April 1st. :-) We Do NOT have humour on this list. ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Long" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, April 02, 2007 5:44 PM Subject: [Aus-soaring] [Fwd: Newsletter Apr 1]
>From Tom Knauff's newsletter. Dave L ---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Subject: Newsletter Apr 1 From: "Tom Knauff" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, April 2, 2007 12:27 am To: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The FAI (Federation Aviation International) has discovered an error in the calculation to convert Statute miles into Kilometers, which is causing the USA to forfeit many aviation records including nearly all claims for international gliding records. The NAA (National Aviation Association) is disputing the FAI ruling even though it seems they have confirmed the small error in the formula. The SSA (Soaring Society of America) has deferred the problem to the rules committee. As it turns out, many recent soaring contests have been computed erroneously, and some competition pilots are upset with the re-calculations which is resulting is some top-ranked pilots no longer having enough points to compete in the upcoming international contests. On the other side of the big pond, England is elated with the new ruling, since some of their pilots will now be ranked higher on the international scoring system. England only recently changed from furlongs, perches, and rods to measure distance, but still refuses to change the pronunciation of "kilometers" so it rhymes with "thermometer." It is expected the new ruling will cause quite a stir, not only among the flying community but will also affect space travel, and perhaps ownership of certain land parcels near countries using the metric system. Schempp-Hirth has announced the availability of a new option for their glider designs to make them more popular among the group of left-handed pilots. No other manufacturer has considered the special needs of left handed pilots and simply have ignored the problem. Schempp-Hirth has identified the rather large percentage of pilots who are left handed, and will benefit from the simple modifications necessary in the control layout to make flying more comfortable. For more information, contact Schempp-Hirth sailplanes. In the future, if you are in the market for a used glider, you will need to ensure it is made for whichever hand you favor. I understand Glasflugel did build a few special left-handed designs, but their happy owners have zealously guarded most of these gliders, and few have made the used market. Thomas Knauff [EMAIL PROTECTED] phone 814 355 2483 fax 814 355 2633 www.eglider.org _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list [email protected] To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list [email protected] To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
