The Inland Empire Quiet Flyers

April 16, 2011 9:00 AM. 18 attended.

Eagle Butte Slope Combat

Eagle Butte (map)

Selected By: Dave Moore

“Slope combat consists of a dozen pilots flying foam slope sailplanes in the the same small "fur ball" of airspace trying to knock each other out of the sky. If that isn't reason enough, I don't know what is.”

Each year the Mid Columbia Soarers sponsor a combat event at the one of the best slope sites in the world. Eagle Butte is just outside Kennewick, WA and when the wind is right it is one of the most thrilling venues for soaring that you can imagine, with unlimited site lines along the slope face.

Slope combat occurs on Saturday unless prevented by weather (too little wind, for example). Sunday is make-up day and/or open flying.

You don't have to have a combat wing to join us. There is always a spare in the club somewhere to borrow. Open flying periods on Saturday, after combat, and all day Sunday is open to all types of sailplanes, large and small. Bring ballast for big winds.

You must be a member of the MCS to fly at Eagle Butte ($20/yr). However, if the wind is from the North, the event will be held at Kiona Butte (which some people prefer over Eagle) and no membership is required. AMA membership is required in either case.

Refer to the MCS web site for combat rules: http://www.mcs.rchomepage.com/combat.htm

Refer to this IEQF page for addiitonal information and photos of past events: http://www.ieqf.org/contest_war.htm

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18 attended

4.001 (1 ratings)

Event Host

Dave Moore
Treasurer, Co-Organizer

The wind was on the stiff side for combat, but better too much wind than too little. A total of 17 pilots showed up from all over the Northwest. There was the usual airplane carnage but surprisingly little physical injury. I have got to learn to put my elevons on more securely.