Gary Osoba <<wosoba>>
writes:

In a year when weather patterns have frustrated competition plans
in many parts of the world, the US Nationals in Big Spring have a good chance of
being the best ever. Of course, Big Spring is already known as a venue which
produces maximum task calls and maximum flying days. A hard combination the
beat. However, the weather patterns presently in place might very well produce
the finest soaring yet for the site. Of course, it could all change and produce
an average (good to excellent) year, or less. But right now, it is looking
mighty fine.

Here are a few recommendations:

1) If you have never flown Big Spring and have a chance to rearrange your
affairs to do so, this would be a time to pull out all stops and simply do it.
Sign up quickly and come.

2) Consider bringing oxygen this time. There is a possibility that at least some
time during the comp cloud bases will be higher than previously experienced in
the task area. Of course, that means stronger lift, less circling and faster
times. As our Australian friends would say, it's "All Good".

I say pull out at 12,000' (10,000' AGL) and pull the bar in. You
just don't need this kind of altitude to fly fast. Besides it's cold up there.