Pilots are anxiously awaiting a flight during the ALES Nats.
By Mike Bergerson
Cloudy and overcast skies with threatening thunderstorms later in the day didn't deter a single pilot from cruising the skies over Muncie…searching, hoping to embrace and become one with that ever elusive rising air. Spotty lift for the first few rounds opened up into nice conditions until…(que the ominous organ music).
Day 1 of Altitude Limited Electric Soaring (ALES) was a smooth operation carried out by Norm Poti and Ed Dumas. The pilots meeting was packed full of useful information regarding safety and prizes. The three green envelopes returned again for another year, bestowing big bucks on the winners: $100 for the most 10 minute 50-point landings (honoring skill and precision), $100 for the pilot experiencing the pinnacle of mediocrity (finishing dead middle of the pack), and $100 for the winning junior competitor, helping those parents out a little bit.
Jim Monico initiated a slick clock system for your phone that provides a real-time competition clock within 1 second of actual time. It has notifications and alerts for pilots regarding the current and upcoming rounds and groups. The festivities began shortly thereafter.
Four flight groups per round shared 12 lanes with 46 pilots flying to a preset altitude of 150 meters. Many of the pilots felt that 150m was too easy, given the nature of the newer, lightweight airframes. In an interesting brainstorming session, an idea was formed that will be expanded and decided upon at a later date. I personally think it's a nice twist on ALES competition. It's all about building the matrix, so follow the white rabbit!
Five rounds and the first group of round 6 were completed before the CDs called the contest for the day, due to the proximity of the aforementioned thunderstorm. This storm was bigger than the state of Indiana! Everyone got packed up before the storm hit, with only a few caught by the high winds following the initial downpour. The only casualties that I was aware of were the scoring tent, several popups, and my tent in the camping area. All turned out well, but I still have stuff that hasn't dried out yet! Still, nothing compares to the carnage wrought by that fast-moving boomer that devastated the ALES contest in 2022.
Day 2 was an overcast scene with an 800 foot ceiling in spots. Many chose to surf out their time, while others searched for a spot to circle. With yet another impending thunderstorm on its way, the festivities began quickly with round 6 group 2, and concluded with a complete round 7. A score drop after six rounds sure jostled the roster up a bit. Randy Everly withstood and maintained his dominant stance, finishing on top as the ALES National Champion!
Complete scores and info can be found on gliderscore.com. Blue Skies!
