September 2002
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September 2002
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2002 Region 8 CompetitionBy Mark Vaughn Due to poor flying conditions, and lack of participation the tasks weren't as challenging as I would have liked but the fun factor was there just the same. First days event was devoted to spot landings and Bomb drops with the most exciting Bomb drop of the day coming from Steve Prepost. Steve elected to drop a Cluster bomb on the line judge, Me 8-/ ....His attempt left him with a negative score but was entertaining to watch for the spectators. All of Steve's Cluster landed outside the scoring ring but his deployment device (A Paper Bag) did secure a nice score of 10 ft from target. Many Thanks to Chris for suggesting the use of the large Corks as the Weight of choice for the bombs HAHAHAHAHA Second Days event due to poor weather was a Turn point count. All Pilots were dropped off at 2500 ft MSL and as close to the same location as possible. They were then required to round as many of the 2 preset turn points as possible. (Yellow Garage & Grain Tank at Morningside) , Most pilots were able to squeak off 6 turn points then land all along the Run way. The Winner of the event was Rob Jacobs rounding the 7th turn point with enough altitude to get back to the launch area. Rob chose to wait until the end of the day for the glass off to begin.... This strategy paid off and gave him just enough of an edge to over take Steve Pepost by maybe a Couple 100 ft. Steve Prepost was the winner up to that point electing not to round the 7th turn point because of altitude and obstacles .Steve may have made the #7 turn point, but it would have been close. Steve At the time I thought you made a wise decision not going for it, but given you later had to listen to Robs Bantering of Nah nah nah nah nah Nahhhhhh. Maybe should have gone for the Cheese after all HAHAHAHAHAHA 8-) Third Day was called due to lack of participation caused by Strategically Induced Sat. night Hangovers and other dehabilitating Strategies on the part of the Comp. leaders. So the standings are as follows. HG 4 Division HG 3 Division HG 2 Division Thanks goes out to all who decided to get involved and fly this year. This event was for you. Thanks To Johnny B. for the use of his flying Tug boats and to the Johnny B. Tugetts Cathy and Carolina 8-) for keeping us safe on the ground. To Bob for putting us where we needed to be... Without you, this years event would not have happened. Folded WingsBy Gary Trudeau Recently we the VHGA had a loss of one of our members. Carl Morin of Berlin NH passed away on September 4 2002 due to injuries sustained form a hang gliding accident on August 27. Carl was very well liked by all who met him. He was also an important part of the VHGA by helping the club on local issues with Burke and Mt Washington, where he did most of his flying. My heart felt sorrow goes out to his wife Ann and his two children Cristina 7 and Keith 4. An education fund has been set up for Carl and Ann children. Please make checks payable to John Arrison, PO Box 460, Ascutney VT 05030. He will make sure the donations get into the proper fund. Greeting from the PresidentBy John Arrison It was with great sadness we learned of Carl Morin’s accident and passing. Several of our members made the journey to the service for Carl. In the front of the hall was a projected picture of Carl flying his Litespeed. Later I learned, from his wife Ann, the picture was taken the day of the accident and was the last photo taken of Carl. At the committal service a lone hawk thermalled over the cemetery as if to lift Carl’s spirit up into the sky and out of sight but never out of our minds. It was very moving. October’s meeting is the election of officers for 2003. Dennis, Niece, Tom, and I will again run for office. I under stand Roger Flurrey is willing to step up to the plate and do the news letter but does not wish to take on the roll of secretary, so the secretary slot is open. Secretary is an important job and somebody needs to volunteer. Gary Trudeau is stepping down, or should I say up, as our secretary but is running this fall for the regional director. Gary has done a tremendous job for the club as secretary/ newsletter guy please take the time when you see him to say thank you. As I said early I am willing to serve as president for another year if elected. I wish to complete the lease with Jake and at least get a start on securing the landing area at Rutland. However it is time some of the newer members step up and start assuming responsibility for the clubs affairs. VHGA is 25 years old and most of the officers that have served over the years are from the original group of members. Please fly safely and I hope to see a good turn out at the October meeting. John Arrison Agenda items for the October Meeting All of the usual stuff Election of officers Safety discussion Review of FAR with special attention to part 103 Hints and AllegationsBy Dennis Cavagnaro Well it’s Fall and our flying year is winding down. It turned out to be a better year than first appeared, but the classic XC days were very few and far between. Unfortunately, the classic rumbling of discontent was NOT! I think we leave this year to examine three things that threaten our sport and have always held it back from blossoming: The fragility of the relationship with the uninformed scrutinizing public Yes, in this case I am talking about the Charlestown community and some of its residents’ complaints about towing, and views about the 25 year old successful business of Morningside. There is something wrong with the public relations efforts by US as a whole if there are people continually annoyed with a business that is focused on recreation (aviation style), has successfully drawn many pilots on most weekends to the area bringing in tourist dollars to the gas, restaurants, and other retail outlets. A business that is owned by a very religious man who has been a stellar figure in the community for over 50 years! That we haven’t made inroads to firm up our good will is just a shame. As a business, the Morningside operation brings in much more then it takes. The continued dark cloud of accidents and bad decision making Accidents aren’t new and everyone has a few stories of regretful decisions. We had a tough year here in the Northeast. People need to be more precise with the long ground effect of their topless gliders. The LZs that seemed easy a few years back now have challenges. It doesn’t help to fly when there are low clouds right on take off. PG’ers and HG’ers have to start to coordinate their ridge soaring and stay clear of each other. If you have a habit of not looking in the direction you are turning, you’ve got to stop. In tight situations I am trying to read your intentions, it’s no time to disguise or look the other way. If you land in a field with crops, for heaven’s sake do the least harm, get out of the field quickly and keep you car off the field. Pay the farmer (find him if he isn’t there) for damage. The growing apathetic attitude among 95% of the pilots that turn their head and responsibilities over to “someone else” because of inconvenience, self interest and laziness. I don’t want to be an official of a club that’s members are too freaking lazy to show up for meetings. We have over 150 active members. If everyone committed himself or herself to making at least one of the three meetings a year we would have record attendance. How can you join a club and refuse to participate? Who are you, and why do you think the rest of us should serve YOU! Get off your ass and attend a meeting. Pay some dues back to the sport you profess to love. Hang Gliding came about by accident, by chance. The wing was designed for NASA, not going XC over hills and valleys by weekend pilots. It just as easily can become the hoola-hoop of yesteryear with neglect, ignorance and stupidity. Fly far and safe, Note from the SecretaryBy Gary Trudeau General Membership had a meeting on 07/20/01. This is a summary of the meeting. Officer Attendance- John Arrison, Dennis Cavagnaro, Gary Trudeau, Tom Lanning Membership Attendance- 8 members Meeting called to order- 8:10 PM Former minutes- Former minutes read and vote to be accepted Site Report: Rutland- We can not park at Jakes house anymore. The road to launch is 4-wheel drive only. The officers to get together with Jake to talk about securing West Rutland as a flying site for the future. Ascutney- John Arrison met with Vermont state forester, Rick White to discuss trail improvements on Mt Ascutney. Rick said most of the improvements fall under trail matainance. Any repairs must have a club officer present when they are done. John was to meet with the West Windsor forest committee to discuss trail improvements with the part of the trail located outside the park. The park very much appreciated the help with the races. Club Vote: Vote for $1,000.00 for legal fees to help secure Rutland launch , parking, access, and landing zones was passed. Hang 2 and Para 2 can fly West Rutland using a Hang 4 or Para 4 as an observer only if no USHGA observers, examiners, or instructors are available. Except for their first time flying the site where the pilots must use an USHGA observer, examiner, or instructor. This change was also passed. Regionals: Mark Vaughn to run the Regionals and they are scheduled on Labor Day weekend and the following weekend if needed to complete. Meeting Called to a Close - 9.30 PM Next Meeting Saturday October 12, 2002 7PM OTHER
EVENTS ON THE 12th Editorial Office 595 Outlook Ave |
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