"flying_monkey" wrote in message
ups.com...
Lets not forget the outstanding operation at Estrella Sailport in
Maricopa, Arizona. About 25 or so miles from Phoenix, lots of
different ships to rent, good instructors, good weather, what else
could you want. I know I'd sure like to go back there, what with
having the winter doldrums here in the northeast.

Ed

Not "forgetting" but have chosen to not fly at Estrella for the reasons
listed by Tuno. I guess that I can sum it up by saying that many of us in
Arizona feel that the management there has taken advantage of Turf closing
by furthering their own agenda which does not include racing pilots.

One example is being told that it was now policy (a change from all prior
years and after Turf closed) that all racing pilots would need to hand push
(no car tows) their fully watered gliders up hill to the front of the 2-33's
on the line and over half way down the runway, so that they would not have
to move the 2-33's. At gross weight and 110 degrees that was the final
straw for me anyway. None of us have taken this lightly as we all had great
times soaring out of Estrella in the past and wish that there could be some
reconciliation however will not compromise my safety to do so.

Casey Lenox
KC
Phoenix