From left to right: Kyle Ostlind, Craig Shoemaker, Dan Furnish, Philippe Heer, Manolo Guzman, Keith Terhune, C.J., & (Frank). Not shown are: David Coggins, Andres Gutierrez, Adam Harris, Jordan King, Trevor Mitchell, & Uwe Prigge
Like every year we reviewed our tow pilot procedures, exchange safety and operational ideas to ensure safe towing operations in 2026. Everybody present I am sure took something away in the open discussions.
The grass started to grow and you made sure we are ready for it. Thank you very much for taking care of it!
GHSA & SCOH were celebrating together another safe year of soaring in the Houston area. This year’s keynote speaker Mike Sorensen (15m National Champion in 2025) provided a detail inside review of his experience flying in the World Gliding Championship in Tabor, in Czechia. His mother Michelle received the SSA Exceptional Service Award, the highest SSA award for non-pilots for exceptional support of the soaring community. Many others of both clubs received awards for their best soaring performances and tireless support of their clubs.
2025 GHSA Awards - CONGRATULATIONS!
Tow Pilot of the Year Manolo
Instructor of the Year Manolo
Ironman of the Year Manolo
Intro Pilot of the Year Pablo
Dispatcher of the Year Beth
Maintenance Person of the Year Craig
Flight Safety Crew of the Year Simon
Rookie of the Year Simon
Member of the Year Craig
Most Flights of the Year (147) Simon
Total Hours/Longest Flight (63.5hrs/3.6hrs) Uwe
Let’s welcome our newest tow pilot Jordan King CFi, CFii, MEi. She got checked out on both tugs today. Jordan wants to do her commercial add on and become the next CFI-G. Way to go Jordan. EXCELLENT!
New 2026 GHSA Board Members: First Row 3rd from left, Simon, Manolo, Jasper, Faraidoon, and Pablo
Congratulations to our 2026 GHSA Board of Directors: Manolo Guzman (President), Pablo Gonzalez (Vice President), Faraidoon Pundole (Secretary), Jasper Mason (Treasurer) and Simon Reynolds (Member at Large). We had a great turnout with good discussions, ideas, suggestions and listening to everybody’s concerns before voting on the “Glider Insurance” proposal and the elections. Thanks to the 2025 Board for their dedication and hard work and best wishes to the new GHSA board.
Special thanks to Ken Schmetter with standing ovations by all members present for 17+ years of outstanding service as GHSA treasurer! Big shoes to fill Jasper and thanks for stepping up to the challenge.
Great clouds, 4+ knots thermals up to 4,700ft in February. AWESOME! All not possible without Manolo who towed and Frank’s & Tim’s ground support. Thanks guys….
Today Gordon and Uwe went to Bill Lee in Dickinson to have our parachutes inspected and repacked. Both of us had the opportunity to pull our rip cords and deploying our chutes. Billie not only gave us some great advice how to do it correctly but also shared the details of his inspections while putting it all back together. We learnt a lot on top of all the life stories he shared with us as a Master Parachute Rigger.
Andrew is celebrating with Tony Condon (DPE) left and Pablo Gonzalez (CFI-G) right on this beautiful Saturday at GHSA
Thanks to Frank, Manolo and Craig.
Our GHSA board members Ken (Treasurer), Pablo (VP) and Faraidoon (Secretary) sharing the latest updates and answering member’s questions.
