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Meeting Minutes, News, & Articles

Oct. 22nd 2022 SDHGPA Fly-In at Palomar

10/29/2022

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The Palomar Oct. 22nd Fly-in was a fun day with plenty of smooth lift to cloud-base all over the valley.  The initial forecast predicted only a morning session since possible light precipitation would start in the evening, but the weather gods smiled on us and the sun came out and clouds lifted.  The wind did start to pick-up around 2:30pm, and for those already on the ground sitting in lawn chairs enjoying tacos and beers, they got to watch the show as pilots maneuvered not to land short of the LZ in relatively strong winds.  No orange trees were landed on!
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SDHGPA FALL FIESTA FLY-IN 2022

10/21/2022

0 Comments

 
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).
Saturday October 22nd!  2022 at Palomar
WX back-up Nov 5th
Picture

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.
Check Current Membership Status here.
​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 back to this page for updates up to day of fly-in
​Please RSVP below or this link
RSVP Link

This will be a great event!!!

  • Fall Fiesta in LZ with Taco Cart!
  • Targeting Am flights then possible Late Afternoon glass-off . . .
  • Midday flying not recommended for 1st year P2 or P3 pilots! First Year pilots/ P2 Pilots should be launching before 11:30 or later than 4:00pm with your higher rated sponsor/ mentor. . .
  • Gear Swap
Rough Time Table:
9:30 and on - Check-in @ LZ (get your wrist bands)
10:15 - Drive to launch with early crew
10:30 - 1st round of Site intros on Main Launch
11:00-12:00 Early Flight window for 1st year P2 or P3 pilots Should land by noon.
1:00-5:30 - Main time for experienced pilot Launching
4:00 - 5:30 Late Flight window for 1st year P2 or P3 pilots weather permitting.
Check-out after flying at the Table

~ 4:00 Appetizers Potluck &  LZ festivities Start
~ 4:30-7:30 - Taco Cart serving in LZ
​6:07 Sunset


Site: Palomar​
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 2022 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 for this event vs calling individually into Tribal Security. (Get your Wrist Bands)
  • Carpool to launch to minimized Cars on launch
  • Main Launch is preferred for this event
  • Keep all access gates locked and closed behind. (2022 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 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. ​
Picture
Palomar Main Launch Use Zones
  • No top-landing or fly-troughs before 4pm. We have a lot of people that will be launching and top landing pauses launch during Top landing attempts.
  • 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.

Post Flying Fall Fiesta:
By popular demand, we will be having a Taco Cart in the LZ.
Main Course (Taco Cart) will be provided by the club however it is also an potluck; so plan to bring a Fiesta worthy appetizer, side dish, salad, fruit, dessert, or drinks you'd like to share throughout the day and post flying (BYOB).

Also Bring out your favorite Yard Games! for post flying fun & socializing: bocce ball, corn hole, ladder toss . . . ​

Cost: 
SDHGPA Members: Free for SDHGPA Members (included as Membership benefit)
Non-flying guest: $10 BBQ/ donation for Taco Cart is appreciated.
​
SDHGPA Membership is required to participate in the Fly-in at Palomar and covers the taco cart as a membership benefit. (Full Annual Membership, or Visiting Pilot membership is valid for this event. For non flying guests, a $10/ person BBQ donation for taco cart is appreciated)

Note that all Cars must have a parking pass in the LZ & Launch (& no parking 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. . . 
Check Current Membership Status here

Please RSVP ​
Social committee would also like some help from some volunteers to help coordinate food pickup, set up and break down. Also, if you have a Portable BBQ & 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. 
Picture
Past Fall Fly-ins at Palomar:
Picture
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SDHGPA Spring 2022 FLY-IN & AWARDS Ceremony

4/2/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
SDHGPA Spring ​Fly-in Fiesta 2021
&
XC Awards Ceremony for 2021:  

April 9th @ Palomar!
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 Fiesta 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.
Check Current Membership Status here.
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!

Please RSVP below or this link
Fly-in RSVP
Check back to this page for updates up to day of fly-in

​This will be a great event!!!
  • Spring Fiesta in LZ with Taco Cart!
  • Targeting evening glass-off . . .
  • Midday flying not recommended for 1st year P2 or P3 pilots!
  • SDHGPA XC Awards presentation for the past year!
  • Gear Swap
​Rough Tentative Time Table:
12:00 - Set-up & General Meeting Time / Check in at LZ opens
1:45 - Carpooling to launch starts
2:30 - Site intro on Main Launch
2:00 - 7:00 - Launching (First Year H2 & P2-P3 should be launching later than 4:30pm with your higher rated sponsor/ mentor. . .)
​
​~ 4:30 Appetizers Potluck &  LZ festivities Start
~ 5:00-8:00 - Taco Cart serving in LZ
~ 7:00 pm - Awards Ceremony
​7:15 - Sunset

Site: Palomar​
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 2022 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 or Launch 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. (2022 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 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. ​
Picture
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.


Gear Swap
Picture
We are giving gear swap another try at the fly in! Enter the gear you are selling in the Google sheet link below, include your contact info.  If you are interested in a piece of gear reach out directly to the seller. If there are any issues Cameron Eibl (contact on telegram) will do his best to help you coordinate.
Gear Swap List

Post Flying Fiesta & Awards Ceremony:
By popular demand, we will be having a Taco Cart in the LZ.
​Main Course (Taco Cart) will be provided by the club however it is also an potluck; so plan to bring a Fiesta worthy appetizer, side dish, salad, fruit, dessert, or drinks you'd like to share throughout the day and post flying (BYOB).

Also Bring out your favorite Yard Games! for post flying fun & socializing: bocce ball, corn hole, ladder toss . . .

Cost: 
SDHGPA Members: Free for SDHGPA Members (included as Membership benefit)
Non-flying guest: $10 BBQ/ donation for Taco Cart is appreciated.
​
SDHGPA Membership is required to participate in the Fly-in at Palomar and covers the taco cart as a membership benefit. (Full Annual Membership, or Visiting Pilot membership is valid for this event. For non flying guests, a $10/ person BBQ donation for taco cart is appreciated)

Note that all Cars must have a parking pass in the LZ & Launch (& no parking 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. . . 
Check Current Membership Status here

The Rich Matros Memorial X-C Contest - a rich history of XC free flight in Southern California
Picture
The Rich Matros Memorial X-C Contest is a chapter member XC competition based on open flight with non-specified tasks for pilots to make XC decisions on how to fly the day. There are both season long competitive and personal milestone Shirt Awards. The competition rules are different for HG & PG,  but the milestone shirt awards are the same for each class of wing.

Rich Matros Memorial X-C Contest History: ​The SDHGPA was originally known as the Ultralight Flier's Organization, or UFO. The UFO was formed in 1973 and changed names to SDHGA in 1987. In 1994 the name was changed once again to the San Diego Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association or SDHGPA to better represent our growing paraglider pilot membership.

​Rich Matros was one of the earliest members of the UFO, and one of its strongest supporters for over 15 years before succumbing to cancer. The cross country contest was renamed the Rich Matros Cross Country Contest in 1988 to honor Rich and to recognize his years of contribution to our club and his passion for XC.
​
For more information and how to participate in the XC comp as an SDHGPA membership benefit, see the Rich Matros Memorial X-C Contest page under the More navigation section.


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

0 Comments

SDHGPA Fall Harvest Fly-in 2021

11/4/2021

0 Comments

 
 Saturday November 6th!  2021 at Palomar
Picture
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.
Check Current Membership Status here.
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!

Please RSVP below or this link
Fly-in RSVP
Check back to this page for updates up to day of fly-in

​This will be a great event!!!
Rough Time Table:
  • 12:00 - General Meeting Time & Set-up in LZ
  • 1:00 - Drive to launch
  • 1:30 - Site intros on Main Launch
  • 1 - 5:30 - Launching 
  • ​~4:30 BBQ Set-up & Start Cooking
  • ~ 5pm - BBQ starts
  • ​5:55 Sunset

Site: Palomar​
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 2021 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 or Launch 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. (2021 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 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. ​
  • 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.
Picture
Palomar Main Launch Use Zones
  • 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.
  • COVID Guidance: Based on updated County & CDC guidance, Masks will be required when carpooling for all. If not fully vaccinated or uncomfortable in crowds, please feel free to wear a mask at other times & socializing. If not feeling well, please refrain from attending. (This may Change based on local CDC guidelines)

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

RSVP Responses
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SDHGPA Summer 2021 Fly-in & Awards CerEmony

7/30/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
SDHGPA Summer ​Fly-in Fiesta 2021
&
XC Awards Ceremony for 2018, 2019, & 2020:  
Aug 14th @ Palomar!
Picture
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 Fiesta 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.
Check Current Membership Status here.
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!

Please RSVP below or this link
Fly-in RSVP
Check back to this page for updates up to day of fly-in

​This will be a great event!!!
  • Summer Fiesta in LZ with Taco Cart!
  • Targeting evening glass-off . . .
  • Midday flying not recommended!
  • SDHGPA XC Awards presentation for the past 3 years!
  • + Special USHPA Award Presentation
  • Gear Swap
​Rough Tentative Time Table:
2:00 - Set-up & General Meeting Time / Check in at LZ opens
2:45 - Carpooling to launch starts
3:30 - Site intro on Main Launch
4:00 - 7:00 - Launching (H1-H2 & P1-P2 should be launching later than 5pm with your higher rated sponsor/ mentor. . .)

​~ 5:45 Appetizers Potluck &  LZ festivities Start
~ 6:00-7:30 - Taco Cart serving in LZ
~ 7:00 pm - Awards Ceremony
​7:36 - Sunset

Site: Palomar​
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 2021 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 or Launch 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. (2021 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 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. ​
  • No top-landing or fly-troughs before 5pm
  • Right turn day in front of launch and up the main spine to Robbin's. However, normal thermaling rules take precedence.
Picture
Palomar Main Launch Use Zones
  • 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.
  • COVID Guidance: Based on updated County & CDC guidance, Masks will be required when carpooling for all. If not fully vaccinated or uncomfortable in crowds, please feel free to wear a mask at other times & socializing. If not feeling well, please refrain from attending. (This may Change based on local CDC guidelines)

Gear Swap
Picture
We are giving gear swap a try at the fly in! Enter the gear you are selling in the Google sheet link below, include your contact info.  If you are interested in a piece of gear reach out directly to the seller. If there are any issues Cameron Eibl (contact on telegram) will do his best to help you coordinate.
Gear Swap List
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HBvOSVivWNJ6jK9J_kNxx7l5Nt-MLUIrzWHK16vnBSY/edit?usp=drivesdk

Post Flying Fiesta & Awards Ceremony:
By popular demand, we will be having a Taco Cart in the LZ.
​
Main Course (Taco Cart) will be provided by the club however it is also an potluck; so plan to bring a Fiesta worthy appetizer, side dish, salad, fruit, dessert, or drinks you'd like to share throughout the day and post flying (BYOB).
Also Bring out your favorite Yard Games! for post flying fun & socializing: bocce ball, corn hole, ladder toss . . .

Cost: 
SDHGPA Members: Free for SDHGPA Members (included as Membership benefit)
Non-flying guest: $10 BBQ/ donation for Taco Cart is appreciated.
​
SDHGPA Membership is required to participate in the Fly-in at Palomar and covers the taco cart as a membership benefit. (Full Annual Membership, or Visiting Pilot membership is valid for this event. For non flying guests, a $10/ person BBQ donation for taco cart is appreciated)

Note that all Cars must have a parking pass in the LZ & Launch (& no parking 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. . . ​
​
Check Current Membership Status here.

The Rich Matros Memorial X-C Contest - a rich history of XC free flight in Southern California
Picture
The Rich Matros Memorial X-C Contest is a chapter member XC competition based on open flight with non-specified tasks for pilots to make XC decisions on how to fly the day. There are both season long competitive and personal milestone Shirt Awards. The competition rules are different for HG & PG,  but the milestone shirt awards are the same for each class of wing.

Rich Matros Memorial X-C Contest History: ​The SDHGPA was originally known as the Ultralight Flier's Organization, or UFO. The UFO was formed in 1973 and changed names to SDHGA in 1987. In 1994 the name was changed once again to the San Diego Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association or SDHGPA to better represent our growing paraglider pilot membership.

​Rich Matros was one of the earliest members of the UFO, and one of its strongest supporters for over 15 years before succumbing to cancer. The cross country contest was renamed the Rich Matros Cross Country Contest in 1988 to honor Rich and to recognize his years of contribution to our club and his passion for XC.
​
For more information and how to participate in the XC comp as an SDHGPA membership benefit, see the Rich Matros Memorial X-C Contest page under the More navigation section.

Picture
Summer Fly-in @ Palomar 2015
​Please RSVP
​The Social Committee would like some help from some volunteers to help coordinate, set up, and break down.
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 Responses
0 Comments

SDHGPA New Year Fly-in & Awards 2019

3/1/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
New Year Fly-in
& Annual Awards CEREMONY

SATURDAY, March 2nd WX Canceled 
-Fly-in Canceled due to Rain -
Stay tuned for next scheduled Fly-in
**pending WX - 3rd Back up weather date is March _____
Come on out and share the sky with the San Diego free flight crew.  Food & soft drinks will be provided by the club; feel free to bring any appetizers or drinks you'd like to share (BYOB).

Read More
0 Comments

USHPA Film Festival - San Diego

11/16/2018

0 Comments

 
SDHGPA will be hosting the
​USHPA 2018 Film Festival November 17th!
Location: Palomar Main LZ
Please RSVP
Film Fest & Fly-in RSVP
The San Diego Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association presents the 2018 USHPA Free Flight Film Festival, featuring five new films showcasing hang gliding, paragliding, and adventure travel in the US. The two-hour showing will be held at on November 17th at The Palomar Main LZ starting at 5:30pm with Fly-in & BBQ before. The amazing visuals and compelling stories are sure to appeal to all audiences – pilots and non-pilots alike.
Picture

​“The USHPA Free Flight Film Festival showcases the best hang gliding and paragliding has to offer, from imagery captured utilizing a Cineflex camera stabilization system mounted to a helicopter, to a first-person GoPro masterpiece shot by professional pilots,” said Martin Palmaz, Executive Director of USHPA. “This festival highlights the heart of hang gliding and paragliding, from projects working with communities, to flying and camping over vast mountain ranges, to aerobatics, to a lone falconer and his pursuit of the perfect flight. There is something for everyone.”
 
Films included in the 2018 Film Festival showing:
  1. Building Dreams
  2. Inspired
  3. Maters, Misfits of Moab
  4. The Perfect Flight
  5. North Of Known
Hang gliding and paragliding are a combination of adventure sport and aviation. Pilots fly light and non-motorized foot-launch aircraft both recreationally and competitively. Hang gliding pilots hang prone in a harness, suspended from the airframe, and exercise control by shifting their body weight. Most modern hang gliders are made of an aluminum alloy frame covered with synthetic sailcloth to form a wing. Paragliding pilots fly lightweight aircraft that have no rigid primary structure and resemble elliptical parachutes. The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing that is comprised of a large number of interconnected baffled cells. Hang gliders and paragliders can travel hundreds of miles on rising columns of air, called thermals, soar for hours in the wind pushed upward by coastal terrain, or simply fly down from a mountain in calm, still, air.
​


Event & Site Location :  Palomar Main LZ
(SDHGPA Palomar Main LZ - Roberts Ranch, 15482 CA-76, Pauma Valley, CA 92061)  (map)

​When: Rough Schedule
9:00am - Start Meeting in Main LZ  for BBQ set-up and dropping off supplies.
10:30 - 3pm Carpooling to launch: Many will be coming out later in the day. Please try to wait for others and carpool up to launch from the LZ to minimize number of cars on launch.
We expect it to be flyable until dusk. See forecast to be updated below.
11:30 - Peak Heating
BBQ will start as people start to land.
4:46 - Sunset
~5:00 November General Club Meeting 
5:30 ~ Film Festival Start 
  • SDHGPA Membership is Required to fly Palomar.
  • This event is Free to SDHGPA Annual Members, & SDHGPA Visiting Pilot Members
  • + side dish Potluck item & BYOB: so plan to bring an appetizer,  side dish, salad, or dessert to share.
  • Non Flying Guests: $5 Donation for the BBQ main course.
  • Remember to bring a beach chair for the film
For detailed Site info, see the Palomar Site Guide
​If you haven't flown Palomar before or checked out the site guide this month for updates, please read the site guide prior to arrival.  It may save you from landing in a burial ground or from wandering into rotor, or it may even help make your flight epic!
Cost: 
Free to SDHGPA Members & $5/ non flying guest BBQ donation is appreciated
SDHGPA Membership is required to participate in the Fly-in at Palomar and covers the BBQ.

Any new (late) Annual Memberships joining for the Fly-in will be rolled over into a 2019 Annual Membership as an added bonus.  
(Full Annual Membership, or Visiting Pilot membership is valid for this event. For non flying guests, a $5/ person BBQ donation is appreciated)

Note that all Cars must have a parking pass in the LZ & Launch (& no parking out on the road).
Please take care of Memberships and print parking passes before driving out if not current.
All memberships are on line and easier with a strong connection. . . ​
To Check Current Membership Status

Weekend Mountain Flying Forecast

The forecast looks pretty good. It will be mostly sunny and comfortably warm, at least until the sun goes down. Wind will be out of the West at 7 mph. That is fine for PG pilots, but a little light for HG pilots to take off. I like at least 10 mph at the Palomar launch. However the thermal forecast is good, 450 fpm. Thermals will add to the general wind and will make for good take off cycles. Just be patient. Wind will be Westerly all over the county, so the wind aloft will be light Westerly. It should be possible to get to 5,000' around launch, and to 7,000' back at the towers.

On Sunday the wind goes East again. At Laguna wind will be moderate, 12 mph gusting to 18. The upper launch may be ok. Lift at 500 fpm will get to 7,000'. At Horse wind will be East all day. At the Palomar launch wind will be 6 mph from the WestSouthWest. But watch out, at ridge top the wind will be from the East, at least 10 mph.

Bill H.

from NOAA: 

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.​
Current Conditions on Launch

Please RSVP

RSVP Responses

​ABOUT USHPA
The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to support sport flying in foot-launchable, unpowered soaring aircraft. USHPA develops, standardizes, and administers programs that foster and promote practices for safe flying. USHPA maintains a working relationship with the FAA and other regulatory organizations to ensure continued access to airspace. The organization also maintains relationships with public and private entities to promote the procurement and maintenance of flying sites.
 
USHPA is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information on hang gliding and paragliding, go to www.ushpa.org.
​

ABOUT SDHGPA
​The San Diego Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SDHGPA) is a hang gliding and paragliding club dedicated to the promotion and preservation of foot launched soaring (non motorized "free flight") in San Diego County. SDHGPA is a local chapter of the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, USHPA. We work collaboratively with land owners and governing agencies at the local level to keep our primary flying sites open by maintaining, insuring, purchasing, regulating, and monitoring our launch sites and landing zones. Our guiding principle is that all foot launched pilots of hang gliders and paragliders alike share common goals and interests best served by a united effort to promote flying safety, education, and good community relations in San Diego County. We support hang gliding and paragliding at the national level through the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) and concurrent membership in that organization is the one and only club membership requirement.
History: The SDHGPA is the Oldest and Longest Running Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club and Organization in San Diego and Southern California originally organized in 1973.

For detailed Club History and History of motor-less Free Flight in San Diego that goes back to the 1930's, See: SDHGPA and San Diego Free Flight History. 
 


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SDHGPA Fall Halloween ICARNAVAL 2018

10/21/2018

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Palomar de Halloween ICARNAVAL :
​- the Masquerade Flights -

Saturday October 27th!!  2018 at Palomar
Fly-in RSVP

A Halloween Costume Themed SDHGPA Fall Fly-in
Come on out and share the sky with the San Diego free flight crew.  BBQ main course & soft drinks will be provided by the club after flying - feel free to bring any appetizers or side dishes you'd like to share & BYOB.
Contest of costumed hang glider and paraglider pilots: exciting, hilarious, original, fantastically creative and daring… ***
Other Contests:
- Spot Landing
- Bomb Drop
- Time Aloft
- Fastest Sled
​*** Costumes must not restrict vision and or flying in any manor nor unnecessarily impede running. Masks will not be permitted during takeoff or flight.
Site: Palomar​     
Where: Palomar Main LZ 
SDHGPA Palomar Main LZ - Roberts Ranch, 15482 CA-76, Pauma Valley, CA 92061  map
When:  Meeting in Main LZ around 11 for set-up and dropping off supplies. We'll start driving to launch around 12:00.   The late afternoon flights have also been fantastic, and many pilots will be showing up later in the day.
Rough Time Table:
12:00 - General Meeting Time & Set-up in LZ
1:00 - Drive to launch
1:30 - Site intros on Main Launch
1 - 5:30 - Launching 
​~4:30 BBQ Set-up & Start Cooking
~ 5pm - BBQ starts          
~7:00 - Contest Awards Ceremony
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2017 Costume Award Winners:​
Grand Prize:  Kim Fyi-UN Missile Test Launch: Kim McJong-un 
Most Daring: Tigger 80s Crop Top gone bad: Ira Hayes
Most Original: Fake News Newsy: Moises Bada
Scariest / disturbingly creepy: Tux Morph - Aaron Price
Most Creative: Speed Racer & the Mach 5 : Steve Rohrbaugh
For detailed Site info, see the Palomar Site Guide
​If you haven't flown Palomar before or checked out the site guide this year for updates, please read the site guide prior to arrival.  It may save you from landing in a burial ground or from wandering into rotor, or it may even help make your flight epic!

Cost: 
Free to SDHGPA Members & $5/ non flying guest BBQ donation is appreciated
SDHGPA Membership is required to participate in the Fly-in at Palomar and covers the BBQ.

Any new (late) Annual Memberships joining for the Fly-in (after October 20th), will be rolled over into a 2019 Annual Membership as an added bonus treat.  Late membership Roll-over normally starts in November.
(Full Annual Membership, or Visiting Pilot membership is valid for this event. For non flying guests, a $5/ person BBQ donation is appreciated)

Please take care of Memberships and print parking passes before driving out if not current.
All memberships are on line and easier with a strong connection. . . ​
To Check Current Membership Status

Weekend Mountain Flying Forecast
On Saturday SDHGPA is putting on a fly-in and BBQ at Palomar. The flying conditions look pretty good. It will be sunny and quite warm. Wind will be West at 8 mph. Lift at 400 fpm will get over 6,000'. With those thermals there should be nice cycles for hang glider pilots to take off.

​Sunday will have some clouds. At Laguna it looks like it will be light East, 6 mph, all day. Lift at 400 fpm will get to 8,000'. At Horse wind will be 9 mph from the West. Lift will get to 7,000'.
Bill H.
Current Conditions on Launch

The Social Committee would like some help from some volunteers to help coordinate, set up, BBQ and break down. Also, if you have a portable Fire Ring that would be great!
Please use Sign-Up Genius for signing up for the remaining needed Volunteer positions, and other Items like tables, BBQs & other that we will be needing to bring out for this fly-in.
Volunteer 
Sign Up!

Please also RSVP via the Club Calendar invites or RSVP form below.

RSVP Responses

Last years PALOMAR DE HALLOWEEN ICARNAVAL was a great time,  Looking forward to this years!
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sdhgpa Spring flyin 2018

5/30/2018

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Come on out and share the the sky with the San Diego free flight crew Saturday June 2nd.  Taco Cart & soft drinks will be provided by the club; feel free to bring booze and any appetizers you'd like to share (BYOB).

SDHGPA Membership is required to participate in the Fly-in.

Please RSVP & take care of Memberships and print parking passes BEFORE driving out if not current.  
​

All memberships are available online, here.  Please make sure 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!  (Temp or Annual membership including guests is to help cover all you can eat Taco Cart & have site access). 
Check Current Membership Status

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

When:  June 2nd Meeting in Main LZ around 1:00 for set-up and dropping off supplies. We'll start driving to launch around 1:45.   The late afternoon flights have also been fantastic, and many pilots will be showing up later in the day.
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Rough Time Table:
1:00 - Set-up & General Meeting Time / Check in at LZ opens
1:45 - Carpooling to launch starts
2:30 - Site intro on Main Launch
2:30 - 7:00 - Launching (H1-H2 & P1-P2 should be launching later . . .)

~ 6:00 Appetizers (potluck) & LZ festivities Start
~ 6:30 - 8:30 Taco Cart Serving: chicken, beef, & pork tacos along with cheese quesadillas
The Social Committee would like some help from some volunteers to help coordinate, set up, and break down. Also, if you have a portable Fire Ring that would be great!

For detailed Site info, see the Palomar Site Guide
​

If you haven't flown here before or checked out the site guide this past few months for updates, please read the site guide prior to arrival.  It may save you from landing in a burial ground or from wandering into rotor, or it may even help make your flight epic!
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Current Weather:  ​
​Yep, we have a weather station on launch!

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New Year Palomar Fly-in Report

2/4/2018

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Was a great success!  All had great flights & a great time! 

Need not to say any more than what can be expressed in photos & video of the day.

SDHGPA Fly In - Palomar Mt. - February 3, 2018 from John Gallagher on Vimeo.

2018 SDHGPA Fly-In from STEVE LAMOUREUX on Vimeo.

A brief collection of drone shots from fly-in event at Palomar Mountain, later in the day.


Day of the Triangle
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2017 XC Competition Awards:
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PG Final Standing Positions & Total XC Score
  1. Chris Cote            1473.0
  2. Phil Wessinger       806.2
  3. Gavin Fridlund       803.6
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HG Final Standing Positions & Total XC Score
  1. Jeff Brown           169.78
  2. Bill Helliwell         101.9
  3. Andy Cu                  76.4
All Scores for the 2017 season

Lost & Found:
There was quite a big list of items left behind & found at the Fly-in.  A key thing for Palomar, especially after fly-ins, is that we leave no trace.    Items collected at the end: Heavy gloves, Camp Chair, small Cooler, Radio in the HG set-up area.  They will be at the next meeting or can be picked up from Steve R in Carlsbad.  Also lost by Gary Oddou but not found was a Galaxy Note 4 lost possibly on launch west of the windsock.
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SDHGPA is a local chapter of 
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USHPA 
(United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association)
SDHGPA, P.O. Box 420973, San Diego, CA. 92142-0973