We have a new training and re-launch system (a vehicle that holds
two setup gliders) at the Andy Jackson Airpark. It is intended to help hang
glider and paraglider pilots improve their foot launch and mountain air landing
skills (e.g. punching through the wind shadow at our LZ), but it's also turning
out to be a nice way to get a second or third flight without having to break
down. I am 3 for 5 at getting back up for as long as I wanted from the lower
launches that it goes to, including a flight 6 miles downrange. Jonathan D. did
a nice video of our beta testing day, those kinks have been worked out, it now
takes less than ten minutes to load, drive, and unload up to two hang gliders
and 3 paragliders at once.
http://bigoloop.com is 90% done with the information needed to use it. I need to
finish a scheduling system on the calendar page, but this will get people
started. They can contact us to make sure the system is running when they are
there.
It's $5/wing/ride, not a bad value IMO. All proceeds go to the Crestline Soaring
Society. I will have a link to purchase tickets in advance, online, as soon as
we figure out how to apply our non-profit status with paypal or set up a
merchant account for manual CC processing.
We are using this as a cornerstone investment as we are building out RV pads and
piping water and power (we already have internet) to the LZ. We are also working
on getting the permits to build out showers, a clubhouse, laundry, cooking
facilities, etc. The RV pads, power, and potable water should be in by our BBQ
for Owen Morse on June 5th.
We invite pilots from around the world to come and stay with us and fly all they
want, quite literally.
The Big O Loop is a system designed to take up to 2 fully assembled hang gliders
and 3 paragliders (at once!) Back up to launches immediately above Andy Jackson
Flight Park (aka AJX). Currently, we have the "F'O' Hundred" (400' above the
LZ), Embree (340'), and McKenzie (250') launches. We are working on hang-only
launches at 375' (Zeller, a cliff launch) and 500 footer right above the F'O'
Hundred.
