August 1^st, registration day for AWAC 2008.  The team flew in to Pendleton two days ago for some limited practice in the contest box.  Each pilot gets one 15 minute slot each day.  Mike Steveson’s critique sessions have been paying off – the entire team is flying with great precision and enthusiasm.

 

 

Brian, Alex and Mike

Craig Dobesh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rob Holland

 

Jeff Boerboon met the rest of the team at the EAA hangar shortly after we arrived.  It was great to see him at the contest site but the team is saddened by his unfortunate ankle injury.  He is in great spirits and provides great encouragement for the rest of the team.  His absence on the flight line will be sorely missed but the US team’s hope for a gold medal remains very high.

Steve Johnson, Ann Salcedo and Jeff Boerboon

 

Dinner last night at Rafael’s was very “upper crust” (Norm’s influence I’m sure) but I passed on the rattlesnake and rabbit sausage.  The entire team was together for a very nice evening.  Greg Dungan, CIVA judge from the US, was on hand to explain critical differences between CIVA and IAC rules, as well as to discuss proposed CIVA rules changes.

Rafael's Dinner

Rafael's Dinner Meeting

 

 

 

Tomorrow is opening ceremonies and contest flying starts Sunday.  A bit nervous with anticipation…

 

…Hector

8/1/08