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Jerome Daoust General MemberSome are wondering (blue text are links) if this still needs to be observed, hoping these statements will absolve them:
- Line fire is out: Mostly true, since the status is 98% containment.
- No current TFR to the East: True (according to SkyVector).
- SB Natl Forest closure does not control airspace: Conceptually true, but Luke (board member) states we need to stay West of Hwy 18.
We should keep in mind that:
- Forest closures are independent of current fires and TFR’s, and more based on risk of new fires along with available resources to combat them.
- We want to stay in good terms with the forest service. While airspace may not be controlled by them, a landing and rescue within a closed area can be detrimental to our relationship. One pilot’s desire to exercise his “rights” can jeopardize school operations and launches staying open for all.
I prefer to keep it simple and follow club rules, as fun can still be had.
October 21, 2024 at 8:15 PM in reply to: Friendly reminder: TFR still in effect for Line Fire #21160Jerome Daoust General MemberTFR is eliminated.
But the SB Natl Forest closure is still in effect, and we must remain West of Hwy 18.
Jerome Daoust General MemberFine with me (AstroTurf anchored with large rebar staples), and hopefully the board approves your request.
In addition, it can be viewed as a useful experiment, for when the board considers a larger install for the kiting area. I’m curious to see if sand infill (reasons to use it) will be needed to keep it in place during strong wind, in addition to the rebar staples. Perfect time to start the experiment as we enter the season for North winds.
Jerome Daoust General MemberAs much as I enjoy seeing a consensus towards a long-term solution that will benefit all members (this discussion rapidly evolved into this), the original poster is still hoping for an immediate fix for his students. Maybe the best path for the latter is…
First privately ask other schools if they are OK with the idea (maybe avoid line-snagging hardware, remove/store the materials at the end of each teaching day, avoid creating a reserved desirable area). Then privately ask the board to proceed with the “all school pre-approved idea”.
Good luck, and happy kiting.
Jerome Daoust General MemberThat would be awesome Luke: “Permanently Astro Turf the PG corner of the LZ + First 20 ft around the entire Pavilion“.
Maybe also cover the first 5′ or so downhill, at least on the path where people run off the SW corner, for a double benefit:
- Less chance to trip on an edge of the Astro Turf where it changes from flat to sloped down, as pilots are pushing hard to take flight.
- Less opportunity for SW wind to get underneath the material. This is in addition to the typical Astro Turf installation where it gets weighted down with sand over its whole surface and its edges well anchored.
Jerome Daoust General MemberTo avoid nails working loose and raising their heads to snag lines dragged over them during inflations, I have seen carpets secured with rebar bent into shape of large “staples“. Their top portion is less likely to snag lines.
One could make them with a flatter top, or buy ready-made ones with rounded top: Home Depot or Amazon. They may be easier to drive in, by soaking the ground beforehand.
Related topic: Cost-Effective Surfacing of the LZ.
Jerome Daoust General MemberUpdate, 2024/10/7: The Gin Bobcat harness has sold.
Only a few bags remain available.
Jerome Daoust General MemberThis is great news for local schools and businesses, as well as for most pilots who are happy with local flying. “XC hounds” are left wanting more, but overall this is a 90% solution.
Now can we get some good conditions?
Jerome Daoust General MemberThank you Luke.
Jerome Daoust General MemberAs much fun as guessing is, a club rep could contact the Forest Service to establish what is currently possible.
Jerome Daoust General MemberWednesday (Sep 18) was indeed another fun day.
Video of my launch (thanks Cory).
Added 2 hours to the logbook, and up to the mid 5k‘s. Widespread lift for the first half, and left a late thermal to land by sunset.
Jerome Daoust General MemberSo you have no excuse for missing out…
There is a fair chance that tomorrow (Wed Sep 18) could be another fun one, but check conditions before heading out.
If you have not been at the site for a while, arrive early (2:30 pm) for paperwork, then catch the next on-going shuttle (can also carry HG) up to launch. More site info.
Jerome Daoust General MemberFun day indeed yesterday.
Here is a summary for predicting if it will be good to fly there: Soboba > Conditions.
Jerome Daoust General MemberOur favorite roads to Marshall launch are listed…
Jerome Daoust General MemberTFR is no more. Just pick a good day and have fun.
Picture I took when the fire had started…
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