By Les Mitchell, IAC 434825
The North American Aerobatic Team Championship and Apple Cup venue was held at the Ephrata Municipal Airport (KEPH). The airport was created in the late 1920’s and was one of the hundred across the country where guidance beacons were established. In 1941 it had a huge upgrade to a bomber training field and commenced operations in 1942.
The aviation facilities are still being enjoyed. The airport is flat, semi-arid, and situated to the east of a large hill. KEPH is home to the Seattle Gliding Club, who have a large presence and utilise a separate runway. IAC chapter 67 have benefitted from a harmonious relationship with both the Gliding Club and the airport management for many years.
The contest was preceded by a 3-day training period available to all who wished to use it. Thursday, June 5th was registration and practice and probably the most demanding day at the contest—perhaps a little more so than usual as we were excited that many first-time competitors attended. With three aircraft being shared it was decided to amalgamate the Intermediate and Primary flights into one. The intent was to give space for changeover of pilots. Additional teams were formed with 22 competitors. This made 7 teams with one containing 4 pilots (no one was left out.)
On June 6th the official briefing was extended to accommodate all new competitors. The weather was warm and continued to get warmer as the day proceeded, and, as is often the case, the wind component varied. The flying was extremely competitive—most entertaining for pilots and observers. Some minor delays occurred involving the pilot changeover of aircraft. Unlimited and Sportsman had two flights with the combined Intermediate/Primary and also Advanced completing a single.
June 7th brought an earlier and more timely briefing. With a revised flight order for the combined Intermediate/Primary flight, flying commenced earlier. All categories completed their flights and the lone 4-minute free flown by A.J. Wilder (75.17%) completed the day’s flying. It was competitive; the top 3 Unlimited were only separated by mere decimal points with all at 77%. Similarly, the Primary top two differed by 0.34%.
Team Scores:
Photos provided by Les Mitchell.
1st place team "Lancaster" - this photo is the one with the lady (Andrea Mitchell) in the middle - she is standing in place of Mark Cunningham who had to leave early.
So winning members are AJ Wilder (Unlimited), Mark Cunningham (unlimited) and Chris Rudd (Sportsman)
2nd place is the photo is the photo with the bright blue and light blue shirts.
"Uncle Matt's Seeds of Promise" is their team name and members are Matt Smith (Intermediate), Michael Nevins (Primary) and Aaron Balog (Primary)
3rd place team (Flyat) is the one where member in the center is holding his Klingo. Names are Scott Emery (Intermediate) Ken Aragon (Primary) and Chris Marusich (Primary)
