If we hold a one-week long CIVL/USHPA sanctioned hang gliding next
August in Big Spring (or perhaps Hearne), Texas will you attend?

That’s the question we are asking you.

Please respond with a “Yes” to <davis> if you are as definite as possible now that you will
attend.

The story:

A number of pilots have asked us to return with a competition in Big Spring in
2018. Competitions there have been very successful with outstanding flying
weather. The 2007 Worlds were held there. We get tremendous support from the
community. Pilots have always highly praised the Big Spring competitions.

Tiki at Cowboy Up in Wharton has also mentioned the huge Hearne airfield as a
possible site. Two national competitions have been held there. It has excellent
flying conditions. It is much closer to Florida and Wharton making it easier to
get Dragonflies to the site.

As this meet will be held at a remote location we need to have at least 40
pilots committed to coming for Russell Brown to bring his Dragonflies to Texas.
Transporting Dragonflies also adds to the cost and it is likely to be in the
$450 range for aerotowing. We expect to keep the registration fee low.

If you have a preference for either Big Spring or Hearne you can add that to
your answer.

Robin Hamilton writes:

Yes, interested in Big Spring or Hearne. Preference for Hearne as
we haven't flown a comp there for a while and the flying has been consistently
awesome when we have.

Mike Williams writes:

Yes, and my preference is for Big Spring. There's been no upkeep
to Hearne's infield grass in years. Last time we tried to launch there it was
riddled with critter holes, and that was more than 10 years ago. There's also
been an automated weather station installed to avoid that's in the middle. I
prefer the taxiway launch options at Big Spring, the accommodation options are
much better than at Hearne, and let's not forget the Big Spring hangar space.

Greg Chastain <<Greg.Chastain>>
writes:

Yes I would attend. Hearne is probably my preference sense it is
closer to me and less turbulent air in my experience. But I’d attend in either
location.

Glen Volk <<GVolk>>
writes:

I am a strong supporter of a Hearne comp. I'd probably go to Big
Spring too but I've been jonesin' to go back to Hearne for a long time.

Kevin Carter <<xckevinc>>
writes:

I vote Big Spring. Their support for the community going back
decades has been amazing.

Dan Lukaszewicz writes:

I would go. Texas flying is awesome. I'm open to whichever venue
if it helps with logistics but have to say that I've never been in a more
supporting place than Big Spring; the local community loves us.

Brad Morton writes:

Hearne is now a FEMA drop site for trailer homes. They have leased
a major part of the airport for up to two years and expect to have as many as
2000 trailers on site at peak. The south end of the runway is closed with
trailers currently on it however the run way is remaining active.

David Prentice writes:

Just FYI, that is the week we have been hosting the LoneStar
paragliding championships in Hearne, since 2011. I hope your planning will
respect our event.