James Lamb () writes:

We have had the typically beautiful, early fall weather in the Sequatchie Valley. The Team Challenge is all about helping newer pilots learn some cross-country skills by participating on a team with more experienced pilots. An A+ or experienced competition pilot is paired with another A pilot, a ‘B’ pilot, and two ‘C’ pilots with no cross country experience. All pilots are handicapped by those designations as well as having a glider handicap. Team leaders who are able to ‘shepherd’ their lower ranking pilots to their respective goals then have an additional multiplier applied to their scores. There are seven teams here, everyone having a great time. Evenings have been filled with seminars on cross country skills – Mike Barber, Safety and Landing Skills – Kevin Carter, and Weather Analysis – Ollie Gregory. And daily briefing and debriefing of the teams by their respective Team Leaders.

Conditions thus far have been generally light with blue skies, lift to 4,000’, and winds 4-12 straight in to Whitwell. On Day 1 we decided to go to Dunlap, drop off the ‘C’ pilots at that goal, ‘B’ pilots back to Whitwell, and the A pilot back again to Dunlap. The second day included a run across the valley to Hensons for the ‘A & B’ pilots with the A pilots going back to Dunlap for goal and then to Whitwell for extra mileage. Today, Day 3 was a run to the south for a ‘B & C’ goal of Kimball Park across I-24 past Jasper with a return leg to Whitwell for the A Pilots. There have been few times you could count on ridge lift alone to maintain your flight and the thermals cycles have been unreliable – all adding up to some fairly technical flying. It’s been a real treat to see so many of the ‘B & C’ pilots do so well.

At the conclusion of Day 2 the E Team is in first place – 352 pts highlighted by Stan Roberts’ maxing the 2nd day task on his Phantom. Dave Hopkins is the team leader. My Area 51 Team is in 2nd place – 325 pts. With great performances by ‘C’ pilot Jeff Nibler. We’re reeling in the E Team - watch tomorrows report!

In 3rd Place is the Romantic Sheep!! Mark Fink is working hard with his whole team for their 323 pts. 4th Place is KC and the Sunshine Bandits with 277 pts. – Kevin Carter is pulling that team along by his shear will. 5th Place – with 228 pts. Team members: Eric Donaldson Concept A, Alex "Fingers" Holsted S2 B, Lucas Ridley C Ultra Sport, and Peter Kane A T2.

6th Place is held by our Arkansas friends The AIR Hogs with 227 pts. – Mark Stump A+ Pilot on an ATOS C, Barron McKinley A ATOS, Walter Jordan U2 B, Steve Prater S2 C, Keith Atkins U2 C. And in the perfect position to keep track of the competition – the Leaky Radiators with 209 pts. - Tim Hinesmill C U2, Jeff Laughery A Talon, Doug Mossberg A Talon, and Ben Degaris A Litespeed.

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