Bob Kuczewski's 2008 Endorsements:

In 2008, Dave Beardslee wrote:

I encourage all pilots in Region 3 to support Bob Kuczewski for Regional Director. I have closely watched his dedication to the concerns of the pilots. With unselfish tenacity he battles the badness. Electing Bob Kuczewski as a Regional Director is a big step towards this goal. Region 3 and USHPA needs an R.D. that will help us up, and not bring us down - we need that! We need you! Please vote for Bob Kuczewski. He supports us - I support him. Thank you in advance.

- DB

In 2008, John Wright wrote:

Bob is tireless in his pursuit of fairness for all pilots in Region 3. I have watched with amazement his tireless efforts to make sure hang glider and paraglider pilots alike are well and fairly represented to bureaucracies and other pilots, alike. His advocacy has come at significant personal costs, in time, money, and, worst of all, the freedom to fly his own site.

I strongly endorse Bob in the hopes that Region 3 can return to the placid place by the Pacific, where pilots all can fly and not be tread upon.

In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy flying with Bob at a site where biwingwal harmony is more than just a dream, it's a happy ride, sky, & beer sharing reality.

John Wright
Hang 3
Crestline Soaring Society Activities Director (i.e. "Julie the Cruise Director")
Torrey Hawks #8
E-Team (no nickname, though)

In 2008, Mike Zeller wrote:

I'm voting for Bob Kuczewski as Regional Director in Region 3. I am very impressed by his educational background and professional credentials, as well as his lengthy history of involvement in the sport of hang gliding. The tone and manner of both his personal demeanor and of his written statements convince me that he has the skills to be a great representative for USHPA. Bob has impressed me with his hard work for the Torrey Hawks and I know he will work as hard as Regional Director. He will bring a fresh and motivated representation to our sport.

In 2008, Teddy Mack wrote:

Hello, I am Teddy Mack. I have been Flying Torrey Pines for over 30 years. There is a change in the wind. Bob Kuczewski is the person who the flying community needs to preserve the legacy of our wonderful flying site. I endorse Bob as regional director of Region 3. I personally believe that Bob has the best interest of our sport and the preservation of our Region 3 flying sites.

Teddy Mack
Wind Gypsy Hang Gliding
www.windgypsy.com

In 2008, Malury Silberman wrote:

I just finished marking and mailing my ballot. I voted for Mr. Kuczewski because he exhibits many of the attributes I think are valuable in a Regional Director. Bob is the only candidate I have met and the only reason we have met is because he came to Sylmar to fly. He introduced himself and it was clear that he wants to fly at all local sites and address local issues. So far, no other candidates have been seen at Sylmar. I think he has suffered the pain of being treated unfairly and he is taking appropriate action to remedy such problems for ALL region 3 pilots. He has the desire and bravery to fight for fair access for us, the least we can do is to vote for him.

Malury Silberman
H-3 USHPA# 82603

In 2008, Ernie Casco wrote:

Hi, my name is Ernie. I'm a local La Jolla hang glider pilot and a paraglider pilot. I've been flying many years in La Jolla. I've recently not been flying at Torrey Pines because of the negative situation there.

I would like to see Bob "Hawk" win the Regional Director position. Bob has proven to me to be a stand-up man and a positive person to represent all of us. I'd like to ask you to cast your vote for him.

Ernie "the Eagle" Casco

In 2008, Jeff Chipman wrote:

I'd like to endorse Bob Kuczewski for regional 3 director based on several factors.

Bob has shown the ability to keep many people and pilots informed at a personal sacrifice of his own time. I know how difficult it is to take the time to write all the correspondence and phone calls. I don't believe I've seen one thing from the current director.
I've met both of the main candidates and I honestly believe that Bob has all pilots interests well covered. Bob has taken the time to visit many of the flying sites within the region and I believe he ACTUALLY has a plan and a better vision on how to get things accomplished throughout the region and not just his main flying site.
Although Bob hasn't been flying all that long compared to the general region 3 population, I believe he will make a POSITIVE contribution to our sport.

Jeff Chipman
Network Systems Engineer
A+,N+,CNA,MCSE,CCA,CCNA

In 2008, Joe Greblo wrote:

Bob,

As a manager of one of the full-time flight parks that you frequent, and an officer on the board of another, I appreciate the level of respect and responsibility that you have afforded us during your flying career. You have always been viewed here as a fine example of safety, cooperation, and comradery. I think you'd make a fine Regional Director.

Joe Greblo

In 2008, John Heiney wrote:

I've gotten to know Bob Kuczewski over the last 4 years as my hang gliding student. I find him to be honest and fair-minded.

I have found Bob to be one of the most helpful people I have ever met.

I believe that Bob has the time, resources, and inclination to address problems concerning pilots as our Regional Director.

In 2008, Steve Pearson wrote:

Hi Bob,

Good luck with the election--you've got my vote!

Take care,
Steve

In 2008, Theda Silver-Pell wrote:

Bob's ability and willingness to promote, protect, and advocate for free flight as a Regional Director are truly unparalleled. In fact, he has already been doing all of the things that a regional director ideally should:

You can definitely count on him to go to all of the boring meetings that we all should (but rarely do), even if it means giving up a good day of flying.

He really cares about what you think and is honestly interested in your opinion. Call him if you don't believe me.

He encourages cooperation between everyone with the shared interests of free flight - hang gliders, paragliders, sailplane pilots, and RC pilots - instead of perpetuating petty grievances.

He will fight and do whatever is necessary (including legal research - did I mention boring before?) to protect *all* your flying sites (and he actually goes to all of them).

He has excellent communication skills (check out the Torrey Hawks newsletter).

He will help your grandmother across the street. He's just a good, selfless person like that.

And much more...

As a younger pilot, I'm endorsing Bob Kuczewski because I think he has what it takes to ensure a good future for free flight in Region 3 and I would like to see that extended to the rest of USHPA.

Theda Silver-Pell
USHPA #82529

In 2008, Freddy Wagner wrote:

I've known Bob all my flying career (since my first solo) -- 4 years/200hrs this Thanksgiving. His character is beyond reproach -- much higher than all I meet, and I have extremely high standards. He was an Army Ranger. He wouldn't even use a Ham radio flying until he got licensed, even though every one else (me too) did.

I've given him my perspective through his Torrey Hawks organizing and running for Regional Director, and his heart has always been in the right place about it all: working very hard to make positive contributions to our fragile and spectacular/historic sport. Even though he flys paragliders too, he took a stand at Torrey to try to help some other edged-out HG pilots, and took some thuggery-type heat for it (even though a Ranger!). He created the Torrey Hawks to try to help. Now, he is willing to put up the bucks (travel and time) to do this 2 year gig, to try to help the sport out. I appreciate all his contributions and think he'd be an excellent Regional Director.

Freddy Wagner
Sylmar Hang Gliding Association (former Board Member)
freddysemail@yahoo.com

In 2008, Kenny Westfall wrote:

Hey Bob,

For the short time we've known each other, you've demonstrated all of the quality's it takes to be a R.D, and a "BROTHER IN THE SPORT" ... David Jebb has shown none! In a nut shell, OUT with the bad, and in with the GOOD! It will be comforting to know that Torrey Pines as well as all of region 3's flying sites will be under your direction! The way I see it ... you're either born into the sport ... or you're not ... YOU ARE!!!

Kenny Westfall #36666

In 2008, Dan DeWeese wrote:

I am endorsing Bob as region 3 RD. With flying sites being lost or threatened by suburban expansion, we need someone like Bob working for us, who is one of us, the pilots.

I feel that Bob can and will make the right decisions based on what is best for the sport and the pilots, present and future, not for a buck, but because it is right.

Dan DeWeese
Crestline, CA
rebardan--yahoo.com

In 2008, Shane Gorman wrote:

Hello fellow pilots. I would like to endorse Bob Kuczewski for the position of Regional Director. I had the pleasure of talking with Bob while spending a day at Dockweiler beach while my nephews were training. In talking with Bob one cannot help but notice and take note of his knowledge and enthusiasm for our unique form of aviation. He was stoked that there was three kids, teenagers beginning their free flight adventure in a sport that is unfortunately somewhat .... geriatric. In this fast paced and complicated world, to have the mindset and dedication to "give back" is an honorable thing indeed.

It would be of great benefit to Region 3 pilots to have Bob in our corner.

Thank you and Aloha from the Big Island!

Shane Gorman USHPA #79574

In 2008, George Stebbins wrote:

I've met Bob a few times. He's always been polite and concerned about our local issues. He also makes it a point to visit as many sites in the area as he can. He seems to be a fair and honest guy who works hard to make sure that everyone gets treated honestly and appropriately. He likes, admires and talks to both hang glider and paraglider pilots without any bias that I can see. To the best of my ability to tell, he's motivated largely by a desire to make soaring flight fun, safe and accessible to all of us no matter what type of wing we use.

We've had several very long email conversations that indicate to me his drive to help our sport, the fire to make the appropriate changes, and his ability to keep his self-restraint when necessary. I believe he would make a fine regional director.

Fly High; Fly Far; Fly Safe; Dream Big

George Stebbins
Region 3 Pilot
Sylmar Hang Gliding Association
Crestline Soaring Society
World Record Holder

In 2008, John Pitt wrote:

Hi Bob,

Look forward to having you as Regional Director. You have my vote sent in and Endorsement.

Thank You,
John Pitt
Lake Elsinore 28 years of flying here.

In 2008, Jesse Benson wrote:

I know Bob from Kagel and Dockweiler, and he was (and is) always someone who was not only experienced and well informed, but willing to discuss flying in all its forms and possibilities, even to a low hour "part-time" pilot like me.

Bob actually called me at home to discuss hang-gliding (and paragliding) in Southern California in general, and Los Angeles in particular, and what he wanted to do to support all of our members, in all of their guises.

I appreciate the effort, and feel it displays an aptitude for the legwork and "dirty work" of being a Regional Director; it's not for the faint-at-heart. I wholeheartedly support his election.

Jesse Benson
#83109
Los Angeles, 10.20.08

In 2008, Jonathan Dietch wrote:

I voted for Bob after spending a very enjoyable hour on the telephone with him a few months ago. My impression of Bob is that he is a level headed and enthusiastic supporter of both hang gliding and paragliding, and above all: SAFETY. I did not detect any type of hidden agenda, axe to grind, or financial conflict of interest. Even if there was no consternation over equal access to Torrey Pines, he would still get my vote over the incumbent. I'm sure that David Jebb manages his leasehold at Torrey Pines with safety in mind and in a manner that maximizes the number of pilots aloft at any given time. I fail to see how he has the freedom or time to oversee Region 3 with all his responsibilities and his book promotions, etc. On the other hand, Bob gets out and flies at different sites and gets to know all the people regardless of wing orientation. It's that factor that garnered my vote. This isn't about Torrey Pines. It's about the region as a whole. In that regard, I see Bob as being a pervasive influence and force on the entire region and not just one site.

Jonathan Dietch
AKA: NMERider

In 2008, Jack Axaopoulos wrote:

It's time to take action, and vote for a direction that takes us towards a harmonious bi-wingal club at Torrey Pines, similar to what we have at Crestline/Marshall.

It's time to end the anti-HG bias at Torrey Pines, the bait and switch to PG, the HG trash talking, and the antagonism and bullying from the owner Dave Jebb. Too many HG pilots no longer fly Torrey because of negative anti-HG vibe there.

Its time to end the stone walling and back door dealing at Torrey Pines, and the banning of flying members WITH NO DOCUMENTED REASON and no recourse.

Its time to vote for Bob, and help him put in place a fair third party system that has no bias and doesn't discriminate against a class of wing due to financial motives.

Take Torrey Pines back for Hang Gliding and Paragliding (yes, I even know PG's that wont fly there because of all the drama), now! VOTE!

If pilots lose this opportunity to open Torrey Pines back up to hang gliding, and not just H4's, then they will deserve what they get. P0's fly there every day, but no H0's. Only a few H4's do. FAIR???? Help end the rating discrimination too. Torrey could be the lifeblood to new HG pilots if teaching was fair there. Stop complaining, and DO something about it, VOTE TODAY.

In 2008, James Gaar wrote:

It is my belief that Bob has good intentions for USHPA's Region 3. It appears he would make a good volunteer leader and Regional Director. For what it's worth, I endorse Bob Kuczewski.

James Gaar
Former Regional Director/Honorary Director
USHGA
Noncurrent member
Long live Region 6!

In 2008, Patrick Lehrmann wrote:

I have known Bob Kuczewski since I started flying in 2003. We met at Little Black in San Diego and he was practicing Paragliding. Since then I have seen him all over southern California. I bumped into him at Crestline and turned circles in a thermal with him at Sylmar. I have flown with him at Torrey Pines too. I like that fact that he flys everything and loves all the forms of free flight.

Since 2003 I have never flown with the incumbent at any of the sites. I guess maybe at Torrey.

I voted for Bob because from what I know of him, he is dedicated to the sport for the pure enjoyment and not for material gain. What a nice guy and an amazing club that he has helped to bring together.

I appreciate all his contributions and think he'd be an excellent Regional Director. I wear my Torrey Hawks T-shirt with pride!

Patrick Lehrmann
Crestline Society Member since 2003
Torrey Hawks #10

In 2008, Jim Shaw wrote:

Hi Bob,

Thought I would drop you a line to let you know I have voted for you! Keep up the good work. It's nice to know that a breath of fresh air has blown in. Gook luck (but I don't think you need it) and happy winning!

Jim Shaw
SHGA Pilot

In 2008, Mitch McAleer wrote:

I support Bob for the following reasons:

Independent oversight at a popular site from the flying community.

Reduce possible conflict of interest at a popular site where the concessionaire is also the current RD.

Promote hang gliding and paragliding without conflict of interest as an importer and business promoting only one of the two forms of aviation.

Reduce conflict of interest in the current local USHPA organisation by allowing a new perspective on issues concerning governing the sites used in San Diego County.

Thanks.
Mitch

In 2008, Joe Faust wrote:

You have my vote, Bob.
Lift to you and yours,
Joe Faust
USHGA#005
http://HGAusa.com/

In 2008, Jason Boehm wrote:

Why did I vote for Bob K?

I came to SD in 2002 to UCSD, right across the street from one of the most famous sites in the world. Needless to say, I don't fly there anymore.

David Jebb

I have seen Jebb time and again put his business first, spreading lies, and intimidating people to make a buck. I have had friends that tried to go tandem HG, only to loose 175 dollars and never get a flight, apparently it "expired" because they wouldn't trade the 175 dollar HG flight for a 150 dollar PG flight and a "free shirt" all at the original price of 175 dollars(sounds like a 25 dollar shirt to me).

I have been yelled at because his students didn't understand wake turbulence and told to fly somewhere else, seems he just throws them up there regardless of if they know anything....but that's another story.

And the final straw for me was when the price to take my then girlfriend tandem (on my equipment) magically increased because I had "a reputation".

Apparently it looks bad when you say you can't take a paying customer tandem, and there's someone out there doing it...

Bob Kuczewski

Bob I met a few years ago, first at Torrey and he was always flying something (never seen the incumbent fly at all, let alone at another site). I have also ran into Bob at at least 3 other flying sites, one of which I have only been to once. He gets around the region, he fly's, and he is always ready to chat, flying related or not. He is not biased and I have probably seen him in a PG more then a HG. He is open about everything, and can back it all up with documentation. Basically he has come off as an honest and fair person, that loves to fly.