Regional Report: Region 5

By Region 5 Director Hartley Falbaum

Although spring weather brought a slow start to the season, there is still much to celebrate throughout Region 5. Sarah is winding up a well-attended Ridge Camp at Sequatchie. Dave Stevenson has posted several notably long flights in a K6 on the ridge. The Seniors Contest concluded successfully, and the Grand Prix event is wrapping up on a high note. Preparations are well underway for upcoming contests in Perry and Cordele, including the Region 5 Sports and FAI Combined, as well as the 18-Meter Nationals.

I write this while attending Sarah and Jason’s ridge camp operating from the Marion County Airport in Jasper, Tennessee. Four members from Memphis Soaring and at least one from the Eagleville club are in attendance, flying the club ASK-21B. Conversations among us continue to revolve around the regular club concerns such as club finances, new members, member retention, member participation and tow plane issues for the Pawnee. On a positive note, Memphis Soaring has benefited from an increase in youth as they learn to fly gliders before transitioning to power training. Memphis Soaring is also planning increased cross-country work with interested members. Sarah has installed a set of loaner wings on their Pawnee and have ordered a new replacement spar.

The winter season was relatively ok, though some activity slowed due to wet runways. The North Carolina Soaring Association remains the most active in the region and has been working on a runway widening project. This should help a lot. Harrier Soaring is currently awaiting maintenance on their Blanik, while Piedmont Soaring continues operations and is somewhat active despite wet and cold conditions.