posted Nov 16th, 2008 - The NSL News story on 11 November 2008, which covered New England Skydiving League team Mass Defiance, included a mention that team member Ben Liston is working on plans for a windtunnel competition in December. He now followed up with more detailed information of the event that is scheduled for December 13 at SkyVenture New Hampshire, a 12-foot tunnel.

It will be a 10-round meet for 4-way teams. Ben Liston said that the goal is to have a fun meet and "give 4-way junkies in the North East something to hold them over until the snow melts". He encourages teams from other parts of the country and Canada to come out for the event, as well.

There will not be any cash purses, but prizes will likely include tunnel time and donated prizes from manufacturers. The event will be preceded by a Formation Skydiving skills camp for individuals or teams who want to improve their skills or prepare for the tunnel competition. Ben Liston also provided details of the logistics for the event:

"Warm-up flights are included in the registration fee and will begin at 1:00 PM. The awards ceremony will be completed by 9:00 PM. Nationally rated judges will score each round based on the tunnel video. Teams are required to pre-register by e-mail until December 5. The registration fee, which can be paid on site, is $140 per team or $35 per person. It includes two minutes of warm-up time. Teams should arrive by 12:00 PM at the latest to fill out waivers, pay registration fees and use their warm-up time.

The meet will be modeled in NSL fashion and has two 4-way categories. The AAA Class will have the usual 5- or 6-point sequences per round. The dive pool will be limited for this event and includes all random formations, plus eight blocks (5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 17). The AA Class will have its usual 4- to 5-point sequences per round. The dive pool includes only all random formations and three blocks (7, 9, 14). All teams will complete ten rounds in both classes.

The official warm-up time will be flown before the competition briefing (1:00 PM - 1:30 PM). The briefing is scheduled for 1:45 PM. The teams will have the competition draw by 2:00 PM. The first flight for Round 1 is scheduled for 3:00 PM. Registered teams will also be able to purchase training time from Friday December 5th through Friday December 12th at a discounted rate of $360 per half hour.

Up to three teams will enter the tunnel chamber at the same time, and each team will complete two rounds during each tunnel session. The Airspeed will be adjusted and recorded during each team's official warm-up time. The specific team data will then be used to adjust the airspeed before each team enters the air column and begins with a competition round.

The teams will have one minute to complete 35 seconds of working time. AA Class teams will begin from a Star, which is only the starting position and will not be not repeated during the course of the competition sequence. Working time begins once the first Star grip is broken.

AAA Class teams will have the option of launching from a standing position on the net or have two team members enter from each door. Working time begins either when the first person crosses the plane of the door, or when the first person's feet leave the net. All teams will have approx. 50 minutes between each of the five flying sessions. Additional specific questions can be asked and more detailed information will be provided during the competition briefing."

Teams can register by sending an e-mail directly to Ben Liston before December 5. He needs to have the following information for each team: names of all four team members, team name, competition class. The Mass Defiance members also offer help to recruit lineups or find team members, as Ben Liston added:

"If your team needs an additional member or two, or if you are an individual looking for a team, contact us, and we'll do what we can to connect you with folks. Some information about your or your team's skill level will be helpful. Members of Mass Defiance may also be able to fill slots for teams who are short a person."

Ben Liston said that he hopes to draw participation from established teams in the Northeast, like Centerline XP, Ranch Vortex, Ranch Fallout, Mass Defiance, Cross Keys 8 Plus, Vertical Obsession, as well as collegiate teams from West Point and other recreational skydivers and competitors: "There's also been strong interest from top local jumpers and Canadian formation skydivers who we hope form pick-up teams."