USHGA Hang Gliding May 1979 by US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

•

MAY 1979 $1.50

SAFETY, PERFORMANCE, QUALITY YOU CAN DEPEND ON. "The ALPHA'S handling inspires total confidence. Within seconds after launch on my first flight in the ALPHA 215 I knew I had the control to safely turn back into the ridge to follow the first marginal thermal that came along. So I did." - Chris Price

"I'm totally impressed with the ALPHA. Its combination of easy handling, stability in unusual attitudes, and excellent sink rate makes it an exceptional thermal/ing glider, The quality of the workmanship and hardware is unsurpassed." - Dick Stern "Old Man of the Mountain"

"The ALPHA is a true supership .. .it feels utterly stable regardless of the bank or pitch angles ... this may make the ALPHA the best thermalling glider I've written about in this series."

EDITOR: Gil Dodgen ASSISTANT EDITOR LAYOUT & DESIGN· Jonie Dodgen STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Leroy Grannis. Bettino Gray, Stephen McCorroll ILLUSTRATIONS: Brigitte Groom CONTRIBUTING EASTERN EDITOR: Poul Burns

ISSUE NO. 76

MAY 1979

Hang Oliding

OFFICE STAFF: MANAGER: Carol Velderra,n Tino Gertsch (Advertising). Janice .Johnson (Membership~ Kit Skradski (Renewals). Amy Gray (Hong Ratings)

(USPS 017-970) CONTENTS

USHGA OFFICERS: PRESIDENT: Dovld Broyles VICE PRESIDENT: Dennis Pogen SECRETARY: Joy Roser TREASURER:HolSpivok

FEATURES

EXECUTIVE COMMITIEE: David Broyles Alex Duncan Jan Cose USHGA REGIONAL DIRECTORS REGION 1: Michael Pringle, Doug HIidreth REGION 2: Wallace Anderson. Jon Cose REGION 3; Tom Mlll(ie. BIii Bennett; John Lake. REGION 4: Ken Koerwitz. Lucky Campbell REGION 5: None. REGION 6: Jim WIison REGION 7· Ron Christensen. David Anderson REGION 8; Horry Taylor REGION 9: Dennis Pogen. Les Klng. REGION 10: Jerold Welch. Rfchord Heckman. REGION 11; David Broyles. REGION 12: Poul Rfkert [)jRECTORS·A T-LARGE: Alex Duncan. John Horris. Joy Raser. Horry Robb. Hal Spivak. EX-OFFICIO DIRECTOR: Vic Powell. HONORARY [)jRECTOR: Hugh Morton. CIVL DELEGATE: Horry Robb. The United States Hong Gliding Association. Inc~ Is o division of the Notlonol Aeronoutic Association {NAA) which Is the otficloi U.S. representative of the Federation Aeronouttque lnternotfonole (FAl). the world governIng body fOf sport aviation The NAA which represents the U.S. at FAJ meetlngs. hos delegated to the USHGA supervision of FAJreloted hong gliding octMties such as record attempts and competition sanctions HANG GllDING magazine Is PVbffshed fol hong glldlng sp0rt enthuslosl$ ro creole lvrther lnleres1 In the sport, by o means or open cummunlcollon ond to advance hong gliding methods ond safety Contributions ore welcome. Anyone Is lrwlted to ccx,. tribute ortfcles. pho1os. ond fllustrotlons concerning hong gliding ocllviHes. If the motenol is to be returned. o stomped. self-oddressed return envelope must be enclosed Notiflcoflon must be mode of submission lo other hong gliding pubhcotioris. HANG GLIDING mogozlne reserves the right to edit contributions where necessary The AssocJolion and pu~lon do not =urne responslbillty fOf the material or opinions of con1rtbut0ts. HANG GLIDING mogcnine Is published monthly by the UrJ!ed Stoles Hong Glidor,g Associotton. Inc whose molting oddiess Is P.O. Box 66306. Los Ang~s. Corr 90066 ond whose offices ore localed ot 11312'1, Venice Blvd. Los Angel&, Calif 90066; teleph()ne (213) 390-3065. Secood·closs postage Is paid ot LO$ Angeles. Co11f HANG GUDING magazine Is printed by stnclolr Prtnflng & lltho. Alhombm. Coli! The typesetting is provided by lS1 lmpres$i0n Typesetting Setvlce. Cypress. Col<! The USHGA is o member-controlled educatlonol and scientific o,gonlzotton dedicated to e)Cploring ol facets of ultralight tllghf Membersh:p Is open to onyone 1nte1ested In this realm of fl'ight. Dues fOf ful memberslip ore S20 per yeor (S21 f0telgn addresses); subscnption rotes ore $15 for one year. $26 for two yeors. S36 for three yeOfs An lntrocluc· tory six-month trial ls O\/Olloble fOf $7 50, Change, Qf oddress should be sent weeks In odyonce. Including nome. USHGA membership number. previous ond new address. ond o mol~ng lobe! trom o recent 1$$1.19

'°'

1979 U.S. NATIONALSA PREVIEW

Article & photographs by Tom Milkie

This year's site. one of Southern Calffornio's dynamite spots. will hove the vertical drop of the last three Nationals sltes combined

20 TORREY PINES 26

A visit to the world's most popular flying site

Photographed by Bettina Gray Text by Don Betts

SPEEDS TO FLY Part II

Plotting your glider's polar

KOSSEN '78 Looking bock on one of the world's most colorful hang gliding events.

BAY AREA NEW KITE SHOWCASE The manufacturers display their wares

Article and photographs by Chris Perkins Article & photographs by John McClave and Lee Nelson

40 MAIDEN FLIGHT OF THE GOSSAMER ALBATROSS

by Frank G. Kelly

MacCready's new man-powered attempt at the English Channel

DEPARTMENTS 4 ULTRALIGHT CONVERSATION 4 INDEX TO ADVERTISERS 10 CALENDAR 13 NEWS AND NEW PRODUCTS 19 BIRD'S EYE VIEW by Lauran Emerson 45 USHGA REPORTS 52 SAFETY FORUM 59 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 65 STOLEN WINGS COVER: Visiting SWedlsh pilot Vlktor SkrinJar pilots a Delta Wlng "Lazer" prototvoe. at Svlmar. California. Photo by BIii Bennett. CONSUMER ADVISORY: Hang Glid ing Magazine and USHGA Inc., do not endorse or toke any responslblllty for the products advertised or mentioned editorially within these pages. Unless speclfically explained, performance ftgures quoted In advertising are only estimates. Persons considering the purchase ol a glider ore urged to studY HGMA standards.

s,x

\JLTRALIQMT CONVEKJATION Climbing Past Cloudbase Dear Editor, March 24, at Sylmar, CA a most interesting thing occurred. Approaching cloudbase (8,000 ft. ASL) beneath a medium-sized cumulus about J ,000 feet tall and one mile wide, I moved to the outside edge, finding a strong, steady core that carried me up to the cloud. I was on the western side of it, with south winds predominating that day. Moving in close to the north side of the cloud I continued to climb, now maintaining about a 15-foot separation from the side of the cloud. My path was becoming east along the back, and climbing in smooth steady lift, easily maintaining separation. Groundspeed was increasing. (The winds were different here.) Surprisingly, there was ridge lift on the back side of this cloud. Fearing a plane might come plowing through this cloud I parted from the eastern end of the cloud after climbing more than half way up the side without ever entering it. Don Chambers Redondo Beach, CA

USHGA and Motorized Dear Editor, There are those of us out here (more than you think) who feel that anything with a motor is no longer a hang glider. In fact it is a glaringly obvious (to anyone not biased by the economics of the issue) contradiction in terms. Since the U.S. Hang Gliding Association was formed by, for, and around hang gliding, is it USHGA's responsibility to attempt to control a faction that the FAA itself may be unable to control with anything less than drastic regulation? The only means of control we have is peer pressure, which means we have no control at all since we don't share sites and airspace with powered ultralights. To be fair, the current record for the powered contingent probably isn't any worse than that of unpowered flyers, when worked out in percentages. Most of the pilots flying now flew unpowered previously, and many fly conventional planes. For the most part they have a healthy respect for the air, the ground, the FAA and our predicament. The real worry is the very high probability that powered ultralights will become extremely faddish and over popularized through our own zeal, and too much media attention. Such popularization will result in a rapidlyincreasing percentage of flyers whose attitudes and level of expertise are incompatible with safe use of the sky, and whose ability to get in trouble is a whole order of magnitude greater than that of an unpowered flyer. Only severe regulation would bring such a situation under control, and frankly I don't want to be included in it under any circumstances. Which brings me back to my

original question: Does the USHGA want to be held responsible for the use of an aircraft, which by strict definition is outside this organization's scope of interest? Or should the powered flyers be invited to form their own national organization, establish their own niche under the FAR's and take responsibility for policing their own ranks? I feel this question is of prime importance and should be put to a vote before any other major issues can be decided. Many will say we can't afford to divide our ranks right now. [ say we can't afford not to. I say, divided we stand, united we fall. Steve Karafyllakis Arlington, VA

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Advanced Air Sports .......................... 14 Aerial Techniques ............................ 54

Arco Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 ATS .......................................... 54 Bennett Delta Wing Gliders ...... IFC, 11, 18, 28, 51 Cypress Gardens . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 59 DAR Ent ...................................... 48 Duncan ..................................... 67 Eco-Nautlcs Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. . . . .. .. . . . 50 Eipper ...................................... IBC Electra Flyer Corp...................... 38, 55, BC

Launch Approach

Flight Designs .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . 50 Glanforte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Dear Editor, [ would like to comment on the pictorial article on landing approaches by Tom Jensen in the February, 1979 issue of Hang Gliding. While it was a good and useful summary, it seems that the idea of slowing to minimum sink may not be sound "rule of thumb" advice for landing. While the "general rule" for landing sailplanes may not be directly applicable to hang gliders, the general principle of flying faster during landing approach to avoid the effects of wind gradient is still valid. Despite a hang glider's relatively low momentum and its parachuting capabilities, it would seem that "high and fast" would almost always be better than "low and slow." Flying slowly during landing approaches eliminates a lot of options at a time when you need options the most. You can always lose altitude - not so regaining it! It's amazing how fast the ground comes up to meet you when you encounter a sudden downdraft during landing. Although my experience is limited, I would like to suggest that maintaining airspeed during landing is imperative and that losing altitude should be restricted to increasing drag, that is, stand up in the harness, side slip, or use a retractable drag chute. Perhaps a formula of best L/D plus about half the estimated wind speed would be a workable guideline for landing pattern speed. I would welcome input from other pilots. I also would like to get Tom Jensen's opinions. Tom Morgan Greenville, NC

Glider Rider . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . 64 Golden Sky Salls .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. .. 63 Hall Wind Meter ............................. 50 Hang Gliders of California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 8 Hlghster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Kite Enterprises ............................... 47 Kitty Hawk Kites ....................... 15, 50, 67 Lancer ...................................... 29 Leading Edge Air Fells ........................ 54 Lllek ......................................... 37 Manta Products . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . 56 M Company ................................. 61 U.S. Moyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Ocean Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Odyssey .................................... 60 Ontario Hang Gliders ......................... 57 Pacific Ultralight . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. .. 58 Pagan ....................................... 28 Power Up Co. . . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Poynter Books ................................ 19 Price Company . . . .. . . .. . .. . . . . . .. .. . . . . . .. . . 61 Scott's Marine ............................... 54 Seagull Aircraft .............................. 30 Sky Sports .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . 62 Snyder Ent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Soarmaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sunblrd......................................

The Hane Gliders Bible ....................... 50 Ultimate HI . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . 44 Ultra/lie Products ............................. 47 USHGA ................................ 39, 57, 58 Volmer Aircraft ............................... 53

''Price Discrimination'' Rebuttal Dear Editor, I am writing in regard to a letter written by Jim · Rice of Millboro, Virginia, entitled Price Discrimination, in the February issue of Hang Gliding. First, let me state that I do not condone, nor have I ever desired an increase in glider prices or profits for my own gain, or for the good of the sport. Jim Rice stated, "what was meant was higher prices and profits for hang glider shops to

Wasatch Wines .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 17 WIiis Wing, Inc ............................ l, 12, 61 Windhaven ...................... 6, 43, 47, 57, 63

AD DEADLINES All ad copy, instructions, changes, additions and cancellations must be received in writing l 12 months preceding the cover date, i.e. Feb. 15 for the April issue. HANG GLIDING

THE ®

Hang glider emergency descent system.

he Life Saver was designed with the '.lie purpose of giving a hang glider ilot in trouble an Emergency Descent ystem. When the designer, Rich iccirilli, engineered this system he ,alized that a hang glider pilot in an mergency situation, must be able to eploy his system in the least possible mount of time and always get a clean ositive opening.

:EV FEATURES lephant ear handles (sure-grip) nvelope deployed. The rivelope is part of the throwway container cover. ontainer will open in any ,rection. System is designed to 3 opened and deployed in a 1e step, one hand motion, sing either hand.

fe Saver 24 $325.00 fe Saver 26 $350.00

MODEL

CONT,\INER SIZE

CORES

DIAMETER

LIFF SA\"f R 24

LIFE SA \'LR 2b

LINES

AREA (sq. ft.I

WEICHT (lbs I

MATERIAL

12··x I 2"x3"

20-Jo"xl2'

18"

l"x20'

20 1.1·-11··

250

uncoated

l 2"'x I 2"x4"

22-3o"x 12"

21'

l"x20'

22 14 ·x 11"

335

75 uncoated

manufactured by

liJ mID

ENTERPRISES, Inc. Post Office Box 3044 :;Wport Beach, California 92663 (7i 4) 642-788"1

llRIDLE

lit)

(inchl'si

·NOTE:

a Re,nforc,ng tape on all seams b Line attachmenJs reinforced by ·v· tabs.

available f r o ~ WESTGt=lt=IRO.

PRRRCHUTE ENTERPRISE INC

i Si 8 N. COAST HWY. LAGUNA BEACH, CA • 9265"1 7i 4-497-442"1

Dealer inquiries welcome.

finance better services," Let it be known that this is Mr. Rice's interpretation of what I said, He grossly misinterpreted and distorted what I stated in my letter entitled, Industry Growth in

INDHAVEN HAS IT ALL IN CATALOG 1979

g i:!<(

The Hands of the Manufacturer. The title of my article was Industry Growth, not Industry Destruction. I own and operate a

INDHAVEN 1979

l) -FREE

SEND FOR YOUR COPY TODAY! See what we have to offer. It's all here

Flex Wings • Fixed Wings • Kits &Assembled • Instruments • Parachutes

• Drogue Chutes • Engines

• Suspension • Systems • Accessories • Full Price List

Jerry Kitchens, President Lone Star Hang Gliders, Inc. Arlington, Texas

Easy Riser Stability

Don't Wait! We Have What You Want

-SEND TODAYWINDHAVEN HANG GLIDING SCHOOLS, INC 12437 San Fernando Rd. Sylmar, CA 91342 NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE.~~----- ZIP 10 LE

professional hang gliding outlet in the flat lands. I've experienced the problems that exist first hand. I realize that if manufacturers do not commit themselves to change regarding their distribution programs, professional hang glider shops do not have a chance. The "higher prices" that exist today have arisen because of product costs. The economy dictates to the manufacturer what it will cost to produce a glider or any other item. Then, the manufacturer must pass this expense along to the retail price. Mr. Rice stated himself, "higher glider prices would reduce demand with two possible effects on profits." Higher prices reduce demand, yes, but the effects on profits are much greater than most people realize. The most interesting comment made by Mr. Rice was his ethical objection to my proposal. He states, "hang gliding to me represents flight for those who want to fly.'' This is a good point, but it ignores an important concern - safety. Every individual accident reflects on hang gliding as a sport. Once I was teaching with another flight in. structor at a local site. We noticed a glider positioned at the bottom of the hill for quite awhile. We went over to see if we could offer any assistance. The pilot was pinned under the glider with . a broken arm. The individual who sold him the equipment didn't have time to teach him how to fly. Perhaps professionalism is not needed. Anyone can sell hang gliding equipment - not just anyone can teach and repair - but perhaps flight instructors aren't needed. It is my opinion that professionalism is a must for future growth. The simple recognition that full-time professional shops and individual salesmen represent two different aspects of representation and distribution will be a remarkable achievement. The future has to contain change to promote growth. Please understand, I stand for growth in a positive manner for the sake of hang gliding's future, not for the sake of my checking account.

Dear Editor, On January 13, 1979, Randy Peterson was cri. tically injured when his Easy Riser failed structurally and plummeted several hundred feet to the ground. He was flying at Point Sal, CA, a 1,200-foot mountain, in calm conditions. After analyzing the reports of witnesses, accident reports and the wreckage, it would seem that Randy's Easy Riser diverged after falling out of a spin, whereupon the left side inner bay negative wires snapped, causing a complete structural failure. This is the second case known to me in which an Easy Riser apparently has diverged, A year ago this March my powered Riser diverged

and sent me into an outside tumbling loop, whereupon it failed structurally. By all rights both of us should be dead. Since the 1976 Nationals at Dog Mountain, when I first discovered the tendency of my glider to diverge while I was pendulating in a swing seat, I have been aware, as has the manufacturer, of this problem, but I did not understand the implications. Since that time I have learned of, or have test flown, five different Easy Risers that have displayed tendencies to diverge dynamically. Two of these ships were the first full factory production models, one of which had modified washout. All the others were geometrically to factory specifications, including Randy Peterson's. The facts are that the Easy Riser has never been fully aerodynamically tested and has been diverging and displaying signs of pitch instability for some time now. Many times a motor was in· valved, and usually considered to be the cause, although I believe it was only the catalyst. What causes an aircraft such as an Easy Riser to diverge can turn out to be quite a complicated problem, but that does not mean the answer may not prove to be a simple one. Here are some of the variables and possible problems: I. Inadequate washout: Increased washout is known to increase pitch stability in this aircraft. 2. Sag: Due to fabric sag between the ribs, an Easy Riser can lose a great deal of its maximum camber. Meticulous builders might be creating an uncompensated for divergent force by retaining an uncommon amount of maximum camber. 3. Wing tip blow down at high speeds: The washout/reflex is most effective at the wing tips, which also turn out to be the most structurally unstabilized portion of the wing. 4. Cloth tension: When inadequate, lends to airfoil deformation under load and possible loss of reflex. 4. Wing warpage: Due to excess sail tension, it is quite common to see trailing edge wing tips bowing down or up, creating more or less pitch stability. Risers that may have a problem can display such incredibly stable characteristics in their normal flight envelopes, that one could fly the glider for an extended period without knowing that there was a potential problem. However, under unusual conditions an Easy Riser might attain an angle of attack from which there is no return. If you own one of these gliders do not be surprised if you have never felt this tendency. The problem is very real, whether it can be explained away or not. I failed to report on my accident to aid UFM in determining the cause of and answer to the problem. No explanation or warning has been offered to the public. The inner bay negative wires should be changed from 1/16" to 3/32" because the former has proven to be inadequate under inverted loads. Set your machine up with a swing seat connected to a C.G. bracket and go flying. The key is to pendulate freely, entirely separated from the aircraft (hands off). This is when you may feel the aircraft diverge dynamically. Dive testing at high speeds while pendulating at speeds in excess of 35 mph is something that is rarely done. It is my opinion that a great majority of

HANG GLIDING

UNLIMIT YOURSELF

WITH UNLIMITED LIFT! You 'll like what SOARMASTER does for downwind days. With the PP - 1 06 you can fly over your own city, anytime, because the SOARMASTER POWER PACK is a 1 0 horsepower, 30 pound package that can show you new horizons . THE PP-106 IS AVAILABLE ON T H E FOLLO WI NG G LI DERS: ELECTRA FL YER C IRRUS 5A, 58, 3, 2. OLYMPUS 160 , 180 . SKY SPORT SIROCCO DELTA WING PHOENIX 68 , 6C, 8 SENSOR UP FIREFLY EIPPER CUMULUS 10 SEAGULL SEAHAW K 170 , 190 , 1 OM , 10.5M WI LLS W ING , SST , ALPHA , XC

SOARMASTER INC. P 0. BOX 420 7. SCOTISDALE. ARIZONA 85258 TEL (602) 948-7494

700 8,.-,«I« 1!.&. . At~""'1""· 1t,w ?N, ,,eo !7107

sos 344 3444

pilots will eventually find that their Easy Risers will diverge. I suggest that only an experienced pilot, who knows what to look for, and who knows how to go about testing a hang glider to its limits, attempt these tasks. Several ways to stabilize your glider would be to increase the washout and adjust the sweep and stagger, stabilize the trailing edge upper wing tip, or change the ribs to a more pitch positive airfoil section (more reflex). The purpose of this letter is not to inspire a thousand rebuttals but to inform the flying public that a serious problem may exist in this glider. Again, the problem may be more complex, and my simple answers might not be answers at all. It concerns me greatly to think that a person might have to be seriously injured or killed before a problem receives publicity. Perhaps the Easy Riser should be fully HOMA tested. For any discussion or information contact me at: (805) 528-5690, or Dave Butz at (805) 544-3849. Brian Porter Los Osos, CA

testing every glider, and they should be commended for their efforts in this regard. However, their advertising implies that only Wills Wing tests every production glider and their letter to the editor after Telluride's HOMA meeting also implied that they were the only manufacturer in favor of this policy. They then presented a long list of factories who voted against establishing an HOMA policy of testing every ship. Please note: 1) that Ultralite Products' name was not on this list against testing, 2) that since the beginning of our company several years ago, we have always tested every glider we have built, 3) we are strongly in favor of this practice within the industry. Also, please note that in a recent ad for the Wills Wing "Alpha" there is a quoted endorsement from Rich Pfeiffer who "has logged flights of 72, 76, and 81 miles," implying that these were made in an Alpha. The facts are that Pfeiffer made these flights in a UP Spyder, and that no matter what he may say about his test flight in an Alpha, both he and his wife (current distance champion for women at 51 miles) have placed orders for UP Mosquitos for this year's X-C Classic in Bishop.

Disillusioned Dear Editor, In reference to the letter by Joe Robiller in the February, 1979 issue of Hang Gliding, I must agree with him on the suggestion that a consumer group be set up within the sport. I have been waiting five months for the arrival of my replacement leading edges! I ordered them in early November of 1978 through the local dealer. In January of 1979 the parts arrived, but the tubes were heavily damaged. They were reordered immediately and as of right now, they have not been delivered. What really bugs me is the fact that if this were a new glider I had on order, I would have cancelled long ago, and made a deal with a more reputable manufacturer. These replacement tubes, however, are of complex construction, and the list price of the factory item is less than the price of the raw tubing available here. In other words, it's cheaper to order through the manufacturer, but in my situation, the time I've had to wait is no bargain. The dealer also feels that the leading edge construction is too complex for him. What can I do? When will I be satisfied? In conversations with other area pilots, and by having two friends who deal with this particular manufacturer, I find that this problem is not too uncommon. The response from this manufacturer has been to assure these dealers that the problem will be cleared up immediately. In the meantime, I grow more disillusioned everytime I talk with the dealer.

Peter Brock Ultralite Products

No Sweep Dear Editor, Regarding pitchovers, I have discovered that sweep-back is part of the problem, not a solution. I am currently flying a zero quarterchord sweep bowsprit kite with five degrees of washin (that's negative twist) that handles very well in air so rough that the Rogallo wings fear to fly. When it encounters strong turbulence it simply rises and sinks with very little rolling or pitching. It's totally non-wishy-washy and it always goes exactly where I want it to. I have never flown a kite with more precise and predictable handling. We've been having weird wind around here of late, so I have repeatedly had the joyful experience of being hit by a gust from the rear, after

which the kite drops with only a gentle downward pitching motion until it starts flying again. I regret that none of the people who have taken photos of the kite ever got back to me (I don't own a camera) but _I'm bound to encounter a wuffo with a Polaroid soon. The problem is center of pressure travel. In my experimental kite with a reflexed airfoil based on the NACA 2R212, the center of pressure never moves aft of 400Jo, even in a complete stall. In a sail wing with flexible battens or rigid non-reflex battens, the c.p. will zip back to 500Jo of the local chord in a stall. To make things worse, Rogallos have huge amounts of washout in their sweptback tips. Thusly, as a Rogallo starts to fall following a massive stall, the rearward wing tips will re-attack and start lifting ten to thirty degrees of rotation before the root. During this period, the c.p. can be incredibly far rearward, perhaps as much as 700Jo in a sharply swept, high-aspect kite, resulting in a massive negative pitching moment that will probably become effective at about the same time that the pilot begins pulling in to get his airspeed back following a gustinduced stall. No wonder they flip! I've been promoting supine harnesses and waging an uphill battle against sweep-back for years, and now I hope somebody will start listening. Another advantage of a non-swept planform over the swept (and my original reason for interest) is that it produces less induced drag. The reflex required to stabilize a non-swept wing actually increases the effective aspect ratio, while the twist t11at is usually used in a swept wing for this purpose (and is also necessary to prevent loss of yaw-roll stability through tip stall) decreases the effective aspect ratio. My ZQ-2 has an effective span of about .9 as opposed to the effective spans of .6 to .7 found in Rogallos.

~ USHGA ~ Large

Dear Editor, Just a short note to clarify some confusion that may have been created by recent Wills Wing advertising and promotion. First, I want to say that I completely agree with Wills' policy of

Hang Gliding welcomes letters to the editor. Address your contribution to: USHGA, Box 66306, Los Angeles, CA 90066.

"California's Compfete Hang Gfiding Shop"

Richard Annis West Seneca, NY

Advertising Clarification

Steve Moore Santa Barbara, CA

certified Instruction

selection of new & used gliders

Santa Monica, Calif. 90401

~ Service ~Complete line of accessories ~ We organize Cafifornia ffying safaris

tel. (213) 399 - 5315

-~"Windsurfing" -

2410 Lincoln Blvd.

~ All the Hottest Skateboards & accessories

when it's too windy to fly

HANG GLIDING

LEADING EDGE AIR FOILS

WINDHAVEN

331 South 14th Street Colorado Springs, CO 80904 (303) 632·4959

1<2437 San Fernando Road Sylmar, California 91342 (213) 367·1819

ARCADIA All SPORTS 159 E. Huntington Or. 13 dla, California 91006

t441.11t

BEARTOOTH HANG GLIDERS 543 Yellowslone Ave . BIiiings, MT 59101 (406) 248·4383

OWIIIM,MLL IEAVIII IIOUIW IIT'L AIIINIIT 4524 S. E. NHI Raid MIiwaukie . OR 97222 (503) 653-5103 DESERT SUNBIRD HAIII ILIDERI 1518 Marshall Rich land . WA 99352 (509) 942-3207

SUNBIRD OF UTAH 254 E. 5th Street South Sandy , Utah 84070 (801) 561-3013

IIAN8 GLIDERS WEST 1011 Lingoln Ave. San Rafael , CA 94901 (415) 453·7664

MISSION SOARING CENTER 43551 Mission Boulevard Fremonl, CA 94538 (415) 656·6656

IIAll8 GLIDER SHOP 8887 N Venlura Ave. Vlnlura, CA 93001 (805) 649· 24 70

MULLER KITES , LTD . 3443 121h St. N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 6S6 (403) 277·2606

800TWORKS 515 Mam Street Boise , Idaho 83702 (208) 344·3821

LEE GARDNER 348 Carmel Ave. Marina , California 93933 (408) 384·3107

ICl1'E ENTEIIPRISES 1403 Auslln Irving, Texas (214) 438·1623

PRAIRIE FLYTE CO . 2004 Karen Court. Unit 1 Champaign , ILL 61820 (217) 351·5908

CRYSTAL AIR SPORTS Route 4, Cummings Hwy . Chattanooga, TN 37409 (615) 825·1995

GLIDERS & GADGETS 5913 Creekvlew Drive Kansas City, MO 64152 (816) 587·1326

KITTY HA. IIITU P.O. Box 386 Nags Head , N.C. 27959 (919) 441 ·6247

SKI & SEA HANO GLIDERS 2604 NE . 61st Street Portland , OR 97213 (503) 281-1484

CHANDELLE SAN FRANCISCO 1O Hillside Boulevard Daly Cily , Calilornia 94014 (415) 756·0650

GOLDEN SKY SAILS 572 Orchard Street Golden , Colorado 80401 (303) 278·9566

DAN MCMAHON 5814 Asquith #8 Memphis, TN 38118 (901) 794-6352

STAN SMITH 23 Old Duck HOie Road E. Orleans, MA 02643 (617) 696·5515

SUNBIRD ULTRALIGIHT GLIDERS 12501 GLADSTONE AVE., -A4 SYLMAR, CA 81 342 • 213-361-8651

S.E. MICHIGAN HANG GLIDERS 24851 Murray Mt . Clemens, Ml 48043 (313) 791 ·0614 SO . CAL . SCHOOL OF HANG GLIDERS 5219 Sepulveda Blvd . Van Nuys , CA 91414 (213) 789·0836 SUNBIRD OF MIAMI 8786 S.W. 133 Street Miami . FL 33156 (305) 596-0503 ULTRALITE SPORTS OF AMERICA 14800 Westminster Way No. Seattle, WA 98133 (206) 363·6364 U.S. HANO GLIDERS 10250 N. 19th Ave. Phoenix, Al. 95201 (602) 944·1655 W.W. HANG GLIDING 2083 Woodway Road S.E. Roanoke, VA 24014 (703) 345-75 18

1979 COMPETITION SCHEDULE MAY 11-13. Kilty Hawk Kites Gliding Spectacular Fun Meet, Nags Head, N.C. Contact Kitty Hawk Kites. MAY 18-20. Region 7 instructor certification clinic. Cedar Falls, Iowa. $35. For more information contact Shannon Brasher, 2003 Waterle Rd. #A10, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613 (319) 277-6981. MAY 18-20. Fourth annual east coast Delta Kite and Glider Championship, White Lake, North Carolina. Twelve contestants only. Tow meet. Contact: Tommy Faircloth, 51-A Cambridge Arms Apts., Fayetteville, N.C. 28303. MAY 19-20, 26-28. Southern Cali fornia Regionals. Pine Flats/ Crestline, CA. Contact: Tom Milkie at (714) 998-2154. MAY 25-28. Region 9 regionals. Hyner View, PA. MAY 26-27. Region One regionals at Dog Mt., Morton, WA. For more information contact Dave Harrell, 530 M St., NE, Apt. #2, Auburn, WA 98002 (206) 939-4 725. MAY 26-28. Reg ions 6 and 11 qualification meet, Buffalo Mountain, Oklahoma. Con· tact: Gene Bledsoe (405) 787-3125. MAY 26-28. Region 7 qualifying meet. Hokah, Minn. Contact Robert Campbell, 2815 Marion St., La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 783-1757 or David Anderson, Box 100, Granville, IL 61326 (815) 339-2282. JUNE 7-10. Region 2 Qualifying Meet, Elk Mt., Upper Lake, CA. Certified gliders only, entry fee $30. Limited to 100 pilots. Contact Jim Richardson, 145 Los Altos, American Canyon, CA 94590. JUNE 9-10. Florida State Towing Championships. AUGUST 412, Sixth World Cup Delta Glider Championships. Contact: Lynn Novakofski, P.O. Box 1, Cypress Gardens, Fla. 33880. JUNE 14-17. Scottish Open Hang Gliding Championships. Cairnwell Mountain, Braemar, Aberdeenshire.

JUNE 30-JULY 1. Second Annual Florida Glide-In. For motorized hang gliders and powered ultralights. Perry, FLA. Contact Grossburg Glide-In, Box 50961, Jacksonville Beach, FLA 32250 (904) 246-2568. Ultralight pilots must preregister.

MAY

JUNE 27-JULY 11. "Mini Classic" (five days). Limit 50 pilots. $50 entry for Fledgling-type gliders with mechanical controls. JULY 1-3. Third annual powered ultralight fly-in. Brooks Field, Marshall, Mich. Early entry fee $20. At gate $25. For more information and entry forms contact Aero Float, P.O. Box 1155, Battle Creek, Mich. 49016 (616) 965-6455 days.

JUNE

JULY 7-15. "X-C Classic" (nine days). Limit 50 pilots. $85 entry for weight-shift controlled flex wings only. For information regarding these meets contact: X-C Classic, c/o Don Partridge, Star Route 4, Box 3A, Bishop, CA 93514.

Peace River Hang Gliding Meet, Peace River, Canada, Terry Thordorson (403) 624-4390, Peace River, Canada

18-20

4th Annual East Coast Delta Kite Championships, White Lake, N. Carolina, (919) 868-5357 or (919) 483-1971

19-20

Region #3 Qualification Meet, Pine Flats, CA

(26-28)

LaVerne DeJan (714) 796-1658 or Tom Milkie (714) 998-2154

26-28

Region #1 Qualification Meet, Dog Mtn., Washington, Dave Jarrell (206) 939-4725

26-28

Region #7 Qualification Meet, Valley High Country Club, Hokah, Minn., Robt. Campbell (608) 783-1757 or David Anderson (815) 339-2282

26-27

Longview Meet, Longview, Canada, Alberta H.G. Assn., Alberta, Canada

9-10

Florida State Towing Championships, Cypress Gardens, Florida, Cypress Gardens, Box 1, Cypress Gardens, FL 33880 (813) 324-2111

14-17

Scottish Open H.G. Championships, Cairnwell Mtn., Braemar, Aberdeenshire, Alstair Munro, 25 Regent Terr., Edinburgh, Scotland EH7 5BS

16-24

British International XC Meet

23-24

7th Annual Cochrane Meet, Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, Willi Muller, 3443-12th St. NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (403) 277-2606

27-1

Mini XC Classic, Bishop, CA, Don Partridge, Star Rt. 4, Box 3A, Bishop, CA 93514

30-1

2nd Annual Florida Glide-In, Perry-Foley Airport, Perry, FL, Mike Grossberg, Box 50961, Jacksonville Bch., FL 32250 (904) 246-2568

30-2

Lumby Meet, Lumby, B.C., Canada, Randy Rouck, General Delivery, Lumby, B.C. Canada

1-3

3rd Annual Powered Ultralight Fly-In, Brooks Field, Marshall, Michigan, Aero Float Flights, Box 1155, Battle Creek, MI 49016

7-15

"XC Classic," Bishop, Calif., Don Partridge, Star Rt. 4, Box 3A, Bishop, Calif. 93514

14-22

6th Annual World Cup Delta Glider Championships, Cypress Gardens, Florida, Cypress Gardens, Box 1, Cypress Gardens, FL 33880 (813) 324-2111

31-12

World Championships, Grenoble, France

AUG.

24-27

United Kingdom Open

SEPT.

1-3

Alberta Championships, Longview, Alberta, Canada, Alberta H.G. Assn., (Address Above)

11-16

Masters of Hang Gliding, Grandfather Mtn., Linville, N. Carolina, Hugh Morton, Box 128, Linville, NC (704) 733-2355

24-30

Telluride Hang Glider Invitation, Telluride, Colorado, Chris Dusatko, Box 38, Telluride, CO 81435, (303) 728-4162

13-21

The American Cup, Air Space Flight Park, Chattanooga, Tenn., Box 6009, Chattanooga, TN 37401

JULY 14-22. Cypress Gardens 6th World Cup. AUG. 19-26. Seventh Annual U.S. Nationals. Crestline, San Bernardino, CA. Must apply by July 31. For more information contact Tom Milkie, 5645 Avenue de Vinedos, Anaheim, CA 92807 (714) 998-2154. SEPT. 24-30. Telluride Manufacturers Invitational, Telluride, Colo.

JULY

SEPT. 11-16. Masters of Hang Gliding Championships. Contact: Hugh Morton, Box 128, Linville, N.C. 28646. OCT. 13-21. American Cup Team Championships. Lookout Mountain, TN/GA. Defending champion -Great Britain. USHGA sanctioned; Awards: American Cup, Francis Rogallo trophy, prize money. HGMA certification required for American team gliders.

Crystal Flight Resort MAY 24-28. Second Annual Memorial Day Fly-In.

JUNE 16·17. Third annual Starthistle Meet, Baldy Mt., Medford, Ore. Contact Rogue Valley Hang Gliding Assn., P.O. Box 621, Grants Pass, Ore. 97526.

5-6

JUNE 15-18. Instructor Certification Seminar with Region 10 Director, Dick Heckman. Advanced Instructor Seminar on last day.

OCT.

HANG GLIDING

~----

hat's how we like to think of it: rare and beautiful, truly deserving of its namesake-that mythical bird that rose om its own ashes more stunning and graceful than before. ow, Delta Wing brings you the newest, most dynamic achine from their legendary line of Phoenix gliders: THE

_,,._.,,,.

IX U..

NEWS AND NEW PRODUCTS to George Worthington, meet director, the

UFM BARNSTORM AIRSHOW wind was calm and the scores were meanAs the fog clears over the skies of Morgan Hill, Ca., colorful figures mingle and stare at the strange winged machines. The scene is Ultralight Flying Machines' ''Great Barnstorm Airshow.'' The free public exposition marked the first individual manufacturer-sponsored open airshow. The goal of the show was the promotion of safety and available features in powered ultralight flight. The site, Irv Perch's "Hill Country" is a privately owned 200 acre playland including a golf course, RIC air field, antique air and auto museum and a relic-filled restaurant, appropriately named "The Flying Lady." It was unanimously declared the most ideal and aesthetic scene to hold such an event. The USHGA sanctioned meet got underway with Steve Grote of Sunnyvale at the controls of his Weedhopper in a crowdrousing display of authentic barnstorming style. Again, the crowd was brought to their feet as Jack Mccornack and Dan White appeared over the horizon completing their 45 minute powered flight from Watsonville in their colorful Pterodactyl Fledglings. Dave Kilbourne, Dave Butz and Larry Mauro dazzlingly displayed the footlaunching capabilities of the powered Easy Risers. With cameras rolling, Dave Kilbourne, UFM's new San Francisco bay area dealer, executed a perfect motor-off two point landing. Other participants were: David Low, Ed and Sean Sweeney, a father/son Fledge team, and John Yurich in a Quicksilver. As the afternoon's activities flared out, Dave and Donita Kilbourne and Larry Mauro were interviewed by the local CBSTV reporters for the "Evening Magazine" program to be aired nationally. Commemorative plaques were awarded for the non-competitive categories of: Best New Design, to Jack Mccornack for his powered Fledgling with landing gear, Best New Power Design to Dave Kilbourne for his Easy Riser powered by Soarmaster, and Best Appearance to Dave Butz for his flame-ruddered Easy Riser. With an estimated turnout of 1,500 spectators, the event was proclaimed by many as the most well-organized and pleasant meet of its kind.

L/D SUPERBOWL FINALS The out-of-towners defeated the San Diegans 11,940 to 11,932 at the Team LID Contest in San Diego March 4. According MAY1979

ingful. Bob Fronius, a hang glider pilot and long-time San Diego airman, donated a special trophy for the winner of the contest, Dick Boone, flying a Phoenix Lazor. Roy Haggard's Mosquito placed second, followed by an Owl 160, flown by Jim Okamoto. Fourth through sixth were George Worthington in a Moyes Maxi, Dick Boone, flying a Lazor for Graene Bird, and J .R. Pratt in a Starship. Stan Chase, flying a Starship, finished with the best score of the San Diego team. He was followed by Jeff Magnan, Herron, Eric Raymond, Moyes Maxi, Roger Chase, Starship and Matt Sallomanno, Phase.

''WHITE-TAILED DART'' Name: Span: Area: Aspect Ratio: Weight: Performance: Designer:

White-Tailed Dart 33 ft., 6 in. 215 ft.' 5.22 60 lbs. Very Maxi-like Jonathan M. Dietch 4500 Greenwood Skokie, Ill. 60076 (312) 674-3171

TORREY PINES AIR RACES Hang glider pilots from all over the United States are invited to participate in special hang gliding races to be held at Torrey Pines, San Diego, CA, as part of the celebration of the San Diego Annual Air Festival. The races, with cash prizes, will take place, as wind conditions allow, on May 26, 27 and 28. The pilots will be required to pay an entry fee, which will go toward prizes. The main Air Festival attraction will be an air show at Brown Field. At that show, the new exact replica of the Spirit of St. Louis will take its maiden flight. The previous replica was destroyed

in a fire at the San Diego Aerospace Museum in 1978. The purpose of the Air Festival is to raise money from voluntary contributions from the public to finance a new and much better Aerospace Museum, which is presently under construction in San Diego. It is requested that all hang glider pilots interested in participating in the Torrey Pines Races register at Torrey Pines between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 1979. No entries for the races, for the three days, will be accepted after 11 :00 a.m. May 26, 1979.

EIGHT IS ENOUGH Stay tuned to ABC, May 9 at 8 p.m. for a special hang gliding episode of ''Eight is Enough." Chris Price and Dean Tanji were the flying stunt coordinators for the production. Keep your eyes open as well for Mike Arrambide, Roy Haggard, Mike Quinn, Jim Handbury, Rich Grigsby, Joe Greblo, Sterling Stoll, and Rob Kells.

OOPS! WE GOOFED

A gross error appeared in the cover caption for the March issue of Hang Gliding. Although no name was available for the pilot, the location was erroneously identified as Telluride, Colo. Actually, it was Randy Cairns of Nelson, B.C., flying from the Fairmont Range during the Fourth Annual Mt. Swansea Invitational.

727 DIVES ON IN Recently a 727 experienced an "unexplained" sustained dive from 39,000 feet. The airplane began to shake, snap rolled and went into a supersonic dive. The pilot deployed the flaps when the airplane refused to pull out, but they were torn off. He then dropped the landing gear to increase drag and finally managed to pull out. Hang gliders are apparently not the only aircraft to suffer from the mysterious ways of pitch stability. 13

Advanced Air Sports Products 990 East Lakeshore Dr. Lake Elsinore California 92330 (714) 674-1494 Formerly Free Flight Enterprises.

(Dealer's Invi ted)

N.C. RES IDENTS ADD 4% SALES TAX TOTAL AMOUNT NAME: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~

P.O. BOX 340 NAGS HEAD N.C. 27959 (919) 441-6247

ADDRESS : - - -- - - - -CITY: - - - - - - - - -

A composite photo shows the expanse of the Crestline ridge, Marshal ML is sefm in foreground,

The 1979 National Hang Championship will he held at Crestline/San BerAug, 19-26, 1979. The meet is by the San Bernardino Association. standards, this site is one of the for the National ChamThe take-off is 3,450 feet above the landing area (5,250 ft. ASL), making the vertical as great as the vertical for the sites of the last three Nationals, combined, The lakc,-off is in the of Crestline, and the landing area is in San about 2 1/2 miles away. The site is located in the San Bernardino Mountains which form the eastern of the Los Basin, about 50 miles from L.A. also divide the weather the smoggy basin from the deserts. The smoggy ocean air from Los opposing the often forming a shear line near San Bernardino. This shear results strong turbulence near the but strong lift its width, carrymany pilots on 20-30 mile trips to the deserts. are also possible by using and thermal lift the San Bernardino Range, to travel 20 miles in either direction. 5,000 ft. altitude have been noted above take-off and flights of up to five hours are common. In August, ther· mals of 600-1,000 can be ~,,,,~v,v~ on the "It never rains in Southern Califor·· nia ... " in the summer. However, 16

late afternoon smog ean get thick enough to reduce visibility of the ground. The prevailsouthwest winds are very consistent in the summer. The launch site is located behind a small (2,300 ft.) mountain; Marshal Peak, and Marshal is located behind 900-ft. Little Mountain, Thes,: monntains can create a wave situation, with strong take-off winds and strong lift, as well as Jee-side rotors. The take-off is wide and gradual, in a bowl. The landing area is located on two square miles of flatland. However, except for the top of the mountain, the canyons and hills between top and bottom are located in a fire-closure area. In August these areas arc scaled off. Landing in a canyon can result in a long walk out. Pinc Flats, the next launch site up the ridge, is also closed off during the summer. Pilots will be housed in the Little League dormitories near the landing area. This facility includes a swimming pool, cafeteria and meeting rooms for briefings. About 85 pilots are anticipated for the meet. All pilots must qualify under one of the following categories: L The 1979 U.S, World Team. 2. The top five place winners in the 1978 Nationals. The top ten pilots (excluding above categories) according to the Qualification Point System, as of the last regional meet in 1979, 4. The top qualifying pilots in regional competition, according to the following quotas:

lJSHGA I 2

3 4 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 Alaska Hawaii

Quo la 6

9 6

7 4 3

Regions and quotas may be combined, prior agreement of the Directors involved, All pilots mnst submit an application and pay 1he entry fee by July 31, 1979. All gliders in com pct ition must be HOMA Certified models. Rigid wing (class 3) and Flcxwing (class 2) gliders will compete I ogethcr in one class. All pilots must wear helmets, although hockey helmets will not be permitted. Because of the site and conditions, all pilots must wear emergency parachutes. All pilots must be rated Advanced, with sign-offs for turbulence, 360's, cross,-country and altitude. More details on competition mcnts arc available in the USHGA rules (1979 edition), available from the office. In addition, complete task information will be mailed to registered entrants. The schedule of activities is tentatively as follows: HANG GLIDING

Sat.

Site open for prac· ticc

Sun. 19 8 a.m.-1 noon lO a.m.··5 p.m.

Pilot check ·in Prac1icc flying with tasks scored

p.m. sharp

2025

Ang. 26 9 a.m.·1 p.m.

Final competition and awards ceremony

Due 10 the requirements for the competi·· lion, there will be little opportunity for non-competitors to fly at the site. The adjacent flying areas arc closed during the fire closure season, although other popular Southern California sites arc nearby. The landing area is reached by taking Interstate

15E north of San Bernardino. Take the Palm Ave. exit and follow the Camping will be permitted in designated areas, and most pilot activities will center around the Western Division Litt.le facilities. There arc campgrounds with hook-ups available within a few miles from the .site, and motels arc also nearby. More information on accommodations is avail· able from Tom Milkic, 5645 Ave. de Vinedos, Anaheim, CA 92807. Sec yon there!

A view from take-off into the San Bernardino Valley. The landing area is seen at center.

inc. Presents

Built In Back-Pack

to Prone The Most Harness on the Market

Cruise Position

1 Send v, deposit alono with trnioht and woight moasurernents to:

Wasatch Wings, Inc. 13275 S. Frontage Rd. Draper, Utah 84020

Take-off and Land Position

(801) 571-4044

MAY 1979

8111 8e1111etti /JllTII W/Nfi introduees

• FOAM LINED • MOLDED BLACK VINYL ENDCAPS • PRODUCED IN DACRON OR MYGLO

Reduce Drag Improve Performance Feather weight· Quality Materia Easy Installation · Colors King post fairings now available, $1 0 each.

$29.00 complete WRITE :

13620 SATICOY

CALL :

(213 ) 7 8 7 - 6600

VAN NUYS CALIFORNIA 91408 (213) 785- 2474

TELEX 65-1425

Stacked up over Belt Butte: Hugh Dundee, Dale Stoverud and Lauran Emerson (Condor, Mariah and Oly, respectively) share the air. To See and Avoid is a must when your skies look like this. Photo by LeeAnn Hawkins.

We were skin diving a few years ago when a J4 .. ft. hammerhead shark cased into the murky line of vision water. Hugh eased himself out of the water and baek into the boat. This defensive tactic, to See and Avoid, is as old as the hills. I'm sure you can think of a few occasions when done it yourself. H's what you do when you arrive home at 3 a.m. after a midnight curfew and sec that your parents arc still up. H's what you do when your old boyfriend meets you at the bus station after summer and your summer boyfriend came home with you on the bus. I've used See and Avoid tactics all my life, but the concept took on new meaning for me a few ago. There were six of us at Belt Butte. It was sunny and warm, and the lift was the smoothest we'd ever had. We arc all close and it was together, talking to each other and calling clown to the others from the top of the bntte. After a half hour in the I was on an about 150 feet over the south face. A kite was toward me, silhOU·· sun. We were at etted the the same altitude, but he was a long way away. I didn't think much of it. lnstinc .. I altc!red course to the right, but I didn't want to tum too much and encl up behind the I assumed that the pilot saw me. It was obvious that we were on a collision course. tion. He

MAY1979

kept turning, wondering if he was having trouble with his glider, and if I was high enough for my parachute to deploy if we hit. I should have screamed a warning, but it never occurred to me that he didn't see me. At the last instant, he gave a muttered exclamation and banked off to his right. Our wingtips missed by two feet. It was too close. He headed out and landed. I flew for another ten minutes, until the shakes had calmed down, then went out and landed beside him. He hadn't had any problem with his glider. He'd simply made a turn which had brought him to my flying altitude, and had flown the downwind without seeing me. And I, knowing him and his flying ability, had simply assumed that he saw me and would turn in time. I hadn't made sure that I was seen. We both learned something. It doesn't matter who the other guy in the air you can't assume that he knows you're there. He may be a close friend and an enced pilot. He may know all the rules of the air. You may have been flying in a pattern with eaeh other all afternoon. And none of that will mean a thing if you don't see each other for ten crucial seconds. Use a whistle, scream and holler, wave your arms, but your eyes open and make sure the other guy sees you. To See and Avoid is a basic rule of the air. When Jose was a year old, he stuffed a rotten banana into the toe of one of my boots. He was just a little tyke, but even he knew enough to see and avoid me when I put that boot on. He knew it was a matter of self-preservation.

The same applies to us. To See and Avoid is a matter of self-preservation whenever you hit the skies with a friend.

11/\NG GLIDING, tt1e first book 011 the sport has been updated 8 times and now includes a special section on motorized flight. 186 350 illustrations, over 120,000 sold' Tile flying, . build: ing hanrJbook and guide. postpaid (Californians add 36¢ tax) HANG GLIDING MANUAL wit11 Log The most autl1ori· tative, compact, concise. complete and least basic flight manual available. Used as a text by scl1ools worldwide $ t. 50 postpair1 (Californians add 9¢ sales tax). MANNED KITING. Fly the flatlands with t11e only book on tow launcl1ed l1ang (Jliding. instruc· tions carolully guide tho novice practice. towed flight and release to tree fliqht. postpairl. (Californians add ?4¢ sales lax) SEND FOR FRI:[ DESCRIPTIVE B110CHURE

HANG GLIDING

To the south oftake,,off, the edge is and vertical most of the way to the Institution of On a you can fly which is appr<>xrma,tely four miles one way. Between Scripps and the are two privately owned bluffs, one inhabited millionaires and one inhabited It's very interesting to soar over the mansions and how the other half lives. The who live there don't like us because spoiled the privacy of their backyards. The gophers don't know we exist, but do know about the hawks. The City of San and its millions of tourists love the Torrey Pines but we're not so endeared by the sailplan,ern and R.C. modelers. were there activities are all sanctioned .ioini special usc permit with the City, who is not inclined to outright favor or ban any one group. Torrey Pines is one of the few city in the country where hang not only tolerated, it's tle'tm1te!ly a downtown site, with convenient access for both spectators and pilots alike. A summer weekend can find 30,000 at Torrey Pines City Park, with more than 2,000 at a time on the spectator barricades, the This year has seen the sky crowds be more than double what they were last year; but then, last year the site was "closed" for a few months. A weekday this year looks like a weekend from last year. On one sign in, and in wasn't even yet. can fit in the air at once, if it's totally soarable. One time, last December, there were 16 on the North Face together, and that was no fun at all. .Ton once described Pines as a "showcase site," and this season has been Almost every personality in the sport and all the new prototypes have been there for the unoe11evao1v good of we've had. Besides the numerous easterners and Canadians who rl'Pnl::irlv winter here (so shake the snow off their fly), the consistent who want to stay in practice, and the who need air time to test their new models.

TOP: Leif Backe hoc>kil'.10 CENTER: Cmdr. out at the LEFT: Dean ducks out from under Dave Cio,e,::;,e/1 and his

HANG GLIDING

tell when the Torrey season brothers are is close. The the first to Guy and Jon like to get in a few hundred hours before the XC Classie in the Owens Dave Ledford, from North Carolina, has moved in for the winter, and Paul Burns, of Crystal Air was here for awhile. Everybody at least passes through and catches few days, hut I haven't seen Larry Tudor at Boring time. Burke and are La Jolla locals, while Bill Li scorn b, Pork and the Debauches live The three most noted hang Bettina Gray, LeRoy Grannis, and Stephen McCar·· roll, all live within a 30-·minute drive. Keith Niehols returns to haunt us every few months. 'I'his last time he had Wasp 1 ,r,1mh1nn in his quiver. Tom Price and Brown in town to debut the new Electra Floater. H was to watch Roy in his unique l)owspnt, battle in one--on-one for altitude in the South Bowl. There's a lot of

Aircraft in Santa P~oh11nv has been while he's around on husishop moved between Torrey and and swarms of Antares are now a regular the North Face. Also, Dave Cronk has been the new rar,en:a-·wutir (Jlmc:ksllv1~r in ultra ele1gan1ee. After the outta towner's L/D contest, Dick Boone decided to stop off at the dropoff and fly his Phoenix prototype for more than those sled runs. Joe Greblo, Sterling Stoll, Chris Price, Barry Gordon, Mike Arrambide and Dean Tan.ii all appear if it's Teri and Gene I tell them it's going to be really and my it will be ask Teri. The Wills WiinoPr< come from Santa Ana only if it's been excellent for more than two days 0u,,ugu1., and they finally wind of it. Almost Dave Beardslee commutes from the San Clemente Pacific Gull terto cruise his from pier to point. Rich and Page Pfeiffer have got a truckload of UP Condors or Firefiys to test. Leif Backe is never to

Joe Grc-iblo trusts all to St61rlin'G Stoll. CENTER: Rich Pfeiffer turns south in one of new RIGHT: A Pork oversees Dave Ledford's wire launch of Bill Liscomb's first in an 180.

MAY1979

leave work on soarable from Dana Point. While Russ Bunner, an upstart from broke Leif's seven and one--half hour Torrey endurance record minutes. Pork is out

time when it's not soarable. John Levy master of on the South with his Antares 20'. a number of the take-off ramp. We many excellent British from Brazil, Mexico, and Switzerland. We had a harder time soint) French Canadians to understand the traffic rules than we did with who new we've handed out since the start the rent program, last November. The at Pines has somewhat less than

to take writ,, demonstracleared for take-offs with the issue of the helmet sticker. There's than to be in the pattern with who doesn't know that we pass and the northbound gets Torrey Pines

not

SPEEDS TO FLY

-Part II

Every hang glider pilot I know wants to fly higher and further. There's a basic maxim in our sport: If a 1,000-foot altitude or a IO-mile flight feels good, 2,000 feet or 20 miles feels twice as good. We are committed to bettering our individual performance. To achieve improved flights, we need better flying ships, increased piloting skills, or both. Since there is a limit to the attainable performance in foot-launched designs, a wise pilot will work hard at increasing his understanding and skill. Since we acquire energy to extend our flight path and increase our altitude, beyond the normal limits of maximum glide slope, from the rising air (ridge, thermal, convergence or wave lift), the best pilot is the one who utilizes this energy in the most efficient manner. The key to successful exploitation of the air's energy is understanding speed-to-fly concepts. Flying the proper speed for the conditions at hand is not only useful when plying the lift, but is most important when searching for lift or traveling from one point to another. Obviously, using speedto-fly techniques is more useful in thermals than in ridge lift. As we learned in Part I of this series, the best way to understand speed-to-fly concepts is to look at a glider's polar. A polar is a graph of the glider's sink rate at various airspeeds. From this graph we can find the best speed to fly in headwind, tailwind, lift or sink of various strengths. (See the previous issue of Hang Gliding for Part I.) In this part we will investigate how to find one's own personal polar and explore practical uses for speed-to-fly concepts in hang gliding. PREP ARING TO PLOT The polar of a glider depends not only on its particular design, but also on its wing loading and the drag created by the pilot. Wing loading variation, due to different weight pilots or different dress according to the seasons, creates some interesting effects - not all of them undesirable. This will be covered in Part III. The drag created by a pilot's body is an important factor in hang glider performance. Thus, your flying style and body size directly affect the shape of

your glider's polar. For these reasons, manufacturers cannot simply publish a polar for each glider model, as is done in the sailplane industry. However, you can find your own polar. All you need is a good variometer and airspeed indicator. The "vario" should be as accurate as possible. You can check for accuracy by riding an elevator between floors, timing how long it takes to pass a couple of floors, then dividing this time into the exact distance between floors. Your vario should read this same figure. If it does not, note how far off it is and adjust for this when you plot your polar. Try different elevators to check various readings and don't include the floor on which the elevator starts and stops, since here the vertical velocity isn't constant. If you live in an "elevatorless" town, try driving up and down long hills at a steady speed. Time the descent over a uniformly sloped stretch with an accurately known vertical drop (consult a topographic map or use a sensitive altimeter), then divide this time into the drop to find what the vario should read. If you live in a country without hills your problems are greater than simply variometer inaccuracy. Your airspeed indicator should be as sensitive as possible. This means it registers very slight variations in airspeed while not necessarily giving an accurate reading of the actual airspeed. The floating ball type indicators are preferred (Dwyer, Hall etc.). Accuracy has not been stressed since your airspeed indicator isn't reading your actual airspeed anyway. Let us digress a moment. Have you ever stuck your head out the window of a car at 20 mph? If so, you probably lost your hat in the ditch as the strong blast hit you. All hang gliders of normal size get their best glide at airspeeds above 20 mph. So why does the flowing air feel so gentle in flight? The answer lies with what engineers call "reverse circulation." The fact is, all airfoils slow the airflow below the wing and speed it up above the wing. Thus a glider flying with an actual airspeed of 20 mph may experience an airflow of 26 mph above the wing and only 14 mph below the wing.

The variation in airflow is greatest at the wing surface and approaches the actual airspeed (20 mph in our example) a wingspan away from the glider. Thus, if you move your airspeed indicator up or down, you get different readings, although your airspeed doesn't change. It is fortunate that our crossbars and bodies are below the wing, in the lower flow. Since our airspeed indicators aren't reading actual airspeed when mounted on the control bar, how do we plot a useful polar? We have two recourses. The first is to convert the indicated airspeed to actual airspeed by using the figures in table A. This table is constructed from actual data found in flying tests with suspended airspeed indicators. Of course, it applies to only one particular glider, but is accurate enough for most gliders since there is a limit to the accuracy of the instrument readings.

TABLE A Indicated Airspeed in mph

Actual Airspeed in mph

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

18.25 19 19.75 20.5 21.25 22 22.75 23.5 24.25 25 25.75 26.5 27.25 28 28.8 29.6 30.4 31.2 32 32.9 33.8 34.6 35.5 36.4 HANG GLIDING

The second method of accounting for the difference in indicated airspeed and actual airspeed is to not account for it at all. If you plot your polar using the speeds your airspeed indicator gives, you will have a distorted polar curve, but when you find your best glide and sink speeds, you fly them using your airspeed indicator, so the errors cancel out. The only problem with this method is that the calculations for a moving air mass will be inaccurate. For this reason, use of table A is recommended. Now you are ready to plot your curve.

GATHERING THE DATA This is the fun part since it involves flying. Take a few flights on a calm day. The morning is best since downhill winds in the evening fill the valley and cause widespread lifting. Set your alarm for 6 a.m., rush to the hill, set up, pre flight, then shove off into the smooth air. Now, hold your control bar at a reasonable flying speed and take a reading from both your variometer and airspeed indicator. Remember these numbers, then change to a different flying speed and read the instruments again. You probably won't be able to remember more than two or three sets of data in any one flight, so you will have to take several flights to get enough points to plot your polar. Be sure to take all readings out of ground effect (at least 30 ft. above the terrain). Also, for the purpose of accuracy and interest, take readings at what you consider to be your stall/minimum sink speed and best glide speed. A good plan is to start with the stall speed and work up, using easy to remember airspeeds such as 15 or 20 mph. Table B shows the results of several test flights on a glider. You should set your table up in a similar manner. Note that the indicated airspeed has been converted to actual airspeed through the use of table A. Now one can plot the polar on graph paper. This is shown in figure 1. The actual airspeed is on the horizontal axis and the sink rate is on the vertical axis. The data points are labeled to correspond to the points on the graph. Once you have located each point, draw a smooth curve to pass through as many points as you can. This curve should approximate a parabola. Some points may appear slightly off, so fit the curve as best you can. Obviously, the more flights you take, the more points you have and the more accurately you can plot the curve. Sources of error are airmass movement and instrument inaccuracies.

READING THE GRAPH After you do all the work, what good is it? As we saw in Part I, we can find our MAY1979

TABLE B Sink Rate (ft./min.)

265

250

260

309

340

400

475

Indicated Airspeed (mph)

Actual Airspeed (mph)

18.25

20.5

27.25

30.4

33.8

Point on Graph

each point, we can find Vh by using the Pythagorean Theorem:

speed-to-fly for minimum sink and best glide in still air. To find the minimum sink of the glider, simply find the highest part of the curve. This turns out to be point B, which gives a sink rate of 250 feet per minute at 19 mph. To find the best glide speed, simply draw a tangent to the curve from the origin (o). This tangent meets the curve at point H

Vh'

y2 - Vv2

Now use Vh and Vv to plot the graph. If you don't want to hassle with the mathematics, don't worry about making these

ACTVA\.- A\10-5-PEE: b IN MPH 2-0 :z.s .3 O 35

\ E5

t 2

100-

i ~

I&:,

D..

.2.C>O

U-

25,::::, - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ , , . . . . . . : . _

Z'.

uJ =-tr/.350_ V.

~ 400;

Soo

sso

which corresponds to a flying speed of about 23 mph. To find the best glide ratio, simply divide the flying speed by the sink rate at point H. First, however, you must convert the sink rate from feet per minute to miles per hour by dividing by 88. The sink rate at point H is 289 fpm/88 or 3 .28 mph. Dividing this into 23 mph gives a maximum glide ratio of about 7 to 1. For those readers who insist on perfection, we should note that our polar isn't quite accurate since we used our flying speed for the horizontal axis when, in truth, we should be using our horizontal velocity. Figure 2 illustrates the difference. Here, flying speed is V, sink rate Vv and horizontal velocity is Vh. Since we know V and Vv at

FIG- URE.-2..

conversions, since less than a 1/i mph error is introduced by using V instead of Vh in the graph. You probably can't detect an airspeed difference of Yi mph. Remember, the ultimate use of all this analytic geometry is to improve your understanding of your glider and ultimately your flying, so set the graph up in the form most convenient to you.

USING YOUR POLAR Take an imaginary flight. We step off into a light, buoyant breeze and immediately rise above a long running ridge. Far below, the rolling farmland stretches in the sun. Thermals are starting to work. We rise and fall in the weak bubbles until suddenly a booming thermal grabs us in front of the ridge. As we wander around in the rodeo air, searching for the elusive core, the rocks and trees below begin to look like so much tumbled moss. We are over the ridge with 2,000 feet and it's decision time. With only a moment to survey the situation, we elect to follow the thermal downwind and see how far we can go. This one helpful thermal carries us above 3,000 feet before it disappears like a chimera. Since we are hoping to set a personal distance record on this fine day, we must now fly as efficiently as possible, both to maximize our distance over the ground and to enhance our chances of encountering more beneficial thermals. This is where speed-to-fly concepts enter the picture. If we fly at the "best speed-to-fly" according to the conditions, we will maximize our distance over the ground. However, we won't necessarily be encountering the greatest number of thermals, since we will be moving fairly slowly through the air and the thermals drift along with the air. (When fly-

ing downwind, we fly more slowly than best glide speed to maximize distance over the ground - see Part I.) Consequently we should apply speed-to-fly techniques only to the lift and sink encountered unless the chances of finding a thermal are small. Remember that thermals tend to be Jess abundant after we leave the ridge. Of course, flights like the one described above don't happen often, but you can use your polar to fly as efficiently as possible every day you fly. Think about this. If the air is varying in direction, velocity or vertical component, you can maintain or gain the most altitude by varying your flying speed according to the conditions, as long as you aren't simply sitting in ridge lift. If you are competing, it is imperative that you use speed-to-fly techniques if you wish to get within sniffing distance of first place. Sailplane pilots use speed-to-fly techniques to such an extent that special variometers and complicated tactics are designed to be used according to conditions and tasks at hand. As an example, when minimum time is required from point to point, sailplane pilots use a variometer with their craft's polar worked into the calibration so they can obtain the best average speed by changing a setting according to the strength of the thermals encountered. Most of these devices and techniques are useless

in hang gliding since we spend so much time grasping for thermals and extracting the last bit of lift from every puff, that we don't have room for long-range tactics. However, we should fly as efficiently as possible from thermal to thermal. An ingenious, but simple, device that we can put on our variometers to help correlate the correct speed-to-fly to the conditions encountered is a "MacCready ring." The use and construction of this device is explained in the article mentioned in Part I. Constructed from a fairly accurate polar, a MacCready ring is a powerful tool for insuring efficient flying. Like any piloting skill, learning to apply speed-to-fly techniques requires practice. You can start by trying to fly towards landing fields with the proper speed. Extend this practice to any flying taking place from one point to another. Gradually incorporate the indications of your vario into your in-flight adjustments. Work out imaginary situations on the graph before you try them in the air, to better your understanding. You may find that your old glider gains considerable performance in your more experienced hands. Perhaps you can even spend the money for that new glider you thought you needed on a nice flying trip. ~

PART III - Comparing Polars

DELTA WING ['p-To-Date Illustrated Infor111atio11 G 11ara ntnd To 1111/Hm,e Your Flyi11g. Writte11 By A L'SHGA lnslnictor.

* NEW* HANG GLIDING FOR ADVANCED PILOTS - DETAILS ON: COMPETITION* MOTORIZING* EFFICIENTTURNING *POLARS* SPEEDS TO FLY* THERMAL TECHNIQUES* DISTANCE SOARING* PERFORMANCETUNING * DESIGN CONCEPTS * INSTRUMENTS * ADVANCED EQUIPMENT * SPOT LANDING. $6.95 + 45.e POSTAGE.

~ ~

IFYOU'REACOALMINERWEARA ,~

~ MJNER'SHAT

IF YOU PLAY BASEBALL~;~ WEAR A BASEBALL HAT.

r.)

IF YOU'RE A GRENADIER GUARD ~

WEAR A BUSBY.

IFYOU PLAY HOCKEYi ONLY THEN WEAR A HOCKEY HELMET.

HANG GLIDING AND FLYING SKILLS -A COMPLETE TRAINING MANUAL - DETAILS ON: BEGINNING FLIGHT * INTERMEDIATE SKILLS * ADVANCED MANEUVERS * SIMPLE AND ADVANCED AERODYNAMICS * GLIDER DESIGN* GLIDER REPAIR* SELECTING EQUIPMENT* THERMALLING * HANG GLIDING HISTORY* CROSS-COUNTRY* TANDEM FLYING* TOWING AND MUCH MORE. $5.95 + 45£ POSTAGE.

HANG GLIDING AND FLYING CONDITIONS - THE ROAD MAP TO THE SKY - DETAILS ON GENERAL WEATHER * TURBULENCE * ROTORS * WIND SHADOW * SEABREEZES * WIND GRADIENT * SOARING CONDITIONS* THERMALS* WAVES* WINDS ALOFT* LOCAL WINDS* CLOUD TYPES * SITE READING AND MUCH MORE. $5.95 + 50.e POSTAGE. $10.95 + 55.C POSTAGE FOR ANY TWO $14.95 + 75£ POSTAGE FOR ALL THREE. DENNIS PAGEN, 1184 ONEIDA ST., STATE COLLEGE, PA 16801 DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED

IF YOU FLY GLIDERS YOU MUST WEAR AH ELM ET ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR HANG GLIDING AND THIS JS IT.

YOUR HEAD DESERVES THE VERY BEST NOT SOME SUBSTITUTE FAMOUS SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT HELMETS WITH EAR OPENINGS IN ALL SIZES & COLORS ..

DEALERS-25 to a carton Ask about our Special Price PHONE(213) 787-6600

(213)765-2474

P.O. BOX 46-3, VAN NUYS, CA 91408 TELEX65-142S

HANG GLIDING

When New Zealand's top designer-sailmaker develops a third-generation glider with supership PERFORMANCE, easy HANDLING, and proven STRENGTH and SAFETY, that's good news. When the new glider turns out lo float as well as the monster wings with 80 sq. ft. more sail, yet fly as fast as 1978's most successful contest glider, with a better LID, give ii a headline. And when the same wing is certified in several foreign countries as the safest, strongest glider they've ever tested, stop the presses' But when you find out that the glider is selling at 1976 prices, with an honest 2-4 week delivery, well, you're gelling the idea. It's time for a new Front Page ... with the name LANCER IV at the top. Check it out: Pilo/ ... Kev,n Kernohan Pho/o ...James Country

Span Nose Angle Aspect Ratio Root Chord Weight

LANCER IVS

LANCER IV L

32' 6" 120° 6.9:1 9' O" 46 lbs.

34' 120° 6.9:1 9' 10" 50 lbs.

P.O. ROX 150::l

SALINAS, CA n:1002 (408) 758-6800

Jim Lawrence 15516 Bowdoin st Paci fie Palisades, CA

213 45t.-5126

90272

Tom Peghiny on the 10 mete Bob Keeler on the 9 met Photo · Don Whitmc

"Our Dealers Mean a

.··..

Lot to Us"

';:~"'%k

CAROL BARR MIKE PLESKOVICH

MAP OF GAINESVILLE 1031 N.E. 20th Ave. Gaines11ille, FLA 32601

SEAGULL Salutes Dealers ... JIM NELSON

MIKE TURCHEN

ECO-FLIGHT SYSTEMS P.O. Box 188 826 Michigan A11enue Benzonia, Ml 49616 (616) 882-5070

WINOWAVS FLYING MACHINE 1368 Max Street Chula Vista, CA 92010 17141427-8514

DAN JOHNSON PAUL BURNS

SUPER FL V SKY SALES 21303 Aldercroft Heights Rd. Los Gatos, CA 95030

19041496-2222 e11t.119

Rt. 4 Cummings Hwy. Chattanooga, TN 31409 16151 825-1995 JAN CASE CHANOELLE SAN FRANCISCO 10 Hillside Blvd. Daly City, CA 9'1014 14151 756-0650

[4081 353-2926 DEAN WHISLER BEST FLITE 132 N. Euclid Upland, CA 91786 17141 982-5556

CRAIG ASHFORD &

STEVE KINGSOLVER RUSS KIDDER

WINDHAVEN HANG GLIDING SCHOOLS INC.

CENTRAL WYOMING HANG GLIDERS

Sylmar, CA 91342 367-1819

PO Box 4206 Casper, WYO 82604 (3071 265-7292 (3071 266-3731

PAT DENEVAN

CHRYSTAL FLIGHT RESORT

When SEAGULL makes a glidE supreme quality, advanced technology ar innovative design go into every detE Our dealers appreciate th and we appreciate ther They provide the best servic information, parts and lessons back! by their professional ski SKI SEA 2601:1 N.E. 61 Street Portland, OR 97213 to help you select the "righ 1503) 281-1484 glider for ye TRIP MELLANGER

MARY KAKNES T.J. YOUNG AERIAL TECHNIQUES Route 209 Ellen11ille, NY 12428 19141 647-33.t:!4

12437 San Fernando Road

JOE GREB LO RICH GRIGSBY SOUTHERN CA SCHOOL OF HANG GLIDING 5219 Sepul11eda 9111d. Van Nuys, CA 91411 (2131 789-0836 JEFF NICOLAY MORNINGSIDE RECREATION AREA RFD 1:12 C Claremont, NH 03743 {6031 542-4'116

ROBIN PEDERSON AURORA COMPANY PO Box 91176 WestVancou11er, BC Canada V7V-JN6 160'11 922-7275

Al GODMAN

JOHN HARRIS

GOLDEN SKY SAILS 572 Orchard Street Golden, CO 80401 (3031 278-9566

KITIY HAWK KITES P.O. Box 386 Nags Head, NC 2795 [9191441-6247

LUCKY CAMPBELL

DAVE RODRIGUEZ WASATCH WINGS 892 l:t12300 So. Draper, UT 84020 (801 I 571-4044

U.S. HANG GLIDERS 10250 N.19th A11enue Phoenix, AZ 85021 (6021 944-1655

e1·1ft,

11111111

I\ \\ ,{; ~" \ 1160MARKAVENUE, CARPINTERIA, CA 930 /,,

lill/!11111

' On a mountain top two kilometers from Kossen, high in the Austrian a crowded chalet offers ing the floors and war stories of many hours among the clouds. It looks a few pilots are next to the winthe view of Kossen's colorful discuss-would know that ''they are before their last minute leave their tables and enter the contest. But others raise their mugs filled with a brew that would make a Milwaukcan and an Austrian of his inbred capacities. lt will soon be time to "hook in" on the third annual F.A.I. World pcan Our Austrian friend has no idea that this

meet two years before. He is more con-cerned with all the attention to his max the course. What he will realize is that even he circled all the he also flew the course backwards, in of a protest and consequent his A few errors like this curtailed a due to a lack of few

TOP tum over field before hoarlinr, toward the landing area. RIGHT: A pilot makes his final approach over the spectator area. CENTER: A competitor attempts one last 3 60 for an extra point before MAY1979

communication which resulted from Eng-lish translated into French and German. in the meet soaring brought its rewards when Mike Phil Mathewson, Joe Grebin and a handful of others flew to cloud base during a duration task and remained aloft for two competition below hours. hault for fear that the might carry the potential But for the rest of for an aerial

catastrophy hit home. "No for you!" "Sacre-bleu !" Well, grin and bear it. It's not the first time competition came before soaring. of tasks. Competition involved a There was a cross-country which in· volved flying a continual right turn around the mountain and through a valley to the lee side. Here one's encounter with the temper-mental "mister rotor-riffic" either leaves 31

him in a tree or bouncing in some extended rotor lift to further his distance. Maximum distance and pylon tasks were also used. Both scores for each pylon rounded, or circled, as in the task. Both tasks required a safe landing inside the landing area. one of the intermittent opportunities that usually followed each or com pet it ion I was just above takeoff and in the process of mounting my Minolta to my kite, when a horrific "wwhhaacckk" sounded from the valley. I looked between two kites to sec a mass of dacron, tubing and a pilot on for dear life and spinning out of sight! ran back to quickly finish mounting my camera and hook in. down the partially forest-covered mountainside spotted the A pilot had borrowed a to test fly and inadvertently stalled to the point where the tail slid The nose sharply on recovery and the to tumble. The lead broke, the into a 10 land 1000 ft. below in the chair lift cables, Upon , the pilot be tween the lift cables and was restrained from hitting as the kite wires him from doom four feet off the Fortunately, the pilot walked off acrobatics were unseal hed. restricted from free flying and wi1h penalty of pilot In violation of this rule a sail plane worthy of the Blue Max, flew in from the German border and dazzled the crowd with an unbelievable aerial exhibition, which he climaxed by the crowd down at a near 100 mph. dramatic upswing, he came in for a

For the competition, the wa, based on the total accumulated poin1 witb no eliminations or finals. A minimum of five flights were required before the winner, could emerge from the 171 contending to squeeze lots. While the U.S. two pilots into the top ten, so did Germany, Great Britian and France which bore the final victor and World in clas1 IL TOP: Curious pilots insp<:;ct the author's unique CENTER: The French-made Jet made its winning ciebut. The designer placed first with this model. This glider has since been found to have severe stability problems. BOTTOM: The author tightly spins his over Kossen's green countryside.

HANGGLIDINC

CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT: A G1~rman sailplane pilot (Jazz/ecf the crowd wit/1 an aerobatic display which terminated with /ow/evf,I, high speed, inverted pass, The author takes time out for some free f/yin/J against Kossen's spectacular, scenic backdrop, Bob beforn launching his Moonral<er to comfortab/fJ second place, The flying at Kossen always attracts gets last minute colorful, international crowd,

n Pilot

Nation

Piiol

Nation

Pilot

Nation

Pirkcr Christan di Mercorem

Austria Austria France Czechoslovakia

Thevenod

France Great Britain France Great Britain USA

Evans Lofcrer Knecht Frick

Germany Britain Austria Czechoslovakia Austria Norway

Ostini 6 7

Lachat Pfandlcr

Austria Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakia

Glanville Carr Welch Riedmillcr Gunther

Greb lo

IO Trautmann

Sok lie

MAY1979

Sweden USA

Ausscrhofcr Steinbach Kos

Austria Czechoslovakia

LEFT: Spectators view the launch preparations at Fort Funston. BELOW: Pilots wait their tum to test fly new wings at Dillon Beach.

draws more than 15 to 20 kites on the best flying The test flying went on as though conditions were far from ideal. Ik· sides the weather, there was barely room for the overflow crowd at the take-off site, the of a pyramidal sand dune. The line and the flights wen~ short. But for .. pilots hadn't come out in the drizThis was a to valuable up with. Among were many that had been brought to market. Sunbird Gliders of mar, CA, demonstrated the Nova. The of extensive research and

would claim to be

and docs the manufacturer's and the

How

The annual event, held at Dillon Beach for the third year in a row, got off to and start . Drizzling rain in cold, winds . threatened to cancel any Nonethestudents and less, an estimated 250 spectators showed up by noon, determined That was an to try on new turnout, that Dillon

offered the new Phoenix 6D, hilled as an inter· mediate-level kite, for Electra which some experts sec as one of the best of the new a bit of attentrends in tion. few kites on display were still in the prototype stage and not yet available for """"'""'" by any These included new Laser and UP and Ultralile were all year's wings. Wills

had

who and

kite exhibition Gliders West, two Northern California for the first weekend in March. "We're here to the gap between and seller," said J. Fred Lucas of Chandellc. "The can answers and even try the kites out. The manufacturers can find out what's on the " Lucas added. 36

HANG GLIDING

new models available for runs, measure, a motorized the two, the whole show moved over to Fort a coastal cliff on San then the skies

of hours in the the winds were unusually mild. When it became apparent lhat the over with for the weekend, 1he shows like this do no harm for kite sales. But there is lo be of get and the constructive critihear. The weather not·· both the off in satisfaction for everyone. the manufacturers With little

Manufacturers' representatives assemble their gliders in the set-up area at Dillon B11ach.

new these as the main concerns on the part of the public. may be on target. Pracevcry was a And they were confident that the need was met. Shorter spans, wider nose root and chords and greater sail surfaces are the trend for many of the new

on<'

ti_l] works an r;hown

models. set-up features, such as Delta sliding crosshar on the Phoenix 6D, and deflexorless on many new coupled with imsink rates, mean less time on the and more in the air. Luff lines are standard equipment to improve characteristics with notable like the whose fullybattened double surface has built-in reflex. No one expects this Lo be a foolproof sport. The risk is an essential ingredient. Of course we've all heard those casual comthat flying is as safe as driving a or an electric lawnmower. f:lut inside, pilots know that. flying

can't be compared to anything, least of all something so literally mundane. After all, flyers defy nature's most inflexible and law While the kite have reason io be enthusiastic about their new ments, they know that not all the answers " one are in. "Certification is one observed, "but 500 people your kite for a year is another." Smart flyers who know their own limits have to be sure of their kites. The response is sincere and determined. Let's the manufacturers' concern for is borne out in the of their kites.

(aucl-io

1.\1 L we: had t·o do war, ~ive it n ] :Lf:t- for . 00, nnd 1-Jien rct urned LI· t·he n(:xl- day';; lJPS.

MAV1979

EVERYONE LOOKS UP TO CIRRUS S, TJIE FINEST INTERMEDIATE MADE Over 1,000 CIRRUS 5 pilots can't be wrong. From performance and p rice, beginner to advanced, CIRRUS 5 is a glider that pilots progress with, but never outgrow. With forgiving J characteristics essential to intermediate pilots, CIRRUS 5 performs like an advanced glider. Strong factory support insures fast delivery, and good parts availability. All backed by ELECTRA FLYER'S tradition of excellence. Some new options for the 1979 CIRRUS 5 are colored applied trailing edges and~ ~ r "Whoopee Keel Pocket." Only $1,045 puts y ou in the best of company. See your ELECTRA FLYER dealer today. 100 Com1nelt1 N.E.

Albt1ft11tft1I, New M1xieo 81101

(SOS) 144-1444

YOU BECOME THE WORLD ' S LARGEST GLIDER MANUFACTUllEll BY PRODUCING FIRST RATE AIRCRAFT

USHGA MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM

QUANTITY 8-1

B-2

8-3 8-4 8-5 8-6 8-7

8-8 8-9 8-10

B-6

8-11 8-12

PRICE

BOOKS

----~-THE COMPLETE OUTFITTING AND SOURCE BOOK FOR HANG GLIDING. by Michael Mendelson H1slory. modes accessories. pubhcaltons. organizations. schools. s,tes ------FLY. THE COMPLETE BOOK OF SKYSAILING. by Rd Gamer Basic 1nformatmn on techniques and 1nstructmn --~~HANG GLIDING ANO SOARING by James Mrazek Fl1gnl l11eor; and meleorolog,cal data ___ ------HANG FLIGHT. by Joe Adleson and 8111 w,11,ams Tniro ed,t1on Flight mslr11cl10n manual. 100 pages ---~HANG GLIDING. by Dan Poynter Re,1,ed ed1l1on The bas,c nandbook for skysurirng -~--~MAN-POWERED FLIGHT. by Keith Slierwm H1s•or1 and modern flying lechnology. ces1gn and cons1deral1on _ _ _ _ _ HANG GLIDING ANO FLYING CONDITIONS. by 0enn,s Pagen Mlcrometeorology for pilots 90 illus b}' author NOT SHOWN· _ _ _ _ _ HANG GLIDING ANO FL YING SKILLS. by Denn,s Pagen A complete instruction manLal for beginners to experts _____ GUIDE TO ARIZONA. by Wrlson Baker 50 pages Sites maps and condi!ions for flyng in Arizona -~-----GUIDE TO ROGALLO FLIGHT BASIC. by Bob Skinner anc Rich Finley. A handbook tor beg1nn1ng pilots. 30 pages ----~--HANG GLIDING. THE FLYINGEST FLYING. by Don Dedera Pictorial n,slory. pilot comments Photos by Ste pne n McCarro11 ---------MANNED KITING. by Dan Poynter Handbook on 1ow-launcn flying

8-t3 _ -------SIMPLIFIED PERFORMANCE TESTING. by Jack Park B-14 8-15 B-16

AMOUNT

S 7 95

S ; 65

S; 65 S 3 50 -- - - --

S 6 50 S 6 50 S 6 50

S 6 50 __ --~ _ --$550 - - - -

S 2 ;5 St O95

-- -

- --- -

S " 35 S 2 20

_____ HANG GLIDING LOG BOOK 32 pages Designed espec.ally tor pilots. 4,,·· x S 3 25 _ -- _ -~---~HANG GLIDING MANUAL AND LOG. by Dan Poynter For beginners An asset to instructors ot hang ghd1ng , · X 6 S 1 50 --~--FAI SPORTING CODE FOR HANG GLIDING. Provides the requ1remen1s S1 for records. achievements badges. and World Ctiamp1onsh1ps

co - ---- _ -- -

ITEMS 1-1 1-2 1-3

_______ USHGA EMBLEM T-SHIRT 100% canon. n,g11 quality orange onl'i Men·s sizes S. M. L. X-L (please circle size) _ - - - - ~ USHGA EMBLEM CAP One srze lits all Baseball typ, w USHGA emblem NAVY or ORANGE (please circle color) -------USHGA SEW-ON EMBLEM 3"' diameter. lull cotor (rec and orange on a yellow-orange background w black print 1

1-4

_________ -.USHGA DECAL 3,, · d1an1eter. full color

1-5

________ USHGA EMBLEM PENDANT ,, chain

1-6

- - - - - - USHGA BUTTON PIN. 1',-- diameter. full co1or

1-7

_ _ -~-LICENSE PLATE FRAME Blue and white

S 5 50 S , 50

S LOO 25 - - -- -- - - -

a,ameter Pvw1er w s,1-.er S 3 00 S

50 - - - - ~- -- _

·,ct rather be hang ql1d1ng S 400 USHGA PUBLIGA TIONS

P-1

S 2 00 __ -, - __

----USHG.A INSTRUCTORS CERTIFICATION MANUAL

MERCHANDISE SUB-TOfAL - -- -

Cal1forn1ans add 6°0 tax -- HANG GLIDING/ GROUND SKIMMER BACK ISSUES No tax on magazines

S:;ec,fy by circling ,ssue number

MAIL WITH CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO: USHGA Box 66306, Los Angeles, CA 90066

PRINTED COPIES 19. 20. 21. 22. 23 ("75 calendar! 24. 25 27 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34 75 _ --

36 176 calendar 1

NAME _____________________ USHGA # ~ ADDRESS ----~----~----- ~ ___________ ----CITY, STATE, ZIP

PRINTED COPIES 37 38. 39 41 42. 43. 44 45 46 47 48r 77carendar, 49 51 . 52 53 54 56 57 58. 59 60. 61. 62 63 6..J through current issues

SUPPLY LIMITcO

S I 00 s150 ____ _ MAGAZINE SUB· JO I AL TOTAL ____ _

NO CHARGE ITEMS

ORDERING INFORMATION: Enter quantity and price of each item ordered. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. Thank you for your order!

_____ USHGA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM i" 41 ____ ACCIDENT REPORT FORM 1• 151 ____ USHGA MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM 1•1,1

_____ FILM REQUEST FORM (No fo(ergn orders olease _ _ SOURCES OF DEALERS SCHOOLS. ETC 1:i8\ Soecif)' state ___ _ 1

____ USHGA LILIENTKAL AWARD FORM , .. 121 BASIC SAFETY REGULATIONS (PART 1001

ALL PRICES INCLUDE POSTAGE AND HANDLING. (Prices subject to change without notice.)

USHGA PILOT PROFICIENCY PROGRAM [PART I 041 Consumer advisory Opm1ons expressed by authors or listed books do not necessar:ly re/Ject USHGA 0011q, nor does sale 01 merchandise constitute endorsemem

Most of you will recall that a team headed by Paul won the 50,0()0 Kremer Prize in August, 1977, flying a Man-Powered Aircraft over a figure course. For 20 years people all over the world had tried and failed, but the Gossamer Condor made it. British industrialist Henry Kremer told at the award ceremony, "I have never in my life had so much fun with my money!" He reflected on this later, and created a new competition for MPA's: 100,000 for the first to cross the 22-mile English Channel. This is the award of its kind in history, and clearly a monumental challenge. Kremer, now in his mid-60's but much younger in appearance and spirit, expects this to be achieved within five years. with the sweet smell of success, said, "We better get started, team!" The team set to work and ultimately and built "Son of Gossamer Condor." It is stronger, lighter, has a higher aspect ratio main wing and is more readily and

Paul MacCready is the of the Gossamer Albatross, which will be flown from Dover this spring in an attempt at the first human-powered airplane crossing of the English Channel to France. MacCready, 53, is a California aeronautical scientist and former world soaring champion.

HANG GLIDING

came to send the Gossamer Condor to the Smithsonian Na,. tional Air and to with the were forced to use hacksaw to subdivide the into which would fit in a reconstructed it in the museum with their usual of tape and hose The new one must be as· sembled in the south of for the Channel

McKibben directed ""''"'~"'""; When Don Crawford said "Let's go watch the maiden flight, I was enthusiastic. sidekick now owns a Cessna Cardinal. Don took his son, Neil, Beach and we met Jack Don's wife, Sharon, was away for the in the Palms to Pines race in a Cessna 182. Don and Jack and I had followed the of the Gossamer Condor before TOF" The Gossamer Albatross slowly lifts off the grounct in test flight as ground crew runs alongside, Piloted hore by Bryan Allen, the human· powered airplane flies at a speed of 11 miles per hour at an average altitude of about ao feet The Gossamer Albatross weighs 55 pounds and has a wingspan of 96 feet It will take more than two hours to fly from Dover across th<, English Charmel to Cape Gris Nez in France, LEFT" Bryan Allen is the pilot who will attempt the flight The 26·year·old Californian is a professional cyclist and hang g/icting enthusiasla

MAY1979

it became famous, as well as some other MPA's before that, which didn't make it. There was a late July smog alert in the L.A. basin and it was a cool 60° on the ground, but 80° at 2,500 feet. The meaning of "temperature inversion," much discussed by weather men during periods of heavy smog, is quite evident in a light plane. Above the thick brown layer of smog the sky was clear, and when we got to 8,500 feet to clear the mountains it was cool again. At little Shafter Airport in Cali .. fornia's Central Valley near Bakersfield it was very hot. We parked next to a hangar at one end of the informal airport, used mainly by crop dusters. These singularly ugly agricultural aircraft look like they'd be lots of fun to fly, if they didn't have that concentrated poison all around. We arrived at about 4 p.m. and went into the hangar to see what was going on and to stretch our legs. The whole group was there, doing various things to an enormous dragonfly, with Dr. MacCready directing the operation while taping things together. It was by no means complete: there was no fuselage, no control system, and it looked like no less than a week's work remained for the dedicated crew. I was convinced that it wouldn't fly that weekend. Also visible in the hangar was Taras Kiceniuk's "Icarus" MPA, the first to get off the ground in this country. Another huge wing and other bicycle parts hung on the wall, remnants from the development of the Gossamer Condor. A large bench in the hangar was littered with several kinds of model airplanes, and the air was cluttered with bent foam sheets which worked surprisingly well as tailless gliders. Kids large and small tossed them about tirelessly. After getting acquainted with the people and the project, we all found ourselves pitching in to help wherever we could. We weren't the only ones to stop by. Paul was constantly pestered by visitors - reporters, well-wishers, glider pilots. Little by

little, though, we could see real progress being made. Paul carved an airscoop in the front of the fuselage to provide air for fuel oxidation and cooling of the muscle-powered "engine," deftly sealing the rounded edges with tape. The Gossamer Albatross is basically similar to the Gossamer Condor, but has graphite fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) instead of aluminum in most places. GFRP is a modern material which can be made twice as strong and half as heavy as aluminum (and about 20 times as expensive). I took notes sufficient to draw the plans which accompany this article, and then decided to wait before publishing - I didn't want to make it possible for someone else to beat this group to the prize. Many other articles have appeared in print since then, and I don't know who else is seriously trying for it, or if anyone is. The control system is fascinating. Kevlar string is used for the linkage with all members in tension. No bell cranks, no pushrods, just string - tied in bows to make it easy to adjust. By moving a lever in the cockpit, ailerons on the canard (front wing) are controlled. Canard pitch control is more straightforward. Another lever warps the main wing to make flat turns by introducing differential drag and increased lift on the inboard wing. The overall weight was reduced from 70 to 55 lbs., and the power required to maintain level flight was reduced by a third, from 0.33 to 0.25 hp. These improvements did not come easily. The new one has more ribs to provide a better airfoil contour, but details like using Kevlar aramid fiber in place of piano wire for the control system, and a new urethane material to replace the conventional bicycle chain, made possible many small increments in weight reduction which, taken together, add up to 15 lbs. The total weight of the thousand or so lightening holes in the foam ribs was less than half a pound. We have all heard that it is the upper wing surface that pro-

U ETERS

MAIN WING SPAN AREA

CANARD SP.AH

AREA

'96 ft. .544 ti~

' 2 0 I 2 3 4 !5 6 7 8 9 10

FEET

86 ti.2

LENGTH OVERALL 28 fl. WEIGHT 55 lb. SPEED 10 mph PROPELLER 13 0 15° t,.

The ,~ossamer Al Ucttross

Man- Powered Aircraft OrO,ttl

by Fratlk K1//y 7-29-78

HANG GLIDING

vides the lift, but this knowledge was applied by MacCready. The upper surface is covered with half-mil Mylar; the under side has quarter-mil material. Anyone for a quarter scale model? The wing spread would be 24 feet, and the lower wing surface would require transparent material 1/32 of the thickness of MonoKote! Any modeler can relate to the propeller of the Gossamer Albatross. It looks like one of my worst attempts at an RIC sailplane wing. Each blade has a constant chord with 16 balsa ribs. The constant chord adds inertia to assist the pilot/engine on the two-hour run. The total span is 13 feet and a terrible twist is clearly evident, but unlike my efforts, the shape is intentional. Bill Watson described the pitch as 15°, which works out to about seven feet. One blade is covered in yellow MonoKote; the other is red. The main spar of the propeller, like the wing, is a tabular GFRP member. Late in the afternoon, Ted Ancona rolled out his powered Icarus V rigid wing hang glider. He carried it out to the runway and started the Go-Kart engine. In a few steps he was airborne and retracted the gear by leaning back and resting his feet up front. He was up for half an hour or so, then came back to a gentle two-step, stand-up landing. By 7:30 p.m. the sun was over the horizon but it was not yet dark. The Gossamer Albatross was ready for its maiden flight and there was barely a whisper of wind. The great hangar doors opened wide and the craft was carried out. Handles protrude from the sides to aid in handling. There are two tiny wheels like casters, but the craft was placed on a small wagon for the short trip to the runway. The canard and wingtips were controlled by various individuals to avoid bumping or ground looping the awkward monster. Ropes fastened to the wings made this possible. Out on the runway all was readied. Bryan Allen, the pilot, mounted the bicycle seat and was immediately sealed in with quarter-mil Mylar held on by double-back tape and shrunk in place. There was no door. Bryan fired up the engine by pedaling. The Gossamer Albatross moved forward and promptly left the ground. It went about 100 meters on its first flight and not more than a half meter off the ground. No control problems were evident. At the end of the run it was noted that the wing warp lever had broken. Paul passed a roll of duct tape to Bryan, who repaired the fitting. The craft was carried farther back for a longer run and this time Bryan went a good 300 meters. He flew at about three meters altitude and had no trouble making some gentle turns to feel out the newly-hatched fledgling. It landed successfully and the happy crew parked the craft in the hangar and went out to dinner. We stretched out our sleeping bags on the concrete under the Cessna wing and ate our sandwiches. We went over to chat with Bryan's parents - Mrs. Allen offered us some of her delicious chocolate zucchini cake - and she told us that they were originally planning to call it the Gossamer Pelican, but she said, "Have you ever seen a pelican land in the water? They just fold up and splash. We don't want that to happen." Actually, the names derive from the condor being the land bird with greatest wingspan; the albatross is the sea bird with greatest wing span. The term, "Gossamer Pelican" is now reserved for a projected sport model for home builders. MacCready will have plans available soon. After a night sleeping on a concrete mattress, anyone can get up early. We had a simple breakfast and watched the ag planes take off in whichever direction they happened to be going. The Gossamer Albatross was rolled out with the sun. Again, there was almost no wind, but what little there was came from the other direction. By this time, a velcro closure was evident around the door which had been created to let Bryan out the MAY1979

night before. The craft was carried down to where it had landed previously, and everything readied. Bryan applied more power to make an even better flight, and suddenly he pitched forward in the cockpit and the spinning propeller wobbled slowly to a halt. The GFRP drive shaft had broken in the classical failure mode of a tabular member under excessive torsional stress. After a brief discussion they decided to pull off the propeller and make a hand-launched Gossamer Glider. Two assistants ran along beside it with the handles while Bryan flew back to the hangar. Paul assessed the situation and resolved to replace the drive shaft with aluminum. He probably did temporarily, but the latest version I saw recently had a GFRP drive shaft. While all this was going on, Taras' dusty Icarus got washed off and Ted Ancona and Bill Watson both flew it. It was designed to fly in ground effect and it did get a few millimeters off the ground, but the performance difference was clearly evident. Both pilots were exhausted after short flights. Bill Watson set up his hi-start and flew his RIC sailplane, looking for thermals and always catching it in his hand to avoid scratching the fuselage on landing. He let me fly it for a while, too, before we returned later in the day. All in all, it was a great weekend. Since then, much more work has been done. Bryan has continued his physical training designed to peak with the first break in the weather over the English Channel. Plans for a suitable hangar near Dover, England have been abandoned, since the team can set up now in five minutes! The plane was moved to a former navy airfield near Long Beach, CA to permit closer attention and to make a few practice runs over water. Sterling Stoll, another hang glider flier, has been coordinating activities since the move, and they plan to move to England in May. I'm looking forward to the big attempt. I -., think they'll make it!

COMFORT DELUXE THE WIND HA VEN PRONE HARNESS Multiple adjustable suspension straps

Carabiner included

Low pressure

High density closed-cell foam

Adjustable foot stirrup

Designed and Tested by Experts Chris Price, Trip Mellinger and Rob Reed spent many hours testing this deluxe soaring harness for the ultimate in harness design_ The quality and strength is unsurpassed. Send now for information on how Windhaven can add comfort to your soaring experience!

Manufactured exclusively for Windhaven by the Price Harness Company

WRITE FOR FREE HARNESS CATALOG

--WNDHAVEN HANG GLIDING SCHOOLS. INC

12437 SAN FERNANDO RD. S\'LMAR. CA 91342

1979

QUALITY for * Internally cambered sail and keel pocket. * Fixed positive washout in keel & tip sections. * Ouick-kam tensioner set-up - no turnbuckles. * Clear-coated S.S. cables used throughout. * Applied Leading Edges - standard. * 9 oz. double reinforcing in all stress areas.

* 9 oz. trailing edge tape used exclusively. * Preformed tubular battens · 6061.

* All tubing used is 6061-T6. * 3-way dellexor system tested to 9 G's.

• A proven glider design unchanged from 19 78. • Quick response and predictable handling. • Transition time is minimal, most pilots are comfortable after the 1st flight. • A Supership with an excellent LID ratio and the speed to reach the next thermal. • The STARSHIP is capable of soaring with any glider on today's market!!! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

PHASE for 1979 The Floater with a top speed over 45 mph, a sink rate under 225 fpm, a LID ratio of 8/1 and a roll rate under 3 secs.

An advanced intermediate glider which has been used extensively for training with the deflexors removed. The PHASE employs double reinforced leading edges to withstand training abuses. *

PHASE A

PHASE B

PHASE C

Nose Angle

110 °

Leading Edge

16.4'

18.0'

19.4'

Keel Length

8.6'

9.5'

10.2'

150 sq. ft.

180 sq. ft.

210 sq. ft.

Sail Area Aspect Ratio

5.0

Span

27.3'

30.0'

32.4'

105-150 lbs.

145-190 lbs.

180-230 I bs.

$1075.00

$1100.00

$1125.00

Weight Range Price

U.H. OFFERS COMPLETE SERVICE

* Repairs available for most gliders. * Training for beginners and intermediate pilots. * Custom sail design and artwork. * A complete line of accessories, chutes & instruments. * Motorized packages.

14328 LOLIN LANE POWAY, CALIFORNIA 92064

714-748-1739 AT ULTIMATE HI ALL GLIDERS ARE TRIMMED AND TEST FLOWN BEFORE SHIPMENT

USHGA REPORTS

USHGA Board Report by Jay Raser The following is a brief summary of the major actions taken by the Board of Directors at the February Board meeting. It is not the minutes of the meeting, but a selection of the more important issues covered at the meeting as reviewed by me. Anyone wishing a copy of the minutes themselves may request them from the office. The meeting opened Saturday morning with the newly elected President, David Broyles, taking the roll count. Twenty-one of the 25 currently elected Directors were present, establishing a quorum. Those Directors not in attendance were Jim Wilson - Region 6, Harry Taylor - Region 8, Jerold Welch - Region 8 and Hal Spivak Director at Large. Regions 6 and 10 were declared to have vacancies as per the bylaws - lack of attendance at Board meetings. Region 12 was also declared to have a vacancy. This vacancy will be filled by a mail ballot vote prior to the next meeting. David Broyles will contact flyers in the Region to solicit nominees. The report of the outgoing President, Lloyd Lich er, was given and accepted by the Board unanimously, as was the vote of appreciation extended to him for the fine job he has done as President. The Treasurer's report was then given and accepted by the Board. The first day, the Board agreed that the President would write a letter of support to the EAA backing a continued effort in opposing the increased regulation currently proposed by the FAA. Support was voiced for the continued efforts of Les King and MAY1979

John Lake in coordinating joint efforts with the EAA in dealing with the FAA. Vic Powell said that he would intensify his efforts in this area as well. The Lilienthal Awards were modified. In the future the Bronze Award will automatically be given as a pilot qualifies for the Novice rating. This means that all pilots who are presently rated as Novice or above are now qualified as Bronze Award holders, and are therefore able to make their attempt to gain the Silver Award. In addition, the Gold Award has been added to. Now it is possible for a pilot to earn Diamond Awards. A pilot who has an observed altitude gain of 5,000 feet (no barograph required) may add a diamond to one of the wings on the gold pin. If a pilot should fly an observed distance of 100 kilometers (64 miles) he or she may add another diamond to the wings of the pin. All the Lilienthal Awards will be available in sew-on patches in the not too distant future. With regard to office management, one great step was taken from which every member will benefit. The USHGA will purchase a micro-computer system and Tom Milkie will program it specifically to meet the needs of the organization. After the system is in full operation, the membership should realize a more timely and efficiently run Association. In the area of public relations, the Board approved a budget to offset the expenses of an official representative from the USHGA. This person, for example, would provide facts and other information on a national scope for any local group of USHGA members, for the purpose of assisting them in keeping a local flying site. A new Executive Committee was elected: Alex Duncan, David Broyles and Jan Case. These people perform an invaluable service as they are responsible for taking important action between Board meetings. A questionnaire will be published in Hang Gliding to poll the membership on their opinions on some issues prior to the next meeting. It is hoped that the Board will gain a truer sense of direction from this survey. In the area of competition, a motion was passed to require all meet promoters to furnish the USHGA with proof of prize money in escrow as a prerequisite to acceptance of advertising. In the future this requirement must be met prior to the sanctioning of a meet. Detailed information regarding this is included with the meet sanctioning form available on request from the office. Regions 2 and 3 were realigned by zip code. Anyone affected may contact their Regional Director for explanation if they wish. The inclusion of the Virgin Islands in Region 10 was also approved.

This concluded the major actions taken by the Board on Saturday. The Board recessed at 7 p.m. for committee meetings, with remaining reports and business to be handled Sunday with the reconvening of the meeting. The various committees met until the early morning hours in order to prepare their reports. Sunday morning the Board met to hear committee reports. The Board approved the competition rules changes made by that committee. These changes may be reviewed by sending $2 to the USHGA office for a copy. Briefly, the U.S. was divided into east/west regions for the purpose of rotating the Nationals, on a yearly basis, between them. The site for this year's Nationals is Crestline, near San Bernardino, CA. At this year's World Cup in Grenoble, France, Bill Bennett will serve as team leader, Keith Nichols will be the team coach and Chris Price the alternate. John Lake will represent the USHGA as a meet official. In addition, John Lake will keep the top 36 pilots (by qualification points) informed as to the team selection process. At this time the author of the competition rules, and Competition Committee chairman, Harry Robb, resigned and recommended that Tom Milkie serve as the new chairman. His resignation accepted, Harry Robb was commended by the Board for the tremendous effort he put forth while serving as the chairman. Tom Milkie was then elected as the new chairman. The Competition Committee was then authorized to select the officials for this year's Nationals and the U.S. Team members for the American Cup. It was then approved that Regionals can be sanctioned for $150 and that $100 of that fee may be waived if proof can be shown of site insurance. It was also decided that only HOMA certified gliders be allowed to compete in the Regional meets and that prototype gliders be allowed to fly in other sanctioned meets. The use of two-way radios is prohibited unless specifically allowed for in the supplemental rules of the meet. Any questions regarding the technical aspects of this issue should be directed to Tom Milkie and the chairman of the Research and Development Committee, Dick Heckman. It was decided that we should continue to work with and assist those pilots who make up the motorized field, specifically Joe Diamond. Dennis Fagen, chairman of the Safety and Training Committee recommended that the Board approve the motorized hang gliding rating system submitted by Joe Diamond, with some additions by Dennis Fagen. A review of the Master (Hang 5) rating candidates was conducted, It was

decided not to publish the names, or to put numbers on the rating cards. This was done to prevent the rating from becoming a status symbol. An official USHGA flight log book, designed by Jay Raser, was approved. This log book makes provisions for recording specific USHGA activities, such as Pilot Proficiency sign-offs and Lilienthal Awards, as well as the logging of flights. Proceeds from the sale of the log book will go directly to the USHGA to help meet its financial obligations. Some changes were made in the requirements for the Advanced Rating. Your area Examiners and Observers should have the changes by now. Carol Velderrain gave the Office Manager's report and the following items were addressed and approved. The log book printing expenses were accepted. A wind breaker jacket and a new T-shirt were approved. The Board acted on the request of many members that a calendar be printed next year, by authorizing a design work up and cost study. Further action will be taken on this item at the next Board meeting. Harry Robb submitted his report as CIVL delegate and nominated Bill Bennett as an official observer. His report was approved and Bennett was appointed. The next item on the agenda concerned the scheduling of Board meetings. After considerable debate, a committee was appointed to study this problem in detail, specifically costs and travel connection problems. In addition, a motion was approved to hold the summer Board meeting after the Nationals. The dates and location for the next Board meeting will be announced in July. It was acknowledged that two days is not sufficient time to conduct Board business and it was suggested that the spring Board meeting last three days. The Board also approved that a study be conducted for the creation of the position of Executive Director. One of the main problems with a national organization, like the USHGA, is communication among its volunteer officials. An Executive Director would function much the same as he does for the SSA, EAA and NAA. He would take up the slack and be responsible for the administration of programs. A report on this subject will be given at the next Board meeting by John Harris and Vic Powell. The final actions taken by the Board were the allocation of $500 to the Public Relations Committee, allocations of funds for the world team, t-he election of John Harris, to fill the vacancy in Region 10, and the other Director vacancies to be filled by mail ballot. Dick Heckman was made responsi-

ble for the drafting of an officials program. Lloyd Licher was elected as an Honorary Director in recognition of his invaluable service to the Association. I would like to thank all those who attended the meeting, Directors and members alike. This was the best attended Board meeting to date. I would especially like to acknowledge the participation in committee meetings by members of the Association who were not Board members.

1979 World Championships, Grenoble, France by Chuck Stahl The world championship of free flight, to take place July 28 through Aug. 12, in Grenoble, France, some 40 miles from the historic Mt. Blanc, wilt provide a spectacular setting for choosing a world champion. Trophies wilt be offered in two individual categories and three team categories. The separation is based on pilot movable aerodynamic controls, with an additional overall team champion. The teams will be limited to 13 members, with no more than eight in any category and three reserves. The following are under consideration as team members: Joe Greblo, Rich Grigsby, Tom Peghiny, Sterling Stoll, Torn Hadden, Keith Nichols, Dennis Fagen, Mike Arrambide, Chris Price, Dave Rodriguez, John Brant, Sean Dever, J.C. Brown, Jack Franklin, Dean Tanji, Stu Smith, Charlie Baughman, Doug Lawton, Phil Ray, Rob Kells, Jeff Burnett and Don Partridge. The competition is a contest composed of equal parts: precision and cross-country flying. Pinpoint landings to a two-meter diameter offer a variable positive score of 20% on half of the rounds. However, on the same rounds, failure of a pilot to stay on his feet or make a 100-rneter circle results in a zero flight. Dropping the nose or control bar costs 250 points regardless of a pilot's positive score. There is a provision for cutting after an even number of rounds.

Comments on Competition by Tom Milkie The USHGA Competition Rules have included for the last year a point system for determining the better pilots in the U.S. This year that point system will be put to use. It has already been used to select the U.S. World Team, it will be used to select the American Cup Team, some of the entrants to the National Championships, and it will be used to seed pilots in competitions.

(Incidentally, Glider Rider magazine has initiated a pilot "Rider Rating" system. This is not related to the Qualification Point System.) The system was slightly modified under the 1979 rules. Summarizing the rules: Pilot placement in USHGA sanctioned competitions will be recorded and points awarded according to the number of entrants in each meet. For 50 or more entrants, ten points will be awarded to the meet winner, nine points to the second place, etc. One point is awarded to the tenth place through the top 50%. Meets with 45-49 entrants would award nine for first, etc. and one point for ninth through 23rd. Points are awarded similarly down to meets of 20 contestants (minimum) where four points go to first, etc. These "points" are then multiplied by the number of rounds in the meet. Pilots accumulate these points from January 1 of the previous year. The current results are shown below:

(Based on the Qualification Point System of the 1979 Rules. Includes the 1978 Nationals, Palomar Open (Region 3 meet only), Region I, 4 and 9 meets and the Region 8 meet at Pico, Cross-Country Classic, Masters, Moab and American Cup. Excludes Region JO, 12, 7 and 6 meets and the Pico Pro meet until more information can be obtained. The Grouse Mt. Invitational, Thunder Bay meet, Cypress Gardens, and Telluride are not sanctioned meets.) TOP 48 PILOTS (as of 3/79) Place Name

Points

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 JO 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

119.5 117 104 93 83 72.5 63 57 49 49 48 44 40 39 37 36 36 27 27 25.5 25 25 24 24 18 18 18

Stoll, Sterling Pagen, Dennis Rodriguez, Dave Greblo, Joe Grigsby, Rich Peghiny, Torn Cocker, Tim Jones, Malcolm Case, Bruce Pollock, Gordon Tudor, Larry Huss, Biff Wilson, T. Droy, Mark Braddock, James Dever, Sean Laffaw, Brad Haddon, Tom Scott, Jeff Davidson, Ben Kells, Rob Partridge, Don Williams, Galen Godrnan, Al Burnett, Jeff McKellar, William Stoverud, Bruce

HANG GLIDING

28 30 I

Steward Underwood, Don Kinzie, Gil Julius, Mike

33 34

Vicari, Robert Lawton, Doug

18 18 16 16

George

37 38 39 40 41 42

I 16

Tim Jeff Nichols, Keith Jacobsen, Gianfortc, Jay

Dave

43 44

45 Kosch, Harry 47 48

Jones, Michael O'Conncr, Bill

This months. If about your self.addressed, fication Point System, Dave Austin Si., 75061.

No Mountains? Soar Anyway!

THE Tow Systems for All Makes of Hang G lid ors. Tow w/top and bottom rolomw flotation with shackles additional hri,jle All orders rnquire 50% Texas rosidents add 5% Sond $·1.00 tor information KITE T olopl10ne 1403 Austin Stroot Dave Rroylen Irving, Texas 7!illtll Evenings (?14) 438·1G23

-IN Windhnven takes trade-ins on m,w gl1rfors from anywhere in tlm country Ship or deliver yo1ir qlidm, nnd we, will apply it to your 11ew purcl,ase We sell: Electra Flyor

UFM.

Novas

Mitchells Winq Delta Winq E1ppor-Formancc0

Seaqull Wills WincJ

HANG GUDING 12437 Srni Fornnnclo Rd ,CA91:J42 13)'.3671819

MAY1979

INC

Sound familiar? Without an altimeter, you really don't know exactly how high you are or, later, how high you've been. Stop guessing by taking an Altimaster II along. It's precision built so it's light, rugged and reliable. It has an easy-to-read face that can be zeroed to any ground elevation.

And the Altimaster mounts practically anywhere - on your hanglider, your harness or your wrist. (It's so small that you probably didn't notice the Altimaster worn by the pilot above.) So stop guessing. Use the coupon below to order your Altimaster II today.

~-------ss_E_I_N_co __ R_PO_RA __T_E_D______4 ~ 5801 Magnolia Avenue • Pennsauken, NJ 08109 • (609) 663-2234

-------------------------, Altimaster II

$89.95 Please rush me an Altimaster II. (We ship within 24 hrs.) D Enclosed is my check or money order for $89.95

D Please charge my

Visa

Master Charge.

Acct.#------------Expires _ _ _ _ _ _ _ M.C. Interbank# _ _ Signature - - - - - - - - - - - - -

N a m e - - - - - - - - -please - -print ,---,-----------Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _ _ _ _ _ Zip _ _ Dimensions: 3" x I~"

1979 SSE, Inc. Altima~ter is a trademark. Photo by Carl Boenish.

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I I,_-

Blghster Aircraft, Inc. The Highster is the highest performing intermediate glider on the market today, and probably the highest performing wing of all g Iiders certified last year.

Top View of Sail

Gentle handling and s1·ability (easy to fly), are mated with excellent sink rate, exceptional L/0 at high speeds, and one of the quickest roll rates in production (highly maneuverable).

•

Due to extensive research by Michael Giles, the tips have been improved in 1979, increasing sail area allowing the Highster to achieve its maximum performance in lift conditions, whether ridge or thermal. All models of the Highster now have much better slow speed capabilities and take-off characteristics. Higbster still has the highest speed range of any glider tested.

A()aiia6t,e at $12 7s. (Ji

Bottom View of Sail

Complete with deluxe cover bags

In actual flight comparisons and during competition the intermediate Higbster, in overall conditions, out performed the top gliders in the world.

JEFF i\(OTT. Instructor at Hang Gliders \'>?est. San Rafael. CA -

"In all my experience J',·c ne\'er run into a glider quire like the HIGHSTER. Not only do I recommend it to my smdcrns as their first glider because of its prcdicrnbility, bur all of us at Hang Gliders \'(lest, with a total of 17

years in the business, personally own sell ro our beginnec,. Ir's fantastic~ ..

the exact same HrGHSTER chat we

Street Address

Ciiy and State Sizes Available

1508 - 6th ST. BERKELEY, CA. 94710

150 - 170 - 190 Scale

Date

For the Dealer in you area Phone (415) 527-1324

1 - 1 - 79

INSTRUMENT BRACKET Tired of the hose clamp hassle?

Mount your instruments where you can see them! • Easy on off rubber padded iving nut clamp • Adjustable 6-10 inch telescopic extension • Durable polished aluminum • Fits all l inch control bars (specify if different size) • Adaptable to any instrument

FLIGHT DESIGNS

VARIOMETER

Satisfaction Guaranteed S9.50 plus .50 postage JAY GIANFOHTE

THE HALL WIND METER

il.:JJ ~ ' ~

A precision instrument tor the serious pilot. Rugged, dependable and easy to read.

$18.50 postpaid in U.S. Foreign add $1.00. Prone bracket $5.50. Seated bracket $4.50.

Seated

f:__

HALL BROTHERS Box 771-M, Morgan, Utah 84050 Dealer Inquiries /nviled

C.O.D. Phone Orders Welcome

INSTANT RESPONSE AUDIO UP ONLY SINK ALERT 700 FPM/DWN LIGHTWEIGHT SWING DOWN ARM AVAILABLE s 14995 FLIGHT DESIGNS ~-- !'

"~1r~"

P.O. BOX I S03 SALINAS, CA inno2 (408) 7S8-fIB96

DEALER INQUIRES INVITED

(801) 829-3232

Prone

E=-

= = -

"-/,6... ,._,

---r

S=,

f.'0. J3DX 11!5'i-, RfPLAlvP.6 • CA~IFORNIA 9;2.37.'3

USHGA CERTIFIED ~~INSTRUCTORS NEEDED TO WORK IN A RESORT AREA. IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY CERTIFIED, WEWILL TRAINANDCERTIFYYOU.

''The Only Complete Book On Hang Gliders. Transcends and Obsoletes Everything in Print!" Get the total story on:

''Vou 're a serious

• Flying Techniques hanq qlider pilot! • Flyer Physiology That's exactly why • Top Models Analyzed ou nel;jd to read • Flight Performance THE • Flying Qualities HANG • Aerodynamics GLIDER'S • Design Parameters BIBLE." • Human Factors • The Polar Curve • . • Dive Recovery 480 pages • 306 1/Justrat1ons • • Winds and Weather ' ,o "'c"" 100RDW11 >nsow coPY, 11u-1N, ™" • Structural Integrity ·\ , cu,ouiuoM.1JLT1t1scou,onow.oo,·1•m.1.oo , eto~~6 ...!YJ.O~L-------------• Materials and Conslruct1on ,~ti~',) p: 1 sh C-O~olTHEH.l.1Hi0UOfR'S8IBLEtolheaddms • Sails and Airframe Flexibility - \'~ I ~~~ ~tflC~[sem~ttitctormoneyor'1eras1nd.wed 1 95 • Advanced Cross-Country Ffuing \\\:_11'I o0 us. us." " ' ' " ' "'"''"'' '"'""'""'' 1 $129S• +"~\' " ~~t1.1;t-100h;Ml,r,o\ti..1000uM) • Hlst_ory and Technical Advances . / g ~~~~-~ 1r:;:;\11ma.l • Buying Yourself 8 Hang Glider ~, C Pa m. ·.od 5.lf {SOh). 78t (ll.;1d) ~!lie s..alH UX • Plus, SeVen Large Appendicles '/ ~~l-~ai;~·~;~:~~b·~~a~;s~uo~:~'i/1H1~~aot1orn·ss1atE.

&, •

RESUME TO:

Nags Head, N.C. 27959 Attention: RALPH BUXTON

t~~.:n~tAf~:~~:

~~S~a

HANG GLIDING

81// 8e1111etti 8/ICI( IJ/1 SYSTEM

FORUM The Learning Experience by Dick Gammon All of you who fly regularly have watched people come to the sport as beginners, who, as neophytes, make a few futile or marginally successful attempts at getting into the air, then seem to disappear back to wherever they came from. The rest of us hang in there (pun intended!) and progress by one means or another to some level of proficiency. Some of us seem to take flying like young eagles and are floating around the sky enjoying the scenery within several months of when we began, yet others of us progress so slowly that between nose-ins and ground-loops we often wonder if we ever really can learn to fly expertly. Why? Why do some pilots seem to have a feel for it, and others don't? How do the quick learners put it all together so quickly? Why do some pilots progress to a certain level and remain there, while others keep getting better and better as the years pass? In the early days of hang gliding, learning was haphazard; there were no instructors, so we taught ourselves. Many of those who flew higher and higher without learning to respect their new environment eventually crashed. Some died. All learned. Bit by bit, the pieces of the puzzle began to accumulate and fit into a predictable body of knowledge that has helped keep air-junkies like myself alive and smiling while floating on wind as it bounces up the broken terrain on a 10,000 foot pile of rocks. If we wish to emulate the great soaring birds we must learn to use the accumulated knowledge that others have shared or risk a bone-shattering return to Mother Earth. How can we learn safely and still enjoy the spirit of freedom, adventure and challenge? Let's look at a simplified, general concept o( adult learning, then fit that into your hang gliding experience.

You learn by seeing, smelling, touching, tasting, and/or hearing something. The fewer bits of information presented at a time, the easier it will be to isolate them for mental processing. Following your perception of new data, you compare it with past experience, categorize it, and try to fit it into a framework of something that is already familiar. You associate the new thing with information already stored in your brain. By adding the information to an existing concept, your understanding grows. When that information occurs a second time you feel recognition. It is now familiar. You have learned. If, on the other hand, you are flooded with a mass of new information, as you would be if launching at a new site in new conditions, and have only a few seconds to compare, categorize, label, and react to it, you may fail to understand it. Learning will be difficult, if not impossible. In a flying situation like this you may face a crash. As we examine learning to fly hang gliders, it is necessary to broaden the picture, not only to include learning appropriate physical movements, but how we learn to overcome the natural fear of being in an alien environment. Let's look at how we learn a physical task and see how that hooks into the mental process. As adults, we learn complex, coordinated physical tasks by watching an example, listening to an explanation if one is available, trying it, listening to our bones and muscles, examining mistakes, comparing it to similar actions and movements which are familiar, then repeating the task. We think about it as we practice. We mentally rehearse the physical task to make it familiar. Eventually, we learn the movements and develop the muscles we need to perform the task. As we repeat it over and over, the mental processes needed to trigger the right responses become ingrained and the movements seem to come automatically. The expert seldom "thinks" about what movements he must make. He simply reacts and the task gets done. He has practiced. He has

learned complex, integrated movements by adding one task to another, to another, to another, until a series of quick, fluid movements appears to be as simple as walking down the street. Remember how long it took you to learn that task? You were built for that! Flying ain't quite the same - you don't belong up there! That brings us to motivation. Our motivations for learning to fly are as many and as varied as the birds we seek to imitate. Why do you want to fly like a bird? I have watched hundreds of people come to the sport. Some stay, some leave, some are intact, some battered - they go, and I wonder why. Why did they quit? Why do you stay to learn? I question their motivation for coming to the sport at all, just as I question the motivation of the pilot who smokes a joint, drinks a beer, then launches into unfamiliar territory or a crowded sky. Where is his ego? Is he flying because he wants to fly, or because it's the avantguard thing to do? It's daring. One-upmanship. The hero syndrome has probably killed more pilots than any other single cause. So we learn. The examples the experts set are seen by everyone ... we can fly like birds if we learn properly. When a person comes to the sport with the honest motivation of wanting to be able to experience three-dimensional space under his own control, he can eventually reach his goal safely. A new pilot, however, may progress beyond his understanding of the equipment and forces he chooses to be part of. He may have, at some point, gone beyond what was comfortable, his ego won't let him regress, and now he is so apprehensive with each flight that it becomes a trial of survival and leaves no room for learning. It is possible to learn to fly hang gliders safely, but only if the learning takes place in an orderly, logical manner. You must read everything you can get your hands on, ask questions of people who can give you the right answers, watch your examples, practice each step in the learning process, and, most importantly, attempt HANG GLIDING

only one new task on any flight. If you are just entering the sport, you should enroll in lessons with an instructor who has a good safety record. Ask around before you choose. Before each flight you make, remember that your skill level will improve only if you set a task that will allow you to learn something new or hone a skill that needs work. Either way, you will progress further and further in a safe manner if you master each simple task or movement before you add another. Always allow a margin for error, and think about the task before, during and after you try it. See yourself as doing it correctly, have a positive attitude toward yourself and your equipment, and eat your Wheaties! In the learning process, as I mentioned earlier, reading is one method of getting information about something new, and Dennis Pagen's books are, I feel, currently the best source of information for pilots of all levels. As well, both Hang Gliding and Glider Rider provide current information and should be read on a regular basis by anyone serious about learning why those things keep us up, turn, spin, dive, penetrate, glide, pitch, yaw, roll, soar, flare, and make us smile! It has taken time, but we have learned. And we have learned to learn. It is a wonderful faculty to be able to think, sort data, reason, and add bits of knowledge to our brains in such a way that it will allow us to venture into the world of soaring birds. We are the first humans in ten million years who can push off into space from a mountain top and remain airborne - soaring for hours.

Safety First by Hugh Dundee, M.D. Hang gliding contests are inherently unsafe. Intermediate pilots are overextending their abilities by competing with experts and professionals. To make matters worse, they are doing it in front of a crowd. The purpose of this article is to aid those of you who are planning a meet or fly-in this season, and who want to make that meet as safe as possible. The first step toward a safe meet is to have a safety director. This person should have two goals: to have a safe, injury free contest, and, in the event of injuries, to ensure that the proper management of those injuries occurs. The task of safety director should be assigned to a single person. The MAY1979

responsibility for safety should not go to the meet director, who will have many other things cluttering up his mind. The most important qualification for the safety director is that he/she be a responsible person. The person chosen should also be an experienced hang glider pilot, and it would be helpful if he is experienced in handling trauma. The safety director must have certain powers. He should have the authority to postpone or cancel the meet if flying conditions are unsafe, and to expel someone for unsafe flying. He should be involved in the planning of the meet from the start, and included in the decisions about what tasks are to be required and what maneuvers allowed. Wingovers, for example, may be considered okay if only factory fliers and professionals are competing; but in local and regional qualifying meets intermediate pilots may be tempted or even feel pressured to follow the example of the pro's. I do not think that in most circumstances it is necessary to have an ambulance or helicopter at the site of the meet. However, the time to contact them is in advance, not after a potentially fatal injury has occurred. Anticipate what will be needed to extricate an injured pilot and be sure that you will be able to get the help you need in time. An emergency medical technician (at least) should be on hand at both the launch site and the landing area. Advanced first aid is not enough. You need someone who is trained in handling spinal injuries, adept at opening and maintaining airways, and able to recognize and manage someone in shock. If your meet is being held in a place more than a two to three hours' drive from the nearest medical facility, it would be best to have a paramedic capable of starting intravenous fluids on hand. If the launch site is inaccessible by vehicle, a helicopter must be available on short notice. The equipment on hand will vary according to each individual site. The safety director should get together with the EMT's and decide what will be necessary for each circumstance. For example, Scope or Clamshell stretchers are the easiest to use, but if the victim is going to have to be carried any distance over rough terrain, then a basket type stretcher may be preferred. Injuries have a way of happening in two's and three's, so it is important not to send all of your equipment off with the first victim. The appointment of a safety director, with specific responsibilities and authority, should be a prerequisite of any organized flying meet. The incorporation of this concept into the rules governing USHGA-sanctioned meets would provide an extra margin of safety for all of us. ~

VOLMER AIRCRAFT Blueprints Nov, /-\vailao1e

VJ-24 Sunfun • Airplane controls • Al! metal. except fabric • Easy to build •Semi-cantilever.monoplane hang glider • Send $2 for brochure • Sunfun engine installation. afiowing takeoffs from fevel grouna ~Brochure $2.00

VJ-23 Swingwing • Has been soared for 42 min. on 34 -high hill. 23-slope 17 mph wind • Takes off and lands 1n 2 steps ·n a 15 mph wind • Fully controllable 1n 3 axis • World's first high performance hang glider • Send $2 for literature. 3-view. and color photograpr, • Swingwing engine installation. allowing takeoffs from level ground-Brochure $2.00

Jc'>

•

VJ-11 So-Lo

~··

~. ,,,.

• Build the world's first fully controllable hang glider • Standard aircraft controls • Fully engineered ·• Can be built 1n 6 weeks spare time • Material cost approximately $400 • Send $2 for literature. specifications. and photograph

Plans. Kits & Materials

VOLMER AIRCRAFT BOX 5222, DEPT. G GLENDALE, CA. 91201

by Martin Hunt and David Hunn

128 pages, illustrations

$10.00

1'HE ULTIMATE HI BAR HARNESS ALUlWS 1'HE PIUlT TO SOAR IN COMFORT FOR HOURS BY DISTRIBUTING i/EIGF!T EVENLY THROUGHOUT THE HAJ,llo\OCK, THERE ARE NO PRESSURE POINTS IN 'I'IIE HAMMOCK WHICH rs SUSPENDED FROM 2 BARS, ONE AT EACH SIDE OF 'l'HE HARNESS, TRESE BARS ARE PRED!llLLED AND BY MOVING 2 SUSPENSION BOLTS '!'HE PILOT IS ABLE 'l'O SELECT 'l'IIE BALANCE RE PREFERS, 'l'HE BAH HARNESS LOCKS INTO PRONE POSITION WHEN 'l'IIE PILOT STEPS INTO '!'!IE STIRRUP AND H.E \/ILL REMAIN PRONE EVEN IN WRBULANCE, TO LAND HE STEPS OUT OF 'l'IIE STIRRUP AND SITS IN THE LEG STRAPS, '!'HE PILOT CAN CHANGE PROM SEATED TO PRONE AND BACK AGAIN DURING FLIGHT,

Not a how-to instruction book, Hang Gliding serves as an introduction to the world of "flying free" from early attempts and the hang-gliding pioneers of 1948 to the still pioneering enthusiasts of today. Standard and odd designs for sail planes, hang-glider aerodynamics, how the gliders stay up and where to put them up, flight limits, aerobatics, where to learn hang-gliding, and what are its dangers are all discussed.

* comes complete with D-r1ng. knee hangers and stLrrup, • Six sizes, standard, large e.nd extra-large in regular length or long, * Available in a rainbow of oolore. • custom features available. To order, send your height, weight and color ohoioe, C, 0, D, ACCEPTED

Please send $10 (plus 75¢ for shipping) to: ARCO PUBLISHING, INC. Dept. WC

Price: $95

219 Park Ave. So., New York, N.Y. 10003

14328 LOLIN LANE POWAY, CAL I FORN IA 92064 714·748-1739

*··············· ** KITE TUBING

Rl1h1t•• ,[ippcZr

.·

iC -tr

BRIGHT DIP ANODISED TUBING SEAMLESSDRAWN ...._ I 1~2 .049X1B.:.,u·.20· 2-1!1 LENGTHS .90FT .. .,... I !l,.ax.osax, i'' 2·1 I LENGTHS .UFT ...._ I 374X.049X18.!l',20' 2•1!1 LENGTHS .UFT .,... CABLE

1/32 7X7 STAINLESS STEEL WHITE OR NYLON COATED

"'-. ..,-...._ .,...

WH6LRE~E ALE CATALOGUE

.ZOFT

it i(:

LEADING EDGE AIR FOILS INC.~ UIS. 14TH ST. ~ COLORADO SPRINGS CO, • 80904 ' 30J•U2•49H

****************

/ ~ ~

BUNBIRD GLIDER8

Ur.I

#dyssey

. ~/'mAnJii PLUS MOREii

ALL THIS AT:

• Distributors for all major manufacturers. • Dealers welcome to Inquire aboul our successful foreign

a~Tt

• T,emendous Inventory ot gllders, lnslruments, and

AERIAL TECHNIQUES ROUTE 209, ELLENVILLE, N.Y. 12428 (914) 647-3344

and domasllc dealer network program.

accessories. • Speclal services: sail repair, ciacacnute se.W·Of\, repack· Ing, end deploymenl procedures, 9 lree hours ol lnelruC· Hon with new girder purchase, gilder repairs and gilder

storage. • Fulltlme shop open year round.

Available, compact ducted fan engine system for gliders, hang gliders, EAA, etc. Send $5.00 A.T.S. SYSTEMS for info packet for this 25 lb. 1021 ANDOVER PARK EAST versatile engine with safe TUKWILA, WASH. 98188 shrouded prop. Design engr. service available.

HANG GLIDING

''JF O'' ItObject. 's the hape that make OLYl1PU hang gliding mot " Identified Flying " ,.c~'M/ It's a reputation for smooth performance and olid re pon e that has pilot consistantly at major competition . It 's an outstanding safety r ecord and total factory support that make ELECTRA FLYER' OLYMPU the mo t trusted name in hang gliding. For a lot of good reason , OLYMP U i the hang gliding world's mo t " I dent ified Flying Object' . Only $ 1100. Ha ve y our dealer fill you in on the '(·~ · · details.

you're a goOO pilot, getting better

----- ------ -

A1Q5or2NE Pr2ooucT0

/:I.I. ·.·.·•·.·. . ·.·.:······.r.1\.It}Jf

.1.•.·:•.·.•...•...

/ / ..::':i~t-} ·wiR~\~

J(ffj!J} Rem~~!1~~~!~!~Z1c~~~!a~~!!"Jangers

i1JJL /

f!l/'<o

High Quality-Durable Materials

lJ, Non Slip Foot Stirrup ,f .:J• \t\\\

THE AIRBORNE SYSTEM HAS THIS QUALITY

1J. /f / f\;'\

'GOING SEATED' IS BIJJLT I.. TO EVERY

THE COMPLETE SYSTEM

I\\ \~~ -kn~1~~

SHOWH ABOVE, 'SYSTEM 0N.E

HAS BEEH OESIGHED FOR AN EASY SHIH INTO SEATED POSITION.

HTUHJWiT OfT,!.JL

SVSTEN. FOR THE 'COMPLETE SYSTE"4' SEND f'OR THE AIRBORNE SIZE CHART. SYST(M CN£ A.ND T~O MAY SE: ORDER ED BY IHCLUOlNO HE lOHT, WEIGHT, CHESI SIZE, A~D LEG

I H SEAN.

SYSTEM 1

SYSTEM 2

~'l,

Can. - 159.00 Combinations of these instantly interchangeable components, create a system that can be adapted to your next flight.. 30 SECONDS OR 3 HOURS AND 30 SECONDS Airborne Products are Manufactured and Distributed by: GET QUALllY

GET AIRBORNE!

ONTARIO HANG GLIDERS INC. 801 WOOLWICH ST. GUELPH, ONTARIO, CANADA NlH 6J2 (519) 836-4781

Now establishing u.s. dealer network

Ball 500-H VARIOMETER

TAKE HANG GLIDING WITH YOU DON'T MISS THE LATEST ISSUE BY FAILING TO NOT[FY USHGA OF YOUR CHANGE OF ADDRESS'! NAME

$265.00 ppd. • Specially designed for sky-sailing • Lightweight, rugged, durable, and stylish • Temperature compensated, self-zeroing, stable • Pressure transducer operated • Audio/off/visual switch, external 9 volt battery • Fits standard 3 - 1/8" panel opening • Available for immediate delivery • Used by hundreds of pilots the world over • One year guarantee

INDHAVEN

HANG GLIDING SCHOOLS, INC. 12437 San Fernando Rd. Sylmar, Ca. 91342 (213) 367-1819

USHGA #

OLD ADDRESS CITY

STATE ~~ZIP

NEW ADDRESS STATE ~~ZIP ~-~~

CITY LAST ISSUE RECEIVED

(PLEASE ALLOW FOUR WEEKS FOR PROCESSING)

Notify USHGA Early! Please Note: You must notify your post office that you will pay forwarding postage on your second class mail or you may miss an issue. USHGA, Box 66306, Los Angeles, CA 90066.

California residents add 6% sales tax. Deafer inquiries invited.

MAY1979

PACIFIC ULTRALIGHT AIRCRAFT COMPANY

#4 STATIONAR Y 25 IVORY SHEETS OF 8 V2 x 11 STATIONARY PLUS 15 ENVELOPES . LIGHTLY PRINTED WITH SILHOUETIED GLIDER (DARKEN ED FOR CLARITY)

A Men·s S8.50

B Women·s S8.00

#5 SPORT SH IRTS 50 % POLYESTER/50% cono • PROFESSIONALLY APPLIED ARTWORK • THESE ARE HIGH QUALITY SPORT SHIRTS-NOT THIN UNDERWEAR

18" x 26" CLOC K YOSEM ITE • WOOD FRAMED • BATIERY OR ELECTRIC

12" x 16" CLOCK DAVE CRONK • WOOD FRAME • BATIERY OR ELECTRIC

#5 _ _ SPORT SHIRT(S) WITH Style A (2 gliders) or Style B (1 glider) (Circle one)

!iil;:;;-:"r-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . . J Men's Size PACIFIC ULTRALIGHT AIRCRAFT COMPANY 6090 LOS ANGELES AVENUE - #201 SANTA SUSANA, CA 93063 • (213) 322-4439

Women's Size _

PLEASE SEND: #1 _ _ _ _ 18" x 26" CLOCK(S) Battery/Electric $35.50 (Circ le one) #3 6' WIND BANNER • BRIGHT ORANGE • 100% DACRON • HEAT SEALED EDGES • MOUNTING POCKET FOR 1" POLE • 14" X 72"

(S, M, L, XL)

•2

12" x 16" CLOCK(S) Battery/Electric $24 .95

•3 #4

6' ORA GE BANNER(S) $7.85 ea. (Pole not included) BOX(ES) OF HANG GLIDING STATIONARY $4.75/Box Add $1.00 for postage and handling. Ca li forn ia res idents add 6% sa les tax . Dealer lnqum es Inv/led

(S, M, L, XL)

Col= (men) Colo<s (w omen) (check one) (check one) BEIGE - Pl K BEIGE BLUE - BLUE RED - WHITE WHITE YELLOW ORANGE • YELLOW

CHOOSE THE WORD(S) TO GO BELOW ARTWORK; (Circle one) PILOT - GROUND CREW - FLY SYLMAR - ELSINORE - PINE FLATS - CR ESTLINE - SOAR PLA YA DEL REY - NO WORDS

------------------------------------~ JOIN THE OSHGA TODAY!

I I I SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION THAT SUPPORTS YOU I THE UNITED STATES HANG GLIDING ASSOCIATION , INC .: I • Offers a $500,000 pilot l iab i lity insurance policy which NOW COVERS MOTORIZED I HANG GLIDING, as a part of full membership . • Offers SITE I SURA CE to USHGA chapter clubs at low rates . Write for details. I • Pub l ishes HA G GLIDI G magaz i ne , the only publication of its kind . Beautifu l color photoI graphy. Our new SUBSCRIPTION ONLY CATEGORY al lows you to receive just the ~

magazine if you prefer . I apply for membersh i p in the United States Hang Gliding Associat ion , Inc. as a full member with all benefits . (Renew/ e , circle one) I would like to subscribe to Hang Glid ing magazi ne on ly. (Renew/ ew , circle one)

I include my check or money order as fol lows :

D $20 FULL MEMBER ($2 l foreign ) -

As a ful l member you rece ive 12 issues of HA G GLIDI G magazine , p il ot li ab ili ty insurance , and al l USHGA membership benefits. D $15 SUBSCRIPTIO ($16 foreign ) for one year. $26 SUBSCRIPTIO ($28 foreign ) for two years . $36 SUBSCRIPTIO ($39 foreign ) for three years . :J $7.50 TRIAL SUBSCRIPTIO ($8 foreign ) for six months.

AME

PHO E

AGE ZIP - - - - -Send check or money order to USHGA , Box 66306, Los Angeles , CA 90066.

------

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

HANG GLIDING

CLEARANCE SALE! Nearly new Cirrus 58 demo glider: $825. Seagull 10 Meter '79 demo glider; $995. Soarmaster, one flight; $815. New Easy Riser, assembled; $I ,300. Contact Windhaven Hang Gliding Schools, Inc. 12437 San Fernando Rd., Sylmar, CA 91342; (213) 367-1819.

CLASSIFIED ~DVERTIS.INQ

CUMULUS 5B 18'. Altered high performance model. Excellent condition, beautiful multi-colored sail. $700, or best offer. Call evenings 431-5492 days 542-3583. Ask for Bill Tunnell. FLEDGLING A. Good condition, supine harness, bag included, $475. I pay shipping, (406) 442-7645.

CONSUMER ADVISORY: Used hang gliders always should be disassembled before flying for the first time and inspected carefully for fatigue - bent or dented tubes, ruined bushings, bent bolts (especially the heart bolt), re-used Nyloc nuts, loose thimbles, frayed or rusted cables, tangs with non-circular holes, and on Rogallos, sails badly torn or torn loose from their anchor points front and back on the keel and leading edges. If in doubt, many hang gliding businesses will be happy to give an objective opinion on the condition of equipment you bring them to inspect.

LOOKING FOR A USED GLIDER? Trying to sell your old wing? FREE listing on our used glider board, Mission Soaring Center, 43551 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538. PHOENIX 8 with soaring windows $590. Thermal Shark, excellent trainer, $250. Call Chris at (714) 562-4196 or 462-5611. SST 100 A. Good condition, used very little, $650, or best offer. (213) 998-0070-days or (213) 798-1209-eves. Ask for Danny.

Rogallos

SST 100 B. Flies great, good condition, $650, or best offer. Days-(213) 998-0070, nights-(213) 798-1209 Danny.

CAN'T AFFORD A NEW OR USED GLIDER? With only /0% down we will finance the balance or take ani~hing in trade. 10% off of any new glider, power pack or parachute with this ad! Contact LEADING EDGE AIR FOILS, INC. (303) 632-4959. CAN WE HELP YOU GET INTO THE AIR? Do you want to fly, but arc short of funds? We will trade anything to help you fly. Contact Delta Wing Kites & Gliders, (213) 787-6600.

SEAHA WK I70. Less than 100 flights, excellent shape, 5575. (805) 544-4219. SEAGULL III-Z 17 ft. Excellent condition. 1 hour flight time. $550. (213) 860-8278. SEAGULL !OM. BeautifuI sail w/split panels. See page 21 February Hang Gliding. Applied leading edges, excellent condition, $850. Don (213) 374-6380. SEAGULL 10.5M. 1978 model, all red, yellow star Rt. Wing and keel pocket $950. Firm. (213) 454-5126 JIM. UP SPIDER 192. Good shape, red, orange, yellow, white. $500. (214) 796-6167.

Rigid Wings MITCHELL WING MODEL B-10. Ready to fly. With cover and seat. $3,200. Serious inquiries only. Rick Finney, (901) 767-3929.

Ready to fly. Contact Dean Turner (715) 453-4197. Also 18' Bennett towable Delta Wing.

Schools and Dealers ARIZONA THE BEST IN ULTRALIGHT SOARING EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUCTION. U.S. Hang Gliders, Inc., 10250 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix, Az. 85021. (602) 944-1655. ARKANSAS WESTARK! Call or write the professionals. Parts, gliders, all major brands (new and used), flight schools, accessories. Catalogs available. Dealer inquiries invited. See Larry Edwards, 3109 Grand, Fort Smith, Ar. 72904. (501) 782-3456. CALIFORNIA ARCADIA AIR SPORTS. Featuring Sunbird, Seagull, and Electra Flyer (other brands available). Personalized instruction in small groups. Lesson programs based on the USHGA Pilot Proficiency Rating System. Certified, experienced instruction at all levels. 519 Santa Maria Rd., Arcadia, Ca. 91006. (213) 447-SOAR. CHANDELLE SAN FRANCISCO. Since 1973 the largest center of Sky Sailing in Northern California. Run by people who love flying! Complete lesson program with USHGA certified instructors, beginning to advanced! Visiting Pilot Program; Fledgling Lesson Program: Vast parts and accessories supply. New and used gliders in stock. '79 demo gliders. Featuring Seagull, Wills Wing, U. P. Bennett, Sun bird, Electra, Stratus V, Manta Fledge and Windjammer, with other brands available. Top o' the hill, overlooking Fort Funstun. Contact Jan, George, Ken, J. Fred or Tom. IO Hillside Bl., Daly City, CA 94014 (415) 756-0650. ELSINORE VALLEY HANG GLIDING CENTER certified, experienced instruction, sales for all major manufacturers and repair facilities. Call (714) 678-2050 or stop in at 15870 Grand Ave., Lake Elsinore, Ca. FREE FLIGHT OF SAN DIEGO. Expert instruction utilizing modern, safe equipment. (714) 560-0888.

MITCHELL WING KIT. D-tubes, ribs completed. M-Company no longer offers a kit this complete. Cost $1,795. Need cash, will sacrifice for $1,000. Everything you need, still in the box except for dope. (702) 849-1846.

HANG GLIDERS OF CALIFORNIA, INC. USHGA certified instruction from beginning to expert levels. All brands of gliders, a complete line of instruments & equipment are available! For information or catalog, write or call: Hang Gliders of California, Inc., 2410 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, Ca. 90405. (213) 399-5315.

POWERED EASY RISER GLIDER. Includes: McCullough IOI engine, tachometer, altimeter, exhaust temp. Colver audio/visual variometer, harness and helmet, box and trailer. FAA inspected and certified.

HANG GLIDERS WEST-DILLON BEACH FL YING SCHOOL. We sell and service all major brands, parts, accessories. USHGA certified instructors, observers. Free lessons with purchase of a wing. After the sale, it's

CIRRUS 5A & 58. Identically painted red, orange & yellow with custom soaring windows as shown above. EXCELLENT CONDITION, C5A $995. C5B $945. (213) 992-4728.

NEW DATES JULY 19-20-21-22 Practice and Qualifications

July 14-18

CVP

6th

@~(slf£ @(sO At The QUALITY INN CYPRESS GARDENS - Call (813) 324-5950

55hp Johnson Outboard Motor PRIZE MONEY WILL BE AWARDED TO ALL FINAL CONTESTANTS

(F)O@OO®G=OO[F)® Contact

Mr. Lynn Novakofski

~'1 h CO-SPONSORED BY

UaDUTSDAFIDS nsan AND CEL.TA

MAY1979

CASH

1st Prize Includes

Entry Fee $50.00 Deadline - June 4th 1st 60 Entries Only

Accommodations Available

AIR

5000°0

LINES

P.O. Box 60 Cypress Gardens, FL 33880 (813) 324-2111 Ext. 282 59

the SERVICE that counts. Hang Glider West, 1011 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael, Ca. 94901. (415)453-7664. Hours 10:00 - 5:30. MONARCH SKY SAILS - New shop serving central California. Dealer for Seagull, Ultralite Products, Delta Wing, Electra Flyer, Eipperformance, Manta. With other major brands available. Complete service available and most hang glider accessories in stock. Complete lesson program from Beginning through Advanced. 1916 E. Home Ave., Fresno, Ca. 93703. (209) 264-6880. SOUTHERN CALIF. SCHOOL OF HANG GLIDING Largest and most complete hang gliding center in Los Angeles. Featuring Bennett, Seagull, Electra Flyer, Sunbird, all other brands of gliders available. Come demo. '78' model gliders today! Beginner to advanced instruction with USHGA Certified Instructors. MOTORGLIDING - Sales, demos and power instruction available. 5219 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, Ca. 91411. (213) 789-0836. MISSION SOARING CENTER Dealer of Seagull, Eipper, Manta, Sun bird and Electra Flyer. With other major brands available. Fly before you buy. End blind loyalty. Demos available. Complete lesson program. USHGA certified instructors, observers. 43551 Mission Blvd., Fremont, Calif. 94538. THE HANG GLIDER SHOP - For the largest in stock inventory. USHGA certified flying instruction and much, much more! Call (213) 943-1074. 1351 Beach Blvd., La Habra, Ca. 90631. WINDHAVEN HANG GLIDING SCHOOL, INC. Serving Southern California. Complete line of gliders, beginner to advanced instruction. USHGA certified instructors. Write or call, Windhaven, 12437 San Fernando Rd., Sylmar, Ca. 91342 (213) 367-1819. CANADA HANG GLIDING SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSAL SPORT ... Our specialty ... Hang gliding lessons, sale of gliders (Seagull Aircraft) and glider repair. USHGA certified instructor - John Szirony, P.O. Box 227, Yarrow, British Columbia, Canada (604) 823-4273.

GEORGIA ATLANTA USHGA certified beginner and novice training using wheels and radios for your safety. Rentals, sales, service. UP - Bennett - Wills - Electra Flyer -UFM -Soarmaster - Seagull - Manta. AHG, P.O. Box 48163, Doraville, Ga. 30362. (404) 458-4584, 448-3516. IOWA THE FOUR WINDS! New and used gliders. Power units and complete powered flex wings. Dealer for Bennett, Manta, Soarmaster (we take trade-ins). USHGA Certified instruction with flight simulator Hang Ratings I-IV. Come see our showroom. It'll be love at first flight! 2708 Mt. Vernon Rd. S.E., Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. (319) 365-6057, 366-3989.

line & power muzzler tuned muffler. For info pack send $3.00 to: P.O. Box 1155, Battle Creek, Mi. 49016. Phone (616) 965-6455. ECO-FLIGHT HANG GLIDERS. Now with 2 locations, one serving southeast lower Michigan, and our new shop in the Frankfort area, home of Michigan's prime flying sites. We sell and service most major brands of gliders and accessories, serving most major brands of gliders and accessories, including U.F.M.'s "Easy Riser." We will custom build your "Riser" and motorize it too. USHGA certified instruction using 2-way radios. Lessons from beginner to advanced. Parts, supplies, repairs. P.O. Box 188, Benzonia, Mich. 49616. (616) 882-5070 or 17390 Redman Rd., Milan, Mich. 48160. (313) 459-4545.

KANSAS MONARCH FL YING MACHINES-Your Kansas City area source for all major brand gliders, power packs, parts, accessories, USHGA Certified Instructors. Call Jim, (913) 268-6254 or Rick, (816) 763-3129. 10301 W. 77th No. 109, Shawnee Mission, Ks. 66214. VOYAGEUR'S. Distributors for J .L. Enterprises (dealer inquiries invited). Dealers for Eipper, Wills, Sky Sports, Sunbird, Moose, LEAF, Windhaven and Chuck's Glider Supplies. The only complete sales, training and repair facility in the greater Kansas City area. USHGA certified instructors and observers. 5935 Merriam Dr., Merriam, Ks. 66203. (913) 262-6611. MASSACHUSETTS Try a FREE practice run at Aeolus Flight Training Center, Groton Hills Ski Area, Groton, MA. Aeolus instructors can teach you to fly safely and easily, and are certified by USHGA. Open Saturdays and Sundays. Weekday instruction by appointment. To enroll, contact AEOLUS HANG GLIDER, INC., Box 184, Littleton, Ma. (617) 486-8278. MICHIGAN

MID-WEST SCHOOL OF HANG GLIDING. Subsidiary of U.S. Moyes, Inc. USHGA Certified Instructors. All levels of instruction - foot launch, tow, and motorized. Located \l.i mile from Warren Dunes. We are the oldest school and offer the most professional training in the mid-west. The owners placed 1st and 2nd in Open Class and 2nd in Class I at the '77 U.S. Nationals. We sell and service all brands of kites and motorized units. If you're thinking of moving up - check with us first, your used kite may be worth more than you think. Come fly before you buy. 11522 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman, Mi. 49106. (616) 426-3100. SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN HANG GLIDERS Distributor for Wills Wing, dealer for Electra Flyer, Soarmaster, Bennett, UP and Sunbird. We are a full time hang gliding business with our own 450 ft. soaring site. See us for USHGA ratings and certified instruction, 24851 Murray, Mt. Clemens, Mich. 48045, (313) 791-0614.

THE AURORA COMPANY - Distributor for Seagull Aircraft, UP Inc., Manta, UFM, Soarmaster Engines, Harness, varies, parachutes, and all hang gliding accessories. In Vernon call John Huddart, 542-8098, Victoria-Les Sairsbury, 382-0004, Vancouver-Robin Pedersen 922-7275, P.O. Box 91176 West Vancouver, Canada V7V 3N6. COLORADO LEADING EDGE AIR FOILS, INC. USHGA Certified instructors. Distributors for Chuck's Glider Supplies, Sun bird and Bennett. Dealers for Electra Flyer, Wills Wing, U.P. Easy risers, Manta and Seagull. 331 South 14th St., Colo. Spgs., Colo. 80904. GOLDEN SKY SAILS, featuring Electra Flyer, J&L, Delta Wing, Leaf, Manta, Mitchell Wing, Seagull, UFM, Ultralite Products, Wills Wing, and Highster. Expert repair and custom work. Huge inventory of parts and accessories, including Chandelle and Sun replacement parts. Power packs available. A complete harness line. Fast mail order service. We offer regular, advanced, high performance, and tow lessons. All USHGA Certified Instructors. Ratings available. We use the most modern techniques and gliders, two-way radios between instructor and student. Located just west of Denver at the foot of Green Mountain. Call or write for free information (303) 278-9566, 572 Orchard St., Golden, Colo. 80401. CONNECTICUT TEK FLIGHT Products, Inc. Featuring Electra Flyer and Sky Sports. Also a complete line of parts and accessories in stock. Personalized lessons by experienced USHGA certified instructors. Call: (203) 288-5430. TEK Flight Products, Inc., 2583 State St., Hamden, CT. 06517. Or call Ben or Alegra in Winsted, (203) 379-1668. FLORIDA MOTORIZED HANG GLIDERS OF FLORIDA-North Florida, Georgia dealer for Manta kits, ready to fly. Easy Riser, Landing Gears. Largest stock of kites and accessories in the south. Free instruction for our customers. Financing available. Information $4. Box 50961-H, Jacksonville Beach, FLA 32250 (904) 246-2568.

MAY 1979

f····

AERO FLOAT FLIGHTS. Powered ultralight specialists. We carry Easy Risers, Quicksilvers, and the Mitchell Wing, along with the best power systems on the market. We carry only the best and proven products. Manufacturers & developers for the safety-pro harness

PRICE PRONE HARNESS The most comfortable, most versatile soaring harness available!

f if I

I" ~ WING SPAN .

i ~

Available through dealers worldwide. Contact

Wills Wing for the dealer nearest you.

34 FT

The most soph1sllcated

CRUISES 55 MPH GLIDE RATIO BETTER THAN 16 1

powered glider easily car ned car top Sold in kit lorm lor $149500 1•.1ng only landing gear power package and pod are sold separately 200 hours

x WING ONLY . 70 LBS ENGINE AIID PROP. 30 LBS TRI GEAR 34 LBS ~11~ LANOS UNOER 25 MPH

Ji ~

to build

~Osend $5 11 lor 1nlormal1on brochure Dsend $7"' !or overseas inquines

iI ~~ 11.i

City

Phone_______

f,t

Send lo M-Company, 1900 S Newcomb. Porterville. Ca. 93257

I ,~

{

State

Tel 209-781 0778 outside Gahl. call uur toll lree number 800

344 7280

(t:

:i Address X Zrp

WILLS WING, INC. 1208-H E. Walnut Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 547-1344

t f

i'Z

First place 1978 World Ultralight powered meet Anoka. Minn. -Grand Champion 1978 EAA meet San Diego, Cal.-Best Design 1978 EAA meet San Diego, Cal.- First Place 19n Ii Glider meet So. Cal.-Nat. Champion 19n Glider meet Heav· ner, Ok.-World Distance record and Out and Back record. (~ -Over400Sold-

Jeff Burnett launches at Grandfather Mtn., N.C. - Jim Morton

The '78 competition season is over. The glider that captured the most first place trophies was the Sirocco 2! Impressive results when you realize that all Sirocco 2's flown in competition were prototypes! The feedback, tips and suggestions we received from our test and competition pilots make the production models stronger, easier to set up, and more responsive. Check out the 1978 Sirocco 2 competition record: First in 7 out of 10 competitions entered. #1 U.S. glider - American Cup· Dennis Pagen 1st· Moab Int'/. - Malcolm Jones 1st - Scandinavian Championship 1st - U.S. Nationals - Dennis Pagen 1st - Pico Peak (tie) - Tom Peghiny 1st - Region 9 Qualifier - Dennis Pagen 1st - Region 8 Qualifier - Tom Peghiny

Sky Sports offers the experienced pilot the most efficient, computer optimized double surface sail wing available. The inherant stability of the double surface makes the Sirocco 2 a ship that intermediate pilots can climb into and float away with too. Compare the quality workmanship and clean, wind cheating planform of the Sirocco 2. Match the LID and handling. Now the winter soaring season blows in. Sirocco 2 weather! The Sirocco 2 will knife thru any winds and smooth out the roughest turbulence. You cannot beat the Sirocco 2 as an all around glider. An outstanding performer! Quality and experience: A Sky Sports trademark that.produces the best gliders on the market. Easy to launch, easy to land and fun to fly! Treat yourself to a Sirocco 2!

SPECIFICATIONS

165

185

Nose Angle Sail Billow Max. LID Stall Speed Area Pilot Weight Glider Weight Span Leading Edge Root Chord Breakdown Price

120 ° 0 0

9 to 1 18 mph 164.7 125·175 lbs. 51 lbs. 33.5 ft. 19 ft. 8'6" 10'6" $1170.00

9 to 1 18 mph 185 155-220 Ibs. 54 lbs. 35 ft. 20 ft. 9 ft. 11 '6" $1190.00

In Europe contact:

Sirocco 1 & 2 HGMA Certified

Para Fun International Aps Kalkbraenderihavnsgade 2 2· 2100 Kobenhavn o Telefon 01-18 33 34 " - . ~ V I S T A MEDIA ......... ~ , 1978

MINNESOTA NORTHERN SUN HANG GLIDERS, INC. Distributors for Electra Flyer, Wills Wing, Eipper, Manta, Mitchell Wing, and UFM Easy Riser. USHGA Certified instructions. Owner/managers of the Hang Gliding Preserve, soarable ridge with tramway lift. When in the north country stop by and test our line of gliders and enjoy the sites. 628 W. Larpenteur Ave., St. Paul, Mn. 55113. (612) 489-8300. MONTANA FLY WITH BEAR TOOTH HANG GLIDERS, 543 Yellowstone Ave., Billings, 59102. (406) 248-4383.

7,500 folks to fly - people of all ages. Hang gliding from the soft sand dune is a major factor in the outstanding safety record of Kitty Hawk Kites, the East Coast's largest and finest hang gliding school. We offer several lesson plans all the way to advanced training in the mountains. Ask about our Fly/Drive Package which includes airfare, car rental, motel, meals, etc. If you need a glider, select one while you 're here from our large inventory. We carry the safest and best performing gliders on the market from beginning/intermediate to high performance. Send $2.00 for poster catalog. For a free brochure on the First Flight School call or write: Kitty Hawk Kites, Inc., P.O. Box 386, Nags Head, N.C. 27959. (919) 441-6247. OKLAHOMA

NEW MEXICO SKY-HIGH, INC. New Mexico's Soaring Center. Certified instruction: beginning-advanced and rigid wing. Seagull, Electra Flyer, J.L., UP, Bennett, UFM. Parts, repairs and all accessories. 3324 Alvarado NE, Albuquerque, N.M. (505) 883-0391.

WESTARK! Call or write the professionals. Parts, gliders, all major brands (new and used), flight school, accessories. Catalogs available. Dealer inquiries invited. See Larry Edwards, 3109 Grand St. Smith, Ar. 72904. (501) 782-3456. PENNSYLVANIA

NEW YORK AERIAL TECHNIQUES - at Ellenville. The east coast's largest hang glider shop. USHGA Certified instruction, dealers for all manufacturers, most equipment in stock from our tremendous inventory. A.T. is where it's up ... Rt. 209 - in Ellenville, N.Y. 12428. (914) 647-3344 or 783-6751. HANG GLIDERS. Complete Rogallos $480. Intermediates-kits, complete from $585. Plans $5.00. Wood and fabric biplane, build for $150. Plans $15.00. Power units $650. Information $1.00. Bantam Ultralights, Dept. G, Box 8227, Rochester, New York 14617. NORTH CAROLINA COME FLY JOCKEY'S RIDGE! If you live east of the Mississippi and want to learn to fly a hang glider safely come to Kitty Hawk Kites. Wilbur and Orville came here to learn to fly. Gliding into the soft Atlantic breezes from Jockey's Ridge is an experience which will always be remembered. Thirteen stories high, it is the tallest sand dune on the East Coast. We have safely taught over

BALD EAGLE HANG GLIDING EQUIPMENT. We handle accessories and major gliders. Early flight sale on Odyssey parachutes. 146 North Fourth Street, Hughsville, Pa. 17737 (717) 584-5275. SOUTH CAROLINA HILLSIDE FL YING MACHINES. All gliders and accessories. Condors in stock, EZ's in stock! Kits or completed Rotec power pack in stock! Instruction and repairs available. Box 285, Pendleton, S.C. 29670. (803) 224-0050.

TRUE FLIGHT - Mid-America headquarters for motorized ultralights. All brands of gliders and motor pacs. 3832 Guernsey, Memphis, Tn. 38122. (901) 324-8922. TEXAS ARMADILLO AVIATION. Motorized fixed wings (CA-15 now available). All brands - power units - accessories. Call or write for prices. "We have your

Introduces

ELECTRA-FL YER DISTRIBUTORS. South MidWestern distributors for: Electra Flyer Corp., UFM Products, Sky Sports, Seagull Aircraft. Now accepting dealership inquiries. Call or write: LONE STAR HANG GLIDERS, 2200 "C" South Smithbarry Rd., Arlington, Tx 76013. Metro. (817) 469-9159. UTAH THE KITE SHOP AT NATURE'S WAY. Our ECO FLIGHT SCHOOL is Utah's oldest and most experienced, with USHGA Advanced certified instructors. Complete parts and service for Electra Flyer, Manta, and Eipper. Distributor for the new STRATUS 5. 898 So. 900 E., Salt Lake City, Ut. 84102. (801) 359-7913. WASATCH WINGS INC. - Salt Lake's Hang Gliding Center. Located minutes from the Point of the Mountain. Featuring a fully stocked repair shop, USHGA Instructors, 2-way radios, lessons beginning to advanced, new training gliders, pilot accessories, and glider sales and rentals. 892 East 12300 South, Draper, Ut. 84020. (801) 571-4044 WYOMING CENTRAL WYOMING HANG GLIDERS - Sales and services. Electra Flyer, Seagull, Seedwings. USHGA instruction, Basic and advanced. Box 4206, Casper, Wy. 82601. (307) 266-3731 or 265-7292.

FOREIGN SCHOOLS & DEALERS JAPAN

TENNESSEE

Golden Sky Sails, Inc.

wings". 703 North Henderson, Ft. Worth, Tx. 76107. (817) 332-4668.

Yanaba Hang Gliding School. .. 3 day pack system Mt. Kuruma Hang Gliding School ... 3 day pack system Osaka Hang Gliding School ... 2 day lesson ASO Hang Gliding School... I day lesson Beginner to advanced instruction by JAA, JHA certified instructors. We offer a complete line of hang gliders, rentals, sales and accessories. JAPAN HANG GLIDERS ASSOCIATION 1-16-9, Uchikanda Chiyodaku Tokyo 101 Japan. (03) 292-0756.

Presenting

The Golden Cocoon

* Adjustable for length & shoulder pressure. * Spreader Clors co eliminate hip & fooc pressure. * Positive retention bocl~ & thigh strops. The Golden Cocoon 1 135°0

The Golden Prone

th:'N1NDHAVEN sky-sailing

-1

Helmet $24.95 ppd. * Tested to 6,000 lbs ,;7-- The Golden Prone 1 7 5°0 * Super simple. -~cc. 'ORDER FROM, :~~:forcoble INFORMATION UPON REQUEST

MAY1979

<~t Golden Sky Sails, Inc.

• Especially manufactured for sky sailors. • Light weight and comfortable. • Rugged and durable for years of service. • Available in orange and white. • Small, medium, and large

572 Orchard Street

INDHAVEN HANG GLIDING SCHOOLS, INC.

Golden, Colorado

12437 San Fernando Rd. Sylmar, Ca. 91342 (213) 367-1819

8040I

California residents add 6% sates tax. Dealer inquiries invited.

Glider Rider is the world's most widely read hang gliding publication. It's a super way to start your day. Don't miss another issue. Subscribe today.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Zip _ _ __

ONE YEAR (12 ISSUES) St5 CANADA: S17

TWO YEARS (24 ISSUES) $28 CANADA: $30

THREE YEARS (36 ISSUES) S40 CANADA: S42

Mail To:

GLIDER RIDER H-5 P.O. BOX 6009 - CHATTANOOGA, TN 37401 U.S. Money Only Write Us For Foreign Rates

Business Opportunities

kits include Mitchell, VJ, Quickie, Hummer, Weedhopper, Catto. (404) 458-4584. #4 Aviation Way, PDK Airport, Chamblee, GA 30341.

STARTING A HANG GLIDING BUSINESS!! For a complete line of gliders, parts and accessories contact: LEADING EDGE AIR FOILS, INC. 331 South 14th St., Colo. Spgs., Colo. 80904 (303) 632-4959.

UFM OF INDIANA. Easy Risers and Moody Power Packages in stock, (812) 372-1670/write Box 692 Columbus, In. 47201.

WEST ARK! Let us get you off the ground and into your own HANG GLIDER Business. Call Larry Edwards at Westark! 3109 Grand, Ft. Smith, Ar. 72904. (501) 782-3456.

WIND HA VEN. The ultralite power center of California has complete facilities and information on power packages and adaptations. We sell completed Easy Risers and Mitchell wings too. Call or write: 12437 San Fernando Rd., Sylmar, Ca. 91342 (213) 367-1819.

Emergency Parachutes ODYSSEY'S EMERGENCY PARACHUTE SYSTEM. Light weight - tested and designed by Dave Aguilar. Master Parachute Rigger and Hang Ill pilot, and by Ed Vickery. Available through Odyssey Sail, P.O. Box 60, Wilton, N, H. 03086 or through Sky Sports. Send for free details today! THE HANG GLIDER SHOP - now distributes Free Flight Enterprises' reserve parachutes and harnesses. Dealer inquiries invited. (213) 943-1074. 1351 Beach Blvd., La Habra, Ca. 90631. WINDHAVEN EMERGENCY PARACHUTE SYSTEM meets rigid TSO testing. The best available! Easily adapted to your harness and glider. Write for free details. Windhaven Hang Gliding Schools, Inc., 12437 San Fernando Rd., Sylmar, Ca. 91342. ULTRAUTE SPORTS OF AMERICA. Chutes AT COST! Guardian MK I at $198, plus shipping. 24 ft. canopy with bag, internal diaper, 30 ft. lanyard & manual. 5.8 lbs. total weight. We've tested this chute ourselves. Delivery out of stock, immediate on receipt of money order or certified check. Allow an additional 2 weeks if personal check. This offer in memory of Vern Nelligan.

Miscellaneous THEFT ALERT PAGING SYSTEM - Protect your wings silently with a new breakthrough in Glider protection. This brand new electronic system is the first really smart and inexpensive way to protect your equipment. You carry a small 4 oz. paging unit-the very instant your glider is moved you know it! The system is complete with 12 volt transmitter, sensors for two glider, pocket page and installation instructions. The powerful transmitter has a one-half mile range. The dual tone sequential coding system provides over 12,000 combinations, a false alert is highly unlikely. Take the worry out of traveling with your valuable equipment. Order your theft alert system today! Only $149.95 plus $3.00 shipping. Check or money order to GULF AIR SPORTS INC., P.O. Box AJ, Venice, Fla. 33595. FANTASTIC - 100 feet, color super 8mm, Hang gliding meet glims. #A-Montgomery 1973, #B-Lilienthal 1974, #C-Misc., #D-Montgomery 1975, #E-Ridge Soaring, #F-World Open 1975, #G-Icarus, #H-"Pumping Mylar"-Gossamer condor MPA. $17 each. Any 5 for

HELMETS! Buco Flightmasler helmets. $24.95, retail.

Excellent dealer discounts on 10 or more. Westark! 3109 Grand, Ft. Smith, Ar. 72904. (501) 782-3456.

A limited number of preproduction power systems using twin Homelite 450's is currently available to selected pilots on an "at cost basis" from Gemini International. Please inquire by mail. Gemini International, 655 Juniper Hill Rd., Reno, Nv. 89509. NORTHERN SUN INC. The industry's most experienced Easy Riser builders offers the following: Custom built Easy Riser, $1600. Custom built CGS powered Easy Riser $2,250, (fob St. Paul). Mitchell Wing kits and complete gliders also. Call or write: NSHG, 628 W. Larpenteur Ave., St. Paul, MN. 55113 (612) 489-8300.

TYPE: Oly 160, #1046. SAIL PATTERN: Red keel pocket, dk. blue leading edge, white sail, gold/red tips. Yellow bag with red tips. WHERE AND WHEN: San Jose, CA near Lexington reservoir, Dec. 22, 1978. CONTACT: Tom Jensen, 1418 Helmond, San Jose, CA 95118 (408) 264-6406. TYPE: Mini Strata. SAIL PATTERN: Keel out - dk. blue, It. blue, yellow, gold, red. Kite bag - red with yellow star sewn over a rip. WHERE AND WHEN: From home in Glendale, CA, Dec. 21, 1978. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Sleeves (outside) on crossbar (right side), and leading edge (left side). CONTACT: Lynn Miller, 515 Chester #6, Glendale, CA 91203 (213) 244-4503. TYPE: Pliable Moose Zipper. SArL PATTERN: Red applied leading edge, white with orange and gold half panels, blue bag. CONTACT: Charles Warren, 842 N. St. Joe #3, Hastings, N.E. 68901 (402) 463-4092

POWER SYSTEMS, INC. Gliders from Eipper, UP, Manta and UFM. Power packages, landing gear for Easy Riser and Quicksilver, instruments, helmets, and hardware. $1 info package Power Systems, Inc., Dept. HG, 963 Village Dr., Ormond Beach, Fl. 32074 (904) 673-0194.

TYPE: Dragonfly MK!. SAIL PATTERN: Purple leading edges and center, red wing. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Bennett tensioners, 1/8" wing wires. CONTACT: Bob Henderson, 10842 NE 68th, Kirkland, WA 98033 (206) 828-0570.

ULTRALIGHT FLYING MACHINES OF ATLANTA. CGS powerpacks, landing gear, Soarmaster, tune pipes, harnesses, instruments etc. Pre-built by A&P and kit form. Immediate delivery, free instruction. Other

TYPE: Cumulus 10 WHEN: May 12 SAIL PATTERN: Center out, white, yellow, brown. Blue bag. CONTACT: Mike Adams (805) 967-2448

MAY1979

TEE-SHIRTS with USHGA emblem $5.50 including postage and handling. Californians add 6% tax. Men's sizes, S, M, L, XL. Orange only. USHGA, Box 66306, Los Angeles, CA 90066. METAL LICENSE PLATE FRAMES "I'D RATHER BE HANG GLIDING''. White lettering on a blue background. $4.00 including postage and handling. Californians add 6% tax. USHGA, Box 66306, Los Angeles, Ca. 90066. USHGA has post cards again "SOARING FLIGHT" VJ-23, "LIGHT WIND SOARING" Cronkite. 1 for JO¢, 3 for 2511, 12 for $1.00. USHGA, Box 66306, Los Angeles, Ca. 90066. The rate for classified advertising is 30• per word (or group of characters). Minimum charge, $3.00. A fee of $5. is charged for each photograph. Art discount for display ads does not apply to classifieds. AD DEADLINES -All ad copy, instructions, changes, additions and cancellations must be received in writing 1 Y, months preceding the cover date, i.e., Feb. 15 for the April issue. Please make checks payable to USHGA: Classified Advertising Dept. HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE Box 66306, Los Angeles, Ca. 90066

fYPE: Phoenix 8 reg. #161 SAIL PATTERN: Keel out, white, black, yellow, red, It. blue, _dk. blue, bluish green bag DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: 7/8 in. straightened down tubes, one knurled CONTACT: Ted Lipke (415) 589-3937. $50 reward. Box 246 Burlingame, CA 94010.

Instruments, propellers, engines, landing gear, helmets, fuel tanks, hardware etc. POWER SYSTEMS INC. Dept. H, 963 Village Dr., Ormond Beach Fla. 32074. (904) 673-0194.

Ultralight Powered Flight

PATCHES & DECALS- USHGA sew-on emblems 3" dia. Full color - $ I. Decals, 3 Y," dia. Inside or outside application. 25¢ each. Include 13¢ for postage and handling with each order. Box 66306, Los Angeles, Ca. 90066.

FOUND: Prone harness. WHERE: Santa Maria area. Identify to claim. (805) 544-8748.

EMBROIDERED EMBLEMS, CUSTOM DESIGNED CLUB PINS, Medallions, Trophies, Ribbons. Highest quality, fastest delivery, Lowest prices anywhere. Free info! NDI Box 6665 DD Marietta, Georgia 30065.

SOARING - Monthly magazine of The Soaring Society of America Inc. Covers all aspects of soaring flight. Full membership $20. Info kit with sample copy $2.00. SSA, P .0. Box 66071, Los Angeles, Ca. 90066.

DIRECT DRIVE propeller hub, propeller. Quicksilver mount for MAC engine. Best offer. (804) 293-7756.

TYPE: Phoenix 8 regular. SAIL PATTERN: Keel outblack, red, blue, gold and brown leading edge and tips. WHERE AND WHEN: Jan. 31, Vancouver, B.C. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Purple patch on left droop tip. CONTACT: J. Peterson, Box 41 l, Kaslo, B.C. Phone collect (604) 353-2277.

Parts & Accessories

Publications & Organizations

$75, pre-paid. Bill Rickson, P .0. Box 306, Millbrae, Ca. 94030.

TYPE: Two Soarmaster power packs and one Moody motor package with Rotec prop and muffler. SERIAL NUMBERS: Soarmasters: engine 24857. Soarmaster serial 78150-engine 24389. Soarmaster serial 78145. The Moody pack has redrilled engine mounts. CONTACT: Trip Mellinger at Windhaven, 12437 San Fernando Rd., Sylmar, California 91342 (213) 367-1819 TYPE: Wills Wing XC 185 #2250. IDENTIFYING FEATURES: No fixed tips, control bar is mismatched, new downtubes, used basetube with vario bracket. CONTACT: Bruce Bardo, P.O. Box 8543, Missoula, Mont. 59807 892-3094 TYPE: Cumulus 10, 20' WHERE & WHEN: Denver, Colo. night of SepL 12, 1978. SAIL PATTERN: Keel out; white, red, white, purple, white, blue leading edges. Orange bag. Serial no. 619. CONTACT: Doug Keller, 304-237 Kearney SL, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R2M 4B5 (204) 257-6492. $100 reward for info leading to arrest of thief. TYPE: Phoenix 6B serial no. 182. SAIL PATTERN: From lips in; black, gold, orange, lime, dark blue. Black patch on one wingtip. CONTACT: Scott Hunter, 220F West Tujunga Ave., Burbank, CA 91502 As a service to the hang gliding community, HANG GLIDING Magazine is publishing (free) information on stolen gliders. If your glider is missing, send us a complete description along with your address and phone number to: USHGA, Box 66306, Los Angeles, CA 90066.

#1 IN EARNINGS IN THE USA Let's talk dollars and some sense, a nice chunk of prize money-this was the amount taken home by Moyes pilots for the '78 season. $15,000 in only three meets. The MOYES MAXI has come a loQg way since its introduction three years ago. It still has the best sipk rate, making it a great floater, but it also has the best L/D. When)h.e-wind picks up and the other floaters can only go down, or ma~be b,c;ickwards, the Maxi can penetrate out because otfit.$S,uperiqiltdphpeed. Which brings us around to safety. Decaus~"'it f!ys_ b ·'i!' 'r1 i#·also lands better. Nobody likes turbulent condi _- :ns,<but "ner;or later we end up flying in them. The Ma~. ~ithl : ~~ s · d cite handling seems to be less disturbed·:b~urt?Y'•.(: · ,'' · _landing areas. When other gliders are g·eiti~9 ~~. /.ed\_ ~. it doesn't lose its composure. And s. peQkrn~~oY die : :)ir . been putting Hang 1 II pilots on Maxis:: / . ,: _ ··~: f . ' So it's not a '*<>'nd t · is desl the fl)ost copied in the world and ·.~ · the· -'yar • - .· b;Y whic )heiindustry measures performance. . ·. t or one that is serious Whether yo . or aA about winning, ·' •.·. , t~ ...:::.Go MAXI-it is still the best above all, and ·e

~, ,o

_.;;..,

1, ;,.

~·\ ·\~.:·.

.. ~I,..

if cows

LOOKING FOR GOOD SERVICE?

were meant to fly they'd have wings! (They'd probably also be available in bright, fun colors.)

LOOK NO FURTHER. WE WANT YOUR BUSINESS. ... AND HERE'S WHAT WE'RE DOING TO GET IT!

Bear Body® products are. ( Meant to fly, and available in bright, fun colors.) Not that we have anything against cows, you understand, it's just that they make rather bulky and cumbersome wallets & belts & things.

WE OFFER:

* A large inventory of gliders so that you can

select the model and color that's right for you, and take it home with you the same day.

* A large inventory of parts for the gliders we

sell, so that you don't lose any flying time waiting on parts or pay $75.00 freight bills to get the parts.

* A large inventory of helmets, harnesses,

parachutes, variometers, altimeters, and many other accessories.

* A brand new building in which we can provide you with a year round repair and tuning service.

Bear Body® products don't. In fact, they're so trim and lightweight that they contour to your body. (No lumps.) And, they're handcrafted of 100% nylon ( durable, washable, water-resistant) with velcro closures. (Ever try to machine wash a cow?)

* Stability-We'll be here next year and the years after that.

* Professional instruction (as we have since 1974) through the advanced rating and including towing.

* Free seminars throughout the year covering anything having to do with flying (watch the calendar).

* A number of full time professionals eager to serve you. * A network of professional dealers throughout the east. Ask us for the dealer nearest you.

Belts - $6.95

YOU'VE FOUND IT! ~·=--~"----7--P.O. Box340 Nags Head, N.C. 27959 (919) 441-6247

(in even sizes from 28 to 36. Specify red, blue, white or green)

Wallets - $7.95 (with logo - $8.95) Checkbook covers - $7.95 (Specify blue, grey, brown, red, navy or black) Postage & handling included.

dun can Box 33441-B Seattle, WA 98133 Dealer inquiries invited.

HERE IT IS, JUST WHAT YOU'VE BEEN WANTING!! A WET CHAIN REDUCTION UNIT WITH A CLUTCH AND PROP THAT WILL FIT TO ANY ENGINE YOU MAY HAVE! WE CALL IT THE "CLARK BOX," WITH PROP.

EXAMPLE: YOUR MAC 101 ·TUNED + OUR "CLARK BOX" W/PROP = 115 lbs. THRUST-CERTIFIED

PRICE

$399.00 COMPLETE

• A PERFECT FIT TO YOUR ENGINE • 6061-T6 CONSHIUCTION • CENTRIFUGAL CLUTCH • UNIQUELY ENGINEERED • BEARING SYSTEM JA WOHL • CHAIN DRIVE IN OIL BATH • ANODIZED, BLUE, BLACK, RED

• 46" WOOD PROP • VERY, VERY SIMPLE TO ATTACH TO YOUR ENGINE • IN STOCK, READY FOR SHIPMENT • DEALERS WELCOME. SEND $1.00 FOR INFO PACK • ENTIRE PACKAGE WEIGHS LESS THAN 12 LBS. EXTRA LENGTH DRIVE SHAFT $25.00 PER FOOT. INCLUDES ATTACHMENT TO "CLARK BOX," BEARINGS AND SHAFT HOUSING. FOR NO C.G. CHANGE ATTACHMENT TO ROGALLO OR FIXED WING USE YOUR OWN MOUNTING SYSTEM. THE "CLARK BOX," DESIGNED, ENGINEERED AND MANUFACTURED BY AND FOR:

POWER UP COMPANY P.O. BOX 176 BUENA PARK, CA 90621 IN ORDERING, SPECIFY YOUR ENGINE MAKE AND MODEL NUMBER CHRYSLER 002, MAC 101 OR OTHER.

The ''Thrust Machine" and "Starship", a good combination.

THE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

10. 11.

Ready to fly

THRUST MACHINE"

Is a COMPLETE Power Pack assembly, attaches with 3 bolts. Has the "CLARK BOX" as it's reduction system. Comes with POWER UP COMPANY'S own 46 inch prop. It's truly beautiful. Comes with the McCulloch 91, 92 or 93 engines. Comes with a one gallon capacity fuel tank. Provides 110 pounds static thrust, no other power pack on the ·market can back up a claim like this with a production model engine. Rogallo climb rate is 375 ft. per min. More THRUST for better take-offs. Comes with POWER UP'S own specially designed expansion chamber (muffler). This exhaust quiets your noise to below 85 db at 50 ft., there is no loud noise to create problems. Strong tail skid supports. Specially designed vibration free mounting system. Vibration is virtually eliminated.

12. 13.

Rogallo weighs only 32 pounds with tuned exhaust. COST: ROGAL LOS $1150, QUICK SILVER $1125, EASY RISER $1125, STRIPLIN FLAC $876.

THE 11 PROP" The wood prop is a work of art to say the least. Designed and manufactured by POWER UP COMPANY for use with their "CLARK BOX" and "THRUST MACHINE." The wood is of birch and laminated. Being made of wood the prop has no fatigue factor as is found in fiberglass props. The balance of the prop is possible and assured in each one. Fiberglass can not be balanced well. These props are priced at $100 each and well worth every penny of it. Something you will be proud to ovm and lceep polished. The CLARK PROP weighs only 16 ounces. This prop will replace those with a 5/8" drive line.

The "Clark Prop"

POWER UP COMPANY

(714) 543-8812

11ru (Jfe ihte,f!tuiilt... • STRUCTURAl INTEGRITY • UGHT, EASY HANDUNG

• A PITCH POSITIVE DESIGN • OUTSTANDING OVERAU PERFORMANCE

, FASTEST •N~ iT's CLASS • ~--~-

ELECTRA FLOATER has expanded the speed range of todays sail glider s. ft ' a direct r esult of a redu ction of para itic drag, co mbine d with an advanced sail d esign. ELECTR A FL OATER flys fast when you want it to, 42 m.p.h. to be exact, with only a 1.0 p.s.f. minimum wing loading. First introduced as a " floater " class glider, because of it ability to stay up on those marginal days, a nd do flat "t racking" y aw turn in thermal , ELECTR A FLOATER has om e" PIRIT". It 's e asy to ee why thi · glider 1vill dominate in co mpetition. It wa designed for advanced intermediat e,and comp etition pilots. ELECTRA FLOATER'S frame i deflexerle with Li ding cro sbar set up. The ail i tight and clean with distinctive e lliptica l tip . ELECTRA FLYER has put maximum e ffort into d es igning this spirited n e w s ail glider. Just one look at its ou ner manual and yo u 'll be convinced. See your authorized ELECTRA FLYER dealer for complete d etails.

Only 1195.

l\"atc-h fur this plidf'r in th,• up.-ominp . \./l. C. spurts ., pe dal"'' hem[( plidinf!. f ..·xclu sit •P Cunadian c/i,.,l ribulur: .llu/1,•r Kit e.-. J.. td .. Hux -106:J. l'u.o,;/a/ ." 'ilaliun C. Ca/J.!ary . .4/bn·ta. Cc,nuda.

505·344-3444