I agree whole-heartedly with Brad Halls comments that the hang/para pilots need to be able to work together to create a safe and accommodating flying environment. We all should be out there for the pure enjoyment of flight, not to impress our girl/boyfriends or to try to look bitchin' to the spectators. As a student paraglider pilot (I will always be a student) I would like to make an observation.

I have been a student, practicing at Torrey for over 3 years now. Yes, I am one of those student paraglider pilots practicing kiting techniques in the upper grass area. I have noticed that on more than a few occasions a hang glider pilot will make his/her landing approach without giving the benefit of sounding a whistle (while in the landing "window" prior to landing). The paragliding students, though they should be as aware as possible, are inevitably wrapped up and intensely concentrating on their kiting techniques. On more than one occasion, I have received or have seen someone receive, a tongue lashing from one of the "old-timer" hang pilots for not dropping canopy when this silent kite comes flying in to land. I then was forced to constantly look into the sky (forget the audio signals, they do not always come) to determine if someone was coming in to land, which impacted my concentration on kiting techniques. I did this for myself, and my fellow students. To be fair, I have also noticed that some para pilots (not just students, mind you) fail to drop canopy when an audio signal is unmistakably given.

I am proud to state that I learned paragliding techniques through the Torrey school and that the instructors stress safety to the students more than some may realize. I believe it is imperative for the para instructors to continually stress to the students, and visiting para pilots, that they MUST listen for audio signals and drop canopy as soon as possible thereafter. It is also important for the landing para/hang pilots to give ample warning when coming in to land, either via whistle or yelling "hey stupid, drop your kite". After all, safety should be the very first consideration in this sport.

As the Torrey Pines Gliderport paragliding school becomes more and more popular, there will inevitably be an ongoing influx of students training on the upper grass hill. If it becomes too convoluted, we might be forced to find a different place to practice kiting techniques. I do not believe we are at that stage yet. I personally have complete respect for all pilots rights to safety and fun, and I firmly believe we all work together to create a safe and fun flying environment for all. Bill Nimmo P4 pilot

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