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Wills Wing pilots - Jeff O'Brien, Jeff Shapiro, Dustin, Zac Majors



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Why is it that the weak link is the one making decisions? Why is it that the
person with the least experience is the one deciding if competition pilots
should be free flying?



The forecast was for moderate to strong winds in the afternoon, although it was
perfectly pleasant in the morning as forecast. The winds were supposed to come
out of the west which makes for a difficult task call, but the task committee
decided to send pilots sixty seven kilometers to the northeast if the winds were
over 15 mph. On the first day of the Flytec Race and Rally I recorded 18 mph
winds. That was perfectly pleasant, of course.



We all line up at the east end of the field near the trees so that those
susceptible to such things can hear the engines roar. The tug pilots are flying
around reporting that things are pretty reasonable, although some think marginal.
There are cu's nearby getting closer and closer. The forecast is for good lift,
but a difficult task as we have to do a bit of cross wind to get around Lake
Apopka.



The chattering classes are having trouble and making trouble for themselves
talking everyone into a frenzy about the wind. Jeff O'Brien is ready to go but
they postpone the task for half an hour, which is not a bad thing as the cu's
aren't quite here yet. We get Jeff to launch to show us what the launches look
like to see if it is safe getting out of the field. He has a perfectly smooth
launch. Still the chattering classes are worried about the other guys, not
letting the other guy decide for himself.



The launch window opens and I suit up and roll out to launch. No one tries to
stop me. Bobby is ready to yank me up in the air. Bobby guns the airship and we
are above the three line within a few seconds. There is no drama, no sudden "air
pockets." Nothing but a perfectly smooth launch. I can see Jeff racing out in
front of me into the wind, just having a good time getting low and then getting
back up again.



I search around find some lift and climb out at 300 fpm. Pete Lehmann has been
hauled up and finds similar lift to the north west of Quest Air. Jeff is
circling up. The lift is smooth and the air feels good. My Flytec 6030 measures
19 mph wind consistently.



Then I hear on the radio that one of the flight park managers has
stopped all towing so that there can't be any free flights. Reminds me
of another flight park owner who had similar issues with competition. It's all
so emotional. I can't remember a time when a competition pilot killed himself at
the flight park towing into 19 mph winds.



Some pilots can't figure out why the decision to not allow free flying on a
spectacular looking day. Seems that should be up to the pilot.



Tomorrow it looks like the winds back off by about a third. Hopefully the
frenzied atmosphere will not prevail and rational decision making with return.

http://OzReport.com/1272317596