I have a friend at our airport the has been flying in the Sport Air Racing League for several years. Since I have had my plan, he has been encouraging me - and pretty much everyone - to come out to a couple of more local races. They have been having the Big Muddy race our of KMDH, near Carbondale IL, the last few years. Thus I went and "raced" this year.
For those not familiar, the races is really a timed event over a set course. Think of it as timed navigation. This years course was about 126 nm, with 8 turns. I had planned for 130 mph speed, and averaged 131. So I hit the plan. Another Cherokee 180 (and a mutual friend of our buddy Dave) averaged 138. So I got beat (but a 2nd in class trophy, bittersweet but I'll take it...), Thus I and my plane have work to do.
Was a great time, with great people involved. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for some fun flying. If you're a relatively new pilot like me, it's a great exercise too.
http://sportairrace.org/sarl/node/2521
For those not familiar, the races is really a timed event over a set course. Think of it as timed navigation. This years course was about 126 nm, with 8 turns. I had planned for 130 mph speed, and averaged 131. So I hit the plan. Another Cherokee 180 (and a mutual friend of our buddy Dave) averaged 138. So I got beat (but a 2nd in class trophy, bittersweet but I'll take it...), Thus I and my plane have work to do.
Was a great time, with great people involved. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for some fun flying. If you're a relatively new pilot like me, it's a great exercise too.
http://sportairrace.org/sarl/node/2521
