Tracy and Lisa <email> write:

Our 12th flying season is about to begin, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone again. As a reminder, you must be a current member of the USHPA to fly with us here at Cloud 9 Field, and you must also be a member of the DFSC if you fly here on a regular basis (and/or store your glider here), which gives you $5 off per tow. If your USHPA membership has lapsed, be sure to renew it before you come out to fly. We will check the membership page of the USHPA web site to make sure that everyone's USHPA membership is current.

The good news is that tow fees, DFSC membership fees, equipment rental fees, and glider storage fees will remain the same as last year (which are at the same level that they have been for many years). Instruction is still free, too.

However, due to (a) the devaluing of the US dollar, (b) high price of high octane fuel for the tugs and diesel fuel for mowing, (c) cost of having to replace the 912 Rotax engine last year, (d) cost of having to convert the tugs to N-numbered E-LSA aircraft, and (e) cost of having to excavate the west ditch for proper field drainage, we will have to raise our "gas and grass tax" from $10 to $20 per flying day. As in the past, this surcharge will not be applied to students doing ground-skim scooter tows or flying tandem, and the surcharge will be waived for solo pilots who perform a good landing in the mowed landing spot (per "Spaaten Meister" rules).

Also, there is usually plenty of work to be done here at the field, so there will be plenty of "work value" for tows available, at $10 per hour. If you want to take advantage of this opportunity, you MUST first ask Tracy or Lisa what needs to be done for work value, rather than just deciding to do something on your own. Work value funds primarily come from club membership fees, so if our membership numbers are low, funds available for work value may run out sometime during the season.

Good equipment, good skills, and good judgment result in safe, fun flying-we have a great track record, let's keep it that way!

As a reminder, please be sure to call us before coming out to fly, at 517.223.8683 (home) or 248.921.0093 (cell).