Carl soloed in gliders in 1992.
When a student solos and returns safely from his first flight (hopefully) there are certain traditions that are followed.
The student is doused with a bucket of water after exiting the glider, the photo is of Carl being doused.
The T-shirt that is being worn by the student is removed and signed by the flight instructor.
The object on the right is a tie that was cut off which is another tradition that follows at work with the tie being cut off.
The background of the picture is a flight map of the Mojave Desert where Carl took his training.
The "old" flight goggles were given to him by an old friend.