USHGA Hang Gliding January 1990 by US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

January 1990 $2.50

• MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION • 11111···--------I

(Please Print)

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D NEW MEMBER

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FULL MEMBER

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ANNUAL DUES: $39.00($47.00foreign). 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.

ANNUALDUES: $19.50foreachFamilyMember, 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 SUBSCRIPTION ($37.00 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 ($69.00 foreign) for two years.

NAME: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

D NEW MEMBER D RENEW I USHGA #_ _ __

0 Enclosed is an extra dollar for the World Team Fund. I understand that USHGA will match my contribution.

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 subject to $2.00 bank service charge. Charge my

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D FULL MEMBER ($39.00, $47.00 foreign) D FAMILY MEMBER(S) ($19.50 each) 0 THREE-MONTH MEMBER ($15.00) D SUBSCRIPTION, one year ($29.00, $37.00 foreign) D SUBSCRIPTION, two years ($53.00, $69.00 foreign)

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UN~lr[E[D) SlrAlrlES HANG Gl~[D)~NG ASSN"~ ~NCO P.O. BOX 8300, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80933 (719) 632-8300

revised 11/88

FIRST WE HAD AVISIONT" THEN WE CREATED MAGICTM NOW WE REVEAL THE FORMULATM

ou are a performance and crosscountry motivated pilot You want that state-of-the-art extra performance and speed range that our unbeatable Magic Kiss has recently introduced to our sport but you are not prepared to give up that all important "anxiety-free" feeling and control stability that you have grown accustomed to with your current glider. You want a lightweight glider yet do not want to compromise safety or ruggedness. You want a glider that is H.G.M.A. Certified to a VNE speed of 50 MPH! You want a user-friendly wing that lets you launch while your friends are still sitting on the ground stuffing ribs with their feetl You want your glider's hardware and

fittings to reflect its manufacturer's engineer ing resources and its commitment to the latest testing and technology available in our industry. You want your glider to come standard with all the accessories that makes cross-country flying so much more pleasurable and that gives you that "extra performance" such as safedge uprights, comfort bar, faired kingpost and trilam leading edge pockets. You enjoy light and nimble control pressures but when the air gets rough and unstable and you need to "get out of there," you want that solid and connected "feel" and the knowledge of the glider's superior pitching identity You want a glider with outstanding thermal-

Pacific Airwave, Ltd. o PO. Box 4384 o Salinas, CA 93912 o Tel: 408-422-2299 o Fax: 408-758-3270

ling characteristics and a very broad usable speed range but in no wind take-offs, you want a balanced and forgiving wing with the slow speed light handling pressures and precise response that all Pacific Airwave gliders are specifically renowned for. You can read all the ads and sitt through all the outrageous claims or . You can arrange a test-flight with your local Pacific Airwave Sales & Service Center and test-fly the all new Magic Formula today The choice is yours We wish you a superb 1990 soaring season.

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AL Tl METER (MSL-AGL): The altitude is displayed numerically in feet on a scale from Oto 20,000 feet. Its memory allows the user to check (afterwards) the maximum altitude reached. GAIN (AUDIO): Allows the user to see the altitude GAINED or LOST during the last 20, 30 or 60 seconds of flight. ALTITUDE: NET GAIN - NET LOSS Positive & negative difference in altitude in regard to the altitude of reference.

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the dashboard of the hang glider

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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Volume 20

Issue No. 1

CONTENTS (USPS 017-970-20)

Features

Columns

13 The Law, Sites & Hang Glider Pilots

14 Competition Corner The l989 U.S. Nationals, by Russ LockeThe 1989 Idaho X-C Contest, by Ken Cavanaugh-The 1989 Arizona X-C Contest, by Bob Thompson.

by Timothy Herr Attorney Herr demonstrates that risk of liabiUty on the part of landowners may be more imagined than real.

19 USHGA Reports by Gregg Lawless

22 Pilot Report-Wills Wing HP AT 158

A report on the recent USHGA board meeting in San Diego, CA.

by Dennis Pagen

32 USHGA President

An in-depth look at Wills Wing's hightechnology glider.

by Russ Locke Paragliders.

29 Video & Hang Gliding -Part II by Robert Reiter Some recommendations on choosing equipment and mounting it to your glider.

Page 22

Departments 5

34 USHGA Safe Pilot Award Program

by Mike Meier An update on the program. Meet the first seven award recipients.

Page 29

11 20 39 41 47 47

Airmail Update Accident Reports Ratings Calendar of Events Classified Advertising Index to Advertisers Stolen Wings

COVER: Claudia Holbrook waits for Larry Tudor to get out of her way, so she can launch a paraglider at Point of the Mt., Utah. Photo by Fred StockwelI. CENTERSPREAD: Larry Tudor over the Gaijinnomiya landing area in Itagiki, Japan. Photo by Larry Tudor. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES IN PUBLICATIONS: The material presented here is published as pan of an infom1ation dissemjnation service for USHGA members. The USHGA makes no warranties or representations and a~sumes no liability concerning the validity of any advice, opinion or recommendation expressed in the material. All individuals relying upon the material do so at their own risk. Copyright© 1990 United Stares Hang Gliding Association, Inc. All rights reserved to Hang Gliding and individual contributors. JANUARY 1990

EVOLUTION

INTRODUCING OUR NEXT GENERATION The evolution of the new Sensor 5 I 0-E's sail technology offers you higher performance, quicker roll rate, improved tracking and coordination . The new and completely re-engineered triradial sail is more efficient. Glide ratio and sink rate benefit accordingly. Pure soaring pleasure was never better. NEW EXCITING 51 0-E FEATURES:

• New planform • 80 % double surface airfoil • New hardware fittings • Longer tail • Easiest adjustable variable geometry made

PERFORfv1ANCE, RELIABILITY Dealer Inquiries Welcomed

•

Product Sh eets Available

SEEDWINGS 4 J Aero Camino, Goleta, CA 93 l J 7 • (805) 968-7070 • FAX (805) 968-0059

Gil Dodgen, Editor/Art Director John Heiney, Doug Rice, Leroy Grannis, Eric Raymond, Photographers Harry Martin, Illustrator Tim Rinker, Design Consultant Office Staff Jerry Bruning, Executive Director Chris Soulard, Advertising Barb Strickland, Ratings P.J. More, Office Operations Patti Gomora, Member Services Jeff Elgart, Merchandise Services USHGA Officers and Executive Committee: Russ Locke, President Jim Zeise!, Vice President Gregg Lawless, Secretary Dan Johnson, Treasurer REGION 1: Gene Matthews. REGION 2: Ken Brown, Jay Busby, Russ Locke. REGION 3: BIii Bennett, Sandy King, Gregg Lawless. REGION 4: Mark Mocho, Jim Zelset. REGION 5: Mike King. REGION 6: Ron Kenney. REGION 7: Marty Bunner. REGION 8: Bud Brown, Jr. REGION 9: Pete Lehmann, Jeff Simms. REGION 10: Matt Taber. REGIONl 1: Carl Boddie. REGION 12: Pete Fournia, 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. is a division of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) which is the official representative of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), of the world governing body for sport aviation. The NAA, which represents the U.S. at FAI meetings, has delegated to the USHGA supervision of FAl-related hang gliding activities such as record attempts and competition sanctions. HANG GLIDING magazine Is published for hang gliding 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 welcome. Anyone is invited to contribute articles, photos, and illustrations concerning hang gliding activities. If the material Is to be returned, a stamped, self-addressed return envelope must be enclosed. Notification must be made of submission to other hang gliding publications. HANG GLIDING magazine reseNes the right to edit contributions where n~cessary. The Association and publication do nof assume responsibility for the material or opinions of contributors, HANG GLIDING editorial offices: 6950 Aragon Circle, Suite 6, Buena Park, CA 90620 (714) 9943050.

HANG GLIDING magazine (USPS 017-970) is published monthly by the United States Hang Gliding Association, Inc,, whose mailing address is: P. 0. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933 (719) 6328300, FAX (719) 632-6417, Second-class postage is paid at Colorado Springs, CO and at other entries, The USHGA is a member-controlled educational and scientific organization dedicated to exploring all facets of ultralight flight, Membership Is open to anyone interested In this realm of flight. Dues for full membership are $39.00 per year ($42 foreign); subscrlptlon rates are $29.00 for one year, $53 for two years, $77 for three years, Changes of address should be sent six weeks In advance, Including name, USHGA number, previous and new address, and a mailing label from a recent issue. POSTMASTER: SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: UNITED STATES HANG GLIDING ASSN,, P.O. BOX 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933.

January 1990

Volume 20, Issue No. 1

AIRMAIL RA VEN 229 ADVISORY Dear Editor, The Raven 229 is an excellent tandem glider with a proven record of strength, handling and landing ease. But the over-keel wire as it passes through the kingpost is a pm1icular problem area needing special attention. The cable is forced into a tightradius bend, causing the cable to weaken and often fray within 200 flights. Inspecting this over-keel wire prior to flight is definitely in order, however for those considering tandem truck towing with a self-release system, such as the Lone Star by ATOL, a design modification is perhaps the better solution. On November 16, 1989 with about 390 pounds hooked into my Raven 229 atop my ATOL-equipped truck, beginning the acceleration toward liftoff, my over-keel wire failed. Predictably it failed during the time of maximum stress on the over-keel wire. The takeoff was aborted. The modification I suggest to all Raven truck launchers is to remake the over-keel wire as two separate wires, front and rear, with flat tang ends at the kingpost, and bolt them together to the kingpost with an AN4- l 5A mounted spanwise to the kingpost about 3/4" below the over-wing wire. Rob McKenzie San Bernardino, CA

Wills Wing comments that the glider was never designed for this 11se, but encourages those who do truck launch to make the above modification.-Ed.

Unfortunately, our club and most of the other collegiate hang gliding clubs I know of fly gliders that are eight to ten years old-without pm·achutessimply because we cannot afford new gliders or $200-$300 'chutes. Our safety officer, master-rated pilot and advanced instructor, Brad Kushner, keeps a close eye on the condition of our equipment and consequently we have had no flyable gliders for three months. Why am I informing you readers of this? Because I want to end this letter with a plea to all of you out there in the working world: Please help out your nearest collegiate hang gliding club. Instead of selling your Dreams and Visions when you buy that new, high-tech glider, think about making them a tax-deductible donation to benefit a group of college students new to this wonderful sport. Or sell it to them at a bargain price. Instructors, how about giving students a discount on lessons and glider rental? Manufacturers, can you think of a better way to inspire brand loyalty in future college graduates than making a donation of a glider or harness to their club? Advertise yourselves with the sail design however you would like; you're not going to get any arguments about it from us! And financial assistance from anyone will always be greatly appreciated. Help promote a great sport by making it affordable at the college level. We need your support. John Fritsche UW-Madison Roofers Hang Gliding Club 45 l W. Mifflin St. #3 Madison, Wi 53703

HOOK IN SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COLLEGE Dear Editor, My name is John Fritsche, and I am the president of the University of Wisconsin Roofers Hang Gliding Club. Our club was started almost four years ago by the very few hang gliding enthusiasts on campus and in the Madison area. Since then, our club has introduced hang gliding to approximately 100 people, mostly students. Many have been able to put aside their books often enough to achieve Novice or Intermediate ratings before graduating. Few of us believe that there is a better study break and tension reducer than a few hours flying out on the hills in or near Madison. We have helped many students become pilots that otherwise could not be due to the great affordability and convenience our club offers interested persons. Realizing that the vast majority of college students are on a very limited budget, we charge only $60 a year for full membership in the club, and this includes unlimited use of the club-owned gliders on a first-come, first-served basis. All members are required to join the USHGA before using the club gliders, and promoting safe flying is our first priority.

Dear Editor, It was a beautiful Saturday in August. Winds were northwest 10-15 which is perfect for Skinner Mountain, Skinner, or Mount Holyoke, is one of the best flying sites in Western Massachusetts. Just the week before I had been up to Morningside in Claremont, New Hampshire. I was practicing my spot landings for my Hang IV. I was very successful in closing my spot landings to within ten feet of the target four consecutive times. But I did something that I would later regret. Instead of doing my habitual five-feet-before-launch hang check, I was getting hang checks from my drivers before removing the glider from the trailer. I would then walk to launch and launch when ready. This was a safe practice in itself, but it broke a habit and could have cost me my life. Saturday my radios were charged and my instruments were all set. A slow and easy circle check told me my Sport was in good shape. I had my wife Gail on one flying wire and Alex Wellman, a Hang III pilot on the other. My wife was relieved by Dean, a Hang IV pilot from Connecticut who thought he could do a better job. There were about 20 spectators on launch. No one noticed as I stood on launch

AIRMAIL for about two minutes and launched. My arms were pulling as I launched but I didn't realize the problem until I was almost into the trees below launch. It actually took me a while to figure it out. I forgot to hook in. When the glider hit the trees, I got pulled of and fell toward the ground where I landed on the back of my neck and shoulders. I was very lucky to walk away with two fractured vertebrae and a severely injured self-image. Now I know how easily it can happen. I was being careful and I consider myself a careful pilot. When I told Jeff Nicolay about it he said one time it had happened to him. He said the one thing that struck him was how easy it was to do. Now he said before launch he lifts his glider until he feels it pull on his harness. Jeff is a master pilot. WHAT DO YOU DO? Allen Lariviere Granby, MA

LETTER OF APOLOGY Dear Editor, Johnathan Szarek recently wrote a Jetter to the editor expressing his feelings regarding my flight into Central Park in New York City-a restricted airspace zone. I was ostracized and severely accused of irresponsible actions and judgement as a hang glider pilot. I'm writing not in my defense, rather, to offer a national apology and admit what I did was wrong. This flight's destiny began approximately ten years ago when an article appeared in the New York Times about test pilot/designer Keith Nichols' flight over the Great Meadows of Central Park, NYC. This was a promotional venture for the Eipper-Fonnance Quicksilver powered hang gliders. I thought how incredible a powerless flight into Central Park would be! At that time, reality was, too many variables preventing this flight from ever coming hue. With the passing years, hang glider technology and performance improved, making this dream flight remotely possible. Many long distance flights have since been recorded from Ellenville Mt., one of the best soaring sites in the Northeast. I've been fortunate to have made several long-distance flights, but never in the direction of the City. On this day conditions were erratic and unpredictable; I found myself tracking an unusual direction from Ellenville toward NYC. A little voice inside me said, "Go for it T.J. !" Looking back on my flight, nothing can excuse this irresponsible and potentially dangerous behavior. Shortly after this flight, I approached a representative of our local USHGA chapter and inquired about issuing an official reprimand, which I was willing to accept for my conduct, and was told

to wait a while and see what developed. I now feel the USHGA should do what they believe is necessary. T.J. Young Ellenville, NY

PARAGLIDING BOD DEBATE Dear Editor, I'd like to inforn1 the readers of Hang Gliding about the debate over paragliding which occmTed at the USHGA board meeting in San Diego, CA recently. It is important for the general USHGA membership to become informed on this issue to help their regional directors decide what appropriate measures to take. The subcommittee meeting on paragliding lasted six hours and there were clearly two opposing sides on the issue of whether the APA (American Paragliding Assn.) should be merged with the USHGA. Here are some of the major issnes discussed. It was rep011ed that in Europe the two sports have successfully merged into one association which is operating smoothly. One result has been an increase in the single association's financial strength. There are approximately 25,000-30,000 paraglider pilots in Europe. The APA is currently operating with very little money and is also understaffed. Several members of the APA, including its president, Fred Stockwell, attended the board meeting. Fred and other APA members were hoping that the USHGA offices in Colorado Springs would take over the management of the APA membership and finances. The decision was ultimately postponed by the USHGA board, pending further study. Those promoting a merger of the two associations argued that paragliclers are foot-launched wings which share the same sites as hang gliders, and that they are just another form of hang glider. The FA! has formally defined paragliders as Class Ill hang gliders. Another argument was that paragliding accidents could endanger hang gliding sites, and therefore the USHGA must manage paragliding out of necessity. Those against a merger argued that paragliders are not hang gliders and that they currently know little or nothing about the flying characteristics of these wings. They cited their previous good decision to avoid association with ultralights. Perhaps their most valid reason was that the current USHGA offices are still recovering from the recent move to Colorado Springs, and still need to get their own household in order. Taking on this new responsibility was simply bad timing. If the population of paraglider pilots in Europe is any indication, we can expect the numbers to grow rapidly in the U.S. Since the APA is currently

operating with a slim (virtually non-existent) budget, they are unable to distribute safety infonnation as rapidly and effectively as they would like. There was considerable discussion at the board meeting about adding a section to Hang Gliding magazine devoted to paragliding. This is a simplified summary of what were long and sometimes heated conversations at the meeting. If you have an opinion please let your regional director know about it. Also, don't be surprised if you begin to see more and more paragliders flying (or wanting to fly) what have been exclusively hang gliding sites. David Behr Bozeman, MT

LAKE McCLURE SITE RESTRICTIONS Dear Editor, The Lake McClure, California flying site is in jeopardy. Since the "Fly-In of the Century" last April, and with the closure of Ed Levin park, we have seen the number of pilots flying this site triple. As a result we have seen several accidents and many close calls. We have been reminded that this site was closed a few short years ago and was reopened by the hard work of some of the members of the local club. When the site was reopened it was with the understanding that all rules would be strictly enforced. Unf011unately some of these rules have not been followed and our site is again in jeopardy. To keep it open things must change regarding all pilots wanting to fly the site. The rules for flying at Lake McClure are as follows: l) USHGA Intermediate rating or above. NO Hang !Is----current card is required to fly. 2) You must be .a full member to fly-annual fees paid and waiver on file. 3) No two-wheel-drive vehicles up the hill. These rnles will be strictly enforced. The local club had its annual meeting to decide how to meet the new financial requirements for rent and upkeep, and how to enforce all the rules for site protection. This meeting resulted in the revision of the rules for membership. Membership is now $125 per year paid in advance. This fee will include the annual $40 fee for day use of the Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area. The biggest changes are the enforcement of the USHGA III rating, and the withdrawal of unlimited membership. These changes are essential to the preservation of this flying site. We hope the hang gliding community understands and supports our eff011s to keep our site open. Wally Long Mother Lode Sky Riders

HANG GLIDING

AIRMAIL HELP SA VE ED LEVIN (See petition below.) Dear Editor, Are you feeling real smug and secure about your local flying site? You've had it forever and never had a problem dealing with the local authorities, so there's no reason anyone should want to take it away? Don't be so sure about that. We had a rather rude awakening out here in California; it could happen again anywhere. Ed Levin, Sled Heaven, home of the Silent Airshow, popular training hill, smoothly run on County Parks land with their blessings for years. Ed Levin has been shut down. The members of the Wings of Rogallo are asking for your help. We need to get this site back. We need to make this the LAST site threatened by liability hysteria. We need to make Ed Levin an example, an endorsement of the concept that we can and DO take responsibility for our own actions and can use public lands without threatening to sue somebody if we stub a toe. We need you to sign the

following petition, or to write a letter expressing your support, and send it to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. We need you to do it right now. They are meeting January 17 and must feel the avalanche of our suppo1t before that meeting. The County has been talking to other counties. Your county knows that Santa Clara is worried about hang gliding. Your county may be worrying too. We need to stop things here and now, before it hits the fan in your neighborhood as well as ours. A little background: Ed Levin opened after much work and negotiation in 1979 with the county's blessings. Everything went smoothly and Sled Heaven became the Bay Area's favorite transition from the training hill to the big slopes. The Silent Airshow became a public hang gliding showcase and popular fly-in for pilots from all over. Except for a few insurance glitches, everything was just peaches and cream; they liked us. Or so we thought. Come 1989 and the guard changes. We're dealing with all new faces who don't know us, our sport, or our history of activity at Eel Levin. They ask county counsel, "Do they have enough insurance? Looks

like pretty risky business to us." Counsel answers, "Egads! They could ... SUE!" And the ax falls. Insurance companies won't write the necessary policies for little organizations like USHGA. So we're stuck over something we don't need in the first place. So there we sit. We have been subjected to a "risk analysis" that says we're risky but probably only to our own hides. We are trying to get the county to read it accurately. We are trying to sell the virtue of release fo1ms. We're trying to reestablish the virtues of our organization. We need your help. We need to let them know that this is important to a LOT of people. Politicians listen to that. Read the petition, sign it and mail it to the address at the top of the petition today. Include your address. County statisticians need to know these things. And get your friends to write, pilots or non-pilots, anyone bothered by this sort of thing. Please! Believe us. We are in this together. Wings of Rogallo

----------------------------------------------· Board of Supervisors County of Santa Clara 70 West Hedding St. San Jose, CA 95110

Dear members of the Board, [ am writing in supp01t of the Wings of Rogallo Hang Gliding Club and their petition to resume hang gliding activities at Ed Levin County Park. Eel Levin is a flying and training site of national significance in the sport of hang gliding. It is one of the country's five top training sites, based on pilots produced. It is considered a model of organization, procedures, and training techniques. It is a major destination for visiting pilots, since it is suitable for pilots with intermediate skills. The Silent Airshow is a major fly-in event for pilots from across the U.S. It is a significant and unusual recreational opportunity for county residents, and an enjoyable spectacle for other park visitors. I believe that a combination of recent laws, properly-worded Release and Assumption of Risk fo1ms, and careful organization of hang gliding activities by the local club minimize exposure of the county to risk of liability. The county has an opportunity to be a strong supporter and facilitator of unique recreational activities. I urge you to restore hang gliding activities at Eel Levin and to develop a strong working relationship with the Wings of Rogallo Hang Gliding Club to enhance safety and minimize the investment of county resources. Sincerely,

Name

Address

City

I State I

Zip

Date

UPDATE MAGIC FORMULA Pacific Airwave is pleased to announce the launching of their new performance/cross-country glider, the Magic Formula. According to the manufacturer the glider has been tested to offer superior glide and sink rate through a very broad usable speed range. The glider was HOMA certified prior to release to a never-exceed speed of 50 mph. The glider is made of both 6061 and 7075 aluminum alloys, and features a highly-rigid leading edge for better energy retention. PacAir has also redesigned the control bar corners, kingpost top and base, leading edge tips hardware, and other fittings. The glider comes standard with safedge uprights, comfort bar, faired kingpost and trilam leading edge pockets. Contact: Pacific Airwave, P.O. Box 4384, Salinas, CA 93912. WILLS WING RELEASES SPORT AT IN THREE SIZES Wills Wing announces the release of three new models: the Sport AT 180, Sport AT 167, and Sport AT 150. All three sizes are HOMA certified and in full production. The new Advanced Technology line of Sports features a completely new hardware system which has been under development for five years, as well as specially designed, aerodynamically faired wing-tip covers. All Sport AT's feature high strength, lightweight 7075-T6 tubing in the leading edges, keels, battens, and washout tips. The AT 150 and AT 167 also feature 7075-T6 crossbars. The AT Sports come standard with the customer's choice of: full race, half-race or non-race sail, custom sail colors, streamlined or round control bar downtubes, and speedbar or straight basetube. Additional standard features include a 500 denier cordura glider bag, wing tip, kingpost top, and kingpost base protector bags, spare parts kit, Wills Wing bumper sticker and team cap. Contact: Wills Wing, 1208-H E. Walnut, Santa Ana, CA 92701. WILLS WING DELIVERS TEN THOUSANDTH GLIDER Earlier this year, Wills Wing delivered the ten thousandth glider manufactured in the 16-year history of the company. Total production as this issue goes to press stands at slightly more than 10,500 units. Since the company's formation in 1973, every Wills Wing glider has been factory test flown prior to delivery. Since the inception of the HOMA ce11ification program in 1977, each Wills Wing model released has been HOMA certified, and since I 980, each new model has been ce11ified prior to customer delivery of the first production unit. Wills Wing wishes to thank the loyal customers and dealers for their support over the past sixteen years! U.S. PARAGLIDING CHAMPIONSHIPS The second annual U.S. Paragliding Championships, sponsored by the American Paragliding Association, took place over Labor Day Weekend. As it was an open competition, there were competitors from France Germany, Austria, and Japan, with a total of 48 contestants.

The task was a triangular course set on the north side of the Point of the Mountain, Utah, with two turn points on the ridge about one mile apart, and the third placed a few hundred yards out on the edge of the lower bench. There were two heats, one on Sunday of one hour, and the other on Monday of two hours. Walter Holzmuller of Austria won the open catagory and Mark Axen and John Bouchard tied for first for the U.S. title. Place Pilot Country Canopy Winner Walter Holzmuller Austria Cornet CX U.S. ITV Saphir 1 Mark Axen U.S. ITV Saphir I John Bouchard U.S. Comet CX 3 Ed Pitman ITV Aries/OTA U.S. 4 Joe Lentini U.S. Condor SP!2 5 Jay Jamison U.S. Harley Elite 6 Jay Hauth Feral XP3 U.S. 7 Mike Goudeau Paraporter II 8 Anthony Domenico U.S. U.S. Harley Elite 9 Kurt Kleiner U.S. ITV Aries 23 LO Chuck Smith

LMFP PHOTO WING

Lookout Mt. Flight Park introduces their photo wing wireless wing-mounted camera system. The system features: hassle-free setup in seconds, topquality Canon camera, wide angle lens, lithium battery, custom-molded fairing, quick release mount clamps to washout strut, super protection camera mounts in foam, no counterweight required. Price $299 plus S&H. Contact: LMFP, Rt. 2 Box 215H, Rising Fawn, GA 30738 (404) 398-3541. REGION VIII ICP An Instructor Certification Program will be held at Morningside Recreation Area in New Hampshire, January 26-28. This ICP is open to all interested pilots. Price is $125 which includes USHGA fees and Morningside three-day pass. Contact: Morningside Rec. Area, RFD 2 Box 109, Claremont, NH 03743 (603) 542-4416. QUESTING NEWSLETTER A newsletter is being published for people wishing to take adventurous vacations. Information is included for hang gliding, skiing, ice climbing, mountaineering, etc. Contact: 15760 Ventura Blvd., Suite 808, Encino, CA 91436 (818) 995-4815.

ABCs OF PARGLIDING The ABCs of Paragliding was first published in France in 1986, and is now available in an English version. Although the book claims to provide all the information necessary to become a safe paraglider pilot, it is not intended to replace the instructor. Contact: Vol Libre Diffusion, 3 rue Ampere, 94200 Ivry, FRANCE tel.([) 672-74-60. SUPERLEAGUE A minimum of $40,000 in prize money will be offered in a world professional circuit, called the Superleague, for the top 50 hang glider pilots in the world, and will start in 1990. It will be backed by Flight Promotions Ltd., the company owned by Brian Milton, former British coach and competitions chairman, and founder of the British league. The Superleague will begin with three competitions, the first at Llandinum in Wales May 26-June 3, the other two (probably in Europe) to be decided at a later date. Selection of the top 40 pilots will be based on the pilot's PIRS rating at the end of the 1989 summer season. Entry fee is $650. Contact: Brian Milton, 2 Cyprus St., Bethnal Green, London E2 ONN, ENGLAND. UP INTERNATIONAL-100 HOUR KIT In an effort to make it easier and less expensive for Axis owners to maintain their craft in an airw011hy condition, UP International has introduced the" l 00 Hour Kit." The kit includes all of the items that UP International feels should be replaced every I 00 hours of airtime, or every 12 months, whichever comes first. The 100 Hour Kit is comprised of: l Kingpost Hang Loop, 1 Set Side Flying Wires, l Set Cross Bar Wires, I Kevlar Reflex Bridle Compensator Line, 1 VG Rope, 2 "Grasshopper Clip" Safety Pins, 1 Neoprene Kingpost Seal. The 100 Hour Kit is priced at $55.75, well below the total price of these items when purchased separately. UP Axis pilots interested in the l 00 Hour Kit should contact their local UP Dealer or contact the factory: UP International, 560-4 Birch Street, Lake Elsinore, CA 92330. (714) 674-7005. NAA UPDATE The National Aeronautic Association, of which USHGA is a member club, has made a series of top management changes. The board of directors has designated Chairman John Alison as Chainnan Emeritus, elected NAA President Clifton von Kann as Chainnan, and NAA Vice President-Finance, Malvern Gross, Jr. as President of the Association. The board, in accepting the resignation of von Kann as President after ten years, presented him with a Certificate of Honor which reads in part: "In recognition of his untiring devotion to the promotion, enhancement and prestige of the National Aeronautic Association, both nationally and internationally, over the last decade ... His wisdom, integrity and life-long commitment to the advancement of aviation have been an invaluable service to all. NAA will reap the benefits of his sincere dedication for years to come."

HANG GLIDING

WILLS WING DEALERS See the listed dealer in your area for more information about the Wills Wing line of Advanced Technology gliders. California

Hawaii

WINDSPORTS JOE & TED 16145 VICTORY BLVD VAN NUYS CA 91406 818/988-0111

MAUI SOARING DAVID DARLING RR II BOX 780 KULA HI 96790 808/878-1271

WASATCH WINGS GORDON POLLOCK 4463 WANDER LANE SALT LAKE CITY UT 84117 801/277-1042

MULLER HANG GLIDING WILLI MULLER RR#2 COCHRANE, ALBERTA TOL OWO 403/932-6760 CANADA

HANG GLIDING CENTER JOHN RYAN 4206 K SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD SAN DIEGO CA 92121 619/450-9008

TRADEWINDS LANI AKIONA 380-H HALELOA PL HONOLULU HI 96821 808/396-855 7

DESERT HANG GLIDERS BOB THOMPSON 4319 W LARKSPUR GLENDALE AZ 85304 602/938-9550

HANGER 1.1 EUGENE BUMBACCO BOX 755 SAULT ST MARIE, ONTARIO P6C 5N3 705/779-3585 CANADA

UPWARD BOUND SCOTT SMITH PO BOX 1175 PALM DESERT CA 92261 619/322-9214 HIGH ADVENTURE ROB & DIANE MCKENZIE 4231 SEPULVEDA SAN BERNARDINO CA 92404 714/883-8488 HANGFi.:JGHT SYSTEMS DAN SKADAL 1202-M E WALNUT SANTA ANA CA 92701 714/542-7444 HANG GLIDER EMPORIUM K & B DERUSSY 613 N MILPAS SANTA BARBARA CA 93103 805/965-3733

Northwest U.S. OREGON AIRWAVE RUSSEL TWOROGER 11775 NE PARRETT MTN ROAD NEWBERG OR 97132 503/245-2636 CAPITAL CITY HG JIM REYNOLDS 5915 JAMISON LANESE OLYMPIA WA 98503 206/459-8389 SPOKANE AIR CRAFT LARRY STROM E 2017 SHARP SPOKANE WA 99202 509/534-1249

Western U.S.

HANG GLIDING HANGER DAN FLEMING 531 E WRENWOOD STREET #102 FRESNO CA 93710 209/264-7627

FALCO FLYING CO. LEE METZGAR 400 NORTH AVENUE EAST MISSOULA MT 59801 406/243-5272

WESTERN HANG GLIDERS JIM JOHNS BOX 828 MARINA CA 93933 408/384-2622

TOTAL AIR SPORTS MARK DEMARINO 6354 LIMESTONE HOUSTON TX 77092 713/956-614 7

CHANDELLE H.G. CENTER ANDY AND WALLY 488 MANOR PLAZA PACIFICA CA 94044 415/359-6800

BOLDER FLIGHT SCOTT WESTFALL 101 MEADOWLOOKWAY BOULDER CO 80302 303/444-5455

MISSION SOARING PAT DENEVAN 1116 WRIGLEY MILPITAS CA 95035 408/262-1055

GOLDEN WINGS LUDWIG GOPPENHAMMER 1108 MINERS ALLEY GOLDEN CO 80401 303 278-7181

ULTRAFLIGHT SYSTEMS TIM MORLEY PO BOX 4763 MODESTO CA 95352 209/523-6652

PENDULUM SPORTS JIM ZEISET 13154CO RD 140 SALIDA CO 81201 719/539-3335

PILOTS SUPPLY BRAD HILLIKER 3362 BOW MAR COURT CAMERON PARK CA 95682 916/677-4953

EAGLE AIR JIM & SARAH BOWMAN 778 PASSCREEK RANCH PARKMAN WY 82838 307/655 9848

HANG GLIDER CONNECTION PHIL SERGENT 1887 O'CONNER AVE. REDDING CA 96002 916/222-4606

MAGIC VALLEY SKY SAILS FRANK GILLETTE RR#\ BURLEY JD 83118 208/654-2615 HOME

Canada

UP OVER NEW MEXICO CHUCK WOODS 9500 PALOMAS AVE N.E. ALBUQUERQUE NM 87109 505/821 -8544 HIGH SIERRA H.G. RAY 2303 N CARSON STREET CARSON CITY NV 89701 702/885-1891

Europe FLY INTERNATIONAL MARKUS VILLINGER FASSERGASSE 27a HALL i.T. A-6020 43-05223-43747 AUSTRIA

Eastern U.S.

HANSIBADER FLUGSPORT HANS! & PETRA BADER AM BURGBLICK 5 7070 SCHWAB GMUND 07171 4 0769 (4945) WEST GERMANY

MORNINGSIDE GLIDERS JEFF NICOLAY RFD2 - CLAREMONT NH 03743 603/542-4416

CONDOR RUNE BORSTING POSTBOKS 4371 7001 TRONDHEIM 07 553632 NORWAY

FLY HIGH HANG GLIDING PAUL VOIGHT 1 RD2, BOX 561 PINE BUSH NY 12566 914/744-3317 . W. W- H. G. SALES LARRY H_INTON . 4031 SO!)THWICK CIRCLE RO,/\NQKE VA 24018 703/562-2001 KITIY HAWK KITES EAST, .· BOX 340 . NAGS HEAD-NC 27959 800/334-4 777 ULTRALIGHT FL YiNG EQUIP BEN BURRIL 9201 MT HOLLY HUNTERVILLE ROAD HUNTERVILLE NC 28078 704/392-3765 LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK MATT TABER RT 2, BOX 215H RISING FAWN GA 30738 404/398-3541 SEQUATCHIE VALLEY SOARING SUPPLIES CLIFF WHITNEY ROUTE 2, BOX 80 DUNLAP TN 37327 615/949-2301

Japan SD HOOK IN HIROHISA ICHIDA 1-22-19 KITAHORIE NISHI-KU, OSAKA 557 06-532-7040 JAPAN 1'

SPORT$ OPA'K,JTE\ TS,UNEYUKI HO ROTA T101 2-9 liJISHJKI-CHO KANDA CHIYODA-'KU, TOKYO' 03-291-0802 {JAPAN . WINQSPORTS CO LTD 'rORU GODA ·. . _·2-28-8_:__23DENECHOFU OOTA-KU, TOKYO 145 0372?;1945 JAPAN

Brazil BRl;lDEL, PATRICK . ·. \ SARAO DE JAGUARIPE 323/3 \. IPANEMA, RIO DE JAN CEP 2,2421 . 5,52-12 39 73 39 BRAZIL. \ ', \'. ,I, I\

Colombia PABLO VALENCIA CALLE 77 #10 70 APT 301 BOGOTA, COLOMBIA

AIRBORNE SALES RICHARD SACHER 6 SYLVAN LANE JEFFERSONVILLE IN 47130 812/288-6597

1208 H. East Walnut• Santa Ana• CA 92701 • Phone: (714) 547-1344 • FAX (714) 547-0972

ACCIDENT REPORTS compiled by Doug Hildreth Rating: Experience: Glider: Injuries:

Advanced Extensive High Performance Concussion

Event: Experienced pilot enjoying his flight, came in on final and attempted to unzip his harness. Found the zipper stuck in the closed position. After a couple of futile attempts to unzip using the usual method, it was too late to kick open the velcro. Pilot flared hard hoping to land upright (still in pod) but fell forward hitting his head. Knocked unconscious for a couple of minutes.

Rating: Experience: Glider: Injuries:

Advanced 10 years High Perfo1mance Severe chest, vascular and abdominal injuries

Event: Experienced pilot was observed from the landing area on final to be looking back at his harness boot and struggling with zipper cord. One wing suddenly went straight down and glider slid into the ground.

JANUARY 1990

Rating: Experience: Glider: Injuries:

Novice 2 years Single Surface Moderately severe head, chest and abdominal

Event: Low-time pilot launched well, then began to struggle to get into cocoon. Looking down and using one hand to help, was finally able to get into boot, just as a stall and/or thermal "wingover" put him back into the hill. Comment: These harness problems are distressingly common. Probably all of you have seen these occur without a crash or injury. Most of the frightening ones occur just after launch when the pilot goes for his boot before he is even flying, and either stalls or gets rolled up by a gust or thermal. We all know that we must fly away from the hill, have good airspeed and good control, and THEN get into the harness. We all know that we never look down or back to see what's going on when we miss the boot the first time. We always watch where we are going and pay attention to our airspeed and keep our wings level. Advanced pilots need to remember how much the up-and-coming pilots mimic them,

including climbing into the boot before they take that last step off launch. Just think about it a bit, particularly if there are impressionable novices or intermediates watching. Showing them a launch that is perfect in every way is a lot more healthy for everyone. How high should you be when you kick out/unzip your harness? Well, everyone has a little different opinion, but it better be high enough so that if it doesn't work, there is enough time to assess what's happening and go to plan B. And above all, keep flying the glider and pay attention to level wings and where you are going, NOT looking and thinking backwards. Periods of change are DANGEROUS times: the novice pilot who is going prone for the first time; the first time an intermediate flies with that brand new harness; or the advanced pilot who boJTows a harness brand he's never used before. Take that harness, hang it in the garage and climb in and out of it 100 times to maximize familiarity. And going off the hill, fly away for a long time, watching where you 're going before climbing in. Try some prophylaxis like: • Lubricate the zipper. • Adjust the velcro so it will kick out. • During a hang check verify that your harness is functional. • Check your leg straps before every launch. •

PtJat 8aJUt

THE FLYING NEVER SToPS IN SUNk'Y SOUTHER~ CAL.IFORNVi.1 HANG GUDtR P~OTS HERE CAN R.Y AL.MOST !MAY WEEK 0.

TriE YEAR< THE SElECTION 0. BEAUTIFUi. SITES IS UNSUR!l\SSEO'

)EA/I. G/fJJuN()Bo11NO GREG, Soll'nlE/lN GAL/FORNI/It ,s sr11..L f'LE/IITY

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GRE6L.ow l2!i"f NOFL/TES LN. COLD F~ONr, USA

L1e liability scare is a significant threat to our existing flying sites. It is also a major hurdle in opening up new sites. Case in point: August 1989, Santa Clara County, California, shuts clown hang gliding at Eel Levin Park, a county park. The local flying club had been operating the site under a use pennit with the county for 10 years. No lawsuits had ever been filed against the county as a result of hang gliding activities. No recent accident had occurred. Someone in the county woke up one clay and deciclecl that hang glider pilots might sue the county. The county perceived a risk. Were Santa Clara County's fears justified? Do hang glider pilots present a liability risk to landowners who provide launches and landing sites? How can we as hang glider pilots use our legal system to protect our sites by protecting the landowners from lawsuits? These are questions to which we need to know the legal answers when working to protect our existing sites and opening new ones. The county's fears were not justified. While hang glider pilots can pose a liability risk to landowners who provide launches and landing sites, several legal protections were in place protecting the county from suits arising from hang gliding activities. Most, if not all, of these legal protections can be made available to landowners who provide launching and landing sites throughout the country. First, the $1,000,000 liability insurance policy maintained by the USHGA offers adequate protection from lawsuits by spectators/ non-pilots. When a hang glider pilot injures a non-pilot's property or body, the liability policy pays for the damage, and, if a lawsuit is filed, pays the attorneys' fees and court costs. This insurance does not cover injuries to pilots. Over the last six years, the total amount of money paid out on insurance claims, country wide, was approximately $30,000. This is a very good loss history as compared to the perceived risk of hang gliding activities. Second, most states allow competent adult pilots to release landowners from potential liability for the pilots' own injury or death. Releases are contracts and are, therefore, subject to the same types of legal defenses as other contracts. These defenses vary somewhat from state to state. Releases are meant to protect the released parties (typically the landowner, the local flying club, and others) from lawsuits

brought by injured pilots or by a deceased pilot's heirs. Releases typically cover the legal doctrines of waiver, release, express assumption of risk, and covenants not to sue. Proper drafting of the release by an attorney who is well versed in the laws of the state where the site is located is imperative. If an improperly

landowners from certain lawsuits when they open up their land to free recreational use. In California, Civil Code Section 846 provides such an immunity. California courts have held this statute provides immunity to the Federal Government as well, thus assisting in the opening of federal lands in California to hang gliding. If your state has not yet enacted such a statute, organize pilots in your state to contact their state government representatives and request adoption of such a law. Fourth, some states have enacted laws which immunize the state and local governments from liability when they open up state/ county/city lands to free recreational use. In California, government code §831.7 provides such an immunity. Fifth, the common law doctrine of implied assumption ofrisk will operate to minimize landowner liability in most states. At one point it was unclear whether implied assumption of risk was still a valid theory in California. Several recent published cases breathed new life into the doctrine in California. The theory is that, if prior to engaging in the activity, the injured person knows of the existence of the risks that eventually result in his injury but, nevertheless, engages in the activity, he has assumed the risk of injury and cannot bring suit. While the implied assumption of risk theory appears to be making a comeback in California, all ambiguity as to the applicability of the theory can be removed by including an express assumption of risk in a release. Spectator insurance, written releases, private and governmental immunity statutes, and the legal doctrine of implied assumption of risk are some of the legal tools available to protect our sites from extinction. Hang gliding exposes us as pilots to risks of injury not encountered by non-pilots. Protecting our launch and landing area hosts from being exposed to those same risks should go a long way in maintaining our existing sites and opening new ones. The chapter is not yet closed on the Ed Levin site crisis. The crisis does point out the need not only to have legal protections in place but, also, to keep site owners aware of the legal protections, so that their perceived risk of liability accurately corresponds to the actual risk. •

The Law, Sites & Hang Glider Pilots

JANUARY 1990

by Timothy Herr drafted release is tested in court and loses, not only will the site where the injury occurred likely be lost, but so will other sites and potential sites, due to the perception that, if one release was invalid, all releases must be invalid. In California, the courts have upheld releases as valid in six out of seven of the most recent published cases on the subject. The defective release in the one case could have been cured easily by proper drafting. The seven California cases involved the following recreational activities: sky diving, dirt bike riding (2), scuba diving (2), ultralight flying, and drag racing. In the most recent case, in upholding the release, the court noted: In cases arising from hazardous recreational pursuits, to pennit released claims to be brought to trial defeats the purpose for which releases are requested and given, regardless of which party ultimately wins the verdict. Defense costs are devastating. Unless courts are willing to dismiss such actions without trial, many popular and lawful recreational activities are destined for extinction. - National and International Brotherhood ofStreet Racers v. Superior Ct. (Nov. 16, 1989) 89 C.D.O.S. 8445, 8446. The California courts appear to be doing their part to help prevent recreational activities such as hang gliding from suffering extinction. Third, some states, such as California, have enacted laws which immunize private

Timothy Herr is an attorney with the law firm of Collins and Zapata in San Jose, California.

COMPETITION CORNER

The 1989 U.S. Nationals by Russ Locke Connie Bowen's bid for this year's Nationals was not acted upon until late spring. Consequently, the meet had to be held later in the year to avoid conflicting with previously scheduled meets. August tends to bring stable hot weather to the Dunlap Valley, so the meet was scheduled in late September in the hope that less stable conditions might be better for running a Nationals competition. While Dunlap was the site of the Nationals several years ago, it's not as good a cross-country site as Chelan or the Owens, which doesn't mesh up well with today's pilots and gliders. However, poor weather ended up being the main barrier to a quality meet. There were nine rounds flown, consisting of out-and-returns, triangles and launch-togoal around turnpoints. The task distances ranged from 19 to 27 miles. Even with those short tasks, 44 of the 62 pilots in the meet would not reach goal any time during the meet, and no one would reach goal on five of the nine clays. There was a wide variety of pilots and gliders in the meet including the new Wills Wing HP AT's, Steve Moyes with a couple of XS's, Brian Porter was flying an uncertified Odyssey and a couple of Russians were flying gliders they brought with them (one obviously home built). In the midst of a lot of fun, there were some real serious moments. The first involved several of the Colorado pilots who got involved in a skirmish at a local watering hole. One of them now has a souvenir--a large hunting knife that came within inches of being in his back. The Colorado boys did some serious partying throughout the meet and impressed many of us with their ability to keep partying even though they incurred some expensive repair bills on their equipment. Fortunately there were no injuries with the exception of Jim Zeiset who seriously pulled a hamstring muscle trying to run his glider off launch (he forgot he didn't need all that speed in the heavy California air). A couple of days into the meet, John Beebe, while attempting to Janel his Dawn Comp, came face to face with a

large cable strung across the field, and at the last moment managed to dive under it (maybe there is something to kingpostless gliders?). John then had to deal with a father-and-son tagteam act, who didn't like hang glider pilots landing in their field. Fortunately the battle never got beyond the verbal stage. And no discussion of serious confrontations can leave out round six during which we saw a pilot avoid serious physical harm, as well as getting a demonstration of how insensitive some other pilots can be (have to include myself in this group!). There was a landowner in the valley below launch who raised thoroughbred horses, and who had been very adamant in the past about pilots not landing in her field. Well, Steve Moyes missed this particular briefing and landed in her field (Murphy's Law?). He immediately found himself face to face with the before-mentioned angry landowner who told him in clear tenns to get off her property immediately. The snarling rotweillers she held in either hand completed her message. Those ofus on launch who weren't laughing so hard that we could still see clearly through binoculars watched Steve run across the field, throw his glider over a barbed wire fence and quickly scramble over it himself, knowing that if she turned the rotweillers loose, the barbed wire would be the least of his worries. It's important to note here that with only a few exceptions the landowners in the Dunlap Valley liked hang glider pilots and enjoyed watching them land in their fields. Many of the local people treated the Nationals as an event not to be missed, including 87-year-olcl Granny Baker, one of the largest landowners in the area, who had her son drive her around to whatever field seemed to be in use on the particular clay. In the middle of all this ground play, there was one serious incident that happened in the air. On day five, a midair occurred between Steve Koji flying a Magic Kiss and Brian Porter in the Odyssey. Steve's leading edge broke and he came down under a parachute na1Towly missing Jim Lee on the way down. It was never

clear what exactly caused the accident. There are several versions of the incident, all plausible, but none found any real fault with the way the pilots were flying. Fortunately there were no injuries since the accident happened in close proximity to the ground ( about 500 feet AGL). I did hear several eyewitness reports that Steve's throwing of his chute was textbook. And then there were the Russians that I mentioned earlier. A couple of months before the meet Jim Zeiset and I received FAX messages from one of the Russian teams (they have two) stating that they had received peimission from their government to compete in our Nationals and they needed several things from us. One was an official invitation and a request to our State Department to accelerate the processing of their visas. All that was easy enough to do, but they also wanted to know how much we could help them with money matters. (Actually they suggested that we cover all of their expenses including air fare, and they would be willing to reciprocate at some later point for a like number of U.S. pilots coming to Russia.) We told them that all we could do was to help them with expenses after they got here. In their last communication they said that they were coming, but they were obviously very disorganized, so we were a little skeptical. We sort of put this issue on a back burner until the second clay of the meet, when we got a message from the office asking us to call a 415 area code number. The number was a pay phone on the wall in San Francisco airport there were five Russians (none of whom spoke more than a few words of English) camped out with all their gear including two gliders. We dispatched one of the meet's drivers to go pick them up (eight hours round trip) and they were back in time for the Monday morning pilot's meeting. The group included four pilots and a protocol officer (who spoke French, so we had some way of communicating), two gliders, almost no money and no return air fare tickets (sounds like some hang glider pilots I know). Eventually, they got their problems worked out, flew well in the meet and got a quickie tour of San Francisco and Los Angeles (including Disneyland) before they went home. Thanks go to Dave and Connie Bowen, Joe and Kris Greblo, Jim Leach, Greg Pujol, Angela Szarek and others for housing, feeding and showing them around, and getting their travel situation (tickets, visas) organized so they could get home. HANG GLIDING

2,J,(i-111ilc task with Nelson l lowc in a Sensor

in lhe Castes! time. No 011c wo11ld m;1kc on day two, b111 Brian Porlcrwould l'ly the

fartlH.'.sl with 1:i.<J miles, J'ollowccl I lowanl Osterlund and Jim lowanl would take over first place followed Jim and Brian. three, no one would make (1 miles) were hy Steve followed Ostcrlu11d, l'ortcr and .cc. This group wo11ld all 1novc lo the front of the J'om, weather conditions got a On lilt le helter ;md nine pilots would the miles. Jim Lee longest task or the meet, moved into first followed Brian !'or· In. would hold these 11ntil the 1m rnw Brian l'orlcr would go 011 artcr the midair to fly the distance, 19.:l miks. l was followed by Ricky Dunca11 and a Larry T11dor, Joe group of Urchlo, Reio Schaerli and David Adams. six became less as Ilic l that a was v;did ii' half the window closed al launched hcl'orc the <1:00 p.rn. At aliou1 3:30. with scvc,rnl

Nelson Howe. and then the lemming rush he· g,111. The l'irst pylon was J'ivL: miles straight out and Ilic second w;1s under launch. So the first turn anyone ll!adc was five miles out, wi1h the or Nelson and a couple of' other to get about a hundred above with Rick out. Nelson, Dunc;m and Tony Banon. had the long J'lights with 7.1 miles. got a liltle late in lhe put a 1'.10 fool pink ribbo11 011 Samii Kmtz's glider. I 1hcn made the rnislakc or af'tcrNick and cndcd up green smoke half' way across the valley l'rom the smoke i>ornh he had tied to his keel. Conditions got a lilt le helter the next day, and while no one 1rn1tk Jim I ,cc had the miles, J'ollowcd closely l'lighl al by Brian l'orlcr, l ,arry Tudor, Joe nrcblo, Terry Dave I )uncan. On l.!J..mile

Tudor and the last a '/-mile lask called to the south, the first linw we had f'lown Hrian Porter, who lwd hccn chipaway al .Jim Lee's lead, would have the

place whl'll Jim landed ten miles short of Following Brian to goal were Ricky Larry Tudor, S1cve Joe ( irclilo Sieve Koji' Ii W,lS off the meet with a round. ! le was to gel used lo the Dunlap Valley lhc midair happened, and lhcn he had to to a differcnl 1hat him. Othn nolablc poi11ts included Kari who l'inishcd in 26th place overall and as the ll.S. Women's National Champion.

COMPETITION CORNER Joe Greblo who was awarded the Sportsmanship Award for always finding a way to make people smile when things got tense. •

Results Place Pilot

Glider

1) Brian Porter

Odyssey WWHPAT 2) Jim Lee WWHPAT 3) Larry Tudor Moyes XS 4) Steve Moyes Foil 5) Carl Braden 6) Chris Arai Sensor C 7) Ricky Duncan Foil WWHPAT 8) Joe Greblo 9) Howard Osterlund Magic Kiss 10) Ted Boyse WW HP AT

The 1989 Idaho X-C Contest by Ken Cavanaugh L1e excellent flying of 1988 made the 1989 season a bitter pill to swallow. Often as not pilots found themselves aborting X-C flights due to stonns, turbulence or strange wind directions. A "declared goal" catego1y was added in an attempt to draw competition from the southwest portion of the state. Frank Gillette flew a borrowed Sensor 7 4 miles from King Mountain to Ellis (his goal) early in the season. Ken Cavanaugh bumped him to second place with another King Mountain flight of 80 miles. He declared Kilgore as goal. He had to dodge two storms and spin down in front of a third storm's gust front in order to pull it off. The women's competition was fought entirely at Mount Harrison where Lisa Tate's 12-miler clipped Susan Christie by a mile. The Silver (less than 50-mile) and Bronze (less than 25-mile) classes were both dominated by the same three people. Clair Packer flew a Fledge 26 miles to become the winner. Dan Delosier and Chris Wills got 18 and 12 miles respectively in a hard-fought contest. The 150-mile class again had no winner. The cash prize continues to grow as the $65 purse carries over to next year again. The state record fell to a Utah pilot when Gary Thompson flew 158 miles from Harrison (noncompetition flight). 16

The Gold Class (over 50 miles) was where most of the action was. Frank Gillette flew a borrowed Kiss 92 miles from Pickle Butte early in the season for a new site record. Ken Schreck and Eiji Yokoda flew into Montana for the other big flights in the gold class. These flights from King Mountain took place with a south wind direction and cumulus-filled skies. Eiji launched early and found easy flying since the cumulus were in the infant stages for him. The launch wind was not cooperative after that though, and three pilots stood with clenched teeth as the conditions overhead quickly turned sour. Once airborne, Ken Schreck used the speed of the HP II and his piranha X-C attitude to nearly overtake Yokoda. As with most X-C flights, subtle judgmental differences near the end of the flight resulted in the difference between Yokoda's 112-miler and Schreck's 87miler. Ken Schreck visited Idaho (his fonner home) for ten days and chalked up 500 X-C miles. Rest assured, he will be back. •

1989 Idaho X-C Results Pilot

Distance (miles)

Gold Class 1 Eiji Y okoda 2 Frank Gillette 3 Ken Schreck

112 92 87

Glider Xcel Kiss Hp II

Silver & Bronze Classes 1 Clair Packer 26 18 2 Dan Delosier 3 Chris Wills 12

Fledge III Gemini Sensor

Women's Class 1 Lisa Tate 2 Susan Christie

12 11

Genesis Vision

Declared Goal 1 Ken Cavanaugh 80 2 Frank Gillette 74

Sport Sensor

The 1989 Arizona X-C Contest -Tucson Triumpharticle and photos by Bob Thompson L1e 1989 Arizona X-C Contest was a wild card game this year, with new champions from a new site and lots of rock and roll and hard work to no avail for the usual players. Tony Barton, an experienced competition pilot, showed everyone the long route in the open class, and Jim Lersch, a first-time entrant in the contest bagged the "under 50-mile" class with a flight to New Mexico on the day he entered the contest. Both winners hail from Tucson, and both made winning flights from the Miller Canyon site, just north of the Mexican border. The Southern Arizona Hang Gliding Association (USHGA member club #1) is sure bustin' its buttons with pride about both pilots and also about their prime flying site. And rightly so on all counts. For the rest of the pilots and rest of the state it was Jess than a banner year. The air was the most turbulent in histmy; lift seemed to shut down early virtually every day, and winds were outrageously fickle, changing, and downright unpredictable or just plain blowing the wrong way. Being at the right site at the right time was never more important.

A case in point was the winning day, June 25. Hans Heydrich, Jim Grissom, Steve Kuenzi and I checked the soaring forecast and Oatman seemed the only possible site to try. We did, and lift was lousy, turbulence was massive, and Hans ended up coming down under parachute after about 50 miles of struggling. That same day Tony Barton decided to go to Miller Canyon to fly, but arrived late-just in time to find all the other Tucson pilots driving down, as it was blowing down at launch. He went up anyway, and managed to get off in a lull, caught a thermal to 15,000 feet and went with the winds all the way to the Rio Grande River at Las Cruces, New Mexico. From Tony's description of the flight, everything worked just perfectly all day, getting up in some light thermals late in the flight, catching some great bouyant air on the final glide near sunset which allowed him to skim over and down the long grade to the river, then just clearing the river with about a foot to spare, landing under the Interstate 10 bridge on the east bank. Whew! That brings up memories of a photo of Dan Racanelli water skimming in his Magic which was in the 1988 USHGA HANG GLIDING

lo gel the highest I have ever been on one or my I 00+ mile hut the flight was so 111rbulcnt that my Sport was pointed in till' direction I lo go (like only about IO to I seconds at a I irne a hospital visit for some IV

al'tcr· wmcls. J\nd lots or pilots got busted up, though 1101 ;ill were group or Oklahoma pilots were

This is not to take away from some pn:lty Ciights that were made I 00 I· rnilcrs this year in J\ri,.ona), hut .. next year is heller every There werc probably some prclly good reasons ror lhc season ·s prohlen1,: the worst

eagle high above llw Navajo reservation in in August.

had his drL0<llll or I I cale11dar miles on the same d,1y that everyone else in the 1hrashcd. I le happened to stale was gcll place al lhc righl time, have been in the ilml liis years or competition com· hincd with some luck, a good t,1ilwind, and a well·tightc11cd /\xis landed him in lhc winner's circle. If'lhlTC was a pilot who lric:d lhc hardest-· won, and I would have picked to have 1101 only for his abilities, but also for pcrscvcr ancc -it is second place finisher Jim Urissom. I le mam1gcd to eight flighls over I00 mi !cs, shut down every Iimc with lots or light left. 011 his J 911 .. milc rtighl (which look

to catch a late afternoon thermal 1ha1 had to work 11ro1111d some light poles along highway into Ciallup. Jim just quit With the cxccplion or some good air Milli:r ( ii really wasn't a very run for the conlcsl. f .asl pilot, klT"No Brnincr" managed '.il·rnilcr in a week or Arizona ldi thc state wilh less than 10

' mo

JANErno·s FINEST HANG GLIDING FLYIN(; TOURS Bi lingual guides Tra11spor1a1ion & Retrieval Airport pickup 1lotcl & rental car rcscrva1io11 available TANDEM TRIKE FLIGIITS OVER RIO Parnchulcs, harnesses, instrurnc111s, radios & T-shirts Repair services & parts for AIRW;\. VE, AJRBORNI,, ALBATROSS & MOYES !'or information or reservations contact: Ondas do Ar Lida OA lJSA Av das Americas, I <J 17T Aun: D. Aguilar (2.ll) 4W4 I :12 Rio de .Janeiro 22611 Brazil (21) 247746g FAX & phone (818) 443"'7070 FAX

1990

or 118''), and tlw wind patterns were oul orlhc most of the

lime, Most oflhc National l"orcsts were closed for the main sc:ason elm: to extreme fire , which sl1111 down launch ML Fldcn from Arizona Point launch would have 011 Owens Most or this year's 100+ which is like in the Owens, b11t to cross !he immcdiatc/v,, inslcad of being able 10 get lols or miles (and time) 1111der yom belt first bel'orc In the "under 50 mile" class tile battles were SCL:ltl to the IICW('.J', 0111 and try to sharpen their skills, They, too,

and decided lo

with a of friends, Mark Stockwell and Jason Otto, On the way out of town Jim dropped ,lll entry form in the mail for our then went Jim landed his downwind from the Miller launch later that day,jnst short ofR()(ko, New Mexico, and also in t'irsl place in the nmkr 50-milc part of tltc contest, Mark was in till' under SO-mile contest too, and flew his 4:i miles tltat which could have earned him a third "place finish, but ,is he left the: next on his vacation,, lie did not get his vc:rif'ication form in to the conll:sl committee within the two-week time Jl(> rimL Next year Marki Back al Oa11rnm the local troops were still battling it 0111 in the :rn-milc 50-milc class holsltots, range, And last the "Team Uator" didn't have anyone to follow this year, resulting in flights of less than 100 miles, llmmm,,,1'11 bet if next year is anything like this year, the Miller Canyon site will be alive with pilots from all over, l must admit, it long potential l'or the serious docs have pilot, Several years ago I did some reconnoitcrdownwind, and figured :mo 1- was you get permission from the FA/\ to through the White Sands Missile

hang glider flights in Arizona, Congralulations abounded to Ji111, and all the contestants in this, the ninth year of the Arizona CrossCounlry Contest, which is (as far ,is we know) the longest continually running hang contest in the nation (or the world), Ill

Pilot

Bar1011 Jim ( 1rissom Brad

John Johnson Hans I Bob Thompson Jim Whitelaw Rick Rockhold

145 144

Miller Peak lo I ,as NM Mingus to Gallup, NM to past Rough Rock Mingus lo Coltonwood area Mingus to near Navajo Nat. Mon, Elden to Canyon DeChelley

l 18 98

Oalman to Kirkland/Wilhoit area

194 177

Yarnell to Meteor Crater Oatman to Glendale

Axis

4 IIPAT IJP JI

IIP II Sport IIP II GTR Axis

50-Milc Closs

Bob Jackola

Glider

0/!!'II ('/ass

Dennis Tubbs

Mt, Elden, and who knows

Milcs/Ro11k

Dan Schroeder Lisa Lippcncotl

Miller Peak 10 near Rodeo, NM Oatman lo Perryville Oatrmm to cast of Gila Bend -- Oatman lo north of Palo V erdc 30 Oatman to north of Ciila Bene! 9 Mingus to pink road 84 49 36

Sport

Comet II Axis Axis Magic IV

USHGA REPORTS

USHGA Board Of Directors Meeting Report November 10-12, 1989-·San Diego, CA by Gregg Lawless

The

November Board of Directors meeting was held in San Diego, California on November 10-12 . The PUBLICATIONS committee approved the use of "new" logos on USHGA merchandise to determine membership interest in a change in the standard logo. This committee also recommended the formulation of a policy which addresses the reporting of "illegal" activities, under Part 103, in the magazine. The FINANCE committee was pleased to receive what was described as the best set of financial reports presented in the past 10 years. An increase of $5 in foreign membership dues was approved to more accurately reflect the added postage costs. This committee also accepted a proposal to take part in an "Affinity Card" program (hang gliding credit card). Additionally, this committee recommended that the Executive Director explore future office lease options as opposed to a building purchase at this time. The NATIONAL FLY-IN committee decided to solicit bids for the 1990 National Fly-In through Hang Gliding magazine. Bids will be accepted up to the date of the next board meeting at which time a site will be selected. The WORLD TEAM committee provided a lengthy report on the 1989 World Meet held in Switzerland. Problems were addressed and solutions were recommended. Current world team standings will be finalized as soon as the 1989 Nationals results are incorporated into the formula. The SAFETY & TRAINING committee accepted a revised tandem rating revocation made in Region 3. Changes to the Master rating were made as follows: decreased the minimum number of flights required from 750 to 400 before points accumulate; decreased the value of the altitude gains and X-C to reflect the type of flying we attain today; increased the number of points available for the number of sites and gliders flown; increased the number of points available for tandem and tow flights with four categories of tow flight; and required that all candidates obtain the bronze safe pilot award.

JANUARY 1990

This committee also recommended that all aspects of our sport be made class specific (i.e., flex wing, rigid wing, or paraglider) up through the examiner level. The TANDEM committee approved a recommendation to allow a tandem II/instructor candidate to substitute 15 flights with a tandem instructor for the 25-flight requirement currently in place. Tandem clinics will be reformatted to require more instruction/training at the entry level (Tandem I) and remain more evaluatory at the Tandem II/instructor level. Language in the tandem requirements was cleaned up to reflect the need for tandem participants to have current USHGA membership and rating cards on their person when flying tandem. The INSURANCE committee discussed at length the closure of Ed Levin, a major training site in Northern California, due to what has been termed as inadequate insurance coverage. This committee will explore the feasibility of purchasing a policy which meets this site's landowner's needs. A report was given indicating that there had been no claims made against our policy to date. An update on a the availability of a glider theft policy and an AD&D policy for the general membership was made. These optional policies should be made available to the membership during the first quarter of 1990. The TOWING committee recommended that an approved series of questions related to towing be added to the current accident report form. The BYLAWS committee disapproved a recommendation that would have awarded a life membership in the USHGA to any director serving on the board for a total of 10 years. The requirement of a chapter to have a minimum of 50% of its members as USHGA members was increased to 70%. The MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT committee reported that a hang gliding postage stamp should be out in 1991. A national program identified as "Lifeflight" will be developed by Jan Johnson for the purpose of soliciting donations to various charitable or-

ganizations. The NATIONAL COMPETITION committee recommended that a proposal submitted by Cris Reynolds to hold the 1990 Nationals in Dinosaur Colorado be accepted. Tom Kreyche's request to submit a bid to hold the 1993 World Championship in the Owens Valley was accepted. The PARAGLIDING committee meeting was probably attended by more interested parties than any other committee meeting in the history of this board, and definitely created the most controversy at this particular meeting. The recommendations of this committee were as follows: 1) Dissolve this committee as it currently stands and have a new committee created which would be called the American Paragliding Association Committee; 2) that the USHGA president appoint the president of AP A as the chairman of this committee; 3) recommended that the existing APA ratings be incorporated into the USHGA. During general session a vote was taken to determine if the directors felt that paragliding was a form of hang gliding. Nine cast a vote to consider paragliding a form of hang gliding, 10 voted against this position and 2 abstained. As USHGA president, Russ Locke is currently working with several individuals to determine what the direction of this newly formed committee should be. The NEXT BOARD MEETING will be held in Colorado Springs on April 6-8, 1990. •

RATINGS LILIENTHAL AW ARDS BRONZE FRED MILLER HAROLD McSHANE DAVID FAYERWEATHER JEFFREY A. ATER MARY DUCHARME JOHN DAVIS T.E. WEISZ MAURICE SPILLANE GEORGE CRAGO RANDY TRIPP SHARON CARR DAVID NELSON SILVER GUY FREEMAN JEFF RUSSELL BEGINNER RATINGS PILOT: City, State; Instructor/School Region 1 KATHY TURCO: College, AK; A. Chuculate. PAUL TAYLOR: West Richland, WA; J. Stroup. Region 2 JULIE RANSON: Ceres, CA; R. Echavarria. CHARLES FRIEDERICKS: Milpitas, CA; R. Engorn. - JAVIER LOPEZ: San Francisco, CA; J. Greenbaum. - ERIC GLOISTEIN: Concord, CA; J. Greenbaum. - MARGARET GRIFFIN: Cupertino, CA; R. Palrnon. - WALLY MOTLOCH: Menlo Park, CA; R. Palmon. - BILL IRELAND: Sunnyvale, CA; R. Palrnon. - ALBERT GOUYET: Palo Alto, CA; R. Palrnon. - ERIC EVERETT: Antioch, CA; R. Engorn. - WAYNE LARSON: Fremont, CA; R. Palmon. - JEFF REIFF: Stockton, CA; B.K. Haneke. - JOSEPH GIOVE: Sonora, CA; C. Crescioli/Western Hang Gliders. GREG KNEPP: San Jose, CA; C. Crescioli. RUSSELL BROWN: San Jose, CA; C. Crescioli/ Western Hang Gliders. Region 3 BRIAN CHAMBERLAIN: Norton AFB, CA; D. Engel/Southland HG. - RICHARD RANKIN: Arrowbear, CA; D. Renshaw-Armenta/Natural High Sports. - RICH BASS: Los Gatos, CA; D. Yount. DEBORAH BOUCHER: Morgan Hill, CA; C. Crescioli. - DONNA LEW: Santa Cruz, CA; R. Palmon/Mission Soaring Center. MAIK DARLEY: Honolulu, HI; D. Darling. - STEINAR BREVIK: Isla Vista, CA; A. Hageman. - MICHAEL HEILMAN: Haleiwa, HI; L. Akiona. MORRIS BROWN: Canoga Park, CA; M. Spinelli/True Flight Concepts. - MARK ADLER: Pasadena, CA; M. Spinelli/True Flight Concepts. STEVE CLARK: Newhall, CA; M. Spinelli/True Flight Concepts. - SHAINE EBRAHIM[: Los Angeles, CA; M. Spinelli/True Flight Concepts. Region 4 JENNIFER HALL: Flagstaff, AZ; B. Holmes/Sky Sails of Arizona. - RONALD HOTT: Flagstaff, AZ; B. Holmes/Sky Sails of Arizona. - RICHARD SPENCER: Phoenix, AZ; B. Holmes/Sky Sails of Arizona. - VIRGINIA MURRAY: Colorado

Springs, CO; R. Wilkinson/Eagle's Nest School of HG. - EDWIN MATIAS: Colorado Springs, CO; R. Wilkinson/Eagle's Nest School of HG.

NOVICE RA TINGS PILOT: City, State; Instructor/School

Region 6 DAVID WINNEBERGER: Oklahoma City, OK; S. Greenawalt. Region 7 TIMOTHY CARTWRIGHT: Madison, WI; B, Kushner/Raven HG. - BETH RAMMER: Madison, WI; B. Kushner/Raven HG. - KARA A. SMITH: Madison, WI; B. Kushner/Raven HG. - LAWRENCE L. OTTO: Pewaukee, WI; R. Wilkinson/ Eagle's Nest School of HG. - JEFF SPRUILL: Chicago, IL; B. Kushner/Raven HG. - CARL HARDTKE: N. Aurora, IL; B. Kushner/Raven HG. - KEVIN SCHMITZ: Waukesha, WI; B. Kushner/ Raven HG. - DAVID SHUTE: Mount Morris, MI; L. Haney/Sail Wings. - MICHAEL HASZ: Berkley, MI; R. Whitsitt/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - BORIS BRINZER: Madison, WI; B. Kushner/Raven HG. Region 8 KERRY BONNER: Attleboro, MA; J. Porter. JIRI SYCHROVSKY: Roslindale, MA; R. Hastings. - RICHARD GRAHAM, JR.: Needham, MA; J. Porter. - DARREN WETZEL: Cambridge, MA; J. Porter. - DAVID JENNI: Watertown, .MA; S. Wendt/Kitty Hawk Kites. - TODD CHAPIN: Shrewsbury, MA; J. Hannus. - TONY STELIK: New Britain, CT; A. Davidson. - MARTY DA VIS: Meriden, CT; R. Hastings/Morningside Hang Gliders. - WILLIAM VEY: Milton, MA; J. Hannus. PAUL HANN: Melrose, MA; J. Hannus. Region 9 BILL IRVIN: Charlottesville, VA; G. Reeves/Kitty Hawk Kites. - G. KEITH OLENA: Conestogia, PA; G. Reeves/Kitty Hawk Kites. - ALEXANDER MacNUTT: Bishopville, MD; S. Wendt/Kitty Hawk Kites. - MAX CRUICKSHANK: Arlington, VA; J. Midclleton/Silvcr Wings, Inc. DONAVIN GRATZ: Lititz, PA; S. Wendt/Kitty Hawk Kites. STEVE SCHLIESMAN: Coatesville, PA; S. Wendt/Kitty Hawk Kites. - RICHARD FINCHAM, II: Farmington, WV; J. Rowan. - JOHN MARINO: New Cumberland, PA; S. Schaeffler. - BARBARA CONELLEY: Silver Spring, MD; G.W. Meadows. - DAVID HOOPER: Virginia Beach, VA; G. Ball/ Kitty Hawk Kites. - JOHN HANDWORK: Germantown, MD; G. Ball/Kitty Hawk Kites. Region 10 W. BERNIE KERR: West Palm Beach, FL; D. Engel/Southland HG. - JAMES JAY TOMLIN, III: Kill Devil Hills, NC; R. Bachman/Kitty Hawk Kites. - NEIL MA VIS: Clarkston, GA; R. Whitsitt/ Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - JOHN RIFFLE: Miami, FL; G. Pollock/Wasatch Wings. - FRANK SUSKO: Tuscaloosa, AL; J. Reynolds/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - DIANE JOSEY FORD: Atlanta, GA; J. Reynolds/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - VANESSA SHEETS: Fayetteville, GA; M. Taber/ Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. Region 12 PATTI BROSCHART: Riverdale, NY; G. Black. - BRUCE GUDERIAN: Webster, NY; R. VICTOR ZHELEZNIAK: New McGovern. York, NY; G. Black/Mountain Wings. - URS KELLENBERGER: Paramus, NJ; G. Black/Mountain Wings.

Region 1 LIESL PRATHER: Portland, OR; J. Estrin. JOHN NEIGER: Portland, OR; J. Estrin/Airplay'n of Oregon. Region 2 WOODY ABEL: San Francisco, CA; W. Anderson. - JIM GRIFFIN: FPO, San Francisco, CA; K. DeRussy. - DONNELL KENT STATON: Yreka, CA; D. Thomason. - JOHN McTIGUE: Reno, NV; R. Leonard. - KEVIN GIBSON: Sacramento, CA; W. Anderson. - ERIC EVERETT: Antioch, CA; D. Yount. - WAYNE HINEMAN: San Jose, CA; D. Burns. - JAMES JOHNSON: San Leandro, CA; D. Yount. - EDUARDO GONZALEZ ORTEGA: Livermore, CA; D. Yount. - PIERCE NORTON: San Jose, CA; K. Stowe. - JULIE MANION: Quincy, CA; M. Bennett. - KEITH HESTEANDE: Sunnyvale, CA; K. DeRussy/Hang Glider Emporium. Region 3 WILLIS SANNER: San Diego, CA; G. Horeth. ESTEBAN SOLANO: Redondo Beach, CA; D. Renshaw-Armenta/Natural High Sports. - BIZHAN MOSTOFISHAMS: Los Angeles, CA; J. Betteridge. - REUVEN AV-TAL: Encino, CA; T. Boyse/Windsports Soaring Center. - TIM WORLEY: Arcadia, CA; T. Boyse/Windsports Soaring Center. - KEN MANATT: Los Angeles, CA; T. Boyse/Windsports Soaring Center. - TIM HUBBS: San Bernardino, CA; D. RenshawArrnenta/Natural High Sports. - PA UL STEW ART: San Diego, CA; R. Chase/Ultimate High Aviation. COLLIN PRILLER, II: San Bernardino, CA; R. McKenzie. - DAN MALEK: Anaheim, CA; D. Skadal/Hang Flight Systems. - NORMAN McLAUGHLIN: Santa Monica, CA; R. McKenzie. -TIM BROWN: Tujunga, CA; J. Greblo/Windsports Soaring Center. - MAIK DARLEY: Honolulu, HI; D. Darling. - DAVID MINTUN: Chowchilla, CA; K. Muscio. - JOHN EIDEN: Newbury Park, CA; K. DeRussy/Hang Glider Emporium. MICHAELSATTS: Avila Beach, CA; K. DeRussy/ Hang Glider Emporium. - JEFF MEYERS: San Diego, CA; G.W. Meadows/The HG Center of San Diego. - DANE JACOBSON: Goleta, CA; K. DeRussy/Hang Glider Emporium. ROBERT KRANZ: Lake Almanor, CA; R. Leonard. - ANN KENNEDY: Baywood Park, CA; K. DeRussy/Hang Glider Emporium. - JOHN BAXTER: Westminster, CA; D. Skadal. - VON WELCH: Chatsworth, CA; M. Spinelli/True Flight Concepts. Region 4 JOSEPH PULICE: Phoenix, AZ; S. Aycock. LEIF CASEY: Englewood, CO; G. Greer/Colorado HG. - DANA FALCONER: Ft. Collins, CO; B. Faris/Front Range Hang Gliders. - RONALD HOTT: Flagstaff, AZ; B. Holmes/Sky Sails of Arizona. - JOHN WINKELKOTTER: Salt Lake City, UT; G. Pollock/Wasatch Wings. - TERRANCE FREES: Salt Lake City, UT; K. Stowe/Windrider. Q.J. WILSON: Alamogordo, NM; D. Church.

HANG GLIDING

RATINGS Region 6 MICHAEL LEITAO: Wichita, KS; C. Crescioli. DAVID SPRECKER, JR.: Goodland, KS; R. Kenney. Region 7 MICHAEL SMITH: Glenview, IL; G. Nicolet. Region 8 JIRI SYCHROVSKY: Roslindale, MA; R. Hastings. - WALTER MAHAN: Hudson, NH; J. Hannus. - JOHN BATES: Shennan, CT; G. Black. - JEFFREY SCHWEFLER: Boxford, MA; M. Taber/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - PETER BURGHARDT: Brighton, MA; J. Nicolay. Region 9 JAMES PHILLIPS: Lavale, MD; J. Rowan. MARK SHREVE: Louisville, KY; L. Haney. HEINZ WERNER: Cleveland, OH; M. DelSignore. - ROCK WALKER: Philadelphia, PA; B. Umstattd. - GREGORY SOBOLEWSKI: Garfield Heights, OH; M. DelSignore. - CHRIS THARP: Bedford, VA; G. Reeves/Kitty Hawk Kites.CHRISTINE HUDDLE: Rockville, MD; J. Rowan. - ALEXANDER MacNUTT: Bishopville, MD; J. Reynolds/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - SHARON CARR: Gemiantown, MD; G. Stebbins/Silverwings, Inc. Region 10 CHIP DAVIDSON: Rising Fawn, GA; J. Reynolds/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - ROBIN SANDIDGE: Douglasville, GA; J. Reynolds/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - JENNIFER HOWARD: Chattanooga, TN; M. Taber/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - FRANK LUND: Jupiter, FL; R. Whitsitt/ Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - ERIC HUBER: Atlanta, GA; J. Reynolds/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. RONNIE GUICE: Charlotte, NC; B. Burri!.

Horeth. - THOMAS TUFTS: Sacramento, CA; J. Anderson.

PILOT: City,State;Observer/School Region 3 JOSEPH KELLEY: Barstow, CA; J. Newman. MARTIN GRASSEL: La Crescenta, CA; M. Spinelli/True Flight Concepts. - ROBERT COFFMAN: Pasadena, CA; T. Boyse/Windsports Soaring Center. - FRANK SCHWAB: Buena Park, CA; R. McKenzie. - JIM GILLILAND: Los Alamos, CA; K. DeRussy/Hang Glider Emporium. - JOHN BELLORA: San Diego, CA; R. Chase/ Ultimate High Aviation. Region 4 TOM LARSEN: Telluride, CO; R. Whitley. - JESSICA WRIGHT: Telluride, CO; C. Holbrook/ Southwind HG. - CRAIG HESSE: Telluride, CO; R. Whitley. - DENNIS SUTTON: Westminster, CO; J. Zeiset/Pendulum Sports, Inc. - WM. SANDY HAGUE: Crested Butte, CO; J. Zeiset/Pendulum Sports, Inc. - RUSS BUNNER: Paradise Valley, AZ; B. Thompson/Desert Hang Gliders. Region 5 JAMES W. BOGART: Casper, WY; K. Christopherson. Region 6 RICHARD CAMPBELL: Atkins, AR; L. Haney. BRUCE LEWIS: Jacksonville, AR; L. Haney/Sail Wings. Region 7 MICHAEL SMITH: Glenview, IL; G. Nicolet. Region 8 DENNIS WINSLOW: Portland, ME; R. Bradley.

Region 11 RANDY TRIPP: Blue Ridge, TX; D. Broyles. JOHN AYOUB: Austin, TX; S. Bums/Austin Air Sports.

Region 9 MARK PAULSON: Glenshaw, PA; P. Brooks. KURT ROY: Lexington, KY; D. Darling/Maui Soaring. - KEN HARRISON: Orwigsburg, PA; J. Harper. - PETER MADOR: Arnold, MD; M. Taber. - DON SEIB: Downington, PA; D. Brown.

Region 12 MICHEL FUSELLA: APO, NY; G. Elhait/NOVAAIR. - MARCEL MOREAU: APO, NY; G. Elhart/NOV A-AIR. JERRY JOHNSON: Collingswood, NJ; B. Umstattd/Sky High HG. TODD WALTON: APO, >lY; G. Elhan/NOVAAIR. - ADAM BOBKOWSKI: Elizabeth, NJ; G. Black/Mountain Wings, Inc. - DONALD R. WINCHESTER: APO, NY; G. Elhart/NOV A-AIR. - TONY COVELLI: Kerhonkson, NY; G. Black/ Mountain Wings, Inc.

Region 10 GEORGE GRIFFIN: Clarkston, GA; M. Taber/ Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - BOB BELSHAN: Memphis, TN; L. Haney. - JERRY FOWLER: Hendersonville, TN; M. Taber/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - CHIP DAVIDSON: Rising Fawn, GA; M. Taber/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - MICHAEL HERLEVICH: Lutz, FL; B. Jackson. - FRED KEITH, SR.: Mt. Pleasant, SC; M. Taber/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - CHRIS CARL TON: Ringgold, GA; M. Taber/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park.

INTERMEDIATE RATINGS PILOT: City, State; Instructor/School Region 1 HERB HOSTLER: Portland, OR; J. Reynolds. ED RANEY: Bothell, WA; D. Chadwick. DONALD WANLIN: Bellingham, WA; M. Lipscomb.

ADVANCED RATINGS

Region 1 BRENT BURGESS: Eugene, OR; P. Gaston. KONRAD KURP: Anac011es, WA; J. Bowman. Region 2 ERIC BRENT ELMQUIST: Turlock, CA; K. Muscio. - ANNE PALOTAS: Oakland, CA; K. Muscio. - JAMES HARRIS: Mtn. View, CA; P. Page. Region 3 SUSAN CHRISTIE: Salinas, CA; B. Christie/ Western HG. - JAMES SKELTON: Redlands, CA; R. McKenzie. - JODI ROSENGREN: San Diego, CA; W. Henry. - JOE HLISTA: Costa Mesa, CA; D. Renshaw-Armenta/Natural High Sports. - MARK GAGE: Lake Elsinore, CA; P. Phillips. - WESLEY WYNN: Imperial Beach, CA; W. Henry. Region 4 MARK ROWLAND: Wheatridge, CO; J. Yocom. -THOMAS ELLIS: Los Alamos, NM; K. Schenk. - JEFF ROHRBACKER: Telluride, CO; R. Whitley. Region 7 CHRIS WIRSING: Valparairo, IN; M. Haas. Region 8 JACOB PIERCE: Needham, MA; J. David. Region 10 CASEY DEERING: Dunlap, TN; C. Whitney. WESLEY HOLLINGSWORTH: J. Davis. JAMES TINDLE: Hollywood, FL; C. Whitney. CHARLES COZEAN: Huntsville, AL; R. McKenzie. FOREIGN RATINGS BEGINNER CHRISTOPHE ESQUIROL: Lamentin, FWI; C. Romein. NOVICE CHRISTOPHE ESQUIROL: Lamentin, FWI; C. Romein. INTERMEDIATE NOEL FITZMAURICE: Bernau, West Germany; G. Elhart/NOVA-AIR.

Region 11 DANNY LUECKENHOFF: F011 Worth, TX; L. Haney. - FRED T. BURNS: LaPorte, TX; S. Bums/ Austin Air Sports. Region 12 KEITH HANLEY: APO, NY; G. Elhmt/NOVAAIR. - AMY MINARD/HANLEY: APO, NY; G. Elhart/NOV A-AIR.

Region 2 CRAIG JOHNSON: San Jose, CA; J. Woodward. - MICHAEL DAILEY: Laguna Hills, CA; G.

JANUARY 1990

have learned to live with DDT in our food chain, PCVs in our water, THC in our brains and STP in our cars, so why not WW HP-AT 158s in our At least this

was my reaction when I first heard or the alphabetic acronym for Wills 's latest of to the world of unfonered Then I got to sec six early at the World Meet in July and thought, "Well, sure look purty." Then I heard the results of the Nationals in and thought, "Well, they must fly nice." Then I got a call from with an invitation to Rob Kells of Wills come to California and fly some /\Ts for a report and thought, "Hot damn!" When l arrived at the Wills in Santa Ana, California in ber, I was handed a folio car, a box of tapes and a new hawk heaven. They pointed me in the right dircetion and I flew to the point of satiation. In

nine flights (two sites for a total of almost ten four different gliders in concli-from lift with light drifting in yo-yo air bashing around in elusive lee-side boomcrs. When [ had finished this orgy of airtime, I hac! notes and impressions to write an article. standard policy on equipment re-views is simple: if I like it, I write it up; if I don't like it, I send it hack. The presence of this article testifies to my regard for the WW-l!P· AT 158.

desire to improve on his His success depends on his his understanding and his abundance fortune. When Wills Wing set out to make a new glider, they had to on all of these factors plus a fancy array

of computer components to get the job done. They had a formidable task, for their previous glider, the !IP fl, was a well--prnven performer and they had only eight months to produce a certifiable glider in time for the l f)89 World Meet. The HP I first appeared in 1984 and turned out to be a potent competition glider. Its main handling, drawbacks were less than adequate, but not overwhelming sink rate, and less than docile landing characteristics. The HP JI also posted an impressive competition record and seemed to improve on the earlier model, wit.h better handling and sink rate at perhaps the expense of a little top end. Finally, the HP AT takes over to offer even better sink rate and improved handling. As the culmina-tion of a gradual progression, the HP AT can be declared a success. Here is a partial list of some of the incorporated in the new AT. A smaller sail, HANC GLTDINC

greater span, higher aspect ratio, a new airfoil, a new luff curve, new hardware, a VG system and a new airframe. The area of the AT is 158 square feet compared to 162 square feet on the HP II. This factor, coupled with three inches greater span, to 34' 7", results in an increase in aspect ratio from 7.2 to over 7.5. Now, the equations say that increasing effective aspect ratio improves glide ratio and sink rate. However, the key word is effective. Just increasing the numbers does nothing if wing twist (washout) is increased or the lift distribution strays from the elliptical ideal. So the jury is still deliberating about the benefits of the increased aspect ratio, and the verdict will only come after a year or so of comparative flying in a multitude of conditions. You can be sure of one thing: Wills Wing has made these design decisions carefully, with the goal of improving overall pe1fonnance while maintaining the necessary safety. We will look at perfonnance below while mentioning that the HP AT exceeds the required HGMA testing for strength and stability.

THE AIRFRAME We must make mention of the airframe, for it is what the Church Lady would call "special." Chief designer, Steve Pearson, explained to me the technicalities of his leading edge. "The ideal leading edge would be tapered," he mused, "it would be larger diameter in the place of maximum stress at the crossbar junction and have a smaller diameter toward the ends where there is little bending force." Unfortunately, tapered aluminum tubes are about as rare as a brainwave in a hairdresser's salon. So what must be done to maximize strength and bending pattern while minimizing weight is to step the tubing clown by inserting a smaller piece inside a larger. Nonnally this can only be done in 1/8" steps or the slop is too great. However, Wills Wing devised an ingenious method whereby two crescent-shaped inserts mate a large tube to an inner tube that is much smaller. The front part of the AT is 60mm (2.36 inches) and the rear part is 50mm (1.97 inches), about .4" difference. This arrangement resulted in a stiffer leading edge compared to the HP II with a reduction of weight of several pounds per side. The entire airframe, except for the control bar, is made of7075 tubing. The advantages of this alloy is its greater yield-strength-to-weight ratio compared to the most common alloy, 6061. With 7075 tubing, wall thicknesses as thin as .028 inches can be used without worrying about undue denting. This feature allows a designer to optimize strength while minimizJANUARY 1990

ing weight. Witness this: the HP AT is five pounds lighter than the HP II and that includes the addition of the VG system. The disadvantages of 7075 tubing are its greater cost, the need to order a year in advance in mega-quantities, and its tendency to corrode. Wills Wing helps combat the latter problem by using aluminum bushings and coating the inside of every tube with LPS-3, a standard procedure in the aircraft industry. They have also performed tests to assure the reliability of 7075 airframes by putting a new sail on a 2-1/2 year old glider that spent at least one year at the beach wearing jams and Vuarnet sunglasses. The glider passed the HGMA strength requirements with aplomb, despite its trying time in the salt spray.

HARDWARE One of the goals of the AT design project was to develop new hardware for improved aesthetics, function and aerodynamics, with strength at least equal to the former gizmos. With the aid of an AUTOCAD (CAD = computer assisted design), Wills Wing has come up with some fine fittings indeed. Here arc some highlights: The control bar corners and top fitting are made from extruded and machined aluminum that allow a quick erection of the control bar and an easy folding back to drop the glider on the ground in an emergency situation (this can be a life saver in a surprise high wind). These fittings are small and functional. One of the best hardware items on all Wills Wing gliders, in this writer's opinion, is their unique keyhole tang cable attachments at the nose (lower front wires) and tail (upper rear wire). This tang fits over a grooved bolt and the whole system is quick, easy and light. The control bar itself is one of the most comfortable I have used, with 68" faired clowntubes and a medium-bulge belly bar. The downtubes are of fairly small cross-section with a boundary layer trip ridge and a good feel in the hand. The basetube is practically perfect clue to its well-placed padded foam grip. No muscular handshake required here. The two items I am not totally in awe of are the crossbar hold-back pin and the lower side wire tangs. The foimer must be inserted when the crossbar is pulled back. Because it is only a ball pin, the holes in the tang it attaches have a very close tolerance, which often requires a bit of jimmying to get the pin in and out. Perhaps I'm ham-handed, but I think a PIP pin would make life easier. The control bar tang is only a problem when storing the glider. It is not long enough to allow the side wires to fold neatly against the

clowntubes. As a result, careless packing can cause the cable to bend at the Nico press fitting. One of the gliders I flew had a permanent bend at that location. Knowing this problem will prevent it if a pilot exercises care. A quarter-inch longer tang and a shorter side wire would be the ideal fix. The rest of the A T's unique hardware consists of several special fittings for the VG system (which we review below), plastic bushing for all moving parts, and neat kingpost brackets, top and bottom. The bottom bracket consists of a series of slots that allow an instant no-tool positioning of the hang point to adjust trim speed. In sum, Wills Wing must be given high marks for the AT's new hardware. It must be realized that without their high sales volume (close to 1,000 per year), such a fabrication of unique parts would not be feasible, for the tooling and development of the AT cost close to $ I 00,000. Purely out of curiosity, I asked Mike Meier to list the number of parts in the AT in order to get an idea of the complexity of the design. He was able to oblige this request easily by virtue of his position as overseer of design specifications and manufacturing processes. With a few twists of the dial at his computer console, he came up with the following list: HP AT 158 COMPONENTS CLASS

# of cliff. items

total# parts

Nuts, bolts, washers and fasteners

216

Brackets, fittings

Wires, battens, ties, pads and misc.

Sail

230

TOTAL

194

618

If nothing else, this chart serves to indicate the amount of manufacturing that goes into a modern glider, and why you have to spend so much of your hard cash to fly higher and further.

THE VG SYSTEM Wills Wing has long resisted the clamor to create variable geometry gliders. Be that as it may, when they finally decided to join the bandwagon, they answered to a different tune. The VG on the AT is not a dainty little string, (continued on page 26)

TOP LliFT: The unique two-posilion, lever-aclivated RIGHT: The AT sports all··m·w hardware. U,FT: Cable and pulley system contained insick the I! has and an integral backup. suspension system features integral backup. Noh' cable exiting ABOVE: Molded Sil

hut a hearty 111:111 ·Sized lever rcminisccnl of the switch . Frankenstein threw 10 m1imatc his monster. The From the lever a is routed up the dow111ube to a block on top or the keel, where the i11ncr cable cx1cnds to engage 1hc crossbar. There is no to Another cable cxtrnds from 1hc crossbar into the base or the to activate a relkx bridle compensator a1 the top. In my view this is much better reflex hridlc (necessary system) than the stan· the back and forth. lever· There arc I wo full 011 and full olT. this was limiting, but after the system and reflect· on my habits, I realized lha1 full on or full off is how I fly with any sys1cm 9'.1'11. or the time. I put a ha! r on for takeoff, but with the J\T was co111ror1ablc oil full tighl as well as full loose. (T:1koff with a system somewhat

reduces side-wire loos1.:ncss which makes mnl · lcrs easier in gusty launch conditions.) So in conclusion, l can live with Ilic two· VCi and l like i1s clean According to Ilic the VG was with a range to mode and good pcrfonmu1ce in the loose mode. In fact, the is intended lo be flown most or the time loose, for the handling in this pilot lo maximi,.c climb mode allows an rate.

SAIL J\11 l!P J\Ts come with the same sail, including editions. This sail has a leading of Profile coursc·wcave clo1h which has an open weave coated on both sides with my lar. This material is very tough and very unstretch,1blc, which is the main reason it adorns the I IP edge. However, we must note that tl1is Pmrile cloth is dimpled like a ball. Now ask yourself: docs a dimpled golf hall !ravel much further than a smooth golf ball'/"

The rear of thG s,iil -the area of stress --is made from 5.(> ounce HTP 240 clolh. This cloth has high resilience, durnbility and stretch rcsis1m1cc. Former owners of Wills should not he Cooled; this cloth's n:scmbl:mcc to the metal clolh used previously (the stuff with the square pal tern), it is not the saim:. The new cloth has a 1,000 dcnkr thread thrown in al intervals, whereas the old cloth had a doubling or the 180 denier thread. J\ careful inspection or the cloth will reveal Ilic difference. The rest oft he sail lop and bottom is made of 4.0 ounce stand,ird cloth in a or non· st:111d,1rd choice. Finally, we should mention the special mate· rial at the batlcn pocket ends. This touch is intended to cure a common problem: hallcn blowout. PERFORMANCE

Most pilots wade through the technical details or skip I hem cnl ircly in their rush lo learn of a glider's hard core performance. This is a n,1tu·

l lAN(, C1m1N(;

ral tendency, for the reason a pilot buys a topof-the-line glider is for performance. However, we must mention a few caveats. First, we are probably close to the limits of performance of portable, swept and twisted, weight-shift control flying wings. A designer can trade sink rate, maximum glide, glide at speed, handling and landing sweetness, but to wring out superior overall performance is a task of Augean proportions. In fact, there is probably a greater difference in gliders of the same design that are tuned differently than there is in high pedormance gliders of different design. Second, we must realize that pilots have different requirements according to the type of flying they do. For example. someone who spends most of his time boating around the local site trying to top out the pack will probably want a design different from that of the guy who scoots along the ridge in high winds or covers vast distances in strong inter-thermal sink. Third, a glider that may be a potent weapon in the hands of a top-drawer pilot may be too much to handle for the average aerial cowboy. Finally, the absolute useable performance of a glider generally varies with conditions, and only a year or two of comparison flying at local sites and in competition will tell the true tale of a glider's performance. However, with all the above in mind, and considering the newness of the glider, I will try to make a tentative assessment. The pure (straight-ahead) sink rate of the AT appears to be quite good. I attribute this to the glider's ability to slow clown a remarkable amount before stall begins. Straight-ahead sink rate is fine for floating in magic air or coastal buoyancy, but the real test is thermaling climb rate. Because of the A T's ease of handling (see below) and leading edge construction, it will probably excel in this mode of flight (a stiffer leading edge maintains sail shape better during the increased loading of turning flight). In my experience I found I could climb with the best gliders at the sites I visited, but unf011unately only a few these gliders were other than ATs! The HP in general seems to do well in booming conditions, and there is no reason to believe that this new version will not do the same. The high-speed glide of the AT is undoubtedly good. It appears that the AT is a bit better than the HP II in this department, perhaps clue to the very clean tip fairings and the slightly smaller size. Wing loading plays a great part in high-speed pedormance with greater weight on a glider allowing a better glide at a given speed above best glide speed. JANUARY 1990

Only comparison tests or accurate performance maps (polars) will tell. Before any reader draws conclusions from my musings, note that the AT can be tightened or loosened by changing shims in the leading edges or adjusting the VG range. The gliders I had to test were set as they come from the factory-tuned for the average Hang IV pilot. In general, I believe the AT is a fonnidable allaround performer and will not disappoint the buyer in that department. Note that a\ the las\ U.S. Nationals, four out of six ATs in the meet placed in the top ten. The AT took the top two highest places for Class I gliders. FLYING CHARACTERISTICS First, the bad news: The AT is not for everyone. In fact. the glider is rated for advanced (Hang IV) pilots only. The main reason for this is its extra dollop of glide in ground effect that complicates landing (this trait is common to all high-performance gliders). Handling is a big item on everyone's wish list. Perfect handling is probably only achievable with soft recreation gliders. But as high performance rides go, the AT is nice. With the VG loose the AT supposedly handles at least as easy as a Sport (I haven't flown a Sport for two years, so I cannot judge). My feeling is that the glider is quite pleasant in loose mode. As mentioned, the factory recommends flying with the glider loose most of the time. I can attest to the fact that the glider thermals well loose, because I was climbed through in a light the1mal by a pilot in another AT. My VG was tightened and I noticed his was loose as he left me floundering and foundering in the lift. In the spirit of perversity, I didn't listen to the factory and flew the glider with the VG full on about 50% of the time. It felt like most tightened high-performance gliders. There was additional initiation required, more delay in the tum and an occasional tendency to lock out when lift bullied one wing more than the other. However, I found this behavior pattern to be quite normal, quite predictable and easy to live with. I could initiate a turn in a variety of ways in the tight mode-with a bump and push-out to the side or a pull-in and side movement. In the loose mode I found the best way to turn was the classic "J" stroke, perhaps because the inside wing doesn't approach a stall as it does in the tight mode with a push-out initiation. I found I had to do a bit of high-siding (moving to the outside of a turn) in variable thermals. This is typical of spanny gliders and the only way to avoid this characteristic is to loosen the glider, which adds dihedral. The occasional need to high-side was only apparent with the VG tight, and was less than that of

many other gliders in the AT class. The AT's overall thennal behavior was benign, with easy coordination and a willingness to adjust the turn readily. The thermal capabilities plus the good glide at faster speeds should make the AT a worthy X-C ship. Leaping into the sky strapped to an AT is not particularly difficult. The static balance and control bar configuration are fine. The glider is light enough, solid enough and slow enough to facilitate any nonnal takeoff. Landing characteristics are equally benign. The biggest problem I had at first was flaring a bit too soon. This was because the AT seems to slow more than I had expected, so waiting an extra second allowed me to stick the landing. The flare timing is not too critical as long as a full flare is applied. I am used to controlling altitude during landing setup with diving turns. My first trial at these turns resulted in a small bit of wing walking (Dutch roll). Later 1 knew what to expect and eliminated this extraneous motion. I'm thinking now that the glider's facile handling in the loose mode, coupled with its slow stall speed, will allow additional turning on landing and thus a slower approach. I expect the glider may open up new possibilities in the landing phase of flight in the hands of a competent pilot. SETUP AND BREAKDOWN The AT is a full-blown, state-of-the-art glider. As such, it sports a full compliment of battens, VG system, faired tips, reflex bridles and shifting crossbar-all of which need to be inserted, attached, applied, hooked up or otherwise fiddled with. At least one Sport owner I spoke to was chagrined at the extent of the AT's setup procedure upon first exposure. However, it doesn't seem to me that there are any more steps to setting up the AT than with any high performance glider. When you learn the system you get more efficient. It's just a fact of life that you have to live with batten mania in order to gain that extra 100 feet or go that extra mile. As with most gliders, the breakdown of the AT is simply the reverse of the setup. The one difference is, however, that you must put the multiple protection devices in place. There are kingpost pads, control bar covers, keel socks and a major water-repellent cover. Most pilots welcome all these protection items, for they certainly increase the longevity of the glider. It should be noted that the owner's manual does a fine job of guiding the unfamiliar pilot in the setup and breakdown procedures. The manual is indeed a complete and useful document and Wills Wing quite justifiably

points out that their batten pattern is the clearest and the most informative in the business.

AT AVAILABILITY Of course, you can get an AT from your friendly AT dealer. In fact, that's the only place you can get one, for Wills Wing staunchly supports their dealers by steadfastly refusing to sell factory direct. This policy guaranties dealer service and pilot qualification. The factory tracks inventory control with their computer system and can tell a customer when a particular glider will be shipped at all times. Linda Meier in the front office keeps the record on customer info1111ation, production scheduling, special instructions, inventory control and test flying. If you call the factory with a problem (or solution), chances are you'll talk to Linda. If you are over in Europe, you can buy your AT from Marcus Villinger of Fly International in Austria. As it stands, 40% of Wills Wing gliders are sold in Europe and about 12% go to Japan. Fly International is the only agent other than Wills Wing licensed to assemble and test fly Wills Wing gliders. Wills Wing

provides sails, wires, battens and hardware, and Fly International fabricates the airframes. When searching for a new glider a pilot is wise to consider customer service as part of the package, especially when all the manufacturers are producing fine gliders with similar perfonnance at the lop-of-the-line. Wills Wing has long had a strong dealer program geared to customer-support. From the little bag of goodies (shims, bolts, nuts, ties, safeties, a hat and a hug) that comes with each glider, to their excellent parts delivery, Wills Wing has tried to lead the way in service. I'll let the reader heed the rumors to see if they have succeeded. We have tried to provide as much information as possible for the prospective buyer or the merely curious. Although some of the discussion is technical, it should be noted that all pertinent data should be considered when one prepares to lay down close to four big ones (that's four with three little zeros tagging along) on a toy. Of course, we always recommend that an interested pilot test fly any glider he intends to buy. I wish to thank Wills Wing for their help

WANTED: PROFESSIONALS TO BUILD THE WESTERN HANG GLIDERS TEAM

in gathering all the proffered information. Hopefully future glider reviews can be as complete. By the way, no glider expose is, in fact, complete without an explanation of the name and model derivation. In this case it is simple. WW-HP-AT 158 = Wills Wing-High Performance-Advanced Technology with 158 square feet of sail. Indeed, the name is apropos, for in the guise of this glider, high perfmmance and advanced technology run rampant. I recommend this glider to anyone who appreciates such qualities and this includes myself. •

WILLS WING HP AT 158 SPECIFICATIONS Span Area Aspect Ratio Nose Angle Weight Pilot Weight Range Pilot Skill Airframe Price

BAU VARIOMEIERS INC. 6595 ODELL PL, SUITE C, BOULDER, CO 80301 (303) 530-4940

School Manager: To teach and run school op-

MODEL 651 VARIO/AUDIO/ DIGITAL ALTIMETER

erations at Marina Beach. QUALIFICATIONS: Advanced Instructor Certificate. Tandem II rating. COMPENSATION: Salary negotiable. Commissions. Benefits.

$530 MODEL 652 VARIO/AUDIO DIGITAL ALTIMETER/ AIRSPEED

Special Events Coordinator: To organize and administer: Trips & tours, Instructor Certification Programs, Tandem Clinics, Competitions, Seminars. QUALi Fl CATIONS: Advanced Instructor Certificate. Tandem II rating. COMPENSATION: Salary negotiable. Commissions. Benefits/Travel.

Send resume or contact: Jim Johns Western Hang Gliders P.O. Box 828 Marina, CA 93933 (408) 384-2622

34' 7" l58sq.ft. 7.5 + 130 degrees 69 pounds 150-250 lbs. (hook-in) USHGA Advanced 7075-T6 (Main spars, washout tips & battens) $3,700 FBO

$640 MODEL M20 WRIST VARIO

$250

BALLCLAMP $20

Available from hang glider manufacturers and dealers 28

HANG GLIDING

lhc rirst part or this series l took a broad look al video l'ormats and covered some or the features to look for when purchasing equipment that will be used for flying. Now I will get a lilt le more in my rccommen datirnts and talk a bit about the mechanics or video equipment 011 The best format ovcrnll age qualily, choice or equipment and bi lily with Ille standard, VIIS), is The master footage is sharper ihan the "indus· trial" standmd, :1/4.ineh, and has very good mull capabilities, sue cessivl' s. VJ IS dubs. VIIS VCR 's can also play regular VI IS tapes, so you do11'1 have to throw all that old sin ff away. VI IS equip· mcnl cannot play S· VI IS tapes, however. If you wa111 a good camcorder for use on tl1crc arc many to choose from ihc now. The Panasonic AG.1J..'\() has a I Ox worn and excellent quality. It can be had for

Ji\N LJJ\RY \ 9()()

,1hout $1,'iOO through discount houses. Oilier models and makes offer some digital cffcch, like dissolving from a freeze frame slorcd in the camera. Spend some time researching what is c11rrc11tly on the rnarkct. Expect to pay about $ I 000 to $1 'iOO ror a Super VHS camcorder. Whl:11 on the ground, a tripod give your shots a smoother, more if the lens is look, zo0111cd out to its telephoto focal length, which ,my camera or subject motion. Be forewarned. however, I hat when panning the camera in an arc), you'll prnhably not get the smootlt aclion you sec on television. f'luid head tripods costing scvcrnl thousm1d dollars arc m,cdcd to totally the It tempting to try '.l60° pans of the horizon whc,n you arc s1andi11g 011

launch atop some stratospheric peak. Practice this a few times and sec how well yo11 do. f<,vcryonc who owns a video camera can probably tell at lcasl one talc ol' woe about batteries dying al the worst possible time. Ii will happen lo you, too. /\!ways have al least one spare handy. Camcrn battcril:s arc usually NiCads. Tl!Gsc charge quickly, but can lkvelop a "memory" if recharged IJl:forc they are to· tally depleted. and won't hold a full make sure ihc hatlcry is next time. completely dead before recharging. Some cameras have a pl11g for external battery power. Make sure you know whal volt· ages arc: rtcquircd. One way around the high cost or Ni( 'ads and their low running lime is lo use gel cell batteries. These arc lead.acid types such as in your car, hut the acid is kept in a to keep it J'rorn sloshing around, so the battery can be turned upside down. l;or about thirty dollars you can gel a big six amp·hour 12·volt

cell from an electronics supply house, and another $20 for a trickle charger to it With cells, you can lop them of nm down eompletely. A six amp will nm a camcorder for about three hours of tape time. These are heavy, about six pounds, so you might want to carry it in a back You can also get a belt paek battery of similar that is much more comfortable lo carry. If your camera has an external power plug for Ni Cads it won't work with a J2.vol l eel because NiCads arc a different voltage. ln this case you will need to get an usually sold to nm the camera off a lighter in a car. Use an plug for your cell, plug it into the car adapter and the car adapter into the camera. Whenever you make up adapt-· crs and mate them with other of equipment, observe Make sure posi· tivc terminals connect only to positive, ncga· tivc to You will ruin your equipment if you screw up. Now let's get to the fun stuff, a eamcra to put on your glider. A full·sizc camcor·· dcr is great for the ground but a monster to from a For flying we want some· thing small and light and with a remote control. ln VHS ancl VHS formats, this means a compact camcorder These have limits of 20 minutes tape time (30 minute tapes arc in the works) but ure just for flying. They have the life limitations touched on before, unless you up an outboard The remote controls are minimal, usually just a pause button. When the camera in video heads !ape docs not advance. This continues to drnw

power and it also will eventually wear a hole in the tape where the head spins against it. To avoid this, all cameras will shut off completely after minutes in pause mode. That's nice, lmt...you can't turn it hack on from the remote control! So here you arc, cruising and looking for a thermal with the camera on pause. Sud· dcnly a wing gets kicked up and you spend the next five minutes rocketing skyward to undreamed of heights. When you get up to where you can sec more of the earth's curvature than ever before, you reach over and unpausc the camera, expecting to review marvelous foot· age later that evening. Surprise! You probably didn'I get a bit of ii, 'cause your camera shut down and you didn't know it. That's the problem with most remote controls on camcorders. If you aren't going to just let the tape nm for 20 minutes you have lo be counting the time and turning the camera on at least every three minutes to make sure it doesn't shut down completely. l don't person·· ally know of a any camcorders that have better remote controls. Check out as many as you can before you buy. l flew with a JVC GRS-55U Super VHS· camcorder for a year and got excellent footage with it, but eventually got ultra frustrated with the above problems and the short tape But I loved the image quality and stuck with it until something better came out It ar· rived in the summer of 1989 and is called Hi8. this is the 8mm version of what did for the VHS format The re· suits arc similar. Hi8 cameras have much better resolution than their 8mm ancestors and stand up to copying better. They also use twO·· hour tapes and, hest of all, have intelligent and multi·fcatured remote controls. It is this last

feature, coupled with the improved picture quality, that makes all the difference in getting superior footage from a hang glider. l fly with a Ricoh R·800H lli8 camcorder. With widc·angle adapter Jens, battery and tape, the camera weighs 4.5 pounds. The re mote control not only has a pause button and an LCD readout that tells me tape running time in hours, minutes and seconds, but l can also tum the camera completely on and off, either to conserve battery power for later on a long flight, or to reactivate ii if l leave it on pause too long. There is even a zoom control! On my test flight, I flew for two hours, shot 45 minutes of tape and still had battery power when I landed. The Ricoh is a clone of the Sony CCD V99. (Remember the Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM situation talked about last time?) Nikon also has its nameplate on this excellent camera, but underneath it's still a Sony. These arc excellent cameras and I highly recommend them. If you need to, you can edit or copy the tapes to another format, or play them back through the VCR function or the camcorder. Last time I mentioned that wide adapter lenses come in two types, and that the hemispheric variety was slightly wider and lighter, hut required precise focusing of the macro ring on your lens. I still use my hcmi, but I'm looking for a good 1mn··hcmi, wide· angle adapter so focus won't be so critical. One made hy Tokina looked good but turned out to have so much fall·off in edge shaqmcss as to be worthless. If you can try out a piece of gear first before buying il, do so, or at least assure yourself that you can return it if unhappy with the results.

HANCGLIDING

-1-J/2"widc perforated steel strap, wrapped lo th<' Clamp. This allows the cmnera to suspended the cross It attached to Glmcrn ball head for case of

OK. now we have a camera -how do wc put il on lhc Duct If you arc will! tools or have access to a machine you call devise clcvcr clamps lo fil yom own nccds. For mosl of us, lhc clamp that is mosl versatile is Ilic Super Clamp. availahll, al filler camera stores cvnywhcrc for aboul You could allach ii lo Ille camera, hul thal would limit your ability to ,1im tile camera. Heller is 10 mounl a ball head 011 the Super Clamp and atlach that to lhe camera. /\ ball licad, anolher camera slorc item, costs $1 to $50. makes an excellent three-axis articulated arm ror its Clamp. l use it most of the t irnc (sec photos). The is made to grab on lo tubing without dimpling ii (important tip I) !mt Cits only up to diarnct,ir tubes. This is fine for dow11tuhcs and most keels, !ml a lot of crm,s bars these days arc thicker thiln thal. To accommodate these, an extension must he made 10 one or the clamping For Ihis you will need lhc services of a machine shop. Take a look at lhc photos to hc:ttcr what I a111 talking allOU1. To cover the cxtc1ision for pro!Gct ion of your airframe, 11sc d11ct tape or the liquid rubber product called Diplt, av:1ilablc at h:mlwarc slorcs. When the clamp down from lhc cross hm, the carncra will he upside down, not a uscl'ul position' You can get mound this the camera in a bracket so lhal it remains side 11p, with the hrnckcl c011 m:ctcd at lhc top to the mrnml. Incidentally, I favor the hall head instead of the articulated arm for use 11ndcr the cross bar leave my bracket allachcd to the ball head for quick setup. The bracket was mack from a length of stcc;I available from a hard-

JJ\NIJJ\RY 199()

A l-li8 camcorder ready to be damped onto the should secure the camera to the cage as well as to

ware stone. It is nlm11t I 1/2" widc, 1/16" thick lo bcnd and l'il around my canH:nL The two ends overlap and ii all in duct tape for camera protection. /\ 11111 sccnrcs it lo the hall head slud and is wired and lapcd to prevent its coming loose in the air or course, you'll want to attach :1 safety line to 1l1c carncrn and sccnrc it to lhc glider in case or some failure in the clamp system. The last time I set up my camera to rly, I noticed that the screw holding the extc11sio11 on my ( 'lamp had stripped its threads afkr four ycars of hard service. (ilad I found it before I fkw, and not alkr a lrnnl bump in lhc air that lcrt 111e with a camera dangling from my wing. glad I fly with a But I'm line! My line performs two functions. It the camera attached to the glider and ii ,ilso wraps around the camera and tile top of the, stud head on the :irticula1,:d arm to rein· force this connection. Most camera tripod screw holes arc no more than a flimsy metal plate on a plastic camera body. With over four pounds or camera torquing the connection it would be easy for a wild gyration in a gnarly thermal to rip the tripod head stud right out of I he bottom of the camera. I know one pi lot who can confirm this from By binding the camera to the head, you reduce this possiWhen l with my camera anywhere on the down111bcs or rn1 the keel (attached just behind the a l't top wires on my Sport), l clon 't On the rear keel bother with a this creates a tail licavincss that is almost mmoticc;ablc, but yrn1 should he aware or it ii' you fly much m:ar stall (why would you

line

is a differcnl mailer. do that?). Out on the l courncrwcight tile other I've seen everything from socks full or sand lo crescent wrenches for this purpose. The ideal co11111crwcight is another clamp and camera, but you might Ill: accused or it with lhis approach. I or 1hick angle iron, strapped to the crossbar wilh Velcro. Each piece bclwccn l and l I /2 pounds. Depending on whal combina tion of camera gear I'm flying wilh, this allows me to adjust the weight lo rnalch. My total camera Clamp and three-axis :m11, about pounds. For years I thought it weighed in under five pounds and was satisfied with thal. When I weighed ii l was surprised - if someone had lolcl me first that ii would so much, I mighl not have chosen to get started in this. Fight pounds, doublecl with a counterweight for wing-mounted flights -that dcfinilcly sornHls like loo much weight. In actual fact, l hardly know it there, and then only when I pick up my glider at launch. In flight, I've never noticed it at all. l don't do acrobatics, so I don't know what effect the weight or drag might have al the top of a loop. Obviously, you should approach radical maneuvers gradually with oulhoanl WL:ighl. Consider thc G-lomls Ihat will he induced on the equipment. I low much do you trust that cheap ball head you bought at a garage sale? /\!right, so now you have a camera, bought a clamp and ball head, your batteries arc charged (lhcrc is tape in the camera, isn't thcre' 1) and ready to shoot that first footage. We'll pick up here in the final chapter next time. Ill

hcrore you sit down to wri1e the editor nasty notes ahoul lhe on the rronl cover, ii was my idea. I lowcvGr, if it stirred your interest lo read 1his rnr, then ii wmkl,d. Read on, because in this coun1ry is now ,11 a poinl where ii should be a concern of every hang glider pilot. At best up lo some of these "vehicles" will he sites, and on the down side, our national insurnnce could he in jeopardy as well as our sclfn,gula1cd status will! lhe FAA. The IJSI IUA 1nust take a more active role in paragliding. What that role is and where this particular sport is was dclrnlcd al om most recent Board or Dircclors rnccl wilh no real concrc,1c solutions reached. Before we consider what opliom, we have, we need to separate facls from supposilion. • Two years ago, 1he l JS! IC,A lhc cfforls or l;rcd Stockwell and other paraglidcr pilols in forming 1hc American Par· Association (APA) lo manage lhc sport in this crnmtry. We voled to the APA as 1hc sole body for paragliding in the U.S. and sc'.t up an inlcmal !JSIIC,i\ com mittec 10 serve as n liaison lo the APA

in Ihis country and at some or om silcs. For a couple or years. some people have Ileen 1hat the 10 lake off like ii has in sport is oilier cmm1rics. While it hasn't happened yet, there me indications I hat their growth has been l'ican1. Over Ille past year or so,

number or activilics, such as tandem rlighls, outside lhcsc regulations. that arc • The lntl'mational governing body or avia1ion sports (Fi\l) h,is designated paraglid gliders. In Europe, most crs as Class Ill paragliding is managed by the rcspcclivc hang ln most olhcr cou111rics, pilots equal or outnumber the hang glider pilots in their organiza1ions. , Tlte United States Parachute Associa· lion has decided that even !hough do11 '1 view them as parachutes, the, public migh1. So 1hcir inlcrcst is in helping lite sport grow since problems willt paragliding mighl rcl'lccl 011 parachuting. The parachutists

have a wealth or more we • Al !his mosl recent Board mccl discussed a number of including some shorlcomings of the AP A's cfTorls. Our Board voled to abolish the paragliding crnmnitlcc, and replace ii with a new commillcc 1lta1 would be'. a merger or the old commiltcc and Ihe ex isl opcralions or lite APA. Tltc chairman or the new cornrnillec would also be president of 1he J\ PA. l n essence we would he parnglicling operations into the US! ICrA struclurc. We also look a vole of tltc Board to determine if the sense of the Board was that paragliders arc hang In a narrow vole, 1he US! IG/\ Board decided that they arc NOT hang gliders. So Ille previous vote lo acccp11hc paragliding commiltcc 's rccommcndalions sorl of puts us in viola! ion of our bylaws. Fun~huh? That's okay, because it's likely to get more confusing before we reach any consensus. glidWhether or 110! paraglidcrs are ers depends upon your dcfini1ion or a hang glider. Ir you think or hang gliders as footlaunchccl aircraft, lhcn pnrnglidcrs arc a type or lfAN(; GL!illNC

USHGA PRESIDENT hang glider. If you think of a hang glider as an aircraft that can fly without the pilot's weight being necessary to help fotm the airfoil (these words are my attempt to describe what many pilots think is a hang glider), then paragliders are not hang gliders. We can get into a game of words here that gets more confusing when you examine the charter of the Soaring Society of America. Their charter makes no reference to aircraft type or foot-launch capability, and simply refers to motorless soaring flight, so in that context we're all sailplanes. Maybe a better starting point would be to examine in what ways we're different. I've given this a lot of thought, and factoring in all the claims about technical growth in paragliding, I came up with two things that in my opinion will always be different between hang gliders and paragliders (Class III hang gliders?): portability and speed range. In some ways these two differences seem innocent enough, but they get to the very heart of some of our basic programs. Paragliders are more portable then hang gliders and can be catTied more places to launch. No one is going to climb up a sheer rock-faced mountain with a 75-pound glider on his back. However, climbing up this same mountain with a paraglider on one's back is relatively common in some parts of the world. I got a concerned call from one of the rangers at Yosemite recently. They had a discussion about this very point. They absolutely do not want people flying anything back in their wilderness areas and fully expect this to happen because of the portability of paragliders. (You have to keep in mind the reason for their negative attitude; they have had a real problem with base jumpers in the park.) These kinds of problems will in all probability crop up with paragliders, so as I said before, it is in both ours and the parachute community's best interest to do all we can to minimize them, since we will get caught up in some of these problems one way or another. The second point about speed range strikes at the very heart of our rating system. The experts tell me that some paragliders are now able to out-climb hang gliders in certain conditions. I guess that makes some sense since hang gliders are able to out-climb sail planes in the same conditions. But at higher speeds, the sink rate of a paraglider will not be as good as a hang glider (ditto for hang glider and sailplane). It's this difference that necessitates a different training and rating structure for paragliders. JANUARY 1990

And in other parts of the world where paragliders and hang gliders are managed in one organization, they still have separate training and rating packages for the separate groups. There are cutTently people in this country using our hang rating system to rate paraglider pilots. It doesn't work!! Most hang glider pilots who got their Hang III or IV spot landings on a modern wing would have loved to have had a paraglider for this task. Also, if, as some people believe, there are paraglider pilots who wish to switch over to hang gliding, they could get their Hang III on a paraglider, buy a hang glider and show up at the local Hang III site never having foot launched a hang glider-it could happen. This is a potentially very dangerous situation and the instructors who are issuing hang ratings to paraglider pilots are doing both sports a disservice.

"The point of this article was not to suggest a plan of action as I usually do, but just to try to bring everyone up to speed with the issues." What have we got to do? Philosophically, it's pretty simple. Practically, it could be a nightmare. What needs to happen is for people flying paragliders to set up and manage their own system and rules. It's not an easy system to operate as we well know, but it works and works better than having a separate regulatory agency set up the controls. Here are our options:

1) Ignore them and they'll go away. Not a chance, even in the small numbers that exist today, they are already infringing upon most of our major sites. There is every indication that their growth rate will continue for some time. Whatever their number ends up being, there are enough of them now to have to concern ourselves with their operations.

2) Call these things hang gliders (Class III?) and blanket them into our system. Doable, but what a mess. As I said before, our rating system would have to be modified significantly to accommodate paragliders. Furthermore, without having very active participation by paraglider pilots in setting up the system, we stand a poor chance of getting

participation by a majority of paraglider pilots. Participation is critical in making the system work. The up side of this merger would be increased revenue for the Association, strength in numbers, etc.

3) Continue recognizing a separate organization and work with them on the sport. This is the most flexible approach, but is also the most difficult one to manage. It's flexible, because it keeps us separate, which allows us to continue to focus on our own issues, and work together on issues of mutual concern, while leaving the option open to merge at any point in the future we desire. Specifically this is what I believe the British are now going through. They have two separate organizations, and at some point in the past they decided to merge their magazine operations. That has proved to be successful, and now their management is a considering a full merger of the business side of the organizations. This is the flexible side of this proposal. The difficult side is that most of our involvement would be remote without direct control. The people running the APA are doing so on a volunteer basis and are burned out. They are still our best contact point with paragliding pilots. Working with this current group of people with their current stress level would be very difficult indeed, even though this format potentially offers us the best chance of acceptance by the rank and file paraglider pilots. There is a lot of work ahead ofus. In fact, it's my opinion that some of the people currently advocating a merger with the APA think that merger will cut out some of this work. Not true. There is a lot to do whether operations merge or not. The point of this article was not to suggest a plan of action as I usually do, but just to try to bring everyone up to speed with the issues. In all probability, I've missed some issues. Hopefully some of the points in this article cause you some concern. If you have opinions or other infotmation that wasn't in this article, get them to your local regional director or send them to me in care of the office. Dan Johnson is cutTently working on a postcard questionnaire that will be coming out in the March issue which will be another way for you to input infmmation/opinions. Time is short and we need to have some decisions made before the next flying season. It will be very important to get all the issues and likely solutions out on the table before the next Board meeting.•

USHGA Safe Pilot Award -Progran1 Updateby Mike Meier Twenty-four different hang glider pilots have held the title of U.S. National Champion. Ten different pilots have made cross-country hang glider flights of more than 200 miles. Ten different pilots have held the title ofFAI World Hang Gliding Champion. But to date only seven pilots have earned the USHGA Safe Pilot A ward. I' cl like to introduce you to this select group of your fellow pilots. Grant Wolfe earned the first safe pilot award, at the bronze level, in December of 1988, for logging 104 consecutive safe flights during the month of September on the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk. Grant held a USHGA Novice rating at the time, and was featured in a cover story in the March l 989 issue of Hang Gliding magazine. Grant, who lives in Pennsylvania, made his first flight on August 12, 1986 at the age of twelve. The first glider he owned was a Vision Mark IV, which is the same glider he now flies. Grant says that his most memorable flight was on May 13, 1989, at the 17th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular at Kitty Hawk, where he had his first-ever soaring flight. He has since soared for as long as 45 minutes on the dunes there. In addition to hang gliders, Grant has also flown sailplanes, and is interested in a career in aviation. Dan Murphy of Castro Valley, California was the second pilot to earn a safe pilot award, at the bronze level, for 130 consecutive safe flights logged between August 1st and December 17th of 1988. Dan is a USHGA Masterrated pilot, who also taught himself to fly way back in May of 1974. Dan's first glicler was a standard Rogallo and he now flies a Moyes GTR Worldbeater. In addition to hang gliders, Dan has flown airplanes, ultralights, sailplanes and motor gliders. He lists his most memorable experiences as having flown in Telluride with Dan Racanelli and friends, and flying with redtail hawks and eagles. Southern California pilot Jamie Lasser was the third recipient of the USHGA Safe Pilot Award. Jamie taught himself to fly in November, 1977, and earned his bronze award for 100 0

consecutive safe flights between August I, 1988 and April I, l 989. Jamie's first glider was a Pacific Gull HA I 9, which for those of you who weren't flying hang gliders in 1977, was a second-generation Rogallo configuration which featured the industry's first production variable geometry system. A USHGA Advancedrated pilot, Jamie is an airframe fabricator and factory test pilot for Wills Wing, and flies an HP II on the weekends. Charlie Porter, a USHGA Advanced-rated pilot from Lakeway, Texas was the fourth safe pilot award winner. Charlie's bronze award was earned for his 10 I consecutive safe flights between August I , 1988 and May 7, 1989. Charlie was also self taught, and began flying in May of 1976. His first glider was a Zephyr

"The USHGA Safe Pilot Award program was initiated to recognize the achievement of safe flying, and to provide incentive for and promote safe flying practices and decisions. "

standard Rogallo, and he now flies an HP II. Besides flying hang gliders, Charlie has logged 300 hours in a Pterodactyl ultralight. His most memorable flight came on October 14th, 1989 when he and Mike Degtoff went to cloudbase and flew 70 miles cross country. Award number five went to Jon Thompson, a USHGA Advanced-rated pilot from Kill Devil Hill, North Carolina. Jon's bronze award was for I 00 consecutive safe flights between August I, 1988 and June 30th, 1989. Jon started flying in the spring of 1976, and his first glider was a Seagull Seahawk.

Jon's first instructors were Glen Hockett, and 1980 U.S. National Champion Tom Haddon. Jon currently owns a Comet, a Harrier, and a 220 Dream. Among his memorable flights, Jon lists flying with Francis Rogallo, making a five-mile ridge soaring flight on a ten-foothigh ridge, and going over the back for the first time at High Rock. Rob McKenzie of High Adventure Sports in San Bernardino, California was the sixth recipient of the safe pilot award. Rob actually made his 100 flights within weeks of the start of the program in August of 1988, but did not actually apply for his bronze award until September of 1989. Rob began flying in May of 1974 in Canada, and his first glider was a home-built I 8' x 18' standard Rogallo. Rob cmTently flies an HP AT I 58 and for tandem instruction, a 229 Raven. Rob also flies sailplanes and is a licensed private pilot. His most memorable flight was immediately following his wedding ceremony, which took place ori the Crestline launch, when he and Diane flew tandem to the Pinecrest landing area for the reception. The seventh winner of the safe pilot award was Konrad Kmv, from Anacortes, Washington. Konrad logged his 100 consecutive safe flights between August 2, 1988 and August 5, 1989. Konrad began flying in May of 1987, and his first glider was a Harrier 187. Konrad now flies a 167 Sport, and has flown a sailplane as a student pilot. His most memorable flight came on July 19, 1988, when he finally succeeded after many attempts in climbing from a 4,300'-high launch to above the 5,540' top of the mountain. He eventually reached 7,000' and spent two hours enjoying a 360-degree panorama of the snow-capped North Cascades. The USHGA Safe Pilot Award program was initiated to recognize the achievement of safe flying, and to provide incentive for and promote safe flying practices and decisions. The levels of the USHGA Safe Pilot Award are as follows: HANG GLIDING

Safe pilot award n'dpicnl i/4: Charlie Porter.

Safo pilot award recipient i/7: Konrad Kurp.

I 00 consccu Ii ve sa re 300 consccutivt, safe consecutive sarc

2) Arter Ille applicant statement, have thn:e l JS! IC,A members, who have known Ilic lime pl:riod shown you examine your log hook

COllSCCll(ivc sarc

consccutiv<: safe consecutive safe flights CllllSCClltivc sarc flights co11scc111ivc sare flights A SAr:r,: f<'LIGllT is a flight which includes a laimch and a landing arrcsl of forward motion) which docs 1101 result in any injury to the pilot which (or would

on or

date, location, and duration of the flight, may be counted toward the award. dcscrihcd above,

Ilic applicant's statement on the reverse or the Conn, your name, US! !GA number, address, phone, the ,1ward for which you me and the date or the rirsl and last flights which qualiry you for this award. DECFMllJ<:R l9B9

the instructions below, and sign the statement. 3) Submit lhis application ,md your log hook to ,1 llSH(iA director f'or review and approval.

WITNESSES Read carcf111ly the applicant's statement in ion !'or the l JS! [UA safe pilot award, and cxaminc the applica111 book for lht:

indicated 011 the application. Your nature on this form reprcsl;nts your slatc;mcnt that you believe the applicant dm;s in f'acl qualify for the aw,ml on the basis of having made the m1mhcr of consecutive safe nights (as deJ'im:d above) listed. You need 1101 have witm:sscd ,111y or ,ill of the flights indicated, however, you should not sign the form if you have any doubt that the indicated number of consccutivc safe was made.

THE lJSHGA DIRECTOR the; applicant's statement Read in application for the USll()A safe pilot award, the wilncsscs and examine the apbook for the period indicated on the application. Your signature on this form is the final approval for the applicant to receive

the award indicated; do not approve the application if you do not feel the pilot qu,ilifies. If you decide to approve the application, it and send it to lhc !JS! I( iA olficc. If you decline; to approve the ;ipplica1i011, make a brief written statemrnl of your reasons for non-approval. Forward a copy or the applicalion and your statemenl to the USI !GA, and rclurn Ilic original application and your nal slatcmcnt to the applicant. The applicm11 will thc;n have the right to make; application ror the award on an "appeal basis" directly to the USHGA safety and training committee. As this article goes lo press, I have j11sl received word that an eigh1h pilot has e;irncd the USJIG;\ Safe Pilot Award !<coho has just rc:ccivcd his bronze award. The progrnm seems lo be momentum. Who knows, soon USil(iA Safe Pilo1 winners may become as common as World Champions.

The USIIGJ\ would like to tlwnk the/iJ//owing mw111/i1ct11rer.1·, who rnch rnntrilmred $f()O toward the rnst of' the initial supply of .w/i' pilot award cerlijirntcs and pins:

American Bennett Delta Star Pacific Airwave Wills

USHGA SAFE PILOT AWARD APPLICATION APPLICANT'S STATEMENT (Read instructions on reverse)

(Applicant's Name)

(USHGA Number)

(Address)

(City)

(State)

(Zip)

do hereby apply for the USHGA Safe Pilot Award, at the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _level, based on my having logged (Award Level) _ _ _ _ _ _ consecutive safe flights during the period between._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and_ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ (Beginning Date) (Ending Date) (# of flights) I certify that during the period oftime shown above, I flew in a safe manner, I logged every hang glider flight I made, and I did not incur any injury as a result of hang gliding which required (or which to a prudent person would clearly indicate the need for) treatment by a licensed medical professional. Applicant's Signature_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

WITNESSING MEMBER'S STATEMENT (Read Instructions on reverse. Three USHGA member signatures required.) I certify that I have personally known the above named applicant during the period of time stated on this application, that I have examined his log book which lists the flights indicated for the time period indicated on this application, and that to the best of my knowledge the applicant's statements on this application qualifying him for the USHGA safe pilot award are true.

(member signature I printed name)

(USHGA #)

(Date)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ _________ /__________ (member signature I printed name)

(USHGA#)

(Date)

(member signature I printed name)

(USHGA#)

(Date)

USHGA DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT (See instructions on reverse)

I, _____________________

, certify that I am currently a USHGA

(director's name) Regional, At Large, Honorary, or Executive Director, and that I have examined the log book of the above named applicant for the period shown above on this application. I believe that the statements made on this application qualifying this applicant for the award indicated are true, and I submit this application with approval for the award indicated.

(Director's signature)

(date)

Contact your nearest dealer or Delta Wing today!

SAFARI MEXICO The Adventure Begins When You Land Pilot I Photo Larry Schuerman

Site: La Cumbre, Colima, Mexico

NOVEMBER-MARCH Weekly Flying Tours Include: • Seven days of flying • Gliders from Pacific Airwave • Hotel Accommodations • Transport & retrieval Leisure tour-Colima &Tapalpa November 2 - December 15, 1989 X-C tour-Valle de Bravo January 4 - March 29, 1990

$495 + Airfare Contact: Welcome Aboard Travel: (800) 824-2584 or (702) 786-3944, FAX (702) 831-5535

Price List WANTED: USED GLIDERS, EQUIPMENT. We trade in your old glider and vario.

SALE!

INSTRUMENTS Afro Cross Count,y 8000. ........... $799.00 Afro Cirrus 8000 ............. .. $755.00 Afro Owens Valley 8000a ......... .. ... $755.00 Afro Cumulus 8000 ..... .. ....................... .. ... $479.00 Digital Vario......................... .. ........ $199.00 Pocket Combi, Vario Altimeter .. $399.00 Pocket Vario ....... .. ......................... $199.00 Pocket Altimeter w. Vario ......... .. .............. $ 345.00 Pocket Altimeter, Digilal ...................................... $255.00 Analog Air Speed Indicator.. .. ....... $149.00 Camera Support ... .. .. S 35.00 Compass 48mm ....... $49.00 Speed Rings .... .. ..... $12.00 Litek VE 12 .. .. $169.00 Litek VE 7 .......... $179.00 Ball 651 ........... from $575.00 Ball 651 ... ... from $475.00 Ball M 21 digilal alt.. . $275.00 Aerocom Vario/altimeter .. $425.00 Ball M 30 Wrist mount vario .... $275.00 Maxon FM Radio, Portable . ... $319.00 Microphone ......................................... .. .... $39.00 PARACHUTES Ballistic BRS 4HG, free installation ..

.. .. $749.00

SALE!

High Energy 20-Gore ...... High Energy 22-Gore .. Free Flight 22-Gore ............ ..

.. ..... $325.00 ..... $345.00 ...... $300.00

HARNESSES Eric Raymond Equalizer.from ........ $490.00 Eric Raymond Streamliner.. .. .. $425.00 Eric Raymond Harness, XL red or while ............... $495.00 Eric Raymond Harness, top white bottom green .. $495.00 High Energy Sports Cocoon .. .. ........... $295.00 High Energy Sports P.0.0 ...... .. ..... $425.00 WW Cocoon, large, excellent condition ... $300.00 HELMETS Aerodyne S,M,L.. ................................. ... $72.00 Aerodyne S,M,L Long-tail ........................ .. .... $79.00 Romer Comet (ear-opening).. .. .......... $103.00 Romer Full Face....... .. ............. $109.00 Bell Helmets ...... .. ... $89.00 NEW GLIDERS Moyes XS.............. Moyes Mission..... UP Axis . Delta Wing Light Dream........... Delta Wing Super Dream......

.. .............. call .. .. call .. ...... call .. ....... call .. ... call

WW Sport Magic Kiss ....

.... call .. call

USED GLIDERS Moyes XS ... .. ........ $2495.00 Magic IV 155 Full Race all options.. .. .. $1450.00 WW Skyhawk 188, 10 hours ...... $1200.00 WW HP .......................... $1200.00 WW Duck 180. .. ........ $695.00 Wills Wing Skyhawk 160, low hrs. .. .... $1270.00 UP Axis,demo ....................... . $2490.00 MISCELLANEOUS 20-gore HE Chute .......... $220.00 Ball M-30 ... .. .......... $249.00 UP Axis 15 w/20hrs.. .. .. .... $1995.00 Wills Wing Cocoon, 6'1' .. ..... $200.00 Oxygen System. lightweight carbon fiber ........ $395.00 Bill Bennett Light-Weight Harness.. ...$129.00 High Power Compact-Flares .... .. ..... $59.00 Stubai Steel Carabiners ............. ....................... .. $20.00 Afro Cross Count,y 8000, facto,y reconditioned ... $600.00 Afro Cirrus 8000, dealer demo.never flown .......... $799.00 Afro XC 8000, dealer demo, never flown .............. $855.00 Timex Altimeter Watch, IOOM resist. ................. $129.00 Maxon Voice-Activated Mike ..... .. .... $89.00

Orders Only Toll Free: I (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.

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

Hang GIiding Books by Dennis Pagen , \,,o~·

,al

• Hang Gliding Flying Skills - Details on: .., Beginning to intermediate training * troubleshooting takeoffs * Lan·

«.-6 ~e"' ._,o~ ding problems * Selecting equipment * Glider maintenance * learning

~e i,, q~ ~""'\'l>

,<o ,,~

,'I-"'

to soar * Traffic rules * complete index and much 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 and much more! $6.95 • Hang Gilding Techniques 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! $6.95.

ALSO AVAILABLE •POWERED ULTRALIGHT FLYING 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 so you get the facts you need, not rehashed information from general aviation.

•-------•

•POWERED ULTRALIGHT TRAINING COURSE This is the only training course written by an ultralight instructor. Twenty lessons and related groundschools make this an ideal text for self-teaching and training school (dual and single place). Learn to fly safely in a carefully designed step-by-step manner. This manual is used by safety conscious schools internationally.

**DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED**

I SEND CHECK OR CASH TO:

SPORT AVIATION PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 101 MINGOVILLE, PA 16856 Please rush me the books listed below: I QUANTITY I D Flying Conditions ($6.95) o Hang Gliding Flying Skills ($9.95) Hang Gliding Techniques ($6.95) 0 I O Powered Ultralight Flying ($11.95) D Powered UL Training Course($9.95) Save 10% order two or more books! Save,ail five books for only 38.95! I Total amount for all books$ Postage and Handling _ _ _ _ $1.60 I Overseas airmail if desired ($4.00/book) J TOTALENCLOSED _ _ _ _ __ f SEND TO (Please Print) · NAME I ADDRESS CITY,STATE0 I( COUNTRY/Z -IP_ _ _ _ _ _ __

I I

Calendar Of Events Jan. 15-24: Australian Flatlands tow competition. Entry $150. Prizes. Held at Forbes, 400 km west of Sydney. Contact: Len Paton, tel. (068) 523 934, or Jenny Ganderton (068) 537 220. January 26-28: ICP at Morningside Recreation Area, New Hampshire. $125 includes USHGA fees and 3-day Morningside pass. Open to all interested pilots. Contact: Morningside Rec. Area, RFD 2 Box 109, Claremont, NH 03743 (603) 542-4416. Jan. 27: Novice ground school. Feb. 16-18: ICP. March 10: Novice ground school. March 23-25: Los Angeles flying tour. May 4-6: Monterey Bay Steeplechase. May 19: Novice ground school. May 27-June 2: Ridge soaring camp. June 3-9: Ridge soaring camp. Contact: Western Hang Gliders, P.O. Box 828, Marina, CA 93933 (408) 384-2622.

Jan.-Feb.: Mexico hang gliding vacation tours. Contact: Windgypsy Adventures, 33041 Walls St., Lake Elsinore, CA 92330 (714) 678-5418, FAX (714) 678-5425. Feb.: Governador Valadares X-C Meet. Entry $80 includes transportation, retrieval. Tshirt. Contact: Av. N.S. De Copacabana, 680-GR 404, 22050, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, tel. (021) 255-5590. Feb. 23-25: Basic and Advanced Instructor Certification Program. Contact: Eagle's Nest, Colorado Springs, CO (719) 5940498. Feb. 24-March 4: Sixth International La Victoria Competition, Venezuela. Contact: Alejandro Riera, Apartado 51.552, Caracas 1050-A, Venezuela, tel. 58-2-7811002, FAX 58-2-329884.

March 9-10: Instructor Certification Program, Santa Barbara, CA. Instructors: Achim Hageman, John Heiney. Contact: 29 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 9628999. May 15-24: 6th Himalayan Hang Gliding Open, Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India. Cash prizes. Novice and X-C competitions. Contact: Tourism Development Corp., Ritz Annexe, Shimla-171 001 tel. 3294. May 15-30: USSR Men's Nationals, in AlmaAta, the capital of Kasakstan. Also, USSR Women's National' s and International Open (date and location not yet determined). Contact: Vadim Kakurin, General Director, or Alexander Gaidarly, Manager of Protocol, INTERAERO, ul. Panfilova, 20, 125080 Moscow, USSR, tel. 158-4895, FAX 9430059.

NO SLIP RUBBER BUSHINGS PREVENTS BASE TUBE ABRASION WHEN USED ALONE

PROTECT YOU AND YOUR GLIDER A must for dealers with demo gliders. German made, thousands flying in Europe. Sold to major dealers in U.S. and Canada. ONLY

1 YEAR GUARANTEE • SNAP ON/SNAP OFF ANYTIME, ANYWHERE • AFFORDABLE/HIGH QUALITY • RUGGED & DEPENDABLE • 7" DIA x 2%'' WIDTH EXTREMELY LIGHTWEIGHT STORE IN GLIDER BAG OR HARNESS

$4500 PER PAIR (specify 1" or 11/a" base bar) SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO:

MORNINGSIDE HANG GLIDERS

RFD 2 BOX 109, CLAREMONT, NH 03743 (603) 542-4416

VISA

I CANADIAN ORDERS ADD $3.00

JANUARY 1990

IEE

DEALERS WELCOME

It's Here! The 1990 USHGA Hang Gliding Calendar

Our best calendar yet. It's a big 12" x 12" full-color, quality product. A great gift that shows off the sport you love! Please rush me _ _ _ 1990 USHGA Hang Gliding Calendar(s) at $9.95 each. Shipping Charges Quantity

U.S. 1

2-4 5-9 10

Shipping $2.00 $3.00

$4.00

Calendar Subtotal._ _ _ __ Colorado residents add 6.5% sales tax._ _ _ __ Postage._ _ _ __ Total Enclosed (Checks payable to USHGA) _ _ _ __

$5.00

Foreign (Surface rate-multiply by 3 for airmail)

1 2-4 5-9 10

$5.00 $7.00 $8.00 $10.00

NAME_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

ADDRESS._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~

CI1Y_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _STATE._ _ _ZIP_ _ __

Mail to: USHGA, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933 (719) 632-8300

CLASSIFIEDS ADVISORY: Used hang gliders should always be disassembled before flying for the first time and inspected carefully for fatigued, bent or dented downtubes, ruined bushings; bent bolts (especially the heart bolt), re-used Nyloc nuts, loose thimbles, frayed or rusted cables, tangs with noncircular holes, and on Rogallos, sails badly torn ortom loose from their anchor points front and back on the keel and leading edges. If in doubt, many hang gliding businesses will be happy to give an objective opinion on the condition of equipment you bring them to inspect. ROGALLOS ATLAS 16 - Excellent condition, black mylar LE., red/ orange/yellow tips. Flies Great! $850 OBO (VA) (804) 722-7816. AXIS 13 - $1,775. Flylight Cocoon HARNESS $75.00 (702) 831-3063.

1989 HP 2 -Aramid ripstop leading edge, HTP 240 trailing edge, low drag downtubes, speedbar, excellent condition, S 1,890. (702) 452-5554 after 6:00 p.m. PST. LIGHT DREAM 185 - Custom sail, red, orange, gold; low hours, great shape; speed rail; wheels; new bag. $1,250 (602) 482-8993. LIGHT DREAM 185 -Like new, $1,300 (703) 533-1965. LITE MYSTIC 188 - Good condition, $750. 1989 Hi Energy Pod for 6' l ", 180-lb. pilot, $250. New 22-gore Hi Energy chute, S250. All for $1,100. (303) 838-9843 or (503) 893-6467. MAGIC IV 133 - with short control bar, pacific blue and white, S 1,500. Brand new Scorpio Pod harness, fits 4' 10" to 5' 3", $400. Both for $1,750. (206) 888-3856 (Seattle).

BRAND NEW HP AT- Sport AT, and Magic Kiss gliders in stock for immediate delivery. Beat the spring rush and long delivery times. Fly your new glider in one of our California cross-country flight tours in the Owens Valley or Mojave Desert. For more infomrntion call \\'indSports Soaring Center, (818) 988-0111. Serving pilots for 15 years.

'88 MAGIC IV RACER 177 (503) 245-3047.

CAN'T AFFORD A NEW GLIDER? CALL ME! I DO ALL TYPES OF QUALITY SAIL WORK. Cindy Drozda, L/D Enterprises (303) 440-3579.

MAGIC KISS -

COMET 2 l/2 165 - Low hours, mint condition, $750. Parachute $150, Harness $50.00 Chris (209) 252- l l 38. COSMOS TRIKE - 52HP with Profil 19 wing. Towing option and spare parts included. (919) 778-6628 after 7:00 p.m. EDT. 145 DREAM - Red L.E., rainbow sail, good condition, S 1,200 OBO. Call Debra (619) 773-2323. DREAM 165 - Like new, beautiful, dark blue L.E.{f.E., rainbow colors, wheels, superb condition, $1,200 OBO. Must see to appreciate. Mark (213) 3 l8-l47l. DREAM 220 - Good condition, $1,200 (714) 733-4429. GTR 175, great condition S 1,995 (714) 783-4429. FLIGHT DESIGNS JA YELIN 168 - Good perforn1ing and easy handling for new pilot. Excellent condition $550. Also for sale: wheels, prone spaghetli harness, and almost brand spanking new Robertson Supine Harness. Massachusetts (617) 391-8281. GATOR GLIDERS - Moyes only! XS, GTR, Mission, Mars. (602) 867-0515 Rick. GENESIS: BRAND NEW! - Never flown. Magenta. blue, and neon yellow! Speedbar, safe-edge downtubes. IDEAL FOR SMALLER PILOT. (415) 365-4150. GTR 162 COMP - Excellent condition, red L.E., spectrum with blue wedge, fully faired. Looks and flies great. Sl,750 (303) 879-8129. GTR 162 - Good condition, $1,200. !47 Hanier, good condition S600. Call evenings (303) 879-3935. HP 1-1/2 - $750; Sport 167 Euro. full race S 1,250. Consider trade (602) 683-2002. HP II - Full Race, all white, flies great and in good condition. $1,250 (714) 39l-28!2. HP 2 - Full Race. Recent inspection. Great glider, $1,400. Scott (619) 934-5403. HP 2 - Full Race, Streamlined downtubes, excellent condition, great performer, $1,600. (919) 945-2327.

lO hrs., will ship, $1,600.

MAGIC IV 177 - Full Race. Has everything plus surfcoat L.E., 4.4 oz., M.B.20 hours T.T., $1,700. John (303) 2479219. Brand new, $2,800. (219) 926-19!3.

MAGIC KISS - Demo., 15 hrs., excellent, $2,750; also new (703) 533-1965. MOYES 162 GTR - Full Race. Great shape with extras. $ l ,200 OBO (818) 764-9936/(805) 296-0846. NEW GLIDERS - Best Prices! Pacific Airwave, Wills Wings. Seedwings, Delta. Silver Wings (703) 533-3244. PACA!R MK IV 17 - New, 3/89. 2 hrs. airtime, Ball 652 H.E.S. pod and chute. Romer helmet, sell as package only $2,500 or best offer. (213) 459-6222. RA VEN 149 - In excellent condition. Knee hanger harness, wheels, flight bag. Great beginner package. $650. (916) 283-3046. RAVEN l 79 254-6141.

Very good condition, wheels, $550, (801J

RA VEN 209 - Low time, great condition, $600 OBO, (805) 295-1571. SE"ISOR 5 IOB -3/4 Race, Hawaiian creampuff, turquoise/ yellow, $1,500. OBO (602) 867-0515 (Rick). SENSOR 51 OC - VG - FR, S 1,650. Monerai sailplane, 32/ 1 glide, with engine, S 1,995 or trade for kite. (919) 9839064. 150 SPORT - Great shape. Full race, $2,000. Will ship, Andy (213) 822-6179. SPORT AMERICAN 167 - Purple L.E., blue and magenta undersurface. Less than 70 hours total time. One owner. Excellent condition, S 1,400. (30 l) 358-8033. SPORT 167 - Full Race. European, 20 hours, like new S l ,700 (503) 582-2650. SPORT 167 - Full Race. Euro. - new condition, 9 hours airtime, 10 months old. $2,400 (602) 893-2523. SPORT 167 - Full Race. Low hours, excellent condition, white with blue undersurface $2,000. Bob (619) 286-5604.

VISION MK IV 19 - $1,950. 3 DCG, Camera pockets, trilam L.E., <2 hrs. (303) 750-3226. WANTED-Quality used single surface gliders and equipment and F.D. or U.P. knee hanger harnesses (602) 8977121. WANTED - Used hang gliders and accessories in good condition. Action Soaring Center (209) 368-9665. WANTED - Used hang gliding equipment. Gliders, instruments, harnesses and parachutes. Airtime of San Francisco, 3620 Wawona, San Francisco, CA 94116. (415) SKY-1177. COLORADO HANG GLIDING New name brand chutes ...... ............. $350 ..... .... ..... $500-$1,800 25 Used gliders .. Used 20 and 22 gore chutes ...... ...... $250 Paragliders ............ .... .... ............. ... $\,860 Bell Helmets ...................... ...... In stock$ 125 Steel carabiner. ............. ...... ., ......... $14.80 All equipment guaranteed, inspected and shipped anywhere. (303) 278-9566. 24 hrs. COLORADO HANG GLIDING (303) 278-9566 24 hrs. Vision Mk IV 17, l9 .. .... ...... .... . <3 hrs . ..... $1,890 ea. Lt. Dream 185, 205 ... ................. .<5 hrs . .... SI ,480 ea. Lt. Mystic 177 VG ... ..... ....... ..<20 hrs. .. $1,380 Javelin 208 ....... .... .. .... ....' ' ' ... ..... <8 hrs ...... $600 ..... ... .... . ..... <8 hrs ...... $650 Prostar 160 ......... SkyHawk 188 ... ......... ..<10 hrs .... $900 Raven 209 .............. .......... ..... <9 hrs ...... $600 Lancers 180, 200 .......... ········· ...... ........ ,..... $300 CG 1,000 RED . .................... .. <5 hrs ..... Med. $350 Airstrcam pod blue ... ., ......... ,....... <5 hrs ...... Large $300 Hi-Energy Cocoon ........ ········· ...... <I hr. ...... Med. $300 All equipment guaranteed, shipped anywhere. THE HANG GLIDING CENTER Magic Kiss . .......•.. .. New 150 Sport, full race 63" CB . .. $2400 J 67 Sport, full race ............ . .... Ne\.\' 167 Sport perfect shape ... ..... Sl775 HP II FR excellent shape ... .... .... . ... $1850 HP lI FR bitchin' glider ......... .... .... $1900 Magic IV 166, almost new ........... .... $1900 Vision MK IV 17,19 ........................ Ne\.v Visions l 7, 19 used demos .. . ..... Call 4206-K Sorrento Valley Blvd .. San Diego, CA 92121 We have all kinds of new and neat stuff' (619) 450-9008. OWENS VALLEY SOARING .......... ....... .... ............. Sl,500 HP2. Spm1 Am. 167, Race cloth ....... ..Sl,600 220 Dream , Like new ........ ..... SI,250 Vision Mk IV 17 .. ............. .. $1,300 Oxygen system, carbon fiber tank 7.5 lbs. Lasts up to 8 hrs. at 18,000 feet. (619) 387-6273. SEQUATCHIE VALLEY SOARING SUPPLY, INC. 145 Dream - Demo., with wheels ...... $1,750 ! 65 Dream - 7 hrs., with wheels, extra downtube and base tube, double knee hanger ... ..SI,550 220 Dream - Demo., fluorescent .. .. S2,450 240 Dream - Derno., extra special deal \Vith beautiful custom butterfly .. ....... ........ . S2,550 167 Sport - Full Race, demo. , ......... $3,050 180 Sport - Demo., Super deal . ...... $1,995 HP AT- Demo., hot glider ......... ..... $3,450 Used: HP II $1,700; HP I Sl,200; 162 GTR $1,500; 164 GEMINI $800; SEA HA WK $375; 160 STREAK $500; COMET CT 165 $700. ( 615) 949-230 I.

NEW SPORT 180 - Used twice. Perfect condition, paid $3,500, steal 52,295. Full race (714) 495-8051. U.P. GEMINI 184 - Brown/green, like new, $700. (916) 758-8570. Sacramento (CA). VISION MK IV 17 - 3 DCG, Camera pockets, trilam L.E., $1,850, <2 hrs. (303) 750-3226.

JANUARY 1990

CLASSIFIEDS WINDSPORTS SOARING CENTER (8l8) 988-011 l Sport Euro 167 full race, like new .... $2,400 Sport Euro 167 FR, low hours ........... $2,200 Sport Euro 167, xclnt cond ................ $1,800 2 Sport Euro 150, FR, low hours ....... $2,200 Magic Kiss, new ................................ In Stock Magic Kiss, demo .............................. $2,500 Vision MK IV 17 full race, new ........ In Stock Vision MK IV 17, 3 flights ............... $2,300 Dream 220, 1989 model, low hours .. $1,900 Comet 2 l65, xclnt cond ................... $800 Javelin 168, 10 hrs ............................ $l,OOO All gliders include complete sail removal, inspection, side wire replacement, hang strap replacement, pre-delivery test flight ($200.00 valtw). Also: BRS rocket systems, chutes, harnesses. Ball vados. Personal service you can trust since 1974. ULTRALIGHTS

Highest percent of tlyable student days in America. Dealer for Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing, High Energy, Ball and Seagull classic parts. l 327 E. Bell De Mar Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283 (602) 897-712[. DESERT HANG GUDERS - USHGA Certified School. Supine specialists. 43 l 9 W. Larkspur, Glendale, AZ 85304. (602) 439-0789, 938-9550. ARKANSAS

QUICKSILVER (201) 806-6l3l.

with Trike and engine, $2,000. Mike

SCHOOLS AND DEALERS ALABAMA LMFP - Two hours from Binningham (see our ad under Tennessee.) (404) 398-3541. ARIZONA ARIZONA WINDSPORTS -Largest hang gliding center in the Southwest. Lessons utilizing the world's first manmade trainer hill. All our sites face every wind direction.

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. to-5 1 Sat. 10-4. 613 N. Milpas, Santa Barbara, California 93103 (805) 965-3733.

OZARK MOUNTAIN HANG GUDINO-Sales, service and instruction. Dealer for Wills Wing, Moyes, Eric Raymond harnesses and Maxon radios. l 04 l l W. Markham, Suite 120, Little Rock, AR 72205 (50 l) 68 l-5656. SAIL WINGS HANG GLIDING - Certified Instruction. Agent for Pacific Airwave, C.G. 1000. Soar 600' Haney's Point! l601 N. Shackleford #131-4. Little Rock, AR 7221 l (50!) 224-2186. CAUFORNIA ACTION SOARING CENTER - In Lodi Near Stockton. Personalized USHGA Certified Instruction, sales, and service. Emphasis on special skills and technics, T.O. & L. Major brands of gliders & accessories carried. J 689 Annstrong Road, Lodi, CA 95242 (209) 368-9665.

BULLET-Two-place sports aircraft, 28-100 MPH, easy to build kit, easy to fly. Dealer inquiries welcomed. Video information package $24.95. Old Kings Flite Park, P.O. Box l893, Flagler Beach, Florida 32036 (904) 439-4431.

gliders and accessories. USHGA certified XC clinics and training program. 1202 E. Walnut, Unit M, Santa Ana, CA 9270l (7l4) 542-7444 Near Disneyland.

AIRTIME of SAN FRANCISCO - Hang Gliding and Paragliding Lessons - Sales - Service - Rental. Delta Wing, UP, Pacific Airwave, Seedwings, Wills Wing, High Energy, Raymond, plus more. Large selection of 2nd hand equipment. Certified Instruction (USHGA and APA). Next to Fort Funston. 3620 Wawona, San Francisco, CA 94ll6 (4l5) Sky-l l77. AIRTIME UNUMITED-SOUTHLAND HANG GLIDING SCHOOL - Pacific Airwavc gliders in stock. Tandem instruction, ATOL towing. We need your used glider tradeins. c/o David Engel, 19046 Singing Wood Cir., Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679 (714) 589-0109. CHANDELLE HANG GLIDING CENTER - USHGA Certified school., The best damn hang gliding shop in the world. Dealers for Wills Wing, Pacific Airwave, Delta Wing, Moyes, Seedwings and High Energy. Five minutes from Fort Funston. 488 Manor Plaza, Pacifica, CA 94044. (415) 359-6800. HANG FLIGHT SYSTEMS· DIRECTLY across the street from WILLS WING. DEMOS and rentals available to qualified pilots. HP-AT small, medium & large Sport-A T's, Kiss, Mark JV, Genesis, Dreams and Axis. FLY 'EM ALL and decide what you like. We sell and service all major brands of

HIGH ADVENTURE- Full service facility located on site at Southern California's famous mile high mountains. 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 infonnation, mountain shuttle, towing 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 tlying with us. We proudly offer Wills Wing, Pacific Airwave, High Energy, Ball and we need your used equipment. 4206-K Son-ento Valley Blvd., San Diego, CA 92l21 (6l 9) 450-9008. MISSION SOARING CENTER-Serving the tlying 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. 11 l 6 Wrigley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035. (408) 262-l055. NATURAL HIGH - Hang Gliding School. Personalized instruction and tandems. Aircraft maintenance. Dealer for Delta Wing, Moyes gliders and Wills Wing. HANG GUDINO JEWELRY - Each piece contains I full gram of 14K Gold. Pendant $30,Tie Tack $35,Eanings $65,Shipping $2. P.O. Box 8l93, Green Valley Lake, CA 92341 (714) 867796[.

,--------------------------------------, I USHGA CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ORDER FORM I 40 cents per word, $4.00 minimum, Boldface or caps $.95 per word. (Does not include first few words are automatically caps,) Special layouts or tabs $22 per I which column inch. I (phone numbers-2 words, P.O. Box-1 word) I photos-$25.00 line art logos-$15.00 I Deadline-20th of the month, six weeks before the cover date of the issue in which you want your ad to appear (i.e., June 20 for the

1 August issue).

I Prepayment required unless account established. I Please enter my classified ad as follows: I I

Section (please circle) Rogallos Emergency Chutes Parts & Accessories Business & Employment Miscellaneous

Schools and Dealers Ultralights Rigid Wings Publications & Organizations

Begin with 19_ _ issue and run lo r consecutive issue(s). My check 0, money order 0, is enclosed in the amount of $

NAME: ADDRESS:

I I I I I I I

I I I I

II Number or words: PHONE: @ .40 ~ II L _________ USHG'::__f>.0- Bo":!,_300, _Colorado Spring~O 8093~719) 632-8300 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _J 42

HANG GLIDING

CLASSIFIEDS PINE CREST AIR PARK - Landing area for Crestline launch. Info. for schools, lodging, area flying sites. Contact Juanita Jackson evenings at (714) 887-9275. SANTA BARBARA HANG GLIDING CENTER USHGA Certified School. Achim J. Hageman. 29 State St.. Santa Barbara, CA. 93101 (805) 962-8999. TORREY FLIGHT PARK, INC. - At the launch of the \vorld famous Torrey Pines Glider Port, one of San Diego's highlights! Unmatched convenience for pilots and spcctators. 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. TRUE FLIGHT CONCEPTS - USHGA Certified lnstruction, Sales & Service. Become a better pilot in Jess time wjth our small personalized classes & tandem instruction. Our head instructor has over 12 years teaching experience. Only minutes from our local Kagel Mountain flying site. 13243 Gladstone Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342. (818) 367-6050. WINDGYPSY - USHGA Certified school specializing in personalized tandem flight training. Ful1 service sales & repair facility in Lake Elsinore - call for site info. Wide range of new & used gliders & flight accessories in stock. Mexico Hang Gliding Tours. Paul Burns, 33041 Walls St., Lake Elsinore, CA 92330 Phone (714) 678-5418; FAX (714) 678-5425. WINDSPORTS SOARING CENTER- Los Angeles' largest and most complete school since 1974. \Ve specialize in personalized tandem instruction, sales and repair. Spend your winter vacation flying with us! 16145 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91406 (818) 988-0111. "Professionals You Can Trust!" COLORADO COLORADO HANG GLIDING USHGA Certified School, dealer all brands. Towing and paraglider inst. Bell helmets. (303) 178-9566.

Sec our ad

repairs. Excellent secondary instruction ... if you've finished a program and wish to continue. Fly the mountain' ATOL towing! Tandem flights! Contact: Paul Voight, RD 2, Box 561, Pine Bush, NY 12566, (914) 744-3317.

MAUI SOARING SUPPLIES - Guided rentals, PacAir, Genesis, Mark IV, Wills Wing Sport. Certified Instrnction. Box 780, Kula, HI 96790 (808) 878-1271.

SUSQUEHANNA FLIGHT PARK - Cooperstown, NY. Certified Instruction, Sales and Service for all major rnanufacturers. 40 acre park, 5 training hills, jeep rides, bunk house, camping, hot showers, 600' NW ridge. We have the best facilities in N. New York state to teach you how to fly. 35 Catherine Street, Mohawk, NY 13407, (315) 866-6153.

GEORGIA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK under Tennessee. (404) 398-3541. HAWAII

IDAHO TREASURE VALLEY HG - USHGA CF!, service/sales, Pacific Airwave, UP, American Windwright, La Mouette. l 1716 Fairview, Boise, ID 83704, (208) 376-7914. ILLINOIS

n~•OiM Your hang gliding success company. Representative for Wills Wing, Delta Wing, Seedwings, Moyes and Pacific Airwavc. State of the art training with mobile flight simulator and dual instruction. Lei a USHGA CF! lead you to your flight success. 1600 Carmel, Zion, IL 60099. (312) 7461944. MICHIGAN PRO HANG GLIDERS - Serving since 1978. USHGA certified flight school. Towing specialist. Step-towing or thermal-trolling for qualified pilots. Beginner through advanced lessons. Observer. Wills Wing, Bennett, Manta. Contact Nonnan Lesnow, 569 W. Annabelle, Hazel Park, Ml, 48030. (313) 399-9433. NEVADA

COLORADO WIND PARK - "Come up for Air!" Sales, service, complete instruction on our 500-foot, 360-degrce training hill. $10/day lodging. Dealing all brands. PO Box 94, Hartse!, Colorado 80449. (719) 836-2240 (weekends only) or {303) 762-6505.

HIGH SIERRA SPORTS -Spectacular Siena tours, tandem & lessons. USHGA certified training and ratings. Dealers for Wills Wing, Pacific Ai1wave, Delta Wing, UP. Fly the Sierras with a full-service shop. 2303 North Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701 (702) 885-189 l or (702) 885-1970.

EAGLE'S NEST School of Hang Gliding - USHGA certified school. Dealer for Delta Wing, Pacific Airwave and Wills Wing. P.O. Box 25985, Colorado Springs, CO 80936 (719) 594-0498.

NEW JERSEY

GOLDEN WINGS -Sales, Service, Instruction. Dealer for Wills Wing, Delta Wing, Pacific Airwavc. 1108 Miners Alley, Golden, CO 80401, (303) 278-7181/279-795 l. L/0 ENTERPRISES - Frame and sail repair; Parts and accessories, Cindy Drozda, 5000 Butte #183, Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 440-3579. CONNECTICUT MOUNTAIN WINGS -

Look under New York.

FLORIDA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - See ad under Tennessee. (404) 398-354 l. OLD KINGS FLITE PARK - Complete service centre. Sail and airframe repairs. Training on single and two-place, prone and supine trikes. New and used trikes and wings available. Send $3.00, P.O. Box 1893, Flagler Beach, Florida 32036 (904) 439-4431.

JANUARY 1990

THERMAL UP, INC. - Most complete hang gliding shop in area. Located on top of Ellenville Mountain. USHGA Certified Instructor and Observer. Concentrating on hang gliding instruction with emphasis on launching and landing techniques. Dealer for all major brands. Offering expert sales and service with lowest price in area. Large mail order inventory. Tom Aguero, P.O. Box 347, Cragsmoor, NY 12420. (914) 647-3489. NORTH CAROLINA KITTY HA WK KITES, INC. - P.O. Box 340, Nags Head, NC 27959 (919) 441-4124. Learn to hang glide on Jockey's Ridge, the largest sand dune on the east coast, just south of where the Wright Brothers' first flight took place. Beginner and advanced lesson packages and camps offered. Advanced tandem tow instruction, 1500 ft. plus up. Dealer for all majo, brand gliders, complete inventory of new and used gliders, accessories and parts. SAURATOWN SOARING -Airspeed $15, Stim1ps, cocoons, altimeters, varios, thermal snoopers S50 each, Parachute $150, Trainer $250. Tommy Thompson (919) 9839064. OHIO NORTH COAST HANG GLIDING - Certified Instruction. New & used gliders. Specializing in Pacific Airwave gliders. Mike Del Signore, 1916 W. 75th St., Cleveland, OH. 44102 (216) 631-1144. SKYWARD ENTERPRISES Certified instruction, airframe and sail repair, disassembly inspection, Pacific Airwave gliders. Mario Manzo, 2259 S. Smithville Rd., Dayton, OH 45420 (513) 256-3888 (eves.). OKLAHOMA

MOUNTAIN WINGS- Look under New York.

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

NEW MEXICO

OREGON

UP OVER NEW MEXICO, INC. - Instruction, sales, scrvice. Sandia Mountain guides. Wills, Seedwings, Pacific Airwave, Delta, Moyes. Albuquerque, NM (505) 821-8544.

PENNSYLVANIA

NEW YORK

TENNESSEE

AAA FLY ELLENVILLE MOUNTAIN - Visit our new hang gliding center at the base of the mountain, between launch and landing. Five exclusive training hills, area's only flight park. Exclusive dealer for Seedwings, Pacific Airwave 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 flight pass at: MOUNTAI\/ WINGS, INC., ISO Canal St., ELLENVILLE, NY 12428 (914) 647-3377 or l-(800)-5257850 N.E. area only.

CRYSTAL AIR SPORT MOTEL - at Raccoon Mountain; Bunkhouse, private rustic rooms, regular & waterbeds, video in-room movies, private jacuzzi room, pool, sky gear gifls, fliers work program. FF!: 4328 Cummings Hwy., Chattanooga, TN. 37409. (615) 821-2546. Chuck & Shari Toth.

FLY HIGH HANG GLIDING, INC. - Serving S. New York, Connecticut, Jersey areas (Ellenville Mtn.). Area's EXCLUSIVE Wills Wing dealer/specialist. Also all other major brands, accessories. Certified school/instruction. Teaching since 1979. Area's most INEXPENSIVE prices/

MOUNTAIN WINGS -

Look under New York.

HAWK AIRSPORTS - New and improved hang gliding! Allcntion Novice and beginners! New 360 degree training hill designed and built specifically for you. Conveniently located. Fun! Fun! Fun! Clinch Mtn. -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., 25 l North Boyd's Creek Rd., Sevierville, TN 37862, (615) 453-1035. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK- Since 1978, Southeast's largest USHGA-certified mountain flight school. Complete training, from grassy, gently-sloping training hills

CLASSIFIEDS 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 gliders and mountain bikes, harnesses, helmets, instruments, T-shirts. Repair services. We buy used gliders, equipment! Send $ l .00 for brochure, rates, directions, accommodations infonnation. Twenty minutes from Chattanooga,

Tennessee. Route 2, Box 215-H, Dept. HG, Rising Fawn, GA 30738. (404) 398-3541 or 398-3433.

INTERNATIONAL DEALERS SWITZERLAND SWISS ALP HANG GLIDING SAFARI- For quick, easy flying May to October, call or write Ron Hurst, Jostens tr. 21·, 8854 Galgenen, Switzerland, Dir. Dial USA Ol l 41 55 645229. VENEZUELA

SEQUATCHIE VALLEY SOARING - Dealers for all major brands. Small training classes so you can learn to fly easily. Accelerated learning utilizing certified tandem instruction. Fly over 100 miles of ridges and enjoy challenging thermals. Fully stocked pro shop: rentals, storage, USHGA ratings and all the newest fashions. For personal service you can trust call SVS, Rt. 2, Box 80, Dunlap, TN 37327 (615) 949-2301.

Thermal fest and cross country holiday. Fly to the beaches from 6,000 ft. or go cross country from La Victoria 100 miles plus. Take the longest cable car in the world in the middle of the Andes and soar an incredible 8,000 vertical. ATOL winch available. Room and transportation provided. Contact Omar or Kike (305) 920-7751 (Florida). EMERGENCY PARACHUTES

TEXAS ALL BRANDS - Bought, sold, and repacked. Inspection and repack $20.00 · Parachutes, bridles, inspected and replaced. Airtime of S.F., 3620 Wawona, San Francisco, CA 94116. (415) SKY-1177.

CROSS COUNTRY - "T" Shirts, long sleeved, 100% cotton, with full color design, send $15.00 + $1.50 PIH and size to: Windriders "T" Shirts, 2902 Longshore Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19149.

OVERSTOCKED - new 20, 22 gore $350 each. Used $250 each. Includes inspection and repacking, Colorado Hang Gliding, (303) 278-9566. 200 MILE SITES are hard to find. Recently another location was added to the short but distinguished iist. Ya'll come challenge the thermals of West Texas using the finest in Truck Launching technology. For thermal instruction, X-C

lessons, towing instruction, tandem instruction or just plain Airtime, call Jerry at Airtime of Lubbock (806) 745-9633. NEW ADDRESS: 8206 Avenue D, Lubbock, Texas 79404. Where we don't care which way the wind blows and it's always soarable.

PARTS & ACCESSORIES BALL VARIO (619) 377-4940.

Model 652, excellent condition. $400

AUSTIN AIR SPORTS - Still the one in central Texas, quality service since 1978. Instruction, sales, rental, and a complete airframe & sail repair facility. 1712 Waterston, Austin, TX 78703 (512) 474- 1669.

THE CRUISE SUPRONE POD - Total comfort and customized to your needs. For details contact Steve Dyer, P.O. Box 4504, Federal Way, WA 98063 (206) 383-4675.

KITE ENTERPRISES - Instruction, sales, repairs, platform towing, Dallas, North Texas area. 211 Ellis, Allen, TX 75002 (214) 996-7706 nights, (214) 727-3588 weekends.

ERIC RAYMOND POD HARNESS - Excellent condition $400 with matching helmet. High Energy Sports chute, new condition $350. Call Forrest (615) 227-2925.

UTAH FLY UTAH WITH

BELL SOARING HELMETS -All sizes in stock. Send hat size and $125 P.Pd. to: Colorado Hang Gliding, P.O. Box 1423, Golden, CO 80402 or use Visa/Mastercard at (303) 278-9566, 24 hrs. Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card accepted.

FREEDOM WINGS (801) 943-1005 OR 561-5208, 9173 FALCON CIRCLE, SANDY, UTAH 84092. WASATCH WINGS, INC. - USHGA certified hang gliding school, dealers for Wills Wing and Pacific Airwave. Flight operations at Point of the Mountain. (801) 571-4000. VIRGINIA SILVER WINGS, INC. - Certified instruction & equipment sales. N. VA. (703) 533- 1965.

BLACKHAWK BODYSACK CG HARNESS - with case, custom made, $395 including shipping, also Pods $395. Silver Wings (703) 533-1965. BRAND NEW MAXON RADIOS - $175 shipped! Colorado residents add 3.5% sales tax. Colorado Wind Park, PO Box 94, Hartse!, Colorado 80449 (303) 762-6505.

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, Seatrle, WA 98109. (206) 467-8644.

CAN'T GET A ROBERTS BREAD PAN VARIO at manufacturer's suggested retail of $320. then (805) 682-1088.

GRADE A SHEEPSKIN HAND FAIRINGS -Keeps hands warm in all conditions. Tested and endorsed by record holder Kevin Christopherson. "I wouldn't fly without them, they are that good." Special orders and dealer inquiries welcome. Send $47.00 to Wyoming Aerolites, Box 880, Casper, WY 82602, (307) 235-3367. MAXON RADIOS - $295. New hang gliding legal frequency (see July 88 issue). Includes charger case and warranty. Vehicular power-amp, 25 watts, $119. Best prices on Maxon Radios and accessories plus fast reliable service facility. I-watt 151.625 Maxon Transceiver $169.95. Dealers, Schools or Clubs - quantity discount available. Pendulum Sports Inc. (719) 539-3900.

HANG GLIDING

· he COMET Ill is the latest addition to the UP family of gliders. It features the newest technology in sail and frame design producing an extremely stable and predictable glider. Easy landings, incredible low-speed handling and improved glide characteristics make this the ideal glider for the pilot who wants top performance without sacrificing good handling. For the advanced pilot, the AXIS is the high performance glider to fly. UPs' exclusive design, locating the control bar mount behind the king post suspension point enables the pilot a substantial increase in flare authority and control on landing. Available in two sizes, 13m 2 and 15m 2, the AXIS has the speed and performance that world-class pilots demand and the best climb rate in the business. Test a COMET Ill or AXIS today and learn what the best pilots have known for years .. .

T,shins! M, LG, XL. $14.00 to Paul Voigl1t. RD 2, Box 561,

( '.om pound walking foot ENUINJ>:FR/PROCiRAM MANA(iER AND TECIINI ('I/\NS with 111cchanical and electronic hackgroun(l

machine with sland. Cnmplcle wilh sewing

Cl07) 789-n:12.

needed hy small growing innovative aerospace R&D l•xrn•,·u•,w,• with RC

TIIIS WINTER

needs pericncc. Non smokers preferred. lmagi11ative solvers pkase send resume: Chris Price, P.O. Box I l'.lsi11orc, ( 'A 'J2l:l J .() 117. INSTRUCTORS WANTED

Shasta wilh Sile11t f<'lighL Tandem clinics and dcah~rs for major

Pre/Cr

tour

Nortilridge,

SAIi .MAKiNG & l<!(;(;JN(i Slll'l'LIES MassachuscHs Motori1,ed, P.O. Box

Box

All fabric Cotuit,

02615. (41 \) '/l(i 24)() $$$SA VE MONEY $ $ \Jlake dow11111lws in srTrnHls with OW!l l'll~)IOJll -lllade tool. 1(,, Send to .1 lC MASTER, 117:i Lacy L:111,·. Colorado Springs, CO 80') 16.

STEEi. ( 'i\RABINliR Bouaiti lb. test. Srnd $ Ji\.80 l'.l'd. to: Colorado Box 1112:l, (;olden, CO 8()1102 or nsc

l'IIBLICATIONS

ORGANIZATIONS

lllNJJERS FOR IIAN(i ULIDINCi MAGA,.INF

Brown

vinyl wilh \1..1\rc centerfold organization or Only P.O. !lox

111\YF YOU SFFN EARL FllWARD DOllC,LAS'' lk's ,1(,,

(lO\) 2'/8,')'i66. Visa, Mnstcn:anl, Discovn Card acccplt:d. SYS'J'FK Ill YAIHO cl11dcd.

and Inc.,

TOW 1./\IJNCII SYSTEMS

Experience the .safest, mosl to reach yom thcrnrnling and cross country

and simple to operate. TLS tow arc free

and built to !he highest call or write to:

Phone

12) B24-

TOW\m; system tow line, motor, sure indicators rnountcd lcm--frec tows on system.

(919) 86'/,,12Jl;.

THERMAL CJENERATOR SWEATSIIIRT 1101 black, high q11alily 50/50. Fl11orescent pink, fluorescent green, or golden yellow silkscrcened design 011 front. This swcalshirt keeps you warm as it generates Thermals! S, M, L, XL $\().95 plus $3.00shipping. CA residents add 6% tax. Send check/money order to: Blue llorizons, P.O. Box 605, Goleta, CA 93116.

foud lowiNG .& Oion Cour,miy flyiNG Wni TUI\\ WiIII I.ARRY Tudon Ar;d JoE Elonik FLATLAND FLYING puts yon in the control bar with Larry Tudor and Joe Bostik on flights 11p to 220 miles. Get

Colorful dome with military clutch. $4.95 plus$ l P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933.

a good look at truck towing in nction, wilh lots of aerial including tandem flying. Includes short music video, Also available, Mountains High and TELLU, Colorado mountain flying and acrobatics al their best. All tapes arc $37 (CA residents add state lax) plus

E-IANC GI.!DINC:

CLASSIFIEDS Harley New Wave 250. Green. black & white. Stolen from car in Austin, TX, Aug. 1989. CONTACT: Dana Ellinger (512) 472-6679. FOUND - FOUND - FOUND! On "E" launch in Elsinore, approximately 2 months ago- Ball vario w/attaching Gerhart altimeter. Call to identify. Ron, (714) 629-8034. STOLEN FROM ELSINORE, CA ON 9/17/89-New blue cocoon harness w/3" (purple, red, orange, yellow) stripes across parachute pack. Also stolen was Litek Vario, Thalmen wrist altimeter, and Bell helmet (all enclosed in a blue Price bag). Construction tools also stolen. If found, please contact Ron Anten at (714) 629-8034. ULTRA GOLD WINGS - YOUR STATEMENT OF FLIGHT (in fine jewelry) Available in 14K or S.S. A choice of stud or French wire earrings. $ 129.00 14K, $49.00 S.S. Necklace including chain - $99.00 14K, $29.00 S.S. Versatile pin of flight $79.00 14K, $24.00 S.S. We design custom and personalized wings, and offer satisfaction guaranteed. Contact Dave Morgan, 130 F St., Salida, co 8120! (719) 539-7612. Prices 14K S.S. $129.00 French wires or stud earrings $49.00 Necklace with chain 99.00 29.00 79.00 24.00 Pin X-C FLIGHT LOG BOOK - Very clean, 64 pages. For those who like to document their flights. $3.95 plus S 1.25 SI H, USHGA, P.O. BOX 8300, Colorado Springs, CO, 80933. The rate for classified advenising is $.40 per word (or group of characters). Minimum charge, $4.00. A fee of $15.00 is charged for each line art logo and $25.00 for each photo .. Bold face or caps within the text $.95 per word. 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 1 1/ 2 months preceding the cover date, i.e. November 20 for the January issue. Please make checks payable to USHGA: Classified Advertising Dept. HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933 (719) 632-3300.

STOLEN WINGS

STOLEN: LEESBURG, FLORJDA - 5 miles south on northbound 27. July 8, 1989 an AXIS 15 - green, pink, and white with top surface all white, SER #A1510l69 was stolen. Also, a blue Flight Designs harness with a G.Q. Security parachute - white with blue center. Contact: Al Sasser, 4627 Princess Anne Lane, Jacksonville, f!mida 322 l 0 (904) 388-0844. RA VEN 149, RA VEN l 79 - Stolen at Guadalupe Dunes. Contact: John Newstead (805) 962-8999. STOLEN 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 Ha11g Glidi11g. Please do call to cancel the listing when gliders arc recovered. Periodically, this listing will be purged.

• Always \here when you need them • Warm, comlor\able, durable, slide easily

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Advanced Air Technology ............... 38 AirWorks .......................................... 47 Ball Varios ....................................... 28 Brede! Tours ....................................... 2 BRS ................................... 15,17,19,21 Delta Wing ................................. 37,BC Hall Bros ............................................ 2 High Energy Sports .... ,, ...................... 2 Lookout Mt. Flight Park ................... 11 Morningside Hang Gliders ............... 39 OA USA ........................................... 17 Pacific Airwave .................................. 1 Popstar ,, ............................................ 47 Ron Hurst ......................................... 47 Safari Mexico ................... ,, .............. 37 Seed wings .......................................... 4 Southern California HG Schools ...... 12 Sport Aviation Publications ............. 38 Summit Magic ................... ,, ............. 39 Transseas International ...................... 2 UP International .............................. .45 USHGA ............................. 40,IFC,IBC Western Hang Gliders,, .. ,, ................ 28 Wills Wing .................................... 9,10

across control bar

STOLEN CANOPIES AND EQUIPMENT - 2 Vollerie Soubeyrat/Magic 24 E. One all pink, one all yellow. Rated advanced, not suitable for beginners. Taken from motor home at Lake Crowley, CA, Sept. 17. $300 reward for recovery. CONTACT: Ernst Schneider, Brunsteinstr H, D 8201 Raubling, West Germany, or: Gordon Link (415) 7830618, Hayward, CA. Harley Magic I 0. Pink center, blue, green, yellow. Taken from truck in Yosemite Nat'! Park Sept. 1989. CONTACT: Simon Peck (303) 442-5876.

• Instant bare hand dexterity tor launch, CB, chute, camera

• Quality construction, '/, -in. neoprene, nylon inside and out • Available in red or blac~ S, M, or L only $32.50 dealer inquiries invited

THE AIRWORKS

3900 Van Buren NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505) 884-6851

SPORTSWEAR TOURISM BRAZIL Yoursports and travel agent in Brazil. Hang RIO &

Gliding, Tandem Flights, Paragliding, ULM, Paralpinisme. Hotel reservations, car and equipment location, experienced guides (pilots}. Tours to best flight locals.

POPSTAR VIAGENS E TURISMO (TRAVEL AGENCY) AV. N, S. de Copacabana, 680-S. 404 22050 - Rio de Janeiro - Brazil Tel. (021) 255-5590 Telex: 2137157 PTVU Fax: 005521 - 255-3644 JANUARY 1990

Ron Hurst Jostenstr. 21 CH-8854 Galgenen Tel: 055/64 52 29 Visiting Switzerland? Europe? For quick easy flying May to September call or write. Direct dial from USA:

Oll-41-55-645229 47

ST. PAUL, MINN - Hey! Welcome to the '90s ... beginning of the third full decade for our sport. Oh god: "thirtysomething!f/ The final leg of the century (and millennium) . Glad to have you along for the read. Thanks for a continuing stream of notes or calls. Y-0-U help write this column! • • • First, in the "Bet You Didn't Know This Dept,{/ HGM editor Gil Dodgen had every piece of his nearly-new, high-tech desktop publishing gear stolen from his office last month. Luckily, his insurance replaced everything. Notice any delay? Extra effort on Gil's part kept HGM mostly on schedule. • • • The heat is on ... for Mexican flying tours. I'm amazed at the interest pilots are showing to be chauffeured around our neighbor to the south. Other SoCal shops offer tours, but the primary forces are Paul Burns' Windgypsy (714/678-5418) and John Olson's Safari Mexico (702/786-3944). Windgypsy offers two 8 day /7 night tours (differing sites) and provides bilingual guides, hotel, drinking water, ground transportation, and site refreshments. They'll give a few keepsakes to take home, and will pick you up at the airport, all for $600 per person, based on double occupancy. Glider rentals are $125 extra. Group discounts are possible. Burns' tour has a track record, earning not only flying hours but good reviews from earlier Mex-trekkers. Safari Mexico offers a similar program but has one extra: glider rental included for $4 95 total cost. Pacific Airwave brags that "Ole" Olson just stopped in their Salinas plant to pick up seven new Airwave gliders for use in his tours. They claim Olson was first in the Mexican Sky Guide biz, and that he'll give the most bang for the buck. (Of course, their bias is pretty clear; you should inquire of each and make up your own mind.) As the two tours offer different sites, maybe you should try each? After an understandable slowdown in orders following Wills Wing's splashy announcement of their HP-AT, PacAir reports Kiss deliveries are picking up again. So will Kiss prices, and Vision Mk 4 prices. Amounts are yet unspecified. At something like 500-600 gliders a year, PacAir can boast

a Top Ten spot among manufacturers around the world. (That's for the American plant only; no Airwave UK.numbers.) When Jean-Michel and his Salinas band began with the Vision, their profile remained fairly low key. Concentrating on the "advanced beginner" market, old PacWind did well enough to attract a takeover from European giant Airwave (UK). They've become a genuine American industry asset. As an example of a maturing company, PacAir has initiated a comprehensive survey of American flight instructors. The effort could yield the best student activity statistics yet. After many a survey question in my old "Whole Air{/ magazine, I can recognize a good effort. My reaction to the choice of questions is very positive. It will take each respondent some time to complete, but if PacAir receives these in sufficient numbers, valuable data might be obtained. They've offered to provide me with the results, and I' 11 summarize these in a future column. Meanwhile, not sitting still, Wills has just announced their Sport AT 180 and Sport AT 150. They proudly claim the Sport AT 180, "has lighter roll bar pressures and a faster roll rate than the Sport American 180. 11 It' 11 be priced at $3,500. The company also feels a wait will be justified for the "easy-to-coordinate Sport AT 150." It's not yet certified (so not yet released either); i t ' l l retail for $3,300. Wills claims their AT models -- Sport and HP alike -- offer "the longest list of standard features found in the industry. fl For example, customers may choose half-race or non-race sail, speed or straight base tube, streamlined or round downtubes. Yet the Sport ATs don't have WW' s two-position VG lever system. Wills reports that factory reps have logged 175 demo flights to dealers' customers. This allowed them to pass along several recommendations on how pilots should properly employ the VG system Wills finally implemented. As but one hint of this wisdom, Cap'n AT sez, "only use the tight VG position in straightline glides between thermals!" Now you know. So! Got news or opinions? Send 'em to: "Product Lines, 11 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118, or call (days at BRS) 612/457-7491. THANKS!

HANG GLIDING

USHGA Merchandise Order Form BOOKS Right Stuff for Hang Glider Pilots by Erik Fair. Reprint of columns from Hang Gliding magazine. Light humor, overview of sport, launch/landing techniques, personalities .................................. $7.95_ _ __ 1989 USHGA Calendar. 12" x 12" full-color pictorial. Big date squares for notes, appointments ..................................... $5.00_ _ __ 1990 USHGA Calendar. 12" x 12" full-color pictorial. Big date squares for notes, appointments ..................................... $9.95_ _ __ BOOKS-BASICS AND CLASSICS Manbirds by Maralys Wills. Entertainingly takes the reader from hang gliding's past to its soaring present. 150 black and white photos, 8 pages color, 40-page appendix ........................................................................... $7.95 _ _ __ USHGA Instructor Manual. Complete requirements, syllabus, teaching methods ........................................................... $5.00 _ _ __ Hang Gliding by Dan Poynter. 8th edition. Basic handbook on hang gliding .................................................................... $7.50_ _ __ Flying Conditions by Dennis Pagen. Micrometeorology for pilots. 90 illustrations ........................................................... $7.50_ _ __ Hang Gliding Flying Skills (NEW EDITION) by Dennis Pagen. Beginner to Intermediate instruction manual ...................................................................................................................... $9.95_ _ __ Hang Gliding Techniques by Dennis Pagen. Intermediate to Advanced pilots, covering cross-country, competition and powered flying .................................................................................................................. $7.50._ _ __ Federal Aviation Regulations for Pilots, 1989 edition. Required study material for ratings ........................................... $7.95_ _ __ FAI Sporting Code for Hang Gliders. Requirements/procedures for record attempts .................................................... $3.00_ _ __ USHGA Record Attempt Kit with FAI Sporting License. (Birthdate Birthplace ) ................................................................... $10.00_ _ __ Hang Gliding Manual and Log by Dan Poynter. For beginners. An asset to instructors. 24 pages ................................ $1 .50_ _ __ Deluxe Log Book published by Lookout Mt. Flight Park. 72 pages, pilot ID, ratings, rules of the air, glider inspection and maintenance history, parachute inspection and repacking records ... more .......................... $4.95._ _ __ USHGA Flight Log Book . ................................................................................................................................................. $2.95_ _ __ X-C Flight Log Book. Very clean, 64 pages. For those who want to document their flights ............................................. $3.95_ _ __ APPAREL and ACCESSORIES Magazine Collector Binder. Brown vinyl. Wire inserts for 12 issues. Build a reference library and protect issues all at once ...................................................................................................... $9.00_ _ __ APPAREL and ACCESSORIES-CLASSICS USHGA "Hang Gliding" T-Shirt. Horizontal color bar chest design. Circle color/size. WHITE or TAN. Sizes: S M L XL ...................................................................................................... $8.00._ _ __ USHGA Emblem T-Shirt. Our original. 1O" circular chest logo. Circle color/size. Men's only. LIGHT BLUE or TAN. Sizes: S M L XL ......................................................................... $8.00._ _ __ USHGA Emblem Baseball Cap. Foam Front, white mesh back, adjustable size. Circle color choice. NAVY, ORANGE, GOLD, RED ................................................................................................... $5.00 _ _ __ USHGA Sew-On Emblem. Embroidered logo for blazers, flight gear bags, etc. 3" circle ................................................. $1 .25._ _ __ USHGA Emblem Decal. Full color, water transfer decal for inside or outside surfaces ...................................................... $.25_ _ __ License Plate Frame. "I'd rather be hang gliding." Blue lettering on white plastic frame .................................................. $5.50_ _ __ HANG GLIDING BACK ISSUES All issues prior to 1982, as available, $1.50 each. 1982 to current are $2.00 each. Back issues are listed separately. Request an issue listing with check mark at right. o

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