Elevator Ride at 40K

Pilots had to have thier "big boy pants" on today as a five part task was called which required them to go to 7,000 ft (5,000agl) while traveling 40k.  With targets only 2-4 kilometers apart "distortion" was the word of the day!

Plowed dirt field was again the launch choice of the day.

Scores are expected to be mixed, but Team USA is feeling that it held its own under some tough circumstances.  In the words of Bill Clemons, being used to that "good Midwest flying" may have help today!

Tonight sucked!

LIght and variable winds prevailed this evening as the race director chose to do a couple hesitation waltzes.

 

To say the least, all pilots in the field were frustrated as only the first set of targets were obtainable by markers, as loggers will have to be used to score the second task due to lack of time and darkness darkness setting in.  This was one of those nights where balloons were going in every direction, even when at the same height.  Nothing consistent and nothing fast.

After chasing in sugar cane, Iowa corn fields will be nothing!

Standings as of Monday AM: http://www.balloonworlds2014.com/#!tasks-results/c1di0

Day 2 AM

Competitors were greeted with a five part task this morning, however after many disgruntled pilots regarding the safety of the "cake" that was called, the Race Director decided to cancel the 5th task.  At one point during the discussion Paul P. Challenged the race directors initial call to the cheers and applause of the pilots.  My gut feeling is that Paul will not be getting a Christmas Card form Senior Matias this year!

field).

Team USA all worked together today and quickly found a launch spot ( another plowed dirt sugarcane .

Fog was again present.

Great flight this morning by Team USA.    Our flight ended next to a sugar cane field(the norm), so we decided we had better try some.  Good, but it is not Bucsh Light!

Results at:  http://www.balloonworlds2014.com/#!tasks-results/c1di0

Day 1 pm

The day 1 pm flight was a challenge to say the least as the dreaded Time to a Line was called, followed by a PDG.  Winds were L&V with launch at the CLP (balloon field).  There was a massive crowd present complete with bands, food, vendors, .........

After the launch, getting out of the field was interesting to say the least.  Trust me when I say these two pictures do not do it justice!

As I am taking this photo, I look to my right and see this: 

And this was not someone giving rides!

After a frustrating flight by all and a mid-air collision that put a 5 foot hole in one of the polish balloons sending him into a locals back yard (no us team involved and pictures coming later) Todd decided a little comfort food was needed before bed.

Until later, here is a link to standings:

http://www.balloonworlds2014.com/#!tasks-results/c1di0

Competition Begins: AM Flight

Morning competition came with a flurry of activity and first flight jitters (and trips to the bathroom if your name is Todd or Andrew - sorry for that one ladies, guys you will understand!).  Team USA had two wind-readers rolling a good 45 minutes prior to briefing time. 

Loggers had to be picked up prior to the briefing and competitors are "in charge" of it for the entire week.  After the flight, the "chip" is removed, downloaded, and handed right back to the competitor.

Briefing went quickly, with three tasks called. 

After the pilots were released, everyone on Team USA seemed to scatter in different directions.  Amazingly enough, after 30 minutes of looking for a launch spot in the fog (yes fog, I will get to that in a minute), we all ended up in the same plowed red dirt field (I will get to the red dirt later as well), along with about half the competitive field.  Task three required pilots to declare their "donut" coordinates prior to 7:30 in their logger.  At 7:20 Andy Baird radioed to Team USA that there was only 10 minutes left to declare.  At that same time I heard Todd yell "Matt get the logger".  Can honestly say I have not run that fast, particularly across a plowed field.  But like the 42 year old with cat like reflexes I am, I had to logger to Todd and the coordinates punched in with 3 minutes to spare!

FOG
Apparently there is no VFR requirements in Brazil (Race Director even said to me after the flight, its not a problem once you get above it) as the Fog grew heavy at times.  I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

The fog cleared for the most part, at least at the airport by the time the pilots got to the second target.  Lots of steering above, but within 500 ft of the ground conditions were light and variable.  For a while I was able to provide some useful information to Todd as he made his approach, but as the L&V conditions became even more L&V and one point Todd asked when he should come down, and apparently my response of "I have no f^#@ing idea" was not very helpful (It did get a good laugh however after the flight).

After a nice drop at the field, and some hanging out in the donut (which closed at 9:30), it was time to land.  At landing Todd was not only greeted by his crew, but I believe half of Rio Claro was there as well.  After a few "selfies" with the locals, Todd "the Rock Star" Isley finally allowed his crew to put the balloon away.

Ok, have to go as we already have to go back to the 2:30pm briefing.  Had about an hour in the room to get ready for the next flight.  Days are going to go quick.  I will share scores as soon as I know them!