In late November the Aerodynamics Laboratory performed a two-hour test for Junior Olympic snow skier Gina Youngstrom of Loveland, Colo. and her coach Ed Gassman.

Youngstrom, who is currently in between racing teams and Gassman wanted to test the aerodynamic drag characteristics of Youngstrom’s tuck, hip and hand positions, ski uniforms and ski poles.

Gassman, a former U.S. Air Force colonel and FAR Part 121 check airman, said he had heard good things about NIAR when he was working with McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita.

“I thought this would be a good idea,” he said. “I should have done it a long time ago.”

During the tests Youngstrom and Gassman gained instant data regarding which positions are most effective for downhill jumps.

In order to perform the tests, students working for the Aerodynamics Lab designed a mount to attach Youngstrom’s skis to the floor of the tunnel. Youngstrom strapped on her ski boots and stepped into her skis to endure nearly an hour inside the 55° tunnel with wind speeds reaching 65 mph.

Youngstrom said she was scared at first, but the overall experience was positive.

“I really didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “The wind noise seemed louder than on the ski hill.”

Gassman was also pleased with the test results and hopes to bring back more of his skiers.

“This is very helpful for racers to evaluate what works and what doesn’t work,” he said.