CL near Lost Hills CA..?

[Lauri Malila]

Hi.

I'll be 10 days in Lost Hills in February, to fly some Free Flight. Is there any CL activity in that area? Not sure yet how much spare time I have but it would be nice to see something for sure.

Lauri

[Randy Cuberly]

I haven't been to lost Hills for at least 15 years but the last three times I went ther in the late 90's the wind blew about a constant 25mph from early morning till dark...CL flying was out of the question then. 

Randy Cuberly

[Balsa Butcher]

Your best bet is probably the PC Fliers in Fresno, just across the valley. They are the group that sponsers the Golden State Contest. Contact Brian Massey for details.

[Brian Massey]

You will be welcome anytime to the Fresno area! There is a small part of our group that flys in the Visalia area too. Just let us know when.

Brian

[Lauri Malila]

Thanks.

There is 3 free flight (FAI) contests between February 8.-16.
I don't know the area at all, got to get a map and check!

L

[Brian Massey]

Thanks.

There is 3 free flight (FAI) contests between February 8.-16.
I don't know the area at all, got to get a map and check!

L

Lost Hills was named "Lost Hills" for a reason. 

Brian

[Steve Helmick]

It's not too far to Bakersfield from Lost Hills...and a pretty good drive to Fresno...just sayin'...

My handy-dandy PAMPA membership reference manual says that Ray Firkins lives in Bakersfield, and I seem to recall that Chip Hyde flies with Ray, somewhere around there.  For useful online travel help, look at  http://www.mapquest.com/   They say it's 45 minutes from LH to B'field, which is about right. Note that Shafter CA is where the first man powered flights were done. I would suggest staying off Hwy.99 as much as possible, almost anywhere it crosses your path!

Another point...if the wind is blowing at Lost Hills and you want to do some practise/trimming, Taft is about 45 minutes South, and is often a lot better wind conditions. The flying site is still available, I think, and is south of the town of Taft...ask Lee Hines, and tell him I said "Hi!".  You'll have a great time!    Steve 

[Norm Furutani]

Hi Lauri,
If you are flying into Los Angeles, there is a very nice controline field in Van Nuys, which is on the way to Lost Hills. There is plenty of space on the LH field to fly controline but it may be a problem finding a smooth area to take off and land. BTW- I'm the CD for the Feb 8-10, Isaacson Winter Classic/Kiwi World Cup. Let me know if I can assist.

Norm Furutani

Photo of the field, day after the contest

http://www.flickr.com/photos/44670670@N02/6874155895/in/set-72157629311887803

[Lauri Malila]

Thanks Norm.

The field looks really nice. We have that much space only when the lakes freeze..
Yes, I will fly to L.A. Looking forward to be there, I will fly F1A.

See you,

Lauri

[Steve Helmick]

I just looked at the picture Norm posted, and it reminded me...if you have nylon "gaiters" for hiking in the snow...bring them along! They work wonderfully to keep the grass seeds out of your socks. Otherwise, be prepared to throw away your socks every night. The grass seeds there are brutal. When you leave, you'll probably want to throw away your shoes, too.

Lost Hills (the town) is pretty much a few gas stations, a few motels and bad places to eat. If you really need to buy something (like socks), just drive E. into Wasco. There's a K-Mart or Wal-Mart there...can't remember which, and some decent places for chow, and more motels. If you go down to Taft, it's worth the drive to go over to New Cuyama for dinner...the route takes you across THE San Andreas Fault line, which is obvious enough to show well in pictures, and is pretty amazing. In case you don't recognize it, there are signs that point it out.  Steve

[Norm Furutani]

Steve-
We haven't had significant rain in a couple or so years, the field is absolutely barren! If we get any growth by the Ike, it will be like a FF heaven, short grass with little blue flowers! No gaiters needed! As for your description of the town of Lost Hills, pretty much spot on, but they did add a couple traffic lights!
BTW- sadly, we've been shut out of Taft.

Norm