US Hawks Hang Gliding Association :: View topic - Results of USHPA's Failure to Correct Problems at Torrey

Bob,

You should be pleased to know; earlier this week, the EC voted to amend the safety requirements in SOP 12-01.05 to to require members to wear a helmet whenever they are hooked into their glider. It will take a few days to get the SOP updated and posted on the USHPA website. USHPA will make reference to the updated requirement in its next members newsletter.

Thanks,

Rich Hass

B. Other Equipment
1. It is required that pilots wear protective headgear whenever they are in their harness and hooked-in or otherwise attached to their glider.

Hello Region 3 Director Ken Andrews (cc/bcc observers),

I was at Torrey Pines yesterday (Sunday March 13th, 2016), and I again witnessed Gabriel Jebb kiting without a helmet while instructing.

I have a video record of this event, and I've posted frames here:

http://ushawks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2397

USHPA collected money from its members to form a Risk Retention Group under the pretense that USHPA would be more serious about fixing the safety violations that led to USHPA's uninsurability.

What actions you will you be taking with this serial offender?

Bob Kuczewski
858-204-7499

Let's see what USHPA does this time.

My research indicates a probability of lip service with a chance of crocodile tears.

Hello Ken (cc/bcc others),

I've asked if there were any predictions about what will happen to Gabe Jebb's instructor/tandem certification for repeatedly thumbing his nose at USHPA regulations while instructing at Torrey:

http://ushawks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2397

Rick Masters predicted: "lip service with a chance of crocodile tears".

It's in your region. What do you say? What will you do?

Let me also remind you that my expulsion was based partially on retaliation for me reporting just such an incident in late 2014. As I predicted, USHPA's actions in expelling the person reporting the violations sent a strong message to Jebb that he could do whatever he wanted with no repercussions. The photos from yesterday prove that I was right. But USHPA would rather shoot the messenger than fix the problems. Again, what will YOU do?

Bob Kuczewski
858-204-7499

Or follow Rick Masters advice and realize that USHPA is confident with their monopoly and secure in their feeling that they hold all the cards.

What were the exact wind conditions at the time? where on the grass did it take place? for how long? we need exact details. If he is too fat to get airborne there is no risk to the sport. If the RRG which is a separate corporation doesn't prosecute, we can sue the RRG as being a fraudulent paraglider front money laundering company.

USHPA SOP 12.01-05 Equipment wrote:
B. Other Equipment
1. It is required that pilots wear protective headgear whenever they are in their harness and hooked-in or otherwise attached to their glider.

Author:	Bob Kuczewski [ Sun Mar 13, 2016 11:12 pm ]
Post subject:	Results of USHPA's Failure to Correct Problems at Torrey
Most of us know this famous picture by now ... Attachment: File comment: Frame of Gabriel "Gabe" Jebb kiting kiting without a helmet while instructing on November 9th, 2014. November_9_2014.jpeg [ 58.43 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] That was from a video I took on November 9th, 2014 of Gabriel (Gabe) Jebb kiting without a helmet in flyable conditions while instructing students at the Torrey Pines Gliderport. I published that video, and subsequently got this email message from USHPA's President, Rich Hass 19 days (what a coincidence!) later: Rich Hass on 11/28/2014 04:13:47 PM wrote: Bob, You should be pleased to know; earlier this week, the EC voted to amend the safety requirements in SOP 12-01.05 to to require members to wear a helmet whenever they are hooked into their glider. It will take a few days to get the SOP updated and posted on the USHPA website. USHPA will make reference to the updated requirement in its next members newsletter. Thanks, Rich Hass Here's what that SOP states: USHPA SOP 12.01-05 Equipment wrote: B. Other Equipment 1. It is required that pilots wear protective headgear whenever they are in their harness and hooked-in or otherwise attached to their glider. That's pretty clear. And that was November of 2014. Let's fast forward to today ... Today (March 13th, 2016) I witnessed exactly the same behavior that I recorded on November 9th of 2014. Gabriel "Gabe" Jebb was kiting his paraglider while instructing a student at Torrey Pines without wearing a helmet (sorry about the dust in my camera): Attachment: File comment: Gabriel Jebb kiting without a helmet while instructing at Torrey Pines. f0_png.jpg [ 41.88 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] Attachment: File comment: Gabriel Jebb kiting without a helmet while instructing at Torrey Pines. f1_png.jpg [ 37.07 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] Attachment: File comment: Gabriel Jebb kiting without a helmet while instructing at Torrey Pines. f2_png.jpg [ 27.69 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] Attachment: File comment: Gabriel Jebb kiting without a helmet while instructing at Torrey Pines. f3_png.jpg [ 34.25 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] Attachment: File comment: Gabriel Jebb kiting without a helmet while instructing at Torrey Pines. f4_png.jpg [ 38.56 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] Robin Marien sends a messenger to let Gabe Jebb know that I'm filming. Attachment: File comment: Robin Marien notices that I'm filming and sends a messenger to alert Gabe. f5_png.jpg [ 32.47 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] Attachment: File comment: Messenger walks over to Gabe. f6_png.jpg [ 40.43 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] Attachment: File comment: Messenger walks over to Gabe. f7_png.jpg [ 38.77 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] As the messenger delivers the message, the student turns to see who is filming. Attachment: File comment: Student looks to see that I am, indeed, filming them. f8_png.jpg [ 40.58 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] The messenger returns, and Gabe Jebb continues to thumb his nose at USHPA safety regulations: Attachment: File comment: Messenger returns, and Gabriel Jebb continues to violate USHPA SOPs ... while instructing a student. f9_png.jpg [ 33.21 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] Attachment: File comment: Gabriel Jebb continues to thumb his nose at USHPA safety rules while instructing at Torrey f10_png.jpg [ 41 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] Attachment: File comment: Gabriel Jebb continues to thumb his nose at USHPA safety rules while instructing at Torrey f11_png.jpg [ 36.92 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] Attachment: File comment: Gabriel Jebb continues to thumb his nose at USHPA safety rules while instructing at Torrey f12_png.jpg [ 35.4 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] This frame shows how high the other gliders are ... which marks it as a very strong and windy day. Attachment: File comment: Evidence of other gliders proves that it was a strong windy day. f13_png.jpg [ 27.59 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] Gabe continues to thumb his nose at USHPA safety regulations: Attachment: File comment: Yet Gabe Jebb continues to thumb his nose at USHPA safety rules while instructing at Torrey f14_png.jpg [ 30.04 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] This frame shows glider height (strong day) and Gabe kiting without a helmet: Attachment: File comment: Let's see how serious USHPA is about "cracking down" on safety violations. f15_png.jpg [ 30.38 KiB \| Viewed 10126 times ] Let's see what USHPA does this time. Maybe they'll try to expel me ... again?

Author:	dhmartens [ Sun Mar 13, 2016 11:25 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Results of USHPA's Failure to Correct Problems at Torrey
4 6 or possibly $8 million dollars loss to Lloyds of London profits. But only time will tell if conversion to the RRG was a good idea. Wait and see.

Author:	Bob Kuczewski [ Mon Mar 14, 2016 12:50 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Results of USHPA's Failure to Correct Problems at Torrey
I just sent this email message to the new Region 3 Director Ken Andrews. Quote: Hello Region 3 Director Ken Andrews (cc/bcc observers), I was at Torrey Pines yesterday (Sunday March 13th, 2016), and I again witnessed Gabriel Jebb kiting without a helmet while instructing. I have a video record of this event, and I've posted frames here: http://ushawks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2397 USHPA collected money from its members to form a Risk Retention Group under the pretense that USHPA would be more serious about fixing the safety violations that led to USHPA's uninsurability. What actions you will you be taking with this serial offender? Bob Kuczewski 858-204-7499 There's more to today's events than I've posted here, but it will take some time to compile it all. It will be interesting to see what USHPA does differently now that they're really "getting serious" about safety problems. Any predictions about what will happen to Gabe Jebb's instructor/tandem certification?

Author:	Rick Masters [ Mon Mar 14, 2016 7:23 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Results of USHPA's Failure to Correct Problems at Torrey
Quote: Let's see what USHPA does this time. My research indicates a probability of lip service with a chance of crocodile tears. ----------- lip service - Verbal expression of agreement or allegiance, unsupported by real conviction or action; hypocritical respect Insincere support or respect expressed but not put into practice insincere profession of friendship, admiration, support, etc.; service by words only. An expression of agreement that is not supported by real conviction hypocrisy, dissembling, feigning, pretense, pretence - pretending with intention to deceive crocodile tears - a hypocritical display of sorrow; false or insincere weeping Crocodiles were once thought to shed large tears before devouring their prey. This belief, which dates to ancient times, comes from the fact that crocodiles have small ducts in the corner of their eyes which release “tears” when the crocodile opens its jaws wide. Obviously, a cold-blooded reptile has no real feelings of sympathy for its prey. ---------------------------------- The "prey" in this instance seems to be the RRG. You paid for it. Now you get to watch the soaring parachutists destroy it. ---------------------------------- Is there hope? Yes! Become a Friend of Bob. Strategies that can help change bad behavior Precontemplation If you’re in the precontemplation stage of change, it means that you’re not yet ready to change because you haven’t acknowledged there is a problem and you’re in denial. If you are reading this, it may be because another person — such as a family member, friend or therapist — has directed you to do so. At this stage you need factual information about the problematic behavior. It will help you understand real and actual consequences and be better equipped to make an informed decision about whether to quit the behavior. Contemplation At the contemplation stage of change you’re thinking about the pros and cons of continuing the problematic behavior vs. quitting, but you’re still undecided. Talk to a professional about what you think would have to happen to lead to change. Use that person to bounce off the relative merits of continuing or quitting the behavior and they will help you come to an informed decision. Clinical psychologists are well trained in getting you to think through these sorts of issues in a productive way while remaining nonjudgmental and accepting of who you are. They can assist you to make changes quicker than if you were left unaided. Preparation In this stage of change you have decided that quitting is the way to go and you are preparing yourself for taking action on your decision. Gather information on behavior change programs or therapists specializing in the kind of behavior change you wish to make so you can choose which one would best suit your needs. Action In this stage of change, you are already changing. You will need support and encouragement along the way by people who can facilitate your attendance in the program of your choice, e.g., by organizing transport, discussing issues raised in group, helping with homework tasks and reinforcing your efforts to change. Engage your family and friends in facilitating change by attending individual or groups sessions with you. Get them to help you make records of your progress. Maintenance In this stage of change you need to continue to reinforce, support and encourage the behavior changes you have already made. It’s still early days and temptations may still loom, although probably not with the same strength they used to. Enlist support to help you to continue on your recovery path and to consolidate and internalize the changes. Your new healthy behavior may not have taken root just yet and like a young sapling, could be easily trampled underfoot. Termination Congratulations, the behaviour is no longer a problem for you!

Author:	Bob Kuczewski [ Mon Mar 14, 2016 11:11 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Results of USHPA's Failure to Correct Problems at Torrey
bobk wrote: Let's see what USHPA does this time. RickMasters wrote: My research indicates a probability of lip service with a chance of crocodile tears. I'd put my money on your research: "lip service with a chance of crocodile tears".

US Hawks Hang Gliding Association https://ushawks.org:443/forum/

Results of USHPA's Failure to Correct Problems at Torrey https://ushawks.org:443/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2397	Page 1 of 2

Author:	Bill Cummings [ Mon Mar 14, 2016 3:11 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Results of USHPA's Failure to Correct Problems at Torrey
What should I do? Should I pin my decision to renew $150.00 membership in USHPA or not on whether or not Gabe Jebb's instructor rating undergoes at least a short suspension? (Maybe even just a verbal smack down at least.) Why is it that I think if I did do that - I wouldn't be sending money in for membership renewal. I could stay in for one more year writing more emails to RD's, coming from a paid up member, (as if that has worked for me in the past.) Or follow Rick Masters advice and realize that USHPA is confident with their monopoly and secure in their feeling that they hold all the cards. Anyway, I'll be looking closely for some type of a response immediately and not after the next quarterly meeting. Bill Cummings #30448, HG pilot since my first flight January 1978. Most recent flight 3-11-2016.

Author:	Rick Masters [ Mon Mar 14, 2016 6:17 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Results of USHPA's Failure to Correct Problems at Torrey
Quote: Or follow Rick Masters advice and realize that USHPA is confident with their monopoly and secure in their feeling that they hold all the cards. My advice to hang glider pilots is to form a national recreational hang gliding association. Rather than attempt to change the USHPA, walk away and start over. That corporation is dominated by paragliding and business interests antithetical to recreational hang gliding. Realize that an alternative association will stand on equal footing with the USHPA in the eyes of the FAA. My displeasure with the USHPA is a result of recreational hang gliding being forced into a destructive marriage with the most dangerous forms of parachuting - paragliding and speedflying - and rampant joyriding for profit disguised as instruction. Did hang glider pilots really ask for this? The ones who did not ask for it need to form a national recreational hang gliding association. There is none, right now. Wasting time arguing with USHPA is pointless but it works in their favor because nothing gets accomplished in forming the new association.

Author:	dhmartens [ Mon Mar 14, 2016 8:10 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Results of USHPA's Failure to Correct Problems at Torrey
What were the exact wind conditions at the time? where on the grass did it take place? for how long? we need exact details. If he is too fat to get airborne there is no risk to the sport. If the RRG which is a separate corporation doesn't prosecute, we can sue the RRG as being a fraudulent paraglider front money laundering company.

Author:	Bill Cummings [ Tue Mar 15, 2016 2:47 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Results of USHPA's Failure to Correct Problems at Torrey
dhmartens wrote: What were the exact wind conditions at the time? where on the grass did it take place? for how long? we need exact details. If he is too fat to get airborne there is no risk to the sport. If the RRG which is a separate corporation doesn't prosecute, we can sue the RRG as being a fraudulent paraglider front money laundering company. I don't think anyone needs to put forth any effort getting details the SOP language looks like a slam dunk. Quote: USHPA SOP 12.01-05 Equipment wrote: B. Other Equipment 1. It is required that pilots wear protective headgear whenever they are in their harness and hooked-in or otherwise attached to their glider. D.H.M, you are correct. If the RRG doesn't respond to the infraction pictured it would look suspicious to pilots funding the RRG. Good Point

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