Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
Mid NOV Update:
I’ve been checking in on the status of the Line Fire and NFS Closure Order every few days. I had anticipated a modification of the closure map around the 1st of November but that didn’t happen.
I checked in with NFS Administrators and there appears to be no talk or known effort to modify the closure map before the current order expiration date of 30 NOV. With that date only just over 2 weeks away it appears that the SB NFS Supervisor intends to go the full span of the closure period.
We can still fly, and many people have been flying the past few weeks west of the 18 with few incidents (a visiting pilot violated the closure order and claimed ignorance), and pilots are having great flights despite the closure and limits to normal routes. I do appreciate the cooperation and supportive nature of CSS Club Members.
The NFS Ranger told me the gliders are still there at the location pinned above. He hasn’t confirmed yet but I offered to help get them removed, I’ll see what he says.
Does anyone know if Steve Corbin has any next of kin that we could notify? I doubt they would want those gliders back, but it doesn’t hurt to ask first. Otherwise, the CSS would be doing a kind act of community service by helping clean up the mess. We’d probably just have to trash the sails but I know Tom is looking for airframe tubing for his GOAT project.
Anyone want to take the lead on this?
The creepy head/mask on this glider is what I was calling Witchcraft. Crazy Halloween party?
This is the location that they were found:
Click the link for Google Map Pin
More Pics
Mario, its more about logistics… where to pick one up and where to be able to drop it off before flying home.
Eric, you got contact info for this guy? This weekend might still be blowing down.
October 23, 2024 at 1:42 PM in reply to: Friendly reminder: TFR still in effect for Line Fire #21173Mario,
The Bridge Fire is also basically out, 99% contained as of 21 OCT. The closure maps are a little more tricky because most of the Bridge Fire occurred in Los Angeles County and only partially in San Bernardino County. The original SB National Forest closure map went across the 15 and past Mt Baldy (the SB/LA County border). Right now I can’t find any current closure map related to the Bridge Fire.
In any case, the reason we are respecting the NFS closure order is due to the risk of pilots landing out within the current closure area by flying to the east, worst case having an incident that requires rescue. Its not an airspace issue, its preventing the possibility that first responder resources being directed at a rescue within the closure area, and that would put a very negative light on our activity. This would be the same for Mountain Bikers, Hikers, Climbers, UTV Drivers, anyone… and there is a pretty hefty personal fine involved too. We aren’t going to put the Club’s positive relationship with the NFS at risk (or CALFIRE, SBPD, Sheriff)
** Jerome, thanks for the update and links. All of this data is current and valid. **
The NFS closure is still in effect and remains unchanged. We will continue to respect that closure and not fly east of HWY 18.
This was not a decision of any individuals, and it is presented as an order because it IS an ORDER from a federal agency. If anyone is doubtful about that they can review the document again: (the word ORDER is right in the title) https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1208071.pdf
The CSS BOD did not impose a restriction, the NFS Order did that. Our launches are on NFS land and we will respect that organization’s efforts to handle forest fire management. If you disagree with NFS orders then you are free to contact that agency and voice your concerns. If you disagree with the disparity between posted FAA TFRs and NFS closure maps you are also free to voice your concerns with those agencies respectively. If you feel your rights to go fly and have fun have been violated during a time of emergency, go hire an attorney and file a suit against the NFS and the FAA (good luck with that).
Meanwhile, CSS members are still able to utilize launches, fly (with minor limitations), and train at the AJX LZ… all while respecting the agencies that are trying to protect our natural resources, private property, and human lives.
As soon as the NFS modifies the closure map or rescinds the order we will update the membership. I actually expect this to happen toward the end of the month.
And Yes, we are still getting water from the Pond. That is the only source of water for the irrigation system. There have been supply problems that have prevented the Pond to be able to fill up fast enough or recover from each irrigation cycle. We are doing our best to solve those issues.
Mark,
Yes, I understand we were all talking about just the PG corner. I’m sorry that I didn’t make that clear. My points are still the same… it’s still very expensive, even for just a small area. To be safe it needs to be installed correctly, not just draped over the surface like it is in the breakdown area. Also, it will need gopher ‘armor’, which is wire mesh under the surface to prevent them from digging up through the surface.
I agree with Jerome, it would be awesome to do it over the edge as well. All of this will take some heavy machine work but it can be done. It will be expensive, but we can save costs by purchasing used athletic turf.Mark, we’ve been over this multiple times. Artificial turf is very expensive, slippery when damp, and if not installed correctly becomes a the same trip hazard or missile hazard in the winds as carpet.
The grass was doing fine until we hit temps over 100 degrees and that was a month before we started experiencing water shortages. It happens every year, our LZ is in the high desert! The weed treatments did not cause this, during the entire spring we had a mostly weed free LZ.
I will offer this alternative for the PGs, I think it will work… We could permanently Astro Turf the PG corner of the LZ. Yes, it will be expensive… BUT… it would allow us to reduce the foot print of sprinklers that would save water for the rest of the LZ. It would give the PG kiting area a ‘clean’ lay down area year round. The cons are, it’s expensive and the PGs would have to accept the risk that it becomes a thermal trigger in the warmer months. Just a possibility. I also think we should permanently Astro turf the first 20 ft around the entire Pavilion. It’s a high traffic area and we would again be able to reduce the footprint of sprinklers plus I wouldn’t have to get too close with the lawnmower while people might be seated inside.I’m with Jana on this one, the risks are too high for flying debris when the rainy season is just around the corner.
For future reference, if anyone has requests like this please email them to the BOD. Our email addresses are all listed on this website, and many club members have our phone numbers as well.
-
AuthorPosts
