1997 Flatter than the Flatlands Towing Competition by Carol Binder

The 5th Annual Flatter than the Flatlands Easter towing competition was held again this year and, after some less than perfect weather the last two years, delightful autumn weather decended on Birchip for the duration.

A field of 54 pilots descended on the tiny town of Birchip in anticipation of end of Summer possibilities and last thermals for the season. Competition director Warwick Duncan and co. based headquarters at the Birchip Hotel and all went to plan. A total of four full rounds with full scoring was achieved.

Photo - Flatter than the Flatlands Competitors 1997

Day 1 Initially the day started off with thin cu's then blue conditions ruled with light to moderate southerlies and broken cores. Lift was generally around the 600ft p/m mark with bases averaging 5,500ft. The task committee set goal 79km's NE of the Birchip tow paddock at Nyah West with 18 pilots making it including Wes Hill who put in a great effort in the light conditions arriving at 6.25pm. The day winner was Harry Summons who received a chocolate rabbit for his efforts and congrats must also go to Shane Holtkamp (who is following in his brothers foot steps) who made it to goal for the first time yeayyy Shane.

Day 2 We woke to a higher thicker level cloud and received light lift of 200ft peaking at 4-500ft as a result. Goal was again set at Nyah West with 7 pilots making it in the scratchy struggle with base at only 4,200ft agl. The Day was won by South Australian pilot Brent Telford (Another chocolate rabbit).

Day 3 The front that was expected pushed through to the south during the day (as predicated by Alan Weather or not Beavis) and goal was set just SW of Kyalite (NSW) at 101km. Blustery launching conditions dominated the day with occasional dusties ripping through. A base of 5,000ft with lift averaging 5-600ft with a strong SW drift lead 11 pilots to goal. Don and Deb Rotman had their personal best in their tandem and landed 18km short of goal. The quote of the day was by John Clement "my packing gear outflew me"!?#@ and the best tow would have to go to Ben Kennedy who made it to 2,000ft still on tow. The ultimate flying sacrifice was made by Meg Bailey for giving her tow bridle to Tony Lowrey who then made it to goal and the day winner was Gary Fimeri (South Australia - yep another chocolate rabbit).

Night three was of course VIDEO night! If you've been to this comp before you'll now what that means. Warwick threw some $$$ on the bar and that was that. You really couldn't fit any more pilots into one room!!! The Thunderbirds led off and the mystery movie about which everyone was so anxious and rushed back from goal for was Flying High!!! Thanks uncle WAR - WICK for the entertainment.

Photo - Don & Debbie Rotman

Day 4 Day four started off with strong winds and gusts and serious doubts were had by most, BUT the wind moderated quickly and yet another blue day was upon us. Goal was set at Manangatang 85km directly North of Birchip. Most got away on this day and 13 made it to goal including free flyer Warren Boadle from Geelong (another PB). Thermals topped out at 5,000ft with lift around 500up with a good drift. Some great dusties were spotted along the way which is probably what Beavo hooked into and won the day. Beavo's long lazy final glide from Chinkapook to Manangatang was contrasted by pilots who struggled in later as the wind swung more westerly and the thermals faded. But there was no time to savour goal on the last day as everyone raced back for the BBQ and presentation. This year's BBQ was once again organised and run by the Birchip CFA and Heather Fletcher the human dynamo.

So for a four day comp fun was had by all. Next year should be even bigger and better so come along, have some serious fun in the sun at dusty old Birchip and win lots and lots of prizes!!!!

Results Victorian & South Australian Challenge - Winner - Victoria.

Open 1st Brent Telford (Moyes Xtralite 147) 3721 Open 2nd Wesley Hill (Moyes Xtralite 147) 3632 Open 3rd Peter Davies (Moyes XS 155) 3155

B Grade 1st Wesley Hill (Moyes Xtralite 147) B Grade 2nd Peter Davies (Moyes XS 155) B Grade 3rd Chris Charters (Moyes XS)

C Grade 1st Hugh Satchell (Airborne Blade 153) C Grade 2nd Anthony Cross (Moyes XS) C Grade 3rd Mark Pike (Airborne Blitz 132)

Thanks to the following sponsors Aussie Skins Airborne Moyes Dynamic Flight and the Birchip Hotel

After five years of incident free flying in this competition the end of the final day marred by the injury of South Australian Pat F inch, Australia's oldest hang glider pilot. It appears that he locked out on tow. At the time of writing Pat was in a stable condition in the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.

Postscript: Pat made a full recovery but it is unsure if he will fly again