Jack Axaopoulos censors another topic on hanggliding.org
Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 11:43 am
On January 1st, 2019 Logan asked an important question about club control of hang gliding sites on hanggliding.org:
A number of posters (including Frank Colver) supported Logan's position. Here's a post, for example, from mtpilot:
Doug Marley, of course, jumped in to defend clubs claiming exclusive use of public land, but his arguments were no match for Logan's logic.
As usual, Jack Axaopoulos came to the rescue of USHPA's monopoly control of sites. Jack locked the topic. Has anyone ever asked how much money USHPA has given to Jack over the years for things like "advertising" and "lead generation"?
I've said it many times before. USHPA's monopoly is maintained by ensuring that there are no open mechanisms for pilots to communicate about important issues. There was no reason for Jack to lock that topic other than to prop up USHPA's monopoly.
Jack's hanggliding.org is a big part of what's wrong with the sport of hang gliding. Anyone who ignores that fact has their head in the sand.
Logan wrote:HOW DO CLUBS GET AWAY WITH CLAIMING EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO TERRITORY THEY DON'T OWN OR CONTROL?
By LoganR
Tue Jan 01, 2019 8:42 pm
I was successful in getting the word out that Point of the Mountain Flight Park in Utah is *NOT* under any form of club control, and is in fact; PUBLIC. Recently I heard the rumor that there was an exclusive agreement with the local Water District for use of the Emergency Landing Zone, and that club membership and waiver were required otherwise you are "trespassing". After only a few phone calls I received documentation and a statement:Logan,
Thanks for your call today. Attached is a copy of the paraglider easement. You will note it is a non-exclusive easement for public use. No entity should be collecting a fee for use of this easement. I have yet to contact Salt Lake County, but will be in touch with you after I do.
Thanks,
Ammon
Ammon Allen, P.E.
Engineering Supervisor
I am just curious why people are so eager to believe these club requirements. How is it that people in a sport which advertises freedom is so eager to accept the rumored regulations of others?
A number of posters (including Frank Colver) supported Logan's position. Here's a post, for example, from mtpilot:
mtpilot wrote:By mtpilot
Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:20 am
In general I feel USHPA and the lawyers are killing the sport of hang gliding. It use to be friendly, now it's an expensive hassle with all the self imposed layers of insurance, regulations, and pecking orders. I see instructors quitting. Hang gliding is dangerous, and some intelligent insurance is desirable but I don't see this in the RRG, so many of us are frustrated. No, I don't think any club can control public space unless it is an exclusive lease.
Doug Marley, of course, jumped in to defend clubs claiming exclusive use of public land, but his arguments were no match for Logan's logic.
As usual, Jack Axaopoulos came to the rescue of USHPA's monopoly control of sites. Jack locked the topic. Has anyone ever asked how much money USHPA has given to Jack over the years for things like "advertising" and "lead generation"?
I've said it many times before. USHPA's monopoly is maintained by ensuring that there are no open mechanisms for pilots to communicate about important issues. There was no reason for Jack to lock that topic other than to prop up USHPA's monopoly.
Jack's hanggliding.org is a big part of what's wrong with the sport of hang gliding. Anyone who ignores that fact has their head in the sand.