[DarthVader]

Like to thank all in this group and those that are not for helping me with the problem I was having and for helping solve it... Now let's all shut the hell up and do some flying.

[Bob Kuczewski]

Before we close the book on this one, I wanted to thank Joel as well.

Here's the email message that I sent to him after hearing your good news:

Hello Joel (cc Al),

I just heard from Al that he's got his glider back, and I wanted to thank you very much.

Al is one of nearly 70 members of the new national hang gliding association called the US Hawks. Our goal is to try to help all hang glider pilots be treated fairly and to enjoy this great sport. We'd be happy to have you as a member. The cost is right (free), and we try to be fair to everyone.

If you're interested, please sign up on ushawks.org. Right now, we're too small to offer insurance or much of anything. But we are working to improve the flying of our members, and you're more than welcome to join us.

Thanks again.

Good luck, fly high, and fly safe.

Sincerely,
Bob Kuczewski
858-204-7499
Please call or write any time.

Thanks Joel. You did the cool thing.            

[SamKellner]

Al,

Sounds like you finally got your glider back!!

Good news

Give me a ring.

[Bill Cummings]

Thanks Joel and Al for a cool headed resolution to your disagreement. I’m thankful that the situation received only minimal exposure on some hang gliding message boards and remained civil.

While surfing the net I’ve seen where two message board members would go “Scorched Earth, and Judge Judy,” on each other. An ugly sight.

When a guest asks for a clubs web-site address it’s always nice to be able to recite it without hanging your head, developing a tick in your cheek, and reluctantly hissing it out through clenched teeth.
Bill C.

[Bob Kuczewski]

Thanks Joel and Al for a cool headed resolution to your disagreement.

I think this was a fine example of a community effort. I personally logged about a dozen phone calls between at least 5 different people. I suspect some others did as well. I think that kind of community consensus and participation can help resolve things without Scorched Earth or Judge Judy. So the thanks should include a few others like Jeff, Thomas, and Jim. In the end, everyone came out looking good, and I think it's because everyone took the time to communicate.

As a reward for good communication ... everyone came out smelling like a rose!!