Sylmar Hang Gliding Association

Wednesday's forecast looked pretty good for Marshall/Crestline and iffy for Kagel. Here's the result................

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmuIFjskitw[/youtube]

More details: http://www.crestlinesoaring.org/forum/20090204/1933

Nice music, and video. Did you notice the UNBUCKLED helmet?

Chip wrote:Nice music, and video. Did you notice the UNBUCKLED helmet?

Thanks. That helmet fits so close that the buckle doesn't really do anything. I've the next size up which flops a little if I don't secure the buckle. I discovered that 10-minutes into the flight but was unable to do anything about it until I went on final glide. I was wearing thick gloves and didn't want to risk dropping one in the cold.

NMERider wrote:

Chip wrote:Nice music, and video. Did you notice the UNBUCKLED helmet?

Thanks. That helmet fits so close that the buckle doesn't really do anything. I've the next size up which flops a little if I don't secure the buckle. I discovered that 10-minutes into the flight but was unable to do anything about it until I went on final glide. I was wearing thick gloves and didn't want to risk dropping one in the cold.

The 'buckle' is meant to help keep the helmet from being ripped off your head in case something comes in contact with it. The 'buckle' isn't meant to help secure a loose fitting helmet. So yes, even with a helmet that 'fits so close', if you don't secure the 'buckle' it isn't that hard for something to rip it off your head when something comes in contact with it.
(not meant as as sarcasm, just info)

A rather good example of this is in the NFL these days. I remember while watching one of several games this year and one of the announcers made a comment that it seems that more and more players are getting their helmets 'ripped' off their heads and followed it up by saying that it seems like more and more players aren't properly securing their chin straps because "it's more comfortable without it properly secured".

My comment was more of a gentle reminder that when one forgets or omits a step in the mental checklist prior to launch, that something is interrupting the entire process.

I've done it a few times myself and yes it's easily remedied. But, for me, it serves as a reminder that I've potentially forgotten something in my checklist. And if I can forget that, what else am I capable of forgetting.

Word to the wise, just want you all to be diligent (not just aimed at you John)

Chip wrote:..............Word to the wise, just want you all to be diligent (not just aimed at you John)

I know I'm not anywhere close to being the only one who has failed a checklist due to distractions. I'll be out there today with even more distractions onboard.