Don't think outside the box: AFC2013 aftermath

It's been a week since I came back from Prague. I must say, event was really nice.

On saturday, when the real action was happening, the weather was nice and shiny, sun was really warm and there was few clouds on the sky. No rain, like it had been raining for the previous 3 weeks in Prague, causing flooding and a lot of problems. The flooding was still visible there, but it was under control - or so it seemed.

In the morning we were taken to airfield and soon after we moved ourselves to the public area. We had access to the VIP tent, where there was food and refreshments. And right in front of it, our judging position. Before the contest started, there was an airshow. We had some extra time in our hands, so after a brief walk around the event area, Chief Judge and my colleague judges Gabor, Viktor and Svetlana were taken to Simulator. Our host was Jiri Koberle, a living legend in Czech aerobatics. Very nice gentleman, he was also the jury in the contest.

Anyway, we visited this simulator and flew with it. First time with motion on and even I was only a co-pilot, it felt really cool. After we went back to VIP area, had something to do and watched the airshow. Then it was our showtime. Well, pilots. Not really ours. :)

7 Pilots flew their known program and right after, the freestyle program. We graded them, and since the scoring system was tablet based and online, we got the results right after the last flight. Of course there was some technical problems, but there isn't any event, where nothing happens. Everything was solved quickly and the prize giving ceremony was held.

After the contest we had a bit of time to have a shower in the hotel and change clothes and then back to the airfield. There was an Jägermeister after party, with lots of good food, some drinks and we were all given some gift bags to take home. Left the party rather early and got some sleep, since my flight back home was rather early-ish. And I didn't want to travel very tired.

All the organisations went well and it seemed like a professional event. TV worked fine and broadcasted live to TV Fanda. After the event here should be some clips and broadcasts in Eurosport 2.

Now few weeks and then Power nationals, glider nationals, an air show in Jämi, the world glider aerobatic championships and another airshow in Oripää. Quite a busy time ahead of us....