2024 Sport Aerobatic Club Judges Trophy Heidelberg Airfield
By Willie Bodenstein
07.12.2024
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Saturday 7 December 2024 summer was here with a vengeance. It was hot and to make it more interesting the wind was pumping and the density altitude was something to be very much aware off.
It was time for the Sport Aerobatic Club's year end final competition. Unfortunately, only five entries, four in the SPP (Sportsman) Class and one in UNP (Unlimited), were received for this event that usually draws a respectable number of competitors.
Harry Kassel flew his stunning Gamebird, Dean Houghton and Mitchell Wright shared the Yak 52 and Ivan vd Schaar competed in the Pitts Special. They all compete in the Sportsman Class. Barrie Eeles who competes in the unlimited class in his state-of-the-art Extra 330SEC needs no introduction.
Ivan do need a mention though. Now flying for Qatar as a captain in Boeing 787's he flew all the way from his base in Qatar to compete and told me that work permitting he would like to be more involved in competitions and airshows in his Boeing Stearman this year.
Dean Houghton walking his sequence
Unlike other aerobatic competitions the judges Trophy scoring is based on a purely percentage system that effectively levels the playing field between the different classes enabling any competitor to walk away with this prestigious trophy.
The fate of the contenders is in the hands of the judges who sat with craned necks and watched each sequence with eagle eyes. The scores of each contestant are recorded by judges and eventually scrutinised by the chief judge.
Adam Pucjlowski the contest director led the safety briefing and warned the competitors to be mindful of the density altitude. Determining the fate on Saturday were Chief Judge Quintin Hawthorne assisted by Helm Ludwig and Nadine Brooker. Scoring was done by Natalie Stark.
Kayle Wool who have not entered but was present flew a stunning display in ZS-XLX the potent Extra 330LX.
Harry Kassel, a relatively newcomer to the sport, deservedly walked away with the stunning trophy. Photo by Bennie Henning.
Results
