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News Lukens and Wilson Permits February 19, 2007 We have Lukens and Wilson permits! On February 8, Larry Chamblee signed our permit to launch Mount Lukens (access via Forest Road 2N76 only), and Mount Wilson. This is fantastic progress in opening new sites! But some challenges remain: Lukens road 2N76 is under major contruction and will be impassable for about 5 weeks, and Mt. Wilson has no LZs within a reasonable glide (Victory Park is closed to us). Both are now Hang-4 sites, with possible revision later for Lukens. Brave Hang-4 pilots are now welcome to fly Wilson if they find a place to land, and to fly Lukens when the road becomes passable again. Flight reports would be much appreciated. Headlines June 26, 2006 Long cross-country flights were logged by many SHGA pilots last Saturday. From Blackhawk, Rob Burgis flew 90 miles back to our Sylmar LZ, Ron Wiener went 78 miles to Agua Dulce, Phill Bloom flew to Avenue S, others landed near the Crystal Air glider port and along the way. George Stebbins flew from El Mirage almost to Barstow. Headlines June 23, 2006 The June issue of High Times is now online here. Thanks, White-wheels Jeff Carlisle, for pouring a cement pad for our second portable toilet. It is only through such volunteer projects that our site can survive. We have a new pilot! Sabrina Stone was born on June 3 to proud parents Adam and Daisy. See the proof here. Headlines April 29, 2006 The Crestline Soaring Society has some big decisions to make, and the answers may determine their very existence. A subdivision will be built adjacent to the east edge of the LZ, under the current hang glider approach pattern. The land north of the LZ was recently sold, and bought by a couple pilots as a temporary measure. Watch their website and their "Flypaper" newsletter for more information. The CSS spring meeting is scheduled for April 29 at 7:00 PM. The Spring Air Festival on April 22 was a little cold and gray, but pilots had fun nonetheless. Particular thanks go to Dave Cutter for his well-attended competition clinics. The poppies are blooming and Rome asks people not to pick them! Please let others admire them too, and by letting the poppies go to seed, we'll have even more next year. Rome also asks that pilots use a metal rake to remove chunks of wood from the lawn, left from the compost project last fall. While waiting for a ride, or after flying, please help the lawn along. The April newsletter is online, in color, here. Headlines March 21, 2006 Hadi Golian has just been approved as an SHGA paragliding instructor! If you see him around, give him a warm welcome. He can be reached by email at pggolian@aol.com, or by phone at 818-681-7936. Sindicatura The Mexican government is fighting police corruption with its Sindicatura program. By printing out and placing a copy of the following sticker in your car window, you'll show that you are aware of Sindicatura. If a corrupt policeman sees the sticker, he'll be more likely to leave you alone, for fear of being reported.  (click for full-size printable version).Notes March 6, 2006 The SIBL Ball Drop was a success. George Stebbins dropped SIBL's season-opening baseball on Saturday morning as he flew low overhead. One of the kids caught the ball in the air, and it was a great show for all. The 2005 Financial Report is now available in the Members section of the website. The emergency LZ north of Glen Haven cemetary has a new house under construction there! There are other fields nearby, but they aren't as good. How do I get involved in the SHGA? February 22, 2006 As a newer pilot (or not), how do I get more involved in the SHGA? Since we don't have any "mentoring" system, you'll have to take the first step. Find an activity that sounds interesting, and let somebody know you'd like to get involved. This can be as small or as large a commitment as you would like it to be. Here are a few suggestions.
Silent Soaring in National Parks February 18, 2006 The National Park Service is revising their management policy. This is an opportunity to ask them to reconsider their rules that prohibit hang gliders and paragliders. Our official SHGA submission to the National Park Service is here. Why do we do all this work? For this!   (Click for larger versions) Pilot: Larry Chamblee Headlines February 9, 2006 Grant Hoag has announced the 7th annual Winds of a Hurricane trip, scheduled for July 1-4. Read more on the pilot forum here, and contact Grant at ghoag@brwncald.com if interested. When driving into the LZ at Avenue S, please avoid the gravel drive on the south side of Ave. S, just short of the median. The adjacent homeowner believes that hang glider vehicles are tearing up his road. It would be best to stay well clear of his property, perhaps by staying on Ave. S past the LZ and circling back from the west. Thanks for your courtesy. An aerotowing alert has been posted on the USHGA web site. It applies to all aerotow pilots, even though it's aimed particularly at tandem. In short, it's dangerous to push way out in order to climb to the tug's level. If a weak link breaks, the glider won't fly in that attitude. You're screwed, and doubly so if also flying low or slow. Sportavia Competition Results February 2, 2006 At the conclusion of four flying days in Australia, two SHGA pilots placed very well: Kraig Coomber placed 3rd, and Chris Smith placed 16th. See all the details here. Alan Chuculate Killed in Trike Accident November 5, 2005 San Diego pilot and USHGA Regional Director, Alan Chuculate was killed Saturday, November 5th in a trike accident near Rosarita beach in Mexico. He hit some high voltage power lines shortly after sunset, while landing after an XC flight. Alan was a long time pilot and instructor for both hang gliders and paragliders, an SHGA member, and always a cheerful and enthusiastic pilot. In Mike Masterson's words, "he was to flying what Houdini was to magic." Read more on the Oz Report. Dahlsten Cup Results October 1, 2005 Lots of fun was had by all on October 1 at the annual Dahlsten Cup. Competition winners include: Open class: 1 Sebastian Lutges, 2 Rob Burgis, 3 Andy Pryciak Sport class: 1 Ken Andrews, 2 Mike Moacanin Floater class: 1 Rey Gonzalez, 2 Bob Wyler Spot landing: 1 Kraig Coomber, 2 Phill Bloom Golden dart: Joey Fresquez Chili cookoff: Bruce Kovac For all the details, see the Dahlsten Cup Blog. Thanks go to Jeff Chipman, Katherine Yardley, Lynn McLaughlin, the chili contestants, and all the others who helped to make the day such a success. Geza news On Sunday afternoon, October 2, Geza Szabo and family visited the LZ for an hour. While the medical people aren't exactly leaving him alone yet, his recovery is amazing. Way to go, Geza! Kagel Landing Approaches May 13, 2005 At last night's meeting, the board of directors updated our landing rules for the new terrain. A left hand aircraft landing approach is required for ALL pilots. H-4, P-4, P-3 —Pilots may land on the east side of the lawn. H-3, P-2 —Pilots may land in the wash or on the dirt upslope. Pilots should not land on the lawn or the vegetated area west of the upslope, except with direct radio supervision by an SHGA approved instructor. H-2 —Pilots must land in the wash. All pilots must not cross westward of the “200 foot line,” (marked with cones), at any time, and should move clear of the runway immediately after landing. In case of landing conflicts, it is courteous for more agile aircraft (paragliders, experienced pilots on recreational gliders) to choose the more challenging landing areas, such as a clear area in the wash. All paraglider pilots —Drop your wing immediately after landing for safety reasons. If at all possible, please land in the wash east of the lawn. Events There are many events throughout the year that are sponsored by SHGA or its members. Below is a brief description of them and general timeframes. Specific dates will be announced on the Home Page. November 25, 2005 Santa Barbara Trek (Thanksgiving holiday weekend) The annual SHGA Thanksgiving trip to Santa Barbara will be from Friday 11/25 through Sunday 11/27, for Hang 3 and 4 pilots. Hang 2s are welcome to fly under supervision of a local instructor (much like our home site.) We meet in the Cienegitas LZ Friday morning around 9:30 for a site introduction and to arrange rides. Depending on weather, pilots may fly at the Alternator launch and Cienegitas LZ, or at the challenging Eliminator launch and Parma LZ. Many people choose to stay in local motels in Goleta and Santa Barbara; a few hearty pilots camp locally. While the flying can be iffy in November, the area has much to offer, including a beach scene, downtown restaurants, and hiking. Please contact Lynn McLaughlin for more information, and watch this space for updates. March 23-25, 2007 La Salina, Mexico We're going down to La Salina again this March 23-25 for our bi-annual Mexico flying trip. La Salina is located about a 45 minute drive into Mexico. Bring Mexican car insurance (available from AAA and stores near the border), old clothes and toys and canned food for the La Mision Orphanage (located on the North side of the river, East of the main road bridge), your glider, motorcycles, and a desire to have fun. Camp out or stay at Baja Seasons Hotel on the beach. Rooms there are about $60 per night. The flying site is an Assisted Windy Cliff Launch site. We fly along a four mile lava cliff covered in cactus. Fly to the hotel bar at the beach for drinks, or top land for lunch. The trip is for Hang IIIs and Hang IVs; all Hang IIs should ask their instructors. For info about booking a room there (usually reservations are not needed, but it is a good idea) and other info, contact trip organizer Jose Lopez at: lopezjj@sbcglobal.net or 323-707-9969. June 17, 2007 2nd annual Fathers Day Flight Park BBQ We'll have events for families, flying, and a pot-luck BBQ in the Flight Park, as a celebration of Fathers Day. Joseph Vandertol is an organizer of this event. See the Events Pilot Forum for details and discussion. July 4-9, 2007 Winds of a Hurricane, Utah Qualified pilots are invited to join us on the Winds of a Hurricane Eight Annual Fly-in. To be held on Independence Day and the following weekend (July 4-9 Wed-Sun), last year 35 hang gliding/paragliding pilots plus families, friends and dogs took over the Red Ledge Campground in Kanarraville, Utah, got high and went far in pure recreational flying. We always have a blast! Many pilots have made the trip 7 times. Most of the pilots are from Sylmar’s SHGA and Crestline’s CSS, but a pilot came from Detroit, too. This free trip attracts intermediate and advanced HG/PG pilots and their non-flying companions (yahoos and wusses can stay home). Located 130 miles northeast of Las Vegas, we’ll fly Hurricane Ridge and Cedar Mountain. This is the place for first time XC, ‘cause Hungry Joe’s Flying Circus will open gates and point to green pastures, red cliffs, cool rivers, sandy fields, dust devils, farmlands and friendly ranchers. Cedar Mountain is a morning site with easy XC flying over wide-open fields. Hurricane Ridge is a 15-mile windy escarpment jutting 400 feet above the desert. With afternoon ridge and thermal lift, you have got to fly over to the Zion River. Sinking out is a no brainer with road along all routes outta there. A 4-wheel drive vehicle isn’t needed for either (but is helpful – and that’s what friends are for)! We will be camping at Red Ledge Campground in Kanarraville near the morning flying site at Cedar Mountain, with cool air, hot showers, picnic tables at a grassy camping site (and 3 cabins available through Grant). There are hotels around, which are a little antisocial, a lot more expensive, but quieter and cleaner. If you can arrive on July 3rd, you can participate in the 4th of July morning parade before flying! If flying bites, then Zion National Park is nearby. There are lots of rivers, bike trails and restaurants nearby. We will have an orientation meeting on Sunday June 17th in the SHGA LZ at 6 PM. Want someone to share gas? Need a ride? Speak up at the meeting. Two weeks later on Wednesday July 4 we will meet at the campground at 9 AM. Spend the prior night in Vegas to chow down, sleep in a cheap bed, and cut the drive in half. Don’t be late (and someone always is) -- we don’t wait for stragglers. Send an email to Grant ghoag@brwncald.com to let him know you are coming. He will take care of reservations at the campground but doesn’t need your money and he will send you a bunch of cool maps, photos and info. Grant: (h) (949) 387-5976, (c) (949) 370-8446 Red Ledge Campground: (435) 586-9150 for more information. August 11-12, 2007 Yosemite Trip This year is the 13th Annual trip to Yosemite Barton Davidson has hosted for the Club. This is an Advanced-rated site (H-4) and if you are coming on the trip to fly, you must sign up on the Yosemite Hang Gliding Association site YHGA. While we don't know the current water level in the Merced, floating down the river on rafts has been a prime attraction on previous trips. The new moon on August 12 should allow for excellent star gazing and can make the nights around the campfire more exciting. Mark your calendars. Grant suggests checking for water in the river before rafting, because one looks silly drinking beer in a raft that's sitting on dry rocks. And bring your s'mores, your families and your wings. For more information, contact Barton Davidson. September 8, 2007 Second Annual SHGA Beach Party! Beach Party for the club at the Windsports Dockweiler site. Hang Gliding at the training hill, BBQ, warm ocean swimming, and a pentathalon (fly, bike, swim, cheat, rollerblade, run; something like that). Fly a Batso! It's a great beach for bringing your friends and family. See the pilot forum for more information. October 13, 2007 Dahlsten Cup The annual Dahlsten Cup is now scheduled for Saturday, October 13th. The event is in honor of Mary and Karl Dahlsten, neighbors and active supporters of the Club. Flying activities will include: • Spot-landing contest, • Precision landing time prediction, and • a race for the Dahlsten Cup! Pilots will compete in Fun (single-surface and PG), Sport (kingposted), and Open classes. Because GPS units will be required for scoring, please bring extras if you have them, or arrange to borrow a GPS if you need one. There will also be a chili cook-off and a barbecue, of course! December 8th, 2007 Holiday Party, Potluck, and Club Meeting Encino Community Center 4935 Balboa Blvd. Encino, CA 91316 (on the west side of the street, approx. 1/2 block north of Ventura Boulevard) Please join us for an evening of fun and frolic as we light-heartedly roast one of our own accomplished pilots and remind him of ALL his accomplishments. Festivities begin at 6:00 and will include a potluck dinner, David Cutter on piano, a short club meeting, and the annual Pelican Roast. A few volunteers may begin celebrating an hour earlier by helping with setup. March 1, 2008 SIBL Ball Drop Sylmar Independent Baseball League (SIBL) is a baseball league for children and teenagers. Their ballpark is right next door to our landing zone. Each year at their opening ceremonies, one of our members drops the game ball (attached to a parachute) . This is, of course, weather permitting. It's a big event for SIBL, and always fun to watch, as the pilot generally lands in one of the unused baseball diamonds. Typically the ball drop happens in the late morning, around 10 or 11 o'clock. May 3, 2008 Spring Air Festival The Sylmar Hang Gliding Association will celebrate the end of winter and the return of silent soaring above the local mountains. We are inviting several community leaders to join us for the afternoon. Activities will include the Dahlsten Cup 2007 competition postponed from last fall, spot landing contest, games for the kids, and a barbecue of course. Thanks to Mike Moacanin for coordinating this! Of course he can't do it all on his own so please help out by volunteering for some part of the event. Details are in the pilot forum. July 4th Weekend Winds of Hurricane 2008 Qualified pilots are invited to join us on the ninth annual Winds of a Hurricane fly-in. Join us for great flying on 4th of July weekend in southern Utah, home to Zion Natl. Park, the Vermillion Cliffs and some sweet cross-country opportunities. Great flight opportunities include easy evening Hurricane ridge runs to Arizona and back, short XC from Hurricane to the Virgin river for a swim, and long XC from Cedar Mt., Graff Point, and Hurricane. Or take a break from flying and visit nearby Zion National Park with the family. Be ready for hot fun in the summertime. We've reserved space at the Red Ledge Campground in Kanarraville, Utah, from Wed. July 2 through Tues. July 8. The campground provides tent sites on green grass, cabins (just one left!), and RV sites, along with a BBQ dinner Saturday night. Smart pilots will carpool and share retrieval drivers. Katherine Yardley and Kathy Moacanin are hosting the trip this year. Please contact either one to be included in the campground count, or with questions. Katherine Yardley 818-416-0136 Kathy Moacanon 805-218-4430 July 26-27, 2008 Yosemite Trip Barton Davidson has hosted the Yosemite trip for the Club for over a decade. This is an Advanced-rated site (H-4) and if you are coming on the trip to fly, you must sign up on the Yosemite Hang Gliding Association site YHGA. Many years, floating down the river on rafts has been a prime après-flying attraction. Of course the park offers lots of other family activities including hiking and bike riding—or just relaxing. See the pilot forum for more information about this year’s trip. Aug 30 - Sep 1, 2008 Owens Valley with Hungary Joe Hungary Joe will lead a three day trip to fly the Owens Valley over Labor Day weekend. Imagine the Chevy Suburban loaded with eight gliders and towing a trailer filled with camping and flying gear for three days of fun and world-class flying! Pilots must have at least high-hour Hang-3 skills, be confident in their ability to land out, and have good cross-country judgement. The lower Owens Valley is well-known among flying enthusiasts worldwide for "Big Air", powerful bone-jarring turbulence and record breaking flights. Spring and Fall offer the best flying conditions for everyday recreational hang gliding and for those seeking an introduction to flying in thermals, and cross-country flights. For further information, contact Hungary Joe or see last year's trip on the pilot forum. |
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