Hamilton Soaring Club is thrilled to host the 1-26 Nationals, a unique event that brings together the best of the best in the soaring community!
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Our club history is essential to share. The core group that was the catalyst for the organization had its roots in Odessa, Texas, at Schlemeyer Field. Jim Calloway, Wally Scott, Gary Evans, Neil Muxworthy, Sherman Griffith, Steve Parker, and Oats Schwarzenberger recognized the potential for the site and began hosting soaring camps at Hamilton 10 years ago. Jim Calloway was the organization's founder. Hamilton Soaring Club INC, organized as an IRS 501(c)(3), shares the love of flight with a focus on youth in the region. The club has grown from a handful to 65 members strong since its inception in 2016.
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We consider KMNZ an IDEAL soaring contest site. The airport was the site of the 23rd Army Air Force Glider Training Detachment from 1942-1944, training glider pilots in Waco CG4A towed by C47 Skytrains for the D-Day invasion. The field has no obstructions, no nearby airspace conflicts, low GA traffic volume, and plenty of room for core contest operations. The immediate airfield area is forgiving and favorable for premature termination of tow emergencies. The surrounding region is rural farmland with multiple options for safe outlanding. The soaring weather for the selected contest dates should be typical Texas Strong and conducive to a successful contest.
The KMNZ airport manager, City Manager, and Mayor have given written permission to hold a contest at the airport. The airport manager will notify airmen (NOTAM) that the airport will be closed for contest staging and launching. Gary Evans will serve as the Chief Tow Pilot, having gained prior experience at Uvalde Worlds. We have 4 towplanes based at KMNZ, including a CallAir A9B, 2 Cessna 182, and a Cessna 180, committed for the contest. The Texas Soaring Association will provide a Pawnee to support the contest.
We have a sufficient number of experienced tow pilots and have developed a plan for the contest's typical south flow and the rare north flow operation. We have already held a preliminary briefing on contest plans with Regional ATC at Gray Approach.
Mark Keene will be the Contest Director (CD). He has extensive experience in this role and has personally flown from Hamilton multiple times. His strong background in 1-26 will be a huge asset for task development. A 1-26 contest-specific waypoints and task input committee are currently being created.
Tom Pressley will provide official scoring services, and Wally Scott will provide contest weather briefings.
Paul Agnew, president of the 1-26 Association, has done a recent site visit at KMNZ. 561-889-6181 bluejet941@gmail.com
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The Soaring Safety Foundation recently surveyed the site, and safety is a top priority. We have contracted Costello Insurance to provide the required liability umbrella insurance. United Ag Turf will provide gators for contest operations.
The Hamilton Healthcare System is sponsoring a large tent for contest administration. Plans include crew/pilot comfort and hydration stations, first aid, and additional bathroom facilities. We have a well-coordinated contest emergency operations plan with the director of Emergency Medical Services.
Contest participants and their supporting crews are allowed to camp primitively on the airfield in designated areas. There are currently no RV hookups at the airport, and plans to install limited power access along the line to the new hanger construction site are not confirmed. The main hanger has a kitchen with refrigerators, coffee pots, and microwaves. It also has two public bathrooms and a Wi-Fi service. There are no shower facilities in the clubhouse.
There is a cable for glider tie-down that will meet the expected contest volume.
We plan to improve water access for glider ballasting in anticipation of future regional contest hosting. However, this will not be a factor for the 1-26 Nationals.
The Hamilton Soaring Club plans to offer a concurrent badge camp, emphasizing allowing cross-country qualified youth to gain experience with costs limited to glider fees, tows, and social event surcharges. Approval from the CD and CM is required. Team flying is encouraged.
If any pilots are interested in doing a pre-flight before the contest, please get in touch with Paul Stiles to arrange the necessary temporary club membership. 214-542-9145
Hamilton is centrally located in the Heart of Texas.
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For your convenience, the closest airports with scheduled airline service are Waco Regional (KACT), just 72 miles away, and Killeen Regional Airport (KGRK), a mere 78 miles away.
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If you're looking for a major hub with nationwide and international service, Dallas Fort Worth (KDFW) is your best bet, just 102 miles away.
Austin is a secondary major hub option. 107 miles
The Hamilton Soaring Club looks forward to saying HOWDY and showing everyone some welcome to Texas Hospitality.
