The first and most important component is, pilot responsibility. A lot of variables exist with this. Did they have proper instruction? Is their paperwork in order? Do they possess local knowledge? Do they understand weather forecasting? What is their attitude about the task at hand (honest gut check)? Is their gear in good flying shape? Do they have safety gear?
Is this easy to control? Are we all checking weather? Do we fly when others are in the air, knowing that there are some days we maybe should drive down? Did we all have the same instructor/ instruction? Are we current with our flying? Do we think about the consequence of making a poor choice or only after the fact? Are all licensed pilots the same? How many strikes do we give non- local and local pilots before we had enough?
The next thought is, locals dealing with non locals. I have seen all schools do a great job in educating new pilots with flying the sites in SB and filling out all proper paperwork. Local pilots do a very nice job of giving info to pilots new to the area. But it is still challenging because, how do we really know a stranger’s skill in the air? Do we ask for license and resume and recommendations? Do we ask who was your teacher? We know that all instructors are not equal. People can story tell, fabricate past experiences. Who should give intro to the non-local, anyone? What if we give some advice about maybe flying another day and they launch anyway, only to land in a tree deep in the valley? Who to blame? Do we explain to them what may have been the reason for the mishap? Should we all carry waivers for new pilots in the area just in case they did not fill one out? And this is only the beginning, pre-launch, what about in the air?
Based on the idea of gate keeping new and non-local pilots, comes the responsibility of regulator. This is something that many sites have employed, but there are once again many logistics to consider that have made many locals very upset. With the idea that they cannot fly when they want. Does it keep the traffic down, of course…less accidents, yes, because fewer are flying. Are there still issues that occur? Yes. What this means is that someone would have to be at all launch sites everyday making sure that your equipment is appropriate to fly safely, paperwork in order, license up to date. The regulator would be the obvious person to give site information. Who would take this role? Would it be volunteer or paid by local pilots? Perhaps each local pilot picking one day a week to take watch and help out even if it’s a flying day? Would the regulator stick to the rules? If one local pilot shows up without radio or back-up batteries, do you send him home to get one? Does the regulator take blame if a mishap happens? How many strikes at launch until the gatekeeper steps in and says you’re out of here?
Lastly, comes some thought about the local paragliding schools and their role. This is a delicate matter. I was a mountain guide for 14 years teaching rock climbing, ice climbing and backcountry skiing also having taught paragliding for a few years. I have found nothing more nerve wracking sometimes, then sending students into the abyss with the guidance of just my voice over the radio, hoping that they stick with the game plan. Pretty sure all of us have witnessed a teacher take the big breath after someone’s first mountain flight. It’s a big step to go from the training hill to the mountains. I think the schools are doing the best they can with what they have to work with. But it still raises the question, can we make this different? Are all instructors certain that students will follow the flight plan? What if the student, just this one day does things all wrong? Who is to blame, teacher or student? What about funky air? Can an instructor make a mistake due to pressure?
All these questions have answers, some short some long, many with much debate. Everyone plays the game for different reasons. Rules are a good thing, they keep a balance, but how many of us break the rules when it benefits us, not just flying but in life? In my opinion, we have adequate rules and a good community of talented pilots, with the occasional mishap. Which has happened to all of us, sooner or later in our flying career. As for the non-local who flies in and has no regard for himself or others, is it better to shake our head, hoping he leaves soon? Because in one day, we cannot change someone’s vision or control their actions too dramatically If this pilot chooses to stay for multiple days and fly, then action needs to be taken. These are just my humble thoughts and questions that come up when I ponder regulating our great spot. I hope you can chime in with your feelings as well.
Of course, I hope you all know by now….that I still think it comes down to personal accountability, but I am sure you have gotten that point already
Yeah, it's a long one, it's raining...what do ya expect?!
Gary
). The unfortunate thing is that most of us often learn most from our mistakes and mishaps which most of the time end up with just a scrap and a bruised ego or a torn glider. At that time, the little voice in our head says, "I know better than this". But sometimes in life, we only learn the true lesson, not by others but by gaining true wisdom from our personal experience after we have made these small mistakes....and growing from them, in flying and in life. Should we still educate along the way, of course! Can this be extremely frustrating when you know the outcome of making poor choices, hell yeah! 
