Over three decades ago the desire to consume every foot of ‘vertical descent’ that could be found was in full swing in Shasta County, California.  A small group of pilots, barely 20 years old, were spending every weekend scrambling around Northern California to find anyplace we could to launch our ‘state-of-the-art’ Dacron and aluminum Eipper-Formance and Seagull Aircraft Rogallos.  We were the Shasta Sky Sailors and we were all addicted to the new sport of hang gliding and the incredible freedom it provided.
Flying sites like Big Valley Ridge, Black Butte, Haystack, Herd Peak, French Gulch, Shasta Bally, Burney Mountain, Badger Mountain, Bear Mountain, Hat Creek Rim and a host of other scary one-timers were pioneered by eager Sky Sailors who had only one thing in mind; get airborne.  These sites became our weekend menu and none of us wanted to miss a single meal.  In those days we didn’t gauge flights by the number of miles we flew or who got the highest…it was all about flying like a bird and the glorious and sometimes death defying, 360 degree turn.    Life was more than good, and despite having to learn to run with a ‘Sears swing seat’ strapped tightly to our derrières, we were all thrilled to live at a time when the dream of bird-like flight had become a reality.
Three of our current club members lived and thrived during those early days and helped pioneer Hat Creek Rim.  Visiting pilots, originally very few and far between, have always been welcome at the site.  Today, and throughout the last 30-plus years, we've continued to develop the site to accommodate the growing number of recreational pilots who fly here each year.  We are extremely proud of our involvement and achievements at the site.
In 1996, the site began operating under a USDA Forest Service Use Permit issued to the Hat Creek Committee; a committee the Shasta Sky Sailors formed to work directly with the USDA Forest Service.  The Use Permit at the Hat Creek Rim is a legal document that carries with it very specific and binding requirements that include; keeping the site maintained and providing a toilet at the Front Launch, just to name two.  In addition, it requires the permit holder to return the site to its natural condition should the permit ever be discontinued or revoked.  Beyond that, the Shasta Sky Sailors have for many years voluntarily provided other amenities such as: the Pilot Bulletin Board, site guides and advisories, windsocks, etc.  All of these things require funding…
In 1998, the Shasta Sky Sailors initiated the “Friend of the Rim” fundraiser.  The donations generated from the $5.00 ‘Friend of the Rim’ decal, along with any other donations we receive for the site, are used exclusively to cover the cost of operating the site and to fund maintenance and improvements there.
It’s important that contributors to the site understand that every dollar we receive is meticulously accounted for and a detailed annual fundraising report generated at the end of every year.
Hat Creek Rim is a success story because of its volunteers, supporters and the generosity of the flying community.  The Shasta Sky Sailors understand this and thank each and every one of you who have helped make Hat Creek Rim the success it is.
The Shasta Sky Sailors remain committed to our involvement at the site and ensuring that Hat Creek Rim remains open, well maintained, and fiscally sound.

Thanks again for your years of support,

The Shasta Sky Sailors
USHPA Chapter #57
 

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