Bad Day for Sparky out West

[CraginS]

Darn, looks like our local alumnus Sparky had a bit of a bad day out west this weekeind. Apparently no major damage, but he will be grounded for the fall flying season. He posted the announcement and video, himself.

http://www.hanggliding.org/viewtopic.php?t=27141

Really sorry. Wishing him a fast recovery.

[brianvh]

Takes a lot of work to recover from a rotator cuff injury. That sucks.

I visited that site with him when I was in the area for christmas. That LZ did not give off warm and fuzzies, to put it mildly.

[silverwings]

Sorry that Sparky got hurt and hope he's back in action soon. If you watch the video you might notice a few things and I want to comment for the benefit of all. He has his hands at a good spot for the flare. But he pushes mostly forward while his body appears to be moving back which reduces his flare. Also, and more important, if he was ready to run at touch down it may have worked out fine. If having a hard landing always be sure to let go the instant you hit (he appears to do that with his left hand a little sluggish but keeps his right hand on the down tube). We all can have bad landings and I have had my share over the years but trying to learn from them or observations of others can help us to be better/safer pilots.

[Ashley Groves]

Speedy recovery wishes.

[mcelrah]

Oww! He did something similar a year and a half ago (and posted the video) - had to have reconstructive surgery. Hopefully not same shoulder.
- Hugh

[Matthew]

I talked to Sparky. Yep. Same shoulder. His range of motion is good-- but lots of pain with certain movements. He's optomistic that he'll only need to do PT.

He'll be in th DC area at the end of October or early November for work for a couple of weeks. I'll keep ya'll posted.

Matthew

[Richard Hays]

Speedy recovery Sparky! Drink lots of wine and beer....I hear it helps. LOL. Y'know...all those anti-oxidents and vitamins. Has to be good for healing, right?

Richard Hays