August 5 AM report from JWGC

First and foremost. Team USA’s pilot David McMaster is flying brilliantly. It seems every day he is learning more and more about team flying and is adapting quickly. He is consistent, ready to fly to the best of his ability every day and has the biggest smile imaginable after every landing. He is an excellent ambassador for both the SSA and USA.

Secondly, the team has quickly realized this contest is very much a team sport. Not only from the crewing perspective, as we all need an outstanding crew to succeed, but more importantly, from a team flying and ground ops perspective. Almost every team here has a somewhat elaborate base camp in which team members are scanning all available information and passing it along to their pilots out on course in real time during their flight. At first this seemed somewhat uncomfortable for us, but we are quickly adapting. Yesterday’s (8/4) blue thermal day was a perfect example. Exact starting was critical. Too early and you might be off on your own, too late and again you would not only be off on your own, but also at risk of not being able to return as the day quickly shut down. The top finishers (our very own David included), seemed to time it just right and had an exciting race to the finish line. In talking with the various teams, they really focus their entire season on developing and training a fully functional team. Many teams have back-up pilots who regularly fly with the current team and act as competing pilots. Top competitors have brought along meteorologists and former world champions to offer insight and support. A very organized and comprehensive approach for sure.

Finally, i would like to say the organizers of this event are top notch. The facility here in Tabor is truly a glider pilot’s dream. Long grass runways, camping facilities, organized events, volleyball courts, ping pong tables and a swimming pool for camaraderie after the flying is done. The contest managers and weatherman hold very concise morning briefings that allow the pilots time to prepare for the day’s task. The great group of ground crew from the club here have worked tirelessly to assist in any way possible. The weather has been absolutely outstanding almost everyday, to the point of a forced rest day today. The week ahead looks just as great, allowing David to continue to learn and grow as a pilot and hopefully further climb up the standings.

Tom Cassetta , US Team Captain

You can find the latest contest scores at:
https://www.soaringspot.com/en_gb/junior-world-gliding-championships-2022-tabor-2022/results

For the latest news from the JWGC:
https://www.ssa.org/12th-junior-world-gliding-championships/

Today, August 5 is a rest day. From the organizers:
” Yesterday’s successful competition day was ended by a Czech evening organized by Aeroclub Tabor. Just after 7 pm, the competitors could admire the skills of the former Red Bull Air Race pilot Martin Šonka during his airshow and low passes. The evening continued with a buffet dinner and a musical performance by Tábor Superstar Band.
Today will be an official rest day so competitors can use the tropical temperature to relax somewhere by the water and regenerate before further competition flying. The forecast for Saturday is mixed, but we expect good gliding weather again from Sunday.”