Viewing page 4 of 25

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

World Precision Flying Championships  Page 4

Gerald Shreve was appointed Coach of the 1985 team. Jerry is a native Californian, Professor of Aeronautics at San Jose State University and is a former Air Force and Air National Guard Pilot. He coached three Championship NIFA teams and serves as Chief Judge at two previous USPFT National Rallyes. He is a Helicopter Pilot as well as Commercial, Multi-engine, CFII.

In spite of a few glitches which proved the wisdom of holding a "rehearsal" the competition was very successful and a team of outstanding pilots was selected. Four of the team had previous international experience Marvin Ellis, Carolyn Pilaar, Ray Heyde and Joe Poerschke, and Brooks Cone was a National Intercollegiate Flying Association winner. 

The International Women Pilots had invited the World to Kissimmee. Teams from sixteen countries accepted, bring the greatest number of teams and pilots ever to compete in World Precision Flying. 

There were 65 pilots competing in Kissimmee, Champions in their own country here at great expense from as far away as New Zealand, Argentina South Africa and Finland. They came with families and friends and were often joined by friends from here in the United States. Teams were allowed to bring also, a team manager, coach, mechanic etc. Each country was entitled to send two International Judges. 

The competition was conducted under rules established by the Federacion Aeronautique Internationale. The Chief Judge and Jury members were selected from a list approved by CIAG (Commission Internationale d'Aviation Generale).

Hazel Jones, current President of the Ninety-Nines was Competition Director; Peter Nissen, Norway, Chairman of the Jury with Charles Wotherspoon, South Africa, and Hans Peter Hirzel, Switzerland as members. Peter Costello, Ireland served as Chief Judge. The Local Chief Judge was Bill Ottley, National Aeronautics Association representative to the FAI. 

Scores were computed by program designed and run by Art Hoadly with assistance from his wife Carol and daughter Christy. 

The Navigation contest consisted of a route approximately 100 NM long with 11 legs, 10 turning points, 4 secret check points and 6 photographs to be identified and located on the chart with a pin prick. Pilots were expected to execute 4 different landings, one each type - normal, with choice of power and flaps; forced, without power, flaps as desired; forced without power and no flaps; and approach landing over a barrier 2 meters high placed 50 meters before the touch down (0) line, flaps and power as in a normal landing. 

9/26/85