Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 12:48 am
Post subject:
Remember Steven Smith (Slander) - Legal Notice
1. Steven Smith has been Slandered legal action underway.
2. USHGA - U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association
members and others who had issues such as jealousies; Hurt feelings (pride) & ((envy)) by Steve’s direct approach when it came to student safety. A few felt their male ego was assaulted by making it clear to the entire class he was instructing, This was so everyone could learn from others mistakes also to be sure the student did not misunderstand and would be sure the mistake in the student would not be made again.
Steven took his responsibility as a USHGA instructor very seriously and safety was his utmost concern.
Steven D. Smith did have to dismiss a student ( Marty Colar ) who constantly was disrupting the class and even damaging equipment by stepping or tripping over wing tips – bending battens then arguing or denying what many had just seen him do.
Furthering these issues he would disrupt the class with stories of doing loops in an ultralight trike ( totally off subject ). Marty Colar had claimed being a trike pilot with rating yet never had soloed.
Steven tried personal one on one with this person who was finally quit / dismissed from the class. Not everyone is capable or safe to fly safely. In the schools paperwork Steven had clearly stated in his forms ---- in addition to USHGA membership that once joining no reimbursement would be made.
This was also just after the world trade center attack and Las Vegas Airspace was the last to reopen after all flights were grounded.
( no flights no way not even hang gliders).
Steven D. Smith had not ever done the things accused as posted on the internet the are all here say by some very sick demented (pessimistic) few.
Steven did have his ratings as instructor pulled ( unjustly ) by the USHGA – for a few who complained 4 total. Who made false unfounded and quite totally ferry tale stories, with no proof, no facts or documentation other than hearsay ( not even admissible or heard by any judge or court in out nation.
I recall him advertising an old trainer WW skyhawk as very used and to be sold as a training hill glider for first day students.
The buyer ( new instructor ) purchased and it was sold as is the purchaser had arranged truck pickup through freightquote.com . However failed to instruct the carrier to call Steven before and arrange pickup.
Steven was in a position at that time with allot on his plate, Dealing with the USHGA / Divorce, Moving and so on…
Never did the person who purchased the old skyhawk contact Steven and complain of any issues or misrepresentation of the condition or discription. Yet on the Hang gliding forums I read his remarks all negative, as are so many unfounded remarks stated as facts. Such as him lying to my face, shoplifting, even kidnapping. References to his reenactment on rescue911. This he did by request from Katey films and he felt obligated to give credit where credit was due – The rescue was at great risk to the 2 persons who rescued him. He also wanted to make the point of his error of smoking pot before flying this along with the entire actual event was changed on the edit, due to the local rescue dept was drunk, and the actual rescuers happened to hear the call go out and decided to drive from Lincoln city 26 miles north to Pacific City Oregon. If you watch the utube video you can see the names on the ambulances giving clear reference to how they changed the actual events. This is all irrelevant as we learn by our mistakes and of others.
The USHGA official Jim Zieset or J.Z. was in on this smearing Steven D. Smith name and having his ratings pulled. As J.Z. and Robert Cumes or Comes Had a boat built by magic boats after Steven D. Smith had been working on entirely new concepts in boat towing on Lake havasu city AZ.
The long – short was that J.Z. and crew had run over a jet ski who had the right of way.
No observer / no captains license / no seamanship experience / The story I got from the watersprts center ( nautical inn ) was that after running over this kid while on take off run ( not clearing water traffic) and the hearsay was they were under the influence of crystal meth. The truth as far as drug use in un-substantiated but from what I gather is a strong possibility. J.Z. was observed by the water sports center standing on the bow of his new HG boat yelling at the victim who was face down and unconscious. The crew of the parasail boat (WSC) pulled the victim called Law enforcement – Protocol as they were licensed captains and experienced. The victim was transported to ICU and recovered.
Steven D. Smith was not in any way involved, as I understand I should mention When the Watercraft sheriff was interviewing J.Z. and Robert C.. they promised to bring by any and all documentation, but distracted the police by acting concerned about the victom. This bought them time the pulled the boat out of water covering the boat it and (slithered out of area) left the state.
Went to Lake Tahoe and did a national televised on discovery channel, Not taking into account the over 10,000 ft density altitude and the need for additional Airspeed with no trial runs these clowns took the discovery female commentator tandem, the result was a good launch and clearing the boat at about 50 to 75 ft Above water level while still under towline ( NO OBSERVER) The glider went into a full stall, no injuries bust burses and broken airframe on a 225 falcon.
This is time to blow the whistle so Steven D. Smith made posts to the HG forum about these events among other issues such as locals calling police due to Robert doing tandem dives at the crowded launch ramp parking – then running when local police were called.
This is all documented / factual / and profoundly accurate. This is in the archives of the history channel , Police reports, hospital reports, witnesses.
Here is the corker J.Z. was at the time either USHGA president or Vice president United states hang gliding association.. ( the good old boys club )
My then regional director knows the entire truth and the setup by J.Z
Adventure Sports
Carson City, NV 89721
This J.Z. is actually who was behind the Organizing plot to discredit Steven D. Smith who later became an advanced instructor with many achievements and contributions to the good, safety and progress of Hang gliding.
I had read comments ridiculing him for using a full on simulator ( hanging in harness control frame , control feedback interfaced with computer program of his own design.
Giving audio visual as part of his ground school. With tremendous success enhancing the software and learning curve of his students.
Steven D. Smith attended a review board driving from Las Vegas to HSHGA board meeting in Colorado where he was to have a review.
Dennis Pagen, and many others were there and promises him a full investigation.
Also insuring him of communication and contact during the review investigation.
Steven D. Smith was never contacted again as he was promised and no investigation was ever conducted. Only receiving notice of the decision of the board.
His instructor ratings had been permanently revoked never allowed to be involved in any sort of instruction or to be allowed to work with or himself teach Hang Gliding again.
They wanted to revoke his USHGA advanced pilot rating as well but decided this was out of scope.
Since this it destroyed his invested time / expense / and interest’s to be involved in such a corrupt origination with B.O.D. that actually intentionally / knowing the conspiracy and wrong doing, simply as vindication for Steven making it known of the facts of the conduct of USHGA president Jim Z. Pendulum sports.
It is here by advised that any unsubstantiated personal slander shall not be tolerated and existing posts be removed.
Slander / deplumation of character are unlawful and persons involved are liable.
As far as the Irish couple who claimed I had them arrested, utter nonsense!!!
They never worked for me as claimed, I never had them arrested. How could I have anyone arrested and deported, I did report to the proper agencies of them not working for me as they claimed on their visa. I also advised James and Ruth Gould to report themselves and gave them a time limit, I did mention certain statements they had made.
They filed a suite against Northup Grumman This is from a Irish tabloid one sided story totally untrue. Consider the source ? As well as the out come.
I have just found out about this slander and informed Steven D. Smith to take legal action against any and all slander and everyone involved. He has been unaware until now, He remains within statute due to statute of limitations begins at the point in time that the victim becomes aware/
1. $101M lawsuit follows Vegas jail nightmare - Irish Echo
irishecho.com/?p=54387
Attorneys acting for Belfast engaged couple James Murray and Ruth Gould ... The suit names as defendants Northrop Grumman Information Technology Inc. an
1. Libel Slander Defamation Lawyers - Legal Information - Lawyers.com
communications-media.lawyers.com › ... › Communications Media
Slander and Libel are forms of defamation of character. This is the publication of false statements about an individual that cause harm to the individual's ...
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Instruction and equipment
Robert W. Rahm
Monroeville, NJ 08343
I was fortunate to have found Steve Smith on the USHGA’s web page as
an
Instructor. On his web pages I found what I thought was a great way to
learn
how to hang glide. I could learn how to hang glide safely at my own
pace. So
I flew out October of 2001 and took a weeklong lesson package with his
school. Steve Smith taught me on the simulator and on the ground.
Stationary winch towing then payout tows to 2000.ft. everything was
professional and smooth.
Steve was very safety oriented and having started the safety (BST)
steering committee at Shell chemical company. I know the value of
safety,
this gave me added security. I was impressed with Steve’s training and
his
methods of teaching that I booked more lessons and returned to him one
year
later to the week in Late October 2002.
During this last visit, Steve was as professional as the first time,
I
had not flown since I was enrolled in his classes one year ago, he
recommended or rather insisted on starting the lessons from the
beginning,
reviewing all that I learned from the previous year. He was very fair
and
charged me less than 1/2 the price of the training course. He was
dedicated
and was at my disposal for my training throughout the daylight hours of
my
stay. I am now a H-2 and very happy with my decision to go with Las
Vegas
Airsports and have Steve Smith as my hang gliding instructor.
I understand through Steve that there have been some people saying
he is
not safe or some other complaints attacking him. I was SHOCKED, because
of
this I wish to come forward in Steve's defense and let you know that I
have
no complaints, and do not believe Steve to ever have been unsafe or
unfair
to me. In my opinion the USHGA is better for having dedicated,
professional,
caring, instructors such as Steve Smith. If we were to loose him as an
instructor it would be a great loss to the USHGA and to people like
myself
who use the service he provides. Having flown at Kitty Hawk N.C. and
visited
Wallaby Fla., as far as I am concerned he is one of the best
instructors
available anywhere. I am very proud to have Steve Smith as my
hang-gliding
instructor.
Electronically signed,
Robert W. Rahm
11/16/02
Please feel free to contact me for any further questions
Hang Glider Instruction- Feb and June 2001
My hang glider training with Steve Smith was great! The instruction was well paced and personalized to my learning rate. The lessons were graduated so that I never felt I could not achieve the next step. From the first day on the training hill to pay out towing on the dry lakebed to up to 2000 feet, he consistently rewarded my successes while emphasizing techniques I could use to improve. Safety was a constant theme throughout the training and Steve never missed an opportunity to stress items that were essential to safety. He plants the seeds for the development of good judgement, which is every bit as important as skill handling the glider when it comes to starting out safely in this sport. From having several training sites to choose from for each level of training, to the versatility to provide hill, ridge, stationary tow, and pay out tow instruction as well as a hang gliding simulator, Steve has the tools to maximize your training time. I have called other potential instructors, but no one matches Steve’s availability and versatility when it comes to providing top quality hang gliding instruction. His enthusiasm for your success is inspiring and his over 20 years of hang gliding experience builds confidence. I feel very fortunate to have found him as an instructor and will continue to consult with Steve for additional advice and instruction as I gain skill and progress within this exciting sport!
Glenn S. Roberts, USAF F-117, General Aviation flight instructor and Pilot Hang Glider Pilot
Alamogordo New Mexico
Instruction and equipment
My name is Jason Smith, no relation to Steve
Smith, other than a good friend. I first meet Steve
about 5 years ago. I had bought a beginner hang glider
and had one lesson from some instructors from Southern
Cal. During which time another student broke his arm.
So I was left in Vegas launching myself off Jean ridge
not really knowing what I was doing. I was able to
make it thru a couple 10 min flights in one peace when
along came Steve. He taught me dangers of flying and
how to make it as safe as possible. I remember being
so mad thinking why do I need to run with this glider
up and down this hill when a week earlier I was
flying. Well he got me thru my Hang 2, and after 1200
hrs flt time, I'd say he did a pretty good job.
If you have any questions, call me
Jason Smith.
Instruction and equipment
My name is William T. McElroy November 15, 2002
USHGA member in 1981 number unknown
I have a life long back ground in aviation, my dad had 6 planes which I flew throughout my childhood I got my pilots license at 16 years old. Spent 3 years in army aviation 48th assault Helicopter Company where I acquired 2300 combat flying hours in Vietnam during 1967-68. Have 3 years in skydiving in the late 60’s, I got involved in hang gliding in 1972 moved to Las Vegas in 1978. From 1978 I have been hang gliding in Las Vegas Nevada flying everything from easy risers to a verity of ragalo’s and ultralights.
Back then the local instructor Phil Sharet (flip) and the other local pilots all were involved in towing with flip. We towed payout foot-launch with a home made winch in the back of a puck-up towing up to 3000ft at the dry lake bed where Steve Smith does his towing and instruction. There were approximately 8 to 10 pilots towing during that time period, Larry Tudor being one of them.
I have been acquainted with Steve Smith since 1997 when I began assisting him with students, Steve had a vision of building a special winch that would do both stationary and payout. This would give him the ability to teach students year round in any wind direction, and controlling their altitude. He built this winch on his own and when teaching new students he uses the stationary mode where he runs a pulley out a couple hundred yards and line back next to the winch and past, so the first flights the students take are right next to the winch where Steve can see close up and personal keeping the tows just feet off the ground and able to terminate it at any second buy use of a foot brake or optional hand break or throttle control. Control and communication do not get any better than that. Comparing Steve’s creative system to our old towing where we used stretchy poll-y-prope rope no wheels or radios and implemented very few safety concerns. Up until I began seeing how Steve teaches and how much he focuses on safety in every possible detail of equipment and each task. This has made me aware of how lucky we were we did not have an incident, we thought we were being safe but I was educated.
Often times I want to do things the easy way but Steve will not compromise safety in any way, he will take the time and explain his methodical reasoning and why one is safe an another way is not. He has a vast knowledge of things that have gone wrong in different cinereous with other pilots in the past. Steve always says we must learn from the mistakes of others so we do not make the same error. Steve figures what can go wrong will go wrong, so he does everything he can to fore-see prevent any potential accident. This drives me a bit nuts sometimes but all considered he is responsible of the lives of others
Steve Has since sponsored clinics where he hosted Petty Phiffer of High Energy Sports
Where all local hang Glider and para pilots were invited to attend. During this clinic one local pilot known as power-line mike who had deployments 3 times in his past was put in the simulator and did a practice deployment. When mike tried to deploy he dislocated his arm, this was due to him relocating his chute pack to the side of his harness from it original location (chest). Mike continued to try to deploy even with a dislocated shoulder but was unsuccessful. I recall Mike thanking Steven Smith over and over for hosting this clinic and seeking him out and inviting him to attend. Mike felt that this clinic ultimately saved his live in any future deployments, Mike is a guy who needs his chute and need it to work, with 3 deployments in his history. He ordered a new PDA chute the next week.
If not for Steven Smith and his dedication to Hang gliding safety and concern for those around him, this informative clinic would not have taken place. This would have a result of Mikes next deployment attempt being his last.
Since I have worked closely with Steve as a assistant to training his students over the years I can testify that he does not compromise safety not will he ever take a student into a progression that they are not ready, proven by a combination of the students performance in ability, acquired knowledge and understanding. Nor will Steve ever subject students to any unsafe conditions such as questionable conditions, equipment or student demeanor.
Feel free to call for any other input, or questions you may have.
William McElroy. Life long pilot.
Instruction and equipment
I became a Certified Instructor with HPAC in May of 1997. And seeing a need to be a Tandem Instructor, took that course in 1998. I then started inquiring about boat towing through the internet, and met Steve Smith, who gave me a lot of excellent information about what equipment to stay away from and what to build. The following year, he suggested coming up to Canada with his tow boat and equipment, to teach me how to tow launch from a boat. I spent three full weeks trying to learn as much as possible.
I recall our first conversation, and that was of safety. We both agreed that safety was FIRST. And would always be FIRST. Steve came across to me as being very professional in his teaching technique and his safety knowledge. I asked Steve a lot of questions, and he took his time to explain the answers to me. If did not understand, he would tell me a different way so that I would understand. To me, that is patience and professionalism.
I don't think that I have ever met someone that is so meticulous over their equipment. If there was a hint of something that would or could fail, it was checked again before he would continue teaching or flying. As an example, every time we would prepare for a launch, he would check off about six things on his laminated checklist before he started the motor. And if something couldn't get a checkmark, we would correct that, and then start from the top of the list again. (At the time, I thought of him being to picky.) But of course, all pilots know, first thing - Hook in, Hook in, Hook in. It's ingrained in us at the training hill.
If you have further questions, please feel free to email me at the address below.
Yours Sincerely,
Dave Wagner
Instruction and equipment
My name is Billy Floyd.
I started flying Hang gliders in 1976, thought the 80'S I gave more than 2000 tandem hanger rides. This was prior to the FAA ruling where we are no longer allowed under 103 to give rides (instructional only). I am one of the few in the country that can claim to have given that many rides with out incident except for a skinned knee. I also placed in the top five of the world aerobatic championships on two different occasions. I'm still living and I never hurt a passenger back when I was giving rides, so one would assume that my judgment is sound.
At this time I wish to come forward in testamonial of Steven Smith the local Hang Gliding instructor and give him the credit he deserves. I have known Steve Smith since he moved here to Las Vegas Nevada several years ago. I have flown with him on many occasions and have had the occasion to witness first hand his style of instruction. I wished I could have learned my flying with his style because it would have saved me a lot of injury in the beginning. Steve is much more safety conscious than most of the other instructors that I have witnessed over the last quarter of a century.
Steve coveres every aspect of flying
I have flown pretty much all of Steve Smith's equipment and have experienced the thrill of towing behind both his land based and aquatic tow rigs and never experienced anything more than what I would consider a normal amount of down time due to mechanical or equipment problems. I will not fly anything without thoroughly checking the equipment first and as stated before I have flown everything Steve has.
I fully recomend Steve and his school for anyone wanting to learn to fly or further their experiance.
William E Floyd
Las Vegas Nevada 89103
Hang Glider Instruction- Feb and June 2001
My hang glider training with Steve Smith was great! The instruction was well paced and personalized to my learning rate. The lessons were graduated so that I never felt I could not achieve the next step. From the first day on the training hill to pay out towing on the dry lakebed to up to 2000 feet, he consistently rewarded my successes while emphasizing techniques I could use to improve. Safety was a constant theme throughout the training and Steve never missed an opportunity to stress items that were essential to safety. He plants the seeds for the development of good judgement, which is every bit as important as skill handling the glider when it comes to starting out safely in this sport. From having several training sites to choose from for each level of training, to the versatility to provide hill, ridge, stationary tow, and pay out tow instruction as well as a hang gliding simulator, Steve has the tools to maximize your training time. I have called other potential instructors, but no one matches Steve’s availability and versatility when it comes to providing top quality hang gliding instruction. His enthusiasm for your success is inspiring and his over 20 years of hang gliding experience builds confidence. I feel very fortunate to have found him as an instructor and will continue to consult with Steve for additional advice and instruction as I gain skill and progress within this exciting sport!
Glenn S. Roberts, USAF F-117 Pilot and Hang Glider Pilot
Doodle Bug Testimonial and instructor comments
Learning to fly my glider with the Doodle Bug powered harness was very straight forward. Steve Smith guided me through the setup process and covered all the little details that only a powered harness pilot would know. Steve is both an ultralight instructor and hang gliding instructor and I was confident in the information he provided. Given my busy schedule and limited time available while I was in Las Vegas, Steve was great about being ready to head out to the dry lake with my Bug and Glider when conditions were just right. Once out on the lakebed, Steve inspired confidence at every step, identifying the key points in the launch and ensuring I knew exactly what to do in any situation. The training site Steve uses is ideal, as there are no obstacles, you can always point into the wind, and you don’t run out of runway! Once conditions were just right, Steve gave me a couple of last minute pointers, like picking a target to give my run focus. Once I was ready, I started my run and was airborne in what felt like only a few steps! Everything worked just like he said, and once at a safe altitude, I transitioned from the takeoff position to completely established in the Bug! It was a great feeling to have everything work and get airborne successfully on the first try! After an uneventful landing, I made one more flight to reinforce the procedures and we called it a day. The next day we headed out to the lake but did not fly because conditions weren’t just right. I really appreciate the fact that Steve is very disciplined about only flying in good conditions, because I definitely don’t want to get hurt, and with my little experience his weather decisions are helping me build judgment about when to fly. On a visit the following month, Steve invited me out to fly while he instructed some other students. While I was essentially on my own now, it was great having Steve available to answer questions and provide some tips if I ran into trouble. I put 2 hours on the Bug that day on three separate flights. That really gave me the confidence in myself that I could safely fly my Bug from my home site. I am extremely satisfied with my Doodle Bug and Target glider, and anticipate many rewarding flights. Steve was extremely helpful throughout the process of learning to hang glide, buying my bug and glider, and teaching me to fly. I am glad that I was lucky enough to find him as an instructor.
Glen Roberts N.M. Back
Watching the Doddlebug fly is unlike what you might think when scanning the pictures of them on the website. I wondered if it were well constructed? The harness is well constructed and comfortable to fly, as reported. The choke, throttle, and kill switch is well positioned and professional. I was sold on buying a 'light trike,' but read about the Doddlebug. The model I witnessed set-up and flown is owned by Glen of New Mexico. It sets-up easily and within a very short time. In the several hours we were on the Dry Lake Bed, Glen was the only to fly longer than ten minutes due to almost nil wind and rather zero lift. Glen flies the Target Wing. It isn't a sprint to get airborne and the combo climbs-out easily and much faster than you would think for a small motor. The flight isn't a slow-poke 35 mph either. His approach for landing was in maybe a two mile per hour wind, if that. Watching him land gave me much confidence in the Target. His landings were non-events: smooth and easy. Glen reports motor noise is very minimal for the exhaust as all isn't right behind you. I intend to buy the combo. since watching Glen fly.
The weather service got it wrong that day. The 10 mph wind never blew, but Glen flew and had much fun.
I appreciate Steve Smith's approach to training and flight. Rather than risk unpredictable weather, we train on stable days or we don't train. Steve does not push the limits of weather to get a student trained for the benefit of his wallet. As a new student, I appreciate his conservative training style.
Take Care, Marty Kolar LV, NV
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