The local SEARCH function here can be a bit weak, or too generous, sometimes.
What actually works well here, for Search, is to use the regular Google.com search engine, on-line. On the Google search site, in the Search line, type in whatever terms that you wish to find here. Add a space, and type
site:http://www.hanggliding.org/
and just click on GOOGLE SEARCH.
Google will then go to the site you have specified, and search only that site, for your terms.
On Google.com, you can Search for Members, or Locations on the HG Members List, like this:
"Indianapolis" site:http://www.hanggliding.org/members.php
"members-name" site:http://www.hanggliding.org/members.php
The local SEARCH function (here) is available from inside any Forum, but not on the Index Page. It is on the left side of the screen, under the Main Menu and the Posts boxes.
The best results you can get from the local searcher will come from the "Advanced Search" option. (Google, as above, usually does better, though.) Try selecting the "Posts" button rather than Topics, and using the "Search for all terms" button, rather than the "Search for any terms..." button.