Airborn nov 2017 issuu

Issue 204; November, December 2017, January 2018

Kiwis at the; Red Bull X-Alps World Paragliding Champs World Hang Gliding Champs 7.50 Including GST

$

9 771170 992006

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING

M

any pilots visit flying sites outside their own region. To ensure that you don’t jeopardise arrangements between land owners and local flyers you must ALWAYS check with local pilots BEFORE flying.

That way you won’t upset land owners or pilots, you will be shown all the best sites and will be welcome back. We don’t publish site names and locations

because flying sites have been lost by visiting flyers who have upset land owners. To assist travelling pilots, people wishing to learn to fly or to contact hang gliding and paragliding clubs, here is a list of people who can help you.

Those on the list or wishing to be listed, should contact their Club Secretaries who should keep Airborn and the NZHGPA website updated of changes of contact details.

NORTHLAND H.G.P.C. C/- Guntram Gross 1 Brook Road Whangarei Email: skywalk@igrin.co.nz Pres, Airsp; Shane Gross...............09 436 0268 Sec/Treas; Guntram Gross.............09 436 0268 PGSO; Wolfgang Harder................09 403 7594 HGSO; Stephen Chambers............09 430 3689 Herman Ahrens...............................09 432 9333

MANAWATU H.G.P.C. C/- Andrew Brownlie 11 Hollows Crescent Takaro Palmerston North 4412 Email: flyer.rosscoe@gmail.com Pres, Airsp: Ricky Winduss (Wanganui) .......................... 06 345 7659, or 027 447 4117 Sec/Treas, HGSO: Ross Gray......021 126 0892 PGSO: Andrew Brownlie ...........027 444 8911

AUCKLAND H.G.P.C. PO Box 47813 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144 Email: info@cloudbase.org.nz www.cloudbase.org.nz Pres: Stefan Sebregts .................027 225 2255 Sec: Graham Surrey ..................021 0262 5023 Treas: Malcolm Dawson...............021 052 1568 HGSO: Fraser Bull .......................027 801 4044 PGSO: Reuben Muir.......................09 446 0020 Airsp: Leslie Graham .....................09 579 6485 Stefan Sebregts ...........................021 266 1287 Steve Price ....................................021 781 828 Eva Keim .......................................09 446 0051 Skywings Paragliding ....................09 570 5757 Aqua Air Adventure Hang Gliding.. 027 288 0193 Wings And Waves Paragliding ......09 446 0020

BAY OF PLENTY H.G.P.C. C/-Dominique Le Sellin 41, Ririnui Place, Maungatapu Tauranga 3112 Email: bophangparaclub@gmail.com www.facebook.com/BOPHangGlidingParagliding Pres: Dave Washer.......................0275 992 934 Sec: Dominique Le Sellin...................... 021 617 111 PGSO: Darrell Packe........................027 249 2702 HGSO: James Low.......................021 102 5004 Airsp: Rhys Akers.........................021 177 7563 Sites: Dave Shaw...........................07 575 9560 Kiwi Air.........................................021 1046 208 Mount Paragliding........................027 249 2702

HAWKES BAY H.G.P.C. Inc. 30 Kaweka Place Havelock North 4130 Email: hbhgpc@gmail.com www.soarhawkesbay.co.nz Pres, Rebecca Rae.........................021 605 204 Sec/Treas: Duncan McNab..........027 624 6434 Airsp: Shaun Gilbert.....................022 477 8804 PGSO: Sam Elkink..........................06 824 3123 HGSO: Ross MacKay.....................06 877 2052 Sites Liason; Euan Talbot ..............06 877 8999

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KEY Pres; .............................................. President

Sec; ............................ Secretary/Treasurer PGSO; ............. Paragliding Safety Officer HGSO; .......... Hang Gliding Safety Officer CFI;...........................Chief Flying Instructor Airsp;.................................Airspace Officer

AORANGI H.G.C. C/- Tom Knewstubb PO Box 5976 Dunedin Pres, Airsp; Kevin McManus........021 134 0463 Sec, HGSO; Tom Knewstubb (wk) 027 289 6103 PGSO: Lisa Bradley......................021 156 3256 SOUTHERN H.G.P.C. C/- Mark Hardman PO Box 1122, Queenstown 9348 Email: admin@southernclub.co.nz www.southernclub.co.nz Pres; Tim Brown...........................021 182 4243 Sec: Melanie Heather...................021 204 0163 Treas: Kat Cerna.........................021 0291 0851 PGSO: Blake Round.....................027 367 7679 HGSO: Pete Helliwell .........................................

Sites: Cathal McLoughlin...........021 024 00350 Events: Chris Shaw......................021 051 2905 IT/Web: Daniel Diaz Rizo....................................

Airsp: David Hansen...........................................

Craig Smith...................................027 343 3537 Helen Jeffery................................022 303 2738 Mark Hardman................................021 809 275 Coronet Peak Tandem PG & HG..0800 467 325 Skytrek Hang Gliding & Paragliding.0800 759 873 Extreme Air............................ 0800 PARAGLIDE Infinity Paragliding School..........021 0228 2939 Paraventures Paragliding...............021 809 275

Photo; Mike Crawford

TARANAKI FREE FLYERS C/- Dennis Green 38 Kaitake Rd RD4, New Plymouth Pres, Sec, HGSO, Airsp; Dennis Green .......................................................06 752 7618 John H. Morgan..............................06 759 4262

MARLBOROUGH H.G.P.C. C/- Richard Evans PO Box 546 Blenheim Email: evans.r@xtra.co.nz Pres, Airsp: Jason Gluer.............021 0824 7543 Sec/Treas: Richard Evans..............021 648 783 HGSO: John Urlich: .......................03 577 8886 PGSO: Russell Read....................027 448 0888

CANTERBURY H.G.P.C. Inc. C/- Cliff Swailes 22 Hemingway Place, Spencerville, Christchurch 8083 Email: cliffflyer@gmail.com www.chgpc.org.nz Pres: Simon Corbett.................... 021 205 0878 Sec/Treas; Cliff Swailes................021 204 9960 PGSO; Sam Bartholomew .............021 819 755 HGSO; Max Gebhardt................. 022 159 6101 Sites PG; Rob Kennedy................021 220 7993 Sites HG; Reece Fisher..................021 806 390 Airsp; Peter Taylor........................021 066 9886 Website; Stephen O’Shaughnessy.03 326 7373 Canty HG School; Bill Degen.......021 247 2676 Cloudbase Paragliding.................027 532 4874 Nimbus Paragliding......................027 432 4874 ParaPro.........................................0800 548 323

Alex Crawford launches his C4 at Takaka Hill.

WAIKATO H.G.P.C. Inc. C/- Ian Manton PO Box 131, Matamata 3440 Email: ian@imatec.co.nz Pres: Mark McDonald...................020 444 9995 Sec/Treas: ................ Ian Manton 027 546 2832 PGSO: Bruce Vickerman ...............07 868 4991 HGSO: Rick Hawkeswood.............07 868 6250 Airsp: Neil Howe.............................07 304 9631

WELLINGTON H.G.P.C. PO Box 9824 Marion Square Wellington 6141 www.whgpc.nz Email: info@whgpc.org.nz Pres: Chris Connolly ....................022 676 5599 Past Pres: Kris Ericksen...............021 116 4558 Sec/Treas: Grant Firth................... 021 422 698 PGSO: Adrian Watts.......................021 981 855 HGSO: Grant Tatham...................027 636 3491 Airsp: Ian Miller ............................022 176 8205 Communications; Vincent Audebert .....................................................022 186 8452 Oceania Paragliding School.........022 676 5599

TASMAN H.G.P.C. C/- Annett Teichner 1137 Motueka Valley Highway, RD1, Motueka 7196 Email: thgpgclub@gmail.com Pres; Josh Benjamin ....................021 136 5405 Sec; Annett Teichner..................021 0231 0755 Treas; Brian Erasmus .....................03 545 1003 PGSO; Greg Benjamin....................03 545 1543 PGSO; Pete Polansky ...................03 528 7374 HGSO; John King..........................03 548 8263 Site Owners; Tim Percival .............03 548 7397 Site Maintenance; Frog Twissell ....03 538 0339 Airsp; Claus Petry.........................021 250 4836 Nelson Paragliding.........................03 544 1182 Adventure Paragliding....................021 762 769 Hang Gliding NZ.............................03 540 2183 Tasman Sky Adventures...............027 229 9693

ISSN 1170-9928

printed on recycled paper

Magazine of the NEW Zealand Hang Gliding & Paragliding Assn. Inc. Published every three months for hang gliding and paragliding enthusiasts in New Zealand and abroad ● Subscription is by membership of NZHGPA (a

legal requirement for all hang glider and paraglider pilots in NZ) ● For non

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N.Z.H.G.P.A. INC., 57 Kingsford Drive, Stoke, Nelson 7011, New Zealand www.nzhgpa.org.nz

Administration and Licensing Chief Executive Officer

Evan Lamberton, 35A Manly Esplanade, Browns Bay, North Shore City 0630, 09 478 0063, 021 407833, ceo@nzhgpa.org.nz Administrator

Nicky Hamill, 46 Quail Rise, Stoke, Nelson 7011, 027 202 1806, admin@nzhgpa.org.nz Executive Committee President

Kyla MacDonald, phone 021 056 2320, president@nzhgpa.org.nz Vice President/Secretary

Derek Divers, 106 Lachlan Avenue, RD2, Wanaka 9382, 03 443 7190, 027 493 1112, vice-president@nzhgpa.org.nz Hang Gliding Operations Manager

Mark Alton, 167 Mahoenui Road, Coatesville, Auckland 0793, 022 195 5746, hg.operations@nzhgpa.org.nz Hang Gliding Training Manager

Grant Tatham, 4 Phillip St, Carterton, 5713, 06 379 7322, 027 636 3491, hg.training@nzhgpa.org.nz Paragliding Training Manager

Mark Hardman, 021 809 275, pg.training@nzhgpa.org.nz Paragliding Operations Manager

Blake Round, Queenstown, 027 367 7679, pg.operations@nzhgpa.org.nz Executive Member

Duncan Mcnab, 43 Guthrie Road, Havelock North 4130, 027-6246434, Duncan@magnificent.co.nz Appointed Officers National Airspace Officer

Nick Taber, 27 Strathaven Place, Dodson Valley, Atawhai, Nelson 7010. 03 545 0766, 021 420 742, nicktaber@hotmail.com Website Manager

Adriel Kind, 027 964 5397, adriel.nzhgpa@gmail.com Chief Medical Advisor

Samuel Bartholomew, 3A Dalleys Lane, Lyttleton, Christchurch 8082, bartholomew.sam@gmail.com Internal Auditor

Kris Ericksen, 11 Koromiko Road, Aro Valley, Wellington 6012, 04 938 6539, 021 116 4558, audit@nzhgpa.org.nz Disciplinary Committee Convenor

Kyla MacDonald, phone 021 056 2320, president@nzhgpa.org.nz Bookshop Manager

Evan Lamberton, 35A Manly Esplanade, Browns Bay, North Shore City 0630, 09 478 0063, 021 407833, ceo@nzhgpa.org.nz Hang Gliding Competition Committee

Mark Alton, 167 Mahoenui Road, Coatesville, Auckland 0793, 022 195 5746, markalton@yahoo.com Dennis Thorpe, dennis_thorpe@hotmail.com Max Gebhardt, 03 312 7899, 022 159 6101, aerosm@gmail.com Paragliding Competition Committee

Johnny Hopper (chair), 021 056 2275, nzhgpapcc@googlegroups.com Tim Brown, 03 442 5319, 021 182 4243, nzhgpapcc@googlegroups.com Wayne Rohrs, 021 663 383 nzhgpapcc@googlegroups.com

In This Issue...

Paragliding World Champs..........................................................4 Hang Gliding World Champs.....................................................10 15 Years of Flying.......................................................................14 Kiwis at the Red Bull X-Alps......................................................18 AGM, Executive Reports ...........................................................22 Events..........................................................................................24 Safety Checks, Site Notices......................................................25

Please send advertisements, photos and articles to the editor:

Cross Country Championships...........................................26, 28

Flight Pix......................................................................................31

Post:

Email:

Airborn Magazine

99A Panorama Road Christchurch 8081 New Zealand

aero@xtra.co.nz

Classified Advertisements.........................................................30

FRONT COVER: Stephan Morgenthaler (SUI) above Monte Avena in Round 5 of the Paragliding World Championships. He’s on his way to the start up on the Rocky faces on the left of the photo. The town of Pedavena is at the right.

Next issue deadline: 31 december 2017 A

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World Paragliding Champ

By Stuart Mackintosh

F

rom the 1st to the 15th of July the 15th World Paragliding Champs were held in Feltre in northern Italy. NZ sent a team of three pilots, the first time since 2011 that we had more than one pilot. The team was made up of Matt Senior, Louis Tapper and myself, Stuart Mackintosh.

Matt lives in the USA, Louis in NZ and I live in Italy, about 4 hours drive from Feltre. Matt and Louis managed to arrive a few weeks before the comp and warmed up by flying a Paragliding World Cup event in Serbia and doing some other flying in the Alps. I joined the team in Feltre at the start of the competition.

Opening Ceremony Led by traditional drummers, the teams complete with country names and national flags paraded through the old streets of Feltre. As we got closer to the center, the crowds got

Looking north towards the Dolomites bigger and the cheering louder. It was amazing to see so much local support for the event, a theme that would remain for the duration of the championships.

It was great to also see some kiwi supporters in the crowd. The parade culminated in the central square where the teams were presented one by one on the central stage.

The Flying Sites Feltre is located in a valley running east west behind the first mountain range of the Alps north of the Venice

plains. Directly behind the famous Bassano site.

The valley is wide and flat enough that venturing out into it is like flying over the plains. The backbone of the flying area is the northern ridge. Its lower slopes, often forested, give way to pasture and are crested by rocky spines and cliffs. These are known as the little Dolomites. On a good day, climbing up to 2500m gives you an impressive view of the more central Dolomites to the north.

The take-off at Feltre is on top of a flat topped hill called Mount Avena. Mount Avena sits out in the valley away from the main ridge and almost directly above the landing/ goal field. The top of the hill, with its dormant ski tows is dotted with cows with bells munching on lush green pasture. It often sits below the inversion and has a lower cloud base than the main range.

Often it was quite a stressful scramble fighting with up to 150 other pilots over every scrap of lift in the stable air before getting enough height to glide over the back to the faces of the main range where the start would often be located.

The organiser later conceded that 150 pilots was a bit too much for the site and admitted to getting a lot more grey hair during the event while watching the gaggles from take-off.

The variations in terrain, humidity, and inversions often led to pronounced differences in cloud base around launch. Often when gliding back to take-off on one of the typical zig zag tasks we would have to glide around the clouds that were lower than those where we had come from.

On one particularly strange day, the last task in fact, waiting for the start around launch I had the strange situation where I was in a thermal and the cloud started forming below me in the thermal. A first for me.

As an alternative, when bases were low or the risk of thunderstorms was high, a take-off near Bassano was also available. Fronting onto the plains meant that in the event of over development pilots could fly away from the danger. This site would prove to be a very useful alternative over the competition right from day one.

This launch is above Marostica, about 10km west of the normal Bassano/Monte Grappa take-offs.

This site, only usable during comps, got us a much bigger take off and importantly away from the chaos that often prevails in the air at the popular Monte Grappa take-offs.

At around 800m this take-off meant that we could fly when Monte Avena was in cloud.

The Flying Left; NZ Paragliding Team at the Opening ceremony

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Rather than write up a day by day rundown of the event, I’ll leave you

s 2017

Above; Avoiding the cloud Right; Over Monte Avena with some impressions, memories and thoughts on the flying.

The first day was a practice day.

A chance for the organisers to test their systems and the pilots to test theirs. I have to say that personally I had things go wrong that day that in 4 odd years of competitions I have never had go wrong before. It was good to get these gremlins out of the way on a test day.

We flew a total of 11 tasks. The flying was hard. As far as conditions go I don’t think we ever had an easy day. Lots of days with stability down low and instability up high. In the end we had 4 stopped tasks with rain on the course.

Sometimes we had the bad luck of local showers right where we happened to be. Other times a wall of water bearing down on the course from a thunderstorm or we struggled in the stability.

If there was one mistake that I never seemed to learn from was getting caught in a big queue at launch and not having enough time to get to the start area and get high. Pilots were reluctant to take off early in the stable airmass and just when you thought ‘I should go and take off’ about 100 others had the same idea.

One particular day, I for the life of me couldn’t climb out of launch.

Stuck in front of launch with one

other pilot on an identical wing, we eventually started the race 20 minutes after everyone else. Imagine our delight to get the start and glide into the next valley and find almost every other pilot either landing or scrapping for lift about 100m off the

deck... phew. About an hour later, for the few that were left in the air the task was stopped due to rain on the course. This task was kind of the Worlds in a nutshell... too stable and too unstable all rolled into one.

The first day of the competition

proper kicked off with a high chance of thunderstorms so, perhaps disappointingly for the organisers, the only option was to go to Bassano.

As mentioned, we would end up back at Bassano several times during the competition, 4 times in

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Right; Rubbio take-off (Bassano) fact. In hindsight we should have probably gone there more often but understandably the organisers wanted to fly as much as possible in Feltre.

Stand out memories for me of Bassano include flying in a tight gaggle of 120+ pilots along the ridge along from take-off. The conditions were not at all generous, but the first few thermals were out of the question as we were completely boxed in. Pilots to the left, to the right, above, below, behind, and in front, made turning impossible.

As we followed the terrain around, milking the buoyant air in the shade, we passed a town perched on the ridge. At the time, it was the only thing around in sunshine. I remember looking down at the town seeing no-one about to enjoy the show, then I spotted a lone woman on her balcony with the whole spectacle all to herself.

Another task at Bassano saw the stragglers (me) playing cat and mouse with the rain. Flying out of the rain, only having it catch us up after stopping to thermal.

Results wise, it was a disappointing champs for the NZ team. Each of us went there with different aspirations and goals but I think that all three of us flew well below our potential.

There’s a lot to take back, learn from and feed back into our own

flying and, potentially, there are some things that we could feed into to the NZ comp scene in general.

Matt finished in 125th, Louis 140th and I 144th.

The organisers did an absolutely amazing job of promoting the event and getting the locals involved. Every day of the competition there was something for visitors, expos, art exhibitions, competitions. There was a running race and a cycling race run

Right; Day 3 mass landing after stopped task at Bassano Below; Crossing the Brenta Valley, flying toward Mt Grappa

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Above; Heading off surrounded by other pilots Right; Day 10 about to be Stopped by incoming bad weather Below right; Thermal at launch from the HQ on a couple of days.

Every evening there was something on at HQ; Latin American evening, pizza night, polenta night and live music. Twice the pilots were bussed to outlying towns to be hosted by the local communities for a meal in the squares. Lots of media coverage and even an official postage stamp issued for the event.

This outreach to the community was reflected in the warmth of the locals in the entire valley. One of the stopped tasks saw me land with about 10 other pilots in a family’s backyard. As it was starting to rain the family emptied out their 4 car garage to give us a place to fold our wings under cover.

On another occasion I was invited to fold my wing on a family’s lawn and given a cold drink as I did so.

A far cry from my usual landing out stories. Results aside, it was an amazing experience to be part of.

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CLASSIFICATION EN-C

r a g l a n - o z o n e f l a g s h i p s t o r e i n f o @ o z o n e n e w z e a l a n d . c o m

A Worldly Experience

It was three years or so ago that I set a goal of qualifying for the World Hang Gliding Championships, At first I had no idea how to qualify, I had heard other pilots around the fire talking about having enough world points, I had no idea what FAI world points were or meant, or what a Cat 2 competition meant...

Derek launches at brasilia I found out after six months of pestering and asking many question over and over, because that’s just what I do, that you can only gain world points if the comp is Cat 2 registered, The more international good pilots that enter a Cat 2 comp with high points themselves, that comp is rated as a great comp to score great points, so the better the chance of gaining your 20 FAI World points required to qualify you for the worlds. A percentage of points drop off each year so you need to keep competing in these Cat 2 comps.

So those very competitive pilots that compete in every comp they can, are able to accumulate a hell of a lot of points, as well as living the dream.

I began hang gliding just over eight years ago and have enjoyed every moment, I have also enjoyed all forms of competition and thought why not take hang gliding to the next level,

just because I can. So after drowning my glider Blackie off the coast and learning how to hold my breath I needed a new wing.

In 2014 I was off to Canungra Australia, I went to pick up my first Moyes RS4 that John Smith had organised for me. It had around 150 hours on it but was just perfecto considering my reputation of ‘Demolition Derek’. I was not going to buy new or could not afford to either.

While I was there I competed in the Canungra Classic. This comp was so much fun, just being away from social flying in New Zealand to being amongst some of the best pilots in the world taught me I have much to learn. I did find myself very reserved, aiming at bringing my wing home safe as Canungra is challenging.

At one point I found myself beneath tree level in a valley with

no landings; gum trees everywhere.

I was in a basin doing large circles for at least ten minutes and only just maintaining, waiting for that magic thermal. I then found myself sinking and made an instant decision to aim for the ridge on lee side as I did not like the look in the other direction at all; two kms of large gum trees, I ran down that ridge sinking deeper into the valley until I felt lift, yes on lee side too.

I managed to just clear the gums by 20 meters and landed at the model airfield only 2 kms away. Many of us have discussed if we ever get ourselves in a situation over trees and can not get out that we should pull our reserve so we at least have a chance of our reserve snagging in a tree to stop our fall to the ground as hang gliders do not come off well landing in trees, I did not know that then.

I gained 4.3 world points in that

comp, had an amazing time as it was very social, 48th out of around 60 pilots.

My next comp was Dalby Big Air in Australia again in 2016, this was a tow meet that I had heard so much about. I needed my tow rating for this comp so Dan Campbell and I went to Motueka where Trevor flew us through this together. I highly recommend Trevor as he also flies hang gliders.

I just loved Dalby and at this stage I must say that each of these comps need at lease a two page spread so I’m going speed things up a bit. John Smith kindly let me use his spare RS4, I flew three flights over 100 kms, I gained 2.6 points in 47th position.

My Canungra points at this stage had dropped to from 4.3 to 2.2 so I was now on 4.8 World points in total.

My next comp was Forbes in Australia where the last Worlds were, Forbes is known for very long tasks,

Left; How they did the launch area; 4 launches and they could launch 150 pilots in 45 minutes

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Derek McKee at the 21st World Hang Gliding Championships in Brasilia 2017 Gaggles, two thermals converging “hell yeah, bring it on” another great comp, lots of international pilots. I flew the task off 226 kms on the last day to set me off on a huge high. I feel that being competitive is great but having and breaking your own personal goals and being around amazing pilots and learning so much in these environments far exceeds any dreams by a mile, so just being there and doing it is my buzz.

2.5 points were gained at Forbes, My Canungra points had dropped to 0.1 and Dalby to 2.5, total now 5.1 World points, 60th out of 69 pilots.

My goal getting to the worlds was looking tough at this stage. The next Worlds at Brasilia, capital of Brazil was going to be the last time they were going to let pilots fly over the city and land in the middle of the city just a few blocks from the Kings Palace. I had heard so much about Brasilia and how amazing this experience was so this also was a goal of mine to qualify for the Worlds in August 2017.

So off to Dalby again in April 2017 where I would gain the rest of my points, or would I? I had another great time, being thrashed and learning from the best, 3.3 World points, 40th out of 50 pilots, Canungra points had dropped off to 0 now, my first Dalby 2.4, Forbes 2.5, second Dalby 3.3, Total 8.2.

Well half way through that Dalby I knew I would not have enough World points to get to Brasilia, but that was all OK because I was still living the dream and with all my flying buddies at Dalby, I really needed to get around 33rd to gain 15 points plus my 5.1 points, but also being aware that some of those points

will drop off as well. At this stage I would like to thank the New Zealand hang gliding comp committee; Mark, Max, Dennis, for registering our New Zealand Nationals as a Cat 2 event, I was running 4th at the Nationals on the final day in Feb 2017 but saw an opportunity to take 3rd and went for it, and to also increase my points, “Oops”, that didn’t work out but still glad I went for it, I ended up 9th.

What was interesting is that it takes around a month for the points to be added to the FAI web site. While I was away at Dalby I searched the FAI web site and was treated to see that I had gained 17.9 World points at our own Nationals in New Zealand. So Dalby 2016 2.4, Forbes 2017 2.5, Dalby 2017 3.3, NZ Nationals 2017 17.9 = 26.1, I had just qualified for the Worlds in Brasilia.

I was over the moon, Now to go on these trips we all know it cost a lot of money, I remember one day driving in Christchurch realising that I did not have the funds to get to Dalby 2017 as I don’t like taking it out of my business. I was driving past Turners Auction rooms, I love popping in for a look so I did, I saw two pallets of Lutz heaters that I knew retail at $1700 each, I put an absentee bid on these at $90 each and won them all, I put them straight onto Trade Me and sold 60% of them for over $4200, from an $800 purchase, so one week later my funds had come through. When you really want it you can make it happen.

Then onto the Worlds in Brasilia.

Our Canterbury Club kindly offered $500 towards my entry fees, the Auckland Club put on a bbq and raised a few hundred dollars, the

NZHGPA gave $1500 to the NZ team of John, Jonas, myself, and Hagen as team manager. A Give A Little page raised just under $4000 for the team which all helped us so much.

John and I booked our tickets and met up with Jonas and Hagen in Brasilia, We hired a car, used an airbed on the roof as a cushion for three gliders so the roof did not get damaged, “as you do”. Jonas organised our great accommodation not far from the Esplanada where we land.

I had organised hire of a 154 T2 Wills Wing glider as we had heard all sorts of horror stories taking gliders in and out of Brazil, and also at a cost of $1000 - $2000 each way to transport.

My 154 that turned up late, was totally rinsed and delaminating and was not the glider in the photos that I was emailed and promised.

Luckily I was offered a 144 T2 while John was setting up his Icaro Laminar with Christian Ciech that he had purchased off Glauco Pinto.

The Italian team had just turned up and were setting up there Icaro Laminars, Christian being the current World Champion. It was just amazing being around these guys watching, listening, learning, drawling over all the Laminars being rigged.

We allowed three days before the comp to test fly and get settled. When we

reached the take-off on our first test flight day I remember feeling so excited and could not wait to take off. The take-off ridge is around 4000 feet above sea level. You do not want to land in the bomb-out as it is around 1-2 hours retrieval and I did not want to do this to Hagen. I had a great test flight but landed in a field that I thought was straw but was filled with these little prickles; seeds that covered every centimeter from my waist down. Shorts, socks; in the bin and two hours plucking them off my shoes and they were sharp as. Later I was informed from a local not to land in any green fields.

The next day was on, great thermals everywhere, I had an

Right; Derek covered in seeds

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Left; Thermalling in front of take-off Right; Heading over the city

amazing flight and flew around 90 kms and was treated to land at the Esplanada for the first of two times while in Brasilia, I was so over the moon.

My personnel goal was to do as well as I could at my first Worlds, 75th out of 150 pilots would have been a dream, 99th was my real realistic goal, 113th was my end result from 150 pilots. I was very happy with this result and it has given me a great gauge for the next Worlds.

My results; 1st race 108th, 111th, 121st, 110th, 101st, 62nd, 96th, 101st, 73rd in the final race but penalised to 87th because I flew too low over the city, “but it was so exciting” and I just had to make it to the Esplanada on my last day. I must say I was looking at all sorts of interesting landings on the way in. 150 pilots started and 131 pilots finished the Worlds.

There were blue skies just about every day which made it very difficult and everyone was saying it was the most unusual conditions they had ever flown in Brasilia. I have many in flight memories; One when was

I was unzipped to land on a blue day, many pilots were landing out and there was this large forest fire which just was such a temptation.

I flew straight at it and managed thermalling over a small fire over the ridge working my way up from 1000 feet to over 10,000 feet in minutes while hanging onto the base bar as tight as I could on 3⁄4 vg.

I remember at one stage at 3000 feet seeing an incredible amount of smoking and burning leaves and ash rising with and around me but I still hung in there. At 9000 feet I could not look at my instrument as I was concentrating on not being either tumbled or another glider appearing out of nowhere. I left at 10,500 feet just to be safe.

That thermal set me up to catch up and pass many pilots. I made one bad mistake 20 kms down the track as I could see the lead bunch ahead of me, I flew straight through many thermals but at 5500 feet I flew through the one I should have topped up in. I felt as though I could catch up to the leading bunch which I did but entered at 1000-2000 feet, where I

could not find the thermal at all. Once I landed, I could understand there was a 500 foot rise in the flatlands that I was on the lee side of which sucked me down. I loved that flight, although I landed I was really racing for the first time. I was flying with

John landing at goal the Aussie and French teams and understanding much better how fast to fly in between thermals, when to leave and thermal and what to look out for.

I had some very interesting landings, I was with three other pilots one day and we all were caught in sink on a little hill beneath the ridge line but not far from the motorway waiting for a thermal to pop off. It didn’t, at 1200 feet I left the ridge not knowing where the other two were.

I flew into wind with a sink rate that did not like at all.

My first option was a very small paddock but then a power line was going straight across it and forest everywhere around it. My second option was a very small car park behind a swimming pool out in the middle of nowhere which I was setting up for but I saw children, so I took the 3rd option.

I had noted no cars coming either way on the motorway for me to do a quick in and out landing. There was an area beside the motorway

Left; Oops nowhere to land

12 A i r b o r n

where I wanted to land but as I came in I was too high, I pulled off my first and hopefully last road landing having to pull the bar in so I could get between and below the overhanging trees either side and flying 80kmh two meters above the road bleeding speed, saying to myself, “Just pretend it’s grass.” I pulled off a great flare that day.

Another time I was just before the lake near Brasilia when I was wanting that one thermal to get me to the Esplanada. All the paddocks below had small bushes and trees so not good for landing. I could have landed in the slums but John landed there a day before and did not recommend it. I did see a large area that looked like a factory from 3-5 km away with a large security fence surrounding it. I thought the fence was there because it was

down the road from the slums and saw there was a small football field in the middle and thought as it was the weekend, if I landed in there I could somehow get out. I did see one person from a distance walking so that would be my option.

It was not until I was down to 2000ft that I realised that there were army trucks and it seemed to be a very large Army barracks; “The Brazilian Army Barracks!”. Oh well here we go, I was on a hired glider and did not want to land on the motorway again.

I ended up landing on their football field and within minutes was surrounded by some very young soldiers with automatic machine guns, I raised my hands and smiled and said out loud, “I’m not James Bond” and laughed to lessen the tension, which it did.

The sergeant arrived soon after and she spoke good English. The Admiral arrived next and after I was searched, we all then relaxed and had a great conversation about hang gliding, New Zealand, and how I feel the Brazilian Army should be teaching hang gliding

and paragliding as this would be a great confidence builder for the new recruits. The Admiral was very serious on giving it a go, I said cheekily that I was an instructor and could come over an help instruct, He seemed very impressed with this and me being an instructor which also helped alleviate the tension.

I at this stage was thankful that I had my pilots license with me and also had photo of my NZ passport stored on my phone, this I feel is now a must for any pilot flying internationally. We took some friendly photos and they escorted me to the front gates where Hagen, John, Jonas were cracking up when they drove up.

To go to a Worlds, to travel away with John, Jonas, Hagen, who are so experienced was a buzz in itself,

Any time spent away with a better pilot let alone 150 of the best in the world has got to leave an impression.

I really needed to be on a 154 glider as the blue days seemed to leave me 500 feet below the bunch, On the two really thermic days the 144 was amazing and I got into goal both those days.

To fly in thermals with 60 pilots in two thermals combining into one thermal of 120 is the most exciting flying ever. To take off most days in pre-launch and fly for over an hour in massive gaggles for over an hour waiting for the start of each race was just incredible for me, and any extra airtime had to be great.

There were accidents, head on collisions, parachute deployments, a few injuries, the other two pilots

Below; On approach and at the Army base

Above; On approach to goal Right; Over the top penalty but funny that I was with landed in trees, one at the back of the swimming pool, and one at the base of the ridge in a tree that ended his Worlds but he will fly again.

I have written this to help other less experienced pilots realise you too can get to the Worlds. Get those worlds points and come compete and also have the time of your lives. There are so many other stories to be written or shared around the fire.

See you in the air.

Left; The tracking system was amazing Below; Derek, Jonas, Hagen and John

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My 15 Years of Flying Alex Crawford shares his experiences

W

ell it all started fifteen odd years ago when I saw hang gliding on TV.

Keen to give it a go, I did a tandem with John Smith, and I was hooked straight away. After a week of lessons I was doing high flights from 3000 feet, what a buzz. I do most of my flying around the top of the South Island where I live in Nelson. Over the years I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. In this article I explore some of the memorable moments I’ve had along the way.

Landing on a tennis court, Takaka Hill 2002 I had arranged a tandem flight for my mum with Glenn Meadows. We drove up Takaka Hill and conditions were looking great. After a few practise runs, Glenn and Mum take off and are soon soaring high above launch. Five minutes later I take off.

I’m flying my new Airborne Blitz 146.

I soared up and down the ridge for about half an hour. The wind on the ground is south west, which means landing is slightly down hill. Clint lands first in a slightly flatter paddock down the road, in Upper Takaka. We all end up landing there.

After the tandem lands, I set up my approach, lining up corner to corner to get the most length out of the paddock. Ground effect seemed to go on and on as I chewed up the paddock. Running out of room, I have

to decide whether to fly into a deer fence or try and flare over it. I choose the second option. I push out and fly straight into a tree. I spin round 90 degrees over the fence and land on a tennis court with a small crowed watching, including my mum. I was bruised but not broken, apart from one down tube.

Losing the truck, Havelock 2002 We meet up at Newtons farm. There were about a dozen pilots there. We loaded up the truck and made our way up to launch. It was a steep grassy farm track. Not to worry as we had John Urlich (Boot) driving us up, he`s used to these sorts of roads.

I set up my glider. The wind was light and over the back, so no one took off. I had brought my mum along to be a retrieve driver. Next minute a big dark cloud starts coming down the valley towards us. A decision was made to pack up and drive down the hill, as it was not looking flyable.

As the cloud got closer it started to hail. We were coming up to a steep section of the track. Mum and I opted to walk down the steep bit. With Tom Collet and Boot still in the car, they carry on down the hill. Everyone was pretty keen to get down the track before it got too slippery. Next thing, the car starts sliding down the hill. Boot tries to stop it by driving into the bank, but it`s no use. The truck keeps on sliding down towards a

big bluff. At the last minute Tom and Boot dive out of the truck, as it flies off the end of the bluff. Crashing down a few seconds later, landing in a punga tree. Thankfully no one was hurt. Everyone walked down the hill after that.

Caught in a drift net, Kokorua 2003 It was late summer and a club day was organised for Kokorua, a 500 ft coastal site north of Nelson. There was a good turn-out with about 15-20 pilots. It was a perfect looking day, sunny with a light onshore breeze. I make my way to launch and I’m soon soaring. As conditions were light, no one was getting much height above the ridge and it was starting to get crowded. There were gliders in front of me and to the seaward side.

I was feeling boxed in, so I turn in towards the hill to do a pass over launch. At the same time a paraglider does a reverse launch below me.

Next thing I know I’m getting gift wrapped by a paraglider. My nose drops and I’m pointing straight at the ground. With seconds to spare, I stuff the bar out to lesson the impact.

I crash into a small patch of grass on top of the hill, narrowly missing Mark Dunning. Unsure if I`d done any serious damage the rescue helicopter was called. A short time later I was winging my way back to Nelson.

Luckily there was

Left; The old hilux after sliding off the hill at Havelock Right; Brought down by a paraglider, Kokorua.

14 A i r b o r n

no serious damage, just a fractured wrist and a trip to the chiropractor.

Six weeks later I was back out flying.

Glory ring, Takaka Hill 2006 It was a late autumn day. I head up Takaka Hill with James Whitehead.

There was an 8 knot westerly on launch. James takes off first and disappears around the corner. Not sure if it was on yet, I waited for a bit.

Twenty minutes later I spot James, and he`s way up the ridge towards Hailes Knob. I’m soon off the hill, flying my new Sport 2. Once around the corner I find lift all the way along the ridge.

After an hour or so, orographic cloud sets up along the ridge. We were able to soar along the leading edge of the cloud. I noticed for the first time my glory ring projected on the cloud. Quite surreal, so I take a couple of photos of it. As the day wears on, the cloud drops below the

Left; Flying the Falcon 195 at Barnicoat Right; Flying my Blitz at Barnicoat ridge. It was still buoyant so we kept on soaring until sunset. Three hours all up in silky smooth air. A great day had at one of New Zealand’s most scenic sights.

Key drop, Inwoods Lookout 2007 Conditions are looking good when I turn up at Inwoods Lookout, with ten knots blowing up the south west launch. Take-off is high at 3450 feet, but it’s a long glide to any paddocks.

The first issue is I’ve tied my glider on too tight and it takes me ten minutes to get my glider off the car. I set up, take off and I’m soon soaring. I go to pull my zip up but it breaks, not to worry. There’s plenty of lift with thermals rolling through, taking me up to 4700 feet. Next thing I know there’s a kea just off my wing tip.

It’s not intimidated by me at all, and we spent the good part of an hour soaring around together. Such an amazing animal.

Above; Glory ring, Takaka Hill I top out and I’m ready to head down the valley, but I wonder why my driver hasn’t left yet. I finally put two and two together and reach down to my pocket. “Oh shit I’ve got the keys!”

I pull the bar in and get as low as I can over take-off. At the same time trying to get the keys out of my jeans pocket, not easy. I line up the skid site and drop the keys. They land just short, bugger. Ten minutes later the keys are found and the car is off down the hill.

It’s getting late and the sun is about to set. I thermal up and start gliding down the valley. By now the valley

was filling up with cloud below me, at around 2000 feet. The cloud was buoyant and I was able to soar along above it, like being on a cushion of air. It was whiting out in front of me, so I spiral down through the last gap in the clouds. Below me is the Belgrove Pub. I land in the closest paddock to it. By the time I pack up it’s dark and we’re off to the pub for a well earned beer.

Barnicoat to Fringed Hill 2008 I’ve done a lot of flying at Barnicoat as it is only half an hour down the road, and it’s frequently on. On this particular day I was flying with Glenn Meadows and James Whitehead.

There were good thermals rolling up the front and I was soon on top of the stack. I head up the ridge, top out on Half Way Hill and continue on to Jenkins. A strong thermal takes me to cloud base. Maxing out at 4000 feet as I follow the ridge round to Third House.

By now I’m above the sea breeze, flying in a south easterly. To my right I have a great view of the Bryant and Richmond Ranges, and Tasman Bay to my left. From there it’s a short glide on to Fringed Hill. Looking down I can see my house below me. Not wanting to get low as there are not many good landing options, I head back to Barnicoat, where Glenn and James are making their way up to Jenkins. The thermals are still cranking, so I glide down the ridge to the Richmond Lookout.

From there I try and get back to take off but succumb to the sink. I glide out to Saxton Field and set up my landing around the radio mast. An epic day at the local site.

and Ben were in the air and were hot on my tail. As we head east the ridge gets higher and higher. Shane leads the way onto Scrub Hill and Mt Rutland then disappears over the back.

I watch Ben, follow him over the back low and he soon finds himself on the deck. I arrive at Mt Rutland 100 feet above the top. Not wanting to suffer the same fate as Ben, I head back to my last thermal on Scrub Hill.

Once topped out, I head back to Mt Rutland and I’m no higher than I was before. I think, “Bugger it, I`ll go over the back anyway.” To my surprise I fly straight into a big thermal, taking me from 3000 to 5000 feet.

With plenty of height I glide over the Pelorus Valley to Takarika, where I’m joined in a thermal by Shane. The views are stunning, with Havelock below me and the Pelorus Sounds to my left. I glide over to Newtons farm, where I`d learnt to fly six years earlier. By now I was getting low, so I head out into the valley to land at the airstrip. An hour and a half later and about 20 km from launch. Another successful day in a great part of the country.

Rai Valley to Havelock 2008

North Island Trip, Rotorua 2017

This was my first flight at Rai Valley. Although take-off is relatively low at 1000 feet, this site has great potential. I was flying with Shane McKay and Ben McAlpine. I took off first and was soaring straight away.

Once around the corner I got a good climb above Mt Rimu. By now Shane

After a wet summer with not much flying, I was keen to get some airtime in. I decide to go to the Nationals in Rotorua, in the hope of some better weather. I convoy up there with John Horgan and Glenn Meadows.

On the way up we have a flight at Heights Road, which turns out is not very high. John forgot his suitcase and has no spare clothes. He goes shopping and comes back with a pair of size 8 ladies pants.

Once we get to Rotorua it’s pissing down with rain. We look for the shearers quarters where we are staying, so we knock on every house in the area. Turns out we’re in the wrong valley. Then John`s camper van breaks down 1 km from the accommodation. Eventually we find the shearers quarters. It’s pretty run down, not complaining though as it

Left; Take off in the Sport 2 at Linkwater

was the cheapest place to stay in town. I open the fridge to find a keg of home brew, I think we’re at the right place.

Day one of the Nationals and the weather is still average, so a decision was made to go to Tauranga to soar The Mount. This was a real treat as I don’t do much coastal flying. It was great to see so many gliders flying around in front of the public. It`s just what we need to promote our sport.

As the week progressed the weather improved. We got a few days in at the Paeroas, with tasks up and down the valley and over the back to Reporoa. Then it went easterly so it was off to Hickeys Bluff, a low site over the back. Although soarable I wasn’t able to get away.

By the end of the week the westerlies came back and we got the chance to fly the Kaimais. Conditions were text book with light winds and puffy white clouds as far as the eye could see. An out and back task was set along the ridge. I got off the hill early and climbed out straight away.

I started gliding north and end up getting quite low. Thinking I`d cooked it, I hooked a low save and I’m back up. Flying past waterfalls and soaring with sailplanes; this site it awesome.

I end up landing just short of turn point one. Happy though as it was my longest flight, 27 km. A great week of flying with a good bunch of pilots. It made up for the slow start to summer.

I’m still just as passionate about flying as I was when I first started. I love the natural high you get from a successful flight, and the freedom it offers. I enjoy the challenge the sport brings, No two flights are the same.

I’ve met some real characters and made some great friends over the years, and the view up there`s not too bad either. With less people taking to the sky I think more positive news stories about cross country flights, competitions and club days would get more people into the sport.

Well I`d love to keep waffling on but its sunny outside, so I’m going to go hang gliding. I`ll see you up on the hill.

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Kiwis at the X-Alps Supported by his mum and brother, Nick Neynens proves once again that a low key approach and an aversion to hiking can still bring success

By Tarquin Cooper

at the Red Bull X-Alps. That – and plenty of Kiwi spirit.

T

here is an unwritten rule of the Red Bull X-Alps. It’s that guys from the rest of the world and southern hemisphere don’t do well in the race. No matter how great a pilot or adventurer, they prove no match for the Euro boys who’ve grown up in the Alps, flying its alpine valleys.

The race’s history is indeed littered with the crushed dreams of nonEuropeans who dreamed big, got their entry but were then destroyed by the speed of the competition, in particular, its five time winner, the Swiss flying maestro Chrigel Maurer.

For 10 years this rule pretty much stood unchallenged. Until a jandalswearing Kiwi called Nick Neynens came along in 2015.

At first, it looked as if he was going to confirm the rule, finishing the first day in last place, after making one bad decision. But he chipped away, never gave up, put in a few epic flights

Photos copyright Red Bull Content Pool

and not only reached Monaco but came 10th, looking fresher at the finish than he had at the start.

And as is to prove it wasn’t just luck, he went back for more in the summer of 2017. The weather was a lot worse this time and although he didn’t ‘make goal’ – only two pilots did – he still came 9th.

“I’m happy about my performance,” says Nick. “One of the things I’m most proud of is that when you look at the stats, you can see I did the most flying out of anyone and the least walking.”

The Red Bull X-Alps proudly boasts

Top; Day 5, Nick relaunching after the Zugspitze / Lermoos turnpoint Photo; Harald Tauderer

Above; Neynens team NZ Photo; Honza Zak

Left; _landing at Aschau Photo; Honza Zak

that it’s a hike and fly race where being fast on the ground is just as important as flying. But Neynens is equally proud to have done his best to try and circumvent the hiking part.

“My goal was always to spend as much time is the air as possible.”

Sometimes, like at the start, that simply was not possible. The race began on July 2nd from the city of Salzburg, Austria. Ahead lay over 1,000km to Monaco via fixed turnpoints that would see athletes

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Left; Gaspard Petiot (FRA2) on Grubigstein, Austria Photo; Harald Tauderer

Right; Duncan Kotze (RSA) in Salzburg, Austria Photo; Vitek Ludvik

cross the main chain of the Alps several times in a route that began in Austria and led to Slovenia, southern Germany, Italy, Switzerland and then France.

On that first day the weather was the worst it had ever been in the race history, with a rainstorm that didn’t let up all day. The first hour of the race saw athletes hike to the top of the Gaisberg Peak above the city. It was windy as well, with quite a bite in the air, and some of them clearly looked as if they weren’t enjoying themselves very much.

The weather forced athletes to spend the first 36 hours of the race on foot. Forget images of wild alpine hiking trails – think brutal speed marching along an asphalt road, following the obvious artery south to Slovenia. Psychologically, it was tough for athletes to move so slowly, knowing how far there was to go.

“That first day was the one that knocked me around,” concedes Nick. But he emerged relatively unscathed. Many athletes were not so fortunate. The professional Red Bull pilot Aaron Durogati, joint winner of the Leatherman Prologue and one of the favourites, aggravated a previous injury and found himself unable to walk. He bravely continued for another couple of days, despite the obvious agony.

David Liano Gonzalez, the Mexican adventurer and multiple Everest summiteer (six times at the last count) also inflamed a preexisting injury and was out while the Austrian pilot Stephan Gruber managed to pick up an extremely painful Trench Foot related injury which he attributed to wearing shorts in the rain. Both his feet swelled up and it became extremely painful just to walk.

“It was a hard race this year,” says Nick. “I managed to get through pretty lightly, only just a couple of blisters on the soles of my feet. It was just uncomfortable walking but once you warmed up it was ok. I was fully fit with my legs and everything else.”

Nick’s performance and result was all the more extraordinary given how his shoestring approach compared to some of the more professional teams.

While every athlete has one mandatory supporter, in recent years it’s become common for some teams to have a full crew working behind the scenes with the top athletes paying for up to the minute weather reports and calling upon flying friends to act as dummy pilots to take to the air to test conditions. Then there are the friends and girlfriends who act as cooks, drivers and emotional support.

In contrast Nick had just his mum Karen and his brother Ben for support – and had to rely on his own knowledge as a meteorologist to judge the weather. And unlike other teams who were mostly in big campervans, their race vehicle was a genuine family car.

“This year it was definitely a family holiday theme,” he says.

There were a couple of times they weren’t able to keep up with Nick and he was forced to get help from strangers or hole up in a mountain hut but for the most part they proved

a crack team and the Neynens family would go on to win the best supporters award.

“I find I sleep better in the mountains and in the fresh air, anyway,” he says. “And a core part of the strategy was that my supporters were well rested, so I’d encourage them to have a sleep in while I went for my morning walk.”

“Quite a lot of people brought their girlfriends along but no one brought their mum,” says Nick. “It was quite unique the way we did it. A lot of people told us it was great. We had a good time during the race and had a lot of fun. We always tried to make it more about the adventure than the race.”

“The guys had never done it before so the first few days were a learning process. My brother is super organised and efficient and anything we didn’t get right, we sorted quickly. I was actually pretty blasé during the race.”

During the race Ben reported that

Nick was pretty low maintenance.

“He doesn’t eat much when he’s competing. I’d say he just has one regular meal a day, otherwise he just eats a bit of meat or cheese and some muesli bars. In fact, I’m eating more than him.”

Nick’s race plan was to try and always get himself into a position to fly at the end of every day and trust his own judgement and not follow the pack. At Lermoos, Turnpoint 4 for example, he was reluctant to follow the advice of local paragliders keen to advise him on where next to launch from.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s not to trust the locals,” he said at the time, albeit with a smile. On this occasion, it led to a decent launch, although Nick took a shortcut through a field of stinging nettles that was not so great.

Quite often, especially at this

Right; Day 6, late flight to slopes of the Brenta Photo; Sebastian Marko

Right; Meeting again in Italy, and an hour later I struck off on my own... again Photo; Sebastian Marko

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19

Above; Day 5 in the Oetztal (Austria, Italy bound), I am not actually pictured - it is race supporters flying - but was just below and behind Photo; Sebastian Marko mid-point in the race, and against his instincts he flew with the gaggle – a chaser group of competitors consisting of the likes of Pal Takats, Ferdie van Schelven, Pascal Purin and Manuel Nuebel.

Nick summed up this conflict on his blog sharemyjoys.com: “The African proverb says ‘to go fast, go alone, but to go far, go together.’ This wasn’t far from the truth.”

But day 8 saw him decide to strike out alone on what he called his ‘northern sojourn’. After Lake Garda, most athletes headed northwest to reach the Tellina valley system, an obvious east-west artery that led to the northern shores of Lake Como, which put the Matterhorn Turnpoint within striking distance.

But Nick decided to avoid the valley

and venture north, keen to explore where the flying would take him, rather than trudge along the road.

“It made things more interesting,” he said.

To the delight of Pal Takats, who was then sitting out a 48 hour time penalty, Nick ventured north into Switzerland only to discover the weather was just as terrible there. He played a waiting game, took some glides and begrudgingly accepted a four-hour hike to reach Maloja on the outskirts of St Moritz before the 10:30pm curfew.

“It was not necessarily a bad line,” Pal noted from his enforced camp on the shores of lake Como, “but after two days of bad weather he’s really off the route.”

“When I took that diversion I knew

Above; Neynens team with car it was risky in terms of strategy,” Nick recalled. “The potential was there to go better, but also worse so I was breaking even on the risks! My only regret is that by trying to follow my own path I went the same way I went two years ago. If I followed everyone else I would have flown somewhere new.”

I r o n i c a l l y, p e r h a p s d r i v e n subconsciously Nick ended up landing in the very same fields north of Bellinzona where he landed in 2015. Undoubtedly, this northern excursion cost him dearly in the

Day 5 hiking in the Karwendel between flights.

Soon afterwards I found the track Photo; Sebastian Marko

20 A i r b o r n

Photo; Honza Zak

rankings. “Of course when you look back, you think you could have done some things better. The decisions I took didn’t always give me the best result in terms of placing or distance along the course line,” Nick conceded. “But the way my race turned out was really cool and I did have some good adventures – like on the last day.”

On the last night Nick was just over 100km north of Monaco in the Piedmontese mountains west of Turin, the only athlete left in the race with a Ledlenser Night Pass, which lets athletes hike through the night.

His best tactical race decision would have been to have tramped through the night along the Italian flats (most likely along a road) which

Learn to Fly Hang gliding, paragliding schools and instructors that you can contact for qualified flight instruction in New Zealand

Above; Toma Coconea (ROU) & Gaspard Petiot (FRA2) on Mangart, Slovenia Photo; Vitek Ludvik could have seen him overtake as many as three guys ahead.

“But due to a bad decision, not paying attention, I got myself low at the end of a valley surrounded by 3,500m mountains. I had no food, no road access and nowhere to go but up over the mountain.”

Benighted on the hill and out of reach from his Mum and brother, Nick was forced to rest before timing his ascent to arrive at launch on first light, rather than risk a pointless overnight

mountain hike for a pitiful gain.

“I lost the opportunity to overtake people,” he says, “but I had an amazing morning flight. It was a special memory, flying over rocky slopes lit golden on sunrise, and shrouded in wavy clouds. For me, that was a really nice way to finish the race.”

True to form, Nick had managed to avoid pavement pounding until the end and still walked away with a very respectable race result.

Below; Prize ceremony - would you believe these jokers went on to win best supporters? Photo; Vitek Ludvik

NORTHLAND HANG GLIDING Skywalk Guntram Gross, Herman Ahrens Phone: 09 436 0268 or 09 432 9333, 021 072 0357 Email: skywalk@igrin.co.nz AUCKLAND HANG GLIDING Aqua Air Adventure Paddy Monro Phone: 09 528 7594, 027 288 0193 Email: aquaair@ihug.co.nz www.gethigh.co.nz PARAGLIDING SkyWings Paragliding Alan Hills Phone: 09 570 5757, 027 498 2345 Email: alan@skywings.co.nz www.skywings.co.nz Wings & Waves Paragliding and Kitesurfing Reuben Muir and Eva Keim Phone: 09 446 0020, 027 472 7013 Email: info@wingsandwaves.co.nz www.wingsandwaves.co.nz WAIKATO PARAGLIDING Wings & Waves Paragliding and Kitesurfing Reuben Muir and Eva Keim Phone: 09 446 0020, 027 472 7013 Email: info@wingsandwaves.co.nz www.wingsandwaves.co.nz OMAHU, THAMES/PAEROA PARAGLIDING Bruce Vickerman Phone: 07 862 4919, 027 498 9941 Email: bruce.v@clear.net.nz HAWKES BAY PARAGLIDING Airplay Paragliding School Barry Sayer, Phone: 027 451 2886 Email: barry@airplay.co.nz www.airplay.co.nz BAY OF PLENTY PARAGLIDING Kiwi-Air Mike & Aniko Phone: 07 929 5807, 021 104 6208 http://kiwi-air.co.nz Mount Paragliding Darrell Packe Phone: 027 249 2702 Email:darrellpacke@gmail.com MANAWATU HANG GLIDING SkyVenture (Manawatu HG & PG Inc. Club School) CFI: Ross Gray Phone: 06 357 8996, 021 126 0892 Email: rosscoe@e3.net.nz WELLINGTON/WAIRARAPA HANG GLIDING Wellington Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club Grant Tatham Phone: 06 379 7322, 027 636 3491 Email: tathams@xtra.co.nz

NELSON/TASMAN HANG GLIDING Nelson Hang Gliding Adventures Glenn Meadows Phone: 03 548 9151, 027 275 1022 Email: gmeadows@clear.net.nz www.flynelson.co.nz Tasman Sky Adventures Trevor Leighton Phone: 027 229 9693 Email: info@skyadventures.co.nz www.skyadventures.co.nz PARAGLIDING Nelson Paragliding Stew and Zanna Karstens Phone: 03 544 1182, 027 446 3930 Email: paragliding@xtra.co.nz www.nelsonparagliding.co.nz CHRISTCHURCH HANG GLIDING Canterbury Hang Gliding School Bill Degen Phone: 03 326 6411, 021 247 2676 Email: aero@xtra.co.nz www.hgpg.co.nz PARAGLIDING Cloudbase Paragliding Grey Hamilton Phone: 027 532 4874 Email: cbparagliding@gmail.com www.cloudbaseparagliding.co.nz ParaPro (Paragliding & Powered Paragliding) Dave Dennis Phone: 03 328 8255, 0508 548 323 Email: info@parapro.co.nz www.parapro.co.nz

WANAKA PARAGLIDING Paraventures Paragliding School Mark Hardman Phone: 0800 FLYSOLO (0800 359 765), 021 809 275 Email: info@paraventures.co.nz QUEENSTOWN PARAGLIDING Infinity Paragliding School Alan Swann & Blake Round Phone: 021 0228 2939 or 027 367 7679 Email: info@infinityparagliding.co.nz www.infinityparagliding.co.nz Extreme Air Hang Gliding & Paragliding School & Tandems Lisa Bradley Phone: 021 156 3256 or +61 45 728 7200 Email: lisa@extremeair.co.nz www.extremeair.co.nz DUNEDIN PARAGLIDING Dunedin Paragliding & Hang Gliding School Lisa Bradley Phone: 021 156 3256 Email: lisa@extremeair.co.nz www.extremeair.co.nz

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Photos: Neil Brown, Ross Gray

Oceania Paragliding School Chris Connolly, Phone: 022 676 5599 Email; school@oceaniaparagliding. co.nz www.oceaniaparagliding.co.nz

MARLBOROUGH PARAGLIDING High Adventure New Zealand Russell Read Phone: 027 448 0888 Email: russread@ihug.co.nz

Executive Repor ts Minutes of 2017 NZHGPA Annual General Meeting & Extraordinary Executive Meeting Saturday 30th September 2017 Venue: The Meeting Rooms, ATCANZ Training Centre, 10 De Haviland Way, Christchurch Airport.

Call to Order – 9.30am Kyla opened meeting, welcome - introductions, housekeeping.

Present – Dave Washer, Duncan Macnab, Abe Laguna, Stephen Price, Kevin McManus, Herman Ahrens, Grant Tatham, Simon Corbett, Jen Corbett, Dan Campbell, Sam Bartholomew, Hannah Rutherford, Blake Round, Melanie Heather, Helen Jeffery, Ian Douglass, Kris Ericksen, Mark Hardman, Tim Brown, Derek Divers, Nicky Hamill, Kyla MacDonald, Evan Lamberton.

Apologies – Nick Taber, Ross Gray, Mark Alton, Stefan Sebregts, Election of vote counters – Ian Douglas proposed, agreed unanimously.

Minutes of 2016 AGM Tabled, read and accepted as true and correct.

Short discussion. No matters arising.

Motion: Moved by Kyla, Seconded by Mark Hardman. That the minutes of the 2016 AGM be accepted as a true and correct record.

CAN (Dan queried numbers of votes, STH/CAN increased by 1 each. Accepted unanimously. Total also corrected to 46 votes.

Executive Reports: Kris proposed quick highlight of each report and summary.

President Kyla – brief discussion around exec structure and CEO position, changes to OPM etc to reflect those changes. Membership still increasing, lots of visiting pilots without membership – needs to be addressed. Discussions about compliance and safety.

Publish lapsed membership list on website? Accident level this year. Communication – all types (Airborn, website etc), would like to see increase in engagement with members. Thanks to Exec members for work.

Chief Executive Evan – Tabled his report. Covering renewal of Admin contract, work with Mark H re WOF procedure improvement, work with Grant T on mentoring, and regular attending instructors’ seminars. Ongoing changes to the management structure will be discussed more in this AGM. Airband radio rating now online and AUS/NZ compatible. IPPI card purchase online now. Visiting pilot numbers increasing has positive and negative impacts.

CAA liaison and improving links with other codes ie skydiving etc help increase our credibility and influence. Safety – big topic this year, tragic fatalities and higher number of serious injuries causing some concern. Book Room – Ewen has retired, and the book room is winding down re turnover –Exec will consider to continue or not. Membership income growing, numbers flattened off from last year. Activity – hours flown proving very useful information.

PG Operations Mark H - very brief account of report but greater discussions on: • WOFs. Options being considered include no WOF checks for new gliders if maintained to manufacturer spec, maybe advanced rated pilots to carry out own inspections, school/ tandem will still have to be inspected by an approved person, possible maintenance log for gliders. Further discussions before proposal put out for consultation.

• Site ratings – self-authorising etc, thinks whole system currently not working very well, difference between site authorisations and site ratings – to be discussed further.

• Accidents – concerned with number seen himself in Wanaka.

Southern has 2nd worst relationship with number of members to number of incidents reported (different factors contributing). Not to mention those not reported. Still need to encourage reporting.

• Speedflying – working with Blake and a few others to get a formula to allow an appropriate speedflying rating, currently must have PG2 and this is seen as a barrier.

HG Training Grant – South Island instructing very active, but other areas around country are quiet. Report as tabled.

HG Operations Mark A – Kyla discussed briefly in Mark’s absence.

Auditor Kris – Report discussed as tabled. Discussions re ACC claims vs actual accidents by HG/PG pilots.

Discretionary Project Funding Committee Kris spoke to report as tabled on behalf of Andy Maloney.

22 A i r b o r n

Dan passed on thanks on behalf of Derek McKee for the funds received for HG Worlds. Discussions on process of applying for funds and request for reducing paperwork and eliminating any unnecessary steps.

Steve Rogers from CAA Safety Investigation Unit came in to speak to meeting Sees his job as finding ways to enable people to have fun and come back the next day for more. Explained the processes CAA follow in accident investigations and where the information can be found. Almost all accidents result from pilot decisions rather than equipment faults. CAA Safety investigators are a separate unit from compliance. They look for lessons to learn not who to blame. Keen for CAA to work more closely with NZHGPA on safety.

Steve quoted famous aerobatic pilot Bob Hoover, “It’s not how close can you get to the ground, but how precise can you fly the airplane. If you feel so careless with your life that you want to be the world’s lowest flying aviator you might do it for a while.

But there are a great many former friends of mine who are no longer with us simply because they cut their margins to close.”

Lunch: 1pm. Reconvened 1.45pm.

Administrators report Nicky – briefly spoke to report as tabled.

Airspace Nick – Nick wasn’t present but Kyla spoke about how much effort and work he puts in to his position. Evan reiterated about clubs keeping up to date with their own airspace issues and communicating with Nick to make their airspace submissions more effective.

Accounts Derek – The accounts haven’t been audited this year, needs to be ratified at this meeting. Derek explained the accounts as per those tabled and answered a number of questions. Nicky is to find out how bank interest calculations work to see if interest rate on savings can be improved.

Question from Southern delegate re Airborn costs and the need for multiple copies in one household. Evan said it is possible to add an opt out option to membership renewal but the effect on costs of Airborn is not known. It was agreed by the meeting to add an opt out option with no discount on fees.

Derek proposed that accounts be accepted as presented. Proposed Derek, seconded Melanie Heather.

Accepted unanimously.

Derek spoke to the budget as presented. Brief discussion on meetings costs and honorariums.

Further discussion after number of exec positions is known.

Meetings were increased by $3k to accommodate more face to face exec meetings and honorariums reduced by $5k.

NOTE: Jen Corbett asked, at the end of the meeting, about the substantial decrease in credit interest received. Nicky has since contacted Westpac who advised that last year the interest rate was 2% and this year it is 0.1%. Nicky has looked into potential accounts to earn more interest in the coming year.

REMITS Remit 1: Proposal: 1. Focus the Exec on strategy for the Association.

2. Elections will be for Exec Council members, rather than for roles within it.

3. Minimum roles within the Exec Council will be limited to President and VP/Secretary and will be appointed by the Exec Council themselves at the Special Exec meeting immediately after the AGM. 4. Technical Advisory Groups will be convened to advise on matters that require expertise outside of the Exec & Management team including training advisor, operations and safety.

5. The NZHGPA requests volunteers for the Technical Advisory Groups, including for Safety & Training.

Proposed Evan Lamberton, Seconded Kyla McDonald.

Kyla spoke to the reasons behind the remit.

Purpose Improve the effectiveness of the administration by changing the structure of the Executive Council & the way it works with the Management team.

Reasons for the Change: 1. Current roles on the Exec lead the members to tend to focus only on areas specifically relevant to themselves, rather than

looking at overall strategy for the Association.

2. Not all areas of flying are represented or proportionally represented.

3. The CAA’s delegation designates responsibility for many operational matters to the CEO, where traditionally they had been looked at by the Exec.

Evan spoke to the remit outlining section 5.8 of the constitution that needed amending to suit the remit. Section 5.8.1 (b) to be deleted, 5.8.2 (b) to be amended to allow for multiple vacant positions, 5.8.3 to be amended for election of President and Vice President from and by the new Executive, 5.8.4 to be amended for election of multiple executive positions by delegates using FPP. Discussions from the floor around exact definitions of how the remit would work.

Evan and Kyla explained the concept is to separate governance and overall strategy for the Assoc from the day to day management of flying activities and CAA compliance.

Committees will be need to support the work of the exec (i.e.

Communications, IT, etc) and new advisory groups will be needed to support the work of the CEO (training, operations, safety etc). Following lengthy discussion a motion from the floor for the remit to be put.

Remit 1 as above voted on. For: 39, Against: 7. Motion carried. Further discussion about exec structure and various connected matters.

Remit 2: Kyla – proposed that all executive honorarium be equal at $1500 each. Reduced from $5000 for president and $3000 for vice president. Proposed Kyla, seconded Derek. Voted For: 46, Against: 0, Carried unanimously Executive Officers – Elections Continuing positions: Kyla, Derek, Mark, Grant, Mark H. Remit 3: Kyla – proposed that there be only two extra executive positions voted on at this AGM, on top of the present five positions, to make a total of 7 positions. (Note; the maximum available is 8) Proposed Kyla, seconded Evan.

Voted: For: 46, Against: 0.

Nominations received for executive: Duncan Macnab: Elected: Voted For: 46 Against: 0 Blake Round: Elected: Voted For: 46 Against: 0.

Budget for 2018 Presented by Derek. Discussion around increasing allowance for exec and committee meetings, safety officer training.

Honorarium reduced to $13500 Invest/training increased and combined to $2000 Meeting expenses increased to $16500 Honorarium reduced to $13500 Budgeted deficit now amended to $2250.

Remit 4: That the budget as amended be accepted. Kyla proposed to accept amended budget. Dan seconded Voted For: 46, Against: 0.

Meeting closed: 4.30pm Extraordinary Executive meeting Opened 4.30pm.

Voting rights: not explained by Kyla as no remits to vote on. One per delegate present and per Exec member present.

Kyla; As there were no remits presented for voting the only business is the appointment of officers.

Auxiliary appointments: Airspace Officer – Nick Taber willing to stand again.

Internal Auditor – Kris Ericksen happy to continue.

Medical Advisor – Paul Brydon advised of his retirement from the position. Sam Bartholomew appointed and welcomed by Exec. Paul Brydon thanked for his contribution.

Book Store Operator – Ewen has retired as previously advised.

Evan will administer bookstore in the interim and asked for opinions on it’s continuation, to help evaluate necessity.

Discussions re existing stock etc and log books. Exec to discuss.

Committees Hang Gliding Committee – to stay as is; Mark Alton, Dennis Thorpe, Maximilian Gebhardt.

Paragliding Comp Committee – to stay as is; Johnny Hopper, Tim Brown, Wayne Rohrs.

Remits - none.

General Business – none.

Meeting closed 4.40pm (Report is preliminary, awaiting verification at time of printing)

Discretionary Projects Funding Committee - how some of your membership fees have been spent so far.

T

he Discretionary Projects Funding Committee was established at the 2013 NZHGPA AGM for the purpose of bringing a more consistent approach to decisions relating to requests for financial assistance for various free flying activities.

Since then a number of projects and activities have successfully received funding.

In addition to funding received from the NZHGPA the clubs and individuals have also made significant contributions to all of these projects.

Magic Mountain road upgrade 2014 (Canterbury) The access road to one of the South Island’s premier hang gliding sites - Magic Mountain in southern Canterbury - required significant maintenance work. Pilots previously contributed to a fund to pay the landowner to clear the track with his grader every few years, but after he died nobody else could do it so collection stopped and pilots cleared it manually but couldn’t do it to a safe standard. A bulldozer was hired to make the track safe and $1800 was contributed to the works. Ongoing maintenance is now funded through a pilot levy.

Te Mata Peak hang glider ramps 2014 (Hawkes Bay) The HBHGPC received funding for $1200 to repair and upgrade

By Kris Ericksen

the hang gliding ramps on Te Mata Peak. The Peak is one of the North Island’s premier flying sites, with several national competitions having been hosted there. ]

Nick Neynens 2015 Red Bull X-Alps (Southern) Nick Neynens, and his supporter Louis Tapper, received a grant of $2000 for his 2015 X-Alps bid.

There was a matching grant from the Southern Club. Nick kept his many followers up late for the duration of the event as they watched him on live-tracking clawing his way from last position on the first day to coming tenth overall and winning the sportsman of the event award. A significant amount of positive news coverage was generated, along with a number of talks to clubs post-event.

Foote’s Hill launch site 2015 (Marlborough) The Marlborough Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club received $1000 to assist with costs associated with developing the Foote’s Hill launch site near Havelock. A Holfuy weather station will be installed there during the 2017/18 summer.

Nick Neynens 2017 Red Bull X-Alps (Southern) Nick Neynens received a further $2000 for his 2017 X-Alps bid. This was subject to matching Give-aLittle funding. The Give-a-Little campaign raised $3181. Nick once again finished tenth in the event. Nick has written comprehensive blogs (https://sharemyjoys.wordpress. com/) on the event, and an article for Airborn is in this issue.

Make an application If your club or NZHGPA subcommittee has a project that you think fulfils the criteria and is worthy of funding here is the application form: http://tinyurl.com/ DPFCapplication - DPFC: Derek Divers, Grant Firth, Andy Maloney.

HG Worlds Brazil 2017 (Canterbury) A team of 3 pilots and a manager attended the HG Worlds in Brazil during August 2017. $1500 was contributed to match funding from a Give-a-Little campaign, which raised $3471. The team consisted of John Smith, Jonas Lobitz, Derek Mckee, and Hagen Bruggemann.

DPFC Annual reports: http:// tinyurl.com/DPFCannualreports

Right; Nick Neynans at Red Bull X-Alps. Photo; Honza Zak Below; NZ HG team in Brazil

X-Contest 2015 - Paragliding Competition Committee T h e N Z H G PA P a r a g l i d i n g Competition Committee received $1500 towards the costs of establishing X-Contest as the platform for the online management of XC flying records for NZ pilots.

This platform has significantly greater flexibility for managing the requirements of NZ XC flights than the alternatives.

Below; Magic Mountain track being cleared Below right; Te Mata Peak ramp

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23

EVENTS Omarama Hang Gliding Classic Cross Country Camp Saturday 3 February to Sunday 11 February 2018

O

n as usual, this summer during the week of Waitangi Day. It should be hot again this summer.

At this time of year Omarama gets the most flying days with least strong winds, turbulence and the most cross country flying opportunities.

It can be hot, maybe windy and sometimes rough (thermals up to 3000 fpm+) but the competition format is stress free. Fly the whole week, just the weekends or only fly the best days.

Flying will be spectacular; expect to get 9 or 10,000ft and an easy 20 to over 100km depending on your skill and luck. You’ll probably beat your Personal Best; height, distance etc, and move up the XC Champs table, or maybe fly to Mt Cook!

The track up Magic Mountain is limited to 4WDs with low ratio gearing for safe descents.

The track was bulldozed again last season so should still be in good order. To help maintain this track we’ll ask everyone for a donation but the competition is free.

THE MISSION; Fly open distance, in any direction from the Omarama area that you choose. Enter any number of flights. Take any days off, only your best 3 flights get scored.

Flights can be entered each evening at the cottage next door to Omarama Hotel or at the camping area entry boards.

Required; Advanced rating with mountain/ XC skills. Pilots with lower skill ratings may fly only if under supervision and if conditions are suitable. Printed site briefings are available.

This is mountain high desert country so essential equipment is; a 2.5m rope for securing gliders during dust devils, radio, cellphone, maps, GPS, water, survival gear

Getting high on the way to Mt Cook (centre distance) Photo: Bill Degen

(days can be over 30°C with frosts at night), basebar wheels, spare uprights, glider fully checked and a repacked chute.

A satellite messenger such as a Spot is recommended for pickups as cell reception is patchy. Buying an extra sim card for the other phone network is a cheap and easy way to maximise coverage.

An Emergency Locator Transmitter may be wise. Airtribune is a free tracker for Android cellphones that can allow your pickup crew to follow you (within cell coverage).

Note; airband radio (118.6 Mhz) is mandatory for flying North of Ohau if you want to head for Mt Cook.

Bring a brave but careful 4WD driver, and a spade is essential for clearing slips off the access road and for some pickups.

Or bring your aerotow or car tow set-up.

All types of accommodation are available; free camping, cabins, caravans, motels and luxury hotels. There’s hot pools in Omarama for after flying too.

For more information, site briefings, maps etc; contact Bill Degen aero@xtra.co.nz or check www.hgpg.co.nz for updates

Want a better magazine?

Airborn needs your articles and photos. We’d like to read about your flights, frights, sites, experiences and techniques. Anything that’s of interest , educating or enthusing to pilots is especially welcome.

Airborn can’t afford to pay you but does post contributors a complimentary copy which you should receive a day or so before everyone else.

Just email your text to; aero@xtra.co.nz or put it on CD, DVD, Zip, Flash drive or even floppy disk. Most text programs such as Microsoft Word (Windows or Mac) are fine but please do not put photos in MS Word files as this reduces the resolution, please supply photo files in highest resolution separately.

If it’s not digital, clean printed copy helps or if you hand write, please write neatly on one side of the paper only.

INCLUDE photos, of the people, place or gliders involved and one of yourself to make the article more interesting. We have full colour and with digital photo editing, it’s amazing what we can do to enhance ordinary snapshots. Black and white or colour prints are fine. Digital images should be the original high resolution.

Contact me for solutions for emailing large files such as multiple large image files.

Photos for the cover should be eye-catching, colourful, sharp, and high resolution.

You can also send transparencies or prints for scanning. Anything marked with a return address will be returned along with your complimentary copy.

Help promote or make our sport safer, and Airborn will present your contribution in the best way possible.

24 A i r b o r n

NZ Hang Gliding Calendar for the 2017 – 2018 season Date

Location

Contact

1st flyable weekend of Nov 2017, 4/5, 11/12, 18/19, 25/26.

Far North XC Open; Now 5 XC sites to fly

Tom Kellner: tkmechanical@vodafone.co.nz

1st flyable weekend of Dec 2017. 2/3, 9/10, 16/17

Kaimai League: Kaimai or Paeroa Ranges

Geoff Christophers: geoff@tradeupjobs.co.nz Aaron Darby; aarondarby@gmail.com

30 Dec - 2 Jan 2018

Sterling Big Sky; Omarama

Max Gebhardt: Maximilian.Gebhardt@ideal.co.nz

Wellington Anniversar y weekend 20 – 22 Jan 2018, Reserve TBA March

Wellington

Grant Tatham: tathams@xtra.co.nz

17-18 Feb or 24-25 Feb 2018

Auckland League; Anywhere that is flyable in the upper North Island

Les Graham; Graham-mackie@vodafone.co.nz Steve Dwyer: steved@tdstructures.co.nz

27 Jan – 3 Feb 2018

HG Nationals; Based at Mt Murchison

Matt Barlow: nat.matt3@gmail.com Shane McKay: info@pelorusecoadventures.co.nz

17-19 Nov 2017

Canterbury League Christchurch

Max Gebhardt: Maximilian.Gebhardt@ideal.co.nz

Sat 3 Feb to Sun 11 Feb 2018

Omarama Classic; Omarama

Bill Degen; aero@xtra.co.nz

40th NZ Hang Gliding Nationals In 1976 when hang gliding was young (and most of were as well) the first Hang Gliding Nationals was held in Queenstown and over 80 pilots turned up to compete.

Next year the Nationals will be based at Murchison and organised by Matt Barlow and Shane McKay in cooperation with the HGCC. The Hang Gliding Comp Committee is proud to announce that it will be the 40th annual hang gliding Open. So, don’t miss out on this as it promises to be a monumental event and it would be nice to get a record turnout close to 80 pilots.

The dates are 27 Jan – 3 Feb 2018.

The Cook Strait ferry discounts will be advertised when they have been negotiated, getting you across for half price.

The hang gliding blog site has more info and please register early to help organisers.

Payment details and discounts will be advertised on the blog when we have them.

Updates will be posted on the blog so save the link; http://nzhgnats.blogspot.co.nz/

Please note: The HG Nationals will be an FAI cat 2 event and when you come to renew your NZHGPA membership please tick the box to get your FAI Licence.

See below for information on the XC Clinic to be held at Murchison the two days leading up the Nationals.

- HGCC

XC Clinic for Novice and Intermediate Hangies (and old digs if you are interested): As the XC Clinic was cancelled due to heavy rain before the Nationals this year, we are hopeful that next year will be better. The Nationals will be based at Mt Murchison next year, which is a great place for Novices to get a high fly on and the XC clinic will be a good lead up to this. We had a lot of interest last year so I hope to get the same for next year.

So we are looking to find the numbers of Novice and Intermediate rated pilots (or higher) that are interested in attending the XC Clinic for 2 days before the Nationals. The dates for the Nationals are in the above notice.

We will need to know numbers so that we can organise instructors.

The Clinic will include things like thermalling skills, instrument set up, choosing a landing area, gaggle flying etc. You then get to use these skills for the next week at the Nationals. Novices cannot compete at the Nationals but you can free fly.

Please register your interest by emailing Matt Barlow at nat.matt3@gmail.com

Interislander Ferry Discounts for NZHGPA Members

I am delighted to announce that Interislander Ferries are proud to support the NZHGPA for another year to cover the period up to 18 December 2018.

NZHGPA members can have special discounted Ferry Rates, not just for the HG & PG National Competitions, but also throughout the whole of 2018 to cover travel to and from Regional Competitions or simply for NZHGPA members to travel the rest of the year on holiday.

For prices see https://member.nzhgpa.org. nz/resources/Documents/Interislander%20 NZHGPA%20Member%20Rates%20-%20 NZ%20Hang%20Gliding%20and%20 Paragliding%20Assn%20for%202017.pdf Despite the National comps being held during the peak ferry season, Inter-islander have offered extra special competition rates for a car and driver to cover a week either side of the HG/PG Nationals from 19th January to 11 February 2018.

A booking is made direct by individuals with Interislander by simply quoting the NZHGPA Membership Booking reference code

number: FA5650 and showing their NZHGPA Membership card at the check in.

Group Booking conditions and instructions: · Each reservation must be made direct with Interislander – www.interislander.co.nz/ Booking/Group-Bookings.aspx · Entering Code FA5650 - Please note in the Group code box · Every reservation will be given an expiry/ payment date, required to be paid in full by that date · Space is subject to availability at the time of the booking request · All bookings for vehicles over 3.5 tonne need to be made by contacting Commercial Vehicles on 0800 660-670. Price advised at time of booking. · Membership card is to be shown at check in or retail fares will be charged. Membership card isto be in the name of the person travelling. · Fares valid for travel through to 18 December 2018 · Prices are subject to change with notification Happy flying.

- Nick Taber

NZ Paragliding Calendar for the 2017 – 2018 season Date

Location

Information

21 – 28 Oct 2017

Canungra Cup (NZ Overseas PG League) Canungra, Australia

https://airtribune.com/ canungracup2017

18 – 19 Nov 2017 Reserve dates; 25 – 26 Nov 2017

Auckland Regional Paragliding Comp.

Auckland, Matamata or Rotorua

https://airtribune.com/auckland for all details and registration

28 Jan – 4 Feb 2018

NZ Paragliding Open Wanaka

https://airtribune.com/ newzealand/info FAI Cat 2. Entry fee; $190 prior to 10th December 2017, $225 thereafter.

NZ Competition Organiser’s Responsibilities It is the Comp Organiser’s responsibility to; 1. Obtain a list of current members from the NZHGPA Administrator.

2. Ensure every competition entrant is a current NZHGPA member.

3. Sign up any non-members.

Any competitors found to be non-members will be listed and scored as ‘disqualified’.

Metflight Weather Access for NZHGPA Members

Safety Checks Skywalk Paraglider Harness

CULT4 Size L, type certificate no. EAPR-GZ-0554/17

The reserve chute handle of the CULT4 L must be replaced at the next opportunity. A replacement handle will be sent free of charge to all CULT4 customers.

During an aerobatic manoeuvre (helicopter) by a Skywalk test pilot, the reserve chute container inadvertently opened by itself. A careful study showed that with the Cult4 in size L, by moving the handle several times in the longitudinal direction, the cotter pins (orange) can slide out of their closure loops, thus unintentionally releasing the reserve chute. This can be caused by movements during extreme flight manoeuvres, but also by brushing against the handle several times, e.g. during pre-launch preparation.

Metflight have a comprehensive aviation weather website that many of you have shown an interest in, at http://metflight.metra.co.nz/MetFlight.php We have access to that using the following log in details: Username eg - HP4567 (HP and your PIN, no space in between) Password - HGPGA (everyone uses the same password).

Site Notices

Site Closures

Skywalk therefore has issued the following safety notification in accordance with the DHV: The reserve chute handles of the Skywalk Cult4 L must be replaced. These harnesses must not be flown until after replacement. Skywalk has developed a new rescue handle, including a deployment container which, by its shape, limits the movement in the longitudinal direction and also lengthens the splints. These new handles are currently being manufactured and will be sent free of charge to CULT4 L owners (or to the flight school where the equipment was purchased).

Installation of the new handles should be carried out by a flight school or by competent experts.

Owners of CULT4 M harnesses will also receive new handles as part of this initiative, so that the series is identical. CULT4 S harnesses are not affected.

Skywalk apologises to CULT4 customers for any inconvenience caused by this safety notification.

If you have questions or are unsure, please contact your dealer.

Skywalk GmbH & Co. KG Windeckstr. 4 83250 Marquartstein GERMANY Skywalk Paragliders: +49 8641 6948 40 I www.skywalk.info

In Springtime throughout New Zealand, farms are expecting newborn sheep, cattle, horses, deer and other animals.

Your presence on or flying over farmland could frighten or injure pregnant or newborn stock.

Even at places that you usually fly without problems, please check with the farmer if it is OK to fly. This is a difficult time for farmers and they do appreciate your consideration. Not asking has resulted in the loss of many flying sites while asking has earned their friendship.

If in doubt or if any stock are present DO NOT FLY without asking.

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N Ne eww ZZeeaallaa nn dd C rC ro os ss s - -CCoouunntt rr yy

g l idding ing PP aa rr aagli CC hh aa mmpip ioons n sh hips ips

April 1st - March 31st. Sponsored by Wings & Waves

April 1st 2017 to March 31st 2018. Points Table as at 11/10/2017 Pilot, flight date/time

Site

Distance

Points

Total

Glen Stevens [nzglen] 150.98 p.

1 05.10.17 13:17UTC+13:00 Brewster Hut 52.16 km 65.20 p.

2 27.09.17 12:24UTC+13:00 Treble Cone 45.20 km 45.21 p.

3 22.09.17 11:56UTC+12:00 Treble Cone 40.57 km 40.57 p.

Michal Karnik [miketech] 104.83 p.

1 27.09.17 12:44UTC+13:00 Coronet Peak 63.34 km 63.34 p.

2 22.09.17 11:48UTC+12:00 Mt Maude 26.96 km 26.96 p.

3 03.09.17 12:51UTC+12:00 Treble Cone 14.53 km 14.53 p.

Doug Patterson [dougpatterson] 84.89 p.

1 05.10.17 13:47UTC+13:00 Treble Cone 31.96 km 31.96 p.

2 27.09.17 11:46UTC+13:00 Treble Cone 29.02 km 29.02 p.

3 21.04.17 13:27UTC+12:00 Treble Cone 19.13 km 23.91 p.

Martin Kraemer [Skysegel] 83.78 p.

1 22.09.17 11:24UTC+12:00 Treble Cone 49.24 km 49.24 p.

2 19.09.17 12:54UTC+12:00 Treble Cone 34.54 km 34.54 p.

Rob Boyle [BobbyRoyal] 76.94 p.

1 05.10.17 12:02UTC+13:00 Treble Cone 39.58 km 39.57 p.

2 01.10.17 12:22UTC+13:00 Treble Cone 19.06 km 19.06 p.

3 22.09.17 12:01UTC+12:00 Treble Cone 18.32 km 18.31 p. T Bryan Moore [bryanmoore] 70.32 p.

1 22.09.17 11:35UTC+12:00 Treble Cone 70.31 km 70.32 p.

Aaron Ford [AaronF] 69.27 p.

1 27.09.17 12:45UTC+13:00 Coronet Peak 69.27 km 69.27 p.

Wayne Rohrs [xcjunky] 46.71 p.

1 22.04.17 13:39UTC+12:00 Te Rereatukahia 31.14 km 46.71 p.

Andy Spierer [aspierer] 44.58 p.

1 27.09.17 14:56UTC+13:00 Kario 29.73 km 44.58 p.

Kat West [katwest]♀ 38.09 p.

1 22.09.17 11:36UTC+12:00 Treble Cone 25.39 km 38.09 p.

Ben Kellett [benjamin.kellett] 34.17 p.

1 03.09.17 13:03UTC+12:00 Treble Cone 10.26 km 12.83 p.

2 21.08.17 13:13UTC+12:00 Treble Cone 9.86 km 12.31 p.

3 03.09.17 15:01UTC+12:00 Roy’s Glendu 9.03 km 9.03 p.

Bruce Vickerman [Bruce.V] 32.50 p.

1 04.07.17 13:52UTC+12:00 Kariotahi 9.51 km 14.27 p. T 2 19.04.17 15:37UTC+12:00 BTS/Kaimai 5.29 km 10.58 p.

3 04.07.17 15:00UTC+12:00 Kariotahi 5.10 km 7.65 p.

Pilot, flightdate/time

Site

Distance

Points

Total

Shaun Gilbert [q2qxc] 29.47 p.

1 14.05.17 13:05UTC+12:00 Burma Rd 9.75 km 12.19 p.

2 05.06.17 12:40UTC+12:00 Te Mata Peak 11.44 km 11.44 p.

3 04.06.17 12:56UTC+12:00 Turiri 4.67 km 5.84 p.

Rodger Kerr [Rodger_kerr] 26.91 p.

1 20.09.17 12:18UTC+12:00 Moirs Hill 21.53 km 26.91 p.

Micheal (Mike) Ferguson [kiwisurferboy] 26.34 p.

1 27.09.17 15:15UTC+13:00 Moirs 9.32 km 9.32 p.

2 01.04.17 15:28UTC+13:00 Dills 6.19 km 9.29 p.

3 26.04.17 12:15UTC+12:00 Evahunga 7.74 km 7.73 p.

Dean Orton [DeanOrton] 25.20 p.

1 20.09.17 13:36UTC+12:00 Treble Cone 9.70 km 9.70 p.

2 19.09.17 13:53UTC+12:00 Treble Cone 7.86 km 7.86 p.

3 01.10.17 12:42UTC+13:00 Treble Cone 7.64 km 7.64 p.

Richard Sidey [rsidey] 23.73 p.

1 07.04.17 15:41UTC+12:00 Pakituhi 8.98 km 8.98 p.

2 22.04.17 14:17UTC+12:00 Top of Twin Falls 8.87 km 8.87 p.

3 08.04.17 14:58UTC+12:00 Corner Peak 5.88 km 5.88 p.

Mark Hardman [mhardman] 23.63 p.

1 19.08.17 13:18UTC+12:00 Treble Cone 18.90 km 23.63 p.

Matias Matias [matias_nombarasco] 17.18 p.

1 02.07.17 14:52UTC+12:00 Mt Hutt -3rd car 6.29 km 7.88 p.

2 17.06.17 13:32UTC+12:00 Little River 5.24 km 0.00 p.

3 17.06.17 11:14UTC+12:00 Little River 3.25 km 0.00 p.

Peter Jones [jonesie] 16.55 p.

1 23.08.17 13:44UTC+12:00 Paeroas 13.24 km 16.55 p.

Chris Connolly [OceaniaPG] 16.30 p.

1 09.04.17 15:14UTC+12:00 Sealy Tarns 9.66 km 9.66 p.

2 02.04.17 17:37UTC+12:00 Mt Cotton 3.19 km 3.99 p.

3 01.04.17 17:06UTC+13:00 Gargarus 2.12 km 2.65 p.

Jakub Leder [Lederos] 12.14 p.

1 05.10.17 13:23UTC+13:00 Cardona 12.14 km 12.14 p.

Rob Hughes-Games [robhughes-games] 11.76 p.

1 01.10.17 12:29UTC+13:00 Mt Grey 5.95 km 7.44 p.

2 05.08.17 14:10UTC+12:00 Treble Cone 4.32 km 4.32 p.

Mark Sedon [marksedon] 7.48 p.

1 25.04.17 11:51UTC+12:00 Mt Maude 3.30 km 4.13 p.

2 07.04.17 15:41UTC+12:00 Dutch Chicken 3.35 km 3.35 p.

For the 2017/2018 season, the online web site for scoring and uploading your track logs is now XContest at: www.xcontest.org/newzealand/

THE COUNTRY CODE We are all dependent on good relations with the farmers who own the land we fly from. Here are some guidelines to ensure that you and other pilots will be able to continue to enjoy flying there.

LEAVE GATES as you find them, gates may be closed to keep stock in or open to allow stock to feed. Ensure that all pilots and drivers understand.

ALWAYS CHECK with local pilots before flying at new sites.

USE STILES and gates where ever possible, if you must cross a fence, cross at a post or strainer post.

ALWAYS ask permission to fly unless you are absolutely certain that the owner allows use of the site without asking.

AVOID hay standing or cut unless permission has been given to cross it.

CHECK AGAIN at Springtime as most farms have pregnant and newborn stock that can easily be frightened and injured.

AVOID landing in paddocks containing crops or stock. Carefully move off crops to avoid damage.

DO NOT show displeasure or abuse an owner if permission is refused. This could hamper getting permission in the future.

DO NOT LIGHT FIRES at any time.

ALWAYS GET PERMISSION to take a vehicle onto a property. Ensure that vehicles without gliders are not taken onto the property. Put all gliders on one car rather than have a convoy crossing the property.

If stock is near, drive slowly.

DO NOT TAKE DOGS onto any farm or property.

DO NOT disturb plants or machinery, move around it.

LEAVE NO RUBBISH.

Photo: Ross Gray

26 A i r b o r n

DO NOT SMOKE during fire risk times.

NZ Paragliding Competition Committee write up

T

he latest paragliding ladder is below. This includes results from the Krushevo Open which was attended by 9 Kiwis.

It does not yet show the results of the Czech Open as they still haven’t been calculated by the organisers - not much that we can do about that. * These overseas league tasks appear to have had quite a large effect on the ladder (not least - moving Russell Read into joint number one spot) but this is generally what happens for the first regional/overseas tasks of the season because everybody

who didn’t fly receives a DNF. Subsequent comps should have a bit less effect, if that makes sense. * The (now full) Canungra Cup is the next overseas league, then we have the Auckland Regional Comp in November (also full). * Good to see more and more pilots using xcontest.org/ newzealand where the Southern Club is absolutely hammering every other club (see opposite page). Thanks again to our generous sponsors: Paraventures, MacParaNZ and Infinity Paragliding! * Progress on implementing FTV - for those of you that care

about this... the PCC is, and always has been, in favour of enabling FTV for our competitions but it is not as simple as simply “turning it on” because it would be incompatible with our ladder format. We are working on fixing our ladder format but it takes time because we have a few different opinions kicking around. * Remember to let the PCC know if you would like to organise a regional comp, we are happy to help.

Cheers, see you in the bomb out.

- Johnny Hopper, Wayne and Tim on the PCC

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N Ne eww ZZeeaa ll aa nn dd C rC ro os ss s - -CCoouunntt rr yy

HHAA NN GG gli g l idding i ng CC hh aa mmpip ioons n sh hips ips

January 1st to December 31st

T

he table remains the same as last time. It looks like it’s been too wet, cold and windy in most places for any XC flight entries over the Winter.

Spring flying has started we need to get out there and take advantage of those spring thermals.

Spring often turns on some great thermal days as sun heating is slower and if lapse rates are high, sea breezes don’t come in as fast to kill thermal activity.

Best to be out there flying on those days when they come and turn them into xc flights.

Airtribune Live tracking For those who want quicker retrieves, get the Airtribune App for your Android smartphone.

Airtribune will track your flight and let your retrieve driver look you up on their smartphone to see exactly where you are. It is limited to cell coverage but apparently satellite trackers like Spot work with it too. It’s easy on battery but it still pays to have a backup battery as well.

Note that Airtribune doesn’t calculate FAI Open Distance from the 2 furtherest points of your flight.

You still need a tracklog for that as explained in the entry section.

The Apple IOS version is hasnt been updated for a couple of years and currently only works at Airtribune contests. Airtribune has recently been sold to a new owner so hopefully an update will come.

ONLINE RESULTS Latest results are posted as they come in at www. hgpg.co.nz and on the NZHGPA website at www. nzhgpa.org.nz/competitions/hg-competitions/ hang-gliding-cross-country-championships (but check if it’s been recently updated).

Online scoring? Not yet, but if you have a 3D GPS you can enter any of the online contests as well. If you do this, just let me know by emailing me a link to your online entry and I’ll copy the data to the NZ HG XC Champs. It should have all we need to enter your flight.

TO ENTER...

It’s free and simple; fly anywhere in NZ before midnight on 31st December, email or post in your flight details (and tracklog if you have one) before 30 days has passed and you’re entered. Enter as many flights as you like. Your shorter flights are automatically replaced by your longer ones. Only your longest four flights are scored.

For each flight entry, please supply; • Your name, email address and contact phone number.

• Flight date, take-off/release place, landing place, and flight distance in kilometres and 10ths.

• Tracklog file from a GPS that can be read by GPSDump, such as an IGC file. Best is a kml file processed by GPSDump.

• That’s all, unless you don’t have a GPS tracklog, then please also supply; Start and landing witness/s name & contact details.

A GPS instrument has many advantages for XC flying, but for pilots who don’t have GPS, you can still enter the NZ HG XC Champs without one, you’ll just need to give take-off and landing witnesses.

GPSDump works on Windows or Mac and reads GPS tracklogs from just about any instrument, then works out the best start and finish points for you

28 A i r b o r n

The 2017 Cross-Country Championships Table so far...

Name Derek McKee

Flight 1 116.0

Flight 2 96.0

Flight 3 56.0

Flight 4 20.7

Total kms 288.7

Neil Howe

109.2

69.2

67.3

39.8

285.4

John Smith

108.0

98.0

36.5

31.9

274.4

Rick Hawkeswood

106.5

70.2

48.6

38.2

263.5

Leslie Graham 81.7 47.2 39.7 34.9 203.6 Geoff Christophers

113.7

67.6

181.4

Steve Bankier 56.0 30.0 8.0 94.0 Oliver Derry 56.0 19.5 9.0 84.5 Rod Stuart 27.4 19.5 19.0 12.7 78.6 Bill Degen 28.2 17.9 14.6 12.2 72.9 Eddie Pearson 30.0 12.6 10.6 53.2 Cris Lawry 30.0 10.0 8.0 48.0 Marty Smith 20.8 10.0 9.0 4.0 43.8 David Martin

* 15.8 15.1 12.8 43.7

Robin Campbell 8.0 7.0 2.6 17.6 Dan Campbell 9.0 7.0 16.0 Reece Fisher

12.0 ** Class 2 (rigid wing), * Skyfloater

automatically. It also works out if the flight fits any other FAI criteria such as out and return, triangle etc.

You can export it for viewing in Google Earth in 3D. Download GPSDump for free at; www.gethome.no/stein.sorensen Rules You must be a paid up NZHGPA member during all flights or you don’t score. Entries must be postmarked or emailed within 30 days of the flight or don’t score. This helps ensure accuracy, prevents pilots holding back flights until the end, and we all want to know how everyone’s doing.

Please DON’T phone, txt, or tell me in the pub, all entries must be in writing (email preferred) with all flight details (and GPS tracklog if using remote launch and/or landings), or do not score. Don’t assume that because someone else was there or you were in a competition that your flight has been entered. It is each pilots’ responsibility to declare and enter full details of their own flight entries.

Measure your flights in kilometres and 10ths of km, straight line from take-off to landing. Optimised flight distances with a Remote Start and/or Remote Finish are welcome, provided you send in a valid, GPS tracklog. Out & return, triangle or multiple distances are not eligible at this stage, however if a enough pilots enter them, I’ll table them.

Aerotow launched flights are permitted, but your release altitude must be less than 5% of the flight distance (current FAI ruling) or does not score. Tow release position (not take-off) verification should be witnessed by the tug pilot, or confirmed with known landmark photo or GPS tracklog.

Note: If you don’t follow the rules by providing all relevant flight details, (including valid tracklog for remote start or finish flights) you DO NOT SCORE. GLIDER CLASSES Same as FAI rules. Flex wings including kingpostless gliders are Class 1. Rigid wings such as the Atos are Class 5 and Swifts are Class 2 or Class 5 without the pilot fairing.

There’s a special prize for pilots flying skyfloater gliders such as such as the Fun, Falcon, Malibu etc.

30% double surface gliders such as Buzz, Gyro,

12.0

Mars, Target, Ventura, Malibu etc can be flown in this class too. As long as it has exposed crossbars.

Don’t forget to point it out on your entry if you have an exposed crossbar glider or rigid wing. You can enter in as many classes as you like. Skyfloater flights can be entered in a separate class and/or included in your Class 1 score, whichever you prefer.

Classes can be scored seperately if multiple entries are recieved. Meanwhile they will appear in the table above.

Let me know if your flight is a site record too.

SCORING The pilot with the best total of four flights is the NZ Hang Gliding Cross Country Champion for that year and gets first choice of prizes followed by pilots with second and third best totals. The pilot with the longest single flight gets fourth choice, then prizes go from fourth best total onwards.

Flights for each years XC Champs must be flown between 1 January and 31st December and entered within 30 days. This ends one contest while pilots have good weather and starts the next the contest while everyone’s still keen.

SEND YOUR ENTRY TO; aero@xtra.co.nz (Please write “XC Entry” in the header and please keep your entry separate from other emails) or post entries to; NZ Hang Gliding XC Champs, Bill Degen, 99A Panorama Road, Christchurch 8081

Aeronautical Charts Visual Navigation Charts (VNCs) can be purchased from Aeronautical Information Management (a division of Airways NZ) on 0800 500 045, or their web site, www. aipshop.co.nz. VNCs come in two scales 1:250,000 and 1:500,000, and cost $16.35 for a pair of charts printed on a double-sided sheet. The coverage of the 1:250,000 charts makes them handy for planning cross-country flights.

New Flying Concept Takes Off

Mike Meier launches from the training hill at Andy Jackson Airpark

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nder development at Wills Wing (USA) since January of this year, the EASY FLYER is a light-weight tricycle gear frame mated to a hang glider, (a Falcon skyfloater in the photos) with the pilot suspended from the glider in a seated/supine harness.

Unlike a conventional ‘trike’ configuration, the Easy Flyer carriage is fixed to the glider, and the pilot swings fore and aft and side to side above the carriage for pitch and roll control. As a result of this configuration, launching is greatly simplified, as the wings level attitude of the glider, and the proper pitch attitude and angle of attack for launch and landing are fixed by the attachment of the glider to the carriage.

Rolling launches from a slope, or from level ground with an aero tow assist, are almost trivially easy, with no need to lift and balance the glider, and no need to run. Landings are equally easy; just round out after approach, let the glider go to trim, and allow it to touch down and roll out on the wheels.

In the air, soaring performance is excellent, and control requires less effort, and is more intuitive than when flying prone; control forces are lighter and, unlike when flying prone, there is no need to control any tendency of the pilot’s body to yaw. The flying position is very comfortable, with no strain on the neck or back.

The first pre-production units will be going out to a few select flight schools over the next few months. Production units should be available for sale by early in 2018.

Forbes Flatlands Hang Gliding Champs 2018

Malcolm Jones aero-towing the Easy Flyer

Come join us at Forbes for another great week of awesome cross country flying organised

by Moyes and the Sydney Hang Gliding Club.

Classified: FAI Cat 2, HGFA: AAA Open Class A, Sport Class.

Practice flying Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th December, 2017

Competition Dates: Friday 29th December 2017 through to Friday 5th January 2018.

At Forbes, NSW, Australia.

Headquarters: Forbes Rugby Club. More info at www.forbesflatlands.com Register at; www.forbesflatlands.com/ register/pilot-registration

Everything you need • Ready to fly – no setup • Extremely responsive & accurate Vario assisted by inertial sensors • Sunlight readable LCD with Touch panel optimised for gloves • Long lasting battery with quick charger • Vector maps for the whole world pre-installed (towns, roads, rivers, lakes etc.)

• Airspace files for most of the world pre-installed and updated • Software fully supports Competition and XC Pilots • Barometric and GPS altimeters • Easy and free software updates • In-flight FAI Triangle Assistant • Customizable data fields • Multiple wing profiles • Thermal Assistant • Wind Assistant • IGC tracklogs • Lightweight • Perfect size • Available in Full or upgradeable Basic versions • And more…

www.naviter.com/oudie-4 http://www.naviter.com/oudie-4/ aero@xtra.co.nz aero@xtra.co.nz

03 326 6411 021 247 2676

■ Paid up NZHGPA members may run one advertisement per classification for free in each issue ■ Please send your written advertisement to the editor, quoting your NZHGPA PIN number ■ Commercial operators, dealers, and non-members must enclose payment of $0.50c per word with their advertisement ■ All advertisements are deleted for next issue unless repeat request received ■ Buyers are advised that all used hang gliders and paragliders should have a NEW fitness check (WOF) when sold ■ It is dangerous to fly a glider or with equipment that is above your rated ability ■

OZONE Speedwings at Infinity Paragliding. It’s winter, time to speedride and speedfly!!

Check out the sweet range of Speedwings at www.infinityparagliding.co.nz from the Firefly 3 and Zero 2 to the great intro to speedflying the Fazer 3 and onto the legendary energy from the super dynamic Rapido. Rip into it!! Drop us a mail or give us a call at 021 0228 2939 and we will hook you up with the best deal. info@infinityparagliding. co.nz 021 0228 2939

MAC Para have an exciting new range of paragliders for the 2017/18 season. Checkout the awesome reviews on the ENB Illusion, Hike & Fly Paradis, Elan 2 ENC, Pasha 6 Tandem. Further discounts may apply for first orders into NZ or social media pilots/ adventurers tell us your plans. Contact Nick Taber nick@macpara.co.nz facebook @ macparanz Tel: 021 420 742 AIRDESIGN gliders -New this spring; Rise 3 high EN-B, agile handling, top performance with a light weight construction. Check this and other amazing gliders at wildparagliding.com

OZONE and Advance paragliding equipment at Infinity Paragliding. Check out all the latest Ozone and Advance paragliding equipment at www.infinityparaglding.co.nz. Infinity provide the most extensive range of paragliding equipment in NZ for every skill level, including a full line up of beginner, intermediate, advanced and lightweight mountain gliders and harnesses. www.infinityparagliding.co.nz for all the specs. Drop us a mail or give us a call to secure the best deal on a new glider. info@infinityparagliding.co.nz 021 0228 2939.

NOVA Paragliders - www.nova.eu - exclusively by SkyWings - www.skywings.co.nz email alan@skywings.co.nz

NOVA Phantom - www.nova.eu/en/gliders/phantom/- a new class in paragliding - top end Triton 2 performance with low B safety - 99 cells - very expensive, very special - phone Alan 09 570 5757 NOVA Mentor 5 - https://www.nova.eu/en/gliders/mentor-5/EN B - first sizes are here email alan@skywings.co.nz OZONE Paragliders www.flyozone.com - Awesome new models - 25 years bringing you the best wings - email alan@skywings.co.nz SPEEDFLYING specialists - and dozens of great XC wings - happy to trade - all kinds of harnesses in stock as well - www.skywings.co.nz or phone Alan 09 570 5757 MOTOR Paragliding BLACKBIRD Paramotor. NZ designed and made. High performance comfort. Intro pricing $9350 email: paradynamics@xtra.co.nz www.paradynamics.co.nz Ph. 03 325 4540.

PARAMOTORING - exclusive Miniplane and PAP motors - SkyWings for courses and equipment - www.skywings.co.nz or phone Alan 09 570 5757

HANG GLIDERS AEROS Phantom rigid wing, extras, trainer wheels, carbon crossbar, excellent condition, Nelson, mccombenator@gmail.com

BASE bar wheels, two, 25mm round base bar mount, 125mm diameter 50mm wide. VG rope hole. $25. plus freight. Contact Dennis at 021 430 436 or dennis-green1@outlook.com DOWNTUBES for Litesport, silver, Left & right. (1650mm) sell as pair, $110 each. plus freight. Contact Dennis at 021 430 436 or dennis-green1@outlook.com

WILLS Wing U2 160 Excellent condition glider. Great handling and performing intermediate/advanced wing. Has had one careful owner, flown approx 150 hours since purchased new in 2012. Recent WOF. Dacron sail with Hydranet trailing edge, sail is tight and flying in perfect trim. Well looked after, sail is still crispy with UV/weather coating application, Phone 027 670 8301 email skyriderag@gmail.com SKYFLOATERS; New and used sales; Fun, Falcon, fully strip checked, test flown and trimmed, trade-ins considered, contact Bill at 03 326-6411 or aero@xtra.co.nz for more info.

MOTOR HANG Gliding MOSQUITO harness, good cond, pod type, pull start. $3000 ono. Phone 027 292 3928 or email trevvvster@gmail.com

MOSQUITO NRG motorharness, very tidy with very low airtime, electric start, plus folding carbon propellor, stainless auto carabiner, extra fuel tank, and reserve parachute if required. Phone 021 247 2676, email aero@xtra.co.nz INSTRUCTION NELSON Hang Gliding Adventures HG training course Beginner and Novice rating.

Call Glenn to register interest. 03 548 9151 or 027 275 1022, gmeadows@clear.net.nz

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HANG Gliding/Skyfloating. Experienced instruction in Christchurch using the latest skyfloater hang gliders and equipment, Phone Bill 021 247 2676, 03 326 6411 a.h., email aero@xtra.co.nz and www.hgpg.co.nz EMPLOYMENT EXTREME Air is looking for a qualified Paragliding instructor/apprentice instructor.

Must be experienced. From November 2017 to April 2018.email lisa@extremeair.co.nz SKYTREK Tandems Ltd, Queenstown, are seeking tandem hang gliding and paragliding pilots to join our growing tourism business. Please call Ian on 027 4301 741 or email ian@skytrek.co.nz TANDEM Pilots wanted for 115 Operation. PGTC preferred. Professionals only please.

CV2 wanakaparagliding@gmail.com.

CORONET Peak Tandems Ltd, Queenstown, are looking for tandem hang gliding and paragliding pilots. Call 021 220 5932 INSTRUMENTS Digifly Air for sale, low airtime, as new condition, reasonable offer wanted for top instrument. Phone 027 359 4542 or email clintfraser@xtra.co.nz

NAVITER, Flytec, Digifly, Aircotec flight instruments, basic varios to full GPS flight computers. Large range and new models in stock now. Phone or txt 021 247 2676, email aero@xtra.co.nz RESERVE PARACHUTES RANGE of reserve parachutes for hang gliding and paragliding. Bridles, Front containers, Maillons, Swivels, Hook knives etc, in stock at HG & PG Supplies, Phone 021 247 2676 or email aero@xtra.co.nz ACCESSORIES Helmets, No Limit, Insider, Loop, Breeze (adjustable) and PlusMax. Range of colours & sizes, No Limit visor option, PlusMax chinguard option, phone 021 247 2676 email aero@xtra.co.nz

Keep in touch with the NZ hang gliding and paragliding scene, the latest developments, events, new and used equipment...

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All NZ hang glider and paraglider pilots are required by law to be members, and receive Airborn magazine as part of their membership but non flyers and overseas pilots are welcome to subscribe.

For Airborn SUBSCRIPTIONS please contact; NZHGPA Administrator, 46 Quail Rise, Stoke, Nelson 7011, New Zealand

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A4 size issues $4.- each 2017 issue numbers 2016 issue numbers 2015 issue numbers 2014 issue numbers 2013 issue numbers 2012 issue numbers 2011 issue numbers 2010 issue numbers 2009 issue numbers

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Feb/Mar/Apr May/Jun/Jul Aug/Sep/Oct Nov/Dec/Jan 201 202 203 204 197 198 199 200 193 194 195 196 189 190 191 192 185 186 187 188 - - 183 184 179 180 181 182 175 176 177 178 171 172 173 174

Feb/Mar Apr/May Jun/Jul Aug/Sep Oct/Nov Dec/Jan 2008 issue numbers 165 166 167 168 169 170 2007 issue numbers 159 - 161 162 163 164 2006 issue numbers 153 - 155 156 - 158 2005 issue numbers 147 148 149 150 151 152 2004 issue numbers 141 142 143 144 145 2003 issue numbers 135 - 137 138 139 140 2002 issue numbers 129 130 131 132 133 134 2001 issue numbers 123 124 125 126 127 128 2000 issue numbers 117 118 119 120 121 122 1999 issue numbers - - 113 - - 1998 issue numbers 105 106 107 108 109 110 1997 issue numbers 99 100 101 - 103 104 1996 issue numbers 93 94 95 96 97 98 1995 issue numbers - - - - - 1994 issue numbers 81 82 83 84 85 86 1993 issue numbers - 76 - 78 79 80 1992 issue numbers 69 70 71 72 73 74 A5 Issues below $1.- each (Prior to issue 69 all are the smaller A5 format) 1991 issue numbers 63 64 65 66 67 68 1990 issue numbers - 58 59 60 61 62 1989 issue numbers 51 52 53 - 55 56 1988 issue numbers 45 46 - - 49 50

For Back Issues; send your order with payment to; Airborn Back Issues, 99A Panorama Road, Christchurch 8081, NZ

- Sorry issues marked with this symbol are no longer available

PARAGLIDERS ADVANCE PI 2 23, 14 months old, 5 hours. Plus Easiness 2 harness with airbag and Companion Reserve (100kg). As new. Light and compact. Wanaka based. Phone/txt.

027 273 0730 or email stevemwanaka@gmail.com

FLIGHT PIX

Evening action over Raglan.

Photo; Marianne Libeau

N Z H G P A B OO K ROOM The art of Paragliding by Dennis Pagen. Instruction manual for beginner to intermediates. Large format 374 pages $80 Hang Gliding Training Manual

by Dennis Pagen. Ultimate guide to Beginner to Advanced hang gliding flying skills $80 Performance Flying by Dennis Pagen. Hang gliding for intermediate to advanced flying skills, includes competition, cross country, towing $80 Understanding the Sky by Dennis Pagen. Sport aviation weather and micrometeorology for hang glider, paraglider and microlight pilots. $60 PARAGLIDING, BEGINNER TO CROSS COUNTRY by Sollom Cook. From basic techniques to competition flying $60 A PILOTS TRAINING MANUAL (PG) Includes zone free, 80 minute DVD with 9 chapters including; forward inflation, reverse inflation, manoeuvres, soaring, flying thermals to landing methods.

Only $65!

NZ Hang Gliding Training Handbook Essential Beginner/Novice instruction information for NZ hang gliding students learning to fly. $15 NZHGPA Hang Gliding Tow Manual All aspects of towing with clear photographs and step by step instruction $15 NZHGPA Aerotow Manual In depth detail of aerotow procedure as authorised by MAANZ and NZHGPA $15 NZHGPA Paragliding Tow Manual This manual outlines requirements and procedures for towing $15 NZHGPA Logbook With rating record $15

NZHGPA MOVIE LIBRARY FLYING OVER EVEREST, DVD, Angelo D’Arrigo and the story of his flight over Mt Everest.

PLAY GRAVITY, DVD, Extreme paragliding, snowboarding, BASE jumping, freeriding and speedflying in the most awesome settings.

EAST WIND, DVD, German pilots fly hybrid recliner bike/ paramotors 1632 kms across eastern Europe; Hanover to the Black Sea. DYNAMIC DECISIONS, DVD, Shows how different DHV paragliders react when flying the most dangerous manoeuvres.

THE RACE, DVD, A race between climber and pilot in the Italian Dolomites. Winner of 4 world film contests.

Paragliding Learn to Fly, DVD Tutorial for PG Performance Flying, DVD by Jocky Sanderson Never Ending Thermal Pura Vida Flying Security in Flight & The Speed to Fly Birdmen of Kilimanjaro The Red Bull X Alps Managing Risk in Aviation CAA Red Bull X-Alps 2005

Check the NZHGPA website for the latest special offers In order to cover the high cost of importing HG and PG DVDs, cost of hire and postage is $10 for 10 day loans Postage and GST is included in price.

Please send your order with payment to;

NZHGPA BOOKROOM Evan Lamberton, 35A Manly Esplanade, Browns Bay, North Shore City 0630 Ph 09 478 0063, 021 407833 ceo@nzhgpa.org.nz

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Visit our webpage for our weekly special and list of gliders and harnesses in stock.

Don’t see what you want? We’re ordering all the time.

www.skywings.co.nz

www.nova.eu

Exclusive Importers

We stock all Ozone Miniwings - Ultralite 4 - Zero - Litespeed - Firefly 3 - Rapido - Fazer 3

ION 4 EN B Once again, Nova bring the most performance you can get to a School safe glider. And also the most dynamic handling you can have in a first glider.

NEW MENTOR 5 IS HERE!

MINI WINGS Twice the fun, twice the flying, half the price!

Perfect your groundhandling skills. Huge fun for soaring and strong day thermalling. We are the specialists with 20 years on the smallest wings

EN B

The Nova Mentor story is simple: it has led the class by delivering EN C performance with EN B safety. And now the best gets even better!

For many years the Mentor has been setting the standard for XC-intermediate wings. It combines impressive performance with a high degree of passive safety.

The Mentor 5 shows a marked performance increase over the class leading Mentor 4 with excellent precision and agility in the handling.

Weight optimized - all the benefits of a light weight glider and full, heavy duty longevity combined.- only 5kgs for 80-100kgs.

Early indications - performance may be on the level of the Phantom!

PARAMOTORING SPECIALISTS Miniplane - under 20kgs NZ’s most popular motor

NEW NOVA PHANTOM EN/LTF B PHANTOM – the most advanced EN B glider ever created! The PHANTOM offers the safety of a basic intermediate with the performance of a top-end wing.

This has been made possible through probably the most complex construction ever used in a serial-production wing.

The Phantom is a new, completely revotionary paraglider with a similar aspect-ratio to the ION and with 99 cells, it combines the safety of the Ion series with the high-level performance of the EN C Triton 2.

Exceptional directional stability as well as unique precision and simplicity with excellent handling.

27 years motoring & teaching Our level of experience means everything when you learn to motor www.papteam.com www.miniplane.net

HARNESSES Importer of Sup’Air, Nova and Ozone harnesses like the Ozone Ozium - 2.5kgs

MENTOR 5 EN B

Ph: 09 570 5757 Cell: 0274 98 2345 email: alan@skywings.co.nz

www.skywings.co.nz