I read most of these threads on pilots wanting to fly higher or other flying long distance along with apposing opinions regarding such activities as irresponsible with interest and smile,
Reason being as a hang glider pilot for many years we went through similar problems in many respects,
We did,nt have the luxury of internet forums or even gps or mobile phones, i was one of the pilots with fingers pointing at me and labeled as irresponsible for flying at or above cloud base along with being an avid x country pilot, claims were made we were a danger to our self which would result in bad publicity for the sport,
Pilots pointing the finger at me were people who took off from a 600ft ridge and floated back and forth never gaining more than a few hundred feet, if conditions were thermic (in their view turbulent and dangerous) they would wait hours till early evening for the smooth air they wanted, myself on the other hand would turn up only when it was expected to the thermic and if that did,nt happen could,nt be bothered to set the glider up, my only interest was cloud base or above and flying as far as my skills and the weather would allow,
Reactions of horror and accusations i would be the cause of future regulations came during club meetings on realising i was crossing citys, there were others doing the same but i was the main offender, myself and others should be banned from club sites and licences revoked,
Seemed after not so long xcountry became very normal and accepted along with competitions, the finger pointers now had other problems discussing rc flyers using the same airspace, that fell flat as many pilots were also rc flyers at one time who had moved on,
When asked my thoughts i always replied...most pilots are by nature responsible regardless of what they fly...no reason we cant share the same airspace, then came paragliders and my views changed,
As a phantom owner and glider pilot its hard to decide if the two mix..i just hope you guys understand light aircraft or commercial aircraft are not the only things up there, also often our thermals come off mountain sides facing the sun, our work load is hard and at times no opportunity to have an eye out for a phantom, we have no view what is above us.