tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89939023992982562132012-02-16T16:35:23.903-07:00Michael Stevesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15221898406048138952noreply@blogger.comBlogger261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-87093190555295346052010-08-18T13:12:00.003-07:002010-08-18T13:26:00.363-07:00

I need to relate how the story ended with the almost midair in the box. My report leaves the reader with the wrong impression. As you can tell I was not in a great mood after the incident. Understandably, the French pilots and coach were not either. World Competition is a highly emotionally charged environment, and this little “tete-a-tete” did not help that. The Chief Judge explained to the

Reinaldo Beyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048935683455276979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-4355838914195992792010-08-10T03:48:00.002-07:002010-08-10T04:03:39.527-07:00

Hi to everyone following the contest.... We have been very busy waiting to fly because of weather and other delays associated with a World contest. This is my first post here because I didnt bring my computer so Im borrowing Mike's. We are all doing pretty well and if we get to fly an Unknown the Q will not count as a score, so it's anyone Ball Game...and we are looking tough as a group.Doug

ROBBIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01118305690170132775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-87694644007927116792010-08-09T04:18:00.003-07:002010-08-09T04:37:57.738-07:00

I see an incident at AWAC 2010 has created questions and rumors. Just to clarify, here is what happened. At AWAC the radio is to be kept only on “listening” by us pilots. Nobody was to ever talk on it except for emergencies. Release into the box is provided by starters with flags. The procedure is for the starter to write the pilot number that we all have been assigned randomly, start, taxi to

Reinaldo Beyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048935683455276979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-25487451391073745742010-08-07T05:16:00.000-07:002010-08-07T05:17:04.627-07:00

Ceiling is still below minimums next briefing is at 4:00PM Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Michael Stevesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15221898406048138952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-22367794967533227362010-08-07T01:58:00.000-07:002010-08-07T01:58:01.062-07:00

The briefing for Day 2 started at 8:00am and the new starting procedures were briefed. Unfortunately the weather is not cooperating and we will have a second brief at 12:00 noon. It appears like Reinaldo will now be flying in position 87 after the incident from yesterday. We are still awaiting a final decision from the Jury. The next US Pilot to fly will be Rob Gibbs in position 19.

Michael Stevesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15221898406048138952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-77909298028019836812010-08-07T01:54:00.000-07:002010-08-07T01:54:22.727-07:00

The contest has started. The main briefing was yesterday and all 85 Pilots attended. The drawing for the order of flight in the Q was held. The first pilot to draw a number also drew position number 1. The odds of that happening are extremely rare. The US Team drew there slots in alphabetical order and are as follows: Kelly Adams 9 Reinaldo Beyer 15 Robbie Gibbs 19 Doug Sowder 28 Ben Freelove 34

Michael Stevesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15221898406048138952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-22602241240390047642010-08-02T22:49:00.003-07:002010-08-02T22:59:31.293-07:00

So far , very good ! Me, Robbie Gibbs and Ben Freelove arrived Saturday evening with team manager Mike stevson. we are staying at the Marriott Warsaw - very nice placeWe met our Polish connection and secured our plane Sunday morning , a very nice 2006 Extra 300/Lthis plane is very good , only 300 Hrs TT and it is set up very well. We flew all day Sunday ...it is crazy , the guy that owns the

spankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407723924526133005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-89170552256348423312010-07-26T15:37:00.004-07:002010-07-26T16:03:16.605-07:00

I've put my trusty Extra to bed for a month, and will be leaving for Brussels on July 28. That 6:00 AM departure seemed reasonable when I booked it, but now that the time is upon us, I'm not so sure! I wish that I could be joining my teammates for a week of practice, but I have to go where the plane is. I'll be practicing in St. Hubert, Belgium (SE of Brussels, near Luxemburg) with the

Doug Sowderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969131899995597805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-62058370398182833222010-07-26T10:11:00.002-07:002010-07-26T10:45:09.795-07:00

I want to thank everyone for making the USA Team fund raiser a HUGE success. Many of you followed the link on facebook " Send Spanky to Poland " and your contributions were very generous. The team will use the funds for Van rental , tools and supplies , Hotel rooms, and aircraft fuel while in Poland (just to name a few )....I can tell you from experience , the cost of this event is more today

spankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407723924526133005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-15120686158094295152010-07-23T21:36:00.003-07:002010-07-23T21:48:21.152-07:00

Today ends ”W-2” week for me. During this period I flew Diana Towne’s Extra 300L- nice flying airplane! We had a camp with Ben. Gray and Tim also participated. Alan Geringer, as usual, provided expert coaching and wise advice. I had some mechanical problems, but thanks to help from my mechanic friends and luck it got solved quickly.Less acro than what I would have chosen, what it was invaluable -

Reinaldo Beyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048935683455276979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-39523952259109782402010-07-20T18:25:00.006-07:002010-07-20T20:15:08.024-07:00

Here's a quick update to Reinaldo's last blog about our point of no return. I'm happy to report that we got word today that his Extra 300 and my G200 have been safely delivered, unloaded and now await our arrival for reassembly.Reinaldo, Liz, Bryan Taylor, Gray Brandt, Tim Just and I will be converging at the Extra Aircraft Factory in Dinslaken, Germany on July 26th to begin the assembly process.

Bfreeeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151848922255996237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-48056293658110160022010-06-24T19:11:00.016-07:002010-06-24T21:44:02.305-07:00

A plan always has a point of no return, after which one needs to be fully committed. For our AWAC participation Bob Freeman and I reached that point on Sunday June 13. That day both our airplanes needed to be in Centennial to be disassembled and shipped to Europe for AWAC. US-Aero at Centennial Airport near Denver was very generous and coordinated shipping, let us use their facilities, provided

Reinaldo Beyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048935683455276979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-77997682097607483532010-05-06T20:49:00.006-07:002010-05-28T08:08:20.043-07:00

If aviation had holy sites the Mojave high desert of California would surely be one. This is the site of many great aviation achievements, not uncommonly done in a manner that to the superficial observer would appear understated and almost casual. The names of legendary pilots, engineers and airplanes like Wiley Post, X-1, X-15, Chuck Yeager, Rutan, SR-71, Voyager, SpaceShipOne, Global Flyer,

Reinaldo Beyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048935683455276979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-63936910734102952032010-04-20T13:57:00.003-07:002010-04-22T11:00:27.156-07:00

I've always wanted to go to a contest at Borrego Springs, and when I learned that we'd have a USAAAT camp for three days before this spring's 5-category contest, I just had to go. Reinaldo has already written a great summary of the camp and contest; for me, the story I'll add is getting there (and getting home).Home, for me, is about 1030 nm almost due north of Borrego in Spokane, WA. That's

Doug Sowderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969131899995597805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-27270092096455486152010-04-20T05:39:00.000-07:002010-04-20T05:40:47.200-07:00

I finally went to the dark side and bought a monoplane . Although I have been flying my Pitts for years , I finally came to the realization that the ole' bi-plane just can't cut it in world competition anymore . So , I looked around and found a solid Extra 300/S . This plane is a blast to fly , very nimble and extremely fast. ( at least compared to my Pitts ) I literally have to pull the power

spankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407723924526133005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-83567373375074641022010-04-20T05:34:00.001-07:002010-04-20T05:36:24.538-07:00

spankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407723924526133005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-36714290125385333932010-04-13T21:47:00.003-07:002010-04-13T22:18:18.334-07:00

The Borrego USAAAT camp had an inauspicious start. A cold front moved through the western US on late Sunday and early Monday, so that Monday morning flying plans in the Southern California desert valley town of Borrego were changed by low ceilings and rain. Doug Sowder flew his Extra 300L from Spokane, Washington, but had to wait in Klamath Falls because of snow. He made it to Borrego on Monday

Reinaldo Beyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048935683455276979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-15320971867951374572010-04-07T21:28:00.000-07:002010-04-07T21:28:58.013-07:00

The training camp at Borrego Springs got off to a slow start on Monday due to the fact that the only pilot that got through the weather was Doug Sowder. He got all the way from Washington. It was not long however when he was joined on Tuesday morning by Malcom Pond and Reinaldo Beyer. Tuesday night a reception and dinner was held at the De Anza Country Club  This was organized by Chapter 36 and

Michael Stevesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15221898406048138952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-4803829018930024532010-03-08T18:10:00.001-07:002010-03-08T18:10:53.050-07:00

Scheyden Precision Eyewear has joined the USA Advanced Aerobatic Team as a sponsor. We are very excited about this new partnership. Many of the USA Team members have been wearing Scheyden's glasses for years. Show your support and purchase your quality precision eyewear today and tell them you saw their sponsorship news on the USA Advanced Aerobatic Team website.

Michael Stevesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15221898406048138952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-82819845580857016592010-02-07T20:27:00.002-07:002010-02-07T20:47:01.354-07:00

Just an update...I finally mounted my new Whirlwind Propeller, it looks sharp too. I posted some pictures on the site and honestly think I should get bonus points in future contests just for the "cool factor". Initial test flight was very positive. The A/C accelerates faster on t/o cruises 5-10kts. faster at comparable power settings and now has some braking when I pull the power back.It snaps

ROBBIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01118305690170132775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-53716582313023662702010-02-06T13:52:00.000-07:002010-02-06T13:52:06.414-07:00

Welcome to our new sponsors, Extra Aircraft, US Aero, and Gateway Aviation. With the help of all of our sponsors the USA Team will be able to be competitive in our quest to repeat the winning of the Team FAI Gold Medal. Please support those individuals and companies that support the USA Advanced Aerobatic Team. Click on their links below and let them know their efforts and their support make a

Michael Stevesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15221898406048138952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-63247979052678235332010-01-20T15:03:00.000-07:002010-01-20T15:03:14.572-07:00

The first team camp was held in Borrego Springs, CA. The pilots have gotten straight to work on perfecting the "Q" or the known program for 2010. The team has also started on the development and strategy to be used for the "Free" programs. New rules such as the "Free Unknown" were reviewed and their impact on the contest was reviewed. It was also a chance for the pilots to get together in a no

Michael Stevesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15221898406048138952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-87225396676522285482009-12-11T12:13:00.000-07:002009-12-11T12:13:09.786-07:00

The first USA Advanced Team Camp has been scheduled for January 15th and 16th, 2010 in Borrego Springs (L08), CA. The event is being hosted by IAC Chapter 36 "San Diego Hammerheads". "This is probably the best marked box around, with big CIVA legal markings" according to Reinaldo Beyer. Come out and visit the team as they begin preparations to win Gold! at the 2010 AWAC being held in Radom,

Michael Stevesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15221898406048138952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-78528677903575013182009-12-03T20:35:00.003-07:002009-12-03T20:39:57.811-07:00

Radom is a wonderful venue Spanky and I were there before and we had a great time. The people in Poland really went out of their way to make us feel welcome and at home.We dont know whether we will be at the Last AWAC site or the practice field where they held the European Championships. I will let everyone know when I get the word.see ya,Robbie

ROBBIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01118305690170132775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-52296089527629023842009-12-03T06:24:00.002-07:002009-12-03T06:26:22.647-07:00

im up and going on the blog ...first order of business is to secure planes for RadomI am working on an extra 300, and Zlinanybody got ideas on planes yet ? anyone contacted the event to see if there are suggested sources to rent planesI have had no luck so far, but it is early

spankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407723924526133005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993902399298256213.post-60024995209439503792009-12-02T18:19:00.000-07:002009-12-02T18:19:40.331-07:00

The 2010 AWAC will be held in Radom, Poland. The 2009 EAAC were held there this past summer as well as the 2006 AWAC. The facilities are excellent and Team USA is excited about the event being held at this location.

Michael Stevesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15221898406048138952noreply@blogger.com0