USHGA Hang Gliding February 1990

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• MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION •

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ANNUAL DUES: $39.00 ($47.00 foreign, $42.00 Canada). This accords me full membership in the United States Hang Gliding Assn., Inc., 12 issues of Hang Gliding magazine, effective with the current issue, liability and property damage insurance, and voting privileges. I need not be a rated pilot to be a member.

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

SUBSCRIPTION ONLY

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3-MONTH DUES: $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.

$32.00 Canada) for one year. D $53.00 SUBSCRIPTION ($69.00 foreign, $59.00 Canada) for two years.

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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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UN~l[E[J) SlAllES HANG Gl~[J)~NG ASSN.~ ~NC. P.O. BOX 8300, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80933 (719) 632-8300

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Volume 20

CONTENTS

Issue No. 2

(USPS 017-970-20)

Features

Columns

12 Aerotowing-At Its Best In Florida

11 USHGA President by Russ Locke Russ addresses the site preservation issue.

by Barbara Flynn

20 Competition Corner

The Florida Flying Gators have developed an exciting aerotow tug and effective techniques.

15 Flight Test Report

Page 12

© 1990 by Dennis Pagen Dennis reviews 1he Afro Cirrus 8000 flight

34 USHGA Reports

deck and the Mountain Wings Canon Ultrapod camera.

by Gregg Lawless A report on some new USHGA insurance benefits.

18 Paragliding For Hang Glider Pilots

43 Product Lines

by John Bouchard An introduction to the sport with a discussion of pros and cons.

An introduction to the upcoming Nationals at Dinosaur, Colorado, by Christine Reynolds. The 1989 Region 12 Championship, by Peter Fournia.

Dan Johnson Page 18

Soviet hang gliding, the Su:perleague, Nationals and more.

27 Video & Hang Gliding -Part ID by Robert Reiter Lots of "how to" advice in this, the final installment.

Departments

31 Video Cliffhanger

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by John Dupont A television producer/director describes his adventures making one of the first professional tandem hang gliding video segments.

Page 31 COVER: Ron Young picks up a little speed in his UP Axis. Photo by Leroy Grnnnis. CENTERSPREAD: John Kerry soars over Dinosaur. CO, sire of the upcoming U.S. Nationals. See story page 20. Photo by John Kerry.

6 8 17 33 37 42 42

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

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES IN PUBLI· CATIONS: The material presented here is published as part of an information dissemination serv· ice for USHGA members. The USHGA makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liabil· ity 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 States Hang Gliding Association, Inc. All rights reserved to Hang Gliding and individual contributors.

FEBRUARY 1990

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Gil Dodgen, Editor/Art Director John Heiney, Doug Rice, Leroy Grannis, Eric Raymond, Photographers Harry Martin, f/lustrator Tim Rinker, Design Consultant Office Staff Jerry Bruning, Executive Director Chris Soulard, Advertising Barb Strickland, Ratings P.J, More, Office Operations Patti Gamara, 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 l: Gene Matthews. REGION 2: Ken Brown, Jay Busby, Russ Locke. REGION 3: Bill Bennett, Sandy King, Gregg Lawless. REGION 4: Mark Moc ho, Jim Zeiset. 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 Meier, 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, hos delegated to the USHGA supervision of FAl-related hang gliding activities such as record attempts and competition sanctions. HANG GLIDING magazine is published for hong gliding sport enthusiasts to create further interest in the sport, by a means of open communication and to advance hong gliding methods and safety. Contributions are welcome. Anyone is invited to contribute articles, photos, and illustrations concerning hong 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 hong glldi_ng publications. HANG GLIDING magazine reserves the right to edit contributions where necessary. The Association and publication do not assume responsibility for the material or opinions of contributors. HANG GLIDING 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 Hong 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); subscription 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. FEBRUARY 1990

Volume 20, Issue No. 2

AIRMAIL ADVERTIZING MEDIOCRITY? Dear Editor, The full-page Wills Wing ad which ran in December Hang Gliding presents a most curious picture of the new HP AT 158. There is nothing extraordinaiy in the text. I'm refen"ing to the chart illustrating pure perfo1mance, roll rate, and control feel and predictability on the HP AT throughout the VG range. The rating scale on the Y axis goes from poor to good (excellent is not even included on the chart). And the HP AT only approaches the good rating in roll rate at the loose VG setting. On tight, the roll rate is just above poor. Pure performance is half way between poor and good at the loose setting and only slightly higher when tight. Could we call this level mediocre on their scale? Worst of all, control feel and predictability are just above poor on loose and the same when tight. The value rises slightly higher in the middle of the VG range, but, of course, the HP AT can't be set in that middle range; it is only loose or tight. So, control feel and predictability are only slightly better than poor on this glider. In the past we have seen many manufacturers go to extremes trying to outdo each other in singing the praises of their own models, for example, the 15 to 1 glide ratio touted by one. But Wills Wing seems to have gone to the other extreme. Out here in the hinterlands of hang gliding we have few chances to take demo flights and have to rely heavily on manufacturers' descriptions of their new products. On the basis of this ad the HP AT 158 is a glider for experts only that can promise only a good to poor roll rate, mediocre pure perfotmance, and close to poor control feel and predictability. I have to say thanks but no thanks. Jim Taulman Nacogdoches, TX

I suspect the "poor" and "good" ratings were meant to he relative, not absolute. Perhaps they should have used "worse" and "hetter."-Ed.

THEY'LL BE THERE FOR YOU Dear Editor, I'm not a pilot but I've read Hang Gliding for a couple of years now, mainly as a way to keep in touch with the sport and the people. That's why I'm writing this letter, to say a big thank you to all the pilots who have shown such love and support at a time when I really needed it. As some of you may know, we lost John

Erickson to injuries sustained in an auto accident last July. I am proud to say that I was John's girlfriend for four years and we shared many hang gliding experiences together. Losing him was like losing a part of myself, yet pilots from many parts of the country came together to support me and help me through this ordeal. Pilots from Arizona, Ohio and especially California where John and I lived opened their hearts to his family and to me. The hang gliding community as a whole seems to be made up of independent, yet open and accepting people. John was also that kind of person and when he discovered hang gliding he felt that a dream he had from childhood had been fulfilled. He not only discovered flight in what he felt was the purest form known to man, but also made friends with people who were "honest and down to earth." He believed in hang gliding, but more than that he believed in people. John once told me that if I ever needed anything, "the pilots will be there for you." Well, I did and they were. Julie A. Kaiser San Bruno, CA.

FLYING TIPS Dear Editor, Richard Cobb's letter (August '89) about flaring with feet glued to the keel has helped my landings ever since I tried it. The technique saves late-ish flares as well as early ones. And it's encouraged me to share a little twist of thought that many people have probably discovered, but not told me. Hang checking under my Ranier one day, I noticed a way of accurately setting any desired flying speed without reference to such subtleties as "bar position." You just have to glance at how far forward or back of either wingtip the downtube appears, and remember that image. Since I'm always looking around when I'm flying, I always know what angle of attack I've set. In level flight, the clowntube at minimum sink is just behind my side wires, at best glide it's at the end of the washout strut, and at trim, right on the tip of the leading edge. Of course these specifics change with the height of the pilot, and with different equipment. The reliable thing is that any change in angle of attack registers as an obvious movement of the downtube against the wing. Using this idea with Mike Meier's wing tufts (June '89), one can find the "image" for minimum sink in turns. In fact it works for any pitch setting or motion you'd like to duplicate. It is difficult for instructors and other exHANG GLIDING


AIRMAIL perienced pilots to communicate skills they stopped analyzing long ago, and now only feel, like "riding a bike." A rookie has to go by his own lights, and err on the side of caution. So I'm in no rush to take off the wheels, or to launch into strong cycles, and I do a full, leisurely preflight-as if I were an old guy with three children. Kurt Ulmer Salmon Arrn, British Columbia

WHY FLY?

Dear Editor, I have pondered a recent letter sent in by the concerned wife of a pilot, describing the tmment of anticipation she and many hang gliding wives experience when their husbands go flying. I have been involved with hang gliding since about 1969 and have paused on occasion to ask myself, "Why fly?" Why, in the face of possible injury and death, take any physical risk? Why deviate from the nmm? Why risk rejection by the almighty Actuaiy, the One who holds the Holy Grail of life insurance? There is no practical answer. There is no utilitarian answer. There is only an aesthetic or artistic answer. It is so out of step with our daily automatic reactions to workaday demands that it appears bizarre in contrast. We all are, if nothing else, a collection of cravings and senses, but more than that we are physical creatures who appreciate physical endeavor and natural surroundings for their own

FEBRUARY 1990

sake. We cannot merely think our way into total happiness; inactive observation is not enough. Bertrand Russell said: "I should not wish the poet, the painter, the composer or the mathematician to be preoccupied with some remote effect of his activities in the world of practice. He should be occupied, rather, in the pursuit of a vision, in capturing and giving permanence to something which he has first seen dimly for a moment, which he has loved with such ardour that the joys of this world have grown pale by comparison. All great art and all great science springs from the passionate desire to embody what was at first an unsubstantial phantom, a beckoning beauty luring men away from safety and ease to a glorious tmment. The men in whom this passion exists must not be fettered by the shackles of a utilitarian philosophy, for to their ardour we owe all that makes man great." While Russell did not have hang gliding in mind, I believe he has described the essential quality of the flying spirit that " ... lures men from safety and ease to a glorious to1ment." John Lane Naples, FL

LOOSE ENDS Dear Editor, There are so many things to check and double check before you step up to launch that sometimes it's hard to remember everything, even with the aid of a checklist. Given a chance,

Murphy's Law loves to assert itself. A recent incident on the ramp at Henson's Gap, TN is a case in point. Henson's radial ramp is probably one of the easiest places in the world to launch in a hang glider. But it is made of treated 2x4' s and there is a small space between each of the boards. Having done his pre-flight glider and harness check, a pilot stepped out to the end of the ramp with his wire crew and prepared to launch. Unnoticed by him or the crew, as he stood there a few moments getting ready, the end of the cord to the zipper on his pod slipped down between two boards. The cord had a small piece of stiff webbing sewn to the end to aid the pilot in zipping his pod closed. When he yelled "Clear!" and started to run a zipping noise was heard, followed by a snap, as the tab was torn loose from the end of the cord. This small amount of resistance was still enough to cause him to have a very shaky launch, since it slowed his run down and he dove off the ramp a long way before gaining sufficient flying speed. I've noticed that some pods secure this cord safely out of the way with a bit of velcro, some don't. If your pod's closure cord drags on the ground, please find a way to safety it before launching. Even if you don't fly any sites that have a ramp, rough, rocky terrain or scrub brush could snag such a cord. The same thing could happen to a glider's VG cord if it were left to drag along the surface during a launch. Secure those loose ends. Dave Dunning Dunlap, TN

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UPDATE USHGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEET ING- April 1-8 Members and interested parties are invited to join us to discuss a host of important hang gliding issues at the Sheraton South Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO. Contact: Professional Travel of Colorado Springs. Call toll free 1 (800) 678-7807 for travel arrangements. You may also contact the Sheraton South Hotel directly at (719) 576-5900. Be sure to mention you're with U.S. Hang Gliding Association to receive your discounted rates. The deadline for confirmation is March 15, 1990. RADIO AUTHORIZATION REMINDER Before you can receive a Radio Authorization (portable or vehicular) you must complete and pass the USHGA Radio Authorization test. The test must be signed off by a current Observer in your region, then submitted to the USHGA office with $5.00 per authorization for assignment of either PA or VA special skills. The USHGA office will then issue a new membership card reflecting these authorizations. A $5.00 renewal fee for each authorization will be due on the member's annual "anniversary date." NEW WORLD RECORDS Three new official world records have been confirmed. They were set on July 6, 1989 in the Owens Valley, CA. The Women's Out & Return of 81.61 miles was set by Tove Buas Hansen of Norway. She also filed for the altitude gain record of over 13,000 feet, but unfortunately her barograph had not been calibrated as required prior to the flight. Tove flew an Axis 13. Two tandem records were set by Kevin Klinefelter, pilot-in-command, and brother Tom. The flight originated at Gunter launch in the White Mountains. They flew south about 15 miles to Black Mt., the declared start-finish

point, and then went north 41 miles to Boundary Peak, the declared tum point, and back. They were awarded the Tandem Out & Return record of 81.61 miles and the Tandem Altitude Gain record of 11,000+ feet. They flew a Moyes GTR 210. Kevin owns Owens Valley Soaring located at the Bishop, CA airport, 5201 Westriclge Rel., Bishop, CA 93514 (619) 3872673.

SUPERLEAGUE UPDATE The "World Series of Hang Gliding" has its first three events scheduled: May 12-20 in Newton Wales; May 26-June 3 in Lake Como, Italy; July 14-22 in Montreux, Switzerland. The organizers in all three Superleague countries are working to secure extensive TV/media coverage of the competitions. The Swiss competition coincides with the Montreux Jazz Festival which opens up all sorts of possibilities for publicity. Contact: Matthew Whittall, Superleague, 2 Cyprus St., Bethnal Green, London E2 ONN ENGLAND tel. (01) 9815941. CLOUDBURST COMPUTER Clouclbase Software, creator of the Flight Activity Log and Database, has changed its name to Cloudburst Computer works to reflect an expanded product/service profile which now includes computer hardware products and applications training, as well as customized programming. The Flight Activity Log and Database software, now in its third revision, allows pilots to log a multitude of data on each flight, calculate great circle distances and select from a variety of log report sorts, which include sub- and grand totals. Because of its ability to log and sort multiple pilots, it's great for Club or competition logs. The software's most recent update allows it to run on almost any IBM compatible system with MS-DOS, regardless of

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

the video adaptor or printer present. The price of the automated flight log is $24.95 plus $3 P&H. Contact: Cloudburst Computer Works, 4213 W. Villa Maria, Glendale, AZ 85308 (602) 439-3316.

KLINGBERG WING Carl Boddie sends us an item from Slope Soaring magazine on Rollin Kingberg's flying wing hang glider, on which we ran an article some time ago. Test pilot Martin Bell is quoted as saying that it's the nicest foot-launched aircraft he's ever flown. Martin has been flying hang gliders since 1971. The glider has accumulated about two hours ail1ime according to the article. We'll try to get an in-depth update for you. Klingberg Wing Specifications Span 38 ft. Areal65 sq. ft. Weight 93 lbs. Max speed 70mph Materials: graphite, kevlar, fiberglass, foam, wood L/D 25/1 with lower door and full canopy

HOMO AVIS George Cooper sends us an interesting clipping from Popular Mechanics on a strap-on jet. The craft was designed by Igor Dmitrowsky of Booster Technical Associates, 92-36 54th. Ave., Elmhurst, NY 11373. It weighs about 100 pounds, straps on your back, and is operated by two pistol-grips. You take off vertically, level out into horizontal flight as speed increases, then swing upright again for landing. It is designed around a mini-turbojet engine of the type used in Air Force target drones. It carries five gallons of fuel, has a range of 150 miles and reaches 110 mph. The single-engine prototype has a wing span of 13 feet.

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· 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 .. .


RATINGS NOVEMBER, 1989 RATINGS SAFE PILOT AW ARDS TAD EARECKSON JEROL K. LOVE GREGKEOHO

LILIENTHAL AW ARDS BRONZE JAMES E. PHILLIPS, JR. PETER BURGHARDT ROBERT BASCOM GREGKEOHO ARTHUR THOMPSON SILVER KARL CAMERON ARTHUR THOMPSON KELLY SCROGGINS

KEVIN McGRATH: Lisle, IL; B. Kushner/ Raven HG. - MIKEL DOOLEY: Westmont, IL; J. Reynolds/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. ERIC HITZLER: Madison, WI; B. Kushner. Region 8 CHRISTOPHER STOCKMAN: Maynard, MA; R. Hastings/Morningside Flight Park. AZAZ FRANCO: Jamaica Plain, MA; J. Hannus/Aeolus HG. - LARRY COPE: Weston, MA; R. Hastings/Morningside Flight Park. CINDY LYNCH: Hanover, NH; G. Brown, Jr. - JAN SNYDR-MICHAL: Cambridge, MA; R. Hastings/Morningside Flight Park. ERIC CASTRO: Pelham, MA; B. Kowalski. - STEVE EVANS: Stamford, CT; G. Black/ Mountain Wings, Inc. - PETER MULVANEY: Winchester, MA; G. Greer/ Colorado HG. - STANLEY MILES: Leominster, MA; J. Hannus. - DAVID BARRETT: Manchester, MA; D. Mahling.

BEGINNER RA TINGS PILOT: City, State; Instructor/School Region I MIKE STEVENSON: Eagle Point, OR; D. Thomason/Silent Flight. Region 2 KEVIN GARCIA: Mt. View, CA; C. Crescioli/Westem HG. - KLAUS FIEBIG: San Francisco, CA; J. Greenbaum/Airtime of San Francisco. Region 3 SAEID BEIK-RASSOULI: Irvine, CA; D. Engel/Southland HG. - DANA WING: Chino Hills, CA; D. Engel/Southland HG. - CHAN C. LEE: Huntington Beach, CA; D. Engel/ Southland HG. - GIL RIEGLER: Aptos, CA; C. Crescioli/Westem HG. - CHRIS VANCE: Santa Monica, CA; M. Spinelli/True Flight Concepts. - BOB TAGGART: Bakersfield, CA; S. Huckert. Region 4 MICHAEL KOLAREVIC: Boulder, CO; G. Greer/Colorado HG Center. - BLAKE ROHR: A1vada, CO; T. Hackbart. - KURT ROHR: Arvada, CO; T. Hackbart. Region 6 ERNEST HIGGINBOTHAM: Florissant, MO; T. Hackbart/Golden Wings. - PHILIP MORGAN: Russellville, AR; L. Haney/Sail Wings of Arizona.

Region 9 JENNIFER HARFORD: Baltimore, MD; D. Brotto. - DEVIN MUN: Norfolk, VA; R. Bachman/Kitty Hawk Kites. - JIM WATSON: Dayton, OH; R. Whitsitt/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - PETER SHOOP: Arlington, VA; G. Reeves/Kitty Hawk Kites. - WILLIAM KAUTTER: Columbia, MD; J. Middleton/ Silver Wings, Inc. - MARTHA HARRISON: Rockville, MD; G. Ball/Kitty Hawk Kites. Region 10 PHIL LEVENTIS: Sumter, SC; G. Ball/Kitty Hawk Kites. - STEVEN BLAND: Apex, NC; S. Wendt/Kitty Hawk Kites. - RUSSELL GREENE: Limestone, TN; B. Hawk. - MICHAEL A. McMAHAN: Atlanta, GA; J. Reynolds/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - DICK RAYMOND: St. Petersburg, FL; P. Thornbury/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - CRAIG GAUKER: Kitty Hawk, NC; S. Wendt/Kitty Hawk Kites. - J. DAVID GRAY: Atlanta, GA; J. Reynolds/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. Region 11 GUS RASCH: Houston, TX; H. Wise. - SANTIAGO DEL RIO: Houston, TX; H. Wise. Region 12 JOSEPH BARRA: Rochester, NY; J. Reynolds/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park.

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

Region 7 JIM SKADAL: Eldridge, IA; D. Skadal/Hang Flight Systems. - CHRISTINE SHIELDS: Milwaukee, WI; B. Kushner/Raven HG. -

8

Region 1 TIMOTHY MARTIN: Seattle, WA; J. Estrin/ Airplay'n of Oregon.

Region 2 MATT BURGAN: Loomis, CA; M. Lake. CATHY STARK: Chico, CA; D. Thomason. - DIRK VOSS: San Jose, CA; D. Yount. ARTHUR THOMPSON: San Jose, CA; C. Crescioli. - TIM THOMAS: Livermore, CA; K. Muscio. Region 3 ADAM SANDAHL: La Habra Heights, CA; D. Engel/Southland HG. - L. MIKE THORP: Encinitas, CA; W. J.B. Henry/Ton-ey Pines Flight Park. - GARY HAMM: Thousand Oaks, CA; K. DeRussy/Hang Glider Emporium. SCOTT MEEHLEIB: San Diego, CA; G.W. Meadows/The HG Center of San Diego. ROBERT PETERSEN: San Diego, CA; J. Ryan. - GREGORY A. DIDIER: San Diego, CA; J. Ryan. - GREG BAIN: Laguna Beach, CA; D. Engel/Southland HG. -CARY JACOB DUTTON: Redondo Beach, CA; T. Boyse/ Windspo1ts Soaring Center. - DICK GIRARD: Huntington Beach, CA; J. Ryan/The HG Center of San Diego. - LAWREN CE WEST: Torrance, CA; T. Boyse/Windsports Soaring Center. - ERIC NEER: Anaheim Hills, CA; D. Skadal. - ALON REDKO: Van Nuys, CA; T. Boyse/Windsports Soaring Center. - BOB TAGGART: Bakersfield, CA; S. Huckert. DEBORAH DeLONG: Santee, CA; G.W. Meadows/The HG Center of San Diego. RICHARD DeLONG: Santee, CA; J. Ryan/ The HG Center of San Diego. Region 4 ROBERT MESHAKO: Portales, NM; C. Woods/Up Over New Mexico, Inc. - R. LEIGHTON FISK: Phoenix, AZ; B. Holmes/ Sky Sails of Arizona. - KURT ROHR: Arvada, CO; T. Hackbart. Region 6 STEVE HAUFLER: Kansas City, KS; D. Dunning. Region 7 LARRY WILSON: Highland, MI; C. Whitney/Sequatchie Valley Soaring. - MIKE ROGERS: Evanston, IL; B. Kushner/Raven HG. - KEITH SCHILLER: Madison, WI; B. Kushner/Raven HG. Region 8 JAMES REID: Nashua, NH; J. Nicolay/ Morningside Flight Park. - PETER BURGHARDT: Brighton, MA; J. Nicolay/ Morningside Flight Park. - TED DORENKAMP: Sudbury, MA; R. Hastings/ Morningside Flight Park. - DAVID BELL: Tolland, CT; G. Black/Mountain Wings, Inc.

HANG GLIDING


RATINGS Region 9 RONALD SHIELDS: Columbus, OH; P. Thornbury/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. -JERRY BOTT: Fairview Park, OH; M. DelSignore/ North Coast HG. - WILLIAM BYRNE: Arlington, VA; E. Logan. - RODNEY UPHOLD: Oakland, MD; J. Rowan. - BARRY JOHNSON: Kittanning, PA; P. Brooks. LAWRENCE KREEGER: Rockville, MD; G. Reeves/Kitty Hawk Kites. Region 10 GERALD KLUCK: Atlanta, GA; R. Whitsitt/ Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - BOB LOCKWOOD: Lilburn, GA; J. Reynolds/ Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - CHRISTIAN TILGHMAN: Dunwoody, GA; Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - GREG KEOHO: Kitty Hawk, NC; G. Reeves/Kitty Hawk Kites. - MICHAEL HOBLIT: Winter Garden, FL; R. Bachman/ Kitty Hawk Kites. - CLAUDE HUFF JR.: Sevierville, TN; B. Hawk. - RICHIE KECK: Powell, TN; B. Hawk. - JOHN SPROW: Chapel Hill, NC; G. Reeves/Kitty Hawk Kites. - EDWARD CANLER: Chattanooga, TN; M. Taber/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - DICK RAYMOND: St. Petersburg, FL; P. Thornbury/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - TOM LEVINE: Orlando, FL; S. Wendt/Kitty Hawk Kites. Region 11 CARTER GRESHAM: Dallas, TX; R. Whitsitt/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - KEN REIMER: Dallas, TX; R. Whitsitt/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - LEE EAKINS: Stafford, TX; D. Gordon. Region 12 STEPHANOS MAKRINOS: Brooklyn, NY; G. Black/Mountain Wings, Inc. - STEVE HEINLEIN: Poughkeepsie, NY; G. Black/ Mountain Wings, Inc. - SEAN ADAMS: APO, NY; G. Elhart/NOVA-AIR. -NEAL SANTY: Griffiss AFB, NY; D. Guido/Susquehanna Flight Park. - JEFFREY FRANKLIN: APO, NY; G. Elhart. - DAVID KEARNEY: APO, NY; G. Elhart/NOVA-AIR.

INTERMEDIATE RATINGS

Region 3 ERICK ALDRICH: San Clemente, CA; D. Engel/Southland HG. - HERNANDO ARNAL: Marina, CA; J. Zeiset/Special Skills by C. Crescioli/Western HG. - CARLOS COLLETT SOLBERG: Isla Vista, CA; A. Hagemann. RAY WATFORD: Etiwanda, CA; D. Renshaw-Armenta/Natural High Sports. - DA VE FUKUCHI: D. Skadal. - BRIAN HIETT: Fresno, CA; J. Johns. - GEORGE BA CHEM: Hesperia, CA; R. McKenzie. - RUTH COMPTON: La Jolla, CA; J. Ryan. Region 4 A.R. BACCADUTRE: Albuquerque, NM; C. Woods. - DAN RAYBURN: Shawnee, CO; J. Y acorn. - MICHAEL HA YNES: Arvada, CO; G. Greer/Colorado HG Center. - MARK REEDER: Boulder, CO; G. Greer/Colorado HG Center. - DAVID GUDERIAN: Boulder, CO; L. Goppenhammer/Golden Wings. STEVE CHILD: Sandy, UT; D. Rodriguez/ Wasatch Wings, Inc. Region 6 BARRON McKINLEY: Little Rock, AR; L. Haney/Sail Wings of Arizona. Region 8 WOLF GINANDES: Framingham, MA; R. Hastings/Morningside Flight Park. - TED DORENKAMP: Sudbury, MA; J. Nicolay/ Morningside Flight Park. - KINSLEY SYKES: Hadley, MA; J. Nicolay/Morningside Flight Park. Region 9 B. SCOTT MILLICAN: Snowshoe, WV; G. Reeves. Region 10 CHARLIE DOYLE: Kill Devil Hills, NC; C. Crescioli/Western HG. Region 11 KELLY SCROGGINS: Richardson, TX; L. Haney/Sail Wings of Arizona. Region 12 STEVE HEINLEIN: Poughkeepsie, NY; G. Black/Mountain Wings, Inc.

Region 3 ANDREW WHITEHILL: San Geronimo, CA; J. Busby. Region 4 STEVE KUENZI: Glendale, AZ; B. Thompson. - CRAWFORD PARR: Telluride, CO; R. Whitley. Region 9 MATT KOLLMAN: Columbus, OH; D. Dunning. Region 11 LARRY JOSEPH KEEGAN: Somerset, TX; V. Collins. - RICKY CHASTAIN: Lancaster, TX; D. Broyles. - ROLAND WHITSITT: New Deal, TX; G. Chalmers/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. Region 12 JOHN SANFORD III: Cooperstown, NY; D. Guido.

MASTER RATINGS Region 3 MARK GIBSON: Crowley Lake, CA; J. Reilly/B. Strachan/T. Gill.

FOREIGN RATINGS Beginner: BRAD FALLOWFIELD: Belmont, Ontario, CANADA; J. Kolynich/Free Spirit Flight. Novice: BRAD FALLOWFIELD: Belmont, Ontario, CANADA; J. Kolynich/Free Spirit Flight. Advanced: DAN JONES: Alamos, Sonora, MEXICO; D. Engel/Southland HG. - ROD WICKHAM: Seville, SPAIN; J. Ryan.

CLASS ONE TANDEM RA TINGS PILOT: City, State; Observer/School CHRIS SMITH: Wildwood, GA; D. Curry.

PILOT: City, State; Instructor/School ADVANCED RATINGS Region 1 SUSAN RUMMERFIELD: Seattle, WA; D. Chadwick. Region 2 JOHN WOODRUFF: Fremont, CA; D. Yount.

FEBRUARY 1990

PILOT: City, State; Observer/School Region 1 MARK OSTBY: Kenniwick, WA; L. Strom. JOHN DAWSON: Spokane, WA; L. Strom.

9


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USHGA President

The End Of An Era by Russ Locke The following letter from Colin Perry appeared in the December issue of the Northern California Wings of Rogallo newsletter. The end of an era. It was inevitable from the start, and now it has finally happened. Though we may be loath to admit it, the days of free flying are rapidly becoming part of history. The pressures of land development and the liability paranoia infecting landowners and park officials are closing flying sites throughout the heavily populated areas of our state. The only recourse that we have is through paying our own way. This will likely involve extensive use of our club funds for various purposes. These include such possibilities as purchasing additional insurance, creation of a bonded "war chest" to finance a fight against any potential law suits against the landowner, and possibly even the purchase of flying sites. We aren't talking small change here. The approximate $15 per year club dues (which pays for newsletters, weather phones, and an annual party) won't even come close. We will have to resign ourselves to paying dues of several hundred dollars per year. I know that this seems like one hell of a lot relative to what we have been used to. But $200 or $400 really isn't out of line if you compare it to your auto insurance premium or your average yearly contribution to the local hang gliding shop. It probably wouldn't even amount to very much if you divided it by your annual number of flying days. It wouldn't come anywhere close to the $30 per day that we spend for lift tickets at ski resorts (most of which is mailed to insurance companies). It is foolish to delude ourselves that our national club will raise the rates for all pilots to pay for California's problems. We must do this ourselves, or lose forever what little remains of our local flying sites. We must start now, with the 1990 dues, to FEBRUARY 1990

build up the necessary funds to deal effectively with financial contingencies that will occur. Fortunately, none of our club officers took the Bush campaign pledge of "no new taxes," and few if any are daring enough to attempt re-election. Let's get with it, guys and gals, before it's too late and hang gliding vanishes from the Bay area. I agree with Colin that the "days of free flying are rapidly becoming part of history" and that we (pilots, clubs, USHGA, etc.) are going to have to pay our own way in the future. The $200 to $400 per year figure that he suggests is probably a reasonable number, but two things have to happen before we can hope to collect that kind of money.

"The most dangerous trend currently facing us is the lack of knowledgeable hang glider pilots working on site acquisition and preservation. The rest of us have an obligation to see that the efforts of those individuals are rewarded." First, we need to know what we are going to spend it on. Without having programs identified with attached price tags, any efforts to collect unspecified amounts of money will be short lived at best. Second, we have to have confidence that the people managing the money will follow through with the established plan. Money is important and more will be needed in the future, but it's not what's most impo1tant. If we treat this as strictly a financial issue, we are probably doomed before we start. Land is becoming more expensive everywhere and we just don't have the numbers to keep up with this inflation. There will be "owned" flying

sites, but they will be the exception and not the norm. The future of our flying sites rests with the taxpayers-that is, land set aside by city, county, state and federal agencies for general/ recreational use. Our ability to get and maintain flying sites will be directly tied to our ability to create good communication links with the agencies who own/regulate the land we want to use. "Paying our own way" involves something more than money. First on our list of needed tools are volunteers to roll up their sleeves and get the work done. Every club has one or more of these people (or there wouldn't be a club), but they seem to be a dwindling resource. Why? Real simple-a lack of appreciation by the rest of the pilots. I know this remark sounds a little self serving, but I am an absolute expert on this point. This problem has been growing for many years and for the most part we haven't even recognized it. One indicator of the magnitude of the problem is this year's National Regional Director Election. Out of 10,000 or so pilots in this country, there was only one pilot running for office who is not already part of the cmrent Board (Paul Voight of New York). The position is generally recognized as a thankless job that requires significant time and sums of money. Short term, I'm not too concerned, because there are good, knowledgeable, motivated people currently on the Board who are capable of handling the situations in front of us. It's at the local chapter level where I believe our most dangerous situations exist. Are there good people at the local level working to strengthen communication links with the owners of existing flying sites? Does the rest of the local flying community take positive steps to make sure that the efforts of these people are recognized and rewarded? These are questions that you will have to answer for yourself. The bottom line is this: The most dangerous trend currently facing us is the lack of knowledgeable hang glider pilots working on site acquisition and preservation. The rest of us have an obligation to see that the efforts of those individuals are rewarded. •

11


few years ago I wrote off"aerotowing" as a safe and reasonable means of getling into the air. The takeoff seemed excessive and the tow too difficult. However, thanks to Bobby on ucrotowing has These Florida improved syslcm for that lows the hang al exactly lhc righl speed (22--30 mph) and is to lhe case and consistency of tradilional sailplane aerolowing. This system has taken all of !he anxiety out of aeroLocal pilots preparing to low at our field show less apprehension than is exhibited most pilots preparing to make a no--wind mountain launch. This has allowed our group and in the soar. "It's the best way to a and the most efficient way to gel to where the lift is. Wind direction no makes a clifferenec," says Mike Plcskovicl1. The average climb rate on tow in stable air is 500 to 600 reel per minute. Our lug pilots, and Russell Brown, generally the pilot to release until have located lif"t that has increased the rate of climb to at least I, l 00-1,200 feet per minute, as indicated on the tow plane's rate of climb indicator. lntcrmcdialc advance quickly in their skills being dropped off in 400 foot per minut,, thermals al the lug pilot's

signal. Advancer! pilots usually imlicalc their dcsti11a1ion cloud or cloud slreet lo the tug pilot prior lo takeoff. Imagine pointing to any cloud in a six-mile radius and being there within ten minutes! Four or rive pilots can he towed into the same thermal, and in lurn, each climb to cloud base. Occasionally, the thermals arc so short tlrnt the cloud or cloud slrcet has dissipated by the time you reach ii. In these conditions the tug pilot will watch for a dcvcl-oping cloud during the tow and, as in all tows, use the vario to locate and center the best lift. The tug climbs and sinks with respect to Ilic horizon, indicating thermal The movement of the wing warns the pilot of impending turbulence with approximately a five- to six-second delay before the glider reaches the turbulent area. Early morning and late hours arc the best time for introductory rlights and warmup flights. The stable conditions during these periods of the day make the tow segment or the night very smooth. The greatest obstacle is getting the new pilot to relax and hclicve that aero/owing really is easy. Pilot-induced oscillations are the major cause of problems during the first few lows. Often, after the pilot has climbed away from the runway, he will settle down and get in control of the oscillation. ()thcr times the oscillation becomes so great that he will release or him from the break lhc weak link, lug. The tug pilot will also watch the pilot c,irefully, and ir the pilot is unable to

r IANc: C1.m1Nc


control 1hc oscillation will release the glider from the tug cm!. Most intro·lows go all the way to 2,000 feet once they get above 500 fccL "The tow is almost as fun as the free flight," as Mike Pll,skovich says. The pilot can actually be 1owcd around and between cloud streets al· view, while in atmosphere and temperature. First·timcrs comtc back wilh that "fudge·Gating look" look on their facGs. take anothGr flight away. the maximum number of' f'lights 1hc most thcrmally·productivc in

ground launch vehicle. Photo by Bobby Bailey. LEFT: Bill Otis about to launch from the GLV (ground launch vehicle) which allows "truck low" type takeoffs. Photo Russc•II Brnwn. Bailey tows best lift. Photo

part of the day takes organization on the ground. The ro11nd-1rip flight time for the tug to low a to 2,500 foct and back is less tlrnn Jen minutes. ;\II pilots arc encouraged to take high lows and lo wait to release in the best lift. This reduces the number or second tows per pilot. Twenty f'lighls per day 10 an altilude of :1,000 feet or above is !IOI uncommon. Since March 1989, the Florida pilots have flown '.l(i conscculivc weekends, totalling more than 7.'iO nights. OuHif'-:,latc who have heard about our system visit the flight park to try ii oul. A recent visitm from Alabama said the system was "f'antastic ... muclt easier than any other I've ever done." Steve Mo· yes, who said it was best tow I've ever had." Advanced pilots have flown to bo1h the cast and west coas1s of Florida and have; gained 7,200 !'eel of altitude above the launch elcva· lion. When conditions arc favorable, these lots will soon break the state distance record of 72 miles flying a path lo the north or south. There arc f'ive major differences between our system and previous aerotowing systems: FEBRUARY 199()

I) The most important change is the modi-· fication of' a Cobrn ultralight with high· lirt devices to fly cmnfortably, controllably, and at hang glider cruise speeds. Stall

Bill Olis.

speed on the tug is around 20 miles per houl'. The tug docs not actually stall break, hut mushes instead. Best climb is between 22 30 miles per hour, the perfect speed 10 pull a hang gl idcr.

13


On a few occasions the tug lot has f'lown too slowly and caused the to sink below the tug, momentarily out of position. 2) The Cobra, threeaxis control ultralight, has a robust airframe allowing the use of a powerful and supcHTliahle watcr·cookd 65 Rot ax turn·· inch prop. This produces a coJ1sisteJ1tly strong climb rate and allows a quick climb 0111 or turbulence near the 3) The ground launch vc· hicle ((,LY) that cradles the control har and keel or the glider, allows the pilot to be proned··out for 111axi111u111 con·· trol, and the lo he: trimmed lo just below the optimum of al\ack during launch. When the pilot Cecls there is SU rficicnt for liftoff, he out m1d rlics off the GLV. Launches will! a lailwiml or a 90° crosswind arc with the use of the GLV. RmHilTs, under these conditions, are next to Our first GLV was huilt by Mike Plcskovich two years ago and was used for truck towing. Mike's GLV worked so well for trnck tlial we tried it for and it has become an important part of the systGnL Thanks, MikG! We have to ends of the ricld !)(:cause or a change in wind direction. !J) I\ "ccntcr··of-mass" bridle is used al both ends oCthc low line. The tug has a the upper allach cablc.hrnccd mast that mcnt point or the J 5.. foot hridlc above the rudder, with the tow ·plane release located he· low the rnddcr. The bridle goes through a ring on the ccnd or the tow rope which acts as a pulley, and then attaches to the release on the tow This bridle allows the to rly in a 30° envelope without affccling lite pitch pres·· a lwo point bridle atpilot red11ccs pitch pres· the tow point closer to the surcs by center or drag. Towing pressures an: very low. pressures make lhc much in proper position and more Tile bridle attaches at Ilic shoulder straps, passl:s through the a11achcd at the end or the low rope, and is atlached lo a release at the pilot carabinl'.r

14

The bridle atl,1chcs to the release through a weak link. The weak link is made out or 130· pound competition dacron fishing line. Com· petition line is designed 10 break at one pressure which makes it an ideal wcak.Ji11k material. The actual line pressure is approx imalcly 200 pounds, distributed between the two bridle attachment points. The weak

link also protects lhc glider pilot because the link will break before the glider can roll up to 5) I\ 300 foot tow line was used for be· and then adopted as the best length line for 11!! pi/ors, hcca11sc it makes lrnndling lhcr·· mal turl1ulcnce so much easier. /\s a female pilot who has been and

boat towing for ten years, I could not imagine that aero·· towing would be this easy or this much fun. I was towed to 2,000 feet on my first aero· tow, and when I landed I was anxious to go back up again. Within a few flights I was flying in peak conditions. Then, one warm October Sunday, I watched as the cloud streets built and waited my turn. Arter a short conference with the tug pilot we picked out a building cloud and took off. J released al 2,800 fct:I in 500 foot per minute lift, and after a few minutes of thcr· rnaling reached cloud base at :l,(iOO feet. Now I had to work to stay out or the cloud hy flying out into 200 fool per minute sink for a few min·· utes, and then returning to climb back up to cloud base. Below me I could sec the tug pulling another pilot up and in the clislimcc, al cloud base, was another pilot. Within minutes there were three or us soaring in the same thermal. For lhc ncxl firtccn minutes we drifted wilh the thermal downwind, and as the cloud dissipated headed back to the field, watch ing the sun set below, the clouds on the hori· zon. For me, no other type; of rlying can match the case, comforl, thrill, or Cun of acrotowing. The Florida hang pi lots aero tow every weekend al a small i11dcpcndc111 ultral ighl airfield near Clermont, Florida, known as the Morida Gators Airpark. The 11lorida Flying Gators Ultralight Association, Inc., is an active and well organized club. The Gators arc enthusiastic about, am! dedicated to, lhc sport or recreational flying, and arc suppor· live or the addition or lrnng to !heir regular activities at the field. We arc glad to have become a part oCthis group. Ir you would like more inCormation on our system or would just like to come fly with us, colllacl Campbell Bowen at (407) 657 · I 699 or Steve al (904) We will be happy to introduce you to acrotowing at ils best. On April /3./5 !he Florida Slate x.c Mee/ will he held at the Florida Gators 1\irpark in I.alee Counry, Florida. Call one o/ rhc phone num/Jers a/Jm·c/i1r more infimnalion.· .J,'d.

l 11\NC CLIDINC:


I write this Christmas looms on the horizon with its annual threat to our and While your average wishes for Gucci ga· Joshes, l:eru etuis and bulTbricl's, I rind longing ror nothing more than one thermal. But booming thermals an: as rnre as gas in the Northern winter just don't seem to seep through a foot of snow. So I have 10 content myself with vel cro wallets, socks and chain l'lashlights ,en1 by middk· class, midwcslcm relatives. At lcas1 that was the case until my benefactors from both sides of' the continent decided to gladden my me a couple These arc heart toys any adult "child hooked on can ap· The first was a vario to help me get higher and go furl her The second was a cam"· era to record the process. I'd like to tell you aboul them so you can drop a few hints for your next wish list. Better yet, raid the kid's Miss bank, your wife's an· present, stick your hand in the till at work and go olll and buy lhl,m you lislGll to this.

be seen in the photo the gadget is a curvacious deck with a separate airspeed impeller and a mounl bracket. The instrument ilself and the impeller are clamped quickly to your glider with velcro tabs. ll can be turned to any angle relative to 1he mount.

8000 is like Bo Jackson a base runm:r. Sure:, he nms bases, but he also nrns routcs, hits hornt: nms and bashes linebackers. The Cirrus 8000 certainly fulfills its role as a variomctcr, but it also serves as a dandy altimeter, indicator, chronometer, stop wa!Ch and barome· tcr. ,ct's start with a general description or the instrument, then focus on As can FEBHUJ\RY J 99()

The entire inslrnmenl weighs ahoul J .. J /2 and measures 5.9 x 5.5 x inches. It is painted matte black so you can strap it to your leg 011 your ninja forays. ll appears to be quite although I haven't yet dropped it rrom the standard 1,000 feet to see if it bouncc:s.

The \!arionwtcr What do you want in a variomctcr? One that senses a fain! ripple or one that deflects in thunderstorm suck? One that chirps a Jill o!'lil't in your car, or one that shuts up ancl lets you conccntralc on the bighorn snorts far below? What"" ever your preference, the Cirrus 8000 is accommodating. With a series of' eight internal switches you can turn the climbing audio on or off and vary its sensitivity. You can likewise tailor the sink audio to come 011 all(! off where you choose. This in essence you two sink alarms, for when you first hear it come 011 in a hcck .. of "a .. 101 or sink. If you're still drop· ping and the sink audio quits you just gradu· atcd to hcll·"Of'·a-101. While we're on the sub· jcct we should mention that the audio sounds like a hungry fledgling hawk peeping for a bit of tasty garter snake. The up audio conlinu" ously increases its chop rate up lo :l,000 f'pm. The vario visual display is circular ana .. log dial. It imlicall:s 1,000 fpm up or down. Two additional internal switches allow you to choose response time from 1.0 to seconds. I found the factory se11ing of l seconds to be just about right, for it defined the minimum workable thermal for me and my obstreperous glider. Other vario highlights include tempera· ture, height and energy compensation as well as a MacCready speed The energy com· pcnsation is available by virtue or the fact 1ha1 the airspeed sensor is quite accurate and re· sponsivc. Thus it can tell if you are climbing because you pushed out or because you blun" clered into a thermal, since you would slow down in the first case and maintain about the

15


same With a total energy vmiometer you read lift and sink, which is useful in

Yo11 cm

tile vario visual dis play 1l1a1 tells you whal in lifl or sink to achieve: the best glide with respect to the µrrnmd. It gels you lo your as 1hc per forrnancc. Tlw use nnd limits of such a device me the scope of this article·

with

theirs. Take your choice. There two altimeters rn1 the Cirrus EOOO up to 24,000 fcc:t in ten.fool incn: do you need two? One's for your mcnts. actual altitude and the othc:r is for hang of course! /\ct11ally, the two altin1ctcrs

try lhc cirrus EOOO. The combined would several i11stnm1c;nts to duplicalc, so perhaps this data system is a liar· If you arc as as am you can order yours from: Advanced Air Tcchnology, 29 State Sanla Barbara, Ci\ <)310 I (E05) %9"E999.

CANON lJL l low do you explain lo your loved one the

a above sea level (the concern of air traf fie) with the flick of a switch. The feature I like bc;st is I he barometric pressure If you set the present pressure, you can turn a switch and read oul your above sen level and vice versa. Other 'J'ril·ks The

bank, the missed the broken term for pctly theft'? You regale him or her wi1h cncllcss tales or heroic conquest on high, no doubt. Belter still is lo show them bird's eye We're talking poin1views of the ac1ual

mentioned, but ii also has its own in miles per hour. II' you don'! altitude;, ils fun to how fast or slow you can get it lo go. This indicator enough that it is mainly usc;ful

(for those flight. This lets you to I I l 00th of a sc;coml.

docs a indicator show up when the ballery is low, hut you switch and transformed into a voltmeter. And now lhc bad news: All this action will cost you $755.00. docs not come If you feel you ncc;d a all ihc bells the"linc flight deck, with not and whistles hut a few gongs and claxons loo,

of.view jourrrnlism here. Let them sec your wind swept hair_ your cowboy grin, your bliss ful and naturally understand all, back 10 I want to introduce you lo a systc;m that nwy not solve; your clomcslic problems, but will le! you share some of the rnomcnls aloft rendering aerial photography easier 1han ever before. This system is the; ultrnpod.

1hc

clcrno11stra1ed by our beautiful model in 1hc pho1o. Whal you can't arc the little tricks. The first Irick Ille camera's auto mation. This is for i1 focuses and sets aperture will! ils vision. You can be ;1 deaf, dumb, blind, drunk, i11com pctenl, careless cretin aml still take: with this camera as long as you can p11sh the butlon. /\s a rc,sult, have fewer wasted shots because you to orient the correct way with respccl 10 1hc sun. Note that you can override the: automal ic focus hu1 not the automatic sllll11cr, so do11't expect lo take a Cull of effects. J ,ook for clear shots of' your liandsrnnc and your favorite The second trick is the remote control. I\ tiny sender unit monntcd 011 yom rnntrol bar beams a ray at the camcrn and commands a pic1urc. The camcrn lakes several seconds to focus, then snaps. These few seconds allow you 10 assume a natural pose with both hands on the; bar, or oil the bar for 1ha1 matter. The camera involved here is lite Canon Sure Shot Ace;. One reason you can '1 go out :md buy lhe cainera and take gn:al aerials is 1hat i1 has an aulornalic shutoff. This is a hatdc;vicc that lurns lhc camera off after eight minutes. Mountain purchased fiHings from the factory and a system Ihat turns the camera hack on when you want lo lake a picture. All you have lo do is provide a quick pitch or roll control (depend" ing on how you've rnounlcd the system) and prc;sto!, armed and The second after""market mod is the rnounl. This baby is a universally unit with a four.inch plastic angle bar tha1 readily atlachcs 10 a tube with a velcro slrap. You can quickly hook the camc;ra to a washout slrul, a leading a kcc;l, a kingpost or a down1u!Jc for variety. This us lo the two most important reasons lo recommend 1his camera system. First, 1hc remote control and automatic winding elimi"" na1cs the need for a long remote control cable. This may be a minor point for some readers, b11t I hate to see a camera cable wound around a side wire or dangling in lhc; breeze. Some thing about acsthc1ics. The second point is Iha! the ul1rnpod's light weight allows you to mount lhc camera continued rni page 17

HANt: Gi.mtNc:


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

40 Advanced 6 years Fracture of ribs, mild concussion, bumps and bruises

Event: Winds were 20-25 mph. Other pilots chose not to fly. Platfonn tow with payout winch. Uneventful launch with vehicle slowing to a stop soon after launch. Winch allowed to pay out rapidly. Winds aloft increased to 4050 (?) mph at 1,500 feet. Tow line released from winch. Glider sustained structural failure either before or after release. Pilot threw parachute with glider in a spin, and chute partially collapsed as a result of twisting shroud lines. Pilot landed safely after being blown downwind. Comments: This pilot admits to having been hungry for airtime, and that his anxiousness to fly clouded his judgement. Did the other pilots who chose not to fly seriously try to dissuade him? What is the responsibility of the tow team in marginally safe situations? The conditions were not good, and we know that the gradient almost always means greater velocity and turbulence at altitude, particularly on strong days. Apparently the winch system was operating satisfactorily, although line tension could have increased during the time it took to cut the line from the winch. No comment was made regarding the safety (weak) link. The pilot might have been able to release sooner when turbulence continued to increase. A number of comments about swivels on parachute bridles have been made over the past few years as more spinning gliders have wound up their bridles and shroud lines. How about some letters, or better yet, a real article by someone who knows both the pros and cons of bridle swivels?

22 Age: None Rating: Experience: First lessons Training hill Location: Fractured elbow Injuries: Event: Second day of lessons. Student had been doing quite well; maybe a little tired. FEBRUARY 1990

Good strong launch, flew a few feet off the ground. Glider started to slow and entered a gentle tum. Efforts to correct tum were ineffectual or nonexistent. Glider turned back into the hill and impacted at fairly low speed. Pilot was frozen on downtubes and fractured her elbow.

Age: Rating: Experience: Location: Injuries:

28 Novice (advancing student) 30 flights Training hill Concussion, broken nose

Event: Good student-had been doing well. Practicing turns of 45-90 degrees. After a strong launch, pilot slowed slightly and began first tum. Glider was sluggish but responded. Roilout of tum was slow and glider continued to tum in opposite direction. Glider was now stalled at 20 feet and turned back into the hill. Attempted flare. Comment: In-flight stall continues to be a serious problem for the student, beginner and novice. This seems to be true both while under instructor supervision and practicing "on your own." This may be a straight-ahead, graduallyslow-down stall and crash, or a stall associated with a tum, which continues back into the hill. Several points need emphasis if we are to reduce the incidence of stalls and minimize injuries when stalls do occur. 1) Although I'm sure all students are told the importance of maintaining airspeed, I am not sure that they are always reminded, "Keep your speed up," each time they are getting ready to launch. 2) I have been impressed with the value of radio instruction on every flight. If the student starts to slow down, a reminder over the radio almost always causes positive corrective action. Yelling without a radio does not work. 3) Keep instructions simple. Agree on what they will be and what the student's response should be. 4) Give a mini-course in crash positioning to each student, preferably before any flying, or even running with the glider. (Let go of the glider. Relax. Tum, tuck and roll.) The broken

elbow is the most common injury in this group, and it results from holding on to the downtube with the elbow straight. 5) Consider adding a nose wheel (or even a skid, like some of the old divers used to have). This would go a long way toward preventing that abrupt stop when the nose hits the dirt. A stall at the training hill is a serious event. One person a year is killed from training hill stalls, and there are a lot of broken arms. It's not just an instructor's problem; it is everyone's problem.• continued from page l 6

(Flight Tests) anywhere on your glider without a counterweight. This is a very important point, for all pilots should be aware of the dangers of mounting a conventional camera on a glider without properly-placed counterweights. Such a heavy camera will often render a glider uncontrollable if it is unbalanced. The ultrapod barely weighs 14 ounces (with mount and a roll of film, but sans fairing). I could hardly feel it on my wing tip. The ultrapod can be purchased with a fairing that reduces drag and particularly pads the whole contraption in the event you have one of your rare nose-ins. This fairing or aerodynamic pod is foam lined and comes with its own mount. What will it cost to expose your flying to the world? Your options are: complete camera with pod and ovenide unit-$229.95; complete camera with aerodynamic pod-$299.95; aerodynamic pod and ovenide unit-$104.95; aerodynamic pod with mount-$74.95. You can get these toys from: Mountain Wings, 150 Canal St., Ellenville, NY 12428 (914) 6473377. If aerial photography is your bent, I urge you to give these folks a call. This is the best commercially-available unit I have seen for us amateurs. Now that this piece is over, I face the cold fact that I have to send my toys back. As I stare out at a hostile coating of snow over the mountains I ponder my dilemma: I can sample almost any flying device Tchoose, but just when I get tuned into it, it disappears like a chimera. I guess the only solution is to convert to yuppism and throw sanity and solvency to the wind.• 17


either frorn trim tabs or a pilch control harness. I have gotten into deep stall after vioknt acrobatic maneuvers. Recovery is almost always possible, hul altitude, usually !Gss than 200 feel hut somt)timcs much more. Obviously you can avoid deep stall to the ground by not flying slowly near lhc ground. for lift .'iO reel from the hill is 2) Twisl. Modern performance paraglidcrs have high aspect ralios. Ir there is a major closure on one side and the pilot docs 1101 react fast enough lo open ii, lhc glider can make a 360° spin over the pilot, twist the lines, and the pilot loses all control. This problem can be cxaggcratecl wilh a 1wo··poin1 altach· mcnt, if the attachments OB the harness arc too close together. Ir 1hc harness is a home-made affair, pay close a1tcn1ion lo lhc a11achmcnt 's spacing. And, if you 're flying a high perrormancc glider, be aware that you must be ready lo

act.fi1s1.

"rr,., ..,,,,,, has progressed enough to catch the interest of hang glider pilots. Two years ago their palhetic sink ra1es of 500 or 600 feet per minute, miserable top speeds of 18 mph, and maximum 1.,/D's of 3/1 showed their uselessness for almost all flying; Iheir descent properties enthused a few mountain climbers and skiers, but 1hal was all. Now, for lhc best new gliders, sink mies arc well under :mo fpm, lop forward speeds range from 20 to 27 mph (over 30 for a ballasted pilot), and max L/D's arc over 6/1. The distance record on a paraglidcr is almost 50 miles (from Horseshoe Meadows road lo Big Pinc road in late August 1989)! Although hardly a threat lo Wills Wing, modem paraglidcrs arc capable of ridge soaring any hang gliding site, thcrmaling mosl thermals, and with a good pilot can often outclimb a hang glider in small pmichy thermals. However, they do have a few clear aclvan·· 1ages over hang gliders: their entire packed size is smaller and weigh less than a pod harness, they can be sci up and broken clown in less than five minutes, they can be launched from remote lakeoffs, can be put down in a relatively small area, and they fit easily in the trunk of a car or an overhead comparlmcnl in an airliner. hang glider pilots are now interested in flying these things, and assume par-

18

arc like hang gliders except much slower, and that they can quickly and easily switch over. This assumplion is almost correct. Most hang glider pilols have also observed that paraglidcrs fold up and reopen almost immediately, that this is not unusual, and that it does nol appear lo disturb the paraglidcr pilot·---so it must be normal and not a problem. This obser·· vation is also almost corrccl. And many hang glider pilots have been able to almost immediately soar in moderate ridge or thermal lift when they tried paragliding. But !here arc a few surprises that can rapidly change the modcsl horizontal speed into an 11nplcasanlly fasl vertical in the downward direction. A few of us have been flying paraglidcrs since the beginning and have learncd·-·usually the hard, painful and expensive way--most of the tricks peculiar to paraglidcrs. Herc arc two of the nastiest: I) Deep Stall, or "Parachutagc" the most insidious problem of modem paraglidcrs. This occurs when the glider goes into a stable stall. At first it seems as !hough you have entered big sink, since the canopy is fully inflated above you and your vario is screaming. If you do nothing you will continue to sink, usually between 1,000 fpm and 1,500 fpm. Drastic but simple maneuvers are necessary to get out of this. This situation can occur while flying at maximum brakes wilh the nose up

Although serious, lhcsc arc not horrible problems. The German and French tcsls for beginner gliders (some new ones have 27.'i fpm sink, 22 mph max speed, and 1,/D max or or better) specify that the glider must come out or deep stall soon afkr the controls arc released. The high perrormancc gliders musl recover after the pilot pcrrorms a specific maneuver described in the night manual. In other words, with a new German or French certified glider there is no reason to deep stall 10 the ground unless the glider has been ahcrcd or modified, or the pilot is flying in had condit.ions. So, he extremely wary of adding a pitch control harness or trim tabs to a glider that did not come that way from the factory, and remember that the paraglidcr is an aircraft. designed for lighter conditions than a hang glider. It is possible for a good hang glider pilot with a little instruction lo safely Cly on his own, hut he would have to proceed quite slowly. Unfortunately, paraglidcrs are loo easy to fly in good conditions; the aircraft almost flies itself until there is a problem, then the pilot has to rcacl instantly and corrcclly. The best way for a Hang Ill or IV to learn is to actually take a few lessons, and spend some time at a silc with paragliders. My guess is thal a Hang JV would need about IO hours of ridge soaring followed by JO hours of thermals to be comfortable on a paraglider. The best attitude to have is to recognize that paragliding is the simplest, lightest form of aviation and is still in its golden age. The big distances have yet lo be flown, we haven't even come close to maximum altitude gains, and their incredible portability will let us take them almost anywhcrc·---from Tibet to Bishop. Our great adventures have yet to happen. Ill HANG GT.IDINC


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

FLYABLE IN (>EcE.+fBER! l'M 1Ytelt:Jrl6 VP ffouRS oFAtRTTNIE, THANKS Tr, 71+E INC~El>IBLE 50AIUN6 SEtflflNAR I not<. IT woN>r BE LON6 BEF~ I GErMV HAlt/6 Tlff(EE. SooN A-fTE: ~ 11(,qr:, I SHol/Ll> /lli CI.OSE Tb YOfl~ SJ(/L.L LEVEL f

You'VE ~ A C#Mt: oflTlfeRE,(ll(E'G(

me SOVTH/JlfN CALI FbltNM ~CffOoLS HAll'E A Uff 10 DFR!lf 41>VANC£D f'ILoTS LI Ji:£ YDll. • T,',NC>eM aR.TIF1rA77CW ~so~,TllwlN6,S,,I-

N""'5 1 C/eoS5 -CovNTtfy C.LINICS 1 1'.+t?A-CHTJTF r'~fN(,, COU,t!t;ES - )fl(/ NAMF; ff. 1 SO PACI<.. yo~ ~4's. IT WOI/LD 8E ~ 70 R-Y 7rJ6ETHEI( AMIN. 7'fERE's P/.l!/1/TY OF /JL.vE SJ:;.Y Folf B<1TH OF VS f -GLIC>tN '(jJ.EfV

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


Jim Lee launches from Cliff Ridge.

USHGA Board of Directors has awarded the sanction for the 1990 U.S. National Hang Gliding Championships to Rocky Mountain Glider Company/GenTech Corporation. The contest will be held near Dinosaur, Colorado, July 28 through Augus1 5. The town of Dinosaur is on U.S. Highway 40, three miles cast of the Colorado-Utah bor·· der, approximately midway between Denver and Sall Lake Pilots from anywhere in the U.S. can easily reach the area via the Inter stale Highway before transitioning to the major artery of U.S. 40. Those traveling by air may ship their gliders to the care of the Meet in Dinosaur. Dinosaur's commercial services include three restaurants, gas stations, a liquor store and a Mini-Mart convenience store. The town's three mot.els have rooms from $18 to $37 per night, many with kitchens. There is a library, post office and Colorado Tourism office. The nearby communities of Rangely, Colorado (18 miles) and Vernal, Utah (30 miles) offer the services of small cities, including municipal recreation centers, airports, hospi· tals, supermarkets and a wide variety of restaurants. Pilots will he welcome to camp on the grass in Lhe fenced town park. There arc restrooms and a large covered area with picnic tables and chairs. The covered area will be utilized for bulletin boards, pilot ""•v,u,,.,,, and social events. The Meet has arranged to reopen a JOO-unit RV park sci up by an energy

20

company to house its employees during the most recent boom. Located a short walk from the town park, it has electric, water and sewer hookups ror RY's, plus large men's and women's shower and restroom facilities. Use of this facility will be available lo pilots and guests free or at a very nominal charge. Camp· ing is free at launch and portable toilets will he provided.

THE CONTEST SITE The area is high desert, averaging 6,000' MSL, punctuated with numerous peaks al approximately 8,000' and river valleys al 5,000'. The contest area varies from rocky cliffs lo river valley pastures. There arc expanses of level desert spotted with various sized hills, ridges and mountains. Ranch and oilfield service roads form a net work for easy pilot retrieval. Jim Lee is familiar with the site and commented, "It should be the best Nationals ever. It is spec> tacular terrain and beautiful country to fly over." Vegetation includes ponclcrosa pine, Douglas fir and aspen at the highest elevations, and irrigated grassland and cottonwood trees at the lowest. In between arc juniper, cedar and pinyon pine trees. For safe landing, open fields or desert grasses and sage brush are plentiful at all elevations. Wildlife is abundant., particularly soaring birds. Everyone will sec deer, elk and antelope. Pilots can count on flying with eagles. Takeoff will be from Cliff Ridge on the Blue Mountain Plateau, slightly west of the Colo··

rndo .. lJtah bordcr,jusl north of Dinosaur. When contacted for his comments on the Nationals site, l ,nrry Tudor stated, "Cliff Ridge is one or the premier cross-country launches in Utah." There are three launches facing south to southwest at 8100' MSL, 2100' above the near· est landing area at an approximate 2 to I glide. Driving time from that landing area to launch is 45 minutes (two·whecl drive). Driving time from Dinosaur is 50 minutes, mainly on paved U.S. Park Service road and then a two-wheel drive dirt road through Bureau of Land Man·· agcmcnt grazing land. The BLM has agreed to improve the dirt road specifically for this con .. test. The three launehcs are 150 and 200 yards apart, allowing three pilots to safely lake off simultaneously. The area behind the launches is clear and perfectly level, with space to set up several thousand gliders. An open launch is planned. This seems to he most pilots' preference and ii also increases the mect's value for PIRS (the international ranking system). However, if'this should prove unworkable, the rules will provide for the or· dered launch procedure used at the Australia World Meet, the East Coast Championships, etc. Pilots will he able to drive right to their favorite setup spot in two-wheel drive vehicles, unload their equipment and park nearby. Un· limited parking is available on top, with a level walk to any takeoff. A clearly marked, convenient parking plan, with a separate area for spec .. ta tors' vehicles, will be overseen by staff. HANG CI.TDTNC


-

COMPETITION CORNER tators will be very cordially, but definitely, restricted from moving into cordoned-off areas sutTouncling the actual launches.

WEATHER While no one would be so foolish as to guarantee the weather for any hang gliding contest, the period scheduled for this meet should yield nine straight days of outstanding flying conditions. The desert area around Dinosaur is not affected by the high mountain weather which can make mountain sites inconsistent. While a high mountain site could have a solid week of virtually unflyable conditions, it is extremely unlikely that there will be even a single clay at Dinosaur on which a safe, valid task cannot be called. According to Mike Warden, local pilot and one of the site's pioneers, "The potential for 100-mile flights is outstanding. Any good Hang III pilot can make the 100-mile mark in the right conditions and those conditions are common during the scheduled meet elates." There will be a daily weather briefing based on FAA Flight Service current and forecast information. Additionally, arrangements have been made for the National Weather Service to prepare a daily soaring forecast for the Dinosaur area during the period of this meet. Pilots can expect a weather pattern dominated by high pressure, with light westerly winds aloft and blue thermals or small cumulus. Climbs to 17,000' MSL are normal. Though not particularly turbulent in comparison with other Colorado sites, the turbulence accompanying everyday climb rates in excess of 1,000 feet per minute must be anticipated. SAFETY In the four years that the area has been regularly flown, there have been no known injuries of any kine!. No one has tumbled and no one has crashed on launch. Retrieval routes are good. Safe landing fields and roads are plentiful. Fences, power lines and other hazards are sparse (except in the oilfield near the town of Rangely, an area that will be avoided in task calls). E.M.T. 's will be at. launch. Prearrangements for search and rescue, ambulance, and medical facilities will be made and coordinated by the Safety Director for all potential routes of flight. The 1989 Rocky Mountain Region Site Guide rates the site "Hang II in light winds." Straight-in thermal cycles are the usual sum-

mer condition on launch throughout most of the day. WARNING: This is in no way meant to depict the area as always being a mellow place to fly. As with most world-class sites, this one can quickly become temporarily unsafe at any given time for pilots of any experience level. Neither the Safety Director, nor any other meet official, can possibly hope to put together all the variables of individual pilot skill, constantly-changing launch and course conditions, the psychological effects of competition on pilot judgement, etc., and either permit or forbid a pilot's flying. Less experienced pilots who decide to enter must recognize that the U.S. Nationals is not geared primarily to be a training event. Look forward to friendly cautions, personal tips on technique, etc., from meet officials and some of the world's best pilots, but recognize that you alone will be responsible for your individual safety. Please come with the attitude that if conditions are not right for you, you will choose not to fly.

THE CONTEST There is a significant difference between a hang gliding competition and a "fly-in." While both should be enjoyable, the U.S. National Championships represents the highest level of competition. Failure to provide and enforce clear rules, and making exceptions or changes to the rules once the contest has begun, place severe handicaps on the pilots following the rules. This detracts from the enjoyment of the competition by the participants and the contest results are of questionable validity. This will not happen at the Dinosaur Nationals, The Meet Organizer and the meet officials will closely adhere to the USHGA Competition Rulebook. The Meet Organizer will be attending the 1990 Pre-World Meet in Brazil. Where discretion is allowed by the USHGA Rulebook, the rules and scoring system will be tailored as closely as possible to those of the upcoming 1991 World Championships. The rules will be printed and available before June I.

A tutorial that teaches the rules will be prepared and distributed to all contest staff well before the meet. The Meet Director will administer a detailed test at the Official's Meeting the evening before the contest begins and only those staff members who have demonstrated a clear understanding of the rules will be designated "Meet Officials." Pilots may be confident of receiving an accurate explanation or interpretation of a rule from any staff

member with a hat or shirt specifying "Meet Official." Booklets containing aerial photos and written descriptions of each possible turnpoint and goal will be provided to each pilot. This task booklet will be used by a Task Selection Committee, chosen by the competitors, in setting each clay's task. The Meet Director and the Safety Director will have the power to overrule the Task Selection Committee. Friendly owners of nice grassy fields located from l Oto exactly I 00 miles from launch have given permission to use their land for goals. Turnpoints will be easy to find and identify. They will be smokestacks, towers, bridges, large buildings, and other objects that facilitate accurate judgement of FAT turnpoint photos. There will be a photo of each turnpoint, with the FAI turnpoint sector clearly clepictecl, on each clay's task board. Film and processing will be provided. The sole responsibilities of a full-time Photo Judge will be to see that all turnpoint film is developed overnight and to judge the resulting negatives. All negatives will remain in the possession of the Photo Judge throughout the meet and any pilot may view any film at any time. The number of goals and turnpoints available will provide a considerable range of task options to the Task Selection Committee after they have reviewed the day's weather forecast. They should try to select a safe task which will yield a reasonable completion factor. The scorekeeper will normally post computer generated scores each evening, but in no case later than the next morning before the pilots meeting.

CONTEST TRANSPORTATION The U.S. National Hang Driving Championships will be held in conjunction with this contest. Framed certificates and cash prizes will be a warded (First prize $500: Second $200; Third $100). A similar contest was held with the 1989 Region 4 Championships and proved a great success. The ground crews were very seriously involved in the hang gliding competition as well as the competition to pick up pilots. Pilots were rapidly retrieved. Similar rules and scoring, with improvements, will be used for the Driver Nationals. Briefly: Drivers' scores are based on the success and scores of their team pilots. Bonus points are awarded for observing team pilots' continues ...

FEBRUARY 1990

21




assurance or success. There arc large ror failure to relricvc pilots bcfon: a11 evrning deadline. Should a the nigh! out, Trades, drnl'ls and free agents arc allowed.

ADMINISTRA·

coordinat io11, before ;md after Ilic 1m:c1.

The Meet Director will have authority and /'or the actual op· cralion of lhe contest, lwgin11ing with the Officials' July 27 and artcr final scores ;ire tabulated August The Meet Dircc lor will have complete authority over all other meel officials except the Director (per USHCiA rules). Neither the Mccl nor any other sponsor, will be allowed to exert influence over the Meet Direelor. Meet ofTicinls and staff will include the Meet Director, tor, Uoal Director, , Photo Judge, Driver Meet Director, Launch Assis" !ants Cl), Launch Timers Cl), Goal Timers (2), Assistanl , media and gen" end helpers. or these positions will be filled hy voltmlccrs. Those which cannot be rilled hy qualified, reliable volunteers will become paid positions. The Mcl:t Organizer has established an cxccllc11t relationship with local and Federal authorities and landowners. Local and stale Jaw cnfmccmcnl people can he counted on for friendly support. Coordination h;1s already taken place with the BLM for site improvement and road rc:pair. The FAA and ,Ill airport manager have in the past clcarnncc ror hang glid crs to pass through controlled and land at a goal inside a control ,.one.

J•:NTRY AND El\TRY FEES The compel it ion is sanctioned IJy the llSllGA mid will be opcrnlcd under a BLM Special Use Permit. lJSIICJ\ membership with at least an Intermediate pilot rati11g and special skill offs for 1urhulcncc ancl cross-country arc pn> requisites. Cameras (35mm) for 111rnpoint pho·

24

los arc required and FM radios arc strongly rccommcnde<l. ''Wind dummies" will come from the ranks of vol1111tccr staff on the basis or one day or for one day as staff. Full-time volunteers another person to fly every day. hut non-compl:titors, other than the above, will not be permitted to fly. The meet will be planned to accommodate al least 100 competitors. An effort will he made to accommodate all inlcrcstcd pilots as Jong ;1s the quality or the contest can be main"laincd. The first 65 slots wil I be allocated, per the USIIGII ('ompctition Ru/c/)()ok, based on prequalification and results. Remainslots may be reserved, on a first-come first"" served basis, with a$ J 00 deposit. The entry fee

is $775 ifp,iid in full/postmarked before July I or thereafter. Deposits and entry kl:s me rcfull(Jahlc until 9:00 AM July 28. The Meet Organizer encourages pilots to make plans now to compete in the 1990 Na· tionals or to participate in the meet in an ofTi .. cial position. Please send entry deposits or resumes, as well as questions and comments, to Rocky Mountain Glider Company/GcnTcclt Corporation, Box 281, ConiCcr, Colorado 8043l. Ill

Christine Reynolds is President ol GenTech CorJHJration and its hang gliding su/1sidiary, Rocky Mountain Glider She jlnv hang gliders in 1973. II/though no longer a pilot, Christine has attended most major US. and international mntests o/the last

1 by I 989 New York I New Jersey regional championship was held during thl: Memorial Day weekend in the Catskill Mountains of New York State. Twenty-seven pilots flew from Mt. which rises 1,300 feet above the or Stamford. Pilots came from far away Ottawa, Canada and Georgia to join in the run and camaraderie of competition. The meet organizers, Peter Fournia, Natkc, lkckcnbach and Carl Berger patterned mies after the U.S. Nationals al Chat-

Fournia tanooga. However, and timing or the rounds were short to enable two rounds per day 10 be flown the three-day weekend. A rotating launch order was maintained using "pushing" rules. A refly lancling f'ield was identified for pilots who sank out, enabling them a second chance to fly should they return lo launch before the round ended. The first day of the meet was blown out. Many pilots quietly congregated at the Belvedere Inn to pass the day. Video tapl,s showing HANC G!IDINC:


LEFT: Setup area at the top of Mt Utsayantha in New York's Catskills. BELOW: View from

northwest launch (one of three) overlooking the village of Stamford, NY.

pilots' trips gentina, towing and commercial !apes on birds of prey was a popular pastime during the windy day. The next day opened the first round of competition. This was an open distance X-C task, of which the best distanees eamc from Kevin Caldwell (39 mi.), Ricardo Rouco ( 19 mi.) and Mark Bourbonnais ( 13 mi ). The two remaining rounds were flown as a race to the Breakabeen goal, about 14 miles northeast of the mountain. Of the 25 pilots who launehcd, only Bob Petty made goal. Most pilots had smiles coming hack from their short X-C excursions over the local countryside. Seven pilots landed in the refly LZ. Among them was Mark Bourbonnais who missed his rctly window by only !wo minu!cs. (Mark wasn't smiling.) In the third and last round, eight pilots made goal. They were treated to very enjoyable flights in warm temperature, crystal clear

picked their launch times a1I·Prc,ssivelv Thanks go to the people of Stamford, New York who let us use their mom1tain, to the fire department who serviced us with delicious BB Chicken at launch, to the fledgling Susquehnnna/Stamford TICJC which sponsored the meet, and of course to !he meet officials and pilo\s who pulled it off. Ill

Place Pilot 1. Sylvan LaPoinlc Ricardo Rouco Kevin Caldwell Robert Petty Mark

visibility and gentle lift. Many who made goal said they could fly two or three times the distance. Mark Casey enjoyed a 6,000--foot aliitude gain only to intentionally plummet to goal 14 miles downwind. The top three scorers were Canadians coming from Quebec, Toronto and Ottawa respectively (sec results lisl). The top Region I pilots were Bob Petty, Mark Casey and Pete all from the Southern N.Y .H.G. Pilots Association. Top pilot fi·om the western part of the region was Scott Rowe. Pete Johnson, who was tied in third place from the second round, dropped lo I 0th place after landing in a forbid-den field, a move that brought the wrath of the

Pete Casey Mark Bourbonnais Scott Rowe 9. Tom Wise IO. Pete Johnson 11. Chris McGuincss 12. Ralph Pruitt 13. Pc1cr Fournia 14. Brad Fisher 15. Scott Barrell 16. Jeff Ingersoll 17. Paul Voight 18. Doug Lawton 19. Scott Wisc 20. Chester Baker 21. Robert Bascorn 22. J. Champagne 22. Dan Walters 23. Rick Arndt 24. Karl Dinzl

produce consistent high-altitude f'lighls, the TLS tow proven performer at a reasonable price.

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part T of this series Ttook a general over-· view of the medium of video, touching on the different formals and some of the equipment features useful on cameras to be used in flying. The next installment was a closer look at equipment and ways of mounting a camera on a hang glider. In this final article, I'll offer some ideas on how to shoot cffectively---camcrn placement, interesting parts of a flight andediting techniques that will help keep the audience interested in the results of all your efforts. Let's talk about groundwork first--shoot· footage of other gliders from the ground. Unlike in-flight footage, which will be mostly wide-angle shots, ground-based footage will make use of whatever zoom capabilities your camera has. Wide-angle shots arc good for close-ups, allowing a feeling of depth as you work with pilots se!ting up gliders, talking, etc. It's nice to have a few shots of the surrounding scenery, too, so viewers can get a feel for what the site looks like, how the launch faces, and what size the mountains are that they'll soon be looking down on. FEBRUARY 1990

by Robert Reiter Telephoto shots give the illusion of corn .. pressing distant objects closer to the viewer. This can be used effectively, but those unfamiliar with this effect can be deceived by the distortion. A good example of this is to aim the camera at a bunch of' gliders flying along a cliff in ridge Iii'!. The compressing effect of a teJe .. photo shot will make the air seem much more crowded than it actually is. The gliders will look like a swarm or bobbing gnats! or course, there is no one "correct" focal length or angle of view for any particular shot. It's a good idea to shoot everything as many different ways as possible, assuming you will be doing some editing later. Of course, ii' you are as good a videographer as Mozart was a composer, you 'II not commit anything to tape that isn't exactly what you want..·-no editing needed. But if this is not the case, eonsidcrtape

to be the cheapest part of your video inves\ .. ment and shoot as much of il as you can . .Just live within the life of your barterics! A few hints to keep in mind are that wide angle shots with far away gliders in them will not reveal too much detail. You may lose the gliders completely. Telephoto shots work only when the camera can be kept steady and are most effective when the camera is on a tripod. ff you want to walk around, stick to wide and medium shots to avoid the magnification of camera movement a telephoto focal length produces. Many t imcs, especially when a glider is buzzing low overhead, you 'II only be able to follow it with the camera on your shoulder since panning overhead is hard due to the restricted tilt of most tripod heads. Keeping the camera in motion, panning with a glider's path through the sky, will help lo smooth out the shot on hand-held footage. Not every shot needs to be of a hang glider, either. I collect footage of clouds whcr-ever r can. Great boiling eumies, if nothing else, are a fun way to start or encl a tape. Trees

27


blowing in the breeze can lend impact to the velocity of the wind at a site. Don't forget people shots, pilots and wuffos. If your friends are nervous when you point the camera at them, in time they'll get used to it. Shooting some "throwaway" footage might be necessary until your subject has relaxed. When you are shooting launches or landings, try as many different camera positions as you can. Experiment with tight shots of a pilot running on launch or flaring, and wider shots of the same actions. Plan on having footage that shows a repeated action from different vantage points. Boredom sets in fast with repetition. If you are at a ramp launch, try under the end of the ramp, lying on the ground if necessary, with the camera aimed straight up and nothing but blue sky in the picture, until somebody launches into the picture from the "top" of the frame. Let your imagination run wild when shooting; you can reign it in when editing. The hardest thing about shooting from the ground is that you're not flying! It takes true dedication to spend time on the ground getting launch shots when you know that launch window will close any moment. What can I say? Make those shots count so you won't have to repeat them. Rack up points with your flying buddies by driving that day and collect on the favor next time. The really fun stuff to shoot is aerial footage, but in many ways it is the hardest to do effectively. Hang gliding, like any active sport, thrills us in ways that cannot be experienced vicariously, no matter how hard we try. The best videotape of flying in the world pales beside the real thing. The best we can hope for is to pass on some of the visual splendor and enough of a hint of the action to maybe entice someone to try it for themselves. Our problem comes from the fact that a video camera captures just a fraction of what we experience when flying, and what may be a moment of sublime beauty to us at the time can easily seem pretty boring when viewed later. By just moving your head from left to right, your vision will encompass far more than a stationary camera out on your wing can see. Here is the key to one of the sad truths to gathering interesting flying footage: if there is no motion in the shot, it gets boring quickly. You know the feeling, cruising at 16,000 feet over range after range of snow-capped peaks stretching to the horizon, breathing a deep breath of crisp thin air and surveying the deep blue sky that seems to darken like it was at the edge of space. You've left the thennal, pulled the string and are making a beeline for the next

28

beckoning peak. Smooth flight, the sense of accomplishment and an unbeatable view-what could be lovelier. So take a picture of it and hang it on your wall. On videotape, beware of being enamored with your own memories and accept the fact that we are working in a medium of motion. This is not to say that there is no place for shots of straight-ahead smooth flight. It's just that they are less satisfying over a long period of time because they really are capable of showing only a small part of the experience itself. Use these shots like punctuation, not the whole sentence. There are two ways to induce motion in your aerial footage. One is by turning and the other is by flying close to something stationary. Because the scenery changes quickly in each case, the audience will not find its attention flagging. So be sure to keep the camera rolling when you are bucking around in those boomers, 'cause that will be some great footage. If you are one of those pilots who favors turns in one direction over the other, start breaking that habit and tape turns to the right and left both. And of course, tape every launch and landing you make if you have enough tape and battery power. Landings especially are exciting when you are turning relatively close to the ground. Getting other gliders in the picture is fun, but it's hard to do with wide angle lenses because the other gliders end up looking pretty small unless they are quite close. Don't go sneaking up on some unsuspecting pilot trying to get a good shot or you might encl up with a reputation as an thermal hog. For this kind of work, smooth air and radio contact is a must. Camera placement on the glider is important, but learn to put it in different places on different flights. There are a few basic positions that are useful and easy. Each one is good for different perspectives, although you may find yourself favoring one and using the others only occasionally. The standard placement that most people think of first is out on the wing. With zipper pockets in the sail at the junction of the crossbar and leading edge of most modem double surface gliders, this is a lot easier than it use to be. Of course, this definitely requires counterweighting the other wing, and that means twice the weight and more setup time. I like this position, but don't use it as often as I should because of these factors. It's also harder to level the camera here because there is no horizontal reference point unless you hang in the glider, have somebody tilt it up until you are in flying position and then have a third person level the bottom of the viewfinder image against

the horizon. Once this is done satisfactorily, if you carefully note the position in the viewfinder of the various flying wires, control bar, etc., you can perhaps repeat it by yourself next time. When the camera is in place, run the wire to your remote control through· the sail and down the downtube, if it's long enough, or wrap it several times around the flying wire so it won't flap in the breeze. Another interesting position is at the top of the downtube, aiming down over your head and shoulders. This shot works best when you are relatively close to the ground, giving a good view of tree tops, and is especially effective on launches and landings as your motion over the ground is readily apparent. No counterweight is necessary here, just keep the camera mounted on the outside of the control frame and be sure your hang strap can't get caught in the mount. Leveling against the basetube is a snap. The biggest drawback to this angle of view is that the horizon is not in the picture unless you bank steeply, or loop it. Try putting the camera near the bottom of the downtube and aim it back at you so that your head and some of your shoulder is in the picture at your most common bar position. This is a great position when framed properly as it gives a real personal connection with you, the pilot. Cut to shots from this angle to show the sweat on your brow as you core that tight Ii'! sucker that's going to take you to cloudbase and away from all those nasty cacti you were just fixing to land between. If your instruments are facing you on the opposite clowntube the camera might see them too-another touch of realism. The bottom of the downtube is a good place to mount the camera if you want to aim it straight forward with no part of the glider in the picture. This kind of shot works well to show a panorama of the site you are flying, and is especially good when ridge soaring or flying low. But it only works effectively on smooth flights with no radical movement of the glider. Without the pilot in the picture to give a visual clue as to why the glider is turning, sudden motion is too disorienting to the viewer. My favorite spot these days has turned out to be on the keel, just behind the sail, with the camera aimed through the control frame so my head and shoulders are in the bottom of the picture. The focal length is wide enough to include a little more than the width of the basetube and extends upward to just below by carabiner. The horizon is always in the picture and the viewer gets a fair approximation of a "pilot's eye view." I've flown this position with and without a counterweight, and on my HANG GLIDING


Sport I feel quite comfortable without the weight. I couldn't tell you what it might feel like on your glider, but it will make it a bit tail heavy, so keep that in mind, especially when launching. Of course, any place you can fit the camera mount is fair game if you arc willing to go to the trouble of using the necessary counterweights. Stick a boom off the front of the keel and aim the camera back at you if you feel real confident of your landing flares. Aim it behind you and coordinate with another glider to follow closely. Fly tandem ancl carry the camera with you. But ultimately, you '11 probably choose one of the basic positions above, because they are easy and effective and don't require much time to set up. No matter how far out the camera angle, if it took so long to set up that you missed the soaring window, you 're going to get quickly tired of the resulting sled rides. You can edit the tape from a single flight and make something of it, but you will be limited to only one camera angle. Often this will be effective and appropriate. It's also possible to envision and produce a tape that is made from footage of several different flights. If the flights are at the same site, careful attention to detail can give the illusion that all the different camera positions were done on one flight. It's tricky, but can be fun to try this. One detail that must be adhered to is to wear the same clothes, if they appear in the picture! You won't fool the audience if your jacket changes from red to green in successive cuts. This also holds true for instrument location, if you are in the habit of changing it. Editing your tapes is where the real creativity comes in. Good editing can save mediocre footage and bad editing can ruin good footage. It's an art that is far too complex to go into in detail here, and I don't consider myself a master at it yet. But it is a lot of fun, and a few basic pieces of advice can save you from some of the more common errors of the novice editor. Most first-edited tapes are too long. Planning out an effective story is hard work, and the temptation is to always include more. Getting the idea across succinctly is a goal worth aiming for. Practice is what it takes, but you can also learn from watching other videotapes and from-horrors!-television. After editing your first tape, you '11 never again watch a movie or TV program without paying attention to the editing. I don't particularly pay homage to the TV habit of making every cut a quick one (the sixsecond attention span syndrome), but there is something to be said for being aware of the FEBRUARY 1990

pace of a production and not letting it sag. Balance is the key; practice is the way to achieve it. Look at what you do. When you watch your finished effort, it should have a flow and a rhythm to the video portion just as a piece of music does. You can take classes in editing and you can read books on it. You can buy the equipment and teach yourself, like I did. Each way works, so it's up to you. Some of the best advice I can give to those who want 10 jump in and try it is to read video magazines. Go to your library and see what they have, or find them on the newsstand. One of the best for the home videographer is called \!ideomaka. These are also good sources for equipment at low prices if you know what you want and don't need the help of a salesperson. The magazines also review equipment. Go to a bookstore and see what is available on video equipment, editing, production. Read everything and talk to everybody. Community colleges often have video classes or production facilities and they can be of help. It's hard to recommend any specific gear or book because everything changes so fast in this field. The important thing is to get something and start shooting. Editing can be done with simply two recorders, but it's hard to do accurate cuts without a device known as an edit controller. An edit controller allows you to mark points on a tape where you want the edit to begin and end, then the controller rewinds the tapes in both machines, starts them rolling and makes the actual cut automatically. There are controllers available for home equipment and they will do a decent job, but won't be accurate to one frame (video has 30 frames in one second). This is OK most of the time and you needn't worry about it. Along with the controller you can add a switcher, which will allow you to fade the signal to or from black or other colors as well as perform various wipes, but not from one picture to another, only to a solid color. To do wipes or dissolves to another video signal requires more expensive equipment, a TimeBase Co1Tector to synchronize the signals and the editing recorders that can can accept a TBC signal. Besides allowing you to do dissolves if you have the equipment, a TBC also stabilizes an edited tape in such a manner that copies of it can be played on other machines with less chance of instability that will cause a glitch, usually a roll at a cut point. If you produce a tape that is not time-base corrected, it generally is not considered of commercial quality, although it might look just fine on your machine. Panasonic makes a digital switcher called

the WJ-MXlO that performs a type of timebase correction on the edited tape, and will allow you to do dissolves and other special effects such as pixelation, freeze frame and strobe. If you have another $2500, I can highly recommend this piece of gear. In reality, the basic cut is all you need most of the time, so don't worry about all the bells and whistles you can't afford them anyway. \Vhatever format and equipment you use, always buy the best tape you can. It'll look better, last longer and clog up the video heads less than the cheap stuff. In Super VHS, the best I've found is Fuji and Maxell. In VHS, TDK HD-XPro is tops. In Hi8, I've only found Sony, but always use the E, or Metal Evaporated, version. Two other areas that we can look at are sound and graphics. Ambient sound, narration and a music soundtrack help make any tape more enjoyable. Aerial footage generally means wind noise, and if dubbed into the edited tape at a low level will aid in creati11g a sense of realism. If you have a remote mike that you can plug into the camcorder during the flight, you can narrate from the air. You might also be treating the audience to a lot of grunts, heavy breathing and a few choice epithets when you go over the falls. Well, that's realistic, too! When clubbing in sound after the fact, such as a narration track or music, it's easier to do it from a prerecorded track on videotape. That way, you won't be playing your edited master over and over again while you stumble over the words of your script. Also, although the natural tendency might be to do the video editing first and then go back to dub in sound, consider thinking it all out ahead of time and laying clown a sound track first. You'll find it much easier to edit video cuts in time to the beat of an existing music track than the other way around. However, if you do lay down the video track first, you can usually time at least one event to something in the music, usually the beginning or end of the piece. Fortunately, the human mind has an amazing ability to find correspondence between what the ears hear and the eyes see. Many times I have found examples of this that seem to another viewer to have been planned, but were in fact just luck. The drum roll that occurs just as someone starts a launch run, the beat of the music that coincides with a video cut or an abrupt action-it happens more often than you might expect. If you just make videos to show your friends, you can use your favorite piece of music and no one is likely to object. But if you

29


think you might sell a few tapes, keep in mind that commercial music is copyright protected. Using it for financial gain without compensation to the musicians is illegal. There are sources of "production music" that you can buy to use legally in any production. Sources of this music can be found in the video magazines mentioned before. Expect to pay several hundred dollars for an hour of music. ft comes in all varieties and you can use it however you want. The last area to touch on is graphic effects. In its simplest form, this means some kind of title text or credits at the start or end of the tape. Many camcorders these clays have simple text generating capabilities built in. They are dull and simple, but cheap and easy. If you want to get fancier, you need a character generator or a computer. For not much more than the price of a character generator you can buy a computer that will give you much more capabilities for graphics, as well as do the traditional word processing and bookkeeping chores. If you don't already have a computer but have been thinking of getting one anyway, and also want to do stuff on it for video, the one to get is the Amiga. It does incredibl~ color graphics at

an affordable price. Titling, animation, 3-D graphics, real-time video special effects like you see on MTV~the Amiga does them all. You might have to search to find an Amiga dealer and all the IBM and Macintosh people will try to lure you through their doors. Keep a hand on your wallet in their store and at least check out the Amiga first. Unless you have an unlimited budget, this little computer is the best deal going for any kind of color graphics. I've touched on a lot of areas but not gone into any of them in much depth. Each one could be explored in much greater detail than there is space in this magazine for. Libraries, magazine racks and video organizations will have to provide the rest for you. But before I go, I'm going to squeeze in one little plug for myself. I've produced three hang gliding videotapes that I've been selling through ads in this magazine for the last three years. If you want to see the final product quality of the kind of tapes you can produce with the equipment we have looked at here, check out some of these tapes. The first one I did is called TELLURIDE! It was shot with a one-tube camera in VHS

format. Editing was also clone in VHS with professional equipment and time-base correction. Compare it to the next two tapes, Mountains High and Flatland Flying, to see what going up to a better camera and format (Super VHS) will look like (although the final saleable tape is a VHS club of the S-VHS edited master). I like all three tapes (of course!) but I definitely think the quality, not only of the technical aspects but of the editing as well, goes up with each one. I haven't used my Hi8 footage in a tape yet, but tests indicate that it will look equivalent to the footage I shot using an S-VHS C camcorder. The last two tapes also show good examples of the kind of graphic effects the Amiga is capable of. Check 'em out. And if you have any questions about video, call me up and I'll be happy to try to answer them. Video can be a lot of fun, and whether you get involved in it enough to edit your own tapes or not, simply having footage of your flights to view later is very rewarding. And it's the next best way to introduce your non-flying friends to the thrills and satisfactions hang gliding provides for us. •

Lindsay Ruddock

Puts you in the air and lets you feel the excitement of flying with some explosive thermaling to cloudbase over Lake Tahoe, cruising Zulu Ridge, blazing high mountain contour flying, and some fun tandem flying. Pilots say: "Now I can show my friends and family what the flying experience is really like." "It's nice to tune up for flying on non-flying days." send $29.95 <plus $3 postage and handling> check or money order to:

30

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HANG GLIDING


by

me start by 1hat lam an outsider. I am not a hang glider pilot, a dedicated enthusiast, or even a "hanger··On." I am a producer who wanted lo do a video piece on hang glidSo I did. And it was a thrill. I work in Tucson, Aril'.ona as a television producer/director. once in a while I like lo produce a video segment thai is just plain run to watch. These video adventurcs can oftcn be quite exciting, and arc usually set to music. Over the years, I had experienced and videotaped cverything from scuba diving to ultralighting to traveling in the Soviet Union. But l had never tried hang gliding. The person who would make it possible was one of the few tandem hang gliding in· structors in the couniry at the time, and the only one in the Tucson arca---Tony Bar1011. He was excited about the project and wanted to cooperate fully. lie had rcccnlly purchased a new Bennet! tandem glider, and il would he perfect for the video l wanted to shoot. Not only was it we!Hmilt and lnlly designed for two people, but it looked great on camera. As with many other stories l'vc done, lhinking aboul il and talking about it were a lot easier than shooting it. One of the most visual ancl, usually, most predictable launch siks in the Tucson area is called Miller Canyon. It is a 90 .. minute drive from town. Unfortunately, the normally predictable winds decided to be sys .. tcmatically unpredictable, so we made a nmn .. berofthrcc .. hourround trips for nothing. Some.. times we aborted as soon as we got lo the landing zone and saw the wind conditions. Oiher times, when the conditions looked good al the LZ, we made the ha]f.Jiour trip up the mou111ain and waited all day----with nary a flight.

FmmUARY '1990

Our most common problem was no wind or wind from the wrong direction. Even the weather forecaster seemed to be working against us, because he was often wrong. Out or the dozen or so trips we made to Miller Canyon, we go! to about half of them. I'm told that "hang waiting" is a way of lire for hang gliding enthusiasts, which makes hang gliding a lot like television production-..-1hc ratio of return lo the amount or time invested can be very srnall. But that doesn't slop hang glider pilots, to slop me. and it wasn't

I could not use 1hc video equipment I normally use at work because of its weight and bulkiness, sol decided to use my own personal video camcorder instead. I had bounced ihat camera through the Soviet Union, India and Nepal; I had taken it in an undcrwaler housing down lo 165 feet to videotape the sunken Japa ncsc ships al Truk Lagoon; I had even taken it down a hydroiubc al a local watcrpark (wilh sufficient splash prnicction, or course). Por hang gliding, Tony and I rigged up a wing mounl with a countcrwcighl. This would allow

us to gel side shots in flighl. Even heller was a nose mount Tony fashioned. It was a curved piece of tubular aluminum which extended the nose of the . On il we mounted 1hc cam .. cm in front and slightly overhead or us. This provided a great front camera angle and still protected the camera in case we nosed in on landing (which we almost did). I also did some hand ·held camera work in flight, and some shots or the glider from the ground (with Gen Cheyney doubling for me on the glider). Though [ had never flown in a hang glider before, I had skydived. So that rush of adrenal .. inc was no stranger. Ncvcrthckss, I was apprehensive, There was something about the idea or rnnning off a 2,7()().f'oot cliff! As our feet left ihc ground, however, I knew would be okay. These gliders really could fly! I was even presumptuous enough to !he handle "Cliffhanger." Once in the air, most of my tin1c was spent about !he earncrn and the video shots. This was both a curse and a On !he one hand, it prevented me from just relax· ing and enjoying lhl'. ride. On the oihcr hand, it kepi me so busy l couldn't get very nervous, Of'ten I wo11kl stand up in the harness while in night to get hand-held shots or the or the ground or the mountains. And while it made for great video, it didn '1 help our acrodynam .. ics. But Tony never complained, and handled all my moving around with case. II took three months, 1 nights and ahoul l ,()00 miles of driving to get all the footage l needed for the segment. The ohstaclcs were the wcathcr . rclatcd postponements and the usual assortment of technical problems with the video equipment. But we stayed witli it. I

31


LEFr: Tony Barton (left) and John photographed from nose-mounted camera

BELOW: Video camera positioned on special nose

mount. BOTTOM: The author checks video camera.

knew 1ha1 !his would be some or the f'irs1 tan· dcm video around at 1hc time. Camcorders had11 't hcen out lliat very fow hang gliding s1Udcn1s arc cmncrarne11. am not a daredevil, howcvt:r, and ncithc:r came first for us, and we m;ver had a problem. If there was a qu1:sl ion ahoul launch conditions, we dicln'l fly. Period. One time, howi;vcr, 1he wind had ceased 10 exist a1111G [ the 1ime we flew down there, so it was to mean a landing. [ hadn'l tried tlrnl yet, bu1 this time !here was no choice. said, "Ciel 10 run!" couldn't believe how fasl thc ground was up! Wi1h no headwind, and 1hc extra of camera equipment, there was little to slow us down. The ground seemed 10 move faster and faster, and my were running long before my feet ever touched anything. J\rlcr a kw or lhc longGsl seconds of my life, flared the glider, and we touchl,d ground. We both rnn as rasl as we could in almm,1 sync. Finally, after a lot or run·· ning, we came to a sudden slop. It was a gcnu1otally successful landing; probably one of the rnos1 cxhilarat ing momen1s of rny life! U11for11111a1cly, nobody was !here lo sec i1. Fortunately, it was all captured on vidc·· otapc by !he nose··lllountcd camera. The ri11al edi1cd video is one f'm 1ruly proud of, and I've even had veteran ha11g glider pi lots ll,11 me ii gave them chills to watch it. Although I may never be a devoted gliding cnthusiasl, I'm glad I tried it. For no matter where I go or what l do, tile moment is frozen in time. The video will nlways back lhc 1hrill. Thanks, Tony.

32

HAN(; CI.IDJN(;


· Calendar Of Events Feb. 16-18: !CP. 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. Feb.: Governador Valadares X-C Meet. Entry $80 includes transportation, retrieval, T-shirt. 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) 594-0498. 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 1-0ct. 31: 1990 So Cal X-C Competition. Open distance, best 2 flights of season wins. Prizes to top places. Contact: Windsports (818-988-0111) Soaring Center or The Hang Gliding Center (619-450-9008) for details. March 3-18: Alternativa World Team Hang Gliding Cup, Governador Valadares, Brazil. $8,000 first prize, $22,000 total. Entry $500. Max 8 pilots per team. Contact: Pepe Lopes, Rua J ardim Botanico, l 82n04, 22461, Rio de faneiro, Brazil, tel. (21) 246-1167.

March 9-10: Instructor Certification Program, Santa Barbara, CA. Instructors: Achim Hageman, John Heiney. Contact: 29 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 962-8999.

Bowen (407) 657-1699 or Steve Flynn (904) 775-3252. May 5-12: Open Cup "Peace." May 25-June 8: USSR Nationals in Alma-Ata. June 29-23: USSR Women's Nationals. July 6-20: Kisil Championships of Russia. August: USSR Cup in Yalta. Foreign pilots invited. Contact: Vadim Kakurin, General Director, or Alexander Gaidarly, Manager of Protocol, INTERAERO, ul. Panfilova, 20, 125080 Moscow, USSR, tel. 158-4895, FAX 9430059.

March 10-11: Truck tow seminar. March 17-18: Mountain clinic. March 31: Tandem towing begins. April 21-22: Mt. clinic. May 11-13: 18th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular. June 2-8: Hang gliding camp. June 9-10: Mt. clinic. June 23-24: Truck towing seminar. July 1415: Mt. clinic. Sept. 15-16: Mt. clinic. Oct. 6-7: Truck towing seminar. Oct. 13-19: Hang gliding camp. Oct. 20-21: Mt. clinic. Nov. 7-8: KHK/Shenandoah Valley instructor fly-in. Contact: Kitty Hawk Kites, P.O. Box 340, Nags Head, NC 27959 (919) 441-4124.

May 12-20: Superleague (the "World Series" of hang gliding) Round I, Newton, Wales. May 26-June 3: Round 2, Lake Como, Italy. July 14-22: Round 3, Montreux, Switzerland. Contact: Superleague, 2 Cyprus St., Bethnal Green, London E2 ONN ENGLAND tel. (01) 981-5941.

March 24-25: Tandem I I Tandem II clinic. March 30April 1: Instructor Certification Clinic for both new instructors and to meet recertification requirements (March 31-April l ). Contact: The Hang Gliding Center (619) 450-9008.

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.

March 24-April 4: International Hang Gliding Championships, Caracas, Venezuela. Contact: Avenida Miguel Angel Edificio, Gunita Apartamento N-3, Colinas De Bello Monte, Caracas, Venezuela, Attn. Rodolfo Aguirre, tel. (02) 572-0175.

July 28-August 5: 1990 U.S. Nationals, Dinosaur, Colorado. Entry fee $275 postmarked before July I, S325 after. Contact: Christine Reynolds I GenTech Corp., Box 281, Conifer, CO 80433.

April 1-8: USHGA Board of Directors Meeting, Colorado Springs, CO.

NO DATE: Haney's Point Team Competition at Atkins, AR. Sponsored by Sail Wings. Contact: Larry Haney (501) 224-2186.

April 13-15: Florida State X-C Meet at Florida Flying Gators Airpark in Lake County, FL. Contact: Campbell

Mountain Wings, Inc. Canon 35mm Remote Control Ultrapod Unit

~~;-:cc:cc=-" Complete with Override Mounting System

e;,

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6595 ODELL PL, SUITE C, BOULDER, CO 80301 (303) 530-4940

&

~

MODEL 651 VARIO/AUDIO/ DIGITAL ALTIMETER

No balast needed. Auto focus. auto iris. auto advance. auto 10. od. in.frored remote control. Lithium batteries. auto flash. wide angle lens and cose included 13 oz 1nc/ud1ng mounl. 1 Year Warrantee $229.95

-

$530

Now Available Beautiful Aerodynamic, Streamlined Hard Shell Protective Pod. Add style and crashabi/ity to your Ultra Pod Unit. • Streamlined Pod & Override Unit with Mounts • Streamlined Pod with Foam & Mounts • Complete Camera with Pod & Override Unit

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$105.00 $74.95 . $299.95

Price Does Not Include Shipping

Radio Controlled Flying Wings

$640

/~~

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STABLE AND EASY TO FLY

-,,::.:,

l'f'.ttfL!(jJJ,lDL~JcJJJ~ Klingberg Wing: 2 c/1onne1. easy-build balsa 78" wingspan Big Wing: Prebuilt. /1ard plastic LE just install radio tc fly 92" wingspan breaks down into 2 pieces for easy transport

$44 99

$69.95

\l

Stained Glass Hang Gliders

__ .,

.

-

·~);

~

,~.

' _,.

t"t, \

MODEL M20 WRIST VARIO $250

. Any model. 12" wingspan $25 00 ~~ Options include faired king post ond down tubes. keel pocket lo,/ tms .. $5 00 extra All Prices Subject to Change

150 CANAL STREET, ELLENVILLE, NY 12428 e 914-647-3377

,;;;~v~~

BALLCLAMP

$20 Available from hang glider manufacturers and dealers

1 (BOO) 525-7850 N.E. Area Only FEBRUARY 1990

33


USHGA REPORTS

New USHGA Insurance Benefits by Gregg Lawless The USHG A is happy to announce the availability of two new benefits to its members. These benefits are Glider Theft Insurance and Participant Accident Insurance.

able cost. We were successful. Below is a brief summary of the highlights of the Glider Theft Insurance that is now available to all USHGA members:

GLIDER THEFT INSURANCE How many times have you reluctantly left your glider on top of your vehicle while you went into a store, restaurant or theater, all the time hoping that no one came along and decided that he/she just had to have YOUR glider? Worse yet, have you ever had your glider stolen only to find out that the theft was not covered by your homeowners or renters insurance policy? Unfortunately most, if not all insurance companies consider hang gliders as aircraft which automatically excludes them from coverage because the standard homeowners or renters policy specifically excludes aircraft. However, many companies are more than willing to offer you a special rider policy that will cover your equipment at a cost that is usually unacceptable. My own experience was that it would cost me almost as much to insure my equipment ($4,000+) as it would cost to insure an average home in San Diego. With these scenarios in mind the insurance committee set out to find a solution to the problem that would be available at a reason-

• Provides coverage up to $3,500 or the fair market value of your equipment, whichever is less. Specified instruments and accessories are also covered within the $3,500 limit. • There is no deductible associated with the policy. • You can change gliders at any point within the policy period at no additional cost. • Coverage applies only to the theft of the entire glider. No coverage applies to individual parts, instruments, or accessories if stolen separately. • A police report, obtained at your cost, is required to be submitted with all claims. • Coverage costs are fully earned from policy inception and mid-term cancellations are not pennitted. • Annual cost is $60.

PARTICIPANT ACCIDENT INSURANCE Many of our members do not carry accident insurance to protect their relatives in the event of a fatality, but would like to if the cost was reasonable. A nominal amount of insur-

"Fly Brazil" RIO DE JANEIRO'S FINEST HANG GLIDING SHOP FLYING TOURS Bi-lingual guides Transportation & Retrieval - Airport pickup Hotel & rental car reservation available

TANDEM TRIKE FLIGHTS OVER RIO Parachutes, harnesses, instruments, radios & T-shirts available Repair services & parts for AIR WA VE, AIRBORNE, ALBATROSS & MOYES For infonnation or reservations contact: Ondas do Ar Ltda OA USA Attn: D. Aguilar Av das Americas, 1917T (213) 439-4132 Rio de Janeiro 22631 Brazil (818) 443-7070 FAX (21) 2477468 FAX & phone

34

ance can go a long way in helping defray the costs associated with a fatality or loss of a hand, foot or vision. For those of you in need of this type of coverage the USHGA may be your best bet. We now have available an accident insurance policy that provides you with a minimal amount of coverage at a very reasonable price. The details are as follows: • You get 24-hour/365-day coverage. Not just while you're flying. • You can choose benefit payments of $5,000 or $10,000 to your beneficiary, in the event of your accidental death. • You can receive payments of $1,000 or $2,000 if an accident results in the loss of a hand, foot or the sight in one eye. • Payments of $2,500 or $5,000 are available in the event of the loss of both hands, feet, or the sight in both eyes. • Annual cost is $24 for $5,000 coverage and $48 for $10,000. So for the price of a couple of downtubes, you can purchase a little peace of mind for yourself and/or your beneficiaries. If you are interested in one or both of the above plans, call or write the USHGA office for additional details or an application. Both policies require a minimum participation level. •

NEWS FLASH ... Is hang gliding a hot news item in your local paper? Please send clippings of stories, photos or articles to the Public Relations Committee through the USHGA office. We want to see your name, your club or your site mentioned in print! USHGA - Public Relations P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933 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

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 808/396-8557

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

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

UP OVER NEW MEXICO CHUCK WOODS 9500 PALOMAS AVE N.E. ALBUQUERQUE NM 87109 505/821-8544

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 HANG FLIGHTSYSTEMS 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 9371 0 209/264-7627

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 713/956-6147

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 408/262-1 055

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

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

PENDULUM SPORTS JIM ZEISET 13154 CO 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#I BURLEY ID 83118 208/654-2615 HOME

HIGH SIERRA H.G. RAY 2303 N CARSON STREET CARSON CITY NV 89701 702/885-1891

CENTRAL FLORIDA FLYERS STEVE & BARBARA FLYNN 1690 PINE AVE. ORANGE CITY, FL 32763 904/775-3252

Canada

Europe

Eastern U.S.

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

MORNINGSIDE GLIDERS JEFF NICOLAY RFD 2 CLAREMONT NH 03743 603/542-4416

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

FLY HIGH HANG GLIDING PAUL VOIGHT RD2, BOX561 PINE BUSH NY 12566 914/744-3317

CONDOR RUNE BORSTING POSTBOKS 4371 7001 TRONDHEIM 07 553632 NORWAY

W.W. H. G. SALES LARRY HINTON 4031 SOUTHWICK CIRCLE ROANOKE VA 24018 703/562-2001 KITTY HAWK KITES EAST BOX 340 NAGS HEAD NC. 27959 800/334-4 777

..

Japan \

SD HOOKlN HIROHISA.ICHIDA 1-22-19 KITAi;lORIE . NISHI-KU, 0SAKA557 \ 06-532-7040 JAPAN · . . ·. ' SPORTS 9PA Kl)'E \

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ULTRALIGHT FLYING EQUIP BEN BURRIL ' 9201 MT HOLLY HUNTERVILLE ROAD HUNTERVILLE NC 28078 · 704/392-3765

~ANbA · CHIYOQA-KU, TOKYO \ \ 03-291-0802 JAPAN

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK MATT TABER RT 2, BOX 215H RISING FAWN GA 30738 404/398-3541

2-2~-8_:23QEN):Cf-lOF;!J OQTA -KU, TOKYO 145, Oi3722-1945 JAPAN..

SEQUATCHIE VALLEY SOARING SUPPLIES CLIFF WHITNEY ROUTE 2, BOX 80 DUNLAP TN 37327 615/949-2301 AIRBORNE SALES RICHARD SACHER 6 SYLVAN LANE JEFFERSONVILLE IN 47130 812/288-6597

'fd~isiggzscoLT.ci\ Brazil BREDEL, PATRICK BARAO DE JAGUARIPE 323/3 IPANEMA, RIO DE JAN CEP 22421 552-12 39 73 39 BRAZIL

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

i208 H. East Walnut• Santa Ana• CA 92701 • Phone: (714) 547-1344 • FAX (714) 547-0972


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 tom or tom 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.

HP l-1/2 - Great shape, soft cloth, easy handling, supe, performance for only $650 (602) 395-0649. HP I[ - Full Race, all white, !lies great and in good condition. $1,250 (714) 391-2812. HP 2 - Full Race. Recent inspection. Great glider, S 1,400. Scott (619) 934-5403. HP 2 - Full Race, Streamlined down tubes, excellent condilion, great performer, $1,600. (919) 945-2327.

ROGALLOS AT 3 - Brand new. Call Doug at (503) 244-9661 or (206) 256-7935.

SPORT 167 - Full Race. Low hours, excellent condiLion, white with blue undersurface S 1,875. Bob (619) 286-5604. NEW SPORT 180 - Used twice. Perfect condition, paid $3,500, steal $2,295. Full race (714) 495-805 I. U.P. GEMINI 184 - Brown/green, like new, $700. (916) 758-8570. Sacramento (CA). VISION ECLIPSE 14- Six hours. excellent condition, two spare faired downtubcs S 1350. Eric Raymond harness for 5' s·· or smaller pilot, used twice, S250. Chute, $75. (714) 677-8314.

1989 HP 2-Aramid ripstop leading edge, HTP 240 trailing edge, low drag downtubes, speedbar, excellent condition, Sl,890. (702) 452-5554 after 6:00 p.m. PST.

VISION MK IV 17 -3 DCG, Camera pockets, trilam L.E., SI,850. <2 hrs. (303) 750-3226.

ATLAS 16 - Excellent condition, black mylar L.E., red/ orange/yellow tips. Flies Great! $850 OBO (VA) (804) 722-7816.

'89 HP 2 - Full race, beautiful, S 1900. 167 Euro. Sport, Rainbow, nice $1200. (509) 534-1249.

VISION MK IV 19 - $1,950. 3 DCG, Camera pockets, trilam L.E., <2 hrs. (303) 750-3226.

AXIS 13 - $1,775. Flylight Cocoon HARNESS $75.00 (702) 831-3063.

KISS - Almost new, 50 hrs. total. Cm:;ton""J colors. Must sacrifice, $2700 OBO (209) 586-6222.

WANTED-Quality used single surface gliders and equipment and F.D. or U.P. knee hanger harnesses (602) 897-

AXIS 15 - '·Great Performer," blue/white, faired tubes, ··comfort bar," 50 hrs. S 1500 OBO. Dan - evenings (619) 934-2125.

KISS- MIV 166, 165Cl, V 18, 179 & 229 Ravens, B/0, (215) 527-1687.

7121.

WANTED - Used hang gliders and accessories in good condition. Action Soaring Center (209) 368-9665.

LIGHT DREAM 185 -Like new, $1,300 (703) 533-1965. AXIS 15 -FR, S1800, will split shipping. (206) 256-7935. BRAND NEW HP AT - Sport AT, and Magic Kiss gliders in srock 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. Por more information call \\'inc!Sports Soaring Center, (818) 988-0 l 11. Serving pilots for 15 years. COSMOS TRIKE - 52HP with Profil 19 wing. Towing option and spare parts included. (919) 778-6628 after 7:00 p.m. EDT. DREAM 220 - Day Glo pink and white, nose cone, 4 oz. firm cloth, S 1950 new (206) 256-7935. DREAM 220 - Good condition, $1000 OBO. evenings (619) 934-2125.

Dan

DREAM 220 - Good condition, $1,200 (714) 783-4429. GTR 175, great condition SI ,995 (714) 783-4429. DUCK 160 - Blue L.E. w/rainbow double surface, excellent condition w/cocoon harness, parachute, knee hanger harness, helmet, vario and altimeter. S800 (714) 364-3463. l 67 EURO. SPORT- S 1500; Duck l 80, $200; 229 Raven, S300; Delta Wings cocoon, S 150; Robertson harness, S50: Knee hanger, SIS; Bell helmet, $20; Ball wrist vario, $!00; 155 Liter 02 set-up, S 100; Car CB and antenna, $75: Pmachute, SI 00. $2400 takes it all! (208) 234-0159. FLIGHT DESIGNS JA YELIN 168 - Good performing and easy handling for new pilot. Excellent condition S550. Also for sale: wheels, prone spaghetti harness, and almost brand spanking new Robertson Supine Harness. Massachusetts (617) 391-8281. GENESIS: BRAND NEW! - Never flown. ivlagenla, blue, and neon yellow! Speedbar, safe-edge downtubes. IDEAL FOR SMALLER PILOT. (415) 365-4150. GTR 162 - Good condition, $1,200. 147 HaJTier, good condition S600. Call evenings (303) 879-3935. GTR 175 - Excellent condition. Under 40 hours. Speedbar, VG, black L.E., blue and white. Steve (805) 988-1952. $1795 OBO. HAVEN'T GOT $4000 FOR A NEW GLIDER??? Let Cindy's ''Magic Wand" make ;-our glider NEW again! Cindy Drozda, LID Enterprises, (303) 440-3579. HP l-l/2 - $750; Sport 167 Euro. full race S 1,250. Consider trade (602) 683-2002.

FEBRUARY 1990

WANTED - Used hang gliding equipment. Gliders, instruLITE MYSTIC 188 - Good condition, $750. 1989 Hi Energy Pod for 6' I", 180-Ib. pilot, $250. New 22-gore Hi Energy chute, $250. All for Sl.100. (303) 838-9843 or (503) 893-6467. MAGIC IV 177 - Race, excellent. \V/\V cocoon harness Ball#651 $1750(319)236-0109.

V.'ith new chute.

'88 MAGIC IV RACER l77 (503) 245-3047.

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

MAGIC KISS - Demo., 15 hrs .. excellent, $2,750; also new (703) 533-1965. MOYES 162 GTR - Full Race. Great shape with extras. S 1,200 OBO (818) 764-9936/(805) 296-0846. NEW GLIDERS - Best Prices! Pacific Airwave, Wills Wings, Seedwings, Delta. Silver Wings (703) 533-3244. NO TIME TO 1-'L Y - Super Dream 145 - Zero hours, mint condition S 1800; Ha1Ticr 177, great condition. All new stitching S800. (616) 459-4469. PACAIR i'v!K JV 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. PROFIL 15, 155 - Beautiful tie-dye spectrum sail, zipper, French connection, recent annual, fantastic handling $849. Rick (303) 879-6284. Harness and chute available also. RA VEN 149 - In excellent condition. Knee hanger harness, wheels, flight bag. Great beginner package. S650. (916) 283-3046. RAVEN 179 254-6141.

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

RA VEN 209 - Low time, great condition, $600 OBO, (805) 295-1571. SENSOR 510 B-STD-VG-$1400. Will ship. (503) 2449661. 150 SPORT- Great shape. Full race, $2,000. Will ship, Andy (213) 822-6179.

ments, harnesses and parachutes. Airtime of San Francisco,

3620 Wawona, San Francisco, CA 94116. (415) SKY-1177. COLORADO HANG GLIDING New name brand chules . ........... S350 25 Used gliders . ........... S500-S 1,800 Used 20 and 22 gore chutes . ........ S250 Paragliders ....... ........... $1,860 Bell Helmets .... . .......... In stock S\25 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 TV 17, 19 . ........... <3 hrs. S 1,890 ea . Lt. Dream 185, 205 ... ........... <5 hrs. Si ,480 ea . Lt. Mystic 177 VG. ····· ........... <20 hrs. Sl,380 Javelin 208 . .. <8 hrs. S600 .. <8 hrs. S650 Prostar J 60 . SkyHawk 188. .. <IO hrs. S900 .. <9 hrs. S600 Raven 209 . Lancers 180, 200 . $300 CG 1,000 RED. ........... <5 hrs. Ivied. S350 Airstream pod blue .. ...... .......... <5 hrs . Large $300 Hi-Energy Cocoon .. .. <I hr. Med. $300 All equipment guaranteed, shipped anywhere. THE HANG GLIDING CENTER Magic Kiss . .. ........ ... ······· .."Kew 150 Sport, full race 63" CB. .. $2400 167 Sport, full race .... .. New 167 Sport perfect shape .. .. $1775 HP II FR excellent shape .... .. $1850 HP II FR bitchin' glider . ········ .. $1900 Magic IV 166, almost new . .. $1900 Vision MK IV 17,19. ..New Visions 17, 19 used demos ... ..Call 4206-K Som,nto Valley Blvd .. San Diego, CA 92121 We have all kinds of new and neat stuff! (619) 450-9008. OWENS VALLEY SOARING HP2-,,,,.,,.,,,,.,,,,,,,,.,,.,,.,, ... ........ $1,500 . ...... Race cloth .. $1,600 Sport Am. 167. ....... Like new .... $1,250 220 Dream .. Vision Mk IV 17 __ ,____ ,,, .... ........ Sl,300 Oxygen system, carbon fiber tank 7 .5 lbs. Lasts up to 8 hrs. at 18,000 feet. (619) 387-2673.

SPORT 167 - Full Race. European, 20 hours, like new SI,700 (503) 582-2650. SPORT 167 - Full Race. Euro. - new condition, 9 hours airtime, 10 months old. 52,400 (602) 893-2523.

37


CLASSIFIEDS SEQUATCHIE VALLEY SOARING SUPPLY Sales - Rentals - Instrnction - Repairs (615) 949-2301 Dream 165 - with wheels. Dbl. knee-hanger, spare tubes, low hours .. ................... $ l 395 Dream 220 - neon - demo ............ $2395 Dream 240 - custom sail ............. $2495 Raven 209 - real good condition .. $ 675 Sport 150 - beautiful .................... $2895 Spmt 180 - low hours ................... $1995 HP AT - hot demo ........................ $3295 Vision 18 - great shape ................ $ 895 GTR 162- real clean .... $1695 XS - very nice, almost new ......... $2295 High Energy POD - new ............. $ 399 Cloudbase cocoon - new . $ 325 Great deals on all Wills Wing, Seedwings, Delta Wing, High Energy sports products and lots more! ULTRALIGHTS QU!CKSILVER (201) 806-6131.

with Trike and engine, $2,000. Mike

SCHOOLS AND DEALERS

SAIL WINGS HANG GLIDING - Certified Instruction. Agent for Pacific Airwave, C.G. lOOO. Soar 600' Haney's Point! 1601 N. Shackleford #131-4. Little Rock, AR 72211 (501) 224-2186. CALIFORNIA 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 can"ied. 1689 Armstrong Road, Lodi, CA 95242 (209) 368-9665. AIRTIME of SAN FRANCISCO - Hang Gliding and Paragliding Lessons - Sales - Service - Rental. Delta Wing, UP, Pacific Airwave, Seed wings, 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 94116 (415) Sky-l 177. AIRTIME UNLIMITED-SOUTHLAND HANG GLIDING SCHOOL - Pacific Airwave 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.

ALABAMA LMFP - Two hollrs from Birmingham (see our ad under Tennessee.) (404) 398-3541. ARIZONA ARIZONA AIRWA VE - USHGA certified instruction. Pacific Airwave sales and service. (602) 395-0649. 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. Highest percent of flyable 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) 897-7121. DESERT HANG GLIDERS - USHGA Certified School. Supine specialists. 43 l 9 W. Larkspur, Glendale, AZ 85304. (602) 439-0789, 938-9550. ARKANSAS

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 SportAT's, Kiss, Mark IV, Genesis, Dreams and Axis. FLY 'EM ALL and decide what you like. We sell and service all major brands of gliders and accessories. USHGA certified XC clinics and training program. 1202 E. Walnut, Unit M, Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 542-7444 Near Disneyland. HANG GLIDER EMPORIUM -The best training hill in the west is in Santa Barbara, a hang gliding VA CATION PARADISE. High qllality PERSONALIZED instruction focusing on the skills that most affect your SAFETY. Call for vacation info and glider inventory. Tues.-Fti. l0-5, Sat. l0-4. 613 N. Milpas, Santa Barbara, California 93l03 (805) 965-3733.

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.

"'r)~~,.~·r

HIGH ADVENTURE- Full service facility located on site at Southern Calif0111ia'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 lnclude, weather infonnation. mountain shuttle, towing seminars, XC trips, repairs, ratings. (714) 883-8488. THE HANG GUDINO CENTER - Located in beautiful San Diego. USHGA instruction, equipment rentals, local flying tours. Spend your winter vacation flying with us. We proudly offer Wills Wing, Pacific Airwave, High Energy, Ball and we need your used equipment. 4206-K Sorrento Valley Blvd., San Diego, CA 92121 (619) 450-9008. MISSION SOARING CENTER -Serving the flying community since I 973. 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. l116 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 GLIDING JEWELRY - Each piece contains l full gram of l4K Gold. Pendant $30,Tie Tack $35,Earrings $65,Shipping $2. P.O. Box 8193, Green Valley Lake, CA 92341 (714) 8677961. OWENS VALLEY SOARING - Dealers for all major brands. X-C accessories include the best 0, rigs for under $500. At the Bishop Airport. Phone or Fax #(6 l 9) 3872673. SANTA BARBARA HANG GLIDING CENTER USHGA Certified School. Achim J. Hageman. 29 State St., Santa Barbara, CA. 93101 (805) 962-8999.

OZARK MOUNTAIN HANG GLIDING- Sales, service and instruction. Dealer for Wills Wing, Moyes, Eric Raymond harnesses and Maxon radios. 10411 W. Markham, Suite 120, Little Rock, AR 72205 (501) 681-5656.

,--------------------------------------, USHGA CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ORDER FORM I 40 cents per word, $4.00 minimum.

I

Boldface or caps $.95 per word. (Does not include first few wprds which are automatically caps.) Special layouts or tabs $22 per column inch. (phone numbers-2 words, P.O. Box-1 word) photos-$25.00 line art logos-$15.00 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 August issue). Prepayment required unless account established. Please enter my classified ad as follows:

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

Schools and Dealers Ultralights Rigid Wings Publications & Organizations

I I I I 19_ _ issue and run for consecuBegin with tive issue(s). My check 0, money order 0, is enclosed in the amount of I $,_ _ _ _ __ I I NAME: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ I ADDRESS: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ I II Number or words:. _ _ _ _ _ @ .40 = _ _ _ _ _ __ PHONE:. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ L _________ USHG~.O. Bo~300, Col~do Spring::._CO 8093~719) 632-8300 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _J 38

HANG Gu01Nc


CLASSIFIEDS SILENT FLIGHT - Located in beautiful Mt. Shasta. Towing, lessons, tandem flights, sales, service and a lot of fun fly'n! Dealers for all major brands. (916) 938-2061. TORREY FLIGHT PARK, INC. - At the launch of the world famous Toney Pines Glider Port, one of San Diego's highlights! Unmatched convenience for pilots and spectators. Refreshments and souvenirs at the Cliffhanger Cafe. Certified Training program featuring tandem soaring Jessons. 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 Instruction, Sales & Service. Become a better pilot in less time with our small personalized classes & tandem instrnction. Our head instiuctor has over 12 years teaching experience. Only minutes from our local Kagel Mountain flying site. 13243 Gladszone Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342. (818) 367-6050. WINDGYPSY - USHGA Certified school specializing in personalized tandem flight training. Full 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. We 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!"

ILLINOIS

NORTH CAROLINA

l~~OiM

KITTY HAWK 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 major brand gliders, complete inventory of new and used gliders, accessories and parts.

Your hang gliding success company. Representative for Wills Wing, Delta Wing, Seedwings, Moyes and Pacific Airwave. State of the art training with mobile flight simulator and dual instruction. Let a USHGA CF! lead you to your flight success. 1600 Carmel, Zion, IL 60099. (312) 7461944.

SAURATOWN SOARING -Airspeed $15, Stirrups, cocoons, altimeters, varios, thennal snoopers $50 each, Parachute $150, Trainer $250. Tommy Thompson (919) 9839064. OHIO

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 Norrnan Lesnow, 569 W. Annabelle, Hazel Park, MI, 48030. (313) 399-9433. NEVADA HIGH SIERRA SPORTS - Spectacular Sierra tours, tandcm & lessons. USHGA certified training and ratings. Dealers for Wills Wing, Pacific Airwave, Delta Wing, UP. Fly the Sierras with a full-service shop. 2303 North Carson St., Carson City, NV 8970 I (702) 885-1891 or (702) 885-l 970.

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. Certified instruction. SKYWARD ENTERPRISES airframe and sail repair, disassembly inspection, Pacific Airwave gliders. Mario Manzo, 2259 S. Smithville Rd., Dayton, OH 45420 (513) 256-3888 (eves.). OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA HANG GLIDING CENTER - USHGA Certified instruction. Wills Wing, Seedwings, Delta Wing and other major brands. New and used equipment, instrumenrs, parachutes, and service. OKC, (405) 943-5484.

NEW JERSEY OREGON

COLORADO MOUNTAIN WINGS USHGA Certified COLORADO HANG GLIDING School, dealer all brands. Towing and paraglider inst. Bell helmets. (303) 278-9566. COLORADO WIND PARK - "Come up for Air!" Sales, service, complete instruction on our 500-foot, 360-degree training hill. $10/day lodging. Dealing all brands. PO Box 94, Hartse!, Colorado 80449. (719) 836-2240 (weekends only) or (303) 762-6505. EAGLE'S NEST School of Hang Gliding - USHGA ccrtified school. Dealer for Delta Wing, Pacific Airwave and Wills Wing. P.O. Box 25985, Colorado Springs, CO 80936 (719) 594-0498. GOLDEN WINGS -Sales, Service, Instruction. Dealer for Wills Wing, Delta Wing, Pacific Airwave. l 108 Miners Alley, Golden, CO 80401, (303) 278-7181/279-7951. L/D 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) 398-3541. GEORGIA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK under Tennessee. (404) 398-3541.

See our ad

HAWAII IDAHO TREASURE VALLEY HG - USHGA CF!, service/sales, Pacific Airwave, UP, American Windwright, La Mouette. 11716 Fairview, Boise, ID 83704, (208) 376-7914.

FEBRUARY 1990

Look under New York. PENNSYLVANIA

NEW MEXICO MOUNTAIN WINGS -

Look under New York.

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

PENNSYLVANIA SKY HIGH - Ceriified instruction, tandem, service, PacAir. Philadelphia (215) 527-1687.

NEW YORK

TENNESSEE

AAA FLY ELLE!\VILLE 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. l\1ail orders, VISA/ MasterCard accepted. Stop and pick up your gate combo and flight pass at: MOUNTAIN WINGS, INC., 150 Canal St., ELLENVILLE, NY 12428 (914) 647-3377 or 1-(800)-5257850 N.E. area only.

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

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/ 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, Pinc Bush, NY 12566, (914) 744-3317. SUSQUEHANNA FLIGHT PARK - Cooperstown, NY. Certified Instruction, Sales and Service for all major manufacturers. 40 acre park, 5 training hills, jeep rides, bunk house, camping, hot showers, 600' NW ridge. We have the best facili1ies in N. New York state to teach you how to fly. RD 2, Box 348A, Cooperstown, NY 13326, (315) 866-6153. THERMAL UP, INC. - Mos! complete hang gliding shop in area. Located on !Op 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 ,vith lowest price in area. Large mail order inventory. Tom Aguero, P.O. Box 347, Cragsmoor, NY 12420. (914) 647-3489.

HAWK AIRSPORTS - New and improved hang gliding' Attention 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. Brochurcs available. Your satisfaction is the key to our continued growth and success. Hawk Air Sports, Inc., 251 North Boyd's Creek Rd., Sevierville, TN 37862, (615) 453-1035. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - Since 1978, Southeast's largest USHGA-certified mountain flight school. Complete training, from grassy, gently-sloping !raining hills to soaring high above Lookout Mountain. Our specialty: getting you your first mountain flights. Lesson packages, USHGA ratings, glider and mountain bike rentals, camping, local site infonnation. Largest inventory of new and used hang gliders and mountain bikes, harnesses, helmels, instruments, T-shirts. Repair services. We buy used gliders, equipment! Send$ LOO for brochure, rates, dire.crions, accorrnnodations information. Twenty minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Route 2, Box 215-H, Dept. HG, Rising Fawn, GA 30738. (404) 398-3541 or 398-3433. SEQUATCHIE VALLEY SOARING SUPPLY, INC. Dealers for all 111ajor brands. Small training classes, with USHGA certified instruction, including tandem flights with group rates available. Famous radial ramp located just across the street. Great first mountain f1ight Jocation with a huge landing zone and camping available with a comfort-

39


CLASSIFIEDS able clubhouse. Fly over 100 miles of ridges and enjoy challenging thermals with two launches, soon to he three,

right here in "The hang gliding capital of the East." Fully stocked pro shop. Rentals, storage, USHGA ratings and all the latest fashions. Proud dealers for Wills Wing, Seedwings and Delta Wing gliders with reasonable pricing on all products. Brochure, maps. site info., Tennessee Tree Toppers Club memberships available. Visa, Mastercharge and Discover Card accepted. For personal service that you can trust call SVS, Rt. 2, Box 80, Dunlap, TN 37327 (615) 9492301.

VRNEZlJELA COME TO VENEZUELA - the Paradise for hang gliding pilots. Venezuela has wonderful thermals, beautif,11 weather and marvelous beaches. Prices include: Hotels with private bath, double occupancy rooms, bilingual guide service, transportation, three meals per day, retrieval, rides up. Price is U.S. $60.00 per day. Contact: Rodolfo Aguirre .M., Avenida Miguel Angel Edificio, Gunita Apartamento N-3, Colinas De Bello Monte, Caracas, Venezuela. FAX#: (02) 5720175.

TEXAS EMERGENCY PARACHUTES 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. 200 MILE SITES are hard to find. Recently another location was added to the short but distinguished list. 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

OVERSTOCKED - new 20, 22 gore $350 each. Used $250 each. Includes inspection and repacking, Colorado Hang Gliding, (303) 278-9566.

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

PARTS & ACCESSORIES

always soarable.

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.

j

KITE ENTERPRISES - Instruction, sales, repairs, platform towing, Dallas, North Texas area. 211 Ellis, Allen, TX 75002 (214) 996-7706 nights, (214) 727-3588 weekends. RED RIVER AIRCRAFT/4811 RED RIVER ST.I AUSTIN, TEXAS 78751-Lct us help you find what you want or sell what you got. Gliders: new, demo and used. Plus harnesses, instruments, and accessories available. Trade-ins considered. Dealer for Pac-Air, Wills, Moyes, Seedwings, Delta Wing, Ball and others. RRA - AUSTIN, TEXAS (512) 467-2529. UTAH YULTURE ENTERPRISES - Sales, service, instruction. Dealer for Center of Gravity Harness. Charlie (801) 2546141. WASATCH WINGS - USHGA certified hang gliding school, dealers for Wills Wing, Moyes and Pacific Airwave. Flight operations at Point of the Mountain. Call Gordon (801) 277-1042.

",'1

ALTIMETER WATCH - Amazing electronic "Wrist Instrument" combining an altimeter, barometer, and depth meter. Displays altitude up to 13,120 ft. or 4,000 M., atmospheric pressure from 6 l0-1050 Mb, and water depth down to 98 ft. or 30 M. Additional Features: Maximum altitude memory, altitude alarm, depth alann, daily alarm, chronograph, countdown timer, 12/24 hour formats, and much more. One year warranty. Perfect gift for hang glider pilots, aviators, divers. $84.98 + $3.00 shipping. Send check, money order, or use VISA, MC, DISCOVER, AMEX to: Wemikoff's Jewelers, 2731 Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60647, or call 24 hrs. (312) 252-7573. BALL VARIO (619) 377-4940.

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

Model 652, excellent condition. $400

VIRGINIA SIL VER WINGS, INC. - Certified instruction & equipment sales. N. VA. (703) 533-1965.

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.

WASHINGTON AIRPLA Y'N PRO SHOP & Hang Gliding School. The largest full time, full service hang gliding shop in Washington. All major brands sold and serviced. 800 Mercer, Seattle, WA 98109. (206) 467-8644.

INCREASE PERFORMANCE WITH WING-TIP FAIRINGS! for most gliders. $30.00/pr. + shipping. L/D Enterprises (303) 440-3579. Dealers wanted.

INTERNATIONAL DEALERS SWITZERLAND SWISS ALP HANG GLIDING SAFARI - For quick, easy flying May to October, call or write Ron Hurst, Jostenstr. 21, 8854 Galgenen, Switzerland, Dir. Dial USA 011 41 55 645229.

40

BELL SOARlNG 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.

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 S\69.95. Dealers, Schools or Clubs - quantity discount available. Pendulum Sports Inc. (719) 539-3900.

HANG GLIDING


CLASSIFIEDS NEW - NEW - NEW! USHGA CORDUROY CAPS with matching braid. Embroidered with colorful ''soaring" hang glider. Specify white or blue. $9.95 plus $2.25 S/H. USHGA, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933. NEW - NEW - NEW! USHGA LAPEL PINS - Colorflll design, epoxy dome with military clutch. $4. 95 plus $1.25 S/H. USHGA, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933.

UNDERSTAND YOUR WING Dr. Horten's book "Flying Wing," third bi-lingual printing, now available from Scott Airpark, Rt.!, Box 239, Lovettsville, VA 22080. $45.PP, Check or M.O. VIDEOS & FILMS

BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ATTENTION - HIRING! Government jobs - your area. $17,840- $69,485. Call (l)-602-838-8885 Ext. R 15034.

THE PERFECT G!Ff FOR HIM OR HER! GLIDER PILOT SWEATPANTS -The pants are navy blue and the printed colors are bright reel and yellow. Send $2 I.50 ppd check or money order to Ocean Breezes, 102 Haight SL, Sau Francisco, CA 94!02. ATTN. DEALERS- For an additional cost you can get YOUR LOGO put on the front. Phone (415) 626-7786.

EXPERJENCEDTRUCK LAUNCH PILOT- with equipment to fly exhibitions. John Beavin, P.O. Box 444, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826. INSTRUCTORS WANTED - Prefer certified but will train qualified people. Advancement opportunities include tour guiding and management. Western Hang Gliders, P.O. Box 28882, Marina, CA 93933. (408) 384-2622. WE NEED YOUR TALENT-We're looking for certified hang gliding instructors. Basic and advanced with experience.Full-time, salary negotiable, housing ,wailable. MOUNTAIN \VJNGS Fliglu Park, INC., 150 Canal St., ELLENVILLE, NY 12428 (914) 647-3377. PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS BINDERS FOR HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE - Brown vinyl with wire centerfold spines to allow library reference organization of your issues. Keeps up to l 2 issues tidy and handy. Only $9.00 plus $2.25 shipping/handling from USHGA, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933. COMPLETE SUBJECT INDEX - for Hang Gliding magazines J 974 through 1989 for only $5.00. 52 categories make your magazines valuable! D. \Villiams, 6 Harvest Lane, Farn1ington, CT 06032.

QUICK RELEASE CARABJNER- Breaking 10,000 lbs. $24.95. Extra 5/16 ball lock pin $10. Dealers wanted. Patent pending. Thennal, 19431-4 l Business Center Dr., Northridgc, CA 91324. SAILMAKING & RIGGING SUPPLIES -All fabric types. Massachusetts Motorized, P.O. Box 542-G, Cotuit, MA 02635. (413) 736-2426.

HANG GLIDING - Comprehensive illustrated 2-part programmed instruclion self-study course designed to accelerate acquisition of Beginner Skills by retired Technical Publications writer who, at 67, discovered mile-high soaring is relatively safe, inexpensive, and incredibly exciting for people who cannot abide a dull and humdrum existence. $13.00 poslpaid. Okerblom's, !065 Skcel, Camarillo, CA 93010.

S S $SAVE MONEYS S $ - Make downtubes in seconds with your own custom-made JIGMASTER drilling tool. Send $29.95 to JlGMASTER, 4175 Lacy Lane, Suite 36, Colorado Springs, CO 80916, or call (719) 596-4284.

RIGHT STUFF FOR NEW H.G. PILOTS -Learn techniques, equipment, tem.1inology, traditions, more! $9.95 ppd. Publitec Editions, P.O. Box 4342, Laguna Beach, CA 92652, (714) 497-6100.

STEEL CARABINER - Bonaiti locking ·'D" steel 8,000 lb. test. Send $14.80 P.Pd. to: Colorado Hang Gliding, P.O. Box 1423, Golden, CO 80402 or use Visa/Mastercard at (303) 278-9566. Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card accepted.

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

TOW LAUNCH SYSTEMS - Experience the safest, most economical way to reach your thermaling and cross country goals. Affordable and simple to operate. TLS tow systems are designed and built to the highest quality standards. For a free information package, call or write to: TLS, 70 IO i\·1ark, San Antonio, TX 78218 Phone (512) 824-1803. TOW RIG -Complete, self-contained, one driver/operator system including vehicle, pay-out type winch w/3400' poly. tow line, rewind motor, airspeed ind., spool RPM and pressure indicacors mounted by driver. Over 1400 safe, problem-free tows on system. Moving overseas. $2000 OBO (919) 867-1238. TUBING, WHEELS, BOLTS, BRACKETS, DACRON plus much more. Free tubing price sheet or send S5 for complete catalog. Leading Edge Air Foils, Inc., 33 l S. 14th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. Phone (719) 632-4959.

• Always there when you need tnem • Warm, comfortable, durable, slide easily across control bar • Instant bare hand dexterity for launch, CB, chute, camera • Quality construction, '14 -in. neoprene, nylon inside and oul • Available in red or black S, M, or L only $32.50

FLATLAND FLYING purs you in the control bar with Larry Tudor and Joe Bostik on flights of up to 220 miles. Get a good look at truck towing in action, with lots of aerial footage, including tandem flying. Includes shon music video, ··Airplay!" Also available, Mountains High and TELLURIDE!, showing Colorado mountain flying and aerobatics at their best. All 1apcs are $37 (CA residents add state tax) plus S3 shipping ($6 foreign). Flatland Flying also available in PAL format on foreign orders for S42. Robert Reiter, 800 Heinz Street #9, Berkeley, CA 947!0 (415)649-81 l J MISCELLANEOUS ··AIR THUG/MEMBER" -T-shirls! M, LG, XL. $14.00 includes shipping. Payable to Paul Voight. RD 2, Box 561, Pinc Bush, NY l 2566. MODERN MYST!PYING MAGIC EFFECTS! - 20% discount to pilots. Send stamped, self-addressed business envelope for catalog. Promotions Unlimited, 2334 Tampa Ave., Dept. HG, El Cajon, CA 92020. NOTICE TO B!DDER-DPR-1843 Sealed proposals will be received by the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of General Services, 512 N. Salisbury St., Room l 342, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 (mailing address: Post Office Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687) until 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 12, 1990. Immediately thereafter proposah wiH be opened and read for a concessionaire to administer hang gliding lessons at Jockey's Ridge Stnte Park, Nonh Carolina. Specifications and instrnctions rn.ay be obtained from the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natura1 Resources, Division of General Services, Post Office Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687, ATTN: Laird A. Davison. The State invites and encourages participation in this procurement by businesses owned by 1ninorities, women and the disabled. 1l1e State reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive infonnalitics. Laird A. Davison N.C. Department of Etwironment, Health and Natural Resources Division of General Services P.O. Box 27687 Raleigh, NC 27611-7687

dealer inquiries invited

THE AIRWORKS

3900 Van Buren NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505) FEBRUARY 1990

ATOL TRuck TowiNG & CROSS COUNTRY FlyiNG IN WEST TEXAS Wirl! LARRY TudoR ANd JOE Bosrik

884-6851

41


r-----------, Upg.rad9 Your

CLASSIFIEDS advanced, not suitable for beginners. Taken from motor home at Lake Crowley, CA, Sept. 17. $300 reward for recovery. CONTACT: Ernst Schneider, Brunsteinstr JI, D 8201 Raubling, West Germany, or: Gordon Link (415) 7830618, Hayward, CA. Harley Magic 10. Pink center, blue, green, yellow. Taken from truck in Yosemite Nat'! Park Sept. 1989. CONTACT: Simon Peck (303) 442-5876. Harley New Wave 250. Green, black & white. Stolen from car in Austin, TX, Aug. 1989. CONTACT: Dana Ellinger (512) 472-6679.

Hand-'Ihrc:wn, Chest-M)untecl Parachute with a R:x:':ket-Fast

BRS!

FOUND - FOUND - FOUND! On "E" launch in Elsinore, approximately 2 months ago-- Ball vario w/attaching Gerhart altimeter. Call to idenrify. Ron, (714) 629-8034. THERMAL GENERATOR SWEATSHIRT- Hot black, high quality 50/50. Flpink, flgreen, or golden yellow logo. This sweatshirt keeps you warm as it generates thermals! S,M,L,XL $19.95 plus $3.00 shipping. CA add 6.25%. Send check/money order to: Blue Horizons, P.O. Box 695, Goleta, CA 93116. Send for free catalog.

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.

USED PARAGLIDERS - Feral 8-cell; Eidelweiss 7-cell; ITV Aries-23 w/spced seat. All in excellent condition and priced to sell. Mark Shipman, 110 I Fuller St., Wenatchee, WA 98801 (509) 663-5238.

STOLEN: LEESBURG, FLORIDA - 5 miles south on northbound 27. July 8, 1989 an AXIS 15 - green, pink, and white with top surface all white, SER #A 15!0169 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, Florida 322 !0 (904) 388-0844. Reward of $400.00.

USHGA EMBLEM T-SHIRTS -The original, now into its third decade! $8.00 plus $2.25 shipping and handling. Colorado residents add 6.5% tax. Men's sizes in BLUE and TAN - S, M, L, XL. USHGA, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933 (7 J9) 632-8300.

RAVEN 149, RAVEN 179 - 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 !his service and lost and found wings or equipment may be called in to the office for immediate inclusion in Hang Gliding. Please do call to cancel the listing when gliders are recovered. Periodically, this listing will be purged. INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

ULTRA GOLD WJl\'GS - 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 desjgn custom and personalized wings, and offer satisfaction guaranteed. Contact Dave Morgan, 130 F St., Salida, co 81201 (719) 539-7612. Prices 14K S.S. French wires or stud earrings $129.00 $49.00 Necklace with chain 99.00 29.00 Pin 79.00 24.00 X-C FLIGHT LOG BOOK - Very clean, 64 pages. For those who like to document their flights. $3.95 plus $1.25 Sf H, USHGA, P.O. BOX 8300, Colorado Springs, CO, 80933. The rate for classified advertising 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. Please 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 I 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) 632-8300. STOLEN WINGS STOLEN CANOPIES AND EQUIPMENT - 2 Vollerie Soubeyrat/Magic 24 E. One all pink, one all yellow. Rated

42

New "Holster" Model

Advanced Air Technology ...................... 44 AirWorks ................................................. 41 Ball Varios .............................................. 33 Brede! Tours .............................................. I BRS ......................................................... 42 Hall Bros ................................................... 1 Hamilton ................................................. 30 High Energy Sports ................................... I Lindsay Ruddock .................................... 30 Lookout Mt. Flight Park ........................... 5 Morningside Hang Gliders ...................... 26 Mountain Wings ...................................... 33 OA USA .................................................... 6 Old Kings Flite Park ............................... 25 Pacific Airwave ..................................... BC Popstar ..................................................... 34 Ron Hurst ................................................ 34 Safari Mexico .......................................... 26 Seedwings ............................................... 10 Southern California HG Schools ............. 19 Sport Aviation Publications .................... 44 Summit Magic ......................................... 26 Tow Launch Systems .............................. 25 Transseas International ............................. 1 UP International ..................................... 2,7 USHGA ......................................... JFC,IBC Wills Wing ......................................... 35,36

You Suggested Changes. BRS Listened! BRS is pleased to incorporate your most popular suggestions into our latest version of rocketdeployed emergency parachute systems. You asked for another sty le of unit that could employ the common chest-mount location for the parachute. After a design and testing phase, BRS proudly offers the Holster model. We've worked with the best harness makers in the country to be sure their" BRS Option" met our demanding quality specifications. You can buy a harness from the following builders, with all the right modifications built in during manufacture. You can easily add a BRS Holster (rocket motor and activating system). Or ... your present harness can also be modified. CenterofGravity ((ElCXXJ)

W.tralight Eb3rirq 9.:Jftw3re (Pa.yrrrrl) Wi.llsWirg (Z-2) High Fmrgy Sp:xts Cla.rl:a.':€ (Chris Snith)

This 2-pound "Ultimate Option" can bring you the rocket-fast deployment that "saved" GeoffLoyns in the Owens. As Jeff says: What's most important is the time to line stretch, not just the speed of canopy filling. "The BRS is your best chance of survival."

,

MAKING FLIGHT SAFER

..::t,,i/.,;)'

BRS ••• 1845-HG Henry Avenue South St. Paul, MN 55075 612/457-7491 • FAX: 612/457-8651

I

~-----------~ HANG GLIDING


ST. PAUL, MN - Used to writing "1990" on your checks and letters yet? A new decade begins to unfold ... against a backdrop of the most astounding political changes of modern history. The effects of the so-called "democratization" of eastern Europe may have profound influence even on lil' ol' hang gliding. USHGA Boss" Jerry Bruning sent along a copy of a FAX to Prez Russ Locke. The letter from General Director Kakurin of Interaero requests info on the U.S. competition schedule for 1990. It seems Soviet pilots may plan to attend some contests. Interaero's duties for the Soviet HG Federation also include the inviting and receiving of foreign teams to its own competitions. Most notably Comrade Kakurin suggests the "Peace Cup" and the USSR Championships. The Peace Cup is in May; the Championships in July. ••• Also in the month of May, Brian Milton (remember him?) will kick off his Superleague. A new attempt at a truly professional hang glider competition circuit, Milton announced he's targeting a minimum of $40,000 in prize money. Apparently, the Forty Grand will be divvied up over three planned contests for 1990. The first is slated for Wales in May; two more to be announced. Meets #2 and #3 may be on-going contests that havn't previously had prize bucks. Milton will also entertain other new offers. Knowing how much trouble we Yanks have generating even our U.S. Nationals, I'd expect all these '90 Superleague events to take place in Europe. Top pilots will be consulted to assure their satisfaction, but Milton will be the principle pivot man, using his years of competition experience (you might recall he founded the British League) . Interested? You're already late ... entries closed 2/1/90. Entry fee is set at $650 for all three contests. More info in future "Product Lines." On contests yet, the '90 Nationals will be in the ominous-sounding location of Dinosaur Colorado (approximately midway between Denver and Salt Lake City). Organizationally, it appears off to a good start, thanks to Christine Reynolds. Since mentioned in last "PL," Reynolds has signed

up GW Meadows, prior Nats meet director and now shop manager for San Diego's Hang Gliding Center. The event from July 27 to August 5 has wide community and government support, offers predictably good weather, good launches and landings, and even a Hang Ori ver contest with an $800 purse (!).For more info: write Reynolds at PO Box 281, Conifer CO 80433. ••• Gosh, more contest poop. While I know it only appeals to perhaps 1 % of all Yooshga members, contests are one of hang gliding most visible elements. Since I'm interested in seeing our sport grow (at least, and perhaps most, modestly), contest coverage is beneficial. Anyway ... Jim (Mr. Green) Zeiset hopes to sponsor his own private team for the Brazilian pre-World Meet contest later this month. He plans to fund the "Brazilian Express" himself, through his business; and to select and coach a non bigname team of relatively inexperienced competition pilots (a kind of "control group,u perhaps?). Currently he's planning on all UP Axis gliders, CG 1000 harnesses, BRS rocket parachutes, plus other sponsoring vendors. He hasn't yet identified how he' 11 select his flyers. • • • Finally in some product news, parachute prices are soon going to jump. BRS, Wills Wing, and parachute builder Free Flight say the supply of the preferred canopy cloth is increasingly scarce. Wills is forecasting hand deploy price hikes of at least $125. All three businesses predict such increases before summer 1990. Though it may sound like the alleged oil shortage of the '70s, you might want to consider a new chute sooner than later. • • • Last, old timer Dave Rodriguez and wife Judy have sold their Wasatch Wings hang gliding shop and school. The buyer is Wasatch instructor Gordon Pollock and his wife Anne, effective November 1, 1989. They'll rename the business Thermal Dynamics and continue the good work Dave and Judy started. Pollock is a 15 year veteran of the sport whose has been Wasatch's main instructor for the last three years. ••• Hey, outta room again, so ... Got news or opinions? Send 'em to: "Product Lines," 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118, or call (days) 612 I 4 5 7 - 7 4 91 • FAX : 4 5 7 - 8 6 51 . THANKS 1

© 1990 by Dan Johnson FEBRUARY 1990

43


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

SALE!

·-·

SALE!

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"i·-

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INSTRUMENTS Afro Cross Country 8000 .. .. ..... $799.00 Afro Cirrus 8000 .............................................. $755.00 Afro Owens Valley 8000a.. .. ............. $755.00 Afro Cumulus 8000 ... .. ... $479.00 Digital Vario .... $199.00 Pocket Com bi, Vario Altimeter ............................. $399.00 Pocket Vario.. .. ............................. $199.00 Pocket Altimeter 1•1. Vario .. . ................... S 345.00 Pocket Altimeter, Digital ...................................... $255.00 Analog Air Speed Indicator ........................ $149.00 Camera Support .. .... .. ... S35.00 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 digital alt.. .. .............. $275.00 Aerocom Vario/altimeter .. .. ................ $425.00 Ball M 30 Wrist mount vario. .. ......................... $275.00 Maxon FM Radio, Portable ....... $319.00 Microphone ..... .. ...................... S39.00 PARACHUTES Ballistic BRS 4HG, free installation

... $749.00

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.O.D . . ............... $425.00 WW Cocoon, large, excellent condition ................ $300.00 HELMETS Aerodyne S,M.L .. Aerodyne S,M,L Long-tail .. Romer Comet (ear-opening) .. Romer Full Face .. Bell Helmets .

....................... $72.00 .. ................... $79.00 ..................... $103.00 . ..... $109.00 .. ............... $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 ····-·-· .. -·-· .. ··-·-···· .. -~II

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 151•1/20hrs. . ..... $1995.00 Wills Wing Cocoon, 6T ..................................... $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 Country 8000, factory 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: 1 (800) 222-6430 (outside California) VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Accepted Advanced Air Technology, Inc., 29 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 962-8999 FAX: (805) 964-3337 24 hrs.

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

Hang G Iiding Books by Dennis Pagen , • Hang Gliding Flying Skills • Details on: \..._,o~· "'Beginning to intermediate training * troubleshooting takeoffs * Lan,11 -rc,6 ~e,'i, ,\o~ ding problems Selecting equipment Glider maintenance * learning ~e ti.~~ to soar Traffic rules * complete index and much more! $9.95 '\'b ,_ \\>; ,'l-" • 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

~"',t~

*

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*

• Hang Gliding 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 com· petition or cross-country. * Learn about cross-country flying-How to fly further with safety. Flying at altitude * Also: Perfecting turns * Handling turbulence Using ridge lift Design concepts Parachutes * Performance tunHarness adjustment Competition and ing * Cardinal speeds much more! $6.95.

*

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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*

*

f SEND CHECK OR CASH TO:

I SPORT AVIATION PUBLICATIONS I P.O. Box 101 Ml NGOVI LLE, PA 16856 I Please rush me the books listed below: I QUANTITY

Flying Conditions($6.95) Hang Gliding Flying Skills ($9.95) Hang Gliding Techniques($6.95) O Powered Ultralight Flying ($11.95) D Powered UL Training Course($9.95) Save 10% order two or more books! Save-all five books for only 38.95! I Total amount for all books$ _ _ __ Postage and Handling $1.60 I Overseas airmail if desired ($4.00/book) TOTALENCLOSED - - - - - 1 SEND TO (Please Print) · NAME I ADDRESS I CITY,STATE _ _ _ _ _ _ __ I COUNTRY/ZIP J

I I I I

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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, 1990 edition. Required study material for ratings ........................................... $8.95 _ _ __ 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. 0

FREE USHGA LITERATURE O Membership Application o Merchandise Order Form 0 Lilienthal Award Application

O Rating Application. Circle H1 H2 H3 H4 O USHGA Basic Safety Regulations-Part 100 O USHGA Pilot Proficiency Program-Part 104

0 Accident Report Form 0 Public Relations Guide

Payment must be included with your order-check, money order or card account billing authorization. Charge my VISA or MasterCard account ($2.00 service charge): Account# Expiration Date:___/___/__ Signature___________________ Ship To: NAME_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _USHGA#_ _ _ __ ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ CITY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ STATE_ _ _ZIP _ _ __

Subtotal $ Colorado Residents_ _ _ _ __ 6.5% tax$- - - - - - Shipping $~2=25~--($1.25 shipping for orders $4.95 and under)

Charge Card

$_ _ __

Total Enclosed

$- - - - - - -

United States Hang Gliding Association, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933 (719) 632-8300


FIRST WE HAD A VISION'" THEN WE CREATED MAGICTM NOW WE REVEAL THE FORMULATM

Y

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.

Pacific AIRWAVE


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