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Now here is an interesting analogy. When
newsreader Michael Fish was being interviewed some time ago he said one of
the biggest problems in met. broadcasting was timing. For instance, when a
complex meteorological system was forecast it was difficult to condense it
into the two minutes allocated. Conversely when the country was covered by a
stable high with nothing anticipated but nationwide sunshine he had equal
difficultly padding out that for the same two minutes.
This applies to contest reporting,
coincidentally also connected by weather. If our more uncooperative venue
hosts provide poor weather the event becomes arduous and requires frequent
re-organisation; if however the venue is amicable and delivers Michael
Fishs perfect nationwide high, the day proceeds seamlessly to an easy
conclusion. Shropshire Aero Club provided the latter, resulting in my now
having to pad out an eventless report with a few personal observations!
 Whether
directing at higher or lower levels, each contest has its separate
challenge. At Advanced/Unlimited contests everyone knows the form so
briefings are minimal, but by the same token interim complaints from pilots
are commonplace. Beginners/Standard level contests require much more
comprehensive briefings, but during the event adverse comment tends to
reverse, in that BAeA contest management feels obliged to bring to the
attention of a pilot even the slightest misdemeanour. At Sleap this policy
was explained to all: BAeA has an unblemished record which it must preserve,
so safety becomes the absolute priority; thus any misdemeanour at the novice
levels must be checked, or the perpetrator will interpret the action as
acceptable. A couple of such minor incidents occurred and were duly
addressed, and if pilots feel BAeA management is being over-zealous, our
justification is that we would rather be safe than sorry.
Until now my own favourite contest venue
pub had been the Red Lion near Welshpool; it is now the Burlton Inn near
Sleap. Julie Wood also recommended Soulton Hall, but it looked a bit posh
for me!
Post flight conversation never changes:
the most common phrase is always If only I had/had not done (whatever), I
would have won. Winning is easy: you just need to fly better than everyone
else, which means making zero mistakes! We all learn from these events.
Given the high number of standard level entrants an airborne hold was
established, and the standard procedure carefully explained in a dedicated
briefing. To minimise radio clutter this does not require two-way
communications on entering the box (which does work), but it was concluded
that in future the pilot should obtain radio clearance from the Chief Judge
before entering the box.
Sleap really is an excellent venue for our
contests. Tower displayed extraordinary competence with a very high volume
of movements aggravated by the need for all departures to back track the
active. BAeA is indebted to all at SAC for their friendliness and
cooperation. Contest results are listed below, and awards were presented by
Carol: she had arrived with her entire family parents, children and
husband for a peaceful day out, but hubby Ian was inveigled onto the
judging line and then Carol was cajoled into presenting the awards,
including the Golding Barrett Trophy to Chris Burkett, who had also won the
Beginners the day before.
| BAeA Personnel: |
|
| Chief Judge: |
Brian Gleave with Graham Hill,
Ian Scott, Steve Todd and others |
| Scorer-Registrar: |
Ben Ellis |
| Head of Contest Organisation: |
Steve Green |
Eric Marsh, CD
|
