Reading some of the comments here, suggests that some are not aware of the available P2 signoff: CSS Paraglider Novice Sign Off. It covers things like time of day to fly, and use of a streamer. This process allows a local instructor to issue the signoff, after which the P2 pilot can fly unsupervised from Marshall or the 750, ahead of the general P3 requirement. The P2 pilot may have learned at the site from the start, or learned elsewhere and then work with a local instructor to achieve it: Like a “site tune up”.

For the “P2 from elsewhere” pilot, yes he will cough up a bit of money, for learning what is special about this flying site and adjust his skills to match. Our thermal flying site’s challenge isn’t really about our nice launches or LZ, but more about choosing the right conditions to fly, and being able to predict the air you are about to launch into, before you leave the ground. Our local instructors are best suited to establish the knowledge and skill gap to cover on a case-by-case basis. If our P2 guy has awesome launching and landing skills (as most proclaim), then the adjustment and corresponding fee charged by the instructor will be minimal. If more improvement is needed, the P2 pilot will learn what is needed and compensate accordingly for the time and effort of instruction. This system is a good compromise to insure that those who fly our site have the basic tools to do so, to minimize the risk  to themselves and the site. Experience has shown that some of the worst damage done to a flying site, is by visitors who then leave their mess behind.

Beyond the signoff, there is much more to be learned, and at that point the P2+signoff pilot should seek a mentor or trusted friend to keep enjoy flying the site and continue improving his skills. For best results, treat your mentor well.

Thank you David !

Airspeed and pattern type (DBF or Figure 8) are unrelated. One can do Figure 8’s while keeping good airspeed and also increase their sink rate compared to a gradual (low roll) DBF pattern. I have seen a few pilots inappropriately apply significant braking while on the downwind phase of their DBF (maybe spooked by the high ground speed). #AirspeedMatters.

As Jana mentioned, all areas in/around the LZ equally at risk of twisting air (visible dusty or invisible vortex). Lots of dust devils seen at the base of the HG training hill, after that area had recently been resurfaced and dust was available. Then back to more dangerously stealthy, waiting to snag the non-believers.

Glad you got your fix Ken.  :-)

Soboba also good today after 4 pm. I got over 3 hours and up to 5200′. I could hear radio transmissions from Marshall, so a good day for many pilots.

This could be of value for out-of-state pilots who want to visit…

Some restaurants have re-opened for dine-in service. Since this weekend I have binged on: Sizzlers, Olive Garden, Denny’s, Chili’s. Others also offering indoor dining: El Pollo Loco, Applebee’s, IHOP, Red Robin, BJ’s, Coco’s. The list is growing, but waiting on my favorite local Thai and pizza places. Note: Most (if not all) drive-through places have remained open throughout.

I called some motels/hotels near Marshall, and about 1/3 are open to the public, while others may only accept essential service workers.

It almost feels normal again.

Existing guidelines mention:

1)  All kiting should be confined to the southwest corner of the LZ.
2) If pilots in the air are observed to be setting up their downwind, base, or final approach, all gliders should be grounded. This helps to indicate to pilots in the air that those on the ground can see them making their approach.

People not respecting existing guidelines is the main issue. Also, independent pilots (not just students) may be kiting without instructors present, so it is not just a school/instructor issue.

Extra info: This is the USHPA web page referenced. It states (but not where the accidents happened)…

One case involved a midair, and the other involved a collision between a kiting glider and a glider coming in to land..