hello all: here 's my situation, and some questions.
I'm an atlanta based airline pilot, with the chance of laying over in LAX (based on how my month to month bid goes, its all about seniority). Somethimes I'll be there on the weekends, sometimes not. sometimes Ill have the whole day, sometimes just the latter half of the day.
Questions:
*what are the chances of getting rides to the top of Kagel if I arrive either midweek, or 1pm, 2pm, 3pm?
*can gliders be stored at Dockweiler beach?
*would Kagel be the best option for me, or are there anyother ridge soaring sites other than Dockweiler beach?
*any other things i should consider thinking about, Im all ears!!
Thanks a bunch; Paul Donahue ushpa #43610
new to area hang 4
Moderator: Chip
Welcome Paul,
It will take you about 30-50 min's to get to sylmar driving from LAX, There is usually a truck leavving the LZ around 12-1 pm, wether it is a windsports truck or just another pilots. You should contact Joe Greblo about storing a glider at Dockwieler PH 818-367-2430. The LZ phone is 818-362-9978. Kagel is definetly the closest mtn site. Hopefully this answers a few of your questions. If not just ask!
Jeff
It will take you about 30-50 min's to get to sylmar driving from LAX, There is usually a truck leavving the LZ around 12-1 pm, wether it is a windsports truck or just another pilots. You should contact Joe Greblo about storing a glider at Dockwieler PH 818-367-2430. The LZ phone is 818-362-9978. Kagel is definetly the closest mtn site. Hopefully this answers a few of your questions. If not just ask!
Jeff
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JT
Paul,
We may be better able to answer your questions if we have a little more information:
What are you currently flying?
Where do you fly? Mountain thermal sites or mostly ridge soaring?
How far are you willing to travel to fly (how much time do you have)?
There isn't much ridge soaring in L.A. except for Dockweiler unless it's a Santa Ana day, rare in Summer, and that's out in Palmdale. Soaring Dockweiler is problematic because you are sharing the small ridge with students, especially on weekends. The only other ridge site within striking distance is Torrey Pines, down San Diego way.
Most everything else is thermal. Hope you're used to bumps. There are several sites within 2 hours. Check the links on the main page.
If you plan ahead, Kagel isn't too difficult to catch a ride up but there aren't many drivers and it 's harder, if you don't know anyone. Try the "ride share" posting in the forum, if you can plan specific dates/times. Greblo is a good connection as is Hungary Joe; again, reservations required in advance. Both are excellent resources on Kagel conditions and "dos 'n' don'ts," too.
Storage is still available at Kagel but the last few tubes are on the top row; short people need not apply. Contact Jay Devorak if you're interested. Approximately $25/month.
If you want to talk, call me at work 0700-1530, M-F at (310) 825 6551.
They'll answer "Blood Bank"; just ask for Jim Thompson
We may be better able to answer your questions if we have a little more information:
What are you currently flying?
Where do you fly? Mountain thermal sites or mostly ridge soaring?
How far are you willing to travel to fly (how much time do you have)?
There isn't much ridge soaring in L.A. except for Dockweiler unless it's a Santa Ana day, rare in Summer, and that's out in Palmdale. Soaring Dockweiler is problematic because you are sharing the small ridge with students, especially on weekends. The only other ridge site within striking distance is Torrey Pines, down San Diego way.
Most everything else is thermal. Hope you're used to bumps. There are several sites within 2 hours. Check the links on the main page.
If you plan ahead, Kagel isn't too difficult to catch a ride up but there aren't many drivers and it 's harder, if you don't know anyone. Try the "ride share" posting in the forum, if you can plan specific dates/times. Greblo is a good connection as is Hungary Joe; again, reservations required in advance. Both are excellent resources on Kagel conditions and "dos 'n' don'ts," too.
Storage is still available at Kagel but the last few tubes are on the top row; short people need not apply. Contact Jay Devorak if you're interested. Approximately $25/month.
If you want to talk, call me at work 0700-1530, M-F at (310) 825 6551.
They'll answer "Blood Bank"; just ask for Jim Thompson
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paul donahue
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:54 pm
hi guys;
thanks for the info. to answer your questions Jeff.
* I have my own Airborne Sting 175 that I keep in Atlanta where I am based, I am here part time and fly either Lookout Mtn Flight Park, or do some aerotowing with a small club in west GA.
I started flying in NH and VT 20 years ago. mostly east coast stuff, beach soaring off Cape Cod, Mass. aside from Mingus, my only other west coast flying has been Ed levin Park.
I live in West Palm Beach Florida, have done boat and truck towing, but mostly go to Wallaby now and rent a U2 160 from them.
Last week I borrowed a Litesport from the local gang at Mingus Mtn North of Phoenix.(Friendliest group of guys I've met in some time, and great site to boot).I also became a member of their club, but don't think I'll have as many hang glider friendly layovers there. I do plan on becomming a member of SMGA as well.
As far a how far am i willing to travel, its strictly based on how long my layover will be.
Example 1: arrive LAX 1030pm on one day, and depart 1030pm the following day. this would be the best case scenario.
Example 2: arrive LAX 12pm, 1pm,or 2pm then leave the following morning.
I would definately try to bid for the first example, but you never know how the bids will work out, and it is a month to month schedule.
Kagel does sound like the best option, but a little concerned about getting rides to the top when arriving in the afternoon, and or midweek. I understand a 4x4 is required, maybe I can rent one and convince the guy i'm working with to give me a ride. are there any restrictions on who can drive up the road?
April 14th (Mon)Ill be in town, but don't arrive till 230pm and leave at 1100am the next day. probably just see how the drive to Kagel is that day, and visit the folks at Windsports.
thanks for taking the time; Paul 954 612-7067
thanks for the info. to answer your questions Jeff.
* I have my own Airborne Sting 175 that I keep in Atlanta where I am based, I am here part time and fly either Lookout Mtn Flight Park, or do some aerotowing with a small club in west GA.
I started flying in NH and VT 20 years ago. mostly east coast stuff, beach soaring off Cape Cod, Mass. aside from Mingus, my only other west coast flying has been Ed levin Park.
I live in West Palm Beach Florida, have done boat and truck towing, but mostly go to Wallaby now and rent a U2 160 from them.
Last week I borrowed a Litesport from the local gang at Mingus Mtn North of Phoenix.(Friendliest group of guys I've met in some time, and great site to boot).I also became a member of their club, but don't think I'll have as many hang glider friendly layovers there. I do plan on becomming a member of SMGA as well.
As far a how far am i willing to travel, its strictly based on how long my layover will be.
Example 1: arrive LAX 1030pm on one day, and depart 1030pm the following day. this would be the best case scenario.
Example 2: arrive LAX 12pm, 1pm,or 2pm then leave the following morning.
I would definately try to bid for the first example, but you never know how the bids will work out, and it is a month to month schedule.
Kagel does sound like the best option, but a little concerned about getting rides to the top when arriving in the afternoon, and or midweek. I understand a 4x4 is required, maybe I can rent one and convince the guy i'm working with to give me a ride. are there any restrictions on who can drive up the road?
April 14th (Mon)Ill be in town, but don't arrive till 230pm and leave at 1100am the next day. probably just see how the drive to Kagel is that day, and visit the folks at Windsports.
thanks for taking the time; Paul 954 612-7067
-
JT
April 14?
You mean May, I think and there is no one at Windsports that day. You may find someone in the LZ to direct you to the launch but beware: the launch road may be gated by then and only members will have the combination.
It's too early to post in the ride share section. You might want to wait until the 11th and try then. If you aren't planning on flying and can drive down for someone, you're sure to get offers to go up! Don't forget that $20 is the going rate for a driver to spend the 3 hour, average turn-around.
I suggest you e-mail Joe Greblo: info@windsports.com
or
call Hungary Joe (from Hungary, not a misspelling) at 661 799 7349
about glider demos and rentals.
A 4X4 is not required but ground clearance is helpful on the road to launch.
If you launch later in the day and stay up a while, landing isn't as dicey. Mid-day until 1600 it's rock 'n'roll in the air and there's the "Sylmar triangle" waiting for you on final approach. Not to mention, the prevalent wind direction is East which is ~20 to 90 degrees cross in the LZ on any Summer day. Gliders soar until 1830 or later some afternoons.
Sylmar Triangle - a mythological area analogous to the Scylla and Charibdes that has been known to bump unsuspecting pilots back into Earth orbit or suck them into negative altitude on the approach ramp to the upper deck of the LZ. (keep your speed up on final)
You mean May, I think and there is no one at Windsports that day. You may find someone in the LZ to direct you to the launch but beware: the launch road may be gated by then and only members will have the combination.
It's too early to post in the ride share section. You might want to wait until the 11th and try then. If you aren't planning on flying and can drive down for someone, you're sure to get offers to go up! Don't forget that $20 is the going rate for a driver to spend the 3 hour, average turn-around.
I suggest you e-mail Joe Greblo: info@windsports.com
or
call Hungary Joe (from Hungary, not a misspelling) at 661 799 7349
about glider demos and rentals.
A 4X4 is not required but ground clearance is helpful on the road to launch.
If you launch later in the day and stay up a while, landing isn't as dicey. Mid-day until 1600 it's rock 'n'roll in the air and there's the "Sylmar triangle" waiting for you on final approach. Not to mention, the prevalent wind direction is East which is ~20 to 90 degrees cross in the LZ on any Summer day. Gliders soar until 1830 or later some afternoons.
Sylmar Triangle - a mythological area analogous to the Scylla and Charibdes that has been known to bump unsuspecting pilots back into Earth orbit or suck them into negative altitude on the approach ramp to the upper deck of the LZ. (keep your speed up on final)
:}
Man .............. what a grim picture you paint.
Surprised I still have any money, make it to launch, or I'm still alive with all those hazards
Surprised I still have any money, make it to launch, or I'm still alive with all those hazards
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paul donahue
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:54 pm
