Tow Pilot Meeting today at Pappas BBQ

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.

Annual banquet together with our friends from SCOH at West Houston Airport

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

Annual Membership meeting and New GHSA Board of Directors Elections

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.

Nice task flying today for David C., Pablo and Uwe. Tim also came out to fly.

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….

Parachute inspection and repacking with Bill Lee in Dickinson

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. Bill 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.