I believe the USHPA has established a program that ultimately helps the free flight community and functions as a gatekeeper, in order for many of "us" to fly where we might NOT be able to, and has done a good job in doing so. You (LoganR) are trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill and for no apparent, pertinent reason.
The good folks that are members of the USHPA have followed along willingly (both good and bad) for years and the FAA is paying attention, believe it or not. "To what level?" one might ask. Doesn't matter. However, if you step on enough toes just to satisfy your own personal vendetta, you are worse than those you despise in this matter. This is the way it "works" here in the US, like it or not. Why is this not obvious to you?
Let's say you succeed in your personal attack on our flying freedom. What will we/you do when, due to your attack on our fairly established rights (permissions whatever you want to call them at the moment), many if not all locations that we fly from are taken away from us? Do you think that when you are done with Torrey or the USHPA or FAR 103 that everyone should be able to go out and fly a location without an established and safe manner, thus endangering "John and Jane Q Public!! What about those that have, in many cases dedicated their lives and money to establishing, maintaining and growing areas all over the US so that we can fly? They jumped through all the hoops, with the help of the USHPA and the FAA and in many cases the Forrest Service, etc. What will you have to say to them? "Oops! I'll just go fly my sailplane now."
In truth, the
heart of this matter is so that the FAA can keep the "unknowing, possibly uneducated public" from harm. The USHPA has established a safe and easy to understand program of keeping total idiots from jumping off any cliff they wish to, thereby creating a hazard and bringing freeflight to a halt in this or any other location. Why would the USHPA NOT want to help establish and protect this freedom, right, privilege?
Don't get me wrong, Torrey Pines has always been on the shady side of this whole matter and it "seems" they now have to get along with the folks that want to fly there
and I'm no great proponent of the USHPA, BUT unlike you I don't want to cut off my nose to spite my face.
I speak only for myself, as a former USHPA Reg Director, a former flight park owner and a HG Dealer since 1998. I was involved in the background when the FAA adopted the Sport Pilot program as our LLC had just purchased a tug and were trying to establish a growing pilot base in Kansas City. I know very well how much (or not) the FAA is watching. They would consider you a tic at this point, sucking unnecessary manpower and resources (if they do in fact decide to look at your diatribe) away from other more important issues. The only guarantee I can give you is that if "pilots" start doing harm to the public, then you will see a s--- storm of regulations and control.
I also am NOT supporting Ben Reese or Bob K. I write this only to say you are not going to be successful in your endeavor here, so please stop the madness (I know you won't because your ego won't let you). I also apologize for MY diatribe and realize it is not very well written. I'm just tired of all the bullshit that means little or nothing, except to a few people having a pissing contest that's successful outcome will not be good for
any of us.
"Tow me up. I'll find my way down"
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