August 2023 Meeting Notes

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

New faces attending:

1. Mohid P2 working on P3 at TP
2. Kiro P2 working on P3 at Marshal
3. John P2 working at P3 at TP
4. 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?

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

        Where do people go for glider trimming and porosity testing?

1. SuperFly - Gin, Nova, Advance (Glider Trim & Full Service)
2. Eagle (Santa Barbara) (Glider Trim & Full Service)
3. 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==
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