Sylmar Hang Gliding Association

I had a similar thing happen to me when I reassembled my glider in Florida for a competition. The 1st time I flew it, I knew it was wrong. I had put the tip-attachment webbing over instead of under the leading edge. Or was it under instead of over? ;-) Luckily I did it the same on both wings. Can yo...

I haven't really got an opinion on this issue, but I do have some information: The last time the BOD talked about redoing the Gazebo, I suggested some of these items. The overwhelming consensus was this: DON'T REMOVE THE WISTERIA. Apparently, it is very popular. At the time, I was concerned that the...

Or how about just a discounted non-voting membership (or voting?) for members of other local clubs? Simpler to administer. The only hard part is verifying that they are members of one of the other clubs, and you'd have to do that for the other plans too, I think. Just a thought. Me, I'm a (full) mem...

Two things: 1) I want to again publicly thank Chris for all of his work on the website. He and I haven't always agreed on things, but I do appreciate all his efforts and want all to know how grateful I am. Oh, and good luck in OZ, Chris! 2) This long discussion sure helps sort out who is thinking wh...

Just FYI, the SHGA is a not-for-profit, not a non-profit. The distinction is small to the rest of us mere mortals, but serious big-time stuff to the IRS and to the lawyers among us.... It does put some restrictions on us too. For details, ask a lawyer friend, or maybe SHGA VP, Larry Chamblee.

I want to commend Chris and Joseph. Thank you both for stepping up to the plate and offering your help this year as SHGA President. I know from personal experience how much work it can be if the job is done right, and am glad that two such energetic pilots decided to run for the post. Thank you both...

I have some videos. email me if you want me to bring them.

stebbinz@pacbell.net

A few years ago, at a competition in Albuquerque, New Mexico, my wife was doing wire crew duty. She asked one of the pilots if he wanted a hang check. He declined. She stepped in front of him and said again "Do you want a hang check?" He said no. She refused to move and said "I think ...

Joe is likely right on this, but I have a small bit of input on it. Many years ago, I watched a glider launch from a ramp on the east coast. The glider immediately did exactly what this one did. The pilot managed to get his chute out and landed safely in the trees. Lots of trees. It turned out that ...

Chip said: I wish more pilots would have taken the time to come over and "pin in" at the scoring table. I spend all day out there and I'm learning a few things along the way too Twisted Evil I reply: You are right. I was one of those who didn't pin in, since I blew the Open Task off part w...

I don't want to make it seem that the Towers Launch is no good. On the right days, with good launch skills, it is a fine launch. The problem is that the issues with the site aren't that obvious, so one does need to have a bit of training, very good launch skills and most importantly, the willingness...

In general, the shorter (tighter) the leg straps the more flare authority you have. But some of us are taller (more flare authority) and some of us have longer arms (more flare authority). So for those folks longer leg straps are ok. But if you are short, round and have little bitty arms, you have t...

That's why it is a H4 or H3 with signoff. I'd be very hesitant to send lower air-time 3s or any 2s off of it. And even high-airtime 3s need a "walkthrough" of the dangers in-person and on-site.

Good idea to unzip early, and not zip up too soon after launch. That Greblo guy usually knows what he is talking about.... "Hanging" on the downtubes really doesn't let you feel the glider at all. Not the best method. It is ok to get yourself upright that way, but you need to be able to st...

I should have mentioned this. All of the racing harnesses don't have velcro. This is because if they have velcro they cannot be made quite as tight and streamlined. For the majority of pilots, this makes no sense. If you compete, you almost have to have this kind of harness. It is a trade-off, thoug...

OK, here is the rest of it..... The farther I got from the hills, the more clear it was that that was the right call. I got a bit of lift and gained 400' in 50 fpm lift over a burned area. But the lift was light, and stopped at a bit over 6000'. At this point I realized that the wind was no longer f...

I agree that would be useful. On the other hand, the fields I talked about are all visible from that altitude and location. They are clearly landable. And there are several near each other, so if one turns out to have a horse, or something in it, there are backups. Learning to scope an LZ from the a...

On Sunday, Jim Mercadante and I went to Ave S. On Launch, Hungary Joe mentioned that there was a possibility of getting very high. The small cummies to our NE indicated that there were thermals out there, but they were far from the hill, so I didn't put on any warm clothes. After diddling around on ...

Chip is right. 1) I commend anyone who is being cautious. 2) A firm understanding of the rules can enhance your safety, and also your enjoyment. 3) I am always in favor of the sentiment that there will always be another day to fly. Thanks Chip! When you understand the rules, you don't need to land j...

Just a thought: There are landable fields just to the W of Magic Mountain. There are also landable areas to the NW and N of Magic Mountain. In fact, there are lots of areas to land back there if you aren't focused on "getting back". Once you get too low, though, options get bad very fast. ...