Events

EVENTS Paragliding Competition Committee Write Up

it seems i’m writing several articles for this edition of ‘Airborn’. it’s a rainy day, a very rainy day, and i’m at home preparing also for a road trip with my wife ‘up north’ in the new Year. We’re well into the flying season and except for a delay to the Second Auckland league competition due to weather all the competitions are going to plan.

Johnny Hoppers’ ‘First Auckland’ event was a great success by all accounts. Perhaps he has written an article. There were two good tasks but a lot of controversy about the new airspace rules. Several competitors, but not the national champions, broke airspace, if even by a small amount. Every competition I have done over the last several years have had Competition Specific Rules, which over-ride the NZHGPA Rules, which have stipulated that airspace would be dictated by ‘GPS altitude with no tolerance’, and this competition was no different except that it is now in the General NZHGPA Competition Rules! And yet there was a lot of controversy.

It is good airmanship, prior to participating in an event, to read and understand the rules by which that event is being conducted. How many of you read the Comp. Specific Rules, or even the update on the National Rules prior to an event? How many of you read the ‘Airtribune’ Preparation Blogs and the Safety Plans etc? These are all important documents that are published for your benefit.

The Second Auckland event was delayed a weekend due to weather which resulted in a reduced attendance but a good fun competition none-the-less.

The ‘Southern Fun’ competition was also recently completed in Wanaka and by all accounts was a great competition. I really think that the weather and the environment was a major player in that assessment! Three successful tasks were completed and there is an article in this magazine that describes that event. The ‘Southern Fun’ competitions are proving to be the ‘must do’ competitions in the New Zealand calender as it has, in the past, generated more points than the Nationals and this year the ‘Southern Fun’ was no different with three tasks and close to 60 pilots in fine weather. The competition scored a hefty 69 points on the NZPRS for the winner and will therefore make a significant contribution to the World rankings when they are next published.

Besides the leaders: Richard Castro, Louis Tapper and Aaron Chesterman, there were some notable performances at that competition especially by the girls by the way of Jessica Green, who won the ‘Ladies’ category and she has only been flying for about three years and also Nina Harrap, a Queenstown local, who is new to competition and who made goal on two out of three tasks. She also flew her personal best distance on task 2. Well done to you both. There has certainly been a shake-up in the NZPRS order after all these events.

The PCC didn’t write an article for the last edition of ‘Airborn’ and so we’ve made no mention of the demise of James Johnston who sadly came to grief whilst flying in Nevada earlier this season. Though James didn’t fly often in New Zealand he did represent us in numerous world competitions and has played a major part in enabling New Zealand to achieve the international status that it has in the World rankings. The PCC is deeply sorry for his loss and acknowledge his passing in gratitude. Please make the effort to read of his accident report. There are lessons there for all of us. Perhaps that is just a small parting gift that he has left us and we can honour him by reading of his experience.

Looking ahead, Aaron Chesterman is conducting his first Hawkes Bay regional event next week (7th January). It has been well subscribed to and, after the ‘Southern Fun’ event, I understand that he has received a lot of late applications to what is proving to be a very sought after event. Best wishes to Aaron. It seems that pilots are beginning to appreciate the experience and fun of flying competition. Long may it continue. Happy New Year. - Tim Brown

covid-19 and events

Due to the changeable Covid-19 virus situation, some events and competitions may be cancelled or postponed. Check with event organisers or their online notification system, to confirm if events are still being held before booking travel and accommodation. It will be worth checking again immediately prior to the event.

NZ Paragliding Nationals 2021

Wanaka Hike & Fly

tasman region from 20 February to 27 February.

The Headquarters will be based at the Mapua Leisure Park (https://goo.gl/maps/ NEcEzsEM46PY1Fne8). Mapua is a seaside village about 20 minutes from Nelson.

Registration via AirTribune will open on Saturday 1st August at 10:00. The Airtribune site has been published and is available for viewing but bare in mind that it is a work in progress but will be ready for registrations by that date.

At this stage the comp is limited to 80 pilots but if there is overwhelming demand consideration will be given,in consultation with the PCC, to increase that number to 100.

There will be 40 places allocated to the top ranking WPRS and NZPRS pilots. We are obliged under FAI rules to offer 20 places for international pilots up until two months before the start of the competition.

However with the current situation with COVID-19 we doubt there will be much interest from pilots from overseas apart from the ones already here in New Zealand and we look forward to their participation. Other than that it is a first in first served basis with the two organisers making the final decision (and no we are not open to bribes).

The Leisure Park covers an extensive area with many secluded spaces. Let Google be your friend. There is, at this stage, plentiful and varied accommodation at the Leisure Park (nelsonholiday.co.nz) but it would pay to get in early.

There are nearby alternative basic camping grounds but not bookable. We would encourage you to be at the Park. And yes the rumours are true in that from February to March the Mapua Leisure Park is a clothing optional location. But don’t let that faze you as there are very limited areas in the where that is permitted. - Peter Allison and Lyn Watkins (your on-location organisers)

Hang Gliding Nationals 2021

Mt Murchison Photo: Dennis Thorpe

Murchison, saturday 30 January to saturday 6 February 2021

Matt Barlow Phone 022 153 7965 email nat.matt3@gmail.com

With support of NZHGPA and Southern Club Kinga Masztalerz is organising the 1st hike & fly race this summer (6-7 March 2021) It’s designed to be challenging both for high end athletes and less experienced pilots with not much thermalling experience.

Two day race in the stunning Southern Alps with a flexible formula suitable both for high level athletes and leisure pilots who want to learn and socialise with fellow hike & fly enthusiasts.

Applications are now open, 1st come 1st served so apply now :-)

Live tracking. Tips and recommendations on the website: www.wanakahikefly.nz

FB: https://facebook.com/wanakahikefly/ IG: @wanakahikefly

Omarama Hang Gliding Cross Country Classic

saturday 6 February to sunday 14 February 2021

Flying near Omarama is spectacular; expect to fly to 9 or 10,000ft and an easy 20km to over 100km depending on your skill and luck.

Beat your Personal Best; height, distance etc, move up the XC Champs table, or maybe fly to Mt Cook!

This summer, Monday 8th is the public holiday so even if you are working, that’s still 5 days that you can fly.

This time of year gets the most flyable days with the least strong winds and turbulence, so gives the most XC flying opportunities.

Last year wasn’t epic but we still had good flying in relatively stable weather with good thermalling and even a smooth wave day that allowed a long flight around the Mackenzie.

It is usually hot, sometimes windy and strong thermals but landing areas are massive and the event is stress free; there’s no queues or waiting.

Fly the whole week, just the weekends or just the days you want, when you want. It’s up to you, only your best 3 flights count. You decide if, when and where to fly and a few unlucky flights won’t ruin your score.

High at Ohau, on the way to Mt Cook (centre distance) Photo: Bill Degen

Accommodation; free camping, cabins, caravans, motels and luxury hotels and this year no overseas tourists! The gliding airfield campground welcomes hang glider pilots and has weather briefings at 10am each day. the MIssION; Fly open distance, in any direction from any site in the Omarama area. Enter any number of flights. requIred; Advanced rating with mountain/ XC skills. Pilots with lower skill ratings may fly if under supervision if conditions are suitable. Printed site briefings are available.

The track up Magic Mountain is limited to 4WDs with low ratio gearing for safe descents or brakes will burn out. To maintain the track we ask pilots for a donation but the competition is free.

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

A irborn 23

New Zeala N d ha NG G l I d ING C ROSS -C O u NTR y Cham PIONS h IPS New Zeala N d H a NG G lidi NG Cross-Cou N try C H ampio N s H ips

January 1st to december 31st

Again the past Spring and early Summer have often been windy, stable or even raining, but a few keen pilots have shown that great flights are available for those who keep on trying.

The 2020 entry deadline is nearly here so the results shown are probably it for 2020. Some recent entries were from Tom Mulder at Coronet Peak, Matt Barlow also from Coronet, plus Magic Mountain & Mt Cheeseman and Rick Hawkeswood got another long flight at the Kaimais. Eddie Pearson’s flight from Little River to Allandale is shown in a photo on page 27.

Cross country flying forces you to understand the weather and improve your skills. The way to get those big cross country flights is to keep trying so you are flying fit when that good day comes up. You just need to be flying at the right place and the right time when conditions turn epic.

Oddly it’s often it’s the ordinary looking days that unexpectedly turn out best, and it’s those who are out flying on those days are those that get to take advantage of it.

Some pilots often say they can’t get a driver, but one way is to form a small group and draw straws on a daily driving roster. This means you get a good driver with a greater understanding of how things work and each pilot gets a rest day too.

The 2020 XC Champs has started so let’s get some good flights this summer!

To EnTER...

It’s free and simple; fly anywhere in New Zealand 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 optimised by GPSDump. • If you don’t have a GPS tracklog, then 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 just need to provide those take-off and landing witnesses contact details.

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 any 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 contest while everyone’s still keen and able.

Distances are measured using GPSDump which is free software that comes in Windows, Mac and other versions. It it reads GPS tracklogs from just about any instrument. It works out the best start and finish points for you so that you get the maximum

The 2020 Cross-Country Championships Table so far...

Name

Sebastian Katz

Matt Barlow

Rick Hawkeswood

Bill Degen Tom Mulder

Eddie Pearson

Flight 1 Flight 2 Flight 3 Flight 4 Total kms

139.6 110.9 108.7 56.2 415.4

171.0 107.0 90.1 8.7 376.8

109.2 107.2 69.7 34.3 320.3

26.9 26.4

51.3 53.3

51.3

24.4 24.4

The 2021 Cross-Country Championships Table so far...

Name

Rick Hawkeswood

Bill Degen

Flight 1 Flight 2 Flight 3 Flight 4 Total kms

81.4 34.8 28.6 144.8

21.1 21.1

distance from the 2 furtherest points on your flight. It also works out if the flight fits any other FAI criteria such as out and return, triangle etc. It also enables export for viewing in Google Earth in 3D.

Download GPSDump at; www.gethome.no/stein.sorensen

AiRTRiBUnE LivE TRACkinG

For those who want quicker retrieves, get the Airtribune App for Android devices. Airtribune will track your flight and your retrieve driver can look you up on their smartphone to see exactly where you are. It is limited to cell coverage areas but apparently satellite trackers like Spot work with it too. It’s easy on the phone battery though it may pay to have a backup power bank 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 hasn’t been updated for a few years and currently only works at Airtribune contests.

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 and prevents pilots holding back flights until the end, so we all 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. Or for often a few more kms, optimised flight distances with a Remote Start and/or Remote Finish are welcome, if you send in a valid GPS tracklog.

Aerotow launched xc flights are permitted, but your release altitude must be less than 5% of the flight distance (current FAI ruling) or does not score. This prevents super high tows followed by a downwind glide from scoring against pilots thermalling for xc. The flight scores from tow release position (not tow take-off) and verification can be witnessed by the tug pilot, or confirmed with known landmark photo or GPS tracklog.

Out & return, triangle or multiple turnpoint distances are not eligible, however if a enough pilots enter them, I’ll table them as well. Out & return and triangle flights often don’t require the long pickups of the best xc flights, so pilots can look at this option if drivers or time are a problem.

Note: If you don’t follow the rules by providing all relevant flight details, (including valid tracklog for remote start or finish flights) within 30 days of the flight, 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.

If enough are entered, we have a special class for pilots flying skyfloater gliders such as such as the Fun, Falcon, Malibu etc. 30% double surface gliders such as Buzz, Gyro, Mars, Target, Ventura 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 separately if multiple entries are received. Meanwhile they will appear in the table above.

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

onLinE RESULTS

Results are posted as they come in at www.hgpg. co.nz and linked to the NZHGPA website at www. nzhgpa.org.nz/competitions/hg-competitions/ hang-gliding-cross-country-championships and first updated at; www.hgpg.co.nz/nz-hg-xc-champs. html

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.

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

NZ h GP a BOOKROO m

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 $25

NZ hANG GlIdING trAINING

hANdBOOK Essential Beginner/ Novice instruction information for NZ hang gliding students learning to fly. $5

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 $10 or $5 each for orders of 5 or more incl postage.

Check the NZHGPA web site for the latest special offers

Postage and GST is included in price.

Please send your order with payment to;

NZ h GP a BOOKROO m

Ian Manton, 027 546 2832, pg.training@nzhgpa.org.nz c/- PO Box 131, Matamata 3440 NZ

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

M a g a z i n e

All hang glider and paraglider pilots in NZ 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; PO Box 131, Matamata, 3440, NZ. admin@nzhgpa.org.nz

B a c k I s s u e s

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hang gliding, paragliding schools and instructors that you can contact for qualified flight instruction in New Zealand

NORTHLAND

HANG GLIDING

Skywalk

Guntram Gross, Herman Ahrens Phone: 09 436 0268 or 09 432 9333, 021 072 0357

Email: skywalk@igrin.co.nz PARAGLIDING

Ferg’s Paragliding & Adventure

Mike Ferguson Phone: 021 995 682 Email: fergsparaglidiing@gmail.com www. fergsparaglidiing.com

AUCKLAND

HANG GLIDING

Sean oliver Phone: 027 670 8301

Email: skyriderag@gmail.com FaceBook: @Skyrider 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

HANG GLIDING

Sean oliver

Phone: 027 670 8301

Email: skyriderag@gmail.com FaceBook: @Skyrider 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: seehigh@slingshot.co.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

WELLINGTON/WAIRARAPA

HANG GLIDING

Wellington Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club Grant Tatham Phone: 06 379 7322, 027 636 3491

Email: tathams@xtra.co.nz

MARLBOROUGH

PARAGLIDING

High Adventure new Zealand

Russell Read Phone: 027 448 0888

Email: russread@ihug.co.nz

NELSON/TASMAN

HANG GLIDING

nelson Hang Gliding Adventures

Glenn Meadows Phone: 027 275 1022

Email: Gmeadows@xtra.co.nz PARAGLIDING

nelson Paragliding

Stew Karstens Phone:028-446 3930, 0508 FlyNow

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

Chris Connelly Phone: 022-676 5599

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