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

Minutes-Election 2027

10/6/2026

Election for the 2027 SDHGPA board was held with nominations taking place between August 27th 2026 and closing September 24th 2026. Ballots were sent out to all active 2026 members on September 28th 2026 and closed October 4th 2026 with 29 members voting. The results of the vote are:

President - Dan Jackson
Vice Pres - John Bartholomew
Secretary - Cat Henning
Treasurer - Ron Davis
Lead Safety Officer - Tom Velky
Co-Safety - Ken Cote
Co-Safety - Kris Reynolds

The new board assumes the duties effective completion of voting.

Meeting Minutes 3/19/26

3/28/2026

San Diego Hang Glider & Paragliding Association
Monthly Meeting Minutes

Date: March 19, 2026
Location: Little Black Glider Site
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Club President Steve Rohrbaugh.

2. Attendance

Approximately 15 members were in attendance. Individual names were not recorded.
A quorum was not established.

3. Site Updates

Palomar Flying Site:

The Palomar flying site remains closed at this time.
The Pala Roberts Ranch is asking for a very large policy that would be larger than any of the large ski resort requirements as a condition of further use. This would be difficult to secure and would be a very large cost burden. Pala was unwilling to negotiate to lower-limit requirements at this time. All Pala-owned and Reservation land should be considered closed to Launching or Landing activities at this time.
We are looking at other options to reopen the Site using other launch Locations used in the past and LZ locations used in the past. However those will take further work to resecure and open use.
The existing Lyall landing strip LZ is currently usable for operations; however, there is no available vehicle parking at the location.

Palomar Pala Roberts Ranch - Closed Area

Palomar Nate Harrison Grade Launch Options

The Smiley launch is considered likely feasible; however, it takes a S-SW base wind primarily and is often in the typical West wind shadow in a rotor condition. Also a new landing zone (LZ) must be established to support safe and sustainable operations.
The CNF launches (3 locations) on the spine between Smiley and the Pala Robert's Ranch Main launch look like the most promising new Main Launch location into prevailing winds.
Based on member reconnaissance, the former “Piano LZ” is currently the most promising candidate for reuse as a new main landing area off of the Robert's ranch. However further research is required, including outreach and coordination with current property owners to assess feasibility and access permissions.
Members are encouraged to continue scouting for alternative landing zones and potential launch sites, as substantial additional effort will be required to evaluate and develop viable long-term options.
The desired to look for possible LZ purchase or lease options were discussed and would be money better spent then towards a very large reoccurring annual insurance premium.
The Foundation for Free Flight might have possible grant availabilities to help with Site LZ acquisitions.

4. Weather Stations

We have repair parts in house for most of the stations.
The El Cap Station has been rebuilt and installed thanks to the efforts of Jeff Brown and Nik Hawk.
LB weather station has been rebuilt and Jeff has been trying to coordinate access to the towers through the Open Space Rangers. This has been taking several months due to access process and requirements. The Rangers and open space has been slow to respond to vehicle access requests. A few at the meeting offered to help Jeff with the installation by carrying up a ladder and equipment to make the replacement installation. This would alleviate the need to coordinate vehicle access
Laguna: We have parts to build a replacement station for the one vandalized. However, we are a bit hesitant to reuse the existing SW station mast location due to it being vandalized two times before. We need to explore and think about alternative locations that would provide the type of data that we would be looking for to evaluate base winds vs thermal strength coming up the escarpment and if is blowing in or down (East or West) without being in a rotor condition.

5. New Business

Membership Application and Tracking System:

A primary topic of discussion was the club’s membership application and tracking system.
It was noted that several club members possess strong technical expertise in software and application development, presenting an opportunity to significantly improve the current system.
The group discussed the potential to modernize and expand the system into a more robust and efficient platform.
Further planning is required to define scope, resources, governance, and implementation structure.

Membership Chair Proposal:

A proposal was discussed to create a dedicated “Membership Chair” position.
This role would oversee membership administration and potentially coordinate any development or modernization of the membership system.

Annual Elections:

A brief discussion was held regarding the need for formal annual elections for club leadership positions.
It is our desire to bring in the next generation of club leadership and volunteer participation to start learning and picking up the torch to help keep the club and our San Diego flying sites viable for generations into the future. The club and our local flying community can be and will be what we make it into.
It was agreed that a nomination period and election schedule should be established, with a deadline for nominations set prior to the end of next month.
A formal election date will be determined following the close of nominations.

6. Safety Discussion

Reminder was made that all potential sites should be reviewed and coordinated through the club prior to use.
A brief mention was made of the upcoming safety meeting hosted by the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, and members were encouraged to stay informed and participate as appropriate. For those that missed the Accident Review Committee - 2026 Spring Webinar with Chris Santacroce the recording is now up on the USHPA website for all USHPA members.

Springtime PSA:
As we shift into spring flying conditions, it's time to reset our winter flying clocks for the appropriate times to fly for the season at all of our inland flying sites. (LB included).
As the days lengthen, the times to fly will continue to shift with the length of the solar day, with appropriate times to fly anchored to 2-3 hrs from sunrise to sunset.

7. Open Forum

No formal motions were recorded.
USHPA Membership Insurance and Chapter model discussion: - The Model Leverages Chapter risk management developed to USHPA procedures for the benefit of all USHPA members at Sites the Chapter Members fly for recreational non-commercial purposes.
- USHPA Member
- Chapter
- Landowners (if requested or required as a condition of use or a permit)
- Commercial flight activities require separate commercial level coverage
General discussion occurred among members regarding site access and organizational development topics.

8. Action Items

Investigate feasibility of the Piano LZ, including ownership and access permissions – Assigned to: TBD
Open a conversation with the Foundation For Free Flight regarding possible grant availability to help with a potential Palomar site preservation LZ purchase.
Conduct outreach to property owners regarding potential landing zones – Assigned to: TBD
Continue member-led scouting for alternative launch and landing sites – Assigned to: All members
Make initial contact with the The Foundation for Free Flight to start opening up conversations about possible grant availabilities for Site LZ acquisitions.
Develop proposal for membership system improvement and Membership Chair role definition – Assigned to: TBD
Establish nomination deadline and define annual election schedule – Assigned to: Board / Officers
Weather Station installation activities

9. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Next meeting will be held at one of the brewery locations

Minutes submitted by:
John Bartholomew, Club Secretary

NEW DATE - SDHGPA FALL FLY-IN 2025

9/26/2025

SDHGPA's Fall 2025 Fly-in SUNDAY Oct 19th 2025 @ Horse!

Please RSVP below or this link

RSVP FALL 2025 FLY-IN

Have you had a great Horse day?
Lets make this even better!!!

Taco Truck & Potluck in Postage Stamp LZ!
Target Drop Contest w/ prizes!
Super Fun - Weed with friends. The LZ's need help
At least 2 Years of XC awards to handout!
Midday flying not recommended for 1st year Pilots (P2 or P3)!* and should be targeting evening glass-off launch times. We will do a morning sledder if the weather allows!!!

* First Year pilots/ P2 Pilots should be on the ground no later than 10:00 or fly after 5:00pm with your higher rated sponsor/ mentor. . .

Rough Time Table:

10:00 - 12:00 - Check-in @ LZ (get your wrist bands)
11:00 - 1st round of Site intros on Main Launch
8:00-10:00 Early Flight window for 1st year P2 or P3 pilots Should land by 10:00.
12:00-4:30 Main time for experienced pilot Launching
4:30 - 5:30 Late Flight window for 1st year P2 or P3 pilots weather permitting.
Check-out after flying at the Table
~ 2:30 Appetizers Potluck & LZ festivities Start
~ 3:00-6:00 - Food in LZ
6:13 Sunset

Site: Horse
Where: Horse Main LZ
SDHGPA Horse Main LZ - Sheephead Mountain Rd., Pine Valley, CA map

Please review and read the full Horse Site Guide for updates:

Key Points for the Fly-in

Best to take care of memberships before, otherwise will be signing up on your phone with poor connections . . .
Check In and Out at the LZ Table and get your wrist band for this event.
Carpool to launch to minimized Cars on launch
Active Launch Windows: Use mountain etiquette - Only enter the Launch Windows with your gear if and when you are ready and intending to launch hooked in and hang checked/ pre line checked (set-up and prep including clipping/ hooking in and hang check in non active window areas.) Be mindful that there will be a lot of pilots on launch. Do not wait for the perfect Cycle, but rather take the 1st good safe cycle.
Please resist the urge to top land until the end of the day glass off or if pilots are in queue to launch. (Mt Sites are not coastal Torrey and top landing in active air can be hazardous. Top landing also delays launching pilots during your full approach setup and landing)

Cost:
SDHGPA Members: Free for SDHGPA Members (included as Membership benefit)
Non-flying guest: $10 Fly-in BBQ - Taco Cart donation is appreciated.

SDHGPA Membership is required to participate in the Fly-in at Horse and covers the Sandwich as a membership benefit. (Full Annual Membership, or Visiting Pilot membership is valid for this event. For non flying guests, $10/ person Taco Cart donation is appreciated)

Please RSVP

Social committee would like some help from some volunteers to help coordinate food pickup, set up and break down. Also, if you have a Portable Table that you would be willing to bring, that would be great. Ideally, we can get these things coordinated by mid day on the Friday before the event so that everything runs as smooth as possible on Saturday.

RSVP Response table

SDHGPA'S SPRING 2025 Fly-in

5/1/2025

*CANCELLED * SDHGPA's Spring 2025 Fly-in May 24th 2025 @ Horse!

Fingers crossed we can get good weather in fall. Have a great summer flying season.

All memberships are available online, here. Please make you're paid up before you arrive. Let's work together to keep these wonderful sites available to the free flight community!

Check Current Membership Status here.

Please RSVP below or this link

RSVP Spring 2025 SDHGPA FLY-IN

Been a while so let's make this a great event!!!

Sandwich's & Potluck in LZ!
Target Drop Contest w/ prizes!
2 Years of XC awards to handout!
Midday flying not recommended for 1st year Pilots (P2 or P3)!* and should be targeting evening glass-off launch times . . .

* First Year pilots/ P2 Pilots should be launching before 10:00 or later than 5:00pm with your higher rated sponsor/ mentor. . .

Rough Time Table:

9:30 - 10:00 - Check-in @ LZ (get your wrist bands, raffle tx, & Target Drop supplies)
10:00 - Drive to launch with early crew
10:00 - 1st round of Site intros on Main Launch
10:00-11:00 Early Flight window for 1st year P2 or P3 pilots Should land by 11:00.
12:00-4:30 Main time for experienced pilot Launching
4:30 - 6:00 Late Flight window for 1st year P2 or P3 pilots weather permitting.
Check-out after flying at the Table
~ 3:00 Appetizers Potluck & LZ festivities Start
~ 3:30-7:00 - Food in LZ
7:20 Sunset

Site: Horse
Where: Horse Main LZ
SDHGPA Horse Main LZ - Sheephead Mountain Rd., Pine Valley, CA map

Please review and read the full Horse Site Guide for updates:

Key Points for the Fly-in

Best to take care of memberships before, otherwise will be signing up on your phone with poor connections . . .
Check In and Out at the LZ Table and get your wrist band for this event.
Carpool to launch to minimized Cars on launch
Active Launch Windows: Use mountain etiquette - Only enter the Launch Windows with your gear if and when you are ready and intending to launch hooked in and hang checked/ pre line checked (set-up and prep including clipping/ hooking in and hang check in non active window areas.) Be mindful that there will be a lot of pilots on launch. Do not wait for the perfect Cycle, but rather take the 1st good safe cycle.

Cost:
SDHGPA Members: Free for SDHGPA Members (included as Membership benefit)
Non-flying guest: $10 Sandwich/ donation is appreciated.

SDHGPA Membership is required to participate in the Fly-in at Horse and covers the Sandwich as a membership benefit. (Full Annual Membership, or Visiting Pilot membership is valid for this event. For non flying guests, $10/ person Sandwich donation is appreciated)

Please RSVP

Social committee would like some help from some volunteers to help coordinate food pickup, set up and break down. Also, if you have a Portable Table that you would be willing to bring, that would be great. Ideally, we can get these things coordinated by mid day on the Friday before the event so that everything runs as smooth as possible on Saturday.

RSVP Response table

2025 SDHGPA Election Results

1/15/2025

Thank you to all that accepted nominations and offered to serve on the SDHGPA Board and Volunteer positions. If you have a special skill or want to help out, we are always looking for ways to help spread the load.

The ballots have been counted up and we have a new board! 46 ballots were cast and all non submitted ballots were determined to be abstentions.

Here's the Board and Volunteer line up for 2025:

President: Steve Rohrbaugh (Incumbent) 100%
Vice President: Jeff Brown (Incumbent) 100%
Secretary: John Bartholomew 73.9%
Treasurer: Ana Krulec (Incumbent) 97.8%
Safety Officer: Alex Gray (Incumbent) 100%
Co-Safety Officer: Florian Schweiger 100%

Board Members at Large: (Top 3 % of votes collected)

Josef De Beer 78.3%
Robb Milley 76.1%
Ron Davis 73.9%

Appointed Volunteer Positions - Non-board voting positions:

Social Committee Chair: Jay Whiteaker, Josh Gelb (for Cost Co Run)
Black Mountain Citizens Advisory Committee: Jeff Brown, Dave Metzar, Antonella Zampolli
Website: Steve Rohrbaugh, + (Need Volunteers to step up to Help)

Site Pilots in Command

Palomar: HG: Jeff Brown; PG: Ron Davis, Robb Milley, John Bartholomew, Dan Jackson
Little Black: Jeff Brown, David Arnouk
Big Black: HG: Jeff Brown; PG: Jay Whiteaker
Horse Canyon: John Bartholomew, Rob Eschbach
Laguna: HG: Jeff Brown - Butch Peachy; PG: Rob Eschbach
Blossom: Jay Whiteaker, Josh Gelb
Whales V: Alex Gray
Otay TBD (Open)
Tecate Peak (Historic rarely flown) TBD (Open)

Survey Results:

Meeting Location Ideas:

David Hunt: https://www.scrippsranch.org/community-center/
Florian Schweiger: Any brewery
Scott Hatlen: Kate Sessions Park
Russ Gibfried: I like Little Black
Josh Gelb: My Clubhouse in Mission Valley is available
Alex Grey: Fiesta Island fire pits

If you have other ideas, Please let us know

Radio Etiquette

8/5/2024

Updated Radio Etiquette slide from 5-2023 talk and prior XC talks is a good reminder for Site Flying and XC pilots:

Site and XC Flying Radio Use 101
- The Basics -

General Radio Use Guidelines:

If site flying: Use low power settings
Keep it short and to the point with useful information: Think about what you want to say, then then broadcast your useful information.
Realize that your broadcast was probably heard, but other pilots were probably busy thermalling or your broadcast did not warrant a response.
If you hear a transmission, and you are at altitude or on the ground and it is convenient for you to do so: it is helpful and reaffirming to repeat a message. This helps to relay transmissions acting as a repeater for transmissions that may not have line of sight. i.e. if a driver or transmitter is in a canyon or out of transmission range on the ground.
Once you have landed, keep your radio on and nearby until all pilots are and vehicles are retrieved and accounted for.

General What Not to Do:

Do not Chat it up: Realize that if you are chatting it up waxing poetically your excitement to be flying, you may be blocking other critical transmissions up to 50 miles away or distracting those trying to focus on their varios in maybe a critical location.
Do not use up airwave time by asking for someone by name only or broadcasting non information such as "can you hear me" with no other content.

What to and When to Transmit:
Keep radio transitions short and useful to the point info:

Who: “This is “Pilot Name”
What: Who, what, where, other (conditions . . . that would be useful to others in route or in fight)
When: On transitions, getting low, back up, gaggle flying decision points, relaying/ rebroadcasting info from pilots that are low or that have landed out and may not have line of sight signal strength.
Where/ Location: “Location & Altitude” Learn and use common way-point names, and roads. Note that multiple Sites can here the transmissions and is good to know what LZ or launch you are reporting conditions for.
WX & Other : (conditions . . . that would be useful to others in route) (short Gaggle coordination)

Examples of good radio transitions:

“This is Pilot Y Landed Safe in Palomar LZ, LZ is active and winds SW @ 5-12.
“This is “Pilot X”, 9K at Granite, Going on glide to Vulcan, Winds SE @ 10” “Pilot Z What's your 20”
“This is “Pilot Z”, Low, 1K over Earthquake Valley, may be landing, Winds East @ 10”
“This is “Pilot Z”, Back in game, Thermaling 7K over Scissors Crossing, Winds SE @ 2 in convergence line”
“This is “Pilot Y”, Setting up to land in Wash, Winds SE @ 10”
“This is “Pilot Y”, Landed Safe in Wash, Winds SE @ 5”
“This is “Pilot X”, 10K over Banner in convergence line, on glide to Vulcan; “Pilot Y Landed Safe in Wash, Wash winds SE @ 5 will need retrieve”

Slide for Printing:

February 2024 MEETING NOTES

2/16/2024

1. Site info Updates:
Reminder that all flying Palo need to be current members with the completed applications and waiver step. https://www.sdhgpa.com/join-sdhgpa.html

Also, all need to sign in and out using the Palomar sign in Page:
https://www.sdhgpa.com/palomar-sign-in.html

The Palomar Gate Codes will be changing Feb19th at Palomar. We will then also update the Laguna gate codes in the next month. The Gate codes will be published to the 2024 Members info page: https://www.sdhgpa.com/2024-membership-info-gates-cards.html

Please do not share the gate codes with non-current members as this is why Pala Law enforcement is changing the codes.

Palo gate codes changing is a direct result of Pala Tribal Law Enforcement seeing pilots accessing the Site without properly signing in using the current sign-in system. (They have motion sensors and cameras all over and want to know if motion sensors tripped is someone that has permission to be there or not. )

This lead them to believe non-current SDHGPA pilots without current waivers on file have been accessing the Site. This information was supplied to the Pala Tribal council as this is an issue for them. They view non-current SDHGPA user access without a current years waiver on file as trespassing.

Please respect the Palomar agreed protocols for our use of the Roberts Ranch with the Pala Tribal Council. Note that we are guests of the ranch and Not following the protocols puts our use of the Site at risk. Note that our use agreement is up for renewal and renegotiating this coming fall. Every issue logged unfortunately gets reviewed during this review process.

Please encourage all to help preserve the Site by helping to encourage all to follow the Site protocols.https://www.sdhgpa.com/current-membership-status.html

2. New Club Treasurer
We have a new Treasurer (yeh Ana!)

3.  We have a new PO box address: (now at the USPS near LB)
SDHGPA
    PO Box 720895
    SAN DIEGO, CA 92172

4. Palomar XC Point Series — No updates

5. 2024 Membership Status:
We have 171 current members for 2024 so far. Nominal dues helps pay for site access/insurance, WX stations and other Site maint, etc. Key things for Landowners and our agreements with them are the application membership waivers completed on an annual basis.

6. USHPA Chapter Renewal Submitted — USHPA dues have increase to ~$3,706      For Insurance, the Chapter is covered at all Sites we have Site Guides for and we are covering the landowners at the following sites this year:

Palomar
Little Black
Laguna
Horse

Big Black Landowner not renewed until we need to for new permits if required for access.
Blossom Landowners not renewed this year since site expected to be graded for homes.

7. Discussion on importance of using satellite tracker (eg. Garmin) when flying XC. Look at USHPA magazine to sign-up at ExpertVoice for discounts. www.expertvoice.com

8 We just received our 2024 permit for Laguna. If flying Laguna, print-out a copy and put in your harness. Also print an extra copy for your driver. Follow the site guide at https://www.sdhgpa.com/laguna.html and be sure to text the rangers as specified in the Site Guide.

Laguna is part of Anza-Borrego State Park; therefore, not all State Park Rangers are familiar with hang-gliders/paragliders in the park. Having the Use Permit on you will ease issues.

9. Palomar Outhouse - No update. Well crap!

Meeting adjourned.

SDHGPA Special Election 2024

1/15/2024

SDHGPA Special Election Voting opened on Wednesday Jan 10th and closed Sunday Jan 14th 2024.

Member votes were be collected by e-mail ballots. Special Election Nominations were collected and seconded by the SDHGPA Board to initially fill a position vacancy of Treasurer per our bylaws. Write-in nominations & votes were accepted. Election ballot forms were sent to Current SDHGPA 2024 Full Members as of Jan 12th. Each current Full Member were able to make one ballot submission.

Those Nominated for Treasurer:

Ana Krulec
Todd Wiersum
George Du (write-in)

53 SDHGPA Members participated in the Special Election and Ana Krulec was elected to the Position of SDHGPA Treasurer with 75.5% of the votes cast.

Congratulations to Ana and a big thank you to those that offered to serve as Treasurer in this Special Election to fill this position Vacancy. We will very likely tap into your offer to help in a support role.

Also, thank you to all that participated in the voting process!

SDHGPA's 50th Anniversary Fall Festival Fly-in

11/10/2023

SDHGPA's 50th Anniversary Fall Festival Fly-in November 18th 2023 @ Palomar!

(Date has been changed to the WX back up date November 18th)

Come on out and share the sky with the San Diego free flight crew. Dinner & soft drinks will be provided by the club; Please bring a Fall Harvest worthy appetizer, side dish, salad, fruit, dessert, or drinks you'd like to share throughout the day (BYOB).

SDHGPA Membership is required to participate in the Fly-in Event and to Fly Palomar.
Please take care of Memberships and print parking passes BEFORE driving out if not current.

â€‹All memberships are available online, here. Please make you're paid up and print out your Parking Pass before you arrive. Let's work together to keep these wonderful sites available to the free flight community!

Check Current Membership Status here.

Please RSVP below or this link

Those RSVPing before noon Friday Nov 16th get two extra Door Prize raffle Tickets)

This will be a great event!!!

Fall Festival BBQ & Potluck in LZ!
Pumpkin Drop Target Contest w/ prizes!
Free door prize raffle with tons of swag and prizes sponsored by: Max Acro San Diego Paragliding School and USHPA!
Palomar Point Series task?? Wx allowing . . .
Midday flying not recommended for 1st year Pilots (P2 or P3)!* and should be targeting evening glass-off launch times . . .

* First Year pilots/ P2 Pilots should be launching before 11:00 or later than 3:00pm with your higher rated sponsor/ mentor. . .

Rough Time Table:

9:30 - 10:00 - Check-in @ LZ (get your wrist bands, raffle tx, & pumpkin drop supplies)
10:15 - Drive to launch with early crew
10:00 - 1st round of Site intros on Main Launch
10:00-11:00 Early Flight window for 1st year P2 or P3 pilots Should land by 11:30.
12:00-4:30 Main time for experienced pilot Launching
3:00 - 4:30 Late Flight window for 1st year P2 or P3 pilots weather permitting.
Check-out after flying at the Table
~ 3:00 Appetizers Potluck & LZ festivities Start
~ 3:30-7:00 - BBQ in LZ
4:50 Sunset

Site: Palomarâ€‹
Where: Palomar Main LZ
SDHGPA Palomar Main LZ - Roberts Ranch, 15482 CA-76, Pauma Valley, CA 92061 map

Please review and read Full Palomar Site Gide for updates:

Palomar Site Guide

Key Points for the Fly-in

All Vehicles must display Current 2023 SDHGPA Vehicle ID/ Gate Pass
Best to take care of memberships before, otherwise will be signing up on your phone with poor connections . . .
Check In and Out at the LZ Table and get your wrist band for this event vs calling individually into Tribal Security.
Carpool to launch to minimized Cars on launch
Main Launch is preferred for this event
Keep all access gates locked and closed behind. (2023 Gate Codes)
Active Launch Windows: Use mountain etiquette - Only enter the Launch Windows with your gear if and when you are ready and intending to launch hooked in and hang checked/ pre line checked (set-up and prep including clipping/ hooking in and hang check in non active window areas.) Be mindful that there will be a lot of pilots on launch. Do not wait for the perfect Cycle, but rather take the 1st good safe cycle.

Palomar Main Launch Use Zones

No top-landing or fly-troughs before 4pm
Right turn day in front of launch and up the main spine to Robbin's. However, normal thermaling rules take precedence.
If in Launch Windows or Top landing Approach areas, be cautious and aware of flight activities in all directions.
Do not enter Orchards . . . non-authorized Picking of Fruit is strictly forbidden and illegal

Cost:
SDHGPA Members: Free for SDHGPA Members (included as Membership benefit)
Non-flying guest: $10 BBQ/ donation is appreciated.

SDHGPA Membership is required to participate in the Fly-in at Palomar and covers the BBQ as a membership benefit. (Full Annual Membership, or Visiting Pilot membership is valid for this event. For non flying guests, $10/ person BBQ donation is appreciated)

Note that all Cars must have a parking pass in the LZ & Launch (& no parking or dropping off pilots out on the road).
Please take care of Memberships and print parking passes before driving out if not current.
All memberships are online and easier with a strong connection. . .â€‹

Check Current Membership Status here

Please RSVP
The Social Committee would like some help from some volunteers to help coordinate, set up, and break down.

Enter each question scrolling down till submit

Social committee would like some help from some volunteers to help coordinate food pickup, set up and break down. Also, if you have a Portable Table that you would be willing to bring, that would be great. Ideally, we can get these things coordinated by mid day on the Friday before the event so that everything runs as smooth as possible on Saturday.

RSVP Response table

August 2023 Meeting Notes

8/18/2023

August 2023 monthly meeting was held at Little Black. Light winds, pleasant temperatures and Jersey Mike sandwiches.

New faces attending:

Mohid P2 working on P3 at TP
Kiro P2 working on P3 at Marshal
John P2 working at P3 at TP
Andrea P2 works at TP w/ the falcons (Say 'hi' if you are at TP)

Site Info and Updates

Palomar and Big Black now marked on aviation sectional maps w/ glider symbols. 15 year process, but Steve tried again 6 months ago and someone responded. Good job Steve!
Palomar Outhouse: Diamond not servicing anymore so Steve and John Bartholomew are looking for alternatives since in our use agreement requires a facility at launch.
Weather Stations: Palomar has new firmware
Laguna Reminder: Read site guide, print out permit and make sure you call Norb Ruhmke (Supervising Ranger at Anza Borrego Desert State Park) to let him know you are flying. https://www.sdhgpa.com/laguna.html

Repack Clinic: TDB

Q&A From Telegram:

Any recommendations for 1st Pod harness?

If you are testing one, make sure you sit in it for 20-30 minutes to determine pressure points
Lightweight hike and fly harness are appealing but consider difficulty getting into at launch and less protection.
Brands people liked:
1. Advance (for dual density protectors)
2. Woody Valley
3. SupAir

Where do people go for glider trimming and porosity testing?

SuperFly - Gin, Nova, Advance (Glider Trim & Full Service)
Eagle (Santa Barbara) (Glider Trim & Full Service)
Torrey Pines From Milly, "At Torrey pines gliderport we do porosity, inspections, line repairs, fabric repairs, reserve repacks and misc gear repairs needed. We are with-in driving distance in San diego County."

How to start XC flying?

Baby steps - Read books. Get comfortable thermalling and assessing weather conditions at several Sites and expanding your flight envelope. You need to reliably thermal up then be able to read conditions and terrain for where to go outside of familiar terrain.
Once topping off thermals, start to extend glides out front progressively to learn your gliders glide and performance into the wind, then back down wind. Build your confidence on knowing what terrain features to glide to and back to to get back up.
Get comfortable flying the local triangles at sites like Palomar and Blossom along with building your flight duration stamina.
The more you come out and build your skills, more than likely you will meet others that will feel comfortable inviting you out with groups who are going XC and on days that might be appropriate for your skill set.
Key thing: if advanced pilots are willing to take you out, you must respect their advice/ guidance. If they asses that you should stand down for the day or a period of time. They do not need the added stress if you don't follow their advice.

Photos from LB:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwGd23og6WX/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==