On strong west days , turbulence is bad enough that i would

prefer to land short  over next to the training hill, on both

PG, or HG ; than risk getting slammed by the rotor off the

roof of the structure. If i need to break a landing pattern

rule for PG’s , (yea i will do that) because my personal safety

is more important to me ; the HG won’t matter because i’m

allowed over there , in my pattern.

Seriously people —- that roof can toss a significant amount

of turbulence, on strong days ; it should be the, “Main” concern

for anyone with 1/2 a brain !!!!! GURRRRrrrrr

Bille Floyd

There will be some shade where the existing concrete is, but most vertical structure (like the box and wall) that cause turbulence will be gone.

Jai Pal’s plans look neat for sure, but it makes me wonder if the new structure will cause turbulence for us paragliders making our figure 8’s right behind it. 🤔 Also that dirt road that’s getting covered by a shaded area, don’t we need that open for emergency vehicles to be able to drive onto the grass in case of emergencies?

David just put together a  nice sketch that creates a great classroom area with a couple of harness hang points, picnic tables separated from the classroom by a wall, paraglider storage area, guest seating and kitchen area. We’re also discussing a shaded glider packing area with artificial grass. We definitely need protection from sun, wind chill and occasionally rain, so that’s more to think about.

Whatever happens, I’m sure that we will end up with something better than what we have now. 😁

Here’s a list of things we could probably use:

– Sun shade
– Wind shade
– Rain cover
– Picnic area
– Kitchen with sink, BBQ, fridge & trash
– Temp glider storage
– Shaded glider packing area with artificial grass
– Classroom area
– Hang check for HG and PG
– Guest seating (a.k.a. peanut gallery😄)
– Mayhaps somewhere for guests to tie up dogs?
– Maybe reserve toss simulator somewhere?
– Visitor Info wall for rules and safety.

– Charging station

– Lights for when it gets dark and people are still hanging out during event, or taking a test, etc.

Had a request for a variation with the breakdown area to be covered as well. Here’s that one:

Awfully quiet!

Throwing up another idea, since I’ve seen a lot of feedback about either sinking the containers into the hill or just overall reducing turbulence. This one makes the shade structure up top completely open – artificial turf under the whole thing which leaves lots of room underneath to breakdown gear or sit. Would probably be a good place for the hang simulators too.

Went with the dugout idea someone brought up – all 4 HG storage containers plus the one up top sunken into the berm at the north end of the parking lot (but not so far back that they interfere with the road at all). Kitchen, table area, fridge, and soda machine moved in there, plus a bunch of shelf space to temporarily store bags & wings. Classroom area (enough for 2 instructors) on the west side of the structure.

Whole thing would be low enough to fly over for east wind approaches and the wind shadow on the shade structure up top should be significantly less – it’s completely open and also doesn’t extend as far to the north as it used to.

1. Lets be practical and also imaginative. Have some fun, make a beautiful place at one of the most amazing free flight spots in the US and world. I have contacted the Owner of Bajacarports.com about pricing to build a 30’x90’ open steel structure. We can work on the covered upper level roof deck. Attached is a fanciful possibility for open cloudlike shade structures. The list of practical and necessary spaces, i believe, should include a covered roof/observation deck, lots of open and useable ground level space for hanging out and hanging up, classroom(s) kitchen and cafe, office, bathrooms, maps and information for pilots and the public, secure storage, medical/first aid space. Animal and people shade, water, food accommodations. I will post some sketches showing a mostly open, post and beam, 2 level, 30×90’ structure with possible containers as storage and space dividers running east west to allow maximum air flow. Stairs to the Observation deck would also align east west, with open risers, to maximize air flow and minimize turbulence.   The whole 
2. 
3. structure and maim roof will  be aerodynamically designed, like an aircraft, maybe even models made that can be wind tunnel tested. More to come. Your input is requested and welcomed.

I opt for the trailer, though the punji sticks in the foreground have to go.

The Parthenon is nice but it screams turbulence.

Jai Pal,

What kind of railing would be required on the observation deck? How high?