Q:What do I need to launch? A: To access launch you’ll be asked at the gate to: (1.) Be ready to fly. Helmet on, harness on, hooked in, and wing ready for fluffing; (2.) Be ready to communicate. Radio turned on and set to the correct frequency; and (3.) Be authorized. Your event registration helmet sticker (=USHPA Membership).
Before launching you’ll be asked to check (4.) Buckles – Your buckles are tight (5.) Zippers – Your zippers are up and not in a position to catch your lines (6.) Reserve – Your reserve pins are in and visible and (7.) Speed – Your speed system is attached.
Q:Does the $35 registration fee include dinner? A: YES and there will be complimentary Beer!
Q:What is the $35 for? A: Community center rental, USHPA insurance, State Park permit, dinner, pilot gifts and awards, gas money to drivers.
Q:Can we fly Friday? A: Of course, but that is not part of our organized event. Our event starts 9 am Saturday.
Q:Do I need a day use permit to pick up pilots at Cape Lookout if I don’t leave the car? A: Yes
Q:Will there be booze at the dinner? A: Yes there will be beer and we are not allowed to sell it, so it is free (however donations will be appreciated). PS. You must be 21! You are welcome to BYOB.
Q: Will there be a raffle again? A: Of course. Proceeds support our club as well as donations to local causes such as: Friends of Netarts Bay, Netarts-Oceanside Volunteer Fire Dept., Oceanside Community Center. Last year we donated to the Netarts-Oceanside Volunteer Fire Dept.
Q:Will there be tandem pilots available? A: NO. Our insurance for the event specifies no training or tandems. Tandem training can be done before or after the event. The event runs from 9 am Saturday until 4 pm Sunday.
Q:Will the weather be good for flying? A: Of Course! Expect the normal showers with nice flights in between.
Q: Why do I have to be a USHPA member to fly? A. Our event requires a state park permit which requires insurance ($2M liability). The USHPA insurance requires all pilots to be members. Temporary 30 day memberships will be available for $5. We will be checking at launch this year. Helmet stickers will be issued at registration.
Q: I am a foreign pilot and could not register since I do not have a USHPA number? A: You will need to register on site and purchase a 30 day USHPA membership. ($5)
Q: Where are we flying? A: Oceanside if winds are SSW to W, Cape Lookout if winds are NNW to W. Other nearby sites (not officially part of the event) include TDM, Kiwanda and Sollie!
Q: Can I fly at the other local sites? A: Yes of course, but they are not part of this event.
Q: Are we concerned with tides? A: YES (05/06/23) low tide 08:30 am, high tide 03:00 pm, (05/07/23) low tide 09:00 am, high tide 03:45 pm
Q: Is there entertainment? A: TBD
Q: Are there places to eat in Oceanside? A: Yes three cafe/restaurants.
Q: Is there lodging in Oceanside? A: Yes, several motels and VRBO/BNB places. Also many places in Netarts, 2 miles south.