Well, another fine Ocala contest is in the books!  I arrived on Friday a little earlier than expected to find about 20 pilots already lined up and practicing.  The wind was a bit strong and blowing from the south (the field faces north) but the sky was only partly cloudy and the temperature was warm. 

The pilots there got in several practice flights and pre-registered.  As the sun went down, the grills came out and the afterhours enjoyment commenced.  We ate well, flew foamies to the spotlight, and told war stories.  I really enjoy this part of IMAC contests!  After a good night’s sleep, I awoke to the sound of electric motors once again.  I guess some people just can’t get enough (me included).  We put our planes together, attended the pilots meeting, finished signing in, and had wheels up by 8:30.  Two flight lines were flown in parallel and a line boss kept the planes moving.  The winds continued to blow out of the Southwest to West for most of the day at an estimated 12 to 15kts as a dry front moved through.  Sportsman, Advanced and Unlimited all finished three full rounds, while Basic and Sportsman got in two.  Flying was finished by about 5:30 and after a long day of flying and judging, most of the pilots were ready for some rest.  Saturday night was relatively calm. 

We awoke on Sunday to a surprisingly cool morning in the high 50’s with light winds out of the North!!! I think the Carolina boys must have dragged that weather with them, it was a wonderful change!  With a pilots meeting at 7:30 and wheels up by 8:00, we were off to another fantastic day of flying.  All of the unknowns were flown first, and then Basic and Intermediate flew their third round of knowns.  Once that was done, four pilots competed in the Freestyle event.  They put on a great show and dazzled the spectators with their mad skillz. 

Many thanks to Fred and Julie Johnson and the Ocala club for putting on such a well run contest. 

Regards,
Kevin