Hill, Please

Thirty-five-year hang-gliding veteran William Armstrong appeared before the San Diego City Council on May 18 to request that the council consider creating a training hill at the city-owned Glider Port in Torrey Pines.

"We don't have a training hill for hang-gliding safely anywhere in San Diego," said Armstrong. "Years ago, a small hill was constructed and people were able to learn how to fly hang-gliders from that little hill as a ground-school experience. We can no longer do that."

According to Armstrong, the lack of a training hill has restricted the ability of instructors to put together a proper curriculum to teach new students.

"Until we understand that if we don't do something about improving the site for everyone concerned...all people coming out there are going to be missing a tremendous opportunity," Armstrong added.