UHGPGA 3rd Quarter Meeting Recap

September 18, 2025 – Super Fly

Seventeen members gathered for our fall meeting, including four board members (Lisa, Neil, Mallory, and Laura). Thanks to everyone who joined us!

Fall Flying Safety

Shorter days mean tricky lighting—please be mindful of low sun angles and always clear your turns, especially on the north side of the Point of the Mountain.

Air Traffic Awareness

Air traffic controller Paul couldn’t make it in person, but he shared an important update: between noon and sunset, there is a steady corridor of VFR traffic running along I-15 from Super Fly to Boondocks, plus traffic near the Draper Temple. Please use extra caution when flying the Point Rat Series and around Super Fly. Paul hopes to show us maps either at the December meeting or via video.

Competitions

• Point Rat Series – Weather made this season tough, with only 10 pilots submitting tracks. Lisa and Neil plan to run the event again in 2026, possibly with easier tasks. Prize budget remains $900. Remember: pilots can only win in one class (Open, B, Masters).

• Utah Cup – Still going strong after 20–30 years! This year, Bill Belcourt and Mitch Riley made record-breaking 380+ km flights from Jupiter launch to Wyoming.

• XC League – Focused on triangle and out-and-back flights—get your flights in before winter and let Arash know if you’d like to be scored!

  
  

Upcoming Events

• December Meeting & Awards – Typically our 4th Quarter/Annual Members Meeting includes dinner and awards for the club competitions. We need a volunteer to plan the event, or we may return to Himalayan Kitchen in SLC where we met last year.

• Boy Scout Service Project (Oct 19) – A local troop will help install a new concrete base for the Steep Mountain windsock. Volunteers are needed to haul tools, water, and supplies (possibly with ATV support). Mark your calendar and come lend a hand!

Education

• Wilderness First Aid – In July, paraglider pilot Dr. Justin Grisham led a fantastic course. Eight UHGPGA members received $100 scholarships from the club to offset costs. We plan to continue budgeting for education in future years.

Sites & Trails

• Steep Mountain Trail – SL County Parks & Trails declined our proposal for phase 1, but may help connect with Geneva to allow building the full planned route. The project is budgeted at $20K, with ~$15K needed just for phase 1. Fundraising will likely be necessary.

• Weather Station (North Side) – Almost ready to install! A new cellular-enabled unit will be placed on a pole soon, though the anemometer needs a proper fit.

Club Business

• Officer Nominations – Nominations for 2026 officers are now open until the December meeting. Neil nominated Heather for President. [As of Oct. 3, 2025, Heather will not be able to serve as President in 2026.] Neil will not return as VP, and Mallory is ready to pass along the Treasurer role. An email will go out soon with open positions and duties (see bylaws).

• Insurance – We are still waiting on RRG for site insurance estimates and coverage details. They’ve been slow to respond and are narrowing what they cover (no parakites, e.g. the Moustache). Without this insurance, we can’t provide landowner coverage for school LZs. Thanks to Bob Black for handling the heavy lifting on insurance paperwork and research.

• Budget – Membership is on target with ~400 members. So far, we’ve spent about 20% of the annual budget on food, scholarships, and education. Additional funds may be requested from members to support the Steep Mountain trail project rather than raising dues.

✈️ Thanks to everyone who came out! As always, safe flying, clear your turns, and watch for air traffic. We’ll see you at the December meeting and awards night—details coming soon.

Submitted by Laura Anderson, Secretary