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Brace Labor Day Fly-In honoring Robert Chevalier Sept 4-6 2021

#1 · August 18, 2021, 10:11 am

Quote from zoe.sheehansaldana on August 18, 2021, 10:11 am

Brace Labor Day Fly-In honoring Robert Chevalier Sept 4-6 2021

In memory of Robert Chevalier, there will be a Fly-In at Brace this Labor Day weekend, September 4, 5 and 6. All Paraglider and Hang Glider pilots are invited to share the air in a tribute to the first and original pilot owner of the Brace LZ. For this long weekend the Brace Club is waiving all dues (flying, tandem passenger, camping, guest, etc.). All other rules (waivers, mentors for P2s, etc.) apply.

Today Mt. Brace is flown almost any weekend (and many weekdays) the weather allows. On average we count 100 - 120 individual pilots per year. With its high, west facing, and wide open mountainside and launch, Brace is one of the most popular launch sites in all of New England. Brace is consistently the starting point of many XC flights, and the highest P2 friendly launch site within hundreds of miles. Without Bob’s initiative and generosity it is doubtful that there would be an organized Brace flying club today, with its dedicated community around it.

Brace Mountain, whose launchable area is part of the Taconic State Park, has been flown for five decades, first by hang gliders, and later on by paragliders. In the early years free flight took place sparingly, and illegally, due to the lack of any reliable infrastructure (like a dedicated, insured LZ) and due to the non-sanctioned use of Taconic State Park land. This started only to change when, around 2000, Robert Chevalier purchased the +50 acres of farm land which make up the centerpiece of what is now the official LZ. At that time, Bob was an active PG and sport pilot. With the help of Ciaran Egan, a club and an USHPA chapter were formed, and a lengthy negotiation with the Taconic State Park Administration in Albany ensued. Two years later we started receiving annual permits for launching our aircrafts from the top of Mt. Brace. Rob even attempted to build a drivable hairpin trail up the front of the mountain (north of launch).

In 2010, Robert sold his interest in the land to Paul Hogan and Ciaran Egan, but continued to spend his summers in the LZ. Health reasons kept Rob from flying during the last few years of his life, and some of our newer pilots may not have had a chance to meet him. To those who knew Rob personally, he was a gentle and unselfish soul, taking pleasure from witnessing the free flying for which he created the opportunity. Bob passed away last winter in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, his winter home and home of his girlfriend Rosa and stepdaughter Mathilda. He is also survived by his siblings Christopher, Andrea and Mary.

His ashes will be spread at Brace during the Labor Day weekend. Please come join us for a long weekend of flying and fun in celebration of Robert Chevalier's life and legacy.

Brace Labor Day Fly-In honoring Robert Chevalier Sept 4-6 2021

In memory of Robert Chevalier, there will be a Fly-In at Brace this Labor Day weekend, September 4, 5 and 6. All Paraglider and Hang Glider pilots are invited to share the air in a tribute to the first and original pilot owner of the Brace LZ. For this long weekend the Brace Club is waiving all dues (flying, tandem passenger, camping, guest, etc.). All other rules (waivers, mentors for P2s, etc.) apply.

Today Mt. Brace is flown almost any weekend (and many weekdays) the weather allows. On average we count 100 - 120 individual pilots per year. With its high, west facing, and wide open mountainside and launch, Brace is one of the most popular launch sites in all of New England. Brace is consistently the starting point of many XC flights, and the highest P2 friendly launch site within hundreds of miles. Without Bob’s initiative and generosity it is doubtful that there would be an organized Brace flying club today, with its dedicated community around it.

Brace Mountain, whose launchable area is part of the Taconic State Park, has been flown for five decades, first by hang gliders, and later on by paragliders. In the early years free flight took place sparingly, and illegally, due to the lack of any reliable infrastructure (like a dedicated, insured LZ) and due to the non-sanctioned use of Taconic State Park land. This started only to change when, around 2000, Robert Chevalier purchased the +50 acres of farm land which make up the centerpiece of what is now the official LZ. At that time, Bob was an active PG and sport pilot. With the help of Ciaran Egan, a club and an USHPA chapter were formed, and a lengthy negotiation with the Taconic State Park Administration in Albany ensued. Two years later we started receiving annual permits for launching our aircrafts from the top of Mt. Brace. Rob even attempted to build a drivable hairpin trail up the front of the mountain (north of launch).

In 2010, Robert sold his interest in the land to Paul Hogan and Ciaran Egan, but continued to spend his summers in the LZ. Health reasons kept Rob from flying during the last few years of his life, and some of our newer pilots may not have had a chance to meet him. To those who knew Rob personally, he was a gentle and unselfish soul, taking pleasure from witnessing the free flying for which he created the opportunity. Bob passed away last winter in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, his winter home and home of his girlfriend Rosa and stepdaughter Mathilda. He is also survived by his siblings Christopher, Andrea and Mary.

His ashes will be spread at Brace during the Labor Day weekend. Please come join us for a long weekend of flying and fun in celebration of Robert Chevalier's life and legacy.