OSC flew two weekends in January before winter finally arrived.

Dear Members of the Omaha Soaring Club
The Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa Spinal Cord Injury Association would like to express its thanks for the glider rides you gave some of our member last fall. It was without a doubt the experience of a lifetime for those who participated, and it was voted the Best Activity of 2001 by our organization. As one of our members put it, we did something that no one would have ever imagined we could do, and someting that most people - including the able bodied - will never do.
Along with the absolutely fantastic experience of soaring, we got to spend some time learning the basics of flying and met some interesting people. And, as if that wasn't enough, your members were so eager to help us into the air that they left the assistants we brought along with little to do. (They were not offended.) All in all it was a day of great gliding with great people.
Again, we'd like to express our appreciation to you for making it possible for us to experience the amazing feeling of soaring. It was great to find such a wonderful bunch of people so willing to take the time and effort to make it happen. Our thanks to the Omaha Soaring Club.

Sincerely,
Mike Bequette
Secretary, ENWISCIA

Hello members
Just a reminder to check the aircraft status board in the hangar before taking the ships out to fly. Check for the due date of the annual inspection. Also a note may be added from time to time as to the condition of some part of the sailplane or a system (radio, oxygen, vario ,etc). The FARs make it the responsibility of the pilot to know the condition of the aircraft. But then you knew that I'm sure.
Next time I'm at the field I'd like to look at the 1-26 trailer along with any other mechanical minded member as to seeing if there might be a way to stiffen it up. From info gained from Jaime it could be in for a CO trip this summer.
The Pawnee's annual is good for another year. Bill needs to make some more parts before he can get the cockpit heat working. Also Bill has done some of the annual on 99950. The other Blanik will have a good annual when next we have it at Blair. Remember check the board!
Thanks to all the good helpers in the club.
Mac

Our "One room schoolhouse" ground school is underway on Saturdays 1PM to about 4PM when we are not flying. We are planning six sessions. The location is Bellevue Data Communications. The Sat. AM phone message and emails will be the confirmation of the day's plans. Everyone is invited even if you have not attended the previous sessions. The last session will offer a chance to take the Bronze Badge written exam. Contact me if you need more details.
Thanks to Terry Schmidt we have 3 copies of the safety seminar available. I will have them and quizzes at the ground school (or airport if we fly) on Saturdays. Those needing them for the safety requirements can let me know and you can pick them up. You can stop at the class and pick up the stuff even if you can't stay. Please however contact me to reserve a tape for you. I reviewed the tape and it is of pretty good quality. The audio is good.
The quiz covers the proposed Flight Rules in the new by-laws so be sure you ask me for a copy of the proposed by-laws if you don't have a copy. The quiz could be done without the tape at all but some of the group comments are very good and the section by Bob Moser at the end is a "must see". Well done Bob! Also you will be impressed by the video footage of our flying that afternoon put on the beginning and end of the tape by Terry. At the end there is a landing sequence which is absolutely beautiful! Great work, Terry!
The 1-26 championships are in Bullseye CO (USAF aux field 20 miles East of Colorado Springs) this summer early in July. I believe the practice dates are July 1 and 2 with contest days 3-9. Anyway the interesting thing for us is they apparently are also opening it up to people less experienced and combining a badge and record camp. We could surely benefit from seeing what a contest is all about and maybe getting some flying and badge qualifications. I don't know all the details etc. but suggest you go to the 1-26 web site (www.126associaton.org) (also is a link from SSA site) and see if this is of any interest. Maybe some of us could take the 1-26 and learn from the best. I don't know if the operation could support us having the Blanik there or not. Maybe the Blanik could be flown from one of the other CO. sites. I'm not even sure I will be available but let's kick it around some.

Jaime Alexander
Flight Officer

"Omaha Soaring Club" is the official newsletter of Omaha Soaring Club Incorporated. Articles are written by and for OSCI members unless otherwise noted.