. 2017 was great; we had 2 hang gliders land at the winery. 2018 had light conditions, but dogged determination allowed one paraglider pilot to make it to the vineyard. Let's hope that this year's weather has a bit more wind to enable more safe flights in addition to the possibility of XC flights to the winery, and let's turn out in force to honor Brad, who was always welcoming to us. BacilBrad Foster Memorial Fly-In Saturday April 13th
Moderator: CHGPA BOD
Brad Foster Memorial Fly-In Saturday April 13th
With the recent passing of Brad Foster, a long time supporter and friend of the local hang gliding and paragliding community, his wife Krista has requested that the tradition of the Silent Airshow continue on in Brad's memory. Therefore, North Mountain Vineyard & Winery will be hosting the Brad Foster Memorial Fly-In on Saturday April 13th, 2019. We would like to have on display Hang Gliders and Paragliders. XC flights to the winery have been achieved, with 2 hang gliders landing there from Woodstock during the 2013 event, and 2 paragliders landing there from Edith's Gap during the 2014 event. 2015's event weather was not ideal, but then again the event was held in May, where the frequency of NW/SE weekends diminishes. The 2016 event was moved to the 2nd weekend of April in hopes that the probability of a NW weekend happening would be increased. Well a NW weekend did occur, but we had high winds and snow showers on the Saturday, so indoor activities dominated the day . 2017 was great; we had 2 hang gliders land at the winery. 2018 had light conditions, but dogged determination allowed one paraglider pilot to make it to the vineyard. Let's hope that this year's weather has a bit more wind to enable more safe flights in addition to the possibility of XC flights to the winery, and let's turn out in force to honor Brad, who was always welcoming to us. Bacil
. 2017 was great; we had 2 hang gliders land at the winery. 2018 had light conditions, but dogged determination allowed one paraglider pilot to make it to the vineyard. Let's hope that this year's weather has a bit more wind to enable more safe flights in addition to the possibility of XC flights to the winery, and let's turn out in force to honor Brad, who was always welcoming to us. BacilRe: Brad Foster Memorial Fly-In Saturday April 13th
The upcoming memorial fly in for Brad is fast approaching. Please mark it on your calendar and come out to the winery to honor Brad and support Krista, even if we don't get to fly that day. There will be live music from 2P - 5P by Paul Tangren. A new wine release is scheduled, and catered snacks will be available. Looking forward to a good turnout of pilots. Bacil
Re: Brad Foster Memorial Fly-In Saturday April 13th
The outlook for Saturday April 13th is looking very good. Let's hope it holds. If it does, there should be multiple hang glider pilots landing on the winery grounds. And maybe a paraglider pilot or two if they can launch safely in anticipated strong launch conditions for them and fight a pretty good headwind to reach the winery. I'm getting excited about the fact that we have a good chance of duplicating what occurred on April 13th, 2013 during the 1st Silent Airshow, where 2 hang glider pilots made it to the winery, and improving on that number. Bacil
Re: Brad Foster Memorial Fly-In Saturday April 13th
Well it doesn't look flyable, but the weather looks warm at least for a nice afternoon spent at the winery paying homage to Brad and supporting Krista. Hope to see many pilots there. Bacil
Re: Brad Foster Memorial Fly-In Saturday April 13th
Well it turned out to be a nice day and fun time at the winery yesterday. I was bringing my glider to statically display it but forgot to bring the basetube 
. Luckily I contacted Joe Schad and he let me borrow his Falcon to set up at the winery. Judy and I got there at 12:30P and I set up Joe's Falcon w/ ease. Joe and a few other PG pilots were going to Edith's Gap to try to fly to the winery. The music started just before 2P. From my vantage point the guy sounded great on his acoustic guitar. Around 2:45P Matthew Graham arrived after playing polo at noon. John Dullahan arrived after 3P. Joe and Krista Auchenbach showed up around 3:30P, saying that the remaining pilots in the group were making noise about Dickey's. So I called Matt Ingram, who informed me that Tom Ceunen was over Fort Valley after launching a 2nd time from Edith's Gap. Then I got a text message from Matt a little while later saying that Tom was over Woodstock and on his way! The news spread quickly through the crowd that Tom was going to land at the winery in the next 15 minutes. Even the guitar player was caught up in the excitement. Sure enough, he was spotted about 2500' above the winery to the SE. The crowd was ecstatic and thrilled to watch Tom's leisurely approach and landing in the cut field right next to the parking area. I was the 1st to greet and congratulate him. This is the 2nd year in a row that Tom has made it to the winery during the fly in. The group of 8 pilots that came to the memorial for Brad were treated to free food and free wine. Sure wish more would have come out, at least to enjoy the live music from 2P to 5P and the free food and wine. Bacil
. Luckily I contacted Joe Schad and he let me borrow his Falcon to set up at the winery. Judy and I got there at 12:30P and I set up Joe's Falcon w/ ease. Joe and a few other PG pilots were going to Edith's Gap to try to fly to the winery. The music started just before 2P. From my vantage point the guy sounded great on his acoustic guitar. Around 2:45P Matthew Graham arrived after playing polo at noon. John Dullahan arrived after 3P. Joe and Krista Auchenbach showed up around 3:30P, saying that the remaining pilots in the group were making noise about Dickey's. So I called Matt Ingram, who informed me that Tom Ceunen was over Fort Valley after launching a 2nd time from Edith's Gap. Then I got a text message from Matt a little while later saying that Tom was over Woodstock and on his way! The news spread quickly through the crowd that Tom was going to land at the winery in the next 15 minutes. Even the guitar player was caught up in the excitement. Sure enough, he was spotted about 2500' above the winery to the SE. The crowd was ecstatic and thrilled to watch Tom's leisurely approach and landing in the cut field right next to the parking area. I was the 1st to greet and congratulate him. This is the 2nd year in a row that Tom has made it to the winery during the fly in. The group of 8 pilots that came to the memorial for Brad were treated to free food and free wine. Sure wish more would have come out, at least to enjoy the live music from 2P to 5P and the free food and wine. Bacil
Re: Brad Foster Memorial Fly-In Saturday April 13th
Bacil,
Thanks for the write up.
To bad I had to work!
Sounds like it was a great event and Tom nailed it again!
Knut
Thanks for the write up.
To bad I had to work!
Sounds like it was a great event and Tom nailed it again!
Knut