Soar Utah - 2006 [Archive]

stylusboy1

Mar 16, 2006, 07:24 PM

Hi All,

Soar Utah 2006 will take place on Friday, September 1st through Monday, September 4th in Salt Lake City, Utah. As with past events, Friday’s flying location will be the beautiful Butterfield Canyon, overlooking the entire Salt Lake Valley and the world’s largest man-made excavation. Saturday and Sunday’s events will be at the Point of the Mountain, where warm south winds create some of the best and most consistent slope lift conditions in the country. Monday’s flying will be atop Francis peak, high in the Wasatch Mountains.

Registration for Soar Utah will open in early April. Details and information are available on <http://www.soarutah.org> .

Soar Utah 2006 features some of the best slope pilots in the country, as well as some of the most spectacular planes available. This year’s AMA sanctioned event will feature trophies for the top finishers in PSS, Nostalgia, and Modern classes. In addition to the slope flying, there will be a social event on Thursday evening for people arriving early, a Saturday night BBQ, radio impound facilities on Saturday and Sunday, and a large raffle.

As a tourist destination, Utah is home to a wide variety of family recreational activities. No trip to Utah would be complete without a visit to the Wasatch Mountains or 2002 Olympic venues in beautiful Park City. Soar Utah is a soaring event that the whole family will enjoy.

We hope to see you there!

Tom Hoopes - oakley@xmission.com
CD - Soar Utah 2006
Sep. 1 - Sep. 4, 2006

http://www.soarutah.org

sloperut

Mar 16, 2006, 10:34 PM

Hi Tom. Like the new Soar Utah web site (2006 logo looks good too!). Good work.

I'll be there.

Jeff

timmig

Mar 16, 2006, 11:30 PM

Looking forward to it Tommy Boy!! See ya there!!!
Timmig
ISR California Reble!!! :)

paramtn

Mar 16, 2006, 11:45 PM

Aero Tow
We also have a couple of members building some tow planes. So anyone who wants to do some Aero Tow should know we are trying to plan a optional aero tow event. Curtis Miner is currently putting the finishing touches on a Pegasis. Motor will be a 100cc gas and should tow up some 6+ meter ships. We are trying to schedule this event for Friday morning so slope guys can get back to slope in the afternoon. We will keep you posted as plans are confirmed. If you want to see or participate in Aero tow this would be a great oppertunity.
Hope we see you there.
Ted

RCFlybry

Mar 17, 2006, 04:19 PM

Finally a Soar Utah even that I'll be able to attend!
Got the time off early this year. Look forward to seeing everyone there.

Bryan

NWade

Mar 17, 2006, 04:51 PM

I'll just be moving out to SLC a week or two before the event - am looking forward to attending!!

What kind of memberships and/or fees should I expect?

If I want to introduce some aviation students at a local college to soaring this weekend, what kind of arrangements should I be making for them? (I will likely have a few EPP planes and a couple of transmitters - but I don't want to violate any protocols).

Thanks, take care,

--Noel

stylusboy1

Mar 17, 2006, 05:29 PM

Noel,

Glad to hear of your future relocation. In fact, we just received one of your local pilots from Seattle, Russ Young into our club.

I assume that you are referring to club membership? It is $25 per year and there are no fees to fly at the Point of the Mountain, except for the fact that we usually spend $$ from Soar Utah proceeds to make improvements. We also have a thermal field that is about 60 acres, but unlike 60 Acre Park in Seattle, we are not threatened by soccer kids.

As far as bringing newbies to the slope at Soar Utah, I would not recommend it. In fact, we sort of discourage locals from doing too much flying at Soar Utah since we are hosting the event for everyone else (out-of-towners), which amounts to 130 - 160 pilots. Even the paragliders usually stay away during Soar Utah.

If you wait a week, you'd most likely have the slope to yourself after the early morning paragliding schools are done and it would cost you and your students nothing to fly.

Also, we've don't allow any EPP (non-scale, Zagi-like) planes to fly at the slope on Saturday and the first part of Sunday at Soar Utah. We implemented this policy two years ago, which only resulted in one complaint and a ton of praise. The policy will be the same for this coming Soar Utah. Otherwise, you can fly EPP at any other time without restrictions.

Tom Hoopes - oakley@xmission.com
CD - Soar Utah 2006
Sep. 1 - Sep. 4, 2006

http://www.soarutah.org

the_canuck

Mar 17, 2006, 06:01 PM

I haven't gone to Soar Utah before. Are there any sites with pics etc. Wondering what kind of planes and events you guys have. Building lots of planes now. :D

Andrew

stylusboy1

Mar 17, 2006, 07:05 PM

Andrew,

There used to be a bunch of Soar Utah photos on our club site <www.silentflyer.org> but I just popped over there and they're all gone. Our webmaster/club member recently did some work on the site. Give me a couple of days and I'll see if I can find out if the photos are still available.

Of course Soar Utah photos grace numerous magazine covers, but finding the club photo gallery is probably easier than looking for old model magazines :rolleyes:

Everything from PSS to large vintage and modern scale have flown at Soar Utah. Brian Laird (TFLG) and Carl Maas usually show up with a ton of PSS planes and people. We all know what Brian flies.....

The majority of Soar Utah is a big, controllled fun fly. Historically, we have always had a low-key contest, usually on Saturday morning, that consists of flying a fixed set of maneuvers while being judged. Later that evening at the banquet, the planes are judged by the "people" and highest composite scores receive the trophies. We separate the planes into three classes (vintage -pre1957, PSS, modern).

For those staying through Labor Day (following Monday) we take them up to Francis Peak (10,000' elevation) for some alpine soaring. Great Salt Lake (the actual lake) provides a scenic backdrop.

I hope that answers your questions.

Tom Hoopes - oakley@xmission.com
CD - Soar Utah 2006
Sep. 1 - Sep. 4, 2006

http://www.soarutah.org

Jeff Charlot

Mar 17, 2006, 07:12 PM

Yikes, my PSS Calender looks pretty busy. I'm doing the PSS Fest as well as the MWSC, I hope to scrape some cash together to attend Soar Utah. Always wanted to go, hope I make it.

Jeff

NWade

Mar 17, 2006, 07:30 PM

Tom -

Just a clarification: You say no EPP - but you clarify by saying "non-scale"...

I'm easily confused, does this mean that PSS EPP models are allowed? Or is this strictly a "crunchies only" event?

I don't have any scale birds at the moment, but I've been starting to think about picking up a nice EPP Schweitzer or maybe a foam PSS Warbird (foam / EPP mostly because I hear about harsh LZ's in the Rocky Mtn areas all the time, and they're usually a little less expensive...).

Thanks! Take care,

--Noel
P.S. I should have been more clear: I figured newbie flying would be a bad idea at the event - I was asking about fees and access to PotM in general with respect to new flyers. I'll follow up on this later in the year... Sounds like a great club, and it'll be fun to catch back up with Russ Young!

stylusboy1

Mar 17, 2006, 08:45 PM

Noel,

You got it. We observed over the years that non-scale, EPP constructed planes (Zagis, Boomerangs, and the likes) were flown differently than EPP PSS planes. The flying style was generally incompatible with crunchies, thus the ban.

Mind you, the ban is only during the main event on Saturday and Sunday morning, the rest of the time is fine, as long as sanity prevails.

This event is not a foam bash.

BTW, the landing zone is nice. We've spent thousands of dollars grading and mowing it. On the other hand Francis Peak is not so friendly, but it isn't as bad as some that I've seen.

the_canuck

Mar 17, 2006, 08:57 PM

Thanks, sounds like what I thought it was. I hope to make it this year. I'll have lots of EPP warbirds to fly and a few crunchie planes and hopefully some glass PSS.

Andrew

paramtn

Mar 17, 2006, 11:45 PM

I will try and post a couple of photo's. Display area L.Z. to right of pic. Scale Jet flying out front. Launch area for Soar Utah.
Enjoy
Ted

wakumann

Mar 18, 2006, 12:01 AM

2 Pic's from 2000, 6 Hellcats at formation start and a total

NWade

Mar 18, 2006, 12:42 AM

OK, I have had some minor reservations about living in Utah & SLC for the next 3 years... But these pics have just COMPLETELY erased all of 'em!

Now excuse me, I need to go clean the drool from my keyboard before it short-circuits!

--Noel
(Deprived in Seattle)

P.S. How long of a drive is PotM from SLC Int'l airport? Its south of the city, right?

David Taylor

Mar 18, 2006, 01:03 AM

The POM is about 20-30 minutes from the airport depending on traffic.
Yes, south.
Dave T

paramtn

Mar 18, 2006, 01:05 AM

Nwade
In good traffic I would say 25 to 35 min from leaving to chucking. Probably about the same from Westminster Give or take 5 to 10 min. Usually very little use as far as slope pilots go. I cannot tell you how many times I have been alone up there. A busy day might have 8 to 10 planes up but you can get some solo time if you are patient. We will show you the D.S. spot when you get here. Tauno got up to 151 last week. So there is definate potential there.

Ted

stylusboy1

Mar 18, 2006, 01:58 AM

I've posted several photos from Soar Utah - 2004. These includes pictures from the South side, North side, and Francis Peak.

I think most of the photos are courtesy of Tauno Knuutila, one of our local members. If not sorry.

Enjoy!

Tom Hoopes

the_canuck

Mar 18, 2006, 10:13 AM

Looks like its going to be a fun event. I can't wait.

Build more planes. Build more planes..

Andrew

RCFlybry

Mar 18, 2006, 10:15 AM

Now excuse me, I need to go clean the drool from my keyboard before it short-circuits!

NWade, I told you that it isn't all that bad here!
You're gonna love the flying.

Bryan

ShredAir

Mar 18, 2006, 11:33 AM

As in 2004, family obligations will prevent Marcela and I from attending in 2006.
Here are some photos from 2002 http://shredair.com/album/utahsoar/utah02.html and 2000 http://shredair.com/album/utahsoar/utah1.html

Dieter Mahlein, ShredAir

motorhead

Mar 18, 2006, 08:48 PM

I am hoping to make it this year. I only have foam but it includes a 4 meter Fox, 2 meter fox and a Yak 54.
Mike

Carlski

Mar 19, 2006, 01:14 AM

Hi Tom,
The ISR gang plans to be there as usual. Yup, you never know what we will bring!

So, thanks again for holding the event....

Carl

sloperut

Apr 22, 2006, 10:53 PM

Bump.

Moderators, I'd like to make a request: Please move this this thread back to the Slope forum.

Thanks, Jeff

dgliderguy

Jul 28, 2006, 03:47 PM

I'll be there, just pre-registered. Looking forward to some scale aerotow at Grantsville, and some vintage scale sloping at POM. Anybody else going to be flying vintage wood at the Point?

Don Bailey

paramtn

Jul 29, 2006, 01:41 AM

Mel S

Jul 29, 2006, 11:21 PM

Hi Don,

I'll be bringing a Krick Minimoa and a Flair Ka8b. Looking forward to meeting you.

Mel

Jantar2A

Jul 29, 2006, 11:41 PM

I am hoping to make it this year. I only have foam but it includes a 4 meter Fox, 2 meter fox and a Yak 54.
Mike

Hey Mike,

I'm praying that you get some color on that 4m fox for soar Utah and hope to see ya there,,,,,,,,Nick in boulder

PDX Slope Pilot

Aug 06, 2006, 11:36 AM

Can we see a list of channels that are taken being used so we know if there is going to be a conflict?

PDX - Channel 16

paramtn

Aug 07, 2006, 12:45 AM

It is pretty much impossible for us to tell what freq will be in use. Many flyers come from all over the world and do not register until the event. Radio impound assures no two people on like freq, fly at same time. If there is a conflict impound helps insure both can compete without conflict. But all will be able to fly as long as freq is clear.
Ted

PDX Slope Pilot

Aug 07, 2006, 12:48 AM

If there is a conflict is there a gentlemans rule in affect or a specific time limit for flights?

paramtn

Aug 13, 2006, 12:50 AM

At Soar Utah rest assured we will do our best to make sure everyone fly's. Many of the local guys do not even fly during S.U. We want everyone to have the optimum experience and get plenty of flight time while you are here. We want all who travel to our slope to have the best slope trip possible. Locals can fly here anytime where as most people at S.U. have spent many hours on the road and want to have a full weekend of fun. Radio impound during judged events helps insure all who have a major investment in time and money have a relaxing conflict free flight. This is not a free for all. We do not want people flying expendable planes flying with guys who have spent a major investment in time and money on expensive time consuming scale ships to be shot down or worse a mid-air during their flights. If you come you should have a great time.

Ted

PDX Slope Pilot

Aug 13, 2006, 01:04 AM

Fair enough. Thanks for addressing my question Ted. Only a few weeks to go and I'm looking forward to my second Soar Utah event.

Frank S

Aug 13, 2006, 02:34 PM

Aero Tow Guys

I just want to get a idea of all who are interested in the Aero Tow at Soar Utah. I have 2 possibly 3 tow planes lined up. Grantsville is a great sight for flying. Landings are wide open for any wind direction. It is in somewhat of a desert setting so be prepared. Curtis will be there with probably one of the final John Dresdine's Pegasis models. This towplane is currently going through modifications and should be ready for a full day of towing. We will have a few dollies and Mike has a cradle to release from his tow plane. This event will be a fun fly for those interested. No competition is scheduled as we want to promote and encourage new scale and aero tow enthusiasts. Club activities and info available at www.soarutah.org

TedHi Ted,

I'm a possibility for the aerotow, but it depends on weather. In '04 the ISR boys put on quite a show at the north side of the Point on Friday.

For those of you who are considering it, Grantsville is indeed a great place to aerotow, and Curtis is a super pilot to fly behind. I did my first ever aerotow there last summer and it went smoooove.

Blue_Duck

Aug 31, 2006, 11:25 PM

Paramtn,

Sorry for a late reply --- Had to finish up shingling my roof.

I am interested in the Aero-Towing at Grantsville. I've got a 100" Rearwin Speedster as a tug ( has a ZDZ 40 up front).

I'm not going to make the Aero-Tow tomorrow (might be there very late if at all) but was wanting to know if there was a chance of any interest in towing Sat-Sun-Mon. I have to decide weather or not to tow my plane trailer or not.

Sorry and thanks

paramtn

Sep 01, 2006, 12:26 AM

Ah Gary
I was counting on you. We have only two tugs lined up and was praying you could back us up. If people are interested in Aero tow we might be willing to do another event possibly Sun or Mon. Most of the guys just want to slope. Curtis said he would possibly bring the tug to the slope and tow if things die off. Sure hope you can make it before the event is over.

Ted

paramtn

Sep 02, 2006, 10:27 PM

Gary Finally made it. As they say better late than never. The Aero Tow went off with calm winds mild thermals and two good tow planes. Thanks Curtis and Mike for all the effort. I counted about 70 or more people and 27 large scale ships at least the ones that were out and in the pits. I think everyone had a great time as I recieved no complaints. Some photos can be seen in the slope, soar utah photos posts. Thanks Frank for getting it started. I sure hope we can do it again. Thanks Craig, Doug, Dave & Dave, Brent and all those involved :) especially Eric for putting together Soar Utah. This all might mean more Aero Tow events here in the dry lake bed.

Ted

Fred Sanford

Sep 05, 2006, 11:18 AM

THANKS to the Salt Lake guys for a great time at Soar Utah 2006! A few of the highlights for me: Thursday's open house, Friday evening deep fried turkey at POTM, and Saturday's Famous Dave's Bar-B-Q/raffle. Oh yeah and the flying! Also special thanks to Erik,Tom, Everett and Clarence. A fantastic time to renew old aquaintances and make new friends!

paramtn

Sep 06, 2006, 01:32 AM

Soar Utah
Hey to all the guys who were at the Aero Tow. Do you want to do it in 08. I counted about 70 people and 27 scale ships in the L.Z. area during the Aero Tow Event. Sorry I did not make it out to welcome everyone but I was busy repairing tow planes and keeping things going. I hope everyone had a good time at this event as winds were light at the slope. Thanks Curtis and Mike for the Tow support. This event sure brought out a lot more of the big scale ships. Just wondering if it is worth adding this to the Soar Utah roster in the future.

Ted