilot Gary Ittner and Junior team member Garret Willat will be
presenting a Cross-Country Flying and Racing Seminar for beginning
through advanced glider pilots. The location will be in Warner
Springs, California on Saturday May 3 from 6 - 9pm. The
informative seminar is being presented as the second place Team
Sweepstakes prize to winner, Steve Pachura and his fellow club members
based at the Warner Springs gliderport. Admission is free and all are
welcome. Contact Gary
Ittner for more. |
|
04/02/03 |
U.S. TEAM COMMITTEE
SELECTED
On April 2, U.S. Contest
Chairman Ken Sorenson, announced the results of the recently concluded
U.S. Team Committee elections. Running unopposed were Dianne Black
Nixon, Tim Welles and John Seaborn. Seaborn was selected for the three
year term, Black-Nixon for the two year term and Welles for the one year
term. Rounding out the U.S. Team Committee are Doug Jacobs, U.S. Team
Chairman, Ken Sorenson, U.S. Contest Chairman, and a yet to be named
member as President of the SSA. For more on the U.S. Team Committee
click here. |
|
04/02/03 |
TEAM SIZE FOR
POLAND RESOLVED
An unusually large number of competitors had shown initial
interest in the 28th World Gliding Championships to be held in Leszno,
Poland from
July 27 to August 9. This raised the possibility that teams would be
cut to five pilots from the customary six possible. When the final
entries were counted, 131 competitors had officially registered
allowing for the original six pilots per country based authorization
from the IGC for a higher maxim number of competitors. All six of the U.S.
team members have been accepted and will be traveling to Leszno. See
the news on the organizers web site
http://www.wgc2003.pl/ |
|
03/16/03 |
U.S. TEAM
MEMBERS IN FLORIDA
 The
Seniors Contest included many pilots who were on past and current
World Teams: Dick Butler, Ed Byars, Chip Garner, John Good, Doris
Grove, Doug Jacobs, Alfonzo Jurado, Tom Knauff, Dick Mockler, George
Moffat, Alberto Negro, Martin Opitz, and Karl Striedieck. Competition
Director, Charlie Spratt, has been a crew member of several US Teams.
Although he wasn't in the picture, Rudy Mozer, many times Captain of
the U.S. Soaring Team watched the launch several days. We were all
delighted that Rudy and his wife Renata attended the banquet
Saturday night. |
|
03/16/03 |
 TEAM SUCCESS AT
SENIORS
Karl Striedieck
and Doug Jacobs are just returning from the Senior Championships in
Seminole Florida. These team pilots took passengers on each flight
during the contest to experience cross country racing. Karl flew with
Marty Opitz, who won the U.S. Team Sweepstakes, and Doug Jacobs flew
with a different pilot each day. Karl originated this concept last
year, and has booked passengers full up for four or five contests
he'll be at this year. The suggested donation of $200 for the
afternoon, in fact, in several instances people gave more. The
benefits are obvious, raise badly needed team funds while providing an
opportunity for pilots to learn the finer points of performance
cross-country form two of the worlds best soaring pilots. Special
thanks to Knut Kjenslie and co-owner John Helenthal, to fly
DG-505/1000's. See all the pictures
from Florida here. This is the
best example of team members building the sport while making a
difference in soaring here at home.
One evening there was a U.S. Team wine and cheese party and a good
time was had by all. In total, the team received Merchandise Orders of
$2,650 and other donations of $2,317. |
|
03/07/03 |
SSA MEMBERS VOTE NOW!
U.S. TEAM COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
 On
January 25th, by unanimous vote of the SSA Board of Directors, the
U.S. Team Committee was modernized as recommended by the U.S. Team
Task Force. The new Team Committee, using the successful Rules
Committee as a model, will include three appointed and three elected
members. Nominations for the elected positions closed on February 25
and the first ever Team Committee elections are now underway. The
election is being conducted on-line from March 1 to the 31st. All SSA
members are eligible to vote. Visit the SSA U.S. Team Web to learn
more or cast your vote.
This an invitation for all SSA members to vote by visiting
the voting link here. See more on the U.S. Team Committee page here... |
|
03/07/03 |
IGC ESTABLISHES ENTRY POLICY FOR POLAND 2003
As of March 1, 2003 the organizers for the Multi-Class WGC at Leszno,
Poland had received 90 paid entries for the championships to be held
in the summer of 2003. They have received interest from countries that
represent a possible 147 entrants, which would be in excess of the
number allowed by Annex A of the Sporting Code. IGC decided that as of
March 15, 2003, if the number of paid entries is under 130 pilots, all
pilots (up to 6 per national aero club) will be permitted to fly.
However, if the number exceeds 130, each national aero club will be
limited to a maximum of 5 pilots, except for those nations with
reigning World Champions. |
|
03/04/03 |
U.S. 2003
CONTEST RULES AVAILABLE NOW
The 2003 Contest Rules have now been posted to the SSA website for
easy access by contest pilots. Click on "Contests" in the red bar at
the top of this page and follow the path to the rules or simply click
here
2003 Contest Rules for more
information and immediate access. |
|
03/01/03 |
JOHN LEIBACHER LISTS
U.S. PILOTS IN IGC RANKING SYSTEM
The International Gliding
Committee has created and begun to refine a pilot ranking system for
all soaring pilots flying in National and Internationals from around
the world. See the
results of this ranking here. See this IGC U.S. pilots page
here... |
|
03/02/03 |
 IGC
SELECTS SWEDEN FOR MULTI-CLASS
IN 2006
The International Gliding Commission has selected Sweden for 2006
World Gliding Championships. "Sweden and Uppsala have been chosen as the host of the
29th World Gliding
Championship in 2006. Approximately 120 pilots from all around the world
will gather at the Ärna airfield 5 km north of Uppsala to compete in
four classes, Standard, 15 meter, 18 meter and Open class, on June
5-17 2006. A Pre-Worlds competition, “Viking Glide”, will be held in
June 2005 to give the best pilots in the world an opportunity to try
the World Championship tracks." See the official Web Site
here...
OTHER IGC
CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS
The IGC Bureau
will decide the location of the 2005 World Class competitions.
The Bureau will consider a bid for the 3rd Women’s World Gliding Championship
from Lithuania
and a combined Women’s and World Class bid from Klix, Germany.
Provisional approval was given to
4th Junior World Gliding Championships
to be hosted by the United Kingdom
pending an entry fee reduction. |
|
02/22/03 |
 TRIBUTE
TO U.S TEAM MEMBER WALLY SCOTT
Famed soaring pilot Wally
Scott passed away on February 8. Wally flew many outstanding distance
records from his home field of Odessa Texas. He was a two time U.S.
Team member, first in 1965 flying a Ka-6CR to 6th place in the 10th
World Gliding Championships in England and again in 1970 at the 12th
World Gliding Championships in Marfa Texas flying an AS-W 12 to 9th
place. Read the actual accounts of these contests as they appeared in
Soaring Magazine located in the Team Archive. |
|
02/21/03 |
TEAM E-NEWS
BULLETIN 9
The ninth U.S. Soaring Team e-Bulletin has been sent to subscribers.
To receive future
team E-News Bulletins subscribe by clicking
here. |
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02/21/03 |
WORLD CLASS
TEAM GAINS SUPPORT FROM MANUFACTURER
Bielsko1, the second manufacturer of the PW-5 based in Poland, has
agreed to supply the US World Class Team with rental PW-5 sailplanes
for the World Championship in Nitra. Contest entries now exceed 27 and
finding ships and getting them to Nitra could have been a challenge,
so their support of the US team makes things that much easier for the
team as they prepare. The team especially recognizes the efforts of
Rafal Mikke, President of Bielsko1. |
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02/17/03 |
ROBERTSON TRUST
CAMPAIGN SUCCESS
 The Robertson Trust's recent Funding The Future
campaign was successful with over $110,000 in contributions received.
The Robert Robertson Memorial Team Fund has an established track
record of growth and service to the U.S. Soaring Teams since its
establishment in 1988. The trust's charter limits the use of the
income from the trust to funding U.S. Soaring Teams participation in
sanctioned World Soaring Championships. The Trustees are dedicated to
seeing that the charter is honored. See the Robertson Trust web site
here... |
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02/17/03 |
U.S. JUNIORS TO
FLY DISCUS 2a's
Through the efforts of Tilo Holighaus, the U.S. Junior Team of Garret Willat and Chris Saunders will be flying Discus 2a's in this summers 3rd
Junior World Soaring Championships to be held in Nitra, Slovak
Republic from July 7 to July 19. Both Garret and Chris have all the
credentials to win at what will be a hotly contested competition. Meet
the Junior Team here... The U.S. Junior
team would like to thank Reinhard Schramme and Goetz Odenthal as well
as Tilo Holighaus for making these gliders available. |
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02/12/03 |
POLAND PROVES
TO BE POPULAR
The 28th World Soaring Championships scheduled to be held in Leszno,
Poland form July 27 to August 9 are proving to be very popular with
the worlds best sailplane pilots. Over 140 competitors have indicated
their intention to compete in the event but only 120 will be allowed
to compete due to safety and contest resources. The IGC (International
Gliding Commission) is examining ways to bring the number of would-be
competitors more in line with the number competitors that can be
accommodated. |
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02/12/03 |
03 WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIPS TO GAIN MEDIA COVERAGE
The FAI and IGC report that there is good potential to have extensive
TV coverage of the World Gliding Championships at Leszno (Poland) and
Nitra (Slovakia) later this year. Competing pilots have been asked to
sign appearance releases and in some cases to allow tiny cameras to be
installed in their gliders. This exciting potential development is
done in the interests of promoting the sport of gliding and all
contestants are encouraged to participate. |
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02/05/03 |
AND THE WINNERS
ARE... U.S. TEAM SWEEPSTAKES
The U.S. Team Sweepstakes
drawing was held in SSA headquarters at noon on January 31 under the
supervision of the accounting firm Johnson, Miller and Company. To see all the fabulous prizes
and winners here. All lucky winners will
be notified in writing. The U.S. Team would like to
thank all the participants, especially those who sent in a
contribution with their entry. Through your support your soaring teams
will have the opportunity to represent the nation at 2003 World
Soaring Championships. Special thanks to Martha Jacobs and Jim Kashner
for their work on the sweepstakes. |
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01/27/03 |
U.S. TEAM TASK FORCE
RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED BY SSA BOARD
On January 25th, by unanimous
vote of the SSA Board of Directors, the U.S. Team Committee was
modernized along the blueprint developed by the U.S. Team Task Force.
An exploratory meeting was held after the Competition Pilots Breakfast
and many topics were discussed. Expect to hear more on the progress of
the new U.S. Team Committee including the election of members. For more
on the Task Force process click here.
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01/27/03 |
 U.S. TEAM BOOTH &
PRESENTATION A SUCCESS AT SSA CONVENTION
The recently concluded SSA
Convention in Dayton was extremely successful. The team booth was
staffed by past and present team members including Tom Beltz, Dick
Butler, Ken Sorenson, Doug Jacobs, Karl Striedieck, John Seaborn, Charlie Spratt, John Good, Ron Tabery, Chip Garner and Gary Ittner to
name a few. There was an in booth video presentation, very attractive
team apparel and of course team sweepstakes entry forms. Kerry
Huffstutler and Noreen Buchanan, while not present, did a great job
ordering and delivering the stylish U.S.
Team apparel to the convention floor. The action in the booth was
fast and furious based on the great attendance at the convention.
Sweepstakes entries generated $2,110 and merchandise sales generated
another $4,160. Congratulations to all.
In addition to the booth a speakers slot was filled with a team
presentation highlighting the history of U.S. Soaring teams featuring
many historical team photographs in addition to an explanation of how
the U.S. Team functions followed by team members talking about their
respective championship experiences. |
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01/17/03 |
TEAM E-NEWS
BULLETIN 8
The eighth U.S. Soaring Team e-Bulletin has been sent to subscribers.
The seventh issue carried all the international and team news. To receive future
team E-News Bulletins subscribe by clicking
here. |
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01/14/03 |
JUNIOR TEAM
PILOT GARRET WILLAT TRAINS WITH GEORGE LEE DOWN UNDER
 Junior
team pilot Garret Willat has been training with three time World
Champion George Lee in Australia. Flying a Nimbus 4DM, Garret is
learning to handle those big wings and developing his cross country
and racing skills, plus having a grand time as his recent note
indicates, "The flying is a blast, its great being back in summer
again. The Nimbus handles like a dream. At first the glider was
beating me; yaw string was cleaning the canopy quite well sweeping
back and forth. The ailerons are very light, all the controls are
easy. I am very grateful that I was able to get 7hours with Claudio in
the ASH. It did make life a little more predictable, but the Nimbus
does handle different. After some local flying we head out on a 200K
in the blue doing 76mph" Late reports indicate the weather has
improved and distances are getting bigger and speeds faster... |
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01/14/03 |
TIPS FROM THE
TEAM NOW ONLINE
This is a
collection of tips for beginning contest and cross-country pilots
developed by past and present U.S. team members. Team members have
learned many tips and techniques along their path to becoming
champions. No matter if your a student pilot or a seasoned contest pro
there is something here for everyone.
See the tips page. |
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01/14/03 |
U.S. JUNIOR
TEAM SELECTED
The 2003 U.S. Junior Team has been selected. Garret Willat
in the Club Class and Chris Saunders in the Standard Class will
represent the U.S. at the 3rd Junior World Soaring Championships in
Nitra this summer. Some junior pilots who qualified for the team could
not participate this year. See the Junior Team page for
more... |
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01/14/03 |
U.S. TEAM
TASKFORCE TO PRESENT TO SSA BOARD
After an exhaustive year long process the U.S. Team task force will
present their findings to the SSA Board. The central finding of the
task force process is to develop the U.S. Team Committee to provide
our soaring teams with a management structure capable of managing U.S.
Teams, developing team resources, providing continuity in team
management and prevent teams from reinventing the wheel with each
event. See Task Force Page |
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01/14/03 |
U.S. TEAM AT 2003 SSA
CONVENTION
The U.S. Team will have a
booth at the upcoming SSA Convention. In the booth you will find team
members, sweepstakes entry forms and team hats, shirts and jackets. In
addition the team will be giving an action packed presentation in the
speakers slot. If your visiting the SSA Convention plan to visit the
team booth and attend the U.S. Team presentation. |
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2002 U.S. Team News |
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12/15/02 |
U.S. TEAM TASK FORCE
PROPOSAL & REPORT
The final SSA Team Task Force report and
proposal have
been published to the task force web page available for
public comment and review. The public comment period will end on
January 1. The U.S. Team
Task Force was established by the SSA Board of Directors to review
current U.S. Soaring Team policy and operation then make recommendations for improvement. After an
exhaustive process these recommendations will be presented to the SSA
Board at the upcoming meeting in Dayton. Task Force members include
Doug Jacobs, Ken Sorenson, Jim Payne, John Seaborn, Tim Welles and Jim
Short. See the task force web page here for the complete listing of
team topics covered and to download the various sections
here. |
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12/03/02 |
WORLD CLASS
CHAMPIONSHIPS TO NITRA
 From
Max Bishop, Secretary General, Fédération Aéronautique Internationale
"Following the unfortunate, but fully justified, decision taken by the
New Zealand organizers to cancel - owing to lack of entrants - the
World Class World Gliding Championship originally scheduled to take
place early next year in Matamata, the International Gliding
Commission (IGC) Bureau has now decided how to proceed. After taking
soundings regarding the likely participation in a re-arranged World
Championship in the 2003 Northern Hemisphere summer, the IGC Bureau
has decided to accept the offer of the NAC of the Slovak Republic to
hold the 2003 World Class WGC at the same time and place as the 3rd
Junior WGC in Nitra, Slovakia." See the U.S. World Class team
here or visit the official Junior/Worlds
WSC web site here. |
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12/02/02 |
TEAM E-NEWS
BULLETIN 7
The seventh U.S. Soaring Team e-Bulletin has been send to subscribers.
The seventh issue carried all the international and team news. To receive future
team E-News Bulletins subscribe by clicking
here. |
|
11/20/02 |
WORLD CLASS
CHAMPIONSHIP MAY MOVE TO EUROPE
With the cancellation of the PW-5 World Championships in New Zealand
the IGC and the organizers of the 3rd FAI Junior World Soaring
Championships scheduled to be held in Nitra in the Slovak Republic
(July 7-19) have been discussing the feasibility of holding the PW-5
championships concurrent with the Junior event. While these
discussions are in their preliminary stages the idea looks possible.
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11/20/02 |
PRE-WORLD
TRAINING
OPPORTUNITY IN POLAND
From the organizers in Poland comes word that the Polish Nationals in
the Open Class will be held in Leszno from the 17th May to 1st June
2003. Information Bulletin with an Entry Form will be available on the
website www.aeroleszno.org
before the end of November 2002. Participation in the Polish Nationals
will be the best occasion for training before the World Championships. |
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11/15/02 |
NEW TEAM
APPAREL - ON THE WAY FOR CHRISTMAS
 Team Apparel is a great way to show your support for U.S. soaring
teams. By wearing high quality shirts, hats, jackets and polos with
the U.S. Soaring Team Logo you not only look great but are helping to
insure our soaring teams have a chance to compete and win
internationally. Net proceeds from the sale of team merchandise goes
to help fund U.S. soaring participation in World Soaring
Championships. This apparel has been hand selected for its quality and
durability, perfect for those hot days on the ramp or a sporty
addition to the dinner table after the days flying. See the team
apparel web site
here |
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11/15/02 |
ONLINE SSA
CATALOG MAKES TEAM CONTRIBUTIONS A BREEZE
The SSA has just released its online merchandise catalog which has
been completely redesigned to provide a more satisfying shopping
experience. One of the exciting features is the catalog can be used to
make contributions to U.S. soaring teams online using a credit card.
Just select the U.S. Team from the donations list, put in the amount
of your contribution and your on your way. See the new catalog here
and select the donations link an the top of the page
here. |
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11/05/02 |
U.S. TEAM
SWEEPSTAKES TO OFFER TOP PRIZES
 The team sweepstakes will be bigger than ever this year
with the lucky winner receiving an soaring dream vacation to the Senior
Championships in
Florida to fly with the legendary Karl Striedieck in his new Duo
Discus. For details on this opportunity see the 11/02/02 information
below. Other prizes include a U.S. Soaring Team Performance Soaring
Seminar for you or your club, a Dittel 720-channel radio base station, a
Cambridge GPS-NAV, a Ridge Sewing canopy cover and many more. This
years Sweepstakes will be run a little differently than the past
direct mail effort. The January issue of Soaring Magazine will have a
two page Sweepstakes spread with an envelope to enter. This is more
cost effective than direct mail and avoids the conflict with the
holiday mail.
Watch for the Sweepstakes starting in January. All sweepstakes entries
go to help fund U.S. soaring teams. See all the Sweepstakes details on
the U.S. Team Sweepstakes page here. |
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11/05/02 |
NZ WORLD CLASS
CHAMPIONSHIPS - CANCELLED
Regrettably the 4th World Class Championships scheduled to start
February 8, 2003 in New Zealand have been cancelled. The organizers
report this difficult decision was the result of the low number of
entries. Roy Edwards, the director, said the organizers had to make
the tough decision because the low number of entries didn’t make the
competition financially viable or competitively broad. The New Zealand
National PWS competition has now been moved from November to February
6-15. See the excellent Gliding & Motorgliding magazine for full
details or the US Team news.
http://www.glidingmagazine.com/ Condolences to the U.S. pilots
Francois Pin,
Pat Tuckey, reserve pilot Bill Snead
and team Captain
Conrad Suechting who were looking
forward to the championships. |
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11/05/02 |
TEAM TASK FORCE
PUBLISHES FINAL SECTIONS
 The final sections of the U.S. team task force project have
been published to the task force web page and are now available for
public comment and review. The newly published sections include, 7
Team Pilot Obligations, 8 Team Communication, 10 Pilot Selection and
11 Contest Preparation. Also included on the task force web page is a
full report on the team's recent online survey. This report is
available in three parts including an executive summary. The U.S. Team
Task Force was established by the SSA Board of Directors to review
current team policy and make recommendations for improvement. After an
exhaustive process these recommendations will be presented to the SSA
Board at the upcoming meeting in Dayton. Taskforce members include
Doug Jacobs, Ken Sorenson, Jim Payne, John Seaborn, Tim Welles and Jim
Short. See the task force web page here for the complete listing of
team topics covered and to download the various sections
here. |
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11/02/02 |
KS OFFERS
Competition
Training in Duo Discus - COURSES ARE FULL!
Pilots interested in one-on-one competition and performance
cross-country training in a high performance two-seat glider will have
the opportunity at four contest sites in 2003. Karl Striedieck will
offer dual performance soaring in his Duo Discus to those interested
in improving their contest and cross country skills, or are simply
interested in riding along on contests tasks. The format is flexible
depending on the desire of each participant. Pilots will have their
choice of front or back seat, flying or watching, receiving commentary
or not, alternating legs flown and so forth. A debriefing session will
be included when appropriate. The cost will be a $200 per day donation
to the US Team Fund (tax deductible). All other costs will be borne by
Karl. The 2003 Contest Schedule: Region 5 North Perry, SC Late April,
Region 2 Mifflin, PA May 18-24, Sports Nationals Elmira, NY June
17-26, Region 4 South New Castle, VA Late September.
All courses have been filled as of 11/13/02.
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See all the 2002 U.S.
Team News Here |
