Shameless Acts...

[Richard Hays]

Ok...good; got your attention. LOL.

MHGA just authorized and coordinated the mowing ( again ) of Hellam Hill in York, Pa. This is an example of your dues at work as a joint member of CHGPA and MHGA. Just sayin'

Hellam Hill is a North facing training hill suitable for Falcons.....paragliders.....and manly men flying double surface not scared to land cross wind to prevent impaling themselves on the fence alongside the road. If....you get my drift.....

Can take a light NNW too. NNE not so much. North of course is best. Little boggy creek at base of hill that prevents it from being a safe beginner training hill. But if you launch higher up on the hill.....you fly right over it without a hitch.

Bruce Thomas is doing the mowing. Bruce is a long ago hang glider pilot who is venturing back into the sport once again and mowing the landowners field for a very reasonable price. Thank you Bruce!

Hellam Hill has been a little used but unique training hill that is prone to getting overgrown with sticker bushes and high grass. I do believe its on the site guide. Best flown in winds below 10 mph as read atop the hill. May have livestock in the field so keeping the gate closed is imperative. Landowners are glad to have us there...and very happy we are helping them maintain their pasture.

Please use it. Protect it. Be polite to all and pickup any trash that you see ( even if its not yours ). Setting up behind the old barn makes a good wind block. Watch out for the crazy goat. Be polite to any and all that may approach you. It may just be the landowner.

With Oregon Ridge busy during the summer months and unflyable often due to events....Hellam is a good alternative on a light North or NNW day. You should probably be at least a H-1 to fly there. Recommended not to be flown on strong wind/thermal days. Remember..its a "training hill" LOL.

Mowing should be completed in 2-3 days. Just remember this when you may be asked for dues. LOL. This is one example of your dues at work....regardless of club affiliation.

Sincerely,

Richard Hays
Prez. MHGA

[Dunegoon]

Thanks for the update Rich. This hill is only 20 minutes from my house! I used to like "Sewer Hill" much better. LOL. If anyone is interested in flying this hill give me a call. Last glider I flew there was a Comet about 27 years ago and you had to be very careful not to fly into the fence at the bottom. Power lines also? Livestock can be an issue along with the soggy bottom area. Limited parking. If it is cut, might try to fly it Tuesday evening.

Charley F.

[Richard Hays]

I remember Sewer Hill ! We used to teach there back in the 70's ! Saw a Manta Windlord fly there and a Pacific Gull Alpine there too. Rare wings indeed. And a Plyable Moose. We were flying Seagull 3 Z's and Chandelle standards. God I'm old......

Yes; all the things you mentioned about Hellam Hill are complications. Power lines to the far left are only a problem if you are attempting to fly the hill in strong winds and get altitude requiring one to possibly have to fly under the power lines. Double surface gliders should approach this site with caution and start half way up to gauge and control glides. But make sure you start high enough up to clear bogg at base of hill as you mentioned. This site is unsuitable for training beginners. H-1 or higher greatly recommended. But great Falcon Hill or lower performing double surface ( Eagles or Pulses) or equivalent. Fence at bottom always looks spooky but the flare uphill effect negates allot of glide that would otherwise be a problem if LZ was flat or slightly sloping downward.

Richard Hays

[Richard Hays]

Mowing confirmed today. All 20 acres. Thank you Bruce Thomas. landowner thrilled.

Rich Hays