2003 DBF Teams:
Due to the uncertainty presented by current world events we have made the decision to move the 2003 DBF fly-off location, rather than risk a last minute cancelation of the event if military facility security is suddenly restricted.
We have made arrangements to hold the 2003 DBF Fly-Off at Ridgely Airpark on the Maryland Eastern Shore (see attached photos). This location will allow all teams to maintain their travel flight arrangements, although it will be necessary to make different lodging arrangements.
Ridgely Airpark (http://www.aajp.com/maryland/airports/ridgely.htm) is located on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, about 10 miles North East of Easton Maryland. Lodging (see below in this e-mail) will be available in Easton MD (closest but limited availability), Grasonville MD (just east of the Chesapeake Bay bridge) and Annapolis MD (most plentiful, just west of the Chesapeake Bay bridge). It is about a 45 minute drive from Annapolis to the Ridgely Airpark.
Ridgely Airpark has an excellent condition paved 3200 ft x 60 ft runway, and we will be operating from the East end of the runway (shown in the close-up photo). We will arrange to have a large tent (60 ft x 70 ft) under which all of the teams will be able to setup, although teams should plan to take their plane and equipment with them each evening. We will provide restroom facilities adjacent to the tent area and are working with local vendors to provide on site food sales. We will provide sufficient AC electric power for battery chargers. Teams may also charge from DC batteries if you bring them with you. Limited camping space is available at the Airpark if desired. We will provide directions and maps to the Airpark shortly.
The Tentative Fly-off schedule will be:
Friday 25 April 12:00 - 5:00 tech inspections.
Saturday 26 April 8:00 - 6:00 contest day 1
We will hold the pilots briefing and start flying about 9:00 am, and will conclude flying at 5:00 pm.
Sunday 27 April 8:00 - 6:00 contest day 2
We will hold the pilots briefing and start flying about 9:00 am, and will conclude flying at 4:00 pm. Awards will be presented at 5:00 pm.
We will not be able to provide a shipping address for aircraft this year. Teams needing to ship their equipment should plan to ship it to their hotel.
Below is a short list of hotel properties in the area. Grasonville is only about 10 minutes closer to the field than Annapolis. I should also point out that the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a toll bridge ($2.50 for cars going east, no charge coming west).
Comfort Inn Kent narrows
3101 Main St
Grasonville MD
Econo Lodge In Town
8175 Ocean Gateway
Easton MD
Sleep In
101 VFW Ave
Grasonville MD
www.annapolis.com has list of 85 hotels in Annapolis
The DBF planning team is looking forward to seeing you all at Ridgely Airpark for the 2003 DBF Fly-off 25-27 April.
-Greg
Site pic 1
Site pic 2
Gregory S. Page
ITT AES B210
2560 Huntington Ave
Alexandria, VA 22303
202-404-1251
202-767-6194 FAX
Contest web page: http://www.aae.uiuc.edu/aiaadbf ** NEW ADDRESS **