Reflections: two incredible days at Makapuu

Before anything, let me say that the Aloha shown by the Oahu club is off the charts. Everyone I encountered was super friendly and helpful. This gives me optimism for our planet in an otherwise questionable journey into the new millennium.

Having arguably the best soaring site in the world is a HUGE responsibility. How to manage the many visitors and the new pilots, etc, with an LZ located just inches from Kalanianaole Highway? You are in a fish bowl.

Your club does a great job. Alex and others take the leadership role. I want to applaud them for that. The coconut wireless knew within seconds that I had blown a solo launch at Tomato Juice, and within a half hour Bob was there to help get the A’A’ rocks out of my cells. Minutes later, I launched for an epic 2.5 hour flight from Crazymans. But without the help of Alex, Bob and Don, I’d still be getting my lines free from those twigs at Tomato patch.

During the weekend several tough calls needed to be made. Not easy, Telling a less experienced pilot that he needed to hike up to Tomato Patch. No one wants to say that, but it had to be said. Then Bob, hiked up to assist. That is leadership. A blown landing with a paramotor. Again, tough call. But the leadership acted to protect the best interests of the club. Congratulations to your group! It was an absolute joy to spend two days flying and interacting with you all.

For me personally as a pilot, this weekends experience was enormously invaluable. I probably had more flights (643) than anyone on the planet before earning my P-3 rating. But because the majority of those flights were powered, my free flight experience is still limited. I was pleased that I could find that Zen moment during a high wind launch and that I could stick a soft landing crabbing down K Highway into the LZ. But those skills are acquired through experience and constant practice.

It struck me that there are no easy bunny hill practice areas in Oahu for beginners. This makes the task of training new pilots extremely difficult. The leap to challenging launches and landings is abrupt. On the Big Island too we have our own limitations. Learning to paraglide in Hawaii requires a definite commitment.

Again, thanks to all of the people who make your club so special.

Onomea Eric

The Bold and the Meek

For anyone that missed Saturday's exciting events, here is the quick and dirty summary. Zillions of pilots flew at Makapuu from morning til evening, including some of our hang gliding pals and two paramotor pilots. Most pilots were feeling too meek for the strong conditions downrange, with a handful of notable exceptions.

Jetflap flew to Hygienics and was rescued from a cliff in Waimanalo by our fearless and dedicated fire department, after a reserve deployment on his return leg cut his round trip short. Later he mounted an equally epic rescue mission for the gear with Reaper and Jimbo, but it remained just out of reach. (Jeff has promised us a story - I'm sure it will be a cliffhanger!)

Doug and Dave flew all day long, and capped off the day with a flight to Stairway to Heaven and a race back. Quentin flew from Makapuu to Greenwalls and from there thermalled the flatlands to soar Lanikai, before landing at the LZ there and walking to his house.

Other pilots made forays back into Waimanalo at various times as well: Peter (with Hillery), Alan, Don, Nick, and others. Throughout the day, we saw lots of interesting landings at (or nearly at) the LZ in the challenging north conditions (including mine). Scrappy closed out the day with a fabulous joint birthday party at his parents' house for himself and for Don. I'm sure I missed some exciting details - feel free to post an article of your own or add a comment to this one.

Makapuu Landing Zone

I've just had a discussion with Dave Goto, and we've agreed that the Makapuu landing zone is not an appropriate place for paramotor pilots to take off or land. Powered ultralights are permitted to launch and land at Sandy Beach Park, but not at Makapuu. (In more north or northwesterly conditions our powered friends have found that Dillingham Airfield is another good option).

The Makapuu landing zone has only ever been permitted to the Hang Gliding Association, and they have graciously shared it with members of our club over the years. We appreciate what it took for them to secure that area for unpowered flying many years ago, and to keep it available to us. They currently have to renew a permit with the city and county for the landing zone every month.

Please pass the word to our powered friends when you see them. Thanks for your understanding.

B Day BBQ

I am having a BBQ @ my family's home from 6:00PM - 11:00 PM on Saturday, June 2nd, to celebrate my 29th annual "I Survived One More Year Party." I got burgers and ribs. Pupu's and beer appreciated. The address is 148 Kuupua Street in Kailua. All are welcome! Except for Kui . . . my mom's cats would be pissed . . . Sorry Kui!

Scrappy
722-6263