Airborn #226 May 2023

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING

Wanaka Hike & Fly

Paragliding and Hang Gliding Nationals

Bir Billing Paragliding

Forbes Flatlands

Thames Coast

Many 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.

HAWKES BAY H.G.P.C. Inc.

MARLBOROUGH H.G.P.C. C/- mark@see-ltd.co.nz

............................................. President Sec; ........................... Secretary/Treasurer

Paragliding Safety Officer

Hang Gliding Safety Officer

Chief Flying Instructor Airsp; Airspace Officer

Flying at Wanaka during the recent Hike and Fly event

ISSN 1170-9928 (Print), ISSN 2816-0762 (Online)

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 flyer and foreign subscriptions please contact the NZHGPA Administrator for current rates, or see advertisement in this issue ● Actions, opinions, claims and advice expressed by authors and advertisers in this magazine are their own and are not necessarily endorsed by the NZHGPA or the editor ● Articles, photos and graphics are copyright to the author, photographer, editor or designer and may not be reproduced without their permission

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email: aero@xtra.co.nz

N.Z.H.G.P.A. iNC., C/- Po Box 131, Matamata 3440, New Zealand www.nzhgpa.org.nz

AdmiNiSTRATOR

Karolina Bratek, C/- PO Box 131, Matamata 3440, 027 202 1806, admin@nzhgpa.org.nz

ExECUTivE COmmiTTEE; Governance through the NZHGPA Constitution; Membership, budgets, competitions, complaints & disciplinary, media (Airborn), land space issues, to the general well-being of the pilot and the flying community (that includes 11 affiliated clubs).

President

Ian Manton, C/- PO Box 131, Matamata 3440, 027 546 2832, president@nzhgpa.org.nz

vice President

Erica Caro, 021 978 524 eerieka@gmail.com

Executive Council

Ian Manton, 027 546 2832, krazymudd@gmail.com

Aaron Darby, 021 407 357, aarondarby@gmail.com

Emlyn Revell-Nash, 021 216 4322, Emlyn.Revellnash@gmail.com

Chris Chadler-Yates, 021 606 231, chris@knockingdemonfitness.co.nz

Kevin McManus, 021 134 0463, kamdfc@gmail.com

Erica Caro, 021 978 524 eerieka@gmail.com

Pete Helliwel, 021 0284 5170, pete.helliwell@sky.com

Landspace Officer

Kyla MacDonald, 021 056 2320 landspace@nzhgpa.org.nz

Communications Team

Ryan Larraman, 022 658 3001, comms@nzhgpa.org.nz

Lorraine Johns, Warren Simonson, Bill Degen

Paragliding Competition Committee

Timothy Brown (Chair), 03 442 5319, 021 182 4243, NZHGPAPCC@googlegroups.com

Hugo Castanheira

Hang Gliding Competition Committee

Dennis Thorpe (Chair) 021 112 1622, Hgcc@nzhgpa.org.nz

John Urlich, Tom Mulder

OPERATiONS TEAm; Flying requirements under CAA 149 Aviation Certificate (HG/PG licence to operate in NZ). Administer, authorise and set standards for training, licensing, equipment, safety, AIRS, auditing, launch sites and WOF’s, as per NZHGPA Operational Procedures Manual (OPM).

Chief Executive Officer

Nick Taber, 021 420 742, ceo@nzhgpa.org.nz

Operations manager

Carlos Palmer, 027 487 7654, operations@nzhgpa.org.nz

Training manager

Blake Round, 027 367 7679, training@nzhgpa.org.nz

internal Auditor

Sven Ericksen, 021 116 4558, audit@nzhgpa.org.nz

National Safety Officer

Nina Harrap, 027 844 3904, safety@nzhgpa.org.nz

National Airspace Officer

Rhys Akers, 021 177 7563, airspace@nzhgpa.org.nz

FRONT COVER: Yi Yang paragliding at Taylors Mistake

Next Issue deadlINe: 1 July 2023

NEW ZEALAND PARAGLIDING

By Meet director Tim Brown

it’s always been difficult to get members to step forward to organise competitions in New Zealand. The ‘pool’ of capable pilots is just too small. And so it was when it came to organise a New Zealand National Paragliding competition for 2023.

NZ had missed out on a 2022 Nationals due to Covid. We didn’t want that to happen again and so it was that Louis Tapper and I stepped forward to host the NZ PG Open in Wanaka in early 2023. I can hear Richard Castro’s voice in my ears after recent Southern Fun competitions, “Tim and Louis for the Nationals’.

As usual, I do most of the preliminary work, liaising with FAI and Airtribune etc. Pilot selection was a new one for me and I was assisted by Evan Lamberton who kept me on track as we aimed for a balanced selection of pilot numbers and pilot quality whilst fulfilling the FAI requirement for international competitors. As the competition date approaches Louis becomes more and more involved and then throughout the competition he becomes invaluable. The aim was to provide a low cost, simple but professional and fun competition that would entice the newer pilots and challenge the best. Louis’s dream was to have a competition that inspired and also got pilots

to experience the best world class flying and views that Southern NZ has to offer. This year we were gratefully assisted by Kylie Parkes who stepped forward early in the planning, particularly by offering to take over the ‘meet director/safety’ role which enabled me to compete. Doug Patterson also came on board and was key to liaising with landowners for access and landings, which proved to be invaluable also. Thank you to all those that stepped up to assist.

The weather gods however were kind to us.

Day 1 resulted in a light easterly which meant that the only safe place to fly was in a ‘bubble’ of relatively calm air at Treble Cone. A practice day was called. No competition task was set and whilst some free-flyers elected to hike up and fly from Mt Roy, a large majority of pilots free flew from Treble Cone.

Day 2: For several years local Queenstown cross-country fiends have been urging competition organisers to set a task from Coronet

Peak to Wanaka. It is remote country, quite intimidating when flying solo as long walkouts might be necessary, but the route is reliable. We knew we had the option of retrieving pilots from the Shotover Valley and in a particularly unique and generous offer by the landowners of the Motatapu Valley for this competition (thanks to liaising by Doug) we were permitted to retrieve along that valley if so required. This is normally a ‘no-

land’ area because of the extended walkouts required.

It was decided by the task committee (Louis Tapper, Aaron Chesterman and Dave Snowden) that a task could be set from Coronet Peak, up the Harris range towards Wanaka then up the Matukituki to near Niger Peak and back out to land at Pembroke Park in Wanaka. It was a bold move to have 70 pilots overflying such remote country.

Above; The start of Task 1 at Treble Cone Below; Retrieve anyone?

Some concerns were acknowledged.

The weather proved perfect for such an endeavour and so it was that we all met at the NZ Ski Base building at Coronet Peak at 10am. The forecast indicated an inversion low down so it was deemed best if we could all get lift passes for the summit gondola. NZ Ski came to the party with a gracious discount and we all set off to the summit. The summit launch is long but steep in places and of mixed tussock and grass. With light, variable winds some tumbles were to be had!

The summit of Coronet Peak is at the confluence of three airspace zones and it is very easy to be blown in a drifting thermal back into airspace. Such was the case for some 20 odd pilots that were penalised for violating airspace on that first task as the house thermal easily took pilots to over 7500ft and even 9500ft later on course.

The run to Vanguard was a breeze. The scenery stunning. It was a bit grunty over Vanguard itself but then good thermals were the norm until the Motatapu crossing after which forecast stability low down in the Matukituki Valley decked quite a few pilots. One needed to keep high. Six pilots made goal in Pembroke Park. The 95 km task was flown in a little under 4 hours by Louis Tapper who

came first. Laetitia Bottollier excelled by being the first and only girl into goal at 5th place. By all accounts an epic and stunning day and, except for Robbo Robinson who got ‘flushed’ in 7m sink into the Shotover Valley when he strayed north of course line. He was finally retrieved around 11pm. It was a memorable and fantastic start to the competition. Day 3: Another fine day. There’s always a blessing to every crisis and so it was that we couldn’t go to Treble Cone as a new site at the summit of Long Gully, to the east of Wanaka, was to be our launch for this and more tasks to come. It was only in the weeks leading up to the competition that Louis and friends had gone out to investigate this launch as being suitable for the competition. Permission had been sought from Denis, the landowner, and he was only too pleased to allow us to use this expansive site. It’s tussocked, farming land and a serious 4WD.

Crews and vehicles congregated at Jolly Road and moved into allocated vehicles for the convoy up the track, past the homestead and through the numerous gates. Several flat tyres resulted in some access and retrieve concerns. Another bold 92km task was set taking the pilots north along the Hawea Range to

Above; Long Gulley launch on Day 2 Photo: Yinon Landau

Below; Flying north to the Hunter on Task 2

50km the head of Lake Hawea at the mouth of the Hunter River then back towards Grandview, across to Mt Maude, up towards The Neck and back out to land in Hawea village at Josh Douglas’s place where a BBQ had been planned. Conditions were fairly strong. Jessica Schofield flew her personal best distance of 48km

to that first turnpoint and beyond. For the best part of 70km on that flight there is only one narrow dirt road that follows the lake on the east side. On the return from that point, and later in the day, a westerly had developed along the lake and it became a little turbulent over Dingleburn Station. One pilot threw his reserve over

steep terrain. No access was available and over-flying pilots reported no movement and no radio contact. Emergency services were alerted and a rescue helicopter called. It was late when the pilot finally emerged out of the mountains. Lessons to be had there for all concerned.

Phil Mansell, from Australia was first into goal followed by 29 others! Another high scoring boomer of a day and a BBQ to boot!

Day 4: A rest day due to bad weather.

Day 5: Yes. A task was set up the Matukituki Valley to just past Raspberry Flat and back out to Glendhu Bay. A stronger than forecast easterly developed which made for some turbulent flying but “the views were amazing”. If one stayed low and pushed it wasn’t too bad but due to unacceptable turbulence developing at the corner of Mt Niger the task was stopped at 3pm.

Day 6: Back to Long Gully for a 64km task. The stable conditions made it difficult for quite a few pilots at the start. Even Louis Tapper and Aaron Chesterman struggled and landed after the first turnpoint! Goal was set under Grandview. Dave Snowden from Australia was first of 20 pilots into goal for a 1000pt day.

Day 7: The last day of the competition and it looked likely to be another epic task from Louis and the team. A 68km task was set from

Left; The Matukituki Valley near Treble Cone

Above; Launching at Long Gully Photo: Yinon Landau

Long Gully launch once again to fly north towards Dingleburn, back and across to Mt Maude via a turnpoint on the flats then up towards The Neck again and back to land at the Grandview goal. Once again some stunning scenery, some lake crossings and some active flying especially early on. For some it was nice to fly the ‘flats’ around Hawea. Twenty pilots in goal and the Aussies cleaned up with Tim Marshall first and Phil Hystek in second.

What a great competition with some really creative and challenging tasking.

An increasing number of pilots were encouraged to carry and use airband radios that they might communicate with other local airspace users. The issuance of NOTAMS and daily task briefings to the local airport user group meant any conflicts could be well managed.

This was the first PG Open in NZ to insist on satellite trackers for all pilots. The insistence paid off. I’d like to acknowledge Geoff Wong’s ‘Highcloud’ tracking and scoring programs and his personal assistance in this competition.

The scoring was hectic before the presentation BBQ at the Lake Wanaka Centre (kindly provided by the Queenstown Lakes District Council). Johnny Hopper and Kyla MacDonald, up in Auckland, greatly assisted with 4 computer screens running whilst final scores were tabulated.

The presentation was well attended. There is a special and sincere thanks to those that stepped up to organise and assist at that BBQ event. Of particular note were the efforts by Sally Ford and her team of helpers. In fact, it was the people behind the scenes, (and not so much ’behind the scenes’) the Kylie Parke’s and the numerous drivers and launch assistants that really made the competition what it was. Their efforts are much acknowledged and appreciated. Of note also was Hannah Rutherford’s assistance in the Dingleburn rescue situation. The overall winner of the PG Open 2023 was Mark Hardman (NZL) from Cardrona. Mark had stepped back from competition recently and in fact only registered to join us quite late in the piece. He certainly excelled. Jorgen Andersen (FRA) came in second. It was Jorgen’s first competition. He even lost points on that first task for airspace violation. Jorgen lives and flies in Tahiti!

Phil Hystek (AUS) was third. Our visiting pilot Julia Jauss (DEU), who had been doing some epic xc prior to the competition was first for the girls. Laetitia Bottollier (FRA) who is in fact a local resident came in second for the girls and Jessica Green was third.

A newcomer to the NZ competition flying was Jason Searle who took

the Leo Geary trophy and after a heartfelt introduction from Louis Tapper I took the Jill Borst trophy, in a standing ovation, for contribution to New Zealand paragliding for 2023.

There were challenges and the week was not without incident involving reserve throws and helicopter rescues. The incidents highlighted that wing handling skills, launch decisions and lee side turbulence especially in mountain flying, are issues we could all pay attention to.

There was some great weather and some spectacular flying was to be had. Over 14,800km was flown during the competition, more than in any other competition in recent NZ history. The fantastic weather enabled for some unique and interesting tasks amongst the stunning world class scenery of Southern New Zealand. A true New Zealand adventure. Lessons were learnt all around and new opportunities presented themselves.

There were many helpers and landowners who made this event possible. In particular support from Motutapu Station, Denis from Long Gully Station (the ‘new Tarras international airport’), Bike Glendu and the managers at Dingleburn station allowed us to fly tasks not possible before.

By all accounts a most successful New Zealand Paragliding Open event with some commenting: “the best comp ever”.

Postscript: Nina Harrap, the Southern Club president did the presentations. The Serial class competition trophy was won by Jorgen Andersen (FRA) flying a Zeno2 but Aaron Chesterman was the NZ Serial Class champion.

Doug Patterson (NZL) won the Sports class trophy for the competition and as NZ champion and though Jason Turner (AUS) took the Fun Class for the competition, the New Zealand champion trophy was awarded to Derek Divers in error as it was in fact Jakob Krauz who was the New Zealand Fun Class trophy winner for 2023.

Nina Harrap took the NZ ladies championship and Jessica Schofield was awarded the Personal best trophy for advancing her ‘PB’ ‘open distance’ record from 25 to 49km.

Finally, a trophy that is often overlooked, the Trans-Tasman trophy (for friendly competition between the Aussies and Kiwis and which is being revamped) was awarded to New Zealand for 2023. m edia: www.odt.co.nz/regions/ wanaka/nz-paragliding-open%E2%80%98most-excitingsuccessful%E2%80%99-10-20years

Results: NZ PG Open 2023 http://xc.highcloud. net/comp_overall. html?comPk=358&tasPk=1575

Above; Competition Winners, left to right; Phil Hystek (3), Mark Hardman (1) and Jorgen Andersen (2)

Above; Womens Champions, left to right; Laetitia Bortollier (2), Julia Jauss (1) and Jessica Green (3)

Above; Louis Tapper and Tim Brown

Boot’s Blog:

Most of you will be familiar with “Rod’s Log”, a daily record of each day’s events at the Nationals and the Aoraki Classic. This year Rod has been suffering writer’s block, finding it very difficult to get his log out despite a lot of grunting and effort. So now Boot has allowed his arm to be twisted and will be keeping the logs flowing freely. We do thank Rod for all of his logs that he has given us over the years, gratefully received.

45th NZ Hang Gliding

In Sports Class, Su from LA in the USA got to cloudbase and joined the dots to arrive at goal first followed by Andre. Another American Jeff was third but did not make goal. There were a few turkey acts that got awards, Dave Maule who landed in a pile of forestry slash, apparently that was the safe option! Pete Helliwell collected a fence just as he was flaring that gave him a nice arrested landing, kind of like a carrier aircraft catching the wire. Dave Austin bounced off the hill on take-off, I thought reflights were not allowed.

On a more sober note, the tricky winds have been a real challenge to land in and this has led to moderate injuries to two pilots, one on the practice day and one on Day 1. All going well they should make full recoveries. Wish you well guys.

6 Feb 23; Free-flying day; With the day before being lost to rain and more inclement weather over Mt Murchison, a free-flying day was suggested at a site 2.5 hours away from Murchison.

mtmurchison is a prominent hill, 1469 metres (4820 ft) high. its views are astounding and the rig-up area is on soft, springy mountain foliage.

The pilots this year numbered 55, probably the largest turnout of pilots at the Nationals since 1990 - who said hang gliding is dying? As well as locals there are pilots from USA, Australia, Great Britain and India. The word about Murchison is getting out round the globe.

4 Feb; day 1; The day’s forecast wasn’t brilliant so a shortish 60.6 km task was set for the Open Class; south to a turnpoint at Flat Top with goal at Murchison. Sports Class had a straight line task from Mt Murchison to Murchison airstrip 12.1 kms away. Boot promptly bombed in the Tutaki plateau airstrip and was provided with some exciting entertainment as Steve Bankier approached. There was almost no wind and the airstrip has a downhill slope. Steve flew the whole length of the airstrip close to the ground but his glider stubbornly refused to go to ground. In horror Boot witnessed Steve about to overshoot the airstrip but at the last moment Steve veered left into a sloping gully that had 2ft high grass, rocky outcrops and a pile of farm rubbish with steel and barbed wire embedded. Disaster loomed but Steve pulled off the flare of the century on the steepening downhill and apart from a moderate nose-in, neither him nor his glider were harmed.

As if this wasn’t enough Tom Mulder came in downwind downhill and used up most of the paddock. Trying to bleed off speed he ran out airspeed and with the mushiness that comes from being on the stall, turned sideways and turned his upright into a neat 45 degree vee. Now if you know Tom, he is the most mild mannered, polite and calm man, so the language coming out of his mouth came as a genuine shock to both Boot and Steve. He then proceeded to beat up his glider

to punish it for its wrongdoing.

Meanwhile the rest of the field floated in gentle thermals in the shaded Tutaki Valley over the bomber’s heads. Pilots were scattered all over the course line. Three made turnpoint 1. The day winner was a super-patient Matt Barlow, closely followed by James Oakley. Piers Throssell also made it part way back from TP1, but as be hadn’t put his tracklog in, another pilot got his third prize at the morning prize giving. That’ll learn you Piers.

Takaka Hill is blessed with stunning scenery and the drive over was interesting especially seeing the flatlands in front of Tapawera being rapidly eaten up by hops. With their tall posts these once great landing fields in front of the Tapawera flying site are now hang-glider eaters.

Roughly 16 pilots launched off the 2980 ft Takaka Hill in breezy but manageable conditions. Thanks for the help, wire people! At times it was a bit more scratchy than expected, other pilots boated around under decent chunks of convergence up over 4000 ft. One Aussie pilot claimed to get over 6000 ft, but the west islanders tend towards exaggeration as we know.

Going south down the ridge was a bit more difficult than normal with the cross-headwind but it was still pretty down that end off the ridge with rocky buttresses standing proud over the native bush.

Most pilots got over an hour airtime, and it was very enjoyable for our overseas guests from the USA and Oz with stunning scenery that spanned from the mountains to the west and south to sea to the north and the stunning beaches and vista of Nelson over the back of the ridge.

Just like at Mt Murchison the landings proved to be challenging, with Glenn and Jeff now having to dip into their supply of spare uprights. Boot won both the best distance and the most eventful arrival. Choosing a smallish landing field, bisected by a double electric fence bounding a stream running through a paddock, Boot found himself in a difficult situation. He elected to dive his glider into the

Photos By Dennis Thorpe

Day 5 at Mt Murchison

Gliding Nationals 2023

ground and skid on the basebar on the grass to stop himself before the electric fences. With too much energy he skidded into the electric fence and ended up with his face and hands in the stream. Jolted into life was he, with electric shocks powerful enough to stop cattle walking into the stream, he was getting shocked through the water into his face and hands. Also burning with multiple shocks through his jeans were his legs. He tried to lift the glider up from his nose-in with his uprights, but with wet gloves he could not grip them without being shocked again. Same with the nose wires, zapped again, ouch! With one hand pulling himself upright by holding on to the hang-loops and with superhuman strength born by desperation, Boot managed to bring the nose up by pushing on the underside of the sail behind the leading edge. The things you do to earn a turkey prize at the next morning’s briefing. Thanks to Matt Barlow for organising the trip over.

Upon the weary pilot’s return they were greeted with a superb BBQ put on by the Nationals organisers. Thanks for the many volunteers who prepared the delicious salads and cooked the meat, especially Marney.

8 Feb 23; Canvastown; Stopped Task. With high winds forecast at Mt Murchison the Nationals moved to Canvastown in Marlborough. Canvastown stands about 420 metres, 1370 ft ASL high and is located along State Highway 6, close to the stunningly scenic Marlborough Sounds.

Because of the tight rig-up and launch area an ordered launch was required. The conditions were breezy but the wind was fairly straight in. Pilots required a three wire launch and soon the sky was filling with pilots in somewhat feisty air.

After a bit of jostling in front of launch, pilots were off on course. The course was a terrific cats cradle around the Havelock and Linkwater areas with six turnpoints and goal in Linkwater.

Those that got along the course found the flying excellent with big thermals that meant that it was a battle

to stay below the 5,500 ft altitude ceiling. First into goal was John Smith, followed by Jonas Lobitz with Tom Kellner in third place. Even pilots who did not make goal were fizzing about the superb flying conditions. Meanwhile back on the hill the Meet Director had stopped the task due to unavoidable danger to the pilots. This immediately sparked some questions from those that were both disadvantaged by the decision and that had nice flying conditions away from the launch hill. The launch conditions had deteriorated so much that it was becoming increasingly more dangerous to launch. The debate centred around whether the launching should have been suspended rather than the task being stopped. In Boot’s report, he stated that in his over 1000 flights done in Marlborough over the years that this was the best. The views over the Marlborough Sounds from 5000 ft over Anakiwa at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound were indescribably beautiful. So much was Boot enjoying the air that he stayed aloft for over four hours. Oh, that and the fact that due to missing TP2 he had to go back and get it from deep in the course meaning that he did most of the course twice. He studiously avoided connecting with an electric fence on landing by a generous seven metres.

9 Feb 23; mt murchison; With the winds abating and no rain around it looked as if good flying conditions were coming back to the Nationals and so it transpired. The Task Committee went long with an optimised 122.78 km course from Mt Murchison north to a high point on the Lookout Range, then east to Beeby’s Knob, south down the Rainbow Road to Turk Ridge and back northwest to the Lake Station Airstrip.

Thermals over Mt Murchison went to around 6,600 ft and it was an easy glide for most onto the Lookout Range where most tagged TP1 where they were greeted by the vista of the granite buttresses of Mt Owen. Pilots then scattered themselves all along the course line. One intrepid pilot made goal, National Champion Matt Barlow. Second for the day was Ollie Derry

Phil Southward flying rigid wing Atos

Practice Day; John Smith

Day 2 Rigging at Canvastown Launching at Canvastown

and third John Smith. Pilots reported strong headwinds in the valley heading north from the Turk Ridge turnpoint which made for challenging landing conditions in the few clearings along the way.

Our lovely Aussie friend Doggie Don had a hard landing in a remote area near Glenhope and wrenched his shoulder. Unable to derig his glider he waited for a long time as his driver needed to navigate and negotiate the remote farm tracks. Glider derigged by Boot and Paul Barry, Doggie was given several beers as pain killers to help him on the bumpy ride back. Glider undamaged but the new 6030 instrument not so healthy.

Meanwhile in the Sports Class Jeff St Aubin, wind turbine blade repairman from the USA, was the only pilot in the goal. The task was east towards the St Arnaud Range and back to the Lake Station airstrip. Second for the day was Rod Stuart and third Andre. Rod had a very tight landing on a tiny clearing amongst the bush in a tight gorge. An upright was his only punishment luckily. An urgent message went out for an Aeros base bar, there must be a story behind that Steve D?

One very happy man was another Aussie character, Brod Osborne who landing near St Arnaud got to see the stunning Nelson Lakes from the air for the first time. I think we shall see this man back for more next year.

All in all, a good day with a good forecast for the remaining days.

10 Feb; mt murchison; The day started as a shock for Boot as he stared at the face of Steve Dwyer. Steve is a man mountain, and looks to be about 6ft 6in in height. Although in his early 60’s he has the physique of a much younger man. When he picks up a hang glider he makes everyone around him seem feeble, dead-lifting the glider up as if it had the weight of a broomstick. He was also a very handsome man, in fact back in the 1980’s Steve’s face sold thousands of bottles of Blue Stratos aftershave. The TV advertisement featured two NZ made hang gliders with the Blue Stratos seagull sail. A dashing young Steve was the one who is seem with his chin up splashing Blue Stratos on his face.

Wait, did I say “handsome”, that’s right the man I was looking at had a big gash on his bruised cheek and his left eye half closed up. I asked him about his bad landing and he said that it happened in the air. As he was gliding from Mt Murchison to the Lookout Range he held on tight in the rough air. But even the man mountain could not prevent the base bar from being torn from his iron grip. In the mayhem his face was struck by one of the flying wires or uprights or both. By good luck Steve got back control of the glider after contemplating throwing his chute. Concussed, Steve wisely decided to not press on doing the task and made a safe landing. Steve took up driving duties today but is thankfully recovering quickly.

The Open Class task for the day was a straight line 68.4 task SW to Springs Junction. A task that involves crossing an imposing mountain chain with a long, long glide out to safety on the far side. The Sports Class task was a 26.2 km straight line run down the Tutaki Valley.

The sky looked great with plenty of cumulus, light winds and a reasonable cloudbase. Led by John Smith, the pilots took off and they were rapidly hovered up to around 7,500 ft to await the start gate opening. It was great to finally have a proper racing start as the lead gaggle, taking the first start gate, charged off at a great rate of knots. Pilots leaving the start circle later did not have the advantage of having all those gliders fanning out searching for thermals and so made much slower progress.

Winning the day once again was Matty Barlow. Flying a direct and deep route in the mountains he cleaned up the field in a smoking hot time. Second was John Smith and in third was our little Aussie mate Brod who was now keying into our NZ conditions.

14 pilots made goal, including Boot, who went past Springs Junction and then strangely did not land in the goal field. He was last seen drifting slowly back towards the hills. What was he up to? Not fancying the long drive back to Murchison, Boot decided to have a crack at a massive out-and-return to bust the NZ XContest wide open. It was painfully slow progress in the

Pilots 2023

Day 5 Rigging

Tom Kellner

Matt Barlow

weakening lift as he worked his way north. Crossing into the Matakitaki Valley via the paragliders chicken route, Boot finally succumbed to gravity and unusually landed on his feet after his five hour battle. Not a completed mission but still the biggest scoring XContest flight in the world for the day.

Overall in Open Class Matt Barlow leads followed by John Smith with Jonas Lobitz back in third. In the Sports Class five pilots made goal, first again was USA Jeff, second Andre and third was rocking Rod Stuart.

In the Interclub Kahu Cup, Aorangi leads followed by Canterbury and Wellington.

A few more stories; We had a fifth person in the competition make a hospital visit as Bernie in the Atos blew a launch and hit the deck hard before flipping the glider upside down. Bernie described going into the hospital feeling not too bad, but when he came out he had bandages and dressings in all sorts of places, so he came out looking much worse. Amazingly and thankfully he is ready to fly again today.

Another tale came from Tom Mulder who taking a direct route over the mountains between the Tutaki and the Matakitaki valleys, got in a spot of bother with his altitude. Needing an escape but not having one is a stressful situation and Tom entered a side valley not knowing if he would make it out. By the skin of his teeth he made it out to a tiny furrowed landing field, sloping downhill. He gave it an almighty flare and stopped the glider metres from a steep drop-off. A much relieved pilot with only one broken upright for his sins.

Then comes Cookie’s story. Cookie is a Wellington pilot that was ridge soaring in the 1970’s, stopped flying hang-gliders and has just come back into the sport. As he was climbing out nicely over launch he became aware that he was approaching the cloud. Before he knew it he was in the cloud. He tried doing radical manoeuvres to get out but soon settled into holding the glider steady to prevent breaking up mid-air. After 10 minutes of terror he saw a bit of earth and dived towards it. Upon popping out of the cloud he had no idea where he was. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the transmitter on the mountain and at last got his orientation. Glad you are still with us Cookie!

11 Feb; m t m urchison; Time to wrap things up on what has been

a very eventful competition. The task committee of Shane McKay, Ian Clark and Matt Barlow came up with a compact 73.9km task to finish things off early for the prizegiving. The course headed south to a couple of turnpoints with goal NNW to Murchison. The Sports Class had a 21.3 task via two turnpoints, the second of which was past Murchison and then back to Murchison.

Lift was great at the bottom end of the Open course with climbs to over 9000 ft and the two leading pilots had an exhilarating racing finish with Matty Barlow pipping John Smith by one minute 12 seconds. Tom Kellner took third for the day about 22 minutes behind. The goal was achieved by 18 happy pilots including Brod Osborne who took a rather circuitous route that no sensible pilot would have taken, which proves that there is more than one way to skin a cat.

I cannot remember a Nationals where the same pilot has won all of the valid days. Matt Barlow’s dominance was clear. The long task that he won going down the Raglan Range showed that his patience was a real key. He was not in the lead gaggle but did not race himself into the ground trying to catch them up. He slowly and deliberately got through the difficult part of the course between the Lookout Range and St Arnaud, but put the jandal to the floor going down and up the Raglan Range and finished as the only pilot in goal that day.

In the Sports Class Donald Payne achieved both his first ever turnpoints and his first ever goal to demolish the field who were well in his wake.

Final placings; Open Class: 1; Matt Barlow, 2; John Smith, 3; Jonas Lobitz.

Sports Class; 1; Andre van der Elst, 2; Jeff St Aubin US, 3; Rod Stuart.

In the Kahu Cup interclub contest: 1; Canterbury, 2; Aorangi, 3; Wellington.

The organising committee of Tom Mulder, Steve Cronin and Shane McKay gave us a great event, many, many thanks.

Meet Director Kevin McManus had the respect of all pilots and once again led proceedings brilliantly.

Scorer Andrew McKirdy toiled into the night after his flying to get the scores out.

The drivers and supporters made things possible, cheers! Dennis took many great photos. Thanks to everyone else that made this Nationals successful. See you all next year...

Prize-giving

Day 4; Phil Southward

Day 5; Grant Tatham

Phil Southward & Bernie Massey

Wanaka Hike & Fly

By Kinga Masztalerz

Most pictures by Neil Silverwood

This year’s Wanaka Hike & Fly took place over three days between 10 to 12 February. This is the third time we have run this event and this year we were blessed with fantastic weather, with all three days flyable, with light winds and good thermals.

Our athletes took full advantage of the excellent conditions for flying, with many spending three self-supported days living and sleeping in the mountains of the Southern Alps.

The event saw plenty of locals out and for the first time plus a handful of overseas pilots exploring the spectacular backcountry of the Southern Alps.

Athletes gain points by reaching

waypoints in any order they like, by foot or by paraglider. Many waypoints are placed at the top of mountain peaks and the higher points are placed in remote places that would take days to reach on foot! The further the turnpoints are from Wanaka the more they’re worth (1 to 4 pts), with extra points for top

landing in certain spots. There is also a 10 points penalty for not arriving back at the start before 5pm on the final day.

When the racing finishes for the day, athletes can leave their final position for the comforts of town, provided theyreturn to the same place the next day to start again.

Due to the nature of the terrain around Wanaka and lack of roads there are some areas where pilots have to continue unsupported, creating a unique format where bivvy flying becomes a competition.

Day 1 was fast flying and a gaggle of 10 or so pilots flew from Wanaka to Queenstown, top landing on the

way, bagging points as quickly as possible before the sky eventually shaded over in the evening. Pilot positioning at the end of the first day proved to be important as the following day was shaping up to be a cracker.

The second day was the fantastic

flying day: with 9,000ft cloudbase and light winds, pilots could afford to fly deep lines knowing they still had the final day as a reserve day to make it back to Wanaka to avoid the penalty for not making it back.

The last day was also exceptional flying with nearly everyone in goal,

most taking a more conservative line ensuring to make it in before the 5pm deadline.

To reach the podium at this event requires significant skill and endurance. Our 2022 champion Ben Kellett proved to be unbeatable again, taking out first place! Bradley Franks also returned to the podium

with second place, and newcomer visiting from USA Mark Simpson nabbed third in a very competitive field. All three flew hundreds of kilometres through the mountains between Wanaka, Queenstown, and Glenorchy and around Mt Aspiring National Park and Lake Hawea, collecting an astounding number of

waypoints before racing back to the finish line at Pembroke Park.

We were also very proud of our female competitors. Our first place getter Jessica Schofield flew far and spent three days competing completely under their own resources!

We were delighted to be able to award first-time competitor Gustavo Iglesias with the Mt Outdoors Mad Hiker Award. Gustavo came to the start line with limited hiking and paragliding experience. He had heavy, bulky gear, but this just seemed to give him extra motivation to keep walking up and along and keep flying.

All of our athletes did very well, combining piloting and hiking ability to navigate their way through a

complex and challenging mountain environment. All in all, an exceptional event providing support for some newer pilots giving bivouac flying a go but also an interesting race for more seasoned pilots.

Results

1st Ben Kellett

2nd Bradley Franks

3rd Mark Simpson

1st woman: Jessica Schofield

Thanks to our sponsors: Stodeus Solar Paragliding Instruments, Cross Country Magazine, Mitre 10 Mega Wanaka, Ruby’s Cinema and Bar, Fluga Sports, Mt Outdoors, Local Dehy, Puzzling World, Bike Glendhu, Cookie IoTime.

Registration for 2024 edition opens on 17 November and link website www.wanakahikefly.nz

Aoraki HG Classic 2023

19 pilots took part in the Aoraki Hang Gliding Classic 2023 held from 28th Dec to 4th Jan. They enjoyed some great flying and fun times. This is a relaxed competition where flying, holiday activities and family are included.

Your best 3 flights scored using XContest over 8 days in the McKenzie Basin are added together. A total of 68 flights were recorded this time.

Congratulations to: 1st Open Class ~ Matt Barlow, 1st Sports Class ~ Steve Cronin, 1st Sterling Big Sky ~ Jonas Lobitz, Most promising pilot ~ Andre Van Der Elst.

If you want to participate in the Aoraki Classic in 2024 then please text the organiser Rod Stuart on 027 434 4822 and he will add you to the WhatsApp group.

Head Up Display Instrument

French instrument company Syride have announced an app for their SYS’Nav XL instrument which allows pilots to connect Active Look smart sunglasses for HUD (heads-up display) data directly on the lenses. Pilots see flight data, such as altitude, speed, and variometer, right in their field of view, eliminating the need to constantly look down at a separate screen, and allowing pilots to stay focused on the task at hand.

Neo Announces Stand-Up Rescue System

Neo has filed a patent for a system it says greatly improves the safety of the pilot in case of using the rescue parachute.

On a ‘standard harness’, the attachment points of a rescue parachute are on the shoulders. Without pilot intervention during the opening of the reserve parachute, the probabilities of a downplane are high, and the paraglider will position itself opposite to the parachute.

This effect increases the sink rate significantly, reaching 5m/s to over 9 or 10m/s, and making the landing violent with the potential of serious injuries.

The glider, with its leading edge facing downwards will even accelerate the fall. As a reminder, the reserve parachute should have a maximum sink rate of under 5.5m/s at the top of the weight range, according to the EN 12491 standard.

The problem: landing on your back. If the pilot throws their reserve at low altitude and doesn’t have enough time, or if they’re unable to disable the glider (due to twists, for example), a downplane will occur.

The distance between the shoulders and the main attachment point creates a lever effect placing the pilot horizontally on their back. The pilot follows the fall, not being able to react, with an inevitable impact on the back.

The Stand-Up system by Neo helps avoid this stretched position, regardless of the flying configuration. The attachment points are now located at the glider’s attachment point. This allows the pilot to sit up and land sitting down or standing up, their choice. It is up to the pilot to choose their arrival position to the ground. While sitting down like on a chair, the action to stand fully up is extremely simple.

To stop the downplane, SIV (safety manoeuvres course) instructors usually advise pilots to stall the glider by taking multiple wraps on the brakes and pulling them. The glider is now disabled.

The Stand-Up System allows the pilot to stay comfortable and active on their harness and make acting on the glider easier.

Both sitting and standing positions of the Stand-Up Rescue System allows the pilot to turn around upon landing by holding the rescue risers to choose the direction of the impact or avoid a head-on collision with an obstacle. Pilots will no longer endure the fall hanging and inactive under their parachute.

In case the carabiners or maillons break, the rescue system will still work. The hang points of the rescue parachute are separate from the paraglider carabiners.

The Stand-Up avoids the pilot getting strangled by the breast strap or the chest strap, which can happen when hanging from the shoulder straps.

This new system was born from conversations between Soaring’s Marc Boyer and the Neo R&D team. Marc participated in the design and flight tests of the Stand-Up Rescue System at Pobla de Segur, where SIV courses are given.

Espace 3D allowed use of their zipline at Doussard, Haute-Savoie, France and Den’s the installation.

Herve Gabet from Plaine Altitude participated in approving the system by testing it in flight at the SIV base in Lery-Poses. The expertise of Herve Gabet allowed NEO’s R&D team to adjust the last details and especially test the

system in real-life SIV conditions thanks to the school’s gear.

The Neo Stand-Up Rescue System patent was filed under no. FR 2 300 536. Other paragliding harness manufacturers can contact Neo to use it for free but under certain conditions. The goal is to improve safety in paragliding.

The SYS’Nav XL connects to the glasses via bluetooth. Presently the HUD screen can display variometer, altitude and speed, but Syride intends to let the pilot choose the data they want to display in a future update of the app. The glasses battery last about 10-12 hours, enough a long XC day.

Pricing is Active look compatible glasses, from 329 euros SRP (cat.3 lens) to 399 euros SRP (photochromic cat.1-3 lens).

Voice-Actuated Parachute

Schroth-Fallschirm, the safety-equipment company behind the gas-powered parachute ejector system, revealed at St Hilaire in September, is now experimenting with a fully-automatic model that responds to a pilot’s voice command. The heart of the system, now well-proven, is a small CO2 canister and an airbag. When electrically triggered, the airbag is rapidly inflated by a tiny pyrotechnic breaching the cylinder, ejecting the parachute at up to 10m/s. This system has now been enhanced with voice activation, commonplace in other environments such as the RAF’s Typhoon and F-35 jets.

Using speech-recognition software, the system will respond to a pilot’s unique shout. As with all critical speech-recognition applications, the device needs a short period of ground training to imprint the pilot’s voice range on its memory. Then, rather than scrabbling vainly for a parachute handle, when in distress the pilot simply shouts “Deploydeploy- deploy!” – or whatever term they have imprinted – and deployment is immediate, unerring and reliable.

While not yet on sale to the public, the system has been proven to work with most types of harness, and can accommodate all the frontrunner reserve brands including squares and steerables. Exhaustive flight tests have been 100% successful, as have experiments on the DHV’s centrifuge at up to 4G. Details are at www.schroth-fallschirm.com

- BHPA SkyWings

Wing downplaning while under reserve

Steve, Matt and Jonas Andre

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Flying at Bir Billing, India

look up in the sky, it’s a bird, no, it’s a plane, no, wait, it’s, it’s… it’s a lawyer

By Jeff Brill

it was a steamy 30 degrees Celsius in Amritsar, i ndia; the bikes and tuk tuks’ bustling, tooting and constantly vying for position in an attempt to get to their destination.

What would seem like an insane post-apocalyptic mad max-like scenario to the western eye is but just another normal day in the organized chaos of an Indian street.

While in town, we dropped into the Golden Temple, a place where people go to help feed other people, to the tune of 100,000 souls per day, 365 days of the year. The temple provides three free buildings containing dormitory accommodation with circa 600 beds to shelter those that are visiting or who otherwise need it.

As time passed in the temple, my

mind started drifting to Bir Billing. I had been looking forward to this trip, a ticking off from the bucket list, reaching and flying from one of the most famous paragliding sites in the world.

We headed off that night, first to Delhi and then on to Dharmshala airport. It was a 2 hour drive from the airport (Kangra) enroute to the hotel which was situated just down the road from the landing site. The excitement started to grow as we entered Bir when the taxi driver pointed out paragliders dotted around the sky.

Before we knew it, we were settled in on the 45 minute drive up the mountain to Billing, the take-off point

(taxi to the top costs about NZ$12). After what seemed like a lifetime and several “Are we there yet,” questions to the driver, we finally started to slow down and the valleys opened

India

up to reveal the mountain tops; we were finally there. The adrenaline started pulsing when we jumped out of the car, grabbed our gear off the roof and started walking briskly to the artificial grassy area. With one eye on the wind-sock and the other on the take-off site, I was searching for an open spot to call my own, where I could lay out my wing, sort my gear and ready myself for launch. Darsan didn’t need any encouragement. She was searching for life balance in the spiritual and physical realms after years of head down, bum up in the various complicated legal files that encapsulated her time in her legal firm half way down Dominion Road.

She was more eager than me, smiling from ear to ear as she was being hooked up to the tandem harness of her Himalayan pilot. As I laid out my wing and sorted my lines, I only knew that Darsan had already taken off when I heard the indescribable and unfamiliar ‘whoop whoop’ as she left the hill and soared into the air. She told me afterwards that as they climbed to 9000 feet, she loved just sitting in the sky, moving neither forward nor backward, neither falling nor rising. They rotated in the air as the pilot provided 360 degree views while providing the obligatory geographical commentary that had been honed over the six years he had been a tandem pilot.

Now it was my turn, all the lines looked good, helmet fastened, steady wind… Do it! It’s always best not to overthink, especially in a reverse launch and a precarious situation. I quickly turned, took one step and jumped from my right leg knowing that I was at the point of no return. The wing had to come up straight the first time otherwise I would be in trouble. Sure enough, Murphy’s law came out to play and the wind sock dropped a millisecond after the wing came up. The wing glided with what little updraft there was as I lifted my legs, put my hands up and the seat of the harness brushed over the tops of the trees. The hill gave way to cliff and a thermal picked me up and without having to turn in the thermal, I was carried out and over the take-off area.

After the initial rush, I was quite aware that it is important to talk to local pilots about the characteristics of the land/air or at least follow someone who is familiar with the

site. I was dead keen to have a go at cross country at Bir Billing and it was at this point that I longed for my new Corsair 172 paramotor that was waiting patiently at home. After the initial scare, the flight went well and I landed safely at the landing zone. I looked up and around… where was Darsan?

At 9000 feet, it started to get cold, the take off point was far below and the platform-like clouds were getting closer. Darsan persuaded the pilot that they were probably high enough as the hair on her neck started to stand on end as the temperature went from about 20 degrees to what felt like zero. She was going to have none of it when the pilot stated to show off with spiral drops, the Principal of the legal firm was going to have it her way, after all there was probably a local legal precedent set that dictated that the customer is always right.

The pilot had to lose height however, in Bir Billing you don’t need to find thermals, the thermals find you. The familiar rush of thermal air hits your wing regularly and even it the lightest wind days, it is easy to find height. So, with little option left to get to the landing area, the pilot utilised ‘big ears’ to lose height and navigate to the landing site. While the flight was exhilarating, there was nothing like the secure feeling of terra firma as they slid onto the landing site.

On asking her how was her experience, all she said was, “When can we go up again?”

Unlocking the Thames

i’ve been here several times before. it’s fickle. The wind direction and strength moves around a lot. You have to pick your way along, working lift to bridge the gaps. Landings are limited so you have to carefully play within the limits to stay safe.

And so I had only ever managed to boat around at Waikawau and land down the bottom after a relaxing afternoon in the air. None of the legendary glides all the way to Thames Airfield and beyond that others had accomplished.

Today was no different. The forecast said the wind would pick up around 2pm. So there we were, rigged on launch ready to go, staring out at the glassy smooth ocean below. Barely a puff… We patiently waited and waited. We saw patches of wind on the water further out but certainly nothing consistent. We pulled some ragwort on launch and hang waited some more… 6pm. That’s when the wind came in close enough for us to start thinking it might happen. It stayed consistent so off we went. It was pleasant, light, very buoyant. There was a half decent thermal patch at the end of the ridge by Waiakwau and we floated up to around 1200ft. It gave me some confidence that we might get some exploring in today!

Craig was heading off south and I had had sufficient height for the next crossing with a landing option over there. So I plucked up some courage

and off we went.

The crossing to Te Mata was easy and I was soon at Tapu and thinking of the pub below. But I still had some height and a landing below so explored to the far end of Tapu. Reality check. Its getting late. The sun is getting low in the sky. The thermal activity has shut down, but at least I’m not landing at Waikawau this time! Making it to Tapu pub for a beer is great day out!

The sun was low, I wasn’t expecting much, and then the strangest thing. A bush thermal. Soft, slow, but distinctly up. I floated around in it back up to around 1300ft. It petered out a few times but came back. I could see another landing option further along – not an easy one but achievable so I climbed to its peak and decided to explore on.

The sun was getting very low now. Ridge lift was very light but the bush was now working! I was floating along at min sink, slow ground speed from the head wind component, but not going down! Every now and then I would glide over a pointy part and some stronger lift would form. I would boat around in it gaining another couple of hundred feet and glide on.

Above; On Waiakwau launch ready to go. Below; Glassy water from launch

Thames Coast

By Aaron Darby

Landing option – check, still staying up – check - glide on!

I slowly boated over Waiomu. The ridge is very low here, more of a sloping rising ground, but I was maintaining still. I tried to glide a little faster to cover some ground while I still had height but I started descending. Patience Aaron! Think like a paraglider! Fly slow. You’re staying up and still going forward!

It was getting dark now. The sun had dropped into the horizon. The sky was darkening as I came over Whakatete Bay. I was amazed at how far I had come! This was the main point before Thames town. I couldn’t see around the point so I didn’t know what was coming up next. I found another piece of lift on a high point but it was changing. It wasn’t lifting any more. It was getting cold and dark, I needed to move quickly if I wanted to make the airfield. But if I move quickly I sink! Decision time: Will I have sufficient height to maintain a clear 1000ft crossing above Thames town? I’m at 1300 ft. its still buoyant. I have a landing option below. I can see two landing options in Thames but both are covered in marshmallow hay bales so they’re not an option. I decide

to start the crossing. It looks to be about a 6-7km glide. I’ll make a call part way in. If I’m losing height, I’ll turn back to the safe option below. I tucked everything in tight, pointed my toes, pinned back my ears, and floated at min sink in the buoyancy. Little puffs came up from the houses below to help eek me along. My glide was good but the pressure was on! The sun has dropped. I’m coming

into the airfield on dusk. Eyes out for any other aircraft! I easily make I to the Airfield and I’m still at 700 ft. It’s time to get down fast. I pull out my drogue and gives me 800fpm down as its drag kills my glide. Within a minute I’m rounding out in ground effect to a full nil wind flare by the hangers.

I’ve made it!! I quick couple of photos to let the guys know where I

am then pack up before things start getting damp. But its already damp. Dew forming on the glider. Packing up in the last light. Rick gives me a call. He’s coming to pick me up, then we’re back to his place for a very late dinner.

It was only 25km but I was only ever between 3-400 meters above the ground at any time. The magic of Thames Coast!

Above; Rick tests the air for us

Right; Thames airfield on dusk

Left; The scenic drive up Thames Coast

Forbes Flatlands 2023

18th – 26th January, 2023

By Vicki Cain

Forbes 2023 didn’t disappoint! We arrive in Forbes to a cracker looking sky. The official practice day was a hot 36 degrees and only a few pilots chose to fly before the gust front arrived late afternoon and cooled things down.

We set the dates for this year’s comp later than usual to entice International participation. Which in hindsight was a stroke of luck, as most of Forbes was under water with widespread flooding during November and December 2022.

Luckily, Bill’s paddock and the hangar with 3 Dragonflys was spared from the rising water. The ground dried out surprisingly fast and by the time Steve McCarthy arrived a couple of weeks before the comp to prep the paddock and service the Dragonflys, the ground was already starting to crack!

The long grass made for slow mowing and Steve spent 13 hours on the tractor to give us a huge, clear launch arena.

The later dates didn’t entice the international pilots as we had hoped, so with only a small group of 30 pilots we were again using the Forbes Aeroclub as our headquarters.

We set the briefings time later than usual, at 11am so everyone could come ready to fly and head out to the field directly after briefing.

We had various Whatsapp groups to stay in touch with everyone, Forbes Official, Forbes Unofficial and Drivers, so that the drivers could sign in once all their team were retrieved and we could directly contact the drivers of any safety concerns.

We were using the AirScore scoring system, so pilots could upload their own tracks or email to Wesley. Unfortunately, we didn’t have trackers at this meet to keep everyone entertained!

Greg and I cooked Mexican at the Aeroclub with a host of helpers for the Welcome Party!

We selected our Committees:-

Safety: Nils Vesk, Neale Halsal and Steve Crosby

Protest: Trent Brown, Craig Taylor and Len Paton

Weather: Sasha Serebrennikova

Task: Attila Bertok, Oliver Chitty

and Jonny Durand

Afterwards a big Welcome to all the pilots, 20 local and 10 International, 24 in the Open Class and 6 in the Sport Class. Let the games begin!

Task 1

From Jonny Durand - Forbes day 1 was a 130km cross tailwind task to Narromine in the north. Climbs to around 5,000ft and some wind made for a challenging flight. Attila took the day win with the earlier start with Rohan in 2nd and Guy in 3rd.

I finished in 6th place after a 100m low save 15kms from goal. 7 more days to go so plenty of time to catch back up.

Task 1 had 9 pilots in goal in the open class. Attila Bertok - Hungary 1st with 1000 points, Rohan Taylor 2nd and Guy Hubbard 3rd. Corinna Schwiegershausen - Germany 1st in the Women’s class and 7th overall. Sport Class goal was 74.3 km to Peakhill. Stuart McElroy was the day winner.

Task 2

Cool temps with a very welcome max of 30 degrees! With winds from the east and problems with road closures from the floods to the west, a 158.7 km south-south-west task was set to Ardlethan. A string of early dust devils through the launch

line caused some havoc, although settled for the next hour while the field got away.

Fantastic conditions from all accounts. There were 14 pilots in goal, Olav Opsanger - Norway with the day win, Attila Bertok –Hungary 2nd and Ollie Chitty - UK 3rd and Corinna Schwiegershausen – Germany 1st Woman.

Ollie Chitty reported a 30 km final from 9000 ft!

Sports class had 2 pilots with personal best flights, Magnus Rønningen from Norway flew 41.6 km on a Malibu and placed 2nd for the day and Akihiro Takeno from Japan

with 35.42km. Richard Hughes joined the comp today after missing the first day and took the day win in Sports Class!

Day 3 is set, although with the chance of overdevelopment closing in on us. We set up to fly, but by 1.30pm there were towering cu’s overhead. The day is cancelled before it starts with half the field still on the ground.

Day 4 is cancelled at 9 am because it’s raining!

Task 3

After yesterday’s rain, we have blue cu’s and light winds and a triangle task.

The sky looks amazing for task 3, a 126.7 km triangle back to BMIA and a 51 km task to Trundle for the Sport Class

From Jonny Durand - A 126.7 km triangle today. I managed to get low when the first start went, so Ollie Chitty & I both waited the 20 mins for the 2nd start. We had a pretty good run for the first leg but struggled to get the good climbs on the headwind leg. Towards the end of the task, we were only 10kms behind, but the conditions got tricky on the last leg with many landing. We went off course to stay up and managed to make goal but not fast enough. Attila won the day ahead of Olav Opsanger and Trent. I placed 6th for the day and move up 1 place overall.

We set up our marquee at the back of Bill’s paddock, with cold drinks, cold watermelon and waited for the pilots to come in!

Attila Bertok - Hungary 1st, Olav Opsanger - Norway 2nd, Trent Brown 3rd. Sasha Serebrennikova – Austria 1st Woman

We thought Sasha and Vic were last in goal just after 6 pm so we packed up and left the paddock. We only found out later, that 2 more warriors arrived after 7 pm. Congratulations to Neal Halsall and Bruce Wynne!

11 pilots in goal in the Open Class and Stuart McElroy the only pilot to make goal in the Sport Class.

Task 4

An earlier start today with the possibility of over development. Open Class have a 155 km task to Wellington. Sport Class a 53 km task to Gooloogong

Amazing sky again! Towing started early with everyone away in good time. A super task with all but 2 pilots in goal. Olav OpsangerNorway 1st, Rohan Taylor 2nd and Attila Bertok – Hungary 3rd. With Sasha Serebrennikova – Austria 1st Woman. Peter Garrone was the only Sport class pilot to make goal with Stuart McElroy just 1 1/2 kms short!

From Jonny Durand - A classic Forbes day. A 155km dogleg task to Wellington. Everyone did the 1st start and soon the gaggle split to 3 different groups. I was heading more right of the course with Trent and we were maintaining the lead all the way to the 1st turn point. Rohan and Olav got a good climb behind and overtook us at the turn point. Then it seemed everyone caught up again and the race was on to goal. Olav Opsanger won the day ahead of Rohan Taylor 8 minutes in front of Attila and myself. All but 3 pilots made goal. Congratulations to Scott

Ireland on his first Open class goal.

Task 5

The forecast is for strong westnorth-west winds up high, a 145.2 km cross downwind task is set South-East to Boorowa. Towing was slow with weak lift in the blue and a few re-flights. The north wind didn’t eventuate and stayed pretty much south-west proving to be a difficult start. Very different to yesterday!

Sport Class were all still to tow, so Wesley was able to do a task change for them with a downwind 39.4 km task to Eugowra. A Good call from Ollie and Wesley! Stuart McElroy in 1st with 1000 points and Richard Hughes in 2nd.

From Jonny Durand - Forbes brings a challenging 155km crosswind task in 30km/hr winds. I flew for nearly 2 hours before I could even reach the 10kms start radius. I managed the last start at 3:20pm with Ollie Chitty and caught the start in front on the first glide. We spent the next

4 hours battling the wind reaching 10,000ft once. Just after 7:30pm, we made goal along with 5 others. Guy Hubbard most likely won the day starting 1 hour before us, with Ollie in 2nd and me 3rd. One more day to go… Let’s hope the weather holds up for a final task.

From Ollie Chitty -10’000ft in the flatlands, a gaggle with almost every pilot in the start and a final climb with a couple of eagles. Task 5 didn’t disappoint! We had 30kmh cross headwind for 155km!

7 pilots made this challenging task with all but the winner landing after 7pm. Guy Hubbard takes the day win! Ollie Chitty – UK 2nd and Lukas Bader – Germany 3rd. Corinna Schwiegershausen - Germany 1st Woman.

Task 6 and Australia day!

A 127.3 km task South to Stockinbingal for the Open Class and 53 km task to Gooloogong for the Sport Class

Left; Spectacular Sky: Launching on Bill’s paddock

Right; Set Up: On Bill’s paddock

Right; Air to Air: Photo by Oliver Chitty leaving base with Craig Taylor

A super final task of the competition with Guy Hubbard on fire, charging and winning the 1000 point day!

Ollie Chitty – UK 2nd, Lukas Bader – Germany 3rd. Corinna Schwiegershausen - Germany in goal too for the Women’s Day win. Richard Hughes takes the day win in Sport Class!

All the pilots make it back to the Aeroclub for our Australia Day presentation BBQ!

Our presentation was made that much more special with a surprise visit from 3rd times World Champion Tomas Suchanek!

The amazing people that come together to put this show on for us is what makes Forbes so special.

A big Thank you to:-

Meet Director & Scorer - Wesley Hill

Tug pilots - John Blain (Blaino), Marco Carelli and Bruce Crerar

Launching crew - Greg Cain, Michael White, Alan Bond & Rob Van Der Klooster and a host of helpers!

Steve McCarthy - for the week’s preparation work before the comp!

Jonny Durand for MC’ing for me

And all the pilots that came from all over the world!

And the drivers-do an amazing job caring for their pilots

The task and weather committee of Attila Bertok Ollie Chitty , Jonny Durand and Alexandra Serebrennikova did a super job to set challenging tasks, dodging storms

to keep everyone safe.

Congratulations to the winners!

Open Class

1st Attila Bertok – Hungary – 3rd time winner

2nd Olav Opsanger – Norway

3rd Ollie Chitty – UK

Women

1st and 5th time World Champion

Corinna Schwiegershausen –Germany

Sport Class

1st Stuart McElroy

Our landowner prize was won by the Woods family nominated by Craig Taylor from Task 5 near the Boorowa goal.

Thank you to our sponsors Forbes Shire Council and NSWHPA for making this event possible

Special thanks to my mum and dad - Bill Moyes for supplying the paddock and the 3 Dragonfly’s and Molly Moyes for the cookies and for booking the weather!

An extra special thank you to my hubby, Greg Cain, for supporting me on our 18th Forbes comp together. That’s what I call #Flymoyes #nswhpa #moyesdeltagliders

6 tasks in 8 days, over 200 tows and 30 pretty happy pilots and crew!

We are already working on ways to improve next year’s comp.

And are considering to including a single surface glider category and or a mentoring category.

Till next year!

50 Years On Hang Gliding Party

EVENTS

50th Anniversary of Hang Gliding at Paekākāriki

time flies when you’re having fun. For the WHGPC club that’s 50 years this september and to mark this auspicious occasion the club will be hosting a gathering to celebrate on saturday November 11, 2023.

Further details will be forthcoming, but in the meantime, pencil that date into your diaries. If you have anything you want to contribute to the celebration in terms of old photos, VHS (or Beta) tapes, or just some good old war stories, now is the time to dig them out.

We look forward to seeing veteran pilots mixing it up with the fledglings, and all points in between, as we come together to mark this milestone in New Zealand’s free flying history. Here’s to another 50 years of some of the best flying there is. If you are interested in participating please register at https://tinyurl.com/WHGPC50

Held on 18 March 2023. d oug

anderson and Bob Oliver had a dinner back in mid 2022 and had a few too many drinks after the dinner and started reminiscing about our old hang gliding days.

We jokingly suggested that we have a party for all the pilots we could remember who may have started in 1973 and were potentially still around up to 1983. We knew about 6 who were still flying and the rest had to be contacted somehow. Of course we woke up in the morning with hangovers and thought this was likely to be too much work to organise and Bob and Christine went home with the adage- we will think about this idea. Met up with Rod Stuart and casually mentioned Bobs and my idea and he thought that this should be pursued with vigour and next moment Rod took the reins and got us cranked up. We - that is mainly Rod - formed a committee of no hopers and chased contacts all over NZ for email or phone numbers and soon between us all we had close to a 100 people on our list. Typical of all hang glider pilots - all talk and no action. So invites went out via all options and gave a date late January for a reply stating you were coming - total 18 people which included the 10 on the committee so a bad start.

Rod sent out the invite again and we got close to 40 - still bad so it came

down to personal emails and Facebook page setup that showed old photos - this was the spur we needed - pilots couldn’t help themselves adding old photos of themselves and good mates on this Facebook page. By one week to go we had 109 which was a good result. So the event started the day before with dribs and drabs of people turning up with campervan and tents - some stayed on beds in our big shed.

The weather forecast was fickle and we had set our lawn up with an array of old hang gliders plus some later stuff to show how things had progressed. We had an old VK 4 hang glider that was emblazoned with the Blue Stratus bird which many of us remembered as they were a big sponsor from about 1978 to early 1980s.

So the party was a great success with pilots from all over NZ and Australia attending but the reason it was so successful was the great help we got from the committee. So I would like to thank Lizzy- my wife, Rod and Marney, John and Sonia Isitt, Rob Begg, John Kerr, Bob and Christine Oliver for all the help with the organising and running the day.

We were asked to do another reunion so will contemplate this in 2033 - maybe we will forget how much hassle it was to organise.

- Doug Anderson (still occasionally hang gliding).

Open Class Podium: L-R Tomas Suchanek, Olav Opsanger, Attila Bertok, Oliver Chitty, Vicki Cain

Below; Wellington Goal: Photo by Jonny Durand

Sport Class Podium: L-R Tomas Suchanek, Peter Garrone –3rd, Stuart McElroy – 1st, Richard McLeod – 3rd, Vicki Cain

Cooper Giles flying a Seagull hang glider at Baring Head around

Safety Checks

It has been reported that during a static deployment there were difficulties removing the handle from the Velcro attachment, making it impossible to deploy the reserve successfully.

We would like to remind pilots that over time, the male and female parts of Velcro

Ozone Oxygen 2 and Oxygen 2+ harness reserve handles system.

In case of bad mounting or routing of the deployment handle, it is possible for the deployment handle strap to come under tension before the pin is removed, thus restricting the extraction of the pin. Attaching the handle to the attachment point on the side of the

deployment bag, and ensuring the handle is routed correctly reduces the chances of this occurring.

We advise therefore to attach the deployment handle to the attachment point

Skywalk Drop front parachute container handle

All sizes. During our regular quality control, it was found on the DROP front container that the connection line leading to the rescue handle did not have the required seam strength. Our internal limit is 70DaN, which was undershot during quality control.

Experience has shown that the lower strength of the seam in connection with the construction excludes tearing off during the opening process, but we as the manufacturer feel responsible for publishing this incident and taking further measures:

In order to rule out any safety risk, the DROP front container may only be used again after an additional fixing seam has been attached. This seam can be applied at a Skywalk authorised check center or Skywalk directly. Please contact your dealer or importer for a quick revision. Alternatively, we can send you a revised rescue handle within the next two weeks.

Please contact your Skywalk dealer, importer or Skywalk directly (support@skywalk.org).

- Skywalk, Feb 3 2023.

can bind together very tightly. For this reason we strongly recommend as part of the daily and pre flight checks - and at the same time as checking the reserve pin - that the handle is pulled free from the female Velcro attachment on the side of the harness and replaced. Repeating

this process several times can weaken the binding effect and make the parachute deployment process easier.

In addition, pilots must cut off the female Velcro flap that holds the front part of the handle to the harness as shown. This will reduce the overall level of friction in the

NZHGPA 50th Anniversary issue

October 26th this year marks the 50 year anniversary of the NZHGPa. We will feature some relevant articles and photos but would still like to hear from anyone who was around at the time that could perhaps contribute some words and photos for this special edition.

located on the side of the deployment pod (if you have one) and to confirm that the pin is removed before the deployment strap comes under tension.

Remember to thoroughly check your

harness and entire reserve system on a regular basis. Carry out practice deployments on a regular basis to ensure the system if functioning correctly.

- Ozone Paragliders

Want a better mag?

airborn needs your articles and photos. We’d like to read about your flights, frights, sites, experiences and techniques. anything that’s of interest to pilots and 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 for text, but photos in MS Word files reduces the resolution, so please supply the photo files separately. If it’s not digital, clean laser or typed 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 even one of yourself to make the article more interesting. We now do everything in 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 for scanning. Digital images should be high resolution (300 dpi or more but please do not upscale low resolution photos). I can help with emailing large files. Contact Airborn for help.

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 with your complimentary copy.

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

During this three month reporting period 1 st January to 31 st March 2022 there were 18 Incidents or Accidents, I wish those less fortunate a speedy recovery.

The following pilot reports, highlights the preventative importance of a Pre-flight Check before launch. A big thank you and well done to those NZ pilots who helped an overseas pilot after a reserve throw.

a ircraft: Paraglider d ate: Dec 2022 experience: 30 hours (Visiting pilot) Phase of Flight: Launching location: Southern Region eqpt damage: None Injuries: None

Launched at Treble Cone with a knot on the left brake line. Did not do a complete pre-flight check. Tried to steer the canopy away from the mountain but it stalled. Threw reserve immediately and it opened 1-2 seconds before impact.

What advice would you give to another

pilot to reduce the chances of something like this happening to them

We had perfect weather and I was very enthusiastic about flying, so rushed.

Don’t rush pre-flight checks.

Pilot Comments:

Thank you to all NZ pilots for being so friendly and helpful.

a ircraft: Paraglider d ate: Mar 2023 experience: 250 hours Phase of Flight: Launching location: Southern Region eqpt damage: None Injuries: None

I launched at the summit of Coronet Peak with a decent knot in my right c-lines and brake lines causing glider to fly with approx. 35% brake applied to the r/h side of the glider which caused the glider to turn towards the right side, I had checked but was unable to see the knot but could feel the glider behaving abnormally while trying to thermal to the

Bluebridge Ferries - Special NZHGPA membership Discounts 2022/23

left, I managed to climb up on the north side of Coronet Peak, in doing so I spun/stalled my glider on the left by over braking while trying to turn in a thermal, after realising and recovering I widened my turns and continued to climb reaching a height I could safely return to the Flight Park. What advice would you give to another pilot to reduce the chances of something like this happening to them

THOROUGH LINE CHECKING IS SUPER IMPORTANT

a ircraft: Paramotor d ate: Dec 2022 experience: 12.5 hours Phase of Flight: Engine Check l ocation: Canterbury e qpt d amage: Paramotor net broken and prop broken Injuries: Lacerations right hand 4 fingers. 4 fingers fractured. Amputated pinky finger. Ground starting paramotor as had been recently instructed through recent training, primed it. Would not start after several pulls. Figured slight altitude from normal takeoff are causing starting issues so Primed again with a half bulb of fuel. And held cage with throttle with left hand with knee towards back of harness. Motor started but with about half power due to primer pushing fuel into main cylinder. Right hand went to top of cage and grabbed the top spar. Prop spinning fast has pushed paramotor to body. Hand impacted

prop and shoulder then took brunt as well to prevent any head injury. Was able to kill motor. Saw right hand smashed and bleeding saw little finger beyond repair. Rode atv to house and requested first aid. Airlift to hospital. Agreed that saving pinky finger unsalvageable. Amputated. Other 3 fingers nerve and tendon lacerations with bone fractures.

Paramotor net broken and prop broken. Glider was not attached. Self investigation of the paramotor cage has revealed the titanium spars flexed whilst holding with right hand. Which narrowed the gap between the hand and the prop which then caused prop strike to hand. To prevent in future stronger spars would be recommended.

What advice would you give to another pilot to reduce the chances of something like this happening to them

Would recommend never to start motor on ground. Always on back and even then have a support in front. i.e. fence post or car to prevent an over prime situation

Thank you to all those that took the time to report and help the flying community better understand how best to reduce the chances of an accident.

Lets fly – After conducting a proper preflight check.

- Nick, CEO NZHGPA

How to report an accident or incident

What to report?

You must report as soon as practical anything that is defined as an “Accident” by CAA rules. That is anything that caused significant damage or serious injuries while the aircraft is being used. Club safety officers and other pilots can help out here by reporting even basic information about an accident for pilots that are unable to do it themselves.

We also want reports for incidents or accidents that aren’t so serious. The biggest benefit comes from the reporting of the smaller incidents and near misses. How small? Well, if good luck is all that saved you from an accident then it’s probably worth reporting.

Your personal details will be kept confidential. How?

To make a report go to the

NZHGPA website and click on ”Safety”. www.nzhgpa.org.nz/ safety

Then the button to hit for starting your report looks like this;

Your description of what happened is the most important part and makes up the majority of the reports we publish but other details are used to help with statistics that show trends so please complete as much as you can. Please include the location so we can send the report to the local safety officer and the club president for any follow up they need to do. Don’t worry, our policy is that we do not use the reports to lay blame or for any disciplinary action. They are for safety and learning.

Finally if you want to see other reports then click on this button;

Bluebridge Ferries have done it again for another year - supporting our Free Flying Community with fantastic discounted ferry prices

What’s more Bluebridge have sponsored the Presidents Good Sorts Award to the tune of $500.00 travel vouchers for the third year running!!

How to Book

For NZHGPA member discounts and benefits, or to book using the special promotional code SAIL2GLIDE at bluebridge.co.nz/NZHGPA Or quote the promo code when you call 0800 844 844 then simply pop in the sailing day and click next.

The system will pre-populate the discount and display your negotiated pricing.

Please note: You must present proof of your NZHGPA membership when you check-in. If not presented, the standard fare will be charged

For other NZHGPA membership sponsored benefits visit the NZHGPA Members Area.

Autumn Safety Update

Hi everyone,

Hopefully you’re all making the most of the early autumn flying. Conditions are getting generally mellower and now is the perfect time to reflect on your flights this summer and think about what you might like to work on during the more stable winter months. It can be harder to motivate yourself to go flying when the temperatures drop, but keeping currency is so important and I find having a project each winter keeps me focussed and keen to get out on my solo. Whether it’s something you noticed you didn’t do so well at over the summer, or a fun challenge like better spot landings, wingovers, or spirals, working towards a goal over winter means that when the rowdy spring thermals come you’re in good shape to make the most of them. There have been two notable developments in the NZHGPA safety sphere that I’m excited to share with you.

Witness reporting form

Our new witness reporting form is now live on the website! This has been requested by a number of people over the last few months and has finally come to fruition, a collaboration between myself, CEO Nick, and our analyst Hamish. The witness reporting form is a bare bones version of the AIRS (Accident and Incident Reporting System) form, which can be used by anyone who witnessed an accident without being involved in it in any way (i.e. instructors still use the standard AIRS form). This avoids the issues we’ve been running into of witnesses filling out the AIRS form and needing to answer questions with information only the pilot would know. The whole process is now much simpler for witnesses, which will hopefully encourage people to report more frequently.

Unlike the AIRS reports, these reports will not be provided to the CAA, nor will they be available publicly. But just like the AIRS reports, the witness reports will be covered by a Just Culture, meaning that neither the witness nor the pilot they’re reporting about will be subject to enforcement or disciplinary action unless the safety of other people (not the pilot) or property has been put in unnecessary danger. When a witness report is filled out, a copy will be sent to the National Safety Officer (me), local Club Safety Officer, and NZHGPA CEO (Nick) as well as the person who filled in the report, for their records.

If you witness an accident, please consider filling out the witness reporting form. It only takes a few minutes and often provides invaluable information, contributing to a more accurate reconstruction of what happened. Consequently, both the pilot and the wider community can learn more from the accident, and hopefully prevent a similar accident in future. Witness information can be especially necessary in the case of serious accidents, where the pilot’s memory of the accident is often impaired. The form is accessible with the shiny new orange button on the NZHGPA safety page: www.nzhgpa.org.nz/safety/

aIRs Hub

Formerly Data Studio, the AIRS Hub (Accident & Incident Report Database) is now publicly accessible for the first time. The AIRS Hub is the result of a lot of very long hours by our fantastic analyst, Hamish Dicker, and crunches the numbers on all of the AIRS reporting data received by the association since 2016. This is the new place to read the latest anonymised AIRS reports, as well as find clear data on just about every metric you can imagine - incidents

can be organised by year, geographic region, phase of flight, highest license held by the pilot, you name it.

All the reports on paraglider thermalling mishaps in the Southern club last year? AIRS Hub can do that.

All the reports involving a near miss by a hang glider on landing nationwide between 2017 and 2020? AIRS Hub can do that.

It truly is an incredible resource, the sheer volume of data available is almost

overwhelming, but at the same time it’s easy to navigate and find what you’re looking for. I highly recommend checking it out and having a play around, but be warned - once you start exploring it can be quite the time-suck! The AIRS Hub is accessible through the shiny new blue button on the NZHGPA safety page, just below the new witness report button.

Safety starts with each of us. Things like keeping currency, practising manoeuvres, and reading AIRS reports to learn from others’

mistakes, can be what makes the difference when the thermals turn scary or the coastal wind starts pushing you over the ridge. It’s important that we think about our safety and talk about these sorts of things with our flying buddies, so we can all enjoy many more years in the sky together.

Wishing you many happy flights and safe landings!

- Nina, NZHGPA National Safety Officer

Below are some screenshots from the AIRS Hub

NZ Ha N g glidi N g XCo N test

NZ Ha NG G l I d ING XCo NT e ST

Cross-Cou N try C H ampio N s H ips

Cro SS -Cou NT ry C H amp I o NSHI p S

January 1st to december 31st

April 1st 2022 to march 31st 2023 top scores on 21/3/2023

Open Distance Club Competition Sport

Quieter Launches for 6030/ Compeo instruments

Volirium have released a new firmware udate for the popular Flytec 6030/Brauniger IQ Compeo+ instrument which reduces acoustic output before and during launch, by muting

NZ Competition organiser’s responsibilities

It is the Comp Organiser’s responsibility to;

1. Obtain a list of current members from the 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’.

Rigid Wing

Omarama Hang Gliding Cross Country Classic

saturday 3 February to sunday 11 February 2023

the stall alarm and MacCready acoustics, as well as reducing the effect of total energy conservation (TEC) on the vario calculation.

It also improves the import of configuration data from SD card.

The update can be downloaded from the Software Support page for Flytec 6020 and 6030 (aka Brauniger IQ Competino+ and Compeo+) see www.volirium.com/en/ volirium/support/software-maintenance-forflytec-6020-and-6030/

There are also previous updates there that fix WGS84 distance calculation and GPS rollover date issues so if your instrument is misbehaving, doing the update may give it a new lease of life. -Joerg for Volirium

thisseason sees a return to the customary week including Waitangi day so there’s more flying opportunity. Those who came after last years Nationals were rewarded with superb flying. Omarama is always spectacular; expect 9 or 10,000ft and an easy 20km to over 100km depending on your skill and weather conditions. The airspace goes to 13,000ft and landing areas are massive.

It’s a great place to beat your Personal Best; height, distance etc, move up the XC Champs table, or maybe even fly to Mt Cook!

This time of year gets the most flyable days with least strong winds and turbulence, but it’s still hot so gives the most XC flying opportunities. The event is relaxed with no fees to pay.

HGPG.co.nz or aero@xtra.co.nz for info

the dates are now set for 46th New Zealand Hang Gliding Open Championship, a.k.a. MuRCH 2024.

Practice days: January 25 - 26th 2024.

Competition days: January 27th - February 3rd 2024.

So, pencil those into the diary and get set for the seventh year of what has become an epic week of hang gliding goodness. Further details and registration information with be forthcoming. Organising duties are in the hands of Tom Mulder, Shane McKay and Steve Cronin. Come along, you know you want too and you know it’s going to be epic.

The web site for scoring and uploading your track logs is at: www.xcontest.org/newzealand/

XC Championship

Cross-Cou

Cro

April 1st 2022 to march 31st 2023 top scores on 21/3/2023

XC Championship

Open Distance

Wandering Kiwi

Club Competition

The final results and detailed report will appear in the next issue

April 1st 2023 to march 31st 2024 top scores so far on 21/3/2023

XC Championship

Open Distance

The web site for scoring and uploading your track logs is at: www.xcontest.org/newzealand/

Classified Advertising

■ Paid up NZHGPA members may run one advertisement per classification for free in each issue ■ Please email or post your 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 ■ include your email address for the online issue ■ Please notify when your items are sold ■ Buyers are advised that all used hang gliders and paragliders are highly recommended to have a full check as well as a new WOF when sold ■ It is dangerous to fly a glider or with equipment that is above your rated ability ■

PARAGLIDERS

COMPLETE kit for sale. After long and difficult consideration I have decided to retire from paragliding due to recurrent back issues. Having flown for many years in the uk, 3 years ago I picked the sport up again and bought the following, all of which has seen very little use and is in excellent condition. Phi Tenor size 23 paraglider. EN B 90-110 recommended weight range. Altirando 3 harness, Reserve parachute - Fluid Lite M, Flymaster vario-altimeter, Phi Viola, used as speedwing plus lightweight/minimalist harness. 2 helmets (one open face the other full face). Flight deck and probably a few other bits and pieces. To be sold as one lot. $4000 ono. which I think is less than half the total cost to me 3 years ago. Call Nick on 027 949 0093 for more details or email at whittingham.nick@gmail.com

AIRDESIGN Rise3, Enb cert.xs, 60-78kg, 80 hours, great condition, $2000, brand new wof great hike and fly glider, Call Rene 027 433 2541, nzrenegade@gmail.com

MANTRA SIX, ML, 90-105kg, purple/white, as shown in Ozone website promotion photos, excellent condition, still a bit crispy! Always stored flat, one owner, 162 hours. Includes XL Ozone backpack, as new, and saucisse bag: $1800 ono. Enquiries bud.hauser.nz@gmail.com

GRADIENT Aspen6 size 26. 85-105kg. EN-C. Less than 20 flights. Mint condition. $1500. Phone Angus 021 2205932, info@tandemhanggliding.com

HANG GLIDERS

AIR Atos VQ Race from 2019. Carbon keel, air brakes and pilot loading up to 190kg. (Can also be used as a tandem if wanted). Low hours and still in as new condition. I’m only selling because I’m heading to Europe in June and so am going to get a glider to fly there. Email phil@southwardgeorg.com or call Phil on 027 274 3689.

MOYES Litespeed 4 for sale. In good condition, new WOF. Blue and yellow sail. $1500. phone Ross Mackay 027 285 4195 rosoki@gmail.com

FALCON 4 tandems for sale. 4 to choose from. Contact Angus on 021 220 5932 info@tandemparagliding.com

CHEVRON B wanted, any condition, Prefer located in the South Island, Contact Bruce at info@blackhawkltd.co.nz

AIRBORNE C4-13 with a few spares. White mylar upper, yellow & lilac under. $1500 ono. Tom, 027 245-6777, nz_flyboy@outlook.com

U2 160. Dacron sail, Mylar/Hydranet LE/TE, speed battens and raked tips. 2012, great condition, has flown approx 300 hours. email - skyriderag@ gmail.com, phone 027 670 8301

KIWI 170 mint/new condition. Manufactured mid ’90s, unused. Test flown - Good Nov/Intermediate first 70% double surface lower aspect ratio glider, No VG new WOF, $2000. email - skyriderag@gmail.com

LITESPEED S 4.5, $2000, Phone 027 670 8301, Email: skyriderag@ gmail.com

SOLAR Wings Rumour, TXT 021 0880 0496 or email leo.comeskey@ gmail.com

RESERVE PARACHUTES

PARAGLIDER reserve for sale. Ozone Angel 90kg. $300. Please call Phil 027 274 3689 or email: phil@southward-georg.com

RESERVE parachutes including Charly’s super compact DiamondCross in steerable PG versions and HG version with built in swivel. Woody Valley Quadro are similar and sized in between. 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 full face (visor option), Insider, Loop (visor option) & the new lightweight Vitesse in stock, phone 021 247 2676 email aero@xtra.co.nz

INSTRUMENTS

OUDIE N instruments in stock at best price ever. Full featured GPS/alti/ vario/flight computer, with high resolution colour maps and airspace

that automatically updates, wind direction & speed. Range of Naviter, Aircotec and Digifly instruments mostly in stock. Phone 021 247 2676 or email aero@xtra.co.nz

HANG GLIDER HARNESSES

HERO race harness by Xwings. Carbon back plate, butt lever. Purchased new in July 2020 and in excellent condition. Heaps of storage in the boot, sides and along the back plate. Easy to get upright for landing, with easy to deploy drogue pocket for tight landings (drogue not included). All black with blue lightning bolt graphic from the shoulders to the boot, with harness bag. Reserve pocket on right-hand side (reserve not included). Measurements... Height (with shoes) 184cm, shoulder height 158cm, chest 102cm, waist 100cm, hip 102cm, shoe size NZ 10. $1000ono, free freight NZ wide. Contact email: richsimson@outlook.com for photos etc...

WELL made backframe harness, with front entry, red, in near new condition, front reserve container, sliding 2 riser type that actually works for easier launch & landing, fit around 5’10 medium build, Phone 021 247 2676, email aero@xtra.co.nz

POD harness; Old style & well worn but a cheap first prone harness. Goes vertical better than current back frame types, fits around 5’10 medium build, steel carabiner included. Chute container, storage pockets and storage bag. $100, Phone 021 247 2676, email aero@xtra.co.nz

BUSINESS

HANG Gliding & Paragliding Supplies will be moving soon to a new address a bit closer to Sumner and Taylors. There will be some stock clearing specials. Check www.hgpg.co.nz for news, phone 021 247 2676 email aero@xtra.co.nz

learn to Fly

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, 09 432 9333 or 021 072 0357

Email: skywalk@hotmail.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

Hunter Hawker

Phone: 021 855 345

Email: info@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

Bruce vickerman

Phone: 07 862 4919, 027 498 9941

Email: seehigh@slingshot.co.nz

Thames Coast Paramotors

Rick Hawkeswood Phone: 021682766

Email: rick.hawkeswood66@ outlook.com

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

Ash Win

Phone: 021 220 8302

email: ashswin556@gmail.com

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

QUEENSTOWN

PARAGLIDING

infinity Paragliding School

Chris Connolly

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

DUNEDIN

HANG GLIDING

Aorangi Club

Tom Mulder

Phone: 021 148 1831

Email: tom@mulder.co.nz

CLOUD PIX

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 fly.

ALWAYS CHECK with local pilots before flying at new sites.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

AVOID hay standing or cut unless permission has been given to cross it. AVOID landing in paddocks containing crops or stock. Carefully move off crops to avoid damage.

DO NOT LIGHT FIRES at any time.

DO NOT SMOKE during fire risk times.

DO NOT TAKE DOGS onto any farm or property.

DO NOT disturb plants or machinery, move around it.

LEAVE NO RUBBISH.

Sven Ericksen took this photo of a grocken spectre while coastal soaring.

Proud supporters of the HighSide flight park community project. Find