The Foundation for Free Flight Supports HR projects!

[davidtheamazing1]

The Foundation for Free Flight has just approved our grant request for $3,153 to cover half the cost of the road and launch improvements we made in 2011. Carlos has even received the check! This support (that we were counting on) greatly improves our financial position, and our ability to continue maintaining our sites in the future.

One note I have regarding the project is that I think we are all very happy with the outcomes. The steps are beautiful and getting onto launch on a windy day is now a breeze. The landing field access is better than I remember. The culvert seems to have solved our erosion/drainage issue.

I won't name names here but everyone who contributed knows who they are. We couldn't do it without you all. It is heartening that when we have been tasked with site improvement challenges, the spirit of pitching in and the generosity of pilots in the region (and across the country) has enabled us to maintain our sites AND to be inclusive with our low $40/year dues.

Of course if you were on the fence about supporting the FFF, please send a donation today or when you renew your USHPA membership. They directly supported us and pilots across the country.

• Would anyone would like to contribute to the effort by writing up a summary of the project to be published in the USHPA magazine?

[davidtheamazing1]

For those that would like to see the grant application, below is the text. (Or ask me for the PDF... I was unable to attach it.)

Check out steps for getting a grant, and download the guidelines

Project Name: 2011 High Rock Improvement Project
FFF Application Date: Sept 10, 2011

As Submitted by:
The Capital Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (CHGPA)
c/o Carlos Weill (Treasurer)
(address)

Contact:
President
president@chgpa.org
http://www.chgpa.org
Phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx

Dollar amount requested: $3153.50 (Half of the Final Project cost of $6307)

Project Summary:

High Rock, near Thurmont Maryland is a national treasure for Hang Gliding. Perched 1,200ft above the surrounding area in the Catoctin mountain range, High Rock is the oldest cliff launch site in the East, and is the closest hang gliding site in proximity to the many pilots who live in the Washington DC Area. Management of the site is shared between CHGPA and the Maryland Hang Gliding Association (MHGA). It is a significant site which has suffered from erosion that affected safety and accessibility of the launch and landing zone.

The launch pad was poured from concrete atop the foundations of a historic lookout pavilion, however erosion has eaten away at the surrounding fill and placed the steps out of reach for anyone carrying a glider. Numerous attempts to scramble up to the launch compromised safety especially when wind was strong enough for soaring the ridge. Upon being informed, the CHGPA and MHGA coordinated and hired a contractor to improve the access by pouring a large concrete staircase to the ramp.

Our traditional landing field sits directly below launch, on private land that has been saved for the landing of gliders. The private road to the landing field has been used since the beginning of high flight but has been washed away due to erosion and a deteriorated culvert. Even 4wd SUVs were unable to navigate the road, which causes an unacceptable safety risk in case emergency access is required. The CHGPA and MHGA coordinated with the landowner to install a new culvert and repair the road leading to the landing field.

Timeline & Funding Requirements:
CHGPA and MHGA began discussing the project in the early part of 2011. Due to the safety elements and the need for continual usage of High Rock launch, CHGPA and MHGA have already authorized funding from member donations and dues. FFF funds would be needed to reimburse costs so that the club can sustain the management of our many Mid-Atlantic sites. Work began in May of 2011 with forming the stairs. The new stairs were first used to launch a glider in June of 2011. The road repair contractor completed the road in September.

Financing & Acknowledgements
CHGPA and MHGA have authorized each of these projects, and MHGA has offered to help raise money for the improvements to launch. CHGPA requests 50% reimbursement from FFF. CHGPA has already raised private donations in excess of $2275 & CHGPA’s board has voted to fund the projects with the understanding that money will need to be raised via donations and grants in order to offset the expense.

Contributors to date were acknowledged at the CHGPA Summer Soirée, and if FFF grants our request it would be widely credited with enabling us to maintain and manage the site. We would give a toast to FFF at the upcoming Annual High Rock Fly-in, and widely credit FFF in our community news and discussion forum.

Pilot Volunteer Efforts
Richard Hays (MHGA) and David Churchill (CHGPA), along with their respective boards helped coordinate, mange and fund the projects. Gary Devan coordinated the road fix and project, and helped prep the site for the contractor. Glen Hardy designed the stairs (and as a contractor oversaw/performed most of the work). Steve Kinsey assisted with the stair project.

Future Maintenance
Addressing the erosion is a continual challenge, although we believe these projects offer a long term solution to minimize the need for future efforts. The immediate safety problem of bringing gliders up onto the launch pad has been addressed, and the new 24” culvert is expected to permanently solve the issue regarding drainage across the road. The launch pad was poured many years ago and the concrete and rebar continues to erode. A future project is being discussed to repair the launch pad.

Attachments:
* High Rock Launch Photo (Before/ Showing eroded stair area with ladder)
Caption: Note the step stool, an unstable platform which is not safe enough for windy, (ridge soaring) days.
* High Rock Launch Video (After): http://vimeo.com/25908067

* LZ Road repair Quote/Bill
* Photo: High Rock LZ Road (Canyon - Before)
Caption: Ruts and erosion prevent 4wd SUVs or emergency vehicles from being able to navigate to the landing zone. (LZ is the clearing in the background.)
* Photo: High Rock LZ Road (Culvert - Mid Construction)
Caption: According to experts, this culvert is expected to permanently address the drainage across the road.
* Photo: High Rock LZ Road (Construction - Final Phase)
Caption: Leveling it out so that pilots and emergency vehicles can access the landing site

[deveil]

let’s see, you and your boys send in a rebate form and pick up a couple of bucks - what a yawner.

[markc]

Far from a "yawner", at least in my book, because the 50% support from the FFF means that CHGPA and MHGA can continue work on other projects that we otherwise wouldn't be able to, due to the non-trivial expense of the improvements to the steps and the road.

In spite of nearly 400 forum users, we've only got an annual budget (from memberships) that's on the order of $4000/year. So this one project alone pretty much sucked up nearly an entire year of CHGPA's budget.... And don't forget that the clubs also have to pay for site insurance, taxes, land-owner gifts, etc, etc, etc.

I think that this has been a win all the way around : significant time and effort by volunteers to make these projects happen, significant monetary contributions from club members, and significant support from the FFF. We're in a much better position than just a few months ago.

Bring on the Woodstock launch improvements!!!!

MarkC

[deveil]

as supportive as i’ve been of all the club efforts, site improvements and otherwise, did i really have to add a smiley face to that? really?
i think that’s sad.
gary

[deveil]

by way of explanation, it was meant to be a comment (and a prod) on the fact that there hadn’t/haven’t been any “Atta-boys” for David, which he richly deserves.
gary

[Dan T]

Fantastic job guys!

An article on the improvements, maybe with before and after pictures and a description of the illustrious history of the site would be fabulous.

Dan

[XCanytime]

as supportive as i’ve been of all the club efforts, site improvements and otherwise, did i really have to add a smiley face to that? really?
i think that’s sad.
gary

Then type what you mean and mean what you type. Pretty simple. Bacil

[davidtheamazing1]

let’s see, you and your boys send in a rebate form and pick up a couple of bucks - what a yawner.

Based on history, I think when you read Gary's posts you have to carefully consider the message and then come to the opposite conclusion

[Matthew]

Way to GO!!!!!!

Why don't we take some of that money and hire a mason to shore up the overhanging portions at the back of the cube and repair the cracks on the top????

Matthew

[markc]

Apologies, my automatic add-smiley-filter must have been on the fritz yesterday

I was actually thinking that Gary was somehow disappointed by the outcome! And so my attempt to put the amount of the FFF donation into perspective....

And this from someone (me) who often points out that posts within text-only mediums like these forums can easily be misunderstood. Makes you think, eh?

The biggest volunteer of time and energy for this project was Gary himself... So if he's happy, then I'm sure as hell happy! If he had been UN-happy after all that work, then that would be very worrisome!

MarkC

[deveil]

you are, most definitely, a cool dude and having your respect means something to me. <gush gush> <sniff sniff>

[keshob]

Hey Everybody,

I'm new to CHGPA, a new P2. In short, a newbie. But I am a writer/journo/editor and could spearhead or help out (whatever necessary) the effort of pitching and writing the story for the USHPA magazine. That is, unless there's anyone out there who would be more qualified, or someone who was more deeply involved with the effort (and who is a hang glider) who wants to take the reins.

Anyway... Let me know if I can help out.

bishop

[deveil]

Hey, did anyone notice that David announced the following!

The Foundation for Free Flight has just approved our grant request for $3,153 to cover half the cost of the road and launch improvements we made in 2011. Carlos has even received the check! This support (that we were counting on) greatly improves our financial position, and our ability to continue maintaining our sites in the future.

One note I have regarding the project is that I think we are all very happy with the outcomes. The steps are beautiful and getting onto launch on a windy day is now a breeze. The landing field access is better than I remember. The culvert seems to have solved our erosion/drainage issue.

I won't name names here but everyone who contributed knows who they are. We couldn't do it without you all. It is heartening that when we have been tasked with site improvement challenges, the spirit of pitching in and the generosity of pilots in the region (and across the country) has enabled us to maintain our sites AND to be inclusive with our low $40/year dues.

Of course if you were on the fence about supporting the FFF, please send a donation today or when you renew your USHPA membership. They directly supported us and pilots across the country.

• Would anyone would like to contribute to the effort by writing up a summary of the project to be published in the USHPA magazine?

and that he and the other guys on the board, Matt and Carlos, put together this grant application, which is a very substantial document, very well written, and had to have taken oodles of time and brain power?!

For those that would like to see the grant application, below is the text. (Or ask me for the PDF... I was unable to attach it.)

Check out steps for getting a grant, and download the guidelines

Project Name: 2011 High Rock Improvement Project
FFF Application Date: Sept 10, 2011

As Submitted by:
The Capital Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (CHGPA)
c/o Carlos Weill (Treasurer)
(address)

Contact:
President
president@chgpa.org
http://www.chgpa.org
Phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx

Dollar amount requested: $3153.50 (Half of the Final Project cost of $6307)

Project Summary:

High Rock, near Thurmont Maryland is a national treasure for Hang Gliding. Perched 1,200ft above the surrounding area in the Catoctin mountain range, High Rock is the oldest cliff launch site in the East, and is the closest hang gliding site in proximity to the many pilots who live in the Washington DC Area. Management of the site is shared between CHGPA and the Maryland Hang Gliding Association (MHGA). It is a significant site which has suffered from erosion that affected safety and accessibility of the launch and landing zone.

The launch pad was poured from concrete atop the foundations of a historic lookout pavilion, however erosion has eaten away at the surrounding fill and placed the steps out of reach for anyone carrying a glider. Numerous attempts to scramble up to the launch compromised safety especially when wind was strong enough for soaring the ridge. Upon being informed, the CHGPA and MHGA coordinated and hired a contractor to improve the access by pouring a large concrete staircase to the ramp.

Our traditional landing field sits directly below launch, on private land that has been saved for the landing of gliders. The private road to the landing field has been used since the beginning of high flight but has been washed away due to erosion and a deteriorated culvert. Even 4wd SUVs were unable to navigate the road, which causes an unacceptable safety risk in case emergency access is required. The CHGPA and MHGA coordinated with the landowner to install a new culvert and repair the road leading to the landing field.

Timeline & Funding Requirements:
CHGPA and MHGA began discussing the project in the early part of 2011. Due to the safety elements and the need for continual usage of High Rock launch, CHGPA and MHGA have already authorized funding from member donations and dues. FFF funds would be needed to reimburse costs so that the club can sustain the management of our many Mid-Atlantic sites. Work began in May of 2011 with forming the stairs. The new stairs were first used to launch a glider in June of 2011. The road repair contractor completed the road in September.

Financing & Acknowledgements
CHGPA and MHGA have authorized each of these projects, and MHGA has offered to help raise money for the improvements to launch. CHGPA requests 50% reimbursement from FFF. CHGPA has already raised private donations in excess of $2275 & CHGPA’s board has voted to fund the projects with the understanding that money will need to be raised via donations and grants in order to offset the expense.

Contributors to date were acknowledged at the CHGPA Summer Soirée, and if FFF grants our request it would be widely credited with enabling us to maintain and manage the site. We would give a toast to FFF at the upcoming Annual High Rock Fly-in, and widely credit FFF in our community news and discussion forum.

Pilot Volunteer Efforts
Richard Hays (MHGA) and David Churchill (CHGPA), along with their respective boards helped coordinate, mange and fund the projects. Gary Devan coordinated the road fix and project, and helped prep the site for the contractor. Glen Hardy designed the stairs (and as a contractor oversaw/performed most of the work). Steve Kinsey assisted with the stair project.

Future Maintenance
Addressing the erosion is a continual challenge, although we believe these projects offer a long term solution to minimize the need for future efforts. The immediate safety problem of bringing gliders up onto the launch pad has been addressed, and the new 24” culvert is expected to permanently solve the issue regarding drainage across the road. The launch pad was poured many years ago and the concrete and rebar continues to erode. A future project is being discussed to repair the launch pad.

Attachments:
* High Rock Launch Photo (Before/ Showing eroded stair area with ladder)
Caption: Note the step stool, an unstable platform which is not safe enough for windy, (ridge soaring) days.
* High Rock Launch Video (After): http://vimeo.com/25908067

* LZ Road repair Quote/Bill
* Photo: High Rock LZ Road (Canyon - Before)
Caption: Ruts and erosion prevent 4wd SUVs or emergency vehicles from being able to navigate to the landing zone. (LZ is the clearing in the background.)
* Photo: High Rock LZ Road (Culvert - Mid Construction)
Caption: According to experts, this culvert is expected to permanently address the drainage across the road.
* Photo: High Rock LZ Road (Construction - Final Phase)
Caption: Leveling it out so that pilots and emergency vehicles can access the landing site

by their efforts and their efforts alone, independent of the actual physical work that took place, the club coffers have been fattened by $3,153.

that's a pretty damn big deal, i think, particularly when put in perspective by this information provided by Mark.

... the 50% support from the FFF means that CHGPA and MHGA can continue work on other projects that we otherwise wouldn't be able to, due to the non-trivial expense of the improvements to the steps and the road.

In spite of nearly 400 forum users, we've only got an annual budget (from memberships) that's on the order of $4000/year. So this one project alone pretty much sucked up nearly an entire year of CHGPA's budget.... And don't forget that the clubs also have to pay for site insurance, taxes, land-owner gifts, etc, etc, etc.

I think that this has been a win all the way around : significant time and effort by volunteers to make these projects happen, significant monetary contributions from club members, and significant support from the FFF. We're in a much better position than just a few months ago.

MarkC

just wanted to make sure no one was distracted to the point of forgetting about this.

[deveil]

my apologies to everyone for the additional drama-trauma but, upon reflection, i need to make this public apology to Mark for being that which I loath - a drama queen.
if he can bite the bullet than i damn well can too.

[Richard Hays]

Great news about the reimbursement! I have some pics of the stairs project still if needed.

Richard Hays

[Dan T]

Folks,

We have a new member, Bishop, who posted his interest on writing an article for the magazine on this subject. Rich Hayes has some pictures of the ramp improvement. I assume someone has some photos of the LZ access road. Can we get someone who was involved in the project to get in touch with Bishop and provide him enough background so that he can write up a first draft of the article?

This is a great opportunity to produce an article that should be of interest to nearly all of the USHPA magazine readers.

Dan T
from sunny windy Key West

[carweill]

I have some pictures too that Glen provided for the ramp.

I think Gary has some for the road.

We should give Bishop all the support he needs to accomplish it

Carlos