FWIW, full-size sailplanes flew at Torrey Pines Gliderport from 1920 through (IIRC) 2008 using bungee and winch launches. UCSD stopped allowing this from 2009 on, as they own the runway and have been building various structures in the area, including the Salk Institute and dormitories. Pictures and movies of soaring at Torrey Pines inspired many people to become glider pilots, including myself. Sadly, I never did get a chance to fly there.
2 Likes
