Oz Report

Practice day for Wallaby Open rained out

Wallaby Open 1999|weather

It has finally rained in central Florida after more than three months of drought.  We have had only one day of rain since we arrived here in mid-January.  Forest fires were breaking out over the last few weeks, some destroying homes.  Sun 'n Fun, the big air show in Lakeland, FL, just 30 miles from here, was partially evacuated on Wednesday due to a fast moving fire that threatened them from the west.

It has rained here at Wallaby Ranch about 2 inches in the last hour, and we are on the southern edge of the rain clouds as shown below:

Over most of the United States the skies are clear, but when we get to Florida, the radar and satellite photos show a much different story:

Those of us who have been here for a while are celebrating the rains, and look forward to getting rid of the haze which built up a bit over the last week.  We expect slower going the next few days with the wetter ground, but with light northwest winds, we should be flying toward the drier areas.

The rains stop in the afternoon and a number of test flights are taken before dusk.

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ATOS arrives

ATOS|David "Dave" Sharp|Felix Rühle|George Ferris|Johann Posch|Peter Radman

At least that is what Felix says.  Oh, yes, Felix Ruhle, is also here.  He has the sail and the carbon fiber part of it is up at the Groveland Municipal airport (otherwise known as Quest Air). Peter Radman, president of the ATOS US distributor, Altair, Dave Sharp, factory pilot, and Felix, are set to go set up the latest version of the ATOS.  Unfortunately for them it is pouring rain.  Maybe latter this afternoon.

An hour before sunset, Felix arrived in the air with the ATOS.  He was towed from Groveland at 6,000' by the Quest Air tug.  Johann Posch was in the air in the ixbo and Felix started buzzing him.

He caused quite a stir when he landed and we got to pick up the glider.  It was as light as a regular topless glider.  We get a scale tomorrow.

George Ferris went up to Quest in the afternoon and found Felix.  George got a flight on the ATOS.  His comment was it was the same jump to go from his Exxtacy as it was going from a flex wing to the Exxtacy.

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1999 Canadian Nationals

Canadian Nationals 1999|G.W. Meadows|Ian McArthur

Ian McArthur is going to do another meet at Sun Peaks, near Kamloops.  He writes:

I'm really mentally ill, but until I get better, I'll just keep putting on events here at Sun Peaks.  Kevin Thompson recently informed me that the Canadian Grand Prix will also be the Canadian Nationals!  Wow what great news!  Certainly after G.W. Meadows informed me that we had been awarded a Class "B" sanction by the USHGA I didn't think it could get much better, but guess what…

The FAI has asked if we would like to sanction the event as a Category 2 Championship!  Cool, eh?

The pilots that can't go to Italy for the Worlds this year and can't afford (tooooo thrifty maybe?) to go to the Continentals at Dinosaur next summer can still enter the Canadian Grand Prix.  They need to finish in the top ⅔ of an FAI Category event to enter a World Championship.  (complicated, isn't it?) Anyway, the bottom line is July 25 - 30 X/C & good times.  July 31 - Aug 02 for Speed Gliding and Aerobatics.

Entry fee $200.00 Cdn on site.  $150.00 if you can register before June 25. Ph/fx 250-578-8402, e-mail «ianmc»

Free camping at Dick Hart Memorial Park and Dave wants to see you back at the Hitchi'n Rail!  Other accommodations at http//www.sunpeaksresort.com

Advanced ratings with X/C & turbulence signoffs.  A knowledge of Airspace Regulations is essential.

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