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Our Flying Community
These folks include SHGA members, past members, drivers, and other members of the Sylmar silent soaring community. If you would like to join this illustrious list, please send a photo, short biography, and your username on the pilot forum (if you have one) to Jim Thompson. If there are errors, or if you would like to modify your appearance here, contact Jim for that as well. Photos in JPEG format are preferred, at least 200 pixels high, without helmet, goggles, or sunglasses if possible.
Kenneth Andrews (Ken)
Ken spends every waking minute either flying or working on spacecraft communications research at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. He has been hang gliding since 2000, served as SHGA president in 2005 and 2006, and is the current webmaster.
Forum name: Ken Andrews
Greg Angsten
Greg has traveled to many sites in the Western U.S. Home is at Kagel but he can provide guidance and experience to those wishing to foray beyond the confines of the "fishbowl."
Forum name: gregangsten
Tom Austin
Pending bio
Forum name: none
Fred Ballard (Fat Fred)
As an instructor, "Fat Fred" has introduced countless hang gliding "wannabes" to life over Kagel. And his nick name has nothing to do with his weight. Just ask him, he'll tell you. Fred is often seen with his trusty driver (and beloved wife) Nancy, scampering up the road to turn around three or four tandem lessons every weekend day.
Forum name: flyingfred
Nancy Ballard
Where would Fred be without Nancy? Nancy makes instruction possible for many students, braving the drive up the road to Kagel up to 4 times every weekend day. She joins Fred for tandems and helps him breakdown. What more could a guy want from a partner-for-life?
Forum name: none
Mike Balzer (Aids Mike)
Mike's nickname requires an explanation. Let's just say it has more to do with marital status and nothing to do with physiological disease. Next time, someone please yell "say cheese!"
Forum name: none
Donald Banas
Don "no nick name, please" Banas began flying in late 2004 after meeting Fred Ballard. Fred "ignited" a long dormant longing in Don to try something new... Hang gliding. Don, who believes in "striking while the poker is hot," decided not to wait until his next life to feed the fire. He is readily recognized by his penchant for wearing shorts when everyone else is putting on their fleece underwear.
Forum name: Don
Courtney Beavers
Sadly, Courtney is no longer with us. Happily, for her, she is on an extended "vacation," adventuring in Central America. No word on when she may choose to return to Sylmar.
Forum name: Courtney
Andrew Beem
"Duffer Moonbeam" gave up a promising career on the PGA tour after contracting a variant form of avian flu. The infection resulted in addiction to his medication –- air time -– and life at Windsports has never been the same. Few other instructors bring so many new pilots, so well, into our sport.
Forum name: beemer
Jesse Benson
As a film production designer, Jesse's talents encompass everything from landscape design to architecture and, if you ever encounter his work, you'll realize that at heart, he's an artist. By his own admission his progress in hang gliding is "glacial" and his self-given nickname is "El Caracol" ("the snail"). A favorite sideline is documenting the local hang-gliding scene, so if you see him with a camera, please follow his every direction. Don’t worry, he won’t snag your side wires. He promises... Haven't we heard that one before?
Forum name: JBBenson
Cindy Benti
pending bio
Forum name: none
Caitlin Benti-Szalai
pending bio
Forum name: none
Megan Beshalske
Megan is a loyal fan of KISS and is currently attempting to make a living as a Gene Simmons impersonator. Recently relocated to the L.A. area, she plans to put the guys to shame along with sisters Janyce and Heather.
Forum name: none
Allen Binder
pending bio
Forum name: abinder
Danny Black
Danny has been flying since the '70s and has lots of stories from "the old days" to tell! He and Rob Burgis flew the same glider back then (WW SST) and fly the same glider now (Litespeed). In fact, Dan assisted Rob's comeback in 1990 by loaning him a glider. Rob's wife has still not forgiven him. Formally known as "Danny Whack", Dan's landings since flying a Litespeed just don't provide the spectator thrill they used to...
Forum name: Skyout
Phill Bloom (Brittlebone)
Our good friend and "most likely to be in the air" on any given day, Phill "Miss Congeniality" Bloom is always ready with kind words of encouragement for his fellow pilots. Kidding aside, he's a winning racer with a bigger heart than he lets on. Anyone could do worse for a mentor and few have his competition experience. Bring home the glory, Phill. Oh, by the way, Kathie is calling on the LZ phone... outta here!
Forum name: filthy
Randy Boettjer
An old timer pilot as shown in this August 79 photo who was always in the LZ to share a smile and discuss what a great flight the pilot just had no matter how bad the landing was. He sold his Phoenix 8 to Rob Burgis so he'd had something different to whack in (one of several gliders that Rob destroyed in the 70s). Randy is currently earth bound in San Clemente, but he still smiles every time he sees or hears anything about hang gliding and would like to know, does Greblo still fly with flip-flops tied to his feet?
Forum name: none
Walt Briant
"Hawaii Walt" is a runner-up in the SHGA longevity contest but you can't tell that from his looks; another reason for all us "young uns" to hopefully look forward. Walt is a disco-dancin' fool and splits his time between the islands and his other Paradise, the sky above Sylmar.
Forum name: Walt Briant
Bill Brick
Bill arrived at Kagel shortly after earning his wings at Ave. S. Friendly and eager to share, "BB" didn't seem to mind too much as we snagged his number-one lady, Jacquie, to drive for us while he was away at launch, setting up for his first solo in late May, 2008. Thanks Jacquie and Bill!
Forum name: billbrick
Eric Brown
pending bio
Forum name: ericbrown
James Brown
pending bio
Forum name: none
Emily Brown
Andy Beem does have another addiction, besides flying. You'll find her above. You may have noticed it's the same photo; it's hard to separate the two of them long enough to take solo portaits.
Forum name: Emily Brown
Rob Burgis (Bud Rob)
Rob began his flying career on a Rogallo "standard" around 1974, after taking 2 lessons on a yucca covered hill in Acton. After a 9 year hiatus to raise twin boys, Rob returned to flight at Sylmar in 1990, this time on a borrowed glider; his wife has probably never, really forgiven Danny Black for that. Rob's philosophy regarding whacks: "I don't want to see friends or gliders hurt… but, if they're gonna smack-in anyway, I may as well enjoy the show!" Prior to Rob's comeback, he wrecked every glider he ever owned.
Forum name: BudRob
Robert Bustamante
If you see this man by the side of the road to launch, he's not taking a "mountain money" break. Robert collects the wild elderberries on the back side of Kagel to make an excellent wine. He can help you if you're having trouble breathing, too, as a very busy respiratory therapist. He even gets around to flying sometimes.
Forum name: none
Jeffrey Carlisle (White Wheels)
pending bio
Forum name: jeffrey Carlisle
Lawrence Chamblee (Flamejob)
The two faces of Larry: when he isn't busy being retired, "Flamejob" spends his time enjoying long bike rides and hiking with his wife as well as parading with the Rainbow Synchronized Umbrella Twirling team.
"Wingnutz" Chamblee also serves as the current SHGA vice president and has held most of the other offices in years past. Finally, Larry is one of the few ATOS pilots in the area, and all around nice girl... guy... whatever.
Forum name: Flamejob
Kimberly Winick- Chamblee
Larry Chamblee's much, much better half, Kim graces the LZ whenever there's cooking to be done or we just need that extra bit of support that our visiting wives are so great at providing.
Forum name: none
Jeff Chipman (Chip)
Does this guy love flying or what? "Chip" brings the whole clan to the LZ whenever possible. Which is actually a boon to the all denizens of Kagel, since his lovely wife often brings food, while the Chipman boys keep the zone cleared of snakes and other "nasties." Ah, that's Jeff in the middle, in case there's any confusion. Jeff holds the current Sylmar flex wing record with Ron Wiener flying from Kagel to 29 Palms.
Forum name: Chip
Douglas Clark (Lawndart)
Doug first augured in to Dockweiler Beach in 1977. Some things never change. Making his first solo flight in 1978, "Lawn Dart" has continued to entertain his friends nearly non-stop. Supposedly he got his name from the type of glider he used to fly but we know better. His long, long, long term goal: “…to live as long as Rome.” At the rate he’s going, he may not make it.
Forum name: LD
Steve Clark
pending bio
Forum name: Steve Clark
Janyce Collins
Janyce had her first solo at Kagel six months ago (if you factor in the month missed because of injuries). Eager to enter the world of competition flying, she's distinguished herself early on with two first place awards: Worst Case of Intermediate and, most recently, "Too Much Glider" syndromes. Aspires to glorious loops and lots of XC flying.
Forum name: jcflies
Kraig Coomber
Cool! A world class competitor and a nice guy, too. All Moyes equipment owners know that "paging Dr. Coomber" is synonymous with getting expertise from the best.
Forum name: none
Jeffrey Craig
pending bio
Forum name: jsc1959
David Cutter (Yellow Jacket)
A man of many talents, Dave “Sunshine” Cutter juggled his teaching career with hang gliding contests and just having fun flying in the competitive air above Kagel Mountain. Since retiring from LAUSD, Dave busies himself with piano teaching (a fine performer, too), weather forecasts for club members and baking fine pastries with his wife.
Forum name: dcutter
Karl Dahlsten
Ever wonder who the Dahlsten Cup is named after? This and the next photo are of the two wonderful people who supported hang glliding in Sylmar since the beginning. I remember Karl and Mary standing out in the old LZ below the 1500 nearly everyday I flew... which was, sometimes, everyday. Karl loved to talk to the pilots. Many of us miss him.
Forum name: none
Mary Dahlsten
And sweet Mary still presides, when possible, over the contest that bears her name. She remebers all of us from the old days and still gets excited watching all the Johnny-come-latelys. Should the chance present itself, be sure to introduce yourself. She's a delight.
Forum name: none
Barton Davidson
Known as "Cactus Jack" after a trip to Mexico, geek pilot and rocket scientist Barton was a board member before Rome joined the "5Esses" team. A winner of the "best-dressed gal" award in '95 women's competition, "Airhead" demonstrated his pilot-prowess by placing 2nd in the '96 Dahlsten Cup. The "Yosemite dude"(how many nicknames has this guy got?) ensures people have a place to camp even before they leave Los Angeles and is known as the best monitor by popular demand. Finally, he lays claim to the coveted, hang five skill level, having received his master rating, 7/5/08. Unfortunately, he cannot have his photo displayed due to his Witness Protection program status.
Forum name: airhead
Jim Delear
pending bio
Forum name: jdelear
Jay Devorak
Need glider storage? Membership issues? "Breakdown" Devorak is your man. Jay manages the storage containers and the membership database, keeping a list of those naughty (Dead-Eye's Deadbeats) and nice: paid-in-full, on time.
Forum name: jdevorak
Roman Dodson (Dead-Eye)
Scientists believe that dinosaurs are extinct. "Dead-Eye Dodson is proof that some managed to survive the last ice age and evolved into other forms compatible with the modern world. Well, sort of. Seriously, Rome has graced the sky above Sylmar since 1974. Long may he hold the record for longevity and remain our reason to hope. For the interested ladies out there Rome warns, "I'm not available; I have a significant other."
Forum name: DeadEye
Brad Elze (Bubba)
pending bio; nickname: Bubba
Forum name: none
Fernando Escobar
Pending bio
Forum name: none
Kate Freemantle
Kate "the Rock" Freemantle hails from across "the Pond." One of our elite ladies' team, she keeps the Board honest as our Secretary for the last several years. If you listen closely, you'll notice she really is speaking English, although, she does muck it up a bit.
Forum name: Kate
Joe Fresquez, Jr
pending bio
Forum name: none
Joey Fresquez, lll
pending bio
Forum name: Joey
David Froschauer
"Stealth" Froschauer lives up to his name as the quiet pilot who suddenly appears above and then jets off with the "elite" in his wake. Dave is an artist in metal and loves traveling to China.
Forum name: none
Forrest Gate
This is Kagel Launch's best buddy. Guarding the road up, he promises to keep out undesirables and vandals without breaking a sweat. Thanks to Forrest, there is renewed hope for a windsock and, dare it be mentioned, a ramp. Please show kindness on treks past and help Mr. Gate do his job for us and the USFS.
Forum name: none
Nathan Goshgarian
Hailing from Boston, Nathan "Snake Charmer" Goshgarian moved to California in 2004 and had his first hang glide experience in 2007, after recieving a tandem gift certificate. He currently resides in South Bay with his guitar, bagpipe, world music collection, Allan Holdsworth autograph, Falcon 3 manual, and about 30 exotic pythons. Kagel solo date: 1/19/08.
Forum name: none
Joe Greblo
This man has flown every form of unpowered aircraft ever designed. This episode brought new meaning to the phrase "arm-chair pilot." When Joe isn't foiling the latest diabolical threat to our flying existence, he's working hard to keep us existing as individuals. Kind of like herding unruly cats, huh, Joe?
Forum name: greblo
Kristen Greblo (Kris)
Kris Greblo started flying hang gliders in the summer of ’76. Later, she learned to fly trike-style ultralights and with that experience, (and her private pilot license), had an opportunity to fly trikes in an anti-poaching effort for the Ghana Department of Wildlife and Game. In the early 90s she became a professional stunt pilot for the motion picture and television industry. Kris still finds time to fly hang gliders, her trike and a rental Cesna 152. Kris earned a seaplane rating, tail wheel sign off and has lots of fun flying aerobatics in some very cool planes. Also a Tae Kwon Do enthusiast, she kicks up her heels on the ground too!
Forum name: Kris
Frank Havermeyer
pending bio
Forum name: none
Michael Hayden
Mike spends more time on the seat of his bike than most of us will ever spend in the air. A renowned geneticist, Mike is credited with rescuing the legendary "LZ goat" from certain extinction. His girlfriend, Julie, is credited with saving Mike from extinction.
Forum name: none
Robert Heaton (Supine Jim)
"Supine Jim" may be the last of his kind. Few of us remember the days when hang gliding was done in a swing seat but Jim keeps the tradition alive. Ask him about his Seagull V sometime and take a trip in the "way-back" machine to the days when the 1500 was the hub of flying in Southern California.
Forum name: supinejim
Grant Hoag (Groundhog)
Grant has been flying for over two decades, but recently has started to live up to the nickname “Groundhog.” Over the last five years he has led the annual Winds of a Hurricane, Utah road trip to Hurricane and Cedar Mtn. with Hungary Joe, with the intent of introducing HG fledglings to XC. Sporting a death wish, he does his best (and worst) flying in the big air of the OV, where hypoxia is a great excuse for lapses in judgment.
Forum name: Groundhog
Rick Holman
In his heyday as an exotic dancer, Rick "Uster" Holman was credited with introducing Farah Fawcett to her hair stylist. Rick has since retired from "the biz" for his health (his wife, Kris, wouldn't have it any other way), constructs film and entertainment sets and flies with his friends... once in a while, anyway.
Forum name: rick & kris holman
Mike Hopkins (Powerline)
"Powerline" Mike
Forum name: none
Mike Ivey
Kagel solo date: 1/19/08; not updated to member database at this time.
Forum name: none
Heather and Jay Janda
Heather and Jay come as a package to join us in the air. Both completed solo flight at Avenue S on April 12th followed by solos at Kagel on 4/13/08. No nicknames yet but it's only a matter of time, friends.
Forum name: none
Ted Johnson
Have you seen me? My name is... Ted! At last, our San Diegan brother is identified. Ted hit the beach for the first time on May 26th and did his first solo on July 13th 2007. Living 150 miles away, Ted is making the commitment to "work less, fly more." He makes the trip up "to enjoy your company and your great flying site."
Forum name: Ted Johnson
Gregory Jones
pending bio
Forum name: jonesy
Greg Kendall
A great pilot, a great guy, Greg chooses his words carefully... and sparsely. Not one to brag, Greg does, however, have a couple of Kagel points of interest named after him: Kendall's launch and Kendall's LZ (Big T wash). The way he hikes up to launch before each flight, we should probably name the whole mountain after him.
Forum name: Greg Kendall
Alex Khan
How do you say "rocker" in Russian? "Sasha" has "tickled the ivory" with the likes of Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow, Blackmore's Night) but has settled down to spend time with our crowd in the sky. (Shhh! The guy lurking in the background is former KGB.)
Forum name: none
Mike Knapp (Big Mike)
Discount everything his friends say about him and... well, just don't listen to them. "Dr. Psych" loves flying. He loves it even more when he's doing the opposite of what Phill Bloom tells him to do. Everyone is eventually lured to his beautiful home, and often into his beautiful pool. Fortunately, his beautiful wife keeps dry spares in many sizes. Caution: at Mike's, underwear may be hazardous to your pride... and sensitive body parts.
Forum name: Michael Knapp
Lourdes Knapp
A kinder, more generous lady you won't find: Lourdes Knapp, seen at right with good friend Kim and some loser-guy hanging out in the LZ, supports her husband's addiction and let's him come out to play... if he's been good.
Forum name: none
Erica Koesler (Erica The Great)
pending bio
Forum name: none
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Bruce Kovac
The laconic half of the Lynn and Bruce comedy hour, Bruce splits his flying between Sylmar and Central Coast sites near the southern S.F. area, where they reside.
Forum name: none
Erik Larabie
pending bio
Forum name: none
Jose Lopez (Hose B)
Love at first flight!. Not only did "Hose-B" propose to Cludette (Cludy is an aspiring student pilot) while she was on a tandem lesson--he used flour to pop the question in large letters in the LZ--but had her flown into the wedding, too, as did he and his best man, Todd Siebert. This gracious, generous couple even purchased a home with a line-of-sight to the LZ. And, "yes," Jose, we will cut down your neighbor's Hollywood junipers some late night. Jose is the pretty one on the right.
Forum name: none
Sebastian Lutges (Sea Bass)
The "Atosinator" loves being first in the mind and heart of his friends, which explains his choice in sailplanes. Never one to dally, "Seabass" is recognizable as the pilot frantically assembling his "human-pterodactyl" hybrid as his buddies scramble off launch to put some safety-distance between them and him... to no avail; he always catches up. Sebastian holds the current rigid wing site record flying from Kagel to 29 Palms.
Forum name: skygeek
Chad Margolin
"The Dude" began his career on the East coast and solo'd at Morningside Flight Park in New Hampshire in 1987. His major flying aspirations are "not to bend stuff" and "fly naked tandem"; more than enough reason to move to California, permanently. Fat Fred: are you up for the naked part?
Forum name: chadness
Andrea Margolin to be.
pending bio
Forum name: none
Doug Martens
pending bio
Forum name: dhmartens
Hiroyuki Matsunaga (Hiro)
Hiro is our active, resident architect. Having managed a daring escape from Oh-hi-oh ("Good morning" in Japanese), he brought his family to California for the sunshine and the flying. After six years of serious work and only weekend flying, Hiro plans to reverse that to spend some not so serious time at work and seriously applying his time to earn his H4 and go XC.
Forum name: hmatsunaga
Mitch Mc Aleer
The product of his CIA father’s torrid affair with his mother, a circus acrobat, Mitch was raised by wolves after being left behind at one of his father’s undercover jobs as a Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom wrangler. Nature and nurture collided the first time Mitch spied a glider performing maneuvers. Several World Aerobatics Championships are now history. His only comment: “Where’s Dino?”
Forum name: none
Tim McClement
Flashback! Another ghost of the '80s has returned. Tim used to fly Sylmar from the 1500 in the days when there was easier access and an LZ nearby. He is currently a bi-wingual P-4/H-3. Welcome back.
Forum name: none
Erwin McDavid
Full-time driver, part-time pilot, part electronics expert, part security guard, perhaps Erwin's most formidable task is keeping the ancient, LZ Coke machine in working order.
Forum name: none
Lynn McLaughlin (LynnieMac)
Need some organization for your event? Call 1(800)PARTY GIRL and ask for Lynn. The quintessential activities director for many years, Lynn has has left shoes larger than Ethel Merman's mouth for someone to fill. She can fly, too but always makes putting on a great show her priority. We just need to convince her that flying at Kagel is better than living with her hubby near SF.
Forum name: Lynn McLaughlin
Loren Meck
"Mr. Un-pretentious", Loren didn't apply for his Hang 4 until 2007. That's quite an accomplishment, given that he started flying at Elsinore in 1974 and has multiple cross-country flights from Sylmar. Loren just never cared about using the top deck until peers told him that H4s live longer. They lied; elk hunters live longer. Thus, his stated goal: "to fly as long as Rome."
Forum name: Loren
Jim Mercadante
Bio info to come.
Forum name: mercturns
Michel Moacanin
Mike Moacanin; pending bio.
Forum name: Mike M
Ally Moacanin
pending bio
Forum name: none
Kathy Moacanin
Pending bio
Forum name: none
Robert Moran (Bob)
"Sponge Bob", our professional diving buddy, started out flying sometime, somewhere... apparently, he doesn't even know. His first solo took place in Santa Barbara; that much he remembers. Providing sushi-quality sea urchin innards (uni) to Japan allows him to pursue his two passions: "Life and Flying."
Forum name: none
Steve Murillo
“Sensei” Steve soloed in May of ’07 and brought his wife, Pat, with him as a driver. Unfortunately, another pilot frightened her off with stories of rattlesnakes and pumas roaming around launch (thanks, unknown doofus). Anyway, Steve first decided to fly hang gliders in 5th grade but got sidetracked as a Marine jet pilot through 1987. He now teaches Kyokushin Karate(thus, “sensei”), runs his own real estate and mortgage business and lives by the adage “there are no old, bold pilots”; he plans to fly with us for a long, long time.
Forum name: none
Scott Orland
Scott hasn't been seen around the flight park much lately. Looking at the picture above, you'll know why. He's just being kind to the have-nots hanging around the LZ.
Forum name: ScottOrland
Jrans Petrosian
If you haven't heard "Armie Joe's" story of flight-to- freedom from Iran, you can't possibly understand his rush to cheat Death by having Cludy sit on his lap. Hose-B was nearby, watching closely... very closely... with a gun. But "Oblivious Joe" continues to do what he does best: smile and have fun. We're so glad he made it here.
Forum name: none
Andrew Pryciak
If you haven't seen him in the air, you're looking too high. Andy "the Mole" Pryciak is responsible for the little voice in many a pilot's head that says, "too low, too low," usually followed by "OH MY GOD!" A craftsman and excelling in everything he does, Andy makes his living by accepting payments from other comp pilots to stay away from meets.
Forum name: none
Mike Rafferty
pending bio
Forum name: none
William Ramsey (Will)
Fianlly, a recognizable photo of Will who has been too scarce in the LZ, ostensibly, due to tendonitis in his forearm. That seems to be clearing up now that he's spending more time with Anne.
Forum name: hgflyboy
Majid Rezaei (Dion)
pending bio; Nickname: Dion
Forum name: none
Russ Richard
The "Gambler" lives up to his name and can often be found between the storage containers with his home-made craps table, preparing for the big score. Las Vegas beware! Russ is a bi-wingual pilot a pretty good LZ cook and has the spare utensils for any one who's forgotten their fork and spoon at barbecue time.
Forum name: none
Andrew Routley
pending bio
Forum name: none
Markus Schaedler
"Chef" Schaedler is... back after mending a broken leg, the result of a harrowing Hurricane Ridge flight that ended in structural failure. Ask him to elaborate next time he's out. When not terrorizing the skies above Kagel, Marcus is the purveyor of the finest grilled bratwurst West of Deutchland.
Forum name: M@rkus
Richard Seymour (Cabbage Head)
In Memoriam:
February 12, 1952 - June 21, 2008
Forum name: Cabbagehead
Tom Shaffer
bio pending
Forum name: Tom S
Richard Shaw
"Flag-Pole Shaw" is responsible for planting the most useful and HUGE resource the club could have wished for: a new windsock over launch. So large it can be seen, un- aided, from the LZ, it is also vandal resistant. One more reason to keep the gate locked, this addition is a legacy to thank Richard for when you meet him.
Forum name: richardshaw
James Shaw (Jim)
"Metallurgist" Jim, our gazebo-top, aluminum recycler, launched his flying career in 2001-2002 and rapidly moved up to the "topless" crowd. Always competitive, Jim is quick to jump on to trips to distant sites with XC potential.
Forum name: jimshaw
Rob Sherwood
When Rob isn't flying, he can be found in Hermosa Beach enjoying the beach life and recruiting new drivers. He also enjoys SCUBA diving and snowboarding. On weekdays, he is a rocket scientist at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His favorite places to fly include Yosemite and Makapu'u Point in O'ahu.
Forum name: rsherwoo
Todd Siebert (Siebird)
In 1992, Todd made his first solo flight from Kagel. A fixture in the LZ ever since, Todd helps keep his buddies warm with a supply of hardwood scraps to fuel the fire pit.
Forum name: none
Julieann Sikora
pending bio
Forum name: Julieann
Malury Silberman
pending biography
Forum name: Malury
Arthur Simoneau
pending bio
Forum name: none
Chris Smith - 81664 (Catfish)
"Bayou Boy", "Chicken Bone", "Catfish", "Ragin' Cajun" - anything else they call you out there, Chris? Did I mention he's currently on the U.S. National Team? And largely responsible for this website? Yet Chris manages to remain humble and lovable. Yes, ladies, he's single, for now.
Forum name: ©hris
George Stebbins
George is a World Record holder who has been flying since the early 1980s. George was SHGA's president in 2003 and 2004. He and his wife, J, are observers, and their daughter Jillian has already appeared in Hang Gliding Magazine. Jillian and her younger brother, Jefferson, would probably be pilots already, if only Moyes made a Litespeed 0.5. George, already an LS owner, is awaiting his tie-dye, matching sail.
Forum name: stebbins
Benjamin Strand (BJ)
The 2007 winner of the "Miss Manners" award for proper conduct (and most likely contender for the foreseeable future), BJ is the only pilot known to switch his turn signal on 100 feet before beginning a 360. Almost too nice to be a pilot at Kagel, he has, however, been overheard swearing, "oh, golly" when lifting his glider.
Forum name: BJ Strand
Dan Sunshine
pending bio
Forum name: none
Dave Susko
pending bio
Forum name: Susko
Joseph Szalai (Hungary Joe)
"Hungary" Joe hails from... where else? Hungary! A champion sailplane pilot, master tug operator, skilled tandem instructor and ultimate hillside scratcher, Joe introduces many would-be student pilots to the thrill of flight.
Forum name: none
Dana Tew
Where would we be without "Driver Dana?" No one is more dedicated to keeping our vehicles on the road and us in the air. Dana accepts reservations and welcomes "drive-bys."
Forum name: Dana L. Tew
Jim Thompson
Jim thanks the ladies and gentlemen of the S.H.G.A.for letting him hang out with such a special bunch of people. Jim flew from 1974-78 and returned in 2002. The rest is still unwritten.
Forum name: JT
Paul Thornbury
"Tall Paul" is a premier Windsports instructor. You can tell by the sand between his toes, in his hair, his pants pockets... you get the idea. No one knows much else about the Sandman and he is rarely seen at the LZ, preferring to dedicate his existence to the promotion of the sport (while working on his tan at the beach).
Forum name: none
Vrezh Tumanyan
Vrezh "get outta my way, I gotta fly" Tumanyan suffers from acute "ground-o-phobia." He hates to land. Second to none, save Phill (possibly), for days in flight, Vrezh excels at burning up the skies above Kagel and often attempts to outlast the Sun.
Forum name: Vrezh
Flora Tumanyan
Driver, XC-chaser, dog walker and just having to put up with her fly-boy, lesser half makes Flora one of the special LZ wives. You don't know how good you've got it, Vrezh.
Forum name: none
Joseph Vandertol
Joseph is current and "president-elect" for 2008 of the SHGA. Conscientious and dedicated to bringing positive change to the organization, he's the man to field ideas and wishes for the future. Catch "the Pres" on the LZ grounds any weekend and bend his ear a while.
Forum name: Joseph
Lynden Vazquez
Ever since he was little, Lynden always wanted to fly like a bird. When he turned 16 this became possible. He found a hang glider in his grandpa’s backyard. Joe Greblo, Andy Beem, and Paul Thornbury taught him how to soar at Dockweiler and thermal at Kagel. While he was learning, he began training as an instructor and has been teaching for over 5 years now. For Lynden, "It has been more rewarding than I ever could have imagined."
Forum name: FlyingSquirrel
Ludwig Von Der Luhe
pending bio
Forum name: none
Freddy Wagner
Freddy began his flying career on Thanksgiving weekend, 2004, after reading about and watching hang gliders since fourth grade. His solo in March, 2005 was actually his second. His first glider flight: an umbrella launched from a tree. His R/C helicopter hobby whet his appetite for air until he discovered Windsports. Freddy's quote: "My Mosquito harness feels like a little-bigger version of my R/C heli -- but this one I can fly in."
Forum name: Freddy
Jaromir Wagner (Max)
pending bio
Forum name: max
Fred Waugh (Spiderputz)
Spiderman, spiderman! Flies like no other spider can! What else can you say about a professional stuntman that takes up hang gliding as a hobby except, that he's one of the nicest, generous souls you could meet? Another long-lifer, Fred has retired from Hollywood... but not from flying. Long live Spiderman!
Forum name: spiderputz
Darryl Weaver
pending bio
Forum name: none
Lisa Wendt
Easily winning the Club's lightweight award, Lisa has been seen soaring 8-10 knot winds—sans glider—since 1997. When not flying, Lisa immerses herself in her advertising, communications and design business. Even a pilot's gotta eat, right?
Forum name: lswendt
Ron Wiener (Ronaldo)
Another one of Kagel's Team Elite, Ron "von Schnitzel" Wiener is always there to lend a hand or give you the shirt off his back. An excellent mentor, Ron is a planner, having made several long distance XC flights to and from the mountain. If he says, "let's go," get ready to go. Ron holds the current flex wing site record (jointly with Jeff Chipman) flying from Kagel to 29 Palms.
Forum name: Ron Wiener
Christian Williams
Christian's first solo flight on July 3, 2003, was at age 60. After four years and over a hundred hours, he has retired... for now.
Forum name: Christian
Chris Wolters
pending bio
Forum name: Lucky 13
Alex Wright
Found at last! Nice to be known, right? Alex is a recently minted Hang 2. Not much else is available in the way of information but there's lots of flying ahead.
Forum name: none
Bob Wyler (Surfer Bob)
pending bio
Forum name: Surfer Bob
Katherine Yardley
A woman so full of life she's difficult to display in 2D, Katherine is a long-time, accomplished pilot-singer at the Kagel LZ. Serving as treasurer, she holds the keys to our financial kingdom these last few years.
Forum name: kyardley
Wayne Yentis
"Grizzley" has retired from the air-time portion of flying but that hasn't kept him from skulking around the LZ with his trusty digital camera. And, finally, I received a picture (from Rob's stash) that gives a hint of his affable nature . Wayne is the de facto photo historian of the SHGA, keeping a library of new and classic shots of club members. Remember to smile when you see him.
Forum name: Wayne
Sean Yun
pending bio
Forum name: none
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