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The official language of the competition was English. All the pilots spoke some English, but directions from the Tower that varied from standard terminology were often not understood, much to the frustration of the Controllers. It took a while for all the pilots to learn what was expected and for the Tower personnel to slow down their transmissions. As we know from other 99 functions, the FAA personnel do their best to help adjust their methods to meet the needs of the competition.

By Sunday, August 11, most of the Teams and support group were on hand for a bus trip to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. Part of the package was to see the IMAX Film "Hail Columbia" with magnificent photographs taken at launch and in and from the Space Shuttle. The Shuttle "Discovery" was waiting on the pad, ready for launch on Friday. Many of the group were fortunate to see the previous Shuttle atop the 747 come around to land back at the Cape. We tried to tell our guests the Ninety-Nines had made it happen by special request!

Enroute back from Canaveral we made a brief stop at the Motel then on to Medieval Times for dinner and fun and pageantry of Knights in Armour, Jousting on horseback and general merriment!

Monday night we held a reception for all at the Motel. People lingered long into the warm evening, the Danish Team bringing out Cherry Heering Liqueur for all. Days were too hot, but evenings were great!

All the meals were included as part of the package during the week of competition. Most of them served buffet style at the Motel. Breakfasts were good, the other meals were not the greatest but OK. 

By Tuesday the 13th we had most items under control, hoping that all the people who said they could come to help would come. All the airplanes were moved out to one long line facing the terminal building. In my eagerness to photograph a lovely late afternoon rainbow over the WHOLE line of aircraft, I ran too far down the line, the light changed, the rainbow faded and I got soaked getting back to the terminal. 

Much of Hazel's time as Competition Director the last week was spent dealing with unexpected "mini" crisis before they became "major". All the people involved with the mid-air collision early in the week required time, although no one was hurt. The CAP Helicopters were damaging the concession tent shelter as they took off and landed. Should the pilots taxi over to the other side of the field where fuel was a little cheaper or patronize the FBO who was providing the lounge etc. Requests from the Chief Judge, and the Jury had to be dealt with, changes made in the "sterile" area Etc.