Sonoma Wings Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 27, 2003
President Albert Branson called the meeting to order at 7:54 p.m. Those present were: Albert Branson and Allison, John DeAugiar, Matt Jagelka, Jon James, Fred Clement, Dave Clement, Ernie Camacho, Daniel Pifko, Scot Huber, Donna Matthias, Charley Warren, Chris Arai, Justin Miller, Sterling Calder, Brian Robins, JW Seeley, Anthony Abate, Brian Padgett, Larry Roberts, Lou Bartel, Leo Jones, and Greg Sugg.
Jon James said that he was in the process of filing the required permit documents. At present the permits at both sites have not been issued. He will work to obtain both permits by the weekend.
Park rangers at St. Helena have been stopping all vehicles on the mountain to determine which ones are authorized to be there. In order to avoid problems it was decided that all of our vehicles going up the mountain shall carry Sonoma Wings identification and a copy of our current permit. Do not go up the mountain without these things. Jon and Leo Jones both reminded everyone that St. Helena is a State Park and not to harm any vegetation.
Justin Miller asked if paragliders were allowed to fly at Goat Rock. Jon said that paragliders are indeed included in the same classification as other hang gliders and can fly there. It is, of course, always the responsibility of any pilot assess the wind and other flying conditions to determine if it is safe to fly a particular glider.
Various groups and agencies are formulating the Sonoma Coast State Beach General Plan. We will monitor the process to see if we need to speak up regarding our interest in using the state beaches.
Albert Branson is still trying to find a suitable venue to present his CPR certification classes. The classes can have up to six people and will last four to five hours. Please forward any leads or ideas to him.
Ernie Camacho suggested that we try something like the EAA. The local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association combines their monthly meetings with a BBQ. We could either join them sometime or do the same idea on our own. One problem with joining them is that their meetings are held on weeknights which don’t allow enough time to get everything r