02/14/2006: USUA Gears Up For The 2006 Ultralight/Microlight Competition Season

The USUA Board of Directors has once again given the go-ahead for another year of Ultralight/Microlight competition programs; including The National Championship Points Series, and FAI sanctioned International competitions. "These programs are important to the community, and we are looking toward another exciting year of competition" said USUA Board member and Competition Committee Chairman, Paul Wells.

"The USUA Competition Committee has spent many hours re-designing the structure of the programs, and will be instigating these changes soon", reports USUA EVP Dale Hooper. He goes on to add, "The programs will provide greater access for ALL forms of microlights, including Light Sport Aircraft, Powered Parachutes and Powered Paragliders. Next year, along with the Fixed Wing and Weightshift categories, we hope to be able to include national and international rankings for everyone. Also, additional forms of funding and sponsorship for the competitions will be pursued, hopefully allowing greater rewards and satisfaction for both the competitor and the meet organizers. Please remember that the competition programs have in the past been subsidized almost entirely by USUA, and that these enhancements will allow for a more self-sufficient and stable program."

The National Championship Points Series competitions will be geared to those interested in the more familiar forms of microlight competitions. Events such as the Bomb Drop, Short Field Landings, etc. will be featured. These events are not new to USUA clubs and members, and have proven to be popular nationwide since the 1980's. With the addition of Light Sport Aircraft and Parachutes in their own categories, the Points Series can be revitalized into a program that will provide excitement for everyone.

The FAI events will be taken from the Federation Aeronautique International rulebook, and be tailored to the U.S. microlight pilot. These tasks will prepare the competitors for inclusion in World Class events. These events should not be confused as being inaccessible to the average ultralighter, but instead should be considered the next step in pilot proficiency and navigational training. The top competitors in this class will be eligible to represent the U.S.A. in the next World Championships in 2007. USUA is the sole sanctioning body for microlight competition in the United States, and this program makes it possible for those who are so inclined, to compete on an international scale.

Additionally, transitional events designed to incorporate both types of tasks are being developed, and should prove to be a popular addition to the existing program. Much thought is also being put into making Points Series and FAI events more attractive to the spectator, thus providing additional excitement for those along the flightline, as well as to those in the cockpit.

When asked for comment, USUA President Reggie DeLoach had this to say: "You never know how you look till you get your picture took! This means that if you've not tried competing you do not know if you can or not. Competition has several rewards; you can 'win, place, or show'. Sometimes, the winner is the one who 'shows UP' to try. The prize is enhanced proficiency in some skills we have not used since pilot training. 'Can't, never could!' Sign up, get your competitors' number but be careful. The ink used on this number could cause addiction to competition!"

The enhancements to the programs will be posted on the USUA website, and printed in UltraFlight Magazine as they are implemented.