Sylmar Hang Gliding Association

Anyone perusing the Member Photos page may have noticed that many of our newest members have disappeared and many unfamiliar, ex-members have returned. The new members who are lately missing, may also be missing from the database that is linked to the Photos page and allows them to create a login fo...

A friend, formerly in the harness business, told me a similar story. His friend, a fire and rescue trainer, was demonstrating how to rapel from a helicopter. He clipped his harness in, hung at the door frame, then returned to the inside. He unclipped to demonstrate something else. When finished, he ...

I've notified Ken Andrews. You'll appear on the ballot.

It would appear that we may have a choice for Safety Director this year. Consider yourself nominated Jonathan.

I feel so stupid. I thought our airfoil-shaped battens ended the days of sail inversions.

As for you, Ken, I think you're lucky to have avoided yet another flight-related injury or worse. In that regard, I recommend that you listen carefully to the more experienced advice posted here.

Nice, Greg but you forgot to point out the cactus highlights at the end. And it seems that you were running faster than Petrosian usually does at 1384 ASL. Maybe next year...

Don't know what you're talking about, Jonathan. I landed there early this year (or late last) after getting blown out of the sky and had no problem putting down safely in the LS4S. Landing toward the mountain with 10-15 gusts from the NE was a no-brainer. Approach from the homes to the east, avoid t...

We stopped in the parking lot at El Chaparral on Saturday evening, the only vehicle there: a very bad sign. Worse was the sign in the window asking "valued customers" to visit their other restaurant, El Presidente. El Chap is gone forever, according to staff at El Pres. Rumor has it that S...

No. No waiver, no launchy. Besides, as I hear it from all your adoring fans, you're too good to need any help.

BTW, how's the back? Healing well, hopefully. Next time, break your radio instead.

For those who haven't been up to fly recently, the heavy rains at Kagel did wonders for the launch ramp and pretty much eliminated the dust in the setup area. It's nice to have some solid footing for both the pilot and wire crew. As usual, I recommend getting well over the top of the hump and on to ...

Make Rome's life easy. Next truck with a can of SailKote or other silicone spray on board, shoot a bit into the lock.

I will, if someone reminds me.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Jonathan! You sly devil. And, seriously , what's everyone's take on the forward lip of the ramp and the effect of the bushes in fron...

I think not. She's cute but shorter than the retainer. I'm afraid it's got to be you. Don't worry, I can notify Camp 9 to have the heli crew ready for you, just in case. No one else will touch you, especially, if you have self-diagnosed, internal organ injury from this project. But you need to sign ...

Could there be a rotor or other turbulence on the ramp, caused by the sharp transition of the retaining wall? Just wondering... I think I still have a line on a professional-grade smoke machine, if anyone is interested. Or I can make some bubble solution for the hardy pilot who wants to stand below ...

The models are showing Thursday as the turn day to south-southwest and thermals topping out 9000-10000 feet by 2PM. The winds behind the mountain remain northeasterly.

But don't take my word for it. Better predictors will call the day that morning.

Yet another pilot learns:
Test flying gliders is dangerous... For your bank account.

Great, Doug! When you get yours, remember to post a comprehensive review.

About a year from now, I'll order mine. Don't get me wrong, I really want one but the Galileo-5030 was by no means perfect upon release.

As the shirt says, "Looks great! You go first."

Let me be clear: My issue isn't with posting an objective observation about safety. My problem is with reporting a subjective perception about a pilot's reaction to criticism. The job of informing the pilot of an error on launch is totally supportable. Complaining on the forum because the observer f...

Sounds a little like sour grapes to me. A usually thoughtful, rapidly progressing pilot has a spectacular flight on an 8000'+ day, is mentored in flight by one of the best at Kagel and lands hoping to bask in a bit of intermediate glory. Said pilot, his own harshest critic, is approached by an aspir...

Nice welcome, Rome. Seeing your post, they probably decided not to show up at Kagel. Maybe Monday.