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

• MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION • ,I111111·---------(Please Print)

CITY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _STATE_ __ ZIP _ _ _ _ _ _ PHONE( ONEWMEMBER

) _ _ _ _ __

SEX (M/F) _ __

0 RENEW I USHGA #_ _ _ _ _ _BIRTHDATE_ _ _~ - -

FULL MEMBER ANNUAL DUES: 0 1 year: $39.00 ($47 foreign*, $42 Canada & Mexico*) 0 2 years: $78.00 ($94 foreign*, $84 Canada & Mexico*) 0 3 years: $117.00 ($14 l foreign*,$ I 26 Canada & Mexico*)

* Foreign payments must be in U.S. FUNDS drawn on a U.S. BANK 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.

SUBSCRIPTION ONLY 12 issues of Hang Gliding magazine only 0 I year: $29.00 ($37 foreign*, $32 Canada & Mexico*) 0 2 years: $53.00 ($69 foreign*, $59 Canada & Mexico*)

FAMILY MEMBER ANNUALDUES: $19.SOforeachFamilyMember, who resides in my household. Each will receive all Full Member privileges EXCEPT a subscription to Hang Gliding magazine. NAME: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 0 NEW MEMBER O RENEW I USHGA # _ __

THREE-MONTH MEMBER 0 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.

0 3 years: $77.00 ($101 foreign*, $86 Canada & Mexico''') * Foreign payments must be in U.S. FUNDS drawn on a U.S. BANK 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

0 MasterCard

O VISA

$_ _ _ _

0 FULL MEMBER

$_ _ __

0 FAMILY MEMBER(S)

$_ _ __

0 THREE-MONTH MEMBER

$ _ _ __

0 SUBSCRIPTION

$_ _ __

Charge Card Service Charge Card No . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Ex. Date _ _ _ __

$. _ _ __

Total $_ _ __

Signature_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

QJ[NHlr[E[)) SlrAlr[E§ HANG Gl~[))~NG ASSND~ ~NCD P.O. BOX 8300, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80933 (719) 632-8300

revised 1/90

FIRST WE HAD A VISION'" THEN WE CREATED MAGIC'" NOW WE REVEAL THE FORMULA'"

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

DISTINGUISH YOURSELF••• VISA® GOLD CARD travel benefits and services provided at no extra cost, include: •Up to $ l ,000,000 Travel Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance. •Auto Rental Collision Deductible Reimbursement •Up to $3,000 Supplemental Lost Luggage Protection •Emergency Cash & Airline Tickets

Reward yourself with the uedft uni that gives you the recognition of being a member of United States Hang GUdfng Association. Accepted at 7 million locations worldwide, the USHGA VISAqi Gold card is one of the best credit cards available today because it gives you unmatched security, value and an edge infacing financial challenges. EnJoy the advantages of the USHGA VISA Gold card without risk ... it is issued absolutely free of an annual fee for one full year. The annual fee after the first year is a low $40 and the competitive Annual Percentage Rate is ju st l 7 .9%. Other distinct features include a line of credit up to $1 5,000 and immediate cash availability. Extensive VISA•isa looerally registeredTraoomaik of VISA lntematiooal, U.SA, Ire., used rrnsuml to license. MBNAAmericafl is an MNC Financial Company. This offe, is not illailable to Delaware Residrots.

APPLYTODAYl 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

1-800-847-7378

MBNA America."" Is one of the world's leading Issuers ofuedltcards. Committed to servicing our members' needs, MBNA America•m offers cardholders 24-hou r-year-round Customer Satisfaction, one hour processing for credit line increase requests, a lost card registration service and an emergency replacement card service. Call now to apply, or if you prefer, complete the application below and mail to: MBNA America~. P.O. Box

Be sure to use the priority code when calling: BOLD.

Ves l I

I wish to apply for the USHGA VISA"'Gold card with all the • benefits described above. Should my application for the VISA Gold card not be approved, this request constitutes my application for the Classic VISA, and I accept that on a periodic basis I may be considered for an automatic upgrade to the VISA Gold card at MBNA America's discretion. (Note: This is not an application for a corporate account.) (Please print.) 1

NAME _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

15464, Wilmington, DE 19885-9440.

MOTHER'S MAIDEN NAME _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

(For use when you request special action taken on yol.f account) CURRENT CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS

BOLD 06-743 17-064

MasterCarciz!WISA®Accountl - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - American Express@Account# - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1have read this entire application, agree torts terms, and certify the information is correct.

ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

HOME PHONE{ ARE YOU:

BUS. PHONE { Renting

O Own

O 8lf/ing

{Seal} APPLICANTS SIGNATURE

CITY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ STATE _ _ _ _ _ _ ZIP _ _ __

Date

Use thissection to request extra cards. If you wish an additional card issued to a co-applicant over 18

Monthly Payment$ _ _ _ _ __

years of age, complete the infonnation below.

SOCIAL SECURITY I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

CO-APPllCANTNAME _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

DATE OF BIRTH _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

RELATIONSHIP _ _ _~ SOCIAL SECURITY# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

PRESENT EMPLOYER _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

EMPLOYER _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ YRS. THERE

NATURE OF BUSINESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

ANNUAL P O S I T I O N - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SALARY$----

POSITION _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ YEARS THERE _ _ _ __ ANNUAL OTHER SALARY$ _ _ _ _ _ 1NCOME'$ _ _ _ _ _ SOURCE _ _ _ _ _ __ '{Alimony, child support, or separate maintenance income need not be revealed ~ you do not wish rt considered as a basis of repayment} PREVIOUS EMPLOYER _ _---;;-;-:---7."""--=-----,-----;----~-----{lf less than 3 years at C!Krent employment} PREVIOUSADDRESS _ _ _ _~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - {lf at present address less than 3 years.I Annual Foe

$40 Gold; $20 Classic

{Fee waived first year}

Grace Period Fw Repayment Of Balances For Purchases

OTHER INCOME•$ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ WORK PHONE { '{Alimony, child support, or separate maintenance income need notbo revealed~ you do not wish it considered as a basis of repayment} I have read this entire application and agree torts terms, and understand that I will be jointly and severally liable for all charges on the account. {Seal} CO-APPLICANT SIGNATURE

Date

I {We} authorize MBNAAmerica-to investigate any facts, or obtain and exchange reports regardingthi application or resulting account with credit reporting agencies and others. Upon request I {we}will be informed of each agency's name and address.

At least 25 Days from statement closing date

Transaction Feo For c.. h Advances, And foes For Paying Lato or Exceeding TIie Credit Limit

Trenseclion Fee For Bank and ATM CuhAdvances: 2% of e1ch Cssh Adv8!lce, $2. Minimum, $25 Maximum; Tranuclion Fee For Access Check C11h Advances: 1% al each Cash Adv8Clce, $2 Minimum,$10 Maximum. Lile Payment Fee: $15, Over-lle·Credit·Umit Fee: $15.

Average Daily Balance Annual Molhod o/ C11ff11utin; tho 17.9':b {including new purchases} Bol111ce for Purchasos Percent.Igo R1to The rilo1malron about the cost of the card desmbed n this appl<:at,on ,s accuate as of 3/90. This riformation may haw changed alter that date. To fr,d out what may have changed, call 1-800-847-7378.

Volume 20

CONTENTS

Issue No. 4

(USPS 017-970-20)

Columns

Features

36 USHGA Headquarters

21 'Chute Shots

by Jelf Elga,-t Meet the USHGA office staff.

by Dan Johnson illustrations by J elf Peltier Will your BRS deploy? A recent incident demonstrates the need to install the unit properly.

16 Accident Reports by Doug Hildreth A special report on fighting bad publicity.

26 Torrey Pines-The Best

56 Product Lines

Hang Gliding Site In The U.S.?

by Dan Johnson News on fallen sky gods in California, the E model Sensor, reopened Dying sites and more.

a,-ticfe and photos by John Heiney This famous site now offers more than ever, and provides a showcase for the sport.

33 Accelerated Training by Bill Wacha,-d A cost effective way to learn to fly. Includes a sidebar on the latest Southern California hang gliding craze: Condo Launching.

' J.~'

' _... ....

Page 26

Departments

41 A Breath Of Air by Glen Nicolet How do they breathe up there? A look al fly ing at altimde.

44 The Klingberg Wing by Rollin Klingberg What ever happened to the Klingberg Wing? Well, it's flying and it's very impressive.

Page 44

5 9 10 13 31 48 55 55

Airmail Consumer Advisory Update Calendar of Events Ratings Classified Advertising Index to Advertisers Stolen Wings

CO VER: DebrickBaskins over Yosemite , CA. Photo by Tom Sanders. CENTERSPREAD: John Heiney nies his promo g lider at Torrey Pines. CA. Photo by John Heiney. DISCL AIMER OF WARRANTIES TN PUB LI· CATIONS: The material presented here is published as part of an informaLi on dissemination se rvice for USHGA members. The USHGA makes no wa rranties or represen talions and assumes no liability concern ing the validity of any advice. opinion or recommendation expressed in the material. All individu als relying upon the material do so at their own risk. Copyright © 1990 Un ited States Hang Gliding Association, Inc . All rights reserved co 1/anf? Gliding and individual contributors .

APRlL 1990

Exclusive High Perfonnance Board Offer The O'Brien EJite keeps getting better. You can only order this incredibly low-priced package from Windsurfing By i\'\ail. This unique and brightly colored board is 10'8" and comes equipped with a high-tech rig. It is stable enough for light to medium wei ht beginners, ~tis fast and extremely fun for advanced sailors. Guaranteed to provide ~ars of enjoyment in all types of wind conditions.

Includes 6.3 Neil Pryde RAF sail, epoxy mast, adjustable boom, adjustable mast extension, fully retractable daggert>oard, skeg and footstraps.

' '' windsu ing

We deliver in less than a week!

Call 1-800- 843-7873

Call Windsurfing By i\'\ail today at 1-800-843-7873 and experience fast service (2- day delivery in most areas}, unbeatable quality and value. ORDER #3011032.

Gil Dodgen, Editor/Art Director John Heiney, Doug Rice, Leroy Grannis, Eric Raymond, Photographers Harry Marlin, Illustrator Tim Rinker, Design Consultant Office Staff Jerry Bruning, Executive Director Chris Soulard, Advertising Laurie Rodriguez, Member Services P.J. More, Office Operations Patti Gamara, Member Services Jett 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, Russ Locke. REGION 3: Bill Bennett, Sandy King, Gregg Lawless. REGION 4: Mark Mocho,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 l: Carl Boddie. REGION 12: Paul Voight, 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 Hong Gliding Association Inc. is a division of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) which is the official representative of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), of the world governing body for sport aviation. The NAA, which represents the U.S. at FAI meetings, has delegated to the USHGA supeNision 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 hang gliding methods and safety. Contributions are welcome. Anyone is invited to contribute articles, photos, and illustrations concerning hang gliding activities. If the material is to be returned, a stamped, self-addressed return envelope must be enclosed. Notification must be made of submission to other hang gliding publications. HANG GLIDING magazine reseNes the right to edit contributions where 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 (USPSO 17-970) is published monthly by the United States Hang Gliding Association, Inc., 102 N. Cascade Ave .. Suite 200, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903- 1402 (719) 632-8300. FAX (719) 632-6417. Second-class postage is paid at Colorado Springs, CO and at additional mailing of/ices. 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 Canada & Mexico, $47 foreign); subscription rates only are $29.00 ($32 Canada & Mexico, $37 foreign). 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.

April 1990

Volume 20, Issue No. 4

AIRMAIL SAFE PILOT Dear Editor, I'm a self-taught, unrated pilot with less than a month's flying experience. Recently, I purchased an old glider, rated for Hang IV pilots only, and known for its structural deficiencies and pitch stability problems. I took it to the local advanced site for a test flight, but since the wind was blowing 40 knots, gusting to 60, the local pilots weren't there. After a six-pack I decided to launch anyway, and after some wild oscillations was blown over the back. Just as the rotor was inverting me for the third lime, a huge funnel cloud came clown and sucked me up to over 20,000' MSL before spitting me out. Man, was I hypoxic! Well, I was so hypoxic that I flew right across an active military bombing range (boy, were they rnacl! ), and ended up over a major international airport. They routed the aircraft around me though, and although I nearly caused a mid-air between a light commuter and a 747, it was no sweat. After leaving the airport's restricted zone I was taking my helmet off for comfort, and accidentally dropped it. !Oops') The next clay the headlines said it went right through some family's roof and killed their clog. (Oops, again!) Anyway. I still had lots of altitude, so I decided to try doing my first loop. It went about like you'd expect, and soon I was spiraling down under what was left of my glider. (Those parachutes are just too expensive for me!) Just before I hit, a wingtip snagged on some power lines, breaking my fall. I jumped safely from the glider, but sparks from the wreckage started a fire that wiped out three city blocks, and on the news the next clay I heard that most of the eastern seaboard was blacked out for fourteen hours. So now some of the other pilots are mad at me, but I explained to them that according to the USHGA Safe Pilot Award program, my flight was perfectly safe. In fact, after only 99 more flights like that, I can apply for my Safe Pilot Bronze Award. I'm going to go work on my loops now, but you'll be getting my award application soon! Mike Emon Tucson, AZ

You forgot one thing. The al!'ard application 11111st be signed by three ll'illlesses and the Regional Director. ff they feel you do 1101 qua/if>' as a safe pilot then you ll'ill 1101 receive the m,•ard.-Ed.

OXYGEN Dear Editor, One safety topic which has not been aclclressecl relates to oxygen equipment and hang gliding. Katherine Y arclley' s article and a timely news release

from Rocky Mountain Glider Company reminded me that I intend to invest in such a system and that other pilots, as well as I, will have technical questions which need answering. In terms of the systems available, what size tanks are pilots currently using? I am excited about the tanks mentioned but have some concerns as to what they are made from. I need to know what this composite material is because, in Canada, regulations determine what pressure and O, concentrations can be used in particular tanks (i.e., at 50% concentration you would need at least double the flow rate to have the same effectiveness). Also, until I see the data on the tank I would be required to question the capacity, rated at 360 liters at 2200 PSI (although this is by no means impossible). What on/off systems are available? Most are right on the tank and would be unreachable and impractical in flight. Does the system allow you to turn off and regulate the flow remote from the tank') How easy is it to Ltse? What is the hose to the regulator made of and how does il allach to the medical post (post on top of the tank)? Does it require special attachments for refilling'' The following question probably rates a Safety Forum article on its own. How are pilots currently mounting their tanks? My Raymond pod (outstanding product) has storage capacity on the back but I cannot think of a more stupid place to put a tank. Any bacl landing would send the tank crashing through your chest. It would seem pretty difficult to secure a heavy metal tank to the keel, and would be wicked hard on it, especially on a hard landing. It would probably stretch the dickens out of your sail if mounted inside. I for one would really appreciate an article on this. Freel T.L. Wilson 1-!GAC Safety Director Victoria, BC, Canada f' II see ll'hat l can come up 1,·ith. !11 the mew1ti111e see Glen Nicolet'.1· article in this issue.-Ed.

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE Dear Editor, I just loved the beautiful colo1fol acl promoting Southern California and the schools there. It looks like a very effective acl. Bennett must have had something to do with it. Being located in upstate NY it is understandable that a lot of our pilots go to California in the winter. I myself go at least once a year as the winters here are long and cold, although some of the best flying for the committed pilots of Region 12 does take place during the winter months. In the spring and summer the Northeast transforms into a beautiful, colorful, picturesque place with lush grassy

AIRMAIL launches and landing areas. And thus the point of this letter. The photo in the "fly California" ad is actually a photo taken on one of Mountain Wings' training hills in mid-summer! The pilot deserves to be acknowledged. She is Aileen Musco of Waterford, NY and has been flying for several years. So, when summer comes around, come fly beautiful, wmn1 and sunny Ellenville Mountain in upstate New York, and thanks guys for using that photo. Greg Black Mountain Wings P.S. The UP ad featuring the Dream also depicts Aileen Musco. Both photos are by John Heiney.

FREE FLYING Dear Editor, I would like to commend Christine Reynolds for her fine article entitled "An Introduction to the l 990 U.S. Nationals-Dinosaur, Colorado" which appeared in the February 1990 issue of Ha11g Glidi11g. This is a good way to gain pat,icipation, provide details, and market the event. Dinosaur is a great site and should provide for a good Nationals. In reading through the at1icle it seems to be a well-planned event. It is apparent that a lot of thought has gone into the planning except for one item-NO FREE FLYING-which is the point of this letter. Whether this is a one-person or group decision, al best it is a poor decision. I sat down and tried to think up all of the reasons to prohibit general free flying, and came up with nine "excuses" of which none are valid. I then came up with ten reasons why free flying should be permitted. EXCUSES TO PROHIBIT GENERAL FREE FLYING: l) Free fliers will delay competition pilots from launching. This is not valid with competition pilot "bumping" rules and a rear-of-the-helmet sticker system indicating free flier or competition pilot. There were no problems at the last Nationals and the setup and launch areas were infinitely smaller when compared to Dinosaur. 2) Free fliers cause to much air traffic. If competition pilots cannot handle some air traffic then they should reconsider flying. At Telluride where they consistently have about 200 pilots, air traffic is not a major problem, and launching competitors runs smoothly as they have launch priority. More pilots in the air means more thermal and sink markers. 3) Free fliers will congest the setup area. Not valid as you could easily set up a thousand gliders at Dinosaur. 4) Free fliers will congest the launch corridor. If the launches are properly roped off far enough back and wide enough this will not be a problem. There would

be enough room to slide free fliers to the side as competitors exercise their "bumping" option. 5) Free fliers will clog the launch windows. Again, refer to excuse number one. Free flying could also be permitted before the launch window opens, and possible only during the last fifteen minutes of each hour. 6) Free fliers will cause too much vehicle parking congestion. Again, you could park a thousand vehicles at launch. So what if you have to carry your glider one hundred yards to the setup area. 7) Free fliers will cause too much radio chatter. You're going to have that problem anyway. 8) Free fliers cause too much extra work keeping track of their whereabouts. This is not the responsibility of the officials. Free fliers know the risks and should plan on taking care of themselves. 9) We just plain-old do not want to be hassled or bothered with free fliers. Well, that is your opinion. I have never found them to be a problem. How else do you expect to encourage and promote competition for up-and-coming pilots? Free flying tasks, or parts of tasks with competitors, give potential future competitors a way to judge their abilities and decide when to officially try competition. REASONS WHY FREE FLYING SHOULD BE PERMITTED: I) The more people who attend the event the more business generated for the locals. Assuming we behave ourselves, they might jump at the chance to invite us back in the future. 2) More pilots mean more vehicles and drivers which makes retrieval easier for everyone. 3) More vehicles and drivers also mean more frequent access to the plateau. 4) Free fliers provide a constant supply of wind dummies (sorry, wind technicians!) for current conditions. 5) Why single this event out? Free fliers have been welcome at major events provided they follow the rules. (Fiesch, Brazil Cup, last U.S. Nationals, etc.) 6) It costs money to run a meet. Charge a reasonable fee for free flying ($50-$70 for the week). No one flies without a helmet sticker which must be purchased. 7) Manufacturer representatives are usually present and ready to help someone part with their cash. Many pilots want to see and fly gliders that the competitors fly. 8) More pilots and their non-flying companions mean more bodies available to help (usually eager to help) with running the event. 9) I have not been to a meet yet where there was not a lot of stuff that one could buy, which helps out individuals and clubs. More pilots, drivers and companions mean more sales. 10) Finally, the last reason-and the most important one-is to help facilitate the experiences and build the confidence of up-and-coming competition pilots. Many pilots like to fly the tasks and compare

themselves to the ranks, to see if they are ready to invest the time, money and effort to officially enter competitions. I would encourage potential free fliers, competitors and any USHGA member to voice their opinions on this subject. I am looking forward to the Nationals and a good competition. I believe that this site has tremendous potential to produce a great Nationals. See you all in the setup area! Stephen Klause Arcadia, CA I'll voice my opinion. I think you're 100% right. 011e of the biggest complaints I hear from members is that there is too much competition coverage in the magazine. This is despite the fact that 1 have steadily reduced the percemage of competition articles in the magazi11e over the years (with the introduction of Competition Comer and a ge11era/ly-shri11ki11g emphasis). I thi11k many members would be happy if competition were never me11tioned in Hang Gliding. I believe this lack of interest is partly the result of what the average pilot perceives as elitism i11 the competition world. I obviously hm•e an obligation to cover the major even(s, and even minor ones when they are sanctioned by USHGA. The Association promotes and sanctions the Regionals,for example, mid those who plll 0111 the effort to organize and compete in these meets certainly deserve meillion in their sanctioning organization's p11blicatio11. I'm caught in the middle, and try to strike the best balance I can. Perhaps if more competitions not only allowed but encouraged free flying, the allitude of the average member would change.-Ed.

BREAKING THE RULES RESPONSE Dear Editor, This letter is in response to Glen Nicolet's letter to the editor in the March issue of Hang Gliding, "Breaking The Rules," and the accompanying related article, "FAR's, PCA & Hang Gliding." Glen is in objection to two points about my flight, these being the fact that I was not using oxygen and that I violated Positive Control Airspace. He also implies that I do not have a "clear understanding of FAR's" and that by violating the PCA I "compromised safety." First, regarding his assertions that I am just an ignorant hang glider pilot, and don't know my FAR 's, I would like to put it on the record that I am also a competent airplane pilot and passed both the private and instrument written exams with scores in the 90's. This is something that is not clone by taking the FAR's lightly. I have several rebuttals to the charge that I

HANG GLIDING

AIRMAIL should be using oxygen above 11,000 feet. The first one should be obvious to someone professing to know their FAR's so well. FAR Part 91.32 requires the pilots of civil aircraft with United States registration to use oxygen above 14,000 feet, and for all time in excess of 30 minutes above 12,500 feet. This rule clearly does not apply to hang glider pilots unless the glider is registered as a civil aircraft with an N number. There are no regulations stating his 11,000foot figure, so [ can only assume that this is an altitude where Glen feels that he personally needs oxygen. This may indeed be the case. Many people who live at low altitudes or have the habit of smoking, and keep their bodies in a less-than-athletic state, could literally pass out at 14,000 feet, and would be well advised to use oxygen abo\'e 11,000 feet. In contrast, I live at 5,500 feet, am in excellent physical condition, and have never touched a cigarette. I have been flying hang gliders for nine years and from experience know that I don't start feeling the effects of the lack of oxygen until above 15,000 feet. I only bring up this point to show that viewpoints can be distorted depending on who is doing the judging. There is no one set altitude that applies to all pilots and this safety margin must be judged by the individual pilot. I do not subscribe to setting oxygen use limits of any kind for hang glider pilots. Even though I strongly value my freedom of choice, I recognize the benefits of using oxygen and do use it. I used it on both of my record flights in 1989 and find that the use of it greatly reduces fatigue during the flight as well as at the end of the clay. The fact that I neglected to mention it in the article is of no consequence, and in no why does it constitute "breaking the rules." As for the accusation that I violated the PCA, I admit that my article stated that I reached 19,000 feet twice. That was a typographical error that slipped past me and the editor, and I apologize on that account. But the statement that it was "a clear-cul violation" is simply wrong. It is wrong because in the real world of hang gliding it is impossible to accurately determine your true altitude, either in flight or in retrospect, by using a barograph. The fact is that ever-changing differences in barometric pressure, temperature and humidity can change the readings on an altimeter up to 1,000 feet either way. This fact is more significant to the trace on the barograph, because unlike the altimeter there is no adjustment on it to allow setting it to a known altitude, and the altitude it indicates is very seldom if ever the true altitude. Glen states that, ''His barograph chart shows that he exceeded 18,000 feet three times during the flight." Since the trace of my barograph is so accessible this should be easy to verify. The fact is that the chart shows I reached an approximate altitude of 18,000 feet twice and 18,500 feet once. The chart also states plainly, "altitudes shown for approximation only." It is clear that the launch elevation on the

APRIL 1990

trace is shown as 9,500 feet, when in reality it is 9,100 feet. Subtract this initial 400-foot error from the indicated altitudes in question, and we find that there is only one time when the chart shows that I could have been in violation of the PCA, and that by only JOO feet for a few minutes. By taking into account that the pressure, temperature and humidity were no doubt different at the time of the alleged infraction, the obvious conclusion is that it would be impossible to tell if I had indeed violated the PCA, either in afterthought or while actually in flight. In any event it is definitely not a "clear-cut violation·· as Glen has stated. Glen implies that by flying on the fringe of altitude requirements I "compromised safety." I can't speak for the rest of the country but I am an expert on Wyoming, and I know for a fact that flying slightly above l 8,000 feet does not increase the risk of encountering other aircraft by the slightest bit. In fact, it is far safer to maintain as much altitude as possible at all times. In Wyoming 90% of private planes fly within 4,000 feet of the ground, and most military traffic is within 1,000 feet of the ground. In fact I saw three B-1 bombers on my last world record flight and they were all traveling in excess of 400 mph at below l ,000 feet AGL. The majority of the remaining traffic operates above 25,000 feet, leaving a zone from 12,000 feet to 25,000 feet virtually traffic free. [ have always been a safety-conscious and honest pilot, and when I am in the wrong I admit it. I admit that my article miss-stated my altitude; that is plainly visible to anyone taking the time to look at the barograph trace. But I strongly reject the accusation that I "violated the rules, FAR 's," or obtained rny record by some "illegal means." And furthermore I suggest that in the future, before attacking and falsely accusing fellow pilots of illegal acts, someone with Glen's professional qualifications and professed expertise should take his own advice and avoid publishing articles which are, in his own words, "irresponsible and neglectful."

resides in the "public" domain, that is, the citizens of the U.S. Supposedly the government agencies which police and regulate them are just our stewards. We as the USHGA have no authority to dictate who can and cannot use the land. The only supposedly firm ground we can stand on in keeping a pilot from flying at a regulated site (of which only a few of our "long-term established flying sites" are) is safety and insurance or lack thereof. Let's face it, paragliding has and is showing itself to be a "safe" sport and they have our insurance. So let ·em fly. The worry that paragliclers could close our sites is groundless. In fact we (hang gliding) have clone an extremely good job of closing our own sites over the years. It'll take paraglider pilots a long time to get as good as we are at this. Actually though, our usual problem is that of a government agency not realistically assessing our sport, and saying "no" to our activities. A good example is Eel Levin. It is ironic that Mr. Lockwood is one negatively-opinionated individual who happens to work for "our" national park system. And you 're wondering why we keep having such a hard time with these national agencies. Maybe employees and supervisors in these agencies have to take a course like "Negative 101" before they are hired. Let's all loosen up a bit and realize that we fly hang gliders and paragliders to have fun anyway. Let's not be bigoted toward paraglidersjust because they're more square than we are, and because their mothers dress them funny. Also, for those of you who are having trouble defining the difference between a hang glider and a paraglicler I suggest you look in your USHGA Information Handbook on page 12, Part 100, Subpart A, Paragraph B. John Ryan, Region 3 Examiner San Diego, CA

SWASHBUCKLING ATTITUDE Kevin Christopherson Casper, WY

PARAGLIDING TOLERANCE Dear Editor, [ hope everyone was as pleased with the paragliding article by Dennis Pagen in the March issue as I was. I also hope everyone feels as I that Roger Lockwood's letter to the editor was extremely negative and that thoughts like these have no place in our organization.

Lockwood believes that "we" should not allow paragliding at our sites. Whose sites is he referring to·, To my knowledge the USI-IGA owns no sites. Also, very few individual hang glider pilots own any sites. Basically hang gliding site ownership

Dear Editor, I feel that I must respond to the letter from Erik Kaye in the March issue. His statement (in response to a letter from Pete McEvoy) that "Colorado pilots will never be tamed by California's spineless society or the milk-toast flyers that can't fathom the 'eight hours bottle to throttle' rule" shows an extreme lack of judgement ancl maturity. Pete l'v!cEvoy may not speak for all California pilots, but he certainly speaks for me when he stresses the importance of not drinking anct flying, attending pilot briefings, and not landing in restricted areas. In three of my last four clays of flying a pilot has not made the LZ and has had to land out. Each of these events was avoiclable, and any one of them could have led to the Santa Barbara Air Traffic Control Tower refusing to open the ARSA for fu-

r-----------, Upgrade Your

AIRMAIL

ture flights. Our sport has already had enough bad press and we certainly clon 't need an angry landowner screaming at the FAA to ban us from the sky. Mr. Kaye's swashbuckling attitude is admirable in a pilot who obviously flies close to the edge. It is also archaic in a world where sites are constantly being closed because of negative public opinion. The loss of even one launch or landing site is one too many. The only way we will be able to keep our remaining sites is to convince the rest of our society that we are indeed responsible pilots who use good judgment on all of our flights. I hadn't realized that I was a member of a spineless society, but I do know that with the help of my fellow pilots I will be able to continue flying at some of the best sites in the world. As for Mr. Kaye's final sentence, "Keep quiet and look stupid or speak up and leave no doubt," I will avoid stating the obvious. Bill Odom Santa Barbara, CA

FLIGHT SCHOOL KUDOS Dear Editor, A while ago I had occasion to go to Torrey Pines Flight Park where I met Joe-Bill, Ken and John Heiney. That same day John gave me the ground school for a tandem flight, and I made the flight a few days later when it was soarable. I enjoyed myself so much that I decided to take lessons. I have been treated like a king by all the staff whenever I have gone to Torrey, with especially good attention from these three. The tandem flight with John Heiney was an experience I'll not soon forget. I'm looking forward to visiting this establishment in the future and recommend it to all I meet. John Kilnapp San Diego, CA

See John f-leiney's article 011 Torrey in this issue.Ed.

TAHOE/RENO REGULATIONS Dear Editor, The Sierra Skysurfers will be issuing stickers through High Sierra Sports, Carson City, NV for the following sites: Slide Mt., McClellan Peak, Peavine Mt. and Red Rock Ridge. One sticker for $20 per year covers all. The benefits to club members (sticker holders) are: site guide for regulated areas, advice, help and direction for all local areas, transportation and lodging assistance. The sticker will be issued at High Sierra Sports, 2303 I\. Carson St., Carson City, NV.

We have been fortunate over the years to have earned the support and cooperation of the state and local communities. We plan on preserving and extending our good will in the area by providing a much needed guide service to visiting pilots. So please come and enjoy our area but stop by first at the shop for registration and directions.

Hand-Thrown, 1 Chest-Mounted :Parachute with a : Rocket-Fast I BRS! I I

Ray Leonard Carson City, NV

UTAH REGULATIONS Dear Editor, We here in Utah, as in many other areas across the country, are coming under ever-increasing scrutiny by landowners, public officials and governing authorities concerning our flying activities and sites. We arc being squeezed totally out of some sites and may face restrictions at others. In the past, membership in the Utah Hang Gliding Association was required to fly the Point of the Mountain, near Sall Lake City. Non-members were assessed a daily fee and required to sign a liability waiver. But the system proved unworkable so we have implemented some changes for the future. ANY PILOT PLANNING TO TRAVEL TO SALT LAKE CITY WHO INTENDS TO FLY AT THE POINT NEEDS TO BE AW ARE OF THESE CHANGES. Any pilot, hang glider or paraglider, must be a cmTenl member of both UHGA and USHGA. This applies to any length of stay. Dues in UHGA are $20 which includes a number of benefits. We urge anyone who plans to fly here this year to save themselves any delay or confusion upon arrival by applying for membership right now through the mail. An application and information package will be sent to you upon request. Please direct your inquiries to: Utah Hang Gliding Assn. Attn. Membership Application P.O. Box 757 Draper, UT 84020 If you choose to wait until you are actually here in SLC you must contact a local club member and fill out the necessary form and pay your fee before you .fly. David Jones Vice President, UJ-IGA

New "Holster" Model

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 style ofunit 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.

Center of Gravity (CG1000) Ultralight Soaring Software (Raymond) Wills Wing (Z-2) High Energy Sports Cloudbase (Chris Smith) 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

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

~-----------!I HANG GLIDING

CONSUMER ADVISORY AEROBATIC STRUCTURAL FAILURES

n Friday, February 23, at 9:00 a.m., Wills Wing designer Steve Pearson pulled up very rapidly in smooth air from a very high speed (estimated 85 mph or greater) dive and broke the right crossbar half on a stock HP AT 158 he was test flying. Steve deployed his hand-deploy parachute, but did not get full inflation of the chute before impacting the ground. He hit very hard, and suffered a combination fracture and dislocation of the left hip. Steve was wearing a helmet. He is out of the hospital and will be okay. This is the sixth incident we know of, involving four different models ofHGMA-certified gliders which pass the HGMA positive load test by significant margins, in which gliders have suffered positive-load crossbar failures during very high speed positive maneuvers. This incident is of particular interest, however, as it involves a glider with very high demonstrated positive strength and a pilot in the lower 1/3 (175 lbs. hook-in weight) of the certified weight range. The HGMA positive load test requirement is for at least three seconds at 65 mph at the root stall angle of attack without structural failure. The HP AT 158 went to 80 mph on the vehicle in this test before the crossbar failed. To the best of our knowledge, only two gliders have been tested to higher speeds on the vehicle, the 1988 HP II (2.5" crossbars, 82 mph without failure) and the 1990 HP AT 145 (83 mph without failure). Three years ago, most everyone assumed

that a glider which passed the HGMA 65 mph positive load test could not be broken under positive load. Two incidents of structural failures in 1987 proved that wrong, as two gliders which went to more than 70 mph on the vehicle failed in flight. Following those incidents the assumption was revised to: a pilot hooking in at 200 lbs. or less cannot cause a positive load failure on a glider that goes at least 78 mph on the vehicle. Two incidents within the last year have now proven that assumption wrong as well. There is only one reasonable assumption left, and it is this:

High Performance Hang Gliders are no different from any other aircraft; they have operating limitations, and those limitations MUST BE ADHERED TO for safe operation. The most important limitations that relate to these incidents are: first, the prohibition against aerobatic maneuvers, and second, the placarded VNE (velocity never to exceed) speed. The HGMA sets the VNE at the lesser of 70% of the positive load test speed or l 00% of the negative 30° load test speed. For most HOMA-certified gliders, the placarded VNE speed (speed never to exceed) is the minimum required value of 46 mph. A few gliders have higher placarded VNE speeds. For example, VNE for the HP AT 158 is 50 mph and for the HP AT l 45 it is 55 mph. However, the 158 and 145 are also placarded with a lower ma11e11veri11i I rough air speed, the maximum speed at which abrupt maneuvers should be made or at

which the glider should be flown in rough air. This speed is 46 mph for the 158 and 50 mph for the 145.

DO NOT DO AEROBATICS IN HANG GLIDERS! We believe that pilots who operate properly-maintained gliders, which meet or exceed HGMA certification requirements, within both the placarded limitations and the manufacturer's recommended operating limits have no significant chance of experiencing a positive-load structural failure in flight. There is nothing about this, or any other recent incident, which indicates otherwise. There is a way to increase the crossbar strength on the HP AT I 58~to substitute 2.5" by .049" 6061 T6 tubing for the 62mm x .9mm 7075 T6 tubing that comes standard on the glider. This substitution adds 2.44 lbs. to the glider weight, and does cause a slight but noticeable difference in the handling feel. This option is available for pilots purchasing new HP AT 158's, and is also available as a retrofit for pilots who presently own an HP AT 158. Please see your Wills Wing dealer for details if you are interested. The placarded limitations on gliders fitted with this option will remain the same, and this modification will in no way preclude the possibility of a structural failure if the glider is operated outside the placarded limitations. Pilots interested in aerobatics are encouraged to avail themselves of aerobatic instruction in aircraft which are FAA certificated for that purpose. No hang glider is so certificated. •

Advanced Air Technology - Price List INSTRUMENTS Afro Cross Country 8000 .. .. .... $899.00 .. .... $855.00 Afro Cirrus 8000 . Afro Cumulus 8000.. ...... $479.00 Pocket Combi, Vario Altimeter ....................... $399.00 Pocket Vario . .. ..... $199 Pocket Altimeter w/ Vario . ...... $345.00 .. ...... $35.00 Camera Support . Compass 48mm . . ....... $49.00 Speed Rings.. ........ $12.00 Ball 652 from . . .... $575.00 Ball 651 from .. . ....... $475.00 .. ................................ $275.00 Ball M21 digital alt. Ball M30 Wrist mount vario ............................ $275.00 .. .... $319.00 Maxon FM Radio, portable . Microphone ................................... $39.00 Brauniger Vario LCD . .. ............................. $215.00 .. .... $425.00 Brauniger Allo Vario P2 .... Brauniger Alto Vario LCD V .......................... $515.00 .. ... $852.00 Fly Tech Data Flight . PARACHUTES Ballistic BRS 4HG. tree installation .

...... $749.00

High Energy 20·gore . High Energy 22-gore .

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

HARNESSESS High Energy Sports Cocco on ....................... $295.00 High Energy Sports POD .. ...................... $425.00 CG t 000 Harness .. .. ..................... $490.00 .. ..................... $349.00 UP Harness . .. HELMETS Aerodyne S.M.L.. ........................ $72.00 Aerodyne S,M,L long tail ......................... $79.00 Romer Comet (ear opening) ......................... $103.00 Romer Full Face. .. .................... $109.00 .. ..................... $109.00 Bell Helmets .... Poly HG Nelmet DOT approved ....................... $69.00 NEW GLIDERS Moyes XS .. UP Axis. Delta Wing Light Dream .. Delta Wing Super Dream .. WW Sport ..

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

Magic Kiss .. UP Comet Ill ..

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

USED GLIDERS Moyes XS .. Magic XV 155 Full Race all options .. WWHP ........ . WW Duck 180 ... UP Axis. demo ..

.. ........ $2495.00 .. ....... $1450.00 .......... $1200.00 .. .......... $695.oo .. ....... $2490.00

MISCELLANEOUS 20-Gore HE Chute .. .. .. .......... $220.00 UP Axis 15 w/20 hrs .. .. .. ........ $1995.00 Bill Benne« light-Weight Harness .. .. ......... $129.00 High Power Compact-Flares .. .. ......... $59.00 . ............ $20.00 Stubai Steel Carabiners .. Afro Cross Country 8000. .......... $600.00 factory reconditioned .. Afro XC 8000. dealer demo. never flown ........ $769.00 Afro Cirrus 8000. dealer demo. never flown ... $749.00 .. ............ $89.00 Maxon Voice-Activated Mike . .. ............ $49.00 PRO 2 Personal Oxygen Tank .. .. ............ $36.00 Hand Fairings ..

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.

APRIL 1990

Members arc reminded two new insurance benefits, glider thcf't and participant accidcnl insurance - $3,500 the rt coverage and $5,000-$10,000 accidcnlal death bcncl'il payments. Call (719) 632-8300 J'or details or an application. Deadline 10 enroll is July I, l 990. Sec nrcgg l.awlcss' article in tl1c FdJ. 1990 issue on page 31L

ALTlTlJl)E Roberts (;Jider lnstn1mcnts has identified a component which ii' installed, could cause excessive altimeter drift. l'ilols with hn,adpans having serial numbers between 4323MO and ~-535CB can obtain the necessary modil'ication and recalibration FREE by UPS-ing the unit to 3340 Cliff Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93109.

OWENS COMPOSITES "SWIFT" Ul'DATE

sail matcrials. l'orlahility is excellent, since the wings can he separated and handled i11dividually. The design has swing-out ribs and the sail rolls up into a neal package for transport. Setup time should he faster than conventional high pcrl'ormancc !'Jex wings. Since the first rwws releases in "Hang (]Jiding" magazine, Owens Composites has received an excellent response from pilots interested in a foldable rigid wing design. Construction of' tl1c tooling molds and prototype was based on this response. The company has begun a newsletter that will be published regul:ll'ly, detailing progress on the design. For 111ore information and future newsletters pkasc contact: Owens Composites, I 0,000 Trumbull SE, Albuquerque, NM 871

OREGON TOlJRISM COUNCIL GIVES $2,000 (;JUNT TO LAKF COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMlmCE TO PROMOTE BANG The desigucrs and engineers at Owens Com-positcs, Kent Owens, Steve Hill and Gordon Grimm arc pleased to announce that the "Swift" rigid wing hang glider has entered the testing phase. The all carbon-fiber wing has hce11 succcssJ'ully test f'lown and is now being evaluated !'or stability, lif'l/drag figures and related data. The company has contract<:d with Ultralitc Products ol' Lake Flsinore, California for the use or 1hcir computerized testing vehicle. J. C. Brown is in charge of the testing progra111 and will lie working closely with Mitch Mci\lecr or UP as the "Swii't" is put through the exhaustive testing procedure. ['ull compliance with the certification standards of the llang CJlidcr Mam1 · J'acturcrs Association is the objective. The "Swil't" l'caltm,s carbon-f'ihcr D--scction leading edges, keel and ribs. The airfoil is a laminarflow syn1111c1ric section selected fro111 the NACA M series. l'lanform f'igmcs show a I nose angle, an aspect ratio or 9: l and a 1/i---f'oot span. Since the "Swift" utilizes aerodynamic surfaces (rudders) for directional :md glidcpath control, it will be classified as a Class II wing in Fi\! competition. Although small, with 144 square J'cct ol' wi11g area, the glider is expected to perform at n highly efficient level, owing 10 the lack ol' top rigging and the well--def'incd, low twist, IOO'Yr, double-surface airJ'oil. Weight for the prototype is 82 lbs., although reductions arc expected by employing lighter weight Kevlar/Mylar

GUDIN(; In what is believed 10 be a first in the state, the Oregon Tourism Council has given the Lake County Clrnmhcr of Commerce a $2,000 grant lo promote hang gliding in 1hc Lakeview, OR area. The grant, which came f'ro111 lottery 111m1cy and was awarded in Dccen1ber, will he used by the chamber to make posters, videotapes, signs and brochures. The: sites to be promoted arc the new Forest Service South J\hert Rim launch access, plus North Ahcrt Rim, Black Cap (due east and overlooking 1.akcview), :111d Doherty Slide, cast ol' Lakeview on Highway 140 _just before 140 enters Nevada. The Rogue Valley Ilang Gliding Association has bcc11 making Annual "Lakeview Expeditions" since I 97(,, two years artcr Chris Price hricl'ly held the world open distance record of 1'.l rnilcs at Doherty Slide. I .akevicw's sole hang glider pilot, US!](];\ and RV! JC.A member ( ,n,g Chrislcnscn, first l'lew there on standard Rogallos with Doug l lildrcth (now the US! IUA Safely Director and RVHGJ\ Flight Director), and oil1cr mid 70's pilots. The annual RVIIUA Lakeview trips, usually over the July 4th holiday, have become increasingly popular. The RVI J(ii\ has been promoting both the beauty or the area all(l thc fun, family atmosphere or these "safaris" througl1 their newsletter exchanges. In I 989 no fewer than 18 pilots made the trip from as f'ar Port-lnnd, Oregon, and Sacramento, California. (Sec '"I 'he

Umpteenth Annual Lakeview, Oregon Fly-In," by Jules (iilpatrick, 1/ang (Jfiding, Nov., I 989.) They and tlwir l'amilics have made a noticeable tourism i111pac1, and members have been pointing out where the f'lycrs were from and why they were in Lakeview. Greg, Doug and RV! IGJ\ Treasurer/former Ridge R11mu•r editor Dave Baleria then began writing and talking with I ,akcvicw Chamber members. Doug, Greg and Dave mcl with chamber officials, the 11cwspapcr editor, and both BLM and Forest Service officials on January 26, I 990. The need J'or better launcl1 access was discussed as the key to much greater potential hang gliding tourism inter-est. Dave also notiJ'ied area pilots and other associations or the nc:cd to support the South Aberl Ri111 development proposal with letters to the I ,akcview Forest Service hcl'orc the l •ch. I st deadline. Region I Director Gene Mathews and Region 5 I )irector Mike King, Northern Calit'ornia Sky Master's President Jim Dowli11g and others sent exccllenl supporting lclters. The spectacular J\IJert Rim north of' I ,akeview in particular lacked good launch accc.s;, ror the predominant southwest wind direction. That part has now been solved with a new Forest Service mad lo a northwest- 10 southwestfacing knob in the S. J\bcrt Rim bowl. Hfforts continue to get I ,akcview to extend the Black Cap road to the west spine and build a ramp there. The proposed Abert Rim Wilderness designation proposal endangers Ilic cxisti11g N. Abert Rim launch, and efforts arc being made to slightly reduce or corridor the 11orth boundary. The Rogue Valley llang Gliding Association plans its "\J111pteentli Lakeview Fly-in" again this July 4th through 8th. Contact Greg, Christensen, P.O. Box 17, Lakeview, OR 97630 (503) 947-443'), f'or details on f'lying Ilic spl,ctaC11lar sites there, and plan to join this fun, family fly--in for plenty oJ' desert-type X-C, 7.2-mile Alx,rt Rim ridge flying, and late afternoon glass-offs to I 0,000+ rcct.

PARACllllTE SWIVEL

In Ilic past year or so there have been numerous parachute deployn1cnts in which the spinning glider has wound the bridle line so tight that it has collapsed tile parachute. In response to this Golden Wings has introduced the Para-Swivel. The swivel was designed and is built by locksmith I machinist I hang glider pilot J<u11 Rohr. It is HANC: Gt.tl)INC

attached to the end of the existing bridle line and packed inside the parachute container. A cxten· sion bridle is then attached 10 the other end of the swivel and nm to the carnbincr. This ex1c11sio11 increases the overall length of the bridle to help get the parachute further away from the wing tips. The Para-Swivel weighs 6 oz., and is I 1/4" in diameter and 5" long. The main cup and bullet ends arc made of high-strength 2024 alu111i11urn, and contain a Torrington/Fafner thrust hearing. Stainless steel shackles arc held in place with stainless steel screws which in turn arc secured with set screws. The only part that has any rust potential is the bearing which is packed in grease, fully en· closed in the cup and bullet, and is packed inside the parachute container. All exposed parts arc smoothed and polished to prevent any cutting or entanglement in the event of a deployment. ']'.!1c entire bridle system and swivel was tested at the Colorado School of' Mines Materials Testing Laboratory. The complete system withstood 4,t\00 lbs. bcf'orc bridle failure. The swivel itsclf'withstood 5,800 lbs. before l'ailurc ol'thc stainless steel shackle. The swivel was still intact. The bridle extension is designed to increase the length of' the parachute bridle and to protect the original bridle from wear and l JV damage since it remains in the container. Introductory price $79, bridle extension $10. Contact: noldcn Wings, 1108 Miners Ally, Golden, CO 8040 I (103) 278-7181. Dealer inquiries arc welcome.

SPORT A VII\.TlON INTROIHJCES NEW l'i\ll/1.GLIDJNG BOOK

turc tips, special outlines and training aids for beginner 10 soaring pilots. The book includes: nine chapters, three appcn-diccs, a glossary and index. Topics covered include: background or the sporl, equipment, weather, beginner, novice and intenncdiale skills, !'light rules, soaring, X-C, towing, tandem and more. Price $19.95 plus $.90 postage. Contact: Sport Aviation Publications, P.O. Box IOI, Mingoville, PA l 6856.

MEMllERSHJP RENEW AL When it comes time to renew yom member-ship, please don't wait until your expiration date to renew, or you will have "lapsed" time on your insurance coverage and you will probably miss an issue of' llm1g U/iding (a trnurnatic thought)! Avoid all that stress and don't wait till the last 111omcnl ! Renew at least 1.5 months before your expiration date. This way, your membership can go through normal processing and your insurance cov-eragc remains in tact. Also, you won't have to worry about missing YOUR copy of llang (l/iding.

WILLS WING HP AT 145 RELEMHm Wills Wing, Inc. announces the release of a new, smaller size of the HP AT-the l!J5. The 145 offers the same f'light characteristics, performance and features, including AT hardware, faired wing lips, and lever VG system, as the HP AT 158, but with its smaller span and smaller size control bar it is optimized !'or smaller and lighter weight pilots. The l!P AT 145 was IIGMA certified on February 27th, and is now in full production. Demo flights arc available from se.lc.ctccl Wills Wing dealers. HP AT 145 Specifications 33' T' Span Aspect Ratio 7.5 65 lbs. Weight Pilot Weight l 35 235 lbs. US1!(1A rv Pilot Skill Positive Load Vehicle Test Speed 83 mph Maneuvering Speed 50 mph VNE (never exceed) 5:i mph

Sport Aviation Publications is happy to announce its new book, l'amgliding Flight. The book l'catmcs a fom-color cover photo and over 140 pho-tos and il111strntions. The more than 200 pages J'ea-

Al'RIJ.1990

ADVANCEll AIR TECH DISTRIBUfES BRAlJNIGER Advanced Air Technology, Tnc. has hcen appointed as the exclusive distributor for Brmmigcr flight instruments. Braunigcr's newly designed light· weight instrnments feature an LC-display for the variometer and the altimeter. They use "unbreakable" ABS plastic and arc radio-frequency shielded. They also come with a full 12-mouth warranty. Contact: Advanced Air Technology, Inc., 29 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93 IO I (805) %2-8999.

ERIC rm REYNIER--1903-1989

Eric de Rcynicr, about whom 1/ang Gliding published a Pilot Profile article a couple of years ago, suffered a stroke and passed away in an Oakland hospital last September at the age or 86. r Jc had been hang gliding for close lo 15 years and stopped rlying only recently."[ knew l had the greatest uncle in the world when he told me he was going lo take up hang gliding at age 71," James de Rcynier, Eric's youthful nephew recalls. Any doubt the instructor might well have had about Eric's old age and ability, back in 1974, was quickly dispelled when he saw Eric leaving on his 1200cc motorcycle af'tcr signing up f'or the first lesson. It was pure hard work during the next few months, carrying a standard Rogallo up the slope for many a short flight. To make the training less ardu-ous Eric fashioned a vehicle made of bicycle wheels to carry the unassembled glider to the setup area before each training session. Months later Eric graduated to high altitude f'lights and went to the 3,000f'ool Big Sur launch overlooking scenic Tlighway I, mort: than I 00 miles south of San Francisco. The altitude wasn't :my problc111, Eric recalled, hut f'lying for the f'irst time over so many trees was scary. A native San Franciscan, r,:ric started working in the entertainment business in Los Angeles, play-· ing piano in the early thirties. Soon he found himself' in turbulent Shanghai, still playing piano until the late 19:lO's when events started to pick up steam. Eric had to leave his Shanghai hotel in a hmry, finding his way out the front door "through piles of' bodies on the street," the victims or one of many aerial bombardments the port city was enduring at the time. After returning to California I!ric joined the Scabees and was assigned to the South l'acil'ic dming WWII. Until the end or his flying days, about a year ago, Eric's favorite Bay area l'lying site was J/1. Funston, where he became a permanent fixture on

UPDATE any day there was a good westerly. The site was only a short ride from his comfmtable East Bay, Albany high-rise condo, decorated with a lifetime collection of rare Asian mt works. Eric also remained faithful to his single-surface Harrier 147 which he believed to have a better climb rate than several of the double-surface wings he had tried. Eric's safe and long hang gliding career can certainly be attributed to his conservative approach to the sport. His motto: "When you feel that conditions, personal or weather-wise, are not right, don't launch-no matter what anybody else is doing." -by Jim Nye

HOBBS HANG GLIDING FESTIVAL Hobbs, New Mexico, home of the Soaring Society of America, is hosting its first-ever hang gliding festival, July 6-8, 1990. The event will feature both novice (duration, spot landings and bomb drops) and X-C competition. Launch will be by tow. Contact: Hobbs Chamber of Commerce, 400 N. Marland, Hobbs, NM 88240 (505) 397-3202.

SECOND GENERATION Brian Lawless, age 11 and son of Region III Director and USHGA Secretary Gregg Lawless, has received his Beginner rating. Although it took him several months since his first solo flight; it is believed that he is the youngest rated pilot in San Diego, CA. Brian's father insisted that he complete all of the tasks required of a Beginner pilot. Congratulations Brian!

CERTIFIED TANDEM DUDE UPDATE Since the publication of the original "How To Become A Certified Tandem Dude" article, which appeared in the October issue, there have been some wording clarifications. It was stated, "All occupants on tandem flights conducted in the U.S. must carry with them proof of current USHGA membership." This proof can be in the form of only two different membership cardsthe laminated plastic card and the prepaid $6 onemonth temporary membership card that can be purchased in lots of five from the office. DO NOT BE CONFUSED. These are not temporary rating forms that you issue to a student when he has achieved a rating, but a numbered membership card with the USHGA logo, that certifies a pilot as a member with all benefits and privileges for 30 days. Again, tandem pilots and their passengers must possess, during the flight, proof of current USHGA membership as well as any other required documentation. This rule has been in effect since the beginning of the tandem exemption, but it has now been clarified so it will not be misinterpreted. Enforcement of this rule is the responsibility of the tandem observer, tandem instructor and tandem administra-

tor on site when there is a tandem flight about to take place. (See USHGA tandem rating requirementsSubpart C, #6.) Any questions should be forwarded to the USHGA office.

YOUTH SOARING SCHOLARSHIP A main award of $500 toward sailplane flying lessons, and lesser prizes, is offered in the second annual Knauff-Grove essay contest. Any young person interested in flying may apply if between the ages of l4 and 22 and not an FAA-licensed pilot. A special form and an essay on "some aspect of soar-

ing flight" are due by May 31, 1990. Fonns are available from soaring sites only. For a list of soaring clubs contact: Soaring Society of America, P.O. Box E, Hobbs, NM 8824 l (505) 392-1177.

1990 AVIATION ART CONTEST Th is contest is sponsored by the FAA, the NAA and the FAI and is open to youngsters between the ages of 5 and l 6 in three categories. Entries due by April 16, 1990. Contact the Soaring Society at the address above for details.

USHGA CHAPTER RENEWALS "Thank you" to the following USHGA CHAPTERS which have renewed their 1990 status.

Name

City/State

Oklahoma Hang Gliding Assn. Marin County Hang Gliding Assn. Santa Barbara Hang Gliding Assn. San Diego Hang Gliding Assn. Capitol Hang Glider Assn. Rochester Area Flyers Monterey Bay Hang Gliding Club Water Gap Hang Gliding Club Rocky Mountain Hang Gliding Assn. San Luis Obispo Soaring Assn. Telluride Air Force Wings of Rogallo Daedelus Hang Gliding Club Sandia Soaring Assn. Free Spirit Flight HG Club, Inc. Four Corners Hang Gliding Assn. Sky Riders of New England Costa! Condors Sonoma Wings/Redwood Empire Rio Grand Soaring Assn. Oregon Dese11 Flyers Orange County Hang Gliding Assn. Cajun Hang Gliding Club Northern California Sky Masters Sierra Skysurfers Mt. Potosi Hang Gliding Club South Florida Free Flight Assn. HG Club at UCSB/Cal Poly Valley Ville Hang Gliding Assn. Draggon Flyers Shasta Wings Rocket City Ridge Riders Central Arkansas Mt. Pilots Assn.

Oklahoma City, OK Mill Valley, CA Santa Barbara, CA San Diego, CA Rockville, MD Rochester, NY Santa Cruz, CA Oxford, NJ Lakewood, CO Shell Beach, CA Telluride, CA Milpitas, CA Saxonburg, PA Albuquerque, NM Elmira,NY Durango, CO Stow, MA Salinas, CA Santa Rosa, CA Alamogordo, NM Bend, OR Santa Ana, CA Lafayette, LA Redding, CA Carson City, NV Las Vegas, NV Hollywood, FL Santa Barbara, CA Corvallis, OR Orange City, FL Mt. Shasta, CA Alamogordo, NM Benton, AR

25 26 31 33 41 43

44 50 52 64

66 69 73 78

80 81 84 88 102

116 133 145 151 154 155 156 159 161 163 164 166

167

A special welcome to Chapter 156 which applied last year and was "forgotten about" during the move to Colorado. HANG GLIDING

Calendar Of Events Until Oct. 31: l 990 So Cal X-C Competition. Open distance, best 2 flights of season wins. Entry fees: Class A $75, Class B $50. Prizes to top places. Contact: Winclsports (818-988-0l l l) Soaring Center or The Hang Gliding Center (6 l 9-450-9008) for details. 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 14-15: 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/Shenancloah Valley instructor fly-in. Contact: Kitty Hawk Kites, P.O. Box 340, Nags Head, NC 27959 (919) 441-4124. April 8: XC clinic. April 22: XC clinic. May 4: Ground school dinner. May 5-6, 12-13: Fun meet. May 18-25: AZ XC trip. June 7-13: Thermal camp. June 29-.July 8: CA flying tour. Aug. 17-26: Owens assault. Contact: The Hang Gliding Center (619) 450-9008. April 6-8: USHGA Board of Directors Meeting, Colorado Springs, CO. April 6-8: Big Sur trip. Contact: Hang Glider Emporium, 6 l 3 N. Mil pas, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (805) 965-3733.

April 13-15: Florida State X-C Meet, sponsored by the Draggin-Flyers, at Lake Wales, FL. Contact: Campbell Bowen (407) 657-1699 or Steve Flynn (904) 775-3252. April 13-15: ICP at Southland Hang Gliding, So. Cal. Contact: Dave Engel (714) 589-0 l 09. April 14-21: 2nd East Coast Championships, Sequatchie Valley, TN. A wards for daily as well as final winners. 36 pilots max. Contact: Rick Jacob, 9625 Vine St., Ooltewah, TN 37363 (615) 238-5568. April 14-15: Easter weekend, annual Great Race, Lookout Mt. Flight Park, Chattanooga, TN. 22mile ridge race, prizes & trophies-the fun event of the year. Contact: (404) 398-3433 or 398354 l. April 21-23: Lone Peak out & return at north side of Point of the Mt., Draper, UT. Open launch window. Contact: Vulture Enterprises, 13077 S. 3600 W., Riverton, UT 84065. April 28-29: Instructor certification/recertification clinic at Fly High Hang Gliding, Pine Bush, NY. Contact: Paul Voight (914) 744-3317. April 28-29: Not So Great Race, sponsored by Lumby Air Force. $1,000 first prize, $50 entry, rooms available $10/heacl. Contact: Peter Warner. Lumby, BC, Canada (604) 547-2169 or 547-2422. April 28-29: Region 7 ICP. Contact: Raven Hang Gliding School, 300 N. Green Bay Rel., Waukegan, IL 60085 (708) 360-0700.

April 28-29: Haney's Point Team Competition at Atkins, AR. Sponsored by Sail Wings. Contact: Larry Haney (501) 224-2186. April 28-29: 1990 Spring Fly-In at Mt. Nebo, Arkansas near Dardanelle, AR. Cabins & camping. Intermediate & Advanced pilots only; bring log book and rating care!. Pilots' meeting l 0 a.m. the 28th at Sunrise Point. Contact: Visitor's Center (501) 229-3655 or (501) 967-6921. April 28-May 1: Guarnieri International Cup, HG & paragliding. April 16 deadline. Contact: Guarnieri '90, P.O. Box 142, l-32032 Feltre BL, tel. 0439-84543 FAX 0439-390068. 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. May 5-6: 4th American X-C Hang Gliding Championships at Moore Mt., near Taylorsville, NC. Fun, barbeque, music, spot landing, duration, one-on-one, X-C. Entry $35 competitors, $20 free flyers. Pilots' meeting 10 a.m. at launch. Contact: Travis Bryant (919) 758-9331 or David Thompson (704) 552-0988 or just show up. May 5-6: 4th Annual Stewart Smith Memorial FlyIn, at beautiful Moore Mt., NC. Cash prizes, trophies, good food, free camping, demo gliders. Contact: Ben Burri! (704) 392-3765 or Travis Bryant (704) 758-933 l. May 5-7: ICP Basic at Airtime of San Francisco, ·cA. Contact: Jeff Greenbaum (415) 566-3893. May 5-12: Open Cup "Peace." May 25-June 8: USSR Nmionals in Alma-Ata. June 29-23: USSR Women's Nationals . .Tull' 6-20: Kisil Championships of Russia. Augu~t: USSR Cup in Yalta. Foreign pilots invited. Contact: Vadim Kakurin, General Director, or Alexander Gaiclarly, Manager of Protocol, INTERAERO, ul. Panfilova, 20, 125080 Moscow, USSR, tel. 158-4895, FAX 9430059. 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) 9815941. 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 00 I tel. 3294. May 17-31: NAA luxury rnotorcoach tour of Zhivago's Russia. Contact: Russian Travel Bureau, 225 E. 44th St., NY, NY 10017 (212) 986-1500. May 23-.June 3: Region XII Regionals, Ellenville, NY. Contact: Paul Voight (914) 744-3317.

flying, competition, demo clays. Contact: P.O. Box 757, Draper, UT 84020 (801) 571-8787. May 26-28: 12th Annual Dry Canyon Fly-In. Three clays of fun and competition in Alamogordo, NM, "The Soar Spot of New Mexico." Contact: Louis Godman (505) 434-0641 or QJ Wilson (505) 434-200 I. June 9-16: Tyrolean World Masters & prelims to the 2nd women's world meet. Contact: Postfach 3 l, A-6345, Kossen/Tyrol, Austria tel. 053756559 or 2160 FAX 05375-6989. June 9-17: 2nd Great Pennsylvania Ultralight gathering at Freedom Flyer Airpark, Rt. 220, Osterburg, PA. Contact: Chet Stryker, P.O. Box 423, Huntingdon, PA 16652 (814) 643-5027 or Don Ickes (814) 276-3353. .June 11: Towing ICP. July 4: Buffalo Bill Days. Contact: Jane Renshaw, Rocky Mt. HG, Golden, co (303) 985-5340. .June 13: Basic ICP . .June 15: Advanced ICP. Point of the Mt., Salt Lake City, UT. Contact: Al Goel man, 5120 Williams Fork Trail, # 108. Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 530-4882. June 23-24: Summer Solstice Fly-In hosted by Free Spirit Flight in Elmira, NY. Fun fly-in, 5 sites, party for pilots & friends. Contact (evenings): Gordy (607) 565-9758 or Joanne (607) 7390912. June 23-24: 18th Annual Cochrane Meet, HG and paragliding. Contact: Vincene i'vluller, RR #2, Cochrane, Alberta, Canada (403) 943-6760. June 29-.July 1: King Mt. Fly-In, Moore, Idaho. Contact: Zippy (208) 726-1606. .July 4-8. Rogue Valley (Oregon) HGA Umpteenth Annual Lakeview Fly-In. Fun family fly-inX-C, 22+ mile Abert Rim ridge flying, late afternoon glass-off to 10,000'. Contact: Greg Christensen, P.O. Box l 7, Lakeview, OR 97630 (503) 947-4439, or Doug Hildreth, 1025 E. Main St., Medford, OR 97504 (503) 779-5240. .July 6-8: Hobbs, New Mexico (home of the Soaring Society) Hang Gliding Festival. Novice (duration, spot landings & bomb drop) and X-C competition. Tow launch. Contact: Hobbs Chamber of Commerce, 400 N. Marland, Hobbs, NM 88240 (505) 397-3202. July 12-15: Chicago Air & Water Show. Contact: Torn Wiencek, 8757 Sunshine Ct., Orland Park, IL 60462. July 28-August 5: 1990 U.S. Nationals, Dinosaur, Colorado. Entry fee $27 5 postmarked before July l, $325 after. Contact: Christine Reynolds I GenTech Corp., Box 281, Conifer, CO 80433. Oct. 20-Nov. 3: New Zealand Hang Gliding Safari. North & south island. Max 6 pilots. Contact: Santa Barbara HG Center, 29 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 962-8999 FAX (805) 964-3337.

May 26-28: Girls Wanna Go Fly fly-in. HG & paragliders, Point of the Mt., Draper, UT. Fun APRIL 1990

A REAL DASHBOARD - Central info display. Unique because it takes its bearing on the air. IDEAL for X-C pilots & recreational flyers alike! Gives you precise information about your flight; it makes it easer. VARIOMETER /AUDIO): Adjustable including silent operation. Audio only in lift or in lift & sink. ALTIMETER /MSLAGL): Altitude displayed from O to 20,000 ft. Use the memory to check your maximum altitude reached AFTER you're back on the ground. GAIN /AUDIO): Check the altitude GAINED or LOST during the last 20, 30 or 60 seconds of flight. ALTITUDE: NET GAIN • NET LOSS Indicates present altitude above and below initial takeoff point.

Exclusive Distribution: Southern CA: Windsports Northern CA: Mission Soaring NY,PA,NJ,MA: Mt. Wings UT: Wind Riders Windsports CO: Pendulum Sports TX: Red River Aircraft ID & Reg. 5: Treasure Valley HG

Available from these hang glider dealers:

TRANSSEAS INTERNATIONAL Inc. 6277 Powers Avenue, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32217 TELEPHONE: (904) 739-0042 FAX: (904) 731-1017

the dashboard of the hang glider

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

COCCOONS, PODS, PARACHUTES, etc. • Flat Circular Solid Gore Construction • Vent Cap Covering Apex Hole • 1/2" Tublar Nylon Reinforcement At Apex • All Seams Reinforced With Type ill Webbing • V-Tabs At Each Line Attaclunent • Type XVIII Bridle FAX (714) 972-1430 • Parachute Safety Lock System • Continuous Webbing Sewn With Five Cord Tirread • Each Harness Custom Sized • Safety Back Strap • Adjustable Padded Leg Straps • Two-Week Delivery • Custom Options • Your Choice Of Colors

r'¥:~

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

(818) 988-0111 (408) 262-1055 (914) 647-3377 (801) 566-7197 (719) 539-3335 (512) 467-2529 (208) 376-7914

CA:

DIMENSIONS: 6" X 2-1/4" X 3-1/2" Weighs only 9 oz. Radio Wave Shielded CALL TOLL FREE 1 (800) 633-3652 (24 hours) DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME

PERFORMANCE.

The best guarantee in the nation- 4 years replacement guaranteed

H.G. Emporium (805) 965-3733 H.G. Center (619) 450-9008 Hang Flight Systems (714) 542-7444 High Adventure (714) 883-8488 Chandelle (415) 359-6800 Southland HG (714) 589-0109 OR: Airplay'n South (503) 965-6469 GA: Lookout Mt. (404) 398-3531 NH,VT,NH,ME: Morningside (603) 542-4416 FL: Miami HG (305) 962-6968 Steve Flynn (904) 775-3252 MD,DC,VA,DL: Expert Flt. Sys. (301) 583-3765 NV: High Sierra Sports (702) 885-1891 AK: Alaska Sky Sailors (907) 745-8255 Available from these PARAGLIDING dealers: TX: Texas Paragliding (713) 973-9546 CO: Steve Byers (303) 349-5961 UT: Wind Riders Windsports (801) 566-7197 Overseas: Canada/BC: B. Vollweiter (604) 376-7093 Alb. Willi Muller (403) 932-6760 Ont. High Perspective (416) 294-2536 New Zealand: Free Flight (9) 412-7265 Australia: Moyes Delta Gliders (2) 387-5114 Venezuela: Enrique Brillembourg (02) 239-3666 (21) 247-7468 Brazil: Ondas Do Ar

RIO DE JANEIRO FL YING TOUR August until December - open Minimum of 2 persons - For Hang II thru IV PRICES INCLUDE: • First-class hotels with private • Transportation bath, sharing double occupancy. • Rides up • Breakfast included • Retrieval • Bi-lingual guide service • GLIDERS PRICE U.S. $90 PER DAY CONTACT: Patrick Brede! barao de jaguaripe 323/3 lpanema Rio de Janeiro RJ 22421 Brazil (21) 259-0159 FAX (21) 239-7339

The Hall Airspeed Indicator precision instrument for the serious pilot. Rugged, dependable and easy 10 read.

Airspeed Indicator with Long Bracket

Control Bar Protectors

Airspeed Indicator . . ... $21.50 Long BracKel . . . . 6.50 Foreign & C.0.0. Orders add $2.00 Control Bar Protectors 5" diameter ABS plastic wheels. Specify 1" or 1-1/8" control bar. Wheels - $20.00/pair Foreign & C.0.0. orders add $2.00 Hall Brothers P.O. Box 771,H, Morgan, UT 84050 MasterCard I Visa I COD Phone Orders

(801) 829-3232 FAX (801) 829-6349

(DHV) and FSVL certified, seat belt buckles and continuous webbing. WIii sustain 1980 lbs for 10 socs. Fixed (nonsliding) hang strap attachment moans you won't nose yourself into tho ground.

angle from nose on 1ho minimal inptrt. Clamp tor set1ing and quickly adjusting lowest pilch.

four exterior pocket.

completely tmob-

IJeJ~t;;;.~~~ertlcal and maintain with no on downtubos. Harness swivels at Cost : $650 plus $51 air shipping from Swil, of hips not In back so you are not pressed zorland down and forward. You can oven fly your Cali to

gg!flf!!~~~~~;eir1ht aluminum frnrna spreads yo,ir weight c1ve,1ly throughout the ha:rnoss so points.

address and phone

Ventures 747

98112

Avenuo East, Seattle, Washington,

on lilm a coat with tho log way to the bottom and the Dealer Jnquirias welcome.

Dream

and learn

is where it1s at.

ACCIDENT REPORTS

Fighting Bad Publicity by USHGA Accident Review Chairman Doug Hildreth Pilot: Age: Rating: Experience: Glider: Date: Location: Injuries:

Bob Allmon 42 Advanced Several years Moyes XS 1/6/90 Waihee Dune, Maui, Hawaii Ruptured Thoracic AortaFatal

Event: Experienced pilot launched from 200foot dune and worked his way up to go X-C. For unknown reasons pilot attempted to penetrate the relatively high winds out to the coast without sufficient altitude. The crash behind a small ridge was probably due to the rotor.

Pilot: Rating: Experience: Glider: Injuries:

Young male Beginner Several weeks Dream 185 Concussion

Event: There were strong winds at the training hill and the gust factor was significant. "The student shouldn't have been flying but was under the supervision of an instructor." After launch, pilot slowed, stalled and was turned back into the hill at high rate of speed (clue to the wind). THE U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT STORY There was, as many of you know, an article (or rather a graph) that depicted "killer sports" in the January 15, 1990 issue of U.S. News and World Report magazine. Needless to say, the inaccurate and sensational presentation upset a number of hang glider pilots. Let me explain what happened and offer my opinions about what we can do when this happens again. The National Safety Council is a private organization that tries to keep track of fatality 16

statistics for a number of activities. Various sporting activities are included. Their accuracy is, of course, limited by their sources of information. Every year the Council publishes its tables. This effort to compile numbers of participants and number of deaths is important. However, there are some problems. First, the data is at least two or three years old by the time it's published. Second, the sources of data may not be complete or accurate. Third, while the National Safety Council recognizes the limits of its own data, others who look at it may not. At the top of the primary table displaying the large list of sporting activities, participants and deaths, is the statement: "The table below shows estimates of injuries, deaths and participants associated with various sports. Methods and coverages of reporting may vary among sources and can affect comparisons among sports. Because this list is not complete and the number of participants varies greatly, no inference should be made concerning the relative hazard of these sports or rank with respect to risk of injury." Someone at U.S. News and World Report saw this table when it came out. Resurrecting a tenn coined a few years ago in a book called Acceptable Risks by Imperato, "Killer Sports" seemed an appropriately sensational title. So, ignoring the disclaimer on the table, U.S. News did exactly what the National Safety Council said not to do; it made comparisons of the fatality rates of various sports. U.S. News did not contact the USHGA and attempt to verify the infonnation. The Council listed 8 fatalities and 7,000 participants. This does indeed translate into 114 fatalities per 100,000 participants. Of course the denominator was incorrect-7,000 was the USHGA membership, not the number

of participants. The numerator was listed as 8. According to USHGA records, there were 8 fatalities in 1984. In 1987, the supposed yearof the data, there were 18 hang gliding deaths. (At least they didn't use 18!) When the magazine hit the newsstands pilots got upset, and then I started getting phone calls. "U.S. News has said this tetTible lie and I want YOU to fix it." Fortunately, Hang Gliding magazine had published a couple of statistical articles the previous month, so we all knew that U.S. News was wrong. Please remember that asking a national magazine to publish a retraction or correction is not to their advantage. "Killer Sports" is pretty sensational. And, "Well, we were wrong. Hang gliding is really pretty safe after all," is not going to sell many magazines. Even if they print it-which they almost never do-it'll be buried on the back page in very fine print. I agree, we should respond. And I did, as usual. (This ain't the first time.) OK GUYS! HERE'S THE IMPORTANT PART Use the U.S. News incident to formulate YOUR plan for action the next time this happens. Like: 1) Copy the USHGA articles on hang gliding fatality rates and carry them around in the back of your truck. Hand them out to anyone who says, "Say, did you see ... ?" 2) Know that our 1989 fatality rate is 24 per 100,000. 3) All 9,999 of you (I mailed mine already) in USHGA write a letter immediately with copies of our data and demand a retraction/correction. 4) Call your local TV station and ask to discuss it on the air. 5) Call your local newspaper and tell them you have a scoop on inaccurate news reporting by one of their competitors. 6) Go on the offensive. Tell all your friends the facts.

Our response must be rapid, forceful, factual and overwhelming (that means ALL of us) if we are to make an impact. If you wait for Jerry Bruning, Russ Locke or me to do it, it's going to be too little, loo late, by too few. Let us learn from the U.S. News fiasco. Let us prepare ourselves to be ready the next time. Let us get organized and poised to respond to the dishonesty that abounds in the world. Rah!! Rah!!• HANG GLIDING

LEARN TO FLY THE RIGHT WAY!

HANG GLIDING FLYING SKILLS by DENNIS PAGEN

... has helped tens of thousands of pilots realize their dream of flight for over 15 years.

* USHGA officially approved training manual. * Twelve large chapters detailing every phase of beginning to intermediate flight . * Used in most US Hang Gliding Schools. * Translated into six languages. * The most complete book available. Emphasizing safety and effective training.

Don't leave the ground without the knowledge and expert techniques found in Hang Gliding Flying Skills. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER BOOKS BY DENNIS PAGEN • Flying Conditions-A complete guide to sport aviation weather-$6.95. • Hang Gliding Techniques-Detailed information for intermediate to advanced pilots-$6.95. • Paragliding Flight-Learning to fly from ground zero to thermal soaring-$19.95. • Powered Ultralight Flying-A complete guide to the sport-$11 .95. • Powered Ultralight Training Course-Twenty ground schools and lessons to teach the beginning pilot-$9.95.

* * DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED* * jSEND C-H-EC-K-OR-C-AS-H-TO-:-

SPORT AVIATION PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 101 1 MINGOVILLE, PA 16856 Please rush me the books listed below: QUANTITY D Flying Conditions .... ..... $6.95 D Hang Gliding Flying Skills . . $9.95 D Hang Gliding Techniques . . . $6.95 D Powered Ultralight Flying . . $11 .95 D Powered UL Training Course $9.95 D Paragliding Flight . .... . . . $19.95 Save 10% order two or more books! Save-First five books for only 38.95! Total amount for all books$ _ __ Postage and Handling $1 .60 Overseas airmail if desired ($5.00/book) TOTALENCLOSED _ _ _ __ _ SEND TO (Please Print) NAME - - - - - - - - ADDRESS CITY,S T A T ~ - - -- -- - COUNTRY/ZIP

The Experience The UP Cornet legend of performance and exceptional coordination continues through a new decade. Effortless therrnalling flight characteristics and cutting edge design prcxluce a glider that performs without compromise. Experience UP and learn why UP is where it's at.

INTERNATIONAL

1 -BOO-COME 2 UP For service, technical information and oroers only.

•

'· ',, r

L /\ y ~

·~ I ~ J I

. T r-

,~)X

,1 ST

r, A ') 4 I n 5 ,",""'4 ·'3,:1~1 )

c-~ E

...

-1 _..

)

Hang Gliding Calendar of Events Each month Hang Gliding magazine publishes an events calendar listing the who, what, where and when of meets, fly-ins, seminars, Instructor Certification Programs and more. This is a free listing, so be sure to keep us and the hang gliding community informed about your event. Remember, the deadline for the June issue is April 20, and you'll want your event to appear at least a month ahead of time. Send your calendar listing to: USHGA Calendar of Events, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933 May 27th - June 2nd & June 3rd-9th

Ridge Soaring Camp

Attend our Ridge Soaring Camp this spring and MASTER the art of ridge soaring! Come to Marina Beach where spring conditions are soarable virtually every day. Learn how the pro pilots can consistently tum times of 20 minutes over 12 miles of ridge in the Monterey Bay Steeple Chase. If floating is your thing, then be at the top of the stack after discovering the art of Minimum Sink Flying. You ' ll spend a full week-seven days-attending theory sessions in the mornings and flying every afternoon. YOU WILL LEARN RIDGE SOARING FROM THE GROUND UP! The school is located right at the site so there is no hassle. Your glider is set up and tied down right outside the door waiting! Guaranteed to improve your ski ll s for any ridge soaring site! Here is what the course covers: • BASIC RIDGE SOARING • WIRE LAUNCHES • RIDGE RULES (fly ing comfortably in traffic) • CROSSING GAPS • TOP LANDINGS • MINIMUM SINK FL YING • RIDGE RACING • PARACHUTE CLIN1C

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

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

LET OUR GUIDES SHOW YOU X-C FLYING AT ITS BEST IN THE INCREDIBLE OWENS VALLEY - JUNE 24-30 (extension week July 1-7) June conditions in the Owens Valley are still strong enough to fly long distance flights without the weather severity and crowds experienced in mid-summer. Our gu ide serv ice is provided by USHGA-certified Advanced Instructors and experienced OV guides who know the weather patterns, best X-C routes, and site protocol. All transportation and retrieval is provided by a radio-equipped 4WD and a driver who knows how to find you! With these details taken care of, you'll fly the Sierras and the White Mountains at launches like Piute. Gunter and Horseshoe Meadows. You ' ll be provided with maps and an orientation ground schoo l that briefs you on eq uipment, routes , altitude acclimation , site hazards, and specific X-C techniques for the Owens Valley. An additional week can be added to the first as an extension and may be purchased for $395.00. Since the regular one-week trip is $595.00 the combined price will then be $990.00 Glider rental is available with enough advanced not ice. (We require a damage deposit of $250.) TRIP INCLUDES: • Guides •Drivers • Rides up & retrieval • Lodging (mote l double occupancy) • Site fees • 7 (or 14) flying days, weather permitting TOTAL COST $595.00 I week, $990.00 2 weeks Glider rental $350.00 I week, $550.00 2 weeks

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

For first timers in the OV this is the best possible way to learn Owens Valley flying . For experienced OV pilots this is the most convenient package avai lable at a real bargain rate. So make reservations now, space is limited and usually fills in advance. * Advanced rating required.

E R Trouper Tee's

Futatic Gudd'"Arr o.aexce.llent 1009' couoo.T-Shiru

In Whil:.e or Silva- -· Sm...U , Med. Large & X· lMge Sizes

Q<y

Size

T"'•p«T,.. 1990-91 Cop)right

Color-

Eocb

LoagSJee.e

$17

S.ort SleeYe

$14

Tow

S &H SEND CHECK OR MONEY $250 ORDER TO: r--WA Res . 7.89'Tax P .O. B0X39I r--VERADALE, WA 99037-«l91 TOTAL

Pleae l4clude Your Mailing Address

The Best The Light Dream, Comet III and Axis demonstrate UP International's commitment to provide exceptional individuals with equipment matched to any level of skill or ability. UP believes in building safe, durable products for years of comfortable soaring and living in the dream of flight. UP International paragliders are available in models and sizes to fit any pilot weight or skill level. Other UP products include paragliding harnesses with an optional pod, hangliding harnesses; a new advanced cocoon, a streamlined pod and a compact full enclosure harness as well as apparel from socks to insulated flight suits. When you want the best, UP is where it's at.

UP INTERNATIONAL 'i"r ~ B'hCH ST

L,,KE f::!_':"'l0'1E rA All UP hangliders are HGMA certified. World-wide service and dealer organization.

1 -BOO-COME 2 UP For service, technical information and orders only.

)

TF L

'J-4 7r;r;

rt,"

··.i

-4 30~1

THE NEW ADVANCED DESIGN SENSOR E

THE ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE GLIDER Photo: Bob Trampenau Pilot: Jeff Gritsch

This system's in-flight variable advantage allows you a degree of trim perfection not found in two-position models . The right VG setting can get a pilot out of a spot. Very often the setting somewhere in between full loose and full tight is perfect to maximize lift, improve handling or minimize sink. That's why we believe the most important standard feature on any $3000 hang glider is a VG . It is a feature on our recreational Standard Model Sensor (the only sporting class glider to offer it) , our Easy Race sail and our super performance Full Race model. Experience the soaring pleasure of a Sensor today.

The advanced design E Model Sensor sets a new standard for performance. We should know; we set the old standard. With our new design features you 'll experience a quicker roll rate, greater tracking and coordination, increased climb rate, speed and glide. The Sensor's curved wing tips offer the lowest drag available and the unsurpassed ability to "vent" excessive loads. VG CONTROL PERFECTION Easier to operate than any other, the Sensor VG pulley system is designed to tension lightly over a short 21" distance.

PERFORMANCE, RELIABILITY Dealer Inquiries Welcomed

•

Product Sheets Available

SEED\X/INGS 41 Aero Camino, Goleta, CA 93117 • /805) 968-7070 • FAX /805) 968-0059

'Chute Shots Will Your BRS Unit Fire? article & photos by Dan Johnson illustrations by Jeff Peltier

The

last week of February brought some high anxiety to Southern California hang gliding. FALLEN SKY GODS Incident# 1: Key sail designer Steve Pearson of Wills Wing suffered a serious hip injury when the HP-AT 158 he was test flying failed a cross bar on pull-up from a high speed dive. His hand deploy did not fully inflate in time to sufficiently decelerate him. He's recovering satisfactorily. Incident #2: General manager of UP International, Mitch MacAleer, spent time in intensive care after launching from the "E" at Elsinore. He had been scratching very low when he hit the ground. His internal injuries were also serious. Incident #3: G.W. Meadows, manager of the Hang Gliding Center in San Diego, was attempting an in-air demonstration deployment of his rocket-launched BRS parachute before a crowd of 75 area pilots. He was unable to trigger the rocket in the air, though he exerted considerable force on the activating handle. G.W. was not injured and landed normally. He and shop partner John Ryan were subsequently able to detonate the rocket on the ground which fired normally but it took both men to accomplish the task. This article will attempt to explain why the BRS rocket did not trigger as expected. It will also serve as a factory warning to the nearly 500 owners of BRS rocket systems. Testing By BRS Upon receiving the two harnesses that were APRIL 1990

fired at the San Diego demonstration, it was immediately obvious why Meadows had such a difficult time triggering the BRS rocket motor. Very simply, Meadows' installation was done incorrectly.

"A steel cable being pulled through a many-turn routing on a hang gliding harness will cause the fabric to yield at each turn, attempting to make a straight line between pull location and the rocket end of the activating cable." A more precise explanation is that the routing of the activating housing had too many sharp turns (see illustrations and photos). Experience has shown that this will dramatically increase the pull effort, from a standard 30-35 pounds of effort to well over I 00 pounds. BRS tested the two harnesses that the Hang Gliding Center returned with the following summaries: Test #1: Meadows' harness, with the routing still as described above, could not be triggered by a test pilot when using one hand. Once hanging in the harness, Peter Jahn was able to trigger the unit with a strong pull by

both hands. However, he was unable to repeat the task successfully. Using an in-line scale, pull forces were measured at more than 100 pounds. Test #2: Efforts by several other pilots of average muscular strength illustrated an inability to pull more than 50-60 pounds (with the hand facing the pilot and a motion away from the chest). About 50 pounds could be achieved by all who tried. Test #3: John Ryan's harness-with an acceptable installation-was then tested under the same conditions and with the same equipment as used in test #1. Measurements were taken to reveal pull forces ranging from 3134 pounds. Next, a series of routings were tried using the BRS pull simulator (built to approximate and demonstrate actual forces). Test #4: First the activating housing was routed with a 45° turn exiting the attachment end of the launch tube and a 90° turn at half its length. The pull force increased to 41 pounds. Test #5: Configured as above, a second 90° turn was added, and the force rose to 52 pounds. Test #6: Still as above, a third 90° turn was made in a plane 90° to the others (that is, upward, while the other turns were all horizontal). Now the force required to trigger the rocket exceeded 60 pounds, a level that is difficult to achieve in flight. Tests #4-6 tried to approximate the installation in Meadows' harness. However, all turns men21

by for weeks. It had taken over a thousand times in my mind. I and had covered all the Tcould dremn up. I was to do an in-air BRS exhibition

Hrnt came to mind was the fact that I'd been it had been only for came to mind, which more comfortable simply because I had my BRS uniL Also, l' d been l 30° that I wouldn't have tried without rny BRS unit on board. first dircctc:d at BRS. "I got a bad unit, I thought. "Wow, what if I had Center owner John face reflected we'd really been pushing the BRS units and now we had With niore than people we took my hame,s and laid it out in the rocket and John pulled on the handler--·withboth lwnds. He of 1he same. This dcmonstrati.on was on us (no We decided that at least we needed lo fire off a unit, so we laid out John's tug on the handle the rocket was (JUl at full extension in the blink of an back w my hanicsl!. What 111'c w,: with it now'/ We've~ been like mad men. We can't put it in the trnek and take it back to the shop. We decided we had to fire it one way or another. I knew all wasn't a problem with the ac!ual rocket; the I felt, was in the

handle is and the opposite connects l.o the launch tube the

tioned above were routed around solid comers when force was applied. which wo11Jd 11ot This made for beller circumstances than if the test was approximated on an all-fabric harness (where the turns rnuld sec below). Meadows' installation would have required well over (>0 pounds of pnll effort.

laid out my harness and I. steadied the rocket. .John placed his feet on where the cable exits and at1ache8 to the handle. He pulled on hard with a type of motion. Nothing! An air of dctednination and l knew that sucker waR gonna fire on the next attempt. John got a new laid into it. Sure 'nuf, the rocket was otH bdbre we knew it. we to everyone and ,w8ured them that we would know all within the week. How do you nwkc someone feel confidcnl about a w1Kll1 they've just seen the device faiJ? BRS that is meant to save their in their hnnds 36 hours later, and as is in this arliclc have found having learned 1111 about why there was a problem l still support the will continue to fly with mounted of course! treated this incident wi.th the utmost urgency and ma~le ii. a number no time or money in their quest t() locate and fix the prob!crn. whole incident wonkl have \)een avoided had I sent BRS a photo configuration. This is required by BRS to make the warranty and the owners manual. l blame mysell' for not following those directions, but I for not more strongly emphasizing the importance of this! However, I'm sure will make this more widely known, and will heavily stress the importance the system is mounted properly. systems have their pros and eons, and you must weigh them for the facts you can acquire. As 1br me, I'm with the BRS system. chance of this happening to me twice? 1111 l{ANC GJmJNC

Analysis of the Test The more circuitous the routing of the activating housing the greater the pull effort. BRS advises the most direct routing possible. Most aircraft will require some turns in the housing in order to make the pull handle easily accessible. Ultralight owners mounting their systems have some additional flexibility. When the activating handle is routed, it may acceptably take a few turns to be accessible to the pilot and/or passenger. But when these turns are made in an ultralight, the activating handle can be positively secured along its route by nylon tie wrapping to airframe members. A 90° turn is acceptable when it routes to the outside of a tube, because a pull of the handle will not displace that tubing. Contrarily, when a 90° turn occurs on a hang glider harness, a pull of the handle may cause the fabric to give. A steel cable being pulled through a many-turn routing on a hang gliding harness will cause the fabric to yield at each tum, attempting to make a straight line between pull location and the rocket encl of the activating cable. The clear message: Route the activating housing as directly as possible from the connection encl (at the launch tube's base) to the pull handle. Wide arcs are far superior to neatappearing sharp bends, especially when several bends are used. The webbing sleeve holding the flexible steel activating housing must be sewn along its entire length. If the sleeve were loose and if a pilot jerked with sufficient force, it would be possible to detonate the rocket motor. Sewing the sleeve precludes its use as a harness handle.

st PAUL.MINN. USA

PROTECTED CABLE-The primary rocket activator is a steel cable, protected against binding by the flexible steel housing. The steel housing is sheathed in a webbing sleeve to prevent pilots from using the housing as a harness-carrying handle. The illustration attempts to show how the cable will try to make a straight line when pulled and how the fabric will gather up to accommodate this action.

CORRECT-This installation was redone on Meadows' harness in the correct form. The number and sharpness of turns in the activating housing is kept to a minimum.

WARNING!! Under 110 circumstances should 011•11ers!pilots detonate their rocket, "just to be sure it works." One reason is the danger present when firing any pyrotechnic device. Think of it as a loaded gun and treat it accordingly. You want it to sm·e your l(fe, 1101 injure another. The second reason is the cost of rejilJ'hishment. A ne11• mcket motor and the labor to i11s1a!! it ll'ill rnn close to $400.

BRS Instructions on Installation In the BRS Owner's Manual (page 15), it is written, "Route housing to minimize any sha1v bends ... " APR[L 1990

INCORRECT-Here is Meadows' incorrectly installed system with the activating housing routed through three different 90° bends.

All present owners should carefully observe this instruction. If you have any doubt about the correctness of your installation, take your harness to your dealer before you fly with it. If your dealer does not seem sure about what is required, have your dealer call BRS while you are present. A normally-installed system will require approximately 30-35 pounds of force to activate the rocket's firing mechanism. The force required was selected deliberately (altering the spring in the trigger mechanism can change the force requirement). The reasoning behind requiring a force of this level is to assure that firing the rocket takes a knowing and deliberate action. The BRS rockets are not "armed" until the handle is given a firm pull of some length, and the rocket does not have a "hair trigger." In order to detonate a BRS rocket you must pull with over 30 pounds of effort, and must extract the handle al least six inches~ forces and lengths chosen to help prevent inad-

vertent deployments. Should you ever need to use your BRS rocket, use a swift and hard jerk.

Pilot's Responsibility BRS asks owners to send photos of their installed systems. Extra incentive is given by a warranty extension to one year from one month when BRS receives two items: (]) a fullycompleted owner's registration card; and (2) several photographic views of the installation. A very small percentage of U.S. pilots have sent in their photos! Had G.W. sent photos of his harness and rocket, BRS would have responded in writing that this installation was unacceptable. Fortunately G.W. helped BRS discover the problem and no one was injured by the discovery. On page 2 of the Owners Manual, owners are strongly encouraged to send photos of their installation, and the Manual states, "If you do not submit a [photo l verification, you incur the risk that the uninspectecl BRS unit may fail to work properly ... "

If you are an owner and have not sent in your registration care! or photos, please do so immediately. It is your responsibility, not that of your installer. However, BRS also invites the installer to take these pictures. In so doing, the installer may become further educated about the correct methods to use.

Conclusions As with any high performance piece of equipment, it is critical to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and use. Just as with your glider, the manufacturer has made a significant effort to provide you with a quality piece of equipment and has provided instructions on its setup, use, maintenance and care. The manufacturer has the responsibility of providing this information. The pilot's responsibility is to employ these instructions. If any doubt exists-----011 your BRS, or any piece of hang gliding gear-call the manufacturer. Fine! out the right information before you need to use that gear. •

BAU VARIOJIIIETERS INC. 6595 ODELL PL, SUITE C, BOULDER, CO 80301 (303) 530-4940 MODEL 651 VARIO/AUDIO/ DIGITAL ALTIMETER $530

MODEL 652 VARIO/AUDIO DIGITAL ALTIMETER/ AIRSPEED

................~.,......

Don't miss the latest issue by failing to notify USHGA of your change of address!

$640 MODEL M20 WRIST VARIO

NAME~_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ USHGA#_ __ OLD ADDRESS_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ CITY_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _STATE___ZIP_ __ NEW ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ CITY_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _STATE_ _ZIP_ _ _

$250

Last Issue Received__________

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

BALL CLAMP $20 Available from hang glider manufacturers and dealers

HANG GLIDING

And then there were two ...

High Performance Advanced Technology is now available in two sizes. Wills Wing announces the release of the HP AT ·145

Span 33' 3" Aspect Ratio 7 .5 Pack Length 18'6"/12'7"

Weight Pilot Wt. Rating

651bs 135 - 235

USHGA IV

Postive Test Speed 83 mph Maneuvering Speed 50 mph VNE (never exceed) 55 mph

See your Wills Wing dealer for a demo flight or to place your order.

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

article

photos by John

ow would you describe !he best hang gl iding site possible? A place that never gets too cold to fly and is soarahlc all A place where you can soar in dependable ridge lilt or climb in smooth thermals? A place where you can land on top, and make as many flights as you like? This sounds quite good, but there is more to lire than !'lying.You need to live somewhere and earn a living (or al least enough to buy a new glider once in awhile). [low about local· ing this flying site within the limits of a major U.S. city with all the employment opportunities you could wish for? Now that we have provided for a necessary evil, hack to site Ccalures. I get hungry when I fly. l would like to be able lo land, tic my glider to the ground, walk lo an on-site restaurant and order a hot meal and a cold drink, or maybe an ice cream bar. full service hang gl idcr shop with on-site glider storage would be convenient, and a wind talker would assist in utili:r.ing one's time most efficiently. Those or you who have yet to learn to fly would value a USIIGA-certiricd flight school with on-site training hill and tandem inslrue lion nvailablc. The smarter gli<kr pilots carry a radio·eontrollcd f"or the when it's too light or too strong for lrnman flight, so an on·sitc RC shop would he handy. The only other 1hing l can think of is a green, grnssy setup area so my glider does not get dirly, and maybe a hose to wash off I hat mountain dirl. Since most pilots do not live by coastal rtying alone, the proximity of several good C mountain launches woitlcl round nut the pie 1Urc. Jr the above description sounds too good to be true, then you have not hecn to Pines Gli<!Gr Port lately. Pines is a in San Diego, California with a 350 foot, four-mile coastal site has cliff. Its excellence as a been known to hang glider pilots since the early 1970's. lo sailplane pilots since the late l 920's and to birds since time immemorial. Man's control over this valuable real estate has changed many times in the relatively short history or human flight. However, the clills have remained much the same since man firs! marveled at the sheer drop to the ocean beach below. ']'he most COil·· ccming hang gliding at in late 1987. The city or San port for bid open the operation or the ding. Bill Bcnnelt submitted the most appeal ing proposal, and was awarded the concession at Torrey Pines. This means that the city has Hi\NC CI.IDINC

Bill !ms ideas for

Torrey Flight

!',irk a featured stopp1lllg

for visitors lo the S:111 Diego area. Regular morning ,md ,IC·

granted per1111ss1on 10 sell things al Torrey Pines to Bill alone under their sc\ o\' rules. The Tur rcy Pines I fang ,liding ;\ssocialion remains in or hang al the silc. Bill lknncll is OIIC or !he or lfo [kw the first Rogal· modern hang los, and lrns served as president 01· hi;; own hang glider man11fac1uring company /'or more than 20 years (sec D,1vid Lynch's article in lhc December t<J88 issue or !long (l/iding). Bill introduced hang gliding to the U.S. in 196') by a series or lowing demonslrations around lhc nation. l have never mel ,1 more cnllrnsiaslil' supporlcr of the sport or hang 11 is his lire. A1,1i11 1990

ternoon air shows, using towing when tile wind is light, would the occupants or tour buses. Bill hopes lo have sailplanes flying 1110n: often, ,md tclhered 1101 air balloons with rides for spectators i11 l101h. Bill realizes 1hat if Tor· rcy Flight Park becomes a nrnjor, dependable and profitable tourist attraction, the ru1urc: or this rare geological formation as a flying site will he assured. II has become obvious that this is the only way soaring aviators can expect to have Ilic use of sucll prime coaslal properly. The flight park is managed and opcratccl hy Baier am\ Joe.Bil\ Henry. Ken is an crni11c111ly qualified tandem and lowing pilot who gives 1hc tandem inslruction along with David Beardslee and .loe·Bill, m1 cxpc· rienccd llSI IC,;\ certified advanced instructor and film maker, handles the 1rnining hill ill· slruction. Hang gliding is obviously Ilic dominan1 ,1c1ivi1y at Torrey Pines (except for beach sun I Jang pilots spend more days

and hours al Torrey lhan the moclcl even though the RC's can soar in wind than hang gliders. A hang pilol e11thu siasm for his/her sport is lwrd lo heat. l m11 sure that ror a period soaring was I he main event, h111 today the sailplall(: pilots me restricted to 011c month per year! l arn not sure why this is 1hc cnsc since a sailplane can launch and land back 011 top when the wi11d is too light ror the RC's to stay up 1 l have sc,:11 them do it in no wind. They use a powerful winch which slartcd ils lire as a blimp reel. The:y build enough energy on the tow 1ha1 me a !'cw hundred feet over when they reach the edge of the cliff, which gives plcn1y or time to make a couple or 111rns and their normal downwind landing. Cenainly 1he sailplane pilols in general would rather fly when ii is soarnblc, hut l sec no reason why the hang and sailplanes c:1111101 share 1hc Ii r·t at Torrey 011 a much ex paneled schedule. One day we had \JCl:°ll\'ISS'1on from 1hc ci1y to lry hang glider lowing. We used lhc ATOL system, and in fact lowed side· by·sidc with ,lie sailplanes (taking turns at launch or course). All involved agreed that we coexisted quite nicely; rnorcovl'.r, it is run rlying

Animal Park, Sea World, San Zoo and!MAX theater, to name a few. ln addition San Diego has grc,11 pl:1ces to surf, wind surr, ski, sail and fish. Lately people lrnvc been 11p :11 hang sites aro11nd California, flu up bed sheets over their heads, and l:rn11cl1. arc with some lion, but their numbers arc and l lhink I took my first lesson to he one or the

narrow range of wind hut if you go to the beach, so whal The

although it has become the dominant sport in Furope I feel that tics arc of the nia at San Associated (:Jidcr Clubs of Southern Califor. 11ia. The radio·controlled model club calls it self the Pines Gulls. Of COllrSC Jet US not not exist without rules. l lowcvcr, the few rules Pines as a hang to come arc quite reasonable. These arc rules that any I IV pilot can get behind. The first rule is: you must be a llang [V pilot, and a current member of the US!!GA. You have the choice of Association year. Either way you arc pilot hook each before you a list of mies prominently enough. Tlwrc which sound more like for courteous flying. They generally represent common sense. place to Southern California is a escape to when the rest of the nation is in the of winter's cold. A hypothetical gliding vacation to San might include renting a gl i(kr and Ii a mess to avoid the hassle or traveling with a glider. You might wire, friend, or nephew along for a tandem lesson while you explore the four miles of cli rrs. Mountain bikes arc for rent at Plight Park, and if you arc so inclined, there is legal nude sun bathing 350 feel below launch. Once your appetite ror rlying is satisl"icd, take in some oftl1c many attractions San Diego has to offer the Museum, Wild

been in the situation where the conditions wert, not soarnblc, or lhc term in at launch or landing precluded the use of a , hut a par· aglider might have provided some airtime and Why should we not allow our saved the selves that oplion? J will he one in my car.

can use of.such

coastal

Old-time pilots will he al the new look and the services available at Pines. New will learn the value of I landings in a day (saves downluhc money in the mountains). Pines is a11 old cliff for the new age; of personal flight. Ill

Torrey Flight Park has all the amenities, including a sidewalk cafc with a view of the action. HANC GumNc

RATINGS January, 1990 Ratings The following ratings were PROCESSED in January, 1990. It does not necessarily mean they were GIVEN in January, 1990.

SAFE PILOT AW ARDS KONRAD KURP PAUL HAUER

Region 9 RODNEY UPHOLD: Oakland, MD; J. Rowan. · MARY HOFMANN: Washington, DC; G. Reeves/ Kitty Hawk Kites. - GARY GOODMAN: Andrews AFB, MD; J. Middleton/Silver Wings, Inc. WENDY BURRIS-ERSKINE: Leonardtown, MD; G. Ball/Kitty Hawk Kites. DAVID HOLTSCHNEIDER: Lynchburg, VA; G. Reeves/ Kitty Hawk Kites. Region IO SHELTON JOHNSON: Norcross, GA; B. Chalmers/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park.

LILIENTHAL A WARDS BRONZE WILLIAM UMSTATTD MARK REEVES MICHAEL HOBLIT SILVER WILLIAM UMSTATTD DANNY LUECKENHOFF

BEWNNER RATINGS PILOT: City, State; Instructor/School Region 2 MIKE BOHLANDER: Pacifica, CA; A. Whitehill/ Chandelle HG. - JEFF SHUTE: San Jose, CA; G. Pujol/A Place of Wings. - PATRICK BOWEN: San Francisco, CA; G. Pujol/A Place of Wings. JIM TRUDELL: Stanford, CA: G. Pujol/A Place of Wings. - AL BALDINI: Hillsborough. CA: G. Pujol/A Place of Wings. - JoANN REED: Milpitas, CA: G. Pujol/A Place of Wings. - DAVID CHORNEY: San Francisco, CA; A. Whitehill/ Chandelle HG. - OFER BRUHIS: Palo Alto, CA; A. Whitehill/Chandelle HG. - MARCO GUZMAN: San Mateo, CA; A. Whitehill/Chandelle HG. Region 3 JOHN HESCH: Pacific Grove, CA; C. Crescioli/ Western Hang Gliders. Region 4 MARK FERGUSON: Longmont, CO; G. Greer/ Colorado HG.· BOB KOOSER: Colorado Springs, CO; R. Wilkinson/Eagles Nest School of HG. · WARREN PHIPPS, JR.: Chama, NM; R. Wilkinson/Eagles Nest School of HG. Region 5 BILL STUKENHOLTZ: Lincoln, NE; P. Eckerso11. Region 7 LAURA YODER: Waukegan, IL; B. Kushner/ Raven HG. - JASON SEALE: West Lafayette, IN; A. Mantas/Spectrum HG.

Ar1m 1990

Region 11 ELIZABETH SIMMONS: Denton, TX; D. Broyles. - B. SOTELLA SMITH: Denton, TX; D. Broyles.

NOVICE RATINGS PILOT: City, State; Instructor/School Region 2 MIKE BOHLANDER: Pacifica, CA; A. Whitehill/ Chandclle HG. - JAVIER LOPEZ: San Francisco, CA; J. Greenbaum/Airtime of San Francisco. LAUGHLIN GORDON: San Francisco, CA; G. Pujol/A Place of Wings. · PHILIP ANDREW HYSTEK: Pacifica, CA; A. Whitehill/Chandelle HG. - DANIELL YON: San Francisco, CA; J. Greenbaum/Airtime of San Francisco. · JOHN MARLOW: Menlo Park, CA; W. Anderson. Region 3 CHRISTOPHER JUSTUS: Norwalk. CA; R. McKenzie. · KEVIN JENSEN: Costa Mesa, CA: G. Horeth. - JEAN-PIERRE DEV AL: Los Angeles, CA; T. Boyse. - LYNN COLE: Farizer Park, CA; G. Mell/True Flight Concepts. - SAEID BEIKRASSOULI: Irvine, CA; D. Engel/Southland HG. PAUL HILLNER: Santa Barbara, CA; A. Hageman. - MARTY FOULGER: Sierra Madre, CA: D. Quackenbush/True Flight Concepts. · STEVE CLARK: Newhall, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flight Concepts. Region 4 MIKE TITTNICH: Phoenix, AZ; D. Gordon/Arizona Winds ports. - WAR REN DAVIDSON: Tucson, AZ; D. Gordon/AZ Windsports. · SCOTT BURNS: Tempe, AZ; D. Gordon/AZ Windsporls. JORDAN ADLER: Chandler, AZ; D. Gordon/AZ Windsports. - LEE ALLEY: Tempe, AZ; D. Gordon/AZ Windsports. - PAUL ALLEY: Tempe, AZ; D. Gordon/AZ Winclsports. · SHANE CARNIVAL: Tempe, AZ; D. Gordon/AZ Windsports. - JACK LANLEY, JR.: Maricopa, AZ; D. Gordon/AZ Windsports. - SCOTT BOLAND: Tucson, AZ; A. Barton. - JEFF MISIOROWSKI: Tempe, AZ; D.

Gordon/AZ Windsports. - S. CRAIG NEWMAN: Flagstaff, AZ; S. Aycock.· RICHARD DeGRAAF: Ft. Collins, CO; B. Faris/Front Range Hang Gliders. - MATT LUCE: Estes Park, CO; D. Gordon/AZ Windsports. - CIRC TOEPEL: Conifer, CO; T. Horton. · SCOTT TORRES: Boulder, CO; M. Taber/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. Region 7 ERIC PEET: St. Joseph, MI; R. Kreske. Region 8 ERIC CASTRO: Pelham, MA; R. Hastings/ Morningside Flight Park. - TONY STELIK: New Britain, CT; R. Hastings/Morningside. - DANIEL MOOTZ: Canton, CT; R. Hastings/Morningside. PHIL DRINKER: Boxford, MA; R. Hastings/ Morningside. · DONALD SACCONE: Bridgewater, MA; R. Hastings/Morningside. - WALTER TAYLOR: Cambridge, MA; R. Hastings/ Morningside. Region 9 PAUL CANHAM: Norfolk, VA: J. Reynolds. Region IO DAVID CRIDER: Calhoun, GA: D. Dunning. SHELTON JOHNSON: Norcross, GA; J. Reynolds/Lookout Mtn. Flight Park. - WILLIAM RINKER: Nags Head, NC; S. Wendt/Kitty Hawk Kites. Region 12 KIRK STANT: APO, NY: G. Elhart/Nova-Air.

INTERl'vIEDIATE RATINGS PILOT: City, State; Instructor/School Region 2 NELSON COCKRON: Lincoln, CA; K. Dearborn/ Airtime of San Francisco. - WOODY ABEL: San Francisco, CA; A. Whitehill/Chandelle HG. LARRY VAN SANT: Camino, CA; R. Leonard. DIETMAR KURPANEK: San Jose, CA; D. Yount. Region 3 ANTHONY STEENKAMP: Aptos, CA; J. Johns. - ROBERT FERRIER: Los Osos, CA; A.I. Hageman. - WILLIAM HELLIWELL: Westchester. CA; J. Greblo/Windsports Soaring Center. - H. TODD SNYDER: Lancaster, CA; D. Armstrong. NORMAN TIETZE: W. Covina, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flight Concepts. Region 4 AREK LAKE: Albuquerque, NM; C. Woods. Region 6 ED WALDMAN: Overland Park, KS; R. f'oshee.

RATINGS Region 7 JACK REED: Richland, MI; J. Braswell. Region 8 RICHARD CHRISTOFFERS: Newtown, CT; G. Black/Mt. Wings. - JAMES CONOVER ASHER: Worcester, MA; R. Hastings/Morningside Flight Park. Region 9 PAUL BROWN: Maple Heights, OH; M. DelSignore/ North Coast HG. - LARRY ROBERTS: Ashland, VA; G. Reeves. - CECIL WRAY SPRINGER: Philippi, WV; J. Rowan. - WILL JENKINS GOOD: Frostburg, MD; A. Barton. Region 10 DON NETTLOW: Land O'Lakes, FL; B. Jackson. Region 12 RUEDIGER SCHAUB: New York, NY; G. Black/ Mt. Wings. - ADAM BOBKOWSKI: Elizabeth, NJ; G. Black/Mt. Wings. - LESZEK PILAT: Brooklyn, NY; G. Black/Mt. Wings.

ADVANCED RATINGS PILOT: City, State; Observer/School Region 1 MARK FREDRICKSON: Issaquah, WA; D. Chadwick. - BOB RISCH OFF: Marlin, WA; L. Strom.

Region 2 STEVE GLAZENER: Santa Clara, CA; K. Muscio. - JOHN KULIK: Reno, NV; R. Leonard. DUAINE PRYOR: Berkeley, CA; B. Smith. RICHARD NOW ACK: San Jose, CA; E. Gama. ROB PATTERSON: Berkeley, CA; T. Ellis.

Region 3 G.W. MEADOWS: San Diego, CA; D.E. Freeman, G. Lawless, J. Ryan.

Region 3 KEVIN BECKER: Victorville, CA; R. McKenzie. - CHIP ADLER: Etiwanda, CA; H. Snyman. KENNETH HOLllERT: San Marcos, CA; W. Henry. - GREG ROSSIGNOL: Solana Beach, CA; D. Seaberg. - WILLIAM VAUGHN: Vista, CA; G. Reeves.

Novice: DAVID HUMPHREYS: Droitwich SPA, United Kingdom; D. Gordon/AZ Windsports.

FOREIGN RATINGS

CLASS ONE TANDEM RATINGS PILOT: City, State; Observer/School

Region 4 TIM HUFF: Tucson, AZ; A. Barton. Region 10 TUNDRA RIDGE: Nags Head, NC; G. Reeves/ Kitty Hawk Kites. - HENRY THOMSON: Huntsville, AL; D. Ridenhour. - CYDNEY THOMSON: Huntsville, AL; D. Ridenhour. Region 12 JOHN WALLEN: Wingdale, NY; P. Voight. JAMES WISE: Dover Plains, NY; P. Voight. RICHARD FITZPATRICK: Rockaway, NJ; P. Voight.

Region 10 ROBERT HAGEWOOD: Rising Fawn, GA; D. Cu1Ty. - PAUL THORNBURY: Rising Fawn, GA; D. Curry.

CLASS TWO TAN DEM RATINGS PILOT: City, State; Observer/School Region Two DAN BUCHANAN: Pacifica, CA; P. Bums/ Windgypsy.

MASTER RA TINGS Region 2 PATRICK PAGE: Sunnyvale, CA; D. Murphy, R. Douglas, G. Loyns.

HANG GLIDING

The author's student Carl on the training hill.

PROHIJ,:M J ,et's face facts: StlHknts want to learn lo

and and wanl 1o fly per, forming gliders like the advanced pilots they idoli,,e, These facts inherently lead to several in, problems !'aced by today's hang slruclOL Tlw first monc1ary. Students olkn c01m1J,lain about 10 buy two short of time, This gricvai1ce because a student will soon oulgrow his surface trainer and find himself' purcli1asmg in1ern1cdiatc (iouhh>,surfacc gliders arc not cheap, Bui studenls 1m1clf,lllf!.IV shell out the cash, usually lo the instrnetor or from whom they learned, leaVl'. wondering why their instructor did not initially teach lhc:m to the more advanced /\t this the student can still look rorwanl to paying approximately $l,800 for an advanced glider, To him lhis might seem like a acy bclwccn the manufacturers and instructors dcsig11cd to coerce the new pilot into buyi11g three gliders, this problem is not as nrc:val1:11t in areas where wcalher himlcrs the pilot's time, Still, even cast coast students can fathom the or hav· to a second glider when their trainer is in excellent condition with just a fow homs or airtime, The second problem arises from the time it takes to learn to fly three diffcrc:nt gliders, This often means years. Today's students want to learn to fly today! In addition, they want to fly the advanced today 1 Entl111sias111 cnuscs a third problem in· or dcnth due to ovcr·eagcrncss, The hang gliding instructor is constantly trying to pn> vent his students from doing which arc their capabilities, One or these things a glider not ready for.

APRJr. llJ9()

The probkms just described have led to rrus· trntion for some new pilots and could discour age some from continuing with the sporL aware or these problems, l developed an acccl· crated training program allowing students 10 train on advanced gliders, l theorized that a st11dc;nt only advanced gliders rrom the start woulcl learn how lo launch and land ihcsc with only a few extra on the train, hilL /\long with a couple or extra ground school si:ssions, ,\ beginner could he taught the clrnrm:tcristics mid dangers or an advanced The result would hl'. a satisfied sludcnt who would not need to endure the frustralion, time ,md expense it took to learn the old way, /\not lier hcncfil or this program is safety, Graduates or the accelerated program will be gliders, In, capabll' pilots on they're due 10 naive pilots rtying not l'or could be reduced to a minirn1mL J<'im1lly, if beginner and intermediate gliders were no longer needed, rna11uf:.1cturcrs could focus their time,, money and skills on produc, possible, \he be,;\ high Drawing on 17 years of' experience as a instructor, I used some or the old rnctllods and combined them with my new to build the program, The result was revolutionary. A foundation based on the past was topped by a structure consisting or three parts-, liberated instruction, safoty train, ing and advanced training, The hurdle in my system is not faced the student hut the instructor, "It's liard to teach an old dog new tricks," and noth· could he more true, But i r the old dogmatic instructors refuse to jump through my new will soon be in the dog house when hoops their students hear about the success of the accelerated training progrn111,

The lihcrated instructor will have to he more tolerant and mi adept speaker, know! I raining, Tolerance means edgc,ablc about a modified ,1cccptancc or mistakes made by students training on a di!Ticult glider, Fmthcr, more, it m1:ans !citing the student rly in adverse conditions such as high winds and turlmlcm:c, or training high winds arc /\t the speeds or the desirable due to the higher Reduced student and will result from the lower speeds, Kc:cl la11nchi11g will be rcintro· duced to help launch students in lighter condi, tions,

involves a ground school in crash positioning and pain controL /\ student who knows how to position himself for an impact is a student who knows how to limit injmics, Pain control is an effective way to help a student "get right back on the horse'· al'tcr an injmy which allows him ID conti1111c with the lesson, In an emergency situation one docs not always have time to think about what 10 do, Reaction m11s1 be autornatic The best way !'or an action 10 become automalic is through prac ticc, hc,11cc Ilic need for parachute trnining, which is the last part or the safety training. The only way a student can practice: a "real life" parachute deployment is to tumble a glider, recommend a stall while attempting a loop, /\ftcr a student has had a couple or high alti· 1ude nights my program J'ivG deploy mcnls, or course safety is l'orcmost, therefore avoiding power lines, trees and ;ithcr hazards is paramounL To accomplish this the drift, the ckploymcnl altitude and the location or de, ployment must be known in order to sarely land !Jack in the L'./,,

With the heir of my friend from Ger· many, Professor Deniz a physicist at the Hamburg Avion Polytechnic University, I was able to formulate an equation to calculate where to deploy: 0.0631

dislance to in ccntimclers f\ aspect ratio Rs rate or sink in centimeters/hour velocity of wind in centimeters/hour wing loading in grams/kilometer' acceleration of 9,800 meters/ scconcf

Just plug in the numbers on your clcsk1op cal·· culator and stall inverted. Nothing could he easier! But still, miscalc11lations arc im;vitablc; wind velocity could increase, a lhcrmal migll\ break off, etc. This could cause a pilot under canopy lo overshoot the LZ. Consequently, l ctes1p•;netl a "catch" system similar lo the nets put up in football games for l'ield goal al· tempts. To build the system l used two 200fool, two-foot in diameter steel poles, two 1,000-pound tensile strength pulleys, 1,000 feet or weave yellow 1/2." diameter polypro·· py lcnc rope, a 200' x 200' tuna net, and om: tnt:ile ·s,v1ve1 osc1,ll:i,tir:1g "lwo cord" ball mount. hundred feet of lhc rope is ust,d for the pulley system 10 pull the net up, and 2.00 feet lo stabilize lite poles. The net can he rnised in .ius1 10 seconds by 1wo p,:oplc with the help of the ball mount. Wheels 011 1he hasetuhc cushion landings hul also increase drng, which is 1101 concl11civc lo X flying. Therefore I invcnlcd a new ,al"cly device th,11 is low drag and cushions landings-·-the "pogo slick" dow11tube. a slccl spring, some clevis pins, some cord and a 40" sleel rod that fits inside a down1ube. I assembled a device thal extends a rod down from the end of a clowntuhc after a cord is pulled. When the rod impacts the ground, the absorbs the blow much like a pogo stick.

ADV i\NClm TRAINING "How do yo11 do a loop?" "What do I need to do 10 land in a tight "I would like 10 try cross country but who will show me how?" The instrnctor should answer these questions showing tl1c student how, because other pilots don't have the time, don't know how. or worse, don't know but try to help anyway. That

article and photos by

Walsh

the cver,increasing loss of launch and lnml-· due 10 rnsidcntial building, the pilots in California have been on a quest, searching for Ibis bounliful rcRource, And in their imaginative way the "E" Tenm in Lake Elsiconm up with a simple nnd profitable idea. go 10 the bnnk, get a loan, buy a houRc and off' your roof! they ernhusiastically refer to this innova.. "Condo Launehing." "It's the counHula Hoops," says Rick a UP fac .. piloL One of lho local irrntrHctors says it will Lee Kellar lest launches his Sport tho need for tndning hills. And just think t1nfinished roof top. you'll be able to got your Safe Pilot Award! of cour.qe, pro's and con's to anything, so I went to the conslruet"ion site to get both sides of !he first people [ talked to was one of the construction workcrn. When asked what he this housing tract us a flying site he replied, "Yo no s,5 nacla de lo quc hablas!" him to say. l asked a prospective buyer (a non-pilot wul'fo who was in the area look]ng at llw thought of the idea. Mm. McAunry replied, "Oh, I think it's just awful. I hate birds are too big for my cnts to cat, l think anything !hat flies should be cal food. Maybe Anton, who ls a real estate salesman for the pmjem and a parHime local pilot, gave me into the positive side or Condo Launching. "Firnt of all, you c01nplc1dy eliminate the need and a driver. You've already saved at least$ !,000 a year in flying expenses. And belng so you can keep yo11r beer in the refrlgcmtm. And yuppies can fly with their ponable $69 phones so they won't miss any calls. You also eliminate baby si1ters, so ihc amount of uK:rnil'"''· Just think, you cnn own your own flying slle and launch from lhe comfort of 11n11r ,,m,·11 These homes are set up for a variety of wind directions, making all-tiny launching any time schedule. And for a small additional foe some homes arc equipped with launching. You can hone your launching skills in the privacy of' your home so you look hill. And ut night just leave ynm glider on the roof, anchored to the chimney, and it am1cnna,, ,.1,10rc savings. You also have lo consider pmfils stemming from buying real estate So no matlcr how you add it up, Condo Lmmd1ing is the sport. of the future." iisked Ron ahout safety considerations with this innovative idea. He said, "I would"'"""" u,y gnilndmc,th<:r off one of these roofs. We have been test.Ing them for a year now with only one otight to be out of intensive care any day now,'' l also asked Ron about Jnnding in an small as your backyard. "We have a whole backyard Nerf products to insure safety in lhere," Ron "Nerf' walls, Nerf swing sels, dog houses, and even fake Nerf rose bushes and are just some of the 'wft' backyard proclucls for." And when I asked about liability simply replied, "Who ya gonna sue, yourscll''I" Well, there ii is in a nutshc!l . -..cr.mdo ing. fa it saf'corstupid'I Tills repor1er is the answrJr up 10 you, the flying, buyi11g don't forget the. words of the, l'anl(ius P.T. "Hay una pcrnonn inoccntc nacicndo cada Feliz Primcro de Abril." II author: Who t:ares?,Ed.

l iANC G1 .IDIN<:

is my advanced training includes an acrobatic tandem restricted LZ and instruction. The best way to teach someone how lo loop or wa11g a glider is to have him there with you, so the; student cnn watch and then do, lhus an immediate response from the instructor. acrobatic tandem is the way to this Knowhow to do acrobatics co1Tcctly the 11umhcr or tumbles a11d understand how a glider speed maneuvc:rs. The reslrn·.\cd poles ou1,lm111g elevation is enough '.l60's, including a turn 011 s1ill allow multiple flights in short of time. The will help the student his altillldc on upproach for more "spots." The involves flying in 1urbucl!s:tai1cc .. !O, .. g,1aJ tasks, survival landing in unfamiliar places, radio ctiquc11c, mid encouragement in a ''go for ii" a!litude. This should start on the studen 1's l'irst hance courage and cxcitcmcnl.

No program such as this could promoted le~\lltllHltC without testing. I thercf'ow needed a What wanted was a bright, cager, nthlctically-inelimxl student. Instead, l had to settle for my friend Carl. I found Carl two years ago on skid row just after he was released J'rom a stale DS'VC1m1tric ins1i1u1ion. At 1hc time I was in dire need or driver for an Owens expedition, and Carl as a potential candidate. I k was broached and from thal time on Carl devc:loped an illustrious career as a driver. Carl was later nicknamed "Crash Carl" because or the lhundcrous way in which he and his usually met the earth. Conditions f'or the first day had to be 20 to JO mph winds would be ncccs-sary in order to gel Carl and his HP off the ground without leaving me in the dust. That finally arrived. High winds were forecast and Carl and l drove off to the training hill. On lhc way we had plenty of time to discuss the HP's rlying characteristics, since traffic was slowed almost 10 a halt hy overturned tractortrailers and campers, Once on tl1c hill l \ook a reading on my I !al I wind speed indicator: to 30 wi1h gusts 10 40. Excellent! l would not need to run fast in order Jo stay at Carl's side on APRTL ]990

ABOVE: after his 34-mile flight in !he Owens Valley.

tEFI': Bill's "pogo stick" downtubes.

the d,1y progressed Carl made 10 successful flights, two that enabled him to rly "backwards" up the hill in a couple or !J.O mph gusts. At the end of' the day r judged the lesson to have been a success, despite a slight concussion Carl suffered during one of his many ground loops. The second 1Gsso11 did not require strong winds since Carl would he rtying on his own. Fil'lcen were recorded and lie actually landed on his feet on one of them! ln addition, only three launches rcsultccl in ground loops and just four downtubcs were sacrificed! Sul)s,~:q1.1e11t days on the training hill were unremarkable. They involved the usual bruises, beaks, blown launches and broken glick:r parts. During the training it was obvious that Carl was improving rapidly, and after just 48 days on the training hill he was approved for his first altitude" flight, despite the ract that he had some minor problems ovcr.. co11trolling and landing. The ovcr..c:<mtrolling, I reasoned, would he solved by more airtime. As f'or the landings, J know several Advanced-rated pi .. lots who can't land without a whack, therefore I Carl lo be as good as a Jiang IV. At l :JO p,m., on July 17th, Carl made his first high altitude night. The silc was the 9,000fool Horseshoe Meadows launch in the Owens Valley. His launch was perfect, although he

did initially stuff the bar which rc:sultcd in a l'cw Dutch rolls and 90° a result he was able Jo slow down and maintain and level flight. Unfortunately he maintained straight and level rlight a little too long and overshot the LZ by 311- miles. But l was not discouraged; most studcnls land a little short or Jong on their J'irsl altitude flight. Besides, this must be an record for a student's first high flight, proving the credibility and s11ccess or the accelerated training program. After the paramedics pricd Carl free from the wrcclrn1.1c or his glider with the jaws or lil'c, he also expressed enthusiasm for the progrum: "Thank God I'm alive." Unf'ortunatcly, C\trl was rc·admitled 10 the state mental hospital shortly after the July flight, and was no\ able to continue with the training. Although there is room for improvement, ancl some of the teaching techniques need re .. fining, [ believe that the Accelerated Training Program is a success. Presently, l am toming the country lecturing to various schools nml c\nhs about the new \raining course. Ill

Those interesled in this revolulionary training program may rnn/a!'t the author at: (ROO)J\PR-F00! ..-1'.'d. 35

USHGA

HEADQUARTERS

An Introduction (And Personal Invitation) by Jeff Elgart Ring! Ring! ... "Good morning, United States Hang Gliding Association. This is Laurie, how can I help you?" "Ah, hi Laurie, I have this problem. My dog ate my membership card ... " or "I'd like to place a classified ad in your magazine, but I don't know quite what I want to say ... " or "Hey man! I just found this great flying site, but the landowner is all up-tight about insurance, liability, lawsuits and, you know, everything. Can you help me out with some facts?" or "I've been transferred to Fargo, North Dakota, where can I find a good thermal?" This is just a sample of the phone calls we receive, and the uniqueness of each call is a daily experience we deal with at USHGA Headquarters. Let's not forget that our first and foremost duty is to provide for our membership. You should sleep better tonight knowing that there are seven people (plus a few part-time students), consolidated in one office, all devoted to running an amateur sports organization in a professional manner. Seriously folks, we're here to help you! That $39.00 fee goes a long way! We know that hang gliding is basically a safe sport, but try selling that to the insurance companies (and some landowners). They equate hang gliding with alligator wrestling or quality control in a Radon lab; and that's just one of our fun projects. One thing is for certain, we all do love our jobs. We are an international infmmation source. That next communication could easily be a phone call from Australia or a FAX from Japan. USHGA is a solid pinnacle in the international world of hang gliding, and we're a dedicated group of employees. Please let me introduce us to you.

JERRY BRUNING Jerry is the USHGA Executive Director. He was brought on board primarily for his strong business background. USHGA is no longer a "kitchen table" operation. This is serious business! Since Jerry has taken control, thousands of dollars have been recovered in past-overclue-almost,clead accounts receivable. Operations (i.e., bookkeeping, records, quality control) are now being run like they should be. Things are finally getting under control and have a direction. Jerry wears many hats: leader, mentor, arbitrator, pain-in-the-ass, executive, guiding light, consultant, etc. USHGA is a more powerful force under this man's guidance. Jerry also has the enjoyable task of remaining apolitical in a 1•ery political organization. He sees great potential for growth in our sport, and is ensuring that Headquarters is quite prepared to handle it. HAL CHURCH Hal is the man who can definitely be considered the backbone of USHGA operations. Somebody has to assemble all those membership kits. Somebody has to apply those labels to envelopes or laminate those membership cards. Hal takes care of all this and who knows how many more thankless jobs, like collating, sorting, stuffing and other general office duties. But all good things come to an end. Hal and his wife have decided to spend their future years in Arizona, with his children and grand children. Hal has left some big shoes to fill. We miss him and wish him good luck at the Senior Olympic Golf Tournament. JEFF ELGART Jeff (that's me) has the exciting opportunity to research, develop and market new USHGA merchandise. You'll notice some new designs popping up. Hopefully you'll like what's going on with the USHGA merchandise and purchase some of it!

I'm also involved in the magazine distribution, mail services, special administrative projects (Jerry is real good at handing out "special" projects), an occasional article or photo for Hang Gliding and numerous other USHGA functions. If you have any questions, comments or ideas about USHGA merchandise, please give me a call or write.

PATTI GAMARA Patti is basically our "if you have any questions or problems better see her first" kind of person. She is callee! upon for her knowledge by all of us. IfI were to try to say exactly what she does, I'd have to describe it as "Chapter/Site Maintenance and Insurance Coordinator," but of course there's much more. Patti is Headquarters' resident hang glider pilot. She also ensures that all USHGA safety guidelines are adhered to and that Chapters, Instructors, Observers, etc., are authorized and current. She also plays liaison between USHGA and our parent insurance company. Patti also oversees FAI records, performs numerous "special projects" for the executive director, and has provided orientation for all new employees. She can always be counted on for a smile! GREG HULLER Greg is the newest member of the USHGA staff. He's the one who now handles membership problems and data entry. Greg is better known in certain circles as "Mr. D-Base III." He is the main man who keeps our computers (and operators) up to par. Greg has generously shared his invaluable computer knowledge with all of us, smoothing the path for frustrated computer novices. P.J.MORE P.J. is our special projects manager, USHGA Headquarters PR representative and juggler of more special projects and liaison duties than you can imagine, often assisting the Board of Directors and USHGA committee heads. P.J. helps coordinate many of the World Team operations and handles all media contacts (whether it be Sports !llustrated or fifthgrader Billy Bob Jackson of Yazoo City, Mississippi). P.J. is also in the middle of supervising the updating and revision of several USHGA publications (Handbook, Tandem Regulations, Part 104, SOP's, etc.). This requires a lot of communication with a lot of different inclivicluals, and trying to coordinate everybody's HANG GLIDING

Jerry in maintaining USHGJ\ 's personnel records and is our primary backup for all com.puter functions. Chris is also our rcsidcnl Word Pcrfoct expcrl.

HARHARA STRICKLAND

LEFT TO RT Cl JT: Barb Strickland, Member & Computer Laurie Rodrip;uez, Member Services JeH Merchandise Hal Church, Supporl Services Patti Camara, Member Services Soulard, /\clvcrtising & Computer Services. & Service Mnnap;er

then she will transfer you to the appropriate party.

CHRIS SOULARD is our first line of communication and cXJ}CCl1ti1i1g. She's the first to answer the phone the first lo open the mail. Most of USI-JGJ\ 1-lcad,:1w1rlc:rs· communications start with Lau ..

with Lhc USHGJ\ mcmhcrsllip cJa11abas<:, spreadsheets and that cvcr·popular directory, Laurie is ready l'or anylf there's a problem or queslion, Laurie be the first to provide an answer or infor1f lhc situation requires more input,

Combine an executive secretary, a data entry specialist, a controller and a bookkeeper and you come up with Chris. Wilh lyping and hieroglyphics (l mean shorthand skills beyond human comprehension), Chris is responsible for advertising in Hang Gliding. She works directly with lhe magazine publisher (Gil Doclgen----rnan, myth and legend) in the production scheduling, and is solely responsible for all billings of display and classified ads. Chris can lackle any problem and

SPORTSWEAR & TOURISM Yoursports and !ravel agent in Brazil. Hang RIO Gliding, Tandem Flights, Paragliding, ULM, Paralpinisme. Hotel reservations, car and equipment location, experienced guides (pilots). Tours to best flight locals. POPSTAR VIAGENS E TURISMO (TRAVEL AGENCY) AV. N. S. de Copacabana, 680-S. 404 22050 • Rio de Janeiro • Brazil Tel. (021) 255-5590 Telex: 2137157 PTVU Fax: 005521 - 255-3644 APR[] 1990

Many of' you have spoken to Barbara on the phone. She was responsible for ensuring that proper records were kept for our members. IC you've had a problem with your magazine, lJSHGJ\ nmnber, membership card, etc., then there's a good chance that you've talked with Barb. Her even disposition and swift operating procedures were much in demand for problem situations. Barbara could always come up with a solution. Unfortunately Barb is no longer wilh us. She is now being "all she can be," squirming through cow pastures in the latest camouflage fashions. llope you're enjoying basic training Barb. We miss ya!

Well, there you have it. Thank you for letling us be properly introduced. or course this just covers the lip of the iceberg, as far as our job descriptions go. We back each other up, to provide the most compclenl and error-!h:c services possible. Our hang gliding organization is constantly growing, and with the advcnl of parngliding-who knows? We're a lotally dedicated start'. providing for our membership. If there's a problem, ques· lion, idea, or anything, don't hesitate lo call or FJ\X us at: phone (719) 632-8:mo, PJ\X (719) 632-6417. (Remember to have your USI-!GA number handy.) We're here to help you! II

Foaturos Include: Volume Control 111 TOmporature Cornpensatod 111 Compact s\zo 3" x 4" Clamp included Uses one 9v baltory • 2 Yem Warranty

SENTEK '14327 27th Dr.

MODELSVA1 Sugg. Retail $289.00

Mill Creek, WA 98012 Pl1one (206) 337-9575

'aud'10 only' VARIO model SV1 ..... $129.00

INSTRUCTION, SERVICE, AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT Wills Wing has the most professional network of USHGA Certified Instructors and glider service centers in the industry. To support and maintain the highest levels of industry professionalism and customer service, Wills Wing created a unique program of instructor certification seminars, dealer service training seminars, and glider demo days which we sponsor at regular intervals at various locations around the country.

FACTORY TEST FL YING Every Wills Wing glider is factory test flown before we ship it to your dealer for delivery to you. All Wills Wing factory test pilots are USHGA Advanced or Master Rated pilots, and each has a minimum of ten years and 1000 hours of flight experience.

DEALER TEST FL YING After your glider is factory test flown and shipped, it is re-tested by your dealer and delivered to you in a process that includes a demonstration of setup and breakdown procedures, glider transport and maintenance procedures, and a familiarization with your owner's manual.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY Glider design at Wills Wing combines the benefits of seventeen years of experience in design and manufacturing with the most up to date computerized design techniques available to the industry.

Wills Wing 's Test Capability

8 7 6

Industry Minimum Test Standards

L 0

20 40 60 Vehicle Test Speed

POSITIVE LOADS VEHICLE TESTING

TESTING AND CERTIFICATION To ensure your confidence, all Wills Wing gliders are tested and certified to well beyond the minimum industry standards prior to shipment of the first production model. Wills Wing's Nitrous Oxide Equipped Test Vehicle is capable of testing gliders to more than 80 mph.

COMPETITION Wills Wing pilots placed first and second among Class One gliders in the 1989 US National Championships and have won 13 National Championships including seven of the last twelve awarded. Ten out of the last fourteen US World Team Pilots have chosen Wills Wing gliders for World Championship competition.

CROSS COUNTRY Through the 1989 season Wills Wing gliders had broken the 200 mile cross country barrier thirteen times; nearly twice as often as all other gliders combined.

AN INVITATION If you 're a new pilot in hang gliding we cordially invite you to join the worldwide family of Wills Wing pilots, and we wish you a safe and enjoyable flying career. 1208 H. East Walnut Santa Ana CA 92701

Phone (714) 547-1344 FAX (714) 547-0974

For Safety and Reliability EDEL is the Choice Now!

Available from...

~ ~ Rarag1·d I ers clirect

AERO

MODEL Surface M

MUSTANG

22 • 24 • 27

22 • 25

22 • 25 • 27

3.14-3.79

3.46 - 3.77

3.66 - 4.35

Aspect Ratio Weight (lbs .)

MUSTANG

Dealer inquiries welcome.

2442 N.W. Market St. • Box 30 • Seattle, WA 98107 TEL/FAX (206) 348-7269

,,.,,··· .... ··· ......

0 '

{ CAS?\

A Breath Of Air

_.,:'..' -,..- .............. .

•'

by Glen Nicolet

In just a few short years we have left the nest of ground skimming and progressed to staying aloft on full-spread wings. Our flights now approach 300 miles and the altitudes we achieve exceed nonnal breathing limits. Being able to cope with the elements has become an interesting challenge. One particular element is oxygen, or rather the lack of it at higher altitudes. Other items concern medical facts and pilot fitness. My intent is to recap some of these obstacles and discuss a common sense approach to dealing with them. Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR's) require that all pilots (airplane type), except those flying sailplanes and balloons, possess a valid medical certificate in order to exercise their flying privileges. Hang glider pilots are also excluded from needing a medical certificate to fly. But this does not relieve us from the responsibility of making sure we are fit while flying. Even a cold or minor illness can seriously degrade the performance of the many piloting tasks vital to a safe flight. Illnesses can produce fevers and other distracting symptoms. This in turn may impair alertness, judgment, memory and the ability to make decisions. Even when the symptoms of an illness are controlled with medication, the medication itself can affect coordination, vision and decrease a pilot's performance. The safest thing to do when suffering from an illness or while on medication, is not to fly. If there is any question, consult a physician for advice.

MEDICATION Your flying performance can degrade rapidly from both prescribed and over-the-counter medications. These include, but are not limited to, strong pain relievers, sedatives, tranquilizAPRIL 1990

ers, and cough-suppressants. Antihistamines, blood pressure medicine, muscle relaxants, medicine for diarrhea and motion sickness all have side effects that may impair critical functions necessary for a safe flight. Also, any medication that depresses the nervous system will make a pilot more susceptible to hypoxia. FAR's prohibit aircraft pilots from perfonning flight duties while using any medication that affects faculties in any way contrary to the dictates of safety. We might take note of that and look closely at ourselves when taking medication and wanting to fly.

the office. Other causes include mental and emotional pressure, monotony and lack of sleep. An example is the party animal who stays up all night after a long clay of flying. The second type is chronic or long-term fatigue. This happens when we suffer from periods of acute fatigue and don't allow enough time in between to recover. The ability to make good decisions and function normally suffers. This leads to taking unwarranted risks. The only way to get over chronic fatigue is to rest for a prolonged period of time.

EMOTIONS STRESS Stress can also affect a pilot's performance and ability to use good judgment. This can occur any time a person suffers from more than the usual number of everyday problems or difficulties.

ALCOHOL A lot of research has been clone on the effects of mixing alcohol and flying. One drink in a person's system at 10,000 feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL) is the same as having two drinks at sea level. Even after your body processes a moderate amount of alcohol, a hangover can impair the critical functions necessary for a safe flight. Alcohol can also make you more susceptible to hypoxia.

FATIGUE Fatigue is another hazard in hang gliding. There are two distinct types of fatigue. One is acute or short-term fatigue. This is the tired feeling we get after a lot of physical and mental work. Acute fatigue can be caused by heavy physical labor, exercising at the gym or mental work at

Being emotionally upset is yet another factor to look out for before flying. Anxiety, anger and depression are all emotions that can impair a pilot's ability to perform safely. This is what results from arguing with that special someone about whether or not to go flying. Then you go flying anyway. Now keep in mind that all of these factors-illness, medication, stress, alcohol, fatigue and emotions---can compound the problems encountered with hypoxia.

HYPOXIA You start the clay in great physical and mental shape. You're ready to soar with the eagles. After a good launch you find a strong thermal and start to center up. Quickly locating the core, you soon pass IO, 12, 14,000 feet. This is great, the view is fantastic! You start to feel better than ever-what an accomplishment. The thermal keeps going higher. "Just a little higher," you say to yourself. You begin to feel like nothing can go wrong, go wrong, go wrong, go wrong ... As you start to descend you get this terrific headache. So you decide to land. The approach seems okay: base, final and FLARE ... 41

BONK! Darn, another broken downtube! This is just one of many scenarios that can happen. More often than not, the result could be more tragic than a broken downtube. What happened was the result of hypoxia. You say, "I've been higher than that and didn't feel anything," or "That won't happen to me!" Don't be so sure, because nobody is immune to hypoxia. So, what is hypoxia? Hypoxia is a state of oxygen deficiency in the body sufficient to impair the normal functions of the brain and other organs. Remember, if any of the items listed at the beginning of this article are a factor, you are not only more susceptible, but the altitude at which you start to suffer the effects of hypoxia will be lower. Air contains oxygen which the brain needs to maintain consciousness and the body needs to live. Normal breathing consists of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. In the lungs oxygen enters the blood. From here the oxygen-filled blood is carried throughout the body by the circulatory system. As a pilot climbs higher into the atmosphere the supply of oxygen is decreased. Eventually body functions start to fail and the individual will pass out. A person could actually stop breathing and die of suffocation. Without a constant supply of oxygen, the brain will begin to die in just four to six minutes. Even when a person exceeds a reasonable, safe altitude for a short time and remains conscious, he could suffer lasting effects, health problems or brain damage. Hypoxia results from reduced oxygen pressure in your lungs. As the barometric pressure is reduced at higher altitudes the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere remains the same, about 21 percent. This holds true from the earth's surface all the way to the edge of space. However, the amount of oxygen entering the blood decreases as atmospheric pressure is reduced. The atmospheric pressure at sea level is about 14.7 pounds per square inch. Rounded off, this equates to about three pounds of oxygen pressure per square inch in the lungs. It is not the total pressure of the atmosphere, but the oxygen pressure in the lungs that counts. When you fly at (or launch from) around 10,000 feet, the atmospheric pressure is about two thirds of that at sea level. This equates to about two pounds of oxygen pressure per square inch in the lungs. The human body can still function normally at this altitude, but this is about the minimum oxygen pressure needed to avoid hypoxia. Normal, healthy pilots will not start to suffer significant effects of altitude hypoxia below 12,000 feet MSL. However, from 12,000 42

to 15,000 feet of altitude MSL, pilots will start to have adverse reactions affecting alertness, coordination, judgment, memory and the ability to make decisions. Although some of the symptoms of hypoxia may be drowsiness, dizziness or headaches, the real clanger is having a sense of well-being (euphoria) or even becoming belligerent. You had what you thought was a good flight and made a reasonably good landing, but eventually disaster will catch up with you. What this means is that you may actually be suffering from hypoxia and endangering your health and safety, and not know it. These effects appear following increasingly shorter periods of exposure to higher altitude, that is, the time spent at these altitudes is cumulative. A pilot's performance can deteriorate to a dangerous level within 15 minutes at only 15,000 feet MSL. The effects don't stop just because you come back down to a reasonable altitude. Even though the blood is carrying a full supply of oxygen again, it takes a long time for the body's organs and the brain to fully recover. After being at an altitude above 12,000 feet MSL for only a brief period you can lose the ability to execute a good, or even safe landing. You may experience a headache for several hours or even clays after the flight is over. What happens above 15,000 feet MSL where oxygen pressure in the lungs is furthered reduced? For one thing, the periphery of the visual field grays out to a point where only central vision remains; in simple terms, you have tunnel vision. You probably won't realize you have tunnel vision. Another physical development is cyanosis, or a blue coloration of the fingernails and lips. At 18,000 feet MSL the atmospheric pressure is one half that at sea level. The ability to take corrective and protective action will be lost in just 20 to 30 minutes. At 20,000 feet MSL you lose the ability to function in 5 to 12 minutes, and soon after become unconscious. Several factors can cause you to experience the effects of hypoxia while flying at lower altitudes than mentioned above. Extreme heat or cold, fever and anxiety increase the body's demand for oxygen. Smoking, anemia and medications can reduce the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. This is equivalent to being several thousand feet higher than you really are. Even small quantities of alcohol, very low closes of certain drugs or medication, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives and analgesics can, through their depressant action, render the brain more susceptible to hypoxia.

DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS If you intend to fly after scuba diving, you need

to be concerned about decompression sickness. Sufficient time should be allowed for the body to rid itself of excess nitrogen absorbed during diving. Decompression sickness, or the bends, due to evolved gas, can occur while flying at just a few thousand feet above the surface. This can create a serious problem while flying and may leave you unable to control your glider. If flying at or below an altitude of 8,000 feet MSL after a dive which has not required a controlled ascent (non-decompression diving), the recommendation is that you wait at least four hours. You should wait at least 24 hours after any dive that requires a controlled ascent (decompression diving). You should also wait at least 24 hours after any scuba diving when you expect to fly above 8,000 feet MSL.

PREVENTING HYPOXIA Hypoxia can be prevented by heeding the factors that reduce the body's tolerance to altitucle. One way is to maintain a reasonable and safe altitude below 12,000 feet MSL. Another way is to enrich the inspired air with pure oxygen from an appropriate oxygen system. Three types of oxygen systems are: l) nasal cannula, 2) diluter demand, and 3) pressure demand. As the atmospheric pressure reduces with altitude it is possible to maintain two pounds of oxygen pressure in your lungs by displacing some or all of the nitrogen with pure oxygen. The nasal cannula systems are approved up to 18,000 feet MSL and cost about $400. Above 18,000 feet MSL you should be using a diluter or pressure demand oxygen system. Diluter demand systems are approved from 20,000 feet up to 35,000 feet depending on the quality of the system and the type of face mask used. These systems are more expensive, heavy and bulky. Freezing to death becomes a major concern above 20,000 feet. Life as we know it doesn't last long above 35,000 feet even with pressurized oxygen, unless you wear a space suit. Blood boils at 63,000 feet. The price of an oxygen system is directly proportional to its altitude rating. Adel to this the health and safety risks, the fact that hang glider pilots need special permission to fly at or above 18,000 feet MSL, and the jeopardy it creates for the sport, and one should realize that it is impractical, if not down right foolish to even consider flying above "twilight," that is, 18,000 feet MSL. For optimum protection, the recommendation is to use supplemental oxygen any time HANG GLIDING

you fly between 12,000 and 14,000 feet MSL for more than 30 minutes. Earlier I talked about the time spent at higher altitudes being cumulative. When thermaling up and clown through 12,000 feet MSL, you should combine the total time spent between these altitudes during the flight. If you fly above 14,000 feet you should be using supplemental oxygen full time. If you plan to fly at high altitudes, use a good supplemental oxygen system. The most popular type for hang gliding is the nasal cannula system. In any case, the best advice is to stay below 12,000 feet MSL without supplemental oxygen, and below l 8,000 feet MSL when using supplemental oxygen. HYPER VEr\TILA TI ON Some people might think that breathing faster or taking deeper breaths may prevent hypoxia. This is hyperventilation, and it will not prevent hypoxia. In fact it will only make matters worse. This is because as you increase the volume of air breathed in and out of the lungs, either voluntarily or involuntarily, you ;;blow off' excessive carbon dioxide from the body. The result is lightheacleclness, suffocation, drowsiness, tingling in the extremities, coolness and a reaction of even greater hyperventilation. Even-

tually incapacitation can result from the lack of coordination, disorientation, painful muscle spasms, and finally unconsciousness. The symptoms of hyperventilation will subside in a matter of minutes after the rate and depth of breathing are conscious! y brought under control. This can be hastened by controlled in and out breathing while holding a paper bag over the nose and mouth. However, this method is not very practical nor recommended while flying your glider. Early symptoms of hyperventilation and hypoxia are similar. Furthermore, hyperventilation and hypoxia can occur at the same time. If you are using oxygen when symptoms are experienced, the regulator should be set to deliver 100 percent oxygen followed by controlled breathing. Then get on the ground where you can be treated properly. Surprisingly, the effects of hypoxia are usually very difficult to detect in yourself. This is especially true because they occur gradually. In each incliviclual, however, the symptoms of hypoxia do not vary. Therefore, it is possible to recognize hypoxia by witnessing the effects under controlled conditions. The FAA and certain military installations have aviation physiology training which provide this oppor-

TOW LAUNCH SYSTEMS "Designed to produce consistent high altitude flights, the TLS tow system is a proven performer at a reasonable price ... "

tunity for those who are interested and qualify. For those interested, Aviation Physiology Training is conducted at the FAA Civil Aeromeclical Institute, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, and at certain military facilities across the United States. For information on how to attend the Physiological Training Program at the Civil Aeromedical Institute, call (405) 680-4837, or write: Airman Education Branch, AAM-420, CAMI, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. To attend the Physiological Training Program at the Civil Aeromedical Institute, or at one of the military installations having the capability, an application (Form No. AC-3150-7) and a $20 fee must be submitted. The applicant must hold a current airman's medical certificate, be at least 18 years of age, not have a beard, and meet Air Force height and weight standards. The class takes one full clay. More information is contained in the Physiological Training Application. Forms can be obtained by contacting the Accident Prevention Specialist of the Office Forms Manager in the FAA FSDO or GADO office nearest your location. Check the telephone book.•

Ron Hurst Jostenstr. 21 CH-8854 Galgenen Tel: 055/64 52 29

FEATURES • Driver controlled tow line tension • Aircraft quality construction • 3,000 ft. tow line capacity • Tandem instruction capable

TLS ALSO STOCKS • 6.3 mm Ultraline • weak link 205 LL • 3 ring releases

• nose releases • aircraft altimeters • airspeed indicators

"Clean and simple, Quality abounds, many comments on the neat and tidy appearance." David Baxter, Hang Ill Pilot, Hartland VT.

"Excellent hydraulic and tow line rewind systems." Dave Krattli, Hang IV Pilot, Parker Co.

"Very well made, heavy duty, clean design, I like it." Mike Secek, Hang II Pilot, Sumerset NJ:

"Excellent unit, should be one in every household. Thanks for listening to your customers it helps bring out quality." David Thomason, USHGA certified advanced Tandem Instructor

For a free info package, write to: TLS 7010 MARK, S.A. TEXAS 78218 (512) 824-1803 APRIL 1990

Visiting Switzerland? Europe? For quick easy flying May to September call or write. Direct dial from USA: 011-41-55-645229

Sell Your Car, Buy A Bullet Wing Area VNE Stall AUW Econ Cruise Useful Load

Bullet 159 sq. ft. 105 mph 31 mph 65 mph 560 lbs.

Baby Bullet 128 sq. ft. 102 mph 26mph 65 mph 310 lbs.

Action-packed video $24.95, regular info $5.00. Kits or ready-to-fly. Designed, tested and built at:

Old Kings Flite Park P.O. Box 1893, Flagler Beach, Florida 32136 DEALERS WELCmlED (904) 439-4431 43

may have heard lhis queslion asked or even asked it yourself. Well, not to worry, we are still out here and working hard. This story will bring you up to date 011 the Wing devclopmen1 status. After the first test flight 1here was a delay of abou1 nine months because or various problems, none of them with the Wing. Win1er wea1her aecoun1ed for a good por·· lion of the delay along with devis· ing and building a special parachute system to he mounted inside the wing. In June, following the first flight, five more straight glides were perl'ormed and l determined that the Wing was ready for high alli· tudc testing. Before the high altitude tests could he conducted two modirica· lions had to he completed. First, a mount for the parachute had lo be made and a new control stick/drive system had to be designed and built. The first control system had been intended for the ground tests only, but continued lo be used for the first nights. l didn't think it was adequate for longer flights, so l redesigned the system. The pulley and cable system was replaced with push·rods and bevel gears. The above combined with running my model airplane kit manufacturing business, led to long delays. When the changes were complete (Spring of the next year, 1988) we headed off to my favorite test site, Dillon Beach near San Francisco. l wanted to check the changes while nice and low over thL, soft sand dunes. Upon our arrivnl, bad news struck. Dillon had been permanently closed lo hang gliding. Trying to explain that the Wing wasn't a hang glider, but a foot-launched sailplane, was no help. This presented real problems. The testing went into

Klingberg

a very long stagnant period because of one small teehnicality; I'm 1101 a rated hang glider pilot. I started flying hang gliders in the days of bamboo and plastic yet had never bothered to get my ratings. Explaining Lhis to the people who controlled the local sites didn't help. They were not impressed that I was a rated sailplane pilol with over ten years of experience. The !"act that I had designed the Wing, built it and had done the first six tests nights also made no difTcrcncc. Trying tbc local shop was no help; they just wanted to sell me a set of lessons and didn't seem to understand the concept of amnesty. The local club was no help. Al their meetings most of' my troubles were met with apathy. They were interested in the Wing but didn't know how to work me and the Wing into their system. The few people who wanted in on the action were not the types I wanted touching Lile Wing, let alone doing Lhc flying. These people would gel that glazed look in their eyes

and say things like, "Man, I bet that thing will loop real good!" Not my kind of lest pilot. Now, I'm 1101 making these comments in order to condemn these people, I just want to convey some of the typical problems any person with a new idea is bound to encounter. When you have a new concept, that people don't have rules for, progress is an 11phill ba11le. Undaunted, I made a decision to deal with the problem in my usual way. I would simply do noth·· ing and something was hound to happen! In the process of waiting I talked with some glider manufacturers and various other people in !he industry. For the most part they were not interested. Except they wondered whether or not the Wing had been vehicle tested. This was another out-· moded way or thinking. Explaining that the wing had been designed with the latest computer code and other analysis methods com·· monly used in the "real" aircraft industry didn't help. They seemed to miss the fact that I have a Masters degree in aeronautical engineering, not to mention the fact that the Wing had been statically tested and flown. It is interesting that several people suggested l fly the Wing like a regular sailplane and tow it aloft. Nice answer, hut you sec the "real" sailplane people would not help because my Wing was, in their minds, a hang glider. Once again, the Wing and l didn't fit into the system. Then a miracle oc curred! Along carnc a person who understood that rules arc made to be broken, in a nice way, if you want to make progress. His name is Monie Bell. I liked him right off. I-le had the right gofor-·it a1litucle and even an unusual name, which were things I could appreciate. Well, Monte is 1-IANC Gr.fDINC

his shop to tnkc the time. Bob did have one question though," Has that thing been vehicle tested?" Monte answered, " No," and mentioned that he had already flown the Wing. That didn't seem to make any difforencc 10 Bob so we headed on and left him in our dust, figuratively speaking. You sec, as the Blues Brothers said, ''We're on a mission from God." This was something that just had to he clone. We cruised south in the best road trip vehicle I have ever used, complete with shower, stove, microwave, fridge, great stereo, air conditioning and even a color TV mounted in tile

ABOVli: Roi installing the instrument deck. Note ballistic parachute tube next to canopy. RIGHT: Test pilot Monte Bell on a short hop at Marina Beach, CA.

a real go·"/1,Clt(:r as they say. lie had seen the model of my wing and knew lhal a Cull-size version had been built. lie contacled me for more information and l told him of my tro11blcs. Monte decided he mighl like to continue the tes1 l'lying for me and came with the credentials of hang glider pilot (ex test pilot for UP), sailplane pilot and model builder-just wha11hc doctor had ordered! /\s Moille and I talked on the phone we decided that I would send him a video of the first test flights and he would then decide if Ii(, was interested in flying the Wing. Well, as I said, Monte is a go-for-il kind of guy. By the time I had mailed the tape, Monte was already on his way from Colorado. I came home from work one day lo find him and his JO-foot motor home parked in front of my house. I le even brought help in the form of Big Al. AI, a very quiet sort or guy, worked f'or UP building divers and would prove lo very useful in the nexl few weeks. When I assembled the Wing for Monte and /\I they just walked around it over and over, "This is it, this is what we have been waiting for." We took it out to !he field behind my house and Monte did some ground runs. He liked it right off and committed to flying the training hill, at Ed Levin, on the next good day. Monte did his first short hops on a so its not to trouhle the classes and to avoid those people who have a hard time with new ideas. APRIL l 990

/\II went well and we concluded the day by discussing where lo c!o the high altitude flight. We talked about all of the local sites and thought that Ed Levin would be the best. Yet, Monte was worried that the higher performance might make it difficult to land in the somewhat small LZ. The Wing has spoilers, bu! they had mwcr bGcn tested in fligh1. Monte thought that heading south to a larger site would h(; safer. My kind of test pilot! So, ii was road trip time. The nexl day Monte and Al packed the glider onto the motor home while I gathered (:very of spare material and all the tools I own. We headed south. We had been on the road for no more than 20 miuutes when we met (also heading south) Rob Trampenau of Secdwings. We both pulled over, Bob pointed at the roof of the rnolor home and proclaimed, "ls that what I think it is?" Given that 1hc Wing bags say Klingberg Wing on them, he could hardly be wrong. The three of us nodded our heads and answered, "Yup 1 " Monte tried lo encourage Bob to join us in our adventure, but he was too busy with

dashboard. We played video tapes of old J'lying movies all the way 10 Orange County. We arrived late the smm: day and parked at the UP factory. I was a bit worried at first, as a result of my previous experience with other manufac-turcrs, hut my fears were soon dispelled. The people at UI' could not have been nicer. They gave us 1'1111 use of their shop J'acilities and personnel. We set the glider up in the shop for some final modifications. Over the next couple of days the most eclectic group of people I have ever met came 10 sec the Wing. The .Japanese worried me the most. I had never seen people shoo I film fasler. They didn't pretend to know a lo! and asked some of the most probing questions. I wonder if they can be very far behind now? Most of the people just said "wow" a lot along with the question, "Can I sit in it'/" Other people had those types of quest ions that are not really queslions, but rather comments on whether or not we knew what we were doing. I think someone even suggested that Monte strap a chunk of styrofoam to his butt. That way, in

Gear up. H's hard to get an edge-on photo of a knife blade.

case he slid in on his backside, stray rocks wouldn't damage any sensitive areas. I would have paid money to sec Monte with a cl111nk of while foam strnpped 10 his a-··. Monte didn't think it would be dignified though, and besides he had already flown the Wing and knew it was Cine. A couple or interesting people I met in·· eluded Eric Raymond and Chuck Most or you have hemd of Eric and have seen his beautiful photo work. We heard that Eric was on some type of new aircraft and we just had to go see. We got there aml some rnterc:sl 111g wing sections, but Eric was playing secret agent man and wouldn't I ell us anything. Oh well, we knew we had a larger adventure waiting for us. Next we went to sec Chuck. You proba· hly haven't heard of him, hut he builds some of' lhc best parnchulc systems going. I le has done 'chute systems fort he James Bond movie slllnts and !ms some great photos of lhc stullls. We had come to rent a se;cond parachute. Monie wanted a chute he could use hy away from the glider and then opening. Not a had idea considering tlrnt we had discussed thl: possibility ol' a slruetural failure fouling the us up with a main parachute systl'.m. Chuck neat l itt lc chest pack system and even sewed up release so Monte coulcl get out . Thanks again Chuck! We headed off for dinner and then to Blair's house. Blair wns another helpful per· son. The night before th,: flight he sewed up a new harness that was far superior. 11 's people like Chuck and Blair that make projects like this Tomorrow would he the day. We 4(i

talked that night about doing some ground run checks with the new chute and seal hul decided tlrn1 it was too !ale. That was probably our only mistake on the trip. The next day we got up late. We had decided to rly al Crestline, which has nice winds lale in the day. Crestline had been choMonte the most sen because it would room to cmrecl for any problems. We spent the late morning folding up the Wing and gelling other equipment ready. We headed out in the early ,dkmoon. As we hi! lhe main road my bu1tcrflics starlt:d, and I wasn't even going to fly! We arrived al the Crestline landing area and Monie was quite surprised. He hadn't been there in a while and a housing clcvcloprncnt liad eaten up quite a bit ol' the landing area. We concluded lhat the normal LZ was too small and 10 look for another. We found a nice grass field in the middle of the housing development. W c decided nobody wou Id mind if Monie used ii for one landing. We wen1 10 get some sticks for mounting wind indicators 11ml then headed 10 the launch area. We would send someone down ln1cr with 1hc telltales and camera equipment. At the lmmch I looked ou1 to the valley bl:low, and my bullt:rflics went into full bloom. was I glad I wasn'1 doing the l'lying. I couldn't sec any good reason for continuing the testing and life and limb. J\J'tcr all, the Wing had Clown. As far as I was concerned that prnvcd my point. But we were "on a mis· sion Crnrn God" and this had to be done. It was quite windy i11 the time so we delayed assemthc . J paced like a nervous cat. Late

in the afternoon we starlcd 10 assemble and things wcnl just a lilllc bit haywire. First, a bushing camG loose which I proceeded lo back in place incorrectly. This prevented \he halves from mating and we all started getting a li11lc tense. We sent Monte back lo the motor home while Al and I continued to work on assembly. Monte is one of the L:ai;ic.st .. ,m,rHI people I've c:ver met and even he was gelling somewhat testy. While no one was watching I took out my 1rus1y hammer and with one swift blow knock 1hc bushing loose. I was very careful gluing ii back in place this time and the wing halves joined smoo1hly. After this small success things started going downhill again. An old problem with the sail f'i1 cropped up and made final assembly go very slowly. It took everyone we bad 10 finish the We had no time to send someone to the landing area. We would get no pictures or video or the approach and landing. We figured it would be calm enough by flight time so 1he telltales would not be needed. As a matter or fact, it would probably be almost dark, so Monte wouldn't be able to sec them anyway. The next problem was with the chesl· mounted parachute. Momlling it on the pilot's chest interfered with the side slick control. The pilot would have no left aileron available on launch but would be okay once seated. Monte decided to remove the 'chute. This would prove 10 be quite for1uitous. Arter removing the chest pack the shoulder slraps had 10 be adjusted. As Monte was adjusting them one of the buckles broke! I had used plastic buckles f'or the shoulder straps because tl1cy support only the weight of' the glider, but they were nol up to being bounced around. Monte proceeded to tic on a short length of webbing as a substitute. At this point l mentioned that maybe we should wait for a hetlcr day. Monte basically told me lo shut up and quit worrying. I proceeded to do so. Ii was time 10 Monte got the glider balanced and did a short nm across the crest of the hill. Several of' us though! he was going to take off, ht11 no, Monte getting sct\lcd. /\1 this poinl things turned into a blur of activity. People WlTG moving around to get the best camera angles. Al and I helped Monte find the best takeoff path. We were concerned about the shape of lhe launch hill because the tips were quile close to the ground. The last thing we wanLed was for Monte to drng a tip. Much discussion ensued and then as I turned my back I heard Monte say, "Sec you at lhc party!" I whipped around and saw my wing disappear below the hill. I heard the 1mmistak .. H1\N(; Gr.JDJNC

<1rt1ggmg in llw bushes. l able sound or a was prepared for disaster. J\t any moment I cx11eclcd to sec tl1c doing a rast 180 back into the hill. Then in the blink or an eye, the shot up. It was flying! Al finally opened up and let 011! a hair-raising primal scream. "Hooooo Yaaaaa!" As Mont.c retracted his legs inlo the and climbed out l slllr!cd shooting photos. It w,.1s a good thing Monte had removed the chest 'chute. He lrnd 11ccdl:d every hit of' aileron to pull the tip 0111 of 1hl: hushes. As planned, Monte headed straight away from the hill. Whik he climbed nbout I 00 feet above takeoff I watched the nose come up higher and higher J began to wonder, "What the hell is he doing?" We had discussed that he would hold the airspeed to al least 26 mph, which is about mph over stall Little did [ know, the airspeed pickup was operating in a or accelerated now around the It was reading out about mph too f'asl. Monte was on the vcxgl, of a stall. With the windshil:ld in pince it was difficult /'or him to judge the speed. J began to lll'gc Monte lo fly faster, both mentally and out loud. It was lo 110 avail; he entered a mushing stall and I saw the right wing drop-the start or a spin. Then the nose pitched up and down rapidly. I thought he was losing control. Actually, Monte was just extending his legs and moving the slick forward. The stall was so that it snuck up on him. I 1G picked up some and righted the J\t a more comfortable speed he pulk.d away from the motmtain and headed for the LZ. I shot a few more photo's and then watched as Monie and my Wing flew off inlo the smog. In about five minutes we could 110 longer see him and decided to head down. We piled in1o our vehicles and sped off on the winding road. It must have been a sight to sec-..scvcral cars and a huge motor hmm: \caring down lhe moun · lain. At this point I s1ill didn't know if Monte was really having control problems or not. The trip seemed lo take forever. I encouraged the driver to step on it hut I knew we would get Al'Rll. 199()

!here nftcr ii was all over, one way or the other. l 10 worry; if Monte didn'I make the landing zone we had no backup plan. We would not know where to look for him. Darkness was approaching rapidly and if we didn't rind him away there wo11ld be real \rouble. J decided that we would look for :m minu1es and then call a search and rescue crew. Time dragged on and I prayed for Monte's safe landing. The area was new to the driver and to me. We took a wrong turn and everyone else followed. We quickly realized our error and returned to the c01Tce1 path. As we rounded the corner I strained out of the window the sec the field. 11 seemed \o lake an elcrnity. Then I spotted Monte, safe and sound standing next to lhc Wing, right where he was supposed lo be. I was overjoyed. I jumped frorn the car and ran over lo congratulate him. The flight was a complete success! I babbled on, asking Monie a bunch of questions that were nol really important. Sev .. ernl other people from the Crestline flight park mrivcd and asked if we had a good reason for using an unauthorized LZ. Monte just pointed at the Wing. undc.rstnod. We 1alked on for a while until someone pointed 0111 it was almost dark and hadn't we better start packing. We packed the glider under the yellow glare or car hcadlighls nnd proceeded to party the night away. J\ couple of weeks after the flight Monte and I spent some time sewing a m:w sail. lie wanted lo do some slope soaring a1 Marina Beach. I thought the new fabric would fit heller because ii had so!lll'. ability 10 stretch, but it wasn't long before we realized that ii was very sensitive to heat and humicli1y. When 1hc: tern .. pcrat11re went np the fabric would shrink, and when the humidity would rise it would expand again. We finally got 1hc sail to fit reasonably well and were off to the hcach. The one day ht: could fly, lhc wind was crossing. It was flyable but not soarablc. Monte go1 in a few short hops anyway jus1 for practice. l1 was quilc a sight to sec: the like a knife edge, cruising by al

eye level. After four or five flighls we called it

a day. After that weekend, Monie left with the Wing for Colorado. Flying in Steamboat and Grand Junction, he has launched from over 9,000 feet and has performed landings at over 7,000 feet, all without any cli1Ticu11y. J\lso, he has done some ridge soaring in Utah, at Point of' the MOLm1ain, and said he was able to circles around anything in lhe air. II seems the Wing l'lil:s real nice, hut I'll leave the pilot reports lo Moille. So, where do we go rrorn here'/ 1'm sure that no ma11cr wlrn1 the plan is ii is hound lo change. For now l hope we have a chance lo go for the distance record this summer. Monte feels lhal, if the weather is right, 400 miles should be relatively easy. /\!so, he is pursuing the possibility of manufacturing a fow of' the Wings. I don't think there is any money 10 be made because of the tooli1ig costs and other reasons. Yet, if' you wan1, you can contact Monte at the address below. I don'I know how much one would cost, but I'm sure i1 would he several times more than c111-rcnl gliders. Remember, you would he buying a Cool-launched aircraft with performance similar 10 a I 26 sailplane. For a lilllc less money you can buy a rough and mostly unedited VHS videotape J'rorn me. It covers most of the lo date (except for Colorado) and nms about an hour and a half. Ir you want lo wri1c letters I'll he glad lo get them, hut my schcduk doesn't pl:rmit the time to respond. In the mean time I'll con1inue to work on some new ideas. Let's sec, a 44 .. foot span, weight at about I 00 pounds and an L/D greater than 10. l think it just migl11 he possible.

The author may he col11ar·ted at: Rollin Klin[;/Jcrg, 1256 Pre.1·!'011 !Ive., S1.11111yv1111', CA 94089. I/you'd like a !'OJJY of' the video ii /'C/11 he had /Jy sending Ro/li11 $10 to rnw'r the rns/ o/ the tape, shipping and his trouh!e. Monie Bell ,nay be contacted at: P.O. Rox 28307, N Je/icl, CO 8/628.

CLASSIFIEDS ADVISORY: Used hang gliders should always be disassemblcd before flying for the first lime 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 rnsted cables, tangs \Vith noncircular holes, and on Rogallos, sails badly torn or torn loose from their anchor points front and back on the keel and leading edges. If in doubt, many hang gliding businesses will be happy to give an objective opinion on the condition of equipment you bring them to inspect.

!JP l-l/2-Abovc keel hang point, blue and white. Owner's manual, batten profile, UP spccdbar, good shape, $580. Split shipping. (602) 774-2320. HP II - Full Race. Two blue and white gliders. Newer one, faired tubes, $1,000. Older glider, $800 (412) 661-3474, Pete. HP II - Full Race, all white, flies great and in good condition. $1,250 (714) 391-2812.

ROGALLOS ATLAS 15-(155 sq. ft., l !0-150weight range). Excellent condition, nice colors. $800 OBO. Tom, evenings (816) 254-4708. ATLAS 16 - Excellent condition, black mylar L.E., red/ orange/yellow tips. Flies Great! $850 OBO (VA) (804) 722-7816. AXIS 15 - ·'Great Glider!" 3 hrs. Beautiful multi-colored custom sail, spcedbar with grip, I 00-hr. kit, will ship. Bruce (313) 292-9282 after 5:00. COMET l 35 - Mint condition, spaghetti harness, chute. Litek vario, wheels. $1,475. (Florida) (8 l 3) 848-4845. '84 185 COMET- Mint condition, spectrum top and bottom, sail crisp, and more. Approx. 11 hrs., $950. (317) 5459419. CONDOR 224 evenings. Roger.

LEA VINO THE SPORT - 160 Streak/37 hrs; ProLitc cocoon harness (5'8"-l 0"), FD 24' parachute, 256 Ball vario, Altimastcr altimeter, FD helmet, and more. All $1600 OBO. (602) 732-9120. LIGHT MYSTrC 188- VG, Good condition. S 1,000. (206) 683-7342 evenings, Roger. MAGIC IV 166 L.E., 4.4 oz. M.B. 9479.

VG, Speedbar, faired tubes, surfcoat excellent condition, $1,500 (818) 357-

MAGIC IV l 77 -Full race plus surfcoat and 4.4 oz. M.B., 20 lns. T.T., S 1600 (303) 247-9219.

165 DREAM - POD harness, parachute, vario, helmet, great condition, $1600 for pkg. (714) 857-0991. DREAM, LITE 185 -Custom sail, red, orange, gold. Low hours, great shape; speed rail, wheels, new bag. $1200. (602) 482-8993 Phoenix. SUPER DREAM 185 - Beautiful red/yellow. Like new, only 20 hours,$ !800. GULL RACER POD harness,$! 75. (3 I 2) 525-0796. DREAM 205 - Two-tone blue and white, new 12/88, $1875.00 Matching airstream harness, large, new 12/88, $300. Dan (818) 340-5415 (CA). DREAM 220 - Good condition, $1,200 (714) 783-4429. GTR 175, great condition $1,995 (714) 783-4429. FOILRACER !50B-$!700. Raven229,$350. Callllona bctween 8:00-4:00 p.rn. (818) 899-0217. GEMINI 164-Exccllent condition, low hours. $800 (708) 991-4136/CST. Ask for Jeff. Call daytime or leave message. GTR 162-World Beater 1989. Fluorescent colors. $2,200 (813) 996-2725. HARRIER 187 - Excellent condition. Blue edge and rainbow colors. Ready to fly. $800. (206) 293-7 !09. HAVEN'T GOT $4000 FOR A NEW GLIDER'?'/? Let Cindy's "Magic Wand" make your glider NEW again! Cindy Drozda, LID Enterprises, (303) 440-3579. TWO HP A.T.'S - Both less than 5 flights, $3400 each. ! 50 Sport - Great shape, S ! 800. CG !000 - fits 5 '6" to 5'10", !20-150lbs.,$275.00. HiEnergyPOD-$!00. (818) 76 l -0085 or (2 l 3) 822-6 l 79. HP - Black leading edge, red undersurface. Airframe inspected by reputable dealer, $900. Dennis (313) 2546521.

1989 150 SPORT EURO. - Half Race, faired downtubes, spare sets, low airtime, excellent condition. Yellow L.E., R.O. Y. rainbow undersurface. Available now $2200. Collettc Carson, (508) 369-7360. SPORT FULL RACE EUROPEAN l 67 - Fluorescent yellow/white. One owner. Great shape. Speedbar, $ l ,800. (80!) 572-4383. SPORT EURO. 167 - Safety edge downtubes, excellent condition, $1600. (800) 528-1866, Ext. 2578. VISION MK IV - Never flown other than factory flight. Crisp - $1,500. (406) 622-5677. VISION MK IV 17 763-0456.

Blue/yellow/white, S 1200, (50 I)

VISION MK IV 17 - Pink trilam, comfort bar, 17 hrs., excellent. $1,800. Will pay shipping. (50!) 224-2186. VISION MK IV l 7 - 3 DCG, camera pockets, trilam L.E., $1,875. Guaranteed< I hr. (303) 750-3226. VISION MK IV l 9 - 3 DCG, camera pockets, trilam L.E.,

S 1,975. Guaranteed< I hr. (303) 750-3226. MAGIC IV l 77 - Full race, $1300. Minimum Trike power pack S 1300. (215) 252-6020.

Good condition. $300. (206) 683-7342

DREAM 165-Pacific blue, pink LE and batten pockets, white TE, only 7 hrs.$ l 250.00. Call Cindy (615) 949-2301.

HP 2 - Full Race. Recent inspection. Great glider,$ l ,400. Scott (619) 934-5403.

SPORT l 50 - Excellent condition. Low airtime, full race $2,000. Will ship. Tim (501) 455-4872.

MOYES GTR 148 - Like new, black/red/white sail $1400. Also Mistral windsurfer competition with (2) sails 6.0 + 4.8, $400. Call (603) 437-0512.

VISION MK IV !9- Blue and white, trilam L.E., 3 DCG. Only 8 hrs. flying time, $ I 900. Raymond equalizer for 6 footer, $400. High Energy chute also available. (704) 3340405.

MOYES 162 GTR - Full Race. Great shape with cxlras. $ l ,200 OBO (818) 764-9936/(805) 296-0846.

VISION MK IV 19 - Excellent condition, IO hrs., Trilam L.E., 4.4 oz T.E., $1800. Lite Dream 165, rainbow colors, good shape, $1000. (208) 673-6273.

MOYES GTR RACER - Excellent condition, all white w/ orange L.E., low hrs. and low U.V., Vermont glider. (802) 649-5406, $2200.

WANTED-Quality used single surface gliders and equiprnent and F.D. or U.P. knee hanger harnesses (602) 8977121.

MOYES MEGA II - MUST SELL!! Good condition, includes equipment. BEST OFFER!! (708) 495-0262.

WANTED-Sensor 5IOA V-G in good to excellent condition. Tom Sandage (816) 254-4708 evenings, recorder on.

MYSTIC 155 - Low hours, VG, Red-blue-yellow, $600, Gerry (415) 567-6032.

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

155 MYSTIC SPECIAL- Reinforced airframe, extra ribs, VG, airfoil downtubes, speedbar, l/8" side cables, custom sail work, exceptionally clean, flown at Telluride, $1600. Chris (619) 943-0274.

WANTED - Used hang gliding equipment. Gliders, instruments, harnesses and parachutes. Airtime of San Francisco, 3620 Wawona, San Francisco, CA 94116. (415) SKYI 177.

NEW GLIDERS - Best Prices! Pacific Airwave, Wills Wings, Sccdwings, Delta. Silver Wings (703) 533-3244.

Xl80 - White/blue, low hours, with speedbar, excellent condition, $550, (203) 53 l-1442 (evenings).

RA VEN 209 - Low time, good condition, $600 OBO, (805) 489-3797, 6:00-9:00 p.m., PST. RA VEN 209 - Low time, great condition, $600 OBO, (805) 295- l 571. SENSOR 5lOA/l80- Under IO hours, beautiful sail, like new. Can ship, $750. (403) 259-3517. After May ! 5th, (714) 799-3389. SKYHAWK !68 - Very good condition, great colors. $700. (818) 449-6780. SKYHA WK l 69- Harness, chute, all for $900. (213) 6308064 nighls. '87 180 SKYHAWK - Black leading edge, white sail, 6 hrs., perfect, like new. S 1,200. (317) 545-94 I 9. SKY HAWK 188-FiownS days,$1700 OBO; Wills Wing Fly Lite deluxe cocoon harness w/free flight 20-gore parachute, $750 OBO. (818) 707-3199.

COLORADO HANG GLIDING

New name brand chutes .......... .... .. ... $350 25 Used gliders ...... .................... ....... $500-$ l ,800 Used 20 and 22 gore chutes ....... ...... .$250 Paragliders ........... ..................... ..... .. $1,860 Bell Helmets . ......... ...................... In stock $125 Steel carnbiner .... ...... ...................... .$14.80 All equipment guaranteed, inspected and shipped anywhere. (303) 278-9566. 24 hrs. COLORADO HANG GLIDING (303) 278-9566 Comet III 185 Intro Price ······· .......... $2,600 Magic Formula Intro Price .... ........... $2,700 Magic KISS Demo Price ................... $3, I 00 Magic Formula Demo Price .............. $2,390 Vision MK IV 17, 19 < 3 hrs. ......... ... SI,925 Lt. Dream 185,205 < 15 hrs ............. $1,480 Lt. Mystic 177, 188 < 20 hrs .............. S 1,100 Lt. Dream 205 < 40 hrs ..................... $900 Seagull Scahawks each .................... .$300

All equipment guaranteed and shipped anywhere.

HANG GLIDING

CLASSIFIEDS GOLDEN WINGS (303) 278-7181 Vision Mk JV 17, 19 Demos, like new ,,,,$2,050-2,300 Sport 167 Euro. Demo, (exec. cond.) ,, $2,700 HP-AT Demo,,,,,,,, ,,, 53,200 Sport Am. 180 (low air time) ,,, $2,301) Comet 185 (seldom used, very well mainL) ,,. ,, $700 UP Gemini 184 ,,,,,,,, $700 Demon 185 , , $600 Comet 165 . ,,,,,,,, $350 Magic 3. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,, S700 Phoenix 6D (great colors, looks like new) ,,, . ,,,,, $350 Maxon FM radios, I channel, SW, 151.625mhz .. $295 THE HANG GLIDING CENTER ~vlagic Formula In stock......... ... New Magic KISS ,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,, New Magic KISS Like new .. ,,. 52,500 150 Sport FR 63" CB .Sl,900 167 Sport,,,,. . ... Sl.400 HP-AT ln stock,,,,,,,, .... New Sport 167 AT In Stock,,,,,, ,, New Magic Ill 166 Great Glider ,, S 1,200 Vision MK JV 17/19 ln stock ,,,,,,,,,,,,New Vision MK IV 17/19 Used ... $1,200 229 Raven Used,,,. . $700 Equalizers Used S/M ,,. . ,,. ,,,,. ,,. S425 CG 1.000 M Like new. . S-!50 4206-K Sorrento Valley Blvd., San Diego, CA 92121. We have instruments and parachutes in slack (619) 450-9008. ·;,Special travel incentives on some glider purchases. OWENS VALLEY SOARING HP 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.,,. S 1,500 Sport Am. 167 Race cloth ,,. ,,,,,,,,,,,, S 1.600 220 Dream Like new ,,,,. S 1,250 Vision Mk JV 17 ,,,,. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,. S 1.300 Oxygen system, carbon fiber tank 7.5 lbs. Lasts up to 8 hrs. at 18.000 feet. (619) 387-2673. SAURATOWN SOARING Airspeed $15, Stirrups, cocoons, altimeters, varios, thermal snoopers $50 each, Parachute S 150, Trainer $250. Tommy Thompson <919 i 983-9064. SEQUATCHIE VALLEY SOARING SUPPLY Sales - Rentals - Instruction - Repairs (615) 949-2301 Dream 165 - with wheels. Dbl. knee-hanger, spare tubes, low hours ............................ . S l 395 Dream 220 - neon - demo .................. $2395 Dream 140 - custom sail.......... ... S2495 Raven 209 - real good condition ...... S 675

Sport I 50 · beautiful .... .. ................. S2895 Sport l 80 - low hours .. .. ........... S l 995 HP AT - hot demo. . .. .... $3295 Vision 18 - great shape .. . ..... S 895 GTR 162 - real clean...... .. .... $1695 XS - very nice, almost nC\\ .............. $2295 High Energy POD - new .................... S 399 Cloud base cocoon - new. ...... S 325 Great deals on all Wills Wing, Seed wings, Delta Wing, High Energy sports products and lots 1norc! ULTRALIGHTS ULTRALIGHT - Leaf Trike w/cayuna 430 engine, Hight Designs Demon 175 wing. Pilot weight 200 lb. max. Excellent condition, low hours, easy to fly and set up. (205) 9884275. 52,500. RIGID WINGS LOOKING FOR rLEDGE Ill and/or ET Please call Thom (907) 457-2670.

SAIL WINGS HANG GLIDING - Certified Instruction. Agent for Pacific Airwavc, C.G. 1000. 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. ivlajor brands of gliders & accessories carried. 1689 Annstrong Road, Lodi, CA 95242 (209) 368-9665. AIRTIME OF SAN FRANCISCO - Hang Gliding & paragliding. Lessons - sales - service - rentals. UP, Pacific Airwave, Seedwings, \Vills \Ving, High Energy, Pro Designs, HiLite. Condor and more. Large selections of secondhand equipment. Certified instruction (USHGA & APA). Next to Fort Funston. 3620 \Vawona. San Francisco. CA 94116. (415) SKY-1177.

Low time.

SCHOOLS AND DEALERS ALABAMA L?\·1FP - Two hours from Birmingham (see our ad under Tennessee.) (-!04) 398-3541. ,\RJZONA

AIRTIME UNLIMlTED-SOUTHLAl\D HANG GLIDING SCHOOL - Pacific Airwave gliders in stock. Tandem instruction, A TOL towing. \Ve need your used glider tradeins. c/o David Engel, 19046 Singing Wood Cir .. Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679 (714) 589-0109. CHANDELLE HANG GLIDING CENTER - USHGA Certified school.. The best damn hang gliding shop in the world. De.tiers for \Vills \Ving, Pacific Airwavc, Delta \Ving, .L\ loyes, Seeclwings and High Energy. Five minutes from Fort Funston. 488 Manor Plaza, Pacifica, CA 94044.(-115) 359-6800. 1

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 clays in America. Dealer for Pacific Airwavc. \Vills \Ying, High Energy, Ball and Seagull classic parts. 1327 E. Bell De Mar Dr., Tempe. AZ 85283 (602) 897-7121. DESERT HANG GLIDERS - USHGA Certified School. Supine specialists. 4319 \V. Larkspur, Glendale, AZ 85304. (602) 439-0789, 938-9550. ARKANSAS OZARK MOUNTAIN HANG GLIDING - Sales, service and instruction. Dealer for \Vills \\ling, ivloyes, Eric Raymond hamc~ses and Maxon radios. 10411 \V. iViarkham. Suite 120. Little Rock. AR 72205 (501) 681-5656.

HANG FLIGHT SYSTEMS - DIRl<:CTLY 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. \Ve sell and service all major brands of gliders and accessories. USHGA certified XC clinics. and training program. 1202 E. \Valnut, Unit ivI, Santa Ana, CA 9270 I (714) 542-7444 Near Disneyland. HANG GLIDER EMPORIUM - The best training hill in the ,,·c~l is in Santa Barbara, a hang gliding VACA TJON PARADISE. High quality PERSONALIZED instruction focusing on the skills that most affect your SAFETY. Call for vacation info and glider inventory. Tues.-Fri. l0-5, Sat. I 0-4. 613 N. Mil pas, Santa Barbara, California 93103 (805) 965-3733.

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

Boldface or caps $.95 per word. (Does not include first few words

are automatically caps.) Special layouts or tabs $22 per I which column inch. I {phone numbers-2 words, P.O. Box-1 word) I photos-$25.00 line art logos-$15.00 I Deadline-20th of the month, six weeks before the cover date of the 1

I I I I

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

Begin with 19 issue and run for consecutive issue(s). My check ::i, money order ::i, is enclosed in the amount of $

NAME: ADDRESS:

I I I I I I I

I I I I

PHONE·. II Number of words: @ .40 = II L _________ ~HG~.O. Bo~300, Colorado Spring::._C~8093~_?19) 632-8300 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _J APRIL 1990

CLASSIFIEDS Van Nuys, CA 91406 (818) 988-01 I I. "Professionals You

Can Trust!"

ILLINOIS

COLORADO

RA VEN HANG GLIDING SCHOOL - Largest and most popular in the i\1idwest. Traditional curriculum, ridge soaring, mountain clinics, tandem by Brad Kushner. Sales/ service/accessories for all major brands. 300 N. Green Bay Rd., Waukegan, IL 60085 (708) 360-0700.

USHGA Certified COLORADO HANG GLIDING School, dealer all brands. Towing and paraglider inst. Bell helmets. (303) 278-9566.

f,">· HIGH ADVENTURE- Full service facility located on site at Southern California's famous mile high mountains, Crestline. From sand hill to XC thermal flying, our 20 tandem accelerated training program is quick and thorough. Instructor Rob JVkKcnzic. Dozens of new and used gliders for sale or rent. Other services include, weather information, mountain shuttle, towing seminars, XC trips, repairs, ratings. (714) 883-8488. THE HANG GLIDING CENTER - Located in beautiful San Diego. USHGA instruction, cquipmelll rentals, local flying tours. Spend your winter vacation flying with us. We proudly offer Wills Wing, Pacific i\irwave, High Energy, Ball and we need your used equipment. 4206-K SotTento Valley Blvd., San Diego, CA 92121 (619) 450-9008. MISSION SOARING CENTER - Serving the flying communi1y since 1973. Complete lesson program with special attention to quality rake-off and landing skills. All major brands of gliders, parachutes and instruments sold. Sail repair and air frame service available. 1116 \Vrigley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035. (408) 262-1055.

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 certified school. Dealer for Delta Wing, Pacific Airwavc and Wills Wing. P.O. Box 25985, Colorado Springs, CO 80936 (719) 594-0498. GOLDEN WINGS - Sales, service. USHGA certifie,d instruction. Tandem Towing Instruction. Dealers for \Vills Wing, Pacific Ainvave, Delta Wings, Moyes, UP. ClinicsSoaring, Parachute, Instructor, Mtn. Tours, Towing. 1108 Miners Alley, Golden, CO 80401. (303) 278-7181.

T-N-T HANG GLIDING, INC. - Know how to fly? Want to learn to fly? Come see Michigan's first ATOL launch system in action. (313) 382-3977. NEVADA

L/D ENTERPRISES - Frame and sail repair; Parts and accessories, Cindy Drozda, 5000 Butte #183, Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 440-3579. CONNECTICUT

NEW JERSEY

MOUNTAIN WINGS -Look under New York.

MOUNTAIN WINGS -

FLORIDA

NEW MEXICO

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN PLIGHT PARK - Sec ad under Tennessee. (404) 398-3541.

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

Look under New York.

NEW YORK

PINE CREST AIR PARK - Landing area for Crestline. Launch info. for schools, lodging, area flying sites. Contact Juanita Jackson evenings at (714) 882-4803.

SILENT FLIGHT - Located in beautiful Mt. Shasta. TLS Lowing, lessons, tandem flights, sales, service and a lot of fun fly'n! Dealers for all major brands. (916) 938-2061.

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, Bennet!, Manta. Contact Norman Lesnow, 569 W. Annabelle, Hazel Park, MT, 48030. (313) 399-9433.

HIGH SIERRA SPORTS -Spectacular Sierra tours, tandem & 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 89701 (702) 885-1891 or(702) 885-1970.

NATURAL HIGH SPORTS - Lessons, equipment, jewelry. Debbi Renshaw-Armenta, P.O. Box 361, Running Springs, CA 92382. (714) 867-7961.

SANTA BARBARA HANG GLIDING CENTER USHGA Certified School. Achim J. Hageman. 29 State St., Santa Barbara, CA. 93 IO I (805) 962-8999.

MICHIGAN

MIAMI HANG GLIDING, INC. - Certified school specializing in personalized tandem flight training, full service sales and parts for all gliders, makes and moclcls. For more info. call (305) 667-2392 or (305) 962-6968.

AAA MOUNTAIN WINGS HANG GLIDING CENTER AND FLIGIIT PARK - Base of ELLENVILLE MTN. Four exclusive training hil1s. Areas only dealer for Pacific Airwave, UP, Seedwings and Delta Wing with demos in stock. \Ve are the largest, most complete H.G. accessory and repair shop of its kind in the country. Many new and used gliders in stock. R/C supplies and kits, Ultra Pod camera systems. VISA and MASTERCARD accepted. Stop in and get your night pass and gate combo. 150 Canal St., Ellenville, NY 12428. (914) 647-3377. In N.E. l-800-5257850.

GEORGIA TORREY FLIGHT PARK, INC. - At the launch of the world famous Torrey Pines Glider Port, one of San Diego's highlights! Unmatched convenience for pilots and spectators. Refreshments and souvenirs at the Clifllrnngcr Cafe. Certified Training program featuring tandem soaring lessons. New, used, rental and demo equipment by Delta \Ving and UP. 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 (619) 452-3202. TRUE FLIGHT COl\CEPTS - USHGA Certified Instruction, Sales & Service. Become a better pilot in less time with our small personalized classes & tandem instruction. Our head instructor has over 12 years teaching experience. Only minutes from our local Kagel Mountain flying site. 13243 Gladstone Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342. (818) 367-6050.

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK under Tennessee. (404) 398-354 I.

See our ad

HAWAII MAUI SOARING SUPPLIES - Guided rentals, PacAir, Genesis, Mark IV, Wills Wing Sport, Certified Instruction. Box 780, Kula, HI 96790 (303) 878-1271. IDAHO

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 & !1ight accessories in stock. Mexico Hang Gliding Tonrs. Paul Bums, 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.,

FLY HIGH HANG GLIDING, INC. - Serving S. New York, Connecticut, Jersey areas (Ellenville Mtn.). Area's EXCLUSlVE 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 facilities in N. New York state to teach you how to fly. RD 2, Box 348A, Cooperstown, NY 13326, (315) 866-6153. THERMAL UP, INC. - Most complete hang gliding shop in area. Located on top of Ellenville Mountain. USHGA Certified Instructor and Observer. Concentrating on hang gliding instruction with emphasis on launching and landing techniques. Dealer for all major brands. Offering expert sales and service with lowest price in area. Large mail order inventory. Tom Aguero, P.O. Box 347, Cragsmoor, NY 12420. (914) 647-3489.

La Monette Parts, Gliders, Trikes, Paragliders and Accessories. 11716 Fairview, Boise, ID 83704, (208) 376-7914. Dealer Inquiries Welcome.

HANG GLIDING

CLASSIFIEDS NORTH CAROLINA KITI'Y HA WK KITES, INC. -P.O. Box 340, Nags Head, NC 27959 (919) 441-4124. Learn to hang glide on Jockey's Ridge, the largest sand dune on the east coast, just south of where the Wright Brothers' first tlight 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.

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 SYS, Rt. 2, Box 80, Dunlap, TN 37327 (615) 9492301. TEXAS

SWITZERLAND

OKLAHOMA

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. \Vhere we don't care which way the wind blows and it's always soarable.

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

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.

PENNSYLVANIA

KITE ENTERPRISES - Instruction, sales, repairs, platform towing, Dallas, North Texas area. 211 Ellis, Allen, TX 75007. (214) 996-7706 daytime, (214) 727-3588 nights and weekends. Dealer Pacific Airwavc.

MARIO MANZO - Certified instruction, repair, inspection. CG-IOOO, 2259 S. Smithville Rd., Dayton, OH 45420. (513) 256-3888 (eves.)

1\IOUNTAIN WINGS -

Look under New York.

PENNSYLVANIA SKY HIGH - Certified instruction, tandem, service, PacAir. Philadelphia (215 J 527-1687. TENNESSEE CRYSTAL AIR SPORT MOTEL- at Raccoon Mountain: Bunkhouse, private rustic rooms, regular & waterbeds, video in-room movies, private jacuzzi room, pool, sky gear gifts. fliers work program. FFI: 4328 Cummings Hwy .. Chattanooga, TN. 37409. (615) 821-2546. Chuck & Shari Toth. HA WK 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 Ivltn. - The longest ridge, two launches. The popular light wind indicator \Vindsok. Brochures available. Your satisfaction is the key to our continued growth and success. Hawk Air Sports, Inc., 251 North Boyd's Creek Rd., Sevierville, TN 37862, (615) 453-1035. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK- Since 1978, Southeast's largest USHGA-certified mountain flight school. Complete training, from grassy, gently-sloping training hills to soaring high above Lookout l\ lountain. Our specialty: getting you your first mountain flights. Lesson packages. USHGA ratings, glider and mountain bike rentals, camping, local site information. Largest inventory of new and used hang gliders and mountain bikes, harnesses, helmets, instruments, T-shirts. Repair services. \Ve buy used gliders, equipment! Send Sl.00 for brochure, rates, directions, accommodations information. Twenty minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Route 2, Box 215-H, Dept. HG, Rising Fawn, GA 30738. (404) 398-3541 or 398-3433. 1

SEQUATCHIE VALLEY SOARING SUPPLY, INC. Dealers for all major brands. Small training clas'\cs, with USHGA certified instruction, including tandem flights with group rates available. Famous radial ramp located just across the street. Great first mountain flight location with a huge landing zone and camping available with a comfortable clubhouse. Fly over I00 miles of ridges and enjoy challenging thermals with two launches, rnon to be 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 \Ving gliders with reasonable pricing on all

SWISS ALP HANG GLIDING SAFARI - For quick, easy flying !vlay to October, call or write Ron Hurst, Jostenstr. 21, 8854 Galgenen, Switzerland, Dir. Dial USA Ol J-41-55645229, FAX#: 011-41-55-645223. VENEZUELA 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. OVERSTOCKED - new 20, 22 gore $350 each. Used $250 each. Includes inspection and repacking, Colorado Hang Gliding, (303) 278-9566. PARTS & ACCESSORIES

RED RIVER AIRCRAFT/4811 RED RIVER ST./ AUSTIN, TEXAS 78751-Let 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 Wine, Ball and others. RRA - AUSTIN, TEXAS (512) 467-2529.

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

TE X AS

PAR AGL ID I N G I N C.

SOARING AND SERVING 'IlfE LONE STAR STATE

SALES & SCHOOL for American Paragliding Association Certifications. Tandem and video instruction. Towing - Flatland Thermaling - Ridge Soaring. YEAR ROUND flying at 7 Texas sites! Supplier of high performance paragliding equipment-ITV -HARLEY - PERFORMANCE DESIGNS, TOWING'? We set the paragliding towing standards for safety with our Quick Line Recovery System (QLR). Also usable with all hang gliding tow rigs. Exclusi,·e distributor forthc '"SKYLAUNCH"Tow System. SKY6000' - SKY-3000' - SKY-SPECTRA 1/8" models. Certified supplier for "UL TRALINE" and its replacement coming your way 1 To Order and Enroll, call us at (713) 9739546 or write T.P.I., 1437 Waseca, Houston, TX 770554411.

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. BU:V!PER STICKERS - "Remember When Sex was Safe. .. And Hang Gliding Was Dangerous?" Top quality vinyl two-color design. $2.00 + S1.00 S & H per order. Aerial Tease, 8 Camino Verde, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.

UTAH WASATCH WII\GS - USHGA certified hang gliding school, dealers for \Vills \Ying, iv1oyes and Pacific Airwave. Flight operations at Point of the Mountain. Call Gordon (801) 277-I042. VIRGINIA SILVER WINGS. INC. - Certified instruction & equipment sales. N. VA. (703) 533-1965.

APRIL 1990

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

OHIO l\ORTH 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.

WASHINGTON

CLOUDBASE INSTRUMENTS - GHIJSOC digital altimeter. Temperature compensated, accurate, mounting options, affordable, $149, 2464 El Camino Real, Suite 513, Santa Clara, CA 95051 (408) 729-4860.

CLASSIFIEDS MAXON RADIOS - $325. New synthesized, programmable VHF FM 5 watts. Includes 6 channels (3 USHGA and 3 weather), charger, case, antenna and warranty. Best prices on ivfaxon handhcld, mobile and accessories plus fast, reliable service facility. I-watt Maxon $169.95. Quantity discounts available. Pendulum Sports, Inc. (719) 539-3900. PARAGLIDING EQUIPMENT FOR SALE-A complete line of equipment and accessories available. \Vhatever your needs, from Alpine descents to ocean, thermal, and ridge soaring, we have ir. PEAK PERFORMANCE PARAGLIDERS INC., P.O. Box 213, Crested Butte, CO, 81224. Tel/Fax (303) 349-5961.

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

THE FAMOUS "LAMBIE LID" - Aerodynamic Hang Glider helmet. $75 postpaid. State size and 3 choices of color. 8160 Woodsboro, Anaheim, CA 92807 (714) 7791877. NEW!!! Field charger and Battery Tester for all Tx and Rx batteries. Quality dual range meter. Intro. price $69.00 ppd with custom name plate. Guaranteed. Charlie's Chargers, Box 189, 330 "A" West Uintah, Colorado Springs, CO 80905. FLIGHT ACTIVITY LOG AND DATABASE-This software allows pilots to log a multitude of information on each flight, calculate great circle distances and select from a variety of report sons, which include sub- and grand totals. Great for Club or Competition Logs. Price is S24.95 (plus $3.00 shipping). Order from Cloudburst Computer Works, 4213 W. Villa Maria, Glendale, AZ 85308, or call 602-4393316. FLIGHT DESIGNS STIRRUP HARNESS new. $75.00 (317) 545-9419.

Blue, like

QUICK RELEASE CARABINER - Braking I0,000 lbs. $24.95. Extra 5/16 ball lock pin SI 0. Dealers wanted. Patent pending. Thermal, 19431-41 Business Center Dr., Northridge, CA 91324. SAILMAKING & RIGGING SUPPLIES -All fabric types. Massachusetts Motorized, P.O. Box 542-G, Cotuit, MA 02635. (413) 736-2426.

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.

$$$SA VE MONEY$$$- Make downtubes in seconds with your own custom-made JIGM/\STER drilling tool. Send $29.95 to JIGMASTER, 4175 Lacy Lane, Suite 36, Colorado Springs, CO 809 l 6, or call (719) 596-4284.

CUSTOM GLIDER BAGS - Any size, type you need. Light, strong, UV protected, any color. Call to order: (916) 283-3046.

SHOP MANAGERS!! We can supply your needs for: Tubing, Cable, Helmets, Steel carabincrs & Pcrlon. Base tube "COMFORT GRIPS". Also!! The brand new parachute bridle Swivel "PARA-SWIVEL". Save money & time. Call us for a Dealer price list. GOLDEN WINGS: COLORADO'S NEW HANG GLIDING SUPPLY SOURCE. l !08 MINERS ALLEY, GOLDEN CO 80401 (303) 278-7181. GRADE A SHEEPSKIN HAND FAIRINGS-Keeps hands warm in all conditions. Tested and endorsed by record holder Kevin Christopherson. "I wou]dn '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.

DON'T PAY FOR A NAME, PAY FOR QUALITY. High quality short shell, open ear helmets at an affordable price. MEETS & EXCEEDS the new 1988 DOT standards. Well finished Brushed nylon liner with High strength Polycarbonate shell. ONLY $55.00. Golden Wings: Colorado's New Hang Gliding Supply Source, (303) 278-7181.

HOODED SWEATSHIRTS - Closeout special $19.00 + $2.50 S & H (S6.00 foreign). Size Large or Xlarge only. Design #l: Cloudbase Country Club or Design #2: Real Pilots Fly Hang Gliders. Six color designs on white shirts. Sec Nov. issue for art designs. Aerial Tease, 8 Camino Verde, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. INCREASE PERFORMANCE WITH WING-TIP FAIRINGS! for most gliders. $30.00/pr. + shipping. L/D Enterprises (303) 440-3579. Dealers wanted. KEVLAR FULL FACE-Superlite full face cover helmet. Excellent vision, yet cold weather protection, $295. Visors $25. Pendulum Sports, Inc. (719) 539-3900. LA MOUETTE -- Parts, gliders, trikes, paragliders and accessories. 11716 Fairview, Boise, Idaho 83704. (208) 376-7914. Dealer inquiries welcome.

THERMAL SNOOPER - The exciting new soaring instrument. Proven to indicate nearby thermals and more. For competition or just fun. Own one for just $98 check or money order to: Digi-Log Circuits Co., 57 l I Tannahill Circle, Huntsv_illc, AL, 35802, US/\. Satisfaction and 12 month warranty. T-SHIRTS - Free catalog. Blue Horizons, P.O. Box 695, Goleta, CA 931 16. TU131NG, WHEELS, BOLTS, BRACKETS, DACRON plus much more. Free tubing price sheet or send $5 for complete catalog. Leading Edge Air Foils, Inc., 33 l S. 14th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. Phone (719) 632-4959. HANG GLIDING

... THE INNOVATOR

STABILIN... PERFORMANCE .. .CONSTRUCTION QUALIN ... STATESIDE FACTORY SUPPORT ... INVENTORIED WINGS, PARTS & ACCESSORIES ... INSTRUCTION PROGRAMS ... FACTORY DEMO'S ... UNPRECEDENTED SERVICE ... THE WIND IN YOUR FACE, THE SKY AT YOUR DISPOSAL ... COME TO UP PARAGLIDERS ... CALL THESKYSPORT LEADERS AT 6199430274 ... UPSKYSPORT TEAM FLY-IN ... ELLENVILLE NEW YORK, MAY 5 &6 ... UP INTERNATIONAL ... 5604 BIRCH STREET ... LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA .... 92330 ... l 800 COME 2 UP

CLASSIFIEDS ULTRALJNE - Cajun Hang Gliding introduces 3/16" UJ. traline with strength, wear and perfonnance characteristics! exceeding 1/4" Polypro, this is an excellent rope for smaller winches or tow pilots who want really long tow lines. 3000' delivered for $95.00. Also new pricing on our highly proven 1/4" Ultraline; 3000' delivered for $145.00. Cajun Hang Gliding, 110 Kent Circle, Lafayette, LA 70508 (3 I 8) 9818372.

VIDEOS & FILMS

USHGA EMBLEM T-SHJRTS-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 (719) 632-8300. USHGA 1989 World Team Sweatshirts - We still have limited quantities in sizes S, XL, XXL. $19.95 + $3.00 S & 1-1. Call USHGA to reserve one for yourself! Limited time only. Call Jeff at (719) 632-8300 for details.

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 - Colorful design, epoxy dome with military clutch. $4.95 plus$ l.25 S/H. USHGA, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933. X-C SMOKE BOMBS - $4.00. Signal mirror, $6.00. Pendnlum Sports, Inc. (719) 539-3900. FOR SALE; YARNALL WINCH ON TRAILER -Excellent condition. Includes bridles and accessories. 170 and 200 Sabre training gliders in average condition, includes training harnesses. Lot for $2750. Jeff (7 I 7) 326-4188, 9 to 5. BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ATTENTION - LICENSED HANG GLIDING INSTRUCTORS. Contact us for free information on opening your own Paragliding School. We provide everything you need to start a school, and train you to use our proven methods of instmction. Free introductory Paragliding ground school and flight to Licensed Hang Gliding Instructors. For information on your own Franchise School, contact: PEAK PERFORMANCE PARAGLIDERS INC., P.O. Box 213, Crested Butte, CO 81224. Tel/Fax (303) 349-5961. 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.

ATOL lRuck Towi/\lG & CROSS COUNTRY FlyiNG l/\1 WEST TEXAS Wilk LARRY TudoR ANd JOE Bosrik FLATLAND FL YING puts you in the control bar with Larry Tudor and Joe Bostik on flights ofup to 220 miles. Get a good look at truck towing in action, with lots of aerial footage, including tandem flying. Includes short music video, "Ai1play!" Also available, Mountains High and TELLURIDE!, showing Colorado mountain flying and aerobatics at their best. All tapes arc $37 (CA residents add state tax) plns $3 shipping ($6 foreign). Flatland Flying also available in PAL format on foreign orders for $42. Robert Reiter, 800 Heinz Street #9, Berkeley, CA 94710 (415)649-81 l l

Road, Desford, Leicestershire LE9 99S, ENGLAND.

ULTRA GOLD WINGS - YOUR STATEMENT OF FLIGHT (in fine jewelry) Available in 14K or S.S. A choice of stud or French wire emTings. S 129.00 14K, $49.00 S.S. Necklace including chain - $99.00 14K, S29.00 S.S. Versatile pin of flight $79.00 14K, S24.00 S.S. We design 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 29.00 Necklace with chain 99.00 Pin 24.00 79.00

"AIR THUG/MEMBER"-T-shirts! M, LG, XL. $14.00 includes shipping. Payable lo Paul Voight. RD 2, Box 561, Pine Bush, NY 12566.

X-C FLIGHT LOG BOOK - Very clean, 64 pages. For those who like to document their flights. $3.95 plus$ l.25 S/ H, USHGA, P.O. BOX 8300, Colorado Springs, CO, 80933.

MISCELLANEOUS HANG GLIDE IN ENGLAND-Stay in a 200-year-old col/age sel in a dc!ighiful ,•ii/age localion during lhe summer of 1990! ! English pilol wishes lo arrange home exchange. If inlerested, ll'rite to: Rob Anderson, 8 Newbold

HAVE YOU SENT FOR YOUR NEW 1990 USHGA MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM TODAY? FREE!

MOUNTAIN WlNGS - ls looking for advanced hang gliding and paragliding instructors. Salaries negotiable. Full and part-time positions available. Manager position available-requires knowledge of computer systems. Call Greg or Judy at (914) 647-3377. Send resume to 150 Canal St., Ellenville, NY 12428. PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS BJNDERS FOR HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE - Brown vinyl with wire centerfold spines to allow library reference organization of your issues. Keeps up to I 2 issues tidy and handy. Only $9.00 plus $2.25 shipping/handling from USHGA, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933. RIGHT STUFF FOR NEW H.G. PILOTS-Learn techniques, equipmenl, terminology, traditions, more! $9.95 ppd. Publitec Editions, P.O. Box 4342, Laguna Beach, CA 92652, (714) 497-6100. SOARING - Monthly magazine of The Soaring Society of America, Inc. Covers all aspects of soaring flight. Full membership $35. Info kit with sample copy $3. SSA, PO Box E, Hobbs, NM 8824 l.

HANG GLIDING T-SHIRTS - 100% couon, silver logo on red, black, blue, or teal. All sizes, with or without pockets. $ l0.00 plus $2.00 P & H. Send to Christian Titone, P.O. Box 287, Elverson, PA 19520 or call (215) 286-9427. JOHN HEINEY SEMINARS-Balloon drop, photography, and aerobatic safety seminars available to your club or school. Learn by doing in weekend seminars. Individual attention to each pi1ot, intermediate through advanced. For information call or write: 125 W. Cordoba, San Clemente, CA 92672 (714) 361-0169. MODERN MYSTIFYING 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. NEW· NEW - NEW - "Mtn. Glider" T-shirt. 100% cotton. Multi-colored design on the back with blended design on the front. Sizes S, M, L, XL. $10.95 + $3.00 S & H. USHGA, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933, (719) 632-8300.

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 l 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.

• Always !here when you need !hem • Warm, comfortable, durable, slide easily across control bar

• lnslant bare hand dexlerity for launch, CB, chute, camera

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

THE AIRWORKS

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

HANG GLJDJNG

CLASSIFIEDS Harley New Wave 250. Green, black & white. Stolen from car in Austin. TX, Aug. 1989. CONTACT: Dana Ellinger (5121 472-6679.

STOLEN WINGS ATTENTION MEXICO PILOTS -Stolen in Mexico: (3)

High Energy cocoon harnesses with ballistic chuLes, (3) Maxon radios, (2) 651 Ball varies, ( I J Japanese UP jumpsuit, (2) Canon cam~ras, (I) Nikon camera, ( 1) Sony Super 8 Video recorder, (!OJ Camera lenses, (3J Knee hanger harnesses, (I) UP helmet, (4) Bell helmets. All items (including various personal items) stolen from Puerto Vallana, iV!exico on December 18, 1989. If found, contact Chip Henly at (415) 383-6757 (days) or (415) 332-0281 (nights). DELTA WING LIGHT DREAM 165-Stolen on 1/12/90 from Reno, NV. Black L.E. Dark blue. light blue and yellow sail. If found, please contact Ray at ( 702) 885-1891 (High Sierra Sports). FOUND!'!' ·- HP 1. Blad. L.E .. Yellow undersurface. white top and Porsche insignia on underwing. alone forever sticker on right undcrsurface. Brought in to \Vindsports Soaring c~~ntcr on 2/22/90. Call with serial # to identify (818) 988-0111. STOLEN CANOPIES AND EQUIPMEi\T - 2 Vollerie SoubcyrnL/Magic 24 E. One all pink, one all yellow. Rated advanced. 1101 suitable for beginners. Taken from motor home al Lake Crowley, CA. -Sept. 17. S300 reward for recovery. CONTACT: Ernst Schneider. Brunsteinstr II. D 8201 Raubling, \Vest Germany, or: Gordon Link (--ii.)) 7830618. Hayward, CA. Harley :~vlagic 10. Pink center, blue, green, yellow. Taken from truck in Yosemite Nat'I Park ScpL. 1989. CONTACT: Simon Peck 1303) -142-5876.

FOUND - FOUND - FOUND! On "E" launch in Elsinore. approximately 2 months ago- Ball vario w/attaching Gerhart altimeter. Call to identify. Ron, (714) 629-8034. STOLEN FROM ELSINORE, CA ON 9/17/89-New blue cocoon harness w/3" (purple, red, orange, yellow) stripes across parachute pack. Also stolen was Litek Vario, Thommen 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. 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 #Al510169 was ~tolen. Also, a blue Flight Designs harness with a G.Q. Security parachute - while with blue center. Contact: Al Sasser, 4627 Princess Anne Lane, Jacksonville, Florida 32210 (90-l) 388-08-l-l. Reward of S-100.00. R;\ VEN 1-19. RA VEN I 79 - Stolen al Guadalupe Dunes. Contact: John Newstead (805) 962-~999. STOLEN WINGS arc listed as a service Lo USHGA members. There is no charge for this service and lost and found wings or equipment may be called in Lo 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 Ad\"anced Air Technology ...... 9 Air\Vorks ....... . ......... 54 Ball Varios ....... . .... 24 Bredel Tours .. . ...... 14 ......... 8 BRS ................. . Hall Bros. .. 14 Hang Ventures .. .... 15 High Energy Sports ....................... . .... 14 Lookout Mt. flight Park . .... 32 MBNA .......................................... . ivtorningside Hang Gliders ......................................... 55 North American Sports ................... ............. 19 Old Kings Flite Park ...... 43 Pacific Airwave ...... 1 ...... -10 Paragliders Direct . Popslar .................................... 37 Ron Hurst ... ...... 43 Seed wings .... 20 Senlek ... .................................. 37 15 S ierrn Cloudbasc Sport Aviation Publications. ...... 17

Summit iVlagic TLS ....

...... 55

............. -13 Torrey flight Park . ... BC Transseas International ... ...... 1--i Trouper T's ........ . ... 19 UP International ..... 15.17. 19,53 USHGA ........ ...... IFC.IBC \Vcstcrn Hang Glider~ ................................................ 18 Wills Wing... ........ 25.38.39 Windsurfing By Mail ......... -1

NO SLIP RUBBER BUSHINGS PREVENTS BASE TUBE ABRASION WHEN USED ALONE

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

1 YEAR GUARANTEE • SNAP ON/SNAP OFF ANYTIME, ANYWHERE • AFFORDABLE/HIGH QUALITY • RUGGED & DEPENDABLE • 7" DIA. x 2112'' WIDTH EXTREMELY LIGHTWEIGHT STORE IN GLIDER BAG OR HARNESS

$4500 PER PAIR (specify 1" or 1 /a" base bar) 1

SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO:

MORNINGSIDE HANG GLIDERS

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

VISA

I CANADIAN ORDERS ADD $3.00

APRIL 1990

Jffi

DEALERS WELCOME

ST. PAUL, MINN - The end of February brought very anxious moments for three companies engaged in hang gliding. What could this could imply for products in our sport ... especially important as spring approaches? ••• With key Wills Wing sail designer, Steve Pearson, temporarily out of action Wills may have a longer development time on their proposed intermediate, codenamed Spawk, a cross between their Sport and Skyhawk. Fortunately, Wills is a kind of "deep pocket" talent-wise, not utterly dependent on one partner. Also, today's design efforts are heavily computer based, so Pearson could be back at his workstation soon. But count him out for the important and constant task of test flying (the Wills partners prefer to conduct their own test flying: a kind of "hands-on quality control," I'd guess). We'll see how this affects the torrid pace of Wills deliveries in this important spring period. • • • A couple valleys away in Lake Elsinore, the UP International company will also measure certain losses with General Manager Mitch MacAleer also on the injured list. In 1990 UP has taken on an ambitious list of projects. As reported earlier UP is now building under license Delta Wing's hit trainer, the Dream. In addition, the company is working on certifying the 165 Comet III (the 185 received certification already) . With their Axis they've a wide line of gliders. Now Chris Bolfing reports UP is also planning a pod harness and gear bag line, plus he says UP will soon launch a national tour of the UP Skysport Team. They hope to present ICPs plus demos for gliders and paragliders. MacAleer and John Heiney will join the Team periodically. Except now ... with boss MacAleer hospitalized, their spring may also get off to a slower start than they'd like. Between Wills and UP, some real glider building muscle is represented; their (temporary) losses are our losses. • • • Still concentrating on manufacturers, Seedwings announced the release of their E model Sensor. They claim a performance gain through increased double surface, now 80 percent. Also a less radial wing tip angle has improved wing tip

airfoil shape and made it lighter. The HGMA certification package had not been submitted as of mid-February. Seedwings will accept position orders for the E model, predicting a two-month delivery. They currently have a backlog of about 25 gliders and output averages 3-5 gliders a week. Owner Bob Trampenau likes to point out that Seedwings builds the only sporting class glider with a VG. With their "SS" Sensor starting at $3,495, these gliders come with a generous list of features. Most customers go for the racier models (ER and FR) with 40% wanting the "Easy Race" model and 55% choosing the "Full Race." Obviously, "performance sells" for Seedwings. ••• In the USA, this leaves three more primary builders: Pacific Airwave, currently relishing a couple new world records made in Australia; Bennett, in the midst of a gear change regarding manufacture; and Moyes, whose XS was well received last year but who is now among the quietest of builders. The Merger gliders in Washington state, plus Zl and Odyssey both from San Francisco are still operating, but are too small to significantly affect U.S. build rates. ••• Now let's look another direction with some wonderful news from opposite parts of the country. Both Ed Levin and Nags Head are open again! At Killy Hawk Kites, director John Harris again secured insurance, fulfilling a sudden North Carolina state demand. He reports he had his choice of several insurers, further evidence of a relaxed insurance market. Supervisors for Ed Levin finally yielded partly thanks to a superlative letter from the new president of the NAA. In a move that could turn around attitudes about NAA, Malvern Gross' well-worded letter evidently touched the Santa Clara County Board with sensible reasoning regarding how these officials should care for natural resources. Gross is to be commended for bringing NAA into an active support role for our association. Time to rethink our ambivalence about the NAA? Well, outta room, so ... got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Or call 612 I 4 57-7 4 91 (days at BRS) Or FAX: 612/457-8651. THANKSI

HANG GLIDING

USHGA Merchandise Order Form 1990 USHGA Calendar 12"X12" full color pictorial to the sport you love. Big squares for notes, etc ............................... $9.95 _ __ 1989 USHGA Calendar Beautiful 4-color Hang Gliding pictures, suitable for framing ...................................................... $5.00 _ __ 1988 USHGA Calendar More excellent photography. Collect them all! ............................................................................ $3.00 _ __ APPAREL **NEW** USHGA Corduroy Cap Heavy-weight corduroy w/ matching braid. Embroidered with 4-color "soaring" hang glider and trails. CIRCLE COLOR CHOICE: WHITE or BLUE ............................................................... $9.95 _ __ **NEW** USHGA Lapel Pin Beautiful multi-color design hang gliding over a mountain sunset ....................................... $4.95 _ __ **NEW** USHGA "Min. Glider" T-Shirt 100% Cotton Multi-color hang gliding design on the back, glider trails on the front. SPECIFY SIZE: S M L XL .......................................................................................................... $10.95 _ __ USHGA "Bars" Hang Gliding T-Shirt - Horizontal color bar chest design. SPECIFY COLOR: WHITE or TAN SIZE: S M L XL ........................................................................................................................................................... $8.00_ __ USHGA "Emblem" T-Shirt Our official logo design. SPECIFY COLOR: TAN or LIGHT BLUE SIZE: S M L XL ........................................................................................................................................................... $8.00_ __ USHGA Emblem Baseball Cap Foam white front, colored mesh back, adjustable sizes. SPECIFY COLOR: NAVY RED GOLD ORANGE ...................................................................................................... $5.00_ __ USHGA 1988 WORLD TEAM PIN Commemorating the world meet at Mt. Buffalo, AUSTRALIA .................................... $2.95_ __ BOOKS RIGHT STUFF FOR HANG GLIDER PILOTS by Erik Fair Reprints from HANG GLIDING magazine. Light humor, overview, techniques & personalities of the sport ............................................................................................................... $7.95 _ __ MAN BIRDS by Maralys Wills. Entertainingly takes you from hang glidings past to its soaring future. 150 Black-N-White photos! 8 pages color! ......................................................................................................................... $8.95 _ __ USHGA Instructors Manual Syllabus, teaching methods ................................................................................................ $5.00_ __ FL YING CONDITIONS by Dennis Pagen Micrometeorology for pilots. 90 illustrations .................................................... $7.50_ __ HANG GLIDING FL YING SRILLS by Dennis Pagen Highly recommended for the beginner to intermediate ................. $9.95 _ __ HANG GLIDING TECHNIQUES by Dennis Pagen Covering cross-country, competition, powered flying etc. For the intermediate to advanced pilot ............................................................................................................................... $7.50 _ __ FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS FOR PILOTS 1990 Edition. Required study material for ratings ....................... $8.95 _ __ HANG GLIDING MANUAL & LOG by Dan Poynter For Beginners, covering the basics of hang gliding ........................ $1.50 _ __ DELUXE LOG BOOK 72 pages, pilot I.D., ratings, rules, glider inspection, maintenance history parachute inspection & repacking record ... more! ............................................................................................................................... $4.95 _ __ X-C FLIGHT LOG BOOK 64 pages, very clean For those who like to document their flights ........................................... $3.95 _ __ USHGA FLIGHT LOG BOOK 40 pages. The "Official" Log Book ..................................................................................... $2.95 _ __ FEDERATION AERONAUTIOUE INTERNATIONALE F.A.I. SPORTING CODE FOR HANG GLIDERS Requirements/procedures for record attempts .................................... $3.00 _ __ USHGA Record Attempt Rit w/ FAI Sporting License ................................................................................................. $10.00 _ __ F.A.I. Sporting License & Stamp ..................................................................................................................................... $5.00 _ __ F.A.I. stamp ONLY ............................................................................................................................................................. $3.50_ __ (Birthdate Birthplace ) ACCESSORIES Magazine Collector Binder Brown vinyl with gold lettering. Wire inserts to hold 12 issues of HANG GLIDING. Build your own reference library ......................................................................................................................................... $9.00_ __ USHGA Hang Gliding Poster 22"X 28" Colorful poster of a hang glider sailing into an ocean sunset. .......................... $2.95_ __ USG HA Sew-On Emblem The official 3" circular emblem, ready for application ............................................................. $1.25_ __ USHGA Emblem Decal Full color emblem sticker .............................................................................................................. $.25 _ __ USHGA Desk Clock Clear Acrylic with the "Mtn. Glider" screened in blue. Know when it's time to fly! ........................... $6.95_ __ USHGA Drinking Mug w/ Handle Unbreakable 14 oz. frosted mug, "Min. Glider" screened .......................................... $2.25_ __ USHGA Key Chain Custom "Min. Glider" shaped, soft-feel plastic. White on Red ........................................................... $1.50_ __ USHGA Flying Disk Great for those people (and dogs) that you left on the ground! Red on Black ................................ $1.95 _ __ License Plate Frame "I'd rather be hang gliding" Blue lettering on a white plastic frame ................................................................................................................................ $5.50 _ __ White lettering on metal (zinc) frame .................................................................................................................................. $6.50 _ __

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): $_ _ __ Subtotal Account#________________________ Colorado Residents Expiration Date:__)__)_ _ 6.5% tax$- - - - - - Signature______________________ Shipping $_2-.2_5~--C'.li t .25 shipping for orders $4.95 and under) Ship To: Charge Card $ _ _ _ _ __ NAME USHGA# _ _ _ __ ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ CITY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _STATE_ _ _ZIP _ _ __ Total Enclosed $_ _ _ _ __ United States Hang Gliding Association, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933 (719) 632-8300

,, , , r

f" f"

,,,

,,,.

.,..

r I'

JIii