USHGA Paragliding Vol4/Iss1 1993

VOL 4 NO. I/ 1993

Thirty-five years of flying , and I know that love's a process , not instant delight between a pilot and a flying machine . Yet the first time I pulled up my AT-125 and stepped into the air ... it was a mighty quick process.

From that moment my rainbow Wills has turned out to be more stable , more straightforward forgiving high -quality dependable smooth-flying bulletproof than I dared hope . Hurray to everyone at Wills Wing for building such lovely nylon sorcery, and for charming old dreams of fligh t into my here and now!

Richard Bach Author, Pilot As the longest continuously practicing holder of an instructor card in foot launched flight, I can say that the most important criteria in selecting a paraglider are safety, quality and service. In my nineteen years of experience , there is one company with an unmatched track record in each of the above: Wills Wing . Before you spend good money on anything else, give me a call.

Ken deRussy Hang Glider & Paraglider Emporium (805) 965 3733 USHGA I APA Instructor 2000 Hrs Hang Gliding - 1500 Flights Parag liding My involvement with the APA over the past six years has given me ample opportunity to fly most paragliders on the market today. Much of my time is spent on instruction and development of new safety and training techniques. Wills Wing paragliders are our top selling canopies; they are stable and reliable , and lend confidence to the new pilot. They provide incredible performance when used with the speed system. Wills Wing has led the industry in their involvement in safety and training and in customer service .

~---~~ .. ~-

~

Norma Jean Saunders Chandelle San Fra ncisco USHGA Instructor / Examiner Prnagliding Pilot Since 1986 I fly a Wills Wing because I demand the best of myself and of my gear. No other company offers that confidence inspiring feeling. The quality is unsurpassed. It has been said that "you can't buy happiness ," but you can buy a Wills Wing .

. .•

Andy Whitehill Chandelle San Francisco 1300 hours Hang Gliding - 200 Hours Paragliding USHGA Paragliding Instructor Thanks Wills Wing for designing a paraglider that gave me the performance and the confidence to safely fly 88 miles and break the United States Open Distance paragliding record.

Ted Boyse L.A. Paragliding 2900 hours Hang Gliding - 210 hours Paragliding

.. '

Photo by Linda Meier

If you had over 1DO years and multiple thousands of hours of flying experience...

Which Paraglider Would You Choose?

I've come to the conclusion that I have been spoiled by my Wills Wing AT 123. All the other canopies I have flown since have disappointed me; none has given me the fee ling of confidence and security in soaring flight or canopy control maneuvers.

Rob McKenzie High Adventure Paragliding & Hang Gliding 2900 hours Hang Gliding - 300 hours Paraglidi ng

500 Blueridge Ave . • Orange •CA •92665 Phone (714) 998-6359 • FAX (714) 998-0647 Dealer Inquires Invited

TABLE OF CONTENTS Cover photo taken by Willi Tacke in Europe of Flight Design and Swing gliders.

Published Six Times Per Year Publisher and Editor - Fred Stockwell Assistant Editor - Claudia Stockwell Technical Advisor - Russell Leseberg Staff - Nate Scales

ARTICLES The Joining ... by Claudia Stockwell A ser'1es of interviews with the directors involved with the merging of USHGA & APA Flight of the Penguin ...

By Mark Dale A story worth reading

Overseas Correspondents Urs Haari - Switzerland Phillipe Renaudin - France Willi Muller - Canada Ian Currer - Great Britain

U.S. Correspondents Mike Reeder - Colorado Ken Baier - San Diego

Paragliding - The Magazine Editorial, Subscription and Advertising Information: P.O. Box 477 Riverton, Utah 84065 Phone: (801) 254-7455 FAX: (801) 254-7701 Subscription rate for the USA: $26.00 Overseas subscription rate: $44.00 Canada: $36.00 (postage included) Paragliding the Magazine is published for members of the paragliding community as well as other interested parties. It is the official publication for the United States Hang Gliding Association (USHGA) news for paragliding. Contributions are welcome however, Paragliding the Magazine reserves the right to edit any contributions.

Further, the magazine reserves the right to edit any advertising which may be deemed objectionable or damaging to the publication by the staff of the association. The magazine and the association do not assume any responsibility for the contents of any published articles, advertising, or for the opinions of its contributors.

Anyone is invited to contribute articles, photos and illustrations concerning paragliding activities. If the material is to be returned, a stamped self address return envelope must be enclosed. If you wish us to keep the material on file, please send duplicates. Notification must be made of submission to other paragliding publications. Absolutely no articles, advertising, photos or other published materials of the magazine may be reproduced in any manner without express written permission of the publisher. @ Copyright 1992 PARAGLIDING PUBLICATIONS INC. All rights reserved.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Paragliding the Magazine PO Box 477, Riverton UT 84065.

USHGA MEMBERS: Send address changes to USHGA PO Box 8300 Colorado Springs, CO 80933-8300.

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

Gliders '93 ... Compiled by Nate Scales of Paragliding the Magazine I A look at 12 gliders for the new year with specs and ~Jr/chute and Harness Equipment Care ... by Rob Kells & Steve Pearson

A3

In a time where copies are as respected as originals, and companies are claiming to have created originals after making slight modifications on an existing design, it sometimes seems difficult

First High Altitude Flight.By Neal TAbachnick

to adhere to our own concepts.

However, ifwe admit to ourselves, that without the innovative cour-

Northwest Women's Fly- In ... By Michele Leialoha

age of a few firms, we would still be flying with free fall canopies, there is no other option but to choose a responsible and con-

Flying Blackcomb Mountain Canada ... By Janet Moschard

scious company who sticks to their own developments.

Due to dedication to innovation,

Pago Praise ... By James Miller A look at Motorized Paragliding

FEATURES USHGA News

the A3 and C2 series are brand new creations from Flight Design, and the B2 is a continuous development of the Hot Dream. The A3 fulfills the needs of beginning and hobby pilots, the B2 for the more aggressive pilot, and the C2 for the advanced pilot looking for the latest in wing design.

1991 Accident Review ... Submitted by Mark Shipman M.D.

Flight Lines .. .Letters to the Editor

' " ~

I

\

FLIGHT DESIGN NORTH AMERICAN PARAGLIDING

News & Noteworthy

Post Office Box 4 Ellensburg WA 98926 USA PH: 509-925-5565 · FAX: 509-962-4827

N1V Classified Ads

PAGE 1

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

By Claudia Stockwell

W

ell it has come to pass - you and mind were not in the best interest of the time job that provides me with an income I are part of history! Foot Association. My view of the Board at the and benefits that are too attractive to give launched flight has entered a time was that many of the directors were up. new reality. We as members of the APA. are on the Board merely to satisfy their egos PGM: How are the two sports mixing in the "originals" the pioneers. Keep your old as opposed to trying to improve the your area?

APA card, maybe it will be a collectable some Association. With that opinion, I cha!Gregg: With only minor exceptions, the day. lenged the directors to either work for two sports have co-existed extremely The momentous joining of the APA the Association or get off the Board. I well for the past 4-5 years. The exceptions with the USHGA has been done. soon found myself in a position of having that have arisen have been primarily to let my actions speak louder than my attributable to paraglider pilots who Paraglider pilots along with their hang gliding counterparts will all be working words. So, I got heavily involved in were unfamiliar with the great pains as one body towards the common goals upgrading the office computer system to hang glider pilots have endured to gain access to various sites and the number of safety in our sports secure flying sites, a "state-of-the-art" PC and the development of a database that would replace sites that have been lost due to liability, good schools and better equipment. The most if not all the manual processes that abuse etc. It became obvious that many USHGA has been involved for 20 years with the concerns of foot launched pilots. were being employed by the office staff. of the local paraglider pilots were experiAs a result of this volunteer work, I was encing the same growing pains that the l'd like to introduce to you some of the hang gliding community suffered key players in what has gone down. voted in as an Honorary Director. After Some of them you may already know, I'll this, I figured that if I was going to parthrough during the late 70's and early start with those of us who were at the ad ticipate, I might as well run for an elected 80's because they were unwilling to tap hoc meeting for the joining of the two position where I'd have a vote on the the hang gliding resources. This has associations.

Board. And the rest as they say, is slowly been changing.

Gregg Lawless, current USHGA Presihistory.

PGM: Do you now get most of your PGM: Are you in the hang gliding/ airtime on hang gliders or paragliders? dent and San Diego resident. paragliding business?

Gregg: The majority of my airtime, the PGM: When did you begin hang gliding/ paragliding?

Gregg: Yes, I'm Involved in both on a little that I get anymore, comes on hang Gregg: I took my first hang gliding lesson very part-time basis as a co-owner in the gliders. I would like to get more airtime on Easter Sunday in ~ - - - -- - --'--- - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - ~ on paragliders but I just haven't had the 197 4 at the sand dunes of Canatmar, time due to the many Mexico. My first other commitments attempt with paragthat I have. I am hopliding was a disaster. ing that 1993 will be a banner year for me in I was trying to teach myself, based on the way of airtime in some written instrucboth disciplines. tions I received with a PGM: What are your parag!ider that was thoughts on the joinloaned to me in the in g of th e tw o association? winter of 1988. After a frustrating couple of Gregg: First of all, I feel it was very unforhours in light winds, I bagged it. I didn't tunate that the APA pursue paragliding found themselves in a position of having to again until January 1991 when I got a "redissolve. They were al" lesson from Claumaking good progress on creating various dia Stockwell at the first Wills Wing paraGene Mattews, Randy Adams, Fred Stockwell, Claudia Stockwell, Greg Lawless, Russ Locke, and Mike Meier.

P.drogramsil for Aparahg11 mg p ots. gliding clinic. t t e hang gliding center which is located in same time, I do believe that in the long PGM: When and why did you get run, the USHGA will be in the best posiinvolved in USHGA board meetings?

San Diego. I'm fortunate to have a couple of partners who run the business on a full tion to satisfy the paragliding communiGregg: My first exposure to the USHGA Board of Directors came shortly before time basis. My contributions are limited ty's needs for membership services, to assisting with beginning instruction insurance, international representation, a the fall 1985 Board meeting in Kansas City. The USHGA was on the verge of and the accounting needs of the business. magazine etc. Additionally, being part of I would very much like to devote more an organization with 9,000 members vs. bankruptcy and appeared to be in the one with 800 members yields a process of making decisions, that in my time to this business but, I have a full PAGE2

PARAGLIDING , THE MAGAZINE

JOINING, cont.

substantially greater amount of political clout to each individual member. This strength will become more of an influence as the USHGA begins to form alliances with all of the other sport aviation groups across the US (ie. Soaring Society, balloon Federation, Ultralight Association, and Parachuting Association).

PGM: Are there any other comments you'd like to make to the membership?

Gregg: Yes! In reading each and every response that came in on the recent USHGA paragliding survey, it became clear to me that a majority of the USHGA membership is beginning to see the value of having the USHGA represent both paragliding and hang gliding. However, there is still a small segment of the membership that is evaluating the issue with emotions as opposed to logic. I am hopeful that in time, these members will come to agree that the incorporation of paragliding into the USHGA was indeed the right direction for the entire footlaunched (including tow pilots) flying community. It has definitely taken the Board of Directors several years to come to a consensus after working with the issue on a regular first hand basis.

Russ Locke, current USHGA Secretary Russ is a very efficient guy and when I faxed him the questions for the interview this was his reply: (Russ lives in Sunnyvale Cal.) I started hang gliding in the Spring of 1979. I was elected to the USHGA Board in 1983. I don't remember the exact reason I ran. But I do recall that I was a fairly unknown pilot at the time and was running against two guys who were more popular than I was. They split their vote which sort of allowed me in via the back door. I have never had any commercial interest in the sport and have yet to earn my first dollar in hang gliding. Over the years this has been an asset for me. While it's easy to question the things I have believed in and pushed for, the lack of any commercial interest has made it difficult to question my motives. This has been a big time saver for me in some of the controversial issues I've gotten involved in (like paragliding??). I have played around on flat ground with a paraglider, but have yet to get airborne. I have little interest in flying paragliders, but l don't mind sharing the air with them.

The mixture of paragliders and hang gliders in the San Francisco area is still in a state of change. In areas where pilot population is younger (such as Ed Levin), the mix is taking place with little fuss. ln areas where most the pilots are long time hang 4's & S's, there is still significant struggle and division. There are a lot of reasons for this, none of which are all that important to me because I believe that the evolution of the two sports will continue to force us together. As long as we're PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

using similar launches and landing areas, we'll need to find ways to jointly work out our problems.

As far as merging the two Associations together, I also believe that to be another part of an evolutionary process.

In fact, I just came back from a meeting in Chicago where five air sport associations (USHGA, US Parachute Assn., US Ultralite Assn., Soaring Society of Amer. & Balloon Federation of Amer.) met and formed the Air Sports Council, a group designed to lend support to central issues affecting our individual groups. Administratively, it just makes economical sense to handle member operations from one point. From a safety point of view, the key will be to continue to support local pilots, clubs and chapters in their efforts to manage their flying sites. Again, that support will be more cohesive if done in a central manner.

Mike Meier: USHGA honorary director, owner of Wills Wing, Santa Ana resident.

PGM: When did you begin hang gliding and paragliding?

Mike: I got interested in hang gliding in June of 1974 and have not stopped. My first introduction to paragliding was May of 1990. We began to look at paragliders with interest.

PGM: When and why did you get involved in the USHGA board meetings?

Mike: I had no involvement with the hang gliding politics until 1978. Then it seemed the board was making decisions that affected me, so I started going to board meetings and sitting in. I wasn't on the board and wasn't allowed to speak. It was run more formally back then. But I spoke anyway and finally the board appointed me as a liaison to HGMA (hang glider manufacturers association), so I could speak at the board meetings. I got appointed as an honorary director in 1982.

PGM: I guess I don't need to ask if you are in the hang gliding business?

Mike: I am an owner I officer of Wills Wing, we are a full time hang gliding, paragliding business. We are one of the oldest hang gliding business' in the world and we entered the paragliding market in 1990.

PGM: How are the two sports mixing in your area?

Mike: I'm not aware of any significant problems. I've heard of a few arguments about overcrowding at Kagel but it's not a new problem. It used to be, pilots complaining about hang II's, now it's paragliders.

PGM: How do you get most of your airtime?

Mike: On hang gliders, but I want to say I generally have more fun on paragliders - because it's new and still interesting to me. I enjoy flying all types of aircraft and I'm glad I can because different conditions require different crafts.

PGM: What are your thoughts on joining the two associations?

Mike: I think in all likelihood it will work out for everyone's benefit. We share the same sites and same knowledge base.

I am surprised it came about so soon, because of the old anxieties about having two sports in one association. With what has already happened, it looks like it will work out fine.

PGM: Any other comments?

Mike: I want to encourage all pilots to take control of their own safety, through their actions. Safety is the only way we have a future.

Gene Matthews, region 1 director, Washington state resident.

PGM: Gene, when did you begin hang gliding?

Gene: 1976 I watched the nationals at Dog Mt. then I took lessons. I haven't flown a Paraglider yet only kited one.

PGM: When did you get involved in USHGA board meetings?

Gene: I got interested in politics in 1988 and ran for regional director. I enjoy politics and hang gliding, so hang gliding politics seemed natural to me.

PGM: Are you in the Hang gliding business?

Gene: No, I'm an engineer for Boeing Aircraft.

PGM: I know you don't fly PC's do you plan on learning?

Gene: I have considered taking lessons from Norma Jean Saunders at her convenience, but until then I'll fly hang gliders.

PGM: How are the two sports mixing in your area?

Gene: Everything is fine so far. There are lots of areas where there is no Paraglidng yet and some Hang gliding pilots have a fear born of ignorance; but time and knowledge will help that.

PGM: What are your thoughts on the joining?

Gene: I resisted it for a while because the Hang gliding pilots in my region were against it, and I felt Hang gliding pilots in general were against it. My main fear is that the Hang gliding pilots will be the old guys in the corner, while Paraglidng will take over and we will loose our identity. I've been watching this merger evolve and I believe that it was the only way to go. We can now present a united front to the public. We can't let petty bickering get the better of us. I'm glad the magazines are separate though. I think it is important to keep separate identities.

PGM: Any further comments?

Gene: I think the main purpose of the association should be to inform and educate more than regulate. We need to be wary of over regulation, we can turn away some of the people we should be helping. If it's too hard to get rated some of the people who most need education go renegade. This could lead to lots of future problems with sites, accidents and insurance. So those are the people we PAGE 3

JOINING, cont.

need to bring in and help. Keep it simple and make it work.

Randy Adams, region 8 director, New Hampshire resident.

Randy was involved in the negotiations between the two associations joining. His influence was very helpful in keeping things in line, and on track. Randy has gone flying in Australia for the winter and couldn't be reached for comments so I spoke with Paul Voight USHGA Vice President. Paul lives in Randy's region and answered some of my questions.

PGM: Paul do you know when Randy started flying?

Paul: Hang gliding in 1979 and Paraglidng he had some early towing experience, I'm not sure when but he didn't pursue it.

PGM: How long has he been on the USHGA board?

Paul: This is his second term as regional director so that would be 1989-1990, I think.

PGM: Is Randy in the Hang gliding or Paraglidng business?

Paul: No, but he spends a lot of time flying. Mostly Hang gliding but he is doing more Paraglidng lately and just got his Class I from me.

PGM: So I guess I'll get your thoughts on the joining of the two associations?

Paul: I have no negative thoughts, originallv I was worried about bad reactions from the membership, but I haven't heard of any. I have no major concerns at this point. I've actually been in favor of it since Fred first came to USHGA. PGM: Is there anything else you'd like to say to the membership?

Paul: I fly hang gliders and paragliders , each is different in its capabilities and limitations. They can be compatible and I think that it makes sense to be biwingwell.!

Well those are the USHGA leaders, so next we have the AP A comments, again, I'll start with the folks who were at the final meeting.

Ken Baier - Last President of AP A current Paraglidng committee chairman of USHGA and San Diego resident.

PGM: Ken I know you're a hang gliding pioneer, when did you first start Hang gliding?

Ken: 1973 I was into towing up on water skis, eventually I did stunts in water ski shows. I started Paraglidng with you and Fred in the spring of 1989.

PGM: When did you get involved with the politics?

Ken: Until I joined the board of APA, by appointment, I had nothing to do with politics except on a local level at Torrey Pines. My interest was mainly in safety and site preservation. Going to the APA meetings got me interested and involved in USHGA. PGM: What is your business?

PAGE4

forward with the AP A. It was reassuring Ken: I own and operate Air Junkies, a to know that others were supportive of paragliding school in the San Diego area. my efforts.

This is a full time busiI started the first paraness, so most of my airgliding school in the U.S., time and involvement because of my concern for now is with paragliding. the safe promotion of the Although I still do Tansport. I'm very proud of dem hang gliding lessons our safety record here. I at Torrey Pines, as I have believe we do everything for the past 12 years. we can to promote a safe PGM: How are the sports attitude in pilots. Living mixing in your area? here next to the Point of Ken: Very well - we all the Mountain I have been seem to get along. Many able to watch the two of the first Paraglidng sports merge over the pilots in my area were years. Most of our local Hang gliding pilots so hang glider pilots have at they knew the rules and least tried paragliding how to fit in. and many parapilots are PGM: Your thoughts now learning to hang please on the joining?

Ken Baier glide. We all share the Ken: I saw the two assosame air, with seldom any ciations on this path since hassles.

I first got into Paragliding. It seems like a I feel a bit sad to see the AP A dissolve, natural evolution. since I was a founding member. I do PGM: Any further comments? believe the AP A served its purpose, and Ken: As chairman of the Paragliding I'd like to thank all of those who worked committee, I think my job is to make sure hard at promoting the AP A standards. everyone gets a chance to be heard. This We have made amazing progress and is the key to solving our problems that there is much more sense in having one arise. I also think there would be less association for foot launched pilots, problems if everyone would go out and rather than two. The meetings will be fly more. Get out to the hill, meet the more efficient and the big bonus for paraother pilots and you may find you have gliding is a well run office that undermore in common than you know. stands the concerns of the membership.

I have a great deal of respect for the Fred Stockwell - Editor, Paragliding the USHGA board members. They have Magazine - AP A. Founder, Utah resident always listened and helped with the I have been involved in this business problems in paragliding. This current with sport chutes for about 20 years. Durboard does not seem to let egos cloud ing which time I helped to develop safety their view of the larger picture. They try guidelines and teaching programs in sevto keep an eye to the future and keep eral different countries. I returned to the moving forward. The prevailing attitude U.S. in 1987 with my new foot launched seems to be, "what can I best contribute canopy. At that time I traveled from Colto my sport - not what's in it for me. orado to California visiting mainly hang During the transition meeting I gliding sites. It was the formal introducresigned my position as Chairman of the tion of the new sport of paragliding to paragliding committee. Although I will the U.S. continue to attend board meetings, 1 feel The first USHGA Board meeting I at this time I need to focus all of my time attended was in the Spring of 1988. I and energy on the magazine. J believe went with the intention to explain and that by making the magazine an asset to introduce paragliding to the board of the paragliding community and promotdirectors. I also hoped to gain acceptance ing the sport in a positive manner, we for the fledgling AP A. This was achieved will all benefit. The potential for sport and we now had a foundation on which growth through education and informawe could grow. Although the paraglidtion is enormous. This year I will focus ing community was still quite small, it more attention on promoting existing was already expanding. My aim was to schools and helping new schools get have a forum for the flow of information started. The help we can offer is sharing between the two groups. Since I had the things we have learned as to what already started a school in Utah at a hang makes a successful school. Having good gliding site, I had a first hand awareness training programs is the key to the future of how much the two sports had in comof this sport. mon. I felt that the sharing of knowledge the USHGA had accumulated over the Claudia Stockwell USHGA Instructor years would greatly benefit the novice AP A Founding Member, Utah resident paraglider pilots. Many of the board J started flying hang gliders in 1980, members felt as I did. There is no need to moved to Utah because the flying sites re-learn what was already known. At were better for novice pilots. The first that meeting I got the support and paraglider pilots I saw were from New encouragement that I needed to move PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

Catch some air with ....

JOINING, cont.

Hampshire. Actually calling them pilots is a bit of an overstatement. They were rock climbers with descent canopies. They were pioneers of a new sport. They were scary. They were pretty clueless about the air they were flying in. As a hang glider pilot I was concerned about what impact this new sport would have on our flying sites. My next glimpse of paragliding was meeting Fred at the Point of the Mountain in 1987. He had a training program and an attitude of caution and proper proceedures.

I don't have political aspirations or inclinations, but I do have strong feelings about safety in our sport. I believe that safety is an attitude which in most cases, can be taught during lessons. I helped Fred write the first rating program for paragliding. I also adapted the instructor training program from hang gliding to paragliding.

I have been to several USHGA board meetings over the past four years. I have become aware of the amount of work and self sacrifice that goes with the titles. I am glad that paragliding has been integrated into the USHGA. We are all working together now towards common goals. I believe we will all benefit and Fred and I will now go to two meetings a year instead of four.

I hope you all feel that you now know something about the eight of us who finalized the joining. There are others who you will get to know as we progress. In closing, I'd just like to briefly mention two others who have worked with the association from the begining. They are John Bouchard and Dennis Fagen. John is one of the U.S. pioneers of paragliding. He was at the first AP A meeting in Leavenworth, WA in 1988 where he was elected as the East Coast representative. Later he became a Regional Director and a member of the executive committee of APA. John Bouchard has been instrumental in organizing paragliding competitions in the U.S. and having U.S. pilots compete overseas. John is now an honorary director on the USHGA board, and will chair the subcommittee for paragliding competitions this year.

Dennis Pagen is well known to most Dennis and Clair Pagen pilots as an aviation author. He has been involved with hang gliding, ultralights and now with paragliding. Dennis is an active member of the USHGA board and the USHGA representative to CIVL which is the foot launched branch of the FAI. He started hang gliding in 1974 and took paragliding lessons in 1988 from John Bouchard.

Dennis was an early supporter of the joining, he says "I was always for it, I see a bright future for sport aviation." "I will

Foot launch• Towing • Ridge Soaring • XC Thermaling • Fun! APA Certified Instruction• Sales• Service We cdrry a variety of certlfl~(;ll gliders, Instruments, helmets and a complete line of towing C1:1ocessorles.·· T-shirts, hats, paragllder stationery, ancflog books are also available.

For more information, call or write: P.O. Box 200644

Austin, Texas 78720-0644

R

LI IN

A Pilot's Training Manual

• 1000 Copies Sold • Revised Third Edition • 140 Pages • 62 Illustrations (ll Skills, Aerodynamics, Weather Equipment. and More Available from paragliding schools and dealers, or direct from Wills Wing - 500 Blueridge Ave. - Orange, Ca 92665, include 12.00 for postage and handling.

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

PAGE 5

USHGA COMMITTEE MEETS TO INTEGRATE APA MEMBERSHIP INTO THE USHGA A committee composed of Gregg Lawless, Russ Locke, Randy Adams, Gene Matthews, Mike Meier, Ken Baier, Fred Stockwell and Claudia Stockwell met in Orange, California on Sunday and Monday November 22-23, 1992 to discuss the integration of the APA membership into the USHGA. The focus of this committee was to decide how the USHGA would provide membership services to APA members over the next year.

This committee intentionally avoided issues that were determined to be long term, such as the continued development of the paragliding rating system, in order to ensure a smooth transition for all APA members.

The following decisions were made by the committee regarding the transition: MEMBERSHIP • All APA members will receive the balance of their APA membership in USHGA membership. Dual members will receive USHGA paragliding

membership through the later of their two expiration dates (APA/USHGA).

• APA members who are also USHGA members will keep their current USHGA membership number. APA members who are not USHGA members will be added to the database at end of current system, in accordance with normal procedures as determined by the office.

RATINGS APA Class 1, 2 and 3 pilot, and APA instructor ratings will be converted to equivalent USHGA paragliding ratings.

0

APPOINTMENTS • All present APA examiners (approximately seven) will become USHGA paragliding ICP Administrators subject to USHGA regional director approval.

This appointment will expire January 1, 1994. No new paragliding ICP administrator appointments will be made (exception, John Bouchard) until the USHGA establishes a· specific

process for this appointment.

• All present APA maneuvers administrators (approximately 1O) will become USHGA maneuvers administrators.

This appointment will expire January 1, 1994. No new appointments will be made until the USHGA establishes a specific process for this appointment.

• All present APA towing administrators (approximately six) will become USHGA towing supervisors. This appointment will expire January 1, 1994. No new appointments will be made until the USHGA establishes a specific process for this appointment.

APA DIRECTORS • All current APA directors will be appointed as USHGA Honorary Directors through December 31, 1993.

USHGA regional directors will be encouraged to use these directors as resources for the administration of paragliding issues in their region.

• Ken Baier, APA President, was named as the USHGA's paragliding committee chairman. Ken replaces

Ball Variometers, Incl 6595 Odell Place Suite C Boulder, CO 80301

(303) 530m4940

Ball Proudly Announces The Model M22.

The new standard for paragliding.

Whether you compete or not, we'll help you be a soar winner.

Comes with our standard 1 year warranty (void If submerged).

See your local Ball dealer for details.

call 1-800-729-2602. • Fax: (303) 530-4836.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT • 1,000 ft. or 5 MIS VSI Scale • 1 ti. or 1 Meter ALT Increments (MSL) • RF Shielding • Relative Altitude • 5 Stage Vario Damping • Barometric Pressure (Hg or Hecto Pascal) • Adjustable Audio Threshold • Choice of Piezo Audio Sound: VARI-PITCH - BEEP - INTERRUPT VARI-BEEP

PAGE6

• 4 Stage Averager • Mount (Velcro Strap, Steel Bracket, or Ball Clamp)

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT • Barograph with Flight Linker and Software • Total Energy (T.E.) Probe

SPECIFICATIONS , Operation Altitude - 2,000 ti. to 27,000 It. 609 Meters to 8225 Meters • Operation Temperature - 13 to 113 deg.

Fahrenheit - 25 to 45 deg. Celsius

WARRANTY • M22 flight computer and accessories are warranted for a period of 1 year from date of purchase (with proof of purchase via warranty card) or 1 year from date of manufacture (including software updates).

Submersion In Water Voids Warranty.

• Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice.

M22 (Standard Model Shown) PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

USHGA. The APA insurance policy will be retained until its expiration in February 1993.

Fred Stockwell who has held the position for the past two plus years.

SITES • All site issues will remain local and left up to local chapters, members and landowners. This transition confers no new rights on paraglider pilots as USHGA members to fly sites which are not approved for paragliding.

NAME CHANGE • A name change for the USHGA is not an issue for this committee.

POLICY ESTABLISHMENT • There will be no immediate change in the means by which paragliding policy is set in the USHGA. MEMBERSHIP CARDS • Membership cards will changed.

MAGAZINE • The USHGA will enter into a two-year contract with Fred Stockwell to provide its paragliding division members with Paragliding - The Magazine on an every other month basis (six issues annually).

• The USHGA will retain editorial control over a minimum of 42 pages per year (assuming six issues per year).

• Fred Stockwell will be assessed a penalty for every 10 days that the mailing of the magazine is past the established due date.

• Fred will retain control of all advertising sold in the magazine.

All APA members have received new membership and rating cards

not be

CHAPTERS • APA Chapters will be sent USHGA chapter requirements, and invited to apply to become USHGA Chapters.

USHGA Chapter requirements and a list of existing USHGA chapters will be sent.

INSURANCE • USHGA's insurance will cover all APA members transitioning to the

along with the following materials: • Information Handbook • Organization Directory • Insurance Information • Merchandise Order Form • Accident Report Form • USHGA Decal • Safe Pilot Application • Alamo Rent-A-Car Card In addition, the new APA members received a letter of explanation and welcome from USHGA President Gregg Lawless.

The committee has attempted to ensure that all the major issues impacting this transfer have been covered. However, in the event you believe something was missed, we would appreciate your letting us know by calling the USHGA headquarters office.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the USHGA office or your USHGA Regional director.

·····

·· >

<~~f,Nij

:ff!W•la::Iii '\\{:*( J~~vo Af~n Ghucui,te · 1

Learn the sport of your choice today and start your adventure tomorrow

::3~4i2 Gl~udi~: $t6ckWelV

S4$99 Rob,rt . :M¢. Kenzie t$t22 Ke1f Baier .

45064 Robert 26651 ···cary 51103 Greg

Schick · Mendes Smith ·6t142 Fred StockWell 15607 Jan Stenstadvold· ·51652 Dick Jackson 51884 John Bouchard 52779 Marcus Salvemini ~

"

-,,,

-

""'

AD\11,NSURI S,PORSS 3680 IUSBAHM WMI • fARSC>N CITY, NW 8H(!)6 PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

(~~l aa3-7o7o 11111""""'!1!1

52831 Ed 58459 Ken 58648 David

3

3 1 1

1 2

3

3 2 2 3 Stein 3 Hudonjorgensen i Frank 1

~Yf~~ •

PAGE?

USHGA Insurance The USHGA has obtained for its members a Master Policy of combined single limit bodily injury and property damage liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence through Transamerica Insurance Company.

Each member is an additional insured on the policy. The policy has a $1,000 deductible annually. Effective April 21, 1991, the first $500 of any claim filed will be the pilot's responsibility to pay to USHGA. USHGA will pay the balance of $500 of the deductible for any member. Claimed amounts over $1,000 will be settled by the insurance company. In all cases, the insurance company determines covered charges.

The liability contract provides indemnity coverage for you if you become legally obligated to pay because of bodily injury or property damage to which this insurance applies. The insurance company has the right and duty to defend any suit against you for such damages even if the allegations are groundless, false or fraudulent.

member is flying for recreation and is legally authorized to engage in hang gliding which is in the general legal parameters of local, state, federal rules and/or laws, and the USHGA Basic Safety Regulations.

FOREIGN RESIDENTS: USHGA members residing in foreign countries are ONLY insured while flying within the borders of the U.S., U.S. properties (i.e. U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Samoa, Puerto Rico and the orthern Mariana Islands) and Canada.

TWO-PLACE HANG GLIDING: Twoplace coverage is provided for the liability of the pilot and student co-pilot when flying within FAR Part 103 requirements and USHGA's tandem requirements. This insurance DOES NOT cover injuries to a tandem pilot or to a student copilot (Tandem pilot and student pilot should be USHGA Members)

Following is a brief explanation of insurance terminology: MASTER POLICY: A blanket covering the USHGA, its members, chapters and ANY LANDLORD who leases or allows property use to USHGA, Inc. ADDITIONAL INSURED: Any person who has paid the fees of the Association, as specified, is named as additional insured on the policy.

COMBINED SINGLE LIMIT: the limit for bodily injury or property damage that the insurance company is obligated to pay.

BODILY INJURY/PROPERTY DAMAGE: Actual physical damage or harm to another persons property or person.

DEDUCTIBLE: Payable amount of your obligation, before finalization of claims.

RECREATIONAL FLYING: Anytime, anywhere in the U.S., U.S. properties (i.e. U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Samoa, Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands) and Canada, a

IMPROVE YOUR FLYING

B

KS

by Dennis Pagen

UNDERSTANDING

THE SKY $19.95

Monitor changing wind conditions. Responsive to slightest variation in wind velocity.

l Nl )!R',TANIJINC

THE SKY

AIRSPEED INDICATOR Use with optional paraglider mounting bracket. Maximize your performance and skill.

RUGGED-Molded of super tough LEXAN® resin.

Stainless steel rod.

ACCURATE- Calibration traceable to National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Specify: 0 to 30 mph, or O to 50 km/h Airspeed Indicator: $23.50 Paraglider Bracket: $6.50 -SATISFACTION GUARANTEEDHALL BROTHERS P.O. BOX 1010-P• MORGAN, UTAH 84050 U.S.A. Mastercard® Visa• C.0.0.

Phone:(801 )829-3232 Fax:(801)829-6349 PAGE 8

PARAGLIDING

FUGHT $19.95

I" fll'\"\l',l',\U.._ 1 ,I'·~' ' !'•I< JO , < ., l,Jt

1 , 1 ,1-..,,, ,,._,n,11v,~

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more with the most widely used training manual 208 pages, 170 photos & illustrations.

Also read our new publlcat/on:

UNDERSTANDING THE SKY The best large and small-scale weather guide available 288 pages, 270 photos & illustrations.

Send total for books plus $1.95 shipping to:

Sport A viatic:m Publil::ations P.O. Box 101 - Dept. P 0Mingoville, PA 16856 PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

PARAGLIDING RATINGS GIVEN IN NOVEMBER (Name: City, State ; Instructor name) CLASS I BASLOM , JOHN: Moorpark, CA; T. Boyse/LA Paragliding BELL, NANCY: Toronto, Ontario ; N. Saunders/Chandelle DRAPER, CATHRYN: Mt. Vernon , IL; K. DeRussy/HG and PG Emporium ELLIS, THOMAS: Orinda, CA; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports GILBERT, NEIL: Berkeley, CA; N. Saunders/Chandelle SF GOYETTE, MICHELE: Agoura, CA; T. Boyse/LA Paragliding HUMBLE, ROB: Brea, CA; D. Skadal/Hang Fl ight Systems KOCH , JURGEN: Switzerland ; M. Salvem ini MCBRIDE, KENT: Teton Village , WY; C. Stockwell NELSON , BONNIE: Santa Barbara, CA; K. DeRussy/Hang Glider Emporium NUTTER, DAVID: Vancouver, WA; K. Arends OLSON, ANDY: Anaheim , CA; C. Mendes REYNOLDS, GLENN: West Palm Beach , FL; N. Saunders/Chandelle REYNOLDS, REBECCA: Concord, MA; N. Saunders/Chandelle RIGBY, BEN: Stanford, CA; C. Stockwe ll ROCK, STEVE: Berkeley, CA; J. Greenbaum/Airtime of SF THAYER, KABE: Healdsburg, CA; C. Bolting THOMAS, RIAN: Studio City, CA; T. Boyse VOLKMANN, DUFFY: Old Forge, NY; M. Salvemini WINTER, JOE: Redondo Beach, CA; K. Castle CLASS II ARAI , CHRIS: Oakland , CA; K. Castle BICKFORD , STEVE: Pope Valley, CA; J. Greenbaum/Airtime of SF BRONHAM , RORY: Sandy, UT; C. Stockwell DU BOIS DE DUNILAC, LUC: San Francisco, CA; E. Stein FERGUSON , MARK: Boulder, CO; C. Toepel GOTTLIEB, MICHAEL: San Francisco, CA; J. Greenbaum/Airtime of SF GROSSMAN , JIM: Sun Valley, ID: B. England/Aerial Action HYSTEK, PHILIP: NSW, Austral ia; N. Saunders LIGGETT, RANDY: Ventura, CA; C. Stockwell ROWIN , TIM: Carson, CA; C. Mendes SCHLUETER, KLAUS: San Francisco, CA; E. Stein TCACENCO, JOAO: Brasil; G. Smith WATSON , BILL: Simi Valley, CA; B. England/Aerial Action WRIGHT, WILLIAM: Phoenix, AZ; Dixon CLASS Ill HUDONJORGENSEN , KEN: Sandy, UT; C. Stockwell WHITEHILL, ANDREW: San Geronimo, CA; Grandfather PARAGLIDING RATINGS GIVEN IN DECEMBER (Name: City, State; Instructor name) CLASS I CARLSON , AURALEE: Missoula, MT; M. Eberle CUMMINGS, SCOTT: Laguna Niguel, CA; R. Pelletier/Hang Fl ight HALE, BUZZ: Grand Junction , CO; R. Johnson/TX Paragliding HALE, JANNETTE: Grand Junction, CO ; C. Fontenot/TX Paragl iding PENNER, KIMBERLY: Brooklyn , NY; R. Coxon SEAY, JERRY: Aspen , CO; J. Stenstadvold WOODRUFF, WILLIAM: Imperial Beach, CA; A. Kaiser CLASS II PIERSON , GEORGE: San Jose , CA; N. Saunders/Chandelle STOTT, BRIAN : Escondido, CA; J. Yates WOODRUFF, WILLIAM: Imperial Beach, CA; A. Kaiser CLASS Ill PARAGLIDING TANDEM I FRANK, DAVID : Draper, UT; F. Stockwell HUDENJORGENSEN , KEN: Sandy, UT; F. Stockwell SCHICK, ROBERT: Salt Lake City, UT; F. Stockwe ll PARAGLIDING , THE MAGAZINE

~~G:{ji1da ca~~~g 2

~

~l~~i~.NO~egon & Washington Gene Matthews o P.O. Box 140 ' 3 -::,.

11 10 Snoqualm1ePass,WA (206) 488-1443 REGION 2 No. Calif, Nevada Ray Leonard Lynda Nelson Russ Locke 868 S. Mary Ave. 1863 Dalton Dr 3650 ResearchWy Apt 25 Sunnyvale.CA 94087 Milprtas, CA 95035 CarsonCity, NV 89706 (408) 737-8745 (408) 2624108 (702) 883 -7070 REGION 3 So.Calif, Hawaii Gregg Lawless SandyKing Joe Greblo 9127 Bittercreek Ln .

360Travelodge 16145Vlctory Blvd SanDiego,CA 92129 El Cajon.CA 92020 Van Nuys,CA 91406 (619) 444-8956 (818) 988-0111 (619) 5664686 REGION 4 Arizona, Colorado, El Paso, TX, New Mexico, Utah Glen Nicolet Rod Hauser P.O. Box91553 P.O. Box 1847 Albuquerque, MN 87199 Chino Valley, AZ 86323 (505) 823-0544 (602) 636-1950 REGION 5 Idaho; Montana; Nebraska; North Dakota; South Dakota; Wyo ming Mike King 11 716 Fairview Boise, ID 83704 (208) 376-7914 REGION 6 Arkansas; Kansas; Missouri; Oklahoma Ron Kenney P.O. BO X 785 Elkhart, KS 67950 (316) 697-2135 REGION 7 Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Michigan; Minnesota; Wisconsin Bill Bryden 1924 W. HighlandLane Columbus.IN 47201 (812) 377-8044 REGION 8 Connecticut; Maine; Massachusetts New Hampshire; Rhode Island ; Ve rmont Randy Adams P.O. Box 369 Claremont NH 03743 (603) 543 1760 REGION 9 Washington DC ;Delaware; Kentucky; Maryland ; Ohio; Pennsylvania; Virgi nia; West Virginia Bill Bennett Pete Lehmann 5727 Jefferson Blvd.

5811 Elgin St Frederick, MD 21702 Pittsbu rgh , PA 15206 (301 ) 371-4627 (412) 661-3474 REGION 10 Alabama; Florida; Georgia; Mississippi; North Carolina; South Carolina; Tennessee; Virgin Islands; PuertoRico Matt Taber Rick Jacob RR 2 Box 215H RR 2 Box 80 Rising Fawn, GA 30738 Dunlap, TN 37327 (706) 398 3433 (615) 949 2301 REGION 11 Texas (excluding the El Pasoarea); Loui siana Jeff Hunt 4811 Red River Austin, TX 78751 (512) 467-2529 REGION 12 New Jersey; New York Paul Rikert Paul Vo ight 101 N Broadway Apt 28-3 RR2 Box 561 Whrte Plains.NY 10603 PineBush,NY 125615 (914) 744-3317 (914) 946-9386

PAGE 9

Air Sports Council

by Russ Locke On December 5, 1992, representatives of five air sport associations met in Chicago to determine what issues we had in common and how we could leverage off each other's efforts. Jerry Bruning and I represented the USHGA and the rest of the group included: the Soaring Society of America's Executive Director Larry Sanderson and President Gene Hammond; the U.S. Ultralight Association's President John Ballantyne; the Executive Director of the U.S. Parachute Association, Jerry Rouillard; and from the Balloon Federation of America, President Mike Wallace and Vice President David Lowe.

What came out of this meeting was a new group called the Air Sports Council. I say group, because we agreed that we did not want to form another association, but have a convenient way to bring the weight of our combined membership, which totals some 55,000 pilots, to bear on issues of general concern. Each of the five sporting associations will designate two individuals to sit on the Air Sports Council. Normally these two individuals will be the specific association's President and Executive Director. The council will meet once a year. Each association will provide the other members of the Council with quarterly reports outlining information of general concern. To further communication, each association will ensure that each member of the Council receives all of the individual associations' magazines and-or pertinent newsletters.

All activities of the Council will go through the Council Chairperson. The Council members will decide on a yearly basis which member association will have Chair responsibilities. For 1993, the Chair responsibilities will be with the Soaring Society of America.

There is no financial obligation to be a member of the Council. However, it is anticipated that at some future point all the individual associations will likely have a small budget line item that allows the Council to back bill for general activities.

A lot of the time in Chicago was spent getting to know each other, discovering what kinds of things we have in common, and what we're doing differently and why. We spent a fair amount of time on general topics such as insurance, liabilities, membership growth, etc. That dialog will continue PAGE 10

and ultimately we all stand to profit from these exchanges. Obviously, the Council has great potential to serve as a political action body. In fact, one of the first official duties of the Council will be to meet with the new Director of the FAA, when that individual is named sometime next spring, and establish our presence as a focal point for the Feds to utilize on issues concerning airspace regulations.

This Council has a lot of potential to help our sport. We're currently working on a legal document that captures the mission, objectives and operating parameters of the Council. That agreement will appear in next month's magazine. Hats off to Larry Sanderson who conceived of and organized the Chicago meeting.

December 7, 1992 The following letter has been sent to all APA chapters. In order to secure USHGA site insurance, a chapter must be affiliated with the USHGA. Dear Paraglider Pilots, RE: USHGA Affiliation You are invited to become an affiliated chapter of the USHGA as a result of the recent decision to dissolve the APA as the governing body for paragliding.

We were advised that former APA members may form new chapters or join any local established chapter that they may wish to join on their own.

Enclosed are the requirements for forming a chapter affiliated with the USHGA. Site insurance for new chapters must be approved by the Regional Director if a site is to be insured through USHGA. We will seek Regional Director approval when application/s are returned with any required funds.

USHGA site insurance cannot be issued to insure sites used for business purposes.

Also enclosed is an organizational directory of the USHGA. In you have any questions or need help with these forms, please give me a call.

Safe Flying, Stu Clark Chapters and Insurance

USHGA WELCOMES ALL PARAGLIDING PILOTS While the dust of the merger is settling, we encourage all interested parties to give us, the USHGA Headquarters staff, a call at (719) 632-8300 with your paragliding/administration questions. Please ask for: CINDY EVANS-general information & member services. GREG HULLERratings & ICP's.

STU CLARK-insurance information.

PJ MORE-competitions & special projects.

D. DEAN LEYERLE-merchandise.

JEFF ELGART-HANG GLIDING advertising.

JERRY BRUNING (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)-Legal, finance & administration.

OUR MERCHANDISING DEPARTMENT is ever increasing to meet the demands of all pilots. In our book section, we offer UNDERSTANDING THE SKY and PARAGLI.DING FLIGHTWALKING IN AIR by Dennis Pagen ($19.95 each) and PARAGLIDING-A PILOT'S TRAINING MANUAL by Mike Meier/Wills Wing ($19.95). No library is complete without these.

For those socked-in days, entertain your friends with DAREDEVIL FLYEAS Ill-THE PARAGLIDERS video, as seen on the Prime Sports Network. 50 minutes of paragliding in scenic Telluride Colorado, $24.95.

If interested in this USHGA merchandise, please send your order to USHGA, PO Box 8300, Colorado Springs CO 80933. Please be sure to add $4 shipping/handling to your order. Or you can FAX your order in, (719) 632-6417 and charge it to your VISA/MC. ADVERTISING RATES-for HANG GLIDING magazine classifieds, just 50¢ per word, $5 minimum. Promote your business or sell your used equipment. HANG GLIDING magazine worldwide circulation is over 10,500.

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

Voodoo - the difference is AIRWAVE

Definition voodoo - religion, often practised in addition to Christianity,

based on the worship of natural forces.

Description Voodoo - pushing back the limits, wicked performance, astounding handling and stability.

Performance paragliding means big glides, fast efficient climbs and precise control. The skies open up, the horiz_o n broadens and only your imagination or piloting skills will hold you back when you launch with the Voodoo.

As with all Airwave paragliders , the Voodoo has been designed with safety in mind. This we believe is the secret to ultimate enjoyment, which is after all what it ' s all about.

P.O . BOX 4384. SALI N AS. CA 939 12

Demo's available from; Airtime of San Francisco, Aspen paragliding, Adventure Sports of Carson City, Performance Designs of Moreno Valley CA, Above of Beyond - South Jordan UT, Hill Country Paragliding - Austin Texas, North American Paragliding - Ellensburg WA, Compact Wings San Jacinto CA, Colorado Paragliding Centre - Golden CO, Mountain Wings - Ellensville NY, Kitty Hawk Kites - Nags Head NC, Morningside Flight Park - NH Dealer Enquiries Invited

PH: (408) 422-2299 FAX: (408) 758-3270

AMERICAN PARAGLIDING ACCIDENT SYNOPSES 1991 Compiled by Mark Shipman M.D. Number of reported accidents - 59 Accidents resulting in hospitalization 26 Fatalities - 4 Accidents involving low time ( <40 flights) pilots - 22 Students in a class - 8 Tandem - 1 Towing - 1 Accident/malfunction mistake occurred at: Launch - 16 During Flight - 24 Landing - 19 Ground handling - 1 Unknown - 1 Factors involved: Preflight error - 1 Equipment failure - 1 Poor inflation at T.O. - 3 Faulty harness adj - 1 Collapse - 38 Mid-air collision - O Wake turbulence - 0 Hill collision - 7 Rotor - 1 · Turbulence - 8 Obstacle collision - 1 Deep stall - 4 Auto rotation - 2

Aerobatics/maneuvers - 7 Strong wind - 5 Thermals - 15 Tail wind LZ - 4 Gradient LZ - 1 Turning in LZ - 5 No Flare - 4 Excess flare - 1 Panic - 3 Outside LZ - 1 TYPES OF INJURIES Head - 2 Face - 1 Neck - 2 Chest - 5 Back - 14 Abd. - 1 Shoulder Arm - 2 Elbow - 3 Forearm - 3 Wrist - 6 Hand - 1 Pelvis - 5 Thigh - 4 Knee - 5 Calf (leg) - 7 Ankle - 10 Foot - 13

NOTES ON 1991 STATISTICS 1- Several "incidents" were reported (mishaps that did not result in injury).

These provide valuable information and are included in the individual reports but not included in the statistical totals.

2- 4 fatalities with less than 1000 participants represents a far greater fatality risk for paragliding than one finds in Europe. This figure is also far worse than for hang gliding and I think we all agree is unacceptable.

3- I suspect we have much better reporting for 1991 than for 1990 and we all thank all of you who took the time to send reports. My guess is that we're getting about 60% or so reported of the accidents that actually occur.

4- Several trends can be clearly seen from our statistics and from the individual reports: a. Low time pilots (<40 flights) remain at high risk for injury and_ even death. b. There is a continuing trend toward a greater number of accc1dents among more advanced pilots. These pilots seem more and more willing to fly in mid-day thermal conditions and/or in greater winds. c. It would appear that hang glider pilots are at especially high risk for inj_ury while paragliding. the hang glider pilots willingness to fly strong thermal cond1\1ons with an aircraft much less stable than a hang glider 1n turbulence, coupled with lack of paraglider experience seem to be likely contributing fact.ors. . . . d. Thermal turbulence is ever increasingly associated with paragl1der accidents 1n America. e. Most pilots are not flying with appropriate clothing, footwear, helmets (preferably with face protection), and reserve parachutes. l'n:i sure all of us who have ~ee_n involved in this sport very long believe our statistics would be even worse 1f this were not the case. f. Lower extremity injuries followed by back injuries (most common_ly compressio~ fractures) are the most common injuries seen. This is true world wide as well as 1n the US. Both types of injury can be affected by footwear. Unfortunately, though there are manufacturers claims about certain paraglider boots, there is no scientific data as yet to help us. Suffice it to say, we suggest boots with ankle support and lots of cushion in the heel, but cannot be more specific.

PAGE12

Mark Shipman M.D. Mark Shipman who lives in Wenatchee WA is an Emergency Room Doctor. Mark started flying paragliders in 1987 and was an early member of the APA. He has been keeping track of the accidents in the US since 1989. We would like to thank Mark for all that he has done to help keep our sport safe. At the fall BOD meeting, mark said he would like someone else to take over this job for a couple of years, so we can all have a new point of view. We hate to see you go!

June 12, 1992 A 49 year old male APA class I pilot on his 49th flight flared too hard too high upon landing in order to make a tight LZ. There was mild turbulence in the LZ. He landed on one leg while looking at the canopy. He suffered a spiral tib/fib fracture of the right leg.

ANALYSIS; 1- Unless preparing for a PLF one should be watching the ground, not the canopy, upon landing.

2- The pilot admits he panicked at the last moment.

3- Turbulence at landing zone.

June 28, 1992 A 37 year old male on his 40th flight launched into winds varying from O to 16 mph and changing directions by as much as 180 degrees. At 150 ft. AGL the right half of the canopy collapsed and began to spiral to the right. The pilot describes that he did not use enough left brake and did not pump the right brake; hit the snow covered ground hard suffering an L-3 vertebral compression fracture.

ANALYSIS: 1- Conditions much too turbulent for paraglider flight.

2- Improper or insufficient pilot input to correct malfunction.

3- Paraglider pilots are at high risk for injury early in their training.

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

A LOOK AT THE FUTURE? Dear Editor, Subject: Paragliding Equipment.

A new sport, paragliding(P /G) is wide open commercially, so junk equipment is being sold to the uninformed. Obviously many people involved have no parachuting experience other than PIG learned from someone in the same category. P /G is similar to parachuting except it's not required to jump from aircraft to do your thing. The similarity is, among other things, in equipment, i.e. harness, reserve parachute most important. I fail to understand why in this space age a person would develope a reserve with single riser attached to one side of the harness. If my parachute history lessons are correct single riser parachutes met it's demise before world war two, give or take a few years. Hand deployed reserve?

Another space age fluke. Reserve parachute is an emergency system that requires training to use effectively, providing clean, quick deployment under stress, that can be controlled allowing soft safe landing anytime.

PARA GLIDING recent article, under reserve deployment pilot had to pull in the main canopy by hand so as not to entangle with reserve, bad scene.

P /G riser attachment must be equipped with quick eject hardware to get a trashed main canopy out of the picture for reserve deployment, preventing entanglement. Cutting away the main canopy followed by free fall is a trip, NEVER, without proper training and equipment do it. Such training will not come from a PIG instructor not trained in parachuting. High wind, water, tree landing or power line encounter dictates pilot must be able to release. Drowning and serious injury have occurred because pilot was not able to release. I refuse to use any P /G equipment except glider canopy. I have a P /G system of the future, a slightly modified skydive harness, built in two riser modern skydive reserve and quick eject hardware. The reserve is on my back where it should be, spring loaded pilot chute, control lines, slider, the whole enchilada. Crv your heart out guys and gals. I suggest P /G equipment MFG's could learn from skydive equipment and experts who produce it. My credentials?

Started parachuting 1963, skydiving 1964, paragliding, 1988 to present.

BOB Chavez Taiwan PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

1111

CCI

e

Dear members and Editor, The current A.P.A and U.S.H.G.A requirement for a class three rating includes a 12 month injury free clause.

My concern over this requirement is that it is more a matter of luck and chance not, demonstrable skills that a pilot go 12 months injury free. I believe this requirement belongs in the " safe pilot program " and not the rating program.

Further more the definition; where a prudent person would seek medical attention, is inadequate. Do we want people to report injuries and incidents or not? This type of definition forces the very information we use to prevent injuries and incidents underground.

I have for the last 15 years made my

living as a safety professional and as anyone in the business of preventing injuries will tell you. if you punish people for getting hurt instead of educating them on how to avoid injury. Then your'e chasing a ghost.

You will never reduce your injuries.

I recommend you adopt the National Safety Councils and OSHA'S definition and classifications of accidents. Incorporate them into your program and then use the data to prevent injuries not punish the injured.

I am enclosing a copy of this information for your review (see below) and would be more than willing to assist in this matter if so requested.

Robert B. Schick

Definition of "accident" An accident is an unplanned, undesirable occurrence in a sequence of events that results in personal. Injury, illness, death, and or property damage. the seriousness of an accident is often a matter of chance.

Medical treatment cases definition Any injury that requires treatment by a physician or a registered nurse, or other registered medical, professional acting under the orders of a physician.

Commentary The mere fact that care of the injured by a physician or other medical professional does not constitute medical treatment. it is the nature and level of skill, required that determines medical treatment in most cases.(see table# 1 )

First aid cases definition Any injury that is sufficiently minor in nature that it does not involve medical treatment as defined above.

Commentary First aid treatment is generally that treatment that can ordinarily be done by the average lay person with or without first aid training. (see table #1) Near miss cases definition Any incident that does not involve. injury. For example, equipment damage, property damage or an incident that has a high potential for an injury to occur.

Data collection Use near miss, first aid reports to gain and analyze data that may prevent medical cases.

Medical Treatment _ _ _ _ _ __ Any type of professional level treatment.

Sutures Butterfly I steristrip in lieu of suture Surgical debridement Probing and/ or removal of foreign object Treatment of infection Drainage of fluids Multiple soaking, diathermy, whirlpool Prescription medication, multidose order Most third degree burns Extensive second degree burns First A i d - - - - - - - - - - - Cleansing - soaking of wound Bandaging for wound protection

Application non-prescription medicine Use of elastic bandage Single soaking, diathermy, cold or hot application Simple removal of foreign object Most first degree burns One time use of oxygen Simple butterfly closure for cosmetic purposes, no sutures require Preventive medication e.g. tetanus IM Single dose of prescription medication on initial visit X-rays: Psitive findings will result in appropriate treatment which could be medical or another category as determined by the treatment itself.

PAGE13

FLIGHT LINES

HOW

SAFE IS PARAGLIDING

0

Dear Paragliding Magazine, I recently took and introduction lesson in Washington State. I have read your magazine for a while and I'm interested in knowing, "just how safe is paragliding." I have heard some pretty bad stories and now I'm trying to organize some friends to take a weekend course here in the North Cascades, where I live.

Could you print an article on safety and what the common ways to avoid crashes are? My friends and I are interested in continuing to fly, but we would like the straight scoop from you on the whole question. Do you have a previously published article you could send to me?

Kirt Barker

Eleven - A's , One - B DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME Distributed in : SPAIN -NOrlec.985·357'696 ITALV DeltaSMpDolaoa 0437-479-040

SWITZERLAND CobraDel1a TnunJ3-l7H89 ENGLANO - AirSupphes.759-304-40,I

PORTUGAL -EscolaNatoonaldaPa1apente35!-I-Z69-154l HOLLANO - Paragl1<1ingH!l1lanl!.10.467-3951 DENMARK - Le,sureA,isport 748-22-~36 NORWAV - Os1eraslu•1sport 47'796-7451 SWEOEN - Pete1sonSpor1AB 515-11121

U.S.A.-Aer1a1Ac~on.818-367'7210 CANADA -MullerHangl,d,ngLtd,403-932-6760 VEf.lEZUELA - Aerohghl 242-5152 COLOM8lA - EnanKOlen.288-87SB BRAZIL - G! aerDoSrabl. 021 ·2',420'2 JAPAN -JapanlaMOLll!!le.474-25-4612 SOUTH AFRICA -OnTe,..km 11 4021210 AUSTRALlA· Alp,.neParaglcng SJ.551-753 MEX ICO-Ae100tnatruCa 525-Ji9-2140 GREECE M1 PlatonCouro.JVata•S 01-2024.f,8.I ISRAEL - ,\g~r 03-58014-£

A Dear Kirt, Just how safe is Paragliding?

An import question that only you as a pilot can truly answer. This has been, and always will be the most important question asked by every would be pilot. I have been in the sport long enough to have seen the good with the bad. Some things I can say with certainty, and others I will never be certain about.

Paragliding will never be an "idiot proof" form of flying. Do not expect to be able to just do it. The result of stupidity in aviation, in all of it's forms carries the gravest penalty's. The thought that "nothing could possibly go wrong" is foolish.

Paragliding is probably the easiest form of solo powerless flight / given the cost of the aircraft and the ease with which one can learn the mechanical skill necessary to fly solo. There are many instructors or individuals who will quickly inform you of the simplicity and ease of flying a paraglider, especially if they will benefit PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

FLIGHT LINES SAFE? cont.

financially from your training or equipment purchases .

The most significant questions you can ask are the ones you ask yourself. After 4 or 5 days of training most student pilots have learned he basic mechanical skills and have gotten to the brink of actually being able to soar the glider . The young eagle must be ready to be booted out of the nest. Your attitude is everything! You can be a good student and bad pilot, a bad student and good pilot. The attitude that you have after your training course is complete, is what will determine what kind of pilot You are.

The conservative side of your brain will tell you "it's dangerous, frigh tening and down right stupid. The egoistically side of your brain will tell you "if they can soar, so can I". You have to have a balance. Being overly conservative will mean that you will never fly . Being over egotistical will mean that u nless you are very very lucky you will proably get hurt, maimed or killed. Can you get killed? Yes of course. It is also probable that you could end up crippled for life. Having pointed this out, let make it very clear, I do not believe that Paragliding is dangerous . You can make it dangerous by launching in bad weather conditions or without having had proper training, but the driving your car at 90 mph down a busy street is equally stupid and dangerous.

If you insist on good training, regardless of the costs, and are aware of the potential dangers, paragliding will be a very safe sport. Knowing the dangers, consistently reminding yourself that you are not invincible. Reading as much literature as possible and always leaning to the conservative side of your brain will keep you very safe and healthy. Your attitude is what will make it a safe sport. The sport is well advanced compared to the early days of 1986/1987. You are probably not going to experience anything that ohers have not known about for years. Your instructor should be able to give you all or most of the information you need to eventually fly without his or her assistance. There is definitely a lot you will learn on your own. The dangers are definitely there, but a good conservative attitude will take care of 99% of them. God will determine the last 1%.

Sincerely, Marcus Salvemini, Safety and Training for Paragliding

New Club in Southern California Dear Editor, 1 would like to introduce the Southern California Paragliding Association to the readers of your magazine. Formed in November of 1992, our first meeting was a resounding success, and included paragliding notables Ken Baier (last president of the APA,) Jurgen Stock, Joe Gluzinski ("Cover Boy") and Dan Skadal.

This is the first chance that every pilot in the Southern California area (visiting or resident,) has had to share information ... about sites, new equipment, maneuvers and so on.

It's nice to pick up this information in a room full of pilots. At

~(\

•1REBIIIDJ1G FIREBIRD U.S.A.

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

5311 Western Ave. , #D • Boulder, Colorado 80301 tel. (303) 440 -0803 • fax . (303) 440-0823

SO. CALIFORNIA cont.

our first meeting, Butch Peachy, factory rep for Second Chantz came with the new Air Rocket and a video demonstrating it.

There's so much energy in this club, it's bonkers! Our newsletter editor is going overboard, putting out a first class publication. The same guy (Rob Humble, a new pilot,) has already designed killer club T-shirts. Joe Gluzinski (Jeez I'm proud of his PTM cover!) is our activities/fly-in director and is planning a clinic as a fund-raiser for the club. We are aggressively increasing membership, mailing to hundreds of area pilots monthly.

We would like to invite anyone who is interested to join. It's really pretty cheap, and even if you're not a local pilot, you'll get so much information about the Southern California flying scene that you'll feel like a local when you come to visit. Our newsletter runs a "Site of the Month" feature. As for the meetings ... they're held the third Thursday of the month, usually at Flight Systems in Orange, and they are definitely not a drag.

We try to keep business B.S. down to a minimum, (the Board handles most of that stuff,) and the videos, music, "refreshments," and dealer demos at a maximum! Crash one of these meetings if you're in town. It's the next best thing to flying.

(Well, third best thing to flying!)

Anyway, for any info about the ever-so-bad-ass SCP A, just call 714)639-7777, or write me, Mark Misiewicz, at 113 E. Balboa Bl. J'\ewport Beach, Ca. 92661 Fly Safe, Mark Misiewi President, SCPA

e

J' Check the Sitesl

ro

t Dear Editor, I just wanted to report on the first ICC held in the eastern United States, to my knowledge, at Morningside in North Charlestown, New Hampshire on December 11, 12, and 13 1992.

Ken Baier and John Bouchard were the examiners and they did a truly great job. The ICC was attended by Joe Lentini, Philippe Renaudin, Jeff Nicolay, Walter Tripovich, Ben Rogers, and Rich Sharp.

We all learned a great deal about teaching techniques and the technical aspects of paragliding in the east.

I also wanted to report on another significant event that occurred on Sunday, December 13, 1992. Robert Similik, a 15 year old high school student from Essex Junction Vermont, who has been flying paragliders with his father for just over a year now, set the duration record for Cobble Hill in Milton Vermont, at 35 minutes.

Roberts flight would have been even longer, but his hands got cold in the air, which was well below freezing at the time. The longest previous flight at Cobble Hill was 10 minutes.

Robert gained altitudes of over 300 feet above launch in winds at 12 to 13 m.p.h. out of the northwest. Robert was flying a 29 meter Boomerang Albatross from Czechoslavakia. His flight was witnessed by Ruth Masters, Milan Simik, and Roy Hedges. Way to go Robert!!!

Sincerely, Rich Sharp PAGE16

Most of the country; cold and dreary with blustery winds ideal for reading Paragliding the Magazine.

San Diego, California; warm and sunny with winds that are generally light and great for paragliding!

e 12 sites within 90 minutes drive. eAn excellent training hill. eCoastal Ridge soaring sites. eMountain Soaring locations to 3000 ft. eFun in the Baja, Mexico.

J' Check the progra eTours by air conditioned van. eSingle day lessons and guided tours ® Class I certification courses @Soaring clinics and camps eManoeuver clinics ® Instructor certification clinics @Glider demonstration days

J' Check Out The Flying!

11More flights, more airtime, more soaring, more often! !)Comfortable driving and flying. !)Variety to accommodate everyone and the weather.

J' Check Out Airjunkiesl Phone/Fax

(619) 7530-2664 564 San Dieguito Drive Encinitas, CA 92024 Ken Baier @ ICP Administrator "National Competitor @Class 3 Pilot 1111USHGA Certified Instructor PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

FLIGHT LINES

.

-

PARAGLIDING IN ROMANIA Dear friends from Paraglider Association, Many years ago, in Tigoviste, Romania I started the "Ione! Fernic Aircraft Association". It has two sections: one of hang gliding we own one, "griffon" type of hang glider; the other section is of paragliding, but we haven't any paraglider.

There are twenty one members with identification cards and another 63 sympathizers in our association.

In Romania paragliding is almost unknown as a sport; the few enthusiasts are trying to fly with reserve parachutes. With 23 million inhabitants there are only four paragliders all over the country: one in Arad belongs to Mr. Kiss Arpad; two which have come with aids from France and were distributed at the airclubs from Bucharest and Timisoara and the last one was built at Brasov , with German documentation.

In Romania, paragliders, magazines, video tapes or flying equipment doesn't exist. The price of Drachenflieger magazine is seven DM that is 1400 lei, equivalent with the pay of a whole work week.

A paraglider costs 900-1000 DM

and for that I must work all my life having a decent life, so when I'll be a rather old man I'll have a flying apparatus; or three years of working (without buying food or anything else) = one paraglider.

Mr. Kiss Arpad from Arad has a "Comet II" type of paraglider made in Taiwan and he's the only person from our country who has a video tape cassette with paragliding and Drachenflier magazines (which are distributed by him all over the cow1try). Mr. Kiss also trained 150 enthusiasts of this sport to fl y with his paraglider.

Our group of flyers from Tirgoviste made a training fly with Mr. Kiss at Oradea and Arad - 170 flights from a few minutes to one hour and 37 minutes duration.

Seven sportsmen having only one paraglider made this training in Piatra Craiului MoW1tains, near Brasov; they were flying from a top at 726 m above the ground. They executed four flights each, but for this they have to climb two hours.

Because all of these, I request for AID. We need all kinds of documentation, books, magazines, video tapes, building materials for paragliders and

if possible, in a very happy case one paraglider from specialized clubs, companies, associations or any person .

In Taiwan there are maybe thousands of paragliders, in Romania only four. Flyers are in both countries and I hope that flyers understand the feelings of the other flyers .

We want to fly!

Please, help us!

Sincerely yours, President of Aircraft Association, "Ionel Fernic" 0200 - Tirgoviste Str. Luccafarului bl. 45b, apt.2 jud. Dimbovita, Romania Editors Note: PG magazine and USHGA have sen t several dozen magazines and a Wills Wing training manual to Ione/ does anyone have a glider or gear to donate?

Join The A.I.R. Revolution Air Initiated Reco~ery Our new high-pressure A.I.R. Powered Rocllet Motor will deploy your Hang Gliding or Paragliding reser'7e parachute in the blinll of an eve ...

These features are standard: *It can deploy your parachute in under 2 seconds. *It can be fiIIed from any SCUBA divin~ tank to 3000 psi. *It can be carried on the airlines. *Inexpensive reloads after each use. *Extended field use with no pressure loss. *Use your parachute in our container system, or purchase one of our state-of-the-art low sink rat canopies.

Aircraft Recovery Systems, Inc. For our complete information package please write: mr•• Second Chantz lnc ., PO BOX 12671 Reno, Nevada 89510- 2671 USA or Phone (702) 829-2077 ... Fax (702) 829-2079 PARAGLIDING , THE MAGAZINE

PAGE 17

FLYING MARINES IN OKINAWA Dear Fred and Claudia, Well I guess I am taking a chance by starting this letter in such a friendly manner, however all of the people I have come across in our sport of flying, have always been quite friendly!

Before I even tell you who I am and why I am writing, I would like to first of all congratulate both of you on the fantastic job you do as the first family of paragliding! I have seen three issues of the magazine you publish and think it is great for our new sport to have such good support! By now you know I am a paraglider pilot and know a little about you so now about me! I am a US Marine stationed in the flyers paradise of Okinawa Japan. I have been flying for exactly one year now and I'm one of two American flyers on the Island! We have as you might have guessed had some language problems as well as support problems getting started, but as the forefathers of the sport, we too overcame! O.K. now I am getting a little long winded so I'll get down to the point! I would like to become friends with your family as well as the entire American paragliding community! That's One! I would

also like to be an overseas correspondent to your magazine for the country of Japan! The flying conditions here are great! Mostly ridge soaring with the lift extending over the aqua blue waters, many 3-4 hour flights (not mine) have been logged floating over the water and watching the fish and scuba divers below! I hope that someday an American group would come visit this flying paradise! I have alot to say and without more people (Americans) here to speak with about our sport. It's easy to get carried away, there are many many Japanese in this sport and the largest club on Island has over 60 members! I'll write more when you have some time, but now I am sure it's dinner time or something so please if you can find some time, write back and let me know what you think about my situation.

Thanks for listening and hope someday we can meet. Once again good job on the work you two have done in the exiting sport of paragliding!

P .S. This letter has written by a somewhat tired and overworked Marine who was keeping a television

and radio station on the air all day Saturday while the winds were nice and the flying WOULD HA VE BEEN GREAT. So please forgive the many grammatical and other errors that must have occurred. As mentioned I have seen only three issues of your magazine due to a big lack of english information of paragliding (None!).

Most of my flying lessons also had very little english, but now I can fly so no problem. Any info. you might have that could help me would be appreciated. Take care and good flying.

Thank you, Bruce Gordon

Dear Bruce, Please write again we don't have your address.

.....

Coior~d<o

5311 Western Ave., #D II Boulder, 80301 t.el (303 440-0803 e fax. (303) 440-0823 PAGE 18

~qz_ .: •

I!>

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

By Mark Dale

enguin grimaced as he kicked the rock-hard snow slope, his old leather boots precariously clinging to the small edge just created. With even; step his sore toes reminded him that he was a moron for leaving his crampons at home.

Of course, Emu and Woodpecker (aka Woody) were ranking low on the I.Q. scale too (having also forgotten theirs), but at least they had stiff plastic boots to make things a little easier for themselves. Above these three, Chukkar was steadily pulling away on his teethed feet, not one to be negligent. Even though this steep face looked south, it was still in the early morning shadows that, combined with a recent avalanche which had scoured the slope, gave it the consistency of the inside of one's freezer long overdue for a defrosting.

A small price to pay, though, on this fine February day, which held the promise of not only those rewards that come with the act of climbing, but also something else. Something that was foremost on the minds of the four as they worked their way upward ... the possibility that they may, fly away from this peak known as Sauk Mountain into the magnificent skies of the North Cascades.

Before long all were reunited on the smmy crest of the east ridge. The panorama of snow-clad peaks was outstanding, but the reaction of the birdclimbers was somewhat subdued. the wind was gusting much too hard and from the wrong direction for flying.

The day was young, however, and things were apt to change as they do in the mountains. Dropping their wings, now completely in the climbing mode, these friends followed the alpine ridge to the summit sometimes up, sometimes down, traversing soft and hard snow, balancing on the dizzying crest of rock and snow at times, free and unfettered by ropes. Once on top they all took the time to gaze and contemplate, to name peaks and rejoice in their luck at being who they were and where they were.

Retracing their steps they soon reached th eir w in gs, a n d were

P

PARAGLIDING , THE MAGAZINE

heartened by the improving conditions. The wind had lightened to a breeze coming up parallel to the east ridge. A reconnaissance revealed that to fly off the south face of the ridge, their route of ascent, was out of the question. The steep hard snow interspersed with cliffs would be totally unforgiving of a botched takeoff.

The north side of the ridge offered hope however.

Moderately-angled snow and a wind that was properly positioned at least promised the possibility of a safe launch. The problem to be pondered at length by Chukkar, Emu, Penguin, and Woody, though, was the fact that to reach their predetermined landing field, miles away on the other side of the mighty _.:-Skagit River, they must somehow fly over the crest of the ridge to its' south side. This required two things. One, the wind must not be coming up the south face of the ridge at any appreciable strength, or the resulting turbulence at the crest could bring the hapless birds out of the sky like bricks. Two, the ridge fell away gradually and whether their wings would keep them high enough to clear the crest as they glided down was in question.

Repeated measurements and discussions yielded the conclusion that there was a good enough safety factor to go. Chukkar volunteered to be first,

followed by Woody, the reason being that they had better performing wings and therefore had the best chance to make the critical passage. Penguin and Emu would observe the height that

Chukkar flying away after clearing the ridge.

these two cleared (hopefuly) the ridge and would thus have a better idea of their own chances of success.

Thus, after carefully laying out his bright yellow wing, double-checking the rigging and the conditions, Chukkar began his launch. An adrenaliepumped run down the slope soon had PAGE19

PENGUIN, cont.

him flying as the others tensely watched. Keeping the ridge closely to his right, Chukkar flew away until he was abreast the predetermined crossover point then, made his right turn.

Clearing the ridge by at least forty feet, he let out a whoop. A wind coming up the south slope lifted him, slowed forward progress for a second, then away he flew until he was a diminishing speck of yellow in the pale blue sky.

Next, Woody set up. The wind had now calmed even more, and Woody's first attempt at take-off was unsuccessful due to an incompletely inflated wing. The second launch went well, however, and soon another whoop indicated a successful flight as his pink and black canopy receded in the distance. Emu was nervous, but reassured ( and goaded) by Penguin he began the necessary preparations to fly. Penguin stood behind Emu's bright green wing and lifted the leading edge to assist in takeoff. After a deep breath, Emu ran like a bat out of hell and was soon flying in a graceful arc to the critical point of the ridge. He cleared it just fine, although not by as much as Chukkar and Woody. As he hit the south-slope wind on the opposite side of the ridge,

he rose and seemed to remain motionless for an instant, then silently flew away.

Now Penguin was totally alone.

Being last was as unsettling as being first, he thought. One must be careful now that his fellow bird-climbers are miles away and five thousand feet below. There is no one to assist your launch, no one to aid you if you are injured, no one to help you make the decision to fly or not to fly. These things raced through his head as he set up his wing. ,,Wait! What was that lying in the snow behind him? He walked over and discovered Woody's camera, left behind in the excitement of the moment. Just what I need, he thought, more ballast. As he stooped to retrieve the camera, then stood up, a brisk breeze came over the ridge crest into his face. If the wind picks up too much on that side, he thought, I may be in for a wild ride.

Nervousness and the bright sun had Penguin sweating profusely. After cinching down his harness and positioning himself for launch, he briefly contemplated the situation. You must run hard for there is no up-slope wind now to help you. Be careful of that tree on the left as you begin your flight or you may end up nesting there. And

above all, you must clear the ridge. He noticed his dry throat and elevated heartbeat, thinking of the many times in the past these same sensations had flooded him as he confronted a difficult section of a climb, or was preparing to come to grips with a potentially dangerous situation whose outcome depended entirely on his own judgement and performance. Taking several deep breaths and bringing his concentration entirely to the task at hand, Penguin was ready to fly.

At the first hint of a breeze he began to run, and run hard he did. His brilliant orange wing rustled and popped as it inflated and rose over his head.

Looking up, Penguin saw that the wing was clear and with renewed vigor he raced down the slope, each step becoming lighter and lighter until he was soon skimming over the snow, watch that tree! A quick right turn steered him away from the too-close evergreen and soon he was totally focused on the critical crossover point of the ridge. Maintaining his controls to give him his best glide ratio, he gently turned right and noticed that the terrain behind the ridge appeared to be rising relative to the ridge crest.

This was a sure sign that he would clear the ridge and as he sailed across

MARK WRIGHT'S

•

•

EQUIPMENT, TONS OF NEW AND USED! WE HAVE STOCK NOW AT GREAT PRICES! CHALLENGERS.CHALLENGER C'S.SPACE.APOLLO.RACER. STELLER,EXCALIBURS, VOODO. FLIGHT DESIGN A3 1 B2'S AND MANY MORE GLIDERS!!!

VARIO'S.HELMETS,GLOVES,MAXON RADIO'S, YAESU RADIO'S, XC PODS.HARNESSES, FLIGHT BOTTLES.STUFF BAGS,LIFT BACKS. VIDEO'S.BOOKS, MANUELS,MUCH MORE! BEGINNER TO ADVANCED TRAINING AVAILABLE.FL YING TOURS, SITE GUIDES.DEMO WINGS ETC.

WE ARE MOTIVATED TO SELL&f GET EXCITED

-4466 PAGE 20

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

PENGUIN, cont. it perhaps thirty feet above he breathed a sigh of relief. The south slope wind then lifted him gently, as if in the palm of a giants' hand, and soon the ridge was behind and the entire world seemingly ahead.

The vista now encountered was remarkable. Ahead and five thousand feet below was the turquoise and braided Skagit River while all around rose the snow-clad monarchs of the North Cascades. It was a scene not unlike that encountered earlier on the summit of Sauk Mountain, but here the exposure was complete and overwhelming. Nothing beneath Penguins' feet and only the fragile wing of nylon overhead. The air was mercifully smooth, though, and trepidation gave way to joy as he steered toward the landing area adjacent to the river. Once assured that he had plenty of altitude to reach the field, Penguin carved lazy 360's in the air, now two thousand feet above the small town of Rockport. He wanted to shout, to rejoice in the act of flying but stayed silent, somewhat afraid of breaking the moments spell.

Gliding a thousand feet over the LZ (or landing zone, this sport having its own vernacular of acronyms, peculiar phrases and code words), Penguin saw the tiny figures of his partners watching him as he spiraled down and planned his landing approach. It was time once again for complete concentration, for like the takeoff, the landing was a critical l' d procedure which ' h T h 1s, e rea 1ze , was could have dire one of those rare consequences if not moments in life when properly executed , f'll d , h by an inattentive one lS 1 e, wit, a pilot. Now on his sense of sahsfachon final approach over and accomplishment tall cottonwoods, ll th ' Penguin saw that h ' w. en a e. he had correctly mtang1ble benefits of judged the wind facing and sl?eed and direcovercoming t i on . As he . approached the challenges m the great ground he slowed outdoors come h i s c a n o p y, together to enrich strai~hte_ned him' , , self m his harness, ones Ide and provide and gently touched memories that won't down in the kneefade with time. high grass. .

As Pengum collapsed his canopy behind him, he noticed the warm breeze full of the earthly smells of the Skagit Valley, carrying promises of the coming spring. Looking up at Sauk Mountain from whence they had flown he pondered the beauty, simplicity, and excitement of what had just occurred. This, he realized, was one of those rare moments in life when one is filled with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, when all the intangible benefits of facing and overcoming challenges in the great outdoors come together to enrich ones' life and provide memories that won't fade with time.

The now flightless birds packed their wings and walked towards the car, each ones' mind reliving the day and looking forward to being airborne once again. High above on the silent slopes of Sauk Mountain, the footsteps of the four, curiously disappearing in mid-stride on their downward path, slowly melted in the afternoon sun.

I Once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward; for there you have been and there you will long to return.

• Leonardo da Vinci

Penguin - Mark Dale Emu John Petroske Chukkar - Lowell Skoog Woody - Steve Steckmyer

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

PAGE 21

...J ...J

w

~

~

0

w

a:

u..

paragliders. ITV, like several other companies has once again begun to add flares to their canopies for increased stability and handling characteristics, don't be surprised to see this on other gliders in the future.

The ITV gliders are designed by Michelle LeBlanc and built in the factory in France. The gliders are built using a special laminated polyester fabric for increased canopy life, and will all come with a UV sensitive strip sewn into the leading edge to eliminate guessing about canopy life.

AIRWAVE The British hang glider manufacturer Airwave, has also stepped into the paragliding industry with a very impressive line of gliders.

WILLS WING The intermediate to advanced level glider the Voodoo has comThe popular Southern California hang glider manufacturer Wills bined high performance with good stability. The Voodoo has a Wing , has also had a great success in the paragliding industry very wide speed range that enables slow soft landings or the trim with their AT I series. The AT I was designed with stability in mind. tabs may be let out to speed through a particularly nasty section.

This class I glider is very forgiving while ground handling and The glider has light brake pressure and turns very efficiently to predictable while in flight. Performance has not been sacrificed make extended thermal flights enjoyable. All this combined in a though, as this was the glider Kari Castle chose to fly when she package that received 11 A's and one C in the ACPUL test. set the womens world distance record last summer.

Bruce Goldsmith, Airwave's top competition pilot works closely Armin Graf was responsible for designing both the AT I series with the factory in Britain designing the gliders. There were and Wills Wing's advanced line of canopies the AT II series also. between 75 and 80 prototypes of the Voodoo made before he was He also works closely with the factory in Israel to maintain the satisfied with the balance of performance and stability. Airwave is highest quality standards. continuously updating their line, so keep an eye on them in the ITV future.

The French Company ITV has recently introduced their new inter- FIREBIRD mediate level glider the Nunki. The Nunki was designed to have The German hang glider and paraglider manufacturer Firebird, the speed of high performance competition gliders, with the stabil- introduced a very popular new intermediate glider last summer, ity and ground handling characteristics of intermediate level the Apache . The Apache is a great canopy for the intermediate pilot looking for a glider that will progress with them through their ~ flying career. The high internal pressure keeps the glider inflated, ~ and in case of a collapse, it quickly reopens. Yet performance has 8 not been sacrificed for safety, with the gliders good speed and ~

0

~ .--~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ u..

Glider Wills Wing AT 123 ITV Nunki Airwave Voodoo 26 Firebird Apache 26 Pro Design UP Stellar 33 Ailes De K Fly Air 1000 Apco Astra 29 AirTek AT 121 Flight Design B2 24 Swing Axis 26 Edel Space 24

Wing Area 282 sq ft

Weight Cells' 14.3 lbs 23

Span 30 ft

Root Chord n/a

Asp Ra 3.

26.5 sq m 26 m

6.5 kg n/a

41 n/a

10.41 m 11 m

3.15 m 3m

4.

4.!

290 sq ft 26.7 m 29.4 sq m 26 m 24 26m 24.8m

n/a 5.9 kg n/a 5.2 kg 6 kg n/a n/a

33 32 53 21 23 29 33

34 ft n/a n/a 10.1 m n/a 11.4 m n/a n/a 10.12 m n/a 10.2 m n/a 9.3 m 3.25 mm

* Testing is still in process and the specs have not yet been released.

'Includes gear and pilot ' Number of cells

.

4.1 3.l

4~

~.I

3.1 3.

Note: Gliders 93, has not been pu of the gliders distributed in the Uni facturers/ US distributors of said g

...J ...J

w

;,;

"

(.)

~

Cf)

0

w

(C

u.

great sink rate, Robbie Whittall chose to use this glider for several competitions this year.

Along with being Firebird's top competition pilot Robbie also heads the design team . The gliders are manufactured in Hungary using Porcher marine sail cloth and kevlar lines. Firebird will be introducing their new high performance glider the Navajo this spring, along with a Tandem Apache.

PRO DESIGN Pro Design, the Austrian manufacturer of the popular entry level glider, the Challenger, have just finished working on the final prototype of their new intermediate level paraglider. It will be a combination of the user friendly handling characteristics of the Challenger with the performance of the Challenger C. This glider has been specially designed with Mylar on the leading edge of the cell walls for ease in launching, and quick recoveries . The three riser system makes for easy B-line stalls , and reduces the number of lines causing less drag, and increasing the speed .

Armin Graf, who designed the glider has also been working on a new Challenger with slightly higher performance , and a new tandem glider. Pro Design also has a new integral harness with a special tree piece bac protestion to easier enable weight shift steering. The gliders are being manufactured in Hong Kong using Porcher Marine Fabric and Spectra lines.

UP INTERNATIONAL UP International in Salt Lake City, Utah has recently redesigned their entire line of gliders. The '93 Stellar, other than sharing the same name as it's predecessor has nothing in common with the old version . The new glider has a different line configuration and attachment points to reduce parasitic drag, and increase the speed range . The trim tabs have been replaced with an accelerator system , and flares have been added to the leading edge to help improve launch and turning characteristics . On top of all this, the Stellar 33 received all A's in the ACPUL tests . The majority of

the work redesigning the gliders was done in Germany by Ernst Strobl , who was assisted by Uli Weismier, and the other UP competition pilots. The gliders are manufactured in China, using Carrington sail cloth , and kevlar lines.

A couple of the other new products to look for from UP are the Stallar 35 for pilots from 209 to 286 lbs, and their new full feature cross country harness with built in reserve container, back protection and water ballast container.

AILES DE K The Swiss company Ailes De K has been producing high quality paragliders since 1984. The Fly Air has been designed for the intermediate level pilot tooking for top performance in a user friendly package. Some of the features of this glider are the 168° nose angle, and biconvex trailing edge, along with D line flares to increase directional stability during asymmetric collapses.

The gliders are designed by Laurent de Kalbermatten, and built at the factory in Switzerland using a fabric designed specially for ...J ...J

w

~

~

Cf)

0

w

(C

u.

ect t,io

,.

1,

·1

!6

!2 4

a

:3 9

15

Best Glide Weight' 165-210 lbs n/a

Min. Sink n/a

Max Speed n/a

Fabric n/a

Lines Kevlar

70-100 kg 60-85 kg

7.0 6.5+

1.2 m/sec 1.3 m/sec

42 kph 40 kph

Ripstop Nylon Porcher Marine

Dyneema Kevlar

176-220 lbs 75-95 kg 80-110 kg 78 kg 60-100 kg 165-205 lbs 75-95 kg

6.9 6.8 n/a n/a n/a n/a 7+

1.2 m/sec n/a 1.1 m/sec 1.4 m/sec 1.2 m/sec 1.2 m/sec 1.2 m/sec

40 kph n/a 44 kph 35 kph 44 kph 38 kph 44 kph

Carrington TM40 Nylon CC3a Tejin Skytex Nylon

Kevlar Kevlar Kevlar Kevlar Spectra Spectra Kevlar

blished as a glider review, but rather as general information about some ted States. All information herein has been supplied to us by the manuiders. Paragliding the Magazine makes no claims as to it's accuracy

...J ...J

w

~

~ 0

w a:

LL

the company. Ailes De K will also be introducing the Spydair, a new higher performance intermediate level glider this spring.

APCO AVIATION Apco Aviation based in Israel has had tremendous success with their new glider the Astra, as it won every major competition in North America this season. The glider comes in two different configurations, the standard model which received II A's and one B in the ACPUL test, and the competition model with a slightly higher aspect ratio for the performance minded XC , and competition pilots. The standard model is a great canopy for the intermediate to advanced level pilot who is looking for top performance, without sacrificing safety.

The gliders are designed by a team of Russians and built at the factory in Israel. The company is presently working on certifying a new 25 square meter version for pilots between 50 and 70 kilos, and a new inexpensive class one canopy that still has great performance.

AIRTEK USA A new company on the market AirTek USA has recently introduced their first glider, the AT I (not to be confused with the Wills Wing AT series). The AT I is aimed at the beginning pilot looking for a solid first glider, that is not too expensive. The glider has large cell openings for ease in launching, and stability in flight, along with the capability of big ears and B line stalls.

Marcus Salvemini , president of the company designs the gliders in San Diego CA and has them built in the Orient. This spring look to AT for a new intermediate level glider and a new harness that is reversible to a bag for your glider.

FLIGHT DESIGN The German company Flight Design recently began to distribute their new line of gliders in the US. The B2, or Hot Dream as it is known in Europe is their new intermediate glider. With 11 A's and one B, it is great for advanced students or anyone looking for a solid intermediate level canopy with good performance. This glider has a gauze leading edge, which is said to let in more air

'"' .JI'«·~ .if{ /,· . ' _<'· . I

than mesh , but absolutely nothing else. It has four risers with a spreader bar and a new cascade pattern to cut down on the number of lines.

Matthias Betsch is the head of the design team , and also responsible for checking each glider after being manufactured in China.

Some other new products Flight Design has been working on are a new large PDA reserve and a new beginner level glider, with increased performance.

SWING The Swiss Company Swing, has recently introduced a very exciting line of new gliders in the US . The intermediate level glider the Axis is for the pilot looking for rock solid stability, yet still wants to be able to soar with the big boys. While launching and ground handling the glider is very forgiving , but once flying the sink rate is comparable to many high performance gliders.

Swing gliders are designed by Gunther Worl , who works closely with the factory in Switzerland to assure the highest quality . The company has just introduced an Axis II which wi ll come with trim

tabs in addition to the speed bar on the present Axis. This glider won several competitions in Europe this summer.

EDEL The Korean Company Edel , introduced a very popular new intermediate level glider last summer, the Space. The Space was designed for the beginner- intermediate through advanced level pilot, who is looking for a glider that received all A's in the ACPUL yet still has good performance.

Edel gliders are designed by the president of the company Mr. Su and Gin Song. The two have also been working on several new gliders, the Hyperspace, which will have the handling characteristics of the Space with higher performance. The Apollo beginner glider is being redesigned, there will be a new high performance paraglider and the tandem Space has just been certified . Edel also has a new integral harness with built in water ballast container and back protection , along with their own line of instruments that should be out this spring.

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

ROB KELLS AND HIS DAUGHTER

PARACHUTE AND HARNESS EQUIPMENT CARE

• ... ... ... ... •

STEVE PEARSON

WILLS WING USA

By Rob Kells and Steve Pearson

T

he following article is taken from an outline we use to do parachute seminars. It is written with the hope that you will take th.is information and put it to use in your flying, to increase your flight safety. This is not about how to repack your parachute. We suggest that you leave the packing to someone who does it often.

Over the last seven years we have done 25 parachute seminars, and repacked more than eight hundred parachutes.

Over 50% of the systems in the early seminars were improperly maintained and 10% of these parachutes would not have deployed under any circumstance! These statistics have improved dramatically over the years as pilots come back to service their equipment year after year.

If you have not attended a formal parachute seminar we suggest that you do so immediately.

Our thanks go to Vinciene Muller for badgering us into writing the original article and to Sherry Thevano for pestering us to update the material.

Aviation has made the world much smaller but it is still hard to miss it if you fall!

parachute is not open, pull it back and repeat the throw.

Try to steer away from ground obstacles and land into the wind . In a paraglider after the deployment you want to try to fly the glider up to meet the reserve or if you are unable to do that pull continuously on a brake line until you have the canopy in your hands to avoid down planning.

If your glider is falling at 60 mph, (88 feet per second), three seconds is 264 feet; if you take ten seconds the distance will be 880 feet. The successful execution of the deployment sequence under adverse conditions will depend on your level of preparation. Do not practice in air deployments! They can be very dangerous.

There is no substitute for repeatedly practicing th.is procedure in a simulator. Further, you should grasp the handle and mentally rehearse the deployment sequence while flying.

During parachute seminars, we time practice deployments in a simulator.

Deployment times range from three to ten seconds.

The deployment times have gotten faster over the years of repeated seminars through practice.

PARACHUTE DEPLOYMENT SEQUENCE

EQUIPMENT SELECTION AND CARE Your parachute is only one part of your safety system. As with any system, reliability is only as good as the weakest link.

LOOK-GRASP-PULLLOOK-THROW-PULL

LOOK for the handle, GRASP the handle, PULL the deployment bag from the container (with most systems a down-and-out at about 45 degrees works best), LOOK for clear air, THROW towards clear air and into the direction of the spin, PULL the bridle (reach back to your main support strap to locate it) to clear the chute from the container and accelerate the deployment sequence. If the PAGE 26

HARNESSES All properly built harnesses are strong enough to withstand the opening shock of a normal parachute deployment if they are properly maintained. Most harnesses are not designed to withstand the opening shock of a hang glider reserve from

terminal free fall velocity. To withstand higher loads and adverse loading conditions-like head down-the shoulder straps, leg loops and back strap should be joined by a primary structural reinforcement to the main support straps. If you are interested in a technical reference on conventional skydiving equipment and parachutes, we recommend The Parachute Manual-by Dan Poynter, available from Parachuting Publications, P.O. Box 4232, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.

CARABINERS Aluminum carabiners are typically rated at 1800 to 2800 kilos (4,000 to 6,000 pounds) ultimate strength when new, but are susceptible to fatigue from nicks and scratches.

Most steel carabiners are rated at about 5000 kilos (11,000 lbs.) and are much more durable. We do not know of any failures of high quality alloy steel carabiners, but we suggest that you replace even a steel carabiner after 3 to 5 years of regular service, and replace aluminum carabiners at any time there is apparent wear.

ULTRAVIOLET DETERIORATION Harnesses, sails, and parachutes are constructed primarily of nylon, polyester, Kevlar and/ or Spectra. All of these materials deteriorate with exposure to sunlight. Sunlight is by far the greatest factor in the decay and depreciation of your equipment.

The rate of deterioration depends on many factors: the type of material, the finish or coating applied to the yarn fibers, the thickness of the material and of course, the intensity of the radiation. Fluorescent pigments fade as much as ten times faster than more stable colors such as dark blue or black. UV deteriorated stitching in PARAGLIDING , THE MAGAZINE

EQUIPMENT cont. webbing support straps may fail long before webbing becomes unserviceable. You can minimize the adverse effects of exposure by not setting up until you are prepared to fly and stowing your glider and equipment in their protective cover bags promptly after landing. If you fly regularly, and your equipment sees a lot of UV, have any suspect items inspected by your dealer or the manufacturer. Paraglider fabrics typically have a useful life of between 150 and 300 hours or more of air time, depending on materials and construction, if they are properly cared for and maintained.

BRIDLES Most older parachutes were constructed with 1 inch tubular nylon bridles. If properly sewn, these bridles have an ultimate strength of approximately 4,000 lbs. Today's standard bridle is 1 inch flat webbing, usually Type 18 or Type 24 with an ultimate strength of approximately 2800 kilos (6,000 lbs.). This webbing style is much less likely to be cut by hardware. The minimum bridle

length for hang gliders should be 25 feet to reduce the likelihood of parachute entanglement with the glider.

Paraglider bridles are typically Five feet in length and require a structural attachment to the harness that will bring the pilot down feet first. Finally, a protective sheath on the exposed portion of your bridle will reduce wear and tear and UV deterioration.

A sheath is particularly important on Kevlar bridles which are thinner and loose strength at a much faster rate.

CANOPY DESIGN Standard conical parachutes were the most common configuration used for hang glider reserves in past years.

A variation of the conical configuration is the "Pulled Down Apex".

These designs have a short center line attached to the apex of the canopy to increase the inflated diameter. PDA's can be made smaller in weight and bulk without sacrificing decent rate.

Since deployment time is a function of size, PDA's usually open faster.

Unfortunately, opening shock is a function of opening time, so faster opening chutes open harder. When Wills Wing first tested a PDA design

in 1981, the opening load from a deployment at 120 mph with a 300 lb. dummy failed the skydiving test harness. At lower speeds typical of most hang glider and paraglider deployments, this shock would be significantly lower, but we recommend that you do not combine the PDA design with an inelastic Kevlar bridle. A further concern with PDA's is sensitivity to design and tuning parameters. A rigorous drop test program is essential for development of a stable, low sink rate, structurally reliable design.

If for example the apex is pulled down too far the canopy will become unstable and oscillate.

Some very early parachutes were manufactured with only 10 lines compared to the twenty or more lines on most designs. These early chutes should be either refitted with 20 lines by a certified parachute shop or replaced with a more air worthy design. Also, most modern canopies use "vtab" reinforcements at the line I skirt junction and additional panel reinforcement. Most chutes can be upgraded to this configuration if desired. Any chute which has been exposed to excessive heat or

EXPERIENCE

HANG GLIDING PARAGLIDING SALES T SERVICE INSTRUCTION PROFESSIONAL DEMONSTRATIONS

SAN FRANCISCO 2.

Phone: (415) 488-4202 6880 Sir Francis Drake Blvd " Forest Knolls, CA 94933 PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

PAGE 27

EQUIPMENT cont.

caustic/ acidic liquids should be inspected by a qualified rigger or the manufacturer. Damaged panels can be repaired or replaced for a nominal charge.

It is very important to realize that all parachutes are not created equal!

Different makes of canopies with the same numbers of gores (panels that make up the parachute) can vary in sink rate performance by more than fifty percent!

Free Flight Enterprises has discontinued production of the 18 Gore PDA. We feel that too many pilots are choosing size based on cost and weight, rather than margin of safety.

Many heavy pilots, flying in adverse conditions, have purchased them for the reasons cited above. A pilot under 150 pounds body weight is within the recommended weight range of an 18 gore only at low density altitudes (although there have been many saves with more weight). Wills Wing and Free Flight have chosen the conservative path and they recommend larger reserves.

Below is a table that will allow you to compare the relative sink rate verses test weight data.

MODEL 20 GOREPDA 22 GOREPDA 24 GOREPDA

AREA 238 Sq.Feet 302 Sq.Feet 336 Sq.Feet

PIN LOCKS An accidental parachute deployment is a very dangerous occurrence.

A pin lock system is the most effective mechanism for preventing an unintentional deployment without compromising your ability to execute a normal deployment sequence. If you do not have a pin lock system, have one installed before your next flight. You must use the proper pins, which are characterized by a curved finger lock and continuous eye assembly. Cotter pins can jam and effectively make deployment impossible.

BALLISTIC AND MECHANICALLY DEPLOYED PARA CHUTES A number of mechanically deployed parachute systems have been marketed to pilots: Rocket deployed systems offer the best performance and seem to be the only ballistic systems suitable.

Deployment is very fast without recoil. Both rocket and parachute are mounted on the harness. Some con-

TEST WT 250 Pounds 350 Pounds 450 Pounds

DEPLOYMENT BAGS All modern hand deploy systems are packed in a bag or diaper to help clear the canopy and lines to the perimeter of the glider before the opening sequence initiates. Most malfunctions that we have observed during practice deployments at parachute seminars are related to poor deployment bag design and/ or lack of maintenance (the rubber bands are brittle or even broken). If your deployment system relies on rubber bands, they should be replaced at least once every six months; more often if you live in a hot climate. You must use the recommended size and type of bands for the bag to function properly. Wills Wing/Free Flight containers include a separate pocket for protecting and stowing lines, which also reduces the likelihood of deployment problems normally encountered PAGE 28

with poorly maintained deployment systems.

MAX WT DECENT FPS 19.5 F.P.S. 180 Pounds 250 Pounds 19.4 F.P.S. 20.5 F.P.S. 320 Pounds

figurations have an optional hand deployment sequence in case of mechanical failure. The newest theme on rocket deployment is one that is powered by compressed air.

Rocket systems have many saves to their credit, some which probably would have been unsuccessful with hand deployments. Still, there are significant safety concerns beyond those associated with hand deploy systems. Proper installation and maintenance is more critical to reliable performance. Improperly installed rocket systems may be impossible to activate, or worse, may injure the pilot or bystanders within range of the rocket. Many pilots opt for an independent dual parachute system-one rocket and one hand deploy. A dual system also provides an additional margin of safety in case of parachute entanglement, at the expense of increased weight and

expense.

NEW HARNESS INITIAL INSPECTION AND PREFLIGHT The following inspection should be performed before each and every flight. A thorough harness preflight is equally as important as a glider preflight. Once familiar with the procedure, it takes only a few moments.

1) Inspect the seams on the main suspension straps.

2) Inspect the seams on the leg straps, both sides. If your harness is equipped with adjustable leg loops, check the folded stop at the end of the loop to make sure it is securely sewn and will prevent the webbing from slipping through the buckle in the full loose position.

3) Inspect the seams on the shoulder straps and the webbing loops for the forward support lines to your shoulder and chest area, both sides. Check the adjustment of the shoulder straps and lock them as shown in the harness adjustment procedure.

4) Inspect all other seams; look for any missed stitching on webbing junctions.

5) Inspect the carabiner. Nicks and scratches are stress risers and may cause premature fatigue induced failure.

6) Inspect all the webbing and parapac for material flaws, cuts or wear.

7) Check that your parachute is secure in the container and that the safety lock system is properly installed.

8) Bounce up and down in the harness to test that the parachute container Velcro and safety lock system is secure and properly installed. The parachute bridle should be taped or velcroed to the main support strap to stop it from fluttering in the wind and make it less likely to tangle. A force of not more than 20 lbs should release the bridle from any such securing mechanism.

GENERAL HARNESS MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS Do Not Leave Your Equipment In The Sun. Ultraviolet light is very harmful to nylon and polyester materials. Avoid exposing your harness to extreme heat. The bed of a pick-up truck or the trunk of a car may get excessively hot due to the routing of the exhaust system. Heat is particularly damaging to parachutes.

Keep Your Harness Clean. Acids, gasoline and other solvents may degrade the structural material in PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

EQUIPMENT cont.

suspension problem is one of the most frequent and most dangerous errors made by experienced pilots.

Practice entry and exit procedures in a simulator, with storage containers loaded, before your first flight.

Exercise extreme caution when flying over water or landing in restricted beach area. If you land in the water, unhook from the glider and hold the carabiners in your hand to prevent them from hooking lines.

Do not try to get out of the harness until you are free from the glider.

Most harness body's are padded with closed cell foam which will provide some floatation.

your harness. Do not use harsh detergent or cleaning agents on your harness. Wash with plain water, using a sponge or soft brush and a mild detergent applied locally to spots and stains.

Inspect Your Carabiner. Replace it if it is nicked, deeply scratched or if the locking gate does not function properly. Do not clip your carabiner into any glider tether point that does not provide a completely free unrestricted pivot. Torsion or bending loads will significantly reduce its strength.

THE SINGLE MOST IMPORT ANT DECISION WE CAN MAKE AS PlLOTS 15 WHEN NOT TO FLY SO WE NEVER NEED TO USE OUR RESERVE!

Most harnesses have a zippered convenience pouch in the bottom of the parachute container. Do not load this pocket with anything which might interfere with the parachute. Do not store any

PREFLIGHT PRECAUTIONS Before every flight. Perform a complete pre-flight inspection of your harness.

Check for excessive wear. Inspect all knots. Check to make sure the lines are properly routed, your parachute is secure and that your harness is properly clipped into the glider.

Make sure that your legs are in the leg loops. If for any reason you unclip before flight, take the time to do another check. Taking off unclipped or with an undetected harness or

sharp objects in the front mounted containers which might be dangerous on a crash landing.

Install a hook knife on an easily accessible area of your harness.

REMEMBER THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE PROFICIENT AT

You've laid out good money for your wing.

Now how do you protect it?

••

USING YOUR EMERGENCY RESERVE AND TO MAINTAIN YOUR EQUIPMENT.

ITS•A•CI NCH

H™

The ITS•AeCINCH™ instantly and safely gathers your wing with no folding.

@Protects against UV exposure.

11Prevents snagging on rough terrain.

11Gives you immediate ground control In windy conditions.

11Hooks to any harness for carriage on your back, or use the convenient handles

12 ounces, folds small as a fist. It's guaranteed. It's easy. ITS•A•CINCHTM $59.00 Allow 4 weeks for delivery. Add $4.00 for postage and handling.

Send name, address and cheque to: lts .. A0Cinch 53 SE 55th Ave., Portland, OR 97215 Or FAX: (503) 241-9520 Or charge Visa __ MasterCharge __ Discover__ Exp. Date __ Account # _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ Signature PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

PAGE 29

FIR THI

I

T

By Neal Tabachnick

Mount Kagal, Symar, California

mazingly, I wasn't that nervous.

Standing at 3500 feet and ready to make the first launch of the day on my Wills Wing 123, I had prepared for this moment in every way I could think of - I had read all the manuals, both domestic and foreign, that I could lay my hands on.

I had poured over every issue of Paragliding, The Magazine, again and again. I had spent every Saturday for three months at the training hill.

Most importantly, I had the training of a superb instructor - Ted Boyse who is more concerned with my spine than my wallet! I wasn't going into high altitude until both he and I felt confident that I was well up to it. The only resource I lacked in my preparation was a large community of senior paragliding pilots' brains to pick. While there were a few more advanced students, it wasn't quite like getting into scuba diving and discovering every third friend was an experienced diver with advice to spare (indeed, in a year or two, I'll be one of the sports old hands, at least in the

presence of mind to pull and throw a reserve chute in the face of real trouble. Since it's my instructors job to know when conditions are right for me to fly., I encountered no real turbulence and had no canopy problems, Now I look forward excitedly to another Saturday on the training hill, followed by Sunday at the mountain.

Saturday I'll work on getting more comfortable in traffic. Sunday I'll work on relaxing a little, sitting back, getting my air bearings, tightening my sloppy 360's and starting some advanced maneuvers (big ears, tip collapses, etc.).

My suggestions to other beginners are: 1. Having the right instructor outweighs every other concern. Is (s)he smart, informed, concerned, patient, interested in your experience and safety? Does (s)he work up a good

sweat on the training hill with the newer students?

2. Read everything you can, discuss it with other students and your instructor.

3. Visit your high altitude site at least one flight day in advance to familiarize yourself with it. There are a lot of factors to consider on your first flights. Give yourself a chance to digest the information and setting.

I feel good about my progress, slow and sure. l'm no daredevil. Like the rest of his students, I feel darn lucky to have Ted Boyse showing me the way.

They say a man can live three weeks without food, three days without water and three minutes without air. I know what they mean .

US).

Fortunately, my instructor had seemingly endless patience and a vest pocket full of apt analogies to illustrate his answers. While aviation sports are necessarily nervous for the beginner, his thorough answers eased my real concerns and eliminated my fantasized ones.

I launched. Smooth as silk. While my first flight was mostly a sled ride, I looked around, did a few 360's and landed four feet from target, exhilarated.

My afternoon flight was more complicated. The heavier traffic of hangliders and paragliders made me nervous. Following my instructors radioed instructions, I thermalled around, looking but not really seeing much. Overdosed on adrenaline, it was mostly a blur.

I took comfort in having a rocket deployed reserve, inasmuch as I don't know whether I would have had the PAGE 30

The real Ted Boyse instructing Neal just before launch at Mt. Kagal.

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

FLYTEC'S NEW RANGE OF INSTRUMENTS IS FUNCTIONAL, ERGONOMIC AND ATTRACTIVELY STYLED FAl -approved barograph (FLYTEC 3030)

Extremely easy to use

A wide range of flight data can be printed out plus on -screen data display

Integral. d1g1tal vario combined with highly sensitive flight acoustics (ASIJ for audible indication of the slightest thermals

Unique. analog vrniometer display (FL YTEC patent I)

New methoa of attachment with optimum viewing angle

DATE MAX Nr. dd.mm.yy Allll

MAX Al112

MAX VARIO

4 15.01.92 4894

3693

PILOT DEVICE-NUMBER BAROSTART TIME TIME AT PRINTOUT

584 12:30 16.01.92

REC TIME

5000

-

4000 3000

SW·VER:29141

2000

09:45

1000

7.7 5:31:11 Haari Urs

WO RLD REC ORD 230km

,mJ

BARO

lh

Higl1 te chnology and top quality flight 1nstrumenrs made in Switzerland

FLY TE C AG . Ebenoustrosse 80. CH -6048 HORW 1nternotionol TEL + 41 41 47 34 24 F,AX + 41 41 48 54 24

To achieve the consistant quality we demand for all of our products, EDEL's engineers have invented manufacturing techniques, designed and built machinery, and created new concepts in quality control.

EDEL offers alevel of service that is unparalled in the industry. Service means: ~ Glider and line repairs within 48 hours ~ Established U.S. and International dealer and service network ~ Technical advice from factory trained professionals For more information on EDEL products or for the EDEL dealer nearest you, please contact us.

10

------aH--+-t-T-1

9--tt-----+H--+----;1

8 ---+-------+----1--tt---1 7-----+---+------<--<-----+--<

6

--f-----j---1,\--I+----/

S----+--+----H--+------1

4---+---l--l-"l--,'--H----+t-~

3-->-+-;-+-++-;-;---,'-----2---+---+---+--"H-1---++--r-+---r-r------r-° 1--1-+---<'-44-+-++-,~-r-~~--,'-"

1---t---+---/-~~- 4 : A I

__,______,,__.,,__ 3 : A , C

8 : A , C -----1--1

,------,'-----,~-- 2 : A ) =:

/------,~-1 :A,C

7:A,C 6:A,C

, H-+-+-+-+---M

5 : A , C---+++-IH

B-LI NE~-~'=1=1-i

AI N

C

Northwest Women's Winter ly-in DECEMBER 12-13, 1992

By Michele Leialoha The ladies from L to R: Pam Crabtree, Catherine Secor, Pam Kleweno, CJ Sturtevant, Tina Pavelic and the organizers Michele Leiloha and Diane Sheffield.

know what you men are thinking: "Really? a women's fly-in? Can we come?" Well...OK . As it turned out, 15 of the 24 attendees were MEN. (Good odds!)

Saturday, December 12th was the first day of the women's fly-in at snow-covered Saddle Mountain near I-90 and the Columbia River in central Washington. The Saddle Mountain range runs East-West and it has a really nice North launch. The day one roster included myself, Diane Sheffield, Pam Crabtree, Tina Pavelik, Catherine Secor, CJ Sturtevant, and Pam Lleweno, as well as a few men: John Socha, Steve Roti, Reede Obern, George Sturtevant, Ben Barnam, Mike Eberle, and Bob Hannah.

In other words, we had 8 women to 7 men---pretty good odds for the first day.

On the way up to launch, CJ and George, who were leading, discovered that no one had plowed the road! They got stuck in a snow drift several feet deep. Thank goodness we had all those men with shovels to help out. After they were done building their snowmen and throwing snow balls, we finally got the road cleared. Hey guys, we did come here to fly. On to the launch.

PAGE 34

Trouble is we found an even larger snow drift a short distance later.

"Oh, you want to fly?," asks Eberle as he jumps into his Suburban and flies, I mean plows, down the road at 45 mph blasting through the remaining snow drifts to the delight of everyone (especially Eberle as the snow flies all around his Suburban).

One of the men was heard to announce "he's crazy!"

Once on launch the winds were a nice 5-8 mph straight up the hill and they didn't look like they were going to pick up any. So, since it was a women's fly-in, ladies first.

Ah ... those reverse inflation launches.

(A word from the men: as soon as the last woman launched, the winds dropped to 3 mph so us men had to do forward launches.) Our next flight was also our last flight because official sunset was at 4:19 P.M. and we didn't want to push it. Besides, a nice Italian dinner and jacuzzi were calling in Ellensburg.

On day two, we were joined by 10 more people including Stephanie Subak, Susan Stroming, her baby Ahren, and the baby sitter Lowell Skoog, and the following men who wanted to fly: Scott Vorath, Sam Slentz, Martin Wittingham, Chris

Olson, Roy Olson, and Marty Divietti. Catherine Secor warned us of possible SW winds so we were thinking about heading for the ski slopes to enjoy the new powder, but our trusty weatherman said N winds. So what did we do? We went for the hill. Can you believe it, the weatherman was wrong!? The winds were blowing about 3-5 mph, but straight over the back. Driving on farther east, we searched for a south launch somewhere, anywhere, on the ridge.

But we kept running into low clouds and didn't feel like flying IFR. Finally we found 2 mounds about 600 ft high and 9 people decided to fly and hike back up; one of those was a woman. The What-A-Woman award goes to Diane Sheffield.

Everyone had a good time flying, driving and telling tall stories. (The men also had a good time.)

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

OFF SEASON UPGRADES It's minus 7 at 4000 feet, and you are happy looking at the new calendar, remembering last summer and dreaming of next. And your harness Is In the garage gathering spiders. Why not use the slack time to get that upgrade you've been thinking about? As an Introduction and off season spacial, RGI is offering free installation of any recovery system purchased this winter. You will get the benefits of rocket deployment as wall as having your entire harness and emergency system inspected, and upgraded if necessary.

At RGI we are committed to providing the bast system on the market today. We offer two models: LIFELINE for retrofitting to your existing emergency parachute, and SIDEKICK, a complete parachute and deployment system in a compact package. Both models feature: --proven design --remote mounted activation handle --built with the bast materials and workmanship --anclo::;ad cables and bridles for snag protection We offer a complete line of emergency parachutes designed and built to the same exacting standards, and service to match the quality of our products.

PARAGLIDING

Call or write for further information. Dealer inquiries are invited.

RCI 2060 A East Main Street Woodland, CA 95776 USA

Phone (916) 661-7243 Fax (916) 661 0528

!iUI\I VALLEY

PARAliLIDINli INSTRUCTORS:

GREG SMITH USHGA Advanced Instructor/Examiner

CHUCK SMITH USHGA Advanced Instructor

3620Wawona San Francisco, CA 94116, Phn: 1415) 759-1177 Fax: 415) 759-1182

LEAP FROGS HANG-GLIDING AND PARA GLIDING Governador Valadares Brazil March-93 13 thru 20 March: Paragliding Cross-Country 20 thru 27 March: Master Cup of Hang-Gliding COMPETITION PLACE March is the month with the best conditions to fly long distance and speed flights in Governador Valadares-MG: soft and constant thermals with high clouds streets, regular weather and non-turbulent winds.

Good roads that permit a fast retrieval. Perfect infrastructure and continuous events programs. The take-off place is about 1.100 meters, any wind (360) Local record of distance in a straight line: hang gliding-209 Km - paragliding - 42 Km. Place where the last World Hang-Gliding Championship was held.

COMPETITION Open to all pilots in the world that have national flight license, graduated on a level which can prove cross-country experience (hang III); -Prizes in US$ for the best 5 pilots; -Entry fee US $ 100.00 (a hundred dollars) per pilot.

PARA GLIDING (13 thru 20 March) -7 tasks of Cross-Country with free take-off; - Only the five best flights of any pilot will be considered for the final result, that is the addition of the kilometers flights in a straight line.

HANG-GLIDING (20 thru 27 March) -7 tasks of SPEED (triangular, out and return, goal) -The addition of the points in the seven tasks will be considered for the final result. *Extra-fee for foreigner pilots who want or need customs agent (broker) to IN/OUT your flight equipment.

REALIZATION AND ORGANIZATION -ABVL-Associacao Brasileira de Voo Livre -Governador Valadares City Hall -FUNSEC- Fundacao Servicos de Educacao e Cultura ALL INFORMATIONS AND SERVICES -FUNSEC/ ABVL Sub=Sede -Contacts: Mr. Haroldo Castro Neves -Adress: Av. Brasil, 2.920-5 andar-CEP 35020-070 Governador Valadares-MG-Brasil -Phone: (033) 271-1333-Fax: (033) 271-6769 -TELEX: 332169

EUFLY-TEK The paraglider manufacturer Edel has made a special contract with the Swiss company Fly- Tek, for a vario in a special color.

PAGE 36

Dave Hankins, a member of the Navy Parachute Team (Leap Frogs) was in Florida over Halloween weekend, for the Blue Angels Airshow. Dave managed to coerce Mike Kirk a hot air balloon pilot to take him up to an altitude for a jump. Not many hot air balloon pilots have jumpers leave their balloon nor fly for any length of time at an altitude needed for legal free-fall.

Mike and his crewman, Guy obligingly let Dave hitch a ride up. They didn't let on if they suspected this was anything but a routine skydive. The wind was light and Mike radioed the tower that he was going to jump altitude. He fired the balloon up through 2000' ft. Dave climbed up on the edge of the basket while Mike prepared the balloon for a fast descent.

Dave had brought on board his 25 Meter AT Flash instead of his jump chute. The glider bundle began unfolding as he threw it out of the balloon basket to the right, Dave dived left.

After a prolonged micro second the left wing inflated and started a spin. Quickly the remainder of the wing inflated and flew straight. Yahooeee! Dave circled around another balloon and then buzzed off to yet another balloon like a bee in a flower garden. Those hot air balloons generate thermals, and Dave used them to keep between 20-50 ft. above the balloons. This lasted several minutes much to the surprise of the balloon pilots. Upon landing at the show, a few minutes later Dave was besieged by curious onlookers who had never seen a paraglider flight before. Can you say the words foot launched? This was a great and exciting personal first for Dave ... congratulations!!!

OLCLER 98 Please note that the dates for the Open Pom'Volcler 98, which will take place after the World Championship of Verbier, are from the 16th to the 22nd of August 1993, inscribed in the Paragliding World Cup calendar.

This Open will take place on a period of one week, with 3 days of cut and 4 days of finale.

Please note these dates in your calendar.

Great thanks, Best regards.

Oliver Canet, President of the Association For all correspondance: Office in Paris, Association OIP, 13 rue La Bruyer~., 92120 Montrouge, Tel: (1) 46.56.24.700I France

DAR NOTES The spring board meeting for the USHGA will be held from March 25 28 1993 in Colorado Springs Co. If you would like to attend, please contact Cindy or PJ at the USHGA office (719) 632-8300.

Classic 215 The company A.B.S. (Action Business System) and its division "Aerolight" is happy to claim the arrival of a new engine.

Indeed, its manager Raphael CELIER, after having built up and left the company Adventure has developed several engines, proposes today a new propulsion system with its brand new company.

This new paramotor offers some interesting characteristics.

Named "Classic 215" it has been especially designed for schooling. Alot of work has been done on safety, silence, solidity and lightness.

It is the results of research and observations on intensive use.

Its structure is mixed of round and square tubing where it is necessary to be, designed to be able to absorb shocks encountered during learning/ teaching. As you know it's very common with a little shock to break 1/2 protection on a propeller which is expensive and time eater.

The choice of the engine JPX 215, truly aeronautic engine, is best for its easy use and maintenance.

We propose as well an adaptable tricycle unit for the "Classic 215" weighing 10 Kgs, permitting non-sporting pilots to fly paramotor. It's price is 3365 FF. Please contact us for more information.

A.B.S. "Aerolight" Aerodrome D'ancone'26200 Motelimar France

tRLD RECORD In record breaking flights on Astra 30 by APCO, Alex Lauw and Andrew Smith flew 281.50 km and 278 km respectively on December 30, 1992 in South Africa.

Take off point was near Vryburg and they flew in the direction of Bloemfontein in rough conditions with winds of 30 k/h and ground speeds of 70 k for part of the flight. The record is fully documented and will be presented to the FAI for approval. APCO will present its prize of US $10,000 to these pilots, as promised to the first pilot who broke the open distance paragliding record on an APCO paraglider.

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

PILOTS AND BATHING BEAUTIES The 3rd Annual World Air Races will be held on April 22 - 25th 1993 in beautiful La Jolla Ca. What a way to get rid of the winter doldrums, see you there.

THIRD ANNUAL BLACKCOMB PARAGLIDING MEET Parawest Paragliding will once again be hosting the 3rd Annual Blackcornb Paragliding Meet on Saturday April 17th, 1993. This all day competition will be held on the south side of Seventh Heaven. It is open to all Hang Gliding Association of Canada rated pilots (or foreign equivalent, US class I acceptable) over 19 years of age. All flying will be done on skis, and tasks will include estimated flight time, touch and go's, spot landings, and best costume in keeping with the spirit of France's St. Hilaire festival.

For more information contact Cameron MacKenzie (meet director) 4470 Prospect Road, North Vancouver, BC Canada V7N3L7

FIREBIRD NEWS

APCO

Judy Leden flies 128 km in South Africa on a Firebird Apache!

After only a few hours flying paragliders, Judy Leden has already nearly doubled the furthest distance flown by a woman. the flight began in Vryburg, South Africa, and lasted 3 hrs. 50 rnins. for 128 km. The flight fully documented, will be submitted to the FAI. Judy has decided to fly Firebird paragliders, and made the record on an intermediate wing - her new Apache. Judy has only a few hours experience on paragliders and said of the flight, " I did my first paragliding cross-country yesterday and doubled both my airtime and the women's record." During the rough flight she suffered her first side collapse, but says that the wing "coped admirably with my efforts to learn to fly enroute".

Judy also made her first B-stall in order to stay out of a cloud.

Judy is the undisputed #1 in Women's Hang Gliding but is a new-corner to paragliding. After a short visit to Firebird and a little soaring with Robbie Whittall in Portugal, she had been welcomed into the Firebird team.

With a little more experience on the new Apache, Judy will then be moving on to the 25 rn' Navajo.

Notification has just been received that the record application submitted

by Sean Dougherty of Calgary, Alberta, Canada has been certified and registered in the list of official F.A.I. World Records: Class 0-3 Paragliders, Category: General Gain of Altitude 3,671.7M Sean launched from Gunter Launch, Bishop, California on August 19, 1992.

The record gain was just before Montgomery Pass when Sean was on landing approach. This flight also received the following Canadian Outof-Country Records: Altitude Gain 3671.7M Open Distance 73.74 KM (46.09 miles) Open Distance via a single turnpoint (dogleg) 96.21KM (60.1 miles) Sean was flying an APCO ASTRA 27, with APCO paradice seat and Free Flight backup chute , Repogle barograph and Aircotec Alibi 11 variorneter.

Sean received $1000 prize money from APCO Aviation for his record flight.

ii \4 \;~

~~i.:,~l\ .!.~Lr"••'•..,•."'i"'v PAGE 38

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

f

HV CERTIFIED

EUROPE: AIR TEK, GERMANV,SPITZWEGSTR. 65, 0-8012 OTIOBRUNN TEL.089/6014420, FAX 089/6013412

RELEASE Take over of Harley Chutes by Thunder & Colt: Harley Chutes has been acquired by Thunder & Colt, the world famous hot air balloon manufacturer, which operates manufacturing facilities in both Great Britian and Texas. Like Thunder & Colt, Harley will form part of the Airborne Group which has extensive interest in aviation.

Now known as Harley Paragliders, the company has expanded its production operation by moving from Llandrindod Wells UK to Thunder & Colt's modern facility in Oswestry, Shropshire, UK. "The move represents a significant opportunity for Harley," says John Harbutt who heads the renamed Harley Paragliders. "Being a part of a larger, aviation related group is very exciting and holds great benefits for Harley. Thunder & Colt is well known as a technological leader in the lighterthan-air aviation, holding the world height, duration and distance records.

We now have an opportunity to harness that technology and use it in our own research and developement programs."

Harley, the originators of the paraglider in Great Britian, believe that the move will result in significant developement for the company, the sport and pilots in future years.

OVEMBER 92 Emergency parachutes are growing in the USA. Increasingly the reduced sized pull-down Apex (PDA) parachutes are losing favor with both pilots and manufacturers. In transition some builders are merely making larger PDA's which corrects some of the shortcomings.

SS RELEASE

ON FERENCE

Skydivers set a new world record for the largest free-fall formation on October 23rd in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The jump, organized by Guy Manos and Aziz Abdul-Ojjeh, completed on the 24th attempt at 11 o'clock on Friday morning over the beach.

Sponsors of the event were the Radisson and Ojjeh's company, Tag Heuer of France.

The jumpers exited from an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet from three DeHavill and DHC-4 Caribous, a Douglas DC-3 and two DeHavill and DHC-6 Twn Otters in formation.

The 200-way formation shatters the record set in Koksidje, Belgium on July 4, 1992, when 150 jumpers joined together in free-fall. Prior to that, a record of 144 was set in Quinch, Illinois, August 8, 1988, which held for almost four years.

The 24 attempts at the 200 mark took place during the week beginning October 17th and ending on the 25th.

Judges from the Federation Aeronautique Internaionale (FAD were on hand to witness the record. The paperwork will be processed by the U.S Parachute Association and sent to the PAI office in Paris for homologation.

The 12"' Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technology Conference will be held from May 10 11' through 13"', 1993 at the Headquarters of the Royal Aeronautical Society in London, England.

This is the first such conference to be held outside the borders of the U.S. and is being co-sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).

Papers presented at the conference will include contributions from researchers in fifteen different countries and cover every facet of parachute system technology.

Of special interest to the sport parachute community are over a dozen papers dealing with ram-air gliding parachute design and testing.

To obtain a copy of the conference progam, contact the Conference Chairman, Dr. Dean S. Jorgensen, Textron Defense Systems, 201 Lowell St., Wilmington, MA 01887. Tel: (508)6574953 Fax: (508)657-2266

NEWS CLIPS The Austrian Manufacturer ACT has a new born paraglider. Intermediate level. the ACT 131 will be offered to the public with 3 sizes from 60 kg - 110 kg (total flying weight).

Liquidback is the name of a comfortable seat container that is fairly flat, is carried like a backpack, and can accommodate cold or hot drinks. the The Omega 2 has passed AFNOR test and received the stamp of approval in the 2 sizes offered to the public (25 and 27 m')(Company Advance). This canopy is only for GMl competition or cross country.

SOUTH AFRICA We were recently informed of the results of the 1992 South African Paragliding Championships that took place at Hartebeestpoort DAM at the end of October: Strong winds accompanied the competition giving an advantage to faster gliders.

The competition was heavily dominated by APCO's Products. 8 of the top 20 placements, were on Apco gliders.

Province Pos. No. Name Glider Total 1 24 Van Deventer, Jay Cape A Apco Astra 30C 3278 2 37 Friedli, Beni Switzerland Harley Ultima 31 2591 2434 3 27 Louw,Alex Apco Astra 30C Transvaal B 40 Carter, Pierre 2409 4 Transvaal A Apco Astra 29 5 1 Smith, Andrew Transvaal A 2242 Apco Astra 30C 6 10 Bristow, Phil 1895 Apco Astra 30C Cape A 21 Naude, Anton 7 Transvaal A 1888 UP Flash 8 26 Horn, Nicus 1591 Transvaal F&F Mirage 50 35 Bottom, Sid 9 Apco Astra 29 1573 Transvaal B 1473 10 9 Steynberg, Anton Natal B F&F Big Easy PAGE 40

Reggie Eastaugh

HY T-SHIRTS "On Falcon Wings", the beautiful sculpture in copper and stainless steel, created by artist Reggie Eastaugh to be the first place trophy for the Second Annual Torrey Pines Air Races 1992, has been faithfully reproduced as a four-color silk screen print on top quality 100% cotton T-shirts available ·on sky blue or aqau. Sizes S, M, L and XL. Available exclusively from: Action Adventure Sports 193 Bold Venture Perris, CA 92571 (714) 943-2129 Price: $19.95 + $3.00 Shipping and Handling (Continental US, all others will vary.) (CA residents add 7.75% taxi PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

!4 ~ ~

PARAGLIDING

,

' ACTION~ VIDEOS

LA KCOMB MOUNTAIN WHISTLER, BC CANADA

l>AMSOt WORLDCHAMPIONSHIP

By Janet Moschard

his winter marks the fifth year of flying here, thanks to the avant-garde attitude of the mountain manaxement. 1992 was a record year, both in terms of pilot numbers and hours of airtime. Over 326 new pilots flew the site, 72% on skis during the winter months! Almost 30% were visiting pilots with their own gliders (a new phenomenon), 25% were women, 11 % took tandem lessons, and the average overall age was 33.4 years.

Most pilots came from the USA, Vancouver, BC & area, Whistler, Japan and Europe, in that order.

T

The rules remain strict, but fair - to ensure the safety of the other users of the mountain as well as the large amount of helicopter traffic in the area. All flying on Blackcomb is done in groups, under the direct supervision of Parawest Paragliding. Only designated take-off and landing zones may be used, and mountain dispatch is contacted before every flight.

These range from 300m Xhiggy's Meadow, perfect for learning or practicing target landings and touch and go's, to 550m Blackcomb Glacier, which we are once again able to fly under a special parks use permit. For more experienced pilots, we also fly from Gearjammer to the valley (800m) and from Choker to the valley at the end of the day. (1000m).

Guiding fees for rated & insured pilots are $10 CDN / flight or $30/ day (on top of Blackcomb lift pass - $42 CDN). Lessons are also available.

Contact: Parawest Paragliding I Janet or Joris Moschard, Box 1097, Whistler, BC VON IBO Phone: 9327052 Fax: 932-8750 P.S. Blackcomb ski area is located in Whistler, 1 1 / 2 hours drive north of Vancouver, BC via Highway 99. The PARAGLIDING , THE MAGAZINE

HENRY HAUCK

, t ODU( I I O~

PARASOL IS A FULL LENGTH DOCUMEN· TARY OF THE 1991 WORLD CHAMPION· · SHIPS IN DIGNE, FRANCE INCLUDING A SITE GUIDE OF FOUR SITES, REPUTED TO BE SOME OF THE BEST FLYING IN THE WORLD. VHS - 55 MINS.

THE m1K-TIEA1TOF RYIIG. Tom Dugu id (after squatting 5000 lbs) prepares to launch during last winter's fun costume fly- in at Blackcomb.

winter season (ski launches only) runs through mid-April. The summer flying season (foot launches only) extends from mid-June until the beginning of September.

Other areas here in BC which allow *ski-launching: Big white, Kelowna, BC Wayne Bertrand (604) 765-2359

BASICS OF FLIGHT EUROPEAN VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS ALL ASPECTS OF HANG GLIDING AND PARA· GLIDING FLIGHT: FROM THE FIRST STEP TO PROFESSIONAL COMPETITION FLYING, AND FROM SAFETY ASPECTS ·TO METEORO· LOGICAL CONDITIONS. FOR PILOTS AND NON-PILOTS. VHS - 40 MINS.

HANC CLIDINC ~ SEE HIGH PERFORMANCE HANG GLIDING WITH WORLD CHAMPIONS, FUN FLYING FOR EVERYONE. VHS - 50 MINS. .

SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER

Red Mtn., Rossland, BC Murney Luchka (604) 362-5526 or 362-7384

PARASOL ............ ..... .... 49.95 THERMIK ............. . ....... 49.95 HANG GLIDING - EXTREME .. . . .. 34.95 POSTAGE &HANDLING ... .. .. ... . 4.00

*Rating and Insurance Required!!!

Adventure Video Paul Hamilton

4750 Townsite Road

Reno, NV 89511 USA Phone/ FAX 702-849-9672 CALL OR WRITE FOR OTHER ACTION VIDEOS PAGE 41

PARAGLIDING 'm not a dealer for Pago Jet . this short article is from a paragliding pilots' point of view. The Pago Jet is a great technological contribution to paragliding. Many areas have few or no good paragliding sites. A new breed of paragliding pilots enter the sport of paragliding solely because of the Pago Jet. The Pago Jet offers some paragliding pilots the versatility necessanJ to fiy in their area. The Pago Jet deserves positive publicity.

What a concept to be able to conveniently takeoff from nearly any clear area and fly as long as you want with your paraglider. That is what the Pago Jet is all about. The Pago Jet offers a new dimension to paragliding. To say I am impressed with the Pago Jet is a gross understatement.

Weighing in at 48 pounds, the highly portable Pago Jet provides over 100 pounds of thrust. This remarkably smooth thrust is generated by a radial three cylinder two cycle 24 horse power engine. The Pago Jet is virtually maintenance free. The aircraft design engine provides ample thrust for a large person

I

mouth controlled throttle with an engine cut-off switch. This cutoff system utilizes a mercury switch which automatically stops the engine when activated. The engine is safely shut off by spitting out the throttle.

PAGO

PRAISE! ............,u., to takeoff in no wind from flat ground. Using the Pago Jet, I have taken off with no wind flying a small low performance training canopy.

The Pago Jet can be flown with most canopies. Consult the prospective canopy's manufacture before using the Pago Jet. Assembling the Pago Jet is a statement in simplicity. The average assembly time is about ten minutes.

There are only three main pieces to assemble. The two halves of the protection cage and the motor assembly.

The cage is simply placed on the motor assembly and clipped together with a few steel clips. This system is designed with safety and durability in mind.

The engine is operated by a PAGE 42

Launching with the Pago Jet is similar to towing. The thrust from the Pago Jet feels like smooth line tension. Setup is basic. The canopy is flaked out behind the pilot with the Pago Jet attached. The pilot has the mouth throttle control placed in his mouth. If the launch is going bad the pilot simply spits the mouth piece out and keeps running forward until the canopy is on the ground behind him. the automatic engine cut-off switch will immediately stop the motor. The engine is started. The pilot runs forward, the canopy snaps up. It looks good, biting half way on the throttle the pilot takes a few steps then bits down on the mouth piece. The lift-off is super smooth.

Once airborne, depending on the canopy, the pilot will experience a smooth 200 to 400 fpm rate of climb.

When completely fueled the Pago jet will fly for nearly five hours with an air speed twenty five miles per hour.

The airspeed dependant on the

James Miller preparing to demo Patrick Sugrue's Pago Jet and Harley Typhoon canopy in Las Vegas Nevada.

performance and size of the canopy.

While in flight the Pago Jets weight is supported by the canopy's risers.

This makes for a comfortable enjoyable flight. Altitude is easily controlled by the mouth throttle. Once in flight the throttle may be taken from the mouth and clipped to your finger for cruise control.

Flying the Pago Jet is very basic.

Biting the throttle increases airspeed and altitude. Steering is done with the brake toggles like flying without the Pago Jet. In straight flight it is best to fly with the brakes off. When changing speed do so slowly to avoid canopy surge. In turbulence the Pago Jet makes the canopy ultra stable. I have flown the Pago Jet in Nevada's harsh summer conditions with absolutely no collapses. Flying the Pago Jet system is an experience of total paragliding freedom .

Blue Skies,

PARAGLIDING, THE MAGAZINE

THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF PARAGUDING IN LAS VEGAS

THE ULTIMATE POWERED PARAGLIDER

- THE PAGOJET -Great Portability -Excellent Performance -Low Noise AND MORE.....

See the PAGOJEI'fly: VIDE0 123

NEWSFLASH -The New Harley top of the line performance canopy-THE MISTRAL-has just received ACPULS ratings of llAs

LAS VEGAS-

and JC.

Sunny, blue ski.es winter flying TOWINGOur speciality Towing to 2,000 ft.

Tows: 15

,

m

LUXURY: Hotel next to site 120 per night

~

l

C

~

--

,< --

Dealer eoquiJes for PAOOJIIT and HARIBY PARAGLIDERS Wclromc.

British acbool of Paragliding, 1770 Nonh Cnm Valley Pkwy, #4134, Heodenon, Nevada 89014.

Tel: (702) 896,6000 Fax. (702) 896-6022

CLASSIFIEDS GMI PARAGLIDING SCHOOL

WILLS WING 123

COMET,FLASHINFERNO

In New York. Free Color Brochure. Certified Instructions.

(516)676-7599

Yellow wi red patches, low hrs., flown lightly, low UV $1700. Wills Wing deluxe harness S175. Pocket Rocket 250 lb. rating $450. Call Joe (404)451 -2664

Line sets CX 19 · 21 · 23 · 25. CXA 22 and 24 while they last $350 per set. Call Andrew (916)532-9462

FOR SALE Excalibur 33. 25 hrs. $1200 OBO and 18 Gore Pocket Rocket $400. Call Chuck (801 )272-0695

FOR SALE UP Stellar 25, w/pack and harness, 1 yr. old, $1750.

Jirn (805)965-2447

-----

CONDOR SP-10

Low hrs., perfect condition , excellent beginers wing , weight range 135 . 175 lbs. Includes harness and pack $1100. Craig (415)731-2528

USED & DEMO VARIOS Ball wrist and flight computer call (801 )254-7455

----

GREAT FIRST GLIDER Condor SP10, perfect condition, less than 10 hrs. , weight range 135 • 180, $800 w/harness and bag.

Nate (801 )254-7455

-----

ITV ELECTRA 21

Low hrs., great beginner glider, 100 · 135 lbs., $500 OBO. Ali (702)221-0831

WANTED

FOR SALE

PARAGLIDING ICC

Trade in canopies, top dollar paid. I need trade-ins.

Dan Skadal Flight Systems (714)639-7777

Ball M50 Vario, w/ barograph, $350. (603)365-3538

Offered by Norma Jean Saunders, class 3 instructor USHGA Examiner Qualifying Test and enrollment information on request. Call Norma at Chandelle (415)488-4202

22STELLAR FIREBIRD TWIST 28 Exe. cond ., 50 hrs., beginning intermediate wing , includes fully adjustable Para- porter harness and bag, $1300. Tony (310)459-2682

MONARCH24 Pacific P.G. Monarch 24, $900 w/ harness. Swing Zenith 23 trim system , $2000. Swing Prisma advanced glider, 26' meter, w/ speed bar. Also new gliders, all sizes. Call Greg (303)476-3063

1991 model, used 1 hr., $1800. Ball Wrist Vario $200.

Call Nate (801 )254-7455

27STELLAR W/harness like new, only 2 hrs. use. 34 sq. meter Vonblon reserve $2,500. 22 UP Stellar w/ harness and 29 sq. meter Vanblon reserve $2,100. Barry Cox (310)372-2720

T-SHIRTS Paragliding the magazine T-shirts for pilots, long and short sleeve, some sweats, $15 - $20. Call to order.

(801 )254-7455

EDEL CORVETTE 25 Good beginner glider, $1200 OBO. Call Claudia (801 )254-7455

Paragliding the Magazine makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liabilities concerning the validity of any advice, claims , opinions or recommendations expressed herein. All individuals relying upon the material do so at their own risk . When purchasing a used glider, be advised to carefully check it's condition for air worthiness. If in doubt, many paragliding businesses will be happy to give an objective opinion about the condition of the equipment that is appropriate for their skill level or rating. New pilots should seek professional instruction from a USHGA certified instructor.

•Computerized "six color" printing and medium format photography combine to produce unparalleled sharpness and beauty in cloud photos.

•30 4x4 (cm) color photos from such diverse locations as Washington, South Dakota, Florida and Israel.

• Up-to-date text based on airborne radar and satellite data and more than 35 years of cloud observation.

• Poster-size (or cm) makes this the largest cloud chart available.

To order send s9.50 + s1.50 First Class Postage To:Cloud Chart cl o Paragliding the Magazine P.O. Box 477 Riverton, Utah 84065

PAGE 44

PARAGLIDING , THE MAGAZINE

rp11JW8'TII TIIIIIIIUI

Aste rope Level A Security 3 sizes Nunki Intermediate Free Flight 5 sizes Alcor Advanced Competition 3 sizes

San Diego: Feb 25 • 28 Santa Barbara: March 14 • 15 San Bernadino: March 21 San Francisco: March 12 • 13

Salt Lake: April 10 -11 May 15 -16 June 12 -13

East Coast: Morningside: March 5 • 8 Morningside: April 2 • 5 Morningside: May 7 -10

~es~Jec

1r·

r'a'1k

yo.i L> P80-r:>tS1< N •e t a 1cl r or--pet t ,r p1 s .~ te,1t'a'l ..~tic~ IE.', 1r d J:{o'">er Set wd1ac who 'ldVEv r+ a Iv C • 1ar .J J tre "Ch 11 eriClPr"' cor oratu dt cri to oe Gluz ric;.._ Jo~ Corn a'l Freel L J.W lev w rr r 1 bo'h ~roa Tl rroprv ,t a re.iv J 121 Hari"1rq 1t YLJ2 T'> r.•y 1 1ncs Ai l c t:>S 0n ..,ro-Des1q 1 Cl1 1IPr J, r C •o Ul Fioh rer tc r t'l"O pl, c. 11 19q2 Swiss N 1•101a's arid Swiss L<Jc:gJP fee rr .::et 0'ld 'On 1 ,5+ C.i0c..l F ,IC'ht l'l 1:::ic.i:;, E.. W) >ec.n C'lamo ori-

s'l1::>s - to J~rgen StOCK lecad1rg trie ProDes1qr, rean, to f rst place n team resL Its at dassano Meeting ~ vi..rgcri Stock second at War d CJp ~ 18SC'l tti rd a World CJp Verb1er foJrth Ill Ove at Hc..nkings World Cup 1992 Ste o la'l St•egle 'or first dace '992 AJ3triar 1t Ch,w,p1orsh1p akes'l Kc1sr 1wagura for official Jap3rese C•oss Cou'l•ry Record Ak rd Nakada1 fer f1ri1sh rg f rst at 1992 Wowow Paraglider VVi'1ter Cup i'1 vaoar on "CHAL • LENGER C"

1992 PRO-DESIGN successfully markets "Challenger Series" and gains worldwide acceptance by numerous pilots and dealers - we want to thank all our European partners 1n Austria and Germany- in particular' MCC Aviation of Switzerland - our friend Iva Lunger in Italy- Funway in Sweden - Number One in Norway- Peak Paragliding and Sky Systems in Britain - Intl. Service & Marketing in Spain - Mr. Pereira in Portugal - very special thanks to our overseas dealers Pro-Design USA with John Yates and Akira Nakadai of Geosports Japan for making the "CHALLENGER" a bestseller in their countries - thank you also to Parapente South Africa - Onshore Paragliders Australia - our friends in New Zealand and many more -

Josef-Wilberger-Str. 33 A-6020 Innsbruck Tel.: 0512 / 266504 Fax: 0512/266505

Pro Design USA 1600 E Cypress Ave #8 Redding, CA. 96002 Tel: (916) 222-4606 Fax: (916) 222-4640

PRO-DESIGN SINCE 1986 - PARAGLIDERS - HARNESSES - RESCUE SYSTEMS