Board of Directors Discussion Summary: Member Incident Reviews

1. Incident Involving Visiting Pilot (MR)

  • Incident Summary: The Board reviewed a written report and witness accounts regarding a June 13, 2026, incident at Andy Jackson Airpark (AJX). During the incident, MR repeatedly confronted and escalated an interaction with another pilot following an accidental mistake (stepping on glider battens) and engaged in physically intimidating behavior.
  • Board Review & Consensus:
    • The Board acknowledged the incident report sent by the reporting pilot.
    • After reviewing the circumstances and conducting a Board vote, the Board agreed that a formal written warning was the appropriate first step under the bylaws.
  • Action Taken: A formal written warning letter was sent to MR on July 12, 2026, citing expected standards of conduct, civility, and an outline of potential formal disciplinary proceedings under Article XI of the CSS Bylaws for any future infractions.

2. Disciplinary Review & Probationary Terms (EE)

  • Governance Continuity & Precedent:
    • Framework & Alignment: In drafting and issuing the latest reprimand letter, the current Board explicitly utilized the foundational guidelines, thought process, and safety framework established by the previous Board of Directors.
    • Upholding Expectations: The current Board’s intent is to remain fully aligned with past precedent, upholding the expectations previously set to protect members from hostile or intimidating behavior and to maintain site safety.
    • Reclaiming Safety Boundaries: Actions such as revoking temporary upper LZ parking accommodations were taken specifically to realign with the core terms of the original suspension guidelines—ensuring the critical flight approach corridor remains unobstructed for incoming hang gliders and paragliders.
  • Logged Infractions & Context:
    • Off-Leash Dog & Aggressive Confrontation (June 26): Parked in a restricted LZ area and allowed an unleashed dog to run freely while news media were present. When asked to leash the dog, he became combative and subsequently engaged in hostile verbal confrontations using profanity toward a Board member.
    • Smoking Violations: Repeatedly violated the LZ non-smoking policy by smoking under the shade structure and in the student kiting area.
    • Boundary & Intimidation Concerns: Documented pattern of deliberate physical encroachment (e.g., pulling a chair directly behind previously targeted members within three feet) and intimidating behavior.
  • Board Review & Actions:
    • Since EE’s previous probationary period concluded in December 2025, the Board established a new mandatory one-year probationary period effective July 13, 2026, built directly upon previous disciplinary directives.
  • Terms of Probation & Directives Issued:
    • Zero-Tolerance No-Contact Directive: Mandatory exclusion zone and zero contact regarding two specific members to prevent further intimidation or hostile conduct, maintaining long-standing member safety commitments.
    • Revocation of LZ Upper Level Parking: Access to the upper LZ parking spot northwest of the shade structure is permanently revoked to align with original suspension guidelines and clear the critical flight landing approach zone. Parking is strictly restricted to the main lot.
    • Flight Privilege Credentials: Clarified that participating in flight activities or landing aircraft at CSS facilities requires holding an active, individual CSS membership alongside current USHPA ratings.
    • Site Conduct & Rules: Strict enforcement of non-smoking areas, mandatory dog leashing, and standard civil decorum across all facilities. Any single violation during the 1-year probation period will result in immediate termination of access privileges.
  • Status & Follow-Up:
    • The formal reprimand and probation letter was hand-delivered to EE at the LZ on July 16, 2026.
    • Following technical issues with website renewal on July 18, the Board communicated standard payment alternatives (including the LZ drop box) for standard membership credentialing.