Phil,
The land owner that owns almost all the land in your visual range
down below the launch doesn't mind if we land on his property and
doesn't mind if we drive in to get our gliders. The biggest problem
is that he keeps his gates locked most of the time. I've landed
there, walked to his house and he's taken me out to the gate and
unlocked it and told me to lock it when we leave. We could probably
work out a hidden key or a combo lock with him. Maybe even a sign
in sheet so he knows whose been there and when. Nice fella.
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On Aug 28, 2006, at 2:11 PM, Steve Prater wrote:
my ongoing attempt to gain access;
Twice now I have meet Mr. Davis at the entrance to the Petit Jean lz. Once with DD. and once with ZB just before he, davis, locked a bunch of us in. Each time we talked of vehicle access into his property. He was not outright opposed but yet did not give the ok. He said he has had trouble with tourists wondering in. Hence his need to keep it locked. Approximately four weeks ago I sent a letter requesting access through his LOCKED gate. With this letter was a new lock, key, and for character reference the phone numbers of the property owners on top. I did call ahead to prime them with the info I wanted Davis to hear. the usual,, we don't leave trash, don't tear up property, just a fine group of guys. blah blah blah.. Anyway no word yet from Davis. I've tried to call several times and I have made a side trip to check his gate for our lock. But nothing. I left another note in his mail box but still no luck. I cant get him on the phone and he hasn't called me.
If you go to the gate and see two locks. One should be ours. The key.... Follow the fence up hill and you will find a pipe brace running from the corner of his gate to a tree. Our key is [undisclosed location]. If we get the ok I have a key for copies if you want to pocket one.
Last word with him we are still ok to land but you may have to carry out... WOOOOOOOOOw what a killer that is with gear. Ask John J. or Kevin Smith. SO if you fly, don't land. Fly high & go far.
Steve
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On Sep 5, 2006, at 8:44 AM, Steve Prater wrote:
I got two flights off Petit Jean this weekend past. But the BIG news, for those who havenÕt heard, is that Friday evening Phil and John just happen to met the lz land owner, Mr. Davis, at the gate. After a short talk he put our lock on . Yahoooo.
In my request to Mr Davis I agreed that we would lock the gate. This means on the way in and on the way out. With no exceptions. Even if it is not when we get there. Lock it. And donÕt forget to re-latch the gate in the corner after you walk your glider through.
I told him that the only reason for us to be on the inside would be for vehicle drop, pick up a pilot and gear or to check lz conditions. No wondering about.
The reason he had not got back with me was a concern on hunting. He had visions of: oh I know pilot Jim bob who told me where the key is and IÕm just turkey hunting (or fishing). So when you see Jim Bob tell him we cant do this.
Steve
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