I just had an idea...

JT · Post by JT » Tue Nov 27, 2007 9:20 pm

On to more positive pursuits.

Last weekend my wife (you know, Cathy) introduced me to two newly tandemized, student pilots named Heather and Jay. It seems odd to me that my wife is talking to these new people before any of us. On the other hand, we all know how hard it is to break into the "crowd." So, I was wondering if we shouldn't initiate a new tradition.

Would it be possible for the instructors bringing new pilots to the LZ to precede their arrival with a photo-post on the Forum? Kind of an introduction, a "coming out" notice. Maybe a little bio-info, too, if they don't mind.

Having the advantage of knowing their names and faces beforehand, some of us may be bold enough to say "hi" to the newbies more readily.

Or we can collect rocks to throw, if they're ugly.

stebbins · Post by **stebbins** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 10:21 pm

What a great idea! Except the rock-throwing part. We don't want rocks in our landing or breakdown areas.

JT · Post by JT » Wed Nov 28, 2007 8:55 pm

George, oh, George. You tempt me so, you master-pilot devil, you. Lawn Dart doesn't even lob up such potential material. But I'll be nice... this time.

JT · Post by JT » Wed Nov 28, 2007 9:15 pm

Almost forgot. OK, I completely forgot. Are there any insructors out there listening? Is this feasible? When should the pics be taken? At the beach (at sign-off for Kagel) or at the first tandem? Does anyone see any problems with a program like this?

Joe Greblo, are you out there?

Post by **Chip** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 12:30 am

GA (general avaiation) Pilots have a cool tradition of ripping shirts off of the newly solo-ing pilot

. Pictures of pilots completing their first tandem and some kind of thing for their first solo would likely be most appropriate.

I think your on to something .......

I'll create a new place on the forum called New Faces or something to that nature. Anyone care to recommend a name for that section on the forum?

stebbins · Post by **stebbins** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 9:10 am

JT wrote:George, oh, George. You tempt me so, you master-pilot devil, you. Lawn Dart doesn't even lob up such potential material. But I'll be nice... this time.

Blame it on the pain. (Root canal - Ouch.) Seriously, I didn't even notice the material. Feel free to use it. It isn't as if I can't take it. And it isn't as if I haven't been known to dish it out.

Especially to Doug - Note use of his correct name.

And I really do think that your suggestion is a good one. Chip's too. My only concern about doing it on the Forum is that everyone doesn't look there. Maybe BOTH on the Forum and on the bulletin board? I don't know. You guys will figure it out, I'm sure. Great Ideas!

JT · Post by JT » Thu Nov 29, 2007 3:12 pm

Chip:
NEW FACES is succinct and descriptive. If we wanted cute, I'd say "Fledglings" or "new Feathers" but that wouldn't fit pilots that are relocating, another use for this. So, go ahead and use New Faces unless someone comes up with something we like better.

George:
You're right, we need some sort of paper posting in the LZ. I could come up with a "WANTED" poster to frame a photo and the bio would be the "physical description." I guess I'll just mention this to Greblo to see if we can get this started since he doesn't appear to be watching.

Opinions solicited:
Should I ask Greblo about scouting nearby schools for interest? I don't see that Crestline newbies drag themselves up here but, for any nearby schools, it would be a friendly gesture.

Post by **Ken Andrews** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 5:30 pm

Don't the instructors have enough to do already? When there's a new face in the LZ, can't any of us walk over and say "hi" just as Cathy Thompson did?

Personally, I'd be more interested in solving the reverse problem. How about collecting photos and bios of the current club members? This would help the new pilots get to know us, and help those of us with imperfect memories through the occasional embarrassing moment as well. If someone would care to collect the photos and information, I'd be happy to construct an appropriate place on our website for displaying it.

Don · Post by **Don** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 6:52 pm

Ken,

I generally agree (although instructors do have a financial interest in keeping pilots/students active).

I will attempt to remember ("senior moments") to bring a digital camera with me and take photos of the various pilots and other assorted characters that gather in the LZ.

You can then do your magic with them.

Don

stebbins · Post by **stebbins** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 8:42 pm

Ken Andrews wrote:Don't the instructors have enough to do already? When there's a new face in the LZ, can't any of us walk over and say "hi" just as Cathy Thompson did?

Personally, I'd be more interested in solving the reverse problem. How about collecting photos and bios of the current club members? This would help the new pilots get to know us, and help those of us with imperfect memories through the occasional embarrassing moment as well. If someone would care to collect the photos and information, I'd be happy to construct an appropriate place on our website for displaying it.

This is also a good idea. The only thing that I miss about the old web site is the "SHGA Trading Cards." I really liked those. Maybe a random rotating small picture/bio or link to same? Whatever, I'm sure you'll do a great job Ken.

And I think the students could be brought in on it. Offer them a spot on the bulletin board/web site if they'll supply a photo and a short bio. The schools could just give them the info and collect it back. Nothing else. Or the students could drop it in the tube. Just thinking out loud, so there might be bugs in those procedures. Feel free to point them out.

Another thought. They have to join before they solo, right? Maybe that's the time to collect that stuff. Or maybe earlier is better. Again, just thinking out loud.

JT · Post by JT » Thu Nov 29, 2007 10:10 pm

Ken: 1) In answer to your question, apparently, not.
2) I don't recall you ever having a memory lapse.
3) I think your idea is great but let's do the newbies first.
4) Never mind, with Don's help, we should do both.
A gallery of pilots as a reference in the members only area and Chip's "New Faces " in the Forum; maybe a section of the home page just for the photo at the first appearance; bio in the Forum.

Don: Thanks. I was thinking of an alternative to Greblo and Co. We just need some sort of notice. Let me know if I can help. I've written to Joe about the idea.

George: All good. I think we should emphasize the newbies. They are very important to the heatlh of the club. This also complements Phil's idea to post the Thursday Club meetings as an invitation to them to join the more experienced. Woefully disused with the present weather, though.

Don: No whack shots! And we should ask permission of everyone before we post. Have a witness. Better yet, no bio offered, no post.

Comments?

stebbins · Post by **stebbins** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 9:47 am

JT wrote:Ken: 1) In answer to your question, apparently, not.
......
Don: No whack shots! And we should ask permission of everyone before we post. Have a witness. Better yet, no bio offered, no post.
Comments?

Apparently not that the instructors have enough to do, or that we can't walk up and say hi?

Seriously, I agree. I try to do it, but now that I have kids out there too, I no longer notice much about newbies, sad to say. When the kids are a bit older, I'm sure I'll resume my garrulous ways.

I agree about the whack shots. That isn't what this is about. And "no bio, no post" makes sense too. People are very different in their feelings about privacy vs wanting to feel "one of the crowd". Let them make the decision.

Hey, design by committe can sometimes work! Wow! Even an "open-ended" committee. Thanks, Jim!

Don · Post by **Don** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 2:30 pm

My idea was to get photos of people, preferrably, in the LZ so people know what they look like and can put a name with a face. Photos of people with the gliders (with harness & helmet ready to launch or while landing) doesn't do much since it is hard to recognize them.

JT · Post by JT » Fri Nov 30, 2007 2:59 pm

Exactly what we need. No helmets, goggles, etc. Will you ask them for the bio?

Christian · Post by **Christian** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 9:53 am

Somebody could get a head start on a photographic member roster just by selecting group shots in the galleries on the forum and putting names to faces in a caption. Several work-group gang shots show many members, and there are group shots from flying trips.
For example: http://www.shga.com/gallery/WorkOct06/i ... G_0106.jpg

jwjanda · Post by **jwjanda** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 11:11 am

Wow, I didn't think Heather and my presence last week would start up such a discussion. We're thrilled to be able to fly with and meet everyone.

We'll be up again tomorrow to fly w/ Andy (weather permitting).

-Jay

JT · Post by JT » Mon Dec 03, 2007 8:57 pm

OK. I'm going to try to get this moving by asking that anyone who wishes to be in the pilot gallery to send their personal favorite photo and a short biography to me. Please use a picture of yourself that is recognizable; no helmet, goggles, fright wigs. Sunglasses OK as long as most of us would still know it's you but I'd prefer to see your eyes, too. Text using Word or your e-mail editor. Be sure to include the correct spelling of your name and any nickname you would like to see used.

At this time, I will accept photos of third party pilots only from an instructor or Don Banas and only with a biography dictated by the pilot.

Send all to my unblocked e-mail:

lazyshade@hotmail.com

Vrezh · Post by **Vrezh** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:39 pm

Kinda like this?
(Hey now)

[Inappropriate image deleted]

[Inappropriate image deleted]

skygeek AKA Seabass · Post by **skygeek AKA Seabass** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 9:24 pm

No Vrezh, she has a helmet on, but plenty of chest protection. I do recognize the rear end is that Rome from one of the Yosemete trips.

gregangsten · Post by **gregangsten** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 4:05 pm

JT wrote:On to more positive pursuits.
...
Would it be possible for the instructors bringing new pilots to the LZ to precede their arrival with a photo-post on the Forum? Kind of an introduction, a "coming out" notice. Maybe a little bio-info, too, if they don't mind.

I like the idea of the picture as part of the ritual. Grab a picture of them as soon as they pull off their helmet after their first solo. That's perfect timing and a picture worth saving. Makes a nice tradition, I'd say.

Sylmar Hang Gliding Association

I just had an idea...

I just had an idea...

Pilot photos and bios

photos

Re: Pilot photos and bios

photos

Jay here

Re: I just had an idea...