San Diego Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association - SDHGPA Meeting Minutes, News & Articles Blog

Palomar re-opened! 8-9-19

8/9/2019

Pilots of San Diego, rejoice! Restrictions on flying Palomar have been lifted, you may now go back to using the Main LZ, launch, etc. Refer to the Palomar site guide for the most updated guidance.

See ya in the sky (and thanks to Steve R for doing the legwork on this!)

-Nik

Palomar Main LZ Closed for Water Project Starting 7-25-19

7/25/2019

Effective 7-25-19 The Palomar Main LZ is Closed for a Roberts Ranch Project until further notice.

We are trying to see if we can keep the site open using the other LZs and Bailout. Until we have confirmation on that, The Entire Palomar site should be considered closed.

From the Pala EC:
“The Executive Committee is currently working on a project at Robert’s Ranch, and are storing equipment and water linings and etc., on the LZ Landing Area.

This project is going to last 4-6 weeks, maybe longer. Chairman Smith asked me to notify you to cease using the LZ Landing Area until further notice.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during the time we are having projects done on our property. Please notify all your members immediately. “

Palomar reopened for Weekday flying

7/17/2019

Palomar has been reopened for Weekday flying starting 7-16-19.

However, there are new Protocols worked out with the Pala Roberts Ranch for checking in and out with the Ranch office and Tribal Security along with a few other protocol updates.

Make SURE all Pilots read the full updated Palomar site guide!

Key updates and those not followed 100% in the past few months:

All SDHGPA Membership Status must be checked for complete application and waiver submission.
Weekdays Monday – Friday (now reopened): Each person accessing the Site must log-in and log-out with the Ranch Office. Check in with the Ranch Office Manager (Clarissa). If the Ranch Office is closed when checking in or out, call Pala Tribal Security Dispatch (760) 742-0548 with names, USHPA #, and license plates of each vehicle.
Weekends: Each person accessing the Site must be logged-in and logged-out through the Pala Tribal Security Dispatch by calling (760) 742-0548 prior to accessing and leaving the site. (Carpooling or groups of pilots can call in with names, USHPA #, and license plates of each vehicle, but each pilot is responsible for making sure that they have been checked-in and out). On Saturdays if ranch hands are present, introduce yourself.
All Vehicles must display current SDHGPA vehicle ID/ gate pass. This includes All Vehicles accessing the site: driving through, parked, or unloading / shuttling pilots from LZs to Launch. This also helps to account for all pilots at the end of the day.
Parking in Main LZ: All vehicles must park south/west of building. Click on adjoining image for a visual guide. Do NOT park in front of roll-up doors, shade structure, any gates, or driveways. (Vehicles can load HGs from the LZ tear-down area but cannot be left unattended.)
All Pilot trash should be packed out - Do Not use the Ranch dumpsters.
If leaving a cooler or other equipment in LZ, tape a spare membership card to the items so that it can be identified as having a reason to be there. Otherwise, nothing can be left in the LZ unattended.

Park South/ West of the Office Building in the Main LZ even if just pulling up for a short time.

NEW LAGUNA PROTOCOL - JUNE 2019

6/7/2019

Flying Laguna? There's a new protocol. More to follow, but the short version is this:

We need to Text Bill Helliwell with the number of pilots launching from the Upper launch as soon as it is known.
Also need to Text Bill Helliwell with the number of pilots landing at the Earthquake Valley LZ, the number could be zero.

As soon as it is known how many are going to take off from the upper launch, send a text to Bill Helliwell (his area code is 760, then dial 500 followed by 1265) with the number of pilots. Sorry for the robot avoidance attempt.

Bill will text the park ranger Point of Contact. Also As soon as it is known how many pilots are landing at the Earthquake Valley LZ (the number could be zero) send another text to Bill Helliwell.

For all Site Protocols and information, see the full Laguna Site Guide.

UPDATE TO MEMBERSHIP DUES

6/7/2019

SDHGPA board members voted on the issue of making our minimum visitor/short term dues as a month duration instead of just a week.

Gate Codes change May 2019

5/9/2019

Notice: Palomar Gate Codes have changed to the 2019 Combo & The Laguna Codes will change by the end of May.

All Gate Codes are available in the Member Only Section

2019 Gate code for Laguna and Palomar gates is: XXXX

Palomar reopened for Weekend flying

4/27/2019

Palomar has been reopened for Weekend flying starting 4-27-19.

However, there are new Protocols worked out with the Pala Roberts Ranch for checking in and out with Tribal Security and a few other protocol updates. Make SURE you read this!

EL CAP WEATHER STATION

4/25/2019

Many of us who fly the San Diego area could use a weather station at "The Cap". The Cap sticks up higher into the airflow than launch at Blossom, and a weather station there would help us make better calls on XC days as well as safety calls on those North-y days. Here's what you can do to help make an El Cap Weather Station a reality...

PALOMAR, XC, AND THE RULES

4/22/2019

MEETING MINUTES FROM CLUB MEETING 4/18

What's going on with Palomar? Is it really closing for good? What can we do about it? Also, XC for new pilots, Q&A with salty dogs.

Palomar LZ HAZARD

4/21/2019

San Diego Sky People!

UPDATE: Palomar closed to pilots on week days M-F until further notice. This is due to the power pole project and recent site issues with pilots & non-pilots not following rules. We'll keep you updated regarding when this site will re-open for free flight.

SDG&E is using the Palomar LZ as a staging area for its power pole replacement project. This project will be staging massive pilot-impaling ankle-rolling leg-snapping wing 'n line catching telephone poles in the Palomar Main LZ through May 8th.