Sonoma Wings Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 23, 2003
President Albert Branson called the meeting to order at 7:43 p.m. Club members present were: Albert Branson and Allison, Charley Warren, Scot Huber, Jon James, Chris McKeon, Linda Sauer, Donna Matthias, Kurt Bainum, Justin Miller, Ernie Camacho, Anthony Abate, Larry Roberts, Todd Robinson, Matt Jagelka, Gregg Hackett, Steve Harvey, Leo Jones, and Greg Sugg. Also, we were visited by Bob Hauser. Bob owns a 165 Dream, but has not flown for about a year and a half. He found out about Sonoma Wings recently and is interested learning of the various flying sites in the area.
It appears that there are one or more people flying paragliders at Goat Rock without the required waiver and membership. It is possible that they are unaware of the requirements of flying there. Rather than post signs and the like, Jon James will contact all the local HG and PG clubs and organizations to inform their members of the various requirements for flying at Goat Rock and Vista Trail.
Jon also announced that, due to the efforts of Leo Jones, there are no more restrictions on how far north or south one may fly at Vista Trail (the Grade) as long as pilots fly within the guidelines of FAR part 103 and other FAA flight rules; that is remaining at least 500 feet from people except when launching or landing. Pilots may fly there anytime and setup anywhere. H3 pilots may fly under the supervision of an H4 pilot. Editor’s note: don’t forget that you still must be a member of Sonoma Wings, and carry the Goat Rock / Vista Trail liability release on you, when you fly here. See the Vista Trail Site Guide for details: http://www.sonomawings.com/site/vista.htm.
Linda received information from the USHGA about the requirements for holding a sanctioned class two meet. She distributed a few packets of the information she received among those present. Although Linda would be willing to take on a large amount of the work involved in organizing and running such a meet, others questioned the wisdom of holding a meet at St. John. One objection was that in such a small rural community it would likely strain our relationships with the local sheriff, landowners, and the U.S. Forest Service. Another concern was that after all the considerable effort involved, there would be no real benefit to the club. The matter was put to a vote, and the members decided not to hold a sanctioned meet at St. John.
Linda pointed out that Potato Hill should be included as a launch site for PG if St. John is a launch site for HG. After some discussion it was decided to include both Potato Hill and Letts Ridge launches as parts of the greater St. John site.
Leo requested that the club get a nice perpetual trophy to be awarded to the winner of the most improved pilot commendation. The idea was adopted and it was decided to inscribe it with the names of the past recipients too.
Anthony Abate said that he thinks we should try to get official permission to fly at Sugar Loaf St. Park. Leo will contact Bud Getty to get the ball rolling.
Albert announced that he plans to present a CPR certification class in the not too distant future. It will be a five-hour class for $35.00. At the completion of the class participants will receive certification in CPR. He will post further details on the BB once he locates a suitable venue.
Chris announced that he had decided last year to offer a cash prize to the first pilot who flew 100 miles from a local site without taking unsafe chances. His intension is to promote safe XC flying. The prize includes $100.00 for the accomplishment, $25.00 for gasoline expenses, and $25.00 for BEER all going to the pilot. Additionally there is $100.00, which goes to the club. Not too shabby!
He decided to award the prize to Todd Robinson and Rich Sauer for their flights last year from St. John to Shasta Lake. Even though their flights were slightly under 100 miles, he decided to give it to them anyway because they both could have had 100 miles but turned back in order to land in a safe LZ. Rich and Todd decided to donate their $100.00 to the club.
Anthony announced that there will be two two-day “no code technician” clinics in early February. They will be on the weekends of February 1st, and February 8th.. More information will be posted on the BB.
Linda reminded all that the Chelan XC Classic will be held June 30th to July 6th.
Matt would like to have some of our meetings at flying sites this year in order to make them more fun and encourage more members to come out and fly and attend the meetings. After lively discussion it was decided to have club meeting / fly-ins at Hull Mtn. after Memorial Day, Elk Mt. in April, and St. John in August. These are not necessarily going to be big affairs with food and prizes but at least club get together.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
Greg Sugg, Secretary