SCPA & SBSA Discussion Board

Ron Faoro hit the hillside just down from Montecito Peak on Saturday. Sounded like he was flying fairly close to the ground when his wing spun and may have gone parachutal. I don’t know any further details regarding the incident, so I’ll wait for Ron to fill us in.

He was choppered out after complaining of a sore back. Cottage Hospital diagnosed a cracked vertebra in his cervical spine and he just got out of surgery (fusion). The doctor said everything went great and he should be released in a day or two.

Bob Hurlbett, Benson, and I retrieved his gear from the hillside today.

I’m sure Ron would appreciate visitors after the surgical cobwebs clear. I don’t know his room number, but if you ask at the front desk, they can tell you.

Benson, Bob and Brendan,

Nice job retrieving Ron’s gear. Your efforts are a good example why most of us stay involved with the SCPA.

Thank you for sacrificing a Sunday.

Glad to hear Ron is A-OK. Wishing you a fast and full recovery Ron.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Pv ... HBbzfEmIYw

Dito here!
We are glad that you are ok (ish)
And hope that you are up and running in no time!
Kabir

Ron checked out of the hospital Monday evening in a neck brace that'll keep him out of the hottub for a day or two. The prognosis is good. We found his gear in 8' chapparel just west of the main spine about 300 meters or so below the summit of Montecito Peak. Our thanks to Search and Rescue for transporting him to Cottage.

Ron,

Sorry to hear about your incident. All the best for a full and smooth recovery.

Bo

Ron, Hope your doing well!!

Sounds as if you had one of my ANGELS present, with Brendan being there to help with the rescue. I don't know if I would be here and doing what I'm doing without Brendan, Tom, OJ, and the rest of the awesome souls in the Topa/SB crew when I needed help. Bless all you guys!

Andy

These incidents always seem to bring the group together and help us all realize how lucky we are to have the ability to fly gliders. I know for me it also reminds me that we are not invincible and that we need to respect the privilege of soaring the mountains and seeing and experiencing things that you just cant any other way.

I hope you take your time healing and do everything they tell you Ron. Don’t rush it and you will be as good as new at the end of the day. We will miss you while you heal as the Topa crew won’t be the same without you along for the ride.

What is the prognosis as far as time to heal and long term affect?

See everyone this weekend.

Hi Ron,

Casey here. I'm very sad to hear about your crash. But, I'm sure it will be just a another bump in the life of a mad man. You will be back in the air in no time ... a lot sooner than SB will recover from the latest fire.

I have not flown in over a year and tend to not read the forum because it just makes me sad ... I miss it intensely and still consider myself an active pilot... well at least a pilot. This season, I will in SB for business on numerous occasions and plan on making it to the mountains as much as possible. I'm looking forward to sharing a thermal with you soon.

-- Casey