Not The Victorian Open, end of Oct. 2004
One of the most popular events by Skyhigh - in fact more and more popular every year. The informal competition attracts attention of pilots from all over Australia. It has became noticed by sponsors as well - this year the prizes pool was some $800 worth, making participation even more worthwhile. The weather gods have taken notice too and did their best. The first 2 days were excellent. Monday couldn't be better for the cutting ribbon and spot landing while the afternoon storm made a good excuse for going to the pub. Tuesday was fortunately not flyable so the resulting hangovers could be cured before driving home. A perfect planning!
Registration kept the organizers busy. Each participant received a ticket to a big barbeque night and a pig from one of the sponsors - Members Equity. These hapless plastic animals were later dropped from the sky in the target comp.
The staff of Outdoor Inn preparing an excellent dinner for all the participants. A tough job, but the results were worth it! Also, staying and eating at Outdoor Inn won't brake your budget.
There were a few interesting moments at the takeoff as strong cycles kicked in in the afternoon.
It was busy above Mystic and a lot of pilots even managed some short CX flights.
The first prize for "cutting ribbon" comp was shared between Big Geoff and Little Geoff. Geoff Wong is captured here doing an excellent job.
Campbell demonstrated in the spot-landing competition that novices have to be taken seriously.
It hurts when you don't apply brakes doing a front launch... Only a few scratches this time.
Some faces from the NTVO:
Antje Ben the Birdman Big Geoff
Colin Hakim, the Wild Turkey The Killer
Little Geoff Juli, the APN Editor Nigel
Peter Malcolm, the Organizer Phil