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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.
Alvin Fernandez
Under Construction.
Forum name: none
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
Christopyer Armenta
Pizza in hand, Chris prepares for another day of flying, driving and building at Kagel. Those of you who wish to volunteer your services when building begins on the pavilion, please make your skills available to Chris. Pizza not required but appreciated.
Forum name: none
Tom Austin
Tom "Chainlink" Austin spends his flying time quietly, especially, when he reaches the LZ. Not known for conversation, Tom also sports the nickname "Zig Zag" in honor of his approaches.
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
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
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
Bob Bendetson
"Bob Simpson", "Barbecue Bob", guess the origin of his nicknames. Bob has been known to frighten himself out of the sport by breaking side wires at the beach and landing out on Gridley street. Safe and sound, he's back.
Forum name: Bob Bendetson
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
"Summer Only" Cindy is hibernating. Unlike Punxsutawney Phil, she won't even poke her head out until the Sun is likely to scorch her nose. See you in May, Cindy.
Forum name: Cindy
Caitlin Benti-Szalai
Another home-grown child of the LZ, Caitlin hangs out with her mother (above). Too old for the guys to tease anymore, I suspect Hungary Joe is keeping "Daddy's Little Girl" in hiding while stocking up on buckshot.
Forum name: none
Megan Beshalske
Megan "UFO Hunter" Beshalske 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 flight-sisters Janyce and Heather.
Forum name: Meg B
Jeff Bjorck (Dr. Jeff)
When Dr. Jeff’s not working as a psychologist or recording piano CDs or raising awareness about global safe water needs, he loves flying at Kagel. His “pepto pink” XS-3 is mocked by many a friendly pilot, but he gets high anyway. With his first solo in 1994, he may hold the record “most time spent not flying” but he keeps paying his club dues!
Forum name: DrJeff
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
Michael Blankenhorn
Mike comes to the sport of hang gliding after a successful career as a children's birthday-party entertainer. His stage name, Red Hot Fuzz, says it all (and God help me, if this sticks as his pilot nick-name). Although Greblo has tried to convince him that the costume impairs his glide, Mike claims it is as a second skin to him and refuses to give it up. Sort of clashes with his sail colors, too.
Forum name: MikeB
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
Eric Brown
Eric is the only person to quit his job to fly more and ended up flying less. A regular weekender, he dreams of someday outlasting Malury in the air. He is also arguably the club's most handsome[sic] pilot.
Forum name: ericbrown
James Brown
Recently retired (another one to envy) Jim needs to spend more of his free time in the air and less with his collection of left-hand threaded nuts. Come fly with us!
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: wingedemily
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)
"White Wheels" isn't the first nickname Jeff has sported but it's the only one that can be mentioned here. For those wearing tattoos, be advised: Jeff has a pathologic reaction to skin ink and you must leave the area immediately, should you notice him uncontrollably salivating.
Forum name: jeffrey Carlisle
Tom Casper
As a GQ model, Tom "workin' on my tan" Casper epitomizes the suave, studly hang gliders that populate the skies of Sylmar. Rapidly racking up the flight hours, Tom expects to challenge Rob "I never lose" Burgis for the Dahlsten Cup next year... using his Falcon!
Forum name: Tom C
Fernando Cayanan
Fernando promises to give up working so hard and spending more time flying... soon. In the mean time, when he does visit, he's good for a ride up the hill in his nifty Titan.
Forum name: none
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 has held most of the offices on the SHGA board in years past. Finally, Larry is one of the few ATOS pilots in the area, and all around nice girl... guy... whatever.
Forum name: WingNutz
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)
"Chip" holds the current Sylmar flex wing record with Ron Wiener, flying from Kagel to 29 Palms. He also serves as our resident competition enabler, downloading our tracks and scoring while competing egos kibbitz and heckle him. Without him, we'd still be drawing sketches of the shape-sheets we used to fly over. Thanks Jeff.
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: LDART
Janyce Collins
Janyce had her first return flight several months ago (after a year out for injuries). Eager to remain among the breathing, she's lately distinguished herself with a magnificent display of conservative decision making. Secretly, she still aspires to glorious loops and lots of XC flying. Long live Janyce!
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
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
When asked why he likes to be here at Kagel, Barton replies, "Cause everybody loves me." Once again, Barton's wise countenance graces the page. You will notice a big change in Ol' Airhead's appearance of late. That is due to his big ol' heart and his unequaled empathy for loved ones. We should consider ourselves blessed to count him as a friend and brother.
Forum name: barton
Heather DeCouroy
under construction
Forum name: heather
Jim Delear
Jim started flying Kagel in '84 and comes out on occasion for good flying and camaraderie.
Forum name: jdelear
Tony DeSantis
A long-time pilot and once-in-a-while ski buddy, Tony has finally freed up enough time to have play dates with us again. Welcome back.
Forum name: tony de santis
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
Jonathan Dietch (NMERider)
Jonathan is the guy who started flying in 1973 and quit in 1982 then came back in April 2008. Guess he can't make up his mind. It seems he tired of his recumbent bike or maybe it was just a little pale in comparison to hang gliding. Videography is his claim to fame at the moment and he is rapidly closing on Stebbins' 10% rate of all posts to the Forum. Welcome back!
Forum name: NMERider
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: Rome Dodson
Eric Douglas
Eric is a brand new father for Summer 2009.
Forum name: none
Fernando Escobar
Our globe-trotting Spaniard friend brings stories from the world to the LZ. But don't let his happy-go-lucky demeanor fool you. He's really come to steal secrets of thermalling from us to teach the Andalusian Nataional Team. He believes with Kagel skills his countrymen can rule the skies and take back Portugal. And Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia...
Forum name: none
Joe Fresquez, Jr
Yes, he picked his forum name off of Dave Cutter's soda can. But at least we can tell that good genes and flight skills run in the family. See below.
Forum name: FrescaJoe
Joey Fresquez, lll
Joey spends far too much of his time flying powered wings in the desert. Still, I understand his reluctance to be shown up by his dad in front of his friends at Kagel. It's hard being a teenager with "Trip" as a nickname. In Joey's case, though, it's not because he's the third in the line; he's one of three brothers his dad named Joey "'cause I like the sound of it."
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
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 started flying hang gliders in 1976. The next year she met Joe Greblo at historic Dockwieler State Beach.
Later, she learned to fly trike style ultralights for an adventure in Japan and with that experience & her Private Pilot License had an opportunity to fly a trike for an anti-poaching effort at the request of the Ghana Dept. of Game and Wildlife.In the early 90's she became a pro stunt pilot for the film industry. After over six hundred hours of airplane flying it is on hold for now, having earned a seaplane rating,tail wheel sign off and many hours of dual aerobatics during that time.Other interests are Tae Kwon Do and California Native plants.
Forum name: Kris
Matt Hart
Here is a cheesy picture of Matt with shorter hair. It would seem that all photos of Matt are cheesy. I know, I took several and Brie has nothing on this guy. Lack of photogenicity aside, Matt is up to great things as a teacher and a pilot with no place to go but up. Hmmm, that was supposed to be a compliment. Once he stops splitting his recreation between surfing and soaring, I expect we'll be looking up at him more often this summer.
Forum name: noack
Frank Havermeyer
"Ich bin von Bavaria." Mild-mannered Frank "Unterhund" Havermeyer skims the sky often but remains so low-key no one can remember his launches or landings. Must be the German engineering thing.
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 and this new photo should get him off the Most Wanted list. Well, maybe not.
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
Kellen Heigel
Kellen joined the friendly skies over Kagel last year. her present goal is to receive her sign-off to solo sans radio-control.
Forum name: none
Grant Hoag (Groundhog)
Grant has been flying for over two decades, but recently has started to live up to the nickname “Groundhog.” Succumbing to the desires of his next-of-kin, Grant has hung his harness for the last time. Hurricane will never be the same.
Forum name: Groundhog
Michael Ivey
Kagel solo date: 1/19/08
Forum name: MikeI
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
Dennis Johnson
pending bio; Dennis, check your forum name: Is it you?
Forum name: Dennis
Gregory Jones
Greg "the fly" Jones is actually Erica Koesler's son. Thus the red hair and free spirit. An excellent flyer (why not, he only weighs 75 lbs.) Greg earned his nickname flying around and around and around an old deer carcass to warn his fellow pilots of the evil odor. (Smile Greg, I'm kidding.)
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 Khanukhov
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
Erika Klein
Erika began gracing the Kagel skies last summer (2009) and is determined to become a soaring fixture this year. As far as I can tell, she is also our youngest member and, therefore, the designated glider-Sherpa for all the old guys with bad backs around here. Tips are welcome.
Forum name: Erika
Cyndia Klein
Cyndia comes to us by way of Dockweiler Beach from which she will soon graduate and join us at Kagel, once her tandems are behind her. You may have noticed that acorns don't fall far from the tree, although, it's Cyndia following Erika's lead this time.
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
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Bruce Kovac
The laconic half of the Lynn and Bruce comedy hour, Bruce has made the (smart) move back to SoCal and will soon share the air with us once again... after I shame his Board Of Directors wife into paying his membership dues!
Forum name: none
Erik Larabie
Eric "El Cid" Larabie is fast becoming a fixture at Kagel. He and the other Falcon pilots have vowed not to serve the LiteSpeed bunch as airborne race pylons. To this end, Eric has craftily reversed and amplified his vario tone to loudly indicate lift whenever there is sink nearby, thus torpedoing many a hopeful blade-wing.
Forum name: eriklarabie
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. His alter-ego is the Bull's Eye Gopher (deceased). You can see the resemblance in the color of his fur.
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
Andrea has many tandems with "the Dude" to her credit. Why she spends her time teaching him is a mystery to all of us and so is her absence now that she actually married him.
Forum name: none
Doug Martens
Affable and unprepossessing, Doug is the kind of guy you'd like to have as a next-door neighbor... until you learn he manufactures nuclear weapons for a living - and telecommutes. For "Captain Quark", it isn't easy glowing green and having a particle accelerator in your garage doesn't help.
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
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)
She's baaaack! Thanks to hubby Bruce's fortuitous change of employment, our beloved Activities Director re-takes her place at the SHGA social helm. Long live Ethel Merman.
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
Jim "Freddy Mercury" Mercandante really belts out a song when he's happy. That would be the echo we all hear off the area of the dam while he's flying. Also known for his dancing, you may often find Jim practicing his Flamenco, stomping down gopher-sign in the LZ.
Forum name: mercturns
Kamran Milani (Dion)
I'm not sure I got this one right. I have an older photo labeled Dion attached to a file for Majid. I have a new photo from Dione with a last name Rezaei. Could they be the same person? Only a biography from the owner of all the names can help!
Forum name: Dione1966
Michel Moacanin
Mike doesn't have a nickname, which is just fine with his wife, since often those names come from pilot error. Flying since 1977, he's flown all over the southwest, especially enjoying the annual Hurricane and Big Sur trips. Living life to the fullest is what makes Mike tick.
Forum name: Mike M
Aly Moacanin
Aly is the spawn of Mike and Kathy, and rode "to the top" the first time when she was just 5 weeks old. She's a seasoned traveler now, and loves to go on hang gliding trips. Recently she told her first grade teacher that she wished she could fly like a bird. I'm guessing a tandem is in her near future.
Forum name: none
Kathy Moacanin
A D4 (Driver 4) who loves her husband so much she put herself through the agony of ham radio class to get her license! She doesn't dream of flying, but rather driving, so their's is a match made in heaven. Kathy trains and breeds German Shepherd Dogs and occasionally brings one out to the launch and the LZ.
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
Adam Newman
Adam is sporting a new glider and a new attitude: he stays up now and has taken an interest in traveling the range. How long before he's seduced by the siren song of the topless?
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
Brandon Peterson
Brandon is originally from Missoula Montana and in 1978 started watching pilots there launch from Mt. Sentinel making their LZ the University golf course. The image stuck and after 30 years of other endeavors, Brandon is now on the road to fulfilling his lifelong dream of flying over his hometown, hopefully, bringing with him some of his new found friends from Kagel. Brandon can usually be seen breaking down his glider in super slow motion or petting dogs in the LZ.
Forum name: brandonpeterson
Jrans Petrosian
If you haven't heard "Armie Joe's" story of flight-to- freedom from Iran, ask him. It will help you understand why he flies at supersonic speeds even while making his approach to the LZ; he's never sure that something isn't catching up. But now that Joe feels relatively safe, his main goal is to smile and have fun. We're so glad he made it here.
Forum name: none
Orian Price
As for something to say about himself: Orian had his first solo in June '09. He flies Malury's old Falcon 2 and he's a mechanical engineer in the medical device field. Oh, and he enjoys candle-light dinners and long walks on the beach... with which species, he didn't mention.
Forum name: OP
Andy 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
Sofia Puerta
Paraglider pilot Sofia graces us from Colombia. Her endeavors include social communicator, journalist and Yoga instructor. Sofia's last name means "door" in Spanish; appropriate, as she is committed to opening the door to research of the illegal harvests of the jungle and education of everyone, especially children, about the Amazon rainforest. It is her home. In her own words, "I believe in Love: the wish for all to have happiness and its causes." Ask her about "Shiwido" the next time you see her.
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
Nanda Ravala
Let's see, I got my glider, my flight jacket, my studly good looks... yep, ready to fly! Sure wish the wind wasn't backwards and that I had a real flight biography. Someday, I may even make it into the member database.
Forum name: none
Kia Ravanfar
Kia is working on his sign-off to fly-at-will here at Kagel. Too fresh to be well known, when he does make an impression, literal or figurative, something worthy of a nickname, you'll see it here.
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
Don Richmond (Donny)
I know nothing about Donny except that I think I warned him about my propensity for making up biographies. Now that he'll be seen in the LZ more often, I'm sure I'll have more to work with soon.
Forum name: skydonz
H. G. Sandwich
Hang Gliders have a deep, abiding respect and love for each other and often feel the need to demonstrate their feelings as documented in this candid shot. Here, recorded for posterity (or is it "posterior"?), are Beergis, Uster, Sissy-bed-wetter and the Dude enjoying a little of the renown male-bonding that makes wives so jealous.
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
Tom Shaffer
Tom is a Canadian living in the U.S. under an assumed name. His friends from Sugar mountain know him as Neil Young and, although the hat and shades had me confused,I knew the truth after I heard him singing "Old Man" behind Rome's back.
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
Kat Shaw
Kat ("because there are too many other Kathys around") is Flagpole Shaw's tireless, intrepid driver. He doesn't even pay her. Oh yeah,their married; I forgot. Kat is presently assisting Richard in his quest for H4 status by braving the Kagel road up to 4 times a day. Nancy, you've got competition.
Forum name: none
J Shelley
A Rocket Scientist, Hang 4, the wife of George Stebbins, and Mother of Jillian and Jefferson Stebbins, J ("Dr. J", "J-Bird") Shelley has been a hang glider pilot for about 17 years. While she isn't flying right now due to children and work, she is still an Official Observer, driver and supportive member of the SHGA. She's also a seamstress, and occasionally makes wind-socks for the club, among other things. J has a sharp wit and can be intimidating to those male pilots who don't know how to deal with a woman who is smart, tough and not shy about either.
Forum name: none
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
Yuto Shinagawa
Yuto is another fresh face from 2009 nearing his sign-off to fly Kagel "all by myself." Welcome!
Forum name: none
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.
And, finally, a picture that isn't 20 years old.
Forum name: none
Julieann Sikora
Julieann "I swear I'm coming back as soon as I (fill-in-the-blank)" Sikora left our world for the greasy, noisy, non-enviromentally friendly skies of powered flight. Still, once a hang glider, always a hang glider was her refrain as she reminded me that I was out for 25 years. Welcome back, Julieann! Whenever...
Forum name: Julieann
Malury Silberman
Malury "Bond, James Bond" Silberman is former CIA, NSA and was loaned out to the Mossad during Desert Storm. That explains his stake-outs of the gate, launch and the LZ. Those vandals that ravaged the wind-sock? Well, there's a reason the condors have been about the mountain lately. You shouldn't mess with him in the air, either. He has "toys" and they aren't the kind that Santa brings good little boys.
Forum name: Malury
Arthur Simoneau
Mr. Mystery, no one really knows who Arthur is; he just shows up to fly with us and quietly slips away afterward. Sort of like Phill when he gets reeled-in. And Arthur is always smiling... smiling... smiling... OK! He's scaring me.
Forum name: none
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 were married on top of Kagel in 1993 and flew tandem to the reception in the LZ. Their daughter Jillian has already appeared in Hang Gliding Magazine and son Jefferson is itching to follow in Big Sis' footsteps.
Forum name: stebbins
Jillian Stebbins
Almost born on top of Kagel, Jillian "GG" Stebbins has been intimately involved in hang gliding her whole life. Her first "flight" was when the instructor and her father kited her down the training hill on the side wires. After the landing, she said "Daddy, I want to fly again." When told she had to wait, she said "Daddy, I have to fly again!" Now that she's four, she is aware that she needs to be "At least as tall as Miss Lisa, and able to carry the glider to launch herself" before she can go hang gliding for real. She can hardly wait!
Forum name: none
Jefferson Stebbins
While Jefferson wasn't nearly born at a flying site like his sister, he is clearly cut out for the flying life. His favorite game is to pretend to hang glide. "Daddy, fly me, fly me" and "Let's play hang gliding" are common expressions of his, despite being only two years old. He loves anything that flies, especially hang gliders and helicopters. And he, even more than his sister, Jillian, will climb anything and then jump off.
Forum name: none
Benjamin Strand (BJ)
The 2007, 2008, 2009 winner of the "Miss Manners" award for proper conduct, 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. And now, could someone please find a job for his chiropractor-wife so he doesn't have to leave for Livermore? Livermore???
Forum name: BJ Strand
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
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
David VanNoppen
Dave "the Glass Man" sculpts silica for a living and has spent far too little time flying and far to much thinking about it. The melted sand will wait, Dave. Come and spend some time with your friends in the air.
Forum name: vannoppen
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
Frederick 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: Frederick
Jaromir Wagner (Mad Max)
How did they get "Max" out of "Jaromir?" It's short for "maximum security." No matter; Max escaped to the U.S. from castle Lichtenstein by assembling his first hang glider from the bars of his cell and his canvas cot. Having suffered withdrawal from the grueling, forced-labor camp, Max can often be found getting his "fix" at the road work parties Rome schedules.
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
You'll remember Darryl from his stint on the Bob Newhart show. Now, "Dangerous Darryl," to distinguish him from brother Darrell, Double "D" is always quick to help out with the spreading of compost and other chores that keep the LZ ticking.
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
Alex Wright
Alex has two, no, three favorite things: flying, beer-pong and his girlfriend. Not necessarily in that order. Now that he has his updated photo, maybe he'll write his own caption to keep me from getting him into trouble.
Forum name: none
Bob Wyler (Surfer Bob)
Among surfers, Surfer Bob is known as "Awesome Bob" and for good reason. In addition to being a bad-ass pilot, he has climbed the highest mountains on five continents. Everest and Kosciusko (Australia, 7,310') are still left to climb. He regularly races his paddle board from San Pedro to Catalina and back, via Marina Del Rey, at least 60 miles. He bicycled San Francisco- L.A. with Flamejob.
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
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