New to Competition Enterprise? Not sure what it is? Here are the ten things you need to know!
As an example, here is what the host club wrote in summary about the 2014 Enterprise;
"We had six days flying, covering 27,892 kms from Nympsfield to the Welsh hills and coastline, to Ely in the east, Dover on the Channel and places south west of Devizes. Some climbed to over 9000ft, explored the clouds and wave, found convergence and good thermals. Some found fields, others gliding clubs or small airfields, but most found their way home. The longest aero tow was 360kms and the latest retrieve, after rounding Dover, was Steve Eyles and Mike Oakley in the club DG500, with Justin getting home at 01.30hrs. We think that we have a record breaking flight, with the longest competition O/R ever set and completed in the UK, by Trevor Stuart at 572kms."
Just talk to anyone who has experienced Enterprise and let their enthusiasm convince you. Come along and give it a go!
- It's a gliding competition, with daily tasks, met briefings and daily scores. You'll see a line of gliders ready to launch in the morning and a queue of glider pilots in the bar in the evening. Just like any other gliding competition.
- It's not like any other gliding competition! Rather than focusing on the traditional 'speed round a course' tasks, Enterprise tries to set more adventurous tasks, focusing on maximising your day's flying, rather than just speed. You will definitely see more of the countryside flying in Enterprise!
- It's not a new competition - it's been run (nearly) every year since 1974 - Foot and Mouth and COVID-19 stopped play in 2001 and 2020
- It's open to anyone with a Silver C and the spirit of adventure. Because it's not about speed, the handicapping system means that a K6 is as likely to do well as a JS1 - lower performance gliders are warmly welcome and there is even the Blunt Nails trophy to compete for!
- Turbo or self launching gliders are welcome, but by no means necessary. There will always be people around to help get you home if you land out - for the normal (beer related) price of course!
- As well as points for distance, there are usually bonus points for getting back, reaching turn points and even flying over the sea or visiting another country! Bring your passport....
- It's not all about thermal flying - tasks will be set to take advantage of wave and ridge lift too!
- Novice pilots with little or no competition flying experience are able to apply for an award to help towards costs.
- There are also some Enterprise weekend meetings that take place from time to time - an excellent way to dip your toe in the Enterprise water.
- It's just a whole lot of fun. Every day brings a new type of task and every flight is different. You will fly further than you ever thought possible!
As an example, here is what the host club wrote in summary about the 2014 Enterprise;
"We had six days flying, covering 27,892 kms from Nympsfield to the Welsh hills and coastline, to Ely in the east, Dover on the Channel and places south west of Devizes. Some climbed to over 9000ft, explored the clouds and wave, found convergence and good thermals. Some found fields, others gliding clubs or small airfields, but most found their way home. The longest aero tow was 360kms and the latest retrieve, after rounding Dover, was Steve Eyles and Mike Oakley in the club DG500, with Justin getting home at 01.30hrs. We think that we have a record breaking flight, with the longest competition O/R ever set and completed in the UK, by Trevor Stuart at 572kms."
Just talk to anyone who has experienced Enterprise and let their enthusiasm convince you. Come along and give it a go!
