Now that we¹re moving into the season when some of our Bay Area sites are less flyable (and Sand City/Marina is often ³less less flyable), here are some reminders from your unofficial, unelected, and generally reluctant-to-serve Monterey County PG/HG Ombudsperson (these in response to a number of recent "issues"):

1) If you are flying at Lake Court (the PG launch just south of Reservation Road), please be considerate to any gliders (HG or PG) flying south from the Reservation Road ramp/parking lot. It is extremely difficult to make it south down that very low stretch of dunes--and they have the right of way (being lower and in a less secure position to stay up, even though you may have the ridge on your right). Please do not impede or wake anyone flying south from Reservation Road. They will be desperate to get up when they reach Lake Court, so please facilitate that.

2) Similarly, if you are soaring the low dunes between Reservation Road and Lake Court, be aware of any gliders heading north (back to Res. Rd.) to land. This stretch of dunes is just as low and difficult going north, so make way for landing gliders.

3) In general, remember that HGs need a bit more wind to stay up--so if it's feeling light to you (as a PG pilot) cut them some slack if you can--they'll need it (and landing on the beach is worse for them, too!).

4) Communicate with other gliders (using clear hand signals and obvious head movement) if you plan to deviate from standard ridge rules for some reason. Otherwise, follow ridge rules. In particular, you MUST signal your intention to turn by visibly turning your head to not only check for clearance but also clear your turn with other pilots. Eye contact is key.

5) Always sign in (at Reservation Road) if you plan to launch or land at Lake Court--it is a regulated site. My understanding is also that tandems are allowed at Reservation Road/Lake Court only by special permit.

So that's it! Let me know if questions. Everybody play nice, okay?

Vicki

"Gravity....is simply a neutral force. Depending on the structure on which it interacts, however, it may be experienced positively or negatively"--Will Johnson