Gary Osoba <<wosoba>>
writes:

With a couple of scheduled meets canceling recently, and others
possibly having to do so, we're happy to report that things couldn't be looking
any better for the 2012 World Record Encampment. The premiere annual long
distance event is fully on, with weather looking better and better as the start
date of June 20th approaches. We'll be happy to host world class pilots in their
attempts at new world records, qualified recreational pilots in search of
personal bests, and possibly an experimental program for mentoring.

Weather

The weather has been exceptional so far this spring. I do not recall days with
record potential piling up this early. So far, I have counted 12 to 16 of such
days, depending upon various criteria. May 1st was one example, the best of 3
days in a row. Here's some Blipmap info that allows the conditions to be easily
grasped. First, the geography so that experienced and planning World Record
Encampment pilots can get their bearings:

Our start point, Zapata, is off the map below the center, about 40 miles south
of Laredo which can just be seen. Typical record flights follow a path
north-northwestward toward Big Spring, with Manfred Ruhmer's official world
record and Mike Barber's unofficial flight ending near LaMesa. However, other
long flights have fanned out about 10-25 degrees into that region, depending
upon weather for the given day. To understand the scale for those who are
unfamiliar with the area, Texas is a big place. It's about 437 statute miles
(705 km) to Manfred and Mike's landing points. For perspective, only a very
small percentage of sailplane pilots have ever flown such a long free distance
using high performance gliders. The remarkable conditions at Zapata and the
World Record Encampment make these things possible for Flex Wings, Rigid Wings,
and Paragliding World Records as well. See the Oz Report links on World Record
Encampment and Records here:

http://ozreport.com/wre.php

Let's go on with the recent May 1st weather, examining the thermal updraft velocity map
first:

Thermal strengths from 400 fpm to 800 fpm are evident, although experience tells
us that there would be some 1000-1200 fpm cores over the course of a 9-11 hour
flight. By June 20th, we expect the thermal strengths to increase to a more
uniform and stronger level throughout the flight. A good strategy this day would
likely be taking a little more westerly track over the Hill Country northwest of
Uvalde, as there was thickening of clouds forecasted just north of Uvalde and a
predicted lift strength of 300-400 fpm in a small area there. The more westerly
course would miss this and also provide for an earlier intersection with a
dynamic dry-line convergence- a truly exciting feature that we'll look at in
just a moment. A note about the strong lift found in this region, particularly
as the season develops into our scheduled time: There has never been a tuck,
tumble, or deployment in the 11-year history of the World Record Encampment
despite the many thousands of miles flown. The gulf moisture provides the type
of smooth strength pilots seek, and the convergence that starts around Zapata on
each good day provides the dependability necessary for regular distance attempts
and outstanding local flying.

Now for a look at the winds through the boundary layer:

In a phrase, marvelous tailwinds!

Winds in the Zapata region were stronger in the morning and midday period than
those shown in this 21Z forecast, in the range of 20 knots instead of 15 or so
shown later in the day. This is a typical daily pattern with very good winds in
the morning. Note the increasing winds over the Hill Country, around 20 knots or
so, and how the direction from launch brings a pilot along the ideal path
described above as a little west of Uvalde (site of the upcoming World Gliding
Championships for sailplanes). Now here's what makes days like this really
exciting: A strong convergence along the dry line which sets up north of the
Hill Country on the Edwards Plateau. Contacting this convergence provides for
reliable, strong, straight line lift that will reduce circling time and increase
tailwinds. Expect solid lines of cloud streets and extremely fast cross country
groundspeeds in conditions like these. From a region south of Big Spring and
continuing clear up into Oklahoma and Kansas, the winds accelerate into 25 to 30
knot velocities with precise lift line delineation. These are the kind of
conditions that make the difference between a 400 mile flight and a 550 miler,
as the final 2-3 hours of the day (which often goes until sundown or after) can
get extremely fast.

Another help is the consistent increase in climb altitudes from the point of
launch at Zapata. The final 2-3 hours of the day should provide for
12,500'-14,500' cloud bases in the region of an optimal course line. This
provides decreased air densities and even higher cruising speeds. Note the
particulars below, which include a small area of sketchy cloud development
transitioning up the Edwards Plateau and the very distinct dry side of the dry
line west of our goal area.

Of course, with this kind of lift and dry-line delineation, a pilot must be
cognizant of over development potential. So how does that stack up on this day? Here's the
data:

With the maximum cumulus in our goal region building to around 15,000'-18,000',
if over development occurs it should be very spotty and well west of the optimal
flight line directly under the convergence where the best lift and winds are.
That line is found about 20-25 miles east of the over development potential line
plotted here (carefully note position of convergence on boundary layer wind map
above). The nice thing about a setup like this is that if you want more lift and
more streeting, you move westerly toward the higher vertical developments. If
you find it starting to over development a little or graying out, you jump a
street or two back east. Cloud streets like these in such good lift are
compressed closely together and make lateral movements easy- plus you'll be
10,000' or more above the ground.

Texas has been experiencing a severe drought, which produces stronger than
normal thermals and higher cloud bases. With relatively dry conditions
anticipated, we have moved the event dates forward on the calendar in order to
maximize lift and cloud development. In wetter than normal years, it has proven
to be sensible to start later, in the heart of the summer which provides higher
temps and some drying out. Our June 20th start this year is much earlier than
normal, and the way the weather is shaping up already portends some very good
flying.

Event Structure

The 2012 World Record Encampment will run for a 2 week minimum from June 20th to
July 4th. Since this is not a venue like regular competitions, pilots can fly
for a portion of the event or the whole thing. They can come and go if they
wish. Robin Hamilton and some others have regularly done this in the past. There
is a single event fee of $700 per pilot which includes all tows. Each year,
we've had so much fun that we have decided to extend the event into a bonus
period. The shortest extension has been another week and the longest 4 weeks for
totals of 3-6 weeks. This has always been gifted to the pilots, with no
additional charges for event or tows. We anticipate being able to do something
like that again this year.

In the early years, the World Record Encampment hosted relatively large numbers
of pilots. This was not optimal, since part of our goal is to provide a focused
weather, mentoring, and flight strategy for each participant. So in recent
years, we have hosted a relatively small group of pilots. This does not mean
that you have to be a world class comp pilot seeking world records to attend. We
often include recreational pilots who are seeking to expand their performance
potential, and make a nice addition to the group. If you fall into this
category, please do not hesitate to contact us about the possibilities. We'll
let you know whether it's a realistic goal for you or something to work toward
in the future. Don't sell yourself short on the possibilities- let's talk about
it. We have expanded our capabilities and presently have room for a few more
pilots.

Zapata, the proven longest distance site in the world may be located in the US,
but performance knows no nationalistic boundaries. There are no lines, zones or
political demarcations visible from our favorite vantage point- cloud base. We
always welcome and encourage the participation of qualified pilots from any
country, and view this as one of the unique pluses of the World Record
Encampment which enriches the experience. It has often proven practical for a
small group of pilots from a single country to visit and attend, sharing
resources, costs, etc.

Experimental- Masters of the World Record Encampment

We've been working on something special for a couple of years now, and hope to
initiate it this year or next on an experimental basis. If successful, it will
allow a small group of selected up-and-coming cross country students to be
mentored by Masters in the art. Here's how we envision the program working:

1) We secure underwriting to gift the event participation to select Master
Pilots. These sponsored Masters will be invited based upon their proven cross
country abilities, their abilities to instruct and mentor students, and prior
experience at long distance world record attempts, especially at the World
Record Encampment. Examples with World Record Encampment experience include
pilots like Mike Barber, Jonny Durand, Dustin Martin, Paris Williams, Zac
Majors, Curt Warren and several others. All of these pilots have valuable
background and would be excellent mentors. Preference will be given to
individuals who are actively instructing, or fully engaged in flying
professionally.

2) The Masters who are invited and choose to attend will hand select a couple of
pilots for mentoring. Their skill levels may vary, from newer pilots to those
with many years of flight or comp experience but little or no experience at
world record attempts or long distance personal bests. Each Master will make his
own decisions.

3) Each Master and his pilots to be mentored will form a unit, sharing various
duties and resources according to his or her direction. It is a difficult thing
for Masters to pursue their profession exclusively. On the one hand, they want
and deserve to be present at premiere competitions and performance events like
the World Record Encampment. They are capable of world record performance at any
given opportunity, but cannot be present at all opportunities. We want this
opportunity to be theirs. We envision the mentored students helping the Masters
with rooming, retrieve vehicles, etc. On the very best days when a Master may
wish to pursue a world record, the Master may choose to go long and the mentored
pilots will learn much in the support. Other days, the Master may switch roles
with the students as one or more flies a personal distance best. Or, the Master
may choose to coach them locally in outstanding cross country conditions. Again,
the Masters will make their own decisions.

We should have an answer in the next week or so whether underwriting for such
Masters will be available this year. If it is, our hope is that mentored pilots
with great potential and appreciation for such Masters will also see the value
of supporting them in this experimental program. We encourage potential Master
pilots to contact us right away to discuss the possibilities this year. If you
would like to be mentored by one of them, please contact us and let us know
although they may already have some pilots in mind. If you cannot attend the
World Record Encampment in either capacity, but would like to support Master
participants in some way, please let us know about that as well. We're trying to
give something back to them and facilitate increasing flight performances and
knowledge in the flying community.

Russell, Davis, Pete & Charlie

Russell Brown, Davis Straub and Pete Lehmann deserve some mention here because
of their long-standing support and participation in the World Record Encampment.
Davis, as co-founder has been here from the beginning and has reported all the
exciting record flights in great detail. He also helps educate new participants
through his website- check out the World Record Encampment after clicking on
Competition. Quest Air has supported the event from the beginning, with Russell
being present every year shortly after the start. His towing and other expertise
are invaluable. Sure, he gets a much needed rest from his increasing work load
(top glider and other aircraft owners keep him more than busy) and he gets to
spend some time with his good friend and local Rancher, Rick Walker. But without
his love of the sport and willingness to do this for a very modest
reimbursement, the World Record Encampment wouldn't be possible. Half a
continent trek...two tugs...weeks of his time, you do the math. Pete Lehmann has
been a stalwart participant every year since shortly after the start. Like
Davis, he holds world records which he has set at the World Record Encampment
and his advice and encouragement have proven invaluable to many a participant.
His reasoned and disciplined approach is special, and the sardonic wit displayed
at pivotal moments always lightens the mood at the right time.

Maybe you know all of these pilots, but what of Charlie Avaritt? Unless you've
been to the World Record Encampment before, or chronicle these events carefully,
the name might not ring a bell. Charlie is the Airport Manager who makes our
annual event at the location possible. If there is a better airport manager who
has proven to be a true friend to all stripes of soaring we don't know who that
would be. Whether its flex wings, rigid wings, Swifts, pg's, sailplanes, or
powered sailplanes- he's hosted them all. Charlie's heritage in aviation along
with his welcoming, Texas hospitality make him truly special. Like Russell, the
World Record Encampment wouldn't exist without Charlie.

That's it. Sorry for being so long winded, but we are very excited about this
year's event. Come fly with us if you can. Far. Very very far.

Every so often, the World Record Encampment produces flights that are not simply
flights of a lifetime. They are flights that make a lifetime.

Best Regards,

Gary Osoba

2012 World Record Encampment