A membership wide email went out last Wednesday evening, the 10th of September.  A few people might not have received that email or its delivery was delayed.  I just got the email myself around 5pm on a Sunday, 4 days after it was released.

Anyway, I am reposting the details and text of the email here for anyone who needs it.  The actual meeting link has been redacted because this is a public forum.  If anyone needs the link please email info@crestlinesoaring.org to request it.  The meeting will be held on Google Meet, so you can join on your computer, tablet, or phone.  I believe there is also a dial-in option so you can call in with audio only.

Crestline Soaring Society –

Membership Input on CSS Insurance Policy

September 18th at 7 PM Pacific Time

Dear CSS Members,

The CSS Board of Directors is convening an urgent member meeting to gather member input on a critical insurance decision.

We must decide within the next few weeks whether to sign a new policy with the Recreation Risk Retention Group (RRRG) or renew our current, significantly more expensive policy. While the Board is leaning toward RRRG, we want to honor our commitment to bring this option to the membership before making a final decision.

Meeting details: Thursday, September 18 · 7:00 – 8:00pm (Link in the original email)

Why this matters

The terms of our lease with the Department of Water Resources require that every pilot flying at AJX, either under instruction or as a rated pilot, be covered for third-party liability under the USHPA master policy or under their instructor’s policy.
We must define the clear requirements of commercial insurance policies as the standard for HG/PG instruction at CSS/AJX. We believe open discussion now will help prevent problems later.

Draft Requirements for Instructor Coverage

To comply with our General Liability policy and the terms of our lease, instructors will be required to carry adequate commercial insurance. The draft proposal defines “adequate insurance” as follows:

RRRG policies for hang gliding or paragliding instructors are acceptable.
Prime/X-Insurance policies are generally acceptable but will still require Board review.
Other providers may be accepted if reviewed and approved by the CSS Board. To be considered adequate, a policy must:
List the instructor’s policy as primary in the event of a claim.
Include Hold Harmless protections for USHPA, CSS, and their members/boards.
Name all relevant landowners and lease holders as additional insureds.
Specify the insured activity as hang gliding and/or paragliding instruction.

Your Role

This is a major decision for CSS, and we want to ensure all voices are heard before finalizing our choice. Please plan to attend the meeting and participate in the discussion.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping Andy Jackson Airpark a safe and sustainable flying site.

CSS Board of Directors