Sunday - June 26, 2005

Chicago SOAR Northsider vs Southsider F3J Practice

The Chicago SOAR club held a "Northsider" vs "Southsider" F3J practice today.  This teams the guys that fly at the north Hampshire flying field against the guys that fly at the south sod farm field.  It really makes for a good practice session for all involved.  I was flying on team "Northsider" with "Boss" Jim McCarthy, Tom Kallevang, Jack Strother, and Steve Schneider.  Team "Southsider" consisted of Richard Burnoski, Bill Wingstedt, Karl Miller, Ben Roberto, and Robin Meek.

You wouldn't think putting a bunch of strong attitude alpha males on the same team would work, but it does for us.  We were all serious today for some F3J practice, that takes time to setup and arrange and we were here to make the most of it.  Everyone has their jobs and responsibilities on our team, McCarthy keeps it moving, it just works.  No yelling, confusion, arguing or debating rules on our side, we were launching on the horn and flying it all right to the tape.  Maybe an occasionally smile if we make a good move in the air, otherwise just some fist pounding on the hunskies. 

We started early and ended around noon so we didn't cook our towing team in the 100 degree afternoon sun.  It's always fun to fly with these guys, we know each others flying styles so well it's all automatic and smooth.  It's really nice to be on a team that works on that level, we all parted with a smile on our faces.

Jim McCarthy throws Tom Kallevang's F3J ICON "Big Red", Jack Strother is the timer.

Jim McCarthy throws Capn' Jack's ICON Lite, Steve Schneider timing.

TK keeps Capn' Jack advised on remaining flight time.

Capn' Jack on landing approach over the tape with his rare Cobra Lite 2, TK calls on the clock.

"Boss" asking Capn' Jack if  he is ready to fly yet.  Tequila Sunrise ICON Lite on the line.