This morning we heard that the tow planes had done more than 30 hours of tows….
Mmm, not that I am complaining but I did a talley of my own for Contest Directing.
Flying hours zero, Protest administration and meetings 5 hours, Briefings including preparation 12 hours, overall time working onsite 160 hours. Amount of satisfaction – priceless.
Many have asked why I would give up 2 weeks to come and be a Contest Director. Well I have to say that working with a great bunch of people to make all aspects of the competition run as smoothly as possible is tremendously satisfying.
In that regard I want to publicly thank.
Lex officially scorer, but really my right hand, it sometimes seems to me that has a direct line to my brain. I think it – Lex is doing it. Nothing is a problem for Lex and he has many years of experience he freely shares with me when I want advice.
Sue officially radio operator, but again always supportive and ready to go the extra mile and give me feedback of a more human nature.
Hugh, officially Grid marshal, but very supportive with sharing operational insights as to how best to achieve some outcomes I may be mulling over. After marshalling Hugh will pop in to operations room after the fleet is well and truly on its way. Ready to co-ordinate retrieve crews and help handle the radio traffic. A great fountain of local knowledge with regard to who owns what property and challenges with different airstrips.
The task setting team of Gavin, Gee and Lemmy. It is a privilege to sit on their task setting meetings. Not only do I learn a lot about task setting and the nuances of the local area. But I gain a better understanding of how the day may unfold weatherwise and the impact of those changes on the competitors. They are very supportive and I thank them for that.
Marc Crozier as Chief Towpilot has been excellent. The best Tugmaster I have worked with over the last 7 years. From briefing his team to keeping the administration and information flow to me consise, accurate and timely. Marc is also a man who is enthusiastic to help in whatever way he can. Brilliant!
Doug as Safety Officer has also been supportive. Giving detailed advice when requested and supporting the sometimes difficult tasking decisions.
Trevor Mollard is the GNZ Airspace Officer. Can we come up with a title that isn’t officer-takes me back to my Airforce Days and in my view doesn’t reflect the job at all. It surely should be something like GNZ Airspace champion, or for external purposes GNZ Director Airspace Liaison. Trevor has been an absolute gem in this contest for his great depth of knowledge and ability to cajole Controllers into giving us access to airspace that otherwise may not be released enblock to 37 gliders. Trevor’s skill and both airspace knowledge and controller handling are to be applauded.
Needless to say there are many many more who volunteer their time.
From Ian Williams who has nothing to do with gliding who volunteered to do the launch timings to Lynette Tillman who lead the youth glide rope runners by leading from the front. It was an inspiration to see Lynette not only helping run ropes for the contest but happily carrying on in 30 plus degrees to help launch non competition gliders at the back of the grid. There are many others who I hope will forgive me for not naming individually.
I appreciate all of your support.
A task has been set (look at Lex’s score page). They are on their way (look at the Spot page). We needed to get them away as early as possible to both make the most of a weather window but also have everyone home in plenty of time for Prizegiving and Contest Dinner tonight in the terminal building.
I will blog about the Trophy Winners tomorrow-this afternoon will be very busy
Its already 1:30pm with a lot to do.
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