USHGA Hang Gliding May 1994 by US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

Design and photo: Ted Boyse FineLine Graphics

(USPS 017-970-20-TSSN 0895-433)()

22 Back In The Air by Will Swanson Thanks to the USHGA World Team Glider Raffle.

24 Venezuelan Airtime

40 To Tell The Truth - An Aerobatics Necessity by Ron Young; WorldAembatic Champion

Getting into trouble flying your glider outside placarded limits.

44 Airspeed Indicators article and photos by Mark "Forger" Stu.dry Which one is right for you?

Columns

Departments

Accident Reports .................................... 14

Airmail .......................................................5

Ask GeeDub, by G.W Meadows ............30

Update ..................................................... 10

Competition Comer ............................... 36

Calendar of Events ................................... 12

Cartoon, by Russ Brown ....................... .42

Ratings ..................................................... 16

Hawker & Vario, by Harry Martin ........28

Classified Advertising .............................. 51

Product Lines, by Dan Johnson .............63

Index to Advertisers .................................61

MAY 1994

Make Speed-to-Fly the way you fly - with the Tangent Flight Computer! Depending on how you fly your glider, you may be losing as much as 2 points in glide from what your glider is capable of. That's the difference between 10:1 and 12:1! The Tangent Flight Computer offers you the opportunity to maximize your glider's performance potential, presenting you with easily assimilated audio speed-to-fly information based on the full speed-io-fly theo1y. It calculates the speed-to-fly based on heacVtail wind, expected next climb rate and the glider's polar. Now you can concentrate on where you are going instead of your eyes being glued to your vario display. The Tangent Flight Computer is a technological departure from conventional varios in that the design allows the addition of new features via firmware upgrades, protecting your investment.

The instrument features a logarithmically proportioned variometer with 5 damping settings, airspeed indicator with no moving parts, final glide calculator, altimeter calibrated to 20,000 feet, on-screen help menus, 4 layer surface mount circuit board unaffected by 2M radios and other juicy technical items. Finally, sailplane flight computer capabilities at hang gliding variometer prices! For complete information about the the Tangent Flight Computer contact: Arai Design 1101 Glendora Avenue Oakland, California 94602 510-531-2261

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Gil Dodgen, Editor/Art Director John Heiney, Leroy Grannis Photographers Harry Martin, Illustrator Dennis Pagen, Rob Richardson, Mark Stucky Staff Writers Tim Rinker, Dave Pounds, Design Consultants

Office Staff Greg Huller, Ratings & ICP's PJ More, Special Projects & Competitions Jeff Elgart, Advertising D. Dean Leyerle, Insurance & Merchandise Services Karen Simon, Member Services Marissa Hatton, Merchandise Services USHGA Officers and Executive Committee: Gregg Lawless, President Jim Zeiset, Vice President Russ Locke, Secretary Bill Bryden, Treasurer REGION 1: Gene Matthews, George Sturtevant. REGION 2: Lynda Nelson, Russ Locke, Ray Leonard, Paul Gazis. REGION 3: Joe Greblo, Sandy King, Gregg Lawless. REGION 4: Glen Nicolet., Jim Zeise!. REGION 6: Ron Kenney. REGION 7: Bill Bryden. REGION 8: Randy Adams. REGION 9: Pete Lehmann, William Bennett. REGION 10: Barbara Flynn, Matt Taber. REGION 11: Jeff Hunt. REGION 12: Paul Voight, Paul Riker!. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Dan Johnson, Jan Johnson, Dennis Pagen, Alan Chuculate. HONORARY DIRECTORS: Ken Brown, Doug Hildreth, Tom Kreyche, Mike Meier, Rob Kells, Fred Stockwell, Gregg McNamee, Michael Robertson, Dave Broyles, David Sondergeld, Ken Baier, Marcus Salvemini, Fred Moy, Barbara Flynn, Greg DeWolf. EXOFFICIO DIRECTORS: Art Greenfield (NAA). The United States Hang Gliding Association Inc. is an air sports organization affiliated with the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) which is the official representative of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAil, of the world governing body for sport aviation. The NAA, which represents the U.S. at FAI meetings, has delegated to the USHGA supervision of FAl-related hang gliding activities such as record attempts and competition sanctions. HANG GLIDING magazine is published for hang gliding sport enthusiasts to create further interest in the sport, and to provide an educational forum to advance hang gliding methods and safety. Contributions are welcome. Anyone is invited to contribute articles, photos, and illustrations concerning hang gliding activities. If the material is to be returned, a stamped, self-addressed return envelope must be enclosed. Notification must be made of submission to other hang gliding publications. HANG GLIDING magazine reserves the right to edit contributions where necessary. The Association and publication do not assume responsibility for the material or opinions of contributors. HANG GLIDING editorial offices: 6950 Aragon Circle, Suite 6, Buena Park, CA 90620 (714) 994-3050. HANG GLIDING (ISSN 0895-433x) is published monthly by the United States Hang Gliding Association, Inc., 559 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 101, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 (719) 632-8300. FAX (719) 632-6417. Second-class postage is paid at Colorado Springs, CO and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: HANG GLIDING, P.O. BOX 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-8300. The USHGA is a member-controlled sport organization dedicated to the exploration and promotion of all facets of unpowered ultralight flight, and to the education, training and safety of its memberhip. Membership is open to anyone interested in this realm of flight. Dues for full membership are $54.00 per year (of which $15 goes to the publication of Hang Gliding), ($60 Canada & Mexico, $65 foreign); subscription rates only are $35.00 ($40 Canada & Mexico, $50 foreign). Changes of address should be sent six weeks in advance, including name, USHGA number, previous and new address, and a mailing label from a recent issue.

MAY 1994

VOLUME 24, ISSUE No. 5

Air Mail~ ADVERSE YAW COMMENTS Dear Editor, I thought Mark Stucky's description of yawing a glider was good, and it's a nice way for him and some others to complete their turns. However, let me warn some pilots chat, except for the lack of pushout, he has described how (very closely anyway) to initiate a spin - in my opinion one of the most dangerous maneuvers in aerobatics! One can achieve the same results with what I've used for 17 of my 20 years of flying by putting a little English on the glider by twisting it. This can be achieved by different methods, but I choose one hand on the junction of the downtube and basetube, and the other as far out on the basetube as you feel gives good leverage. Pushing out on the junction and pulling in on the basetube works pretty well, and eliminates the possibility of over-rotating which can result from throwing your body to the side. Any method you choose for yawing your glider must be used with control and readiness for a possible stall/spin. Most gliders are difficult to spin, but there are some out there that can break into a spin easily, and turning slowly in medium- to high-bank turns in thermal or ridge soaring conditions, while throwing your body sideways, may be the perfect way to crank one off. If this happens to you, or if you're trying to do spins, remember: a spin is a dangerous maneuver. When you finally do get the glider to spin, should it wash out without your control, DO NOT push out or continue pushing out as you could find yourself either hitting the keel with your feet in a negative dive, or worse yet, rotated upside down. Should this happen to you, or if you want to just safely pull out of a spin, remember that you're stalled! When coming out of a stall, whether you're right side up or upside down, PULL IN! That's the only way to get the glider flymg agam. And please, if you're going to cry the "slamming your torso and legs to the high side" method, do not do this in a slow-turning 30° bank the first time.

Perhaps try it at trim speed and no bank, and work up to whatever works best for you. Whatever you do, keep it safe and high enough to compensate for any potential problems that may arise. Ron Young World Aerobatic Champion Lake Elsinore, CA

VARIO + WATER TOW= ? Dear Editor, Long ago, my hang gliding friend Don Ray and I gave up trying to get a Litek vario to work correctly inside a plastic bag. Pilots in Florida, I'm told, have done this and have had some luck with it. One thing that does work, however, is putting a Mallettec Mini Vario inside a 3M Scotch Super 88 vinyl electrical tape container and taping the lid shut. With the container sealed, we then tape the container over the ear opening of our helmets. We achieved a bit more vario sensitivity when we added a Dawn dish detergent lid to the tape container lid. The pull-open/push-shut spout on the Dawn lid allows the pressure of the tape container to equalize with the gain or loss of altitude. We removed the chin strap clip from the back of the mini vario and replaced it with a one-inch-square, sticky-back velcro patch. We then put the mating velcro patch on the inside center of the tape container cover. The Dawn open/close valve was then installed near the edge of the tape container cover. When attached over the ear opening of the helmet, the container was positioned so that the valve was near the bottom of our ears. Even if we forget to close the valve before a water landing, no more than two to three drops of water can get in since the air can't get out! The vario stays high and dry! The mini vario seems to run endlessly before needing battery replacement. We get a whole season out of one battery since we turn it on just before placing it on the helmet and shut it off at the end of the day.

~ Air Mail Another helmet attachment could be made up by someone who cares, but it was at this point that we ran out of R&D time because of the Extra Air Time! With that explanation of our invention in mind, the answer to this letter's title is: V + WT = EAT. As an aside, we also got our altimeter to work in a ZipLoc bag! Bill Cummings Hoyt Lakes, MN

FLYING THE RENO I TAHOE I CARSON AREA, NOW AND IN THE FUTURE Dear Editor, The Sierra Sky Surfers Association has united hang glider and paraglider pilots into one organization, in which we all want the same thing - to keep our flying sites open, have fun, and keep the areas safe for everyone. We are looking forward to a great flying season, and all USHGA pilots are welcome here. We have one of the greatest varieties of flying sites in the U.S. within a 20-mile radius, as well as the beauty of Lake Tahoe, awesome thermals that scare seasoned pilots, and high altitude opportunities for experienced and newer pilots. However, our sites are in danger of being closed. The days of uninhibited free flying are rapidly coming to an end because of development, liability, unhappy landowners and government agencies which just do not like us to have fun flying. Sites have been closed here as well as in other areas. It is critical that we work together as one large association. This year we are dedicated to securing our sites permanently. New programs we are going to complete in 1994 to save Slide Mountain are: 1) working with the Nevada Historical Society to get a historical marker on Slide launch as the first hang gliding site in Nevada; 2) securing the Slide launch/road as an Adopt a Highway Site for USHGA Chapter #154; 3) providing improvements to state parks and wildlife areas in the valley below for a permanent landing zone. The small donation we ask ($20 per season or $5 per day) covers: funds for

these new "Save Slide Mountain" programs, USHGA insurance, site maintenance, good relations with the local authorities who can shut us down, improvements to HAM repeaters for regional communications, a detailed site guide covering four sites with 17 launches including the protocol necessary to keep our sites open, and a monthly newsletter sent to all members covering updated site information. Informal meetings at which decisions are made are held the first Thursday of each month at the Christmas Tree on Mount Rose Highway (NV 431). New issues are discussed and voted on, and everyone is invited. The short meeting usually turns into a party with videos and big flying stories. Last year, largely because of one uninformed person who antagonized a landowner, we lost our large, convenient landing area in the valley below Slide Mountain. However, we have secured two other landing sites further away in the valley for emergency landings. Slide Mountain is a Hang IV site with no exceptions. There are many other mountain sites for Hang II's and Ill's. Please work with us to save Slide Mountain by sending a $20 donation to Sierra Skysurfers, 4750 Townsite Road, Reno, NV 89511. You will get an awesome hat, a regional site guide, a helmet sticker, a monthly newsletter, and help save all of our sites for the future. Paul Hamilton Sierra Skysurfers President

NOWACK RESPONSE Dear Editor, In response to Rick Nowack's "McAleer Response" (March Hang GlidiniJ, I would like to offer the following comments. To say that Nowack's response is way out of line is an understatement. To suggest that Mitch is only good at "entertainment" is an undeserved insult that I challenge Nowack to back up with substantiated fact rather than opinionated rhetoric. I, too, read Ormiston's article and

applaud those with "intelligent and inquisitive minds" who question conventional wisdom in aircraft design, thereby broadening our knowledge base and as a consequence improving our safety. Unfortunately, Ormiston's article contributed nothing in either area. It did, however, offer contrived explanations based primarily on speculation, while ignoring the known facts surrounding many tuck I tumble incidents. This point is borne out by many top Southern California pilots and several "old timers" from the Owens Valley where the possibility of tuck I tumble I structural failure due to atmospheric conditions alone is second to none. All have, without exception, agreed with Mitch's conclusion that certainly most, if not all, such incidents can be attributed primarily to pilot error, whether from erroneous control input I response or just plain poor judgement concerning conditions. Both Nowack and Ormiston selectively choose to ignore this information in favor of "intellectual" postulation, which, incidentally, comes to no particular conclusion anyway. Mark Carson Sometime Pilot, Not-Too-Regular Guy Lake Elsinore, CA

HELPFUL INFORMATION Dear Editor, After 15 years of gleaning helpful information from your "Airmail" column, I would like to offer some in return. First, as an addition to the "hooked in I not hooked in" series of tips and techniques, I'd like to offer something that has always worked for me. It may not work for all pilots at all launches, but like we keep saying: "If just one pilot benefits, it's worth the space." I make it a habit to NEVER carry my glider onto a launch ramp without first performing a hang check right behind the ramp. Then I NEVER unhook on the ramp. If I decide not to launch, I move the glider off the ramp before I unhook. Then it's back to step one when I move to the ramp again. HANG GLIDING

Air Mail~ Second, I don't think I invented this, but it helped me out a lot on my last flight. My Yaesu battery died while I was on an X-C flight and I could not tell my chase driver where I was going down. After landing, I took a nine-volt battery out of my vario and held it against the contacts on the radio. My "used" vario battery didn't have enough juice, but when I tried the second (fresh) battery I was able to contact another pilot, who reported my position. I really enjoy the magazine; thanks for a fine effort and keep up the good work ! Scotty Hubbard Delray Beach, FL

MORE ON FAILURE TO HOOK IN Dear Editor, I think an effective safeguard against failure-to-hook-in accidents would be a harness that felt different when hooked in than when not. When standing on launch, if you picked up your glider without hooking in, it would feel different than what you were used to and you would know something was wrong. The simplest way I can think of to do this would be to have shock cord which went from the harness to the carabiner, parallel to the harness mains but a few inches shorter. When you stand under your glider and hook in, it pulls up on your leg loops. When launching, your weight quickly overpowers the shock cord allowing you to hang normally in flight. Once you became used to standing on launch with tension on your leg loops you would know something was wrong if you stood there with everything slack. A more permanent setup could be installed in a harness using a small steel spring and perlon cord enclosed in a fabric sleeve. Just an idea. Are there other ways to make a harness feel weird when not hooked in?. Kevin Cosley Issaquah, WA

MAY 1994

SINCERE APPRECIATION

MORE HOOK-IN ADVICE

Dear Editor, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Executive Director Search Committee for the professionalism and dedication that they demonstrated in obtaining the best possible person for the position of USHGA Executive Director. The committee, consisting of Gregg Lawless, Pete Lehmann, Russ Locke and Jim Zeiset went to great lengths to initiate a search campaign that would entice the best of talent to apply for this important position. They kept applicants informed on the status and progress of the search campaign and used an innovative screening process from which to select their final list of interviewees. They were then challenged with the difficult task of picking one from the set of very talented individuals interviewed. These men volunteered many hours to this endeavor and took their role very seriously. As an organization we owe them a great debt of gratitude for their efforcs. Give each of them a BIG pat on the back for a job well done the next time you see any of them. I also want to thank the staff at the Colorado Springs office for taking the time to show me around and explain how the headquarters operates. They are running a class operation dedicated to making our enjoyment of the sport better. Talk to them and you will find that they are responsive and committed to providing us with the best service possible. I was not the final selectee, but I am confident that the selection process followed has provided us with a talented individual who can direct our organization to the next level of excellence. I will help this individual in any way that I can. I hope that all other members will too.

Dear Editor, The recent article by Dennis Pagen about his failure to hook in and the letter by G.W. Meadows prompted me to add yet another viewpoint on this subject. I received all of my training to a Novice rating at an excellent school. From day one, we had to announce to the instructor, "Hooked in, pitch, balance, clear," before launching ("hooked in" meant lifting the glider sufficiently to feel the pull of the leg straps). If we set the glider down for any reason the sequence was repeated, even though we knew we were still hooked in. (This procedure is stressed strongly in Peter Cheney's excellent beginner hang gliding book.) It appears that failure-to-hook-in accidents tend to occur to more experience pilots who have excellent skills and habits, but who are distracted before launch, unhook, and are hurried into launch, often without an observer. This seems to be what happened to Dennis Pagen. While Dennis offered solutions, I thought they were a little too complicated and involved. In such an inherently dangerous sport a memorized checklist performed each and every time in the same way is critical. Although other words or sequences may be used or preferred in launching, they must include lifting the glider so that there is a pull on the leg straps.

Dan Barley Woodland Hills, CA

Roger M. Sublett San Jose, CA

LOVE OF FLIGHT & MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS Dear Editor, Personally, I believe that we may be losing sight of the big picture: love, pure and simple. We love to fly, all of us. But lately it seems we're beginning to lose the purity and simplicity- too many articles about best glide while splitting thermals over water without inducing adverse yaw. Too many responses to

~ Air Mail

RIGID SUSPENSION

REGION IX X-C OMISSION

Dear Editor, It is interesting to note that Steve Koerner's suggestion of a rigid suspension system (February Hang Glidinl[) is an idea that was proposed back as 1976 in Jon Walbert Jr.'s booklet "An experimental Plan To Achieve Inverted Flight" (self-published in Hawaii, front cover says: "First Printing, 200 copies, 4/14/76"). The author describes the construction of an aerobatic glider capable of sustained inverted flight, and says that the craft as "75% completed." Perhaps other readers might know if it was ever flown and how the various novel systems worked.

Dear Editor, In my February article which reported the results of the 1993 Region IX Cross-Country Contest I forgot to include Pat Brooks' 44-mile flight from Templeton, Pennsylvania. That flight represents his longest X-C flight and would have placed him 10th in the contest. I apologize for having forgotten to mention his fine flight, and would like to say that it had nothing to do with the fact that he could have easily flown further than I did that day.

someone else's opinion with no real point, and it seems a lot of complaints without any solutions. Well, chew on this. I love to fly. Just fly. I've been flying for eight years and will never stop. I fly a Duck 180. No vario. No radio. No computer program at home to analyze my last flight. No tail fin. No scoop. And no anal-retentive analysis of how I can get two feet higher or 30 feet farther. I just want to fly. And I don't think I'm that far off from how most pilots feel. One of the ways we celebrate much of the beauty and fun of flying is through Hang Gliding magazine. It always makes my day when I pull it from my mail box. And although I've seen enough pictures of John Heiney to consider him my friend (and I do), you can't deny that his photography is absolutely enviable. He has a way of making me wish I was there. And it's great that we are now getting information on the equipment that John and others use to get those great cover photos. Thanks Gil. But I have an idea that might add even more color to our sport. Having been a sailmaker for both Wills and UP, I know there's a lot of beauty in a personalized sail and there are a lot of them. How about a monthly feature (say, one or two pages) of some of these custom works of art with a little background on the design and the owner, accompanied by a couple of color pictures. I'd also like to see the magazine solicit more personal experience articles, the "there I was" regular guy kind of stuff, subjects that benefit and promote the safety and enjoyment of the sport, not just the quest for more and better. I'd like to add my own personal hookin ritual. Just before I launch I look at and grab my carabiner, pull three times on the hang loop, then I'm off to Kansas. So far, so good. To GeeDub: A 10-footlong 2" x 10" board and some carpet makes a great rack for one glider. To Pat: I think I remember photos of Bob Thompson flying a supine Comet II with handles on the downrubes.

Dear Editor, I usually enjoy your fine publication for its informative and entertaining articles. However, several recent issues have contained material which is both outrageous and barbaric, and must be stopped at once. I am referring, of course, to the cruel-hearted discussions of punch-turning a glider. Hang gliders are sensitive, intelligent creatures, and it should be unthinkable that pilots are out there actually punching them in flight. If you're not happy with the way your glider responds, talk to it gently; reason with it. You'll be amazed how well a little positive attention works. I urge all pilots to try my turning technique. As I roll into a thermal I tell my glider how much it means to me, and compliment the loveliness of its sail. While in the corner of the control bar I give it a soft, lingering kiss on the upright. If the core of the thermal is especially small this tightens up the turn nicely.

Rich "Martee" Collins Morgan Hill, CA

Mark Sawyer Tucson, AZ

Pete Lehmann Pittsburgh, PA

Vas Mezl Ottawa, Ontario

GLIDER SENSITIVITY

Eggler' s Headsets from Switzerland: fullface and jet-helmet designs. Push-to-talk button, quick connect plug, security straps for headset plug, excellent RX & TX. Compatible with Maxon, Icom, Y easu, Alinco and Kenwood. Fullface Jet-helmet Antenna

- $130 - $140

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Peter DeBellis - 8880 Bellaire Ave. B-223 8 Houston, TX 77036 : 713-271-2829 HANG GLIDING

1995 REGIONAL DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS SOLICITED USHGA is issuing its 19th annual call for nominations to the national Board of Directors. Eight positions are open for election in October, 1994 for a two-year term beginning January, 1995. USHGA members seeking a position on the ballot should send the following information to headquarters for receipt no later than August 20, 1994: name and USHGA number, photo and resume (one page containing the candidate's hang gliding activities and viewpoints, written consent to be nominated and that they will serve if elected). Candidates must be nominated by at least three USHGA members residing in the candidate's region. Nominations are needed in the following regions. The current Directors are listed and their terms expires December 31, 1994. Ballots will be distributed with the October issue of Hang Gliding magazine. USHGA needs the very best volunteers to help guide the safe development and growth of the sport. Forward candidate material for receipt no later than August 20 to: USHGA, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933.

Reg.#

CURRENT DIRECTOR

STATES WITHIN REGION

2 4 7

Gene Matthews Ray Leonard Glen Nicolet Bill Bryden

Randy Adams

William Bennett

Barbara Flynn

Paul Rikert

Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho Northern California, Nevada Arizona, Colorado, El Paso, New Mexico, Utah Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont Washington, D.C., Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippt North & South Carolina, Tennessee, Virgin Islands New Jersey, New York

The following form is for your convenience.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR ELECTION, NOMINATION FORM

I hereby nominate _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ . I understand that his/her name will be placed as a candidate for Regional Director for Region# on the Official Ballot for the 1995 Regional Director Election, if three nominations are received by August 20, 1994. I have notified the above person and he/she has accepted the nomination. NAME _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ USHGA #_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ REGION#_ __

II Update LAST CALL FOR 1995 USHGA CALENDAR PHOTOS The window closes on May 31, 1994. If you haven't sent in your favorite photo yet, don't delay. SEND IT IN NOW, before it's too late. Imagine your own photography (or a friend's photography of you and your ship) immortalized for a whole month, for the entire world to admire! Submit your best to: USHGA Calendar, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-8300, and tell your flying buddies to do the same. All photography will be promptly returned after the selection process is final. If you should have any questions, please give us a call at (719) 632-8300.

AVOCETNEWS

•0 VHHICAL

METERS Cll/,16(0

perature compensation. Pilots can retrieve their current, maximum and average flight performance in vertical meters flown in one flight and during an entire season. In addition, the Avocet Pilot informs its user about atmospheric pressure at all times. A thermal counter and temperature display are included, and the Pilot offers several useful timing functions, such as a real-time watch, various stopwatch functions, a wake-up function and a countdown counter. A button toggles the display between feet and meters and Celsius and Fahrenheit. The Pilot also toggles between skiing and alpine modes. The Avocet Pilot is available with an elastic strap for sporting activities and a sporty strap for other uses. The Pilot is currently priced at 299 Swiss Francs. Contact: Flytec AG, Electronic Flight Instruments, Ebenaustrasse 8a, CH6048 Horw, tel. 041-47-34-24, fax 04148-54-24.

HANG GLIDING LICENSE PLATE

Valley, California will again be renewed. Walt's Point, home of more 200+ mile flights than anywhere else, requires X-C and Turbulence sign-offs, current USHGA membership, a signed waiver release, and a rating of either Hang IV or Hang III with an experienced sponsor. Season passes are available for $60 if received by May 23, and $80 thereafter. Visa/MC is okay for season passes purchased in advance. The flying season at Walt's Point typically extends from May 28 until late August or September. For the first time, oxygen rentals and fill service will be provided on launch. Please call at least one week in advance to reserve your oxygen rental. Many thanks to Joey Carmacino, who for four years has been the friendly guy in charge of Horseshoe launch. Joey will occasionally fulfill monitor duties on weekends. To get your season pass kit, or for more information, contact Owens Valley Soaring, 5201 Westridge Road, Route 2, Bishop, CA 93514 phone/fax (619) 3872673 .

AUTO JH[RIM,l COUfJHR

NORTH BOULDER FLYING SITE GUIDELINES

CUPl!Illl. /.\AX u\VG CLl!.\BRfllE

AlflfUD[

Q ','.'£Al!\Ell

Measure your flight.

VERTECH PILOT Avocet of California has announced a new wrist altimeter called the Vertech Pilot. Flytec is the European distributor and service station for the instrument. Following several years of research and development, Avocet has developed a patented altimeter which allows pilots to retrieve unique data. The instrument can display altitudes up to 20,000 meters to a high degree of precision, with tern-

This license plate belongs to Eves Tall Chief, and features him flying over Yosemite. It reads: "We fly here." Only 5,000 of the plates were issued. Chief is preparing to make his 200th Yosemite flight on the Fourth of July this year, and expects to attract some media coverage. Hang IV pilots please note that Yosemite is open for flying from Memorial Day to Labor Day this year.

WALT'S POINT INFO

The site committee of the Rocky Mountain Hang Gliding Association and the Flagstaff Soaring Society have published hang gliding and paragliding guidelines for north Boulder, Colorado flying sites. These guidelines are an attempt to work with the City of Boulder Open Space Department to alleviate some of the impact on the land that the increased use of these sites has caused.

Please obtain and read a copy ofthese guidelines before flying at any ofthese sites! Copies can be acquired from all Denver and Boulder-area hang gliding and paragliding businesses. You may also get a free copy by sending a self-addressed, stamped 4" x 9" envelope to Kurt Aronow (compiler of the guidelines), 1605 Centaur Circle, Lafayette, CO 80026 (303) 661-9307.

The USFS permit for Walt's Point (Horseshoe) Launch in the Owens HANG GLIDING

commented, "ff yon were a bird in a for. mer life you're going to foci okay."

is pleased to announce the release of a new statc-of-the··art harness, the Xtremc. According to the manufacturer, the harness w,is designed and tested for optimum comfort and durability, with simple yet strong construction which includes a stainless steel rod with a dclrin slider which conforms to the shape of a hardened aluminum hack plate. The single main suspension strap is attached to the slider, allowing it to slide forward and back. The pilot can easily rotate from a prone position to an upright position for takeoff, and landings. It is constructed with full continuous webbing reinforcement throughout. Harness features include: vest-style front entry, front· or side-mounted parachute container, head up or head down adjustable limiting rope, full cominuous webbing reinforced with buckles, three large internal storage pockcts, internal Camclback'1M pocket, hardened curved aluminum back plate, adjustable sofL shoulder pads, folly retractable open and close zipper pulls, camera and radio pocket, leather-reinforced boot skid, steel c1rahincr, external side storage pocket, low drag single main suspension, reserve parachute bridle cover, and stainless steel suspension slider rod. Contact a local Moyes dealer or call California (818) l.

The road to the Dry Canyon launch above Alamogordo, New Mexico, has finally been graded again, and the Rio Crandc Soaring Association extends a thank you to everyone who contributed to the road fond last year. It is still a 4WD road, bur it's a whole lot better now, thanks to all of the contrihurors. ln an effort to avoid appealing for such funds again, the RGSA is now asking for a $5.00 per day foe to fly at the sites 1hey maintain and insure, or alternatively to join the RCSA for per year. It costs about $1,000 each time they bulldoze the Dry Canyon road, and your contributions through rhe flying fee will help a lot. Give them a call and come on down for a visit; they'll be glad to meet you! Contact: Robin 1"'lastings (505) 3827446.

Sharp Electronics has developed an

all pnrposc, water-resistant housing

The Pacific Airwave glider fr:atmed in the rlytec ad in the January, February and March issues of Hang Gliding was rbe product of the artistic talents of Chris Woodrow Photography. Om apologies for this oversight.

MJ\Y 1994

In the winter issue of NASA magazine, 75-ycar-old hang glider pilot Seth Anderson was featured in a major story. Seth has worked for NASA for more than 50 years, and recently celebrated his birthday by flying his hang glider for the 140th time in Yosemite National Parl<. When asked if rbc sport is scary he

called the Sports Pack for its camcorders. It can be used to protect the Sharp ViewCam in a variety of situations in which the camcorder might be exposed to rain, snow, or wind-blown sand, din or dust. 'The Sports Pack docs not prevent the user from operating the VicwCam in a normal manner, making it ideal for sporting activity use.

IPI Calendar of Events Calendar of events items WILL NOT be listed if only tentative. Please include exact information (event, date, contact name and phone number). Items should be received no later than six weeks prior to the event. We request two months lead time for regional and national meets. Until Dec. 1: 1994 Region 9 Yearlong X-C Contest. Recognizes the longest flights flown in the Region between Feb. 1 and Dec. l. $5 entry fee. Contact: Pete Lehmann (412) 661-3474 (before 9:00 PM), fax 3436. Until May 22: 1994 Region 9 Championship. Weekend X-C from any site. Best three totalled. Limit of 60 miles per flight. $10 entry fee. Contact: Pete Lehmann (412) 661-3474 (before 9:00 PM), fax 3436. Until May 30: Region 12 Regional Competition. Five long weekends ofX-C flying ending in Memorial Day Weekend Fly-In (pilot meeting May 27, 6:00 PM) with speed-to-fly tasks and spot landing. Trophies and barbecue. Enny $30 before April 21. To stay in touch send $10 for Skywritings newsletter. For rules, maps and forms, send check or money order to: Stephen Makrinos, Competition Director, 38-11 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, NY 11105 (212) 567-2150. Until Oct. 15: 1994 !Montana Cross Count1y Challenge. Entry $15 includes T-shirt, log book, newsletter and prizes. For application call or write Roger Lockwood, P.O. Box 234, Fort Benton, MT 59442 (406) 6225677. May 6-8: Up Soaring Center ICP, Basic and Advanced Contact: Dave Sharp (801) 5766460. May 6-8: First Annual just Fly Hang Gliding Art Exhibit at Glenn Eure's Ghost Fleet Gallery, Nags Head, NC. Held in conjunction with the 22nd Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular. Art show on the 6th, with art exhibited through the 8th. Contact: G.W. Meadows (800) 546-3596. May 14-15: Reno, NV, aerobatics, photography, and towing seminar. Contact: Paul Hamilton (702) 849-9672 or Royce Anderson (702) 246-0691. May 19-24: Lake McClure, CA, demos. Contact: Wright Brothers Wings (209) 586-6012. June 4-S: Albuquerque, NM, aerobatics seminar. Contact: John Nagyvari (505) 8818479. June 6-12: Albuquerque, NM, demos. Contact: Mark Macho (505) 2982922. June 16-19: Colorado Springs, CO, demos. Contact: Steve Dewey (719) 6870474. July 1-4: Lal,eview Fly-In, OR, demos. Contact: Doug Lange (800) 6352247 or (503) 256-0996. July 5-13: Chelan, WA, demos. Contact: Jeff Kohler (509) 838-8576. July 18-23: Telluride, CA, demos. July 30-Aug.2: Morningside Flight

Park, Claremont, NH, aerobatics and photography seminars. Contact: Jeff Nicolay (603) 542-4416. Aug. 3-11: Ellenville, NY, demos, aerobatics seminar. Contact: Greg Black, Mountain Wings (914) 647-3377. Aug. 11-15: Binghamton, NY, demos, aerobatics seminar. Contact: Scott Jewel, The Flight Works (607) 729-5405. Aug. 20-21: Lookout Mountain Flight Park, GA, aerobatics seminar. Contact: Buzz Chalmers (706) 398-3541. Aug. 27-28: Little Rock, AR, demos. Contact: Wayne Hobbs (501) 327-4746. UP International glider demos, and aerobatic,~ photography, and towing seminars. May 14-15: South Carolina Hang Gliding Assn. Annual Spring Fly-In. $10 entry. Contact: John Ray (803) 967-4345 or Bob Hunt (704) 254-8129. May 14-15, May 28-30: Cross-CountJy Seminar by Butch Peachy, hosted by Lake Elsinore Sports. Cost $1 SO for first two days, $50 for third and optional day. Contact: Lake Elsinore Sports, 31401 Riverside Dr., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 (909) 674-2453. May 18-20: Tandem Clinic by G.W. Meadows. Sponsored by Pro Hang Gliders in southeast Michigan. Contact: Norm Lesnow (313) 399-9433. May 20-21: Coyote Howl Fly-In, Lake McClure, CA. "Doc's" computer scoring system levels the playing field. Beautiful trophies, lots of prizes. Pylon course. X-C contest. $20 entry fee for both days. Contact: Doc, 1406 Ashwood Dr., Modesto, CA 95350 (209) 527-0798. Call l-800-468-8889 for camping reservations. May 26, 28-29: Towing Clinic by Dave Broyles, Los Angeles, CA. Sponsored by Windsports. Will feature conventional platform launch and stationary winch launch using a scooter tow system. Thursday, May 26 will be an evening ground school and briefing session at Windsports in Van Nuys. The 28th and 29th training sessions will be all day and conducted at El Mirage. Contact: Windsports,JoeGreblo (818) 988-0111 or Dave Broyles (214) 996-7706. May 27-30: Region 12 Regional Competition Wrap-up. X-C competition starts four weeks prior on April 28. Memorial Day Weekend features speed-to-fly, turnpoint (optional) and spot landing competitions. Barbecue, trophies, loads of fun. Donations from manufacturers and schools appreciated. $30 for registration package, $10 for Skywritings newsletter. Contact: Stephen Makrinos, 3811 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, NY 111 OS (212) 567-2150. May 28-29: Sauratown Mtn. Flyers Memorial Weekend Invitational Fun Fly. Hang gliding and paragliding. Send SASE for application

to: Tommy Thompson, Rt. 1, Box 274-Cl, Sauratown Mrn. Rd., Westfield, NC 27053 (910) 983-9064. May 28-29: X-C Clinic. Contact: Jeff Hunt, 4811 Red River, Austin, TX 78751 (512) 467-2529. May 28-30: 14th Annual D1y Canyon Fly-In, Alamogordo, NM. Good friends and good air, barbecue and trophies. Check out the new shade pavilion in the LZ! Pilots' meeting 8:30 AM in the LZ, at Hobby Park off Florida Ave. Contacts: Tommy West, Meet Head (SOS) 437-5213; Kendall Taylor, RGSA Pres. (SOS) 434-3660; Robin Hastings, Publicity (SOS) 382-7446. May 28-30: 17th Annual Fun Family Fly-In. Rogue Valley HGA, Medford, OR, Woodrat Mtn. Hang II with instructor or better. Contact: Newt Stevenson (503) 7731187 or Jan Bailly, 32700 Riverside, Dr. #SOS, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 (503) 8466228. May 29-31: Region III Air Races and Rod Hauser Memorial Fly-In, Lake Elsinore, CA. Call your own task, race to goal or just fly into the Elsinore West Marina and party. Over $1,000 in cash prizes. $60 entry fee for competitors. Full amenities, camping $6/day. Barbecue banquet Sunday and much more. All extra money collected donated to the prevention of child abuse and L.E. Seniors Center. Contact: Ken Niemi (909) 245-3930. June I-Sept. 30: Lakeview, OR Lake County Official Flying Season. Monthly cash prizes for longest X-C, cumulative miles flown from a recognized L~eview site and a cash drawing at the end of the season from among all pilots who register during the season. Come on up and fly among really friendly folks who love hang gliding. Contact: Lake County Chamber of Commerce, 513 Center St., Lakeview, OR 97630 (503) 947-6040 fax (503) 947-4983 or Jules Gilpatrick (S 10) 523-0862 fax (S 10) 523-0863. June 3-5: ICP with Michael Robertson at Mountain Wings, Ellenville, NY. Includes launching and landing seminar. All attending who have previous towing experience will be automatically registered for the following weekend's step-towing clinic. Reservations with deposit required. Class size limited. June 6-8: Towing at Ellenville Ahportwith Michael Robertson. Toyotapowered stationary winch. Tandem flights from tow available. June 9-11: Tow Clinics with Michael Robertson and Greg Black. Learn to tow on the easiest and safest tow system ever designed. Tows to 1,500' for beginners. Step-tow clinic for intermediate and advanced pilots. Tows to 3,000' +. Reservations required. Aug. 1-7: UP Demo HANG GLIDING

Calendar of EventslH Days. Aug. 6-7: Aerobatic Seminar at Ellenville Airport with John Heiney. Contact: Mountain Wings (914) 647-3377. June 4-12: Sandia Open X-C Challenge, Albuquerque, NM. Fly from Sandia Crest and enjoy some of the best X-C in rhe Southwest. Dual format competition, longest flights and cumulative miles. Fee includes Sandia Crest guides, T-shirt, prizes, awards barbecue, oxygen refills and more. $75 before May !, $90 after. 30 spaces available on first come, first served basis. For rating requirements and other info contact: Bill Lemon, 1600 34th St., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (505) 891-5370 or Mel Glantz, 2710 Parsifal NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 (505) 296-5362. June 5-12: Sandia Classic, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fourth annual 450 WTSS-point meet at Sandia Peak - the premier meet of the season! Price includes: entry fee, topq ualiry X-C tasks, glider and pilot transportation to launch, turnpoint film and processing, computerized scoring, full-time paid staff, free oxygen refills, gift certificates from local businesses, convenient meet headquarters at Spectators Sports Grill, awards barbecue, T-shirt and more! Sixty-pilot maximum field, 45 spots reserved for USHGA-ranked pilots. First-time entrants must have: USHGA Advanced rating, all Special Skills, 100+ hours mountain thermal experience. Early registration $275 if postmarked before May 1, $325 after. Refundable until April 30. Contact: Mike Gregg, 12117 St. Mary's Dr., Albuquerque, NM 87111 (505) 2755978 or Mark Mocha (505) 298-2922. June 11-12: EAA Ultralight Chapter 64 Sixth Ultralight Gathering at Ickes Airport, Osterburg, PA 16667. Contact: Don Ickes (814) 276-3353. June 16-22: Big Spring, TX Tow Meet, 450 WTSS points. June 14-15 mandatory practice/clinic daces for chose without adequate tow rating. Turnpoint film and processing included, impressive facilities, team and individual scoring, prizes, trophies, breakfasts. SO-pilot maximum. $225 registration plus $5 per tow. $300 after May I. Contact: Jeff Hunt, 4811 Red River, Austin, TX 78751 (512) 467-2529. June 17-19: Basic and Advanced I CP, Tooele, Utah. $150 fee. Presented by Marc Knowlden and Bob Shick of Southwind Hang Gliding. Contact: Rebel Wings (801) 882-7042 for details. June 17 -19: Region II Wild West Regionals. Contact: Ray Leonard, Adventure Sports, 3650 Research Way, Carson City, NV 89706 (702) 883-7070.

MAY 1994

June 17-19: Southern Colorado Fly-In at South Park, Colorado. Foot and tow launch. Individual and team X-C as well as spot landing. Free camping. Demos and a great time in the Rockies! Paragliders welcome. Winch-type tow rigs and drivers needed. Pre-registration appreciated. Contact: Steve Dewey at (719) 687-0474 or write SOCO Fly-In, c/o Steve Dewey, 207 Walliface Road, Sedalia, CO 80135-9703. June 17-19: Region I Non-Regionals, Chelan Butte, Washington. This has been a very successful and popular meet and all rhe pilots like the new format - triangle tasks with an aerial start gate using the 1990 U.S. Nationals rules. Entry fee $35 ($30 pre-registration by June 10). Oregon and Canadian pilots especially welcome. Contact: Davis Straub, 747 16th Ave. East, Seattle, WA 98112 (206) 322-1184 (vm/fax), 72147.3716@compuserve.com. June 18-25: Big Tow Meet in West Texas. Platform launch, X-C tasks. Contact: Jeff Hunt (512) 467-2529. June 24-26: Region I Regionals, 1994 King Mtn. X-C Meet, near Arco, Idaho. Format is open-distance X-C along designated routes with goal bonuses. Entry $25 for IHGA membership. For rules and site info contact: Ken Schreck, 275 Clifford St., Blackfoot, ID 83221 (208) 785-0196, or Albert Whitesell (208) 522-2423. June 25-26: 22nd Annual Cochrane Meet, Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, for hang glider and paraglider pilots. Race-to-goal and spot landing (same tasks for HG and PG). Free camping. Contact: Vincene Muller, RR #2, Cochrane, Alberta, TOL OWO, Canada phone/fax (403) 932-6760. June 29-July 4: Chelan Cross Count1y Classic, Chelan Butte, Washington, site of the 1994 Women's Worlds. Register early as chis will be the practice round for the Women's Worlds. The format is pilot-called (or recalled on course) triangles, out-andreturn, and open distance combined format. Entry fee $70 ($65 pre-registration by June 24). Contact: Davis Straub, 747 16th Ave. East, Seattle, WA 98112 (206) 322-1184 (vm/fax), 72I47.3716@compuserve.com. June 30-July 4: Lakeview, OR "Hang Gliding Capital ofthe West" 1994 Lake County Umpteenth Annual Hang Glider Fly-In. Registration June 30. "Run-Ride-Glide" foot race, mountain bike and hang glider team event, spot landing contest, the "Grand" Black Cap X-C Contest (longest X-C from Black Cap over 50 miles during the fly-in wins $1,000 cash!). Many more family fun events too numerous to mention. Bring the wife and kids! Full details in May issue Hang Gliding ad. Contact: Lake Counry Chamber of Commerce, 513

Center St., Lakeview, OR 97630 (503) 947-6040 fax (503) 947-4983 or Jules Gilpatrick (510) 523-0862 fax (51 O) 5230863. July 5-16: Womens World Championships, Chelan, Washington. Contact: Larry Majchrzak (509) 682-3635. July 18- 24: 21st Annual Telluride Hang Gliding Festival. Special guest speakers, parachute repacking clinics, swap meet, slide shows. 25,000' upper ceiling will be in place. Oxygen refills available on site. Pilot banquet and awards party. Come and experience Telluride in the summer for a refreshing change. Contact: Craig Pirazzi, Event Organizer, (303) 728-5793 eves. July 21-23: 1994 World Aerobatic Championships, Telluride, CO. 15th annual event. All new pilots must pre-qualify before entry. Entry fee $200. 100% of fee will go toward cash purse. Contact: Leo Vanderbosch (303) 728-6972. July 27-31: 1994 Whiskey Peak X-C Classic. Open distance with goal bonuses. Custom trophies, prizes and T-shirts. $50 pre-registration. First pilots' meeting and final registration 8:00 AM Wednesday at Bairoil Town Hall, Bairoil, WY. Contact: Kevin Christopherson, Box 880, Casper, WY 82602 (307) 235-3367. July 30-Aug. 1: Western Canadian Championships, Golden, BC. Hosted by the Rocky Mm. Hang Gliding League. Entry $30 Canadian. Send entries to: 1111 Memorial Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 3E4 or register in person 9:00 AM, July 30, Golden Municipal Campground, Golden, BC. For more info call Ken Shackleton (403) 734-3112 eves. Aug. 13-20: US. Nationals, Mt. Princeton, Buena Vista, Colorado. Mtn. flying at its best - 3,600' vertical. Lodging, camping areas, natural hot springs and hot springs pools at base of mountain, six launches within 300'. Intermediate- and Advancedrated pilots with FSL, TUR and X-C special skills. Entry fee of $325 includes transport to launch, T-shirt, flight verification film, electronic pin in and instant scoring. X-C format with short retrievals. Daily awards and prizes. Contact: Jim Zeiser, Pendulum Sports (producer of the 1993 Owens Valley World Championships), 13154 County Rd. 140, Salida, CO 81201 phone/fax (719) 539-3900 or 1-800-WE-FLY-XC in the U.S. Sept. 15-18: 21st Coupe I care and International Hang Gliding Film Festivai St. Hilaire du Touvet, France. Contact: Martine Lange, Icare Festival Organization, Office of Tourism, 38720 St. Hilaire du Touvet, France, tel. 76-08-33-99, fax 76-97-20-56.

I] Accident Reports by Doug Hildreth Pilot: Age: Rating: Experience: Glider: Date: Location: Injuries:

Jano GHARAKHANI

26 Beginner Limited 2/27/94 Spicewood, TX Intracranial hemorrhage

Event: The student had made good progress in his lessons, had had numerous tandem tow flights, and had a footlaunch solo flight from the 400-foot hill and had done well. This was his first solo tow flight. Conditions were ideal, and launch and climb-out went smoothly to 30 feet. He drifted minimally off line, released as planned, and then reportedly went limp. The glider banked quickly and dove into the ground. No pilot control input was seen. He was taken immediately to the hospital, was found to have an aneurysm and was operated upon for bleeding around the brain. Whether the aneurysm ruptured before or during the impact is not known at this time. With

no brain function at one week, life support was discontinued. For fifteen years I have had the great privilege of serving as your accident review chairman. It has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience, and I hope that I have been able to give back to the sport an infinitesimal measure of what the sport has given to me. With the exception of my dear wife, nothing has given me more joy than hang gliding. It is my opinion that the primary purpose of the USHGA is to make hang gliding as safe as possible, and to make this glorious experience available to any who wish to fly. It is important in any organization that new blood, new ideas, new perspectives, and new visions be encouraged. In this spirit, the time has come for the USHGA accident review committee to seek a new chairperson. As I write, a new chairperson is being chosen from at least three well-qualified candidates. The new chair will have a different style, emphasis and method,

but the goal will remain the same. I will work toward a smooth transition. Please support him as you have supported me. I have been continually impressed with what a good handle hang gliding has on its accident data compared toother sports. This has occurred because of the policies and procedures in place since the beginnings of the USHGA, and because of the pioneering work of R.V Wills, the original accident review chairman. This wealth of data is available because of the many, many pilots who over the years have submitted accident reports to the USHGA. This is the backbone of the improvement in our safety record. Without you, the system would never have been able to get off the ground. Thanks for your past support and continued contributions to our sport and our organization. Please, fly safely.

- Doug Hildreth

THE PROS LIKE IT ... "This book has helped me to reduce the time spent making important determinations at competitions where each second can mean victory or defeat. " - Tony Barton, US World Team member

--~~ UNDERSTANDING

THE SKY

~;.,..>::-1 r; • ...,,.

_...

.\>IH,11,Hll,UIJl( '"llla'<,(0~1'11~"~

"'Understanding the Sky' is the most complete book on micrometeorology I have seen as it applies to hang gliding." -Jim Lee, World record holder and US World Team Member

... SO WILL YOU!

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I SEND TO (Please print) l NAME ..... I ADDRESS. I CITY, STATE . I COUNTRY/ZIP I .. DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED .. I

D E_F IN E D F LE X

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II Ratings SAFE PILOT AWARDS BRONZE CHRISTEL A CHM US ROGER BAKER KEN CAVANAUGH BILL FIFER JEFF GILDEHAUS FRANK GILLETTE BARNEY HALLIN LAWRENCE "PETE" LEHMANN TERRY PRESLEY TASCHE STREIB LON STREIB MURLE "SONNY'' WHITE EJIYOKODA SILVER ROGER BAKER ANCILNANCE PEDRO RODRIGUEZ GOLD RICK ALTIG DIAMOND TOM JOHNS

LILIENTHAL AWARDS BRONZE STEVEN OWENS

X-C FLIGHT AWARDS 50MILES ROBERT BOOLUKOS (65 & 72 miles)

BEGINNER RATINGS PILOT: City, State; Instructor/School Region 2 COOMBER, CHRISTOPHER: Mill Valley, CA; A. Whirehill/Chandelle SF DOUGHERTY, MARC: San Francisco, CA; P. Sussman ROCKWELL III, JOHN: Burlingame, CA; A. Whitehill/Chandelle SF SCHAFFER, FRANK: Burlingame, CA; A. Whitehill/Chandelle SF Region 3 COURSEY, BEVERLY: Kapaa, HI; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mtn FP DUNFEE, LINDA: LaJolla, CA; G. Volk McDOWELL, MARK: San Diego, CA; R. Mitchell/Eagles Wings YANEZ, JOSE: El Monte, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flight Region 4 ELGERT, LAWRENCE: Apache Junction, AZ; R. DeStephens/Zonie MALNACK, CLAUDE: Page, AZ; D. Gordon/Adventure Sports Tours STURDEVANT, TARRA: Avon, CO; F. Foti/Miami HG SWANSON, STEVE: Salt Lake City, UT; D. Sharp/UP Soaring THOMPSON, BRUCE: Highlands Ranch, CO; M. Windsheimer/Golden Wings UNZICKER, KEITH: Phoenix, AZ; D. Gordon/Adventure Sports Tours Region 7 CONRAD, JIM: Peoria, IL; J. Hooks/Lookout Mm FP GOHLKE, KIRK: Frankenmuth, MI; R. Lisle/Lookout Mm FP

Region 10 CHAPONIS SR, PETER: Miami, FL; J. Tindle/Miami HG CHAPONIS, KIMBERLY: Miami, FL; 0. Lopez-Armas CHAPONIS, PETER: Miami, FL; F. Foti/Miami HG GIRA ULT, JEFF: Orlando, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG MACQUEEN, JOHN: Catha, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG MENK, GRETCHEN: Miami, FL; J. Tindle/Miami HG MORDASIEWICZ, KAROL: Birmingham, AL; J. Cook/Rocket City Airsports MUNSON, STUART: Hillsborough, NC; B. Weaver/Kitty Hawk Kites SCHEMBRI, CHARLES: Davie, FL; J. Tindle/Miami HG SPALDING, ROSE: Rockledge, FL; T. Braden/Sky Hook Towing Region 11 BAUHAN, TOM: Austin, TX; S. Burns/Austin Air Sports HAYDEN, HAL: Austin, TX;]. Hunt/Red River Aircraft

NOVICE RATINGS PILOT: City, Stare; Instructor/School Region I CLAY, ARCHIE: Grants Pass, OR; W. Roberts/So Oregon HG Region 2 ALLEN, WILEY RAY: Fremont, CA; B. Ream/Mission Soaring BASS, CHARLIE: Atherton, CA; D. Yount/Mission Soaring CHRISTENSEN, ANDREW: Sacramento, CA; A. Whitehill/Chandelle SF MAGUIRE, DAN: Morgan Hill, CA; J. Woodward/Natural Flying NEAL, JEFF: San Francisco, CA; S. Bickford/Airtime SF ROCKWELL III, JOHN: Burlingame, CA; A. Whitehill/Chandelle SF YOUNG, STEVE: Saratoga, CA; A. Kenny Region 3 RAMEY, ROBERT: Santa Barbara, CA; K. deRussy/HG Emporium VALENZUELA, DAVID: Irvine, CA; R. Mitchell/Eagles Wings YANEZ, JOSE: El Monte, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flight Region 4 DOOSE, GREG: Albuquerque, NM; C. Woods/Up Over NM REINAUERJR, JAMES: Albuquerque, NM; J. Hooks/Lookout Mm FP STURDEVANT, TARRA: Avon, CO; F. Foti/Miami HG SWANSON, STEVE: Salt Lake City, UT; D. Sharp/UP Soaring YOSHIMURA, KUNIO: Mesa, AZ; R. DeStephens/Zonie HG Region 7 CLEVENGER, JEFF: West Chester, OH; J. Hooks/Lookout Mm FP DELORT, BRIAN: Schaumburg, IL; R. Lisle/Lookout Mm FP Region 9 McCARTNEY, L.DALE: Waterford, PA; D. Jones/Lookout Mm FP VOGEL, STEVE: Baltimore, MD; R. Hays/Maryland School HG Region 10 BEATY, ROBERT: Old Hicko1y, TN; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mtn FP CARLTON, ].WILEY: Davenport, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG CHAPONIS SR, PETER: Miami, FL; J. Tindle/Miami HG CHAPONIS, PETER: Miami, FL; F. Foti/Miami HG COX, CASEY: Miami Beach, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG HOUSTON, CHARLES: Gray, GA; A. Bloodworth/Lookout Mm FP MCQUEEN, JOHN: Catha, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG MENK, GRETCHEN: Miami, FL; J. Tindle/Miami HG MORDASIEWICZ, KAROL: Birmingham, AL; J. Cook/Rocket City Airsports SCHEMBRI, CHARLES: Davie, FL; J. Tindle/Miami HG SHRUM, ROBERT: Cocoa, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG WILSON, KAREN: Hixson, TN; D. Jones/Lookout Mm FP WILSON, CHARLIE: Odessa, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG

Region 9 FREY, JIM: New Oxford, PA; B. Umstattd/Sky High

HANG GLIDING

Ratings Region 11 DAUSCH, DOUGLAS: Garland, TX; T. Doogs/Red River Aircraft DRESCHER, ANDREW: Arlington, TX; T. Doogs/Red River Aircraft

ROETCISOENDER, GUY: Goleta, CA; T. Truax SIMPSON, MIKE: Avila Beach, CA; S. Kurth/Airnautico URBINA, PEDRO: Santa Paula, CA; T. Truax

Region 12 CONNOLLY, MATTHEW: Ithica, NY; D. Jones/Lookout Mm FP

Region 4 DUBBERT, DALE: Cedar Crest, NM; L. Crowley Dubbert NIEMEYER, DAVID: Denver, CO; C. Eatherton/Colo Windpark

INTERMEDIATE RATINGS

Ill

Region 7 ]WEDA, KAMAL: Detroit, MI; N. Lesnow/Pro HG

PILOT: City, State; Instructor/School Region 1 I GELMAN, JEFF: Corvallis, OR; R. Enck Region 2 CHRISTENSEN, ANDREW: Sacramento, CA; A. Whitehill/Chandelle SF DeMILL, DAVE: Cambria, CA; J. Hesch/Central Coast Soaring STIELER, MIKIE: Sonora, CA; W. Brown/Top Flite HG Region 3 ALLEN, SCOTT: Long Beach, CA; R. McKenzie/High Adventure BAUER, MARK: San Diego, CA;]. Ryan/HG Center San Diego McCARTY, KEVIN: Tujunga, CA; G.W.Meadows/Just Fly RODRIGUEZ, JUAN: Claremont, CA;]. Pin/Lake Elsinore HG Region 4 HAMMER, ANDREW: Salt Lake City, UT; D. Sharp/UP Soaring HINSHAW, JEFF: Colo Springs, CO; B. Decker MATIAS, EDWIN: Colo Spirngs, CO; B. Decker MUISE, CLAY: Colo Springs, CO; B. Decker PRENTICE, DAYID: Albuquerque, NM; M. Glanrz SANTACROCE, CHRIS: Draper, UT; D. Sharp/UP Soaring Region 7 JOHNSON, MATT: Holland, Ml;]. Mitchell/]] Mitchell HG PROUGH, DENNIS: Utica, MI; N. Lesnow/Pro HG

Region 9 KELLY, SEAN: \Vilmington, DE; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports Region 11 DEBELLIS, PETER: Houston, TX; C. Boddie Region 12 COVELLI, TONY: Ellenville, NY; G. Black/Mm Wings SHULTS, GREGG: Ellenville, NY; G. Black/Mm Wings

MASTER RATINGS RICK ATTIG KEN CAVANAUGH JEFF GILDEHAUS FRANK GILLETTE CHARLIE PORTER TERRY PRESLEY LON STREIB TASCHE STREIB MURLE "SONNY" WHITE JAMES WOOD EIJIYOKODA

FOREIGN RATINGS Region 9 PHILLIPS, JOHN: Grottoes, VA; W. Bennett/Western MD HG ROGERS, DOUG: Birdsboro, PA; C. Titone/Wind Riders Region 10 BOSWELL, DAVID: Tampa, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG FISHALOW, AL: Orlando, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG GRAVES, JEFF: Winter Haven, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG LEE, KATHY: Dunlap, TN; B. Chalmers/Lookour Mm FP LITTLE, JOHN: Lookout Mm, TN; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mm FP SHERROD, ROGER: Orlando, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG

BEGINNER RITTERSKAMP, KARL: Meerbusch, Germany; R. McKenzie/High Adventure ROWBOTHAM, CHRIS: Durham, UK; R. Lisle/Lookout Mm FP NOVICE ALLEN, SOPHIA: London, UK; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mtn FP CHARBONNEAU, MICHEL: Montreal, Quebec; R. Lisle/Lookout Mm FP RITTERSKAMP, KARL: Meerbusch, Germany; R. McKenzie/High Adventure ROWBOTHAM, CHRIS: Durham, UK; R. Lisle/Lookout Mm FP

Region 11 RODRIGUEZ, R.R.: Wimberley, TX;]. Hunt/Red River Aircraft

INTERMEDIATE MAKELA, GERRY: St. Catherines, Ontario; B. Lyon/Rochester Area Flyers PREBOY, STEVEN: Wetaskiwin, Alberta; J. Greenbaum/Airtime SF

Region 12 CALCAGNI, BRADLEY: Rye Brook, NY; G. Black/Mm Wings CASPER, BERT: Johnson City, NY; D.S. Jewell/Flight Works

TANDEM ONE RATINGS

PILOT: City, State; Instructor/School

KARI CASTLE BURKE EWING III GEORGE HAMILTON GREGG MINOLLI

Region 2 BUCHHOLZ, GEORGE: Stateline, NV; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports MINOLLI, GREGG: Boulder Creek, CA; W. Ostiguy

TANDEM INSTRUCTOR

ADVANCED RATINGS

Region 3 BOARD, STACEY: Sunland, CA; G. Reeves/Windsports DeWITT, JOEL: Santa Cruz, CA; \YI. Ostiguy LITEUREUX, DANIEL: Vista, CA; R. Mitchell/Eagles Wings MILLER, JACKIE: Laguna Beach, CA; P. Phillips/Lake Elsinore Sports

MAY 1994

ERIC McNETT

with the I wide pertnanre enwl~ lociet ILl) 1!111 OllJl)led \iitlJ solid iolflj)eed hil!dlr!g no 01h11 ~gll pafO!IUIIC! wing till lllllli

•

. . best lilllldl and laoq qualilies ill Ille business . . iglit yd posilive pltdi feel pkis smoolll, inear IOU respoose • ru ii Ille ij~ Pffla.'·

WORLD AEROBATICS CHAMPIONSHIP

MANUFACTURERS' LEAGUE MEET

ftNl11ridt, OJlotado

DIIIOQIII', Colottldo

1. Ron Young - TRX 160

1. Dave Sharp - TRX 160 2. Tony Bartoo - TRX 160 3. BU1ch Pe,w;hy- TR)( 140 4. Dave Seaberg - TRX 160

2 Tony Barton TAX 160 3. John Heiney - TRX 140 5. Royce AndefWl - TAX 160

The Smtratoum Mountain.flying site. The SMHGC launches rm: in.front ofthe noscplate. 1hmmy 7'hompson'.I· house and launch rm right behind the /,eel pocket. Photo by Doug Rice

in,

slow process, and many people are unsure that there is a large enough market to justify the investment. This is where you come in. 1f I have a long list of orders pending, the Site Guide will have to be approved! If you've been planning to buy one, now is the time. PLEASE send in your order TODAY. ff you'd like to advertise your shop in the Cui de (near your local site), please contact me immediately. If l don't get a sufficient response to justify publication, all checks will be returned uncashcd and credit card orders destroyed. Right now it looks as though the Site Guide will be produced in three volumes (Western, Central, Eastern) due to shear volume. Each volume will have an estimated 75--100 sites and 250-300 pages, along with a fold-out map of the region covered with each site marked. Individual site reports will be similar to the ones you've been reading for the past two years. Pages will be replaceable (and updates available annually) in a multi-ring binder approximately 6" x 9". A retail price of $29.9'5 per volume is maximum, and we may even be able to get· it down to (we'll send a refund check with your Guide should the price be lower). I'm going to start with the Western edition, which will include (at least) California, Nevada, Oregon, ldaho, Washington and Alaska there acnrnlly ,ire flying sites in Alaska!). How about it? Do you want a National Site Cuiclc badly enough ro pay for it?

SAURATOWN

Richardson m sorry that I've been gone for so long. Did anyone notice or care? lclmmy Thompson got me going again by sending me part of the following site report. He's running a fly-in this month and asked me to get it into this issue, so if you're interested check the report and give him a call. As for me, l'vc pcrmancndy left California (along with a few million others) and am now living in Arizona. Please direct all future correspondence to: Rob Richardson 2008 Forest Hills Rd. Prescott, AZ 86303 (602) 717-1393 MAY 1994

I'm in the process of opening a foll-service shop somewhere in Prescott or Prescott Valley (I'm still searching for and negotiating for a shop location), so foe! free to give me ;1 call if you're visiting the area. I'm about 20 minutes from Mingus Mountain, and T promise I'll put together a site report for Mingus sometime in the near fomrc. When I have a shop address I'll be in the blue USHGA directory under Arizona Hang Gliding Center, Inc. J've gotten somewhat frustrated with the National Sile Guide. Publication costs arc going to be fairly high (as expected), ;md I can't afford to fund ir. Getting the USHGA Board of Directors ro approve spending money on anything is an extremely

Sauratown Mountain is a fairly llllllSUal site in that there arc two separate clubs using separate portions of the mountain and sep,irate LZ's. Prom an outsider's point of view, it almost seems like a foud is going on since everything is separate and rhc pilots don't seem to talk much to each other. Accusations abound from both sides, which is too bad; hang glider pilots arc a small enough group that it would be nice if we could at least appear to have a united front (in dealing with government agencies especially). The good pan is that both sets oF pilots arc nice to visitors, so you'll feel welcome no matter which launch you use! If you've been reading your magazines faithfully (if you're reading this article you're probably on of those who reads the magazine cover-to-cover), you've probably noticed Tommy Thompson running for Regional Director in Region I 0. Tommy

Site Info - Sauratown Mtn., North Carolina SITE NAME CHAPTER

Sauratown Mountain Alligator Rock Flyers Association Sauratown Mountain Hang Gliding Club Route 1 Box 274-Cl Sauratown Mm. Rd. 4605-9 Tobaccoville Rd. Westfield, NC 27053 Tobaccoville, NC 27050 (910) 483-0875 (Mike Nester) (910) 983-9064 (Tommy Thompson) [Alligator Launch] [Fire Tower Launches] LOCATION 20 miles north of Winston-Salem, NC. Take I-52 north 10-11 miles from Winston-Salem and exit at Highway 65 (Bethania Rural Hall Road). Turn right and head north 2-3 miles to Rural Hall and Highway 66 North. Head north 10-11 miles on Highway 66 and turn left on Taylor Rd. Head west on Taylor 1/2 mile and turn left on Sauratown Mm. Rd. Head southwest on Sauratown 2.2 miles to Tommy's launch at his home on the ridgetop (he has a windsock in the yard). Continue on Sauratown Mm. Rd. to get to the transmitter towers where the Sauratown Mm. Hang Gliding Club launches (there is a locked gate). NOTE: CONTACT ONE OF THE LOCALS BEFORE PROCEEDING TO EITHER LAUNCH! ALTITUDE Alligato1: 2100' MSL, 950' AGL. Towers-. 2460' MSL, 1250' AGL. RATING Alligato1: Novice (Hang II), Class 1 paraglider pilots. All pilots must bring a logbook and examine the LZ's before flying,_ Towers-. Intermediate (Hang III), paraglider pilots - unknown. The front launches are cautiously rated for Intermediate pilots, but Novice pilots with mountain experience should have no trouble. The back launches are more challenging and definitely require an Intermediate rating. Paraglider pilots are not forbidden, but the nature of the launches make them extremely challenging for paragliding. Contact one of the local pilots before planning to fly a paraglider from the Towers. PROTOCOL Every pilot must be a current USHGA member with liability insurance, and a liability waiver must be signed. RESTRICTIONS No airspace restrictions nearby. The Triad International Airport TCA (Class B airspace) starts about 35 miles to the southeast, although it is fairly easy to go around it if flying X-C that direction. The microwave towers near the SMHGC launches are 700' tall and secured by guy wires, so don't fly too close to them! The ARPA (Tommy's club) has no fees for anyone, and the SMHGC has no fees for visiting pilots. If you "visit" more than a couple FEES of times per year the SMHGC would appreciate it if you would join their dub and help pay for the site insurance (full membership: $50/year). LAUNCH Alligator. Rough-textured concrete runway with a 20° slope, then the hillside increases to a 35° slope. The ramp is six feet wide and 50 feet long, although the area to both sides is cleared and there are no obstructions. This is a very easy launch for both hang glider and paraglider pilots. This launch is owned by Tommy Thompson. Towers-. There are actually two launch sites near the towers, both leased by the SMHGC. Each launch site has two ramps facing different directions that are made out of expanded metal (to help smooth the airflow). All are built on cliff edges, and have varying levels of difficulty, although the northwest-facing ramp is somewhat sloped. LZ Alligator. There are two LZ's, one for paragliders and another for hang gliders. The paraglider LZ is a four-acre corner of a 35-acre field, and the hang glider LZ is a large farm. Both have large wind flags. There are additional fields that look good, but landing in them is not permitted. The paraglider LZ is owned by a pilot (Lany Ayers). Top landings are also possible on a ridgetop 3/4 mile east of launch, and an assembled glider can be transported back to launch on the back of a pickup without breaking down! Towers-. Large LZ with 10 acres of grass and 20 acres of additional cleared area, only a 2:1 glide from launch. The club has had this LZ for seven years and takes care of it for the landowner, so please help keep it clean! DIRECTION Alligato1: The slope faces 170°, and is flyable in east through southwest winds. Towers-. The two "front launches" face south and southeast, and the "back launches" face southwest and northwest. SETUP AREA Alligato1: Room for 15+ gliders within 50' oflaunch, and gliders can also be set up along the road right-of-way. Towers-. The front launches have a newly expanded setup area that can hold 25+ gliders, and the back launch has room for approximately 17 gliders. ROAD The road to both launches is paved and 2WD, and takes only 10 minutes to Tommy's launch, and 15 minutes to the Towers launches. CAMPING There are two state parks nearby on two other mountains (Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain). There is an Econolodge 10 miles south in the town of King (910-983-5600), and Singletree Inn offers bed and breakfast and camping (910-593-2633) X-C Excellent (for this part of the country) X-C in all directions. The current site record is 75.5 miles by Jake Alspaugh (from one of the Towers launches) to Albamarle, NC. EVENTS Memorial Day Fly-In: This fun event is May 28-29 this year, includes a picnic, and is sponsored by the ARPA. October's Best Fly-In: This fun fly-in is held each year in early October, includes a competition with prize money, a free dinner, and is sponsored by the SMHGC. BEST TIME Sauratown is flyable year-round, with April and May providing the best thermals. Most pilots wait all year long for April, at which time altitudes can reach 10,000' and flights can last seven hours. Summer can provide "wonder winds," with ridge soaring in the fall and mixed conditions during the winter. FREQUENCY All three USHGA frequencies are in use by the ARPA, as well as 157.42 mhz (two-meter). The SMHGC pilots don't fly with radios very often. CONTACT Tommy Thompson (91 O) 983-9064 (ARPA - Hang Gliding) Chuck Miller (910) 924-0190 (ARPA - Paragliding) Mike Nester (910) 483-0875 (SMHGC) Doug Rice (910) 994-4377 (SMHGC) Jeff Reynolds (910) 994-9575 (SMHGC V.P.) (SMHGC Treasurer) Joel Godin (910) 983-4253 MISC There is no alcohol allowed at any of the ARPA facilities. The SMHGC has no problem with moderate alcohol use during the common after-flying socializing.

HANG GLIDING

bought a home on the ridgctop and has a launch in his He has a club, the Alligator Flyers Association (ARPA), which at one time was a USHGA chapter which boasts 25 members (slightly more than half of which are paraglider pilots). Another pilot, Larry owns the paraglider I Z making for a mostly pilot-owned flying site (the hang gliding LZ being used permission and not pilot-owned). At the other end of the ri (only about mile arc rhc "Fire "fowcr" launches, which are leased and managed by the Sauratown Mountain Gliding Club The SMITGC claims 20 members no current paraglider memand fow if any of the pilots belong 10 both clubs. Tl1;n makes more than 40 pilots who use the si le regularly, which is the last n1mmtain all the way to the coast! Paraglider pilots arc welcome at this site too, but the coultl be challenging, and so no paraglidcr pilots requested flight privileges. There is a locked on the way to launch, so hooking up with a local pilot is mandatory. (Actually, it should be mandatory even with out a locked gate!) If you're anywhere nearby during either fly-in (May or make sure you call and stop by for some fun times. While you're there, do me a fovor and talk to rhc locals about some fences.

Alan White launches at ]1Jmmy Thompsoni The LZ is netlr the left wing tip. Photo by Tommy Thompson.

on quantity

MAY 1994

I •

sihly a used Super Spon when the price came within my reach in a year or two. T had basically given up flying afrcr moving to Florich in '89, being uncomfortable with the idea of towing my 1980 Seahawk. So, when that phone call came from the USIJGA I was ecstatic. I could get back in the air! While I would have loved to own a glider from any one of the manufacturers sup· porting the raffle, I had decided 10 years ago that l would try to acquire a Wills Wing. The name was so appropriate. I immediately planned a trip ro Lookom Mountain J;light Park. I expected that this glider would require some getting used to afrer IO years 011 a Sea hawk, so I wanted ro start from the ground up. No honking for rhis bird. l flgured a d;iy or

I here J was, thought I was gonna buy. A used glider thar is. Umil that custom glider of my choice from Wills Wing, Pac Air, or UP came fly ing into my life from the World Team fr,nd raising raffle. Thanks Brad! My only hope until then had been pos·

"Oh. A couple of more feeble attempts. "This glider," Jim says, "has very light bar pressure. You need to let go and let it launch, then pull in lightly with your fin·· gerrips to get up a little speed f<Jr landing." What a concept. I had held sway over my 01her gliders with a death grip for 1<J years. Little did l know. It worked great. I spent the next four days trying to nail that flare window every time. My Seahawk gave a linlc wiggle when it was rime to flare, but the Super Sport flew smoothly right through the flare win·· dow. Ir required ,l two-step flare they said. Let the bar slowly forward to neutral. Push out slightly. ff it stays flat, flare it. it climbs, hold that attitude until it quits climbing, then flare. Practice, prac· ticc, This seems as awkward as I remcrnber during my very flrst encounters with a hang glider. On the fourth day Allen Bloodworth says I am ready for the big hill. I am not sure I believe him. r SUS· pect he is just sick of wntching me flail and figures the big hill will give me just enough energy to dump my glider, totally discom· age me, and get my miserable hide out of his life. But hey, l'm game. This thing still focls like two ldi wings. Maybe that extra cou· pie of seconds in the air will allow me to get the "feel" of th is glider. Jim: "You need to learn how to mm this glider. Cct a good launch. Pull in the bar just a little. Bank i1 over and let the bar

two on the training hills would allow me to get dialed in. That cfoy or two turned into eight days. Lookout Mountain boot camp. On the hill by AM! But I'm 011 vacation! "Have you ever flown a double surface "No sir. Cive me 20 hang checks!" First launch. A fr:eblc mush down the hill. Jim Hooks: "You were p11shing out on the bar."

!.EJ:T Mtm 1aher (lefi) 1md Will Swanson in.front of'Wiltr new V(!illr Wing Super SjHJrt at l.oo!wut Mountttin Night

HANC C IIDIN<,

out. Pull it back and in a little to get om." like that. This is worse. It's to ft:el like three Four days later and 30 flights to date Allen says, "Give me Lwo linked 90's." l\111ovrn1g [ have to really cr,mk to m two 90's in this still (for a fow for launch, otherwise lighdy air, am it everything ['vc got. to ily the mountain, but now [ think I'd like to "dear" just so I cm sleep in and 1101 have to hump this training hill all

That first 90 must be the first wellcoordinated turn I make because it snaps around. The catches me by surprise, and for a second [ think [ am going to fly into the hill. No wonder rhey rhis glider is A left J land in the swamp pud-· dle) which I swore to myself I wasn't going to do.

Allen: "Alright, do i1 " But l am not to land in that swarnp. Sloshing out of rhe swamp one more time Allen meets me al the bottom of the hill. "You're clear." "A [JUG H' IT' The next two days the wind blows a blustery southwest. Lookout is a northlaunch. People arc flying, hut I cons1(terecj a ''srudent" and am Er<lUJJO··

Finally, on the of the second it is mellowing out. Matt 'faher says it's a go and I launch into

M!W ·1994

lightly·

ABOVE·

to launch at Loolwut.

RIGHI: Bad: in the ctir in his new U511 GA \Xlorld Team Raffle Wills Sport.

bumpy air. The glider starts a mild yaw oscillation and 1 figure l must be flying too fas1·. I let the bar out to neutral and notice

a major drop in airspeed. Pulling in just a little bit l look around for that airspeed indicator put on my glider. (Allen tells me later J was going so fast out of launch that 1 climbed when I let the bar out. l always did like to make sure I got off on a critical launch.) lt reads about 20, so I pull in just slightly. They told me to fly between 20 and mph. It gets to 25. Boy, tbis is rouchy. After concentrating on holding it at 20 to fr)r a while I decide to le1 go of the bar and sec where it trims. It down to vary between 15 and 18, and I decide the light bumps aren't going to let me get a good reading. Besides, the landing field is coming up. I had done all my flying out west until now and never had to worry about a land .. field too rnuch. Pretty much anywhere you came down was alright. But this is dif.

feren t. there arc trees or creek. No way am I going to blow this. four 90's around the Held bring me down 10 twice the height of the trees at the south end, so I line up for final. Go to mph, fly in, go to neutral. FLARE. "YEEHAW!" This is a whole new sport. What a great machine. The next day is rainy and gusty, l head back to Florida wishing I could make a hundred flights off the mountain. But Englehardt told me some of the best ilying be had experienced was in Florida, so I am looking forward to towing. I woL1ld like to 1liank Matt T\1ber and all the folks at Lookout for their help and support. This could not have happened without Wills Wing, or Pac Air being so generous. Many, many thanks. Thank you Rob Kells. Thanks USHGA. Thanks to the U.S. World Team. And thank you Brad Koji. You have my eternal

rude.

engine F-alco, he directed Angel co the area

of repuis, the high plateaus that stand alone

nc day in 1935 Jimmy Angel was nursing a drink in a Caracas bar. He was busted, disgusted arud wondcti ng where to beg a handout. Ile had come to Vcnc-t.uela as a pilot .seeking adventure :1nd fuund mi$fOrtunc::. Ho,\'Cver, his luck was about co change. A strange, sidled up to him and offered

0 24

$5,000 if Angel would Oy him into Venezuela's untracked interior. Five thousand then was equivalent to $50,000 now. Angel had his engine revving before the mange, could 6 nish his drink. Angel's benefactor turned out to be a sbrC'"'d Mexican businessman ,virh a hunch. As they flew southeast in the single-

like senrinels guarding ancient secrets in the misc. Indeed, early theologians believed i:hat this part of Venezuela housed the original Garden of Eden (first due: apples don't grow in the tropics). Edgar Rice Burroughs' book The Lost World about an isolated band ot cavemen sharing living space wii:h dinosaurs ,v.lS also scr in th.is area. By rhc mid 1930's, southeast Venezuela and the jungles horderlng the Orinoco river "''ere largely unexplored. The pilot and passenger endured a lonely flight foe hours over the sea of rain forest. Final.ly they found a clearing on one o f the tepuis and set down. Within a couple of days they found what rhe businessman HANG G UDING

•

• LEFT: F.arly momingfoght preparation at Avila by the Caribbean Sea. Photo by Wfiyne Sayer. INSET LEFT: Wfiyne Sayer with many, many friends. Photo by W,ryne Sayer. INSET BELOW: Flying above the clouds is not rare in Venezuela. Pharo by Randy Newberry.

had been seeking - gold! They loaded 175 pounds of ore aboard the plane - about all it could handle - and beelined it back co civillzarion.

A year lacer Angel returned wich a ne-.v wife and a friend. He could nor locate rhe prc:vious cepui and landed on another near ,i river, damaging che pl3oc in chc process. They found no gold and rook 11 weeks ro hike out. What they did find was a \vacer· fall ro rivol all orhers. Angel Falls, as it became known, drops over 3,000 feet frorn a hole in the side of a tepui. It is 15 times higher than Niagara Falls and is the callesr in the world. lr is the symbol of Venezuela ,vith ics jungles, call mounr:i:ins and exotic history. With this srory of Jimmy Angel's remarkable find in mind, a group of U.S.

M,w 1994

pilots headed sourh last February looking for adventure.

rion and were joined by Ma.-k Gibson and

Jim Marush along with Jim's wife Debbie and thclr l'\VO live wires, Linsey and Jahne.

Wayne Sayer and Randy Newberry

We came ro fly and lly we d id. The day

from Virginia. along ,vith my ,vifc Claire and I. had three weeks ro explore

after ,vc arrived \.\'C ,vexe up ar 6:00 Mi and heading up rhe mountain ro sample a morning sire. Avila mouncaln overlooks Caracas, Venezuela's principle: city, and sep-

Venezuelan skies. During the last week we cncered the annu:il inttrnadonal cornpeci-

of the humid sea breeze. We were off 9:00, and even though the sun was mild we had 6,000 vertical focr to with between takeoff course area sea. We frolicked for an hour among the bowls and c\elmca·te this northern coast fine. With no time to dally, we and west Andes. Our first little village called where we flew ;me! etched by the Chama river. Here we

carry your launch m Jabon is 2,500 feet above the valley hut the site is not easy to soar due to its slrnllow We to get up there every mini X.,C miles, bu1 on one occasion I spent one hour below takeoff before l finally saw sunshine. We went on little excursions every day, but usually shot 15 or so unpa.sse at the passthe back-·country of facilitated by our Sisco. Fle is a X-C pilot and speaks enough to understand all our jokes. I·Tc frlund the sites, helped us launch, followed us on the and retrieved us daily with no wa1nng. Incidentally, the in Venezuela are known as sherpas name and have banded to~;ett1cr and r<Y"CHYtl L. tion. We can attest d1at they deserve all for they were very hclpli1l, and efficient.

in we headed into After two the Andes ptopcr to the south. Our destination was Merida, a resort cum un1v1:rstty town in a narrow valley carved hy

met pilots Dino Lorenzo Labrador and Italo. We were introduced to their two nearby sites: Las Gonzales on the cast side of the valley and La on the west. Las Gonzales is an evening for it faces the sun late in the day. La Trampa is a morning site for similar reasons. Midday flying is really nol recommended as we found out, for the narrow valJey pumps a strong wind that in early afrernoon. We flew Las Gonzales the evening of our and floated around with a multitude of paragliders flying solo and in tandem while performing maneuvers and landing on top. As in Europe, hang gliding growth has halted in Venezuela and all the new blood to paragliding. The top of Las becomes quite a social scene on weekends with music, families, girlfriends and vendors adding to the confusion. 'T'he next six of us flew La 'frampa, which in Spanish means "the trap." We indeed felt trapped, for soon after launch the wind set in and we encoumered more turbulence than the Owens normally offers. Yet we were reluctant to land since wind lines on a nearby lake indicated stuff. Pinally, after an hour of bashing around near the clouds, Lorenzo went down to land and showed us that we most likely weren't going to end up as condor condiments. We all landed helicopter style in mercilessly smooth air with only one a local pilot couldn't penetrate out swamp that borders the field. Merida offers a few unique delights that

Park with a clock that chimes his Ninth. On a you can launch at La fly to the and do a roll over Beethoven Parle The hazard to avoid are the perfimning w1ng1Jvc:rs. The Merida airport is in the middle of town in the val Icy and upward from south to north. The ncs come from pop over the pass to the north, fly south of the town, wang around to head back up the valley and land downwind/uphill in up to 20 mph winds. The runway is short (circa 5,000 feet) so developed a special landing tech· nique just for this case: the pilot reverses rhc engines while still in the air and the airplane plops to the ground for a short roll·· out. Such an ride is well worth the ticket I'm sure. Another highlight of Merida is the ice cream shop listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the most flavors available for consumption. There are 578 total with 102 featured daily. 'The owner liked us and started handing om samples. We enjoyed the tropical fruits, and spaghetti flavors, but afrer trying a dozen or so we were already getting a little green when he slipped us one which translated as codfish eggs. I hereby offer a large sum of money to anyone who can eat a pint of that vile mush. Better fare was the smoked trout sand wiches that are a speciality of the area. The food in Venezuela is highly biased toward meat, and some restaurants served nothing but roast chicken or beef. One of the most interesting staples are arepas, which consist of paddies of fried or roasted corn. When filled with various mixes they form a meal and arc quite delicious. But the best thing to savor in the tropics are the natural juices. Be they coconut, sugarcane, papaya or passion fruit, you can't get enough.

We left Merida for La Victoria, a city near Caracas. Here we planned ro spend our last week and a half participating in the international competition. 'fhis compcti-

HANC GUOING

tion bas drawn many wonhy the pilot hangout hotel range from $8 to $20. Prices are pilots in the past, including very low once you arc in,Jolin Pendry, Tony Barton, country. Don't worry about Judy Ledcn, Robin Rhodes, Eric Raymond, Mark Bennett long retrieves since gasoline is and Larry Thdor. Some of a I 950's memory at 19 cents them have bcrn winners. This a gallon. We stayed in one year five Mexicans, a very nice hotel for $3.00 per Columbian and Mark Chick, night (double occupancy) a Brit, joined rhe fray along near Jabon and ate for with us Yankees. around 50 a meal away from the cities. Those The Venc:1.uelans haven't traveled much to outside interested reading more competitions, !mt do the about this competition may do so 111 a future issue of next hesl import out· side pilots, emulate them and Cross magazine. ultimately beat them. The local pil01s have developed Front side ofIa Victoria ttikeoff.· Forget tthout lt:mding in front; the official L/ inro and i, over the brick. Photo ind the avernge We shouldn't leave the Venezuelan pilot has much more X-C cxJ)er1er1ce than the average U.S. Caracas and Merida showed up and filled subject of Venezuelan flying witl1oll1 men· tioning the smoke. 'fhere seem to be fires pilot. Part tlic reason for this is that the the competition with a total o[ 25 pilots. main site at La Victoria is so conducive to everywhere as cane fields arc burned off, There were also al Jeasr as many free fliers X-C flying. brush is cleared and hillsides ignited for at the site. The sky was filled with pilots The town of Li Victoria is nestled God knows wbat purpose. The ecological going XC and we heard that not a single between the coastal range and a "'"1,n0,rrn,., consequences are all too depressing to conpilot landed at the designated LZ hang of tumbled motmtains that reach up to glider and paraglider pilots alike. template. But since it is there, a pilot of 5,000 feet MSL and drop to the Llanos The next day competition began and we nimble wit can make use of the ubiquitous (plains) some 30 miles to the south. 'fl1e learned a lesson in patience. 'fhe promised white plumes. area is scrni.-arid in February so thermals booming conditions fizzled and no one Tbe smoke tells you ground drift for are ahundant and exhibit vario,,pegging made goal 70 km away, although Sandy landing, but is more important fiH locating power on occasion. They arc also often Rudy Gotes and T got close. 'l'hc the sides of mountains that arc pumping thermals. Smoke also showed very clearly second day saw more of the same and only marked with clouds on top and smoke below. More on this later. five pilots finished. However, thermal where the convergence zones were around the large lake, since a line of smokes would The aerial rourcs away from launch take uplift steadily and we were soon flying between and 75 miles daily. ofrcn blow away from the lake against the a pilot along a series of three lakes. You can choose the flatland route or the more 'There was a real learning curve for those prevailing wind indicated by another line of smokes. smHhern mountainous route. Surprisingly, new ro the si tc, because it was necessary ro the f1ats work quite well, al1hough some shift constantly as terrain changes, Smaller fires often helped ther· thought must be to avoid the clampblue and lake effects were encoun- mals, and when all else foiled we would effect of the lakes and find the con, dive for them like for dust devils (there tered. there were some rcrrirorial vergence. were some of these latter thermal byprod. thermals that tended to hang out in the When we first reached the launch si1e it same location. Knowledge of their where· nets as well). I found that many times therwas howling over the hack. Since it was a mals were above the angle of the smoke abours proved invaluable. work no locals were present 'The threat appeared to come leaned over in the wind, perhaps hccausc Gabriel, and he assured us that it was from the Mark Brothers (Gibson and the particulates were heavier and didn't rise nervo11s kept able. We as fosr. Chick) because of their vast experience. the gliders tied LO the car headed for However, the home court advantage plus The large fires produced exuberant thcr· the beach. Come to find out, he was right, mals in their own right. Hold on to your world-class skills garnered Sandy hat and enjoy the ride to cloud base with /cir later in die meet we encountered simiDinmar first place and a $1,000 check. He lar 'fhe trick is to simply wait f()r a your vario screaming and a blizzard of ash won four of the seven days and last thermal to Hun the wind around, swirling around you. My wife, Claire, as well. Second was Dario leap o{T and climb to cloud base. J saw it fi:rnnd such a volcano of lift that took her Brillcmliomg who flew brillianrly and conhappen times to believe ir. s1s1tc11tly and earned Third, with a to cloud base. By the time she exited it had $500 reward, was the highest-placing fclr" srnoothed out, but a little way from the Mark Chicle cloud sh hit the downward shear. 'fhis meet is an annual affair and the Although she was flying with good VenczueL1ns welcome foreign the glider rolled inverted, broke and turn· On bbl She threw her High PDA our friends frorn The entry is $150 and rooms in

M11v 1994

immediately and was rewarded with the wonderful sight of a stable canopy above her. She kept us informed of her progress on the way down and had us all distraught as she neared power lines. Fortunately, she drifted past them and landed safely on a slope. The remark was made that she barely avoided being French toast! We wish to thank Jim Matush who had landed nearby and Mickey the paraglider pilot for aiding in her rescue. Claire couldn't compete for a few days but flew again before the end of the meet with borrowed gliders.

FINAL RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL VENEZUELAN COMPETITION PILOT

COUNTRY

GLIDER

Sandy Dittmar

Venezuela

Dario Brillembourg

Venezuela

Mark Chick

England

Nelson Soto

Venezuela

HPAT

Jose Manual Gotes

Mexico

Xtralite

FARE\VELLVENEZUELA

Dennis Pagen

USA

Alas, all flying trips come to an end it seems. But before we returned to one of the nastiest winters on record at home, we had to fly one more site. This place is known as Guatire and is about 30 km east of Caracas. The flight here is special, for it affords a sight of the ocean if you get high enough (we did) and a flight to Caracas if you are brave enough (we weren't, although five Venezuelans were). Normally this site exhibits more clouds, preventing the altitudes and vistas we acquired that day. The story is told of a female pilot who got sucked up into a cloud at Guatire. She spent over one hour in the cloud, cold and whimpering until she finally popped out over the ocean. Her terror wasn't over yet, for once she oriented herself she found that she was far out to sea. She only just managed to make it to a beach. No, she didn't quit flying, but she learned to respect clouds. Actually, in most areas the clouds were benign and wonderful. We would often climb hundreds of feet above base in the wispies beside the main body. On many flights we would plunge into shrouds and veils of cloud in our path or enter vast halls between huge pillars of soft white. Never have I had so much fun dodging in and out of the humid fluff and not once did I see an FM official standing by with badge in hand. The main problem with flying in Venezuela is the airtime. You get so much flying that you have little time to see the tourist attractions. We did ride to the beach one day through Henri Pittier Park with its myriads of buttressed trees, lianas, bromolids and elephant ears. It also has natural water slides into churning pools, 500 species of birds and a road with over 300 switchbacks. Some in our party took two days off from the competition to go to Angel Falls

Rudy Gotes

Mexico

Xtralite

Mark Gibson

USA

Douglas Dias

Venezuela

Xtralite

Wayne Sayer

USA

HPAT

Richard Dittmar

Venezuela

Emilio Fernandez

Venezuela

Jose Luis Pereyra

Venezuela

Alejandro Riera

Venezuela

Axis 15

Randy Newberry

USA

TRX

where they had adventures in the wild river. The rest of us kept flying; I acquired almost 40 hours in three weeks and could have had more. Besides the quantity of airtime, the best part about flying in Venezuela is the pilots. They are all fun-loving, friendly and mutually supportive. Nobody goes without a retrieve. I was introduced to a visiting Arab prince attending an OPEC conference and asked to assess his flying ability. The Venezuelans were concerned for his safety. He was accompanied by two bodyguards decked out in leather coats and sunglasses while he was attired in full Arab garb burnoose and aha. He told me he had built a training hill at home in the desert, purchased a couple of Moyes Xtralites and hired a helicopter for retrieve. I was trying to be helpful and not offend his princely pride while I checked out his abilities. After 10 minutes or so of verbal gymnastics the Arab took off his robe and revealed himself as Nicolas Veloz, a local pilot I

hadn't met. The joke was on me in revenge for my April fools articles - everyone else knew the story! Bring your sense of humor to Venezuela, for practical jokes abound. We wish to thank Alejandro Riera, Dino Giovanonne, Raphael Dubois and his companion Susie for their hospitality, as well as Luis Aulestia for putting on such a great meet. We will also always remember Nelson "the flea" Soto and his Samurro (vulture) dance performed whenever he lands. We have left the land of jungle mysteries, Andean heights and tropical beaches for a time, but the call of adventure still beckons. We will most likely not make a discovery rivaling that of Jimmy Angel, but no doubt our safari sojourns in the air afford us with just as much a sense of accomplishment and continued reward. We plan to return next year to sample more of the upwardly mobile air, explore ~ more routes and make more friends. ~

HANG GLIDING

GI ider Somersau Its by Cu:tire Pagen "Is it true? Did you get sucked up in a cloud in Mexico? Or is it just a rumor?" A concerned fellow pilot was calling from Washington, DC to inquire about what truly happened to me. She had heard from a friend who was quoting a friend ... Rumors usually start with some sort of fact. Well, let's at least get the geography right, it took place in Venezuela and there was no cloud suck at all. I was thinking that flying in Venezuela is like smoking two packs a day when climbing in a brush-fire thermal; flying in smoke from fires is common practice in Venezuela. Things were quite rough when I dove into this one at around 4,000 feet MSL. I hung on, tried to ignore the fumes and swirling ashes, and looked up at the nicely-forming cloud above my head. Jim Matush, a U.S. pilot flying in the competition, called on the radio to report that he was low in my area, and I watched him set up his landing at the bottom of the burning hill. Meanwhile, things smoothed out and I ended up rocketing up in a boomer that took me to cloud base at 7,500 feet. When I reached the wispies I put the bar to my waist and headed for the edge of the cloud. Things were going fine - no cloud suck and another cloud just ahead on course. I was on my way. Just beyond the edge of the cloud I slowed down with the bar at my lower chest, and noticed another well-defined cloud with a lower base that was very close to the one I was about to leave. It was about 45° off my flight path and I chose to head straight for the turnpoint. About three to five seconds after I left the cloud things didn't go so well. The glider abruptly rolled inverted around my right leading edge. Total surprise. I was shocked. "What's going on?" I remember thinking as I was tossed around and stuck in the wires. The day's conditions sure seemed harmless. But this was no dream, and after two tumbles and some other wild pirouettes a quick glimpse at the glider showed that a leading edge was broken. Time to throw the chute. Well as it happened, it almost threw itself. I pulled the handle of my hand-deploy High Energy PDA and expected to grab and toss it, but as soon as the harness chute container was opened the parachute acted on its own, helped by my free fall. Beautiful, it looked beautiful! The opening shock was quite violent but the deployment was extremely fast and clean. I must have been almost smiling. I radioed my situation right away and spoke quite quickly just in case something went wrong again. Actually, it all happened really smoothly from then on. The glider was inverted and I was hanging, standing up in my harness off the trailing edge. Everything was stable. When my vario started beeping, I thought chat no, for once, I did not want to go back to cloud base, but I was definitely climbing and the glider started wallowing like a maple leaf. The last thing I wanted to do was go up. Soon I ended up finding sink, or rather it found me, for I had no control at all. On my way down it was ve1y comforting to be able to communicate with my husband Dennis who was flying in the area and

MAY 1994

watching, and Jim who was nearby on the ground. (Maybe he knew CPR!) I was trying to guess at where I would end up: the chicken ranch buildings to the south, the brush fire to the north or the trees down below? It was a light and variable day; take your pick. Luck was on my side. I drifted 200 feet over power lines before impacting on the side of a bare hill. I shook myself off, inventoried my body parts, looked at the wrecked glider and immediately radioed that I was okay. A few minutes later, kids were starting to show up from eve1ywhere and Jim arrived, relieved to see that I was all right. Mickey, the number one paraglider pilot in Venezuela, was also flying X-C in the area and landed near me to help in case of problem. I walked away with some bruises, a black eye from the tumbles and a smile on my face. I was so happy to be in one piece! The glider was missing its left aft leading edge (I can imagine the surprise of some poor guy lying in his hammock, sipping a coconut, as a sixfoot aluminum tube crashed on his lawn), had a few broken batten arrow shafts and a broken keel from the impact. I knew just enough Spanish to ask for some ice from the villagers while waiting for my retrieve to show up. They greeted me with freshly squeezed orange juice (vitamins to heal those bruises) and warm smiles. I was already feeling much better. There has been a lot of talk about tumble-proof gliders in recent issues of our magazine. My mishap hasn't changed my attitude much about glider safety. It wouldn't occur to me to blame the glider for an accident that happened as a result of conditions. I don't even blame the brush fire, since I think I flew in between two strong cores (maybe I shouldn't have ignored that other close cloud to the side), with incredible vertical shear and sink in the middle. You don't need a fire for that. A Mexican pilot left the same thermal before I did (he watched my climb but unfortunately not my tumble), and reported being very severely pitched when he exited the cloud. It was a few minutes earlier and may have been in a different area of the cloud. I strongly feel HGMA and other certification programs do a great job assuring that our gliders have ample stability. This does not mean that we should stop trying to improve our safety in this area, but there are just little corners of the sky that can be very inhospitable. Even though we do our best at guessing where they are and avoiding them, we just have to be aware of the possibility of inadvertently cutting across one of those corners. This is rare, but it's part of the sport and this is why we have parachutes. Incidentally, my chute had been repacked three weeks before, and I have no doubt that this was a big factor in obtaining a fast and proper deployment. Another safety device that contributed to a "safe tumble" was my full-face helmet. Things got pretty rough, and if the helmet did not prevent a black eye during the somersaults, it most probably prevented further damage. I am pretty sure it's possible to break facial bones during a tumble, not to mention the impact on the ground. Do yourself a favor and buy a good one! I flew again a couple of days after the tumble (during those two days of forced rest I felt like a punching bag), and for the rest of the trip on a borrowed glider (thanks to Perico - he didn't seem to think I could tumble twice in a week), and plan to return to the Venezuelan competition next year. I wish to thank Jim Matush and Mickey for their precious help. Also, many thanks to the cheerful and supporcive attitude of the Venezuelan pilots. Attitude ~ goes a long way. ~

mAskGeeDub

Ill

c; I~ I~ I) IJ II The Hang Gliding Answer Man

Dive Recovery Dear GeeDub, I know that this is something I should already know about hang gliding, but I've been flying for several years now and I'm embarrassed to ask anyone. When I pull in on the control bar to the point ofmaking my glider dive, why exactly does it pull out ofthe dive? I know that the luff lines have something to do with it, but I don't folly understand their role in dive recovery.

divide the hang glider into two halves, not the left side and the right side as you may think, but into a front half and a

rear hal£ We'll make the dividing line at the hang strap (or center oflift). See Figure 1. When a hang glider is flying at trim, the lift distribution between the front half and the rear half is equal. Think of it as two separate forces acting on the glider. The force on the front half of the glider is one, and the force on the rear half of the glider is the other. Keep this thought in the back of your mind for a moment. The twist in the wings of a hang glider is the gradual change of angle of attack from the keel to the tips. If you think about it for a minute, you'll realize that the tips are always flying at a lower angle of attack than the root (at the keel). See Figure 2. With these two facts in mind, let's learn why the glider pulls out of a dive. It's important to realize that the tips are completely in the rear half of the glider. That means, in simple language, that the glider can be broken down into the two separate areas of the nose and the tips. If one of these areas produces either more or less lift than the other, then a change in the attitude in which the glider is flying will take place. If we move our body forward, the entire glider flies at a lower angle of attack. Since the front (or nose area) of the glider started at a higher angle of attack than the tips, it will produce more lift at this lower attitude than the tips

Front Half of Glider ~

Name and address withheld by request

his is an excellent question. In my travels around the U.S., running seminars and such, I find that fewer than half the pilots out there understand why a glider pulls out of a dive, so you're not alone. Many pilots don't understand what's going on aerodynamically with their gliders. I'll try to explain it in very simple terms. For the purpose of explanation, let's

/ Rear Half of Glider

Figure I. HANG GLIDING

AskGeeDub l ] Root (ac keel) angle of arrack lip angle of attack

during flight. /

is lower than root's.

"Without a doubt a more technical explanation can be given, but for fun fliers a working knowledge is

all that's necessary.

~ · ------------------------·-

lip angle of attack during flight

Fig,,rt 2.

,viii. In short, the tips are no,v at an

,nglc of ,nack that is low enough to hfodcr efficient produccion of lift. This give, us a basic offset in forces. 'T'he nos:.c area is no,,· producing more life than the tip

quir producing lift. but the tip area is still Aying. This creares unequal lift distribution (n1orc at the tips than rhe nose) ,vhjch lowcn rhc nose until it st.arts pro-

rhrough. T nis is the same etTecr bu, in

ducing lift again. As far as rhc luff lines ue concerned, they don'c come into play during normal Aight. You can dive a glider all you w•nt , and the luff Lines never get right. T he luff lines only come inro play when the glider sees a neutral or negative anglt ot attack. T he only rime your lulflines do any-

reverse. It is in part because che nose area

thing is \vhcn you get chro\vn our of a

ru-ea, :md so the glider cries co pull out of , dive (erearing bar pressure}. Once ,he glider's attitude returns to normaJ~so

doe< the disrriburion of lift forces.

Of courSt:, ,.....e all notice chat ,vhen ,vc:: mJI • hang glider the nose drop$

MAY 1994

thermal very violently (and the nose pirches over), or if you whip srall the glider and the nose over-rotarcs past the point of a positive angle of arrack once rhe glider sees airspeed again. Of course, if you stall the glider upside down (such ., at rhe rop of a loop or a high-banked wingover), rhe lufflioes wiU kick in as the glider sees a negacive angle of arrack rcsulring from "falling" upside down for a fc"'' seconds. You no,v have a very basic explanation of why a glider recovers from a dive. and what che purpose of the lull' lines is. Withour a doubt a more cechnical explanatjon can be givcnJ bur for fun fliers a

working knowledge is all that's nt(:<:ssary. Thanks so much for che "question of chc month" and fly safely. for simple ans,vc.-rs co your questions write: Ask GceDub, P.O. Box 450, Kirry Hawk, NC 27949 or c:ill (919) FA'I

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Whi

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strategy was for obtaining the greatest number of miles. Whiskey Peak is a superb flying site with a surplus of flyable days throughout the summer. However, it docs bavc a peculiar characteristic of becoming tmflyable during ods when rhc press should happen to be there. when the local television news crew infrmned us that the only possible time could attend the event was rhe first was not in the least sur-· prised to flnd the wind at launch well into the 60 mph range.

pilots actually drove ttp to launch, and that had

to no press would sbow up two. two were somewhat sub .. compared to the previous day, that is, rocks could no

be off but westerly winds

approaches an XC/light. Photo by Kevin Christopherson. w11,•rrn.moon

he goal of

new pilots

to Whiskey Peak was a resound success last year as more than

70 pilots visited during the Second Annual Whiskey Peak X-C

Pilots

,M•·'"''·,v' from across the continent to

experience this mountain, and with three straight 100+ mile days most were not disappointed. More than 25<X) of the offkially pilots established per· sonal dming this flvc . day event, and many of those who didn'r vowed that would return with the knowledge and experience they gained to try again.

The popular forrnat

the previous meet was retained last year and was once an unqualified success. Coals were set daily and a bonus of 25%J of the miles were given to any pilot landing there. Pilots retained the option to forgo the bonus points by flying past goal or by choosing a direction more suitable for the longest /light possible. This eliminated the problem of a mis· called goal and allowed pilots to judge for themselves what the best route and

to 4 mph were nor what most of the pilots had wanted to during their first Right from the Peak, so understandably rbcre was considerable reluctance to launch. 'le) make a long sto .. ry short, only IO pilots eventually launched with myself winning the day after a 136-milc /light to Wheatland, Wyoming. Ed Goss, the defending champion, landed 10 miles behind the mountain after per/c)rrning several brearhtaking stunts immediately after launch in what he says was ;in effort to get away from the hill. Some of 11s believe that his words uttered directly after getting away from launch, "Thar ought to keep 'cm on the hill," migbr have hinted at a possible motive for the acrobatics display, and just maybe they were not all that unintentional. HAN(; GLIDIN(;

Whatever the morive for his display, his observation did turn out to be correct, it did them on rhe hill. three foially brought calmer conditions to launch, allowing most of the pilots to get into the air and on course. The continuance of the strong""''"'""',."' push pilots 10 choose whether to fight a and head for the mile or ro follow my route of heading due cast, in an attempt f<Jr more miles. When the was over a total of seven pilots had made Scon Comeaux who his best X·C flight in so. Pom of the pilots who headed cast were rewarded with miles the 71 to the finishers. Both Al Whitesell and Ed Coss eventually landed in Wheatland within rwo miles of totally unaware that rhe other was anywhere near. Al's flight of I :·3'7 miles earned him both the daily

longcst·flight

of a sweatshirt and a

powder jacket donated by Big llom for the longest flight of the meet. The weather pattern continued its weakening trend for the fourrh day as rhc winds shifted rn the southwest and lessened considerably. On this day it· was obvious rhat all pilots were to be following the main road to so once the goal of Clark's Corner was called. For the straight day most pilots got into the air and on course. Three pilots opted 10 land at goal with

Miw 1994

Goss, second; Kevin Christopherson, first; Ill Whitesell third

IO pilots choosing rn overfly it. Por me, there was no decision necessary, as I was ar 17,000 foct when l reached go,tl and was excited about the prospect of doing a live interview on the local radio sration as I passed over Casper. Everything was as planned. I had just cst:1blished radio contact with the DJ and was stanrny interview when I encountered ,v,.,.,,m. strong ground suck. Over the minutes the entire town of to listen as l got cl rilled from 10 the ground. Later, I did 0 ,,,

receive several positive comments on my commentary, the highlight oFwhich seemed to be my rather excited play·by·· play account of almost landing on a coy· ote. My was rewarded as many ·""'"'n,1Pc got 10 observe the otl1er glid· crs as they sailed overhead. Erik eventually prevailed and won the "longest flight of the day" sweatshirt, for his I 00-milc flight past Cl en rock. As people starred arriving at launch on day five they found that the winds had not merely lessened; they had gone

nq~an,ve. That is Lo say thar they had switched ] 80 degrees and were now blowing out the northeast. Fortunately, Whiskey Peak docs have launches focing most wind directions, but rhc launch north is so seldom used that it had previously never been -------~-""""' dms rendering it impractical for launching 60+ without some major work on i1. With this in mind, several ambitious pilots lent a hand in the widening of1au11d1 and were just fin"ishing the job when the word was passed down that the wind had switched back to the southwest. Following the mad rush to the somhwest launch there were nasty rumors circulating that we locals had somehow planned for that all along. Now everybody knows d1ar nobody cm control the weather, but l'm nor complaining as we now have an excellent north launch. As the pilots set up their gliders, everybody took notice of the ovcrdcvclopmem building in from of rhc moun"tain, and even though the wind was extremely light and not soarablc, several of the leading pilots decided to get into the air to try to beat the storm. Unfortunately for me, I was one of these early birds and ended up being quickly flushed to the landing zone. While I

price. The

0urface

XL, and the HGMA Ce1·Ufie1J doulJle fjUlfaCC Xi.

!30th available in

underccmoy

midair.

broke down and waited for my ride, I got ro sit at the houom and watch pilots launching and leaving in rhe steadily growing conditions ARRRRRGGGCG! With only a 35-mile firsr place lead over Al Whitesell and Ed Goss I could not afford to sit this day our.

Finally, after a heroic retrieval effort by my wifo l l was once again on top and setting up my glider. With any luck I would only be an hour behind the pack. B11t just as things were looking bet-

tcr, and [ was aboul halfway dirough set" ting up my K], I was jolted by the unmist:akible hone·"ranling crack of a midair impact. For anybody who has ever heard d1is (for me, this was my second), I can testify rhat you will never forger this sound. A noise that sounds like a hcad·"on car crash emanating from directly overhead can mean only one thing, and it isn't good. !, and everybody else, instantly looked up at the paralyzing sight of a glider spiraling out of the sky. Seconds turned to hours as everybody

k0 Hie choice for t;he inte1°111ediate to advanced pilot. ® Exu;llent; f'01·forrnance.

VG /v~1,ri£Ji?le r,e,·1m1;t,-,1\

14~) and 16fj.

Eslired rublJer rJack i:fowntulJes. and fun to fly. nnd

Competition Corner held their breath and waited for a chute. After a several-second delay, and about three revolutions, a small orange chute finally emerged and blossomed out to somewhat slow the descent. Although Jose Pereyra was not injured in the initial collision with Andrew Tully, he did sustain a broken leg on impact with a boulder on top of Whiskey Peak and had to be shuttled off the mountain. He was then transported in Bairoil's ambulance free of charge to the Rawlins hospital. Andrew was somewhat luckier in that he was not forced to deploy his chute, and was able to successfully perform a top landing. His only injury was a nasty cut to his face where it impacted Jose's wing. He attributed the fact that he was not knocked unconscious to his full-face helmet. After determining that both pilots were being cared for and were relatively healthy, the pilots once again began taking to the air. My situation looked pretty bleak, for after gaining nearly a two-hour head start, I was sure that Al and Ed would have at least a 40-mile lead. As I climbed away from the peak in a strong thermal (clearing my turns religiously) I was surprised to find that Al had landed 21 miles behind the peak, and that Ed had spent over an hour scratching for lift in front of Devil's Gate and was still stuck there. The storm that had been

brewing over the desert was gradually moving closer, and as it advanced it was producing good lift that was not available to the pilots who had left the Peak earlier. This stroke of luck allowed me to catch up to Ed just as he was finally getting up off the deck. As the storm advanced, pilots everywhere began reporting getting higher in smooth, steady lift, signaling a condition most pilots recognized as cloud suck. Due to the slow-moving nature of the storm, most of the pilots were able to identify the condition and stay safely in front of or below it. For a while everyone was enjoying the experience and the spectacular scenery offered, while cruising at cloudbase over two miles above the ground. But gradually the storm matured and virga started dropping out of the bottom. Even though breathtakingly beautiful, this condition brings on a few unwelcome side effects. The more irritating one is the fact that virga is generally made up of frozen moisture in some form, that more often than not is hail which can be rather irritating when it slaps exposed skin. A second, more urgent side effect of virga is lightning. The first bolt that ripped through the flock captured the immediate attention of every pilot in the area, and as the natural pyrotechnic dis-

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play intensified, pilots filled the airwaves with excited accounts of their near misses and frantic calls to their drivers. During the heat of all this, and just when it seemed that it couldn't get any more exciting or terrifying, depending on where you were, there came a wealc but excited call over the radio announcing to all, "This is Ted, and I am being sucked up! I'm passing 22,000 feet and I'm going to throw my chute!" How does that old saying go? "No shit, there I was, thought everyone was going to die!" Well, something like that. As it turned out, Ted Hughes didn't end up throwing his chute. He continued to fly his glider, and 20 minutes later spiralled out of the cloud and on down to the ground where he landed safely with a healthier respect and a new understanding of cloud suck. I was the only person to make goal chat day, securing a first place finish. Ed landed a few miles short of goal, but chis was far enough past Al to move him up into second place and bump Al back to third. Even though we had some bad luck the last day, the stats from the competition are pretty impressive. The winning pilot totaled 335 miles in four days of flying, for an average of 84 miles per day. Three of the four days saw 100+ mile flights, and a full 25% of the pilots (continued on page 48)

Aerobatics

n the Jan uary issue of Hn11g Gliding maga1.ine there appeared an article abouc an aerobadcs.. induced rumble ar the 1993 World Aerobatic Championships, and I fdt co1npeJled to \vrice chis article ,vith my feelings about the accident. I've observed sim ilar incidents in rhc past, so I feel it's abouc rime. Just so some readers won't think, "Oh great, another schmuck with a stupid opinion," here's a little about me. I've Aown hang gliders for about 20 years, have test Aown more 3,000 production gliders for UP lnrernacional. and have won three world aerobatic champio nships including the 1993 Worl ds in Telluride. Colorado. My biggest concern is rhat too many pilots attempting aerobatics arc nor ready for the speeds and atrirudcs current gliders arc capable of. Today's high-performance gl iders offer rremendous potential for great maneuvers. with a high margin of safety if properly execured. Uoforrunarely, the key factor here is 11 propcrly exec·ured. n res unforn1nare,

because pilots ,vho have nor gone

Lhrough a slow progression from beginning to advanced aerobatics,

fa1niliarizing chcnlselves with the maneuvers and their gliders, wiJI roo

often find themselves slow, upside down, stalled straight up, and possibly floundering for their chutes in a s tate of pan ic and desperation. Unless a pilot has invested hundreds

- yes, hundreds - of hours to accomplish safe. controlled maJICuvc:rs. he or she i_s asking for what's been happening much coo ofcen: tumbles, rail-slides, broken gliders, parachute deployments, non-<leploy1nencs, or worse yet, po:1siblc paralysis or death. The: reason l'n1 relling you chis is char in r.hc article mentioned above. che pilot's dcscripcion of his com-

plcrdy and obviously blown maneuver \Vas totally inaccurate. (Unforcunacely. the incident was aircd on a national television sho,v.) Too n1any other pilots have inaCL"U-

HANG GLIDING

WARNING: The USHGA and Hang Glider Manufacturers Association strongly discourage flying hang gliders outside HGMA-placarded operating limits. Aerobatic hang gliding is extremely dangerous, and pilots participate in this form of flying at their own risk. This article is presented because of the important safety issues addressed. OPPOSITE PAGE: Rbn /ll{)ps after rrkasing from a h.r-air balloon. LEFT: Climbing into a loop.

BELOW: Stalled at the top ofa loop!Note bar pulkd in a,,dpilotglued ro ii.

ratc:ly described c.hcir blo,vn rn~neuvcrs to me, cirhcr co cover up their mistakes or because they did nor really undersc-.i.nd \Vhat ,vas going on. ~rl1ese inaccurate descriptions and lack of undemanding nor only slow progress of the pilor,s in question, bur 01.akc acrobacics and h:tng gliding look bad or even dangerous to the public. I pt:rson.illy ,vitncsscd chis particular incident, and have revie,;ved it over and over on ,..idco from three diffe.renc v.1ntage points. This ,\•as clearly an arrcn1pr at aerobatic n)aneuvers fur beyond , he pilot's skill level. T here wasn't enough speed, rnough speed was daimed, and although only one maneuver was nlencioned, there \\'Crc C\','O stalled maneuvers leading up co a th.ird stalled 1na11euver whiich resulted in the ru1nble. ·rhe pilot rnough, he had plenty of airspeed and was hit by some kind of turbulence, however, ,he glider rumbled as a result of nn extreme nose·up attltude and. no airspec:d, and co cop ic off he was pushing out. The is the perfect scenario for a rumble. Had the 1>ilot rc:alized whac was going o r'l jusr prior co stalling comple,ely, and puUcd in (in this case also rurning to che right), an almost guaranteed safe exit could have been acco1nplished. If a pilot doesn't even realize a n,jstake is being made (v,,herher novice or expert, or at step one or step ren in the learning p rocess), he'll have trouble consistently doing aer-

,nc

MAY 1994

obatics or for that marter hang gliding in general with little more than a thread of In aerobatics one must start off with the proper method of diving, turning, pulling up, bleedoff and maintaining proper airspeed, and doing so with plemy of al ritu d c. One starts off with mild wingovcrs and works up very gradually to the totally birchin' upsidedown stuff. The technique for safe acrobatics requires knowledge of where you are (not where you think you and not brute force The author picks up speedfi1ryet another outrageous maneuve1: and a fast glider (although these help if you learn how try to pull your knees to your chin to get as to use them properly). much weight forward as possible. Basically, H you do make a mistake and find hang there until the nose drops through. yourself about to hang upside down or slip This docs world This method not only sideways, remember always: it takes airspeed to fly, whether right side up or saved my butt in the early days, but I use it in a couple of die maneuvers in my new upside down. If you're about to stall or are st-ailed, PULL IN! If you're upside down routines to get me over rhe backside and HOLD ON TO THE B!\SETUBE and aid in the tremendous speed needed for tbc

next upside-downer. Perhaps I've a few of you with my comments, bm if yo11 opens your eyes to the potential dangers iuvolvcd in what some of you ;ire doing, maybe there will he one or two fewer para-chute deploymen1s or even deaths in the facet of gliding l love most: aerobatics. ff I c:rn be of help to any pilot or group of pilots involved in please let me know. I'd be more than happy to go into detail on some aerobatics do's and don'ts. I-fang gliding is high risk, but also as safe as you make it. Acrobatics is JO rimes as risky as normal flying, but fi:H me it offers at least 20 times the satisfaction.

The author may be contacted at: Ron YrJUng; P.O. Rox 6063, Lrtke Elsinore, CA 92530.

Ed.

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indicating disk airspeed m,;,,rcan11: impe!ler--type indicator.

I IANC GLIDINC

True Ft. Funston, CA Lookout Mt., TN Airspeeds Sea level I 59°F 3,000 ft I 82°F Stall 18 20 Max L/D Max Dive

Owens Valley, CA 15,000 ft I 32°F 24

Table 1. Generic True Airspeeds At Various Density Altitudes The indicating disk type (Photo 1) has been around for years, first as manufactured by Hall Brothers and recently as a very similar-looking product sold by Pacific Resources. The disk measures indicated airspeed via ram pressure in the pitot tube at the base of the indicator. The advantages of the disk type are: Accurate (within limitations) Rugged, easy to clean and maintain Inexpensive (approximately $20) The disadvantages of the disk type are: • Reads high under low G conditions (steep dives or unloading) Reads low under high G conditions (steep turns or pull-ups) Reads low under sideslip conditions (greater than 15° angle) • Needs isolation from vibration (motorized applications) The beauty of displaying indicated airspeed is that this is the airspeed of importance with regard to glider performance within an air mass. That is, your glider will stall at the same indicated airspeed without regard to altitude or temperature (as long as weight, angle of bank, etc. stay the same). The same holds true for the other cardinal airspeeds such as max LID, maximum airspeed attainable in a dive, etc. The impeller-type indicator has also been around for years and all the top vario manufacturers sell them. They are more complex than the disk type and considerably more expensive. The Flytec model (Photo 2) is unique in that it is wireless and transmits the signal via radio waves to the vario for display. Although impeller indicators have a reputation for not responding quickly to changes in airspeed, I feel they do well in flight. While it is true that if you blow on the impeller it will take several seconds to coast back down, the response is much quicker when it is moving through an air mass.

MAY 1994

Advantages of the impeller type are: Accurate regardless of G loading More tolerant of sideslip angles • Tolerant of vibration • Relatively rugged Disadvantages of the disk type are: Expensive ($100 - $250) Expensive to fix if damaged Subject to error if bearing friction increases (don't get dirt in it) It is important to point out that impeller-type indicators measure true airspeed. While this is often close to indicated airspeed it is not identical and is a function of density altitude. True airspeed only equals indicated airspeeds under standard day conditions (sea level I 59° F). A comparison of true airspeeds for a generic glider at various representative conditions is depicted in Table 1. Note that an Owens Valley pilot who ignores how his glider feels and tries to hold a 25 mph true airspeed (erroneously thinking it is best glide speed) would actually be only one mile per hour above stall.

One situation where true airspeed is of interest to the hang glider pilot is in figuring groundspeed. In no-wind conditions your groundspeed is equal to your true airspeed. Since we tend to fly close to terrain where local wind velocity can vary dramatically, I recommend you use a GPS if knowing your exact groundspeed is of paramount importance to you. Perhaps the best airspeed indicator for a hang glider would be a pressure transducer that measures pitot pressure. Hopefully an affordable transducer with the required sensitivity will soon be on the market. Another avenue to explore would be to use an impeller and electronically convert the true airspeed into indicated airspeed. This would not be difficult with the addition of a temperature sensor (which some vario manufacturers already have). Airspeed indicators will become increasingly valuable to intermediate and advanced hang glider pilots as we continue our quest for more efficient and longer cross-country ~ flights. ~

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It Competition Corner (continued from page 39)

entered in the meet Final Top Ten Standings achieved their personal longest Total Miles Place Pilot Glider flights. Due to the success of this meet 1) Kevin Christopherson K3 335 we are going to do 2) Ed Goss 266 AT 145 it again this sum248 3) Albert Whitesell Foil Desire mer during the last 221 4) Frank Gillette AT 145 week ofJuly. 5) Gerry Davidson TRX 203 Hopefully this will give us enough 6) Ted Hughes HPAT 185 time to apply the TRX 160 7) Scott Comeaux 177 money we've raised 8) Jim Bowman Enterprise Wings 172 toward improving 9) RamyYanetz XS 165 the road to launch. 1O) Erik Kaye Wills Wing 154 The dates for the 1994 Whiskey Peak call me, Kevin Christopherson, at (307) X-C Classic are July 27-31, 1994. Entty fees will be $60 per pilot with all money 235-3367 days, (307) 473-8655 nights. raised returned to the meet in prizes and Pre-registration and lodging infor- ~ site improvement. For more information mation is available. ~

1994 WINTER SPOT LANDING CONTEST

by Mark Vaughn

Claremont, New Hampshire to compete in their own winter games. God truly set the scene with a perfect day: warm temperatures in the 50's, clear blue skies, and light south-southwest winds. The task was simple: hit the big orange spot in the middle of the the big white field, and have fun doing it. By the

end of the day, and after approximately 110 launches and landings, we had our winners. Placing first was Jon Szarek on a new RamAir 141 with a distance of three feet from center. Second place went to Roger Fury on a Super Sport 163 with a distance of four feet, and third was Mike Silvia on his Vision 17, also four feet from the center. The tie between second and third place was broken by using the two pilots' averages for the day. I'd like to express my thanks to all of you air-deprived New England pilots who came out and braved the elements. I know all that sunshine was hard to take. I would also like to thank Jeff Nicolay for keeping the road open to the top and for providing us with a perfect location for the event. Thanks also to Olie McMahon for providing us with all the hot coffee that got us jump started, to Barb Kramer and Vic Neumayer for being our eagle-eyed launch directors, to all the tug drivers who got us to the top, and last but not least to my wife Janice for bearing the burden of scorekeeper, taking registration and all around support. Thanks to all who came out and made our winte.r eve~t a great one. ~ We hope to do it agam next year. ~

I ! '

I •

Jon Sz.arek flaring his RamAir at the Skyriders' Winter Spot Landing Contest. Photo by Mark Vaughn.

his past February the Skyriders of New England, along with Jeff Nicolay, manager of famed Morningside Flight Park, hosted its second annual Winter Spot Landing Contest. Some 28 pilots from as far south as Connecticut and as far north as Maine converged on the small town of

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HANG GLIDING

Competition Corner

1994 Lakeview, Oregon ("Hang Gliding Capital of the West") Hang Gliding Events by Dave Baleria

he Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Fremont, Paisley and Modoc National Forests, the Bureau of Land Management, and various merchants are again hosting both their June through September CrossCountry Contest and their July 1-4 holiday weekend fly-in. The total cash awards alone, not counting the various merchants' plaques and merchandise, for this fifth annual hang gliding festival is a record $2,000, up from the past $800. The entry fee per pilot, for all these events, remains at only $5. The proceeds will continue to go into the Black Cap Landing Zone fund, which now has over $1,900 in it. Pre-registration is requested, by mail now or at the Lakeview Welcome Center starting June 1. Pilots' meetings for the July 1-4 fly-in will be held Thursday night at 8:00 PM and Friday morning at 9:00 AlvL

JUNE TO SEPTEMBER X-C CONTEST There will again be $ I 00 awarded each month for the best X-C flights during June, July, August and September, and $200 for the greatest cumulative X-C distance total by any one registered pilot for the four-month season. New this year, there will also be $50 each month for a flight report randomly drawn from each month's reports. The purpose here is to encourage all pilots to report all their Lakeview-area flights, even their sled runs and glass-offs. This helps the sponsoring agencies and merMAY 1994

'41

female pilot entries in past years (one woman in 1993) and merchants buying unclaimed plaques, the male and female classes have been combined. New for

1994 will be an additional $1,000 awarded for the best X-C flight over 50 miles from Black Cap during the three days, donated by an anonymous USHGA pilot, in appreciation for what the Lakeview-area residents have done for hang gliding these last few years.

NEW EVENT "RIDE /GLIDE/RUN"

chants know when the pilots are visiting and flying there. The Chamber also hopes to raise an additional $200 for the best overall X-C flight of the four-month season, yielding a total of $1,000 for the June to September X-C Contest.

JULY 1-4 FLY-IN There will again be a July 4th fly-in, with events from Friday, July 1, through Monday morning, July 4, both X-C and a new "Ride I Glide I Run" contest on July 2.

X-C These include prizes and/or plaques for the best X-C flights on each of the three days (July 1st, 2nd and 3rd), best single X-C flight over the three-day flyin, and best cumulative X-C total for the three days overall. Due to a lack of

f It

Airspeed Indicator ... $23.50 Long Bracket ............. $7.00 Short Bracket ............ $6.50

5" Dia. ABS Plastic Wheels $20.00/pair

An addition to the Adjusted Distance Spot Landing Contest on Saturday, July 2nd will be a new event for teams, either consisting of all pilots or including local mountain bike riders and runners. First, on Saturday morning there will be a mountain bike race from Lakeview up Bullards Canyon to Black Cap, or higher, and back to town. Then, there will be the usual Adjusted Distance Spot Landing Contest during the afternoon/evening window for each team's pilot. Finally, when the spots window closes, the runners will either race from the Hunter's LZ to a goal in town, or from town to the LZ.

For more information on these events contact: Catherine Callaghan, Recreation Planner, 1994 Hang Gliding Committee Chairperson, Lakeview Ranger District, HC64 Box 60, Lakeview, OR 97630 (503) 947-6357, FAX (503) 947-6375.

The Hall Airspeed Indicator™ A precision instrnment for the serious pilot. Rugged, dependable and easy to read. NEW! SMALL HALL • Great for . hand-held wind measurement · or paraglider Airspeed Indicator using Bracket. Small !"fall ................ $23.50 Paraghder Bracket ..... $6.50

PATENT PENDING!

Hall Brothers P.O. Box 1010-H, Morgan, UT 84050, USA Mastercard I VISA I C.O.D Phone (801) 829-3232 Fax (801) 829-6349

FASCINATION OF OUR NEW LINE ALTO VARIO BASIS • Altimeter up lo5500 m (17500ft) • Vari analog/digital • Audio - ASI syst01TI • Memo for 5 flights

ALTO VARIO CI.ASSIC/ COMPmTION • Easy to use with audio feedback keyboard • Altimeter up 10 10000 m (30000 ft) • Audio - ASI system • Nomonal flight calculator • TEK • Temperature indication • Speed • 2 clocks • Memo for 25 flights Additional flight recorder at COMPETITION • Resolution 1 m(3ft) upto6000m (18000ft) • Scan rate variable • 25 flights storable max. 70 h • Speed values storable • Parallel (Centronlcs) and serial (RS 232)

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Classifieds ~~ HANG GLIDING ADVISORY Used hang gliders should always be disassembled before flying for the first time and inspected carefully for fatigued, bent or dented downrubes, ruined bushings, bent bolts (especially the heart bolt), re-used Nyloc nuts, loose thimbles, frayed or rusted cables, tangs with non-circular holes, and on Rogallos, sails badly torn or torn loose from their anchor points front and back on the keel and leading edges. If in doubr, many hang gliding businesses will be happy to give an objective opinion on the condition of equipment you bring them to inspect. Buyers should select equipment that is appropriate for their skill level or rating. New pilots should seek professional instruction from a USHGACERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR. ROGALLOS AAA MOYES GLIDERS - New. All brands used. Harnesses, parachutes, helmets. Brauniger Basis $435. Flytec 3005 $455. GPS, radios, Yaesu FT416 $325. Merchandise, more. (212) 567-2150. ABSOLUTELY THE GREATEST HANDLING High performance glider you can get for $600. Learn to hook those thermals & ger those long flights. WW Harrier II 177, well maintained, can be seen at Crestline. Also V//W cocoon for pilot 5'8" (plus or minus) & chute $500. (714) 968-1775.

\Y/\Y/ cocoon, good condition 5'7"-5'9" pilot $100.

(603) 888-7465. DESIRE 151 - Excellent shape, never whacked, great performance. Lilac, magenta, blue $2,000. (801) 254-6141. DOUBLE VISION - Very good condition, one owner $2,400. (414) 473- 2003. DREAM 145 - Neon colors, great condition $1,200. Also wheels, harness, racks available. (615) 587-0877. DREA,\1 240 - Excellenr condition, blue w/spectrum. New trailing edge. Holds the San Diego counry randem record! $1,400 OBO. Dave at (619) 4485786. DREA.t'vlS IN STOCK (414) 473-2003.

All sizes, Raven Sky Sports

DUCK 130 - Older, intermediate, good flying condition $500 or trade for kayak! Utah (801) 392-9677.

HANG GLIDING covers, Tom Sanders film "Over The Edge" and Spectacular World Of Guinness Records TV show. Priced negotiable, call JOHN HEINEY, (801) 254-5285, Box 822, Riverton UT 84065. FORMULA 154 - Excellent shape, blue/magenta $1,800. (805) 545- 3144. FORMULA 154 - <10 hours, like new, custom sail $2,700. (408) 754- 0438 days. FORMULA 154 - Excellent condition, call for derails $1,500. or best offer. (619) 448-7983. FORi'vlULA 154 - 1993 demo, flo. orange LE, orange and gold undersurface $2,650. Pulse 10 meter! 992, pink LE, gray undersurface, same colors as PacAir ad $2,250. Vision MKIV 17-1991, bright green LE, flo. orange undersurface with white chevron $1,750. Delra Wing Dream 185-blue LE, rainbow sail $1,000. Vision 20-1983 $600. Kite Enterprises (214) 996-7706 days, (214) 727-3588. FORMULA 154- $1,500. (208) 342-1350.

DUCK 160 - Great condition, clean, blue/rainbow/white, $450 neg. Raymond harness 5' -5'7" $400 neg. (303) 871-6794.

GEMINI 134 473-2003.

Excellent condition $800. (414)

GEMINI 134 - Excellent condition, sail is like brand new. Owners Manual, batten patterns included. Flies great $800 OBO. Call Debra (813) 595-2854.

AVSAC HARNESS - For 5'9" male, 160 pounds. Used once, perfect (new) condition. Beautiful teal and mauve colors! Paid $600 for it, will sacrifice at $350 firm. Dave Dansky (408) 624-6256.

GENISIS 144 -

45 hours, very good condition

$1,100. (703) 255- 1297. CG 1000 HARNESS - Gray & black, BRS, parachute, swivel medium $900. (303) 259-3354.

GLIDER BAGS -

Custom made. "Glider-Hider"

$55. XC $70. Standard $80. Sail Wings (501) 663COMBAT 152 - Great shape, with extras $1,400 OBO. (603) 763-2407. COMBAT 152 - Excellent, sweet flyer, spare d.t. & XC bag $1,150. (619) 484-7596. COMET 165 -

New wires, recent annual $445.

3166 phone/fax.

FIFTY-TWO LOOP WORLD RECORD GLIDER - Mystic "Special" with unique custom sail, excellent condition, flies great. Featured in USHGA "Aetobatik" poster, October 1988 & November 1989

HARRIER 187 (619) 222-2716.

Recent $300 refit, flies great $750.

HPAT 145 - 200 hours, excellent condirion, you pay shipping $1,250. Don (415) 773-3081.

1.--------------------------------------, USHGA CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ORDER FORM

I 50 cents per word, $5.00 minimum. Boldface or caps $1.00 per word. (Does not include first few words I which are automatically caps.) Special layouts or tabs $25 per column inch. I (phone numbers-2 words, P.O. Box-1 word) J

photos-$25.00 line art logos-$15.00 Deadline-20th of the month, six weeks before the cover date of the issue in which you want your ad to appear (i.e., June 20 for 1 the August issue). I Prepayment required unless account established. No cancellations and no refunds will be allowed on any advertising after deadline. Ad insertions FAXed or made by telephone must be charged to a credit card.

Number of Months: Section (please mcle) Rogallos Emergency Chutes Parts & Accessories Business & Employment Miscellaneous

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

I I I Please enter my classified ad as follows:

ADDRESS:

PHONE:

I Number of words:

@ .50 = @ 1.00 =

Towing Wanted Schools and Dealers Videos Ultralights Rigid Wings Publications & Organizations Paragliders

NAME:

-----------------

I I I I I J

I I I I II

USHGA, P.0. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933 (719) 632-8300

L--------------------------------------~ MAY 1994

E~ Classifieds HPAT 158 - Blue, purple, white. 1991, 75 hours, excellent condition $1,500. Two handheld FM radios $150 each. (719) 472-0294.

PULSE I IM - Inland only, excellent condition. Dark blue w/fluorescenc yellow lightning bolt. Never whacked $2,400. (615) 886-7093.

HPAT 158 - Blue, yellow, white. Well maintained, must sell $1,400. (206) 956-5139.

RAMAIR 154 - One new. One slightly used $3,450. Both reduced because of overstock. (703) 533-1965.

HPAT 158 - Orange/white, good condition, <80 hours $1,600. (919) 876-7642. HPAT I 58 - April 92, full race, all white w/bottom front 1/4 red panel $2,000. Reggie (619) 445-3633. HPAT 158- Custom sail, great shape $2,000. (619) 934-5403.

K2 145 - Magenta, flo. yellow, HTP trailing edge. Excellent condition w/extra's $2,300 OBO. (8 I 8) 353-1923. K2 145 - Good condition $1,500 OBO. Tammy (809) 378-0480, (608) 798-2275. K2 145 - <35 hours, excellent shape, two-tone blue/white. Tuned & flies great $2,300 OBO. (719) 635-2150. K2 155 - 100 hours $1,995 OBO. Also several entry level gliders available. (615) 933-9296. K4+ - Low hours, very clean, will ship $2,450. Getting K5's, (714) 897-9076. K5 - Like new, low time, great colors, also Ball M50. Make offer. (706) 398-0799.

SENSOR 160 510B - Excellent condition, 30 hours $800 OBO. Call Craig (303) 935-1998. SENSOR 510 B/C - Kit, few hours, vgc, flies nice $500. (805) 647- 7759. SENSOR 5IOC - Full race, good condition $700 OBO. (704) 298-4368 ask for Chris. SENSOR 5IOC - Very good condition. Yellow LE, red double surface, white TE $600. (608) 362-8174 or (608) 362-9920. SENSOR 510E 159 - Full race, excellent condition, 60 hours airtime, extra's. Great buy for $1,900. (209) 523-6089. SKYHAWK 187 - $600. Raven 179 $400. Both excellent. (714) 537- 7995.

TRX 160 - Flown one season, good shape $1,850. (718) 638-2054 NY area. VISION ECLIPSE 17 - Rainbow colors, great shape, new wires $800. (206) 941-7401. VISION MKIV I 7 - <20 hours, excellent condition. Rainbow sail, comfort bar, spare down tubes $1,400. (307) 856-1730. VISION MK IV - $1,200. Avsac harness $230. Parachute $350. (805) 239-3483. VISION MKIV - Low hours $1,400. Pod harness $350. Helmet $75. Parachute $250. Vario $150. (408) 725-0608. VISION MKIV 17 - Excellent $1,400. Raymond pod $300. Ball 652 vario $450. Parachute $200. (904) 241-1464.

SPECTRUM 144 - Almost new. Harness, helmet, wheels $2,400. (408) 423-8857.

VISION MK IV - Super condition, <40 hours $1,500 firm, split shipping. (209) 532-1302 after 6 pm.

SPECTRUMS & VISIONS - Bought-Sold-Traded. Raven Sky Sports (414) 473-2003.

VISION PULSE 9566.

SPORT EURO 150 - $900. 63" downcubes, wheels, spare parts. Kurt (303) 661-9307.

VISION V-20 - Good condition, speedbar, spare downcubes, training wheels & harness, plus shipping tube $1,500. (617) 547-2775.

KELLER HARNESS - w/parachute and helmet $495. Ball 65 I vario $275. Maxon radio w/chargers $ I 50. Maxon mobile w/antenna $150. (503) 7773452.

SPORT 167 AMERICAN - Good condition, 100 hours $1,200 OBO. Call Craig (303) 935-1998.

KISS 154 XC/FR - Centerfold glider, pink/grey, flies great, goes fast $950 firm. (805) 541-6816.

SPORT 167 - Full race, speedbar, faired downtubes. Flies straight, no shims, good condition $1,150. High Energy: pod harness $225. Chute, 20 gore $200. Phone (619) 265-1874.

LITE DREAM 165 (206) 941-7401.

TRADE YOUR GLIDER! - We need clean used gliders! Immediate delivery new Ram Airs, Klassics, Super Sports, Pulses, Spectrums. Call Matt, Lookout Mountain Flight Park, (800) 688-LMFP, (706) 3983541.

Great shape, new wires $800. SPORT AT 167 - Excellent condition, pink & grey $1,750. (310) 475- 6868.

MAGIC IV FR 166 - Excellent condition, low hours $595 OBO. H(916) 452-4247 leave message, Pager (916) 556-6396.

SPORT AT 167 - Flytec 320, Z3 harness with ballistic and more. (802) 879-3607.

MOYES XS 155 - Very nice, 200 hours. Bargain price $1,300. Bob (714) 960-4903.

SPORT 167 EURO - Full race, good condition, speedbar, /lies great, $950. (617) 471-6538.

MOYES XS 155 - Recent sail inspection, new sidewires. Priced to sell, only $1,000. Call Marc (310) 429-8033.

SPORT 180 - Perfect, like new, less than 25 hours. Custom colors $1,400. Also Raymond pod with chute & vario/altimeter, best offer. (608) 296-28 I 1.

MOYES XS2 142 - Jan. 93, excellent condition, low hours $2,500. (818) 357-9479.

SUPERSPORT 163 - Good condition, 50 hours $2,300. Call Tom (303) 347-0618.

NEW DREAMS - One 185, one 205. Rainbow, royal blue, white $1,750. Contact Kamron (408) 4498422.

SUPER SPORT 163 - 40 hours, excellent condition. Featured in USHGA Calendar-December 1994 $2,000. (703) 255-1297.

NEW LITE MYSTIC 177 - 180 Excel, excellent condition. Pod harness, brand new with chute, vario, plus other items. All for $1,000. Steve Christie (619) 369-0966.

SUPER SPORT 163 - Speedbar, <15 hours, crispy $2,400. (218) 624- 4500.

Brand new $2,800. (303) 278-

VISIONS & SPECTRUMS - Bought-Sold-Traded. Raven Sky Sports (414) 473-2003. WILLS WING I 53 SUPER SPORT - 5 hours, immaculate condition. Harness w/chute, instrument deck, new gear bag. Package deal $2,500. (703) 5232900 SW Virginia. WILLS WING - 1851b. average load. Trade for tandem Rogallo. PO Box 835, Tempe AZ 85280. WILLS WING HPAT 145 - $1,200. "Test flown by Rob MacKenzie". Call Flight Systems by (714) 639-7777. WILLS WING 153 SUPER SPORT OUTFIT Delta pod, BRS, vario/alt, two Maxon's with Vox, wheels, more. Ten /lights $3,800. (303) 972-0690.

WW SKYHAWK 188 -

Excellent condition, <20 hours, includes knee hanger harness, wheels & speedbar. Outstanding Novice package $1,250. (818) 8419239.

July classifieds deadline: May20 HANG GLIDING

Classifieds ~~ COLORADO HANG GLIDING "Celebraring Over 20 Years of Sales and Support!" REGION IV'S OLDEST, LARGEST FULL-TIME STORE. RESERVE CHUTES, (All Sizes) never used, inspected, repacked w/new bridle and bag .................... $265 VARI OS/ALT. ................. (Used, All Brands) .. $150+ NEW, USED PARAGLIDERS ....................... $500+ NEW D.O.T. HELMETS ................................ $49+ NEW PARASAII.S ........... (Large size) ........... $1, 175 VlSION PULSE (I IM) ... NEW .................... $2,800 LT DREAM 220 .............. <IO HOURS ......... $1,950 VISION MK IV I 9 .......... <3 HOURS ........... $1,600 SPORT EURO 150 F.R... <15 HOURS ......... $1,435 VISION MKIV 17 ........... <40 HOURS ......... $1,400 LT DREAM 185 .............. <50 HOURS ......... $1,250 HP II 170 ......................... <35 HOURS ............ $700 HARRIER I 147 ............... <30 HOURS ............ $700 DUCK 160, 180 .............. <40 HOURS ....... $550ea. COMET 165, 185 ........... <160 HOURS ..... $450ea. PRODAWN, PROSTARII 160 ........................... <25 HOURS ....... $450ea. LANCER 180 .................. <40 HOURS ....... $425ea. Equipment 100% Guaranteed. Since 1972. (303) 278-9566. GOLDEN WINGS 1103 Washington Avenue, Golden, CO 80401 TOLL FREE ORDER PHONE 1-800-677-4449 or (303) 278-7181 Magic Formula 154 Exe. Cond .................... $1,900 Magic Formula 154 w/spare down rubes ......... $1,700 Mystic 177 VG .......... Great for rowing ............. $800 Euro Sport 150's & 167's ................... $1,700-$1,900 Several Vision MK IV !Ts & 19's ...... $1,300-$1,700 ...$2,900 Vision MK IV 19 ....... Brand New......... Several other good gliders, $400-$1,000. Call for a complete listing.

KATANA 27 - FFE 20 gore PDA hand deploy reserve, UP harness. Less than 50 hours! A steal at $1,500. Dave at (619) 448-5786. NEW AND USED - Paragliders, most brands $500-$3,000. Colorado Paragliding (303) 278-9566. NE\X' PARAGLIDING RESERVES - Brand new 20ft PDA Skyangel PG reserves $385. (303) 2789566. WILLS WING AT 121 - Green, with low hours and harness $2,000 080. (818) 353-1923. ULTRALIGHTS "A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ULTRALIGHT FLYING" - 80 minutes of info, action, music & interviews. Learn how to become an ultralight aviator! VISA & MC call (316) 634-1166. Send MO/checks to: FitzGerald Video, 2343 Stoneybrook, Wichita KS 67226. $29.95 S/H included! FLIGHT DESIGNS TRIKE - Demon wing, Kawasaki 440 $3,000. (617) 889- 4937. TRIKES - Ofter great additional air time for hang glider pilots. Original design American trikes, new from Ultralight Aviation, 1117 Cold Harbor Dr., N. Las Vegas NV 89030. (702) 399-4044. TRIKES TRIKES TRIKES - And accessories. $12.00 info' pack, Jefferson Aero Sports, 15120 Skelton Rd, Jefferson OR 97352, (503) 327-1730. WANTED WANTED - Used hang gliding equipment. Gliders, instruments, harnesses and parachutes. Airtime of San Francisco, 3620 Wawona, San Francisco, CA 94116. (415) SKY-1177. SCHOOLS & DEALERS

EMERGENCY PARACHUTES A BEST BUY! - $265, never deployed, new bridle, bag (PDA's $300). Inspected and repacked, all sizes. Fully Guaranteed! Colorado Hang Gliding (303) 2789566. ALL BRANDS - Bought, sold, and repacked. Inspection and repack $25.00 - Parachutes, bridles, inspected and replaced. AIRTIME OF SAN FRANCISCO, 3620 Wawona, San Francisco, CA 94116. (415) SKY- 1177. QUALITY AN!ERICAN 22g $340. (909) 654-8559.

New reserve 20g $320.

PARAGLIDERS ALL NE\'v'/USED - $500+. Instruction, tandems. California (909) 654- 8559. APOLLOS, CORVETTES - "12A" rared, all sizes, like new $1,250ea. (303) 278-9566. EDEL APOLLO 27 - New speed system, Force harness, low hours $1,800. Kite Enterprises (214) 9967706 days, (214) 727-3588. MAY 1994

ALABAMA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK ad under Georgia. (800) 688- LMFP. ROCKET CITY AIR.SPORTS -

See

Instruction, sales

& service at Keel Mrn., Gurley, AL. For information

send $ I to PO Box 422 or call (205) 776-9995 or (205) 880-8512. Alabama has 8 sites, year-round flying and great XC, so check us out! ARIZONA ADVENTURE SPORTS TOURS - Certified instruction utilizing the world's first man-made rraining hill plus other sites which all face every wind direction. Dealer for Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing, Ball and High Energy, 1327 E. Bell De Mar Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283 (602) 897-7121.

CALIFORNIA A BEAUTIFUL SOARING EXPERIENCE Awaits you ar Torrey Pines Glider Port, a full service USHGA certified hang gliding & paragliding school located on the most soarable coastal cliffs in the nation. On-site training hill and tandem instruction using the new dual purpose, lightweight carbon fiber XTC 205 for both (fly tandem on the same glider you use on the training hill). New/used gliders, equipment in stock. Buy/trade used gliders/gear, rentals, glider repair. Get UP. 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla CA 92037. (619) 452-3202. ACTION SOARING CENTER - In Lodi near Stockton. Personalized USHGA certified instruction, sales and service. Emphasis on special skills, techniques, launching & landing. Demo's. Ask about tow clinic. (209) 368-9665, AIRTIME OF SAN FRANCISCO - HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING. Complete, safe & fun, USHGA certified training program. Mountain clinics & ground schools. ALL MAJOR BRANDS . Quality airframe and sewing by factory trained repair technicians. Parachute setvices. Large selection of 2nd hand gear (buy & sell). Rentals available. Next to Fort Funston. The only full service shop in San Francisco! 3620 Wawona, San Francisco CA 94116. (415) 7591177. CHANDELLE SAN FRANCISCO, INC. Complete hang gliding and paragliding sales, service and insrrucrion since 1973. Norrhern California's most complete repair facility. New and used equipment and demo's, lesson packages, clinics and tandem lessons. 1595 E Francisco Blvd Ste F, San Rafael CA 94901, (415)-GLIDING. COMPACT WINGS PARAGLIDING - Tandem, Class III certified insn-uctor. All major brands. Yearround flying. Best Southern California site. (909) 654-8559. FLIGHT SYSTEMS - New location. Dealer for the BIG THREE, \xrILLS WING, PACIFIC AIRWAVE and MOYES. All kinds of accessories. I understand the existing pilots need to get a sweet deal! I need trade-ins. Call me last. "I'll eat a bug." DAN SKADAL@ FLIGHT SYSTEMS, 1915B E. Katella, Orange CA 92667. 714-(new)639-7777. HANG GLIDER EMPORIUM - Best training hill in the west! Full service hang gliding/paragliding shop, established 1974. PO Box 41339, Santa Barbara CA 93140-1339, (805) 965-3733. THE HANG GLIDING CENTER - Located in beautiful San Diego. USHGA instruction, equipment rentals, local flying toms. Spend your winter vacation flying with us. We proudly offer Wills Wing, Pacific Airwave, High Energy, Ball and we need your used equipment. PO Box 1049, Lakeside CA 92040, (619) 561-1009.

DESERT HANG GLIDERS - USHGA certified instruction. Supine specialists. 4319 W. Larkspur, Glendale, AZ 85304. (602) 938- 9550.

E~ Classifieds COLORADO COLORADO CLOUDBASE - Guided tours, drivers, videos, accessories. (719) 630-7042, FAX (719) 630-8126. PO Box 16934, Colorado Springs CO 80935. COLORADO HANG GLIDING/PARAGLIDING - Celebrating over 20 years of lessons and sales. 1st USHGA certified school in the U.S.A. Region's largest and oldest. Operating full time since 1972. (303) 278-9566.

HIGH ADVENTURE - Hang gliding, paragliding school. Equipment sales, service, rentals at Southern California's mile high site, Crestline. USHGA Instructor Rob McKenzie. By appointment year round. (909) 883-8488. LAKE ELSINORE SPORTS - Certified flight school. Tandem instruction. The area's only HIGH ENERGY SPORTS SHOP. Located at the base of the mountain on Highway 74 in Lake Elsinore. RENTALS Mountain bikes, jet skies, etc. Arca maps available. Open 7 days a week 9-6. Contact Paul or Fawn at (909) 674-2453. LAKE ELSINORE WINDGYPSY - Airwave, Moyes. Call for site information. (909) 679-8994.

EAGLE'S NEST SCHOOL OF HANG GLIDING/PARAGLIDING - USHGA certified instruction. Sales and service. P.O. Box 25985, Colorado Springs, CO 80936 (719) 594-0498. GOLDEN WINGS - Lessons, sales & service. USHGA certified instruction. 1103 Washington Avenue, Golden CO 80401. (303) 278-7181. LID ENTERPRISES - Sail and harness repair Equipment manufacturing - Towing supplies - 5000 Butte #183, Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 440- 3579. TELLURIDE AIRSPORTS - Moyes, Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing, Flyrec & Ball. PO Box 2076, Telluride CO 81435. (303) 728-9525. CONNECTICUT

MISSION SOARING CENTER - Serving the flying community since 1973. Complete pilot training program with special attention to take-off and landing skills. Custom superlire training gliders. Comfortable training harnesses! Deluxe retail shop. Wills, PacAir, UP, demos, new gliders in stock! Best trade-in prices. Try all the new harnesses in our simulator. Large selection of specialized equipment, beginner to XC. 1116 Wrigley Way, Milpitas (near San Jose) CA 95035. (408) 262-1055. TOP FLITE HANG GLIDING - USHGA certified instruction. Hang gliders & supplies. Servicing Merced, Modesto & Stockton areas. (209) 874- 1795. TRUE FLIGHT - USHGA Certified Instruction, Sales & Service. Become a better pilot in less time with our small personalized classes & tandem instruction. Our head instructor has over 13 years teaching experience. Only minutes from our local Kagel Mountain flying site. 13525 Eldridge, Sylmar, CA 91342. (818) 367-6050. \VINDSPORTS - LA's largest since 1974. Fifteen minutes from LAX. Central to Sylmar, Crestline, Elsinore and training sites. Vacation training, flying and glider sales packages including lodging and rentals. The most popular gliders and equipment, new and used in stock. Trade in your old equipment. 325 sunny days each year. Come fly with us! 16145 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys CA 91406. (818) 9880111, Fax (818) 988-1862. WRIGHT BROTHERS WINGS- Friendly USHGA certified instruction, using training sites in the Modesto area. Gliders and equipment from UP Int'!, Pacific Airwavc, Ball, BRS, High Energy, Raymond, Second Chantz and more. (209) 586-6012 Sonora CA.

MOUNTAIN WINGS -

Look under New York.

NO MORE BUNNY... THE HILL WITH IT[

WE HAVE - The most advanced training program known to hang gliding, teaching you in half the time it rakes on the training- BUNNY HILL, and with more in-flight air time. YES, WE CAN TEACH YOU FASTER AND SAFER. For year-round training fun in the sun, call or write Miami Hang Gliding (305) 285-8978. 2640 S Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133. GEORGIA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK America's #1 hang gliding school, since 1978. Find out why four times as many pilots earn their mountain wings at Lookout! Complete certified trainingfirst day to mountain soaring, best facilities in USA. We wrote USHGA's Official Flight Training Manual! Our specialty: customer satisfaction. Lesson packages, ratings, glider rentals. Largest inventory new/used hang gliders, equipment. Complete sail/airframe repairs. Camping, swimming pool. Send $2 for information. Route 2, Box 215- H, Rising Fawn GA 30738 (20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee) (800) 688-LMFP, (706) 398-3541.

FLORIDA SEQUATCHIE VALLEY SOARING SUPPLY See our ad under Tennessee.

FLORIDA HANG GLIDING, INC. FLYING FLORIDA SINCE 1974 AEROTOW AT THE WALLABY RANCH YEAR ROUND SOARING 7 DAYS A WEEK 8 MILES FROM DISNEY/ORLANDO Certified tandem instruction. Demo all the latest Moyes flying machines. Rentals, sales, storage, ratings, xc retrieval. Camping, swimming pool, picnic, family scene. Call (813) 424-0070 ranch phone/fax, (407) 896-7311 evenings. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK Nearest hang gliding mountain training center co Florida. See ad under Georgia.

IDAHO TREASURE VALLEY HANG GLIDING Airwave, Moyes, UP. Demo's, ratings, tours, service. (208) 376-7914. ILLINOIS RAVEN SKY SPORTS - (312) 360-0700 or (708) 360-0700. Please see our ad under WISCONSIN. INDIANA

J] MITCHELL - TANDEM. UP, PacAir, AS! dealer. 6741 Columbia Ave., Hammond, IN 46324 (219) 845-2856. KENTUCKIANA SOARING - See ad under parts.

Classified advertising: new life for your equipment and cash in your pocket. What a deal!

RAVEN SKY SPORTS - (414) 473-2003. Please sec our ad under WISCONSIN. MICHIGAN NEW AEROTOWING CLUB - With Moyes Dragonfly tug. Location, mid- Michigan. Call Bill Cuddy (810) 798-2450.

HANG GLIDING

Classifieds PRO HANG GLIDERS - Teaching 17 years, Michigan's oldest school. Beginner thru advanced lessons. Stationary winch step towing. Tandem flights. Come fly the RamAir and Super Sport. Wills Wing specialists. Please let me serve you. Norm Lesnow, 569 W. Annabelle, Hazel Park MI 48030. (313) 399-9433. TRAVERSE CITY HANG GLIDERS/PARAGLIDERS - FULL-TIME shop. Certified instruction, foot launch and tow. Sales, service, accessories for ALL major brands. VISA/MASTERCARD. Come soar our 450' dunes! 1509 E 8th, Traverse City MI 49684. Call Bill at (616) 922-2844. MINNESOTA SPORT SOARING CENTER/MINNEAPOLIS Instruction, equipment dealers for Wills \Xling, Pacific Airwave & Edel. (612) 557-0044. NEVADA ADVENTURE SPORTS - Sierra tours our specialty - USHGA certified school and ratings. Dealers for Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing, UP, Enterprise Wings. Fly the Sierras with a full-service shop. 3650 Research Way, Carson City, NV 89706 (702) 883-7070. NEW JERSEY MOUNTAIN \XIINGS -

Look under New York.

FLIGHT SUSQUEHANNA PARK Cooperstown, NY. Certified Instruction, Sales and Service for all major manufacturers. 40 acre park, 5 training hills, jeep rides, bunk house, camping, hot showers, 600' NW ridge. We hal'.<' the best facilities in N. New York state to teach you how to fly. RD 2, Box 348A, Cooperstown, NY 13326, (315) 8666153. NORTH CAROLINA COROLLA FLIGHT -America's most experienced tandem flight instructor, teaches utilizing ATOL and Double Vision. Call or write for information Greg DeWolf, Corolla Flight, PO Box 1021, Kitty Hawk NC 27949. (919) 261-6166 KITTY HAWK KITES, INC. - P.O. Box 1839, Nags Head, NC 27959 (919) 441-4124. Learn to hang glide on Jockey's Ridge, the largest sand dune on the cast coast, just south of where the \XI right Brothers' first flight rook place. Beginner and advanced lesson packages and camps offered. Advanced tandem tow instruction, 1500 fr. plus up. Dealer for all major brand gliders, complete inventory of new and used gliders, accessories and parts. OHIO MARIO MANZO - Skyward Enterprises. Foot launched instruction, sail frame repairs, disassembly inspection, CG-1000, Seedwings. SW Ohio (513) 256-3888 weekday eves.

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

NORTH COAST HANG GLIDING - Certified Instruction. New & used gliders. Specializing in Pacific Airwave gliders. Mike Del Signore, 1916 W. 75th St., Cleveland, OH. 44102 (216) 631-1144.

NEW YORK

OREGON

AAA MOUNTAIN WINGS HANG GLIDING CENTER AND FLIGHT PARK - Now offering PARAGLIDING instruction and sales. Base of ELLENVILLE MTN. Four exclusive training hills. Area's only dealer for Pacific Airwave, UP, Seedwings and Delta Wing with demos in stock. We are the largest, most complete H.G. accessory and repair shop of its kind in the country. Many new and used gliders in stock. RIC supplies and kits, Ultra Pod camera systems. VISA and MASTERCARD accepted. Stop in and get your flight pass and gate combo. 150 Canal St., Ellenville, NY 12428 (914) 647-3377. In N.E. 1-800- 525- 7850.

AIRTIME OREGON - Hang gliding sales, repairs & certified instruction. Emphasizing safety=progress. Dealer for WW, PacAir, Moyes, UP, ASU, Airtek & Edel paragliders, Center of Gravity, BRS, HES, Second Chanrz, Raymond, NAS & more. Call Tom (503) 998-1220.

HAWK AIRSPORTS INC - P.O. Box 9056, Knoxville, TN 37940-0056, (615) 933-9296. Hang Gliding and Windsoks. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK ad under Georgia.

See

SEQUATCHIE VALLEY SOARING SUPPLY Certified, two place flight insuuction and first mountain flights are our specialties. Rentals, storage and ratings available. Dealers for all major brands. Located in the "Hang Gliding Capital of the East". For personal, professional service you can trust, call SVS, RT 2 Box 80, Dunlap, TN 37327. (615) 949-2301. TEXAS A.A.S. AUSTIN AIR SPORTS - Certified instruction, sales and service for most major manufacturers. Tandem instruction available. Tow- launched training programs for Hang I-Hang IV pilots. Mountain flying in Mexico year round. \Xlrite to Steve Burns at 1712 Waterson, Austin TX 78703 or call Austin (512) 4741669, Houston (713) 471- 1488, or San Antonio (210) 824-1803. KITE ENTERPRISES - Instruction, sales, repairs, towing and foot launch. Dallas & North Texas area. 211 Ellis, Allen TX 75002. (214) 390-9090 anytime. Dealer, Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing. RED RIVER AIRCRAFT - AUSTIN (512) 4672529. FT. WORTH (817) 921- 6957. Quality instruction, tours/guides/towing/glider service. Texas' leading PacAir and Wills dealer. 4811 Red River, Austin, TX 78751'**3108 Frazier, Ft. Worth TX 76110. UTAH

FLY HIGH HANG GLIDING, INC. - Serving S. New York, Connecticut, Jersey areas (Ellenville Mm.). Area's EXCLUSIVE Wills Wing dealer/specialist. Also all other major brands, accessories. Certified school/instruction. Teaching since 1979. Area's most INEXPENSIVE prices/repairs. Excellent secondary instruction ... if you've finished a program and wish to continue. Fly the mountain! ATOL towing! Tandem flights! Contact Paul Voight, RD 2, Box 561, Pine Bush, NY 12566, (914) 744-3317.

SOUTHERN OREGON HANG GLIDING Certified instruction, ATV retrieval. Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing, UP. (503) 479-5823.

REBEL WINGS HANG GLIDING - USHGA certified instruction. Operations conducted at Bauer Ridge and Jedi Jump. Dealer for UP, PacAir, High Energy, Ball. Mountain tours, service & repairs. (801) 882-7042. UP SOARING CENTER - Full service hang gliding & paragliding school. USHGA certified instruction (year-round) at the nation's most consistently soarable site (minutes away). New/used gliders, equipment in stock. Buy/trade used gear. Airframe/sail repairs performed at factory. Mountain clinics, tan-

PENNSYLVAi"lIA

den1, ratings, ICP's, rentals, seminars, pilots

MOUNTAIN TOP RECREATION - Certified instruction, Pittsburgh. (412) 697-4477. C'MON OUT AND PLAY!

lounge/videos, near-by camping/motels. 12665 S. Minuteman Dr., Draper UT 84042 (20 minutes from Salt Lake City). (801) 576-6460, fax (801) 576-6482. MC/Visa accepted.

MOUNTAIN \XtINGS -

Look under New York.

TENNESSEE

VULTURE GLIDERS - Superior USHGA insuuction at Point of Mountain. Sales, setvice shop 10 minutes from Point. Charles (801) 254-6141.

ALPINE LODGE - At Raccoon Mountain, formerly Crystal Air Sport Motel. Private rooms, bunkhouse, jacuzzi, pool. Work program. (615) 821-2546 Chattanooga, Chuck or Shari.

WASATCH WINGS- USHGA certified hang gliding school, dealers for Wills Wing, Moyes and Pacific Airwave. Flight operations at Point of the Mountain. Call Gordon (801) 277-1042.

IKAROS HANG GLIDING - NYC's only certified school. Exclusive MOYES dealer. (212) 567-2150.

MAY 1994

~~ Classifieds VIRGIN1A BLUE SKY - Quality instruction, custom sewing, repairs, rowing. PacAir, WW, HES, Ball. (703) 4326557.

Product of the Year

KJTTY HAWK KJTES - See North Carolina. SILVER WINGS, INC. - Certified instruction and equipment sales. Proudly representing Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing, Seedwings & UP. (703) 5331965 Arlington VA. WISCONSIN RAVEN SKY SPORTS HANG GLIDING AND PARAGLIDING - Largest and most popular in the Midwest. Traditional curriculum, ridge soaring, mountain clinics, Dragonfly aerotowing & tandems by Brad Kushner. Sales/service/accessories for all major brands. PO Box 101, \XThitewater WI 53190 (414) 473-2003. PARTS & ACCESSORIES

ALL NEW ULTRA-LIGHT LAMBIE LID - The lightest, most comfortable hang glider helmet. Aerodynamic, low turbulence, low drag shape. Hightech look. Finish is clear resin over the gold/black weave of the super-strong carbon/kevlar outer shell. Open face, only 12 oz., price $175. Integral full face version, only 17 oz. $235 includes headset installation. Measure around head and from bottom of earlobe over top to bottom of earlobe for custom fit. From the designer, Jack Lambie, 8160 Woodboro, Anaheim CA 92807. Phone and fax (714) 779-1877.

Temperature compensated altimeter to 60,000 feet with aircraft altimeter precision in 10 foot increments.

Records your highest altitude and best climb throughout the day, week, or year. Displays temperature, barometric pressure and trends. Fully adjustable wristband can be worn over your flight suit for quick access and easy viewing of performance data. Simple-pictures guide you through the functions. All functions in English or metric display. Business Week's PRODUCT OF THE YEAR. Made in the USA. Only $120 includes 24 hour U.S. shipping. Visa/MC accepted. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! 30 DAY MONEY BACK, 2 YEAR REPLACEMENT WARRANTY. Call Owens Valley Soaring (619) 387-2673.

BOLT-ON WHEELS - Best removable intermediate/advanced wheels. Sturdy, rough, 6" diameter. Won't pop off basetube like snap-on's. Separate hub has hole for VG string though it, remains on basetube. Removable wheel halves screw together using thumb screws. $99/set, quantity discounts. Immediate delivery. Lookout Mountain Flight Park, (800) 688LMFP, (706) 398-3541.

CLOUDBASE HARNESSES - Great harnesses at a great price. Facrory direct saves you money. Pods, spaghetti's, cocoons, knee-hangers, training harnesses, custom designs and repairs. Quality harnesses since 1972. Cloudbase/Chris Smith, RR 1 Box 660, Rising Fawn GA 30738. (706) 398-3964.

CUSTOM PRINTED T SHIRTS AND SWEATS - Call for pricing. (412) 352- 3322.

BEST 12" WHEELS AVAILABLE - Super tough, lightweight, a must for training, tandem flying. Builtin bushings. Only USA-built 12" wheel. $42.95, quantity discounts. Immediate delivery. Lookout Mountain, (800) 688-LMFP.

ALTIMETER/VARIOMETER ghl8000 - Ultraquick response rate, accurate, small and lightweight, 100 hour battery life, 2-year warranty $319. Cloudbase Instruments, 2464 El Camino Real, Suite 220, Santa Clara CA 95051. (408) 243-6021.

EDS-70 - 31b. competition system. Owen's, World Team proven. Complete with Al-70 cylinder (2"xl I") and TR-55 rransfiller kit for refilling. ONLY $799.95. Mountain High E&S Co. 1-800-468-8185. HANG GLIDING

Classifieds

RC SCALE MODEL HANG GLIDERS Imported handmade 1:5 scale RC flyable hang gliders. Materials, camber, colors, options produced to mfg's specifications and/or your desires. Wings and accessories (profile cubes, speedbars, bags, etc.) built in Europe co exacting standards. Outstanding for schools and displays! Info: Art of Flight, PO Box 241777, Charlotte NC 28224-1777. Phone (803) 548- 8684, fax (803) 548-8644.

OXYGEN SYSTEMS HANG GLIDER CAMERA MOUNT - Shown on 2-1/2" tube, $37 includes shipping. TEK FLIGHT PRODUCTS, Colebrook Stage, Winsted CT 06098. (203) 379-1668 (camera not included).

MINI VARIO - World's smallest, simplest vario! Clips to helmet or chinstrap. 200 hours on batteries, 0-18,000 ft., fast response and 2 year warranry. Great for paragliding too. ONLY $169. Mallettec, PO Box 15756, Santa Ana CA, 92705. (714) 541-2625.

HIGH PERSPECTIVE WHEELS-REAL LIFE SAVERS! - 12", light, tough. Fits all gliders. Send $37 + $3.95 shipping per pair to Sport Aviation, PO Box 101, Mingoville PA 16856. Ask about our dealer prices.

NAS HANG GLIDING RESERVES - lOO's sold. Tested, deployed and proven. 20ft PDA's. Complete with 25ft. bridle and metered deployment bag. Don't let the smaller, lower priced canopy ads fool you. Brand new, full size $385. Dealers welcome. (303) 278-9566.

~ I

REFLEX FULL FACE HELMETS - $130. Small, Medium, Large, XLG. White or black. WILD THINGS FLIGHT SUITS-Custom colors, one piece, fully lined, insulated or non-insulated. Send SASE for catalog to: Skygod Ent., PO Box 8, Cabot PA 16023.

==; ~il

1~;;

1~·.

: .

-:__._

ELECTRONIC ON-DEMAND 0 2 SYSTEM Only $799.95 with 180 liter cylinder (not shown) +S/H, and XCR-180 is now only $349.95, with remote on/off valve and NELSON type flow control regulator & oximizer. lv!ajor credit cards. Mountain High E&S CO. 516 12th Avenue, Salt Lake City UT 84103 USA. 1-800-468-8185, fax (801) 364- 6207.

ROBERTS VARIO - w/mount, works well $150. Call Pat (619) 934-4365 evenings.

maxon·

sP-2CXXl Series

ID-CHANNEL PROGRAMMABLE MAXON SP 2550 - 5 watt two-way radio with charger. Three USHGA, three weather, four programmable frequencies. Durable, rugged, easy to use. Nicad battery (c:ypical 10 hour). Pilots #1 choice! Special $349. Additional options available. Lookout Mountain Flight Park, (800) 688-UvfFP, (706) 398-3541.

MAY 1994

QUICK RELEASE CARABINER - $49.95. Extra ball lock pin, $29.00. 10,000 lbs., dealers welcome, patent pending. Thermal 19431-41 Business Center Drive, Northridge, CA 91324. (818) 701-7983.

Your ad is read by more than 10,000 hang gliding enthusiasts. Advertise with us today.

~~ Classifieds KENTUCKIANA SOARING

SPECIALIZING IN ELECTRONICS, COMMUN! CATION, NAVIGATION AND FLIGHT DECKS - Allow a fellow pilot and licensed ham help you decide on a system that fits your needs. Yaesu FT411E $315., Yaesu FT416 $339., Yaesu FTl lR $305., Icom P2 $339., Alinco models DJ180 $239. Kenwood TH28A $339. New Kenwood TH22 $305. Mobile 50w units from $339. We will program MOD and set the SWR for you. Maxon SP2550 $339. All model ham radio's available, call for current prices. MARS/CAP MODS available, with warranty intact. Antennas: 5/8wv magmt $38.95, HT 1/4 gain $14.95, HT 5/8 telescopic $20.95. Special mounts available. Tow rope 114" poly $35 per 1000'. Hook knives $14.95, V- Mitts $28. NEW FLIGHTMATE PRO $769.95 includes accessory package.

NEW PRO MODEL al

$759

Vario's from Ball, Aircotec, Flytec, Brauniger, some demo models at reduced prices $call. Dealer for all NAS products, Varios-Helmets- ParachutesParagliders. We are dealers for High Energy Sports, Second Chantz, BRS and more.

TEK 6" WHEELS - $25 per pair, plus $3 S/H. Tek Flight Products, Colebrook Stage, Winsted CT 06098. (203) 379-1668.

GENESYS Model T-05 throat microphone w/ earpiece. $79.00. \Vorks on all 2M Ham and business band radios.

\Ve either have the best prices or we'll try to make it chat way, call us with your best quote! Kencuckiana Soaring, 425 Taggart Ave., Clarksville IN 47129. Phone (812) 288-7111, fax (812) 284- 4115. Send SASE for sale flyer.

UVEX HELMETS - Ultra lightweight (one pound), most popular hang gliding helmet, full-face protection, using world's strongest fiber. $299. quantity discounts. (800) 688-LMFP, (706) 398-3541.

[-~;r]

®I@ @ ® '1

SPECIAL PURCHASE: MAXON 5 WATT, HEAVY-DUTY, 3 USHGA CHANNELS, HI/LO POWER $299 Maxon lw or Tekk 2w, 1 USHGA channel $150 Uvex aramid full-face helmet lib 5 oz $300. Optional visor, headset. Smoke bombs, as low as $4. Signal mirror $8. Jack-The-Ripper cutaway knife $15. Silva compass with basetube mount $99. Camelbak $35. Oxygen systems $150-250. Pulse system $450. Inflatable Aerofloats & hardware to fit your glider $995. PENDULUM SPORTS, INC. 1-800-WE FLYXC

DON'T GET CAUGHT LANDING DOWNWIND! - 1.5 oz. ripstop nylon, UV treated, 5'4" long w/ 11" throat. Available colors fluorescent pink/yellow or fluorescent pink/white. $39.95 (+$4.00 S/H). Send to USHGA Windsok, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-8300, (719) 632-8300, FAX (719) 632-6417. VISA/MC accepted.

THE NEW "SKY ROHR PARA-SWIVEL" Smaller, lighter and best of all, stronger. Don't leave the ground without one! $84 +$4 s/h. Dealer inquiries welcome. GOLDEN WINGS, 1103 Washington Ave., Golden CO 80401. (303) 278-7181. High quality Maxon helmets, only $55 + $4 s/h. Great for schools!

Our advertising has a two-month lead time plan ahead.

HANG GLIDING

Classifieds ~~ USHGA instructor Tom Sapienza, owner of Airtime Oregon says, ''I've tested & recommend \Xlind Advisory to all New & Intermediate pilots!"

(With Poplin Storage Bag)

PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS FESTIVAL FLYING GUIDE: TELLURIDE - 8 pages. Send $2.50 to: S. Spedalle, 585 West 214th Sr., NYC NY 10034.

DOWNWIND HANG GLIDING FOR BEGINNER PILOTS by Pere Cheney. The Official USHGA Training Manual, NOW IN ITS SECOND EDITION. Over 260 pages, with more rhan 160 easy-to-understand illustrations and photos. Your library stares with this book! $29.95 (plus $4.00 s/h) Colorado residents add 3% tax. SEND/FAX/PHONE TO USHGA BOOKS, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-8300, FAX (719) 632-6417, PHONE (719) 632-8300. VISA/MC accepted.

(Box With Speed Conversion Chart)

DEPENDABLE Wind runnel tested & calibrated. BUILT TO LAST Impact & corrosion resistant. WIND ADVISORY With Mounting Bracket .$24.50 (includes S/H-You Save $2.50) Sold separately WIND ADVISORY Indicator ........... $15 + $2 slh MOUNTING BRACKET ................. $8 + $2 s/h (Specify long or short bracket w/ your order.) Foreign orders add $2 per item purchased. Send check or MO to Pacific Resources USA, PO Box 9064, San Diego CA 92169. (619) 270- 9462. Satisfaction Guaranteed!

WINDTALKER Ill *

A True Hang Gliding Storv

by LARRY FLEMING

GOING, GOING ... - Chris Gregor publishing would like to thank the hang gliding community for its overwhelming response. A limited number of first editions are still available. Chris Gregor Publishing, PO Box 26595, Fresno CA 93729-6595. $10.95 plus $3 s/h. (California residents add 85<t sales rax.)

~~GOtlE THE WINDTALKER - is remote controlled by telephone, and can keep 200 access codes, with preset numbers of calls that can auto decrement. Also will call you if conditions exceed threshold. Price is only $895 complete. Free information. Litek (503) 4796633.

fLYiHG

HIGHER THAN EAGLES - by Maralys & Chris Wills. The life & times of BOBBY \VILLS, hang gliding legend. Experience the triumphs and tragedies of the Wills family and the evolution of Wills Wing. $19.95 hardcover (+$4.00 S/H), see preceding classified for USHGA BOOKS ordering info.

ff.PERFORMANCE )FLYING

XCR 240 OXYGEN - $500. V-Mitts $26. Mallettec vario $139. Ball M20 $175. New Yaesu with mod $329. (909) 654-8559.

by OF..NNIS rAGEN

BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FULL AND PART TIME - USHGA certified instructors. Innovative equipment, the latest training methods. Soaring Safaris. Send resume Mission Soaring Center, 1116 Wrigley Way, Milpitas CA 95035. (408) 262-1055. PARAGLIDING ADVANCED CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR WANTED - High pay, benefits. Colorado Paragliding (303) 278-9566.

MAY 1994

HANG GLIDING CARTOONS - Over a hundred pages of laffs. Buy one for your driver too. I wanna buy a new glider! First 1,000 receive bonus pages from next book (coming soon). Cheap $9.95 +$2 s/h (CA add 82<t tax). Bob Lafay, 11431 Caern Ave., Tujunga CA 91042. Dealer Inquiries. BAG IT! - If you don't have your copy of Dennis Pagen's PERFORMANCE FLYING yet, available through USHGA Headquarters $29.95 (+$4 s&h).

E~ Classifieds SKYWRITINGS - Is a northeast region pilot newsletter: News, equipment discounts, top pilot interviews. Send $1 for a sample copy or $10 for a year's subscription. Send checks to: S. Spedalle, 585 West 214th St., NYC NY 10034.

VIDEOS & FILMS

EAST COAST VIDEOS presents

SOARING - Monthly magazine of The Soaring Society of America, Inc. Covers all aspects of soaring flight. Full membership $45. Info. kit with sample copy $3. SSA, P.O. Box E, Hobbs, NM 88241. (505) 392-1177. TOWING ATOL TANDEM UNIT 882-7168.

$2,500. Call Bill (616)

BRING YOUR PLATFORM LAUNCH TOW RIG - To Big Spring TX, June 14-22 for a 450 point meet with very impressive facilities. Compensation paid to rigs: cash, gas, $5 per tow. Fout person teams, one ream per rig. Contact Jeff Hunt (512) 467-2529.

PRICE BUSTER WINCH - Compact pay-out winch with high speed rewind for only $1,295. Instant pressure set/dump with precise adjustment. Holds up to 8000' of Spectra. I year parts warranty. One person operation as shown in Jan. '94 HG magazine. Plans available. PARAFO!L RECOVERY 'CHUTE SYSTEM won't accidently deploy when step towing. 100% deployment and drogue 'chute minimizes oscillations $59.95. 7/64" 1200 POUND TEST SPECTRA LINE has hollow braid for easy field splices. 2000' and 3000' rolls $. I 6/ft. Barry Steele, Appropriate Engineering, 971 Fisherman's Cove, Seneca SC 29678. (803) 885-0949. UL TRALINE - 3/ 16" 960# breaking strength, 7#/1000'. 3000' and 4000' continuous lengths. The original Ultraline Source-Cajun Hang Gliding Club, 110 Kent Circle, Lafayette LA 70508. (318) 9818372.

THE RAMP - Sequatchie Valley's famous. Hang glide & paraglide off it. OTHER VIDEO'S AVAILABLE New York Finger Lakes Region, hg/pg. Henson's Gap & Whitwell Tennessee. Michigan Hang Gliding & Paragliding. Old Time Movies, 1975-1980. All video's $29 each (+$3 S/H). Wayne Bergman, 80 E. Lincoln, Muskegon MI 49444. FLAMENCO DUNE - Awesome paragliding & radical dune soaring in Namibia. Original, unique soundtrack. Weird yes-but you'll enjoy it. 20 min. $19.95 +$4 S/H. Available through USHGA Headquarters.

PARAGLIDE The Movie World class paragliding at the famous Owens Valley. Probably more paragliding action than you can handle in chis 40 minute video. Send $39.95 (+$4 s&h) to USHGA Videos, PO Box 8300, Colorado Springs co 80933. (719) 632-8300. MISCELLANEOUS

TOWLINES LOOKING FOR A BETTER TOW RELEASE? Simplicity & reliability are the features of this design. The precision machined, high density polyethylene body and stainless steel pin insure every release is the same. Three color coded loops make setup very easy. Built in spring keeps pin secure until you pull the release line. Weighs only 1.5 oz. Individually tested. GW Meadows says, "Head & shoulders above any other tow release I've ever seen!" Send $47 to: Mark Mason, 1239 Corine, Idaho Falls ID 83402. Quantity discounts. (208) 529-2106.

This is the one II

~ By Golden Wings

SPECTRA-Hollow Braided 2000' or 3000' I Reel Part # .......................... Price ................. Weight SPCB-730 .................. 14<t/ft ............... <2#/M SPCB-950 .................. 16¢/ft ............... 2#/M SPCB-1500 ................ 17¢/ft ............... <4#/M SPCB-2200 ................ 17¢/ft ............... 5#/M DACRON-Hollow Braided 1500' I Reel DCCB-650 ................. 8¢/ft. ............... <5#/M DCCB-900 ................. 9¢/ft ................ <8#/M DCCB-1500 ............... 1O<t/ft ............... 12#/M DCCB-2000 ............... 12¢/ft ............... l 7#/M Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery, fax orders to David F. Bradley, Braided Products Division, PO Box 95, Hilltown PA 18927. (215) 822-1968, fax (215) 822-5852.

Tow line recovery System Nothing attached to pilot or bridle. UNLIKE OTHER SYSTEMS - No deployment mechanism is required. Fully self acmating when tow line is released. Reduces wear on line & rewind motor. Reduces turn around time. Two sizes. $85/$125 +$4 S/H. Check or money order. Golden Wings, 1103 Washington Ave., Golden CO. 1-800-677-4449.

Our advertisers appreciate your support and patronage. Tell them you saw their ad in hang gliding.

"AEROBATICS" - JUST IN! Full color 23"x 31" poster featuring John Heiney doing what he does bestLOOPING! Available through USHGA HQ for just $6.95 (+$3.50 s/h). Fill chat void on your wall! Send co USHGA Aerobatics Poster, PO Box 8300, Colorado Springs CO 80933. (USA & Canada only. Sorry, posters arc NOT AVAILABLE on international orders.) ASSET PROTECTION - With a NEW USHGA Stadium Cushion, $5.99 +$3 s/h. A great gift for your driver! Available from USHGA, PO Box 8300, Colorado Springs CO 80933. AVIATION ART CATALOG-16 pages of fine art prints, posters, books, etc. $1.00. West Wings, 1510 Sixth St., Berkeley CA 94710.

HANG GLIDING

Classifieds ~~ FLYING MUSIC - Fellow pilot Tom Palmer's new album includes-THE BIRDS WITH NO FEATHERS. Experience flying Big Sur CA in words & music. CD's $10, Cass. $6. (+$! S/H). Send co: Palmer Enterprises, 4614 Greenvalley Rd, Suisun CA 94585. (707) 864-2611. USHGA 1994 CALENDARS - Still a few left, now only $6.00 (+$3.50 S/H). Call USHGA (719) 6328300 to reserve yours. VIDEOS BOOKS POSTERS APPAREL - Call USHGA for your Merchandise order form (719) 6328300. DON'T LEAVE YOUR GROUND-BOUND EQUIPMENT SITTING IN THE GARAGE. SELL IT IN THE HANG GLIDING CLASSIFIEDS. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES The rate for classified adverrising is $.50 per word (or group of characters) and $1.00 per word for bold or all caps. MINIMUM AD CHARGE, $5.00. A fee of $15.00 is charged for each line arr logo and $25.00 for each photo. Please underline words to be in bold print. Special layouts of tabs $25.00 per column inch. AD DEADLINES All ad copy, instructions, changes, additions and cancellations must be received in writing 1 1/2 monrhs preceding the cover date, i.e. Occober 20 for the December issue. Please make checks payable co USHGA Classified Advertising Dept. HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933 (719) 632-8300 or FAX (719) 632-6417.

Z-3 BLUE HARNESS - Taken from SAN FRANCISCO CA area in late August 1993. Also 18 gore PDA parachute, Olympus camera, Northface jacket (grey/black), Alinco 2 meter handheld radio. Call Tom Seeliger (415) 324-8233. WILLS WING SPECTRUM 165 - Serial# 20213. Taken below Hwy 8 bridge over THING VALLEY, east of San Diego CA, on July 10th, 1993. Blue LE, florescent yellow undersurface. High Energy XC bag, blue/red. Call Paul Hurless (619) 588-4687.

KNEEHANGER HARNESS & HALF-SHELL HELMET - Loaned at Capitol HGA October 1992 meeting, borrower's name lost. Harness is olive-drab w/logo and parachute conrainer, lots of black webbing straps (not rope). Helmet is yellowed white half-shell, w/ orange "High Rock 1992" sticker on side and a verrical arrow sticker on back which says "Other Brothers-The Pulpit 1982". If spotted, please get pilot's data and call Mark Wallner (301) 932-2188 MD. STOLEN WINGS are listed as a service to USHGA members. Newest entries are in bold. There is no charge for this service and lost and found wings or equipment may be called in co (719) 632-8300 for inclusion in Hang Gliding magazine. Please call to cancel the listing when gliders are recovered. Periodically, this listing will be purged.

STOLEN WINGS & THINGS FLYTEC 3020 VARIO - Stolen from SYLMAR CA LZ, on March 16th, 1994. Serial #292183511. Call August Keefer (714) 535-7143. EURO SPORT 167 - Stolen along with "missile" shipping tube from CAMPBELL CA, during !are December 1993. Blue & white, missing two outer leading edges. Call Dan Harris, (408) 377-8809. TRX 160 - Stolen from NAGS HEAD NC, during Sept. 1993. Purple LE, purple/black/purple colors. Dayglow "UP" on right wing. Conract Bruce Weaver, (919) 441-4124 Kitty Hawk Kites. HANG GLIDING EQUIPMENT - Stolen along with car, \VILLOW SPRING IL, on October 5rh, 1993. Custom Airwear harness, black wired outside, flour. pink inside. Flight design parachute, Litek Hummingbird vario (blue/gold), orange Bell helmet, 40 channel radio, cow rope, bridle ... Call John Ruhulessin (708) 839-0441. VISION MK IV 17 - Serial #VM6620. Taken from parking lot of Red Lion Hotel in MODESTO CA on Sept. 12/13, 1993. Glider was stolen without a nose cone. Blue LE, rainbow undersurface. One of the leading edges has a flat anodized finish. Three small glue patches on LE. Brand new blue bag wired ends. Please contact Jens Evling, PO Box 1187, Monterey CA 93942-1187. Phone (408) 649-3755, fax (408) 655-1538.

MAY 1994

FIREBIRD APACHE 26 PARAGLIDER - Taken from SANTA BARBARA CA area on July 27, 1993. Pink in color, brand new. Contact Air Technology, Achim Hageman 1-800-424-1963, (805) 962-8999.

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Advenrure Video ................................ 47 Arai Design ......................................... .4 Airborne Windsports .......................... 15 Aircotec ............................................. .47 Ball Varios ......................................... .47 Brauniger ........................................... 50 BRS .................................................... 61 Eggler ................................................... 8 Flytec ................................................. 34 Hall Bros ............................................ 49 High Energy Sports ........................... .48 Just Fly ...................................... ,., ....... .4 Lakeview, Oregon .............................. 35 Lookout Mt. Flight Park ..................... .4 Moyes ........................................... 38,39 NAS Distributing .............................. .45 Pacific Airwave ..................... Back Cover PCC ................................................... 35 Pro Design ......................................... 35 Sequatchie Valley Soaring .................. 31 Sport Aviation Publications ................ 14 Trekking USA ................................... .42 UP Internarional ............................. , .. 18 USHGA .............................. 35,43,46,50 Wills Wing ........................................... 2

e ly

el We know price isn't everything, of course. That's why our Aerostabilized series of 'chutes also offers excellent performance and superior construction. Independently tested for BRS, the HD275 and HD360 are intelligent choices for hang glider and paraglider pilots. Use as a hand deployed 'chute, or rocket deploy it (AI.R. or BRS). Call and request our specification sheet and see for yourself. Then see your local BRS dealer for a great deal.

*Aerostabilized refers to three slots which make this design very dependable even under severe conditions. The conical (not PDA) shape has proven itself to have high reliability and fast opening.

HD275 and HD360

are engineered, built to tough specifications and each hand inspected by BAS.

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

THINK /iBOUT 1r... '/OUR£ Cl<U/Stt,/~ r,owr,/ WINO IN TH£. 8oTTOM. oF A CANYON- LOO't<IJ./C:r foR. A 8()1.)Ll>E:R IA/IT'H rouR tlA/liE ON IT.' -"711',

~ Product Lines© 1994 by Dan Johnson ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Last month, I delivered some "disturbing talk" about an alleged "hang gliding decline" (according to the FAI). I also mentioned doubt for FAA changes desired by USHGA. I remind you that FAI/CIVL rep,' Dennis Fagen, indicated the so-called decline doesn't seem to include the USA. Sure enough, at the recent association board of directors meeting, those manufacturers present were very upbeat. USHGA' s Planning Committee also continued their meetings. (The PlanComm is a forward- looking group within the board whose task i t is to help forecast the future and aid USHGA in preparing for same. ) This bunch of

leaders debated methods of accommodating FAA' s resistance to earlier requests. It appears now that regardless of agency actions, USHGA has alternative plans. Among these discussions were moves to distance hang gliders from ultralights -- which are grouped together under Part 103. The goal is to keep hang gliding less regulated while in fact, ultralights may get more regulation. Though the outcome remains uncertain, the good news is... once again, USHGA appears to be a well-run outfit. Committee members deserve appreciation. • • , Now back to products... I misunderstood one detail of the zeiset/Canbs boat project reported last month. It turns out this is a platform-style launch. The photos didn't show the hydraulicallylifted platform (which dips down into the water to retrieve glider and flyers) . The component still wasn't done as of the end of March, but will soon be completed, predicted Zeiset. The description of the large floats was correct, however, they are used only for landings. Jim promised to update me when the deluxe setup becomes operational. • • • SP!UN3 GOODIES... A few items that you may find useful in a new soaring season. • • • First is a wee Hall Meter. RamAir buyers know what I'm talking about as proprietor Larry Hall has cut a deal with Wills Wing to supply each new buyer with a half-size version of his popular wind meter. Says a report in Cross Country magazine, "All RamAirs come with a Hall Brothers air speed indicator custom calibrated for the RamAir. It reads from 0-70 mph." Though glider manufacturers rarely supply instrumentation (the opposite of powered airframe builders), this step by Wills shows a clear interest in having pilots observe speed limits like VNE. Hall's long successful meters are calibrated to standards traceable to the government's Institute of Standards. FMI: P.O. Box 1010, Morgan UT 84050-1010, or call 801/829-3232. " , High Energy has a new option for their very popular Tracer harness. Developed by Mountain Wing's Greg Black, two MAY 1994

curved internal spreader bars eliminate the need for one support rope and gives the harness a cleaner appearance. Every Tracer owner I've met has mentioned their satisfaction with the harness, which is priced below some high-end models. FMI: 714/972-8186. • • · Peter DeBellis of Eggler' s Headset is offering an accessory item I feel is overlooked: a radio headset for your helmet. With his clever P-T-T button, you can stay hands-on during turbulence while still talking to your ground crew. The button velcroes to your index finger and is positioned next to your thumb so all you do is press thumb to index. Said to work with popular HG radios, the Swiss-made headset can be purchased with a special 36 inch co-axial antenna which mounts in your harness eliminating wire clutter on your glider. A slightly different setup also works with full-face helmets. FMI: 713/2712829. ••• With an excess of U-V exposure, many glider bags begin looking pretty shabby after a long soaring season. If you need a new one you can go to the factory or go aftermarket. One such supplier is C&S Engineering (for operators Chris and Sara, I imagine) . A difference that could make you choose C&S bags over factory is the custom fit (versus assembly line production). Another is rack-side padding. They offer a sharp silver fabric that looks like it would reflect a lot of sunshine. Expect to pay a little more... as the "Silver ballistics exterior" model sells for $195, but they have choices down to $75 (and one higher). C&S has some other neat stuff as well. Ask for their literature and they'll include measuring instructions. Dial 206/659-6413 or (a new idea I hadn't heard of) fax toll-free to 800/6571197. ••• Capitalism at work: the Price Buster Winch lowers the cost of pay-out winches to $1,295, a fraction of predecessors. The lowpriced winch features an "instant pressure dump control as well as precise pressure adjustment." It also has an extra-wide drum which developer Barry Steele says will extend your line life. Sounds logical. You can buy direct or from Miami Hang Gliding, who obviously uses it in their active boat towing operation. FMI: 803/885-0949. After 17 years ( ! ) , the Telluride Hang Gliding Festival -- arguably the largest gathering of hang gliding pilots in the USA -- is changing dates. The 21st Annual Festival will be July 18-23 and the World Aerobatic Championships July 21-23. "Booming mid-day summer conditions" will make for lively flying. Get more info at 303/7283905. • • • Out ta room once again. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

photo by Michael Weingartner

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