Florida Canopy Piloting Association - Deland (Jan 29th)

[jacketsdb23 49]

I may try to get out to Deland for the first competition of the season. Nothing definitive but I had a couple of questions for those familiar with the league.

I assume that being the first year involved with the league I'll be competing at the advanced level, which is fine. I'm really just trying to learn as much as possible about competitive swooping right now. I've done a few local competitions in California and competed at Nationals last year (advanced). How is advanced vs. pro level determined in the Florida league?

Is the weather date the Sunday of the same weekend? Do most people who fly in/out leave Monday? I anticipate leaving on the Monday after the scheduled event if I end up committing to this event.

I'm really looking forward to at least a couple of the events to see how an organized and well attended swoop league is run. Would love to get something similar going out on the West Coast.

Thanks!

EDIT: Found part of my answer on the Florida Canopy Piloting website:

CLASSES: The FLCPA consists of two classes, a Rookie/Amateur class, and a Pro/Open Class. All pilots are considered Amateur unless they are issued pro qualification. This can be done by: (A) Placing in the top 20% of the membership during the prior years FLCPA season. (B) Pro’s from Abroad may be permitted to complete in the pro class by providing substantial evidence of qualifying competition experience in their country of origin at an international level. (C) Have experience that at the discretion of the league director qualifies the pilot to compete as a Pro Class Pilot.

Losers make excuses, Winners make it happen
God is Good
Beer is Great
Swoopers are crazy.

[wildcard451 0]

I fly in early friday - leave late sunday, but that is due to my work restrictions. Sunday same weekend is weather day. All in all very well run (last year was my first year). Can't wait for it to get started this year.

[ianmdrennan 2]

Pro's fly 'standard' comp courses and rules.

Am's fly 10 feet gates, and have a slight rule difference for ZA (they don't have to drag water, but DO have to be below the 5 ft gates to get the gate scores).

The FLCPA is an amazing high quality league, you'll get access to a lot of great pilots, good times (and good natured ribbing), and good practice. Contact Al Berchtold at PD for more details if you need em.

I won't be at the first meet, but hope to see you at one of the others.

Blues,
Ian

Performance Designs Factory Team

[berchtoldaj 0]

I'm going to pick up Trophies and Medals this afternoon for the 2011 season.
This season is shaping up to be another great one and I've gotten a pretty wide response from Pro and Ama competitors who are planning on coming out.

Some people start arriving as early as Wednesday(those with the flexible work schedules) Unofficial practice usually starts Thursday and by Thursday evening there's usually at least 5-10 out-of-towners. Friday practice is in full swing and people are showing up throughout the day. Usually 90% of the competitors are in town and jumping by end of day Friday.
We use Sunday morning for the meet if needed depending on weather, logistics, etc. There are a number of people who want to leave to begin their drive home, or head to flights, so we usually call it by 1:00-2:00 on Sunday. Thats if we even need the second day. If everything goes well we finish on Saturday and do the awards ceremony in the evening.
Let me know if you need any other info!

************
Watch out for planters.

[jacketsdb23 49]

Thanks Albert. Exactly what I needed.

Losers make excuses, Winners make it happen
God is Good
Beer is Great
Swoopers are crazy.

[berchtoldaj 0]

Here's a list of who I have so far:
1.Tom Dellibac
2.Jessica Edgeington
3.Pablo Hernandez
4.Greg Windmiller
5.Warren Cleary
6.Curt Bartholomew
7.Big Steve Haseman
8.Yuri Garmashov
9.Jeanie Anderson
10.Shawn Foley
11.Bart Rogowski
12.Dave Jennings
13.Albert Berchtold

If your planning on attending please add your name and if you want to take advantage of the discounted preregistration, please do so by Thursday, thats when it closes. See you guys out there!

************
Watch out for planters.

[Kolla 0]

Judging by the sound of the rain outside right now, you guys will have PLENTY of water in the pond

Best of luck everyone! Make the 2011 season the best yet - and someone please text me updates and standings as the meet progresses!

Blue ones,
Kolla

Blue Skies Magazine

[wildcard451 0]

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Here's a list of who I have so far:
1.Tom Dellibac
2.Jessica Edgeington
3.Pablo Hernandez
4.Greg Windmiller
5.Warren Cleary
6.Curt Bartholomew
7.Big Steve Haseman
8.Yuri Garmashov
9.Jeanie Anderson
10.Shawn Foley
11.Bart Rogowski
12.Dave Jennings
13.Albert Berchtold

If your planning on attending please add your name and if you want to take advantage of the discounted preregistration, please do so by Thursday, thats when it closes. See you guys out there!

I'll be there. Pretty sure Schwartz is coming too. Kai got there this week. Guess I need to register on the page...

[berchtoldaj 0]

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Quote

Here's a list of who I have so far:
1.Tom Dellibac
2.Jessica Edgeington
3.Pablo Hernandez
4.Greg Windmiller
5.Warren Cleary
6.Curt Bartholomew
7.Big Steve Haseman
8.Yuri Garmashov
9.Jeanie Anderson
10.Shawn Foley
11.Bart Rogowski
12.Dave Jennings
13.Albert Berchtold
14.Kai Sherwood
15.Brandon Coates
16.Pete Schwartz

If your planning on attending please add your name and if you want to take advantage of the discounted preregistration, please do so by Thursday, thats when it closes. See you guys out there!

There will be a new Judges briefing at 4:00pm on Friday for anyone interested in learning to judge this season.

************
Watch out for planters.

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