A paraglider flying out of Torrey Pines Gliderport in Southern California was forced to make an immediate landing after his glider was struck by a drone which sheered his lines.
Upon landing Hunter M. Odaka, who goes by Wind Hunter on YouTube, confronted the man who was apologetic and attempted to explain himself saying:
“This was not a good idea. I was fine, there was no one around me and my screen blacked out and I was trying to regain control.”
The unidentified man pretended to file a report and take Odaka’s phone number and then took off running. Odaka wants this man identified as he could have been killed if and a “hit and run is a severe crime no matter it’s in the air nor on the ground.”
There is some speculation that the man may have been running for embarrassing reasons beyond hitting a paraglider as there is a well known nude beach near by which would be well within the range of the drone.
While radio controlled aircraft are allowed at Torrey Pines Gliderport, they are required to give priority to man-carrying aircraft:
“Radio controlled aircraft may be flown anywhere along the cliff, but have primary use of the Window area. Always keep “Blue Sky” between your aircraft and all other aircraft. Listen for whistles from hang gliders and paragliders. Give man-carrying aircraft the right-of-way. Do not fly at or near man-carrying aircraft.”
Midair Collision Report:
Time: January 7th, 12:52 PM
Place: Torrey Pines, North Face, between the two flags
Drone operator: Unknown
Paraglider pilot: Hunter M. Odaka
Damage: Paraglider lines were cut and damaged.
While flying my paraglider at the time and location above, I suddenly heard a noise like something striking the canopy. I looked up and saw a drone tangled in my lines, cutting them. I landed immediately, and a guy approached me, admitting he was flying the drone. He pretended to give me his name and phone number but then grabbed his drone and ran away.
Torrey Pines Gliderport Safety Guidelines:
Torrey Pines Gliderport is an active soaring sites. It is a regulated site to ensure the safety of spectators, pilots and personal property so all visitors may enjoy it. Use of the Gliderport is a privilege and not a right. The flight Director has the authority to enforce these rules per San Diego Municipal Code Section 63.02.32. Violation may result in revocation of flight privileges.
General Rules
- This is a Gliderport. Only motorless, un-tethered flight is permitted.
- Unauthorized spectators are not permitted in take off or landing areas or along the cliff edge.
- Anyone under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants is prohibited from flying. No alcohol or intoxicating substances may be consumed prior to or while flying.
- All flight operations will be litter free.
- Flying is prohibited when the site is posted as being closed. When the black ball flag, smoke or flares are used to indicate an emergency, all aircraft in the air must land immediately.
- There shall be no low altitude flying (less than 50ft) over the RC pit area, the launch area, or other pilots or spectators. There will be no flying within 500ft of any public, commercial or residential building.
- Any accidents, incidents or disputes between pilots shall immediately be brought to the attention of the Flight Director.
Radio Controlled Models Operations
- Radio Control pilots must be AMA members. Before soloing each pilot must demonstrate their ability to safely fly their aircraft to the Flight Director or his designated representative.
- Beginning pilots are permitted to fly only with the assistance of an experienced pilot.
- Radio Controlled aircraft must be operated in accordance with the AMA safety codes. An experienced pilot must check new aircraft before they’re first flight.
- All transmitters must meet current FCC and AMA guidelines.
- Only Torrey Pines Flight Authorization Cards are allowed on the frequency board (one card per frequency, the transmitter being turned on only while the card is posted on a proper frequency). Limit flight time to 15 minutes if another pilot requests your frequency.
- Radio controlled aircraft may be flown anywhere along the cliff, but have primary use of the Window area. Always keep “Blue Sky” between your aircraft and all other aircraft. Listen for whistles from hang gliders and paragliders. Give man-carrying aircraft the right-of-way. Do not fly at or near man-carrying aircraft.
- All RC pilots must have a spotter/observer to monitor and inform the pilot regarding air traffic during full-scale glider operations. During times of heavy hang glider / paraglider operations the Flight Director may require RC pilots to have a spotter/observer. The requirement for having a spotter/observer must be conspicuously posted near the RC frequency board.
- When there are pilots near the cliff edge, all launches must be from the cliff edge except for test glides or hi-start/winch launches remote from the RC pit area. RC pilots shall fly their aircraft from a position where they can observe the hang glider and paraglider launching area, except when landing their aircraft in the eastern RC landing area. Hi-start/winch launches must be coordinated with other flight operations.
- RC models will NOT be launched or flown from any other location within two miles of the Torrey Pines Gliderport. This includes the UCSD Biological Reserve, Horizons (the Burial Grounds) and North Face.