Any D.C.ers brave enough to try & get permission to fly at this lovely little local. Forrest Sherman Field

Looks like part of the Naval Academy which I would say good luck! I can make a phone call or two if some are really interested.


~Chillin' in Memphis TN

Looks like soccer goals? Man, what a spot, though! Go for it , Nick, and good luck!

Saw it in a fly over show on pbs thought id ask. Probably have the same luck im having getting in Ft Lee

I guess I should consider myself lucky. My son used to work at one of the clubs on Fort Drum, here in upstate NY. There were 3 connected recreational fields right next door, and I would give him a ride to work and fly at those fields, and even buggy at them if there was enough wind, and the fields weren't in use. I never asked, just started flying there, and after a few times and no one saying anything, brought out the buggy. Often a soldier would stop with family and fly single liners, and I got to show a few 12 & ups how to fly a power kite with my smaller NASA wings. I stopped going there when my son stopped working at the club.

Never say never Nick! I got permission when I was working aboard Pax, not that tough to do on that one. The antenna field was pretty easy as well; just have to talk the talk.

Nick,
Any progress to report? Let me know if you need an accomplice.
I drive through Annapolis every day and would love to get permission to fly on any of those fields.

I'm not in much of a position to pursue it, was jest highlighting it for y'all local-er folks

Hi

The Good!

This field may not be so impossible to access. If you go to the following USNA link, it states:

http://www.usna.edu/SecuInfoPers/FAQS.htm

Gate 1 Pedestrian Traffic (which is by the visitor's center): Open Sun-Thurs 0500-0000/Fri-Sat 0500-0200

Note: Visitors will not be granted access prior to sunrise or after sunset unless coming on for a specific event (e.g. basketball game, ECA meeting, Chapel service). Also, holiday hours for Gate 3 vary from the normal.

The general public may walk in through the Visitors Access Center at Gate 1 during general visiting hours. When the stadium courtesy shuttle is operating, you may access the Academy via this method. All visitors over the age of 16 must have a valid picture ID (i.e.: State issued driver's license, student I.D., or a government issued passport).

My sister-in-law clued me into this fact as she is not a member of the military or any other govt agency, and she is in the habit of taking her evening walks along the river/bay. You can avoid cadet/facuilty only areas by going along the sidewalk on the water, and there is even a footbridge on the south side of the field across an inlet which cuts down on the overall hike, gaining access to a 500 x 100 meter field.

The Bad.

Forrest Sherman Field is easily a mile from Gate 1. Also, the public access are through some rotating gate turnstiles. I think a buggy would be right out because of those issues. Also, on the same link posted above, there is a posted policy of:

Rollerskating, rollerblading, and skateboarding are prohibited.

A single/double kite backpack might be okay, but until I get a chance to talk to the security/visitors center that is a big unknown.

The Ugly (or unknown).

I don't know what the policy or attitude towards kite flying once your on the field (I will ask this weekend). It also has rows of 20-30 foot small stadium lights on each side, and when I went by this last Sunday, there were youth lacrosse games at 8-9 PM, so the field may be heavily utilized by the Academy and the local community. I have no idea if there are sprinkler heads or if they leave lacrosse/soccer goals up all the time.

My plan is to chat with security/visitors center, and start small with either a stunt or small trainer kite. I'm guessing an AM session on a non sporting event Saturday, or even better, on a Sunday is the best time to start. Because of the no skateboard policy, I have to think static flying is the most to hope for.

Regards

JD