From: Neil Larson
To: Lift

date:     Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 10:55 AM
subject: RE: HGAusa#002

 Regards HGAusa:
 
As a member of the hang gliding community since 1972, I have witnessed the development of the sport since its modern era inception.   To be able to say with honesty, that I took part in the development of this sport is not a flamboyant overstatement.   My original membership in the SCHGA/USHGA/USHPA, which I in fact joined as a member of the Peninsula Hang Glider Club, will stand in the history books.     It is with great sincerity that I accept the membership into the HGAusa as member number #002, and I hope to improve the hang glider community with this honor.
 
We should desire to pass along the firsthand accounts of the sport (hang gliding) to those who were not present during the birthing of this wonderful human endeavor. It is regrettable now to witness any disregard for this true history by the very organization which alludes to be the offspring of our original inspirations.

On behalf of the HGAusa I will continue to investigate those early days of Southern California Hang Gliding in the 1970’s and also the entire origins of the sport.  My direction may focus on recording for historical accuracy actual interviews with those individuals who took part in this sport's history. To seek out and re-discover those who built and flew the handmade unique man carry –foot launched air ships of this era, is my intention.   I encourage more attention be placed on collecting a lineage of documented facts rather than blindly promoting an agenda.  As the original historian for the United States Hang Gliding Association, I have a direct knowledge of the events and capacity of this task.
 
Interested persons with pertinent information which will help in this task are encouraged to communicate to - Lift@WorldHangGlidingAssociation.com     c/o Neil.    A concern for the integrity of a true history of hang gliding as it occurred during the 1970’s is my current direction; however I will be able to assist in other areas as they develop in the HGAusa.

A recent communication with Ken Burn’s offices allowed me to understand any PBS documentary on Hang Gliding would have to begin production after the year 2022.
 
I have communicated recently with Maralys Wills and Chris Wills, to which they indicate true interest in developing their script for a major film of this sport. As I continue to investigate with others, I will attempt to develop a network and promotion of the HGAusa.
 
I will draft some rough designs to be reviewed for approval as the LOGO for the HGAusa.
 
Truth is lighter than fiction
Neil Larson
#002 HGAusa  

On Behalf Of Lift
Sent: Sunday, November 09, 2008 3:02 PM
To: Neil Larson
Subject: HGAusa#002
 
Mr. Neil Larson,
      In recognition of your many services to hang gliding,
you have been assinged lifetime membership HGAusa#002.
And thank you for being on the historian branch of HGAusa.
The synergy of your responses helped to found HGAusa.
 
And your e-mail address has been added to list for the monthly  Lift.
 
Best of Life's Lift to you and yours,
Joe Faust