February Update

This update is provided to alert you about upcoming events in the flying community.


Site Updates
In conjunction with USHPA, the SDHGPA will be providing more detailed information about the sites we monitor and fly. To maintain the USHPA insurance for 3rd parties for the San Diego sites, it is important that all pilots have a current USHPA membership. A non-USHPA pilot having an incident can jeopardize the site for all. Some sites require SDHGPA + USHPA membership due to the permits that were negotiated in the past. Please abide by each site's rules and regulations so that we all can enjoy our sport.

The following list provides the current requirements and will be updated on the SDHGPA website in the near future.
Horse - (SDHGPA preferred) The SDHGPA (with the help of Lyne Perry) coordinates grading efforts of the road to the top of horse, your membership dues and donations support this effort. The SDHGPA members also maintain the windsock at this site.


Laguna - (mandatory SDHGPA + USHPA) The SDHGPA owns an LZ in the valley that not attainable on glide. This site requires that all pilots posess a current year membership card or a temporary membership card when flying this site. Landing rights were negotiated with the land owner in the valley such that the "Wash" is available for landing. Failure to produce a current SDHGPA membership card may result in a situation for trespassing. The surrounding areas and Launch are provided via a special use permit that requires SDHGPA and USHPA membership. Laguna is listed as a sensitive site with USHPA and the GPS coordinates will not be published for this site. A copy of the Permit will be available soon on the website.


Otay - no requirement (SDHGPA preferred)


Fuzz - (SDHGPA preferred)


Blossom - (SDHGPA preferred, verbal agreement with land owner was made to land at the RaceTrack for SDHGPA members) Landing at El Monte Park is prohibited for all pilots to land.

Big Black - (SDHGPA preferred) The SDHGPA has a special use permit with the forrest service as the custodian of flight operations and use of the forest lands. Non-SDHGPA pilots should fly with a SDHGPA member at this site to ensure they are provided with a site briefing. This site has special requirements listed on the SDHGPA website. The SDHGPA suite director MUST be informed of all flight activity.


Little Black- no requirement (SDHGPA preferred)


Palomar - no requirement (SDHGPA preferred)


Torrey - mandatory USHPA


Tecate Peak - no requirement
SDHGPA is listed as preferred on many sites due to the fact that the SDHGPA issues over $1500/year to USHPA for 3rd party insurance or has special agreements in place for flight operations.
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US Hang Gliding and US Paragliding National Teams
The SDHGPA is supporting the US National Hang Gliding and Paragliding teams with a $100 donation to each Team. Glen Volk, SDHGPA member, is on the HG team and had an epic flight of 200+ miles in Texas last year. Congratulations!


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Leonardo - Flight Database
SDHGPA now has a club entry to track all HG and PG flights for the 2009 Rich Matros XC contest. This year, Ascent, is donating a vario for the HG and PG XC Grand Champions*. If you need help establishing yourself on leonardo, please contact Erik Kolberg for assistance as he is the XC chairman for 2009.

*You must be a current member prior to your flight to qualify in the 2009 XC contest


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Torrey Pines Web Cam
The BOD voted to allocate $400 of general funds to support the installation of a new Web Cam system for Torrey in conjunction with eh Torrey Pines Glider Port. This will allow pilots to continue to check conditions at Torrey prior to arrival. Ascent's business manager, Mike Wellborn is currently seeking sponsorship the torrey web cam. More to follow on this project.


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American Red Cross CPR
SDHGPA member, Susan Peachy, has asked to relay that the American Red Cross is offering FREE Adult CPR certification on CPR Saturday, March 14th at 202 C St. (San Diego Concourse). Last year over 2,100 people were certified! Show up early as classes start at 7am and people are in line waiting at 6:30am.

Thanks for the heads up Susan!


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SDHGPA Calendar
The SDHGPA will now be using the Google Calendaring system to post events in Southern California. You can review current events by going tot he club website and clicking on the Calendar link. Its still in the beginning stages, but will be updated regularly.


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Torrey Pines Soaring Council - Flight Park Educational DVD - Action Item
Gary Fogel has created a fascinating, interesting, and very informative Power-Point presentation on the history of soaring at Torrey Pines. The time spans from John J. Montgomery's first glider flight from a hill near Imperial Beach in 1883 to present day flying at the Torrey Pines flight Park. Included are stories about aircraft innovations, famous men and women pilots, educational programs with City Schools, all of which took place at the Flight Park. It is a very visual presentation of what Torrey Pines has been and could be (should be) going into the future. A natural idea evolved to format Gary's presentation into a DVD so it could be easily presented to a board audience. This educational material could help foster support for the preservation of the Torrey Pines Flight Park.

We need help. Anyone with the time, interest, and any video production experience please contact Jim Wright at jmwright402@sbcglobal.net. The 1st available time to meet with Gary will be a lunch meeting on March 11 in the UTC area. Jim would like to have three to five people who would be active contributors meet with Gary to plan where we are going and next steps.

Please feel free to contact Jim if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.


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SDHGPA Notes and Updates
Sorry for the long email update. Because of the copious amounts of information that is recorded at BOD meetings, updates, special requests, etc. We have a new link that will tack all of the detailed information for members to review. This can be found at: http://sdhgpaupdates.blogspot.com


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Membership
Please renew your membership for the 2009 year. Its easy via Pay Pal and your continued support is appreciated. New membership cards are in progress and will be mailed out soon.

Suggestions and comments appreciated. Thank you for your continued support.

Best regards,
Bret Daniel
2009 SDHGPA President