USUA Meets With TSA
Microlight Championships
The 8th National Microlight Championships is shaping up to be the most important competition event the ultralight community has ever known. Spectators attending the event this September will witness a whole new approach to competition. In the past, tasks have been selected from a pool of preexisting events, each derived from FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) guidelines. This year however, championship Director Tom Gunnarson (USUA 43), and the US Contests and Record Board have specifically designed tasks that, while still meeting or exceeding FAI guidelines, will bring out the best in the competitive US ultralight pilot.
Not only will there be the thrill and excitement of competition between America's best pilots, but the Scottsburg Indiana area offers additional attractions to entertain the entire family. Children's games and entertainment will be provided on site, and local tours are being scheduled to entertain family members who may choose to explore.
As reported in this month's Competition Corner, The National Geographic Society will be following (and filming) the progress of some of the pilots in their quest for the gold. The emphasis will be on the machines, and the amount of planning and work that goes into preparing for an event of the magnitude of the National Championships. The events documented will be broadcast this Fall on the National Geographic Channel's new program Gearhead Gladiators (see this month's competition corner for more details). This new, and increased exposure to ultralighting, will provide an excellent opportunity for ultralight enthusiasts in attendance to show their support for ultralight competition, and provide the rest of the nation with a glimpse of the sport we all love.
The following Press release comes from the Scott County Visitors Commission. For more information about events and activities in and around the Scottsburg Indiana area, contact them at:
News about the 8th US National Microlight Championships
National Geographic is coming! This is the latest headline from the host of the 8th US National Microlight Championships, Sept 22-25 in Scottsburg, Indiana.
Almost everywhere, the red carpets are being rolled out in preparation for the Nationals, but the runways at Scottsburg Airport are still green, and will stay that way!
This year's competition is open to 7 classes of microlight aircraft, including Powered Parachutes, Microlights and Powered Paragliders.
Plans for the Sept 22-25 competition promise to make this one of the best in the history of the Championships. Pilots, crew and family members will enjoy a complimentary catered dinner, on Friday evening. Bands will perform on Friday and Saturday nights. Food vendors (including breakfast) will be available during the competition. Free shuttle service will be available for participants and spectators. Pilots and crew will receive official T-shirts and goodie bags.
Other activities, such as an outing to nearby Caesar's Casino are being arranged. There is plenty to do in the area for those wanting to bring friends or family members.
This is a beautiful part of the country. The surrounding countryside is some of the most beautiful in the US. Expansive farm land lies to the north. Only a few miles to the west are the Knobs, hills which were left behind some 140,000 to 300,000 years ago from the Illinoian Advance Glacier, during the Ice Age. The hills are tree covered, and spectacular in any season! This is a great place to hike on approximately 55 miles of well marked trails. Several medium sized lakes are in the area, also great for camping, boating or hiking," according to Larry Beckley, owner of Scottsburg Airport.
In the same vicinity of the Knobs, you can also enjoy the serenity of an Amish Settlement, where horse drawn carriages are their only mode of transportation. The scenery is breathtaking in the area. Clark Forestry is 8 miles away as is Cathedral Gardens, a spectacular and serene outing.
Other things to do in the area are: Louisville, Ky. (30 miles- museums, sporting events, Churchill Downs, Six Flags Amusement Park, and great shopping), Water World/Splashin' Safari, Bellterra Casino and Resort, Caesars Casino and Resort, golfing within 2 miles and Fuzzy Zoeller's Covered Bridge Golf Club is only 23 miles away. Scottsburg Jamboree's live Saturday night country show is within 2 miles.
When you register, area informational brochures, a 40 page Visitor Guide and Competition information will be mailed immediately to competitors. This information may also be ordered from our website, indicated below.
"We are determined to make this the best championship in the history of the Nationals," according to Bob McAdams, Executive Director of the Scott County Visitors Commission. "Discounts will be given at out lodging facilities with rates starting in the mid $40 per night. Many have pools, work out rooms, patio areas, etc. There are many restaurants from which to choose, all within 2 miles." The Commission is sponsoring the event in conjunction with the Scottsburg Airport. "We are grateful for USUA, Dale Hooper, Dave Hempy, Tom Gunnerson and John Grammer for their ongoing support."
Scottsburg, is in south central Indiana, and is located on I-65 just 30 miles north of Louisville, Ky. The airport is 1.5 mile from the exit.
Please visit our Scott County Website for area information: www.greatscottindiana.org You may also call the Visitor Commission line 812-752-9211. For registration and rules, please go to www.ultralightnationals.com. You may also call the Scottsburg Airport 812-752-6631.
Scottsburg and Scott County welcomes you!
REG REP REQUESTED ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION PROGRAM
As was reported from the 2004 USUA Annual Meeting, Regional Representatives suggested that USUA create a system in which ultralight accidents can be reported and investigated accurately and efficiently. Recent meetings with USUA members Phil Williams (USUA 74452), Jim Willess (USUA 11592) and USUA Staff, have resulted in the formation of the new USUA Accident Investigation Program. Both Phil and Jim are members of USUA Club 1, and each brings a long history of professional investigation training, This program is designed to train investigators from the ranks of USUA AFI's, Regional Reps and club representatives, to professionally and accurately investigate Part 103 related aircrashes. The result of any investigation of this type must be to provide safety data for future use, so the emphasis of any investigation must be in fact finding - NOT finger pointing, This new program will train persons to approach the delicate situation of investigation in this manner.
Historically, federal investigators have turned away from ultralight accidents. Because of this, and coupled with the fact that there is no mandate to officially report any ultralight incident, much of the safety information that can be learned is lost. USUA has always provided a method for reporting such occurrences (to report an ultralight accident online, go to the USUA Online Accident Report), however reporting is still voluntary, and the actual method of investigation of those accidents that are reported, can be flawed. This is due, in large part, to the nonexistence of investigator training. This program, as designed, will provide that missing link of investigational training, by providing instruction in professional procedures, as well as proper attitude. Because this program has been designed to accentuate existing NTSB investigations, preliminary talks with FAA concerning this venture have been met with favorable response. Recent tragedies, such as the untimely death of USUA EVP Rich Pendergist, have brought to the forefront the need for this type of investigation.
As has been proven throughout the years, accidents resulting in aircrashes have seldom been caused by a single factor. Often, a number of situations combined can create that terrible, and sometimes deadly, cocktail that contributes to an accident. USUA accident investigators will be trained in properly collecting evidence, so that all factors can be examined and considered in determining the cause of the tragedy.
To aid in the formation of this program, USUA is producing a DVD that will outline the syllabus, and provide important information as to how USUA members can become involved. This DVD will be distributed to all USUA AFI's and clubs in the next few weeks.
At press time, two initial seminars are being scheduled, one on the east coast, and one on the west. The first will be held in the Washington DC area in mid October (the exact date is yet to be determined), followed by the west coast seminar in the Los Angeles area. Each session will be a very full eight hours, and will cover topics Including: impartiality, securing the scene, how to working with first responders, gathering and securing evidence, sources to obtain forensic testing and reporting, how to handle relations with press, insurance investigators and family members etc., and much more.
The cost of these seminars will be $100 per attendee (includes materials; workbook, picture ID and certificate of completion). Local clubs are encouraged to help subsidize the expense of the seminar, and USUA will provide an avenue in which donations can be collected and used to offset some of this expense. To contribute to this fund, contact your regional representative, A current list of all USUA Regional Reps can be found in Ultralight Flying! Magazine, as well as on the USUA website.
Beisswenger Named As New CIMA Alternate Delegate
Roy Beisswenger (USUA 27073) has been named by USUA as the official Alternate Delegate to CIMA (The International Microlight Commission). His role as Alternate Delegate will be to provide backup and assistance the Primary Delegate, Dave Hempy.
Mr. Beisswenger has a long history of ultralight involvement in the powered parachute community, and has been the organizer of many successful national events, such as The Illinois State Ultralight Safety Seminar. (held annually in Springfield Illinois), and The World Powered Parachute Competition, (held in Greenville Illinois). Roy also hosts the weekly internet talk show, Ultraflight Radio, and has interviewed hundreds of key ultralight personalities. He is also a founder, and Board member, of NAPPF (The North American Powered Parachute Federation).
"Roy brings to the international representative table, a much needed perspective, reflecting his involvement of powered parachutes in the national and international competition arena" states USUA EVP Dale Hooper. "Representation from this segment of the community is long overdue."
Roy replaces former alternate delegate Paul Wells (USUA 82252), allowing Paul more time to concentrate on his competition flying. Paul was also recently voted to the USUA Board Of Directors as the ex-officio Regional Representative member. Many thanks to Paul for his service to the Microlight Commission over the past year.
Part 103 Vehicle Photo Contest
USUA wants a picture of your Part 103 legal ultralight. Submit your best photos (limit of 4 per airplane- at least one picture of the plane in flight) of your PART 103 LEGAL ULTRALIGHT- and win a USUA Signature Merchandise Kit (Ball Hat and Bucket Hat, wings pin, member patch - or appropriate airmen patch - and decal). No weight verification will be required for eligibility- your word will suffice. The contest is open to all fixed wing, trikes, powered parachutes, powered paragliders, gyros, and all descriptions of ultralight vehicles.
Pictures will be judged on:
Besides the above mentioned prizes, the top three winning photos will be published on the USUA website , in Ultralight Flying! Magazine, and will become part of a USUA brochure. This is a perfect opportunity for your bird to be seen by thousands. Contest ends October 1, 2004.
Send all entries to:
or email them to usua@usua.org