September, 2003

2003 Canadian/Aeros Record Encampment
By Martin Henry

Just thought I would pass on the results of "our" little record encampment this year in Central Washington. For the past 12 years, my wife (Mia Schokker) and myself set up a tow operation from the town of Mansfield Washington. With the help of a few friends, (including permission of the NAA to use Canadian FAI Official Observers) we set out after FAI triangle speed records. This year, with the help of Aeros, we were both set up with some of the best gear possible. Mia on a Combat 2/13 and I on a Combat 2/14 with both of us using the new Viper harness.

I firmly believe that the farmlands east of Chelan offer some of the worlds best conditions for record setting. (Oh sure there are better places out there, but if you can handle high Washington "bump" factor, and want to fly triangles that are 150km or less. I would stack the place up against anywhere in the world. On just the right day!)

Unfortunately, the one thing that I have learned through the years is if you’re going to pursue records you’re at the mercy of the weather! Closed course triangle speed records can be even more fickle… A FAI triangle, with its 28% leg rule is the great equaliser. It takes a very special day to pull off a big one (or a fast one).

This year was a combination of too many blue days, slow rates of climb, south winds and the occasional days with the all too familiar "forest fire smoke". For those not familiar with the area, smoke and high cloud have an interesting effect on flying out on the flats, it often results in much smoother air, a nice change from the usual industrial texture that is the norm, mind you with the smooth air comes the slow climbs. Not conducive to speed attempts.

Even with these "challenges" it did not stop our efforts. In the 3 weeks of our encampment (July 1st to 21st), I completed a 150km attempt (way too slow to challenge the current speed record) and came close to completing the same course several more times but speed ended up putting me down, out on the course line.

Mia completed a 100km attempt on what looked like the perfect day, unfortunately a tricky first leg ended up compromising the average for the course speed. Mia also experienced a reality of record chasing. While out on a 100km-triangle attempt that the batteries on her Colibri Data logger went dead. As it turned out, the unit had not been turned off since the previous day’s flight.

As she was coming into the first turnpoint she announced that something was wrong, the display had gone blank, hmmm not good. For those not familiar with the Colibri, you need to plug the power supply in to activate the recorder and unplug the power supply to turn it off. It’s very easy to pack up the unit without unplugging the power. The best lesson learned here is make sure your batteries are fully charged and ready to go. Personally I would prefer a fail-safe key pad "off/on" system (similar to the old Aircotec Primus, push and hold, with audible warning, to control the power supply….).

Mia, although disappointed with the "problem", pressed on around the course line using her Etrex for navigation after all; the flying is what is all about in the long run. The funny part about this flight was half way around the course Mia joined up with her "official observer" Nick Voss (enjoying a flight on his new Discus). With the data logger dead, the flight rapidly turned into leisurely trip back to goal a shameful display of slow racing. Bloody tourists!

This year ended with no records being claimed (except for the unofficial "Scotch" consumed in a single evening!). But just like in previous years, the records are secondary. The airtime and time spent with friends is the key, besides there is always next year!

I would like to thank GW at U.S. Aeros (and the Aeros factory) for their support along with the people of Mansfield Washington for making us feel welcome in their little community. I would also like to thank the U.S. National Aeronautical Association (Art Greenfield) and our small crew of fellow Canadian pilots that tag along in support of our efforts.