USHGA Hang Gliding April 1995

Page 1


•Up to 20 hours operation •Stores up to 250 positions as waypoints and 20 reversible tasks with up to 30 waypoints each. •Internal antenna for superior signal reception and reliability •Weighs less than 10 ounces WITH batteries •Weatherproof

JUST FLY has aquired the Hang Gliding and Paragliding Distribution rights to the Garmin 40. Finally an affordable GPS unit that works great for footlaunch pilots everywhere!

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Includes an instructional Navigation Page video made for hang glider and paraglider pilots

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(USPS O17-970-20 - ISSN 0895-433>-.')

16 Flight of the Carbon Dragon by Jim Palmieri

An inrerview with Gary Osoba about this 25/1 soaring machine.

23 Flying the African Rift by Dan Folta Hang gliding adventures in rural East Africa.

27 1994 Yearlong Accident Summary by Luen Miller, USHGAAccident Review Chdirman Lessons learned from 1994.

40 Pilot Profiles: Mark Bennett © 1995 by G. W Meadows

A conversation with the cop-ranked pilot in the U.S.

48 Remote Solutions by Russ Douglas photos by Reto Schaerfi A device for the remote accivacion of your camera for in-flight photography.

Columns

Departments

Exec's Corner, by Phil Bachman ............... ?

Aumail ...................................................... .5

Competition Comer ............................... 19

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

USHGA Reports .................................... 36

Calendar ofEvencs ................................... 13

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

Ratings ..................................................... 51 Classified Advertising .............................. 53 Index to Advertisers ............... ..................62

APRIL 1995

3


M

I

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CO 80933 (12194)


Gil Dodgen, Editor/An Oire:ctor John Heiney, Gerry Charlebois, L(iroy Grannis P/J,'.)/01gra1ol11cirs Harry Martin, l//11stmtor Dennis Pagen, Mark Stucky, G.W. Meadows;Jhn Palmieri Sta(fWrtters Th:tr Rinker, !)ave Pounds, 0,1sign Consultants

Air Mail SUPPING AND DIVING TURNS

Phil Bachman, Excet1live Director Greg Huller, R,alin~s & ICl''s Jeff Elgart, Ady11rtising D. Dean l.eyerle, h1sL1rancc & Membership S,1rvices Karen Simon, Member Services Marisa Haiton, Merchandise Servicc,s

Secrotary

Dan Johnsoll, Treasurer 2: Russ Locke, Ray Leomird, Marct1s Salv(iminl, Joe Gi"eblo, 4: Jim L(!iset.

6: Ron Kenney.

REGION firyd1m. REGION 8: Randy Adams. REGION 9: f'et0Leh1m111n, William Benn()ll. REGION "JO: G.W. MMdows, Mnll Taber, REGION "/ 1: Jeff Hunt. Rf;GION 12: Paul Voight, Pnul Rik(1rt. OIRKTORS AT LARGE: Barliara Flynn, Dan Johnson, Jan Dennis Alan Cbuculme. HONORARY TORS: Ken flrown, Hildreth, Frank Gillette, Luen King, Mike Rob Kells,

Fred

Mich,iel 1<01oer1son, Baier, Fred Moy, Art Greenfield

Dave Broyle.»,

DeWolf. fX,OfflCfO

HANG GllOING magazine is published for hang sport entill1,Jasts to create further inter,1st in the sport, to an educational forurn to advance and Contributions are welcome. c;o1·1tribul'.B articles, photos, and illustra,!im1s activiti<!B, If the material is to be selH1<.Wressec return must Nc,tifi·c,1tio11 mqst be made of to publications, HANG GLll)ING rm1gato edit contributions whoro neces,

Ass<1c:iation and responsibility for the

do not assume or opinions of contributors.

nANG GLIPING editprial offiu1s: 69.50

Circle,

Suite 6, Buena Park, CA 90620 (7"14) OH95,433x) is publi,hed 11KmthGlidlng Association, Inc, Av,1., ·101, Colom do Colorado 6.3Hl300. FAX (719) Sccomklass postagu1 is at C61orndo Springs,

mi\iling POSTMASTl:R: SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: HANG GLIDING, P.O. BOX 8300, Colorado Spring~, CO ()0933,8300.

Dear Editor, As an instructor I have been concerned about the recent discussion of slipping turns and recovery techniques. l have also been con-/i.1scd by the currcm US HCA Novice Pilot l'n1h1:1e1,1cy Test and the US! !CA Training Manual concerning slipping turns. The main problem seems to be confosion abm1L the difforcnce between a slipping turn and a diving rum. A diving rum, or spiral dive, is a coorllinarcd turn with respect to roll and yaw. The yaw string should be straight back. Recovery from a spiral dive is accomplished by rolling om and rbcn slowly lcning the bar our. Do not push out first, for this only increases G forces and righrens the turning radius. In a slipping turn, ifa glider is banked lefr, iris slipping left and not yawing left. The yaw string is trail-· ing rn the right. To recover from a slip to the lcfi:, the glider speed needs to be increased, the roll angle needs to he red need, and the glider needs ro yaw lc/i:. Recovery is accomplished by pulling in and rolling right. l 11 the training manual Hang G/iding.fiJr Fiey,inner Pilots, page 70, a slipping turn is treated as a nose-down rurn or spiral dive. It states, "To recover from a slipping turn you should begin rolling level while easing the bar forward to reduce the airspeed." On page 87 the slip correction maneuvers arc different bur correct. It states, "If you notice rbat the glider is trying to slip toward rhc ground as you make a low turn, immediately pull in slightly ro pick up airspeed and begin rolling the glider level." On the USH(;A Novice Pilot Prnficiency 12 and 13, it states that, "As Test, compared to a coordinated tum, a slipping turn is flown with a lower angle ofanack." The real problem in a slip is a high angle of attack, accompanied by roo much roll and linlc or no yaw, causing the glider to slide inward and downward toward the center of rhe turn. As speed increases a normal glider should evcnt11ally recover by itself In summary, recovery techniques can be simplified into two sentences. Recovery from a stalling turn, spin, or slipping turn is accomplished by first pulling in and then rolling out. Recovery from a high-speed spiral dive is accomplished by rolling our firsr, then slowly lcning the har our. Charlie Baughman Riverton, UT

BACK TO THE TRAINING HILL Dear Editor, J would like ro thank those pilors at Lake Elsinore, California who so kindly came to my aid recently wh1.:n I stalled a launch and suf forcd a fractured arm and dislocated elbow. The cause of the accident was 1()()<)ici pilot APRIL 1995

VOLUME

ISSUE No. 4

error. My rotal misjudgment of conditions I mostly attribute ro a severe lack of confidence about what I had ro do. ln rhe UK I grncrally bunch into stronger winds, at a lower elevation and from a less--srccp slope. I w:1s anxious before attempting this flight bur hoped rhat everything would be all right once J got ill1o the air. I once heard: "Don't lose your head. Your brains arc in there and you're gonna need them." Truer words were never spoken. I certainly lost mv head and the use ofmy brains. shmi'ld have 1nacticed low-wind Lrn1~chcs at a rraining hill ro increase my confidence. I should have also sacriflccd a flying day ro spend some time watching other pilots launch, then gone down to the L,/, to watch pilors setting up approaches allCI landing. My message to other pilots, especially low airtime and/or infrequent 11ycrs, is this. If you arc nor torally con/idem about everything you have to do in order to execurc your flight pLm succcssfi.tlly, [)() NOT Fl.Y. Listen to your inner voice, and go back ro the training hill or a fomiliar site where you know yon can do ir. If you don't do low-wind launches ofrcn, go and practice on the training hill. It could save you pain and injury or even your life. I am grearly indebted ro those pilots who responded so magniGccnrly and came to my aid. The Lake Elsinore pilots arc a truly fantastic hang gliding community. As visitors fi·om rhe UK wc received such a warm welcome from these wonderful, fon-loving people that it made us feel like we were old friends, and the kindness and concern shown ro me following my accidem is something I shall not forger. My only regret is that I never got ro fly rhc beautiful shores of Lake Elsinore, bur rhc E-Team will be remembered with great aflcction always. Trisha Smith J,ondon, England

Dear Editor, Have you ever been at goal when the big boys and girls come in? If so, you have seen the proper way to land. These pilors come in with plenry of airspeed, rocked up in their harnesses, feet down, with their hands on the basetubc ~ then downwind, base and Gnal. When arc straight and level on final, rhen, one hand ar a time, they come 11p on to the uprights and flare. When condirions arc really nasty, one or both hands arc kept 011 the basembe during ground clfrct and then moved 11p just bcltJre flaring. This landing style is used by experienced pilots because it offers the greatest con-· trol and is safest where it coullls, near the ground. There is another landing technique, the upright style, in which the pilot's hands arc on the 11prights during downwind, base and final.


ir Mail

6

In Hang Gliding magazine there is ofren documentation of the results of this landing style: stalls, hitting objects on approach, and the ever-popular downwind mm on final. When your hands arc on the uprights you have only 50(Ycl of the pitch and roll authority you would have on the bascrube. Co ahead and prove it to yourself by flying around on the uprights. Flying with less than perfoct control and airspeed near the ground will evcntmlly bite you. Staying on the basetubc throughout the landing approach is not new or just for the expcn pilor. This landing style should be the standard for all pilots.

immediately radioed to I .orcn and Walter, two other paraglidcr pilots already in the air, ahour the conditions f had cncoumcrcd. Loren cxpe-· ricnced the same rotor and barely made it to the l Z. Walter was able to avoid the roror alto-· ged1er, thanks ro the radio report. Rich commented in his letter that, "This scared those of 11s who had already landed because we knew abour the rotor. Gerry had no idea." l can't help thinking that if Gerry had known about the rotor through radio contact, he would have been forewarned, flown faster, and he alive today. A b;son to l)('. learned from ( ;erry's death is that radios should be mandatory equipment.

Erik Kaye Crested Bmte, CO

Rick Sharp Burlington, VT

MANDATORY RADIOS

SEEDW1NGS CLARIFICATION

Dear Edimr, f read the letter from Rich Collins in your January issue concerning Gerry Smith's acci-dent with heartfelt sorrow, and it prompted me to make some comments abom the importance of using radios. I began my flying career in hang gliding in 1980, and am now a paraglider pilot and instructor. We require the use of radios at our local site, West Rutland, Vermont, and they have already proved invaluable to us. I .ast summer I experienced a huge rotor at West Rmland in which f cksccnded at 500 /jJm for a min me and a half losing 750 f<xt while making no headway to the L/,. At first l was concerned ahout a possible deep stall, bm f finally flew out of the rotor and landed safely. l

Dear Fditor, A brief history of the relationships between Sccdwings, Inc. and Scedwings Emopc will help to clarif)' the confusion which has arisen in the hang gliding community. In July 1989, Sccdwings, Inc., rhc only legal manufacturer of Sensor products, entered into a licensing contrncr with Andreas Banghcri, which provided that Andreas Banghcri would be allowed to manufacture and disrribmc the Sensor 510 and then the Sensor 144 in Europe only until}uly 24, 1993. By the terms of the contract Andreas was allowed to use the narncs "Scedwings Europe" :md ''Euro Sensor llt4" only until July 1993. After that dare the contract called for him to rename his company to omit the names

Secdwings and Sensor. He could continue using these names only if'he paid a fair royalty use fee. Any unaurhorizcd use ofmy trademark names would void our agreement. Any depar-turc from the original design, quality control or airworthiness of the Secdwings Euro product would void the distribution rights. The gliders Mr. Bangheri now manufactures and distributes are not Scedwings products. He has changed the sailcloth, the hardware and has made other changes without my knowledge. I have no way of providing any quality control of Lhesc products' airworthiness or performance. Seedwings France, operated by Sygene, has hecn using the Seedwings and Sensor names entirely without my permission or legal right to do so. Secclwings, Inc. has absolutely no connection with "Scedwings France." The use of the Scedwings name and logo and the name Sensor by anyone other than Seedwings, Inc. in California is strictly without my permission and is in violation of state, federal and imcrnational trademark law. I have asked Andreas Bangheri to honor his contract with Sccdwings, Inc. bm he bas ignorec~ all my ,~?mrnunic\;tion asking that he stop usmg rbc Sccdwmgs name and logo. l n rhe past f have had great respect for Andreas Bangheri and for Sygene; however, 1 must make it clear to my colleagues in our community that the only "Scedwings" products available in the world arc those available through "Secclwings, lnc.," 41 Aero Camino, Goleta, CA 93117, USA (805) 968-7070, fax (805) 968-0059. Boh Trarnpcnau

c;oJeta, CA

HANC CLIDINC


r (2) [!sedfrJr any purpose which the user does not reason(lhly and in good faith helicvc will hcrzefit the corporation. (3) Urcdfr;r any commercial purpose or purpose in competition with the corpomtion. (4) Sold to or purchased hy any person.

r

M Ii by Phil Bachman,

Executive Director

(h) !lny person who violc1tes the provisions of subdivision (rz) sh11ll he liable/or any damr1ge such uiolrttion muses the cmpomtion and shall account_/<Jr and pay to the cmporrition 1my proftt derilJed c1s a result o/said uiol(ltion. In addition, 11 court in its discretion may (!Ward exemplary damagesfhr u!mt or malicious violation o/suhdiuision (r!).

he US HCA offke receives several requests per month for copies of various lists of members and their addresses. Rccemly wc received a request which we had to, unfortunately, rdt1se. This article will explain to you the policies of the USHGA regarding the use and dissemination of membership lists which fol . low the laws of the State of California. Yes, l said laws. The United Staie:, llang Cliding Association was incorporated in rhc srare of California 011 March 26, I as ;1 nonprofir corporarion. T:xby, US! !CA is srill a C:alifi:wnia corporation bound by that state's 11011proflt corporation laws. Any rdi.:rence in this article to rhe corporation is a refi:rence to the USH CA. I have italicized porrions of this article whenever I am quoting directly from sections of· the Nonprofit Corporation I.aw of Calif<m1ia. I have also bold-foced some rcxt for emphasis. When we receive a rcqucs1- for a membership list the basic test that request must pass is two questions: "Is this request rca-sonahly related to a member's interest as a rncmbcr, and will the list be used for any commercial purpose or a purpose in com·pctition with the corporation?" For example: I) You have just been elected as a USHCJ\ Regional Director and would like the names and addresses of" those members in your region. 2) You want ro run for election to the office of regional director and would like to send a letter to all rncmbers in your region. 3) Your club is sponsoring a regional fly-in and you want to send invitations ro pilots. These /\Pi~IL 19<)rj

cx:11T1ph:s arc reasonably related. According to Section 8330 of the California Nonprof1 t Corporation Code: ';I member rndy request and ohtttinfrom the secret(lry oj'the co17)(m1tion (through the US!!G!I offia), upon writttn demand cmd tender of'11 rr·11.w11t1h!c a list o/the names, r1ddresses 1md voting r~~hts o/those mernhers entitltd to votcjrJr the r:lcction o/ din:ctors ... Tht demrmd shrzll stale the purpose/11· which the list is req1tested These JIZII)' he exercised hy (I) !lny member, fl purpose remonr1hly rclr1ted to such person\ int1'rest rzs tl membc1'. Wher(' the mrpomtion rcasrmahly htlieucs th(lt the informrl· tion will he 1tsed/Jr another purpose or when it prolJides rl rmsonahle alternatilJe... it mrty dmy the rnemher access to the list ... "

Section 8338 includes h-ohihitcd Uses of Mem hers hip ] ,ists Damages for Mis11sc: (a) A membei:~hip list is tl corporate asset.

Without consent ofthe hor.1rd 11 membership list or rmy part thcrcof'rnrly not be used by any pcrsonfr1r not rMsonahly relt1ttd to r1 interest as ti memhcr. \Y/ithout lirniting the gcnemlity o/thefr;rego1./!ithout the consent o/the ho11rd r1 11·1crnhcnhip list or any part thcrco/may not hc: (I) Uw! to solicit money or property unless such money or property will he used solely to solicit the vote o/the memhen in rm ckction to he held hy their corpomtion.

(c) Nothing in this article shall he construed to limit the right o/rt corporation to ohttzin injunctive re!irfncccssmy to restrain misuse of'a mernhershzj; list or any part thereof"

(d) In any 11ctirm or proceeding under this section, a court may r1wr1rd the corporation rc(lsonahlc costs and expenses, including rer1sonctble auorneys'fi'es, in connection with such action or proceeding. (r:) As used in this section, the term '1m:mhcrship list" means the record of'the mem hers' names and addresses.

ff you want to request a US HCA mcrnbcrship lisr, the request must be in writing (a fax will do) and must state the specific use of the list. You will be asked to sign a Request for Membership and Acknowlcdgcmcnr with which you acknowledge thar y(lll have read the law, understand it and agree to abide by the law as stated in the California Nonprofit Corporation I ,aw. When we receive your request we will send the request statement to you by fax and you can sign and return it rhc same way, if time is of the essence. For those of you involved in planning a sanctioned event, the request form will be in your Sanction Information Package which is sent from our office. The USHCA membership lisr is the heart and soul of' the Association. The law requires thar distribution and use be carefully controlled and protected.

7


With the USBGA Telecard, you can save 40%- 50%•.. and support the United States Hang Gliding Associationwith every long distance call!

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send me llSHGA Telooud(s) al $15 each! I Plea,;c (lncludes 20 minutes or airtime) I ~lune I Address City/State/Zip _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ I Phone (__) U5BGA Member # I D Eocloooo ls my check for ($ 15 per card)

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I Signature I Mall pa1111en1 to USHGA, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Spring,s, CO 80933·8300, l'<lr I infol'lllation or to order by phone, call (719) 632-8300. Pa.x (719) 632·6417. .J L

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No matter how many long distance calls )'OU make, you·u save money v.1th the USBG.~ Telecard! •The USHGA Telecard s:n-es )'OIi 40%-50% orer standard calling cards...about 25%on lnternauonal calls! • Use your USHGA 1'elecard lo call an}where in the U.S. and 197 counu:ies woddwlde! • You pay only 25 cents a min111e to ca.11 an)where in the U.S., ai111ime...day or nigllt! • Use the convenient toll-free number and )'Our credit card to "recharge" )~ur Telecanl within the hour; or, Set up an auto· matlc recharge on a certain date or when your card reaches a certain minimum balance. •E\-ecy call )'Oil make hel~ support the United States Jiang Gliding ASS-Odatloo! •Throw awa)' your other calling cards and get one for wursclf, your SJ)OLL5e, college S111desits, work associates and other:sl

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From boat towing to the big air of Owens. Meet Larry Tudor, fly with the "Green Team'; soar Guatemala and more. 50 min.

Max-Climb W ithou t The Ten<,:on The Handling You Remember Give your arms a resl. Remember how nailing little cores used to be great fun, but became more difficult as sail-tension increased? That "sweel spot" of tensioned climb was antithetical to the looseness of sail required for true roll authority. Now, thanks 10 our new Vari-Camber"'laminar airfoil system, you'll never have to tension-out that handling again!

The Performance You Demand We know you want it all- And that's what you get with the new Sensor 61 OF. Just pull-in on the vg line and watch as the flap system disengages, transforming your floater back into a screaming blade wing!

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APRJL 1995

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Sizes --152 Large 144 Med 135 SmaU Area --150ft.2 143ft. 2 135ft.2 Stall speed •• 19 MPH correct air speed w/ flaps Stall speed -· 12l'vfPH indicated airspeed w/flaps Min.sink - 160 FPM esi. at rec. 1.8 lb. per sq. ft. Glide ratio •• 14 to I est. measurements to follow Internal fabric shear ribs define the high-lift airfoil VNE--65 MPH VA--55MPH

lHE NEW SENSOR 610F WITH RAPS WHAT YOU ALWAYS WANTED FLYING TO BE...

Seedwings 41Aero Camino Santa Barbara Ca 93117 Ph. 805!968n010 Fax 968/0059 C) 199S Sccdwi~s lnc Vari-Camber is• uedtmad: orSeectwiAgS fnc. 9


Update ALUMINUM CARABINER FAILURE-NO An aluminum carabiner failed afrer a pilot lay down in his five-year-old pod harness in a control bar simulator at Wallaby Ranch on Febrnary 11, 1995. ·rhe pilor was not hurt. The fall was from three feet onto a carpeted box. The aluminurn locking-style carabincr broke opposite the binged, gated side at the bottom corner. There was no strength rating marked on the biner. Dennis Pagen, visiting the next day, inspected the break and noted that the carabiner appeared to have fractured and possibly broken halfway internally, prior to the actual full-failure break. The portion that appeared to have broken previously was worn smooth, while the newly broken ponioll showed rhc roughness of a clean break. Aluminum is more susceptible than steel to damage from hard blows, invasive corrosion and the propagation of cracks. Note that carnbiners normally undergo much more cyclic use in hang gliding than in rock climbing, fix which they were designed. Although a discussion of aluminum carabincrs occurs every few years, a handful of pilots cominuc to fly with them. This cvcnr was sobering t:o witness. Pilots wishing to fly at the Ranch must fly with a steel carabi ner.

dcm clinic will be given by G.W. on June 26-28, and pilots must have a tow rating or have attended the above-mentioned tow clinic. The fee is $200. Pacific Airwavc will be providing its new Hy 2 tandem glider, and will have the "95" Wingler Klassic and the Klassic 133 on hand for demo purposes from June 23-28. Wing Sails will provide the Mountaineer trike for the aerotowing. In addition, the Bright Star Swift and the U.S. /\viarion Super Floater will be on display and available for demo to qua! i ficd pilots. Contact Mountain Wings for more info or to register for either event at (914)

C.W. Meadows, /\irwavc and Mountain Wings, J nc. have joined forces for a tandem, towing and demo event cxrraordinairc in Ellenville, New York, June 24-28. The event will take place at the Ellenville Airport, a 4,000-foot, glasssmooth airstrip at the base of the mountain, just one mile from the Mountain Wings shop. At this clinic you can get your aero and winch tow rating during the area's prime hang gliding weather period. The tow clinic will be given by G.W. on June 24-25 :md includes a free landing seminar. The fee is $175. The tan-

10

ULTRAMITTS

1996 USHGA CALENDAR PHO'fOS

submitted by D11vid Glover

EAST COAST SPECIAL

reproduction possible, but don't let that stop you from suhmi tting ciuality color prints. DEADLINE TS MAY 31, so don't delay. Submit them to: USHGA Calendar, Attn: Jeff Elgart, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 809338300. If you should have any questions, please give us call at (719) 632-8300.

Break our that tray of slides you showed at yom last club meeting and send us your best shots. 'rhc 1996 USHGA Calend:u Committee is anxiously awaiting rhcm. We have a calendar to put together, and we need your help! You've sh:trcd your photography with your flying buddies; now, how abour letting the rest of us sec your beautiful sh ors. If chosen, your photo will he seen around rhe world, immortalized for a whole month. Launching, landing, soar-ing, etc., we want to sec ir all! Your photography will be treated with the utmost of care and will be properly returned after the photo selection commitrcc has made its decisions. Due to the fine-an quality of our calendar, we prefer transparencies for the absolute best

C:loudbasc Harnesses introduces their new Ulrramitrs hang gliding hand fair-· ings. The new mius incorporate an adjustable and removable wrist cuff, making the mitts airtight and warm. Ultramins were tested in below-freezing tcmpcramrcs at 70 mph. A simple open/close air vent at the fingertips helps regulate temperature, preventing your hands from overheating without having to remove them from the mitts. Ultramim arc insulated with "Polartcc Th insulate" open-cell foam and packcloth, and arc easily removable from the control bar with velcro. 'fhe mitts also have sec-th rough map pockets. Dealers Prices range from $35 to arc invited. Contact: Cloud base, RR 1, Box 660, Rising Fawn, GA 30738 (706) 398-3%4.

NEW BALL Ml9E 1995 VERSION '] 'he "95" Ball M 19c instrument incl11des a 23-f1ight memory (greatest rate of climb, grcaresr sink rate, highest

I IANC CLIDINC


u altitude MSL, highest altitude above launch, and flight duration), additional audio (user selectable), flight duration (can be checked during flight), userfriendly key pads, I() .. to 20-second selectable averager, and a two-year rnanufac-rurer warranty. The new MI 9e sells for $4 50 retail. Contact: Ball Variometcrs, 65C)5 Odell Place Suire C:, Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 530-1+9/iO.

The Super Floater will sell and tcsr.·-flown for only ,99'5. The Supcri:loater's sink rate has been measured as low as 120 fret per min me, although company oHtcials arc only claiming 180 ff)tn to remain conserva-· rive. Cliclc performance is about 15: 1, suhstamially higher than the bcst-pcrForming hang gliders. Best sink rate is attained at 27 mph while best glide is found at 35 mph. The Supcrl:loater will operate under FAR Parr I 03 when equipped with its BRS ballistic parachute system, therefore pilots will not be required to have an ];AA license or medical to fly the craft Empty weight is 179 pounds which includes the allowed 155 p01rnds and a 24-pound safety 'chute allowance pennincd by FAA Advisory Circular

I 0.,-7.

The developer oC the ( :umulus ultra· light rnotorglidcr announces a new unpowercd glider ready to market. The new aircrafr, called the SupcrFloater, is actually a Klaus Hill design from the early 1970's. US Aviation says the craft has hecn completely redesigned using the lat-· est mmerials and construction methods. "It's a highly modernized version of the classic 1930's primary glider that taught so many about flying," said designer/developer, Larry I !all. Hall is famous for his windspccd indicator used on thousands of I igh twcigln aircraft. H c a11d the well-known Klaus Hill designed rhc first SupcrFloatcr back in the c:1rly Now US Aviation feels a new generation of pilots is ready for such an aircraft. "We expect to find a marker rnnging from aging hang glider pilots to sailplane: pilots who cm't afford high--priccd glass aircraft or who just want an easy-ro-fly choice 011 some days," says a company newsletter. In addition, the model is expected to atuacr interest from some ultralight pilots and from non--pilots looking for a way to enter aviation inex APRIL

I 995

The ai rcrafr features lid] span ailerons that can be optionally configured as flapcrons, which permit subrlc wing shaping to optimize perfclrrnancc. With a stan-· dard stick and rudder setup the SupcrFloatcr is said to handle conventionally, and it can be towed aloft easily by most any tow-rigged ultralight. The glider will be featured at Sun 'n' Fun and Oshkosh 1995. The SupcrFloatcr has a 38-foot span, 168 square feet of wing area, and can carry 220 pounds of pilot and gear. US Aviation lists Vnc at 60 mph, with stall at 23 mph. The craft is designed fcir a limit loading of +4/2 C's. lt uses a single main wheel, small tail wheel, and a metal-rcinforcccl wood skid up front. For further information write 265 Echo Lane, South St. Paul, MN 55075. h1xcs or voice messages may be left at ((>12) 4500930. Callers may also dial (80 I) 298-2420.

The 1995 pol for Mt. Ascurney and \Vest Rutland is the same as ir has been for the last several years. htl/ VHCA membership is required for all pi Iors in Region Vlll

(ME, NH, VI; MA, CT :md RI). Visiting pilots will be required to pay $IO for the use of these sires. The VHCA has been given rhc responsibility of' overseeing these sires by the Ian down-· crs. Liability concerns and rising costs, both maintenance and insurance, dictate that all who fly these two beautiful sires be VJ J(;A members. For more information contact: Barh Kramer ((i03) 1760, or Rich I ,aportc (603)

The Mark and Brian team will he 011 the road rhis summer flying throughout the entire month ofJuly. They will visit the Owens Valley, Rock Wyoming, and Chelan, Washington during the Nationals. Most pilots arc aware that I ,arry 'fodor set the open distance record from Rock Springs, and this site offers tremendous X-C: potential in a wick variety of wind directions. The team is looking for an experienced tow pilot and a driver to join them this year. For more info call Mallcnec (714) %6-121+0.

The US HCA has sanctioned the 1995 U.S. Paragliding Nationals to he held in Chelan, Washington, July 1-9 with June 29--30 as competition practice days. Co--organizers Joe Cluzinski and P>ill Gordon have sernrccl as sponsors the Lake Chelan Flyers, the Seattle-based Norrhwcst Paragliding Club, Oregon's Cascade Paragliding Club, and Spokane, Washington's Inland Northwest Paragliding Club. A fly-in will run concurrently with the Nationals and there will be numerous social and acttvt · tics associated with the event. Por more information contact Bill Cordon (509) Joe Bluzinski (909) 8664, or Paragliding Promotions, Inc., P.O. Box 85 11, Scat WA 981/i 151 I. Chelan is a summer resort town and 11


Upd the Fourth of]uly week will sell out quickly. Campbell's Resort on Lake Chelan, a full--service resort and official event headquarters, has blocked off rooms which include a participant's discount. Por reservations call (509) 6822561 and mention code PARA 5 to receive the discount. For travel and air fare information contact Share Dietrich at Sun 'fravel (509) 682-4558 in Chelan, or for general information and camping accommodations contact the Chelan Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-4CH ELAN and request an information packet. For up-ro-date information call the Paragliding Promotions Hotline at (206) 628-6937.

pilots will compete in the same class, and pilots must register before flights count. Pilots may register with their local USHGA Chapter or Regional Director. The registration fee is $10, and the money will go toward trophies and postage. Flights must originate from within Region XI (Texas, excluding El Paso, and Louisiana), and distances from the best three flights during the contest period will be summed. Trophies will be awarded for the top three places and for the single longest flight. Contact: Jeff Hunt, 4811 Red River St., Austin, TX 78751 (512) 467--2529, RRAJeff@aol.com.

FLY ART SHOW REGION XI SEASON-LONG CONTEST Region XI will be holding a seasonlong X-C contest from March 1 to Sept. 30. Flex-wing, rigid-wing and paraglider

Just Fly company announces the second annual Just Fly Fine Art Show. This year's show will expand in two areas. The first is photography. Photography will be judged separately from fine art and will

receive separate awards. There will also be a children's art contest. The categories for children consist of grades 1-6, 7-9 and 10-12. Ribbons will be awarded in each of these categories. Like last year, the show will take place at Glen Eure's Ghost Fleet Gallery in Nags Head, North Carolina. Glen is a retired hang glider pilot from the early days and is extremely stoked about the return of the show. Show dates arc May 12-14, so be sure to get your entries in as soon as possible. Judging will be just before opening on the 12th. The show runs in conjunction with the 23rd annual Hang Gliding Spectacular. Last year's event was a boot. All types of art are accepted. The "Best of Show" in the fine art division will be invited to enter the third annual Icarus art show to be held in conjunction with the First Flight Celebration on December 17, 1995. For more information contact G.W Meadows at (919) 480-3552.

Ym11 WIIIIII 111. • • am11 111. HIGH ENERGY PAC AIR UP

Kentuckiana Soaring has the best prices on flying gear. Nothing more need be said, but we've got all this so we may as well prove it. It's worth your while in savings to call. "You show us yours, we'll show you ours."

RADIOS Yaesu FT41L ........... $305.00 Yaesu FT416 ......... ............... 275.00

Yaesu FT11R-5W................... 305.00

lcom .................. too many to list .. Call Alinco DJ1BOh-5W. .......... ...... 259.00 Kenwood TH28A .. ~...... 329.95 KenwoodTH22 .... ~;······2B9.95 50Wmobi/es ................ .from 329.00 All ham radios available with MARS/CAP mods .............. warrantied

VARIOS Ball M-19demo .................. $393.00 Aircotec Piccolo demo .. 354.00 Afro-Cirrus .... we beat any price• Brauniger............................. Ca// Flytec .................... Call with your bast Davron ................ price. Wo'llboatitl Tangent Computer... ~ ..... Call " Within reason, of course ~

OTHER ELECTR

The SOARING CENTER offers everything a student pilot needs. Excellent instruction, state-of-the-art equipment, and a training site with consistent conditions ideal for learning. This means you get more air-time, have more fun, and become a better pilot in less time ... You want it? YOU got It! " Lessons taught daily, year-round. • Soarable conditions 300+ days a year. • Smooth grassy ridges "made for soaring". • Lesson packages for beginners or your first 100 mile X-country. " Tandem/Solo Hang gliding & Paragliding lessons. • Pro site guides for 2,000' 5,000' mountain launch sites. • Demos & glider rentals. " Sail & airframe repairs by factory experts. " Full service shop with products from most dealers. " Free Camping at the launch. • ICP's and aerobatic clinics. ·

Flightmate Pro with full accessories ..... $759.95 Avocel flight watch. Best price anywhere Including shipping! ................ .$119.95 PTT fingerswitch ..................... 69.00

ANTENNAS 1/4 waveduck ................. $14.95 5/B wave duck ................. 17.95 5/B wave telescoping ...... 20.95 5/8 wave mag mount.......... 38.95

MISCELLANEOUS 425 Taggart. Clarksville IN 47129 812/288-7111 Fax 812/284-4115 Send SASE for current sale flyer showing even more products.

Dealer: ........ UP._ ..... Pacific Aiiwave Hook Knife (I/Jo goodone) ...... $14.95 Harnesses: High Energy.... CG 1000 1/4" braided polylino ........ $35/1000' Mason release ....................... $47.00 Helmets: Reflex ... Panoramic ... Lee Airspeed Indicator: Wind Advisory

And so much more ...

HANG GUDINC


r Calendar of evenrs items WI LL NO'T be listed if'only tclllativc. Please iuclmk cxacr information dare, conracr name and phone number). Iterns should be received no Luer than six weeks prior 10 the evern. We

Beaverton, OR (J/i/i ..g<J I'), or Jim

l.

two momhs lead rime for

APRIL l 5-22: f:'11st Cof/st Challmge, for East Coast Championship, sponsored by Tennessee Tree Same meet ;;\ Class A+), panics and l rncrmcdiarc and Advanced plus TIT membership. I number of slots available. Comacr: Katie Dm111 (615) ')/i')/i%5.

UNTIL DEC. I: /995 R1;r,irm 9 X-C Gm/ts/. rhc flown in the Region. Three classes: l{ookic, 60-milc and Open. fee. Contacr: Pere l .ehmann (Ii 12.) (i6 I (before '):()() !'YI), fax 3/i:36.

UNTILM/\Y21:1995

9

Chrlmpionship. Weekend X-C: from ,my sire. Best three totalled. Limit of<iO miles per flight. Rookie, 60 mile and Open C:lasses. $10 cntry fee. C:onract: Pere I .chmann (Ii 12.) (16 I-Yi7/i (before 'J:00 PM), fax Yil().

MARCI I I(). I 5: Bf/sic rmd !lduanred IC'/'. Contact: F\ruce Weaver, I lawk Kites, P.O. Box 1H3'J, I lead, NC 2.79')') I H00-3lli li7T/.

APRIL l Wills Wing Expo '')5 with !'at hosted by Mi.l'sion Cmter, San Jose, CA (liOH) H12. I 05'5. 8 '): Wills Wing Expo '')5 with Par by (}Hmdcflc, Sf/n Francisco (Ii I YiG!i. APRIL I 16: Wills '')'> with Pat hosrcd W1's/en1 Cr111i1d(! V{!ilL- l>mltrs at the "F:istcr Meet" Savon,1, BC: Canada ((JOii) 57/i I I. APRIL 25: Wills Wing Expo '')5 with Pat hosted by Sr1crammto Sacramc1110, (:!\ (')!Ci) Y7J0551. APRIL 29 30: Wills I '')5 wirh Tudor, hosted Salt Lake UT (HO I) I Oli2., (HO 1) 25/i.906'l. MAY (17: IJ!c11villc X-C: Seminar with I .arry

rcaturcs:

hillside training cxer-

alcrt" light-touch trainsysrcm. Cost:

Li mired space availAdv:111cc rcscrvatio11s required. APRIL 29-30: Novice raring ttOllS

C!inir Pat l )cm:van. Sec above for dct:1ik MAY 23: P11rrrchu1c Oinic. A must for any pilot who carries a backup p:nachurc. Fcarmcs: video care & mai111c11,mcc instructions, practice and a dcmonsrr:1rion oft he 111nl10d of lines. Cost: $'50, or with purchase from MSC. ;\dvancc reservations recom111endcd. Co111:1ct: Mission Center, 11 l(J Milpitas, ( ')503'5 (near (/iOB)2.Ci2. 1055.

!lcroh111irs semi11mfpho10 dinir APRIL 3-9: Ciflls I dinic for h:mg glider pilots and I<c11 I l udo11 jorgcnscn. Some available. ( :onracr: I )ave or Torn (HO 1) ''i/6 (1/i<io.

APRIL Bt1sic rmd !ld1Jm1ced !CT Clinic. APRIL 29-50: f ISi /GIi "Jimdcm c:linir. !laotow C:!i11ir. frucl, /1)1/! Clini1, \,Vi/!, nm10 J>aze with l.arry Tudor. Conract: 1':uil Voigln/i:ly I figh (') I Ii) 7/ili-.l'J I

!:All S1m-N-hm l-lv-!11, · l "he second avi:irio11 i11 rhc country, exceeded only by

lli,~h('J!li) 7411-111

fapo '')5 wirh Pat hosted (805) %6 2%2. MAY Fxpo '')'"i with P:n hosted Cmttr, San Diego, Ci\ I OO'J.

APRII, l

'frmdem

C:omacr: Advcnrurc

Research

C:arson (

simulator

I

Volunteers arc needed

for the LJSI l(;A tcnr, booth, si11111!:1tor and v,1rious other PR f'unct io11s. Contact: US! I CA Cl I 'J) Ci l2. H500. prmrg!iding 1111d meet, lbss:rno dcl Crappa, Vicem.a, Italy. C:onract: tel/fox 0/i'J '5'5')-

(702) HS:3-7070.

11 'JH.

APRIL I JOth !lnnur!I 0ffrmsidt Optn, Oceanside, () R. hce

APRIi.

<:!inic, MI. C:om:1er: Bill Cuddy,

Pines, ( )ne·-on-·-onc Pri1.cs and cash for top as well as for best overall /Jnish. April 2.0-2.1 arc practice (bys. with final rounds held J\pril Pilots must he current US! f(;A members :rnd ( :lass or Advanccd-r:rn:d (or fi)reign C:omact: ·1 Pines Glider l\m (619) li'52 :32.02..

APRH. 21-2./i: !Jr1sil' dr !ld1!(mffrl !CP. llydrosratic winch used for high flights. C:onract: Michael Robertson (')05) 2.'J425:l6.

MAY JO . . J J, 1 o/'X C: training over fom weekends. I11cl11dcs ground school classes before each llying Retrieval van, driver :rnd study guide incl11dcd. $139. ( :om,1c1: J ,akc Elsinore I Lmg Clicling, John Pin ('JO'J) 2./i 5 7(12.7.

APRIL

29-30

l 8: X-C Oi11ics. Eight

1ht (,'rmt Rrfft at l .oolrnur APRIL IV!Ln. i:light Park (20 minutes from Chat ranooga, TN). 21 -mile round trip race. any day or every day. $1,000 as well :1s other Prepaid kc includes competition, pass and rhc Crear Race dinner party on April 2g for 11011-panicip:rnrs). Contact: Lookom Mrn. 1:Jighr Park (olllsidc C TN) (706) ]<)H.J5/i 1. Rt. 2 Box J 5.11, Rising Fawn, CA :307:JS.

APRIi. 28<j0: 91h !lrmual Stcw11rt Smilh Mr:nwriril I .cnoir, NC. hrst, second and third cash prizes in all events. frc includes T-shirr, dinner, party and clan tournament. welcome. Contact: Travis Bryant 75H') n l or Ben Burrill (7M) 0\92.-:1765.

APRII.29.MAY

·1 C:li11ic. MAY J-6: T:mdcm Clinic. 10: Basic and Advanced lC:P. C:0111:1cr: Pacific Airwavc

(40H) 42.2-22.9') or ( ;.w. Meadows ('JI<)) /iH(J-3552..

C:cntcr (BIO) 79H and carnping.

Hang Cliding Association. Contact: i\llrn Al'l~IL 1 CJ9 5

MAY I

arrival and

I .)')


ndar evening: aerotow clinic with Paul Voight. Sarurday: aero row, ATOL and X·C clinic with I ,any Tudor. Sunday: x.c flying with Larry, retrieval available. Cost: aerotow clin· ic ;md seven tows $200, X-C clinic ( :omacr: (718) ltS7·8390. MAY 5·7: North American Aerobrztic Hang Gliding Chmnpirmships, Chelan, WA. Presented by the Acrobatic Hang Gliding Association and Chelan Flyers, CheLrn is known for its hospitality and hosting of successfol meets. Come to the site of this year's! Tang Gliding and Paragliding Nationals for the first acrobatic rncel designed specific:1lly around AI ICA rules and guidelines. Workshop-style training for acrobatic pilots of all skill levels the week prior. Contact: Kcric Swcpston (206) 9:)9· 6248. MAY 6·7: lAs Vegas Hang Gliding Assn. Fun Ffy.fn, Hang II's and up. X-C, spot landings, bomb drops, barbecue 011 Saturday night. Cost $20 to fly. Conract: Creg or Michelle (702) 26:36831, or Lauren (702) 43 I-4388. MAY 6-7: Southern Colorado l•/y.Jn, Southpark, CO. Contests, priz~s, dinner Saturday night, camping. Contact: Steve Glazener (71 9) 570·91 06, glazcner(1),10J.com or Steve Dewey (719) 687,0lt71t. MAY J 2.14: 23rd ,1nrmal !-Jang 5jJCctacular, Nags Head, North Carolina. Come to Jockey's Ridge State Park and enjoy the oldest cominuous-running hang gliding competition in the country. Both novice and experienced pilots compete in a variety of fLm flying events. Also, a street dance, fine ans reception and awards ceremony with guest T;rancis M. Rogallo, "father of hang gliding." Emry fee. Beginning hang gliding lessons given dur·· ing the evenr. Registration at Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags l-!cad, NC:. Contact: Bruce Weaver 1·80() .. 334.4777. AUG. 15: 47th Anniversary o/Rogallo wing invention. Honors hancis M. Rogallo, inventor of the flexible wing. Learn abom the history of kites and gliders, and meet Mr. Rogal lo himself. Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head, NC. Contact: Jayne DePanfilis 1-80().;334· 4777. SEPT. 23·24: 4th Annual P11cific Airwave Vision Clmsic. Pac Air's latest gliders, fun competition. Open to pilots of all skill levels who have a Vision, regardless of model. Barbecue, prizes. Kitty Hawk

14

Nags Head, NC. Contact: Bruce Weaver 800-331t·ltT77. MAY I It ·22: Crmadirm Ni1tionalr, I rnn hy, BC. Foreign pilots welcome. Comact: I ,co Salvas, Box It 1Ci, Lum by, BC VOE 2CO, pl1. (604) fax (604) or Peter Warnes (CiOlt) 169. MAY 19-·21: (rain day Region IV RegirmaLr, Miller Canyon, Sierra Vista, AZ. Enny $120. Contact: Tony Barton, Airborne Sports USA, 11.0. Box 2163, Sierra Viesta, AZ 85636 ph/fax (602) 459· (i305. MAY 27-29: 18th Annual Starthistle Meet, Rogue Valley HGA, Medford, OR. Fun fly-.in. Hang l II, or Jiang ll with instructor release. Entry foe includes Sarurclay nighr barbecue. Camping nearby. Contact: Newt Stevenson (503) 773-1187 (days), or Jan Bailly (503) 846.6228. MAY 27·29: Dry Canyon Memori11l Dr,y Ply-In, Alamogordo, New Mexico. Sponsored by the Rio Grande llang Gliding Associ:1tion. hm flying, contests, dinner, etc. Meet in LZ at 9:00 AM each day. Entry $20 in advance, on site. Contact: Dave Church (505) 527 ·0841t or Tommy West (505) 437-5213. MAY 27.JO: /fosit rmd Advanced ICP rmd instructing with scooter tow by Dave Broyles and Par Dencvan. You may learn to tow as pan of this program. $300. Allen, TX (near 4) 9%· Dallas). C:ontacr: Dave Broyles T706, nights and weekends (2 I4) 727 · 3588. JUNE l·SEPT. 30: L11!,eview, Oregon "!Jang Gliding Capitttl o/the West" 1995 6th Annu11l Ffy.fn. June·Sept. i:light C:onrcsrs. $1,CiOO-pursc planned, with $100 for longest X-C flight, and $50 monthly random drawing from all other months' valid flights from recognized Lakeview area sires. Where else can you win $50 for ,l sledder or lare afternoon glass--off? And the more flights you submir, the bcner your odds! 2nd Annual .$1,000 "Grand x.c" Contest (changed for 1995), Most Accumulative Miles flown from Black Cap during the four months. Pre-registration required, still only (for the permanent Black Cap LZ fond, includes entry for 4th of July l loliday Fly· In contests too)! Contact: Lake Counry Chamber of Commerce, 513 Center St., [ ,akevicw, OR 97Ci.'30 (503) 947 -60lt0, FAX (503) 947

4983 for entry form and other fly-in events info, and send to cmcr and receive the updated site guide (ro include new Bald M tn.) and flight report forms. l-lt: 'f'rucldAcrotow Clinic. JUNE 58: Trmdcm 'Jr;w Clinic. Comact: Bruce Weaver, Kiny Hawk Kites, P.O. Box 18.39, Nags I lead, NC 279'59 1-800-:3:H lt777.

JUNE f .Lj.: Trucldcu:rotow clinic. JUNE 58: Ttlndem tow clinic. Contact: Brncc Weaver, Kitty Hawk Kites, P.O. Box 1839, Nags ! lead, NC 27')59 J.800·334·1t7T7.

fi. J 1: S11nditl Allrnqucrque, New Mexico. Fifth annual 450 WTSS poim meet at Sandia Peal<. The premier meet of the season! Price includes: entry fee, mp·quality x.c: rasks, glider and pilot rransporrntion to launch, turnpoint nlm and processing, computerized scoring, full .. time paid staff; free oxygen refills, gift: certificates from local businesses, convenient meet headquarters, awards barbecue, T-shirt and more! Sixty-pilot maximum field, 45 spots reserved for pilots ranked in the top 80 lJSI-lGA or in the top I 00 by PIRS. Remaining entries will be based on ranking, competition experience and flight experience. USH(;A Advanced rating, all Special Skills, extensive mountain I desert I X.C thermal experience required. Early reg· istration .$'.300 if postmarked before May 1, $350 after. Refundable nnril April 30. Contact: Mike Gregg, 1 I 17 St. Dr., Albuquerque, NM 871 11 ('505) 5978 or Mark Mocho (505) 298·2922. 15: PAT photo compr:ti· tion. Contact: Jocelyne Rebillard, tel.I fax 331-31t-677 I Ci7. JUNE 19-25: Telluride Airmen '.r Rendezvous, hang gliding and paragliding fostival. Advanced pilots. Includes T-shirt, banquet, awards ceremony and special cvellls. Cost Contact: Craig Hess (303) 728·3475. For lodging info call (:303) 728.(>621. JUNE I 0.11: Seventh Ultrali,~ht fly-In, lckes public ulrralighr airport. Sponsored hy EAA Ultralight Club #64. Comact: (81 It) 2763'.35.'3. JUNE 17: 110/>A AOPA Headquarters, Frederick Municipal Airport, Maryland. OCT. 19-21: AOPA FXPO ;\tlanric City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Contact: HANC CL!DINC


I nd Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assn., li2.1 Aviation Way, Frederick, MD 21701 (301) 695-2000. JUNE 17-24: Sandia Open X-C Grzllenge, Albuquerque, NM. I-lcld at 10,GOO' Sandia Crest. Come enjoy some of the best X--C in the Southwest. Dual format: longest flight and cumulative miles. Fee includes Sandia Crest Cuide, T-shirt, awards BBQ with door prizes, oxygen refills and more! $75 bdl)re May 15, $90 after. Forry sp,1ces available on a first-come first-serve basis. For rating requirements and other information, contacr: Larry Walls, 790 l Palomar Ct. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 249-7831 (mobile), (505) 821-479/i (home), or Bill Lemon, l GOO .Vith Sr., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (505) 891-5370. JUNE 22-24: Region !V Championships, Telluride, CO. I l igh altitude racing to goal with turn poi ms format. Tarp start. All tasks within Telluride Valley. Entry fee of$ l 20 includes both Telluride Hang Gliding Festival and Region IV Championships, turnpoint film and processing, electronic scoring, awards. Advanced raring required. Competition seminars each day on launch. Contact: Nick Kennedy, Competition Direcror (30:3) 728-3905. JUNE 23-25: 1995 King Mtn. Meet, near J\rco, Idaho. Format is open-distance X--C: along designated routes with goal bonuses. Entry fee $25 for !HG/\ membership. Contact: Ken Schreck, 275 Clifford Sr., Blackfoot, ID 83221 (208) 785-01 %, or Al Whitesell (208) 522-2423.

JUNE '.30-JlJLY 3: Ontario /·fang Glidin!', dr Parc1giiding !lssociclLion (OllPA) Fly-In and Competition. Blyth, Omario, Canada. A Canadian points meet. Winch and aero-tow. Pre-entry Ice required: fly-in $20, competition $30. Checks payable to OHP/\, P.O. Box l 28, King City, Ontario l.OC 1KO. Contacr: Armand Acchionc (Ii l G) 5 l 8-0 l J J (home), fax (905) 8333547.

.JlllY 1-4: f.tzkeview, Oregon "Hang Gliding Crzpitttl of'the \Vr:st" J 995 6th !lnnua! 4th of' July Holiday Fly-in. "Run-Ride-Glide" foot race, mountain bike and spot landing team evem, best X-C awards each day and accumulative July l--3 hang gliding and (new) paragliding Adjusted Distance Spot Landing Contests. Free pilots' family swim-ming, merchants coupons, much more! l .ate rcgist ration June 3016:00- l 0:00 l'M, July J /8:00 /\M--?. Pilots' meetings Jime 3018:00 PM and July 119:00 /\M. Registration required, still only (for the permanent Black Cap LZ fond, includes entry for July-Sept. Flight Contests roo)! Contact: Lake County Chamber of Commerce, 513 Ccnrer Sr., Lakeview, OR 97630 (503) 947-Ci040, FAX (50'.J) 9474983 fi.ir entry form and other fly-in events in lei, and send to enrer ;111d receive the updated site guide (to include new Bald M tn.) and flight report forms. JULY 1--9: 1995 Cheltm US. Open N11timud l'amgliding Championships and Fly-/11. Contact: (20(,) 628-6937.

JUNE 18--24: British Teague Pre·· World Competition. Foreign pilots welcome. Fntry L70. Contact: Jim Bowyer, 2 l.ion Tcrr;1ce, Cilwern, Abcrgavcnny, Gwent NP7 ()BU United Kingdom, rel. 44--1873-831667, fox 441 873-83 l -68.

JULY 10-1 5: Chdan X-C Cu1ssic, Chelan, WA. A great opportunity to preview the site of the 1995 U.S. Nationals. Pilot-called (or recalled on course) triangles, out--and-rcrmn and open disLance combined frirmat. $70 ($(,5 pre-registration by July 3). Comacr: Chris Dominy, 1958 3rd St., Kirkland, WA 9803.°3 (206) 284-39 l 8.

JUNE 23--28: Airu;cwe Demo with Mark Gibson, Ellenville, NY. Featuring the Fly tandem glider, "95" Klassic, hmnulas and Pulses. JUNE 24-25: Towing Clinic with C.W. Meadows, Fllenville, NY. Learn to row with both aerorng and srarionary winches. Free landing seminar included. JUNE 26-28: Trmdem Clinic with C.W. Meadows, Ellenville, NY. Requires credentials or participation in J tme clinic. Will focus on tandem towing with a short stint on the training hill. hee landing seminar included. Contact: Mountain Wings (914) 6473377.

JULY 22-29: U.S. Nationals, Chelan, WA. l;amous Chelan flying in a national event. l)rcvious national championships and last Women's World Championships proven Chelan to be possibly the best X-C: contest location in rhe world. Race--to-goal, out--and-rerurn and rri:mgles. Chelan is a resort town with many hotels (hut make reservations early). Economical camping available. Minimum lnrcrmcdiatc raring with FSl., TUR, RIX, X-C special skills. foe of $325 includes trans-porration to launch, hlm and processing, electronic scoring, awards. Lim ired to 120

AIJf,IL 199S

pilots maximum (category slots for ranked, women and foreign pilots), so enter early to ensure a spot. Practice days: July 20-21. Awards: July 30. Contact: Rich Williams, 9807 40th Ave. E., Tacoma, WA 9844Ci (20(,) 539842.3 (voice or fax), or Lionel Space (206) 599-2%0. JULY 21-30: International Speed Gliding Competition, Wales, Crcat Britain. FA! world championship status applied for. Sponsored by British Hang Gliding Assn . /\II countries inviLed to send individuals or team. Contact: Murray Rose, Airspon Associates, Tylc Llwyd, Llanfrynach, Brecon, Powys, Wales, Great Britain I .D3 8PC, tcl.!fax 44-1874-GG5-li81. JULY 27-AUG 2: FAA Oshkosh Fly-In, Oshkosh, WI. The largest aviation gathering in rhe country, with more than one million people in attendance. Volunteers arc needed for the USI !GA tent, booth, simulator and various other PR funcrions. C:omact: USHGA (719) 632-8300. /\lJG. 5-7: 8thJ1nnurd Western Crmf!dian Hang Gliding Ch!l7npionship.;; Colden, BC. Tndividual and team scores. Comact: Ken Shackleton (403) 734-3 l I 2 eves, (403) 530-68.35 days, c mail ks hack 1(rllagt.a!ta. ncr. AlJGlJST 13-19: l!obbs 'frJ1.u/am, 450 WTSS points gnaranteed. Class I & ll divi-· sions, individual and team scoring. Three people per rig. Free entry with a tow system. Entry $.°300 before) unc 30, $350 ali:cr. 60 pilots max, 10 spots reserved for top 10 U.S.-ranked pilots. Timed starts with sailplane-style hox and window. Film and developing provided. Contact: Crossroads Winclsporcs, Curr Grahm (505) ;:5()2-8222, or Red River Aircraft, Jeff Hunt (512) 467 --2529 RRAJe/f(-,\10!.com. AUG. 26--SEPT. 9: l'roject "Pcacefi-tl Sly" Russirm hcmg gliding event. Visit Moscow and the Zhukovsky Air .Show, and fly from 5,6/i2-mctcr Mou111 Elbrus (Europe's tallest Mountain). Enrollment deadline is May 1. Contact: Esti Tourist Agency, 6A, l st Prunzensbya Srr., Moscow l 19146, RUSSIA, tel. 01 l-7-095--246-71--65, 011 095-246-12-63, 011-7-095-246-99-64, or fox O11 011-7-095-492 41-A3. Info is also available from: Richard Ball, 2140 Kohler Dr., Boulder, CO 80303 (303) 494-9763, fax (303) li44--7784 (c/o Boulder PlighL).

Fi


Rigid Wings

The Carbon Dragon climbing out from under 200 feet after auto tow.

An Interview With Gary Osoba by Jim Palmieri lying is what it's all about - quality airtime and quantity too. That is why Gary Osoba often finds himself flying the Carbon Dragon. AB he looks out across 44 feet of wing he can see the full-span, 30% chord flaperons. Thar's 45 square feet of flaps!

F 16

All this translates into a bird with a 19 mph stall speed, an amazing wing coefficient of lift of 2.0, and climbing ability w1paralleled in the world of soaring craft. With the thermaling radius of a flex wing and a minimum sink rate of 99 feet/minute, this Dragon climbs like a rocker. Thanks to a rail and three-axis controls char are light and responsive ro th e rouch, Gary knows that the Carbon Dragon flies withour a worry about tucking or being rolled over.

The predicted glide ratio of the Carbon Dragon is 25:1, although with minor adjustmenrs and modifications an outstanding 26.8: l has been achieved. This offers great cross-country potential, especially in the flatlands of Kansas where the luxury of ridge lift does not exist. There are no wave or convergence zones in Kansas, just challenging thermals and lots of cross-country flying. There are no nearby hills to launch the Carbon Dragon from, so Gary launches by

HANG GLIDING


Gary Osoba and son Michael receiving an muard from Dennis Brown, President of the Kansas Soaring !Ls:wcit1tion, with the Carbon Dm;on in the b,ichgrouncl

tow (600'-800' alrimde from car tow) and nearly always /Jnds workable lift. Cary says thar he can climb our frorn 300'-400' ACL almost every time (sometimes from as low as 170' AGL). Climbing out is always quick, usually two or three times faster rhan sailplanes because of the Carbon Dragon's smaller therrnal coring wrning radius. Mary, Cary's wi fr: and I ow cl river, can usually leave after he tows np, even when the wind is blowing 20-25 mph. The superb glide ratio and penetration of the Carbon I )ragon allow Cary to frir hours and land where he took off "When I do decide to turn and run or land out somewhere, the performance of the glider is rruly impressive. Over the past year cross-country /lights of this nature have aver-· aged about J GO miles. In fact, a year of flying triangles, out-and--returns, straight distances and cross--country has produced no frwcr than six flights which would qualify as new world records. All 11110H1eial mind you ... I'm just nm into the heavy competition thing," Cary reports. Of greater importance, however, is that the Carbon I has achieved historical signiflcancc for FAR Part l 03 gliders (capable of foot launch and weighing less than 1 pounds). The Carbon Dragon has out-flown even high-performance sailplanes in a scheclulcd, open cross--country meet. states, "As far as I know, the Kansas Kowhell Klassic is the oldest cross-country event of its kind, now in its fomth decade. It is an all-out, straight-distance comest, hosted hy the Kansas Soaring Association. By special invitation I was allowed to /ly with a group of friendly and Al'RIL '1995

talented sailplane pilots. Even though the conditions were weak a blue-sky day with no cumies or ridge lift anywhere in the area I

still flew the Carbon Dragon nearly 200 miles. The second-place sailplane flew under 100 miles and the third--place finisher only 7'7 miles. Most of the sailplanes never left the launch area because of the weak conditions. I covered the first 90 miles in about two hours, but then conditions further deteriorated and rhe remaining I 00 miles took me four hours. It was a very satisfying journey and a fast for a fc)ot--launchable glider!" 'I 'here is more good news on the horizon. Every flex wing pilot who has flown the ( :arbon Dragon loves flying it. There arc new designs currently in the works to further maximize airtime. The Carbon Dragon, like the Swift, is foot-·launchablc but requires a little more wind because of its static balance. The Carbon Dragon is a high-performance, very soarable glider that can also be ground or aerorowcd or launched by bungee from a hillside. The Carbon Dragon and similar designs reflect the future of soaring foot-launched gliders. So keep your eye on the Carbon Dragon bur be prepared to look high ... and far.

17


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The Moyes XfRALITE is breaking Records of all kinds. Tandem, Open Distance, Altitude Gain, Dog Leg and Production. Yes, the Mcyes Glider Production records are also being broken. The XfRALITE Is the most successful glider we have ever made, it's handling qualities, landing ease and all out performance have made the XTRALITE t he most popular glider ever. Contact your local Moyes dealer today, and discover t he record breaking service. quality and perf.ormance known around t he world.

Tandem Records 1. Open Diet-ance Record. Official

2. Alt>'tudc Gain. 10,500 ft. Location: Hlloi:cn. NSW. Australia

Diotanu: 229 Milco Duration: 7hn; 30rnln. l ocation: Hlloton, NSW, Australia

3. 1313 Mlle Dog Leg Duration: 2hro 30 min.

Location: Hiloton. NSW, Auotralia

Glider. XTRAUTE 164 Pilot: Toma• Suchanek faeeenger: Corinna Schwiegerohau,;en

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he idea for a NetHead Fly-In began as a topic (a "thread") on the lnrernet, just like any orhcr thread on the hang gliding mailing list. Someone posted the topic, others followed up with ideas, and the thread snowballed as interested pilots posted their thoughts. Afrer exchanging ideas and com-· ments, the dates for the Fly-Tn were set as December 30 to January 2, and Southern California would be the place. All that was lefr was lo select a site and have the local club organize the event. As pilots emailed their entries the number of participants grew daily: paraglider pilots, hang glider pilots, Hang l's to Hang V's, California pilots, Arizona pilots, and even a Massachusetts pilot posted to sign up for the event that, so far, existed only in cyberspace. The selection of the site was based on the ratings of those interested, as well as weather and access considerations. Ken Ifowells, president of the Crestline Soaring Society, suggested C:restline and Marshall Peak, just north of San Bernardino, as possible sites. Nearly 40 pilots had expressed interest by midDecember, as Ken assumed responsibility for taking care of the final details.

Many nctheads have made "ASCII art sigs," or small pictures drawn with text characters, to sign off their submissions, including comact info, ratings, flight equipment and more. Peter Griffioen and Ken Howells began discussing ·1 ~ shirts when Pete Hammer, a Dallas pilot, wrote that he would like to see the best sigs from the list on the shirts, and even offered to create the final artwork. Fie soon came up with a nice design hy APRIL 1995

purting together parts of sigs from Johan Kritzinger (Pretoria, South Africa) and myself. The internet list was the perfect place for everyone to preview the design and make comments. Ken also made an interesting design for the front of the T-shirt, with a grid of e-mail addresses and an ASCII hang glider soaring above "the net." It was a real success and orders soon came in from all over the world.

The actual event consisted of three days of flying and socializing, with spot

and duration contests on the fourth day. Flying conditions quite good, especially for the time of the year, and there were many one- and two-hour flights, as well as enjoyable sledders during the entire Fly-ln. Crestline and Marshall Peak were the most frequently flown sites, but some pilots bad good flights at Cucamonga, and the contests were held at Lake Elsinore on Jmuary 2.

Many pilots have already shown an interest in making the Ned-lead Hy-In a yearly event. Tt is a great way for netheads to attach faces to the names on the mailing list, as well as to attend yet another fun hang gliding event. There are several new ideas for future fly-ins, and it is very likely that there will be others.

I

by Scott Comeaux n 1994, Colorado pilots sure did best to take advantage of every "go-somewhere" day that the Rocky Mountain skies had to offer. Even though it wasn't one rhe best seasons for Colorado X-C flying, I can confidently say that the 1994 competition was a huge success! There were 22 entrants in 1993 (14 hang glider and eight paraglidcr pilots), bnt 1994 saw a total of 50 pilots enter (3 l hang glider and 19 paraglider). With 28 pilots who had never entered before, that's a 127% increase over the previous year, and we reached my personal goal of

50 pilots! Pilots turned in 80 flights with a grand total of 2,205.62 miles flown in l994. This competition runs from January 1 to December l each year, and is sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Hang Gliding Association. It is scored based on an accumulation of a pilot's best three flights. Points are won by flying one of four different tasks: straight open distance, dog leg, our-and-return and triangle. Each of these tasks, because they increase in difficulty, are worrb more points respectively. Also, if you "declare" the completed task before

19


11

Knowing I had to back work on Mondat yet feeling so happy and generous, I offered Tyler Perkins the use of my TRX (he flies an old Kiss) and my Jeep Cherokee. You he and two other pilots were staying through Tuesday. Well; he proceeded to knock off a 40-miler on Mondat and a magnificent flight of 100.3 miles (his first 1OD-miler) on Tuesday ON MY GLIDER/11

1 CLASS A (pilots having flown I00 or more rniles, 4 pilots emered)

Puice Pilot 1) Brad Koji

Points 202.60

2) 3)

161.1

Don Sebastian Jim Lee

B (pilots having flown 50 or more miles, 7 pilots entered) Place Pilot ])

TYier Perkins

2) 3)

'Todd Bibler

4)

5)

Scott Comeaux Dave Crabb Jim Yocum

CLASS C (pilots having flown under 50 miles, 24 pilots entered)

Place Pilot launching, the f1ight is worth even more points. The competition is divided into six classes: Class A pilots having flown those having over J 00 miles; Class B Hown over 50 miles; Class C those having flown under 50 miles: Class D the single best flight from the loc::il Denver site of Lookout Mountain (Mt. Zion); Class E paraglider pilots hav· ing flown over IO miles; and Class F paraglider pilots having flown under 10 miles. Some great flights and personal bests were turned in last year. Greg Pfaff and Marty "Moose" Pier both flew their allrime longest flights of 54 and 56 miles, respectively, on Memorial Day from Cliff Ridge launch at Dino:sam, Color,1do to the town of Maybell. Believe me, for them it was a "memorable" day. With a 40.25- and 33-miler off tow back in May, Greg squeaked past Moose to take Class C. Brad Koji was pretty happy, for this was the flrsr time ever that he had edged out Jim Lee. His best flighr 84 points was from Lookout Monm:1in, and

or

20

Points 173.25 ]61.85 l 35.00 131.17 39.00

CLASS D flight from Lookout Mtn., IO pilots entered)

Plctce Pilot Brad Koji

J) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)

Points 84.40

Mike Reeder

30.00

TcJdd Bibler Dave Crabb

25. 50

David Mike Smith Scott Comeaux

l 0.00

8.00 7.00

CLASS E (paraglidcr pilots having flown 10 or more miles, 8 pilots entered)

Place Pilot 'fodd Bibler

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)

Mike Reeder Mark r:erguson Grn11ger Banks Paul Fi,,,,ma,n Rich Bondy

Points 161.85 79..13 68.00

:m.oo 20.00

]3.00

Points

]) 2) 3) 4)

Greg Pfaff 127.25 Marty" Moose" Pier 122.20 Leif Casey 86.70 Mike Reeder 79.13 5) Mark 1,r-,·,11tcrm 68.00 67.20 6) Dean ,.rn'u'"'""" 7) David Niemeyer 45.00 3) Tbm Nelson 36.60 34.00 9) Mike Haynes 10) Paul Pcrguson 20.00 I J) Dave Robson 14.50 Steve Stucky 7.00

allowed him ro rnkc both ( :lass A and Cl.1ss D. On a Sunday in mid-July back at Dinosaur, I was blessed with a 58·tnilcr, landing just cast of Maybell. Spending mosr of the flight between 16,000 and l 7,500 feet, and flying straight under a beautiful cloud street for more than 40 miles, l was overjoyed when I landed. Knowing l had to go back to work on Monday, yet so happy and gcncr .. ous, J offered Perkins the use of my TRX (he flies an old Kiss) and my Jeep Cherokee. You sec, he and two orhcr pilots were through Tuesday.

CLASS F (paraglider pilots having flown under l O 11 pilots entered)

Place Pilot I) 2) :3) 4)

5) 6)

Tim Meehan Mike Smith 'Jyler Perkins David Bell Bill bnrence Boh Kooser

Points 35.30 20.05 19.52

13.70 11.67 ]0,80

Well, lie nnlcccck:d ro knock off a 40· miler on and a magniflccnl flight of l ()(U (his fost 100-miler) on Tuesday ON MY CLIDER! The worst d1i11g was I hat when l got home, l found out that I didn't have to work on Munday or afrcr all! Wirh rhosc I WO flights

l

The parngliding srory of the year was Todd Bibler, who made his best three flights frorn W;dsh's launch on Aspen Moun rain. The combination of a 44 .. and 42- and I ,.,.;.,,,,,i,,.. in June, July and /\ngusr gave 'lildd a commanding lead in "Ll;'\nl1"'

H/\NC Ci II )INC


Class E that would last throughout the year. But that's not the end of the story. Four of the paraglider pilots in Class E realized that there was nothing in the offkial rules excluding a paraglider pilot from competing head-to-head with the hang glider pilots in Classes A, B or C, as long as they met the mileage criteria. So Todd signed 11p for Class B (he had flown a 50+ miler in '93 in his paraglider), and with those same three flights took second place! The other three paraglider pilots did pretty well in Class C: Mike Reeder took fourth, Mark Ferguson rook fifth, and Paul Ferguson took l 0th. ·rim Meehan launched his paraglider from Lookout Mountain in early May, gained 3,600 feet and flew south to land near Roxborough State Parle T'his flight was rhc crowning touch which secured him the first-place plaque in Class 11 as be pulled ahead of up-and-coming competition pilot Mike Smith. Special con-

grats to Tim Meehan, Tyler Perkins, Greg Pfaff and Marty Pier who all had flights good enough to "bump" them up ro their next respective classes. Since I'll be flight director for the 1995 CrossCountry Competition, l'm raising my personal goal to 60 pilots entered! At this year's RM}IGA annual awards banquet, pilots were recognized for their great flights in each class with plaques, money, cool prizes and applause. Other "red-faced" pilots were recognized for their not--so-good /lights with gag awards, laughter, cool prizes and applause (but all in good fun). It was a great time and a huge success, I am cxcit-cd to announce that more than $3,000 worth of stuff was donated to be given away. 'These prizes sure make it a lot more fun for everyone, and make my job of getting people involved easier. I would like to formally recognize and thank the following generous sponsors who donated prizes to the 1994

50/50 heavyweight fleece, Red/White on Navy Medium & only

Colorado X-C Competition. From out of town, they arc: Adventure Video/Paul Hamilton, Just Fly/G.W. Meadows, Pacific Airwavc/Kcn Brown, UP International/Greg Zoellick, USHGA/Jeff Elgart, and Wills Wing/Rob Kells. Locally, they arc: Ball Variomctcrs /Mark and Paul Perguson, Bolder Flight/Scott Westfall, Colorado HG-PG/George Greer, Golden Wings/Ludwig Goppenhammcr, LID Enterprises/Cindy Drozda, Parasofr, Inc./Granger Banks, Pendulum Sports/Jim Zeiser, and Sky Rohr Paraswivcl, Inc./Kurt Rohr. These businesses should he commended for their support of our club and competition. Without their generosity the success of last year's X-C competition and the awards banquet would surely have been diminished. ff you get a chance, please thank them with a handshake or a phone call, or better yet, buy something from them.

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$5.00 APRIL ·1995

Shipping price may vary, depending on weight & destlna"tion.

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opening to a ne~· v ista, and e.ach gull y

been able co figure our how co gee pasr the lren shelf. Th i.s rime I sea reed to sink our as

"I explained in my broken Swahili that I was forced to land because there was no wind to keep me flying. After pondering that for a while the chief spoke up, 'If we carry your bird back up to the top where there is wind, can you continue flying?' Two hours later we were back on the edge of the escarpment clearing a launch site where I took off and continued my journey. "

revealing ics sccrcr waterfall. Tbe beauty of Afrirn was laid ouc before me and T could feel God~ pleasure in my excitement as the currencs sent me on my v. ay to th e advenrun:s ahead. About 10 miles norch along the escarpment J moved on, chatting no,v and then 1

,vith che buzzards ,vho flew out to greet che ir prc hiscoric cousin. Ac one remote spot i.vhcre a nationa l forest borders a 1,000-foot rock cliff, I noticed three kids

bllddled on the edge busily doing somethiag mischievolLS. I circled several times ro lose altitude and when just over head yelled in Swahi li , "Hey kids. what are you doing?" Hearing my voice, their heads jerked up and rhey nervously looked arouod, but not seeing anyone they quickly went back to their mischief. J circled even closer and again yelled down to them. This time, hearing the voice just above thei r heads, chey looked up in llnison, screamed. dropped whatever it was they were smok-

usual abour three rn iles before l cen. so 1 rurned around and ,venc back ro rhe lasr

ing and sprinted in three directions in to

chc forest. I circled back up, having difficulry conrroUiag che glider because I was laughing so hard. l watched the kids continue to run, thinking of rhe stories they would teU of the grear :ingel God had senr to check up on d1em. Farther on r ca1ne co rhe ro\vn of (ce.n> where, because of a mile-wide shelf halfway down the escarp1nenc, l sank o ur and ,vas forced co land in a field next ro a viUagc. Everyone in ,he village stopped what they \\'ere doi ng and came to stt ,vho had dropped in. They circled around the glider, quietly keeping their distance in wonder. I unhooked. smi led and asked in Swahili, ·so. whete am I?" A man spoke the name of the ,illage. breaking the spell on the crowd, and they poured forward all at once

asking questions and ,ouching the glider. "Where are you from, and why did you land here?" chey wa nrcd co know. I explained in my broken Swahili that I was fo rced co land because there ,vas no ,vind co keep me flying. After pondering that foe a while che chief spoke up. "If we carry your bi rd back up 10 the top where there is wind, can you condnue flying?" T,vo boucs

later we were back on the edge of tbe escarpment clearing a launch site where f wok off and condnued n1y journey. A few months later my Vision Mark IV arrived from the $rares. and I was flying the now-fan1iliar route along che escarpn1enr for n1y sixch time. Bein g both an incxperi.. en ced pilot and a slo"' learner, f had never

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spot where I had met a friendly thermal. I waited around in the ridge lifr, and .sure enough the next cycle took me higb enough ro head straight 011t over the valley. I wandered around, hopiog to bump into anorher rhern,al buc wa.~ ge:rring lo,ve:r and lower, so I headed for a nice-looking grassy field next ro a gan,e re:sen•e wondering if I would be sharing it wirh a pride of lions. Wham! Suddenly I hir a beaury wh ich I easily cored along wich leaves and dust from ,he valley floor. le rook me right up to the base of a developing cloud where f escaped before being swallowed into ics rur• b11lent belly. f headed on north pasr fcen, now following rhe edge of the valley floor where rhe cherma ls were be ing triggered. Evenrually Moses made his way down cl,e escarpn,e nr and caughc up co nle. Again I ,vas losing ::ilcicude, and picked out a nice field to land in next co rhe vehicle. f ye.lled greetings to my f.iirhful friend as f flew 200 feet over his head while scning up fo r my landing. Then the impos.siblc happened; I found another thermal. It was so smaU and close co rhe ground" chat [ had to make tight circles co stay in it as it developed into a thermal that took me up 2,500 feet. I could not believe I had made it so fur up cl1e valley. After fo"' hours in the air I did not know if I had tl1e energy left ro go any farthe r, as I again can,e near co rhe ground. I r,hre\v out n,y ,veighced screa,ner, ,vacch ed ir hir che ground ro see \.\rhich \.\1ay the

wind was blowing. and had a safe landing bel'.\veen rnro t horny acacia trees. Ir was a new personal record of 38 m iles. IFA.11

m,

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' '

I by Luen Miller, [JSF!GA Accident Review Chairman irst of' all, l would like 10 extend a very big "Thank You!" to all the pilots who submitted reports for 1994. Your interest, dedication and willingness ro take the time ro suppon the accidem review program really docs make our spon safer. Even those who only senr a quick note or short message saying they heard about an incident helped to make this past year the best one yet for reports received. l received 204 written reports in one form or another, and the office received about] ,500 annual questionnaires. Those of you who got gold stars on your "thank you" lcrters, we salute you. You arc the elite! l should have awarded more of them, considering how rime and effort was spent on the majority of the reports I received. Th is year, in order to receive the much-coveted "multiple stars," reporters will be held to a higher standard. ln addirion to judging rhemc and narrative quality, I will also be looking at spelling, proper syntax and overall composition. l know I missed a couple of' acknowledgment lcncrs, but if I knew which ones you were I would have sent them. 1 hope to do a better job with a shorter response time this year. Last year was another "typical" year for accidents, one very much like any of rhc last 10 or I 5 years. I\ few issues were pcr-ha ps more prevalent in pilots' minds, specifically tumbles, parachute deploy-

APRIi

1995

mcms and oscillations. We had a rash of failed deployments, which probably deserves more attention by those knowlcclgeahlc about such systems. I don't sec any new causes of accidents.

Nine pilots lost their lives in 1994. Two were new pilots on training flights, two were i nconsistcnt /lie rs who flew on days with strong conditions. One fntcrmcdiarc pilot was killed at the Nationals trying ro stretch a glide on a strong-weather day, another was killed when he failed to correct For a rum into the hill. Another Intermediate pilot was killed during a video session when he had a midair collision with a trike ultralight. A 11 Advanced pilot was killed when his glider was probably rumbled and his ballistic reserve bccime entangled. Another Advanced pilot died when he crashed after probably flying into rot.or. Over rhc past duce years, seven of the nine fatal accidents involving those pilots whom I would categorize as ranging from "very cxpcric11ccd" to "world class" occurred as a result of flying into rotor (Paolo Coehlo, Joe Miller, Rod Hauser, Frank Hungerford, Walter Schottorf, Smith). I ;mi confident that we will continue to sec the same types of accidents we saw last year unless we change our training, our

procedures and/or our equipment. The depressing thing is that I can envision ways that all but perhaps one of last year's fatalities could have been prevented. Whether or nor we proceed with the necessary changes and strive in every way to make our sport safer will depend on whcrher or not we view eight or nine [nali-tics every year as acceptable, or consider that number unacceptable and work hard to reduce it. Unfortunately, our sport seems to have stabilized al that number of fatalities am1u-ally, based on the results of the last five years. The average for the lasr five years is 8.6 pilots killed per year, for the last ten years 9.3 pilots/year, and rhc last 15 years l I A pilots killed per year. In five-year chunks, the numbers look better. From 1980- l 984 we suffered l 5.6 PKPY, from 1985-1989 we losr 10 PKPY, :rnd from l 990--1994 we endured 8.6 PKPY. I think it is going to take some serious dedication by all of' l!S to lower that last number. The good news is the gradual downward trend; the bad news is that the decline might be due to a declining pilot population. As far as what our "true" forality rate is, it depends as always on how we look at the statistics. /\s mentioned in past safety articles by various authors, the numhcr ranges from a conservative estimate of fewer than I 0,0()() pilots (our regular membership plus a few non-member pilots), ro a gcncr27


ous 50,000 (counting those previous pilots plus every short-term member, tandem student/flight and student !raining flight). T will address the issue of accurate esti-mates of our pilot population at some point in rhe future. fn any event, I don't think anyone should expect the Chairman of Accident Review to view nine fatalities a year as an acceptable number.

Pilot: Age: Site: Date: Experience:

Glider: Injuries:

Jano Gharakhani 26 Windermere Airport, Spicewood, Texas 2/27 /94 Beginner, l 00 training flights, several tandem flights Vision Mark IV ] 7 1:read

A student on his first solo tow training flight climbed to 30 feet, released as planned, then went limp. The glider banked and quickly flew into the ground. No pilot control input or reflex actions were seen (such as putting his arms over his face on impact). The pilot was taken to the hospital and operated on for an aneurysm, which may have occurred immediately before his accident. The only recommendation for prevention of this type of accident would be something we don't yet have: some way of controlling a training glider's attitude during and after release from tow. The merits, disadvantages and technical difficulties of such a system have probably never been discussed.

Pilot:

Andrew Mullin

29 Site:

Date: Experience:

Glider: Jnjuries:

Lake Keystone, Odessa, Florida 4/17/94 Un rated non-member beginner, eight tandem flights Moyes Mega Drowned

A beginner pilot was launched on his first solo flight from floats by boat tow with a pay-our winch. After launch he was doing very well when be began veering off course. The boat driver stopped and free2B

wheeled the winch, hut the glider dipped a wing into the water and cartwheeled in. With the side floats cracked and broken off, the pilot and glider were underwater. When a rescuer got to him the pilot's eyes were open, but he was unresponsive. The rescuer returned to the boat for a knife to cm him out of his harness, and the pilot was pulled to the surface. He was cut free and mouth-10-rnoutb resuscitation was performed, and continued afrer an emergency team arrived. He never revived. 'T'he pilot had a history of seizures, and the coroner believes he may have suffered one just before the accident. 'fhe pilot was alive when he went into the water. Better personal flotation, better glider flotation, a hook and/or sheath knife on the glider or pilot, and better rescue procedures might have prevented this fatality,

Pilot:

Greg Lemieux

Age: Site:

36

Date: Experience:

Glider: Injuries:

Henson's Gap, Dunlap, 'Tennessee 5/18/94 Advanced, "in and out of hang gliding for 18 years," 100 hours, ] 3 hours on his new glider WW Sport 143 Fiead, neck

An inconsistent hut reportedly experi-enced and skillful pilot launched his relatively new glider into strong conditions and flew for a while. On approach into the LZ he began to oscillate while on his downwind leg, and continued to accelerate and struggle with control until he flew into the ground at a steep angle. He died later from his injuries. While conditions were strong aloft, they were relatively benign in the landing zone, and it is the opinion of the witnesses that the pilot's lack of control over the glider was the primary cause of this accident. Better familiarity with the aircraft, more current flight skills, flying a glider design less prone to oscillations, and flying in better conditions might have prevented this accident.

Pilot: Age: Site: Date: Experience:

Dean Gonzalez 36 Salida, Colorado 8/13/94 Intermediate, three years,

Injuries:

second competition, "flew every weekend, and during the week if he could" Internal

A pilot flying during the Nationals launched into mild conditions, hut worked low in a canyon and encountered a headwind from a thunderhead five miles upwind as he tried to penetrate to the primary landing zone. He realized at the last minute that he wasn't going to make it, and was apparently beginning to turn back to the last secondary LZ or to land on the road when he clipped a tree and plunged approximately 50 feet onto a road below. He died at the scene. This pilot's death was probably caused by working lift too low before giving up, making a competition launch into potentially strong conditions, and passing up secondary landing zones in an effort to make his primary goal. The meet directors eventually declared the day a "zero" day, and the pilot's results would not have counted in the competition even if he had made his primary goal.

Pilot: Age: Site: Date: Experience:

Glider: Injuries:

John Bente! 26 Adel, Oregon 8/4/94 Advanced, moderate cross-· country experience, "very experienced" HPAT 145 Neck

On a day with moderate thermal condi-· tions, the pilot climbed out above launch and turned downwind, planning to fly along a retrieval route. He radioed that he was at 13,000 feet but was not heard from again. He was found dead the next day with his glider, near the edge of a high bluff From the evidence at the crash site it appears he was tumbled and his ballistic reserve became entangled in the glider's rigging. He was presumably killed on impact. Prevention of accidents like this will almost cenainly require more tumble-resis-tant glider designs and more reliable paracb u te deployment systems. There have been too many tumbles of gliders flown by very capable pilots in strong conditions to pass this accident off as involving inadequate flight skills. By every account, this was a good pilot.

HANC CUD!NC


Frncst Shcdl1als 5/i Point of rhc Mountain, U1;1h I 0/9/9/i l 0-15 years in the sporr, and spon for the last six years

Pilot: Site: Date:

Glider:

head.

UP c:omct i11 rcrnal

On a strong when local pilots were 1:rnding because turbulcncc, an cnced pilot on his {1r.s1 in six years launched at noon. I le flew for a couple oC minutes lid<ire he seemed to h:1ve control problems. J\ftcr O\ll or sight, wirnessCS saw ne:irby power lines shaking and Found the pilot 011 1hc 111 his The pilot received Cl'R bu1 ir w:1s 1ms11cccssful. Structural failure is hclicvcd to have occurred when rhc s:1il or a side wire was cut by die power lines. The pilot then rnusr have fallen about 80 focr to the He is nor believed ro liave been electrocuted. Besides obvious po1crnial problems wirh skills stem, better flight procedures rcg;irding assessing condicion.s t have prcvc11rcd this :1ccidcnt 1<ennr1·c from those prcscm ar launch indicate that there was an importalll 1w,c1·101,:11~1c11 comp011c111 to rhis accidc111.

Williarn 1,r,rnn,""

Pilot:

of prompt course correction whenever close ro rhc ground. The pilot was also flying with an inadequate helmet. A hcncr helmet might have made a positive difference in this accident, although rhcrc were other substantial besides those which occurred to bis

Ii()

hill 11car

Site:

Pilot: Site:

Date:

Glider:

Smith 56 Sand Dollar Beach, Big Sur, California 10/7.9/94 Extensive, USHCA /t7. l 6, J\clvanccd, "flying for 7.0

UP Comet 165 Internal, head, face, hip, ann

wirh whitecaps 011 the ocean, pilot flying wirh a group c:1mc in 10 land in a field directly adjacent to a coastal hlufT. Pilots on prior approaches were buffered by rurhulcnce. The pilot was high in his :1pproach and prob .. :1hly into rotor. He abruptly nosed down and dove into rhc ground from 60 foer. /\!though he later died from inrcrnal 11rics, d1is pilot also suffered facial which probably would have been a ftdJ .. foce helmet. zone chosen hy these pilots ,.,,'""· 1 ,·,·lh, notorious for bad turbulence Ill winds over l O mph (whitecaps 12 mph). J\ diflcrcnr choice of landing zone, better of pmcrnial turbulence, and improved glider approach/landing factors have helped prevent this accident. a very

same direction on his lcfr side while videotaping. The ultralight then passed behind the hang glider, crossed to his right side, then, while apparently still taping, flew into the hang glider such that his left wing collapsed the right wing or the glider. The glider's wing rhcn came back up imo rhe lcfr wing of the Lrikc and caused a structural failure in the ultralight. Both cr:ifl plunged ro the ground from ahom 250 feet. The ultralight was a recent conversion, and had not been fined wirh a p;iraclrnte. The hang glider pilot was equipped wirh a ballistic reserve (Second Chamz), but held onto his basetubc in a semi .. pronc posirion until impact and did not atternpt to deploy. Chuck Nilsen was killed al the scene. Doug Stiles, tlic ultra1igh t pilot and also an Advanced-rated hang glider pilot, died at the hospital. "Doug was a skilled pilot, but with the added task and distraction of taking pictures with a hand--hcld carncra, a safe cl istancc between gliders was not obtained. "Parachutes can work at surprisingly low alritudcs, but they arc nor automatic. pilot should practice (on the ground) emergency deployment. J\ncnding a para· chute clinic can be very instructive and is money well spent." This accident could probably best have been avoided by using a two-place ulrralight, wirh one pilot flying and one filming. A more detailed flight plan should probably h;ive been used, with hcrrer controls on the aircraft getting too close. ln addirion, a visible or casicr-to··ilnd ballistic deployment might have made the pilor more inclined to activate his reserve.

Date:

l mcrmcdia1 e, I nstrucror, seven years Visio11 Pulse

:rn

Pilot:

31 Site:

The and some friends were m:1kshon sled rims Crom 7.()0.foor hill. In thermal conditions he m:1dc ;1 lau11ch, flew down most of the w:1y, then tllrned hack imo the hill and co111i1111nl rlic turn uncorrected until he hit a very branch on a dead tree. ! le then 80' to the I le died crasfl111J\; from massive This is a incidcm because the pilot seems ro h:1vc had the ti me and the skills to COtTCCI the turn and avoid Lill' accidc'llt. In any event, this accidcnr stresses the

/\i'l~II

I 99 S

Chuck Nilsen "Tow Zone" near Peoria, Arizona 12/1 l /94 lmcrmcdiatc, 1-117. years, platform tows" WW S1}<irt 167 "Multiple"

pilot asked an ulrraligh1 pilor ro assist in a video. The hang pilot dressed 11p in a Santa Claus omfit and was told lo tow up, release and back ro rhc 1,/, in a s1raight line. took off before the victim flew alongside him in the

I believe that most pilots look at the: fatalities and ask whether any of the: accidcms involve causes that might apply 10 rhcmsclvcs. Whal lessons can we learn from these fatalities rhar will hopefully enable us to avoid becoming statistics our.. selves? Besides rhe individual recornmendations given above, is there anything to indic1te rhar these deaths couldn't have been avoided? On first analysis some or these accidents do indeed look "un,1voidablc," such as those of John Bente!, Andrew Mullin and Jano Charakhani. Orher accidents might look like rhcy arc due 10 "poor judgment," such as those of Gerry Smi 1h and Dean Conzalez. Srill 0th-

29


ers might look like they resulted from "lack of skills," like those of William Hemphill, Greg Lemieux and Ernest Shcefuals. [ ultimately don't believe any of those analyses arc strictly correct. Concerning the "unavoidable" accidents, I don't think there is anyone out there who doubts that we can build better parachute deployment systems (John Bente!). Gliders will become more resistant to tumbling, I am sure. There is quite a bit of effort being expended in that area. As far as our "unavoidable" training fatalities (Andrew Mullin, Jano Gharakhani), 1 think we need to concentrate on making training even safer than it is now. Obviously, more precautions are needed for water towing. But might it also be possible ro eliminate lockouts during training flights? Might there be systems that could enable us to take over control on tow training flights during which the pilot is not in adequate control or a problem develops? If Jano Gharakhani did indeed suffer an aneurysm before his accident, it might have been the only truly unavoidable fatality of the year. The "lack of skills" category is deceptive. Could these really be equipment problems? Procedural problems? Arc there background factors of which we aren't aware? We were not in these pilots' shoes at the point where critical decisions needed to he made. Even if these accidents were indeed the result of lack of skills, how do we change our training and procedures to reduce the number of these accidents? We can only conjecture as to why these pilots seem not to have used the judgment, flying skills and training they arc believed to have had. As far as "poor judgment" goes, I have never used the phrase and don't think I ever will. T just think that pilots need to make decisions, and sometimes those decisions are going to be wrong. There is a very strong tendency to label decisions as "stupid." We often deny that we might have made the same decisions in the same sinwtions. This "right stuff" mentality pervades hang gliding. "They" crashed because "the)f' just weren't as good pilots as we survivors are, the thinking goes. There is little acceptance of the fact that good pilots can make decisions that cost them their lives. We all read the letters from friends and relatives of a few of last year's casualties. I received additional letters and calls. After the death of one of those pilots, J read that

his widow wanted a party in his memory, with no one bringing np any "pilot error" stuff to run down his memory. A close friend of another fatality victim sent me a letter, stating that he knew the pilot was too good to have made the kind of mistake I speculated he might have made. He felt that his friend must have flown into conditions that: couldn't have been predicted. These defensive responses aren't surprising. I sympathize with the writers. The

subliminal attitude of many is that if those pilots did make a wrong decision, they must not have really been good pilots after all. There is a definite, if unspoken, feeling among pilots that if one is truly accomplished, one will never make a really critical error. As T said to my wife after reading one of these letters, "Listen, if I do happen to get killed flying my glider, don't let it bother you if someone says I used poor judgment. continued on page 35 ...

30

HANC CUDINC


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... continued from page 30

I make mistakes every rime l fly." Let me state without reservation that, except for perhaps the two beginning trainees, the evidence indicates that all tbe people who died in hang gliding last year were good, even excellent pilots. The fact that they all made decisions rhat cost rhem their lives shouldn't influence our memories of them as people and pilots. There is no denying the reality that very good pilots get killed flying hang gliders. The people killed last year join a long and very distinguished list of dead pilots. This fact alone may be enough to make some pilots want to /old up their wings. I have received complaints that the magazine is scaring some pilots out of flying, especially newer ones, and this is probably one of the more important factors. In the U.S. alone in the past three years we have lost the excellent pilots mentioned previously to rotors, as well as Jessica Wright (landed in a gust front) and Ron Smith (failed release on tow). Internationally, we have also lost three top pilots, Pepe Lopez (tried to land on a slope), Didier Favre (test flying a prototype glider), and Neil Barnett (midair collision, then ejected from his harness when his parachute opened). ff you don't know some

Let me state without reservation that except (or perhaps the two beginning trainees, the evidence indicates that all the people who died in hang gliding last year were good, even excellent pilots. The fact that they all made decisions that them their lives shouldn't influence our memories of them as people and pilot,. 11

11

of these names, ask around about pilots who have flown with them and know how good they were. These lists include some of the best pilots in the sport, legendary names. The lesson is clear: just because you arc good and have good judgment doesn't mean yon arc going to survive as a hang glider pilot. Something else is required.

What I think is required is this: If you conm1ntly put yourself in situations where your judgment has to be perfect in order to survive, sooner or later your judgment will betray you. You have to consistently make conservative decisions if you expect to fly hang gliders for a long time. No pilot is too good or too experienced to make a wrong decision. With more conservative decisions, J J of the 13 Advanced pilots mentioned in this article might be with us today. Get the best training you can, get the best equipment you can, use rhe best and most conservative procedures you can, and you will most certainly fly for a long, long time. By following those guidelines I think you can greatly reduce the chances that you will do something to scare yourself out of the sport, seriously lower your risk of injury, and make flying more fun. Let's take to the skies with a determination to apply this attitude to every flight this year. Let's do something really meaningful about our fatality rate, instead of trying to find new ways to justify a higher pilot population and thereby "lower" our fatality rate. Have a great, safe season. Sec you in the air!

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35


u Members Who Bought a Glider in 1994:

1994 USHGA Survey Resu Its

63.2%

No New Used

22.8%) 14.0%

Platform Launch Aero tow Other '!rJUJ

inctccn ninetv-frmr is over and we have finally compiled your responses to the 1994 questionnaire. More than 1,500 of you took the time to respond to our survey and for that we thank you. The final statistics over the last three years are as follows:

1992

1993

1994

$44,373 $46,957 $49,807 6.9% 9.9% 10.0% Married 49.5% 51.0% 54.6% Avg. # of Children 1 Avg. Flying Exp. (years) 9.3 8.6 8.3 # of Flights (HG) 55.0 52.3 53.9 Airtime Hours (HG) 45.6 36.8 39.l Tcltal Hours (HG) 404.6 420.5 424.8 # of Flights (PG) 78.3 71.3 Airtime Hours (PG) 28.9 29.5 Total Hours (PG) 66.7 72.8 Income Female

Further statistics from the latest survey show the following:

College Graduates 62.2% 25.9% Some College 5.8% Trade School High School Graduates 2.9%1 3.2°1<1 Some High School

Most Popular Glider Mimufacturer Hang Gliding· (42.7%) (29.6%)

l. Edd

(22.9%) (]6.6%) (8.9tYo)

Members Who Plan to Buy a Glider in 1995: No Undecided New Used

36

Ratings

Vehicles Used:

Car/Thick Aero tug Boat Other

23.5% 14.3% 7.8%

Hang Gliding: Some of the other vehicles used included motorcycles, snowmobiles, form tractors and horses.

5.0% 18.8% 23.0% 44.9(!,-ll 8.4<Yci

Tlmsion Device Used: Pay-out 69.7% Static Line 21.3% 6.8% Stationary Other 2.1%

Pt1rag!iding:

Class l (C-1) Class JI (C-2) Class Ill (C-3)

63.7% 27.7% 8.5%

76.3% use a sporter when towing. 34.9% of tow pilots perform instruction.

Wing Types Flown: Class f (Flex) Class IT (Rigid) Class llI (Para)

73.6% 3.2% 29.6<%

4.3% competed in their regional cham·· pionships.

Ballistic Both None

78.3% 14.1% 2.4%

5.3%

61.0% had their chutes repacked in 1994 and 12.5% had their ballistic chutes serviced in 1994.

Hight ~ypes: Foot Launch

79.4%

Accident Statistics: 10.6% had an accident in 1994, 80.7% of which were nor reported. Come on guys, we need these reports to help avoid future accidents! 69.1 % of the accidents were hang gliding and 30.9°/ci were paragliding. 46.0% required treatment of some sort while 8.8% were serious enough to require overnight hospital stays. 2.4% of all acciderrn involved a parachute deployment. Most accidents I%), were either landing crashes launch crashes (I or involved strong weather (10.4%), Shoulders (12.9%), knees (11.8%), ankles (9.4%), arms (8.8%), and feet (8.2%)) were the most prevalent body parts to be injured in these accidents.

(7.3%)

Most Popular Glider Manufacturer Paragliding: 2. ProDesign 3. Wills Wing

Ratings

Beginner (H-1) Novice (H-2) Intermediate(H-3) Advanced (H-4) Master (H--5)

Chute Type: Ff and

Average Erlucation:

1. Wills Wing 2. Pacific Airwave 3. UP

The average member owns two gliders which were last serviced by a dealer in 1993.

1 I .0(% 6.9(),';) 2.7%

49.7% 24.1% 16.6tYo 9.6%

1

iI by Russ Loclee

he 1995 pilot ranking is com· pleted, and with one exception the top 20 pilots are the same individuals as last year. That one exception is John Greynald, whose perfor-

mancc ar Sandia moved him imo 20th place from the 31 sr spot he held last year, However, within rhc top 20 there were quite a few changing places. The 1994 competition season went particularly well H/\NC GIIDINC


u fc>r the Pacific Airwave Team. Strong performances in all friur of the 4 SO-point meets moved Ken Brown from 19th to 9th, Mark Gibson moved from 10th to 2nd, and Mark Bennett moved from 11th to take over the top spot. It was very close for the two Marks, who were only separated by five om of l ,900 points. Nelson Howe, Larry 'fodor, Jim Lee and Brad Koji make up the rest of the World 'learn that will be going to Spain to defend the gold medal they won at the last World Championships. At this time, prclimina1y informadon is that the teams will be allowed a seventh pilot. If so, Chris Arai, who finished with an individual silver medal at the last World Championships will be added to the Team, Pilots 10 watch in the future include second-ranked Steve I .cc and 26thranked Dave Gerdes. Neither pilor was ranked last year, and both achieved their rankings through good finishes in the meets they competed in during 1994. Also of note is that the number of pilots competing in major competitions is growing. 'rhc ranked pilot list in 1994 included 156 pilots. T'his year's list includes 180 pilots. Listed below arc the top 100. Anyone wanting a complete list of ranked pilots, or more details about the rankings, can get this information contacting the USHGA office.

11

I)

2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) ll) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18)

19) 20) 21)

24) 26) 28) 29) 30) 31) 33) 34)

Bennett:, Mark Gibson, Mark Howe, Nelson Thdor, Larry Lee,Jim Koji, Brad Arai, Chris Castle, Kari Brown, Ken Barton, "lbny Sharp, David Space, Lionel Peachy, Butch Pagan, Dennis Lehmann, Pete Bostik, Joe Szalai, Joe Volk, Glen Whitesell, Al Greynald, John Wojnowski, Greg Steve WiLyne Braswell, Jerry Seaburg, Dave Gerdes, David Barber, Mike Hartke, Bill Schaer! i, Rew Osterlund, Howard Jim Neuman, Mike Barmakian, Bruce Erik

35) 36) 37) 38) 39) 40) 41) 41) 43) 44) 45) 46) 47) 48) 48) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54) 56) 57) 58) 59) 60) 61) 62) 63) 64) 65) 65) 65) 68)

Baughman, Charles Ship.Icy, Mitch Kleinfolter, Kevin Straub, Davis Arai, Tim Hascnfus, Ted Gendron, Kevin tamb, Keith Mallett, Denny Presley, Terry Eberhardt, Mike Szarek, Jon Gelfan, Russ Burton, Richard Little, Dave Rogers, Frank Arndt, Steve Daily, Mike Kayes, lloberr Pagcn, Claire Patterson, Robert Goodman, Bubba Adams, Randy Whelchel, Nathan Grubbs, Mark Jacob, Rick Charlebois, Gerry Kennedy, Nick Tamulaitis, Gytis Muscio, Ken Anderson, Russ .Hill, 'Ted Ostrander, Ken Schreck, Ken

u

n by Vi'c Powell

cw have given the means to so many people in so many nations to have so much fon as have Francis and Gertrude Rogallo. Their flexible wing invention has been used to introduce millions of people around 1:hc world ro the pleasures and challenges of aviation. The creators of such a wonderful gifr should he recognized and honored. APRIL 1995

With such thoughts in rnind the Rogallo Foundation was created. Incorporated in 1993 in the State of North Carolina, and recogni1,cd by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt charitable and education organizarion, rhe Foundation's mission is ro:

A 69) Fenner, John 69) Smith, Bruce 69) Yocum, Jim 72) Ream, Brad 73) Furrer, Vince 73) Kramer, Barbara 73) Lcuth, Wayne 76) Petty, Bob LaPorte, Rich McPee, Bob Tl) Mitchell, Charles 80) Smith, Scott 80) Streib, Ta.sche 82) Wil.liams, Rich 83) Carson, Collette 84) Berger, Ray 85) Sauer, Rich 86) MUiholland, Mark 87) Laughrcy, Jeff 88) Rossignol, Jersey 89) Gilpatrick, Jules 90) James, Jon 91) Comeaux, Scott 91) Rowan, Jim 91) Woodward, Craig 94) Locke, Russ 94) Moore, Samantha 96) Bowman, Sarah 96) Peralez, T<my 98) Richardson, Bill 99) Gerson, 'H:n:y 100) Lande!, Kevin

Honor and communicate to the pub-lie the outstanding aviation comributions of the Rogallos and others in hang gliding and kiting; * Preserve and exhibit: hang gliding and kiting artifacts in an internationally supported and recognized museum; * Support education and research in acrodonctics and low speed aerody-narnics; and Promote outdoor recreational flying opportunities. ®

AN

MUSEUM A long-range plan has been approved by the hiundation board of directors ro


u

A

achieve the organization's mission. Among rhe items of interest to Hiers around the world arc those related to helping create a Rogallo museum, located on North Carolina's Omer Banks near the Wright Brothers' Memorial. Planning for this project is in an early stage. The Foundation desires that the museum's location, structure and exhibits be of the highest caliber, reflecting the contribution of the Rogallos' invention and rhe his10ry, development, enthusiasm and excitement of the worldwide sports of hang gliding, paragliding, flexulrraligbting and kiting. T(J assure that the museum will meet certifiable standards and comply with the Museum Code of Ethics, the Foundation has joined the American Association of Museums, an affiliate of the International Association of Museums. A museum fund-raising projecr will be announced in 1995, and the Pmmdation will begin an effort to acquire land for the srrncture. At this writing it appears rhat land, design, construction and exhibit displays may total million. The funds will be raised through individual and corporate donations. One of the factors influencing corporate donations is the degree of support shown by the public. A favorable factor is that the Rogallo flexible wing is used in sports by parricipa111s around the world. · rhc appeal to raise funds for the muse-um will he made worldwide and is slated to be announced this year. 'fo begin the fund--raising process a limited edition poster will be offered. Artwork is being created by a major design firm in Washington, D.C. 'l'hc poster features Francis and Gertrude Rogallo, the flexible wing patent, other aviation invcmions ol Francis Rogallo, and uses of the flexible wing. The poster will be numbered and individually signed by the Rogallos, and will be offered framed or as a rolled print. At this writing prices have not been established, but it is expected that the framed print will be in the $500 range. Other fond-raising projects and calls for donations will be issued.

3B

ROGALLO BOOK A hook about the Rogallos and their invention of tbe flexible wing is being wrirten. Proceeds from the sale of the book will go toward expenses of the Foundation and building the museum. The book is the authorized biography of the Rogallos. Information was obtained during recorded interviews in their home, and the Rogallos provided original photographs, historical records and materials regarding their lives together and development of the flexible wing and other inventions. In addition, I am gathering comments from hang glider and paraglidcr fliers around the world. I seek information that reflects how participation in their sport has improved or expanded an understanding of life, or how it has changed or enriched their lives, or provided useful insights into the human condition. While we all have favorite flights, I want to go beyond the description of a flight and share with fliers around the world the feelings and understandings that have been learned through participation in the sport. l'd like to receive input from you for possible inclu-sion in this portion of the book. T believe that such comments can greatly enhance the value of the book to fliers. My address is given at the end of this article. I look forward to hearing from you. The book should be available in 1996.

The Foundation's long-range plan calls for creation of associate membership./\ number ofhencfits are planned. Membership provides an opportunity for fliers to express support for the Foundation. A training institute is planned that would prepare individuals to pass examinations for hang gliding or paragliding instructor ratings. Scholarships will be offered to individuals studying aerodonetics and low-speed aerodynamics. A Rogallo /\ward is being established ro annually recognize an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the Foundation or to the sports of hang

gliding, paragliding or kiting. When funding becomes available the Foundation will provide support for acquiring or constructing training sites. An insurance program for associate members and schools is planned. The Foundation is serving as a com-munication bridge between hang gliding/paragliding and the monetarily and politically powerful multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreati'on community. help in this effort the foundation has become a member of the Outdoor Recreation Coalition of America, joined the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus of the U.S. Congress, and is working to enhance the visibility of hang gliding, paragliding and kiting with the American Recreation Coalition. All members of the Rogallo Foundation board of directors are unpaid volunteers. They work to assure the success of the Poundation's programs which arc designed to benefit tbe sports that use the flexible wing, and the programs that provide an opportunity for people to honor the individuals whose invention made possible these sports. Serving me as officers of the Foundation arc: John Harris of Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head, North Carolina, Foundation Vice President; Roland Alexander of Orlando, Florida, Secretary; J.B. Ruffin of Ahoskie, North Carolina, 'J}casurcr. Other members of the board are: John Boyd, Nags Head, North Carolina; Michelle Dawson, Annandale, Virginia; and Francis and Gertrude Rogallo, Kitty tfawk, North Carolina. I hope that this advance notice of the Rogallo foundation's long-range stratef,'Y and activities has stirred your interest, and that you and your local organization will participate in the programs as they arc announced. We plan to offer several opportunities for you to show support of your sport and of those who made the sports possible. Comments and items to be considered for the book should be sent to:

To

Vic Powell, President Rogallo Foundation EO. Box 2337'7 Washington, D.C. 20026-3377

HAN(; GLJUINC


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Pi lot Profiles

A Conversation With

I

40

H ANG GLIDING


GEEDUB: Mark, it's a pleasure to talk to you again. What have you been doing with yourself since the flying season came to an end? MARK: Well, while taking a break after a rather full season of hang gliding, I visited my sky-buddy Glen Volk at his house by che beach in San Diego. After a bit of paragliding, mountain biking, beach running and lots of Mexican food gorging, I repaid my host with plenty of belly laughs by taking him up on an offer to reach me to surf on one of his ritual daybreak surfing trips. I took che ensuing ear infection and head cold back to Utah with me. Up until just after rhe start of the new year I was exceptionally busy at Solirude Ski Resort. Our resort is continually growing, and each season invar iably finds me with more responsibilities. The good news is that we had record snow totals, and since the end of the holiday blitz I've been getting a lot more ski rime. I really like my job in che Wasatch Mountains. Appropriately enough, Solitude's logo is an eagle.

GEEDUB: Have you always taken the winter offfrom flying hang gliders?

copyright © 1995 by G.WMeadows

MARK: When I first scarred flying I was living in Alaska, and we would fly even if it was below zero, but that was 20 years ago. During m y college years in Oregon I

would fly a few rimes a month during the winter, and, of course, flew in the winter during my years at Ulcralite Products in Southern California. But since 1990, when I moved back to Utah where there is a real winter, I've turned in my wings once the snow falls. Unless I venture to some flying event (which is rare), my fee t never leave the ground without skis from November through April. I've rediscovered skiing in perhaps che best place in the world for ic - and I absolutely love it, even mo re than during those long winters as a k id in Alaska.

GEEDUB: Since you spend so much time away from hang gliding, how do you prepare for the upcoming competition season? MARK: My most successfu l me thod of preparing for the competition season has proven to be a really long break from flying. To a certain extent I've become satiated with hang gliding. An interview with one of my teammates, Jim Lee, revealed that for him too, che decades of flying have taken their roll on his level of enthusiasm. He and I also enjoy flying m uch m ore if there is the added challenge of competition, which drives us to new levels of performance . I think that with h ang gliding being fresh for me in the late spring or early summer I'm more enthusiastic about the sport

0

ne of the more animated folks on the competition circuit also happens to be the current toprated pilot in rhe U.S. Mark Bennett has hopped in and our of the competition scene for years, and it seems that 1994 was his year. I'm cursed with having to deal with this guy on a fairly regular basis since I run and attend some of the meets. He is undoubtedly che luckiest guy I've ever met. (No way could a guy this ugly be such a good pilot. ) l thought you'd like to meet Mark and decide for yourself if you're proud to have him representing th e U.S. in Spain this summer at rhe World Championships. I phoned Mark in the dead of winter for an interview. I was fortunate enough to catch him on a break from his job as a mogul (ahem, seasonal manager) at one of Utah's best ski resorts. APRIL 1995

LEFT Mark Bennett at Solitude Ski Resort in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. INSET Launching a K4 155 at the 1993 TeLLuride Nationals. Photo by Nikki Driver. ABOVE: G. W interviews our celebrity by cellular telephone from the Beaches ofKitty Hawk, North Carolina.

41


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in general, and hungrier to compete in particular. Prior to arriving at Sandia last year I had a rota! of maybe a dozen flights total ing less than five hours of airtime, with most of those being short local !lights off tow. As for the physical aspect of training, two things come to mind. First, I know my glider will handle great, and second, even though I haven't been flying, other activities keep my upper body in shape. Back country skiing and mountain bike riding help quite a bit.

GEEDUB: How's your dc1d Bill Bennett? ls it true what he says about teaching you every-· thing you }mow about hang gliding?

MARK: As much fun as it might have been to he as Steve Moyes is to his famous dad Bill, I regret having to pm the rumors to rest, and must clarify that Bill Bennett is not my father. It might have been great t:o grow up in Bill Bennett's thriving Cc1ctory and then rake the reigns as Steve is doing with Moyes Gliders. Yeab, that's it: fame, unlimited fortune, a palatial mansion, a big inheritance, lovely groupies nahhh! But Bill and I have had plenty of fon over the years ribbing people with this name thing. GEEDUB: Yeah, right! !-le said you'd rny that. Anyway, your hang gliding career began tl long time ago fin· someone so young Tt:ll us how you were sold tis 11 slave to the UT' factory and how you were fi;rced to testfly gliders fi;r gruel and 11 place to sleep.

MARK: Jeff Van Datta, owner of Supcrfly Hang Gliders (no kidding) in Oregon, where l was in college ar the time, turned Pete Brock of Ultrali te Products on to me as a rising talent to keep an eye on back in '79. l was 20 at rhc time. Jeff and Pete cosponsored me with equipment: at a number of events wirh such great old UP "hug-named" gliders like the Dragonfly, Firefly and Mosquito. When UP introduced the Comet in 1980 their sales exploded, and Pete Brock enticed me into coming to Southern California during t:hc following summer break from college to do sales and demos on the road for them. Imagine being a young guy ravenously hungry to fly hang gliders and see the world, arriving all starry-eyed at the "big E1ctory," and being handed keys rn a new truck stacked high with a dozen revolutionary new wings, a couple of credit cards, a list of dealers and events, and a

road map. l was on top of the world. I blew off school that fall, and after arriving back at the f:actory in October I joined the management ream at UP as their sales and marketing director. Contrary to the all-too-typical scenario of some country bumpkin rrying to make a go of it at the big California diver factory, and making modest wages at what turns out t:o be essentially a production job, I was generously paid with plenty of benefits. l even bought a really cool condo, and was living quite rhe classic Southern Cal lifestyle.

GEEDUB: This sound, like a dream come true. Wht1t in the world didyou do to screw it up?

MARK: Pet:c Brock lost: interest in hang gliding. UP was making waves in the wind surfing industry, and was looking seriously into ultralights which were booming ar the time as well. As rhe sales and marketing guy for the hang gliding division, J suffered the frustration of interacting with our angry dealers and pilots who were increasingly nor having their needs taken care of, and I knew that most of UP's R&D budget was being poured into the Arrow, a foot·lau nchable (barely) T-tail sailplane. lt didn't rake a rocket scientist to figure out that rbc longirudinal boom on the Arrow was coincidcmally a perfect location for a small engine in front of the pilot. Loyal hang gliding customers were feeling lcfr behind, even betrayed, as our competitors closed the performance gap, then surpassed UP's gliders. ln May of '84, being really angry that UP was deliberately squandering its lead position in the business, I resigned. We had had the best team going by for, in terms of dealer network, production, R&D, service, competition pilots ... you name ir. We were doing a great job. As the old UP withered on the vine a year or more larer, Pete Brock ultimately blamed a product liability suit for the company's demise, but that was not really true. UP was able to handle such a loss at the time, just as today's largest manufacturer has successfolly weathered similar storms. ln fairness co Pete Brock, he deserves accolades for the job he did while he was still intrigued by hang gliding, for his uncanny ability to attract talented key players ro his management team, and for treating them all so well. It was an exciting rime ro be in the business, and [ had the

good fortune of being part of Pete Brock's inner circle when he was

GEEDUB: (wiping tears I'fwt'., so sctd, 1 /mow thr!! you W'ing fi;r ont smson rmd c',c1'du1tnes yer1rs, but now with (11s yrn/1Je been quite some the Klassic. Wh111;- your unbimtd tttke rm

MARK: (reading in a monotone voice from a prepared statement) From rhc momcnr l first banked 11p a Klassic 011 my maiden voyage, and hit into the la1111cl1 thermal, I said ro f, "Yes, now 'T'HJ\T'S how a hang glider is to fly!" Quite seriously, rhc I<Lissic pliftes my favorite things which are in their hmctional simplicity. This 1s really a bcautifol refo1cmcnt of the classic pcrfcHmancc from Airwavc of the last decade. Whrn I dusted off the cobwebs of win tcr and spun spirals up over Sandia rhc day before the 1994 Classic, I shouted with joy into the radio to my reammatcs that I was climbing rhrollgh pilots who had on:v1,ously given me firs with their tenacious ability to keep me (not the best-climbing pilot the lot) from ever them. I had a great feeling then, and it with me whenever I was under thar hcamif'ul little wing. As much as the m:11rnfacturcrs would like you ro believe their and huy their products based 011 that hype alone, speed and glide performance arc so darn close between the top d1at pilot technique and adherence to sn,:'.c(Ho-nv theory arc the pcrform;mcc fact ors. No one is plllling away from my KLissic in glide or during Final dives to . In straight flight, l think the Klassic me an advantage hecrnsc I have ulrimarc confidence to push out absurdly and maximi'l:c climb during dolphin flight (don't rry this at home). Bur most of :ill, I can look around and comfortably scan the near and for hori1.on to make decisions climbing, thanks ro rhc KL1ssic's ":rnto .. core" handling frarnrc. I reach thermal· departure altitude rested, relaxed and

or

to blaze on.

GEEDUB: ~Ylr:l/, that sure soundcd unbi ttscd. Why don't you st1y ahrm t the Internet people rmd we'll h{lve an article to rival 1mything Prml Voight has evc:r writ .. ten. h'xactly how long hcrvcyou lm.>n afftlirrted

4J


with Pacific Airwave, and what all do you do with the company? MARK: J initially came to Pacific Airwave in May of 1989 as an addition to their competition team. Jean-Michel Bernasconi, the owner at the time, made it clear early on that he valued me as more than just a team pilot, but my background and expertise as well. In particular, f have been contracted to work on finalizing numerous glider designs over the years, then assisting in getting them through the certification process. T have written a number of glider owner's manuals as well. Ken Brown, the president at the helm now, continues to involve me in much the same manner that Jean-Michel did. Besides participating in various events as a team pilot, l continue to show up periodically for projects at the factory during the summer months, where we all enjoy a great working relationship. Airwave has assembled a nice team of people who bring with them unique talents and perspectives.

GEEDUB: So, since you obviously like the Klassic, do you expect to fly it in the World Championships? MARK: Well, now that l'm the first··· ranked guy, the offers arc just pouring in. Face it, I'm just a whore; I'll fly for whomever offers the most money. I-Tmmm, maybe that Israeli glider. Just kiddiug. Not only will I he on a Klassic 144, but my inspiring wing man and the second-ranked U.S. pilot, Mark Gibson, will be on his 155, as well as perhaps some of the other team members.

GEEDUB: What special twe11king do you do to the glider to prepare it .frJr competition? MARK: None at all! Herc is a quote from the Klassic owner's manual (which I jus1 happened to have written): "Pacific Airwavc above all has maximized the Klassic's performance. In fact, there is usually an overall cancellation of any glider performance gain when tuning a glider to be very stiff. Tf 1hc pilot can't steer the glider where he wants, when he wants, then in effect there is a net performance loss." l tell Gus, the final assembly guy, how to tune 'cm, and that's how l fly 'em. In fact, the Klassic with which I won Sandia and Big Springs last year spent over six weeks on the road as a demo/thrasher on an East Coast tour that spring. Demand was so

44

11

Professionals with disposable income and not much play time are the new pilots now. .. it is incumbent upon the industry to be professional for them in every way, and continually refine the 11 sport. high that no matter how much I whined, there was simply not a crispy new glider available for Mark Bennett on .June l ! J have always flown gliders in their stock, factory-certified configuration, and foci that to do otherwise misrepresents to the public what the gliders are actually capable of T'hankfully, the days of competition pilots overtigbtening their gliders to the point of marginal control authorfry are mosrly behind us. And you won't: find me flying sorne bastardized pre-production prototype in a competition as other com-panics have in the past. That's fine if they want to do that, but first the "glider cenifi-· cation in competitions" rule needs to he addressed, and then they need to be forthright with the public about what the product is that they arc flying, and how it varies from the stock version.

GEEDUB: lt'.r my opinion that we have another good team for 1995. The biggest dif .ference between this team and the 1993 Owen'.r Valley World 7eam is that we won't be playing on our field this time. How do you think that will affect this team? MARK: Alrhough I wasn't there for the Spain Pre-Worlds in 1994, 1 think that the pool of knowledge abom the locality gathered by the eight U.S. pilots wbo did an-end will be a great asset for us all. Certainly having local knowledge will help, but there arc so many other factors which must combine to make a champion that those factors greatly outweigh whatever local knowledge disadvantage we may suffor. During my '93-'94 streak I won fc)ur rneets in a tow, and had only flown one of those venues before, and at that cornpctition, the Sandia Classic, I was still a relative newcomer to the area compared to the rest

of the top guns. And if J hadn't won Sandia, Ken Brown, who had never flown there before, would have!

GEEDUB: Well, you're hot ri&ht now, as tlre a ftw of the other team members. How do you thin/, the team will perform in Spain? MARK: Shecsh! That's a tough one. Our boys did pretty well last year there, but the French arc a remarkable force. We'll certainly be in the hunt, though. f'vc been on five U.S. national teams, and each one was different. Each personality brings its own chemistry, and the com-bined result of that individual chemistry can never be perfectly predicted. Our 1993 Owens Valley team succeeded [ think largely because those guys all worked together so well. They respected and liked each other. I think this team has the opportunity of heing the first team to repeat as World Champions in quite some time.

GEEDUB: Well, 1 certainly hope so. On a different subject; a lot of the hot pilots are.flying with CPS units now. Has it helped_your fl . ? J1ymgany. MARK: T don't know if I would say that "a lot" arc using GPS, but certainly the numbers arc growing. I've got mixed feelings about GPS, but if you give me one I promise to use it. You don't need a CPS to be competitive, contrary to what Russ Locke said in his glowing report accompanying the 1994 Princeton Nationals article in this magazine. Using the biggest and best meet of 1994 as an example, the Sandia Classic, the top three finishers were non-GPS and using just basic little variomcters. And at the Big Springs tow meet in the flatlands of west Texas, where, if anywhere, one would think a CPS would be necessary, [ won four of the seven days of competition over completely unfamiliar terrain with only an aviation sectional and a compass.

GEEDUB: So, can we take th11t to metln that you don't thinle CPS is or soon will be essential.for world-class pilots? MARK: Like my comments about local knowledge, J feel GPS is just a minor piece in the whole puzzle of winning a championship. But I'm going to get one. lt will bavc to be simple to operate, and the big key is to not try to figure out how to use it in a meet. At a morning pilots' meeting at

HANC CLIDINC


List nationals I got to brag about how 1 won the day thanks to a CPS. Tony Barro11 and l have had some classic harries trying to heat each other on final glide to goal, :md I claimed that I won that particular day because he was looking at all the buttons on his new CPS instead or looking at rhc ground and me, and didn'r rec· ogn izc it was show ti me.

GEEDUB: V(lel/, br•ct1use you'rt so font,· winded u;e'vr: used up too much space and now I can't as/.: you thr: really impor/m1/ quts· tions like !, it true that you rmd Rob Kells once wr:rr: !01Jr:r, but you !r:/2 him Jr1r 7,i,l your and why squander $20,000 on tmin,,n<Ifr1r an rllJiation tdrer:r rmd hrwen't got a mdjoh in that fll'ld yet? But I do UJdn/ to rt.d: you one more question. Wha;, do you see m the f14tu1t o/ our sport, and, more JjJcciftca!ly, how do you sci· Mark Bennett in thfl t /14/urc? MARK: Cone forever arc the days when hang gliding was affordable for rhc masses, as it was when I was a poor high school student. Professionals with disposable income and not rnuch play rime arc the new pilors now; they arc driving the sport,

and, fortunately, they arc willing ro pay for it. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the industry lo be professional for them in every way, and continually refine the sport. At schools we should continue to improve training techniques, from the bunny slope lo X-C racing. The shops should provide timely service with factory-supported training and manuals. Gliders need rn evolve in terms of user-friendly performance and We need more "sofr" goods innova·· tions, like the advent of the current··stylc pod harnesses introduced by High Energy in 1hc early '80's. Information needs to be disscrninatcd to the weekend warrior, as Dennis Pagcn docs in his latest book, PerjrJrnumre Flying. New, simplified, powerful insrrumentarion needs to be dcvel· oped, such as a vario/GPS/Arai Designs combination which would be a quickly .learned, powcrfol performance and safety rool. We have not reached a performance irnpassc. Witness the new Quantum reserve parachute which has reduced by nearly half the descent rate of a stricken pilor! Similar revolutions in all areas of our sport await us. Tciwing, both truck and aero, arc just beginning to make a significant impact on

the largest part of our country's population who do not live near good mountain sites. As towing becomes more common hang gliding will migrate to the flatlands, just as soaring has already done. As for me, I must always live near the mountains, but I will heartily support flying cvcms in the flatries, such as last year's Big Springs meet which saw some superb X-C flying. With my experience in the sport as an instructor, retailer, manufacturer and performance pilot, l see myself as being a conduit for the evolution of our products, services and techniques for the greater public. For example, a lot of the moves I make during X·C flight seem intuitive, but I believe that they have simply become second nature to me. l helped edit Pagcn's Per/ormdnce }•tying by sharing some or these insights. Similarly, I would like to be involved in the development or the l!CX( generation of flight instrumentation. I have some soft.goods ideas, and will certainly continne to be involved with new gliders from Airwave. There aren't that many or us lcfr who arc still involved in the sport afrcr 20 years, but I plan LO see my 50-ycar anniversary in 2025, and hope to have contributed.

<ll

I go flying with you you some flying tips 1-1,.,,n",,th, tells you where you need improvement

•••

.. . Helps you get extra airtime or miles ... Knows everything about efficient flying ... Will share flying experiences on blown~out days Send cash or check to: SPORT AVIATION PUBLICA'l'IONS PO Box 101, Mingoville, PA 16856

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Please rnsh me the books listed below: D Understanding the Sky . $19.95 . .. $ 9.95 D Hang Gliding Flying Skills ..... $29.95 D Performance Flying D Powered Ultralight Flying $11.95 $ 9.95 D Powered Ultralight Training Course $19.95 D Paragliding Flight Save 1()% ol'ller two or more books! S11ve 20% order five or mo1·e bookq! Total amount for all books Postage and handling ······················ $ 2.50 Add $1 extra postage for Pcrf Flying .. Overseas airmail if desired ($8.00 per book $14.00 for Perf. Flying) TOTAL ENCLOSED SEND TO (please print) NAME ADDRESS CITY, STATE COUNTRY /ZIP ............................................... .

45


1995 USHGA MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM QIY. 1995 USHGA Calendar- Better than ever, buy one for a friend. Available in September. 10x13 full color ................................. $9.95 OTHER USHGA CALENDARS SPECIFY YEAR: 1994 1991 1990 1989 Excellent Photography collect them all! .............. @ $1.50 *'NEW** USHGA BARBARIAN RUGBY JERSEYS super heavyweight 100% cotton embroidered bold 4" ash/navy/purple/forest green striped, traditional collar or mock turtle neck. SIZES M L XL XXL (reg. $39.95) SALE! .......... $29.95 COLLEGIATE SWEATPANTS Side pockets, 50/50, elastic waistband w/ drawstring. Sizes: Med. Large XL ................................ $29.95 COLLEGIATE SWEATSHIRT Super heavyweight 11 oz. fleece 95% cotton, cross-weave w/ side gusset, 3 colors on ash. SPECIFY SIZE: MEDIUM LARGE XL (sweatshirt/sweatpants combo $60.00) ................................................... $34.95 "FREESTYLE" SWEATSHIRT 9 oz. set-in fleece 50/50 heavyweight, beautiful multi-color design on white. SIZE: M L XL ........ $24.95 ALSO FREESTYLE T-SHIRT 100% preshrunk cotton Med. Large XL ......................................................................................... $14.95 USHGA Golf Shirl 100% combed cotton. Colorfully embroidered. Colors: White Red Navy Yellow Jade Black SIZES: Medium Large X-Large XXL (in white, navy & jade only) ..................................................................................................... $24.95 USHGA MTN. GLIDER T-SHIRT 100% cotton. Our most popular shirt. SPECIFY SIZE: M L XL COLOR white ash ............ $12.95 USHGA YOUTH MTN. GLIDER T-SHIRT For those up and corning pilots. SPECIFY SIZE: S(6-8) M (10-12) L(14-16) .................. $9.95 USHGA MTN. GLIDER CAP Embroidered SPECIFY COLOR: NAVY WHITE PURPLE RED .................................................... $9.95 PERFORMANCE FL YING by Dennis Pagen. Covers just about everything for the Intermediate & Advanced pilot... ................... $29.95 "SPECIAL NEW PILOT EDITION" magazine. Specify hang gliding or paragliding (circle) ............................................................. $4.95 DOWNWIND by Larry Fleming. Share the experience of over 20 years of hang gliding flight-a true story, well told ....................... $10.95 Higher Than Eagles by Maralys & Chris Wills. The story of early hang gliding and Bob Wills. Hardcover............................................ $19.95 UNDERSTANDING THE SKY by Dennis Pagen Micrometeorology for pilots. Almost 300 pages, 260 photos & illustrations ............... $19.95 USHGA INSTRUCTOR'S MANUAL by Dennis Pagen. Over 100 pages, plenty of illustrations ............................................................. $10.00 THE ART OF SKVSAILING by Michael Robertson. Covers material used in ICPs, including Charts of Reliability .................................. $9.95 PARAGLIDING· A PILOT'S TRAINING MANUAL Produced by Wills Wing. Everything you wanted to know about paragliding ......... $19.95 HANG GLIDING FOR BEGINNER PILOTS by Pete Cheney The Official USHGA Training Manual. Over 200 pages ....................... $29.95 ALPHA FLIGHT by Mark Wright Covering all aspects of paragliding, complete with illustrations ......................................................... $19.95 PARAGLIDING FLIGHT -Walking on Air by Dennis Pagen Covering all aspects of Paragliding. Over 140 illustrations ................... $19.95 HANG GLIDING FL YING SKILLS by Dennis Pagen Our most popular book. For the beginner to intermediate pilot. ......................... $9.95 RIGHT STUFF FOR NEW HANG GLIDER PILOTS by Erik Fair Overview, humor, techniques and personalities ................................ $8.95 FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS Federal Regulations covering ALL types of aviation .................................................................. $8.95 RECORD ATIEMPT KIT All forms needed for national and world record attempts ................................................................................ $15.00 USHGA DELUXE LOG BOOK 72 pages. Covering pilot ID, ratings, rules, maintenance, inspection, terminology ... and more .............. $4.95 USHGA FLIGHT LOG BOOK 40 pages. The official USHGA flight log book.... ............................... ...... .......... ................... .. .. $2.95 USHGA Certification Booklets. Document your skill level sign-off. Specify hang gliding or paragliding ................................................ $1.95

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CHARGE MY CREDIT CARD VISA or MASTERCARD (circle one)

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Hints & Tips

The incredibly small receiver system instalkd in a baseball trading card colkctor's case with "key chain" size transmitter.

by Russ Doughs photos by Reto Schaerli

H

ere you are again, leafing through this month's issue of Hang Gliding. As you gaze at the cover and centerspread photos you probably wonder what equipment was used to produce them. I'll deal specifically with how these shots are triggered in flight, and offer some information that may streamline your current camera setup. I'll also give you some mounting and packaging tips, and try to provide enough general information to inspire those who have been thinking

48

about in-flight hang gliding photography. When I received my June '94 issue I was surprised to see the results of one of my experimental systems (Pat Page's front cover). Reto Schaerli, featured in the centerspread with someone who looks like Alice Stapleton, inspired me to share this information which he learned from Jim Steele (featured in the January 1995 centerspread) . Following in the footsteps of photo greats like Larry Tudor and John Heiney (just to name two) , Pat and Reto have put together some very clean, easy-to-set-up,

"high-tech" components similar to those used to unlock a keyless-entry car. Thanks to companies like Visitect, Inc. of Fremont, California, our lives have been made easier when it comes to opening garages, activating and deactivating car alarms, turning on outside lights when we pull up late at night, etc. Advancements in integrated circuit design have enabled engineers to put a single chip and some supportive components in a small, durable package for the general consumer. It is also available in kit form, and with the supplied

HANG GLIDING


LEFT: Photos 2 d11d 3 show rhe mouniir,g of rhe transistor ontQ rhe receiver bQard and the progra1111ning (soldering) points on the botro,n of the chi'p. After the cornponents drt secured. the tri'gger wire dnd bdttery ttr1 attad1ed ro rht ()11/off1wir.,:h.

shows the incredibly small receiver syscem insralled in • b•seball crading card collec, tor's ose \Vid) the "key chain* size trans .. mi1ter to the lefc. A dre1nel cool o r a cheap soldering iro n can be used to make rhe holes necessary co n1ount l swirch and run che t.rigger ,vire fron.1 the rece iver box co rhe camera. Velcro ,vas used co attach rhe receiver box co the c.unera or the can)eraS mount.

CONSTRUCTION

In the phot.o, note the circuit board, che battery, the c:1me.i::1 trigger connector an.d the on/off $\Viu:h. n,ar's it! The Cr:.lnsmicccr boasts a 300-fooc range and even ha.s a little telescopic anteno::i.. T he t r:insmitrer package also pcotects the trigger bu1tOn$ during storage. Rcro has been using his cransmitccr "free hand," meaning cha.r he flies ,vith ir da ngling from his \Vrisc and reaches fo r it che same w:1y sonie of )'Ou do when tra nsm itting your fM's in flig ht. PVC tubing may be used co mount che trans®ner to your b3se,ube by cutt ing it lengthwise, leoving :ibolll 5/8" of che full circumference of chc tubing. A couple of

instructions one can have a slick, digi~lly coded 300 .. Mhz t ransmitter an.d receiver syscem thac blows the "factory-optional u nit" out of rhe sky, at a cost savings of abo uc half. The firsr ching to consider is how to hook up a trigger tO y()ur c:unera. One of the first \lnirs I made ,vas fron1 an o ld car a.l.irm. "[he Pentex ME Super camera I usr: was quite sin1ple co connect co. OnJy r-.vo w ires ,vere required, and l ,vas able to obtain a jack that I filed down co plug into che add-on auco,vinder. P:ic Page's camera required a more elabOrlte approach. Most of the auto poin t:1n_d-shoor caineras arc dr:signcd to be nearly impassible co &mantle. After we figured

A~IL 1995

out how co gee under che trigger buccon ,ve discovered chac mosc of these i urom:tric cameras have a focus trigger that acdvaces fractions of a second bcfor<" the shutter trigger. This ,vas an inccrcsring hurdle. On Pat's cameca we decided t<> use a plug chac connects the receiver co the rr-igger, to accivatc the focus on :t full-t ime basis when the receiver Is plugged inro cbe camera. Reto, on the ocher hand, uses a Nikon N2000 (manual focus), which o nly needs a simple closed circuit {O activate the shutter. The camer:t body is equipped co accept a N ikon plug for remoce shutter celease appl icar-ions. Reco had been using a wire trigger sysrern chat required a simple cut an d :>:rrach menc co his receiver. Photo I

countersunk 4-40 scrc.,vs and some mating velcro will secure it nic.ely to your basen1be o c downmbc. (NOTE: Do not use metal cubing because of itS effect on t r:l1\sn\is~ sion. See sketch.) When you gee the ki t chere wil l be insrruccions on ho,v to program the transmircer and receiver. T be instructions c learly scace chat cbe p rogramming of the transmirrer and receiver involves o pposite pin layouts. Be sure to pick a sequence that is noc confusing. After che programm i11g is complete, a simple tesc can be performed by putting a volcmecer on the outpuc of the ,oceiver and negative bateery lead (ground). Press the iransmin.e r. The mecer should be iI\ a J0-voJc range o r so co see che vol rage cbange from near zero co five voles (± I vole). Testing com piece. Ar chis point che compo nents may be subsriruced for ,vhat you have (or a trip to Radio Shack will provide all you need). All

49


Mounting Considerations

'

Mating Velcro

"Cannon Sure Shots and the like have a fortress-like assembly. If you plan on using this kind of camera you're on your own."

1" diameter, 2" long Cut to snap around the basetube

ff you have any questions relating to transmitter/receiver specifications and applications call or write: Visitect: Inc., PO. Box 14156, Fremont, California 94539

for mounting transmitter spaced at 1" centered

(510) 651-1 fax (510) 651-8454. You are also welcome to call the author, Russ Douglas, at (415) 357-2782 voice mail.

this little circuit docs is turn the receiver output signal from an electronic switch to "ground" for the camera to be triggered. Photos 2 and 3 show the mounting of the transistor onto the receiver board and the programming (soldering) points on the bottom of the chip. After the components are secured, the trigger wire and battery are attached to the on/off switch. The receiver board can be mounted with double-sided tape for permanent installation.

Cannon Sure Shots and the like have a fortress-like assembly. If you plan on using this kind of camera you're on your own, but you can always call a camera service center for information on how the autowinder is triggered. If you trust your tinkering talents you can venture out on your own. I've been able to add wires and a plug to a few cameras with good results. (REMEMBER: The warranty is likely to become void once dissection has begun, so use caution.)

50

HANG CLJDINC


1

PRITCHARD, JAMES:

11:iwk I<itcs

JJRON/1'

MlCHJ\l<J. UNDSEY COi .LFITF CARSON PILOT:

S!IV/;R DOUG BECKING! !AM

S1a1c; l 11s1-r11nor/Sd1ool

MORRIS, FRJC: Bellingham, WA: J. Tindlc/Mi,1mi I IC VANDYKE, Ml(:! fAEL: Seem le, W i\; T. Johns/( :ascadc WESTl'.RCAJ\RI ), KURT: Elrnrndorf ;\ Fil, AK: J. W,dbcc llRUN/'Y 2.

CLYDFSUGCS

B/\1 IK, D.J,: S,1111:1 ( :Jara, CA: J, Woodward/N:nural PERFZ, JOEL: Moclc:sto, CJ\; I<. Mmcio PORTER, CURT: l.os Catos, CA: D. Youn,,//\1is.,,io11 PILOT:

Cc111n

S1a1c: I ns1 ruc1or/School ALLEN, CAROLINE: Vrnicc, CJ\; It McKrnzic/l ligh Advcn1111T NICI IOLS, ROBERT: Fscondido, C :A: R. Mitchell/The

I

CFYMAN, JOI IN: WRIGI IT, BRFNT: I

J. ['.icscr/Wha1rnlll WA: J. Ficscr/Wh,1tco111 Wi11gs

f !arbor. WA;

MORA, N !CK: San Jose, C:A; lt R.

Ii MORRISON, DJ\I .E: I AZ: IZ. ROTH, KEVIN: Phoenix,;\/.; It I lnl,w·,J\l.,v

The Lilllit 9

3 ALLEN, CAROLINE: Venice, C:A; !Z. McI<cnzic/l Aclvrntmc !IAZFN, SCOTT: Whi11icr, CA; J. Ryan/I IC C:cmcr ofSl) HUDSON, MARK: Leucadia, CA; M. Pines PATTERSON, CHRIS: D:ma l'oi111, CA; I<. I Lnrison/Likc l·lsinorc l JC ZADOROZNY, SI IARON: San Diego, C:A; K 1\.1 i1dicll/Thc Wings Ii McANALLY, DAVID: Chandler, A/.; B. \1as1m NELSON, DENNIS: Phoenix, A/;!). Cordo1i/Advcn1urc Tours ROT! L KEVIN: Phom ix, A/.; B. I Masters TORRISI, ALJ!RED: Mesa, A/; D. ( ;,mlo11//\dvc1Hmc Spom Toms

GRAY! 111.L, IFRBERT: New Providrncc, PA: I\. LUEBECKFR,JOI IN: Alexandria, V1\: A. llloodwonh/Lookrnll M111 Fl' !AGER, DANA: Na1.:ircth, PA; B. Surn1ncr/l.ookorn M111 Fl' WENTZ, MATT: ;\fton, VA: S. Wrnd1/Bh1c Sky 10

BRUNTON, ROBFRT: Wilton Manors, l'I.; J. Timllc/Miami I IC CLJ\RK, FRANCES: Athcns, CJ\; C:. Thoreson/Lookout Mt1, l'I' JAMIESON, MARK: Wilton Manors, l'I; ). Tindle/Miami I IC WILLIAMS, CRECORY: Mui, TN; J. l looks/Lookom ,1\1111 H' Region l l CO! .I .INS, ·1 'OM: Arlington, TX; T l loogsmcd River Aircraft (;OLCOON, REZA: I lallas, TX; 1l.

BOWLIN, GEORGE: h. Wayne, IN: M. )ones/Florida I IC

9 111\GER, DANA: Nazareth, l'A; J\. Blookwonh/Loolwnl Mt11 Fl' UJEBECKER, JOI IN: ;\lexandri:1, VA;). I looks/1.ookom Mt ,i Fl' MALJ\BY, BRUCE: Norfolk, VA; ll. W,avcr/l<illy I iawk I<itcs MEADOWS, JAM FS: · rarcn111rn, P/1; 0. 11(; JO BRUNTNON, ROBFRT: Wilro11 Manms, i:J: J. Tindlc/Mi,m1i I IC JAMIESON, MARK: Wilton Manors, Fl.; J. Tindle/Miami l l<; SMITH, NED: A1Lmra, CJ\: J. l looks/Lookm11 Min Fl' M11i, TN: J\. llloodwmtli/Lookmtt Mm l'l' W!Ll.1/\MS, CRFCORY:

DEVINE, DONALD: York, NY: I l 1Ylcycrs/Fv1ounta111 l lUMMFI., RAYMOND: Sl:nchill, NY: I'. Voigln/Fly I ligh

PILOT: (

Stale: lns1ruc1or/School

Pines I.INDSEY, Mll(F: Nonh Pole, !\I<; A. lVIORTIM ER, IARLFS: lkll111,c',ii;1,m, WJ\: J. l'iesn/Wh:urnrn

LOPER, ROBFRT: I lo11sto11, TX: F. B111m/J\11s1i11 J\ir CANANT, RICI JARD: Boulder C:rc,-k, C:A; I'. Codwit1/Wcs11Tn I IC HNCI MARK: Lis

SI


Ratings PECK, RON: Las Vegas, NV; L. Storla SULLUVAN, SCOTT: Alameda, CA; T. Webster/The Soaring Center

ADVANCED RATINGS PILOT: City, Seate; Instructor/School

Region 3 KLOCS, RUSSELL: Lancaster, CA; J. T-looks/I.ookom Mm FP !<RIES, STEVEN: San Diego, CA; M. Bell/Torrey Pines NAVA, SERGIO: San Diego, CA; R. Mitchell/The Eagles Wings Reginn 4 DENTON, JACKSON: Littleton, CO; M. Windsheimer/Golden Wings OWENS, STEVEN: Tucson, AZ; E. Smith/Arizona Airfoils

Region 4 COSSETTI, LISA: Gilbert, AZ;]. Bowman/Eagle Air Sports PRENTICE, DAVID: Albuquerque, NM; W. Frazier/High Desert l IG Region 6 BOULDEN, JAMES: Fort Smith, AR; W. Flane/Fort Smith HGA Region 9 LAMANDRE, ANTHONY: Carbondale, PA; I). Quackcnbush/Trne Flight

Region 6 SCHULTZ, JAMES: Kansas City, KS; S. Haufler Region 8 EGEBERG, MARK: Woodstock, CT; M. Jones/Florida HG Inc Region 9 FULTON, JONATHAN: Charlottesville, VA; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mtn Fp MEIER, DAVID: Lexington, KY; F. Foti/Miami HG SLOCUM, JACK: Ttoy, PA; D. Jewell/The Flight Works VENESKY, PAUL: Elmora, PA; R. Brown/Quest Air HG Inc

FOREIGN RATINGS ADVANCED PREBOY, STEVE: Alberta, Canada; A. Chuculatc/Torrcy Pines

TANDEM

RAfINGS

ANDREW WHITEHILL Region 10 HUTTON, JOE: Curley, AL; R. Patterson/Rocket Cit.y Airspons ZORN, JACK: Charlotte. NC; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mtn FP

- 20 FLIGHT MEMORY: memory for length, number, climb and 0ink rate of each flight. 4 climbing sound modes. - 5 AL Tl METERS: Adju0table 25,000 ft. Altimeters with automatic calibration.

VARIO: Pointer 4,000/fpm, digital to ~:3,000/fpm. + Programable sink & lift alarm. Sink sound with changing tones. Adjustable sink window. Stop watch. + One year warranty and mounting sy0tem included.

NAS backing and 0upport, Weight: 6.8 oz.

MADE

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SERVI

FAX:

H/\NC CLIDINC


JIANG C:LIDINC ADVISORY llscd hang gliders should he disassrn1blccl before for the first time inspected hcnt 01 dented clownrnbcs, ruined bent bolts (cspc· cially die heart bolt), re·uscd nuts, loose thim· bles, frayed or rusted cables, with non-circular holes, and on flex wings, sails torn or rorn loose from their anchor points front back on the keel and leading If in doubt, many hang gliding

businesses will

rn give an objcct"ivc opinion

C:OMF.T 165+ .~ In good condition, speed bar plus extras, (:(;I 00 harness, Ball vario. Great soaring 1,ackagc, all l,,r $400. (717) .l8/ 7Tlli. DIH'.AM l lf5 Neon colors, great condition $1,000. (G15) 58Y.0877

DREAM 16'> ·-· Excdknt condition, clean, very low homs $700. (20'!) 32JS76 l.

I !PAT lli5 - Factory reconditioned sail, new mylar pockets, mylar, I ip 1,a,icl.s tightened, new side wires and VC compensator. New performance at bargain price $1,:150. (708) 329-8337. HPAT 158 ·- Good condition $1, I 00. Duck 1GO· takes a whackin and keeps on quackin $?.00. Owl I 85-musc11m quality, make offer. Will consider trades. (904) 181 ·.'l322 Tom.

on the condition equipment you hring them to inspcn. Buyers should select equipment that is apprnpriatc for their sl<ill level or rating. New pilots should seek prnfossional instruction from a USHGA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR.

DREAM 27,0 · 120 hours, rainbow colors, tandem rc;idy, 118'' side wires. Only flown in winter, mus! sell $1,600 OHO. (714) 966-12/iO.

HPAT 158 Custom sail, good condition $1,000. (40/) 6/i2-2G.%.

$ I ,400. Randy ('71 'J) 5.3')-1782.

FLFXW/NGS

DIH:AM 7.40 1989, Blue spectrum, blue I.I\. Excellent tandem glider for the larger pilot. Excellent condition $1000 OBO. Call John at (61')) 561-1009.

HPAT 15il -

200 LBS, beginner pilots, Vision 20, Paci/Jc Windcrafr. beginner double surface from training hill to Hanr; Ill $500. (209) 95

$ J, 500. Raven Sky Spons (41 ii) fi7J.8800.

AAA GLIDER, HARNESS, CHUTE~- And ;icccs· sories, $850 takes all. Like new HP2, with VERY low ;iirtimc, Keller pod, etc. (215) 794 .. 252 1).

EASY l.J\NDJNG -· I performance, FR, Magic IV I VC,tight, shape, speedbar, fully faired $')'JO negotiable. (.303) ?.62··1139.

AXIS I 5'S Two, $500/ I. Excellent, alsD other glid· ers and equipment. (')0')) 678 .. 2021.

ELECTRA Fl.OATER I fang glider with training wheels & prone harness $375.(316) 7?.9,8090.

BAI .L M 50 Barograph/variorneter, loaded, recent recalibration $T75. (.lOJ) 87') .. 62.8/i.

FORMULA 14/i -· Cood shape, best offer. FORMULA l 54·!\rand new $2,800. High best Ball M 19c vario, (80 I) 752-676l

CG I 000 HARNESS With f'ronr entry, hook knife, internal storage, steel biner and 22. line chute. Has less rhan 40 hours, blue/yellow, for pilot 5''.l" 5'7" $500. Call (801) 4B5-8144 or c·rnail Alraduclc@laol.con1. COMET 165 · Mint condition, low time, spare downtubcs, owncr)s rnanHal) barten u:rnplarcs. Excellent price alternative to buying new wing for advancing pilots. (602) 6(, J .. 35:JS.

DREAMS CLEARANCE SALE

HPAT 158 Cood condition $1,liOO OBO. Ken (30l) 279-7'770.

All sizes, $500-

FORMULA lli4 1994, 19.5 hours, like new, cxrras $1,/00 OBO. (503) 668-8206. FORMULA 154 ··~ New Z3 harness, churc, Davron vario, everything $2,150. (711) 770-4:325. C:J'MJNI l 6/i 8.'l37.

Excellent condition, blue/white

HP ll Full race, all options, extra downtubes, nev· er damaged $500. RAVEN 229-excellcnt condition $4 50. (812) 288,6597 Indiana. 1(2 H5 ··- White LE, yellow and magenta BS, HTP TE $1,700 OBO. AT-121 parag\idcr $1,700 OBO. (818) 35.'l-1923. 1<2 14 5 -~ Excl'llcm. CC-\ 000, Flytcc 3010, 20 l'DA wirh paraswivel. $1,900 firm. (818) 831i-3Tl8.

1<2 155

Crcat condition, only $1,300. David (619) 1/i3-6346.

1(3 - Excellent condition, excellent flyer! Low hours, asking $1,500. Call Roger (406) 622·5677.

K5 N [,:w - Two magenta, with white $2,200. (408) 649-:'J755

Not a scratch! Crcy and edge. Must sell Now!

Cood first glider $500. (708) 329-

USHGA CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ORDER FORM 50 cents per word, $5.00 minimum Boldface or caps: $1.00 per word. not include first few words which are automatically caps.) Special layouts or tabs: $25 per column inch. (phone numbers: 2 words, P.O. Box: 1 word) photos: $25.00, line art logos: (1.75" maximum) DEADLINE: 20th of the month, six weeks before the cover date of the issue in which you want your ad lo appear {i.e., June 20 for the August issue). Prepayment required unless account established. No cancellations or refunds allowed on any advertising after deadline. Ad insertions FAXed or made by telephone must be charged to a credit card. Please enter my classified ad as follows:

Number of months: .._ .......................- .........- ......- ........- .. . SECTION :.J Flex Wings CJ Emergency Parachutes I.J Parts & Accessories U Business & Employment I.J Miscellaneous U Paragliders

r,J Towing

O Schools & Dealers I.J Ultralights U Rigid Wings IJ Publications & Organizations I.J Wanted

r::..1 Videos

Begin with

issue and run

consecutive issue( s). My CJ check, O money order is enclosed in the amount of $ . - ........-- ........ - . . . - .......__ ..._... · NAME: ._ ...____..._... _.. __._,,_.__...................._._....... __......- .......... _ .._.._ ..... ADDRE.SS: -·--·-· .. -·..--..- ......._...._..................--.....--.......-· . -~.......... ..

Numberof ............._ ........__..____ .... _ Number of

..- -...- -......,-..... @$1.00

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

53

APRIL 1995 rema1s. J nc most poprnar g11e1crs and equ1pmc11t, new


~~ Classifieds KISS 154 - GREAT CONDITION, FACTORY REBUILT IN 1992 $1000. Also harness, chute, helmet, radio, vario and static line tow system available. (507) 280-8995. KISS I 54's - IO hours each, one $900, one $800. Where else are you going co get a new glider for under $1,000' Sensor 610 demos, UP dealer, PacAir. (503) 256-0996. KLASSIC 155 - Like new $3,400 OBO. Wright Brothers Wings (209) 586-6012. KNEE HANGER HARNESS WANTED- Suitable for tandems (medium). (303) 259-3354 Kevin. MKIV 17 - Excellent condition, Trilam LE, harness, chute, vario, extras. COMPLETE PACKAGE $1,700 OBO. (707) 939-9607. MOYES GTR 162 VG - Excellent condition, flies great $900. (916) 896-1158. MOYES GTR 162 - Good intermediate glider, VG $550. (708) 329-8337. MOYES GTR WORLD BEATER 160 - $800. XS 142 $1,500. Both great condition. (208) 726-7559. MOYES XS 155 - New upper & lower wires, new luff lines, comes with rwo sails. Recently inspected by Moyes California, very good condition $1,100 OBO . Must sell! (31 O) 429-8033. MOYES XS 155 - Great deal. Experienced x-country machine $900 OBO. (619) 934-2125. MOYES XTRALITE 147 - 15 hours, excellent condition, red and white $3,200. (708) 329-8337. MOYES XTRALITE, XS, XS3, XT, XL - New and nearly new. Available immediately. Nation's largest Moyes dealer. THE WALLABY RANCH (813) 4240070. PACAIR MKIV 19 - Excellent condition, <3 hours $1,200. (404) 631-3754. PULSE 10 METER - 40 hours, good condition $2,400. Doug (610) 582-4080. RAMAIR 146 - 30 hours, clean, East Coast wing. Be smokin' chis spring for $3,100 OBO. (404) 4765446. RAMAIR 146 - Sell or trade for TRX 140 full race. (706) 398-3964.

RAVEN 229 - $650. Dream 145 $1,200. K2 154 $1,800. (717) 864-3448. SENSOR 510E 159 - Full race, 70 ho;1rs, excellent condition, extras $900. (209) 523-6089. SENSORS - 510, 100 hours $300 . 510B $700. CGlOOO, 6'2" black and blue $300. Price stirrup harness $30. (810) 394-1220.

SPECTRUM 144 - Great shape, <20 hours , blue/white. Package includes pod, parachute, helmet, Avocet $2,400. Brad (703) 330-8649. SPECTRUMS & VISIONS - Bought-Sold-Traded. Raven Sky Sports (414) 473-8800. SPORT EURO 150 $850. (615) 646-8938 .

Good condition, new bag

SPORT EURO 150 - Excellent condition , flown very little $1,400. Cindy or Ion (303) 440-3579. SPORT AT 150 - Feb. '90, but low hours/good shape. Bitchin' custom pattern/colors. New LE and EZ set up base rube. $1,900 (extra DT/parts incl.) Z2 harness, 5'8" +/- with chute/B RS rocket $600 . Ball 652 deck with flex neck/TE probe $45 0. Call David at (619) 268-8053. SPORT AMERICAN 167 243-1905.

$800 extras. (916)

SPORT 167 - Excellent shap e, 50 hours, garage stored $1,200. Jack (303) 642-3029. SUPERSPORT 143 - U nder 100 hours. Deal er serv/insp. $2,000 negotiable, will ship. (717) 5971753. SUPERSPORT 163 - $1,9 00. TRX 160-$2,300. 6'2" harnesses, Raymo nd & cocoon. Two Ball 651 varios, 2 full face helmets, 3 Maxon 2000' s w/VOX. All eq uipment used one season. (2 19) 277-1403. TRADE YOUR GLIDER! - We need clean used gliders' Immediate delivery new Ram Airs, Klassics, Super Spores, Pulses, Spectrums. Call Matt,· Lookout Mountain Flight Park, (800) 688-LMFP, (706) 3983541. TRX RACE - December '93, new rigging $1,950. (805) 644-8864.

RAMAIR 146 - 15 hours, like new with factory mods $3,100 OBO. Must sell! (208) 726-3332. RAMAIR 154 - Blue/pink, RamAir logo, 80 hours, excellent condition $2,300. (909) 945-9877.

VISIONS & SPECTRUMS - Bought-Sold-Traded. ·'Raven Sky Sports (414) 473-8800.

20 hours $3,200. Ken (303) 279-

WW DUCK 180 (909) 792-8409.

Low air rime, extra clean $500.

COLORADO HANG GLIDING WINTER CLEARANCE & CLOSEOUT

SKYHAWK 188- Raven 229. (612) 688-0181.

UP XTC OS 170 - 10 hours, lots of extras. Can be seen & flown at Wallaby Ranch, Florida. Free photos $1,800 OBO. Todd Braden float system $300. (407) 452-4655.

RAMAIR 154 7770.

WILLS WING SS 153 OUTFIT - Excellent condition , <12 flights. Delta pod with BRS, inst. package, two Maxon's with VOX, many accessories $2,900. (303) 972-0690.

WILLS WING SPORT 167 Andrew (808) 254-1507.

NEW HELMETS ................................. $50 USED 24ft RESERVE.. . ..... $350 TRAINING HARNESS ........ ... ..... ........ $1 00 PARAGLIDERS $700+ NAS DEMO, VARJO/ALT .................. $200 COMMERCIAL TOW WINCH ......... $950 120 WATT CAR RADIO MOUNT .. .. $450 EXCEL 160 ........................................... $600 COMET 165 FOR PARTS... . ... $300 PHOENIX 6D NEEDS PART.. ... MAKE OFFER ..5-15 HRS LT DREAM 185, 220 145 ....... MAKE OFFER SPORT 150 FR........ <20 HRS. ..$700 PROSTAR 160 ..... ...... .................... ...... $350 COMET II 165... ........... $400 HP II 170 ................. <30 HRS .............. $500 Colorado Hang Gliding (303) 278-9566. 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-$35. Parachutes, bridles, inspected and replaced, paraswivels installed. AIRTIME OF SAN FRANCISCO, 3620 Wawona, San Francisco, CA 94116. (415) SKY-1177. PARAGLIDERS ALL BRANDS - New/used paragliders $500$3,000. Colorado Paragliding (303) 278-9566. ALL NEW/USED - $500+. Instruction, tandems. California (909) 654-85 59. BRAND NEW PG RESERVES - 20ft PDA Skyangel PG reserves $385., 22ft PDA $425. (303) 278-9566. PARAGLIDERS - $600-$1,000 for your old equipment. New Perche, Apco, Irv, more. ISA (718) 7777000 phone/fax. RIGID WINGS SWIFT - Includes power unit, enclosed pod, ballistic parachute, extras, <15 hours total $17,8 00. (419) 661-1494.

1987 $550 OBO.

RAMAIR 158 - Perfect condition, 240 HTP TE $2,500. Rich (303) 939-9348.

54

HANG GLIDING


Classifieds ~~ ULTRALIGHTS BUILD/FLY - Your own BACKPACK POWERED PARACHUTE for fun/profit. Takes off from level ground unassisted. Safe, simpl e, inexpensive. No licensing required . Detailed guide and source book for beginner includes info on plans to build yours for as lirrl e as $900. Now only $1 9.95. Eas yUp, 1089 Medford Center #244g, Medford OR 97504.

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

JEFFERSON AERO SPORTS - Trikes and wings. Sales, accessories and tra inin g. Info pak $12. 15120 Skelton Rd, Jefferson OR 97352. (503) 327-1730. TRIKE TRAINING 7000 phone/fax.

And wi ngs. ISA (718) 777CALIFORNIA

WANTED WANTED - TANDEM GLIDER, in good condinon. (604) 353-2668. SCHOOLS & DEALERS ALABAMA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK ad under Georgia. (8 00) 688-LMFP.

See

RO CKET CITY AIRSPO RTS - Sales, rentals, service and cert ified instruction at Keel Mountain , Gurley, Alabama. For information send SASE and $ 1 to 301-A Frankl in Street, Huntsville AL 35801. We buy used equipment. (205) 880-8512, (205) 5334331. ARIZONA ARIZONA HANG GLIDING CENTER INC. The only full rime shop in the state! Dealer for all major brands. Certified training program utilizing extensive tandem instructio n. We can teach you more in less time, see what a difference full service makes . (602) 772-4114. DESERT HANG GLIDERS - USHGA certified instruction. Supine specialists. 4319 W. Larkspur, G lendale, AZ 85304. (602) 938-9550. ZONIE HG - USHGA/FAA instruction. Tandem, CFII/MEI ATP. 4326 W. Mariposa, G lendale 853 10. (602) 582-4471. Net: zonie@AZTEC.i nre.asu.edu. ARKANSAS OZARK MOUNTAIN HANG GLIDERS - Sales, service and instruction. 160 Johnston Rd, Searcy AR 72143. (501) 279-2480. SAIL WINGS - Lesso ns, sales, in fo rm ation. Towing, foot- launch. PO Box 5593, Little Rock AR 72215 . (SOI) 663-3166 phone/ fax.

ADc>II

1 QQc;

A BEAUTIFUL SOARING EXPERIENCE Awaits you at Torrey Pines G lider Port, a full service USHGA certified hang glidin g & paragliding school located on the most soa rab le 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 Scen ic Drive, La Jolla CA 92037. (6 19) 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. Harness manufacturer and repair specialists. USHGA paragliding instruction, tandem. All major brands of paragliding and hang gliding equipment (new and used). Next to Fort Funston. The only full service shop in San Francisco! 3620 Wawona, San Francisco CA 94116. (4 15) 759- 1177. CHAN DELLE SAN FRANCISCO, INC. Complete hang gliding and paragliding sales, service and instruction since 1973. Northern California's most complete repair fac ili ty. New and used equipment and demo's, lesson packages, clinics and tandem lessons. 1595 E Francisco Blvd Ste F, San Rafael CA 94901, (4 15)-GLIDING. COMPACT WINGS PARAGLIDING - Tandem, Class III certified instructor. Al l major brands. Yearround fl ying. Best Southern Ca li fornia site. (909) 654-8559 . HANG GLIDER EMPORIUM - Best training hill in the west! Full service hang glid in g/paragl iding shop, established 1974. PO Box 41339, Santa Barbara CA 93140-1'339, (805) 965-3733. ,,,THE H ANG GLIDING CENTER - Located in beautiful San Diego. USHGA instruction, equipment rentals, local flying tours. Spend your winter vacation flying with us. We proudly offer W ills W ing, Pacific Airwave, High Energy, Bal l and we need your used equipment. PO Box 1049, Lakeside CA 92040, (619) 561-1009.

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.

~ .s.-s:,~

,

c,~<>~>::,,.

~

-'

ffl tiflNG GLIDING ""'BICVCLING Pfll\flGLIDING

FULL SERVICE SHO P - Located at the base of the mountain on Hwy 74. Dealers of Moyes, UP, PacAir, Flytec, Ball, High Energy, Avocet & more. Call for free area info pack. Open daily 9-6. Rentals available. Visa & Mastercharge accepted.

~ ~

909-674-2453 31401 Riverside Dr. Lake Elsinore, CA. 92530

LAKE ELSINORE WINDGYPSY - Airwave, Moyes. Call for site information. (909) 679-8994. MISSION SOARING CENTER- Serving the hang gliding community since 1973. Our comprehensive instruction progtam, located at the Bay Area's premier training site, featu res gently sloped "bunny hills," static line towing, superl ite gliders and comfortable training harnesses! "FIRST FLIGHT," a video presentation of our beginner lesson program, is available for only $20 including shipping (may be applied to your fature lesson purchases). Our deluxe retail shop showcases the latest in hang gliding innovations. We stock new, used and demo, Wills and PacAir gliders. Tradeins are welcome. Feel free to demo the hottest new harnesses in our custom simulator! 1116 Wrigley Way, Milpitas (near San Jose) CA 95035 . (408) 262-1055, fax (408) 262-1388. WINDSPORTS - LA's largest since 1974. Fifteen minutes from LAX. Central to Sylmar, Crestline, Elsinore and training sites. Vacation training, flying and glider sa les packages including lod ging 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 1 16145 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys CA 91406. (8 18) 988-0111, Fax (818) 988-1862.

55


V

E~ Classifieds NO MORE BUNNY...

CONNECTICUT

T REASURE VALLEY HANG GLIDING - Onl y q uality pro d ucts fro m reputabl e ma nu fac turers. Featuring Pac ifi c Airwave, Airbo rn e, High E nergy Sports, Flyrec and more! Sales and se rvice . Lisa Tare, 11 7 16 Fairview Ave ., Boise ID 837 13. (208) 37679 14.

MOUNTAIN WINGS- Look under New York.

ILLINOIS

FLO RI DA

AA SPECTR U M H AN G GLIDI NG - Lesson s, sales and service. Static rowing and Dunes guide service. (708) 329-8337.

W RI G H T BR OT H ER S W I NGS - Fr ien d ly USHGA certified instruction in rhe Modesto area . U P, Pac ific Airwave, Ba ll , BRS, High Ene rgy and mo re. (209) 586-6012 So nora CA.

THE HILL WITH IT!

A C ENTRAL FLORIDA FLYERS -Teaching hang glidin g in Florid a fo r 14 years. High altitude certi fi ed tandem boa r row and aerorow instructi o n, and foo t lau nched trainin g. Ta nd em fli g hts >20 minutes, >2,000 AGL, all owin g most students to solo after less than 15 tandem fli ghts. We are th e old est school in Florida and the o nly o ne that offers co mpl ete, reasonably priced instru cti o n and sales and service for all maj o r glid er and equi p ment manu fac turers. C all (407) 894-5 7 15.

WE HAVE - Th e most ad van ced trainin g program kn own ro hang glidin g, teaching yo u in half the rime it rakes on th e train ing- BUNNY HILL, and with mo re in-fli ght air t im e. YES , WE CAN TEACH YOU FASTER AND SAFER. For yea r-round train in g fun in the sun , call or write Miami Hang Gliding (3 0 5) 285-8 978 . 2640 S Bayshore Dri ve, Coconut G rove, Florida 33 133 .

A PARADISE - H ang gliding of Florida. D ealer for See dwings, Litek va ries and M aso n releases. John (407) 332-9683 .

LO OKOUT M O UNTAIN FLI G H T PARK Ameri ca's # I hang gliding school , sin ce 1978. Find our why four rimes as many pilo ts ea rn their moun tain wings at Looko ut! Compl ete ce rtifi ed trainingfirst day to mountain soaring, best facili ties in USA. We wrote USH GA's O ffi cial Flight T raining Manual' O ur specialty custo mer satisfaction. Lesso n packages, ratings, gli der rentals. Largest invento ry new/us ed ha ng gliders, eq ui p ment. Compl ete sa il / airfram e repairs . Campi ng, swimming pool. Se nd $2 for informatio n. Route 2, Box 2 15-H , Rising Fawn GA 30738 (20 minutes fro m C hattano oga, T enn essee) (8 00) 688-LMFP, (706) 398-3541.

WALLABY RANCH World Famous Hang Glidin g Flight Park AGES 13 TO 73 H AVE LEARNED TO FLY HERE YEAR ROUND SOARING OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8 MILE FRO M DISNEY/ORLAND O

G EORGIA

All instructors Adva nced rared & certified tandem. D emo all th e latest fl ying machines. Full service deal er for ;ill brands. Remals, sales, storage, ratin gs, XC retrievals. Camping, swimmin g pool, climbi ng wall , picni c. Great scene for family and friends .

1!\\~\\\i

!.Q;~~ t=()- ~

Please ask us for references in yo ur area. (813) 424-0070 Ranch ph one & fax .

LO OKOU T M OUN TAI N FLI GH T PARK Neares t hang glidi ng mountain tra ini ng ce nter to Florida. See ad under Georgia.

Classified advertising: new life for your equipment and cash in your pocket. What a deal! 56

INDIANA

JJ MITCHELL -

T ANDEM . UP, PacA ir dealer. 6733 Columbia Ave., H amm o nd , IN 46324 (2 19) 845-285 6. KENTUCKIANA SOA RING -

See our di splay ad.

RA VEN SKY SPORTS - (4 14) 473-880 0. Pl ease see our ad under WISCONSIN. KANSAS P RAIRIE HANG G LIDERS - Bed & breakfast. Full service schoo l & dealer. G rear ta nd em inst ructio n, rowi ng & XC packages. (3 16) 697-2577. MICHIGAN PRO HANG G LID ERS - USHGA certifi ed school. Attention SE M ichiga n, new hang gliding & paragliding row club for ming. New stationary winch system (cl ub owned). Call fo r details. Ratin gs, lesso ns, gliders and supplies. Norm Les now, (810) 399-9433. 569 W Annabelle, H azel Park M [ 48030.

HANG GLIDING

Standing XC prizes : $ 1,000 $500 $25 0 Read about us in Aug. 1994 H ang G liding, Jan. 1995 Kirplanes, Skywings and Cross Country.

State of the Arr • Conserva tive FLORIDA H ANG GLIDI NG INC. FLYING FLORIDA SI NCE 1974.

RAVEN SKY SPO RTS - (3 12) 360-0700 or (708) 360-0700. Please see our ad under WISCONSIN.

Everyone Welcome!

T H E LAN DI NG - RV park & cabins. Owned and o perated by G reg G lover. SOMEBODY HAD TO DO IT! Lodgin g at Lookout LZ . Full hook-ups, w/septic. Family and sin gle cabins. Now yo u can land at your front doo r. Call now to reserve your spot at "Th e Great Race" . (706) 657-828 2, 1-8 00-803-77 88. IDAHO SUN VALLEY SKYSPO RT S - Idaho's o nly full servi ce hang glidin g and paraglidin g shop. D ealers for Will s Wing, Airwave, Edel, Advan ce, H igh Energy ''and Flytec. Ca ll fo r a list of stoc k gliders for sale. Bas ic-Ad van ced inst ru ction , ta nd em paraglidin g instruction , local sire and XC guid es . Call (208) 7263332.

SKYWI N GS U LTRALIG HT CENTE R - Powered ultralight and hang glidin g instruction . Learn to fl y on our trail er simul ator and forger the bunny hills, or try ta ndem instructio n an d aerorow right from th e start. Flying seven days a week. Aerorow with Moyes D ragonfly or stationary winch row. Dealer for Moyes and Airborne gliders. C all (810) 798-2450. TRAVERSE C ITY HANG GLIDERS / PARAGLIDERS - FULL-TIM E shop. Certi fied instr uction , fo ot laun ch and row. Sa les, service, access o ries for ALL major bran ds. VISA/MASTERCARD. Com e soa r our 450' dun es! 1509 E 8th, Traverse C ity Ml 496 84. Call Bill at (6 16 ) 92 2-2844 . V isit our paragliding school in Jackson, Wyom ing. Call Tracie at (307) 739-8620. MINNESOT A SPORT SOARI NG C ENTER/MI NNEAPOLIS Instruction , equip ment dealers for W ill s W ing, Pacific Airwave & Edel. (6 12) 688-01 8 1.

H AN G GLIDI NG


s NEVADA

SUSQlJ LI Ii\ N N;\ Fl.I c; I IT l'i\RK C:oopersrown, NY. Certified lustruction, Sales and

ADVENTURE SPORTS Sicrr:i tours om special· ry lJSI JC;\ ccrtif,cd school and ratings. Dealers fin l'acific i\irwavc, Wills Wing, {Jl', Fnterprisc Wings. Fly the Sierras with ,1 firll-snvice shop. :3650 Research Way, Carson City. NV 89706 (707,) 88},7070.

Service for all major rnanuLicturcrs. ;j() acre park, 5

training hills, jeep rides> hunk house, camping, hot showers, (,00' NW ridge. We have the best facilities in N. New York state to reach you how to fly. RD 2, Box :lli8A, ( :oopcrstown, NY I :l'.l2Ci, DI 5) 86(,(, 153

NEW JERSEY NORTI I CJ\ROI.INA MOUNTAIN WJNc;S

Look ttllder New Yorlc

NEW MEXICO lJP OVER NEW Ml·'.XICO Instruction, sales, scr vice. Sandia Mount;1in guides. \X1ills, Pacific Airwavc. Alln1q11crquc, NM (505) 821-85/ili.

KITE ENTFRPRISES lnstTt1ction, sales, repairs, towing and l,1ot launch. Dallas & North Texas area. 211 Ellis, Allen TX 75002. (21 Ii) :390 9090 allyrime. Dealer, l'c1Cilic i\irwavc, Wills Wing.

RED RIVER AIRCRAFT AUSTIN (512) li67 252'J. FT. WORTH (81 l) '!2 I -6'Vi7. Q11,ili1y inst-ruction, tol!rs/guidcsltowing/glider service. Texas' leading l'acAir ,rnd Wills dealer. li81 l Red River, i\usrin, TX 787'il'";ll08 hazier, h. Worth TX 76110.

C:OROL!.i\ Fl.IC! IT America's most experienced tandem llighr instructor, teaches utilizing i\TOL and lloublc Vision. Call or write for informal ion Creg l)cWolf', Corolla l'light, PO !lox 1021, Kitty I Liwk NC: 27'.Jli'.J. ('JI 'J) 261 .. (, I(,<,

TOTAL AIR SPORTS Area's OLDEST Wills Wing dealer. Certified insrrunion ,rvailable. "I only DEAL with WILIS'. 6.l51i Limestone, I louston TX /7092. (71:l) 95(,-(,l/i7.

OHIO

UTA!!

Certified NORTI I C:OAST l lANC: CIIDINC l11.'itntc1io11. Ne\v & used gliders. Specializing in Paci lie Airwavc gliders. Mike Del Signore, 191 (, W. 75rh St., Cleveland, Oil. lili!02 (21Ci) Ci.ll I I/iii.

REBEL WINC:S I IANC: C:Llll!NC lJSl!Ci\ certified instrnction. Operations conducted ar B,rner Ridge and Jedi Jump. Dealer for Ul', l'aci\ir, l ligh Energy, 11:ill, NAS. Mou11tain tours, service & repairs. C:0111'1ct /\!hrk l<nowlden (801) 882 70/i2.

NEW YORK i\i\A SO;\Rl NC CENTER MOUNTAIN WINGS INC. at the base ol' rhc ELLENVILLE MOUNTAIN. Full rime protcssional, ccrtilied hallg glidi11g and paragliding instruction. We have been dw glidi11g crntcr in the Nl-: largest, most complete for the past 1/i years. I for Pacilic 1\irwavc, UP, Enterprise Wings. We arc rhc only dealer in the ,-,1st l,n Bright Star.1 "Swili". We ,rlso olfrr Edel, I ligh Fnergy, C:C, Second Chant,., Ball, l'lytec, Clo11dbasc, Litci<, i\linco, Maxoll, Branlliger, Kenwood, !corn, Yaesn, CPS systems, \Vhecls, lJvex, Reflex, Trek, i\ir. We stock firll /:ice helmets, boob, varios, hand tubing, speed b,rrs, paraclrntes, carnclhak.s, liquipacs, clo1hing1 gloves and more. We oHCr expert repair,<.,, inspections, ,<,cwing, harncs.'i rr1odiftcations, repacks, rowing, randcrn:,,, se1ninars and IC:J> clinics. We specialize in first mountain !lights wirh three way radios. Info on Clying Ellenville 1Vlot1nt:1in and other ncuby sit,:s. Dcrnos in stock. YOUR ONF STOP HANG GI.Jl)ER SHOP. 150 CAN/\! STREET, ELLENVILLE NY 12A28. (91ft) 61t7-33T7 OR 1-800-525· 7850. Visa, MC:, lliscovcr. C:atctlog available. Same ,L1y lJl'S 011 mail orders. C:ivc l\S a chance to heat a11y legit price.

SKYWARD ENTERPRISES-~ MARIO Mi\NZO. Foot L111nch instruction, weekend. glider repair. Seedwings, Wills Wing, Paci\ir, CC I 000. Evrnings (51.l) 848 :3'520 Dayton, Ohio. OR ECON

i\lRTIME ORFC:ON ·-- C:ntilicd instructor emphasizing Sa(cty-=Progrcss. New :md classic tr;iincr..:.,, Saks ol' hang gliding and paragliding equipment and accessories. hill service ckakr for hang gliding. Mos! lll;Jll· nfoc111rcrs represented ,rnd demos ,1VaiL1ble. (50:l) ')981220. PENNSYLVi\N Ii\ MOUNTAIN TOI' RECREATION Cerrified (Ii 17) (Nllili/7. C'MON instrllnion, Pit OUT AND PLAY! MOlJNTAIN WINC:S

!'LY I IIC:l I I li\N<. Ci,JDINC, INC:. Snving S. New York, Connecticut, Jersey areas (Ellenville Mtn.). Area's EXCLUSIVE Wills Wing ci,rlisr. Also ,ti! other major brands, accc·sSllries. C:crtilied school/instruction. Teaching since 1979. J\red°s most INEXPENSIVE pricTslrepairs. Excellent secondary instruci-ion ... i( you've finished a progr:1111 and wish !O co11i-inuc. Ply the mountain! A'J'()L tow ing'. Tandem flights! Contact l'aul Voight, 51 (d Searsvillc Rd, Pinc Bnsh, NY I 2566, (91 Ii) //i/i-3.l I 7. 11<1\ROS Sl'ORT i\ Vli\TION NYC's only ceni ficd hang gliding & par,1gliding school. Also rrikes, p;narnotors, acroch111cs, 11l1ralights, trai1iing. Distriburors for AFRO, PERCIIE, FINST & Cl !ARLY. llcalcr for ,1lmos1 cveryrl,ing. MOYES exch1.sive. l'i,II service and equipment at hest prices. 'I 'he most friendly service in the area. (718) 777 7000 phone/fox.

APRIL 199:i

SOUTIIWIND HANG GLIDING INC. US! !Ci\ certif'ied, tandem instruction. advanced, yc;ir round soaring, XC clinics. lJP, l'aci\ir, i\irbornc, I ligh Energy, llall, Brain Bucket. C:all Bob Schick ar (80 I I .l59-(,0%. Tl IF SOAR! NC C:FNTFR hill service l"mg glid ing & paragliding school. US![(;;\ certified inst rue· tion (year-round) at the nation's mm,l consistcndy soarablc site (minutes away). Nc1,,v/uscd gliders, cq11iplll('lll in stock. ll11y!trade llSed gear. i\irl'rame/sail rcp:1irs pcd(nmcd at foctory. lv1ount:iin clinics, tall" dcrn, ratings, ICP's, rcn1als, scmin;us, pilot:,, louugc/vidcos, ncar·by camping/motels. 12665 S. Minttrcman llr., Draper UT 8/iOli2 (20 minutes Crom Sall Lake City). (801) 57(,,6li60, fox (801) 576-M82. MC/Visa accepted.

YUi.TURF CUDFRS Full service crntcr near The l'oint the Mouutain. Speciali,ing in superior USI !Ci\ instruction 10 meet iudividual needs. Safety record is perkct and unsurpassed. T:rndem, rqnirs, rentals avaiLrblc. !Jcalcr f,,r cc;, l'aci\ir, Fnts WW, lldl, Wingover. Cill Charlie (801) 751i-(,11i1.

or

Look under New York.

Tl'NNESSFE Al.PINE LOllCF /\t Raccoon Mol!lltain. Private rooms, bunkhouse, jacuz:;,i, pool. Work progr:1111. (6 I 5) 821 ·'2'i!i6 ( :hattanooga, Chuck or Shari.

VIRGINli\ ·-

lli\WI< AIRSl'OlffS INC -- P.O. Box ')05(,, I<11oxvillc, TN :l7')/i().()05(,, (61 'i) 'l:l}92%. I Ling ( :liding and Wi11dsoks. l.OOKOllT MOUNTAIN FLIC:l IT l'i\RI< ad lllldcr ( ;corgi;i.

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TFXi\S /\AS. AUSTIN AIR Sl'ORTS

,,,,

Ill.UL SJ<Y Quality instruction, towing, sail/har· ncss repair. Dealer for Airwavc, Wills Wing, I ligh Energy, Ball and more. Call Steve Wendt ,11 (7().l) lil2-6557. SILVER WINC:S, INC -- C:ertif,ed hg/pg instruc· tion :1nd equipment s:1le:-i. Proudly representing P;icif!C Airwave, Wills Wing, Seed wings c'v. \JP. (70:l) 5Ti · 1%5 Arlington Vi\.

Cert ii,cd inst rue-

tio11, s,i!cs ,rnd snvi(T f(n most major manuLtcuircrs.

Tandem instruction avaiLrble. Tow-launched training 1irograms l,1r I Jang l-1 lang IV pilots. Mounrain flying in ,\!lcxico yc:ir round. \Xlritc to Steve Burns at 1712 Waterson, Austin TX 787(J:l or call Austin (51 )) ii7/il (,69, llo11stc111 (7U) !i71 i/i88, or San i\ntonio (7,1()) 82/i I 80l.

r57


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s Our advertisers appreciate your support and patronage. 'Tell them you saw their ad in Jiang c;fiding:

Importer for Aero Tug of Australia. Co-imporrcr for hang gliders. Importer for cusrom sail of France. Aero tow clinics & rours. trike instruction. !!(;&PC/Rafting trips, River Idaho. HG&l'G/Coldcn BC. Dealer welcome. (509) 24:1-4988, fax (509) 243-4935.

Largest and most popular in rhe Tradirional curriculum, ridge soaring, clinics, Dragonfly aerorowing & tandems Kushner. Sales/service/accessories for all brands. PO Box IO I, Whitewater WI 53190 14) 473-8800.

BEST I WHEELS AVAILI\BLF Super tough, lightweight, a mu.st for rraining, tandem flying. Builtin bushings. Only USA-built 12" wheel. $42.95, quantity discounrs. Immediate delivery. Lookout Mountain, (800) 688-LM l'P.

PARTS & ACCESSORTF.S

Cf.E/\RJ\NCF SALE PRICE $35'7. (8 l 2) 288-7111.

The most comfortable hang glider bclrner. low rurbulcnce, low drag shape. Highlook. Finish is clear resin over the gold/black of the super··S!Tong carbon/kevlat omcr shell. face, only 12 m., price $IGO. lnrcgral hill face only 17 oz. $ I 99 includes headset insrallaMcasurc around head and from bottom of carover rop to bottom of earlobe for custorn fo. rhe designer, Jack l.ambie, 8 IGO Woodsboro, C:A 92807. Phone and fax (7 lli) 779- 1877.

New Ball M-l'>E

l\OL -UN WHEELS Best removable intcrmcdiare/advanccd wheels. Sturdy, tough, G" diameter. \Xlon't off baserubc like snap-,rn's. Separate hub has hole VC string though it, remains on basetube. Removable wheel halves screw together using thumb screws. $'J9/scr, quanriry discounts. lrnmcdiarc delivery. Lookour Mountain Flight l':uk, (800) G88LMFP, (70G) 398-35/il.

CLOUD BASE ULTRAMITTS A new concept in hand mitrs. Adjusrablc/rcmovablc WRIST ClJJ:FS make mitrs air preventing hear loss. Open/close AIR VENT at ro tempcrarurc. INSULATED wirh l'olanec fleece, Thinsulare, foam ,rnd Packclorh. Scc-thru MAP POCKETS. Easily vclcro removable from conrrol bar. Prices: $}5 .. $75. Dealers welcome. CLOUDBASE I-IARNESSESTraini11g harnesses, knee hanger, spaghetti, cocoon,

pods. Quality cquipmenr since 1972! Cloudbasc/Chris Smith, RR I Box (,GO, Rising Fawn, Ccorgia :l07:l8. (70(,) '.l'l8 .,%Ii 20', firs most cameras. CAMERA REMOTE Snaps on over cxisring shuner release. $Ii 5 (ask abour our introductory $10 rebate). Tck Flight Products, Colebrook Sragc, Winsted CT 0(,098. (Camera not included.)

Will yom hands from on/off control bar. Jusr put rhem on and vclcro glider set-up. Thick insulated, made of nylon Colors: red, black, yellow, dark blue, lighr purple, $Ii 5. Also 3 loop row release for Send ro: Diego llcrnandcz, PO Box

June classifieds deadline: April 20

3280, Ponland OR 97213-0280.

58

HANC GLIDINC


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IIANC GLIDER CAMERA MOUNT - Shown 011 I /2" t11bc, $YJ.50 includes shipping. l'EK FI.ICHT PRODUCTS, C:olchrook Stage, Winsted ( :· 1· 060<JS. (20:J) .l7<J.] (,!,8 (( :arncra not i11cludcd).

KFNTlJC:KJANJ\ SOJ\RINC Ii}', T.1gg:111 C:la,ksvillc IN li!IJ'). (81?) )8il/l I I, fax (HI.it NM Ii 11 MC/Visa gladly «C<Tlllcd.

l!EATSEEKERS Sheepskin harmitts f,,r the scriotts XC:/high altitl!(lc pilot. Velcro or slip·ott Mitts $80, covers with map pockets $20. (61 <J) <J:J,j 21

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SPECIAi.! i\vocct pilot wat,11 .\;J}O., ,mil 1•,ct a Hll:[, Airspeed lndi<:ator.

IIIGI! PFRSPl'CTIVE WHEELS REAL I.TH: SAVERS! 12", light, tough. Fits all gliders. Send $:17 $:1.95 shipping per pair to Sport Avirttion, PO llox 101, Mingovillc PA 16S5(,. Ask abom our dcalc, <

prices.

Ttirnl,k Fligl1tnl!11<· Pro model ;1cccssory ki1

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THE INCREDIBLE FARTALK Just pm it in your car (110 microphone). Easy for or receiving Pm PTT control piece ott or harness transmit/adjnst voice. $9:l.li'i includes shipping. JS/\ (718) '777-/000 phone/fox.

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IOC:11/\NNFI. l'R(l(;Ri\J'vlMi\l\lF 1vli\X()N SI' 2550 'i wart rw11·1Vil)' radio with , l'lllc·,· US! IC;\, three weatlwr, 10111 frcq11,·11 cics. Dttrahlc:, rugged, to tt'>l'. Nic1d l,attny {typi cal IO hour). Pilots /I I cl,oi, Sl"··ci.il Additionril optio11s avail.t!,lc. l.oolrn11t ,vlot111r:ti11 1:light P.trk, (800) (,Im I MJ:p, (!IJ(,) )'Jcl .. j'j,'\ I

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NEW HAMEXAM No-Code Technician Test and Study Guide for the computer. A1rn1teur radio license study guide and test generator in Apple Mac! ntosh or PC Windows version. The fas rest and easiest way to prepare for the Technician Class Amateur Radio License examination. Used by instruc-· tors, volunteer examiners and amateur radio clubs nationwide. Cost $1i4. For more information call: 800 YATES-JG.

Fcarnring a ALWAYS JUST A TOUCH AWAY low profile PTT swirch that "vclcros" over your index finger or glove for hands--free radio operation. Includes headset, connections and instructions. Two styles available: standard kir for open-faced helmers and full-face helmet s1yle. Alinco, !com, Kenwood, Maxon, Yaesu and other radios. Provide style and radio make and model when ordering. Call for dealer or send $92 +$5.50 ship to: PCC, PO Box 7031, Tacoma WA 98107-0031. Ph/fax (206) 272-4243.

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

USHGA instruct.or Tom Sapienza, of Airtime Oregon says, ''I've tested and recommend Wind Advisory!" Dependable. Built to lasr. No batteries required.

WIND AD'fi750lilY AtR/WtND SPEED INDICATORS HELP You LAUNCH & FLY SAFE!

WIND ADVISORY With MOUNTING BRACKET only $24.50, includes s/h. You save $2.50. Sold separately-Indicator only $15 +$2 s/h; Mounting brackcr $8 +$2 s/h. Specify short or long bracket with your order. Foreign orders add $2 per item purchased. Send check or MO to Pacific Resources, PO Box 9064, San Diego CA 92169. (GI 9) 270--9462. Satisfaction Guaranteed!

lf you rake your fun sctiollsly, get the Maxx. Save 199 flights--58,000 data points. Send a barogram to Mom. Call evenings or llSC your fax to "poll" ours. Above All, 3797 NW Wisteria Way, Corvallis OR 97330. (50.'l) 752-6947, fax (503) 752-8449. SPECIAL PURCHASE Maxon 1worTekk2w, l USHGAchanncl $150. Uvcx aramid full-face helmet I lb 5 oz $300. Optional visor, heaclscr. Smoke bombs, as low as $4.50. Signal mii'ror $8. Jack-The-Ripper cntaway lmifo $15. Silva compass with bascmbe mollt11 $99. Camclbak $35. Oxygen systems $250-$400. Infl:nablc Aerofloars & hardware to lit yollr glider $995. PENDULUM AEROSPORTS, INC. 1·800-WE H.YXC

DON'T GET CAUGHT LANDING DOWNWIND! 1.5 oz. ripsrop nylon, UV treated, 5'4" long w/ 11" rhroat. Available colors fluorescent pink/yellow or fluorcscenr pink/white. $39.95 (+$4.00 S/H). Send to USHGA Windsok, P.O. !\ox 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-8300, (719) 63),-8300, FAX (719) 632-6417. VISA/MC accepted.

UVEX HELMETS Ultra ligluweight (one pound), most poptllar hang gliding helmet, full-face protec-rion, \Ising world's srrongest fiber. $299. quantity dis-counts. (800) 688-LMFP, (706) 398-35/il.

THE IMPROVED WfNDTALKER TV Uses an upgraded outdoor sensor, surge protection and heavy constrnction. Many new fcamres. Still only $895. Litck (50:l) 479-6633.

QUICK RELEASE CARABINER $4').95. Exna ball lock pin, $29.00. 10,000 lbs., dealers welcome, patent pending. Thermal 19431-41 Bllsincss Center Drive, Norrhridge, CA 91324. (818) 701-7983.

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

VARIOS Slightly llsed, Aircotec Alibi $300., Aircotcc Piccolo $350. (407) 753-0200.


s SPECIAL NEW PTLOT EDITION Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine. Now available through lJSllGA 1-leadguarrcrs. $4.95 each +$1.50 s/h. Informative articles and lot's of color throughout.

BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT Ol'PORTUNT'I'IES TAI\DEM INSTRUCTOR W;\NTFD Sky Sporrs (Ii 1Ii) iiTl 8800.

Ravrn

SOARING Monthly magazine of The Soaring Socicry of America, Inc. Covers all aspects of' soaring flight. Full membership $1f5. lnfo. kir with sample copy $3. SSA, P.O. Box E, I lobbs, NM 882/rl. (505) 392-1177.

WANTFD [;SJ !CA ccrrificd instrnctors. lmmcdiare it,11 and part time posirions. Year round inst-ruci-ion using ihc rnosr advanced technology.

Fxccllcnt salary opporrnnity. Send resume to Mission Soaring C:emer, 111 (, Wrigley Way, Milpitas (ncflr Sim Jose) CA 950.'l5. (li08) 262,-1055, fox (li08) 2621388. ......... - · - - -

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PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS CAI.I. USJ-I(;A -- !'or a magazine hack issue form. 1:rom the early (;round S!,irnmer to rhe present 11,tnf!. (,'/iding (/19) (>32-8300.

TOWING HANG GLIDING FOR BEGINNER PILOTS by Pete Cheney. The Official US! !GA Training Manual, NOW IN ITS SECOND EDITION. Over 260 pages, with more than 160 casy .. to-undcrstand illusrr:1tions and photos. Your library starts with this book! $2').'Vi (plus $/i.00 s/h) Colorado residenrs add .3% tax. SEND/FAX/PIJONF TO lJSHCA BOOl(S, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-8300, FAX (71 '!) (d2--61i 17, Pl !ONE (719) 632-8300. VISA/MC: accepted.

CUSTOM TOW GET READY FOR SPRING SYSTEMS. Winches which bolt to your MasterCrafr/CorrccrCraf't waterski pylon. Winches with true autolcveling. Winches that mounr on your receiver .. typc trailer hitch. Winches with engines frH omboard boats & rrailers. Hydraulic winches and static row systems. Plus, our $1,295 PriccBuster \Xlincl1. LINF RECOVF.RY SYSTEMS guaranteed to automatically deploy only when you wanr it to. SPECTRA row line at the best prices. Dealer inquires wcJ .. come. Barry "Towhead" Steele, Appropriate Engineering, 971 Fisherman's Cove, Seneca SC 29672. (803) 885-0949. Tiff TOWING SYSTEM One year old, 3000' spectra, 2 parachutes, floats, vehicle optional. (219) 277lli03.

DOWNWIND From the early days of the ?O's, 10 air of' Owen's Valley, DOWNWIND is wirh rhrill and exhilararion of cross country advemmc. The perfect gi/'1 for both pilots and non· pilots. Sl !ARE Tl lie EXl'FRIENC:F. A true well told. Available f'rom US! !Ci\ l lcadquartcrs only $10.95 (+$2 s/h). PO Box 8:300, Colorado Springs C:O 80'!:U. IIANC Cl.]])ER MA<;AZINF- Vol 1 Issue I, pure nostalgia including 20 pages color pltotr1gr:tplily Only Ii rnpies newsstand quality $99.95 folded $1i9.')5 each. Call Jeff (liO(,) 446-?6J7.

TOW LAlJNC:I-l SYSTEM Trailer mount, high speed recovery, adjustable glider mount, removable glider rack, storage boxes, 3000' + line. As professional as it gcrs $1,750. Call Mike (71 Ii) 642 .. 9927.

HIGHER THAN EAGLES by Maralys & Chris Wills. The lifr & times of' BOBBY WILLS, hang gliding legend. the triumphs and tragedies of the Wills and the evolution of Wills Wing. $19.95 hardcover (,$4.00 S/1-1), sec preceding classified for USI IC:A BOOKS ordering info. OH'ICIA!. FAA SECTIONAL And VFR Terminal Arc:i Charts. All areas, current (up to dare New Airspace C:lassificarions). Sectional maps $7 C'ach, Vl'R Terminal Arca Charts $4 each. Add shipping and (Cal. residents only) tax. Dealer prices. Airtime of S.F. (415) 759- l l 77, fax (415) 759-1182.

BAC IT! If' you don't have your copy of' Dennis Pagcn's PERFORMANCE FLYING yet, :1vailahlc through USHCA Headquarters $29.95 (+$Ii s&h).

1995

SPECTRA-Hollow Braided Cold Stretched 2000' or 3000' I Reel Parr /I .......... .. ...Price ................ Weight ... l 4Uft ............... <2#/M SPCB730 .. . .. IM/fr .............. 211/M SPCB-950 ...... . ..174/ft ............... <lilt!M SPCB-1500 .. . ..17¢/fr .............. 5#/M SPCB-2200. DACRQN .. I-lollow Braided I !cat Ser&. Stretched 1500' I Reel DCCB-650 ................... 84/f't ................ <511/M ...<811/M DCCB-900 .... 9~/ft .... ..1211/M DCCB-1500 ... .. ........ 10¢/fr .. ...1711/M DCCB-2000 ................ l 2¢/ft .. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery, fax orders to David F. Bradley, Braided Proclucrs Division, PO Box 95, Hilltown PA 18927. (215) 8221968, fax (215) 822-5852.

(719)

/\PRII

TOWLINES

Sell your unused equipment


vmEOS & F!LMS HRST FLIGHT h,llows the action of' a ucw first lesson. This video is :ti! way to your rriends :rnd Lnnily how you learn 10 fly. 12 minurcs, VI JS $20 includes shipping (may he rii'filicd 10 lc.,-rnn purrhr1s1·.1). MISSION SOAIUNC CENTER, 111 (, Wrigley Way, Milpitas ( :A 'Vi0l5. (li08) 2(,2 I (h'5. I CAN l.AN!l l 'j() good, bad & ugly landings. A 111\lSt f,,r alJ sl\ldcots, at haJf rhe o( a dowotlJbe Send $Y5 money order to: Reynolds, 1902 l' Sharon Drive, Phoenix A/. 8S02.2. 1

NF.W VIDEO RFLFASI•: 19'Xl Scqllatchie Valley Te:1m Cliallcngc, 2(, minures $19.')5. lloh C:rallt Video Productions, li:17 Bnrbrook Place, London Ontario, ( :anada N'jW liB5. Phone (519) li53-9% 1. NEW! POINT OF THE MOUNT by Fast Coast, hg/pg :iction :it t!,is lJtah llll'CC:l $2'). 1-!ANC GLIDlNG FXTRFMF & BORN TO FLY by Adventure Video, hg action $Yi.')'> each. IIAWAIIAN !'I.YIN Space'!, soaring in $:ri. C11l or hx \JSllCA (719) (,:I). 8:\00. 6:l2-6/il7, pkasc ,$Ii domestic s/h (,-$5 l,ll two m more videos). Creal to impress friend\ or fo1 those socked-in days. Pcrfrct gili rlie l:rnncl, potato mrned couch potato. i\lso, ask llS ;1hoJ1l our 10:1r:1glidiug videos! "I IOW DO TRIKES l'LY?" Trike aerodynamics, preflight, ground handling, flight d,·monstration, lcs Red \'(ling trikes, 2E milllm:S. $29 check ro: Ulrraliglrts, 2.1 (,~ Xavier Ave., Turlock California 95:382. SUM MFR I IIC:T l - No super stars, loops or Owens air. I 00'!1, real 1,eopk, real world conditions. lnspirmional and humorous. $2.8 inclndes ship· ping' Russ Camp, 1907 \'(I Joues Cr. Rd,, c;rauts Pass OR 9752(,. MISCELI i\NFOUS

CANADIAN ROCKY MOUNTAIN IIANG GLIDING VACATIONS Lakcf'ront acco1n111odat ions, home cooked mc:ils, rranspon;1tion guide service, water.skiing) Hobie (:ai-. 1

James & Mary Cmada VOil ?.J<O. (601) .l'l 'i 1.

Box 122, Wasa Lake BC or L,x (6(),i)

CLASS ETC!IINCS "Picture your glider 011 a 01 Rcni Originals Unlimited, phone/fox (908) VIDEOS BO<ll<S l'OSTERS APl'ARLI Ci!! l JSJ J( ;A for your Merchandise order f,mn (719) 632klOO. DON'T LEAVE YOUR GROUND--BOUND EQlJTPMENT SlTTING TN TITE GARAGE. SELL IT IN Tl IE Hi\NG GI.IDlNG CI.ASSll'IEDS. CLASSIFIED ADVFRT!S!NG RATES Tire rate lt,r classified advertising $. 'ill per word (or group oC ,fo,ractcrs) and $1.00 per word (or bold or all ctps. MINIMUM AD CIIAR(;J,: $5.00. A foe of $1 'i.OO is charged for each line :irt 101;0 and $25.00 for each pl,ow. LINEART & l'flOTO SIZE NO LARGER Tl!AN 1.7'5" X . Please underline words to he in bold print. Special layouts or tabs $2.5,00 per column inch. AD DF.ADl.lNES All ad copy, instrucrions, changes, additions ;md cancellations rnus1 lie received iu \i\Tit iog I 1/2 months the cover date, i.e. October 20rli for the issue. Plc;isc make

checks payable to US!]( :A :lassified Advertising Dcpr. 11;\Nc; CLJDJNC MACAZINF, P.O. Box 8:oOO, Colorado Springs, C:O 809:l:l WlOO (719) (,J2 8300 or Cax (71 ')) 6:12 (,Ii 17 wirh your Visa or Mastnc:nd. STOLEN W!N(;S & TlllNGS l'LYTEC 3010 VARIO Stolen from CRANTS PASS, OR borne on Nov. 2.l, 1 ')')/i, serial 1/')/i I <)Ii 1023. i\lso M:ixon SP25'i0, serial l/'):,02ii98/i8. ( ::ill Russ ( :amp (',O:l) li7'J )')'i8. RADIOS Stolen from FD I.EVIN/BJC SlJR CA. hvo Y:iesu l'tii 111' two meter l'M transceiver, serial numlwrs ;,] )'i8:l20'j and l ],'j 11 ')(,'), and a Realistic PTT speai<cr mike. l{cward fc,r info. leading to retmn. Call (717) ]B7T!Yi leave message. ~n,re,nll<:r I llh, J,E) rain ')'!Ii off a NE Indiana how sail. llicyclc h;111dgrips 011 do'wnrnl,cs, holograplt· IC chrome i-apc on i<ingpost & rear l«:cl. 1

"AFROBATICS" - !'iii! color :l l" poster /~·aturing Jolin l lcincy doing what lie docs hcsr-U)()J' !NC! Avail:,hlc thro11gh lJSl !Ci\ ll(J I,,, $G.95 (r ,fl. 'jO s/h). Fill that void on your Send 10 lJSI !Ci\ i\croh:itics Poster, ]'() llox WIOO, Colorado Springs CO BO'J:l:l. (USA & C;1nad:1 only. Sorry, postns arc NOT AVAll.i\BLF on intern:ttional orders.) SPECIAL Acrobatics poster fl Eric Rayrnond poster I,( HI l FOR $IO ( ,$:l.50 s/h ).

62

hridk w/string·rclcase an:tchcd to keel, hozo i\udrcy Fischer (:l 17.) 2:l:l-'50T/. Stolen on ~ctltemlrer from snuth of MANASSAS VA

blue IY, wl,crelrn,mle l.F. Call John IVlc:/\Jlm,:'r

DREAM 22.0, DREAM 185 & VARIOUS HG FQ!Jll'MENT~~- Smlcn along wirh car, on August 1st l'J'J/i, parking lot in TAI J()F CITY. The car was recovered Aug11st fol, torched. The follow have not been 27-0 Dream, white blue Advenrnrc Sports printed in large blue le11crs on 11ndersur1ace or 1hc sail; 185 Dream sail with bl:ick stripe; I ligh Energy 1r:iccr pod, with purple, and green stripe; Ball M 27. vario; hdrncr wirh Yaesu headset custom PTT; Yaesu Ii 11 -E radio; Ii l'acAir apron harnesses - :l red, 1 blue; and 01 her too n1J1ncro,1-1 to mention REWARD. 11:irrison (916) 5B:l-Ul or (702) 8B l /070. FLYTEC '!020 VAil.JO Stolen from SYLMAR C:A l.Z, 011 March I 6th, 1'!')ii. Serial /129218351 I. Call Augllst Keefrr (71 IJ) 5:l5 71 li:l. STOLEN WINGS arc listed as a service to lJSI !CA rncmhcrs. Newest cnrrics arc in bold. There is no

charge for this service and lost and lcrnnd 01 cquipmem rnay lie called in (719) (i'.)2 8:lOO or it i11 (/ 19) 6.$2-M 1 for inclusion in I fang C:liding rnag:r1.i11e. !'lease call to ca11ccl the when gliders arc recovered. l'eriodica\ly, this listing be purged.

Adventure Video ,,. ... ,, ... ,,,,, ............. 22 Afro USA ..... ,,,, .. ,, .... ,,,, .. ,, ....... ,,,,,,,/12 AirBornc .. ,,,,, ... ,, ........ ,,, .. ,... ,.,,,,, .. ,,/12 Airtck, ..... ,.. ,,,,... ,......... ,, ,,, .. ,,.,,,,...... 22 Arai Design ,, ..... ,, ........ ,,.,, ............... 39 Bl acct,,,,,, ....... ,,.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, .... ,,,,,,, .. ,,2G Br,mnigcr ,, ... ,,,, .......... ,, ,, ....... ,,,,,,,,.,Y) Flytec ., ........ ,.,,.,.,,,,,,, ... ,..... ,,,,,,,, .... ,3/i Hall Bros, ............ ,, .......................... 26 High Energy Sporrs ........ ,... ,, ........... 22 Just· Fly .. ,.... ,.. ,........... ,....................... 2 Kcmuckiana So:1ring ................ ,...... 12 Landing, The ............ ,., ..................... 2 I .ookout Mtn, ];light Park ................. G Mission .,o,arrnJ:; ..... , .............. ,,, ....,. ... :J Moyes .... ,, ...................................... , 18 NAS,, .... ,..................... ,.... ,... ,.. , Pacifk Airwavc .................. Back Cover ,ncrnno Center .,,,, ... , .......... ,, ........... 12

Sport Aviarion Publications .. ,, .... ,... A'5 'lh:kking USA ................................. 39 USHGA .................. ·-,,u, Wallaby Ranch .................................. 2 Wills I

HANC GLIDINC


Li

!_995 by Dan Johnson

every fall, you . PAUL MINN. As filled out Director ballots and surwcy forms: in '94. Office staffer, Greg Huller, 1, 509 forms a LOT of work, :r know your reE,ponses to many His review appears in the "USHGA Reports" section of this issue. However, usual examine the numbers for related in and this year is no . So, hE-,re we go ... ••• The main of interest is ider brand market share. 1'hese such is muF;t include as we11, their brands are not American made. ••• In , Wills Wing continuE-!S their dominance of the field, with ,J2. 7%, up a skootch from 1993 (42.0%).Wills in199 (a number one . A PacAir in the last year, up to 29.6% from 27.6% of the market. In the sjx years of my of thc"se numbers, th.is is a for PacAir and cannot the spurt. ts, PacAir 'ers ! ) A In third , UP from 10. 7% to 'J. 3% have been i.n time ... we' 11 watch next year',; numbers A Moyes continued a slow but climb to 6.3% last year, wliich Wern up from I

Recent Lo 3.7%, from 1993 due to ASI' s manufacture of the Dream for t:andem or for 199'5, s may 'fh.e "other" brands category held very (at '5. 5% or a few over 500 :iders as i has for the last six years. some wJ1J choose different." ••• market share differences an'" also .i.nteres to note. National ]eader, Wills, has s which has a distinctive western slant (WW i,; t/1 in 1 8) whilee PacAi.r s very strong in the east, 9 13 . OP doc:;[; their bc,st: in 4, be ca11cd home-turf PacAjr' a11 the above statisbcs wi changing ics o

share, Edel has become the cJear Jcader, up almost two from last year (22 996 of the market from 21. CJ9o). Pro a sure second, to 16. 6% from 993. A Willsbranded paragliders were in a so1id third, but sl from ] . ()95 in 993 to 8. 9% A AnothE-,r American, UP, also sJ . Cl% to 4. 6% to U,~ in the 8th r.,pot.

,,1

arc

served

more brands which several top brands can all drop

to examine statistics aviation activities. Such reviews me that is alone with in Ameerica.n aviation where more than domestic aircraft are American brands dominate a11 other , both at home and abroad. ••• Hand-deploy took back some market share lost earlier to ballistic systems. Added complexity of ballistic units which leads to potential installation errors may have contributed to the decline. Cost is another factor. A Parachute remained at about 60%, 40% don't follow the of the r manufacturer. one in had their ballistic system serviced. Most such devices don't require annual service i::oo 12. 5% may not be low. However, since the service life is six years, the likelihood is many lots are ignoring the manufacturer's advice. The number 25% from a sixth to an eighth of members. ••• Towing holds at a little over 20% of all launches, with tugs of various kinds their share of total tow launches (23.5%, up from 18% in '93) . Platform from ground vellicles is still the most common, at 54% more than double aero tow launches. ••• my review of statistic,3, over a quarter of y01..1 say you' LL a diff:erent in 1995 with about a sixth of '11 new and about one in ten estimate is down from last ycoar. Last year I calculated about 2, ODO new ider sa.lcis. This 1994 survey suggests under 1, 600 may be new to $8 million from $10 million. P1-ease be advised these arc.e rough forecasts whi.ch may have error. A Tbe number of owned eacb member inched up 6% l:o 1. 8 per member from 1. 7 last year. ••• USHGA continue to resize 2, Central California 17% of all the (Tenrnc!ssee, Florida, popular bE"licf, l~.he SE U.S. behind Southern 1 have news on Gerry Charlebois' s tandem/ in Hawaii; Dennis Pagen' s new book, "Hang Cl Manual;" Ball's 1995 version of the M19c clE,ck; and morc0. ••• So, diver fans, got news or '? Send 'em to: 8 Dors0::-t, St . Paul MN 551] 8. Fax or V-mail to 617./ 4'30 0930. ',!.'~l:.tl

63


;Si

SCREW THE HYPE. FLY THE KITE. If you 're as sick as we are about the endless claims from other hang gl iding manufacturers that their latest gimmick is the performance breaJ<throl!gh or the century,test fly an Airwave Kl assic. You just might prove chem ~rong . Join t he team . For a t es~ flight or more info~ation on t he Klasstc or other Pacific A1rwave products, contac t your local deal er .

C ARVING A FUTURE THROUGH Tl-I E AIR

Pac,f!c A!rwave Inc. P.O.Bot ~381 Salinas CalHornJa 9391? (108)122-2299 i'ax(\08)758- 3210


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