Flyfunston

Call for Pilots: Mercey Hot Springs Aerotow event, June 12-13, 2004.

Yes, this is short notice, but this is all we have. I've got a tow pilot lined up for that weekend, and permission from MHS. Now all we need is YOU! Well, a bunch of you. Specifically we need at least 10 people to aerotow each day, up to a maximum of 20. I think to get 10 people to show up, I need 20 commitments for each day. If we don't get enough people, the event won't happen. There won't be another opportunity to hold this event again until mid-August, so don't delay, sign up today!

Tow pilot details: Gregg Minolli is a USHGA rated tow pilot. He towed at the Florida meets this year, and is current. He flys a North Wing Apache trike, under a Mustang 17.5 wing, powered by a Rotax 582 making 85 hp. He's got releases for his end, tow rope, and a launch dolly. He's currently based in Monterey.

Tow details: Gregg will be collecting the tow fees himself, $10 per 1000 feet of tow. This will be the standard fee. In addition to this he needs some money for transportation to MHS and back, and other fixed expenses. Every pilot who tows will pay a per pilot pro-rated shared of that $300. More pilots means less cost for everyone.

Site details: Put "Mercey Hot Springs" into a Google search window and hit Enter. They supply overnight camping facilities and/or day use facilities. Each pilot will be responsible for paying their bill to MHS. They are not strict on checkin/checkout times, but be fair. We'll be using their runway for the towing. These aerotows will give you a good chance to experience the same terrain that the Hollister sailplane pilots (many of them also HG pilots) love. More details about the area including maps and weather information can be found on the Hollister Gliding Club website at http://www.soarhollister.com/

Pilot details: No Aerotow (AT) Instruction. Preference will be given to H4 pilots, though we'll take H3 pilots to fill out the field. Every pilot who comes will be asked to show a USHGA card with an AT signoff. No signoff = no tows. You also need to bring your own release, a good attitude, and recent flying experience. If you haven't flown since last year, stay home and tune up your skills for next time. We want this to be a safe and fun event, in that order.

Contact me with more questions or to sign up.

Ken Ward
[email protected]
408-253-8277

cancelled due to lack of sign ups. might try again mid August.

Ken