Anatomy of a Contest
By Roger Bentlage, IAC 16398
I’m not a fan of the words I, me, or my, but that’s where it started.
In 2010 I made the commitment to get back into aerobatics after a 7-year hiatus, during which I built an RV-7, sold a Pitts S2C (a mistake), moved north to Marquette, Michigan, and settled the RV into a hangar at Sawyer International Airport (KSAW) – formerly K. I. Sawyer AFB, recently renamed Sawyer Marquette Regional. With its then-12,300’ runway shortened to 9,000’, Sawyer is the only controlled, Class D airport in the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan.
The commitment to return to aerobatics was predicated upon the ability to obtain a safe place to practice. The UP is made up largely of forests, rocks and water. The airport area presented the only feasible area to practice. I met with the airport advisory committee, airport management, and tower personnel and presented the idea of an aerobatic practice area. They enthusiastically supported it. That began the process of obtaining a waiver from the FAA. With tremendous assistance from the Grand Rapids FSDO, the controlling authority, a one year waiver was granted. Subsequent waivers were extended to three years and the Long Term APA was established.
Interest grew and IAC-134, the Yooper Loopers, was chartered September 7, 2019 with 12 members. Remembering the old cliché “All dressed up but no place to go”, we were dressed up with someplace to go. We decided to host a contest, not having much of an idea as to how we were going to do it. I was the only person who had ever been to a contest. You might have noticed the word "we" has crept into this writing. A contest is a large undertaking; delegation is the best way to do it right. We are also very fortunate to have the attendance of numerous experienced competitors and volunteers. Without them it would be very difficult.
Our first contest was going to be in 2020 – 14 competitors had registered but we had to cancel due to COVID-19. It provided a good organizational exercise. In 2021 we had 9 competitors. In 2022 we only had 5 registered, so we canceled. That was a mistake; we should have continued, possibly gaining a few more registrations, but most importantly, maintaining annual continuity and enthusiasm. In 2023 we only had 4 competitors, but had a great weekend, a lot of fun, and learned a lot. In 2024 we had 14 competitors, and we anticipate more this year.
One of the hurdles was convincing competitors we weren’t half way to Alaska; a graphic helped.
Marquette is a tourist community; motels are at a premium during the summer. We negotiate what we can. Many local residents have offered home hosting and transportation or the use of their cottages/camps for the Yooper Looper, adding an enjoyable personal touch.
Organizationally, the IAC provides a tremendous amount of guidance on the IAC website HERE. (Compete drop-down tab at the top of IAC website > How to Run a Contest).
Part of our personal checklist includes:
- Meet early with airport management to establish dates that would not be acceptable. We have military exercises here.
- Begin planning with TSA/security, we are a commercial airport.
- Pick a date early in coordination with other regional contests. Make sure it doesn’t conflict with other major community events.
- Make arrangements with the FBO for fuel discount, overnight hangar, etc.
- We enjoy public involvement and provide media rides for TV personalities with in plane camera the week prior.
More can be seen on our contest listing on the IAC website HERE.
If you are so inclined, please register for the contest as a competitor or volunteer. We’d love to have you help make it a premier contest in the MidAmerica series.
Please feel free to contact Roger Bentlage at bentlage@tds.net or 906-250-3231 with any thoughts or questions.
