USHGA Hang Gliding March 1989 by US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

1989 U.S. World Team Fund-Raiser/Raffle Prizes include a whole bunch of nifty hang gliding stuff from the following sponsors: Advanced Air Technology ... $100 Gift Certificate Aerial Tease .......................... 6 Bumper Stickers, 6 Shirts AirTime of Lubbock ............ ATOL Bridle & Nose Line The Airworks ....................... 2 Pairs Finger Fairings BRS ........................................ Rocket-Deployed Chute System Crystal Air Sports Motel ..... 6 Shirts Desert Hang Gliders ............ UP Speedbar with Rubber Coating Fly High/Paul Voight ........... Aerodyne Helmet Hall Brothers ........................ 2 Airspeed Indicators & Brackets Hawk Air Sports .................. 5 Windsoks High Energy Sports ............. Cocoon Harness & Accessories Kitty Hawk Kites ................. 2 Caps, 4 T-Shirts, 2 Sweatshirts Leading Edge Air Foils ........ 3 InterAlp Helmets Lookout Mt. Flight Park ..... RayBan Sunglasses

Massachusetts Motorized .... Sailmaking Supplies Microflight ............................ Video Camera Mount Mission Soaring .................... Takeoff & Landing Clinic Pacific Airwave .................... KISS Sweatshirt, 2 Belt Buckles, 1 Camp Top Publitec ................................. 10 Pfeiffer and Right Stuff Books Robert Reiter ........................ 5 Mountains High Videos Sail Wings ............................. Pacific Airwave Flight Bag Seedwings .............................. Car Rack Streamlined Tubing Silver Wings ......................... 30% off any Blackhawk Harness Thermal ................................ 2 Quick Release Carabiners Western Hang Gliders ......... Revo Sunglasses Wills Wing ............................ Z-11 Harness, Gear Bag Wind gypsy ............................ Cocoon Harness

PLUS! ... a Grand Prize of a glider of your choice from: Seedwings, Wills Wing, Delta Wing, Pacific Airwave, UP International or Moyes $10.00 get's you a World Team pin. $30.00 or more gets you a team sweatshirt. One entry per person please.

--------------------------------------------0 $10.00 for a World Team pin. 0 $30.00 for a World Team sweatshirt. Please indicate shirt size (circle one) S M L XL 0 An extra contribution of$ to help out the team. I understand I'm entered in the raffle, Make checks payable to USHGA World Team Fund.

Enclosed please find:

NAME: ADDRESS: CITY:

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _STATE: _ _ _~ZIP: _ _ _ __

PHONE:

(

__________

)

Contributions are not tax deductible. Send to: USHGA, P.O. Box 500, Pearblossom, CA 93553

oyes S wins first up! XS the sensational new glider from Moyes, the breeder of World Championship Gliders, has won the 1989 Australian Championships in its very first competition. The XS piloted by Ian Jarman, led throughout & Steve Moyes flying a GTR was a close second with the rest of the field left far behind, having to admire this new excessively exciting glider from the rear.

If your're not winning, your re not flying Moyes ... Moyes Delta Gliders P/L., 173 Bronte Rd. Waverley 2024 N.S.W. Australia. Tel. (02) 387 5114 Fax: (02) 387 4472 Moyes California 22021 Covello St., California 91303. Tel. (818) 887 3361 Fax: (818) 702 0612 Moyes Italia, lcaro2000 S.R.L. 1·21038Leggiuno Reno(Va) via S. Caterina, 15, Italy Tel. (332) 647 923 Fax: (332) 647 477 Moyes Japan 124·6 2F Mukougaoka, Takatu-Ku Kawasaki-Shi Kanagawa Ken-213 Japan. Tel. (044) 877 5044 Fax: (044) 855 7242

Volume 19

CONTENTS

Issue No. 3

(USPS 017-970-20)

Features

Columns

10 Drag and Hang Glider PerformancePart II: Improving Glider Performance

Viewpoint

by Vic Powell Comments on the USHGA office relocation project.

by Kevin Caldwell

22 Foreign Intrigue

Techniques for reducing parasitic drag on hang gliders.

by Dan Johnson

14 USHGA's First Safe Pilot Award Recipient: Grant Wolfe

42 Competition Corner

Where do all those gliders go?

A report on the 1988 Idaho cross-country contest.

by George Reeves Fourteen-year-old Grant Wolfe earns the first Bronze award with 100 consecutive safe flights.

Departments 5 6 8 9 35 43 45 50 51

24 The Fly America Story-Part I: The Dream by Greg De Wolf Greg chronicles the first transcontinental hang gliding expedition. This month: The idea is born, and the Pan Am Games.

31 Spring Cleaning by Briggs Christie How to perform a comprehensive glider inspection before the season gets under way.

38 1988 Accident Report by Doug Hildreth Back to "normal."

Airmail Update Calendar of Events HGMA Reports Ratings Cartoon, by Harry Martin Classified Advertising Stolen Wings Index to Advertisers

Page 31 COVcR: Grant Wolle, USHCA's first Safe Pilot Award recipient. No, he's not that small; the glider is a model. See story on page 14. Photo by Gayton Wolfe. DISCLAIMER OF W ARRANTTES IN PUBLlCATIONS: The material presented here is published as part of an information dissemination service for USHCA members. The USHGA makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability roncerning the validity of any advice, opinion or recommendation expressed in the material. All individuals relrifig upon the material do so at their own nsk. Copyright© 1989 United States Hang Gliding Association, Inc. All rights reserved to Hang Gliding and individual contributors.

MARCH 1989

VIEWPOINT GIi Dodgen, Editor/Alt Director Jane Dodgen. Editorial Assistant Dave Pounds. Design Consultant John Heiney, Doug Rice, Leroy Grannis, Bettina Gray, Photographers Harry Martin. /Hustrator

Turning Westward by Vic Powell

Office staff

Liz Sharp, Coordinator Joyce l1les, Ratings Lynne Parton, Member Services Cathy Moyer, Member Services USHGA Officers and Executive Committee.

Ruu Locke, President Dick Heckman, Vice President Gregg Lawless, Secretary Dan Johnson, Treasurer

REGION l: Ken Godwin. REGION 2: Ken Brown. Jay Busby, Russ Locke. REGION 3: Bill Bennett, Walt Dodge, Gregg Lawless. REGION 4: Bob Buxton, Jim Zelset. REGION 5: Mike King. REGION 6: Ron Kenney. REGION 7: John Wo~ode. REGION 8: Bob Collins. REGION 9: Pete Lehmann, Jeff Simms. REGION 10: DlckHeckman.MattTaber. REGIONl 1: Car1 Boddie. REGION 12: Pete Foumla, Paul Rikert. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Dan Johnson, Dick Heckman, Mark Bennett, Joe Greblo, Dennis Pagen. HONORARY DIRECTORS: Liz Sharp, Mike Meler, Bob Thompson, Tom Kreyche, Jan Johnson. The United States Hang Gliding Association Inc. ls a division of the National Aeronauttc Association (NM) which Is the official representative of the Federation Aeronautlque lntemattonale (FAI), of the world governing body for sport aviation. The NM, which represents the U.S. at FAI meetings, has delegated to the USHGAsupervlslon of FAl-relaled hang gilding actMt!es such as record attempts and competition sanctions.

HANG GLIDING magazine Is published for hang gilding sport enthusiasts to create further Interest In the sport, by a means of open communication and to advance hang gliding methods and safety. Contributions are wek:ome. Anyone Is Invited to contribute articles, photos, and Illustrations concerning hang gliding actMlles. If the material Is to be returned, a stamped, self-addressed return envelope must be enclosed. Notificatton must be made of submission to other hang gilding publications. HANG GLIDING magazine reserves the right to edit contributions where necessary. The Association and publication do not assume responsibility for the material or opinions of contributors. HANG GLIDING magazine (USPS 017-970) Is published monthly by the United States Hang Gliding Association, Inc .. whose malling address Is: P. 0. Box 5CXJ, Pearblossom, CA 93553 (805) 944-5333. FAX (805) 944-1905. Second-class postage Is paid atPearblossom, CA and at other entries. TheUSHGA Is a member-controlled educational and scientific organization dedicated to exploring all facets of ultralight flight. Membe~hlp Is open to anyone Interested In this realm of flight. Dues for full membership are $39.00 per year ($42 foreign); subscripHon rates are $29.00 for one year, $53 for two years, S77 for three years. Changes of address should be sent six weeks In advance, Including name, USHGA number, previous and new address, and a malling label from a recent Issue. POSTMASTER: SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: UNITED STATES HANG GLIDING ASSN., P.0. BOX 500, PEARBLOSSOM, CA 93553. MARCH 1989

VOLUME 19, IssuB No. 3

the January, 1989 issue I read with interest USHGA President Russ Locke's articles "Miscellaneous Comments" and "Challenges for 1989." The thought came to mind that there is a very large difference between what Russ says are the major issues and what the board of directors is doing about them. The first challenge listed by Russ is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The second challenge he lists is public opinion and its impact on the FAA and elected public officials; presumably he means Congress. Congress is located in Washington, D.C. The third challenge he lists is the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). NAA is located in Washington, D.C. In Russ' column ''Miscellaneous Comments" he discusses the effort to relocate the Association's office. Washington, D.C. is not one of the cities being reviewed according to an article in the December issue about the board meeting. It reported that the board has narrowed its search to three cities: Colorado Springs, CO; Boise, ID; and Palmdale/Lancaster, CA. The column mentions that the committee members are Joe Greblo (CA), Gregg Lawless (CA), Russ Locke (CA), Mike Meier (CA), Jim Zeiset (CO), and Dan Johnson (MN). Four members are from the state in which the office is presently located and only one member lives east of the Rocky Mountains. Each member of the committee is an honorable person, and I intend no allusion otherwise, but try as I might I can't overcome the feeling that whoever appointed them had their own agenda, and it favored California. USHGA is a national organization, and the selection committee membership should reflect that. Currently it does not. While the three cities the committee is reviewing have positive factors in their favor, people and organizations that affect the major and long-range issues of our

sport, as outlined by Russ, are not located in any of the three. They're in Washington, D.C. Russ has mentioned that the Soaring Society of America has located its headquarters in Hobbs, NM. The main difference between our sailplane brethren and ourselves is that they are licensed by the FAA and their aircraft are registered by FAA. Hang gliding's voluntary compliance program continues to exist at the mercy of FAA, subject to change at the decision of a few people in its Washington, D.C. headquarters. The USHGA board is gambling with the sport's futurc--yours and minethe longer it takes to locate the Association's national office in the Washington, D.C. area. When the crunch comes regarding the listed issues it will already be too late when the executive director boards an airliner and flies to D.C. to discuss them. In public relations and lobbying there is no substitute for face-to-face meetings and longterm development of understanding of an individual, and trust that arises from those discussions. Further, there is no substitute for the executive director being at those meetings. It is the executive director's job to do that; the individual is authorized to speak for the Association and to represent it. USHGA's headquarter's office should be located in the Washington, D.C. area so that the membership can be best served by its executive director and national headquarters. There need be no change in the magazine; it is not created in the Association's office, and can continue to be edited and published in California. I don't understand the reasoning behind hobbling our executive talent by placing that individual at considerable distance from where the person needs to be to protect the long-range interests of hang gliding. Where memberships are processed is of little consequence in maintaining the future of the Association, but the major items HANG GLIDING

AIRMAIL that are centered in Washington, D.C. can have a large negative impact on the sport. Russ' articles have pointed the direction to where USHGA needs to locate its national headquarters-Washington, D.C. It's where the organization can best protect hang gliding's future. Looking out for the future is one of the main reasons hang glider flyers across the nation pay dues to the national Association.

BAD REPUTATION Dear Editor, In a recent episode of ABC's 20 /20 there was a story about PADI (the professional diving organization) and how they are not educating their students to the fullest of their ability. I personally have been involved in the sport of hang gliding for less than six months. In that short time I have witnessed two "incidents" and heard of a third, where there were no injuries, but where the potential for injury or death was extremely high. Two ofthese involved an instructor (I use this term loosely) and an equipment salesman (swindler might bea better term). The third involved an individual who allowed his student "friend" to fly. I think it is time for us, the hang gliding majority, to step in and rectify this situation, before we see ourselves on television getting a bad rap. Remember, the new pilots are what make the sport. If we make it a great, safe sport, the Olympics can't be far away. Brian Kiggins Rifle, CO

would also suggest that clubs educate pilots as to whom to contact in an emergency at all local sites. Perhaps a phone number list of local authorities should be distributed to all pilots and drivers. Bob Motz Hightstown, NJ

I figured out that, based on '85 and '86 hang gliding fatality statistics, the average motorist has just about half the chance of being killed driving as the average hang glider pilot has of being killed flying. Either hang gliding is reasonably safe or driving is unreasonably dangerous. -Ed. THANK YOU DENNIS PA GEN Dear Editor, I've been flying hang gliders for 13 years, and a good deal of what I've learned has come from accidents. However, if it were not for a great Hang Gliding magazine and its many very informative articles I'm sure I'd have suffered from a few more mishaps. I'd especially like to express my gratitude to Dennis Pagen. Dennis has, through the years, focused a spotlight of revelation and clarity on the intricate mysteries of slow-speed flight. Not only has Dennis been informative, his writing has also been entertaining. I especially enjoyed his series on landing approaches. ThankyouDennis.l'mlookingforward to the next installment of "Wing Tips."

similar to the paraglider of today; it needs forward airspeed to stay inflated. When it loses this airspeed it collapses into an ugly mess. Severe turbulence near the ground is especially dangerous for a paraglider. At the slow speeds at which they fly they are also vulnerable to high winds. They are easily blown over the back of mountains into the lee-side turbulence and rotor. The rotor easily collapses a paraglider. I would like to caution the potential paraglider pilot about flying at safe flying sites and under safe conditions. The type of paraglider is also very important. Some that are now on the market collapse more easily that the standard model. Charlie Baughman

TRESPASSING Dear Editor, To those pilots who seem to feel that it is their "right" to trespass on anyone's land until kicked off, who fail to address permission and liabilitybeforehand-because it's too uncomfortable, or because it "will probably get us kicked out permanently''and who think unfamiliar pilots in their area are not their concern, I say, hang gliding requires too much maturity and respansibility for you. Consider giving it up and taking up a real man's sport. Yes, the ultralight air force wants you. Tim Twombly

Pete Osborne Mt.Joy, PA

Some designs are hai·d -to improve,

PARAGLIDER WARNING VEHICLE DANGER Dear Editor, The accident report in January Hang Gliding about the truck rolling off the mountain really hit home. The same thing happened to me on July 4th, 1986. It was my friend's Chevy van, and we found the gearshift still in park at the bottom of the hill after it rolled down and jumped a ravine. Always set your parking brake; the vehicle started rolling on relatively flat ground. I MARCH 1989

and impossible to copy.

Dear Editor, I made my first ram-air parachute jump out of an airplane over 17 years ago. I subsequently made hundreds of jumps with those square parachutes, which were called para planes. The para plane was a lot of fun. The only aspect of the wing that I didn't like was its ability to collapse. If stalled radically the wing would fold up like an accordion, and would reinflate only after a 50-to 300-foot free fall. The old ram-air type parachute is very

}; ··

...-

{i;BUY THE BEST, BUY ___B_E_L___L HILM.E.TS

The Colorado Hang Gliding Center

THE 1989 MANUFACTURERS LEAGUE MEET 1, 1989. Sl reserved for nine manufacturer teams of three the other 24 slots

Inc. announces that

HANG GLIDING

UPDATE '

designed to be easily adapted to a training program, and contains information of interest to advanced pilots as well. The book contains 12 chapters, 184 pages and 125 figures with outlined special sections. Hang Gliding Flying Skills is divided into three lessons (Beginner, Novice and Intermediate) and nine ground schools. Price $9.95 plus $.90 postage. Contact: Sport Aviation Publications, P.O. Box 101, Mingoville, PA 16856. SAN DIEGO XC FUN MEET The sixth annual San Diego Fun Meet will be held May6-7 and 13-14,and is open to Novice and Advanced pilots who would like to fly in a team format. This is an excellent way to learn XC flying. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the top finishers and there is also a rookie award. A cookout will be provided for all contestants and drivers. Entry fee is $75 and must be received by April 28 to ensure a spot in the meet. Contact: John Ryan 450-9008. HANG GLIDING IN SOARING MAGAZINE A Soaring magazine reader recently wrote in to congratulate Larry Bunner on his 175-mile XC flight from Harmon, Illinois to Herrick. The flight was tow launched and is believed to be the longest XC flight flown east of the Rockies. The contributor, Mark Langenfeld, points out that this flight would make most 1-26 sailplane pilots envious. SYSTEK III VARIO Systems Technology, Inc. introduces their new variometer, the Systek III. It is a compact design which features: built-in clamp, 1100 fpm meter, light weight, and long battery life. Options include an altimeter. Introductory price is $149 which includes repair/replacement warranty. Contact: Systems Technology, Inc., P.O. Box 585, Seymour, TN 37865. Dealers are invited. CHELAN CLASSIC RESCHEDULED Due to the increasing popularity of the Chelan, WashingtonXCClassic, it has been rescheduled from the traditional July 4th period to July 8-13. This should make accommodations easier to come by. The meet has also been renamed the "Chelan World MARCH 1989

Classic," and is a benefit for the Washington Special Olym pies and the Lake Chelan Ambulance Service. Contact: Rick Girard, 319102nd Ave. SE #20, Bellevue, WA 98004. CLOUD BASE NEWS Washington State-based Cloudbase Country Club (USHGA chapter #92) recently announced the. winners of its season-long XC state competition. Because of the unique geography of the state there were two divisions, eastern (east of the Cascades) and western. Winners in the eastern division include Mike Daily (100.8 miles), Roger Moeder (99 miles) and Jeff Bowman (90 miles). In the novice class Rick Girard took first place with a 95-mile flight. In the western division Jeff Bowman took first with a 13-mile flight. The club also recently participated in the first hang gliding exhibition at the nowfamous Museum of Flight in Seattle. Cloudbase Country Club members set up three displays on XC, tandem and training. Each had a glider and a video showing that particular aspect of the sport. They also had an old standard, harness and instrument displays and, the hit of the show, a simulator. Each day was topped off by a panel, hosted by a radio celebrity /pilot who asked questions as the club members showed slides.Judging by the many questions and comments received they created a very positive image for the sport. PARAGLIDING USA Gliding Flight Paragliding Center is offering APA (American Paragliding Association) certified instructor courses beginning this spring. The three-day courses will be taught at the Point of the Mountain, Utah to scheduled groups, or in some cases at your training site. The staff at Gliding Flight boasts over a decade of experience teaching parascending and parasailing, as well as paragliding and hang gliding. The school also boasts having taught more than 200 students in the last two years with no injuries. Contact: American Paragliding Assn., P.O. Box 177, Riverton, UT 84065. LAKE McCLURE FLY-IN UPDATE The fly-in, scheduled for April 8-9, is a benefit for the 1989 U.S. World Team. The

Lake McClure site is in the Sierra foothills near Coulterville, CA, and is an 1100-foot vertical thermal site with two LZs. Access is by 4WD. Vario-pegging thermals and baby-soft glassoffs are the norm, and the campground that doubles as an LZ has hot showers and hookups for RVs. Ten minutes away is the Don Pedro site, which boasts two launches, two LZs and a fiveminute paved road turnaround. This is a perfect site for Hang II pilots, since it's a 650-foot vertical and both launches are easy. The fly-in is growing by leaps and bounds with local community backing and the participation of the manufacturers. April 8 there will be a raffle, with a Z-2 harness from Wills Wing, a $200 gift certificate from Pacific AirWave, and more, as prizes. Cost, which includes a World Team donation, and camping and site fees, is $20. Most of the World Team members and top aerobatic pilots are expected to attend. Contact: Briggs or Susan Christie at (408) 757-9924.

It's

Torrey Time!

March is the traditional beginning of the soaring season in San Diego. Torrey Pines-Spring cold fronts turn up the smooth coastal winds at one of the world's convenient hang gliding sites. San Diego Area MountainsEarly season cross-cmmtry flying is excellent, as the unstable air and our famous convergence fire up. Torrey Flight Park, Inc. invites you to join in the action. We offer: • Rental Equipment • Mountain Excursions • Beginner Through Advanced Training • Delta Wing and UP Products Special events: April 1-2: Paragliding Clinic. April 15-16: Instructor Certification Program. For more information contact:

Torrey Flight Park (619) 452-3202 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr. San Diego, CA 92037 7

UPDATE

Calendar of Events March 17-19: San Diego, XC seminar/ World Team fund raiser, Hang Gliding Center. March 24-26: Bay Area, Demo Days. March 31-April 3: Oregon, ICP. April 6-9: Washington, Demo Days. April 12-17: British Columbia, Safety Seminars (parachute/instruction). April 20-24: Missoula, MT, ICP. April 28-May 1: Salt Lake City, Demo Days. Contact: Wills Wing (714) 547-1344. March 18-19: Basic ICP, Region II. May 2830: Region II Championships, Reno, NV. Contact: Ray Leonard, High Sierra Sports, 2303 N. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89706 (702) 885-1891. March 18-20: ICP /Tandem I seminar. Klamath Falls, Oregon. Contact: Klaus Federlin (503) 883-2279. March 18-26: Spring break flying trip to south and I or west. Contact: Lon Streib (208) 392-4330. March 18: Parachute clinic. March 24-26: Reno trip. April 8: Novice ground school. April 9: Glider maintenance clinic. April28-30: Monterey Bay Steeple Chase. May 19-21: Reno trip. May 28June 3: Ridge soaring camp. Contact: Western Hang Gliders, P.O. Box 828, Marina, CA 93933 (408) 384-2622. March 24-May 21: Region 9 Regionals weekend XC meet. Two classes: Open and Rookie. Contact: Pete Lehmann, 5811 Elgin St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 661-3474. March 25-26: AHGA Haney's Point Fun Fly-In.Atkins, Arkansas. Contact: Larry Haney (501) 224-2186. March 25-26: The Great Race, Lookout Mtn. Flight Park, Chattanooga, TN. 21-mile

ridge race. Two classes, prizes and trophies. Contact: (404)398-3433, (404)3983541. April 1-2: Paragliding clinic. April 15-16: ICP. Contact: Torrey Flight Park, San Diego, CA (619) 452-3202. April 8-10: 1989 USHGA National Fly-In, Chattanooga, TN. Sponsored by Sequatchie Valley Soaring. Low-key flying, prizes, seminars, clinics, manufacturer presentations. Contact: G.W. Meadows (615) 949-2301. April 8-9: First Lake McClure Benefit Flyln. "The fly-in of the century," near Coulterville, CA, east of Yosemite. $20 I pilot, Hang II and USHGA membership required. World Team benefit. Contact: Briggs and Susan Christie (408) 757-9924. April 15-23: East Coast Championships, Sequatchie Valley, TN. 40 pilots max. Contact:G.W. Meadows (615) 949-2301. April 28-30: Region 10 Regionals. Contact: Lookout Mt. Flight Park, (404) 398-3541 or 3433.

May 27-29: Fourth Annual AHGA Zoar Pig Weekend. Haney's Point at Atkins, Arkansas. Amateur and Pro classes. Contact: Larry Haney (501) 224-2186. May 27-29: First Stukel Mt. Classic, Oregon. Prize money. $25 in advance, $30 day of meet. Contact: Klaus Federlin (503) 883-2279. June 5-11: 1989 Manufacturers League Meet. 51 pilots, nine manufacturer teams. Entry$75. Contact:P.O. Box 4384, Salinas, CA 93912 or call Mike Meier (714) 547-1344. June 11-18: Delta Club Como 10th Lariano Triangle Championships. Contact: Tiberio Roda, Via Zoli, 18, 22030 Pusiano (Co), Italy. July 8-13: Chelan World Classic, Chelan, WA. Contact: Rick Girard, 319 102nd Ave. SE #20, Bellevue, WA 98004. July 22-Aug. 6: World Masters Games, Denmark. Includes hang gliding. Contact: World Masters Games, Vestergade 48 I, 8000 Arhus C, Denmark, tel. +45 6 20 99 88, FAX +45 6 20 98 89. Aug. 12-13: Second Annual Darrell Newsom Fun Fly-In. Prizes and a great time. Contact: Rick Morrison, 301 Adams, Pocatello, ID 83202 (208) 2380060.

April 29-May 2: The Scott Challenge. In memory of Jeff Scott. Sanctioned meet at Sylmar, CA, Jeff's home town. Contact: Erica Koesler (818) 767-4851.

The Great Race . . . ... just for the fun of it!

May 5-7: Instructor Certification Program, Lookout Mtn. Flight Park, Chattanooga, TN. April 16:Parachuteclinic. Contact: (404) 398-3433, (404) 398-3541.

~1:'.:?.!:\1:.i:,!E:¥.i

May 6-7, 13-14: XC Fun Meet, San Diego, CA. Team contest for Novice and Advanced flying together. Entry $75. April 28 reservation deadline. Contact: John Ryan (619) 450-9008.

Come \'oin the fun and fly the most famous flight in the East: " o the Point" of Lookout Mountain (overlooking Chattanooga, Tennessee) and back-a 21-mile 10una trip along Lookout's incredible ridge. Or soar high above Lookout till your heart's

for Easler weekend (March 25·26, 1988). And everyone is welcome to attend the Great Race dinner party Saturday night. Call or write us for information.

,;~''1:: . ·

•.

II•••••••

Lookout Mountain Flight Park A full-time, full service dealer! Rt. 2 Box 215-H, Dept. HG, Rising Fawn, GA

30738 (404) 398-3433 or 398-3541. LMFP BROCHURE send $1.

Year-round Lessons. Sales & Service HANG GLIDING

HGMA REPORTS Recently Certified Gliders All dimensions in inches, weight in pounds. NOTE: These specifications are intended only as a guideline for determining whether a given glider is a certified model, and whether it is in the certified configuration. Be aware that no set of specifications, however detailed, can guarantee the ability to determine whether a glider is the same model, oris in the same configuration as was certified, or has those performance, stability, and structural characteristics required by the certification standards. An owner's manual is required to be delivered with each HGMA-certified glider, and it is required that it contain additional airworthiness information.

KEY 1) Weight of glider with all essential parts and no non-essential parts. 2) Leading edge dimensions. a) Nose plate anchor hole to: 1) Crossbar attachment hole. 2) Rear sail attachment point. b) Outside diameter at: 1) Nose. 2) Crossbar. 3) Rear sail attachment point. 3) Crossbar dimensions: a) Overall pin-to-pin length from leading edge attachment point to hinge bolt at glider centerline. b) Largest outside diameter. 4) Keel dimensions. Least and greatest allowable distances from the line joining the leading edge nose bolts to: a) The crossbar center load-bearing pin. b) The pilot hang loop. 5) Sail dimension. a) Chord lengths at: 1) 3 feet outboard of centerline. 2) 3 feet inboard of tip. b) Span (extreme tip to tip). 6) Location of information placard. Location of test-fly sticker. 7) Recommended pilot weight range. 8) Recommended pilot proficiency.

MARCH 1989

GLIDER MODEL: Sport American 180 MANUFACTURED BY: Wills Wing, Inc. (1) 72-74lbs.-(2.a.1) 137-(2.a.2) 236.875238.375-(2.b.1) 2-(2.b.2) 2-(2.b.3) 2(3.a) 123.75 -(3.b) 2.5 - (4.a) 49 +/-1/2(4.b) 61.5-63 - (5.a.1) 81 - (5.a.2) 43 (5.b) 412-(6) keel/keel-(7) 175-300 lbs. - (8) Intermediate

GLIDER MODEL: Super Dream 185 MANUFACTURED BY: Delta Wing, Inc. (1) 59 lbs. -(2.a.1) 134-1/4-(2.a.2) 240-1/ 4-(2.b.1) 1-7/8 - (2.b.2) 1-7/8 - (2.b.3) 15/8-(3.a) 128-3/8-(3.b) 2-(4.a) 57-58(4.b) 63.5-67 - (5.a.1) 87 - (5.a.2) 41 (5.b) 405-(6) front of keel/front of keel(7) 140-240 lbs. - (8) Novice

GLIDER MODEL: Magic Kiss 154 MANUFACTURED BY: Pacific Airwave, Inc. (1) 67 lbs. - (2.a.1) 133.25 - (2.a.2) 222 +/ - .5 - (2.b.1) 2.04 - (2.b.2) 2.04 - (2.b.3) 1.96 - (3.a) 124 - (3.b) 2.44- (4.a) 38 +/1/2 (loose),41 +/-1/2 (tight)-(4.b) 54-56(5.a.1) 73.75-(5.a.2) 43.25-(5.b) 34 ft.(6) behind pull-back cable catch on keel/ behind pull-back cable catch on keel- (7) 130-210 lbs. - (8) Intermediate

GLIDER MODEL: Axis 13 MANUFACTURED BY: UP International (USA) (1) 70 lbs. -(2.a.1) 122.125 -(2.a.2) 219(2.b.1) 1.875 - (2.b.2) 2.0 - (2.b.3) 1.75 (3.a) 112 - (3.b) 2.25 - (4.a) 39.5-44.5 (4.b) 56.125-57.38 - (5.a.1) 69 - (5.a.2) 35 - (5.b) 388 - (6) keel/keel- (7) 125-210 lbs. - (8) Intermediate

List of Certified Gliders (NOTE: Standards have become more rigorous over the years. Consult the HGMA if you are considering buying an older used glider.) 1980: Raven 149,179,209,229-UPMosquito 146,196-Electra Flyer Spirit 180,200,220Moyes Mega MK II-Seagull Sierra 180,190-UP Comet 165-Harrier 177 (I &II)-Waspair Super Gryphon 175-Monarch II

1981: Pro Air 180,140-Harrier 147,187 (I & II)- Comet 135,185-Aeolus 170-Viper 175-Javelin 208-Challenger II 162,178--Moyes Meteor 150,170,190Gemini 164,184,134---Sensor 510 180-Demon 175--Centurion 165 1982: Javelin 168--Duck 180,160,200Prostar 160,130-Streak 160-Alto Stratos 160-Dream 161-X200,180,160,140-Dyer Hawk 216,182,158--Moyes Missile 170Breeze 180-Sensor 510 165-Vision V-18 1983: Streak 180,130- Duck 130--Comet II 165,185-Shadow 173-Attack Duck 180,160-Missile GT 170,190-Mars 170ProStar II 160 1984: Skyhawk 168,188--Light Dream 161, 185--Comet II 135-Moyes CTR 162 (VG)-Pro Dawn 155,175-HP 170-Sensor 510 160 VG 1985: Light Dream 205--Da wn Comp 160Vision Eclipse 17--GZ155-Mystic 166 VG, 177VG 1986: Sport 167-Sport American 167Sensor 510160B VG-HP II-Vision Eclipse 19-Lite Mystic 155,166,177-Sensor 510 160B VG standard 1987: Vision Eclipse 14 "Genesis" -Mark IV 17-GTR 162 Race-Sport 150-HP II Euro. 1988: UP Axis 15--American Wind wright Z-1160-UP Axis 13-Super Dream 185Vision Mark IV 19-Xcel 160-Sport American 180-Magic Kiss 154

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Year-round Lessons, Sales & Service 9

WARNING: The USHGA and the hang glider manufacturers warn against modifying your glider without consulting the manufacturer. Aerodynamic and structural changes may be dangerous or deadly. This information is provided primarily for its theoretical interest to pilots and designers. In last month's article I mentioned that there are some fairly easy ways to reduce the drag your glider produces to achieve further sizeable performance gains. Here are some ideas that are relatively easy to implement. I've estimated the reduction in drag coefficient (Cd) and the improvement in the best L/0 (glide ratio) that would be expected. I have attempted to base these numbers on aerodynamics and wind tunnel tests as much as possible, but please keep in mind that they are only estimates. The number of decimal places used is only designed to give a reasonable relative ranking to the performance improvements produced by the modifications. These improvements are based on a 167 sq. ft. Wills Wing Sport with canted streamlined downtubes and a pod harness (polar 'C' inmyprevious article). If you can achieve an additional total reduction in Cd of 0.0072 you should see the increases shown in polar 'D' in the last article, or perhaps a bit better, since some of these changes also result in reduced induced drag. Other gliders can expect similar results. Some things to consider: 1) Use of uncoated wires. The decrease in diameter will reduce the drag by approximately 20%, and the roughness may actually turbulate the flow and provide a further reduction. The problems with this idea are that uncoated wires tend to cut you in an accident, are more easily damaged, and are more likely to cut your parachute bridle in a deployment. I would recommend leaving the plastic on at least your bottom fore/ aft wires and perhaps your lower side wires, although the CTR Racer comes with uncoated wires. If you strip the coating off the wires you must be careful not to nick the wires!

2) A set of fiberglass tips to fair and seal the gap between the upper and lower surfaces of the sail at the wing tip. These can be made simply by carving the shape in foam and covering with a couple of layers of light fiberglass cloth and resin. Use epoxy resin with styrofoam (styrofoam SM from the lumber yard is good) or urethane foam with polyester resin. They should fit about 3I 4 of an inch inside the sail so that they can be held in place with some velcro. They can be the classic tear-drop shape1 or, for bigger gains, a Hoemer2 or vortex tip shape3 • The more advanced shapes may increase your glider's tendency to tip stall, so test flying should be done carefully. Tips will reduce the induced drag, as well as parasitic drag, by reducing the wing tip vortices and thereby improving the span efficiency.

Cd reduction=0.0008 Reduction in total parasitic drag=2.6% Improvement in best L/D=0.11

4) Use of a smaller diameter basetube. This

MARCH 1989

Improvement in best L/D= -0.15 3) Sealing the area around the kingpost with a flexible boot much like that around the stick shift in a car. This prevents high pressure air from below the wing from flowing through and causing turbulence, drag and loss oflift over the top of the wing. If properly shaped it will also lower the interference drag at the wing/kingpost junction. The boot must not interfere with the shifting of the sail or the kingpost hang system if you have one. It will make preflighting the kingpost area more difficult, but the boot will provide UV protection for kingpost hang loops. This modification will help improve the span efficiency also, and therefore reduce the induced drag. Cd reduction=0.0010 Reduction in total parasitic drag=3.2% Improvement in best L/D=0.15

can be carried to the point of using a wire, say 3/16" in diameter, to obtain quite a

substantial drag reduction. A small diameter, thick-walled tube can be used since this is a tensile load, or a wire could be placed inside a thinner tube. A chrome-moly steel tube could be used to make a small diameter speed bar. Handles would probably ha veto be placed onalloftheseto bring the diameter up to a comfortable size in the area you usually grip. This will restrict your hand placement and should be considered. I would not recommend the wire approach for gliders with a lot of slack in the flying wires. Control could be lost because of slack in the "control wire" under some circumstances. Any of these options should be properly analyzed for strength. You need well over 2,000 pounds of tensile strength for safety. Keep in mind the abrasion factor from setting up on rocks. 1/2" tube with grips: Cd reduction=0.0016 Reduction in total parasitic drag=S.2% Improvement in best L/D=0.21 1/2" streamlined tube with grips: Cd reduction=0.0030 Reduction in total parasitic drag=10.0% Improvement in best L/D=0.40 5) A more difficult change, and more criti-

cal, would be to replace the downtubes and kingpost with thinner profile streamlined (airfoiled) chrome-molytubes. Any change in downtubes should be analyzed thoroughly, not only for flight loads, but also to maintain similar bending yield strength for those bad landings. The improvement over a properly aligned normal aluminum air foiled tube is actually very small. The difficulty versus gain ratio of going to skinny steel tubes is not too good. Cd reduction=0.0002 Reduction in total parasitic drag=0.7% Improvement in best L/D=0.03 11

0 Typical Cross Section

Typical Cross Section

Top Veiw of Tip

Top Veiw of lip

Top Veiw of Tip

1} Tear Drop Tip

6) Use of control bar corner fittings that bury the tangs and have less frontal area, at least if you have those stainless steel slabs used on some gliders. It seems to me that the newer Magics have a nice clean system. This would produce a far bigger improvement than the skinny tubes. Cd reduction=0.0005

Reduction in total parasitic drag=l.6% Improvement in best L/D=0.07 7) If you fly with a pod harness you may have had to lengthen your hang straps. This area can be cleaned up considerably by shortening your hang loops as much as you can. (Make sure you can still obtain the full pitch arc without the backup getting tight.) The harness strap can then be lengthened with dual loops of perlon or webbing. This can then be faired nicely with an airfoil-shaped tube made out of a wide (4") piece of webbing folded in half and lightly sewn at the trailing edge. The new extended harness straps and the parachute bridle can be run up the inside of this and will be protected from UV. The airfoiled tube is only lightly sewn so that in a parachute deployment it will rip open up to the carabiner. This change has the added advantage of making it. much easier to hook in and out, which may be particularly useful if you find yourself in the trees someday. Make sure any structural sewing is done by a qualified person such as a harness maker or parachute rigger.

2} Hoerner Iip Cd reduction==0.0005

Reduction in total parasitic drag=l.6% Improvement in best L/D=0.07 8) The keel tube could be removable behind the rear wire attachment point. This could be accomplished with an inner sleeve and some of those spring-loaded ball catches. This piece would then only be used as a setup and breakdown stand, which is all it is anyway, and would be removed for flight. It could be stored in some brackets on the keel inside the sail. Cd reduction=0.0003

Reduction in total parasitic drag=l.0% Improvement in best L/D=0.04 9) Jim Lee's fiberglass pod harness is close to the ultimate if you want your head out in the breeze. It is expensive ($750) and somewhat different to fly in. The solid structure would probably be a benefit in most crash circumstances but could be dangerous in others. I don't think even Jim uses it for everyday flying, but for serious competition the hassles are probably worth it. It is very clean, smooth and has minimum wetted area. Cd reduction=0.0030 Reduction in total parasitic drag= 10.0% Improvement in best L/D=0.40

An extension of this would be some arm and shoulder fairings, similar to some of the equipment the speed skiers now use.

3) Vortex Iip Sizeable gains could be made, but how it can be done without serious comfort and mobility problems is not clear to me. I am unsure which is the lowest drag "soft" ha mess. While the finless pods have considerably less frontal area than the finned versions, the number and length of the exposed suspension straps may more than make up for the relatively aerodynamic fin. The lowest drag type in a wind tunnel is likely the CG 1000 and the Eric Raymond copy. The difficulty of aligning yourself with the flow against the bar pressure, with the short distance between the point about which your body rotates and your body's CG, may make them more drag producing in practice. I'm sure there are more ideas. If you think of something I would be interested in hearing from you. The performance gains from changes like these will be hard to see in back-to-back comparison flights, but they will be there and they are actually quite significant. If you have one of the competitive gliders now, 13 to 1 is not out of reach, and the gains at higher speeds will be even larger. I hope to tiy some of these tricks on my next glider, if I ever decide what to get. I need all the help I can get on those crosscountry races! •

Next installment: Measuring glider performance. Kevin Caldwell may be contacted at: 195 Churchill Ave. N, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA K1Z 5B3.

HANG GtrnING

PERFORMANCE YOU CAN HANDLE

With the advent of the C-Model Sensor 5 10 our Variable Geometry fVG) range is the widest yet. This means softer handling in the loose setting and better performance in the full-tight setting . The result is performance you can handle.

THE WORLD'S FINEST GLI DERS

•

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SS : Our Super-handling sporting Sensor is for lighter pilots or those who place a premium on soft handling-w ithout suffering the usual lack of speed/ glide performance so typical of other "recreational-class" gliders.

ER: The Easy Race is for pilots who wish to strike a balance between great handling and w orld-class performance. Seedwing's most popular g lider, the ER both climbs very fast and efficiently cruises at speed with ease. FR: The Full Race is our highest performing glider, with w hich toug h competitions are won . It is for pilots who desire to minimize compromises in the performance side of the handling/performance equation, yet w ho still demand a wide VG range for comma nd of the glider in tight situations. The Sensor 5 10-C, in whatever version you fly, offers you outstanding custom-built quality, w ith performance you can handle and' genuine pride of ownership.

Pilot: Kevin Stowe

HANG GLIDING

When I first met Grant he was 12 years old and didn't weigh 85 pounds, the minimum student weight we'll take at Kitty Hawk Kites. But he really wanted to fly and had already taken a lesson in very light winds. He was flying a 165 Eaglet then, and it soon became apparent that his size was an advantage on light-wind days. He soon earned the nickname "Grant the Sky Ant." Within a couple of weeks, in reasonable and unreasonable sea level air, he had achieved a Beginner rating and was able to fly on his own on Jockey's Ridge. The only problem was his weight. The following spring Grant was back and ready to go, at a whopping 93-1/2 pounds, and after a couple of days of reorientation he was flying straight and level again. At this point Grant suffered a setback; he broke his arm landing the Eaglet. He put this down-time to good use though and completed a marking period worth of school work, leaving his fall wide open. That fall he was right back in the saddle, this time on a 165 Dream, and the reason for the nickname The Ant was very apparent. Besides his light weight the other problem with flying the Dream was the size of the control frame; he just wasn't quite tall enough to carry the glider back up the hill. He could sweet-talk one of the instructors into helping him, but the rest of us were wise to it. After a couple of days of watching and helping Grant carry the glider we came up with a solution. We temporarily re-engineered the control frame apex with one from a Gemini, making the frame smaller. He also had trouble landing the glider because of his short arms, so I taught him how to land on the rear wires. It was a sight to see but he could nail a target. Teaching Grant to do turns was easy and soon he was doing 180s on the main hill and almost soaring. He earned his Novice rating with no problem but then came another winter's absence. Upon his return in the spring Grant had grown. I was now looking up at him. When I think back on my experience teaching Grant there are some flights that stick in my mind, but I mostly remember him out on the hill, every day, walking up the sand dune, determined to fly. After a time we gave him a shirt that said "Almost Instructor," and if he had been older we would have let him teach. He's now had a couple of tandem flights and is ready to fly at altitude-he just needs MARCH 1989

a little more weight. Although he is taller than I am he still doesn't weigh much. Teaching Grant over the past couple of years has been great fun. For a 12- to 14year-old he has shown a great ability to learn, and excellent judgement in the air

and on the ground. The first Safe Pilot Award is a great tribute to him. I certainly can't take all the credit though. Other people like Chris Thorn pson, Billy Vaughn and Rob Bachman, and others, have had a hand in it as well. •

Grant is not only the first recipient of USHGA's new Safe Pilot Award, he's a

Super Kid In September of last year a Hollywood, California based production company, Ron Miziker Productions, flew into Nags Head, North Carolina to shoot some film and interview 14-yearold Grant Wolfe of Walnutport, Pennsylvania. Grant was to be one of the first to appear on a special series of half-hour features, sponsored by Sunkist on ESPN cable TV, called "Sunkist Super Kids." So what's so super about Grant Wolfe?He's an accomplished hang glider pilot and the first-ever recipient of the USHGA' s new Safe Pilot Award, having completed 100 safe flights since the program began. Altogether he's logged a total of 635 flights. But Grant's accomplishments are not just limited to hang gliding. He's an Eagle Scout, loves water sports, hiking and archery, and plays soccer. He hopes to have his private pilot's license by age 16 and is looking forward to a career in aviation.

Wills Wing Standing Out In The Crowd

PIiot: Jamie Laeeer

Photo by Larry Tudor

Hang glider pilots are a breed apart. Only one out of every thirty five thousand people chooses to fly hang gliders; all the others fulfill their recreational needs through more conventional means. It takes a special kind of person to reject the conventional wisdom and choose the path that seems right for them. In business it takes a special kind of company to be a leader. Followers are plentiful; they can be recognized by their adherence to the conventional wisdom, and their tendency to do whatever the others are doing, regardless of the specific merits involved. Leaders distinguish themselves by consistently following their own judgements; which often lead them down a different path from that of the larger group. Throughout the history of hang gliding, Wills Wing has demonstrated such leadership time and again.

PRODOCT DESIGN In 1979, Wills Wing pioneered the use of larger diameter thinner wall 2" by .049" tubing to provide the necessary strength for deflexorless leading edges without adding unnecessary weight. In the early eighties, Wills Wing innovated once again with the first use of lighter weight 2 1/4" diameter by .049 wall tubing in place of heavier sleeved crossbars. In 1986, with the 167 Sport, Wills Wing introduced the use of high strength 7075 T6 alloy tubing in the main airframe spars, allowing us to achieve an unprecendented combination of extraordinarily high strength and true high performance in a glider weighing just over 60 lbs. Over the years, the imaginative application of sound engineering principles has allowed us to consistently offer gliders which are simultaneously among the lightest and strongest available. PRODOCT TESTING Between 1974 and 1976, Bob Wills pioneered the practice of formal structural testing; first by flying a Wills Wing Standard with four people aboard, and later by flying six people on a Wills Wing SST. Since the first inception of a formal industry standard glider testing program, Wills Wing has led the way in compliance with and participation in that program; by testing and certifying to that standard every production glider we have released, and by being the only manufacturer to have done so. Wills Wing also, in 1973, pioneered the quality control concept of factory test flying each individual production glider, and fought for years, against virtually universal resistance from the rest of the industry, to make such test flying a standard industry practice. Today, Wills Wing is again expanding the frontiers of structural testing, by being the only manufacturer to conduct positive load tests at speeds significantly above the industry standard for positive loads of 65 mph. Using a specially designed test vehicle powered by 100 octane aviation fuel and nitrous oxide injection, Wills Wing has conducted positive load tests to 82 mph, and plans to go even faster in the future. SALES AND SERVICE Wills Wing has also lead the industry in establishing sales and service policies that promote pilot safety. Wills Wing products cannot be purchased factory direct, they are sold only through authorized dealers. Wills Wing actively supports the USHGA instructor certification program, by sponsoring Instructor Certification Clinics and requiring all of our class one dealers to be USHGA certified instructors. Wills Wing further supports its dealer network with comprehensive service manuals and bulletins, dealer seminars, and glider demo days. PERFORMANCE - COMPETITION PROVEN In 1973, a Wills Wing glider won the first U.S. National Championship ever held. Wills Wing repeated in 1974 and won again in 1975. Over the years, more than three times as many U.S. National Champions have flown Wills Wing gliders than those of any other manufacturer. In 1988, Wills Wing gliders won National Championship titles in the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and France. Wills Wing gliders currently hold all three World Distance Records.

STANDING OlIT IN TI-IE CROWD At virtually every point in time during the past sixteen years, Wills Wing has been doing something that was out of step with the rest of the industry; whether it was formal structural testing, factory production test flying, aggressive support of professionalism at the retail level, designing weight efficient structures, introducing no keel pocket sail designs, or bucking the lastest design "fashion trend." In the past, our approach has often been criticized, but many of our innovations are now being openly copied by the rest of the industry. As a hang glider pilot you have had the self assurance to express your own individuality through your participation in this unique form of free soaring flight. You don't need to follow the crowd. We invite you instead to fly with a leader. When you're ready for the best, we've got your glider.

1208 H. F.mt Wahrut Santa Ana, CA 92701 Phone (714) 547-1344 FAX (714) 547-0972

UTEs

& LADDE © 1989 by Dennis Pagen There is a simple board game most of us played in our childhood called Chutes and Ladders. The goal of this game was to reach the top of the board by moving a marker a number of squares as indicated by a spinning pointer. If our marker landed on a square at the bottom of a ladder we would squeal with delight as we climbed the ladder to pass over many squares. However, if we landed at the top of a chute we experienced as much anxiety as a little kid could handle, for we had to slide down to a lower level. The chutes and ladders were of different lengths and one chute and one ladder stretched from one side of the board to the other, lending the possibility of total heartbreak or total elation to the whole affair. We can assume that our parents bought us this innocent game to teach us the ups anddownsoflife. But,littledid they know, they were actually preparing us for our pursuit of hang gliding. Every time we fly we encounter lift and sink, that, like the game of chutes and ladders, deliver little despairs and joys, little penalties and rewards. With every launch we cast our fate to the wind like a spin of the wheel on the board game. Yet, weare not quite as helpless as a child, for with knowledge we can skew the balance in the air in favor of ladders rather than chutes. With learning we can certainly avoid the worst pitfalls in this game we play. 18

WIND

D!<tt=:r

FIG-Ul<c /.

DISCERNING LIFT Thermals are quite familiar to most soaring pilots for they are found in some form almost any time the sun is shining after a clear night. Like all vagaries in the air, thermals are mysterious because they are invisible. We can only see their after-effects in the form of clouds and dust devils. However, we can use these effects to discern thermal strength, size and duration.

PIG-UR.~ :Z..

We are talking in generalities here, but each pilot can learn to judge the factors in his or her area and relate them to experiences in the air. So, in general terms, the gustier the conditions in the landing field or at takeoff, the stronger the lift in the thermal. (Note: in higher winds the lift may be too unorganized to use effectively.) The longer the gusts last, the more dependable the thermal and the greater its vertical extent. When the sun's heating is weaker, thermals tend to be more gentle and larger. Over areas where the sun is intense, such as deserts, thermals tend to be stronger with greater vertical velocity. Dust devils based on such thermals are common sights in the desert and they al ways indicate strong lift, because dust devils occur when the lapse rate is super-adiabatic (the temperature drops rapidly with height, thus accelerating thermals upward). The size ofa cloud can denote the size of a thermal, but more often indicates the duration of the thermal or thermals feeding it, as shown in figure 1. An important factor foretold by clouds is the strength of a thermal. This factor is indicated by the amount of billowing taking place, the rapidity of buildup and the height of the cloud. Greater rolling and tumbling, faster growth and higher vertical development indicate more powerful thermals feeding HANG GLIDING

the cloud. Flatterand slow-growing clouds indicate light lift. CLOUD SUCK Sometimes lift develops over a wide area. This lift can be strong and unavoidable. The conditions that most normally cause such lift are waves and thunderstorms. Waves may or may not be accompanied by clouds, with strong turbulence or with a whippedcream texture. Waves can be a great ladder to heaven, but they are often related to stronger winds aloft so that a hang glider pilot finds himself or herself drifting backward behind the front of a mountain, or into the down side of the wave where a rotor may lurk. In general, in a wave situation, it's time to move forward or lower when you find yourself stationary with the control bar back to your chest area. We'll see how to lose altitude quickly in a moment. By far the most serious form of cloud suck occurs when a thunderstorm develops. It is important to recognize this condition in order to avoid it. Here's a good rule: If lift becomes continuous at 500 feet per minute or more in an area larger than a normal thermal size, expect cloud suck and thunderstorm development. The first thing you should do in this case is to make a steep enough tum to look for cloud development. A rapidlybuilding cloud doesn't always indicate a thunderstorm, but if they are in the forecast or if the air is humid, expect the possibility. Look at other gliders around you and see if they are going up too, just by boating around. In general a thunderstorm creates lift over a much wider area than normal thermals. The second thing you should do if you expect thunderstorm development is to move to the edge of the lift. The safest place to be is upwind of the lift, although the sides of the developing cloud are a second choice. Avoid approaching the downwind side of the thunderstorm. Learn to recognize the presence of cloud suck and put yourself in a position to escape it if necessary. Last fall a handful of pilots were sucked up in Northern Italy. The pilots who recognized the conditions moved away early enough to escape. Others wereunwaryand ended up being sipped into a massive thunderstorm that scattered MARCH 1989

them around the alpine countryside. If you are in cloud suck the best idea is to get down as quickly as possible. If you can no longer get to the edge of the cloud, the best way to get down is to employ slipping turns. To perform such a turn, pull your control bar in and move to the side as much as possible. Your glider will bank steeply and turn to the control side as you fall rapidly. Unfortunately, you cannot sustain this slip because a glider's yaw stability (due to the swept-back wings) changes a slipping turn into a diving spiral turn. A spiral dive is a coordinated maneuver, so a lot of G forces build up. As the Gs build up you must level out, then slip in the opposite direction. By using the above technique you can average a sink rate over 700 feet per minute if you are serious. About the best you can do in a straight-ahead dive with a modern glider is 500 fpm. Forget about wingovers, they do not sustain a dive. Any Boy Scout will tell you to be prepared, so the next time you are high in smooth air over your landing field, practice steep slipping turns to see how quickly you can lose altitude. It's nice to have such tricks in your repertoire. One word of caution: When slipping at a rapid rate, don't push out suddenly as the G forces can build up more than you and your glider will consider comfortable. WIDESPREAD SINK The down side of flying is experienced as often as the up side, for when there's lift, there must be sink. The most common situ-

ation is pictured in figure 2. Here we see thermals charging up through the lower atmosphere to be replaced by air aloft moving downward. In general, the downward movement is very light since it is so widespread. In fact, under a high pressure system, where most good thermal conditions occur, the air is constantly sinking due to divergence at the surface. This rate of sink has been estimated to average about 3 cm. per minute-not enough to stabilize the air if the high lingers for days (sinking air layers become more stable due to the non-linearity of the pressure with altitude). We can live with widespread sink by blundering around in it until we encounter another thermal. However, localized sink, while smaller in extent, may be so virulent that we are cursing our luck on the ground before we encounter any up air. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate localized sink. Figure 3 shows how the air around a thermal is more affected by the thermal and consequently creates serious sink. It should be known that once the air is displaced downward in this manner, it undergoes the same force keeping it moving as a thermal, only in the opposite direction, if the lapse rate is great (unstable). As the cool air sinks it is compressed which heats it. However, if the surrounding air rises in temperature faster than the sinking air as the surface is approached, then the sinking parcel will continue to sink. Thus we should expect more vigorous localized sink on unstable days when the lapse rate is higher. Long ridges (such as in the eastern U.S.) tend to organize the lift and sink as shown in figure 4. Abundant lift may be experienced upwind of the ridge, but widespread sink can be found for ten miles or more downwind of the ridge. Even though you clear the ridge with good height, you may find yourself on the ground again before you reach the next area of thermal production. MICRO BURSTS The phenomena of "downspouts" and "microbursts" have received much press of late. As pilots of slow aircraft we should understand a little about their behavior. When rain accompanies a downdraft in a 19

localized area-most often in relation to a thunderstorm-sevGl-!DeR.. eral mechanisms can PArH increase the strength of the downdraft. First, a slug of cold air that falls when thermal updrafts die -/-' :::: GE'Nf=R.AJ.:_ J-/FTING A/ZEA in a storm can fall = G-ENl=.r.z.Ai- :SIA/KING- A '<EA rapidly due to grav/=!G-l/R,E --1-. ity alone. However, with rain in the mass, evaporation takes place that further cools the slug, resulting in a faster descent rate. Also, the falling droplets entrain air which allow following droplets to fall faster. This accounts for the fact that rain falls in streaks. Finally, the drag of the air surrounding a falling mass ofrain and air causes vortices that speed up the center of the falling mass at the expense of slowing the outside areas as in figure 5. This is the same effect that causes the destructive power of an airborne (powder) avalanche with winds over 200 mph. From any combination of these effects we can get a localized beam of inexorable sink. So we know enough to avoid the rain and gust front of a thunderstorm, but rotors and general swirls from ground turbulence can have a horizontal axis of rotation that is experienced as sink on their down side. The question is often asked: Can a downdraft push us into the ground or will the outrushing air near the surface provide a cushion? Perhaps you have tried to catch a gnat or butterfly in your hand and realized that their light wing loading and the viscosity of the air carry them out of harm's way with the rush of air from your closing hand. From this you may have concluded that indeed our gliders are cushioned from the palm of the earth by a layer of air. You are far from the truth, as testified to by the occasional pilot who has been slapped by the ground in strong sink. To see why this happens, look atfigure6.Hereweseeadowndraft hitting the ground and spreading out. The glider descending at the same or a greater rate than the downdraft has greater inertia than Pass;i31-..1= GLJDER..... the air molecules, and cannot make PA7H such an abrupt change near the f=IGUR.E. 6 , ground. The glider may actually 20

experience relative lift near the ground as it moves downward through the sideways flowing air, butthis "cushioning" effect may come too little too late to stop the descent. Ask any bug (rhetorically, of course) that lies splattered on your windshield. LEAVING SINK So the one question remains: How do we avoid sink in general and the fate of a windshield bug specifically? If we fly in thermals we can't avoid sink but we can use speed-to-fly techniques to minimize our time in the sink. This subject is beyond the scope of this article (see Hang Gliding Techniques by this author), but simply put, we speed up in sink and slow down in lift. Even though speeding up in sink increases our sink rate, the net effect of spending less time in the sink results in less total altitude lost. When near the ground in turbulence a bit of extra speed is advisable. This allows us to pass through sinking areas more rapidly and allows a more vigorous flare in the event a downdraft introduces us to the ground unceremoniously. The latter occurrence is rare enough, but we should be prepared for all eventualities. The idea is to stop our forward motion and pancake ourselves and glider in the event of an unavoidable body slam. This is not a pretty picture, but the bestpossible solution in the situation. We have dwelt on the pitfalls that can present themselves in our aerial game ofchutes and ladders. But there is also a delightful side to the game that makes it all worth playing. When you step into an azure realm with an armada of sailing clouds all around, and hook onto a smooth thermal that carries you aloft for an unsurpassed view of the distant earth, that is the payoff. The more you learn about the invisible overworld we visit, the more you can rig the game in your favor.• HANG GLIDING

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FOREIGN INTRIGUE

Where Do All Those Gliders Go? by Dan Johnson

this new year, "Foreign Intrigue" will seek out new interesting stories on hang gliding in far-offlands. This fifth edition of the column flashes back to the very first installment: on glider manufacturers of the world. Peter Brock's Legacy Ever wonder what became of Pete Brock, UP ("the Original") founder and leader? So have I, and what follows won't tell you much more about Mr. Brock's current endeavors, but ... Did you also ever wonder what happened to UP after it ceased business? The question begs an answer because subsequent to the departure of the original UP, we soon saw the emergence of UP-Europe. This is especially interesting as Brock told me near that time, that in his opinion, the legal liability situation in the USA would not permit anyone to continue making gliders here in America. Good thing no one in-

formed Wills Wing, Bennett, or Pacific Airwave, huh? They seem to be able to continue making gliders in spite of this legal dilemma. Anyway, most observers agree Pete Brock was no fool, nor was he naive in matters of business. At the time, I got the distinct impression he had something to do with UP-Europe (beyond merely selling a license to produce UP designs). However, for months, no further information was forthcoming, and I lost track of Brock's activities. Today's UP-Europe gliders come with La Mouette parts and sail. Germany's Drachenflieger magazine comes up with some answers: Pete Brock, UP boss since 1974, still owns 40% of the company. According

to the article, Gerard Thevenot did not want a famous brand to disappear from the market. Neither did he want any rivals producing the promising Glidezilla. So he joined forces and bought 40% as well. The last 20% is owned by Heidi Blumhuber, a Munich businesswoman with a feel for hang gliding. She runs a factory near the once-famous world championship site of St. Hilaire du Touvet. Now you know. Rio On Your Mind? Brazil is coming into some new publicity, thanks to yet another running of Tracy

"Thomas Finsterwalder builds 190 units a year, and ranks as No. 24, with over 2,000 gliders manufactured. Allegedly none have ever broken in the air." Knauss' American Cup (the sixth if memory serves). Several members of America's elite competition squadron will apparently head to the southern hemisphere for what will at least be a dramatic change of pace; hopefully, they'll also get a tune-up for the World Meet later this year. A Mr. Joe Cox, a civil engineering contractor in Sao Palo, read the first iteration of "Foreign Intrigue." He wrote to comment on my mention that the " ... rest of the world's small manufacturers produced

some 300 gliders." (Certainly contrasted to

the nearly 15,000 produced in 1987, this is a small share.) He reports that Brazil alone makes this many gliders. Cox says five established manufacturers build copies of the Magic, HP, GTR, and even the contemporary Kiss. Prices range from $1,200 for single surface models to $2,000 for the hottest designs with "all the extras, including imported dacron, mylar, kevlar." The copies are said to be well made and the safety record doesn't differ from elsewhere. In the last Brazilian Nationals about 50% of the wings were local products. Cox even admits, 11 A few of the 'national' birds placed among the top ten." Brazil counts about 2,000 active pilots according to Cox. He says the South American country offers beautiful scenery, good cross-country potential, and favorable weather that permits year-'round flying. Thanks, Joe! Geek-Out Correction The names Thal ho fer and Finsterwalder don't sound or look at all alike. But somehow in my October 1988 edition of "Foreign Intrigue," I managed to swap them. Worse, I said Herr Thalhofer made the interesting 'Fex line of gliders. To compound the error, I said the 'Fex factory produced some 100 gliders, thus ranking as No. 27 in the world's manufacturer roster. WRONG. Most of the story was factually correct, but Thomas Finsterwalderneeds to be made head of the factory bearing his name, not HerrThalhofer (who builds a different line

HANG GLIDING

,- ---- ----Xt-- ' ,-------------------, of inexpensive gliders). Finsterwalder builds 190 units a year, and ranks as No. 24, with over 2,000 gliders manufactured. Allegedly none have ever broken in the air. Finsterwalder distinguishes himself not only for constructing the lightweight, good handling 'Fexgliders that breakdown easily to very short lengths. He also claims to have introduced 7075 tubing to the industry (beginning 14 years ago!). Further, he supplies many other manufacturers with hardware and spare parts. In fact the popular Aero-Safe uprights are his achievement; they are bought by Wills Wing-Europe, Moyes-Italy, La Mouette, and UP-Europe. The factory offers amazing product support, still selling parts for the first Berg-Fex model that the company built in 1973. After a fire in a neighboring building caused the complete destruction of the old Finsterwalder factory, production was ceased for an entire year. Now the company makes its newest Fun-Fex and prior models (fop-Fex, Wind-Fex, Super-Fex) in a "super-modern production hall" in Munich. The address at the end of the first article was correct, but in case your interest has again been sparked, you may write Herr Finsterwalder at: Pagodenburgstr. 8., D8000 Milnchen 60, West Germany.•

Postscript Note Dan Johnson can be reached by writing: 8 Dorset Rd., St. Paul MN 55118, or by phoning (612) 457-7491 (days). Information on the foreign hang gliding scene will be appreciated, as will feedback on the subject matter in "Foreign Intrigue."

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itself into 15 miles

was beyond reach. But reflected on the events that had lead us to the brink of success.

drifted in the ethereal world between and And the dream would bless me that With the dream true came the could also make the After

BACKGROUND

moment, secure in the

I-!ANC; GLIDING

excellent instruction in the art launched from and later, 400 miles to the north Battle Mountain. After this

accomtrial run, not to mention the entire What

president never gav11 up the dream.

successful trial nm, the team cte,c1ctect include Ian Huss in the scsscd all the qu,at11t1C)S team donate to the or,~a111zat1on superic,r cross··Country skills and to take half off work.

America team member, with a

AUFT sk(~pt1cs all around us in the

(continued on page 28)

who tmdcd up essential role in America.

Huss, Master pilot and maslcr machinist project would never have been completed

America after the lrial nm, but !he him. Photo by Kelvin Jones. DeWolf a lift a! the end of the

MARCB 1989

near Hawk

convim:Lxl me there was no choice. I contacted who conPnJvicte an ATOL unit for Bill's 1;irmn1rv 1987 know·

momiy into the idC:a to and after many letters and arrived in months later to

The idc.:i, in my mind, was to obtain corporate sponsor, who would finance the in return for its on the of our tion we were sure to aura ct would guarantee the sponsor exposure and of the

CclJ.Jat,1J1t1es of the

and the future was l()(Jkini;: series of events was set in motion h"'"''" r,t

A TANGENT

Bill VC:1Ull'1ll,

THE GOAL offered Alida Hansen, recent 11;ra,e1uate relations, record ke,eping, Photo Kelvin Jones.

HANG GtlDlNG

ATOL system, and my aerobatic abilities, at the Indy 500 track. What a thrill it was to drive around that Indy track, let alone to tow my glider to a thousand feet over the grandstands, do a few wingovers and land in various places around the infield and pit area, demonstrating the awesome capabilities of the modern hang glider to Walt Disney Productions. They were impressed, and Fly America was hired to fly three gliders in an aerobatic balletin front of a crowd of 85,000 live and a TV audience estimated at over 50,000,000 worldwide. This was the first time that Ian would work directly with FA and me, and it was a trial run in its own right. Like most hang glider pilots, both Ian and I knew absolutely everything there was to know and were never wrong about anything, but often differed in our opinions (how is that possible?). Could two Sky Gods like us work harmoniously? We were about to find out. TOWING ON THE INDY 500 TRACK Our task was formidable, considering we were in uncharted waters. We had to tow up simultaneously with vehicles and gliders in close proximity to one another, on a 75- foot-wide track with 20-foot fences on both sides and power lines not far a way, all while using volunteer tow crew members who didn't know a hang glider from a coat hanger. There were few bail-out areas but all were quite restricted. The straightaways were too short to provide a long enough tow, so we had to tow around the curves. Adding to it all, the track was banked where we had to launch and so was the glider when it left the truck. At the time we didn't know that the local club had deemed the idea unsafe, having surveyed the setup a few months before when asked to perform the same stunt. But ignorance is bliss (so they say) and we began training our volunteers and ourselves a full week before the show. We proceeded cautiously, insuring we had only one variable on each flight. All tows were done with three crew members, and on the first tow Cindy and Ian, who were familiar with the ATOL system, filled the two most critical crew positions, driver and noseman. I was the pilot on this flight since I had experience at the track, and after insuring that the VOX was working on my FM radio we headed down the back straightaway, where the bank was the least steep. Zooming along at 30 mph down the backMARCH 1989

stretch, where only a month earlier Indy cars had been speeding at over 200 mph, was a thrill in itself, but when the glider started climbing out at 500 fpm, giving me an increasingly better view of the whole complex, an indescribable exhilaration came over me. After a couple more perfect tows in the light conditions, Cindy and Ian each towed several times, reacquainting themselves with the ATOL system and getting used to landing in the infield of the track. The amazed volunteers watched and rode along on the tow truck, getting used to the process and the lingo. Two-way radios were used on every flight, with the pilot using his VOX to give commands to the tow vehicle without having to take his hands off the control bar. CREW TRAINING The next day the volunteers were assigned their positions, duties and teams, and one by one were included in the tow crew to learn their tasks. In order to avoid confusion and to insure that everyone understood the entire process, only the Delta Wing truck was used. By the end of the day each team had towed its respective pilot under the direct supervision of another pilot. Tan had driven his Datsun to Indianapolis to be used as the second tow vehicle, but we still had to mount the winch that had been rented from Bill Bennett, who was now an ATOL dealer. That accomplished, and using the third vehicle and system rented from David Wilcox, proud new ATOL owner, we assigned each team and pilot to a truck, and practiced towing using that particular vehicle. All the tow systems worked identically, so the teams only had to adapt to the differences between the trucks. So all went smoothly, except that we were still only launching one pilot at a time, and the time was growing short for the three pilots to develop and perfect their aerial performance. SIMULTANEOUS TOWING After two days of honing the tow teams to perfection we all agreed we were ready to try towing in formation. By this time we had practiced towing around the curves, launching on the banked sections of track, and had found alternate landing zones to cover any emergency. The trucks were lined up along the short chute (as the straightaway between the first and second turns is

called), with Cindy in the number one spot, Ian second and me third. Our radios were set so that I could transmit to my tow vehicle and to both Cindy and Ian, who could only speak to their respective tow vehicles. Each tow truck could only hear commands from its particular pilot, which insured there would be no confusion between tow operations. From my vantage point at the rear I could issue commands to Cindy and Ian, depending on how their tow was progressing, to increase or decrease their climb rate so that we would all exit tow at approximately the same altitude. Cindy was flying a red and white Sport 167 which Wills Wing had graciously loaned us, and Ian and I flew our identical Fly America design (red, white and blue) HP 170's. We found out that on tow we would fly faster than Cindy but that she would climb faster. The scariest scenario we had to deal with was getting too close to, and below the pilot in front, who might drophistowropeat anytime on top of your glider. To insure safety Ian wouldn't start his tow until 30 seconds after Cindy, and I would delay mine until 20 seconds after Ian's "go to cruise." The first attempts at coordinating the tow operations were a little awkward, but eventually we were able to group up after tow at the same altitude, and position ourselves in formation to fly across the infield to the performance area. Now we encountered one of the more challenging aspects of the show, timing. Our performance had to be coordinated with the "go fly a kite" music that was being played for the hundreds of dancers prancing around below with "kites on a stick." After towing to 1200 feet and grouping in formation we had to fly half a mile across the infield and arrive "on stage" just as our song began. We then had 45 seconds to perform our routine in a very precise window and land before the Red Baron Stunt Biplanes chopped us into red, white and blue confetti on their low fly-by. Our dress rehearsal, complete with smoke, came off less than auspiciously. Cindy's weak link broke early on tow, and without her leading the aerobatic routine, Ian's and my timing was thrown off in an impromptu two-glider ballet that more resembled wounded elephants flopping around in the sky. At least all had progressed safely. continued ...

DON'T HIT THE BUSH! The next day dawned with a wind direction we had yet to see or had had a chance to practice in. As we unassuredly decided which portion of the track from which we would start our tow, a military helicopter descended into our bail-out area. Then another appeared, and out stepped Vice President Bush as the two choppers kept their blades turning. Great! We figured that if we came off line early, and managed to miss the rotating chopper blades, we would probably get shot down by the secret service as we came too close to their equipment for their comfort. More sweat dripped from our bodies as we contemplated the billion dollar bill we would receive for destroying one of these machines by dropping our tow line into the spinning rotors. Ourfears multiplied when a secret service fellow, his armpit bulging, came towards us. We were sure he knew what anarchist hang glider pilots were and would shoot us down at our first move, so we all froze. We were also sure that the smile on his face was just a display of glee at getting a chance for some target practice. The fact that the tension of our upcoming performance was playing tricks with our minds came to light as the agent spoke. "I tried flying one of those things years ago," he said, and related one of those horror stories you so often hear about the early days of hang gliding. Everyone gathered around this sky brother, and after listening to his tale of how impossible it is to fly "one of those things," we explained our intended flight plan, the problems of dropping the tow rope and our fears of being shot on final over the Hueys. He allayed our fears about being perforated (the Vice President was now in the grandstands) and explained that the engines would be shutdown when they reached the proper temperature, but admonished us not to land on either craft. As the agent retreated my stomach continued doing loops, and I realized that the tension came from the SO million people who were going to watch our professionalism or lack thereof. It had been interesting, during the ear 1y morning meeting between the FAA and all the aviation performers, to note that although there were strict rules governing how close any aircraft could come to the crowd, the hang gliders were not even given any guidelines. It was left to our own discretion as to how to remain safe. All we were told was that we had to be sure to

clear the infield before the biplane stunt team started their aerobatics overhead. As the time for our routine drew near, we checked and rechecked our gliders, harnesses, winches, trucks, crews, radios, watches and smoke. We had had problems the previous day with some of the smoke cannisters not igniting, so we went over all the lines, making sure they were short enough so we could easily pull them with one short jerk, but not so short that they would pull themselves when the gliders flexed on tow. We were all set-gliders mounted on the trucks, hanging in our harnesses, crews poised-when we received news over the radio that they were running a little behind schedule. The waiting was driving me bananas. T 3-1/2 MINUTES AND COUNTING The countdown to the moment when we were to enter the aerobatic window and perform our first wingovers had started. The music that preceded "our song" was blaring over the gargantuan sound system. Picking the precise second, I gave Cindy the order to begin tow, and as she relayed the command her launch vehicle accelerated down the track in a substantial tailwind. She reached the proper airspeed and launched, zooming above the truck just as she reached the first curve. We held tow pressures light for the downwind launch, to minimize the chance of a weak-link break and to facilitate directional control in the turbulence we were experiencing. There is no problem with a downwind launch so long as the pilot doesn't come off line low and have to land downwind. With the additional obstacles surrounding the race track, and our one chance only to make the flight, we were taking no chances. We were extremely thankful to Jerry Forburger for developing such a reliable system, having to launch in these conditions. We had about a mile and a half of track on which to tow and used every available inch, reaching 1300 feet AGL. Cindy was first off line with a minute and a half till show time. Ian and I were still eeking out the last couple of hundred feet on tow when Cindy joined us, and we fell into formation in the allotted 45 seconds. We still had 45 seconds to fly the half mile across the infield, into a headwind, and enter our performance window. We now had the best seats in the house, looking down on the 2,000 performers in the pit area, dancing and jumping up and down in a multitude of detailed, colorful costumes.

The castle that Disney Productions had built, and which marked our "stage," lay justin front of us. We pulled our smoke and started our routine on the first note of our song, a feat which none of the other aerobatic performers managed to do, including the F-4 pilots who were almost a minute late. We dove and twisted through the sky, red, white and blue smoke trailing behind our dancing gliders. The cheers of the crowd exploded as the last wingover was performed close to the highest pinnacle of the castle, and we could still hear that joyful noise as we landed moments later. As we cleared the infield and set our gliders down we received compliments from the line of athletes who were waiting to parade in front of the crowds. They asked if they could have their pictures taken with uswell, actually they were only interested in Cindy, and she smiled broadly as cameras clicked and groups of athletes posed in front of her glider with their arms around her. Her joyous expression was shared by us all, including our rendezvousing ground crew, as the realization washed over us that we had successfully completed a live hang gliding demonstration in front of 50 million people worldwide. Even considering the aggrandizement of our egos that ensued, Ian, Cindy and I knew that we would be able to work together, despite whatever pressure we would encounter. There were to be setbacks, but our accomplishment of the Pan Am demonstration provided the critical mass that was necessary to bring the Fly America dream to fruition. There was still a critical slot on the team that was not yet filled, but fate still had time to wag its fickle finger with a fortuitous phone call. •

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HANG GLIDING

Spring Cleaning by Briggs Christie

A s many of you may have noticed, the spring maintenance that you hear about every winter often only gets half done or is missed completely. Besides the obvious reasons for this (lack of funds, lack of time, my dog ate it, etc.) I think that one of the most common problems is that the average pilot doesn't really know what he's looking for when the sail is off the frame. A big part of a yearly inspection involves common sense, but there are some things that are easy to miss, so that's what this checklist is all about. This list is by no means the last word in glider maintenance and I look forward to having it picked over by experienced pilots and mechanics, in the hope that it can be reprinted next year with even more information in it. If you have anything to add, remove or gripe about, please feel free to call or write me at Western Hang Gliders, and I promise that I'll listen to what you have to say. The checklist is laid out in two sections, the first being a simple list to post somewhere conspicuous. The second section is a detailed explanation of the separate steps in the first section, so that you can get all the little stuff. I hope that this breakdown checklist will, at best, help someone find a problem that they otherwise might have missed and, at the very least, start the ball rolling toward better maintenance for everyone. ABOVE: Author Briggs Christie flying his Pacific AirWave Magic KISS.

MARCH 1989

INSPECTION CHECKLIST SAIL REMOVED

HARDWARE REPLACEMENT CHECKLIST

1) Bolts a. Straightness b. Wear 2) Tubes a. Straightness b. Roundness c. Corrosion d. Residue at junctions e. Holes/bushings round 3) Plates a. Proper shape b. Holes round c. Residue at junctions 4) Rigging a. Top rigging 1. Lufflines free of frays/kinks 2. Replace luff line anchors 3. Top wires free of kinks I frays 4. Tangs corrosion-free b. Pullback cables 1. Free of frays/kinks 2. VG hardware (if applicable) corrosion-free 3. Handled area corrosion-free c. Replace all bottom rigging (flying wires) 5) Sail a. Replace bungee/strings b. Remove and inspect foam/mylar c. Wash sail with mild detergent d. Rinse after wash and keep rinsing e. Check trailing edge string tension (if applicable) f. Inspect all stitch lines AFfER washing

1) Downtubes 2) All lower rigging (flying wires) 3) VG rope (if applicable) 4) All nyloc nuts 5) All split rings, safety pins, safety wires 6) All self-tapping screws 7) Hang straps

PO ST-ASSEMBLY/PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST 1) All nuts tight (1-1/2 threads minimum showing) 2) Bungee/ string tight enough to eliminate sail wrinkles 3) Sight down all tubes 4) Sight down all rigging 5) Verify batten shape with template 6) All safety wires and split rings installed 7) Look/feel right? And now for a step-by-step breakdown of the checklist. 1) Bolts Obviously, if a bolt is bent it should be replaced. As far as wear is concerned, there is an acceptable amount to be expected, which can be distinguished by a grayishblack residue on the bolt shaft. Minute rust spots on the bolt head are find, but any shaft rust should warrant bolt replacement. Personally, I would recommend replacing the wingbolts on a yearly basis, since they

Acetone will

take

stubborn

and arc very ability to take abuse. and all original should be round ···-no found with the black residue "''"'"""'" earlier and also some residual surface rust, which are both acc:eptaD due to rust is a no-no, as it can be the start of if new," have them Be alert for hidden corrosion areas such as in the bolt holes. Be and be

under the most stress and rotate the and breakdown. most

of your Minor wait a season, but any areas should your tubes. on your tubes will leave residue at any tend to concentrate this residuewhcrethealuminum is mated with dissimilar such as steel or cadmium (with which your AN hardware is coated). Once with a it up.

toes and egos trick...). Luff lines are the most to I think should be If yours look to you, but stress

both deflect the same this is involved procyou wanted to do your own

ess work!) If a tube is crushed

round when the pressure moved is weak at that Corrosion is to be expe,ctea tubes and Normal wear tear will also result in different kinds of residue at the between these resi·· can clue you in on the extent of both your and your hardware. Normal aluminum corrosion will leave on your with silicon-moisn.-,,.,,,,,,,, but: beware of amounts of It may be that have started to compro·· HANG GLIDING

fit, there arc limits to both world. If you have any manufacturer for his or

]) Downtubes

tub with lukewarm water, add toss in your sail and dance around stubborn stains can be removed with acetone and little elbow grease, and rinse is a must. Leftover on the sail has a violent reaction and can cause results. MARCH 1989

2) section. 3)VG

If you you may find it mid-,season with the «;,c,~u,v ,,~... and tha tis 33

The best stuff I've seen is pre-stretched braided nylon. 4) Nyloc Nuts Contrary to what you may have heard, NYLOC NUTS ARE NOT REUSABLE. If there is a common error that almost everybody makes, it's to reapply those shiny nylocs. Once they've been removed they just don't lock well anymore. It's too inexpensive to skip this. Replace every nyloc that you remove with a new one.

5) Split Rings and Safeties Since they tend to move around some, these parts often corrode quickly, no matter what they're made of. Replace 'em and buy a few spares. 6) Self-tapping Screws Replace them every year and insist on stainless steel. 7) Hang Straps

No grumbling, please. Buy a spare to lend when you see a questionable one on the hill. The post-assembly inspection should be self-explanatory, except for maybe the last item. If you've been flying this glider for a year then nobody but you knows its unique personality, not even the manufacturer. In a year's time you become part of your glider and it, in turn, becomes part of you. When you take it out to the training hill after this overhaul notice how it "feels" when you set it up. (You were taking it to the training hill, right? It's a very good idea after major surgery.) It should be perhaps a little crisper and tighter, but the personalitythatyou've become familiar with should still be there. If anything feels wrong,

TEACH HANG GLIDING/ LEARN SUNBATHING Full or part time: if you're aBasic lnstmctor with aprofessional attih1de and can pich1re yourself en~ru1g goo:! pa)' and benefits teachu1g hang glidu1g in asunny climate that allows rear-round flyu1g, send us your resume (attn. Joe Greblo}. If rou're the right person, Wmdsports can help get your hang glidu1g (and tanning) career off the ground.

OON'T FLY. Don't just brush it off in your haste to get back in the air, investigate until you get a satisfying answer. On this first flight be alert to any changes that may have occurred. Be particularly wary of changes in turn coordination that can't be explained by any tightening that you've done. Be sure your glider flies straight and at the proper speed, and look for any tip-dropping tendencies when you flare. Well, I guess that's it. I'm sure that the experts around the country will slowly pick this apart, but that's one of the reasons I wrote it. I wanted to get this important ball rolling and I invite any input from any source. I hope that additions will be made to this checklist and that it can be reprinted every year, so that we can all feel a little safer in the air. I have to thank Jean-Michel Bernasconi for his patience in lending me his expertise, and John LaTorre for making me aware of how incredible a good sailmaker really is. Also, a big thanks to the Cross-Country Tow Pilots Association in Illinois, which unknowingly helped me in this little project with a list that they include in their club newsletter. •

,,:·::::

Staff Wanted! We have 120+ gliders on order and need assemblers, parts fabricators and loft personnel. Experience preferred but will train. Contact: Bill Bennett at

Delta Wing P.O. Box 483 Van Nuys, CA 91408 (818) 787-6600.

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HANG GLIDING

RATINGS Bachman \Kitty Hawk Sports - LOWELL BRYANT: Dandridge, TN; B Hawk\Hawk Airsports - KATSU KIMURA: Marietta, GA; J Reynolds\Lookout Mountain Flight Park KEVIN MCCARTHY: Apex, NC; G Reeves\Kitty Hawk Sports - ALBERT SALMON: Charleston, SC; G Reeves\Kitty Hawk Sports - JOHN SPROW: Durham, NC; G Reeves\Kitty Hawk Sports

USHGA SAFE PILOT AWARDS BRONZE GRANT WOLFE - Elizabeth Sharp BEN MURPHY - Jay Busby

BEGINNER RATINGS

Region 12 ROBERT ARNST: Cheektowaga,NY; BChalmers

PILOT: City, State; Instructor /School Region 2 ATRA AMIRI: San Jose, CA; D Yount\Mission Soaring Center- SCOTI BUCK: Fremont, Ca; R Engorn \Mission Soaring Center - PETER H. COEBERGH: Menlo Park, CA; D Yount\Mission Soaring Center - DON CRAGUN: San Jose, CA; D Burns - MARC DORSA: Santa Cruz, CA; W Ostiguy - STEVE KESSINGER: Sevastopol, CA; J Mott- DAVID KEY: Cupertino, CA; D Yount\MSC - JON LEUPP: Santa Gara, CA; D Burns\Mission Soaring Center - MY Q LUU: Mountain View, CA; D Yount\Mission Soaring Center - GENE PFEIFFER: Los Gatos, CA; P Patmon \Mission Soaring Center - JAMIE SHKOLNK: Berkeley, CA; KSchenk Region 3 JIMCODYHARRINGTON:SantaMonica,CA; E Hanson - VICKY KELLY: San Diego, CA; WJ Henry - MARK LALLA: Rosemead, CA; D Quackenbush\ True Flight Concepts - MILES NEWTON: San Diego, CA; J Ryan Region 4 RISHI GUPTA: Boulder, CO; T Hackbart\ Colorado Hang Gliding Center- KEN HIGHAM: Phoenix, AZ; B Holmes Region 6 TED BROOKS: Littlerock, AR; L Haney\Sail Wings HG - RUSTY LITTLE: Crassett, AR; L Haney\Sail Wings HG - MIKE LONG: Littlerock, AR; L Haney\Sail Wings HG- PAT MARTIN: Goodland, KS; R Kenny Region 8 NANCY HALEY: Claremont, NH; R Hastings\Momingside Hang Gliders - BRETI MILLER: Portsmouth, NH; J Greenbaum \Airtime of San Francisco Region 9 MICHAEL ALDERMAN: Chesapeake, VA; G Reeves\Kitty Hawk Sports - PAUL KELLEY: Annapolis, MD; G Reeves\Kitty Hawk SportsROBERT LELAND: Alexandria, VA; G Reeves\Kitty Hawk Sports - JIM S. MCCAUGHAN: Philadelphia, PA; B Hawk\Hawk Airsports - JONATHAN S. MCCAUGHAN: Columbus, OH; B Hawk\Hawk Airsports JODY WILLOUGHBY: Berwyn Heights, MD; J Middleton \Silver Wings Region 10 ROB BONNER: MARCH 1989

Birmingham,

AL;

NOVICE RATINGS PILOT: City, State; Instructor /School Region 1 HENRYIRVINE:Seattle, WA; KBlevins- LORI LAWSON: Bellevue, WA; T Johns Region 2 VIC BRANSON: Santa Rosa, CA; J Minnick CHARLES BUTR YM: Merced, CA; K Muscio RICHARD DEPPE: Pacifica, CA; C Whitehill\Chandelle - ENZO FATICA: San Francisco, CA; C Whitehill\Chandelle - JOHN HEFTI: Berkeley, CA; K Schenk - JOE MONTEMARANO: Fremont, CA; R Engorn KENNETH TALOVICH: Modesto, CA; K Muscio - TODD WHITMER: San Jose, CA; R Engorn \MSC- ROBERT YEE: Mountain View, CA; R Engom - JOHN ZENDER: Redwood City, CA; C Whitehill\Chandelle Region 3 DANIEL BARLEY: Woodland Hills, CA; D Quackenbush\ True FLight Concepts - DR. BEAT BLUM: LosAngeles,CA;RHurst- JUDE SCOTI CUMMINGS: Laguna Niguel, CA; J Ryan - JONATHAN DAVIS: Van Nuys, CA; J Greblo\ Windsports - ALVIN FLORIAN: Poway, CA; R Chase\ Ultimate High - GUY LETOUTNEAU: Andover, MA; D Quackenbush\ True Flight Concepts - T AE MURPHY: San Diego, CA; R Chase\Ultirnate High - JB SCHAG: Newport Beach, CA; M Taber\Lookout Mountain Flight Park Region 4 WILLIAM COX: Tularosa, NM; P Hobson KENDALL REMMICK: Lakewood, CO; G Greer Region 7 BILL BRYDEN: Columbus, IN; GW Meadows\Sequatchie Valley Soaring - BILL ELLISON: Nashville, IN; GW Meadows\Sequatchie Valley Soaring - MARY JANE MCMICHAEL: Royal Oak, MI; J Reynolds \Lookout Mountain Flight Park- RAY MCMICHAEL: Royal Oak, Ml; M Taber\Lookout Mountain Flight Park - WARREN PHINNEY: Wauwatosa, WI; R Whitsitt\ Lookout Mountain Flight Park KERRY TOLZMANN: Madison, WI; B Kushner

Region 8 NORMAND LANDRY: Lowell, MA; J Porter Region 9 DEBBIE LOZANO: Mentor, Rodriguez\Wasatch Wings, Inc.

OH;

Region 10 DICK JACKSON: NMB, FL; M Taber\Lookout Mountain Flight Park - TIM SIMMONS: Birmingham,AL; LEasley- DAVIDWOLLSTEIN: Buford, GA; J Reynolds\Lookout Mountain Flight Park Region 11 JAMES FRANKLIN: Austin, TX; V Belins Region 12 STEVE NIEDZIELA: Rochester, NY; J Reynolds\Lookout Mountain Flight Park JOHN RONCONE: Canadaigua, NY; J Reynolds\Lookout Mountain Flight Park INTERMEDIATE RATINGS PILOT: Oty, State; Observer/School Region 1 MICHAEL HARRIS: Tacoma, WA; D McManus Region 2 JOHN BOWEN: Orinda, CA; P Denavan \Mission Soaring Center - MICHAEL BRADLEY: San Francisco, CA; J Greenbaum \Airtime of San Francisco - ERIC BROUSSARD: San Jose, CA; RPalmon- MARC DANIELS: Salinas, CA; J Williamson\ Western Hang Gliding - KERRY EDWARDS: Orangevale, CA; J Anderson - DONALD ETZBACH: San Francisco, CA; C Whitehill\Chandelle - KEVIN HANLON: San Francisco, CA; J Greenbaum\Airtime of San Francisco - DONALD HURD: San Jose, CA; J Walker - JAROSLAV MACH: Berkeley, CA; C Ballinger - MARK MERRILL: Hayward, CA; W Anderson - VLADIMIR MOROZ: Berkeley, CA; C Bowen - ROBERT PERKINS: Newark, CA; D Burns - WILSON PRICE: Orinda, CA; C Whitehall\Chandelle - DUAINE PRYOR, JR: Berkeley, CA; B Smith - DONALD SAITO: Oakland, CA; C Whitehill \Chandelle - MITCH TUNICK: Los Altos, CA; D Burns\Missiom Soaring Center - NATHAN WHELCHEL: San Jose, CA; J Johns - ROSS WILLIAM: San Francisco, CA; J Greenbaum \Airtime of San Francisco, CA - HERSCHEL WRIGHT: Gilroy, CA; J Johns Region 3 CHIP ADLER: Etawanda, CA; H Snyman DALE OSBORN: San Diego, CA; J Ryan \Hang Gliding Center of San Diego - JAMES SKELTON: Redlands, CA; R Mckenzie\High Adventure - KEVIN SLATNICK: San Diego, CA; WJB Henry Region 4 TEDASHI AIKAWA: Boulder, CO; J Zeiset CRAWFORD PARR: Telluride, CO; L Chiarani

DELTA WIN&

Accessories RATINGS - DANIEL SHROEDER: Tempe, AZ; D McManus Regions CHUCK REMPES: Boise, ID; R Altig Region 7 PAUL LEIN: Mt. Pleasant, MI; J Ryan\Hang Gliding Center of San Diego - JOHN WHITE: Noblesville, IN; R Sacher Region 9 MITCHELL SHIPLEY: Norfolk, VA; M Taber\Lookout Mountain Flight Park Region 10 JOE GUTHRIE: Huntsville, AL; M Taber\Lookout Mountain Flight Park - BRITT RAURENHEIMER: St. Petersburg, FL; G Reeves\Kitty Hawk Sports Foreign ROBERT GILLIS SE: Ft. Buchanan, Puerto Rico; P Haynes ADVANCED RA TINGS PILOT: City, State; Observer/School Region 1 BLAIR ALBERT: Vancouver, WA; R Tworoger Region 2 ROBERT BUSICK: Carmel, CA; C Bowen MARK JOHNSON: San Francisco, CA; K Baier - RICHARD NELSON: Vallejo, CA; M Chirico Region 3 EUGENE EMORY: San Diego, CA; K Baier MARK KRAUS: Santee, CA; L Betts - FRED MANDILK: Grand Terrace, CA; D RenshawArminta \Natural High Region 7 JERZY LUTKOWSKI: Chicago, IL; M Bunner Region 10 JEFF WILSON: Birmingham, AL; E Chambers Region 12 ROGER BAKER: Middleton, NJ; P Voight MASTER Region 3 N. NIEL KJAR: Waimanalo, HI; G Lawless

INSTRUCTORS Region 2 B-TIMARAI:Danville,CA;PDenevan\RLocke

AIRSTREAM HARNESS The low drag profile harness

iealures·

...._.....__..._~---.J • LILIENTHAL AWARDS BRONZE ALAN BARKER LIZ BERTANY KARL CAMERON MARC DANIELS DENNY DENNISON MARKDILLAN LENARD DIX JOHN DONOHUE RONFUGUNT FLOYD HARRIS MIKE HEDDEN LARRY HEIBEL MICHAEL HILBERATH RON HICKS GARYHUHR PAUL JANAK PATRICK JORDFN SALLY KIMMEL JEFF LAUGHREY SGT. ROBERT LE.TI JEROL LOVE JER2Y LUTKOWSKI FRED MANDILK JOHN MAUPINS WAYNE MOORE AL PARKINSON HAROLDO PEREIRA GEORGE PORNARAS SCOITRAUCH JOHN ROHLEDER RICARDO SIMAS ROSA EARL RUMMEL MICHAEL SACEK STEVE SAHAGIAN J SCHUCHTER LARRY SMARTT DAVID SUHL JON THOMPSON SCOT TOMSIC SANTIAGO TORRES JR. CHRISTY VANGEL LARRY WALLS MALCOLM WALWORTH MARK WESTLAND ROSS WILLIAMS PATRICK WINTHER

SILVER ALAN BARKER LEE BURGHARDT , KEVIN KWOLKE Region 3 JER2Y LUTKOWSKI FRED MANDILK A-MA TT SPINELLI: San Fernando, CA; K DR. SCOTT SINDELAR Baier\B Bennett - A-DON QUACKENBUSH: San Fernando, CA; K Baier\B Bennett

• Ad1ustable C. G. • Faired parachute & ballast container • Ad1ustable foot stirrup • Custom sizes to 111 all pilols. • Large choice of colors . Price $395

Region 4 A-BOB THOMPSON: Glendale, AZ; K Baier\ B Bennett

ROMER HELMET Made by German manufacturer with over 125 yrs. of experience. 11 was designed to provide a light weight helmet that - - - - - - - gives maximum protection • DOT approved. • Exe. temporal protection • Special ear openings • Made of polycarbonate. • Available 1n Y O While • Pnce $110 .__ __;;;;;;;;__ _-1 HIGH ENERGY SPORTS "BUS" PARACHUTE High quality chute designed :o withstand h1qhspeed openings • 8u111 10 TSO standards. • All seams reinforced • V labs at each line attachment • Type XVIII bridle rated at 6000 lbs • Deployment Bag 1•1,cont Pnce S39S

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BULLET BALLISTIC RECOVERY SYSTEM The bullet 1s a balhst1cally (spring) deployed chule that 1s easily at1ached to any glider. II virtually elim1na1es any chance of chute entanglement.

• Fast deploymenl time • 18 gore chute • 20 4· canopy • Total system wl 3 3 kg • Pnce $695

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DELTA WING TRAINING WHEELS. A must for all beginner and novice level pilots no more sudden slops with these high impact.

urelhane landing wheels Prevents m1uries to hands. etc Less char.ce of damaging your glider with a hard landing • Lifetime guarantee • Dealers inquire aboul add1t1onal vol. disc. • Pnce .$40 INSTRUMENTS Ball 620H Vano1Aud10 Ball 651 Vario/Audio-All1meter 1•1110 ft steps Ball 652 Vario/Audio-IQ ft. Altimeter-Airspeed Retrofit Airspeed to Model 651 Ball 670 Airspeed. 2.25 inch. 70 mph . Ball M-20 Wrist mounted Aud10,Vario Ball M-20 wrearphone 1ack Lilek VE 12 wr,st mounted Litek VE 12 wrearphone jack Lilek VE 7 L1tek VE 35 Roberts Vario & All Hall Windmeter

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MISC, MATERIALS & SUPPLIES Delta wing T shins .. S 10.00 Golf shirts . .S 14.00 Streamline tubmg-1" x 2v,·· X .058 wall. . .S 7.50/h. 1nstabushings-1v,··. 1'.',·. 1'1,·. 17/o"2", 2V,"S 2.00 Order 100 .. S 1.00 lnstabush inser1 for v,· bolt . . .S .20 Delta Wing stocks Progressive Aircraij parts & accessories. See your Delta Wing dealer nearest you or contact:

DELTA WING

BOX 483 VAN NUYS, CA

91408 (818) 787-6600 Telex 65·1425 FAX (818) 787-6611 DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED HANG GLIDING

Hang Gliding Lesson #1 Fly hard, fly safe, fly with High Energy Sports To reduce risk of bodily injury or death while hang gliding you need a complete safety system. From your glider to your hang straps you need to know you have the best system for you. We at High Energy Sports specialize in harness-parachute systems designed for the worst circumstances.

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2236 W. 2nd St.• Santa Ana, CA 92703 • (714) 972-8186

NEW ZEALAND OPEANALPS

1988 ACCIDENT REPORT Back To Normal by Doug Hildreth A s predicted, the 1988 fatality record represents a significant improvement over 1987. We knew that the 1987 increase in deaths was abnormal, and last year was back to "normal." There were a total of nine fatalities in 1988, seven of which were footlaunch (one crash on landing, one flying into a tree, one failure to hook in, two strong weather, two in-flight stalls, and one tandem tow). It is clear that the causes of hang gliding fatalities remain identical to the causes of all accidents. MATERIAL AND METHODS Most of you can skip this part. The annual USHGA accident report is compiled from two sources: the voluntary incident reports that are sent in by a pilot who has had, or a witness who has seen, a hang gliding accident, and the questionnaires included annually with the election ballot. Usually we receive 120-140 accident reports and 150-180 questionnaires. This year we received 110 accident reports and no questionnaires, due to the late election. This does not mean there were fewer accidents. The information from the questionnaires does weight the statistics a bit differently, and in comparing this report to previous years care should be taken. (Usually there are six to eight failures to hook in, half of which come as official reports and the other half in the questionnaire.) DISCUSSION In past years crashes on landing have been as numerous as crashes on launch, but this year crashes on landing notably exceed crashes on launch. Since all other accident causes remain proportionally the same, we will discuss these in the monthly column in Hang Gliding magazine. But crashes on landing are noteworthy here. As all of you know, gliders have become more difficult to land, although most top pilots who fly several times a week dispute this claim. They contend that the rest of us just don't know how to land properly. Inanyevent, landings area problem. 38

Variable geometry has not yet statistically made a change in the number of crashes on landing, but wheels on control bars definitely reduce injury and glider damage during hard or crash landings. There have been some good how-to-landyour-glider articles. Would a different type of variable geometry be useful in slowing gliders for landing? Would a nose wheel be helpful? Could we enter into a discussion of landing technique for new gliders in this magazine? Please write me with ideas that you believe might help the weekenders land their new ships more safely. Together let's reduce crashes on landing in '89. There were only six parachute deployments reported. All were successful. Usually we receive the bulk of our parachute deployment information from the questionnaires, so this is a difficult number to assess. We received no incident reports involving ballistic or rocket deployments, but we are delighted to see these devices finally being used on gliders. RECOMMENDATIONS 1) 2)

3) 4) 5) 6)

7) 8) 9) 10) 11)

Please, HOOK IN! Make sure your harness is operating correctly and that you climb into it properly. Make aggressive, running launches every time. Repack your parachute yearly. Save your pennies for a ballistic/ rocket-<leployed system. Develop a buddy system to further your skills and promote safety (especially Beginner and Novice pilots). Stay out of the surf. Promote rigorous standards for towing. Write more instructional towing articles for Hang Gliding magazine. Support the tandem proficiency system. Get involved in the USHGA Safe Pilot Award Program.

Crashes Crash on Launch: ........................... 21 Crash on Landing: .......................... 33 In-Flight Stall: .................................. 17 Flewfnto: ......................................... 17 Failure to Hook In: ........................... 3 Flew Into Rotor: ................................ 7 Strong Weather: ................................ 8 Tumble (weather): ............................ 2 Tumble (aerobatics): ........................ 1 Aerobatics: ......................................... 2 In:proper Assembly: ·: ...................... l Pnmary Structural Fa1lu.re: ............. 1 Seconcfary Structural Failure: ......... 1 Mid-Air Collision: ............................ 1 Harness Problems: ........................... 2 Students: .......................................... 21 Landed in Surf: ................................. 3 Parachute Deployment: ................... 6

Injuries Head: ................................................ 11 Face: .................................................. 16 Neck: ................................................ 10 Shoulder: .......................................... 10 Arm: ................................................. 17 Elbow: ................................................ 4 Forearm: ........................................... 10 Chest: .................................................. 6 Back: ................................................... 5 Abdomen: .......................................... 3 Pelvis: ................................................. 2

r~i~' ..:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~ Calf: .................................................. 11 Ankle/Foot: ....................................... 6

Fatalities Year Foot-Launch Tow 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988

Tandem

0 2 4 9 40 32 38 24 23 30

16 11 11 4 6 5 17 7

1 5 1 3 4 1

1 2

(2) HANG GLIDING

FOOT-LAUNCH FATALITIES Date: 4/10/88 Pilot: Robert Porter 40 Age: Experience: Intermediate Location: Lookout Mountain, Tennessee Glider: AirWave Magic Injuries: Head and neck Event: Forty-year-old Massachusetts Intermediate pilot on flying trip to Tennessee. Had a good launch and uneventful sled run to the landing area. Good set-up and approach; everything looked perfect. Opinions differ, but probably pilot was preoccupied with faulty harness zipper, was looking down at it, and flew into the ground. Possibility exists of medical event immediately prior to the crash. 4/17 /88 Date: Pilot: Craig Wendt Age: 34 Experience: Advanced Location: Elizabethville, Pennsylvania Glider: Wills Wing Sport Injuries: Head and/or fractured neck Event: Pilot had good first flight, top landed, and two to three hours later relaunched. Performed a360 immediately after launch, flew a short way down the ridge and performed two more 360s extremely close to the trees. Probably fell out the back side of a thermal, hit trees and dove in vertically from SO feet, crashing in the launch area. CPR unsuccessful. 5/88 Date: Pilot: Walt Edmondson Age: 34 Experience: Beginner, one year Location: Dillon Beach, San Francisco, CA Glider: Vision Eclipse 19 Injuries: Head and/or fractured neck Event: Following some personal problems and a layoff from flying, pilot attempted to soar sand dune in very light winds. Good launch, turned and slowly pushed out until glider stalled and turned back into the hill. 6/11/88 Date: Pilot: Dick Cassetta 44 Age: Experience: Advanced Location: Banning Pass, California Glider: AirWave Magic, full-race Injuries: Head and internal Event: Southern California League Meet. Task was from Elsinore to Yucca Valley. Several pilots had reached Banning Pass and winds had picked up to 40 mph. Several pilots crashed on landing in high winds. One glider tumbled and broke with successful parachute deployment. Pilot was last reported low in the foothills in significant turbulence, apparently trying to work back up. Postulated that strong winds, thermal and/ or rotor inverted glider at low altitude with crash on ridge top.

MARCH 1989

Date: 9/4/88 Pilot: Eric Oppie Age: 32 Experience: Novice Location: Barr Mountain, Washington Glider: Delta Wing Dream Injuries: Head, face, neck Event: Pilot failed to hook in and fell 200 feet. Was distracted with radio adjustment, neglected to do hang check, and launched without being hooked in. Date: 9/14/88 Earl Fritchie Pilot: 37 Age: Advanced Experience: Mt. Gaylor, Arkansas Location: UP Comet Glider: Injuries: Head and face Event:Two pilots launched in building conditions of approaching storm. First pilot landed just prior to arrival of gust front. Fritchie approached through 30-40 mph turbulent winds. At 30 feet glider suddenly rotated nose down and dove in. 10/22/88 Date: Pilot: Richard Carlson Age: 45 Experience: ? Location: Francis Peak, Utah Glider: Wills Wing SST Injuries: Head, face, chest, tom thoracic aorta. Died 12 hours later in hospital of head injury. Event: Pilot had flown his SST seated ten years previously. Had recently returned to flying. Launched in 25 mph winds, soared for 30 minutes; penetrated for 30 minutes to reach landing zone. Pilot was "extremely low in the canyon" and unable to reach primary landing zone. Probably stalled at 100 feet making turns on approach to restricted alternate landing field.

TOWING FATALITIES Date: Pilot: Passenger: Age:

8/11/88 Scott Beyer (185 lbs.) Nick Adams (215 lbs.) Adams---33 Beyer-36 Experience: Advanced Location: Xenia, Ohio Glider: Delta Wing Dream 240 Injuries: Massive internal Event: Advanced pilot, instructor and Tandem I rated pilot was towing (ATOL) tandem with a newspaper reporter. Camera on glider. Passenger on pilot's left. Tow bridle attached to pilot only. Weak link quite strong. No observer aboard truck. Hot, humid and calm. Launch went smoothly. At end of runway vehicle turned around 180° for "downwind leg," of step tow, with glider at 800 feet. Vehicle made second turn to begin upwind run, and pilot turned left to follow vehicle. Slack tow line caught over top of left wing tip, probably snagging on outboard batten, putting glider into steep left-hand spiral dive into ground. No release. No parachute deployment. 39

LOOKING FOR GOOD SERVICE? Look no Further. We want your business ... And here1s what we're doing to get it! KITTY HAWK KITES is a full service hang gliding school and dealer offering you:

• A WIDE SELECTION OF GLIDERS. Select the model and color that's right for you. We carry a wide selection in stock or available for quick delivery. • A COMPLETE INVENTORY OF PARTS. For your conven· ience, we carry most glider parts so that you dmft lose flying time waiting on delivery or pay astronomical freight charges. • A LARGE INVENTORY OF ACCE$SOR1ES. State-of..the-art helmets, harnesses,:p;rachutes, variomete'rs;'.altimeters and other · for immediate selection and purchase. AIR AND TUN-ING:, Our 1arg\: rep~Jr. , , , . for your glider needs; .' '/

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EASY WHEELIN~ QUICK SAFE WHEELS No more hassles! No more excuses! • Snap On/Snap Off Anytime-Anywhere • Affordable/High Quality • Rugged/Dependable Safety wheels protect you and your glider from injury on that occasional stave' em up landing. A must for dealers with demo gliders. German made, thousands flying in Europe. 7" Diameter x 2-1/2" width Extremely lightweight Store in glider bag or harness Specify 1" or 1-1 /8" base bar $45.00 PER PAIR SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO:

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COMPETITION CORNER

The 1988 Idaho XC Challenge In the Gold Class (previous flights over 50 miles), the two really big flights were tallied by Ken Cavanaugh and Eiji Yakoda. The duo achieved the flights on a route (the "Ruby Route") from King Mountain that had been theorized for years but had previously yielded no flights beyond 85 miles. Being the only pilots to launch King on July 3, they not only confirmed the route's grandeur but also regained some lost face after a humiliating day on July 2 at the Grant, Montana pig roast. Both had landed at the bottom of the pig roast flying site in ideal conditions in which many pilots got big XC mileage. Since the Grant flying site was on the route downwind of King Mountain, the pair radioed in their position and altitude to the Grant participants as they flew by at cloud base. They eventually landed further downwind than any of the fly-in pilots. Their flights were both ended to avoid small storms that were seen further downwind. They both flew over the historic ghost townofVirginia City,Montana. Cavanaugh landed near Ennis Lake and Yakoda put down by the small town of Twin Bridges, MT. Yakoda's first 100-mile flight was calculated to bea juicy 130.5 great circle miles! Cavanaugh got 138.2 and a new state record! · Paul Allen and Frank Gillette achieved 100-mile flights on a King Mountain to Salmon, Idaho route. Frank actually pioneered this route and achieved the first 100-mile flight over the terrain with which he had become intimately familiar. However, Paul bumped Frank out of third place when he eeked out 108 miles on a light day with awesome thermal density. The normal north headwind was absent in the Salmon River Canyon during this year of the drought. The silver class got off to a bang in the early spring when Jeff Woody went 61 miles from Pickle Butte on the west side of the state. He reportedly spent the majority

of his airtime at low altitude, working small rims and everything else that sent air skyward. Terry Wilde worked hard at high

altitude with no wind to blast 66 miles off King Mt. later in the spring. Bill Snyder performed the coup de grace on the other

1988 Idaho XC Challenge Results Gold Class (over 50 miles) Pilot

Launch

Date

Miles

Glider

1) Ken Cavanaugh King Mt. 2) Eiji Yakoda King Mt. King Mt. 3) Paul Allen 4) Frank Gillette King Mt.

7/3 7/3 8/14 6/19

138.2* 130.5 108.0 106.0

150 Sport 160 Xcel 167 Sport HPII

Silver Class (under 50 miles) 1) Bill Snyder 2) Terry Wilde 3) Jeff Woody 4) Jay Moore

King Mt. King Mt. Pickle Butte King Mt.

6/19 5/21 3/16 10/2

64.0 61.0 31.0

165 C2 167 Sport HPI 167 Sport

12.0

138 Genesis

72.0

Women's Class 1) Lisa Tate

Mt. Harrison

7/23

Out-And-Return Class 1) Paul Allen King Mt. 2) Frank Gillette King Mt. 3) Ken Cavanaugh King Mt.

5/21 10/2 5/29

97.0 38.0 32.0

167 Sport 167 Sport 155 Mystic

Drivers Class Pilot

Vehicle

Miles

Award

1) Toni Cavanaugh 2) Brent Gillette 3) Vicki Allen

1977 Chev 4x4 1986 Ford 4x4 1986 Toyota

Thousands hundreds hundreds

gold silver bronze

*Idaho state distance record HANG GLIDING

Brent Gillette who tolerated and mental abuse she supplied them to cross five the Continen-

cn·nr~nr•

of the Mount Harrison flew miles to win the women's She faired better than most of heir peers there at Harrison. There were no winners in the 150-mile thfl money in the will carry over to next year. In the "driver" "'"'""''"'"" was awarded among other

MARCH 1989

wilderness search and rescue missions. Vicki Allen was a warded the bronze driver award.1!111

1988 Idaho XC winn«!rs: Back row, left lo Dr. Paul Allen Yakoda) and Lisa

-13

Afro Cross Country 8000 ....................................... $1050.00 Afro Cirrus 8000 ...................................................... $950.00 Afro Owens Valley 800Qa ........................................ $899.00 Afro Cumulus 8000 .................................................. $595.00

~trin~fv':r~.::::::::::·.:::·.:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~~:~ Pocket Combi, Vario Altimeter .................................. $490.00 Pocket Vario ............................................................ $329.00 Pocket Altimeter withVario Audio ............................ $395.00 Pocket Altimeter, dighal ........................................... $325.00 Afro Thermo Snoopy ............................................... $199.00 Analog Air Speed lrdicator ...................................... $149.00

i:1~~;t::::::::::::::::::::::::):::::::::::::::::::::::::::rtrn Flytec Data Flight OF 2030 ...................................... $852.00 Flytec Data Flight OF 2020 .................................... $1072.00 Flytec Pilo11 ............................................................ $495.00 Litek VE 12 .............................................................. $159.00 Litek VE 7 ................................................................ $169.00 Ball 652 .................................................................... $575.00

Ball 651 .................................................................... $475.00 M 21 ......................................................................... $225.00 Aerocom Vario ......................................................... $199.00 Aerocom Cockph--Vario, Alt., Airspeed .................. $595.00 MISCELLANEOUS Ballistic BRS 4HG .................................................... $769.00 Maxon FM Radio, Portable ...................................... $319.00 Microphone ................................................................ $39.00 PARACHUTES High Energy 20.Gore ............................................... $345.00 High Energy 22-Gore ............................................... $365.00 Hancllury Chute ...................................................... $345.00 HARNESSES Eric Raymord Equalizer, from ................................. $490.00 Eric Raymord Streamliner, from ............................. $425.00 High Energy Sports Cocoon .................................... $295.00 High Energy Sports P.O.D ....................................... $425.00 HELMETS Aerodyne S,M,L ......................................................... $89.00 Romer Full Face ...................................................... $109.00

NEW GLIDERS Moyes GTR, from ................................................ $2696.00 Moyes Mission, from ........................................... $2195.00 UP Axis, from ...................................................... $2695.00 Delta Wing Light Dream, from ............................. $1895.00 Delta Wing &!per Dream, from ........................... $2195.00 USED GLIDERS Sensor 510 C Dealer Demo ................................ $2190.00 Sensor 510 C Full Race, low hours ..................... $2190.00 Sensor 510 C Full Race.fact. pilot glider ............. $2250.00 Sensor 510 A VG, clean ........................................ $850.00 WW Sport Europ., low hours ............................... $1450.00 WW HP ................................................................ $1200.00 WW Skyhawk 180 ............................................... $1250.00 WW Duck 180 ....................................................... $695.00 Wills Wing Skyhawk 160, low hours .................... $1270.00 UP Axis, demo ..................................................... $2490.00 NEW ITEMS Lightweight Oxygen System .................................. $699.00 Aircraft Compass, used ........................................... $49.00 Afro Cumulus 8000 Vario, Altimeter ...................... $325.00 Oxygen, four flow meters, incred. duration ........... $495.00 Afro Pocket Combi, Ah.,Vario Prog....................... $395.00

Orders Only Toll Free: 1 (800) 222-6430 (outside California) VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Accepted Advanced Air Technology, Inc., 29 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 962-8999 FAX: (805) 964-3337 24 hrs.

RIO DE JANEIRO FL YING TOUR August until December - open Minimum of 2 persons - For Hang II thru IV PRICES INCLUDE: • First-class hotels with private • Transportation bath, sharing double occupancy. • Rides up • Breakfast included • Retrieval • Bi-lingual guide service • GLIDERS PRICE U.S. $90 PER DAY

MODEL 651 VARIO/AUDIO/ DIGITAL ALTIMETER $515

CONT ACT: Patrick Bredel barao de jaguaripe 323/3 lpanema Rio de Janeiro RJ 22421 Brazil (21) 259-0159 FAX (21) 239-7339

MODEL 652 VARIO/AUDIO DIGITAL ALTIMETER/ AIRSPEED $615

The Hall Airspeed Indicator

MODEL M20 WRIST VARIO $220

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

Airspeed lndlcetor with Long Bracket

Control Bar Protectors

Airspeed Indicator . . ..... $21.50 Long Bracket . . . 6.50 Foreign & C.O.D. Orders add $2.00 Control Bar Protectors 5" diameter ABS plastic wheels. Specify 1" or 1-118" control bar. Wheels - $20 00/pair Foreign & C.O.D. orders add $2.00 Hall Brothers P.O. Box 771-H, Morgan, UT 84050 MasterCard I Visa I COD Phone Orders (801) 829-3232

BALLCLAMP $20 Available from hang glider manufacturers and dealers

CLASSIFIEDS CONSUMER ADVISORY: Used hanf. gliders always should be disassembled before £1 ying or the first time and inspected carefully for fatigue or bent or dented down tubes, ruined bushings, bent bolts (especially the heart bolt), re-used Nyloc nuts, loose thimbles, frdecl or rusted cables, tangs with non-circular holes, an on Rogallos, sails badly tom or tom loose from their anchor points front and back on the keel and lea~ edies. If in doubt, many hang gliding businesses · be appy to give an objective opinion on the condition of equipment you bring to them to inspect. ROGALLOS COMET 2-1 /2 165 - Half ribs, 43 hours airtime, original owner, immaculate condition, speed bar $870. (602) 893-2523. COMET 185-Good shape, Excellent flyer, $300, (916) 342-4459.

(303) 278-9566. NIMBUS UGI-IT 160- Excellent beginner glider Oike ATLAS or DREAM) demo, like new, instead $1850, only $1200, now! (718) 855-7058. PACIFIC AIRWAVE - MK IV 19, great handling glider, good shape, manr options, supine or prone rigging, low airtime, $169 , call Paul at (716) 394-1254. PROFIL 17 - White w/green spectrum 4.5 oz sandwich doth, MLE, optional double French. $1100. (318) 981-8372. PROSTAR II 165 - Low airtime, custom shooting-star with multi-colored trail on gold and white sail. Knee hanger harness, chute, Thommen Altimeter, Colver variometer, helmet. Complete, $1850. (213) 943-7329.

DREAM 165 - Never used. $1400. (315) 724-4400.

RAVENS 229 - two in stock. Excellent shape, rigged for tandem, multi-colored. Sequatchie Valley Soaring, (615) 949-2301.

DREAM 205 - Excellent condition, supine or prone rigging. $1195. (916) 265-9284.

SENSOR 510A VG - Full race, excellent condition. $800, OBO. (412) 898-3219.

DREAM 240 - Tandem,3 times flown, all white with yellow lea~e~e. Nov. '87, very good condition $1250. (718) 7 8.

SENSOR 510A 165-Red, orange, yellow, and white, $750. P /KV AMPIRE 160 - Orange and white, stre tubes (down tubes, kin~t, L & Raft L.E.) $300. th for $900. Rich (603) 763- 407 eve., (603) 526-4441 day.

DUCK 130 - Black, Red, and White. Good condition, make offer. (619) 473-9743. DUCK 160 - Excellent condition, great hang II-ill glider $700. Pete (619) 480-1321.

1987 SENSOR510-B-Full race. Mint, ve2; low hours, with half-ribs, 4.5 calandered TE, red Tri- am LE, ye!low BS. $1895 or best offer. (404) 398-3541, 398-3433. SENSOR 510 3/ 4 B - Excellent condition, 60 hours. Red leadin&edge and under surface. $1400 - deal! Call Danny at ( 1) 852-2358 Leave message.

DUCK 180 - January '88 Centerspread, low airtime, excellent condition, built-in camera button, $950. (205) 221-7428.

SENSOR 510 C - Dealer demo $2175 (805) 962-8999.

FOIL 160B-Racer - A fast glider, bright flourescent colors, 100 hours, $1600. (415) 521-7666.

SENSOR510 C-Full race, low hours, $2175, (805) 9628999

HARRIER I 187 - Excellent condition. New down tubes, LE's, wires. $500. (916) 342-4459.

SENSOR 510 VG - Red and white. Good condition. Make offer (619) 473-9743.

HP II FULL RACE - fly America colors, with stars. Rode easy & put away dry! $1300 oho. HP 1-1/2 red, gold, yellow, white. Colorado State record holder! ~oiler connections. $1000, oho. Cindy or Ian (303) 44079.

SENSOR510-165-VG, 1982. $400wom sail. Still good performance. (805) 652-2136. SPORT AMERICAN 167 - Full race, excellent. $1900 080. Matt Beloit, Wisconsin. Days - (608) 362-9920, Night - (608) 362-8174.

CAN'T AFFORD A NEW GLIDER ?7 SAILS REPAffiED & REWORKED - Replace tom Leading Edge panels and make your old glider look NEW! Patches, half-battens, etc. Free estimates. 6 yrs. experience. Cindy Drozda, L/D Ent~rises, 5000 Butte St. #183, Boulder, CO 80301 (303) -3579. WANTED- Used hang tding equipment. Gliders, instruments, harnesses an parachutes. Airtime of San Francisco , 3620 Wawona, San Francisco, CA 94116. (415) SKY-1177. WANTED- Javelin, Superlancer, Harrier II, Maxi-III, IV. Lin (414) 542-0171. COLORADO HANG GLIDING Glider Bags .................................................. $65 Bell Helmets ................................................ In Stock ?i:,£5~~:;~~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::[~~$2,000 Used Chutes ................................................ $200 Steel Carabineer, Rated, $16. Stubai 11,000 lbs. All equip. inspected; shipped anywhere (303) 278-9566 Up Over New Mexico, Inc. (505) 292-0647 New Gliders: Vision M IV 17,19 ....................................... $2,000 188 Skyhawk ............................................... $1,700 Used Gliders: 1988 Sensor 510C F/R ............................... $2,500 1986 HP I ..................................................... $900 1987 HP I ..................................................... $1,000 1988 240 Dream .......................................... $1,700 185 & 165 Dream ........................................ $1,500 ea Ultralights: Pterodactyl w /340cc Kiuna ...................... $2,500 THE HANG GLIDING CENTER Magic Kiss ...................................................... New 150 Sport, full race ........................................ New 167 Sport, full race ........................................ New 167 Sport, F.R demo .................................... $2275 167 Sport, spam F.R demo .......................... $1975 167 Sport, spam ............................................. $1500 HP 2, full race demo ..................................... $1975 Magic IV 166, race demo ............................. $1975 Vision M IV 17, 19 .......................................... $New 4206-K Sorrento Valley Blvd .. San Diego, CA 92121 We have all kinds of new and neat stuff! (619) 450-9008.

HP 1-1/2- Blue L.E., white trailing edge, U.V. doth, new wires, sandwich doth tips, good condition,$955. Will ship. (602) 939-3281.

SPORT 167 - Excellent condition blue LE, rainbow, white TE, speed bar, $1700 (818) 357-9479.

LIGHT DREAM 145 - Excellent condition, Bell He!met $1100. (303) 278-9566.

SPORT 167 - Euro race version, good condition. $1950. Call (702) 452-5554.

ALABAMA

LIGHT DREAM 185 $1550. (303) 278-9566.

Tight sail, 5 hours, will ship

SPORT EUROPEAN 167 - Low airtime, excellent condition, $1850. (818) 761-0085.

LMFP - Two hours from Birmingham (see our ad under Tennessee. (404) 398-3541.

MAGIC IV - Racer, 166, safe-edle d.t., excellent performance and handling. (801) 25 6141.

VISION ECLIPSE 17-Excellent condition. $1200 (501) 224-2186.

ARIZONA

Magic IV 155-V.G., Blue/White, $950. (916)893-4743.

VISION MK IV 19 - 1988 model, very low airtime, ristine condition, trilam LE, 4.4 oz~ion, for Han; II11V, see DEC. 1987 review, $1795/ , call Larry ( 16) 381-8251.

SCHOOLS AND DEALERS

MAGIC IV 166 - Comet 165, Vision 18, Raven 179 & 229 (215) 527-1687. MAGIC IV 166 - All race features, very good condilion, $1400. (714) 589-0109. MYSTIC 155 VG- 60 hours, excellent condition, gold, blue, and white. Must sell. $1150. (or offer) (208) 2379157. MYSTIC LITE 177- VG, low hours. $1000. Greg (213) 519-7096. UGI-IT MYSTIC 177 -Sherbert colors, like new, $1700.

MARCH 1989

2ZEPI-IIR 170-'88model, BRANDNEW,mustgofor new stock, 1 white, multicolor brown, 1 white/re on2'. $2800. (retail= $3150.) Fust come first served (718) 85 7058. ZEPHIR 170 - Rigged for MINJMUM, white , blue, multicolor-blue, good condition. (demo) 1-1/2 years old $1700. (718) 855-7058. CASH FOR CONDORS (any condition) - and other equipment. Hang Glider Emporium. (805) 965-3733.

ARIZONA WINDSPORTS - Largest Hang Gliding center in the southwest. Certified Instruction utilizing the world's first man-made trainer hill. INEXPENSIVE prices on lessons and equipment. Dealer for Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing, Seed wings, Moyes, High Ener~ Ball and Seagull classic 6:arts. 1327 E. Bell De Mar ·ve, Tempe, AZ 85283. (6 2) 897-7121.

DESERT HANG GLIDERS, USHGA Certified School. iecialists. 4319 W. Larkspur, Glendale, AZ . ( 2) 439-0789, 938-9550. ARKANSAS

OZARK MOUNTAIN HANG GLIDERS -Sales, service and instruction. Dealer for Wills Wing, Moyes, Eric Raymond harnesses. 8 Blue Jay Way, Conway, AR 72032. (501) 327-0698.

CL_ASSIFIEDS SAIL WINGS HANG GLIDING - Certified instruction. Authorized agent for Pacific Airwave, CG 1000. FLY ARKANSAS. 200'-2000' sites. 5-day tours, spring and summer. Guide, transportation, accommodations. 1601 N. Shackleford #131-4, Little Rock, AR 72211. (501) 224-2186. CALIFORNIA AIRTIME OF SAN FRANOSCO - (formerly San Francisco Windsports), Gliders and equipment, sales, and rentals. Private and group instruction by USHGA certified instructors. Local site information and glider rental. 3620 Wawona, San Francisco, CA 94116. (415) SKY-1177. CHANDELLE HANG GLIDING CENTER- USHGA Certified school., uThe best damn hang gilding shop In lheworld,H Dealers for Wills Wing. Pacific Alrwave, Delta Wing. Moyes, Seedwings and High Energy. Five minutes from Fort Funston. 488 Manor Plaza, Pacifica, CA 94044. (415) 359-6800. HANG FLIGHTSYSTEMS-USHGACertifled training program featuring the combined talents of Dan Skadal and Erik Fair. We sell and service all major brands of gliders and accessories. New and used. S-MLG Sport, Skyhawk, HP II, Genesis Vision Mark IV, Magic Kiss. Demos available to qualified pilots. 1202 E. Walnut Unit M, Santa Ana, CA 92701. (714) 542-7444.

tains, Crestline. From sand hill to XC thermal flying. our 20 tandem accelerated training program is quick and thorough. Instructor Rob McKenzie. Dozens of new and used gliders for sale or rent. Other services include, weather information, mountain shuttle, lowing seminars, XC trips, repairs, ratings. (714) 883-8488. THE HANG GLIDING CENTER- Located in beautiful San Diego. USHGA instruction, equipment rentals, local flying tours. Spend your winter vacation flying with us. We proudly offer Wills Wing. Pacific Alrwave, High Energy, Ball and we need your used equipment. 4206-K Sorrento Valley Blvd., San Diego, CA 92121 (619) 450-9008. MISSION SOARING CENTER - Serving the flying community since 1973. Complete lesson program with special attention to quality take-off and landing skills. All major brands of gliders, parachutes and instruments sold. Sail repair and air frame service available. 1116 Wrigley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035. (408) 262-1055. NATURAL IBGH - Hang Gliding school. Personalized instruction and tandems. Glider repair, annual inspection and parts service. Dealer for Delta Wing. Moyes gliders and Wills Wing. P.O. Box 193, Green Valley Lake, CA 92341 (714)867-7961.

SOUTI-ILAND HANG GLIDING - USHGA certified school. Pacific Airwave, Delta Wing. Try a "Magic Kiss." 28882 Woodspring Circle, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679. (714) 589-0109. TORREY FLIGHT PARK, INC. - At the launch of the world famous Torrey Pines Glider Port, one of San Diego's highlights! Unmatched convenience for pilots and spectators. Refreshments and souvenirs at the Cliffhanger Cafe. Certified Training program featuring tandem soaring lessons. New, used, rental and demo equipment by Delta Wing and UP. 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 (619) 452-3202 WINDGYPSY - Certified tandem instruction, daily, year-round. Only full service facility in LAKE ELSINORE. Gliders and equipment new/used from Delta Wing. Moyes, UP, Wills Wing. MEXICAN HANG GLIDING SAFARIS 33041 Walls St., Lake Elsinore, CA 92330. Call Paul Bums, (714) 676-5418. WINDSPORTS,INTL-HangGliding School-Since 1974. Largest and most complete HANG GLIDING CENTER in Southern California. Large inventory of new and used gliders including Sports and Lite Dreams. Accelerated trainingprogramfeaturesTandeminstruction and minimizes course time. 16145 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91406. (818) 988-0111. COLORADO COLORADO HANG GLIDING - USHGA Certified School, dealer all brands. Towing and paraglider inst. Bell helmets. (303) 278-9566.

HANG GLIDER EMPORIUM - The best training hill in the west is in Santa Barbara, a hang gliding VACATION PARADISE. High quality PERSONALIZED instruction focusing on the skills that most affect your SAFETY. Call for vacation info and glider inventory. Tues.-Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-4. 613 N. Mil pas, Santa Barbara, California 93103 (805) 965-3733.

L/D ENTERPRISES-Frame and sail repair; Parts and accessories Cindy Drozda, 5000 Butte #183, Boulder,

co 80301 (303) 440-3579. CONNECTICUT

MOUNTAINWINGS hang gliding center-See our ad under New York. SANTA BARBARA HANG GLIDING CENTER USHGA CERTIFIED SCHOOL. 29 State St., Santa Barbara, CA. 93101 (805) 962-8999. COMPLETE FLEXIBLE INSTRUCTION PROGRAM BEGINNER TO ADVANCED, 1-IlGH QUALITY INSTRUCTION, VERY 1-IlGH SUCCESS RATE, BESf SAFETY RECORD, RENTALS AVAILABLE, CALL FOR QUOTE ON NEW AND USED EQUIPMENT OR VISIT OUR SHOP RIGHT NEXT TO THE BEACH AND WHARF IN SANT A BARBARA.

FLORIDA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK under Tennessee. (404) 396-3541.

See ad

GEORGIA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK-See our ad under Tennessee. (404) 398-3541.

1-IlGH ADVENrURE- Full service facility located on site at Southern California's famous mile high moun-

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HANG GLIDING

CLASSIFIEDS HAWAII

Box 432, Cooperstown, NY 13326. (315) 866-6153.

MAUI SOARING SUPPLIES- Guided rentals, Pacair, Genesis, Mark IV, Wills Wing ~rt. Certified Ins truetion. Box 780, Kula, HI 96790 ( ) 878-1271.

THERMAL UP, INC. - Most complete hang gliding shop in area. Located on top of Ellenville Mountain. USHGA Certified Instructor and Observer. Concen!rating on hanf, gliding instruction with emphasis on launching and anding techniques. Dealer for all major brands. Offering expert sales and service with lowest ~rice in area. Large mail order inventory. Tom Aguero, .0. Box 347, Cragsmoor, NY 12420. (914) 647-3489.

ILLINOIS

l~~iiiM Your han~iliding success company. Representative for Wills ing, Delta Wing, Seedwings, Moyes and Pacific Airwave. State of the art training with mobile flight simulator and dual instruction. Let a USHGA CF1 leatru to your flight success. 1600 Carmel, Zion, IL 600 . (312) 746-1944. MIGIIGAN PRO HANG GLIDERS - Serving the flying community since 1978. Michigan's only USHGA Certified school, specializing in towing. Step Towin~vailable to qualified pilots, 'Rren by Advanced structor, Examiner, Observer orman Lesnow. Represent'w. Wills Wing, Seedwings, Delta Wing. Contact 569 . Annabelle, Hazel Park, Ml 48030, (313) 399-9433. NEVADA HIGH SIERRA SPORTS - dealers for Delta Wing, Wills Wing, Pacific Airwave. USHGA certified training and ratings including tandem. Sierra tours and rentals available. Carson City and Reno locations. 2303 N. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701. (702) 885-1891.

NORTH CAROLINA KITTY HA WK KITES, INC. - PO Box 340, Nags Head, NC 27959. 919-441-4124. Learn to fly over soft sand dunes just south of the site where the Wright Brothers learned to fly. Beginning and Advanced. packages; complete inventory of new gliders, accessories and parts. Windsurfing sales and instruction also available. KITTY HAWK KITES, INC.-P.0. llox340,Nafc Head, NC27959 (919) 441-4124. Learn to hang glide on ockey's Ridge, the largest sand dune on the east coast, just south of where the Wright Brothers' first £light took place. Beginner and advanced. lesson packages and camftsoffered. Advanced tandem tow instruction, 1500 ft. p us up. Dealer for all major brand gliders, complete inventory of new and used gliders, accessories and parts. SAURATOWN KITES - Winston Salem (919) 9452327. Hang Gliding School w I certified instructor. Dealer for Wills Wing, Pacific Windcraft & Delta. New and used equipment.

fllght school. Complete training, from grassy, gentlysloping training hills to soaring high above Lookout Mountain. Our specialty: getting you your first mountain flights. Lesson packages, USHGA ratings, glider and mountain bike rentals, camping, local site Information. Largest inventory of new and used hang glldem and mountain bikes, harnesses, helmets, Instruments, T-shirts. Repair services. We buy used gliders, equipmenll Send $1.00 for brochure, rates, directions, accommodations Information. Twenty minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Route 2, Box 215-H, Dept. HG, Rising Fawn, GA 30738. (404) 3983541 or 398-3433. SEQUATOiIE VALLEY SOARING SUPPUES Dealers for all major brands. Small training classes so you can learn to fly easily. Come fly over 100 miles of ridges and enjoy challenging thennals. Located next to the TTT Henson's Gap site. For personal service you can trust call Valley Soaring, Rt. 2, Box 210, Dunlap, TN 37327 (615) 949-3384, (615) 949-2301.

TEXAS

OHIO

Tired of being a test pilot? Move up to the finest in proven towing equipment. Info pack $2.00. Trust your airtime to the professionals, ATOL, Inc.! 501 82nd St., Lubbock, TX, 79404 (806) 745-9633.

SKYWARD ENTERPRISES - Certified instruction, airframe and sail repair, disassemb~nsf.'lction, Pacific Airwave gders. Mario Manzo, 9 . Smithville Rd., Dayton, I-{ 45420 (513) 256-3888 (eves).

AUSTIN AffiSPORTS-Still the one in central Texas, quality service since 197B. Instruction, sales, rental, and a comtete airframe & sail re.e,air facility. 1712 Waterston, ustin, TX 78703 (512) 74-1669

NEW JERSEY MOUNTAIN WINGS hang gliding center- See our ad under New York.

NORTH COAST HANG GLIDING - Certified Instruction. New & used 15;,ders. Specializing in Pacific Airwave fiders. Mike l Signore, 1916 W. 75th St., Oevelan , OH 44102 (216) 631-1144.

UTAH FLY UT AH WITH

NEW MEXICO

OKLAHOMA UP OVER NEW MEXICO, INC. - Instruction, sales, service. Sandia Mountain guides. Wills, Seedwings, PacificAirwave, Delta,Moyes. Albuquerque, NM (505) 292-0647, NEW YORK FLYELLEN VILLE MOUNTAIN-Visit our new hang gliding center at the base of the mountain, between launch and landing. Train on one of our five exclusive training hills or tr~,one of our simulators at the area's only flight park. e're the ones for certified instruction using only Delta Wing Lite Dreams. Exclusive dealer for Scedwings,PaclficAlrwave and Delta Wing with demo gliders and rentals. Full line of accessories, new and used gliders. Mail orders, VISA/MasterCard accepted. Stop and pick up your gate combo and flit! pass at: MOUTAIN WINGS, INC., 150 Canal t., ELLENVILLE, NY 12428 (914) 647-3377 (WE ARE THE COMPETITION).

OREGON SOU1HERN OREGON HANG GLIDING - USHGA certified instruction. Our students have doubled their airtime since we started using a small ATV to pull the gliders back up the hill. Scenic lakeside training site with camping near Ashland, OR. (503) 479-9531. PENNSYLVANIA MOUNTAIN WINGS hang gliding center-See our ad under New York. TENNESSEE

FLY HIGH HANG GLIDING, INC. - Serving N.Y. City/ Albany,Jersey, Connecticut areas. (On Ellenville Mtn.) Area's exclusive Wills Wing dealer/specialist. Also all other major brands, accessories. Certified Instruction. 10 years experience. Quick repairs. Area's most INEXPENSIVE ifirices. ATOL truck towi~ Contact: Paul Voight, D 2, Box 561, Pine Bush, 12566, (914) 744-3317. SUSQUEHANNAFLIGHTPARKINC.-CentralNew York's HangGHdin~Center. Certified instruction, sales & service for all maior manufacturers. Training hill O 160', jeep rides, 600' NW soarableridge, camping. RD 2,

MARCH 1989

.J=Reenorn

OKLAHOMA HANG GLIDING CENTER- USHGA Certified instruction. Wills Wing, Seedwings, Delta Wing and other major brands. New and used equipmen!, instruments, parachutes, and service. OKC, (405) 943-5484.

HAWK AIRSPORTS - New and improved hang gliding! Attention Novice and beglnneml New 360 degree training hill designed and built specificall[[°r you. Conveniently located. Fun! Fun! Fun! Clinch tn. - The longest ridge, two launches. The popular light wind indicator Windsok. Brochures available. Your satisfaction is the key to our continued growth and success. Hawk Air Sports, Inc., 251 North Boyd's Creek Rd., Sevierville, TN 37862, (615) 453-1035. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - Since 1978, Southeast's largest USHGA-certified mountain

FREEDOM WINGS IT'S WINrER. (801) 943-1005 OR 561-5208, 9173 FALCON ORCLE, SANDY, UTAH 84092 WASATOi WINGS, INC. - USHGA certified hang glidin~hool, dealers for Wills Wing and Pacific Airwave. 'ght operations at Point of the Mountain. (801) 571-4000. VIRGINIA SILVER WINGS, NC. - Certified instruction & equipment sales. Pacific Airwave N. VA. (703) 533-1965. WASHINGTON AIRPLA Y'N PRO SHOP & Hang Gliding School. The largest full time, full service hang gliding shop in Washington. All major brands sold and serviced. 800 Mercer, Seattle, WA 98109. (206) 467-8644.

CLASSIFIEDS INTERNATIONAL DEALERS JAPAN

replacement warranty, dealer incentive program. SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY, Inc. P.O. Box 5&5, Seymour, TN 37865.

MAXON RADIO CASE- Protects your radio! Velcros around harness strap. Many colors available. $18. EXTRA WARM BAR MITTS, Roomy and long 1/4" Neoprene, S-XL, $32/pr. BAR MITT MAP HOLDERS, Easy to read your map while flying! $10/ each. GLIDER BAGS, BATIEN BAGS, HARNESS BAGS, GLIDER SAIL AND FRAME REPAIR L/D ENTERPRISES, Cindy Drozda,500 Butte #183, Boulder, CO 80301 (303)

440-3579.

Distributor major brands hang gliders (Airwave, Magic), instruments, parachutes. Tokyo 03/447/5560, Yugawara 046.5/63/0173, Kurumayarna Hang School fYl.66/ 68/2724 (April - November).2-19-63 Doi, Yugawararnachi, Kanagawaken, Japan 141. FAX 0465 636641. SWITZERLAND SWISS ALP HANG GLIDING SAFARI-For quick, easy flying May to October, call or write Ron Hurst, Jostenstr. 21, 8854 Galgenen, Switzerland, Dir. Dial USA 011 4155 645229.

QUICK RELEASE CARABINER - Breaking 10,000 lbs. $24.95. Extra 5 /16 ball lock pin $10. Dealers wanted. Patent pending. Thermal, 19431-41 Business Center Dr., Northridge, CA 91324.

EMERGENCY PARACHUTES BELL HELMETS - in stock. (303) 278-9566. ALL BRANDS- Bought, sold, and repacked. Inspection and repack $20.00 - Kevlar, nylon, s/ s, bridles installed and replaced. Airtime of S.F., 3620 Wawona, San Francisco, CA 94116. (415) SKY-1177.

FINALLY A HAND FAffiING THAT WORKS! Grade A sheepskin keeps hands WARM throughout all temperature ranges. Send $47 to WYO AERO LITES, 1739South Mitchell, Casper, Wyo. 82601 (307) 235-3367 days or 265-4621 nights. Stop your misery now.

Brand new 20,22 gore parachutes $325. Colorado H.G. (303) 278-9566.

ULTRALINE - The ultimate hang gliding tow line. Lighter, stronger and higher UV protection than polypropylene. $5.50/100'. Volume discounts. Cajun Hang Gliding Oub, 110 Kent Orcle, Lafayette, LA 70508 (318) 981-8372.

SKY MASTER-Spring Deploy (almost identical to the bullet brand in appearance and function). Excellent condition, $250/offers. Mike (414) 384-7131. PARTS & ACCESSORIES

PRIMO AIR MITTS- standard with shiny Lycra exterior. $28.50 per pair. Plush or terry cloth interior, $35/ pair. Shipping $2.00 per pair. Mitts in stock for fast delivery. 8 Blue Jay Way, Conway, AR 72032. (501) 3270698. TUBING, WHEELS, BOLTS, BRACKETS, DACRON plus much more. Free tubing price sheet or send $5 for complete catalog. Leading Edge Air Foils, Inc., 331 S. 14th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. Phone (719) 632-4959. The cruise XCsuprone pod. Totalcomfort and customized to yourneeds. For details contact Steve Dyer, P.O. Box 4504, Federal Way, WA. (206):IB:3-4675.

STEEL CARABINERS-$16.20. Stubai 11,000 lb. Colorado H.G. (303) 278-9566.

THE FAMOUS "LAMBIE LID" -Aerodynamic hang gliding helmet. $65 postpaid. State size and 3 choices of color. 8160 Woodsboro, Anaheim, CA 92807 (714) 7791877.

Learn from the best . . . Lookout Mountain .From. your . atfirst flishts off our grassy, gently-sloping train• Always there when you need them • Warm, comfortable, durable, slide easily across control bar • Instant bare hand dexferity for launch, CB, chute, camera

Watch this space for new Lindsay Ruddock instrument Bob Fisher, 11003 Oasis, Houst, TX 77096 (713) 978-7337.

• Quality const"ruction, 11.... in. neoprene,

Glider bags - Generic, light, strong, 22' length. $65. (303) 278-9566.

nylon inside and out • Available in red or black S, M, or L only $32.50 dealer inquiries invited

SYSTEK III VARIO - New compact design, mount included,ruggedmeter,longbatterylife,optionaldown audio, altimeter, earphone jack. Price $159. Repair I

THE3900AIRWORKS Van Buren NE Albuquerque, NM 87110

(505) 884-6851

ing hnls to soaring high above wo~d-famous Lookout Mountain, we're witn you each step of the way. You'll learn al your own pace from USHGA-certified instructors, and when you're ready, you'll l'.rou~t~~~-~l~~seLso:o~\ levels every day of the

week, year round.

All

equipment provided. Lo· cated just 20 minutes from Chattanooga, Ten· nessee. Camping available in our landing field.

Lookout Mountain Flight Par A full-time, USHGA-certified school Rt. 2 Box 215-H, Dept. HG, Rising Fawn, GA

30738 (404) 398-3343 or 398-3541. Send $1 for BROCHURE.

Year-round Lessons Sales & Service HANG GLIDING

CLASSIFIEDS VIDEOS & FILMS

"I SOAR" - Bumper sticker, 3 colors with picture. $2.00 plus .50 cents postage/handling. Ron Smith, Box 394, West Frankfort, IL 62896.

Mountains ..'1-ligh

SAILMAKING SUPPLIES & hardware. All fabric types. MassachusettsMotorized, P.0. Box542-G, Cotuit, MA 02635. (413) 736-2426.

BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

CRYSTAL AIR SPORT MOTEL at Raccoon Mountain; Bunkhouse, private rustic rooms, regular & waterbeds, video in-room movies, private jacuzzi room, pool, sky gear gifts, fliers work program. FF!: 4328 Cummings Hwy., Chattanooga, TN. 37409. (615) 821-2546. Chuck & Shari Toth. PATCHES & DECALS - USHGA sew-on emblems 3" dia. Full color- $1. Decals-31/'l' dia. Inside oroutside application. $.25 each. P.O. Box 500, Pearblossom, CA 93553.

TIV P ARAPENTE.5 - Most respected name on the world market today, seeks dealers/schools. Swept3 of top 6places at 1988 World Championships, holds world open distance record of 23.5 miles. Holds world duration record of 11 hours 23 min. - certified with most stringent stamp of approval: the German Gutesiegel. Contact ITV USA (Mark Chirico), 351 Pleasant St., Suite 175, Northampton, MA 01060. Tel: (508) 885-6073. WANTED- Full-time shop/service employee, Mission Soaring Center in beautiful Milpitas, CA. Position available now! Mechanical experience a must. Glider maintenance experience a plus, but not necessary. Call (408) 262-1055.

MOUNTAINS HIGH-is a professional VHS videotape by the producer of TELLURIDE! Includes footage of the 1988 hang gliding festivals at Telluride and Silverton, CO. Watch aerobatic highlights, ATOL truck towing and incredible flying, including aerial footage. $35 plus $3 shipping. Calif. residents add state tax. TELLURIDE! also available, $35. Robert Reiter, 1539 63rd St., Emeryville, CA 94608 (415)655-0615. PAUL'S VIDEO PRESENTS -Tom Tatum's "Daredevil Flyers" with Chuck Yeager featuring '82 aerobatics in Telluride, $45.00. '88 World Meet "USA in Australia" $40.00. '87 Telluride Festival & Aerobatics $35.00 P.O. Box 1662, Telluride, CO 81435. (303) 728-3217. MISCELLANEOUS

Experienced USHGA Certified Instructors needed NOW! Lots of students .... not enough instructors. Send resume to: Mission Soaring Center, 1116 Wrigley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035.

LEARN MORSE CODE - for FCC Amateur license. Tutorialcomputerprogrammakesiteasy! For IBM-PC (or compatible) computers. Send $19.50 (save $2.50 include 5.25" disk with pre-stamped disk mailer) to: KEITH NICHOLS, 1819 Lamont St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20010.

INSTRUCTORS WANTED - Prefer certified but will train qualified people. Advancement opportunities include tour guiding and management. Western Hang Gliders, P.O. Box 828, Marina, CA 93933. (408) 3842622.

FOREIGN PILOTS! - Visiting the USA? Order your new UP Axis now, and take delivery at UP's Lake Elsinore factory! Custom colors available. Great prices! Call J.C. Brown (505) 294-8697 or (714) 674-7005. Domestic inquiries welcome.

STOLEN WINGS

HP I - Black LE, Yellow undersurface, white lop and paucha insignia on under wing, alone forever slicker on right undersurface. Orange flight bag, w/ black flight deslgns. Cocoon harness, yellow Romer helmet, flight sult. Stolen along with truck on Nov. 15th, 1988.

LOST - Large blue gym bag with brown strap. In it was a blue boulder cocoon harness with an Odyssey chute sewn to the belly of It. Also a black nose cover. It fell off the lop of my van, somewhere between the dunes al Cape Klwanda Oregon, and Pacific City a few miles south. Any info please contact Bruce Kissler at (206) 431-0929 home, or (206) 623-8572 work.

WE NEED YOUR TALENT-We're looking for certified hang gliding instructors. Basic and advanced with experience. Full-time, salary negotiable, housing available. MOUTAIN WINGS Flight Park, INC., 150 Canal St., ELLENVILLE, NY 12428 (914) 647-3377.

PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS BINDERS FOR HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE Brown vinyl with wire centerfold spines to allow library reference organization of your issues. Keeps up to 16 issues tidy and handy. Only $9.00 from USHGA, P.O. Box 500, Pearblossom, CA 93553.

SOARING - Monthly magazine of The Soaring Society of America, Inc. Covers all aspects of soaring flight. Full membership $35. Info kit with sample copy $3. SSA, PO Box E, Hobbs, NM 88241.

COLOR PHOTO ON T-SHIRT - send color photo (3x5,5x7, 8x10) (returned intact); DYED on 100% cotton Hanes T-shirt- PERMANENT. Only $13.95 (add $2.50 S & H) (S/M/L/XL) 1st TIME ORDERS - $2.00 OFF! You supply shirt, $200 off! Computer process, BEAUTIFUL colors, HIGH resolution, wash resistant. TERRIFIC WA YTO SHOW OFF YOUR FAVORITE GLIDER SHOT! For quantity discounts, dealer inquiries, call (818) 792-8504. Graftek, 2245 E. Colorado Bl. 104-109, Pasadena, CA 91107.

The rate for classified advertising is $.40 per word (or group of characters). Minimum charge, $4.00. A fee of $11.00 is charged for each photograph or logo. Bold face or caps $.55 per word extra. Underline words to be bold. Special layouts of tabs $22.00 per column inch. AD DEADLINES - All ad copy, instructions, changes, additions and cancellations must be received in writing 11/2 months preceding the cover date, i.e. November 20 for the January issue. Please make checks payable to USHGA: Oassified Advertising Dept. HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE,P.O. BoxSOO,Pearblossom, CA 93553. (805) 944-5333.

MAGIC III 177-Gold LE. (small tears on LE.) Blue undersurface. Small blue wedge on main body. Stolen ln Portland, OR, in August 1988, Contact Oregon Alrwave (503) 245-2636.

MARYLAND EMERGENCY MEDIONE OPPORTUNITY -Western Maryland I-Hospital EM Partnership seeking BD. Elig/ cert. Primary Care Emergency Physician. Superb hang gliding location. Call Pat Percell (518) 4.58-2116.

MANBffiDS:Supply Limited. $7.95/1, $4.95/5 or more, $1 ea. shipping. 1811 Beverly Glen Dr., Santa Ana, CA 92705.

TEE-SHIRTS with USHGA emblem $8.00 including postage and handling. Californians add 6% tax. Men's sizes in BLUE and T AN-S, M, L, XL. USHGA, P.O. Box 500, Pearblossom, CA 93553. (805) 944-5333.

RAYMOND POD HARNESS W/PARACHUTE Bright blue, rainbow stripe up both legs. White bell helmet. Litek vario held together by duct tape. Stolen August 2, Madison, WI. AU in a bright blue brand new bag with black straps. Call Tammy Burcar at (608) 2561599. WILLS WING SPORf 167 - Red L.E., yellow under surface, white T.E. Competition numbers 64 on glider, serial number 14095, smashed nose at the keel. Stolen in Oakland. Contact: Sarah Kurtz, 5809 Florence Terrace, Oakland, CA 94611, (415) 652-0129. ECLIPSE 17 - Yellow L.E., purple midsection, white T.E. Serial# EM6158. Stolen July 20th, Marina storage area. Contact Steve Brown, (408)288-4130. HP I - Stolen Lake Elsinore, 6/16/88, white canvas bag. Black tursh, white top, yellow undersurface. Contact Dick Farnsworth, (714) 678-2021.

HANG GLIDING

CLASSIFIEDS 1--IlGH ENERGY - Cocoon harness, converts to back pack, blue with rainbow chevron stripe. Odyssey parachute with red bridle, Ball vario 652, SN 4588, !COM fM radio, model & number OC02AT and SN 406-D66-115. White Bell helmet w /headset, blue ski jumpsuit. Canyon Lake, CA the weekend of June 4. Contact Tom Oeftering, (714) 843-0711. $300 reward if found.

WILLS WING SPORT EUROPEAN 167 - Serial Number 14034, orange leading edge, spectrum cloth, white rear body. Stolen 4/21/88 at Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the Nationals, from Super 8 motel, off Rich Pfeiffer's car, along with Steve Luna's W.W. H.P. II. WILLS WING HP II - Full Race, pacific blue leading edge, rest is white. 2sets of competition numbers on the trailing edge. Stolen on 4/21 /88 at the Nationals, from the Super 8 motel in Chattanooga, TN. $200 reward, no questions asked. Contact Steve Luna, (714) 980-2378. SI'OLEN WINGS are listed as a service to USHGA members. There is no charge for this service and lost and found wings or equipment may be called in to the office for immediate inclusion in Hang Gliding. Please do call to cancel the listing when gliders are recovered. Periodically, this listing will be purged.

Index To Advertisers Aerial Tease .................................... 23 Advanced Air Technology .......... .44 AirWorks ........................................ 48 Ball Varios ...................................... 44 Brauniger ........................................ 15 Bred el Tours .................................. .44 BRS ................................................... 23 Colorado Hang Gliding .................. 5 Delta Wing ..................... 34,36,45,BC Hall Bros ......................................... 44 Flytec ............................................... 49 High Energy Sports ....................... 37 Kitty Hawk Kites .......................... .41 LMFP .................................... 8,9,23,48 Microflight ...................................... 21

Morningside HG .......................... .41 Moyes ................................................ 2 Pacific Airwave ................................ 1 Publitec ........................................... 52 Seedwings ....................................... 13 Sport Aviation ................................ 51 Thermal Tours ............................... 37 Torrey Flight Park ........................... 7 UP International ........................... .40 USHGA ........................................ IBC Western Hang Gliders .................. 52 Wills Wing ................................. 16,17 Windsports International ........ 30,34 World Team ................................. IFC

IMPROVE YOUR FL YING! Learn the secrets of the pros from hang gliding's most widely read author.

Hang Gliding Books by Dennis Pagen • HANG GLIDING FLYING SKILLS-NEW EDITION! 184 PAGES! DETAILS ON: BEGINNING FLIGHT• INTERMEDIATE SKILLS• AERODYNAMICS• GLIDER DESIGN• GLIDER REPAIR• SELECTING EQUIPMENT• THERMALING • MORE. $9.95 •FLYING CONDITIONS-THE-ROAD MAP TO THE SKY-DETAILS ON: GENERAL WEATHER• TURBULENCE• ROTORS • WIND SHADOW • SEA BREEZES • WIND GRADIENT * RIDGE LIFT *THERMALS• MORE. $6.95 • HANG GLIDING TECHNIQUES THE LATEST BOOK FROM SPORT AVIATIGN PUBLICATIONS For the novice to advanced pilot, this book continues the learning that began with Flying Skills. • Learn about thermal soaring - A full 31 pages on thermal techniques will have you soaring like an ace. • Learn about speeds to fly - the key to efficient flying whether in competition or cross-country. • Learn about cross-country flying - How to fly further with safety. Also: Perfecting turns • Handling turbulence • Flying at altitude • Using ridge lift • Design concepts • Parachutes • Performance tuning • Cardinal speeds • Harness adjustment • Competition and much more'

- - - - - - - - ALSO AVAILABLE,__ _ _ _ _ __ POWERED ULTRALIGHT FL YING Powered Ultralight Flying will answer your questions and Improve your flying. This book is written for beginners to advanced pilots with over 125 photos and drawings to clearly illustrate even the more complex subjects. All our books are written from an ultralight pilot's point of view Bo you get the facts you need, not rehashed information from general aviation.

MARCH 1989

' POWERED ULTRALIGHT TRAINING COURSE This is the only training course written by an ultralight instructor. Eleven lessons and eleven related groundschools (twenty-two chapters) make this an ideal text for self-teaching and train· ing schools. Learn to fly safely in a carefully designed siep-by,step manner. This manual is us· ed by safety conscious schools internationally.

r-------------------- *

* DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED* *

1SEND CHECK OR CASH TO·

SPORT AVIATION PUBLICATIONS Dennis Pa9en I Dept. G, P.O. Box 601 I State College, PA 16801 :Please rush me the books listed below: I

IOUt.('ITITY 1

LJ []

Flying Conditions ($6.95)

Hang Gliding Flying Skill~ ($9.95)

[J [J

I I :

Hang Gliding Techniques ($6.95) Powered Ultralight Flying ($11.95) []Powered Ultralight Training Course ($9.95)

I Save 10% · order two or more books!

I Save - all five books tor only ($38.95)

Total amount for all books$

_________ _

1 PCl~tage_,ind Handling_ ____ .. _______ $1.60_ I Overseas airmail if desired ($4.00/book) ___ _ l TOTAL ENCLOSED _____________ _ I SEND TO (Please Printi:

I NAME - - - - - - - - - - - - :ADDRESS I CITY.STATE ____________ _

!COUNTRY/ ZIP

RIGHT STUFF For New Hang Glider Pilots • Proper launch & landing techniques • forced, crash landings • angle of attack control • prone transition • glider repair • presoaring, beginning soaring • first altitude flight • Doo Dah days • the term "wuffo" • LS-GA wind direction signal • intermediate, advanced ~ndromes • pear people • whats cool, what's uncool

copies RIGHT Sn.FF For New H.G. Pilots @ $7.95 _ _ copies H.G. Acccording to Pfeiffer@ $9.95 Shipping & handling: Book rate United States $1.25 first book $.35 each additional. Book rate elsewhere $1.35 first Hang Gliding According to Pfeiffer: Skills For the Advancing Pilot

The most comprehensive g.iicJP, yet for expanding your knowledge and skills. With 244 richly illustrated pages, loads of true stories, and a complete subject index. You'll learn al I about: • Soaring Principles • Competition Flying • CrossCountry Flying • Equipment • Speed-to-Fly Calculations

book $.90 each additional. Airmail N. America $2.75 first book $1.25 each additional. Airmail elsewhere $6.25 each. Sales tax: Md 6% sales tax if shipping to California. Total enclosed:

Mail w/ payment to Publitec, Box 4342, Laguna Beach CA 92652. . .• Dealer inquiries 1nv1teo -

714/ 497-6100 .. .

May 28th thru June 3rd

RIDGE SOARING CAMP Attend our Ridge Soaring Camp this spring and MASTER the art of ridge soaring! Come to Marina Beach where spring conditions are soarable virtually every day. Learn how the pro pilots can consistently tum times of 20 minutes over 12 miles of ridge in the Monterey Bay Steeple Chase. If floating is your thing, then be at the top of the stack after discovering the art of Minimum Sink Flying. You' 11 spend a full week-seven days-attending theory sessions in the mornings and flying every afternoon. YOU WILL LEARN RIDGE SOARING FROM THE GROUND UP! The school is located right at the site so there is no hassle. Your glider is set up and tied down right outside the door waiting! Guaranteed to improve your skills for any ridge soaring site! Here is what the course covers: • BASIC RIDGE SOARING • WIRE LAUNCHES • RIDGE RULES (flying comfortably in traffic) • CROSSING GAPS • TOP LANDINGS • MINIMUM SINK FLYING • RIDGE RACING • PARACHUTE CLINIC

COST - $495.00 (glider rental add $350.00) COST (less accommodations)- $395.00 (reservations prepaid in advance) **Current USHGA Novice rating minimum required. The camp also includes motel accommodations (with hot tub!), supplemental tandem instruction (175-pound weight restriction), and glider storage. For more details and reservations call:

WESTERN HANG GLIDERS (408) 384-2622 P.O. Box 828, Marina, CA 93933 USHGA CERTIFIED SCHOOL

• MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ~.,,....·------~\ ~'

-~\· \ \

(Please Print)

CITY_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _STATE_ __ ZIP_ _ _ _ _ _PHONE(

D NEW MEMBER

) ______

SEX (M/F) _ __

D RENEW I USHGA #_ _ _ _ _ _ BIRTHDAT E _ ~ - ~ - -

FULL MEMBER - - - - - - - ·

FAMILY MEMBER

ANNUAL DUES: $39.00 ($42.00foreign). This accords me full membership in the United States Hang Gliding Assn., Inc., 12 issues of Hang Gliding magazine, effective with the current issue, liability and property damage insurance, and voting privileges. I need not be a rated pilot to be a member.

ANNUAL DUES: $19.50foreachFamily Member, who resides in my household. Each will receive all Full Member privileges EXCEPT a subscription to Hang Gliding magazine.

SUBSCRIPTION ONLY

THREE-MONTH MEMBER

D $29.00 SUBSCRPTION ($32.00 foreign)

3-MONTHDUES: $15.00. Full Member privileges, three issues of Hang Gliding magazine, liability and property damage insurance. I need not be a rated pilot to be a member.

for one year. D $53.00 SUBSCRIPTION ($59.00 foreign) for two years.

Enclose check or money order for dues as indicated to the right. International checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars. Charge payments are subjectto$2.00bankservicecharge. Charge my

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D FULL MEMBER ($39.00, $42.00 foreign) D FAMILY MEMBER(S) ($19.50 each) D THREE-MONTH MEMBER ($15.00) D SUBSCRIPTION, one year ($29.00, $32.00 foreign) D SUBSCRIPTION, two years ($53.00, $59.00 foreign)

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UN~T[E[D STAT[ES HANG Gl~[D~NG ASSN09 ~NCO P.O. BOX 500, PEARBLOSSOM, CALIFORNIA 93553 (805) 944-5333

revised 11/88

Four good reasons to hook into a

DREA HANGI - first flight! From the very first time your LITE DREAM lifts your feet off the ground. you'll be amazed at how responsive and easy to fly she is. You 'll know it's the beginning of a lasting, exciting relationship.

As you 1; ow accustomed to your LITE DREAM, you'll notice how quickly your flying skills improve. You'll delight at how the LITE DREAM is maneuverable as ,he is forgiving as you advance rapidly through the learning stages.

Rea_, .:ig oward higher altitudes, your LITE DREAM still amazes, performing with grace and ease. As you perfect your talents, the UTE DREAM is ready to · :cept new challenges, even aerobatics!

HANGW I\ , ,,. ,..,, ce_ pilots choose to renew the learning cycle by introducing newcomers to hang gliding with a thrill,ng tandem flight . The easy handling 220 LITE DREAM (the ONLY glider HGMA certified to 400 lbs. hook in weight), maximizes the excitement and safety of tandem flying.

THE LITE DREAM~~ ~~ ;.. AN ENDURING CLASSIC AT EVERY LEVEL

FAR & ABOVE, AMERICAS #1 CHOICE FOR TRAINING BY USHGA CERTIRED HANG GLIDING INSTRUCTORS & SCHOOLS

LIGHT WEIGHT LONG-LASTING VALUE HANDLES LIKE A DREAM P.O. Box 483, Vcln Nuys, CA 91408 • (818) 787-6600