This is the first and historic flight of me (Yeti), into Hilo International Airport. As far as I know, it is the first time a paraglider has ever landed at an International Airport. The first time a Powered Paraglider has landed at one and taken off at one. The lightest air craft and slowest air craft to fly into one. Soon I will set the record for the most amount of touch and go’s in a single pass. A big mahalo to Eric, Larry and Crew ATC in the tower.

 Aloha Yeti

  More here  —> Pictures from eric weinert

On Saturday April 5th, Gene and Neil went up to launch carrying a visiting pilot (Scot)and his new wife to do a tandem. On the ride up Gene said it didn’t look so promising, and Neil (me) said the wind was so strong blowing north over the Kohala Mountains that it might be wise to not fly today. However, when we got to launch Roger Simons was up over Honaunau Elementary asking about about a dragon thermal he was encountering. He asked the elevation of the school, I gave him a low estimate 800 feet (it is more like 1200). I suggested he grab the thermal, which he did. He worked his way back to launch and proceeded to go out over the Pali and then the ocean. Meanwhile the rest of us launch. It was sporty air with 1,000 feet per minute lift surrounded by 1100 feet per minute sink! After flying around for well over an hour we all flew over the ocean.

Three pictures will tell the story of looking at City of Refuge from above Kealia, South Kona. HOO LELE, Neil

At our meeting duly held on January 19, 2008 the following officers were elected:

President, Kirk (Yeti) Deffebach 987 0773

Vice President, Eugene Dursin  328 8514

Secretary, Moku Busch 896 2118

Treasurer, Neil Morriss 895 1048

Safety Officer, Scott Gee 854 1994

As always, annual dues of $20.00 are payable to BISA:

PO Box 1328 Kamuela, HI 96743

Greg gets a new gradient! “Flys way cool”

Charlie gets a new gradient, Moku says “it looks pink in the air”.

Aloha Members:
  Club meeting Ahhh Paradise 
LZ Saturday September 8th  1 pm after flying. Club should buy some 
drinks and pupus . This meeting will be to elect club officers for 
2008 . We have some great new people that are going to make a 
difference in the coming years . I hope to see all club members , 
come early and fly , Aloha  Charlie 938-9825

Many thanks to the hearty volunteers who drove up to Puuloa to herbicide the Gorse. It was hot and dry and windy. But that didn’t stop us from our determined efforts to erradicate the evil plant. Mike Robinson helped direct us into some kind of organized approach. Darren, Jeff and I worked on the lower back and right side. Neil made the hike to the top with at least two tank fulls. Yeti and Charlie (Darth-Crocker) worked the lower plants that refuse to be killed. Bobby supervised and provided humor. Greg worked the power sprayer. Sorry if I forgot anyone, but again, Mahalo, as this volunteer effort helps preserve one of our precious few launch sites.

Onomea Eric

 Well it took me at least an hour to get ABOVE Peter to take these shots…. clouds make a GPS or Compas standard equipment at Kealakekua…Nice flying with you Peter, Neil

 This is a view of our beloved Rock Bottom Road LZ from the air. All visiting pilots need to become familiar with it! The normal approach is from the east (top right of photo) as the air will generally be coming from the bay. If you look closely, you can see Moku weed-eating the approach. Neil