By Mike Bergerson
Saturday morning (7/19/25) begins the first day of the two-day Altitude Limited Electric Soaring (ALES) contest at the AMA’s International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana. CD Norman Poti will manage the festivities.
ALES is a thermal duration competition utilizing altitude-limiting electronics in each aircraft. The device, commonly referred to as a “CAM”, senses and shuts the motor off at a preset altitude. This year’s competition it is set for 150 meters. As many as 10 pilots launch together and fly a 10 min flight with a precision landing.
You can fly any style of electric-motored sailplane, as long as it has an approved altitude limiting device. It was common in the beginning to convert old winch-launched Thermal Duration (TD) sailplanes over to electric power. It wasn't long before purpose-built electric sailplanes began to dominate, as they didn't need the extreme reinforcement that winched planes did. Regardless of these advancements, sailplanes will range in construction from molded foam to wood construction, and composites of carbon fiber, Kevlar and fiberglass. It's not uncommon to see Radians and Gentle Ladys flying with high end composite sailplanes like a 2PK or an Ultima 2. A fantastic sailplane may have its advantages, but it's not a guarantee. Many have lost to the flying beer cooler. On that note, let the festivities begin! See you there.
Blue Skies!