USHGA Hang Gliding May 1996 by US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

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

17 Miniature Audio Variometers by Mark Stucky A look at tiny race-of-climb insuumems.

32 The 5th Women's World Championships by Cl.iire Pagen Kari Castle becomes the new Women's World Champion.

48 One Monday In Paradox by Rusty Whitky

A Memorial Day site-record flight. In memory of Dave Zeiser.

Columns

DeQartments

Cartoon, by Russ Brown ........................ 11

Airmail ......................................................4

Accident Reports, by Luen Miller .......... 14

Ratings ...................................................... 6

Internee Notes, by Jim Palmieri ............. 19

Update .......................................................8

Exec's Corner, by Phil Bach.man .............22

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

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

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

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

Index to Advertisers ......... .......................62

MAY 1996

6i1Dodgell, Man4gior/.Editot1f:ciitor iirChi/11 f)av~· Pounds, !\rt Director 1,ihn.rtehwy:, G~wrycharlel:iois, l.eroy G1·~nnis Phot()gmphers l::larry Martin, JllvHtt,1W .Dennis Pag~n, Mark Sttic&y, G.W. Meadows, Jim Paln1ieri, S/f1rlWr/tc•(S

ir Mail must line up wing tip to wing tip at precise-

ly the same altitude. One pilot picks a point

POSTMAST~R; Sf:ND CHANG!' ())' ADDRl;SS HANG GLIDING, l'.0. !330;Color0do 130901" 13;30.

MAY 199() VOLUME 26 1 ISSUE NO.

Dear Editor, Throughout the history of modern hang gliding, pilors have had a strong desire to know which glider is performing best. Evidence of this is found in the continuing popularity of contests. A thougl1tful analysis elf an enrire season's competition results is the most meaningful method we have to cvaluatl" the latest gliders on the market. Since the gliders we arc mainly concerned with :ire all flex wings of a similar basic configuration, a designer would be scJf,,indulgent indeed 10 postulate that his glider is far superior to the others. Hang glider designers operate within the reality of striving for small but significant reductions in drag and improvements in cfflciency. A glider with even a sm;i)J advantage means a great deal to a talented cross-country racer. The idea offlying two gliders side by side to sec which one is gliding bcner, flying faster or sinking slower involves more 1han one might think. Verification of performance increases of a few percent require diligent efforts by scJf,,disciplined pilots who under-" stand the procedures for accurate compar-isons. Repeated flights in absolutely calm air with equal wing loading arc needed to achieve realistic results. We choose early morning on stable days for our comparative testing. We tow one glider up with a Dragonfly and one with a Piper Cub at the same time. The pilots can glide several miles without turning. The ability to acrotow rwo gliders at the same rime right outside the factory door is an excellent R&D tool. When doing your own comp11risons remember these principles: Wing loading must be equal. Weigh the glider, pilot, harness, instruments and all other items that make up the gross weight of the aircrafi-. Divide the gross weight by the acrual plan-, form area of the wing fr)r your wing loading value. Add ballast as needed to equalize wing loading. The air must he absolutely still. This means getting up before dawn on a sta,, blc day ro be ready for first light, and launching off the mountain in no wind or towing. The harnesses should be of similar design, and the pilots' "prone form" (body angle to the relative wind) must be the same. Once you have conscientiously complct,, ed these preflight preparations, the most difficult procedure remains. The two pilots

on the horizon and flies a perfectly straight line toward that point at rhc predetermined speed. He must concentrate only on that point and never look at the other glider during the test nm. The other pilot ignores his airspeed indicawr and concemrates only on the wing tip of the first glider. He matches speed with rhe first glider by precisely main,taining his relative position ro it. At tlie end of a severa\,,milc run each pilot reads his al ti merer. The difl1:'.rence in vertical feet divided by rhc time in minutes of the test nm equals the difference in sink rate of the two gliders for that speed. Always be vigilant about factors that can affccr the accuracy of your results. If a pilot yells to you from above, "Let's do a cornpari son," kindly decline. His cxrra altimdc con,, vcrts into a considerable advantage by the rime he rcichcs your level. lf he is willing ro "S" turns while you maintain a srrnigh1 heading so you can start at rhe same altitude, then accept the challenge without trepidation. Even if your wing loading values arc not equal you can attempt to derermine which glider/pilot combination is per-forming better considering the given set of conditions. Conceivably, excellent prone form could compensate for a disadvantage in wing loading. A pilot's impartialiry is perhaps the most elusive necessity in performance comparisons. ff a person has a vested interest in one brand of glider, that glider will probably win the comparison in his mind. r:ormnatcly; Dennis Pagcn is an unbiased pilot who possesses the knowledge and understanding needed for a meaningful glider evaluation. For many years Dennis has comributed selflessly to the sport of hang gliding in many ways. One of these ways is to do his glider reviews without charge in order to maintain bis impartiality. 1 believe his reward is to have the opporrnnity LO rry out the latest wings. Simply put, he loves hang gliding for hang gliding. Speed is a great thing. I enjoy speed. T have recorded 83 mph in a steep dive on a Predator 142 and l felt it was not at terminal velocity. This was with a calibrated airspeed indicator with the pitot rube four feet in front of the nose plates. Bur speed as it relates to normal hang gliding is a difficult thing to quantify. A glider that can go faster is of li rtlc value if it does not have the highHANC GL!DINC

speed glide ratio to go with it. I know that the l 99(i cmss-country/cornpelit ion season will leave no doubt as 10 the Predator's top speed and high-speed glide capabilities. I have done the comparisons. John Heiney Mom1rnin Crccn, UT

Dear Editor, Alter nearly two years of discussions and negotiations we agai11 have rhc privilege of launching fi·om the Plaskct and Knob sires at Big Sur, Californi;i. I especially want to commend 'Erndem Tim Shea for all his dfons, as well as big guns Joe Grebin, Russ I .ockc and Mike Pekin. Plasket, with its steep, pr;·1ss--co11en:<1 slope, is 011e of die most perfect launch sires. Ir also has my vote as one of rhe most beaurifi.il pLices in the world, 3,000' above the Big Sm coastline. Jr never flown there I encourage you ro come and check ir m11; it is really spectacular. Be aware thar we arc definitely 011 proba rion, and the sites arc only open for flying on weekends and holidays. As a condition for these sites we have agreed rn avoid flying over the privarc parcels land and dwellings. [fwc cannot live up to this we will probably lose these sires. However, i!'wc minimize complaints f1·om the landowners and show the h>rcst Service tl1at we can sue· cessfolly m;magc rhc sires we may lie ahlc ro secure foll--1imc flying privileges. The launches arc locaLcd within our National and when we fly there we are in Class C airspace and should adhere ro FAR [)an l ()3. l lowcvcr, the local lanclown· crs and rhc U.S. forest Service have a some· what difforc111 opinion. 'I 'he bonorn line is that they did close the site for nearly rwo ye;irs and could do it again, so if we want ro keep the sites open we'll have to bend a link and ;1void flying over private property, especially dwellings. 'I 'hesc areas arc generally within the c;myons ,rnd not along rhc most soarablc routes over the ridge lines. My feelis rhar the h1rcs1 Service is us a rope; we can either use it or hang from iL. There have already been a couple of incidents of pilots at Plaskcr launch 011 wc,ikclavs or non-holidays. There also have been pilots at launch who were unaw:H'c of die required

MAY 19%

protocol. This site is too remote 10 monitor al all times, and rhc locals who don't panicu ·

larly like us being rhcre have a direct line to the Forest Service. I ask you ro please abide by the following guidelines, and when you arc al Big Sur make sure other pilots arc aware of the protocol as well. Although paragliding has not been included in any of the discussions (yec), f ask paraglidcr pilots ro follow these same guidelines. As pan of' the agrcemcnr wiLh the Forest Service we needed to form a Big Sur USH(;A Chapter that can monitor the fly. handle complaints, ere. Russ Locke has appointed Tim Shea as president, me as VI; himsc!L1s scuetary and Joe Creblo and Mike Pekin as ho:ird members. We plan to meet via e-mail, phone and fox. Currently, Tim is taking a long-needed brc;1k, so [ am temporary Prcsidrnt/Dictator. I am happy ro accept nomi11ations or volrnneers for any of these ofliccs in the fr11ure. In mdcr to lly Big Sur per the conditions of our agreement with the Forest Service pilots must: ]) Be briefed Oil rhc rules and protocol and receive a helmet sticker. These stickers will he 1mdc available ro clubs and at a wide shops. (Contact any of the board members if you'd like a supply.) 2) Have a minimum of an lmcrmcdiate from USf !GA or the equivalent. in on the cfoily log sheet, located at the Pacilic Valley ranger station. There is a limit of25 pilots per day. Read the sire prorocol before heading up to bunch. It) Be considerate, avoid private property, and drive slowly on the roads ro and from launch. 5) Avoid flying over private property. flight par hs over ridges :rnd stay away from the cmyons. f recommend flying from rhc ridge line straight 0111 umil you arc over the highway before cu1ring across the mouth of the canyons. This will ensure that you do not over any structures, homes and cspc-· cially the school. (1) Avoid up approaches low over I.

7) Fly safoly. Obey all aspccls ofTAR l():j,

8) Have fi.m and enjoy one of the mos\ hcautifol hang gliding sites in the world! l ,;rnc Ruhin Big Sur Hang Gliding Association

23 San Marcos 'It-out Club Sama Barbara, CA 9:3105 (805) %1t-90Glt

Dear Editor, The tide of the movie mentioned in the March issue is When Night ls Falling, not Night ls Fcdling. It is available on video now. In some markets it will be in the Lheaters. Michael Robenson Claremont, Ontario

Dear Editor, I hope all you wimcr-bound flyers will forgive me when I say that the flying was great and we all had a wondcrfol timc on our trip to the Worlds at Mt. Buffalo, Australia. It was very successful and we arc most appreciative of your (!Cltcros1ty So, a big "thank to the sponsors who donarcd products for the Women's 'Team fond-raising raffle. There were so many awesome prizes, including a glider from Wills Wing, Airwavc or Moyes! The fund raiser w:1s very succcssfol and all you ticket buyers made it happen! Because of everyone's flna11cial support we were able to c:onccntratc on the rnancr at hand flying our besl. Thanks for believing in our abilities and allowing us to rcprcscnr you in Australia. On a more personal note I would like to thank my family and friends for their encouragement, and cspc· cially my sponsors without whom I could never have won. Thanks Wills Wing, Braunigcr Varios, Skyline Flight (;ear, Oakley, Hi ·r;::c, Power Bar Foods, Sup Air, and Chris Arai. A special thanks to C.J. and Sturtevant for their dedication 10 the very succcss/1.d fimd raising project and "1Luq:c, omsranding effort in finding us in the hot, stinkin' desert. Thanks to Sarah Ruffles fcir her dcdicarion as support crew, and, last but not least, thanks to our "supreme com man-· dcr" team leader ( ;ihho. Kari ( :astlc

BRONZE SAFE PILOTAWARDS

NOVICE RATINGS

SHAWN BANKS

Region .I SALTVEIT, JOHN: Portland, OR; D. R:1ybourn/HG/PG School Oregon

BRONZE JJLJEN7JJAL AWARDS MICHAEL MILLER SHAWN BANKS

SILVJ::,R LlLlbN7HAL AWARDS BOB ELLENBERG

BEGINNER RA'TINGS Region l THOMSEN, BROGAN: Seattle, WA; L. Alexander/Mission Soaring Region 2 BROWN, DANIEL: Sacramento, CA; C. Hamilton/Sacramento HG HILLEARY, CHRIS: Sacramento, CA; G. Hamilton/Sacramento liG MUELLER, JAMES: Corte Madera, CA; A. Mclean/Mission Soaring Region 3 BRANDT, MELISSA: l laiku, HI: C. Cassel/Up Connrry HG Region 4 BROCK, CHRIS: Scottsdale, AZ; R. DcStephcns/Zonic HG BROWNELL, PETER: Glendale, AZ; D. Gordon/ Adventure Sporrs Tours DUVAL, JAMES: flagstaff, Kl,; S. Mish/Randito Action Sports INGALSBE, CARL: Cave Creek, AZ; D. Gordon/Advcnrurc Sports Tours LAZROW, PAUL: Glendale, AZ; D. Gordon/Advcnmrc Spons Tours I ,lJNSFORD, RUSSELL: Cave Creek, AZ; D. Gordon/Advcntnrc Sporrs Tours Region 7 LAMB, JOHN: Redford, MI; M. Tabcr/Lookom Mm FP Region 8 HILL, WILBERT: Pike, NH; J. Nicolay/Morningside FP MAC NUTT, PAM: Perkinsville, VT; R. Corbo/Morningside FP Region 10 CORDELL, KELLEY: Coldsboro, NC; W. Summer/Lookout Mm FP MANTOAN, GEORGE: Casselberry, FL; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch WALL, THOMAS: Chattanooga, TN; A. Bloodworth/Lookout Mm FP

Region 2 SMITH, CARL: San Francisco, CA; l3. Karlak/Bcrkclcy HG TONEY, STEVE: Sunnyvale, CA; J. Woodward/Narural Flying Region 3 BARLOW, MICF!AEL: Tujunga, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flight COIIEN, KEITH: Hollywood Hills, CA; D. Quackenhush/True FLiglu GERL, I AYNE: Long Beach, CA; P. Phillips/Lake Elsinore Sports WYLER, BOB: Manhattan Reh, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flight Region 4 BROCK, CHRIS: Scomdak, AZ; R. DcSrephens/Zonie HG DESYLVA, MICHAEL: Avondale, AZ; S. Aycock/Airizona Airwavc INGALSBE, CARL: C:ave Creek, AZ; S. Aycock/ Arizona Airwavc LOWERY, JOHN: Tucson, AZ; T. l\anon/Airbornc: Sports USA LUNSFORD, RUSSELL: Cave C:reck, A7; S. Aycock/ Arizona Airwave Region 5 ADAMS, PAUL: Missoula, MT; P. Swanson Region 7 EBEL, ROBERT: Belleville, IL; A. Bloodwortli/Lookout Mtn FP LAMB, JOHN: Redford, MT; M. Taber/Lookout Mm FP Region 8 WILLOWS, ROBERT: Pawtucket, RT; Foreign equiv Region IO BOTV1NNIK, IGOR: Decatur, AL; J. Cook/Rocket City Airsports CORDELL, PAUL: Goldsboro, NC; W. Summers/Lookout Mrn FP KROTZ, DERICK: Tucker, GA; A. Bloodworth/Lookout Mtn FP MANTOAN, GEORGE: C1sselbcrry, FL; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch WALL, THOMAS: Chattanooga, TN; A. Bloodworth/Lookout Mm FP Region 11 LOPER, ROBERT: Houston, TX; r:. Burns/Austin Air Sports MOORE, JAMES: Dallas, TX; D. Broyles/Kite Enterprises Region 12 CARMELI, ABRAHAM: New York, NY; J. Tindle/Miami l·lC Region 13 Cl JARCZUK, TOM: Canada, ; A. Glover/I ,ookout Mm FP

Region 11 CADEN, THOMAS: Houston, TX; F. Bums/Austin Air Sports

INTERMEDIATE RATINGS

Region 13 BEURTS, ALEX: Paraguay,; W. Summcrs/Lookom Mtn FP CHARCZUK, TOM: Canada, ; A. Glover/Lookout Mm FP

Region 3 SIEBERT, DANIEL: Mission Viejo, CA; R. McKenzie/High Adventure ZELEDON, MARVIN: Bloorningron, CA; D. (~uackenbush/True Flight Region 5 BOVINGDON, PETER: Missoula, MT; P. Swanson/Sports Exchange

HANC GLIDINC

Region 6

MESCHKAT, GUNTHER: Evcrron, AR; C. Price/Ozark Mrn HC ROGERS, MICHAEL: Darda11cllc, AR; T. Middleton/Soaring Region 10 ABBRUZZESE, ANTHONY: W Palm Beach, i:L; J. Tindle/Miami HG BESSA, CARLOS: J>incllas !'ark, i:I .; D. Clovcr/Wallahy Ranch POST, KENT: Fr Lmdcrdalc, FL; J. Tindle/Miami I J(; WARREN, CURT: Orlando, Fl.; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch Region 12

RAUSCHER, WOLFGANG: Queens, NV; M. Lassachcr/NV

Cl.ub

Region 13

RITTERSKAMP, KARL: c;crmany,; A [,'.ngcn/l IC Maui

Region l

STEEL, JAMES: Tacoma, WA; J. Rcynolcls/htr

Region

ALF.XANDER, MICl!AFL: Modesto, CA; K. Mnscio/Morhcr Load HUTZ, TED: St.ockron, CA; T Shea/Tandem Tim

Riders

Region 3

RICHMOND, ROBERT: Northridgc, CA; A. Bccm/Windsports Im'! THOMAS, JOHN: Chula Vista, CA; M. 1:Jcrning/Ultralighrs Unltd Region Ii

CT.UM, STFVE: Murray, UT; C. Black/Mountain UT; C. Pollock/Wasatch Wings MAJORS, ZAC: Region 5

LANIER, WILL: Bozeman, MT; D. Gravagc/Paradisc Gliders Region 6

VINSON, DAVID: Y11kon, OK; M. Wliirc/Wliirc Our HC Region 9

ROGERS, DOUG: Birdsboro, PA: J.

JfG

Region 10 HARRIS, NEAL: Kernersville, NC; M. Taber/Lookout Mt11 FP

,! (,

GREGORY PUTNAM TOM ZACCAGNINI

MAY 19%

,11

ii'

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ZAC MAJORS

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TAIWAN

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403/932-6760 520/527··3346 520/772-1114 604/574-7121 619/872··20f)7 415/4(,4-3161 909/883-8488 909/245-7627 408/262···1055 818/988-011] 619/:i61··1009 619/744··2163 co 3 o3 I 141··54 5 5 co '303/641 CT 860/379-1668 FL 407/894··5715 FL 305/285··89'/B FL 813/424·-00'/0 ·70 6/3 98 .. 3 51 I GA [!) 208/G54 61'.i KS 31Ei/69'/··2135 MD 301/729-077:3 406/721 --6056 MT NC il00/334-4777 NC 704/:l92<l765 NH 603/547.-4416 NM 505/299-8503 NV 707./883··70'/0 914//14 ·3317 NY NY 914/741··!,838 OK 105/917-<!342 ON'I'A!UD 905/294-2,iJG PA 7 /386-'.i104 Pl, 610/406·0855 ()()9/764-0341 PR QUEBEC B19/395··5224 U'I' 801/251-9063 OT 801/277-1042 UT 801 /576-64 GO VA 703/432··6:SS'/ WA 360/3:i'l-5203 206/'14'/··164'/ WA WA 206/939·-6248 WA 509 I 4 58··4 4 4 4 414 I 4 ·n-<~003 WI ARGENTINA 54/1294'/700 AUSTRIA 43/'.i2234374'/ BRAZIL 55/212397339 ,fAPAN 81/332910802 KOREA 82/3:?816642fl '['AI WAN 88/676?24411

PHONE (714) 998-6359, FAX (714) 998-0647

Update LAST CALL FOR CALENDAR PHOTOS

he deadline for submining your out• standing phorography for consider:uion in the 1997 USHGA Calendar is May 31. The USHGA Calendar is admired (maybe even revered?) chroughout me world, and rhe 1997 Calendar Commirrce wanrs ro sec YOUR phocography! Launching, landing,

scrup, breakdown, rruck/acro/boar ro,ving,

X-C, sledders - you name it. IF THERE TS A HANG GLIDER lN THE PHOTO WE WANT TO SEE IT! Imagine your mug, glider or sire being universally admired. Send your phorography 10: USHGA Calendar, P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs. CO 8090 I. All photography will be rre.ued with urmosr of respecr and propedy returned. Don'r delay. send 'em today!

NEWS FROM ARAI DESIGN Kari Cnsrle Wms she W.meni \Vorlds Using the Ta,1ge111 Flight Compwer Congraculations Kari! Flying on a Wills XC and using a Tangcnr, Kari finally won the World Tide char she has been so close to cwice before. Kari decided co cry che Tangenr only chro: week5 prior co the Worlds during che Bogong Cup. Changing cquipmeni so close co a

GPS lmerfau for the 1imgem Now Shipping The long-awaiced G PS inccrfacc ro the Tangent Flighr Computer has now been rclc:as«l. This new sofcwarc allows che Tangent to lisrcn ro GPS posicion and velocity data char is transmitted from

many popular handhcld GPS units, such

as the Garmin and Trimble. The Tangent processes this iaforn1arion for calculating hc:-adwind or caihvind oomponc:ncs and for major competition is not usu.ally consid- auron1aring final glide. The: GPS inccrfuc:c ered wise, bur che Tangenr proved easy co is no,v scandard on alJ i angencs ar a new adapt to. The scnsidvc vario, speed ..t~Ay, price of $ 1,050. fmal glide cakulacoc and case of use con·

vinccd Kari that it \YaS chc right in.'icru.. mtnt for the job. Kari's opinjon of che T.wgc:nt: "It's addictive!"

Kari \VlSl'l't «he only team member in Auscralia flying with a 'fangem. Arai provided loaner ururs co Alison Baumhefoer and Claire Pagen. These women had even less rime chan Kari co !cam how co use the instrumenc, but decided the aclvanrag,:s were wotrh the risk of using unfamiliar gear in a cbampionshlp. Congrarulacions co the team foe a grcac performance! Arai Design also provided supporr for the Women's Team by providing a '"fangenr for d'le raffle. 'fhat ioscnameot

went co a lucky Mark Rowland of \ % eacridge, Colorado. Raffles are a major form ofsupporc for rhe Thanks co all who pan:icipated.

= ·

Ami Design Gdnni11 GPS Bracket Now Availa6/, A orackct for mounting che Garmin GPS to your basetube is now available. It provides an aluminum plate rhe full length of the GPS mar helps prorecr rhe instrument from impact. The bracket

provides four degrees of positioning freedom and access for the data pon. Alchough ir was originally conceived for his own use, Chris has had enough rcspoO;SC sin<X' it appc.arcd in Dennis Pagoa's review of the 'fangcnt Oan. '96 HG) that he has put the bracket imo production. It sell$ for $55. Comacr: Arai Design, 110 l Glendorn Ave., Oakland, CA 94602 (5 10) 531· 2261 , fu.x (510) 53 1-5318, e-mail: arai@rahul. ner.

BLUE SKY RELEASES LARGE PREDATOR lue Sky Aircraft is pleased to announce B the release of ,he large Predator. The Predator 158 me same excellent han-

has dling and performance qualities and set-up features as the 142 Predator, and Wa5 designed with the big pilot in mind. TRX 160 piJocs feel clJar its handling is ligluer than the big TRX. Comparisons show irs sink rate to be at least equaJ co the best siokrace gliders in die world. Glide comparisons show irs glide rario throughout the sp«!d range co be equal 10 me Predacor 142. The company is pleased to offer itS maay satisfied TRX owners a way co convert their original conlposice a.irfran1es co ;1 considerably higher performing and better handling glider. They can own cssemially a brandOC'\V, state-of-the-arc glider at a Jo\ver cost by utiliz.ing Lhe laSt.ing value of Uleir composite airfran'les. The in1..roductory rctaiJ price of

the 158 is $4,995 and che lisc price of the 158 conversion is $3,695. C'..omacc Dave Sharp or John Heiney ac (80 l) 876-3003 (FAX 3002) for che loca· rion of one of many Blue Sky Aircrafr affiliaccd dcaJers. For rnore ioformation see the new Blue Sky Aircraft home page ar: http:/1205.138.107.3:80/uscrs/Pilo,/

HANG GLIDING

Update HANG GLIDING TRAVEL WEB PAGE

o you wam co go on a hang gliding

vacacion but don't kno,v \vhcrc to go? No,v there is a \Xleb site d<!'.\'Ot·cd co

traveling pilots. lc's new so don't e:xpcct much yet, but it's free, so it ,viii gro,v to be -a valuable resource. Because it is free.

pilots can easily submit cool mwcl informacion ro share with others. Check ic out

hnp://www.cybedink.bc.ca/-swanys/hang . hrn1 or use your favorite search engine co

6nd "Hang Gliding Holidays Page.• (There arc others for paragliding, .kayaking and water-skiing as well.) These pages are brough, 10 you by the most fun place to hang our in chc Canadian Rockies, Wasa Lakeside Bed & Bceakfur and More, located in a valley where a 200-mile X-C /light has been

NEW VIKING FILMS VIDEO

iking Films is currently distributing a new film titled Fly Hard. by Emmy

A\vatd..winning director/cinematographer

Jeffrey Farrell. Fly Harr/ is an acrion-advcorurc llying fllm featuring paragliding and hang gliding. ft \Yas shot on locacion at: Point of che Mounu in, Vt3h; Lake Elsinore, California; ail along the California coasr; and in Sun Valley, Idaho. The film features former paragliding and hang gliding World Ch.ompion Rob Whittall, U.S. pilot Chris Sanrae«x;e, and hang_gliding aerobatic ,vot'ldcr rvticch McAlcc:r. Fearured in the film arc scums they guarantee you have never seen before: the

scand-up, double spiral, and Mitch's loopa.-chon.

Swansburg ac .,.mail swanys@eybcrlink.bc.ca, fax (604) 4223551. phone(604) 422-3688.

Rob Whittall and Chris Sanracroce puc on a paragLlding show arow1d the \Vestern U.S. tha, i.s not co be believed, and Mitch McAJeer docs whac he docs becrer tl,an anyone, hong g)iding aerobar· ics. \Virh ground· tO·air aod air-to-air

ENTERPRISE WINGS UPDATE

filming. and custom camera mounts on che gliders, some very un.iquc camera

made. For n1ore information write Jan1es

ntcrprise Wings of Australia has

angles were achieved. Fly Hard was shoe

reached an agreen1ent ,,.,jd, Moyes

on che highesr-quality 16mm fihn and incorpol"llteS a great soundrrack.

Contact: Viking Films, 1754 E. Tramway Dr.. Sandy, UT 84092 (801) 553-9580, fux (801) 572-4193.

Delta Gliders to bo,h continue the manu• ra'1U!e of the Rage glider 3nd co supply spare parts and service for their line of

gliders. (contt,u,~s 011 page JO...)

NEW GLIDER FROM AIRBORNE

A irBornc's new Shark was rele:ised in "1vtarch 1996 in three sizes: 132, 144 and 156. The new glider feorures a unique can, system that connecrs rhe crossbars and leading edge rubes. The earns, through a pulley syscem, allow the geometry of the glider to be changed in fliglu without moving the crossbars at the centcaJ hinge

poim. This system also eliminares changes in anh.edraJ/dihcdral ac different VG s,,r1ing$. The VG operates .,.;cl, a minimum of effon. The Shark's rigging always remains cigh.1, which, coupled with good static bafance, makes for easy launches. The control frame position has been set ro give the pilot increased flare ~uchori-

MAY 1996

l)\ and, as wi1h .JI AirBorne gliders, the Shark can be rigged on the control frame or lying Ila,. The Shark milius 7000 series tubing to roducc weight, and che upered fiberglass rear leading edges have been rero.ined. Since

edge mylar pocket for beuer airflow and

1heir introduccion on AirBome gliders, the

Contact: AirBorne WindSporrs, Uni, 22/30, Kalamo Rd., Redhead, NSW 2290 Australia, eel. Ol l-61-49-499-199, fax 011-61-49-499·395.

factory has never sold a replacemem fiberglass rear leading edge. lmprovcmcnrs include a new leading

upper-surfucc baccens enclosed in rhe sail. There ar< no eyelets or bungies, making a much cleaner-looking trailing edge. The barrens h.ave an i_ntcmal spring \vhicb allo\VS for even tension and easier serup.

WHISTI.E ll-Wearher Safety Whistle Company announces the loudest, most powerful and easy-to-use safety and survival whistle available. Lives have been saved from New Orleans i-o the Caribbean rhrongh the use this product. The ThunderStorm safety whistle is compact, tTemendously powerfol and totally waterproof. Its unique shape is easy to hold and its compact size allows it to fir easily into a pocket. The high-

[nqniries concemingsparcpartsor Rage hang gliders fi;(n11 ret.:til m1,sto1:1ers., dealers and disrrib~1 ;pr~ .ghopld now be directedto:· Moyes Bel ta Glide~s, td;Or 16 I-2~381-56'?2,, or fax 387-4,:ln.

1996 HOJJBS TOW JAM RECEIVES 450 WJSS POI NJ STATUS t.trt Grahai11·ofCrossfor1ds Windspcms and JcffHltnt of Red River Aircraft arc pleased to announce that rheUSHGA Co.mpetition Committee awarded the 1996 Hobbs TowJam a guaranteed450 WTSS points-. This makes rhCHobbs Tow Jam: a "qmst fly" event fot the serious competition pilot ..Since the next Prc~Wodd's and World Champior1ships wilt also be towlaunch events, thcHobhs rneet is an ideal way to becomefamiliarwith flatland; tow~ launch X-C conipeti.tiori.

tech design and patented harmonic chamber focuses the ·rlmnderStorm's scream so rhat the alarm is over twice as loud as the most popular military or police whistles. It can be heard over a half-mile away. Available in yellow, orange, teal and black, the 'J'hunderStorm is ideal for and :myone who requires safety and survival equipment. The whistle has a suggested retail price of ;md is availabic through catalogs and in retail outlets throughout the world. Con1act: Dr. F·Ioward Wright, AllWeather Safety Whistle Company, EO. Box 8615, St. Louis, MO 63126 (3 lli) 136-3332, fox (314) 8/i3-2317.

]hey sent us one. It's really loud!-··· Erl

Headquartered at the I:fobbs 1t;qustdal Air Park (l·HAP)-in.soi1t}1easterr1New Mexico, the meet cgnac;cep_ra ma;irnum of60 pilots, -based on fou1: pH(jtS per tow rig. Dates for the contesp are Atigu.st 4° 10, 1996, with Aqgiist 2-·"3 avtllable ,1syrnc~ ticc days. The.two practice da:yswHl also be used as a tow clinic fot pilms who need t:o get the.ir platfortn tow.ratings order to compete. FaciHdes include a hangar on the flight line, grass settip ,lfCil and asdectfon of paved runways ranging frorn 6,000 to 8,000 feet in length. HObbs is known lnrcrnadonally as the headqua:n:ers of the Soaring Society ofAmerlqi and the site of numerous record dista11ce flights by hang gliders, paragliders and sailplanes. Larry Tudor's FAf Wodd Recoi:d Distance to a Declared Goal of303 miles is still held from Hobbs. Cnlss~cou:ntrv tGtsks in the 50~ to 100~ mHe range .are expected auheTow Jam..

Southern New is characterized hy high altitudes and strong lift over agree~ ablyfht terrain with virtually unlimited landing areas, The organizers hope. to call ouh1.nd~retmn as much as possible to minimize retrieve distances. Thangle courses meeting PAI World Record requiremems may also be utilized. 'fhose pilots wishing to try a world record should request a record kit from the USH.GA office and dust off their barn·• graphs. The standard "start clock" and photo identification of tumpoints method for task verification will be employed, so pilots should be prepared with 35mm cameras. Oxygen systems and GPS receivers are also highly rccommei1ded. Rating requirements arc: USHGA Advanced (or foreign equivalent:), 'fow Launch rating and X-C special skills. Entry foe wil! be U.S . .$2!'5 prior to Jtt!y J, and after. The first daily row is free, as are tumpoint film and processing, T-shirt, awards party and more. A pai.d staff and computerized scoring ensure top-notch administration. Entrants who provide a tow rig and commit to towing three other pilots (four total) will their entry at no charge. 'Ibw rig operators interested ih providiJ1g towserviceswill be compensated. Contact: Curt Grahami 5923 Eugenia La11c, 1-fobbs, NM 88240 (505) 3928222, or Jeff Hunt, 48 .11 Red St.,

for

Austin, TX

(512)

as announced in this magazine, set up a pilot c~maH address directory Web page. Tb get your~ self listed and make. the thing more usc:fhl; please send to Bob at hanglide@maindink.net the following information: narnc, c,mail address., state/country; addictiott (hang gliding, paragliding; tow, aeromw, boat tow). Your listing will be amended only upN1 firstperson reqi1est. 'The pHot e~mailaddress d:irectpry is at: http://www.mainelink.net/SKYADVENTURES/mail.html:

HANG CiUOIHG

South St. Paul, MN 55075 or call/fitx (612) 450-0930 and name and address so printed information can be sent. fter building their first production nm of the l 930'Ntyle ultnilight glider, US Aviation and SuperFloater antran1e builder, Wind \101.lkcir Aircraft, announced a pdce increase\ In a related ckvelopmc~nt, US Aviation was able to secure nationwide financing for the SuperPloater, a package that may also be used for the company's microlight motorglider, the Cumulus. 1:tt,ectwe immediately, now that the first 15 units have will rise to $9,995, said US Aviation. The higher price an analysis performed by Wind Walker. Salt Lake City··basedWind Walker developed the popular glider and builds all the under a contract agreement with Aviation. "We know customets don't like to hear about " said Wind Walker president, Dick Cheney, "bur we are delivering a far more deluxe aircraft thau US Aviation first envisioned. In addi~ tion, folly building and test flying the SuperFloater i.s a great deal more work than supplying a kit. That's probably why folly built Part 103 are so rare," added, reviewing the cost analysis with Wind Walker, US Aviation said the figures indeed show a substantiaJ!y higher cost of manufacturing than was initially rhought. ,As the Superfiloater developed, many desirable were added. In addition, the CClmpany.says, Wind Walke:r has gone to great to make the SuperFloarer durable, building it from many custom.machined parts, In the effort .to the plane 110 expense was and th(i resulting machine ls satisJymix tomers and everyone who @ies it, "Pilots are simply delighted with the SuperFloater," production supervisor, Kent Anderson. "Weve had over 125 pilots on various SuperPloaters out and every 011e has said wonde:rfol things about the glider that it is almost embarrassing." 'fhanks to a financing package, US Aviation believes the will be more tolerable to buyers. 'I'ht~y note that motorcycles and are nearly always bought with financing as the majority of buyers don't have the available it to obtain higher"ticket pa1:.Ka.ge, offeredin conjunction with New YOJ'k Stock l:~x1:hamge-11ste:ct Gre<m Financial, will allow buyers to put down as as $999 and make rnonthly payments as low as $112. US Aviation saidinsmance is required, but have lined up two sources that satisfy the requirements of Green Financing can.cover a Supei:Floater (or Cumulus) even ifloaded with options. "We'llfinanc,: aircraft plus ai;i.y optlon.s the pilot chooses, even shipping and crating," comr:nemed a Green ]foe official. also wJlling to wo.rkwii;h pilots who have less than a per~ himiry. We'll jtist need the same information needed frx any .similar loan." Customers will be borrowing on· their personal not the au.,.«u.c, said US Aviation. However, this is a national program generous tetms .and rates that just dropped to 12.75%. more expensive, noted US Aviation. For forther infonnation contact US Aviation, Echo Ln., MAY 19.96

SANDIA he Sa..ndia,.. Soaring. Asso.dad.on (l)SBGA (.::hapter , . , wcmld like m clarify the organiz.ation of rhe 1996 Sandia X-C Challenge. The SSA is the holder of the U.S. Service tnit for Sa:ndfa ():est, and owns the launch ramp. The SSA no official c<m11ectim1with the "Sky Tribe, NM Clan," Earth Cog Industries <)t the Wild Blue Yonder School ofFlight. These entities are in no way associated wid1 the 1996 Sandia X-C Challenge. The am1ounceme:mt in the April 1996 issne ofHang Gliding was made in error. · The Third Am1tlftl SandiaX·C Challenge will be held from Jmie 17,24 and. is open to Intermediate- and Advanced--med pilots with at lea.st 50 hours of foot,.Jaunch mountain flying experience, excellent thermal "'kiHs and .a healthy bump tolerance. Previous X-C experience is highly recommended. New Mexico is widely ki;i.own for big air a11d big mileage, so be ready for the ride of your life. 'T'he last two Challenges saw multiple:'. 100-150+ mile flights and some great partying! Prior to June 1 the ermy foe is and includes 02 refills, T~shirt, awards pf!lty; daily prizes and prizes for the longest flight and most cumulative miles, Entry after June l is $100. Contact: Sandia SoaringA~sn,, l>.O. Box 14571, Albuquerque, NM 87191 01· Mark Mocho (505) ,c,;1c,-.,c,::;•,c,,c,.

T'.

Calendar of cvcnrs items WILL NOT he listed if only tentative. Please include exact informarion (event, dare, contacr name and phone number). !rems should he received no larer than six weeks prior to the event. We request two mondis lead time frw regional and national meets.

UNTIL OCT. 31: Region Competition. Monrhly-tallied X-C comperition. Flights must originate from a site in the Region. Scoring determined hy best three open X--C: or out--and-rcturn flights per month. Pilots will vie for slot in the Nats to represent Region 7 (March rhrough June). Send $IO entry and flights reports LO: Pct.n 1\irrcn, 502 Shadywood Lane, Elk Grove, IL 60007. Info, rules and scoring for-mulae will be sent. Monthly scores published in Red News. UNTIL NOV. 30: WO!? Nrttionrtl Team Club Challenge. Most cumulative miles flown (HG/PG flights) by a club. No fee, roving plaque and next year's conrcsr administration rewarded to winning club. Conract: Mark Mulholland ar M.Mulholland<Z1leworld.c:om or (408) 929-1753. Send club entries to Mark at 3611 Cropley Ave., San Jose, CA 95132. Entries will be tallied monthly and posted on the 1mcrnct. MAY 1-5: 10th /lnnu11I Stewart Smith Gliding Tournmnmt, Moore Mm., Perry I.owe Orchards, IO miles north of Taylorsville, NC off 1-hvy l 6. $45 cnrry includes T-shirt, barbecue, dart toumamcm. Tasks: spot landing, bomb drop, duration and X-C. Trophies for 1st through 3rd in each event. Fun flyers $25. Contact:: Travis Bryant (704) 758-9331, or Ben Burri! (704) 392 3765 MAY 5: .~t111111r.vn41 Winch Tow Clinic. JUNE l: Clinic. JULY 10: l'ttrachute

&·

Clinic.

Conract: Mission Soaring Center, 11 l 6 Wrigley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035 (near San Jo.se) (408) 262-1055, fox (408) 262--1388, e-mail mschg@aol.com.

llcgn1111ng hang gliding lessons will he during the cvelll. Make reservations well in advance ro learn to during this exciting competition. Hawk l<ites. AUGUST l 5:

l?ogrt!lo Wing Invention. Ceremony honors 1:.M. Rogallo, inventor of rhc flexible wing. Learn about rhc histo1y of kites and gliders, enjoy refreshments and have a chance to meet Mr. Rogallo. You won'r want to miss this special oppornmity to learn about the significance of the dcvdopmenr of· the flexible wing. OCTOBER 19-20: Pr1cific /iirwa11e Vision C!ttssic. Fun--fillcd weekend of /lying. Pac J\ir brings their larest gliders to Jockey's Ridge for a fun comperit.ion on tlic sand dlllll:s. Soar, m:menver and land on a rnrgcted course. Open to pilots of all skill levels who have a Vision, regardless of model. Pac J\ir will host a barbcc11c on the 23rd for all entrants and guests. Prizes for all levels rnpplicd by Pacific J\irwavc and KHK. Registration at KHK. Contact: l<irty Hawk !<ires (MP 13, Nags llcad and Jockey's Hidge State Park), (800) YH-4T77, hang-glidc@outer· banks.com. MAY 17-19: /,oo!wut Mtn. Flz,z;ht /'(lrl: Bt1sic mid !ldv11nced !CP. I .atesr techniques from rhe school th,ir wrote the official USHG/\ training manual, Hang Cliding for Beginner Pilors. J\11 pilots welcome. Pilots must have at least their I Jang llf rating within 90 days oFlCP complcrion. $175 includes USf ICA foe and liisrrncror's Manual by Dennis l're-regisrrarion and payment required. Contact: Tom or ( :hrisrian l--80() .. (,88··LMFP. MAY 18--19: Coyote Lake McClure, C/1.. (\>1nputcr scoring levels field. $20 em1y. Super rrophies & l ,oads of fim. Contact: "Doc" (209) or l-.Soo.999 .. ')999 for campground reservations. MAY 23--27: l't1ragliding Demo Oaze/Stlfhy Scminrtr :n Poinr of the Mountain, UT. Free informative seminars from industry cxpcrrs.

li1eet, ar Woodrat Mr. near Med/cm!, Oregon. Fun family fly-in. Called tasks, spots and Bailey's bodacious barbecue incluclecl in small entry fee. Hang Ill or IT with instructor release for possible afrcrnoon rurb11lent mountain conditions. Camping nearby. Call for map/site guide. Contact: Newt Stevenson (541) 773-1 I ill or Russ Camp (541) 479-2958. MAY 25-27: Fly-In, Alamogordo, Sponsored Rio Grande Soaring Assn. Fun flying, comesrs, dinner, etc. Meet in l.Z at 9:00 am each day. Fnuy $20 in advance, $25 on sire. Contact: Dave Church (505) 527-08/i4, or Tommy West (505) 4375213. MAY 25-27: Arizona X-C from Merriam and Sheba craters. Foot or row launch. Bring your tow sysrern. T-shirrs, trophies, awards party and portable toilers provided. Benefit for Northern A'/. Soaring J\ssn. Entry $75. Contact: Sr:m Mish (520) '527-3346, or Nick Kennedy (970) 728-3905. Ickes Airport, 2763353.

JUNE 8.. 14: World Castejon de Sos, nrr:ir"'''' Salvador Mogas 34-3210-7752, fax 34-.'35682903. JUNE 1622: WHGS meet, Sierra Nevada, Granada, Spain. Conracr: Juan Morillas rel. 34-58-488560, fox 3/i-58-488726. JUNE 23--29: WHGS meet, Piedrahita, Central Spain. Contact: Steve Ham tcl./fox 34-20-362215. JULY 24-31: WIHGS meet, Reno, Nevada. Contact: Ray Leonard td. (702) 883--70'70, fox (702) 884--4030. AUG. 20-25: W!!GS meet, Prcddvor, Slovenia. Contact: Bojan Marcie rel.I fox 386-6 I -2646.

Demo paragliders., powered paraglidcrs, harness--

MAY 10-13: Northern Sky Gliders XC Lhal/1:'J1J7e, Cosmos, MN. Tow mccr'. Great tow site with record potential in eve1y direction. Current MN X-C record is 134.8 miles. ·frophies and prizes. Contact: Dave Dybsand (612) 576-8959, or Paul Kilstofrc (612) 869--0293.

cs, varios, flight suits, tandem gliders, oxygen sysrcms, helmers, etc. Every make and size of para glider available in rhc U.S. Non-profit event. $35 pre-registration hcfore May 1, $45 at the door. $10 goes to Utah HCA to hdp "Save the Point." Contact: The Soaring Center, 12665 S. Minuteman Dr. 111, Draper, UT 84020 (801) 576-6460, fox (80 l) 576-6482, e-mail: sharpdave<ihuta l1-i11rer .11et

MAY J0-13: 24th/innurt! ,~j)rctacult1r. Pilors and spcctarors from over the U.S. come ro Jockey's Ridrr,e State Park ro enjoy the oldest cominuous hang gliding cornpc-ririon in the counuy. Both novice and encccl pilots compete in a variety of hm maneuvers. Feamres flying on the dunes, acrotowing, an outdoor street dance, /foe arts recep-rion and an awards ceremony wirh guest Francis M. Rogallo, rhc 'Tather of Hang Gliding."

MAY 23-27: jim !!ookr at Lookout Mm. Flight Park, Rising Ccorgia. Proceeds to benefit Dade County, Ccorgia i:irc and Rescue. Various fim contests for pilots Hang ll and up. Minimum cmry $50 includes T-shirr and cookour. Entry Ice may he earned prior to comest rhrough donations and For more information or pledge sheets, contact: Lori Taber ('10(,) 398--91 12 or Judy I!ildchrand ('106) 398-2819.

MAY25-27:

/lssocifltion '.,·

JUNE 9--16: Sf/11dirt Classic, 1\lhuqucrquc, New Mexico. Sixth annual 450 WTSS point meet at Sandia Peale The premier meet of the season! Price includes: cmry fee, top-quality X-C rasks, glider and pilot rransportation to launch, turnpoint film and compurcrizcd scoring, foll-time paid stall free oxygen refills, gifr ccrtifi-cares from local businesses, convenient meet· headquarters, awards barbecue, T-shirr and more! Sixty-pilot nrnximum field, ,15 spots reserved for pilots ranked in the top 80 USHGJ\ or top 100 PIRS. Remaining entries will be based on ranking, cornperirion experience and flight experience, Firsr--timc entrants must have: USHGJ\ Advanced raring, all Skills, CPS 100+ homs mountain thermal highly recommended. Early registration $:JOO if postmarked before May I, $:l50 after. Refundable until April 30. Contact: Mike 12117 St. Mary's Dr., J\lhuqucrquc, NM HANG GUDINC

r 87111 (505) 275-5978 or Mark Moehn (50'-il 298-2922. E--mail to mmoch0Ct1>rr66.com JUNE 1'727: Altai (J IC & PC). JUNE 27JULY 10: l?ussim1 (!IC). JU!.Y l l l2: Russia Gip (f le;). JULY 30--AUG. 10: Sihcric (PC). Contact: Vladimir Mirin, phone jB52-221487, f:1x 3852-260897. JUNE 17--21: Third Annual X-C, ,rn,ucnvc. Pun-flying, big-air, opcn,clistancc cm1mN111n,1. Come fly with rlrc Sandia Soaring i\ssn. from I 0,600' MSL Sandia Crest. The last two year:; have seen numerous flights over 100 miles and several over J 50! Prizes will be awarded for each longest Hight, the longest flight of tire and to the pilor with the mosr cumulative miles for the week. !'rec T--shirr, refills, awards parries and more! Corne rifi.il sourhwest air! 40-pilor limit, June I, $100 afrer. Conract: Sandia Assn., P.O. Box 1li571, Albuquerque, 87191, Mark Moehn (505) 298 2')22. JUNE 21-23: Wild \f!ild West 1ff5c?on11H. [! X-C: cornpcririon. C:omacr: Adver111111,c 3650 Research Carson 99706 (702) 1583-7070 cxr. 11 for fox. JUNE 25 30: 'J,,llurit!c l'm·a.r./idn1,r; Telluride, CO. l'rcsc111cd hy Telluride i\ir hirce and Colorado Piloi-s i\ssn. Sanctioned Class A world team points meet. Famom Telluride flying in a national-1,~vcl contest. Race-ro--goal, out-and---rcturn and tria11courses. Tarp sran, 1,000-poim sys-rem. Radios recommended. $275 enrry foe includes tasks, pilor and glider transportation ro launch, comp11rcrizcd fi.111-timc sional staff: rurnpoim film and pnicesst'llg, rurnpninr photos to smcly, free oxygen, meet h(;adquaners, awards dinner party, ceni11cares, comest shirt, nightly cvenrs and Economical camping and local lodging Coman: Scott Madowry (970) /28or Nick Kennedy (970) 728-3905. JUNF 25-30: Trlluridr l'ara;;liding Festival, Telluride, CO. $1 entry foe includes festival shin, htll--timc professional staff, banquet, awards party, nightly events and Economical camping and local lodging specials. i\ sale ani-rudc and C:lass 11 with 10 hours minimum required. Coman: Scorr Maclowry (')70) 721l-tf098 or Nick Kennedy (970) 7283905. JUNE 27--JOl ,Y 3: Women '.1 Aerotow X-C Clinic. Prepares panicipams for foot--launch and platform-lauuch acrotow competition. 1996 \XI omen's World Team pilots and odicr experienced X-C team pilots will lead discussions on ream flying, rurnpoint photos and ream strarcThe cncomagc all women pilots (bc:glllll<ir to advanced) wirh or without competition to attend. 1-ldd ar Quest Air MAY I CJ%

Reel River St., Austi11, TX (512) li67-252') or e-mail to rrajdff11aol.com. JUNE 28-30: King Mtn. Region 5 u,rm1f!l,'msht/>s, Moore, Idaho. Come fly Idaho's best and cclcbrarc the new road. l :ormar is open distance along declared rollt'es with bonus Fmry $25. Contact: Idaho Hang Gliding i\l Whitesell (208) 522 21123 or Mark Mason (208) 529-2106. JUNE 30-JULY 6: I 996 Canadi1111 Ntttionals, Eastcnd, Saskatchewan. Tow meet, $2,000 prize Contact: Mike (306) 352-3337, (.306) ~~/-',WLl'I fox. JULY 3-6: l,a/,eview, OR Unif)t,?en,t/J in. Craml X-C: conrcsr, acrorow clinic, plus many other activities. Complete accommodations available. $1,000 in prizes. Contact: (5/i 1) 947-60!i0. JULY 6-11: Chelrm X C Clmsic, Chelan, W /\. Pilot-called triangles, 011t-and-retmn, and open distance combined formar. HG and PG. Driver comest wirl1 prizes. $75 ($70 before J1me 30). Contact: Johann Posch (20(,) 232-6839, jol1annp@1nicrosofr.com. JULY 13-20: U.S. National !-!rm;; Gliding ,ham;nm01sh'I/JS, Dinosaur, CO. "'T'he besr meet of rhc Several meets within a meet. Compere in rnulriplc divisions while flying in the Nats. Included arc Over 15, Rookie, lnrcrmcdiare (;lider, and Never Made t:hc Top 50 divisions. Driver competition and "wildest mrnpoinr pliot o" conresr. Organized and directed hy G.W. Meadows. Sponsored by Jusr Fly i\viarion Gear. Tons of prizes. Lodging information and confirmation available. Emry foe $275 hy January 30, $325 afrcrward. Contact: C.W. Meadows, P.O. Box li'50, Kitty Hawk, NC 279/i9 (')19) 480-3552. i\UG. l-7: Oshkosh HAA Fly-In, Oshkosh, WI. Volunteers needed for US! !GA tent. C:onract: USHCA (719) 632-8300. AUG. li-10: f!obbs 'finu/am, Hohbs, New Mexico, 450 WTSS poims meet. Price includes: entry foe, tOJHJuality X-C tasks, first daily tow is free, tumpoint film and processing, compmcrizcd scoring, paid staff, gift certiflcnes from local businesses, convenient meet: headquarters at I /ohbs Industrial Air l\ll'k, awards barbecue. T-shirt and more 16(l-pilo111eld. Tow rating required. Free entry ro pilots who bring a row rig and commit ro 10wing four pilots. AUG. 2-3: Tow clinic for non-row pilots. GPS highly recommended. Early registrarion $275 if' post-marked beforcJuly 1, $325 after. Refundable umil June 30. Contacts: Cun Graham, Crossroads Windspons, 5923 Eugenia Lane, I fobbs, NM 882/iO (505) 392-3638 or (505) 392-8222. Hum, Red River i\ircrafr, li8 l 1

AUG.6----11: West !!ant, Gliding and Paragliding X-C lnvilationrd, Colden, BC Cumh. $20,000 in prize Three categories in both spons: lightweights :300 hrs.), middleweights (:300-600 hrs.), heavy weights (600 hrs. plus). deadline May 1 $200 U.S. cnrry fee payable to Fly West J J(;. Contact: Fly West HC Lrd., 199 Marlyn Place, Calgary, Alta., Canada T2i\-3K9 (103) 0450, e-mail porrcourvhcadvision.com. AUG. l 0: 20th Annual l.r1kesidc E11en/, Mr. Swansea, lnvermerc, BC. Hang Ill required, rain 1':trtry dare i\ug. 11. BBQ, party, free $20. $1,000 cash plus prizes. PG wc,vnllc. ( :ontact: Dano Saunders (604) .3ii2-0355. World Air Games in 1997, Contact: tel. 90-312-.310/ili 56, fax 90--31231 Oli690. SEPT. 11-14: World/lcrohmir Charr1/1i,mshit,s, Telluride, CO. cn1ry banquet & rides 10 launch. 12 pilots max. Contact: Leo VanDerBosch (970) 728-6972. SEPT. 15: 'fdluridc Air Poree 5)erd Contest. $20 entry. Cash pri~.c for Ist place. Comacr: Leo VanDcrf3osch (970) 72S-6972. SEPT. 21--22: 2nd Annual Sj;eed Dash for cash from McClellan Peak to Srate Park, between Carson and Reno, NV. Cash Prizes. Comacr: i\dvenrnre 36'50 #22 Research Carson C:ity, 99706 (702) 883--7070 ext. 11 for fax.

OCT. li-6: October'.< Best Fly--1n 1996, sponsored hy the Saurarown Mountain Hang Cliding Club. Norrh Carolina's traditional anrumn flight fcsrival h,1s provide,! great flying with cash prizes. Featuring "_)1mc Bug's Fabulous Barbecue Chicken Dinner" 011 Saturday night. Arrival and practice day on Friday with a lirn compcririon on Saturday and Sunday. World's easiest cliff launch that can be used in light winds from any direcrion or stronger F, SE or S winds. Two other launches facing SW and NW. $30 emry fee includes T-shirt and fomily camping in rhc LZ. Saturday night's dinner will blow you for only $5. Contact: Doug Rice (9) O) Vic Lewellen (91 O) 595-6505 or 70272.53 l (itlcompuscrve.com. NOV. 2l--2!f: Ftdl USHGA merting, San Diego, Ci\. ;\]I members arc encouraged to attend! Please send your agenda items in writing to rhc LJSHC/\ offkc. Comact Karen Simon ar USI lGA headquancrs for information and rescrvarions: (719) 632--8300.

Accident Reports Accident Review Chairman Luen Miller

LOCKOUT Pilot:

Ralph 1h1jillo, alias "Ken Tc)rres"

Age:

Site: J 4th St., Phoenix, Arizona Date: January 27, 1996 Glider: Eipper Antares I 55 Experience: Beginner rating, 150 flights, tow ground school and two tandem row flights Lockom on static Iinc tow Cause: "Massive," head, face, neck, Injuries: back 'fhe pilot foot-bunched under static line tow, climbed evenly to 150 feet AGL, then went to the baserube. A moment lat-· er he appeared unsure and went back to the downtuhes. 'T'he glider then quickly rotated to the right and dove straight down into the ground within two to three seconds. The pilot hit face flrst and died quickly of massive injuries. 'T'he pilot had recently received his Beginner rating. He had apparently flown a more advanced site without his instructor's knowledge a couple of weeks prior to the incident. 'The pilot was scheduled to try for his Novice rating the following weekend along with another student in his class. They went flying on their own without notifying their instructor. ·rhe victim had a good foot-launch sled ride from a training hill, and while the other student waited for the right conditions for his launch, the victim laid out a tow rope. He stated several rimes that he had "read up on towing," although rhe source of his information is unknown. 1:-Ie said, "I don't want to walk back up the moun·· tain. f've done this kind of thing up in Prescott. It's easy, and 1'11 show you how to get some quick airtime. The other pilot reluctantly towed him. The victim also refused to wear a hel · met, although the others with him lectured him about not wearing one. The injuries were so massive that a helmet

As seen in the previous towing fatality (Eilts, 1995J a stopped vehicle still leave a glider locked out. Stopping alone wil I not always all Iine Cutting a pilot wil I not always solve all problems either/ 1

almost certainly would not have helped, but such behavior is indicative of naivete regarding the potential hazards of hang gliding. The pilot also had no parachute. 'fhe launch crew consisted of several members, including a Beginner pilot/driver and a spotter on the vehicle. The line was 1,200 feet long, with l , l 00 foet paid out. It was tied to the truck. There was no weak link. The release was a general-purpose, single·-stage closure purchased at a discount hardware store, intended for such uses as a dog leash clip, etc. It was reportedly tested Lwice just prior to launch, but not under heavy load. The reporter doubrs that it would have released under any significant tension, or if side-loaded. The release was found intact after the accident. The pilot did not seem to try to activate it; if he did, it failed.

ANALYSIS Given the lack of training and experi-· cnce, the tow crew did an admirable job under the circumsrances. At the first sign of divergence the spotter yelled to stop. The driver reacted immediately, but by the time the truck had stopped, the crash

had occurred. I believe this last point highlights a problem with all tow systems that do not use a spotter at the base of the towline who has the capability and responsibility to cut a pilot free if he begins to diverge significantly from the flight plan. I believe such an option is critical whenever student training takes place, since the reactions and control skills needed to deal with a crisis situation are not developed yet. ln addition, lockout incidents occur quickly. The tow vehicle will often only be able to reach a foll stop after the accident has already happened, even at the 20 mph tow speed at which rbis accident occurred. As seen in the previous towing fatality (Eilts, I 995), a stopped vehicle can still leave a glider locked out. Stopping alone will not always relieve all line pressure. Cutting a pilot free will not always solve all problems either. This pilot was also flying an older generation high··performance glider which was probably at least slightly spirally unstable (bank angle increases in a tum without pilot input). Such gliders are not appropriate for smdenr flights, especially when towing. 'The victim might not have been skilled enough to control his glider under tow, or even off tow if the glider was at an unusual attitude. It: is possible that once the glider had been rotated so that it was pointing at the ground a fatality was inevitable. With the large number of excellent used Dreams, Falcons, Mark IV's, Pulses and Spectrurns available, why is anyone flying these harder-to··COntrol gliders? I know they are cheap for new pilots, but is it that important for more advanced pilots to get some small amount of cash for their garage queens? At best they make hang gliding a whole lot less fun for beginners, and at worst they cost lives and limbs. My last points are the most important. I-fang gliding is exhilarating and addicting. Thoughts of flying can take over most of your waking (and sleeping!) hours. Three of the last eight fatalities involved beginner pilots flying without lJSHGA-certified instruction. At least two of those pilots just couldn't wait for their instructors to reacb them. 'fhere is a reason why USHGA H/\NG GLIDING

instructors arc certified: The officers and instructors in our organization got togctl1-cr afrer numerous people were killed in the early years of our sport and stanclard-ized and improved training to eliminate most of the mistakes that were killing and injuring students. That certification process helps make sure the instructors know how to safely proceed with a stll-dcnt:'s training in an incremental fashion. There is ;i reason why training takes a while: New pilots rake a while to acquire the control skills needed to fly their gliders. Instructors watch for signs that pilots can consistently handle their gliders prop-erly before proceeding to a new task. ff instructors don't observe proper control they will continue training at that level until they do. There is a reason why USHGA--certificd instruction is more expensive than doing it yourself: It takes time to properly train a student, ;md an instructor who has t·aken the time to ger certified deserves compensation. When you train by your--

MAY '19()6

Vintage airmail stamps will again be appearing on the 1 thank you' letters I send in response reports. Mix em ,natch em all!Just in your reports!" 11

self, your instruction is worth exactly what you arc paying fc>r it. Don't pay with your !ifo. NOTE: 'T'his pilot was known ro some other pilots ns "Ken 'Tc11-rcs," an assumed name used on his USHGA rating card and driver's license. There was a warrant out for bis arrest.

[ h;ivc received two more magnanimous donat·ions from the renowned and sublime Scott Siemer. The first is ;i sub-scription to Avi1uion Safety, a magazine devoted to powered flight which is nonetheless full of topics relevant to our sport. The second is a large quanrity of vintage airmail stamps. They will again he appearing on the "thank you" letters J send in response to accident reports. I apologize to the recent fow who got the hated and despised "LOVE" stamps. I c;in again send Amelia Earhart, DC-3's, Constellations, Naval Aviation, l .onc Eagles, the mysterious red dclt;i--wing nine-cent issue (hang glider omen?), and die always appropriate "Leaming Never Fnds." Mix 'cm, match 'cm, collect 'cm all! Just send in your reports! And thanks again Scott! Im

•

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PRODUCT REVIEW

Miniature Audio Variometers by Mark "Forger" Stucky

nc of che first vruiomeref$

strapped on a hang glider was the original Culver, an audio-only mll<ld abouc rhe size of a small lunch box. ln the ,wo decades hence, chc scare of the art has continued co ,,dvancc. Top-of-theline varios a.re increasingly smaJJe.r yet more sopbinicatcd, offering a wealth ofinforn,arjon for che serious SQ:lring pilot In 1991, a hang glider pilo, named Mark Malle, decided to buck rhe trend of increasing complexity, instead applying existing ,echnology to design as SJrnul a v,u:io as possible. The end resuJ, was a

miniarure audi0-0,,ty variomecer dubbed the Mini Vado. Ma.,k envisioned d1ac his creation would fill a m2ekcting niche fuc a high-tech mioiaruri1.ed mcio. Most h•ng glider pilots, however, initially rhough, of the Mini \l.-irio merely a, a backup for competition. Over chc years, the Mini Vario bas sceadily gained popularity. Pilots ~ke the ease of use, simplicicy and durabilicy of a helmet-mounred ,,:,rio. 11,oy find che Mini

Vario to be a simpJc yec sensjtivc insttunlen, that helps them soar their local sice,. Recencly a new emry hit rhe marketthe SkyWacch Micro Vario discribuced by FlyTec USA. Like rhe Mini Vario, the Mia'O Vario is a lift..only rniniacure audio varion1eter v.•ich similar fearucc:s and pricing. Thi, review is incendcd to help you decide which model m.ay be bcsc for you.

EXTERNAL Both variomerers are housed in small, durable plascic cases of virrually ideotical height and widrh. Proving you cin'c judge a pl'oduct by ics name, the Micro Vario is abouc or,e-third longer than the Mini Vario (see photo). The Mini V:1rio comes with a small spring cliJ>, for accaching ic to a helmet or cbin strap, while the Micro Vario c.omes with a lanyatd for hanging ir around )'Our neck or for use as a safucy line. PlyTee offers an optional bracket for quickly clipping che

The Mini Vari• andMicro V,,,w.

Micro Vario co • comrol bar or par:1gLidcr nscr.

AUDIO Boch v:iriomctcrs use small piczo-clcctric

speakers to provide "lift-only" audio, cueing or a fixed volume. As 1he race of climb iocreascs bocb rhe beep roce and cone incre.,sc. The simibri,ies cod hece. While the Micro Vario's volume is comparable ro stand!lrd varios. che Minl VarioS sound is

best described as &inc. Mall«cc claims rhe Mini Vario con be heard &om 30 fuct away, but rh.is is w,doubmlly only possible in a l•b<,ratocy environment. I found rhar the Mini Vario had to be mounted di reedy over ,ny ear in order co adequ;i,ccly hear it over tbe wind aoise at even lo,v airspeeds.

The Micro Vario, on the orher hand, is easily heacd over ,vind noise even when

moumed several feec away. In fucc, a Micro Vario placed 30 feet dismm was significandy louder than a Mini Vario three feet away. Mose pilocs will liod the Micro Yorio too loud co place directly mm 10 their <or without a )ayer of foam to attenuate the volume.

I found the Micro Vario worked well even

when placed inside a harness or flighc suic pod«c Neicher vario has a sink alarm, although the technology cx.iscs to ma.oufucture one'. To belp identify sinking or lighdy bunyanc air, most pilots choose ro set the chreshold so d1e unics bec:p slowly at their normal cairn-air sink race. Sinking air is identified by a sileru vario while rhe reduced sink race of lightly buoyanc air causes fastec beeping. A possible additional benefit of this cechnique is rhac die vario beeps at a constanc altitude, helping to rc:mind you to turn it off after your flighc. The audio zcco rhreshold on ,he Mini Vario is adjus1c:d by insercing a jeweler's screwdriver imo a small hole on the back. The vario retains ics chreshold well. and rhe recessed potentiomccer prevencs accidentally knocking it ouc of adjustment. The Micco Vario has a knurled knob on rhe front for easy adjusuncm. It's easy co change the ,hreshold, either deliberately or acddemally, bur rJ,e dial can be marked to quickly verify your desired :.ening. Both uojcs have a small pressure pore on dleir backsides. Siuc.e a variom.ecer n1ea)urd changes in static air pressure, rhis port should eitbcr be shadowed from or oriented pcrpendiwlar co che prevailing airflow. Thi.s is easily done with a control bar or harness mount; ,he problCJn is ch.at you can't 1no~1nc a Mini Vario away from your ear and sciU hear it! l mourned rhc Mi11i Vario in my helmet ear hl)le and ic worked w.:U - uotil I turnc:d my head. Any "wind irt 1he car" encel'ed the scatic port and caused a false sink indication. The moment I saaightencd my head I was greeced by a sharp life indication. These false readings only lasccd a few $<COnds but I found rhem irritating, cspecia!Jy while ;cratching in we.k Ii.ft wirh other gliders nearby. In 1rus situation chc 1\1.i.oi Vario ,vas at irs worst ,vhen I nt:ed.ed h rhc most. I ttied sev<:ral merhods to shield 1he scaric porr but none of them eomplecdy alkviat.:J ,he

IHtll•tthdn pik,1 Fm/ Vadi11 h,,;, dttig~ ll l(JlrlpPrlib/J iiu:d.41/JUo ivllTIJmdrr ro#/, both lifi 4ndlink JWOIQ. FrttldlJtt Ml matkd I,~ tks,g,, ifdgnrciot,.Jly ajJmtiff pl,,m forfiw on 1h,· lnttmtl Hang Glidtr,g ~ -

MAY 1996

fpm) i, announcctl by a single beep, while problem. I, appca,s thar the wind :hieting three merers per second (600 lj,n,) is delinthe rear of the vario rosing causes i ncreascd eated ,IS groups of trip lee< separated by a prasure wirhin the unit. mon1enlary pause. lr is easy co note the This same effect was noriceable oo rhc n1111Jbtr of beeps and easy to notice cone Micro Vario but to• lesser degree (its c:i.«: is change.s within the same beep group. Using sriffc,). Unlike the Mini Vario. thfa e/fecr the ted1oiquc in which you set the M..icro does not have to ·be a common occurrence Vario for your calm-air sink race, jr ,.,.rould since the lvUcro Vario does not require helbccp a single bocp per second at :1 200 fpm met mounting to bo audible. dcsce,,t. Ifyou are main raining a.lcitude in Volume level is nor rhe only major audio ti.sing air you hear groups of doublets, while ditference. Both ,mits use clipped cones chat if you are climbing ar 200 1pm you hear increase in both frequency and cone wi,h cciplct groups. The tone variacions \Vichin inc=sed lifr, but I found me Micro Vario's each beep group a,c allo much easier ro disaudio cue.< significantJy easier to interpret. While I could detect small changes in race of cc.m tb:tn chose of the Mini Vario. climb wirh the Mini Vario, I co,tld oor RANGE quantify chem; that is, I could not cell if cbe The Mini Vario will regcsrer lift ro 1,200 climb me incrc=d by l 00 fpm or 500 fpm while i:hc Micro Vario can handle up to fpm. Nor could I compare it to wl,ar I was 2,000 fpm. Eimer range is more than adeaccomplishing a few minu,cs before. I'm quau:. sure someone with a 1llore music.al ear can mcmori1.e minute tone changes and assocj.. BATTERIES arc them with a given climb race, bu, I can't The Mini \ 1ario partly ov;res its dl1ninutive 1~he Micro Vario is much easier to inter~ size LO the. USC of mi.niaru.ro button batteries. pttt because irs tone not only chat1ges for a four of d,esc lithium #2032 cells provide for given change in alricude. it is also broken 200 hours of use ar a cost of $8.00. down inro "beep groups" according to the change in dimb race in meters per scound. A Changing ,he bacrcrics requires a smaU Phillips screwdriver co remove the vario race of climb ofone meter per scoond (200

back. The Micro Yorio claims a minimum bam:ry life of I00 homs when powered by two AAA alkaline batteries (toial cost: $2.00). Changing the b:irreries in the Micro Vacio requires looS<:niog a thumb screw.

WARRANTY AND SERVICE Mallecrec provides an unequaled rwo-y,:ar w:uranry on the Mini Vario (excluding water or case damage). Mark ,Mall« has an oucscanding repuracion for pron1pt and inexpensive servicing. l'hc Micro Vario con1es ,vith a one-ye:tr n,anufaeturer's guar-

ancee. FlyTee USA has proven themselves co be a dedicated discribucor and promise onc:d2)' warranty service.

THE ENVELOPE PLEASE Both modc:ls are inexpcn.sive, durable, and backed by great warramics. [ judged the ?viicro Vario tO be superior to the Mini V,rio due ro its superior audio a1>d rhc ability co moum it virruaUy anywhere. While I like the concept of mouncing a mjniarurc \f;lrio in an car cup, l don't rt!COAlll-.end doing so until models arc more colerant of

bead rnovemem. •

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H ANG GurnNG

I by Jim "Sky Dog" Palmieri

Just equipment that us. often feel possessive about ownership of the especicdly around launch, and controversy between hang and pilots about site flying rights still rears its

ut there arc others we share the with who will win any argument. They our powered brethren, airplanes and jets. Sornctimcs we make jokes about sharing the friendly skies with jct fighters, but they can and do pose a threat to hang glider and paraglider pilots not only at altitude bur sometimes just several hundred foer above launch. The following arc excerpts from a "thread" on the Intcrnct about close calls with jets and planes, which had its origin in discussions about whether hang gliders can be detected by radar. 'T'hey arc amusing to read but also frightening. Hopefully, these anecdotes will increase your awareness of this potentially deadly threat.

thing; there was just no time for avoidance. Dave said he saw rhe pilot turn his head and look at him. According to Dave, the fighter missed him by about 500 feet. I le held on tightly for a long time. The first time I decided to Walter .leave the cozy confines of my usual moun-rnin Mt. Ascutney, Vermont, I had a near mid-air collision wirh a twin-engine plane just as I was leaving the mountain. I had topped out at about 8,000 feet and started a straight glide toward Morningside, about 10 miles to the south. About one mile later, just over the Connecticut River, I heard a loud sound approaching. Before I could locate the source of the sound a plane

flew directly over me abom 30 above. Somehow I didn't encounter any wing-tip vortices from the plane. Kevin Moore: Have I been buzzed? Yes, on several occasions. Steptoe Butte, Washington, is a 1, 100-foot conical shard of weathered granire that juts out of the Pelouse farmland . It is a beacon for pilots ofall Lypes. While standing at launch a F,-14 'Fm1cat came roaring up the east face from a height about 200 fi:er AGL l walked off launch, broke down and wem home. Ar Saddle Mountain, Manawa, Washington, while I was ridge soaring 300 feet over launch, two A-G's came roaring down the Columbia River ar 200 feet. They

'I 'here are two ways to be spotted on radar, by direct return or transponder echo. Airport radar services get usable direct returns from flocks of birds. They also get returns from hills, masts and houses, but these are a nuisance. As a result, they use filters that screen out stationary objects. "Stationary" is defined as anything up to 50 mph. Hang glider direct returns :ire easily seen if the stationary filters arc off. Bang gliders can be confusing to con1rollers since they seem ro come out of nowhere, and move so slowly. John One day, during the aurumn oi' 1992, I was setting up to launch at Lake City, Minnesota. Dave "Lunch Money" Robbins was already in the air just a couple of hundred feet over launch on a 400-foothigh ridge. Out of· nowhere a milita1y fighter boomed over launch. Dave couldn't do anyMAY 1996

veered cast and roared up the foce about a quarter mile in front of me. A month later, in the same place, an A-10 roared in front of me. A, Simms Corner, Washington, on an X-C rrip from Chelan, l was getting low at Simrns and heard rhe now-familiar roar. TrJ the west I could sec two EA-GB Prowlers at my altitude. My heart was pounding! 'T'his was going to be close. I was in a 700-fprn thermal and I just kept on turning. At 1,200' AGL I could sec that the Prowlers would pass below me, but not by much. They did, but with just 200 feet of clearance. One of the RT O's in the hack waved to me. Ken Ward: (from a sailplane club newsletter) As l neared Bodie Twas becoming increasingly preoccupied with a major decision. If I could make the second turn and get as far north as Minden on the last leg I would have a "diamond distance" (500 km). I-fowever, the lift in that direction was dying. On the other hand, the clouds to the southeast still looked good. ff [ could reach the White Mountains, 45 miles distant, a final glide to Bishop would also give me diamond distance. With these thoughts distracting me Twas totally unprepared for what was about ro

happen. I was thcrrnaling through 1c;,ooo feet in good lift, when, as I circled around to the north, my canopy was suddenly filled with the sight of a massive B-52 in camouflage colors. By the time 1 saw him it was too late to do anything except to hope we would not collide. I watched in amazement as ir roared directly benc;nh me with all eight engines pouring om black smoke. How close was it? J can only guess, but J would say no more than 200 feet and probably closer to 100 feet, and certainly closer than I ever want ro get again. I\ B--52 is a very meanlooking machine indeed. I don't know if the B-52 crew saw me in advance or not. Thoughts of this still give me the chills! Peter Birren: 1 just talked with a hang glider pilot friend in "fomah, Wisconsin. There arc a couple of military bases near him and, in the process of getting through to them to let them know that he would be flying, found that the radar operators always knew when he was in the air. At first they wouldn't give him the time of day. He mentioned that a jer could take him out easily, but a 200-pound "fly on the windshield" would also take out the jct. They now have a nice working relationship.

Matt Knapp: If you have never flown in a light plane you'd be appalled by rhc lack of visibility. 'Think about the visibility you have from your car. Now raise the hood a bit and make it 11arrowcr, raise the dashboard a bit for the extra instrumentation, make the side windows smaller, and put a couple of big pieces of plywood sticking out either above or below your side windows. This will give you a good approximation of the visibility in a light plane. One near miss is a real good way to make you sit up and take notice. Russ Brown: l had a close encounter with a twin-engine plane over the 'frmecula Valley. The plane was flying right at me at about 6,000 feet AGL I kept thinking: "There is no way he is going to hil me; he'll see me for sure. There is too much space up here. What are the chances of a mid-air collision? I'm not going to panic. T'm just going to fly straight ahead." He flew directly under me with less than 100 fret between us. I could plainly sec from his lack of contact that he didn't have a clue I was r vowed that next time l would show private planes "some wing" to help them out. Maybe a couple of' high-banked turns would Ii ave put me JOO feet lower.

HANG CUDINC

Stan Koszelek: There we were, thennaling over the cast side of Lake Elsinore,

California. My glider has a fluorescent orange leading edge and top, fluorescent yellow 1mdersurfocc, a "smidge" of rnrquoise at the nose and a white trailing edge. I know what you're thinking, UGLY. but it is BRIGHT l don't know how high we were, hut on rhe horizon I saw a line to the north getting M. VORH IS J·'H, bigger. There was a flrc somewhere to tbc south ing our second loop around the lake, a sight-and this BIC four·cnginc foe-retardant bomhcr was heading right for me. I did some seeing Piper Cub flew down the lake 300 feet below me, clearing the towline by abour 300 furious circling. He banked to the righr 10 feet. On reflection, I'm certain that the weak avoid me, rnrning toward my buddy Roger link would have broken, bur I wonder what in his blue and white Sport. BRIGHT is the Spectra line would have done to the RIGHT! Piper's or propeller. l guess the lesson is Peter Birren: Twas on tow at l ,500 feet AGL to alw::iys act as though you're invisible or the other gny is blind. when, from <)0 degrees off rny left at 1500 lt:et AGL, a commuter helicopter came at me Again, preparation and education will at about 200 mph. I did some quick visual best serve us when flying in crowded aircalculations and figured that with my climb space. T'hc following is a list of suggestions rat·c and his speed that he would p:tss just in who is both a bang glider front of me. '!'he chopper did pass about I 00 from Wayne and small plane pilot. in from of me: and l 00 feet below 1) Know rhe airspace you will he flying in by withom any deviation from his flight path. I studying sectional maps and locating comcontinued on tow, knowing rhat his rotor mercial and military routes. wash would be well below me. 2) Be more aware when flying near busy airOne day J was climbing nicely in a mellow thermal when :1 Piper Cub pilot flew a space. few hundred foc:t under me. He circled sever- 3) When you hear the roar of an engine, al rimes to watch my progress, waved, and bank your wing to help the oncoming pilot spot you. flew off 4) Jiang a "disco-ball" or other reflective Last year :mother hang glider pilot and I device from the top of your kingpost; they were at 4,000 feet ACL arn! got a radio call can be seen from miles away. (Wayne was from the ground rhar two planes were asked by a pilot from the New River approaching. They turned out ro he T-G 'lcxans, all "war-birdied" up. Tl1cywcrc Airport in Virginia about what kind of strobe he was flying with.) directly below us and proceeded to commit a 5) Avoid flying dose to forest or grass fires. dual loop. What a sight! Big ol' radials Besides being dangerous, it is ofren illegal comin' right at y:1. I watch for planes as since that airsp,1cc is usually closed. much as I watch for soaring birds. Around 6) Continuously look around for rapidly Chicago, one has to. moving shadows of planes following ground contours. You may sec the shadow Paulin: Two years ago Twas about J ,500 feet AGl. on row behind a boat at before hearing engine sounds. This advice sounds good to me. Lake Chelan, Washington. We were using small-diameter Spectra line which is virtually Remember to always look around and use invisible beyond 200 feet. As we were tnakcommon sense, and always fly safely. II

MJ\Y 1996

Bachman

like to pass on some infrm11a·· tion to you regarding some progress have made with three different site situations as a result of our site preservation activities over the past l 2 months. This information has been communicated to me from club members in the "affect·· ed" areas. l received a le1tcr from the flyncr View BGC regarding their three-year plus efforts to save the Hyner View site in Pennsylvania from unwanted imrusions by Air National Guard F-1 <i's. I have been communicating fiir the past 18 momhs with Bob Beck, a club member, commercial jct pilot and the club's Military Liaison Officer. T attended an ANG air space conforencc meeting and mer twice with ANG officers about their proposed Ander MOA (Military Operations Arca). Through our association with rhc National Aeronautic Association l had been able to collect some "hip pocket" allies who could bring pressure to bear on the problem if it became necessary. Because of the continuing efforts of Bob Beck, the Hyncr View HGC, and the FAA, we did not have ro cash in our chits with rhesc allies. Fortunately, we can save rhcir help for another fight. l·!cre arc excerpts from Bob's letter to their club members. "Enclosed is the text of rhe formal letter terminating the Air National Guard's effort to establish the Antler MOA. The cloud of doubt that has been hanging over Byner these last four years is gone ... Several very good things have come out of this ... The Clinton County commissioners have made the statement that until Antler, they didn't folly realize what a positive asset we were to Clinton County, and they would be interested in discussions to

insure our continued access to Byner View... much to their credit the FAA eastern region off1cc ... countered that we were indeed legitimate and lawful users of public airspace and worthy of protection ... ultimately they (FAA) were true to their profession, which is assuring the safety of flight. J had the pleasure, and the advantage, of dealing with persons within the FAA who were willing to resist enormous political pressure and do the right thing. 'fo them I say: Thank you." In the January l 996 issue of Hang Gliding rnagazinc l published a call-roacrion article requesting USHGA members to join us in a letter-writing campaign to help prevent the adoption by the Appalachian 'Ii-ail Conforence manage· mcnt o/" a seriously negative policy toward hang gliding on the 'frail. We have since received assurances that the policy will be modified, although we have nor seen what those modificmions will be. Therefore, we have to continue to maintain vigilance on this issue. Recently, however, the A'T'C published the results of the public comment period on this proposed policy. They stated that they received a total of 27 comments from A' l'C members, l 2 of those suggesting irnprovemcnts in rhc policy language, three expanded on the nega· rive hang gliding attitude, and the remaining 12 supported the policy as is. 'fhc USHGA effort produced "more than 900

responses"! ( )vcr 200 of the 900 "composed original letters and over 700 signed the USHGA prepared letter." No matter how you look at these numbers, this is an excellent response from USHGA members. Meas med ag:1i nst a membership of '),300, Ll1is represellls a I 0% total mem-· bership respouse. Everyone should be proud of the members' contribution. I know we at the office focl very good about it. T'hank you. 1 want t:o pass on some recent· comments from Mark Frasca of the Warcrgap HCC on their continuing effcirts with the ATC. "The meeting on March 16th with the Appalachian "frail Conforcncc went well. We met members of the land management committee at lunch and started our 'performance' around 1:00 PM. We were supposed to be done at I :30 but they kept asking us questions. 'T'he meeting went on until 2:30 ... then asked us to set up some equipment ... a pilot: inflated his paraglider a fow times aud we set up my Sensor. This went on for another hom. Some of die ATC members were inquiring about lessons and tandem rides! I think if we were at the meeting last year when the 'Drafr Policy: Hang Cliding on A'J' Lands' was being developed, much of the hang gliding community cffcJrt would have been unnecessary." Let rne point out that the club had asked to be at the meeting a year ago but to no avail. "The invitation to this year's meeting was solidified during om meeting with Congressman Paul Md1alc. Tlicre arc many lessons to be learned from these stories. I will continue to inform you about site issues developing around the country so that you can become more sensitive to the ongoing need to be constantly aware of protecting our precious sites. Do not slack up on thinking of ways ro reinforce your relationships with the owners and/or man· agers of your sites. lt is a continuous process. By the way, J received a call for help this morning regarding an airport which was willing to allow access for our members until it: received a threat of cancellation from their insurance company if any hang gliding or paragliding activities are permitted. Here we go again. Ill HANC GLIDINC

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It stands for "International Drachen Und Gieitschirm Ausstellung" (International Hang Gliding and Paragliding Exhibition). But what it really means is the coolest collection of current hang glider, paraglider, ultralight, powered paragliding and sailplane stuffyou're likely to run across on the planet. Since I make my entire living.from these sports I decided to take my first trip across the bigpond to check out this show I've heard so much about.

SINCE THIS WAS MY FIRST EXPERIENCE abroad, ] decided it wo,Jd be bc:sc to trav• cl \vith a scasonod intcrnationaJ trekker. Dennis Pagc:o fits pcrfu:tly into tlm cate• gory, so when he agreed to help steer me through all that foteign customs stuff and anS\ver aJl my ignorant questions, I couldn>t rcfi.tsc.

Arriving in Munich on the firs, day of the show, I cook a train (,hey go every• ,vhere over there) co Augsbul'g 1A1here the Induga Fw, & Fly was being hdd. A shore walk to my "hotel" and l w:is unburdened of my luggage which allowed me to cl,ock out this quoinr town and find my way ro the exhibit hall. A couple of buses and a

HANC GUDINC

M~Y 1996

lor of loud, slow English later. l arrived ar the haU. Wba, I found there was utterly amazing by U.S. standard;,. If you have ever bee" ro • trade show or :iny kind you know ,ha, it's basic.,lly a whole loc of companies crying 10 sell their sruff. This is accomplished in pare through elaborace dispb)'s designed co gee your acccnclon. The spon aviation con'!-

munity in Europe rakes this as seriously as any business. Kno",ing whar ir oost.s co put on a display at such." show, I could only funtasize about the coca! amount or 1noney speoc by $()me of the more creative

exhibirors. The UP and Airborne bood,s were especially i,npressive ,;vidl cheir creative use of iron and steel. To describe them in de.rail would rake up more space

than this magazine's cdi,or would allow. In a nutsh.dl, suffice it co say chac the Europeans reruly have ir cogcther. Here in the U.S. we have a habit of thinking that v.·e do everything the best, but a crip across die big pond can sure change your outlook. I'd highly recommend a crip overseas 10 nexc year's INDUGA exhibicion for a ne\v per$pective on sport aviation. •

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ilots of powerless aircraft such as sailplanes, hang gliders and paragliders arc required by natural law 10 land eventually and arc normally affcmlcd only one ch:mcc to get it right. For thar reason we have developed systems and procedures to help us conrrnl om energy and position in three-dimensional space. The familiar aircraft and figure-eight landing approaches arc two such procedures. The aircraft approach consisting of downwind, base and final legs in particular, is well suited for high-performance hang glider landings. This approach technique has been around in its present form since Eddie Rickenbacker rode the winds. But now a variation on the rectangular groove has :1ppeared.

New technology has always provided an impetus for examining our cusi-omary practices. In this case, the use of sensitive mapping CPS units in sailplanes has allowed an examination of t·hc landing patterns of top pilots. A consistent variation in the standard aircraft approach was discovered, even among those pilots who fly commercial aircraft and strictly adhere ro the standard approach in their workday flying. The variation has been refined and adopted by the British sailplane association and is now being routed for U.S. pilots. It makes such sense that WC fed it should be explored by hang glider pilots as well. Perhaps it will become part of our formal instruction. The st:rndard aircraft approach is shown in Figure I. With the standard approach, after losing alrin1dc in a staging ::irca, the pilot enters the pattern at the initiation poinr A, then flies a downwind leg, base leg and flnal leg. The turns at Band Care normally 90° turns but may be varied ro alter the base leg in order to adjust for height or wind diffcrc11ces. The two main problems with the standard approach arc that we lose visual contact with the rargcr from point D to B (shaded) unless we seriously crane and strain our necks. In addition, in strong winds iris

MAY 19%

by Dennis Pagen

difficult to judge the place to turn at B so that we don't get caught shorr on final in rhc headwind. (For this reason we recommend a f1gure-eigln approach in ground winds over 15 mph.) 'The variation approach as shown in Figure 2 helps alleviate these problems. In rhis case the pilot makes a turn of abom 4 5° at F which is well before the normal turn ar B. Then another 45° turn is performed at G and finally a 90" turn at H lines up the final '] 'his variation solves the first problem because the amount of time spent going away from the target is lessened and confl ncd to the stretch where the angle back to the target is not so great (sec the shaded area in the figure). The second problem is alleviated because the turns at F and c; and the diagonal leg let you assess your wind drift with respect to the target more readily. In my recent practice with this variation on the aircrafr approach I found that I prc-fr:r ro start the downwind leg a bit higher and further to the side of my field in order to perforrn a reasonable diagonal leg. Otherwise, the two 45° turns end up being a large continuous curve. This brings up the only possible objection I can see to the variation approach: an extra rnrn is required (three instead of two). However, since the turns arc of a heading change, they can be performed in short order and are less susceptible to being altered by sudden turbulence. When T first: read a description of this approach variation in Soaring magazine it made sense to me. If this variation is valuable in hang gliding we'll know after some experimclllation and discussion. In that case instrnctors may wish to incorporate it into their programs. All we need to do then is to adopt new terminology to aid comnrnnication. ln the absence of anything else, J propose labeling the legs as downwind, diago-nal, hrtsc and jinr,/. In addition, to distinguish the ;1pproach from the traditional powered aircraft approach, I suggest that we call this the gliding approach. 'lt-y it and sec if it helps put you in your place. II

l~r;urc J.

7:::;,ow!'/W111/D

!NINO

Figure 2.

is issuing its annual call for nominations to the national Board of Directors. Nine positions are open election in October 1996 for a two-year term beginning January 1997.

. , • ., . · ~ , ,

members seeking position on the ballot should send to headquarters for receipt no later than August 20, 1996 the following information: name and USHGA number, photo and resume (one page containing the candidate's hang /paragliding activities and viewpoints, written consent to be nominated and that they will serve if elected). Candidates must be nominated by at least three USHGA members residing in the candidate's region. , n v u r..

Nominations are ne1~ae:<.1 DeeemLJer 31, 1

the following regions.

are listed and their terms will expired

and the September/October of Ballots will be distributed with the October issue of needs the best volunteers to help guide the development and rv,·,ucn·rl candidate material for receipt no later than August 20 to: 1330, 80901.

1 2

3 4 7

Glen Nicolet Bill Bryden

Randy Adams

William Bennett

GWMeadows

Paul Rikert

Alaska, Washington Northern California, Nevada Southern California, Hawaii Arizona, Colorado, El Paso, New Mexico, Utah Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Washington DC, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico New Jersey, New York

The following form is for your convenience.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR ELECTION NOMINATION FORM I~rebyno~inme_____~~--~----------------------------~---~ac~ilid~eforRe~on~ Director for Region

I understand that his/her name will be placed on the Official Ballot for the

1997 Regional Director Election if three nominations are received by August 20, 1996.

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ere we were. le was Day 1 of che l 996 Women', World Meec in Bright, Aumalia. Fragmencs of unknown languages emerged &om the crowd of pilocs gening ready for action. Round I was co begin any time now. The few momencs before the beginning of o competition often give rlse to a surreal feeling - so much excitement, tension and focus aU ar once. Soon it would all become so real! Internacional contcscs produce special and rich overtones. We are all there with chc same purpose: co make the best possible showing of our skills and ,o be ,•ictorious. Yee, this co,npetitiveness encourages cultural exchange, new fcicndships and a sense of communion. Aren'c we all \.V01ncn ,Yllo chose to devote lots of time and energy co the same passion? Twelve days were allotted for this event rhac ,vou.ld determine the 1996 Womc,is Wodd Champion and World Champion Team. We six U.S. pilocs were all resolved co ortoin our goal; this is what we had all been waicing for during chc months of preparation. The actual fun was

about ro begin!

THE CAST

Team USA.members wet<: chosen after the end of the 1995 oompc:tirion season. To all concestancs' dd.ighc, in the Chelan '95 Nationals, l 0% of cl,e panicipancs were female. "J1us den1onstrared a nc,v trend io ,vomen being interesce.d jn hang gliding competition.

The national ranking (based on l 994 and 1995) defined ,be ccam as foUows: Kari Cascle, Tammy Burcar, Claire Pagen, Samantha Moore, Allison Bawnhefncr and C.J. Sturtevant. Due co

an unforn1nace mishap, Samancha. a strong

pilot on che ceam. v.·as injured and could ooc compete. Nikki Driver, the ncxc v. 0111an pilot in ,he ranking, made last-minute travel arrangements and joined us in Australia. Kari, our top-rrutked pilor. was defiititely in contention for rhe gold medal with her experience and past competition successes. She had a strong finish (eighth out of 130 pj.locs) in the Bogong Cup held a few weeks earlier at che same location as the won1en's 1

compccirion. Many pilots and non-pilocs (not only U.S. affiliated) were rooting for her. Our job as teammates would be to give her support without pressuring her for an uncoodjtional \\'in. Kari's un.li1niced hwnor is anocher of her multiple talenrs and was al\V3)'S appreciaccd no ntatter ,vhar pressure

the ream was under ac the n1on1cnL Tammy Burau, out 1995 Women's National Champion, was a very srrong addi6on to the team. T:unmy has been on die

con1pccicion scene for several years {she ,11as on the 1993 Women's Team in JaJl"n). She had to stop competing for a while for heald, rC'asons but can1e back ,vith a vc::ngean.ce in

'95 and finished sixth overall at the '95 Nationals. Tammy cravelcd to Australia well ahead of ,he competition dates and was a great asset in helping the ,cam with local arrangemenrs such as lodging and retrieval. Allison Bauniliefncr, a newcotner to comperitlon, is a long-time hang glider HANG G uorNG

past season and was selected on the basis of only one summer of meets. 'ft::m1 senior, she always dernonst rated wisdom, and was calm and supportive. C.J. was also the driving force behind the fimdraising activities. Thanks to rhe work of C:.J. and her husband Ceorge, the team raised an 1mpreccdented amoum of money. Most of this work was done hcfore she knew whether or not she would be selected for the team. This reveals her dedicMion to the cause. Nikki Driver had to drop everything to come to Australia and compcrc on the U.S. Team. She had only three weeks to make plans before the srnn of the meet when she learned there was a vacant spot on the team. Nikki was a model of' sportsmanship and good spirits. She also proved 10 have many other qualities, fimuioning as Tc:am Cook and winning the "Team Smile" pri'1,c. As for your amhor, she brought her experience from past World Meers (Japan in 1993 and Chelan in 1991) and provided entertainment with her l;rcnch accent! An unexpected addition to the ream was Mark "Cibbo" Cibson, second-ranked pilot in the U .S, The tearn had come to Australia without a team leader, but Mark, who happcried to be there for some other competitions, off~rcd his services. After we accepted them, he nicknamed himself"Suprcrne Commander" and cracked the whip during prae1ice and competition. His experience in high-level inrernation:11 cornpetition and team flying was certainly helpful. George Sturtevant and Sarah RuFfels (from Australia) were our dedicated drivers and helpers. We did our best to avoid mistreat·ing them as their services were extremely precious!

pilot. Her strong placing in the Chelan Nationals (fol!nh in rhe Women's Class) showed that she would have no problem adapting to the competition scene. She also participated in the Bogong Cup to warm up for this event. Her other talents included (but are not limited to) being Tc:am Psychologist and 'learn 'famer. Another new member, C.J. Sturtevant, dedicated lots of time and energy in '95 to make the team. She came back to competition during this MAY '19%

'The championship was held in the sontbeast corner of Australia in Bright, Vie1oria, about three hours northeast of Melbourne and eight hours south of Sydney. 'fhere rest the highest mountains in the country, the Australian Alps, which culminate around 6,500 feet. The town of Bright is located in the Ovens Valley, adjacent to Mt. Buffalo National Parle 'The area abounds with very colorfu I town and mountain names of Aborigine origin, such as Wancliligong, Mudgccgonga, Nug Nug and the notorious Mt. Bogong (meaning "big fellow") that three of us (I<ari, Nikki and Claire) got to climb on a r;iined- and snowed-out practice day. Of the Aborigines only names remain in the area, however; we didn't hear from or sec any of rhem.

Severn! sites were to be used during the contest. The closest one, ML Buffalo, is a gigantic, sheer of rock. The launch, around /i,200 offrrs a very specu1cular drop above a magnificent canyon and faces northeast towc1rd the Ovens Valley. All other sites were in the Kicwa Valley, a /i5-minure drive from Bright. Ar rhc south end of the valley, Mt. Emu (Ii ,200 facing west, proved to be the site we would use most often. 011 the other sick: of this valley and facing cast is T1wonga Cap, nicknamed "Thcwronga Gap" because of its reputation f'or rarely being soarablc. We were lucky to fly this site during practice on one of thes~: rare days and went on a nice cruise 011 rhat side of the Kicwa Valley. We would not fly it again during the comest, however. The last Gundowring, is located ar the nonh end of the I<icwa Valley and tops our at l ,200 feet above the valley floor. It was used twice during the competition in stronger wind condirions. Despite this of possible the tasks ended up all being flown on the Mt. Fmu range (either from Mr. Fnm or Gundowring) except for one fairly srablc day at Buffalo. This was because of weather conditions wi1 h moderate to strong westerly winds forecast at launch altitudes. Mt. Ernu, die takeoff th,1t was used the most, presents a fr:w challenges. Ir's located at rhc very south end of the Kicwa Valley. All tasks were directed toward the north since only unlandable mountains and bush country lay f:u-ther south. Unfortunately, the predominant valley winds arc also front the north. Thus, all tasks flown from ML Emu were upwind on the First leg, with Coral Bank, a challenging to be crossed about eight miles from stan. This Gap claimed quire a fow competitors each day. Needless to say, we learned every nook and cranny of the Mr. Emu rn1Jgc. Some of us could even have picked a few leaves ftorn gum trees while scratching, as conditions were often quite light and more: stable as one got lower and closer to the valley floor. The gum trees give out a very special smell when you get close, and there was more than one story of a gum tree thermal save. We also discovered the best way to know when Lo shift gears and start scratching: If you hear loud cicadas you know rhc ground is not too r:1r below! [t would be a crime not to mention some other actors in this play members of the flying fauna of Australia. 'fhese bright-colored birds include cockatoos, parrots and lorakects of all kinds, and rhc famous kook-

aburra witb its legendary laugh. There is nothing more humiliating than landing short of goal only to hear a series of loud laughs as soon as your feet touch rhe ground! Also well worth mentioning are the wedge tailed eagles. These birds are very ter-ritorial and performed great aerobatics in an effort to force us out of the sky. Kari, in particular, thought they were a bit excessive when she was on a low save a couple of hundred feet off the valley Aoor. Most of us got to experience the wedge tailed eagles' aggressiveness. l myself learned to appreciate the show (as long as they didn'r touch my glider ii was a very close miss sometimes) and rhe precision of their dives at the glider's nose. The weather ended up being less than ideal, but the team got a good week of prac-· some of ir in tough conditions which was good training. 'Two out of three official practice days were canceled because of rhe passage of a cold front, with the last one being a foll--drcss rehearsal. 'lwo more fronts would go through during the competition which caused four of 12 days to be canceled. Such a weather pattern is not typical of' the

area for this tirne of year (the middle of the Australian summer). 'The Ausrralians blamed it all on the French government and their nuclear testing in the Paciflc.

Forry-five contesr:mts plus team leaders and helpers made frJr a comfortable-size group. The organizers had hoped for 60 women competitors, but Ausrralia is a faraway land for many, and the team from Kazahkstan had to cancel at the last moment. This reminded us of bow lucky we are to be from a country where political stability allows athletes to be fairly certain of their participation in international sporting events. Things started on the slow side for the U.S. 'learn. After the first two rounds, one flown from Gundowring and rhe other from Buffalo, the tearn was in fourth place, with Germany in a fairly strong first position from the beginning. Crear Britain and Switzerland were also ahead of' us but the poinl spread was small. Some of us were a bit disconcerted by the very disorganized traffic patterns in scratchy and/or turbulent conditions, and frustrated by the lack of

leading initiative by other teams. Anything could happen. We knew ir and decided to change racrics. Afrer two clays of forced rest while a front went through, wc returned to Gundowring on a strong··wiud day. The .launch system is unique to Australian rncers. The window starts with an open launch where anyone can launch when she pleases. After typically an hour of this, the window reverts to ordered launch with a push sys-tern. On the first two days wc launched in order, !mt decided that to avoid being delayed and to escape gaggle-suck syndrome we would try to all launch together during the open window if conditions looked favorable. That's what we did in round three, but ended up witb a mad mess of pilots in the air as many rnade the same decision. This stratq,,ry would pay off for us in future rounds, however, when trying to run away from the pack. 'fhe tasks called were generally long for the available conditions. On certain days we landed at 8:00 I'M at the very end of the soarable window, eking our every mile but still short of goal. Pilots made goal on only

two days (eigh1 finishers in round three from Gundowring and seven finishers in round six from Mt. r,:m11). This was part of the organizers' philosophy: making goal was 1101 the goal! They gave priority to valid days with challenging tasks. This idea ofsetring tasks on the long side resulted in only one round out of eight being 1oo<Y<i valid. It w;is the 1bird round and Kari C1stlc won it, which was a nice bonus for both her individual and our team scores. After round three Kari w;:is making a great comcb;:ick and was in third place. Allison landed jus1 short of the goal line that day and earned a score for the team. Nikki was not too behind for our third team score. J\ll the remaining tasks were flown from the hy then well--known Mt. Emu with a validity of' 300 to 900 points, most of them heing in the 700 to 900 range. We all took turns having good and bad days. 'fommy won the fourth round on a very scratchy out-and-renm1 and landed just shy of the Mt. Beauty goal. That was robe the motto for the meet: lots of us would see the goal disappear on final glide and land just short of it just before sunscr! This made for !arc

retrieves and long days. After more of the same in round five, ro!Jnd six sent us over new 1errirory. The task was to fly along the same old ridge, but we were required to go over the back afrcr a turnpoint to end up in Bullioh by Lake Hume to rhc north. Seven pilots made it to goal with Kari in the pack. But then rrouble hit. Our Supreme Commander had been flying now and then and working on modifications to his glider. The French tearn leader officially complained about his flying on this Bl1llioh day as he was seen near the course line. The fact rhat lots of other noncom pct irors were also on or near rhc course (some of l hem r:rcnch) did not stop the organizers from giving our team a penalty of l li4 points :ind each U.S. pilot a penalty of li8 points. This was after Mark Cibson had been asked ro fly as wind technician by rhc organizers in round one, and despite the fact that he was flying without a radio and couldn't possibly have given us any help while flying. Our protests against this penalty were not successful and we had to live with it. This put '!cam USA down to fifrh place after round six. The good news was

that Kari was still in the top three and in contention for the gold medal. Ir was dming the course of round six that a midair occurred abour five miles into the course between Corinna Schwiegershausen of Germany and Annelise Mueller of Swirzcrland. Corinna deployed her parachme and landed safely in the trees while Annelise kept flying as her glider looked okay, but she landed fairly soon because of lack of concentration. They were both a bi1 sbaken but safe and were back in action the next day. Corinna lau nchcd afrer most of' the pack for the rest of rhc contest as she was a bit traffic-shy. l{ounds seven and cighr were won by 'Team USA. We had decided not to dwell on our penalty and to make a comeback no maucr what. Round seven was the best day of all for our team, with Kari in third, Allison in seventh, '];1mmy in J 3th and Claire in l lirh posi1ions for 1hc day. We enjoyed our team flying and helped each other a lor that day. !i's worth noting th;ir with an ordered launch system, team flying is 1101 always possible since members of rhe same team don't necessarily take off at the

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"Now I audio speed rr>nt'crd great. It's pretty n· · be able to get my ey . off my instruments. Dangerously addictive, frighteningly necessary. I love it."

"The

same time. we felt we were getting in the groove. Afrcr this seventh round Kari bad the lead and w;is determined to keep it for the rest of the meet. She would have ro fly dose to the other contenders 10 keep an eye on rhem and do at least as well as they did ro make sure she maintained her position in the standings. Round eight was predicted ro be margin-· al due to an approaching cold front, and it was. ·fwclve competitors got flushed by a squall line ,rnd had to reny. This was the lowest validity day of the whole contest. l<ari finished second for the day behind a competitor who was no threat to her lead. Our wearberrnen, two employees of the national weather service paid to fr1rcc1st weather during the contest, had announced that we would lose at lcas1 the next day due ro another cold from. Then we would have ;It most one round left to complete our comeback as a team.

Hown Xtralite ........ , ..... , . , . nu.1;01ut:

Blades and Shark ....... , .

.f\ n·wa:ve Klassic . . . . . , . . . . . . , .. , . , 6

. ..... 4 Fl, ........... , .... , ..... 2 '\X7,fog XC ......... , . , ...... 2

Laminar...........

Cut .......... , ... , ..... I Flight .......... , . , ..... I Mouettc Tc>pless. . . . . . , ....... I Speed (German) .. , ........... l Wing Super Sport . , ........ J

,,~,,..., ,,.,,,.,.,,.. (in km) lengrh Max.. disrance 73.4 65.6 39.0

55.6 85,8 85.8 62.6

8:3.5 66.5

32.:3

is the best

performing climb and glide instrument I've flown with. I like how you can personally tailor the myriad of functions the Tangent boasts to suit your style."

DESIGN 110 I Glendora Ave Oakland, CA 94602 SIO S31 2261 fax 531 5318

T'he weather was not on our side and we lost rhc remaining day to winds and rain. What a joy for the whole team, though, to have Kari as a gold medalist! This is a welldeserved honor after years of work and dedication and two near rnisscs during the two previous \)(/omen's World Meets in which she won the silver both Limes. The U.S. Team finished fifrh overall, without a final chance to make up fi.1r penalty poims that cost the ream a bronze medal. Despite a bit of disappointment: we all know in our hearts rhat our perform:mce deserved the medal. Jsn't that what counts? The curtain went down on a happy crew of actresses. It's important to remember that even in this kind of story all performers play their part and contribute. There wasn't much time for rehearsal, so we had to improvise a bit. But we got all the clements in place for a good script: drama, comedy, surprises and :1 happy ending!

The 1996 U.S. Wcnnen's'Tc:am would .like to thank all contributors to its fundrnisactivitics. Thanks to all of you who bought Tshins or raffle tickets; the team gathered enough money to allow all members to travel to Australia with minimal outof~pockct expense. This would not have been possible without the help of all the businesses which donated merchandise and prizes to be redistributed. All team members would like to express their profound gratitude for all these donations. II

HANG CLJDING

GET ABOVE IT ALL AND GO CROSS COUNTRY! I took an inventory XC 155 right off the shelf and won the Worlds on it. Didn't have to change a thing! Sweet handling and awesome performance. I love it! - Kari Castle 1996 Women's World Champion

At 225 lbs hook in weight on the XC 142, I was not prepared to find myself eyeball to eyeball with the best of the min-sinkers who rule the sky above Fort Funston. Neither was I expecting to easily pull ahead of the tweaked and modified ridge racers on their home turf. This is simply the best looking, best handling, best performing glider on the ridge! - Andy Whitehill

I am so impressed with cbe handling characteristics of the XC 142 that I had to write. This is truly the sweetest, most responsive high performance glider that I have had the privelege to fly. I hope to be hooking into an XC soon. - Bruce Barmakian

The XC 142 is che easiest handling high performance glider I have ever flown, and the performance is top notch! I bought • J. J. LaMarche one.

After my recent flight on the XC 142 I was delighted. As a smaller female pilot 1 really appreciate the fact that the XC 142's VG can be pulled on with two fingers. - Br onwyn Hamilton

Specifications Model Span Aspect RaUo Glider Weight Pilot Weight (Hook In) Airframe HGMA Certified Suggested Retail Price Optional Winglets Available

155 34 ft 7.5

701bs 170- 280 7075-T6 4/12/95

142

32 ft 7.2 67 lbs 140 • 240 7075-16

$4700

2/6/96 $4700

Yes

~LLl~NG 500 West Bluer idge Ave Orange, CA 92665

Phone (7 14) 998-6359

FAX (714) 998-0647

PILOT REPORT

Make that Topless with a capital T, for this is i:he nanie of the new glidct from La Mouerce chat promises ro lead the way in this newfound freedom.

hen chc brassiere \Va$ first inuoduccd by the frisky French around the turn of the ccmury it scandalized the western world. I, de6ed che laws of

again v.·as undone by an atritude ch.ange, and no liber:ued woman ,vou1d wear one. Now, a ,vom3n can do whatever she d1ooscs, except be ignor<d, and th•• seems co be

gravicy and augmcnte<J the feminine m)'S-"

with.

LA MOUEITE

cique. Its effect was upLlfcing while ctCating whole ne,v st:rntegies in the boudoit The "'ord "brassiere" means "holder," and it ,vas designed to liold a fascination for mankind by making the noc,ble more nociceable. No

Curiously, hang gliders are experiencing a history parallel to cha, of i:he venerable brassie,e. At fust gliders were built without kingposts. They sagged narurally u ncil the

To find out about the Topless [ traveled to Dijon, France. In the o'Umlller this gastronomic center blooms yellow from horizon t0 horiwn and every thermal smells like mustard. But when 1 visited in mid-March die land was clistincdj• brown and th,,rmals were decidedly odorless and limpid. There are only small hills around Dijon, bu, large towing fields. I had the opporruniry to tow aloft on three permutations of i:he Topless. including rhe small one (142 sq. Ft.) and two large ones (150 sq. ft.) ooe with a Mylat sail and one in plain Dacron

n1oral ,voman would ,vear one. Then, in a curious reversal, after a fC\v decades, no moral woman would be caughr

without one. By the 1950's women were molded to a solid "ideal" form by bras!ieres, girdles and ocher devices from the Inquisicion. Bm in the late l 960's the br,

the whole point of che txe«:ise to begin

sail W'aS 6.lJed ,vith air. However, .soon upper rigging ,vas added. and everyone "''35 over~ joyed with the new oonfiguration. fur more chan 20 years ,vc: bave been content co have our wings supported by an exrernal bracing system chat "'Orries r.he airflo,v. Bue no,v, an atcirudc adjustment ha, offered a new free-

dom - ,ve can go topless!

HANCGUDING

wrapping. La Mouene (French for seagull) has b<Xn building gliders since <he mid l970's under <he guidance of Gerard Thcvcnot and h.is brother, Jean-Marc. Gerard is a longtlme top 'A1odd competitor, and some readers may

recall d,ac he brought acrotowing to <he U.S. in die ntid I980's with his Cosmos trike. He still makes rrike wings for IO different ma.nufucturers includiog Cosmos which he sold to his brother-in-law. In addition, his Atlas hang glider, designed in 1979, is still being u.sed as an enrry-le\•el glider, making it the longest lasting design except for <he Eaglet (d<:$igned in 1978). Ac times la Moucne has been the largesr manufacrurer in the world and still produ.ces 1,000 co 2,000 wings a year. So the legacy of the Topless i.s well escablished, and indeed it is based on the successful Racer, a curved-rip design which placed well in die last year's World Meet Bur Gerard wasn't sacisfied.

THE TOPLESS EVOLUTION Recognicion for developing che kingpostless glider must go ro Dick Boone with his Dawn in the early l 980's. The Dawn had side struts and less than perfect pitch stability. The reawakening of the Oa,vn concept ,vas initiated by Chriscof Kra!Uler from Germany. He iook a currenr design and put a becfixl-up ah.1n1inum crossbar inside ,vhich held up both die wings just like die early crossbars, albeit much more securely. Christofs glider Gies very weU, but it's hc:avy - dose to 90 pounds. Bue th.is is ahnOS'l the 2 1St century, :tnd wonder materials do exis,. Gerard had been ,,..or.king wich graphite for some ri1nc, and upon consulting with Chri.scof they came up

the crossbar halves. T his bar exrcnds in front of the crossbar halves and is held down ro the keel with a webbing loop, thereby prewould mke the negative loads normally supported by the upper riggi11g, and still be light venting the crossbars from swiveling or tipping down, while at the same rime allowing enough to interest d,e hang gliding geriatric chem to slide forward and back or side to set. In fact, the Topless weighs 72.6 lbs. (33 kg) which is lighter than many fully rigged side. The design of the entire crossbar spars gliders. Tbe weight savings of the upper rig" ,va.s not straightfor\11ard either. As can be ging a11d the use of graphite has resulted in seen from the photograph, they are in the only a couple of pounds "being added ro the form of a capered rectangular cross-section original Racer. with a funny droop ar their outboard end. The cantib•er (sdf-supponing) crossbar Steel plates hold the two halves together at solution did not come ea.sily. For one thing, the crossbar had to support chewing as ir was rhe cemer, and another St<XI plate boles them to the leading oclgc. The droop in the being folded, in oddition 10 allowing it to crossbar is intended to solve a long-standing shift for c:u,y handling and allowing it ro problem: how to pccvent the crossbar from move forward and back for VG operation. holding down the lower surf.tee and desrroyAn elcgam solution to meet these needs was ing an airfoil's fine lines. (Look at• lower found by attaching a graphite bar between ,vith a feasible carbon graphite cr()ssba.r that

MAY 19%

surface in an in-Aighc photo and you'll see what we mean.) On the Topless, me lower surface unde.rcan1bers more than on any glider except the Bautek bowsprit gliden without crossbars. We'll discuss the benefits of this featwc later. At 6m, Gerard, with the a.ssismnce of structural engineers. came up with a very rigid crossbar syStem. However, by the fourth redesign he relearned a lesson from narure: trees bend to relieve the gusr loads of the ,vind. As can be seen in the phoco, rhe current crossbar design bows under an extreme load whlch allows it to be lighter chan ific \Vere more rigid.

DESIGN FOR SAFETY The 8c:xibility of me crossbar reips ,ea.I benefits in terms of survivability of the glider in

Here rlu crossbOJ' supports hvo hea/Jhy adults.

unusuaJ situations. Cons ider the cun1hle. Ir i, quire possible with the Topless d,ar the reduction in shock loading on the glider, if your body hits rhe airframe, will prcvcnr breakage of the frame. In face, even with the downcubcs broken the glider scill may be flyable, since the crossbars will hold chewing in shape under a sevcral-G load. Naturally,

v.·c don't ex.poet tlunblcs. but .itS nice to kno""' that there ls some insurance available.

The most obvious question concen,j ng gliders withour kingposrs and reAex bridles is, " How about pitch srabiUcy?" Piech stabi(j.. cy makes the glider nicely concrollable in speed, and in severe conditions helps keep

us upright. f>irch srabilicy is cesced on a vehicle by driving the glider along ac different speeds and angles of arcack. In addition, picch scabiUry is son\C'\vhac indicated by crin1 position and bar pressure at various speeds.

We can report thac the Topless has passed the BHPA (British) cerrifica,ion which is similar 10 that of the HGMA (it eliminates che -150' load test). Thus, the Topless has n1er che same strength and scabiHry scan..

<lards of mos, current gliders. ln addition, I reseed the feel of the bar on all my flights on the Topless and fow, d pitch pressures ac dive speeds co be stronger than those of some conventional hang gliders. This srabilicy is achieved by using a v,::1.S hout $tTut near the wing f.lp, and ::lnother

one inboard near d,e cros.<bar/leading edge junction. T he inboard strut is fas,ened co

the leading edge with a cable, and ic lies on dte crossbar ro move up and do\vn as rhe VG "'cciug is changed. The strut opens and

folds aucomacically when you sec up and break down. This slick feature is another 42

T his is an exceptional way co develop a

You ,voufd travel about six in.lies before you hit the next lifr and wo,Jd be 260 fee, above a conventional glide, with 8% less glide performance. If all el,., is equal, in a couple of d,ennals you could ,va"e good-bye to your convcncional friend. Thacs what I saw happening with the lucky pilots flying kingposclcss gliders this past winccr in Australia. However, GC:rard was nor satisfied ,vjrh just improving glide performance. He was ,villiog to sacrifice some of this inc:rcmcnr in glide, i11 fac-r, for a beccer sink me. The way he accomplished ch.is was twofold: 6rst, he shaped the crossbar S-O the lower surfuce

glider. le is made m uch n1ore oonve.nienr by

could un dercamber. a.t; mentioned previous•

the fucr char ,hey cow dual - cwo gliders bdund one rug. While other companies use

ly. This helps the glider Ay more slowly by

aero co,ving to test their gliders, ( don't know any ocher designer towing cwo glidccs

carefully shaped and cl, ickened cl,e outboard airfoil co dday the seal! and thus go slower scill. Slowing down in thermals is che secret

Chriscof Kracrner invention.

DESIGN FOR PERFORMANCE I arrived ar the cow field near Dijon co find Gerard and Guido Gcb.rmano, a German pilot. testing variou.s tip adjustmc-J1ts on che

Topless. They would make subde changes, then row to 4,000 feet or so and glide side by side at a chosen speed until one had lost 1,000 meters (3,280 ft.). Then they would care:fulJy compare their respeccive altitudes to see \.\•hid, changes rendered an improve~ men c.

wich. one vehicle co release together. This system cuts the cost of tugs and tug pilots in half. 11,e main reason for getting rid of the kingposr and upper cables is to gain perfornunce by reducing drag. Calculations show thac d,e loss of parasitic drag should account fo r about a 5% in,provemen, in glide ratio.

increasin g the life coefficient. lo addition, he

to a bcncr clim b rate.

Anotlm item that aids Topless pcrfor1n.1nce i$ the now-fumiHar cloth ribs

between the outboacd upper and lower surface., that help control the airroiJshape at high speeds. f inally, we should mention the special epoxy fiberglass tip wands. These

Ho\vever, com parison rests beC\veen a

,vands do nor rake a set, even in che hortesr

Topless and a Racer performed in che above

"'earher, as do ochers. T h is n1eans that Topless cips ,vilJ hold d,eir tension, even on

manner indicate an 8% improvement.

Gerard accounis for this by noting that imed'erence drag and losses due to lcak.1gc through the kingpost hole have been cue. T he speeds 3t which chese cescs are carried ouc vary, bu, che n1ost useful speeds are those used co glide becween thermals. It is at these speeds that the 8% impcovement shows up. Imagine losing 3,000 feet while gliding with• Topless between thermals.

the longest flight in deserc sunshine.

FLYING THE TOPLESS No,v comes the fun part. fo r ,vc actually gee

ro ralk about flying. But first we must set up the glider. Evecything you already know about setup dirocdy applies, until you have the glider upright and the wings spread. Now. instead of inserting battens you can HANG GLIDING

pull back the crossbar to open the ful. ly. Then pop our the end of the keel, angle ir downward and prop up the rear of the glider. This allows you 10 insert the cemer bat· tens without bending their rails. Do you detect a departure? By virtue of special material used for bane11 pockets, the 7075 aluminum battens and the easy-sliding bat· ten ends, you can insert and remove all your battens on the 'fopless with the wings fully spread. '] 'his fcanire is made feasible by the absence of' rellex bridles. Once the battens arc in, put on the tip levers for rhc flexible wands. These arc about the easiest rouse I have seen, si11cc they have a little notch rbat grasps a pin in the very tip of the sail. Finish by putring 011 the nose cone and preflight-· Don't fi:lrget to ignore the kingpost. My takeoff, on the 'fopless were easy affairs, but then, l was towing in a l 0-mph, crosswind. 'fhus I can't report about what it's like ro nm the Topless off a slope, bm irs good static balance and rcJa.. tively light weight indicate that this glider is easy to coax into the sky. 1n the air I tried slow flight, fast flight, rurn reversals, slow scratching thermal turns and wingovcrs to test speed retention. The lclplcss will lly very slowly wirh an even, gen de stall break. 111 slow mrns J could push the bar way out without a noticeable grabbing of the inside wing. This means the st;ill is gentle and the glider will be efficient in thermals. /\s much as l was expecting to find the glider to excel at high speeds, I was surprised to find it did so well at the slow end. Unfortunately, the only gliders around were 'foplcsscs, so I couldn't do any direct pcrfor.. rnancc comparisons. llowcver, the low ing speeds (19 to 20 mph on my Ball Graphics Comp) leads me to believe this glider will be an omstanding climber. I liked the handling of the Tcipless. lt is quick a11d easy bur also a bit different from what I'm used to, perhaps because of the tighter side cables. When you initiate roll control you feel instant feedback a more connected feel. lr is like driving a sports car with tight, responsive steering or a family car with a bit of' play. The 'foplcss is more like the sports car. It doesn't turn any more quickly or with less bar fr>rcc than other state--of-rhc-art gliders, but it focls more solid. I think it would inspire a bit more confr(lence when scratching close to the terrain. At speed the glider tracks straight and trne, as do all rhe curved-tip gliders I have flown. ·rhere is no tendency to overbank or

MAY 19%

LI E Sail area,

(sq.ft.)

ULUM VITAE (150)

12.8 (142)

3")

'W'ing spr:m, m (Ji.)

10.

Nose angle

132°

Aspect ratio

Weight; leg (lbs.)

10.

3")

(71)

Pilot weight (bare), kg (lbs.)

50 to

Packed length, m (ft.)

5.05 (16'

Brittkdoum length, m (ft.)

(110 to 165)

60 to

(132 to 187)

5.05 (16'

(13' 8")

4.15 (13' 8")

Keel and leading edte rnatcrial

7075 aluminum

7075 ahiminum

Crossbar, br:tttens, floating tips

Carbon

Number r!f.flottting tips per side

Number ofremovable battens

oscillate in slips, and the practice of fast landing appro;ichcs will present no problems. My wingovcrs were mild since my insurance doesn't work in France. But Guido was practicing for the acrobatics competition in Monaco. He managed to loop the glider multiple times. I·fis reporr was that he had much more Icfr.. ovcr energy than on any oth .. er glider he's looped. This is clue, no doubt, to the cleanlim:ss of rhc design. Guido also had trouble spinning the glider at fosr, for it is spin resistant. This poims to its fine low· speed turn characteristics. Lmdings ou all three 'foplcss gliders J flew were non .. evcnts. The Mylar version was less responsive than rhe others during the setup, but once on final the gliders trncked true and gave me plenty of time to flare since they slowed wa-a--ay down.

and it is likely to be the least expensive because of' its simple technology. But cost is relative, and rbe 'lcipless will cash in around U.S. $5,000. The crossbar itself adds about $1,000 to the cost. Other companies can buy Gerard's crossbar, but obviously will have to add a commission. I like the' Icipless very much and recom-· mend it highly 10 pilots who want either the latest technology, curring edge perforrna11ce, or merely something differem for the local or all three. I am ridge rats to marvel at quite interested to observe its performance against the rest of'the field this summer. I am also curious to sec the attitude change it fosters. Bm l most eagerly await its new ad campaign featuring a 'foplcss landing arnongst the beautiful models on the topless beaches of Monaco!

By now you may be wondering where and how you can hook into a 'foplcss. As of this writing there aren't many in this country, but I expect an enterprising importer will soon appear. The· fopless is the most wellthought-·out of the cantilever gliders f have seen (rhere are three others in production)

For more information contact: LA MOUETTE 1, Rue de la Petite Fin 2.112.1 Fontaine-Jes-Dijon FRANCE 'lei: (3:,) 8() .. 5(i.(i6.47 Fax: (:>3) 80-55-42-01 (English is spoken and read.)

/ J1.C> i'> 1l11' L!,!/ll!·\ J\i<1! Ld.', lc1Lr'll tL(' (•!)11ll!i'\' It j-; ('<\111 (I t:1(' ( ·c11·L,in ( )liiJ <11Hl 11.., 1\ld(lc l1<1k (J( ,u·lioll Lf)('r· dl\(11\\'\"l,ll' I lw1 r·/;,t.\' I(''

]J\"Slcll'III

ir,

L1·onl\' ill((;

dwlll rl'l)l)l

II'>

),,111•,•t1•;j,,Jll('l",,11<

.JUST FLY A,i,lionGc,w I"' l.m I ii) li,1"· 11,,.,L \('

I'>

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THIS VIDEO COMBINES THE BEST SHOTS OF THE CLOUDBASE SERIES AROUND THE USA PLUS NEW CROSS COUNTRY FLYING TO CLOUDBASE. DANGrn SCENIC, TOWING, AEROBATICS, MEETS AND GAGGLES. THE BEST SCENES IN 22 MINUTES. ITS DIGITAL HANG GLIDING ARTWORK TO GREAT MUSIC.

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Instruments, radios, reserves, helmets, life vests, boots, gloves, flight suits, tce-shit1s, hats, caps, survival supplies, sunglasses, eyeglass retention, goggles, warmers, hardware, repair

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ADVENTURE PRODUCTIONS Paul Hamilton 4750 Townsite Road Reno, Nevada 89511 USA Phone/FAX 702·849-9672 hamilton@adventure. reno. nv. us

I ST CLASS MAIL SERVICE HANG GLlDING MAGAZINE: ($24.00-U.S., Canada, & Mexico only) ................. --·-------··AIR MAIL SERVICE HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE: ($30.00-Western Hemisphere, $44.00-Europe, $57.00-All Others) .. 1ST CLASS MAIL SERVICil: PARAGLlDING MAGAZINE: ($12.00-U.S., Cnnada, & Mexico only) .................. -···----·-···-·-·AIR MAIL SERVICE - PARAGLlDING MAGAZINll:: ($15.00-Wcstcm Hemisphere, $22.00-Europe, $29.00·All Others) .... ·--·---------·--·----NAA MEMBERSHIP: ($10.00 annual dues) .......................................................................... ··------·-·----FAI SPORTING: LICENCE: ($18.00 annual fee) Date

**************************************************************************************************************** CHARGE MY: Credit ......... --·-··--·---------·-·----·----·-·-----·-·--------------------·-·------·--""----.

**************************************************************************************************************** drawn on a U.S. bank.

TOTAL

(01/96)

In consideration of being granted membership in the USHGA, I,··-···--·----·-·-·--------·------------·..----·--------' for myself, my personal representatives, heirs, executors, next of kin, spouse and assigns, do agree as follows: The following definitions apply to terms used in this Agreement: means launching (and/or assisting another in launching), flying (whether as pilot in command or otherwise) and/or landing (including, but not limited to, crashing) a hang glider or paraglider. nll'rn,Prtv aarnas!e and/or 2. ni>1''i:nn::ii1 or sustained by me as a result of my PAJFITliC/P,IIT/ON THii::.fiPni'1T:mrtl'nr as a result of the administration of any USHGA programs (for example: the Pilot Proficiency System). 1 means the following, including their owners, officers, directors, agents, spouses, employees, officials (elected or otherwise), members, contractors, sub-contractors, lessors and lessees: a) The United States Hang Gliding Association, a California Non-profit Corporation (USHGA); b) Each of the person(s) sponsoring and/or participating in the administration of my proficiency rating(s); c) Each of the hang gliding and/or paragliding organizations which are chapters of the USHGA; d) The United States Of America and each of the city(ies), town(s), county(ies), State(s) and/or other political subdivisions or governmental agencies within whose jurisdictions I launch, fly and/or land; e) Each of the property owners on or over whose property I may launch, fly and/or land; D All persons involved, in any manner, in the sports of hang gliding and/or paragliding at the site(s) where I PJH7Tlt':'IPJ.ITF "All persons involved" include, but are not limited to, spectators, hang glider and/or paraglider pilots, assistants, drivers, instructors, observers, and owners of hang gliding and/or paragliding equipment; and g) All other persons lawfully present at the site(s) during my PA)'rfTliCIP'An10N B. I the 111c;;11.,,c;;n.1tLi/V PAJfllll.?'Sfnom however caused, even if caused by the negligence (whether active or passive) of any of the n.0.,1. ....,,,...... ,v P.J4Rl1ES, C. I A against any of the loss or damage on account of If I violate this agreement by filing such a suit or making suc.h a claim, I will pay all attorneys' fees and costs of the na;,1.u;,,-,u;v P.4R17ES. ACIKN10V\fLEDG1E that the non-participant third party liability insurance obtained by USHGA does provide coverage for REIMBUmiE the in paragraphs A. 3. d) and A. 3. e) above for their defense and indemnity (to the limited extent that the defense and indemnity are not otherwise covered by collectible insurance) in the event that someone suffers nrrmi>rtv darnaire as a result of my negligence (whether active or passive) or willful misconduct in TEIRMINJnlON I can terminate this Agreement by either sending written notice of termination to the USHGA National Office postage prepaid return receipt requested, in which cm the termination will riot be effective until one year after I cease being a member of the USHGA or 30 days after I place the written notice in the mail, whichever is later; or by signing and returning to the USHGA National Office a later version of the Official USHGA Release, Waiver and Assumption of Risk Agreement. However, even if I terminate this Agreement, all of the terms of this Agreement will continue to apply to INJIJRIESwhich I suffer in whole or in part before the termination of this Agreement. F. I shall be and cm11i;:tr;11Pd matters whatsoever arising under, in connection with or incident to this Agreement U.S.A. to the exclusion of the Courts of any other State or Country. If any part, article, paragraph, sentence or clause of this Agreement is not enforceable, the affected provision shall be curtailed and limited only to the extent necessary to bring it within the requirements of the law, and the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

I have

tarticipant's figrrat/J/e

0,7te

One Monday In

c is a Men1orial Day Monday, and only rhree drivers remain ac

Paradox, Colorado. Usually chis weekend brings many Wcsrern Colorado pilors and

drivers together for

rhc cradirional annual Paradox blowout And ic is usually a "blo\vout" in many ,vays. On n1ost any Memorial Day, Junction, Gunny, Salida, Aspen, Durango and Telluride would be visited by cager drivers and rheir pilotS. Bue chis Monday i.'i solemn, and every· one is pensive. Only drivers K.:1re11

T,veoty minutes later

Vargas, Dominguez, Escalante, Gunnison, Hayden, Premont:, Julien, Moff.u, Ouray. Colorow, Robidoux, Meo.rs and many orhers. Dave reports rhac his glide co Nucla is

same C\VO minutes Craig has continued on

corning up short. Someho,\f his voice sounds

before Crossing the river, and I'll: a«: in an

like Dave Zeisds, whose memory is running

ankle dive directly co d,e east buttress. Dave rockCtS from 7.000' co doudbase at 16,000'. Our duce Aussie gliders cross che mighty Dolores chis Monday. Dave is on a Comb.,~ Craig is 8ying a Guitar (GTR) and I'm on an Excess (XS). After crossing the river the Gu imr stmms a fuewcll from rhe ground co

through our minds at cim<!f. He seems co be with us. The rrusry Excess rakes us on a glide from over Colorado Highway 141 t0 the sourh rim of the massive shield uplifr known as rhe Uncompghgrc Plateau. We :,re coming in ac Love Mesa oc 10,000' MSL on a 9,000-foot ridge, so lift has to be found in a hurry. A shocgun bla.st of800 co 1,000 fpm is good for a climb co cloudbase. The south side of rhe Uncompabgcc is steep, bm the norrh e.nd slopes slowly imo Junction, Colorado, 30 miles ro rhe north. The terrain for cbe first 20 miles has only

Patterson, Joan May and Yverre Wl,idcy remain. and each has only one pilol'., D,we Brobowski. Craig Hess and myself respectively. The msk; g« off wirhouc srulfu,g i.t. The dHTlaunches here have caused many co stuff it, myself included. The winds are souch-southeast at 10-20 mph by 9:00 AM. her comrades. as Dave top.s out and srreaks Heam sank earlier in d,e week as Jeff coward Nuda in the next river valley, that of Burroughs broughc news of Dave Zeiset's rhc San Miguel. craffic-cdated dcarh. The winds have been Our ankle dive from one side of rhe river 20-40 mph every day. co the orher is repeated rwice before proper At 11 :00 AM the Paradox "cube" is Excess altitude is gained on che ease buttress chuming. The ridge is 20 miles long with a for the glide ro the San Miguel River. Joan nasty Dolores River crossing in ,he middle. and Craig wave a farewell as we <op out n, Paradox is a 600- to 2,000-fooc, south-lac- cloudba.sc and run ro,\r-ard che Uravan uran._ ing desm escarpment rha, can go Hang VI um ponds via the confluence of rhe San in a second, and rhat second is fas, Migud and Dolores rivers. approachi.og. Dave ·aumbo" is firsc off in a The San Miguel drains from rhe norrh launch sequence that has a couple of older side of Lizard Head Pass near Telluride, and parcicipantS checking their Depcncls. the Dolores flows from the sourh side near 48

Rico. They borh come around co rhe west

Craig •nd l c:uch a 25-mph lull and arc in full-VG pu.rsui, in 30-,nph winds. Both me turbulence and me view are breathtaking. We almost catd, Dave before he plw,ges across ,he gap. He is low over ,he s,lt ponds on River Road and is proceeding into l'he lower adobe hills. 'Rvo nlinutes llter Dave is wrenching violencly on che deck. In rhe

and meet in a canyon \Vith mountain terrain that is some of the most interesting and beau~

tiful there is. Paleolithic huurers downed mammoths here. The more recent Anasa:i.i and Fremont cultures camped. flaked scone and hunted from every hilltop in a 300-mile radius. After being inhabited for tens of thousands of years by natives, trappe.rs, explorers, sun•cyors, miners, ranchers and f.'lnners, along came De

rough jeep roads and is sirnil:i:r to that at

Mesa Verde. Access has been cm off by the BLM because of a natural habirar controversy. l(s a bad pla~ to land. With rhe La Sais cowering in the distance co the west, the noise is rurned up and ,he speed is turned on. The famous E..<ealanre HANG GLIDING

Canyon is chosen foe our streak out of the woods. Many beautiful hiking, biking, camping and archcological sites p:,ss bel<>w, and finally we cross the Gunnison River in d,e Dorninguez Canyon area.

The awesome beaucy of Grand Mesa, the hrgesr geological plateau in the wodd, looms 20 miles to rhe northeast. Lands End Road and d,e "Shelter House launch arc barely in view. A gain of L0,000 feet will be needed soon to reach the Colorado River on d,e orher side of Grand Mesa. We must reach cloudbasc at the Shelter House to start d,e 40-mile crossing of the Mesa's 500 square miles. The Excess vectors toward her second supcrfund site of the day south of Whitewater, Colorado. ·rhe uranium dump delivers a 2,000-.foot gain ro 8,000' MSL with a 5,000-foot deck, and a five-mile glide north to the fabulous Reeter Mesa launch at 6,000' MSL is aceded. My speed ring is set .c 1,000 fpro anticipated lift. Another nnkle dive. Arriving at 6,500 feet, we need a n1onsrer c.hern,aJ on the lee side in rhe 25-mph dovmwind condir.ions. We are thinking, "Please gee us ouc of here!'' If something doesn't happen in JO seconds we'U sink ro Cliff Davis's ranch in

defeat. le happens, and we've got gobs of altitude. Dave has landod nc:ar Naturita. Westwater Canyon can be seen to the wesr, beyond Junctio11 . A banaoa-shaped cut in the north side of the Uncompahgre uplift is the site of a river "channel-pirating." The mighcy O,lorado flows in a deep chasm -cur earlier and abandoned by the Dolores. This stretch of wbite<v-Jter is one of the best.

M,w 1996

Yvette is chasing us. A n1obile radio ama.. ceur, l~y. monitors our flight across Grand M~ from 1-70. Thank< for ,he safety

check, R.,y. We cross the Colorado River near Calahan's launch at DcBeque. No one is there, but many Colorado pilo<S can be heard on the radio h,ving gre0< lligh,s at TcUuride, Aspen, Dino, Williams and ocher sites.

We rhermol 1.he Roan Cliffs imo Rifle, over the municipal pool. Some are waving fur bdow os we begin a glide norch ro the 20-mile-loug Gr:1nd Hogback. The jurcing ''thrust fuult" ddtvers exceJle:nt life as \Ve make a leugch,vise run :1t min.imunl sink.

We are offered majestic views of Riffe Gap, across which an anise on~ dr(!\v :'1 massive

curtain in a clisplay of modern ""· We encounter h.a:r.e 2nd stratus sh.ado\\' at Ne\v Castle, and no sun-heated ground can be

Creek near Glenwood. Hovering over 1-70 at Exit 109, the cloverleaf pavement delivers o.I00 for a while. There's a field by the boat shop where Lser down. Belgian drafi horses are pranc• ing al) arow1.d and so is their o,~.rner, Prank

f'rasier. He says Aspen pilots flying from DeBeque had landed rhere and spooked the horses ,he last couple of days, and he wanted co know if his horses could have a resr (thanks chumps). We make friends, rour rhc stables and phone my parents' special number: 1-800-FLYNOWTHJN KNEVER. The Ddra clisparcher gives the word to Yverce: l-70, Exit 109, That nighr ir s«med like Dave Zeiset and other$ had been onboard for rhis siterecord lligh, of I L5 mile.<. Something had become clear. Our

found anywhere. No lifi is found as I glide

lives consisc of nor just our own c.on· sciousness and scJf..av.iareness. but also of how ,vc are enshrined in the chough~ and

in on Sconn King Mouncain at Canyon

memories of others. • Dave Z-eim. son ef USHCA DirmorJim Z,eiset, was killed in an automobile accident just four da;•s befort the events described in this article. His fimnal was held the next day. This article is dedicated w Daves memory,

uft u, righL· Crt1ig Rog=, 1ipto11 Rogen Ill, Dove Zriset.

M PRICE

USHGA CALENDARS· More excellent photography. (Circle Yr) 1994 1991

1990 1989............................

QTY,

$ 1.50

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POINT OF THE MTN (Utah) Video. HG & PG action at one of America's favorite sites. 30 effects (52 min) ....... $29.00 BORN TO FLY Video. HG action. Meet Larry Tudor & The Green Team, etc. Fly Owens, Sandia, etc. (50 min) $34.95 PARAGLIDE: THE MOVIE Video. Owen's Valley world competition. Hot action, rockin' soundtrack. (40 min) .... $39.95 CLOUDBASE PARAGLIDING Video. Great intro. to the sport. Meet the hot pilots & fly the hot sites. (36 min). $34.95 HANG GLIDING EXTREME Video. Fly the most spectacular sit1~s in tile US. Meet the top pilots (50 min) ......... $34.95 HAWAIIAN FLYIN' Video. HG & PG in Paradise. Amazing launches & awesome scenery! (46 min) .................. $33.00 DAREDEVIL FLYERS Ill-THE PARAGLIDERS Video. Join tile W.W. gang in scenic Telluride, CO. (50 min) .... $24.95 All our videos are in USA/VHS NTSC format only.

WINDSOK™ 1.5 oz. ripstop nylon, 5'4" long w/11" throat. Available in pink/yellow or pink/white (circle one) ....... $39.95 WINDSEEKER High Performance hang glider flying model. Too much fun, you'll want to order two ................ $ 3.00 USHGA EMBLEM DECAL Our original logo, in its original colors, on a 3" circular sticker................................ $ .50 USHGA SEW-ON EMBLEM Our original logo, in its original colors, on a 3" circular patch ................................ $ 1.50 MTN. GLIDER DECAL Full color 6" rectangular, long-lasting vinyl decal ............................................................ $ 1.50 MTN. GLIDER SEW-ON The most beautifully embroidered patch you've ever seen, 12 different colors used .... $ 3.95 MTN. GLIDER LAPEL PIN Multi-colored, custom shaped with exopy dome and military clutch back ................. $ 3.95 LICENSE PLATE FRAME Chrome plated. I'd Rather Be Hang Gliding or I'd Rather Be Paragliding (circle one) $ 6.50 PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE COLLECTOR BINDER Brown vinyl w/gold lettering ............................................ $ 9.00 *ERIC RAYMOND POSTER 24"x37" Eric 17,000' MSL over the Sierra Nevada Range, beautiful color .............. $ 5.95 *AEROBATIC POSTER 23"x31" Colorful keel-angle shot of John Heiney looping skyward ................................ $ 6.95 *Posters are NOT AVAILABLE on lntf1rnational orders-Sorry! SPECIAL· BOTH POSTERS FOR $10.00

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chart)

JTANC CUDINC ADVISORY Used ha11g should be disassembled bd,nc fast time i 11spcctcd carciidly for dented dow11rnhcs, mined bushings, hem bolts (espc eially 1hc hcan bolt), rc-11scd Nyloc nms, loose' 1him,, or mstcd cables, with no1H;ircular bles, holes, on flex wings, sails torn or rorn loose from 1hci1' anchor poi1J1s Crom back on the keel a11d leading If in doubt, many hang gliding businesses will happy 10 give an on die condition of equipment you inspccL Buyers should sclec1 equipment that is appropriate for their skill level or rating. New pilots should seek professional instrnction from a USHGA

CERTIFJED INSTRUCTOR,

DESJRF 1 '51

Crear shape, The best climbing glid-

er ever, $1,400, (208) 519,,2106, DREAM 220

Fxeellcnt condition, blue LE

$1,:100, (,(19) is92-5767, Excellent condition, new in 19')5, Built by Paul $1,000 it,m. or (310) ')L.')"'IO')L,, DREAM 220'S

li0hr,s/120hrs, great condition

$1, 500/$1,200, (719) 5'.J'J.5900,

FORMULA J 5/i Low time, $2,000 for alL (706) 625.4999

chute, vario

fl fGl l l'!mFORMANC:E CLllWR Clearance sale, HPAT 158, orangc/whirc, p,rcar glider $ l ,2'50, Moyes XS, all white, 80 hours, all around swcnhcart, screaming deal a1 $950, 111'2, red/white, :icrobatic model, pcrfoc1, only 21 logged flights S7'i0 OBO, (970) 728-3905, lll'AT 115 Ex rm dowlll u hc,

9,'\37! J,i, 220 Ulrrnlite Products, new condition ( <l hom/ IO flights) $1, I 00, (602) 265-7999, I) REAM

HPAT 158

Crear buy ar $800, (619) 1,:,7.(,Ci')'J,

Fl,EXWINGS AIRBORNE BLADE J 'i:l Race upgrades, heaurifol sail, great handling and perfrHmancc, extra down-· 1t1bes $1,100 OHO, Call Al (208) 522-·2123 lchho,

AIRBORNF

BLADE RACE, STING, BUZZ, New and nearly new, Demo daily, THE WALLABY RANCH (9/i l) 42-1-0070,

DREAMS CLEARANCE SALE - All sizes, $900$ l ,500, Raven Sl')' Sporrs (Ii 1Ii) li73-8SOO,

ALMOST NFW •H8798:l,

Kit 1'l11S 155 $2,800 OHO, (619)

J lalf race, orange diamond

/i'i7-li68/i, New, z,cro airtime, immaculate, trade or offer, (3(,0) 378-30/i I,

FALCON 195 & 225

Fun gliders, JO hours

$2,JOO, (SOI) 25/i--6llil

FALCONS CLFARANCF SALE - School use, one season, All sizes $1,500-$2,500, (Ii l ii) fiTl,-8800,

KLASSIC llifi Fxcclle111 condition, light hlt,c & extra down rubes $.3,200, (810) YJ!i l 120

UKF NFW DRlcAM 165 Brand new cncoon harness, new M,ixon helmet, new wheels, new A,S, wind sock $2,000 firm, (602) 9CJ5.,3(,/i J, MA(;IC IV I(,(,

1'11\l race, excellent condition,

hour airtime since las1 super prcnigl,r $!JOO, (li08)

COMBAT 11139 Mint condition, pretty, llo /lut· tcrs, flies srraigh1, 100 mik performer, exrras, lands easy, rd,Tcnccs, Sacrifice$ I, I 00, (208) 7-37-91 COMET ll 165 (71/i) 588,,711J5,

hours, $3,500, (80 I) 2'S/i ·

(,}Iii,

trilam [ ,F, !,Jue & gold undcrsurface, Meticulously maintained by ( '.handc!Jc, $1,500 OBO, Jenny (415)

]'ALCON 195 · AJRI\ORNF DF'.v!O CLlDERS Clean1ncc Sale, Blade Races I Ii I & J Blades J 41 & I 53 and S1ings, New & 11scd Airborne l',dge aero111gs, Call now, US Airborne (509) 243,,4988, fox (509) 7.li3· lt7'i7,

KLASS!C Ii;li Comp

FLY TWO '95 Paci\ir tandem glider, one season, rop shape $2,900, (Ii H) 173--8800,

H JRM ULA Jlii

6/i homs, excellent glider, Must sell $2,100, ('510) 632-·5670,

?,2/i.,1378,

MAC;IC KISS 154 1988/8'), about JOO hours, very good shape $900, Bruce (505) 29') .. 595,'J,

Excellent condirion, <00 hours, wheels, Av.sac harness w/chute, rare color :750, (815) 75(,.')]3),,

MARK JV 17

$300, Like new, 12 hours, Joe

USHGA CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ORDER FORM 50 cents per word, $5.00 minimum Boldface or caps: $1,00 per word, (Does not include first few words which are automatically Special layouts or tabs: $25 per column inch. (phone numbers: 2 words, Box: 1 word, E-mail or Web address: 3 words) photos: $25,00, line art logos: $15,00 (1 .75" maximum) DEADLINE: 20th of the month, six weeks before the cover date of the issue in which you want your ad to appear (i.e., June 20 for the August issue). Prepayment required unless account established, No cancellations or refunds allowed on any advertising after deadline, Ad insertions f=AXed or made by telephone must be charged to a credit card. Please entc1r my classified ad as follows:

SECTION Ll Flex Wings 0 Emergency Parachutes IJ Parts & Accessories iJ Business & Employment iJ Miscellaneous IJ Paragliders U Videos

!J Towing 0 Schools & Dealers iJ Ultralights iJ Rigid Wings Ll Publications & Organizations rJ Wanted U Harnesses

issue and run for. __ ,,, ...,,,, .............,,. Begin with .. ,,,..... - _ .. ,,............... consecutive issue(s), My 1J check, iJ money order is enclosed in the amount

of$··------..---·-··--··-··--······--··-·-' NAME: ..,,_.............,,... - ...... ,,.,,, ______ ......... ,,-......... _ .. _ .......------·-ADDRESS: .. ... . ........... ..,., ... _.,,,

, , , , , , , _ . , , , , , , , , _ , , , , , , , , _ , , , _ , , , .,,,,,.,,,_

,,,_,,,,,,,,.,,,,,,.,,,,,

CITY: ______,,.__..,,,,........,,.._ ...,,...,, ..,,.-,,.,,..,,..._______ .. Number of .. ,,,--,. ___.. ,,......,, ...........,,...,, ___ ,, Number of "V",v· ____,, _____..,, _ _ _ .........,,@$1,00

MAY 19%

USHGA, P.O Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901 (719) 632-8300 , fax (719) 632-6417

MK!V 17 Exccllenr condition, low homs $1,500. (202) lt79-3128w.

MOYES CTR WOR!.D HEATFR 160 $800. Moyes XS 112 $1,200. Bod, in excellent condition. (208) 788-3891, (20H) 726 1709. condition, <80 homs, white w/bluc recent tllnc-up by Moyes California $1,500 OBO. (:l 10) li29-8033.

MOYES XS l '\5

SELLING THE FARM FOR POWERED WINGS All HG must go! 1991 Moyes XS 155, Eric pod w/ rocker, swivel, extended bridle. Ball M20 vario, Flytec 3020 w/spccd. Uvcx helmet w/mic. Tow releases, static tow turn aronnd nl'ility trailer system: complc1e. !-lydrnulic pressure Maxon radioslvox, antennas, hook knife, I minum place HG rack, rowing beacon plus other goodies. Call Mike for priC1:s-evcnings, after 6:30pm (708) 21.'\-7207 Chicago. Also on Chicago clnbs internet.

Two for $2,600 or sold separate· SKYHAWK 188 Excellent condition, $900 01'\0. (:315) 638-1068.

ly. (Ii l!i) liT?-8800.

homs

MOYES XTRALJTE 13'7

Great condition, 150 hours, power rib sail $2,500 will ship. (540)

O!ili6 wsaycr<iilbcv.nc1

SPECTRUM 11t4 2.0 homs, all options, excellent condition, never whacked $2.,2.00. (708) 329-8337.

MOYFS XTRALITE 137 Mylar, '93, pink & light blue, learn glider $2,000. ('J70) 728--69'72.

SPECTRUM l li4 Cood condition, spccdb,H $1,400. (? 13) 868-520li.

MOYES XTRA!JIT. 147 120 hours, rion, new wires, white/blue $2,200. (B05) ,, ·1.L-u•Y1L.

SPECTRUM 165 <80 honrs airtime. Brand new blue edge. flared kingpost and downtubcs. Blnc and underside. This glider is in excellent shape$1,500. (805) 967-%19.

UP 229 Fl DATER 19'79, hclme1, wheels, harness. $500 or trade for paraglidcr/harness, 1851b. (219) !i65-02 l 4.

VISION MKlV 17

ccttttptner,t, hardly used $750. Call i\ndy (818) ""'1-uL.'1~.

VISIONS & SPECTRUMS

Boughr-Sold-Tradecl. Raven Sky Sports (114) 473-8800.

WWAT 145 200 easy hours, rcd/pr1rple/v,1hi1c, no needed or ever done. New VG sidcwirc.1 & bag. Exrras include spare reel, 2 downtnbcs, owners manual, XC baucn chart & rainguarcl $1,liOO you pay Visa/MC: accepted. 96/i- J 2/iO. WWXC l51t 10 logged hours, great ship, great shape $3,000. Jersey (C, 1')) 793-3432.

MOYES XTRALJTE XS, XS.'J, XT, XL. New and nearly new. Available immediately. Nation's Moyes clc:aler. TIJE WALLABY RANCH (941) 0070.

SPECTRUM 165 l O homs airtime, folding speedbar $2,100. (606) 288-0028.

:,.i 10:W SUPFRS PO RT 163 $2,700 OBO. (619) 418-7983.

SPECTRUMS & VISIONS Bought-Sold-Traded. Raven Sky Spons (414) 47:l-8800.

PAC AIR 166 (805) 6/ili-8,%4.

Tesr flown only

30 hours, winglers $.'J,'750 01\0.

PULSE ]OM Brand new, never (!own. Blue, green & white $3,000. (li08) lili:l-Ll.36. PULSE I OM Excellent condition, 30 hours, hlue/hlnclpurplc $1,900. (801) 254-6141. PULSE 11 METER '94, custom colors, all options, 50 hours $2, I 00, Scott (602) %6-4366.

RAMAll<. 14(, 60 homs, !\ramie! 1.E, bright green & magcnia, downmhc, xc bag, great shape $1,995. (303) 93:\-'71 I Ii. RAMAIR 146 Exccllcn1 condition, Pendulum Spons logo $1,700. Kevin (970) 259-3.'\5/i. RAMAm 154 Excellent condition, red undcrsurfacc w/black logo $1,')50. (702.) 826-1108. RAMAHZ 154 199/i, bright colors, well main· rained and tuned $1,900. (415) 691-0885. RAMAlR 154 30 hours, excellent condition $2,950. (301) li49-0513. RAMAIR 15/i -·2.0 homs, flie.s perfectly, very fost. Bright colors $:l,000. (505) 82.2-9017.

Sell your unused eqmpment 52

SUPERSPORT 153

$:3,900. Kiss 154 $500. Lite Dream 185 $800. (505) 632 8/i43.

XC 1 ')5 50 hours, excellent shape, w/wingtips $3,400. Larry (619) 792.-02.91.

Clearance Sale GOTTA GO NOW No Offer Refused ,,_,. Almost

Excellcn1 condition nnd a

to fly. Blue, yellow and white w/hcctvy cloth

'''"~'"""'new ..

5 3 hours, extremely well cared for and conservaflown. Complel'c inspection in Jan. 96, 1101 flown since $2,250 OBO. Also to sell: Ball M50, cocoon and kn,:c-lianr:er harnesses w/parnchmc, PVC storage tube for glider. li88-1971.

:,pccrnun, almost new ..

SUPERSPORT l 53 Excellent condition, I.OW lots of TLC, first $ l ,990 gets it, (209)

SUPER.SPORT 163 I.ow airrimc, two available. $1,9')5-$2,'(00. Also HE pod and Tracer harness (many options) for 5' I 0"--6'2" 180/t pilots $250$3'75. (61 'J) 2.86-5604, e-mail: Bob7 I l@aol.com

............. $1800 each .......... $1800 ........ $2:000 .. .... $1800 .. ............ $1500

195 Falcon ......................... .. .... $1900 115 Dream .................................................. $300 188 Skybawk .............................................. $300 RamAir ............ ,........................................ $1500 XC J 55 ..................................................... $2700 9 Meter Pulse .. , ........................ , ................ $1500 17 1) Raven....................................... , ... $100 The Hattg Gliding Center (619) 561-1009 EMERGENCY PARACHUTES

SUPER.SPORT 163 (516) 8267138 NY.

Like new, 20 hours $2,500. Bougln, sold, and repacked. $25-$35. ParadH11es, bridles, inspected and paraswivels installed. AIRTIME 01' SAN FRANCISCO, 3620 Wawona, San Francisco, CA 9/i 116. (Ii 15) SKY-1177. ALL BRANDS

lnspection and

SUPERSPORT 163 1994 model, right wing damage $500. (423) 886-2438. TRX 140 RACE (209) 586-6012.

EKccllcnt condition $2,500.

TRX 160 Exccllen1 condition $1,300. Ask for Robert (805) 496-1705.

24 CORE PDA With swivel for randem $550 OBO. (4 l 4) 473 8800. Wirh BRS PULi.DOWN APEX PARAClllJTF system and instrttrncm $750 OBO. (619) li/i8-798.'l.

UP COMET !! J 85

Brown/red/white $500 or trade. MAXON radio $1'50. (702.) 597-1198 LAS VEGAS.

HARNESSES COMJ:ORTABLF TRi\lNJNC HARNESSES

HANC CUDINC

I !!Cl! ENERCY POD Rear zipper, for (i'/1/011 & sevcr,d other si;,es to choose fro111, $:JOO each. C:ocnons, many sizes $200 each. (Ii 11) 17:\,8800.

ALABAMA

MOYES XTRFMF POD !'our u1ontl1s old, plc Iii black w/marclting hag, rigid har with several pockets & wiod storage. hts (,' pilot. Worth $700, must sell $!JOO. (/lii) %6-1:>!iO. Visa/MC: accepted.

C:LOUDBASF C:OJ,P. -· dba Rocket City Airsporrs. S,des, rrnuls, service ,rnd certified i11strt1c1ion at Keel Mountain, (;urley, Alabama. !'or inlrirmation send SAS!·'. and $ I ro PO Box /i2:>, Curley AL :l'57/i8. (20'5) 880-8512, (205) 776-99 12.

l'ARAGLlDERS

SCHOOLS & DEALERS

LOO!(OlJT MOUNTAIN FLICHT l'ARK

Sec

:id under ( ;corgia.

PA R1\C LI DFRS $600-$1,000 for your old equipment. New l'crchc, Apco, I 1v, more. !SA (718) /000 phone/fox.

CJIANDELJ.E SAN IRANCJSCO, INC. Complete h,111g gliding and paragliding sales, service and instruction since 19/.'J. Northern California's most complctT New and used equip mcnt and demo's, clinics and undcm lessons. I 595 F Francisco Ste F, San Rafocl ( :A 9li90 I, (Ii 15).CL!DJNG.

in the westl Full service shop, established l ')7/i. PO !lox CA 9J 110· 1 l'l'J, (805) %5 J/jj THE l!ANC CL!D!NG CENTER Located in beauriful San Diego. US\ !CA instruction, cqnipmettt rentals, local /lying rours. Spend your winter vacarion /lying with us. We proudly offer Wills Wing, Pactfic Ainvave, High Energy, Ball and Moyes. Manufacturers of THE DROGUE CHUTE. l'O Box l Oli9, Lakeside CA 92040, (619) 56 J. 1OO'J.

ARIZONA

RIGIDWINCS l'LEDCF Jill I.ow airtime. stored indoors, inclucks hasctubc fitrtngs and pneumatic wheels fo, towing $900. ('J08) 78 l -2(h0 NJ. SlJPERFLOATER lJLTRALlCllT SAILPLANE Two in stock, available for test !lights, Allen TX (near Dallas). (;> I Ii) 9% 7706 weekday.s, (21 Ii) YJ(J.')090 eveni11gs Iii weekends. WANTED

swwr in good condition. (805) 64/i-

8864.

UITRALJGl!TS BU!Ll)/l'l.Y

Your own BACKPACK POWERED Takes off l'rorn level inexpensive. No and sou rec hook l,ir 10 huild yours for as Now only $19.95. EasylJp, 1089 Medford Center 1/2/ilig, Medford OR ')750/i. COSMOS AFRO l'UC: . 5():3 HRS, Awr 19111 $6,000. Also Pro/ii 19m wing, bad sail. (Ii 19) 892 · 5767.

ARIZONA HANC GLIDING CENTER INC We ;ire a full-time, FULT. SERVICE hang gliding shop locared just minutes from the BEST site in Arizona,

Mountain. We have the most com-

prehensive training program avaibblc and can teach yrn1 to he a SAPE pilot in less time! We srock gliders, h,unesses ,rnd instrurneuts fi·om Wills, PacAir, Moyes, Flytcc, Ball, High Fncrgy, CC and many 111orc 1 We need your trade-ins. Certified instructor Rob Richardson . .353 FLYABLE DAYS I.AST YEAR! 5721 2E Rohen Road Prcscot t Valley A/, 86:l 1li

ll!GH ADVENTURF -- !Jang school. h1nipment sales, service, a1 Somhcrn Calif'ornia's mile high site, Crestline. lJSHr;A lnstrnctor Rob McKenzie. By appointment year rmmcl. ('JO'J) 883-8;\88.

520.7n.1i 111i

ARKANSAS TRIKE With 2/iO Dream, good condirion, willing 1odeaL Call Ron aCicr6prn Central (:016) 6')7 .. 2.577. TR!Kl TRAJN!NC 7000 phone/fax.

And wings. ISA (718) 777

WANTFl) l.OOKINC HlR A SPONSOR Want to /ly state· ;11 a discount price? \Xie have several late ships for a deal 1 Be an advanced rated pilot :md agree Lo leave advcrrising in place for as lo11g as yon own it. Call Jim at ('719) 'i:l9·5900. RADIOS WANTFD

lJSHCA channel /'or

Clirisfian missions. Donate 01 low cost. Thaok you. (80?.) 885 9282.

WANTlm

SWJFT in good condition. (8()'i) 6;\/i.

886/i.

TRI I< F Two scatn for anotowing. Call ltHry S1anlcy (71:\) :l5(dli 'i(i.

0/.1\RK MOUNTAIN HAN(; GJ.]l)ERS Sales, service and ins1ruction. 160 Johnston Rd, Searcy AR 72ili3 (501) 7.79-2!\80.

SAIi. WINC;S Snpplicrs of fine /lying equipment. PO Box U:l:35, Maumelle AR 721 U. (501) 851 /i()<J/i tel/fax. CALIFORNIA

tiflNG GLIDING ;;,,,IJICJUll'flll PA~fiQLIDINQ FULL SFRVTC:E SHOP Located at die hase of rhe mountain on I lwy !Ii. Dealers of Moyes, Bl11e Sky Aircra/t, PacAir, Ball, I Avocct & more. Call for free arc;1 info Rentals available.

ADVENTURES UNUMITFD -- Orange Coumy's school. lJSI IGA certified instrucrion and tan speci,tlist. New & used equipment, Wills Wing dealer. (71/i) /i')(,.8000. AIRTIME OF SAN FRANCISCO-· HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING. Harness ma111d,tc· turcr and repair spcci,tlists. USHCA paragliding instruction, tandclll. All major brands ol paragliding ,rnd hang gliding equipment (new and used). Next 10 l'orl hms10n. The only full service shop in San Francisco! 3620 Wawona, San Francisco ( :A 9/i 1 16. (Ii I 'i) /591177.

,u,.. (04 ..z453 31401 Riverside 1)1·, Lake msinol'e, CA .

ns:rn

Ai rwavc, LAI<F ELSINORE WlNDCYPSY Moyes. Call for site information. ('JO'l) G7'J-899/i. MAC!C: AIR Located in Northern

Lessons1

vice. US! !CA ccrtilicd wwing i11s1r11crion. I.anding and thermal cli11ics. (707) 'J6'j.()/i I I, ('7(J'7) %3 .3/i 55.

FLORID/\

Om comprchcmive instruction program, located at the Bay Area's premier trailling site, fcatmcs sloped "bunny hills," winch towing, superlitc and comfortable training harnesses! "Fl RST FLICllT," a video presentation of our beginner lcs· son program, is available for only $20 ship(may he app!ird to /i11urt !tsson 11un.01m.,;. deluxe rcrnil shop the latest in gliding innovations. We stnck new, used and demo, Wills and Pac/\ ir Trade-ins arc welcome. Feel free to demo fhc nnv h:trnesscs in our custom simulator! 1116 Wrigley Way, Milpitas (mar Srmfosl') Cl\ ')5035. (/i08) 262 1055, fox (li08) 2(,2-1388, MS( :JI( ;@>aol.com www.hang.. gl idi11g.eom TROE J,LJGIIT 11/\NG CI.!DIN(; SCHOOL DONALD QUACKENBlJSll has the only shop at world famous Mountain, l.os Angeles. Offiring of hang gliding equipment with MANTIS harnesses. years. 1:H I?. 1-80089/i-51i33,

WlNDSPORTS minutes from I.AX. to Sylmar, Crestline, Flsinore and trainillg sites. Vacation training, flying and glider sales packages including lodging and rentals. The most popular gliders and eqttipmcm, new and used in stock. Trade in your old equipment. sunny days each year. Come fly with ns! 161/i5 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys Cl\ 91106. (818) 988-0111, Lix (818) 988- 1 862.

GRAYBIRD AIRS PORTS INC: -- US! JGJ\ & USlJJ\ ccnilicd instruction. Beginner rlmt advanced hang glider pilot tandem acrotow training & ratings. USU/\ ultralight pilot thru basic /light i1tstrucror training & ratings. .'l axis sticktime fi,r Swifi, Snpcrfloater or l lragonfly pilot Instruction 7 days a week hy appointment. all major flight and aerotow equipment. l 'i minutes from Silver Springs. l. 5 hours f'rom Disneyworld. Call C:rcgg B.McNamce Cl52) 2/iS-8263. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN l'l.lCJlT PARK Sec 1nmmrain training center

WALLABY RANCH The Original & Most Experienced J\erotow Flight Park YEAR ROUND SOARING

Ql'EN DAYS A WEEK • FOUR TUGS 8 MILES !'ROM DISNl'Y/ORL/\NDO Demos: 20+ ]'.llCE RENTALS to try Xtralite, XC, I<lassic, Blade Race, XS3, XT, XL Laminar, Predator, Sting, Buzz, MJ<[V, Falcon Superfloater, Ere. Ages 13 to 73 I lave Learned rn

All instructors Advanced Rared &

NO MORE BUNNY... THE HILL WITH ITl

Tandem. Tandem lnstrnction: Begint1<:r to Advanced all day, every day.

(;reat scene for Family and hiends. Rentals, sales, ratillgs, XC: retrievals. C:unping, Nice climbing wall, i-rnn1p0Jjnc, pjng pong, J'vlcga-Bungcc-S,ving, picnic) swimming pooL etc.

WF HJ\ VE The most advanced training program known to hang gliding, teaching yon in half' the time it rakes 011 the training.. BUNNY HILL, and with more inflight air time. YES, WE CAN TEACH YOU FASTER AND SAFER. For year-round training lim in the sun, call or write Miami J Jang ( ;Jiding (.'305) ).85-8'!78. 2610 S Bayslwre Drive, Coconut Crewe, Florida 33133.

Smndi1ig X(: prizc.,:J;i,,850.00 1995 Florida/Rancl1 records: Distance J 00.3 miles. Duration 6 hours }1 minutes. Read ahom us in l !/\NC CI.IDINC Aug. l 99/i Clct. l 'l'J5 KITPJ.ANES Jan. J 995, SKYWJNGS & rhe Web: lmp://www.wallaby.com Please ask us for references in your area. 1805 Dc,tn Still Road, Wallaby Ranch, l'lorida 33837 (9/i I) li24-0070 - Ranch phone & fax. Sratc of the /\rt• Conservative• Reliable

WJUGl!T BROTllERS WJN(;S McClure/Modesto area. (2.09) 58(,.(,012..

Lake l'.11.C. INC./FI .YINC l'LORID/\ S!NCF. 1974

COLORADO GOLDEN WINGS Lessons, sales, service. lJSHG/\ certified instrncrors. Dealers for Moyes, Wills Wing, B!ttc Sky Aircraft Co. and PacJ\ir. 1 'i!iO I W. 9th /\vc., Golden CO 80/iOI. 003) J:7il .. '7l8!.

QUIET FUG!lT Ccnified instruction, Blue Sky sales and service, Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. Contact Steve Dewey (?19) 6870474.

Malcolm Jones, David c;Jover, Rhett Radford, Kerry l.loyd, Jamie Buck, Ryan Clover & JimAppbon

lNTROlllJC:FS QlJFST i\lR SOARlNC CENTER. Come l'iy with the Original DRAGONFLY TEAM Learn to Hang Glide with state-·o(the-art tandem eqtnp1ne1n and a minimum or 6 ro 8 hours WC

can accelerate your

CONNECTJC:UT

tandem

11s f(H a

flight in prime time air! Camping sw1mrnm,g available, also close to all

MOUNTAIN WINC;S --- [ .ook under New York.

Classified advertising: new life for your cash in equipment your pocket. What a deal! 54

l nterested in be,cocn,n,t, Come learn ro fly the Dragonfly Aero Tug 011 one of the grass airfields in Central Florida, with two 2100 foot runways and space. Find ont how you over 80 acres of wide can yom owu Aero Club or Flight Park started. Microlights i\sscrnhly and Training Facility on site, FOUR NEW TUGS !]'.l STOCK. Bobby Bailey, Campbell Bowen and Russ Brown arc USUA and USHCJ\ Cerrifled Tandem Instructors. GLJDER & EQOIPMENT SAi.ES AND SERVICE OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK CALL FOR MORE INl'O (901) 42'J .. 02!3.

men1bership or merchandise (719) 17. We gladly ,~ r,~,~,-...- -VISA and

HANC Ci IDINC

GEORGIA

MICHIGAN

ENJOY THE SPRING AT LOOKOUT. WEEKLY

NORM LESNOW'S FIYJNC ADVENTURES Ridge .soaring, towing, foot-launch hang gliders and paraglidcrs. Advanced lnstrttcLor, Fxaminer, Tow Administrator, lessons. Call Norm (810) 399 94.33.

& I.ONG-TERM CABIN RENTALS.

TRAVERSE CfTY HANG GLIDERS/PARAGLTDERS ~· FlJLL-TIME shop. Cenificcl instruction, foot launch and row. Sales) service, accessories for

ALL major brands. VISA/MASTERCARD. Corne soar our 450' dunes! 1509 F 8th, Traverse City Ml li9681. Offering powered paragliding lessons & a distrilrntor for the new unit, the WHISPER. Call Bill at ((,1(,) 922De:ilcr inquiries 2811. Visit om paragliding school in Jackson, Wyoming. Call Tracie at (:l07) 739--8620. MINNESOTA THE LANDING RV PARK AND CABINS IS COMPLETED and o/fors f<ir yom /lying accornrnodations-WEEKLY CABIN RENTALS AT LOOKOUT and RV spots w/lirll hook-lips. Each cabin has a private bathroom, kitchen, bed and both heat and ale. Sllpcr low rates. CALL THE I.ANDING 1-800-8037788 to reserve your own priv:nc cabin now. All other hours, feel free 10 leave information at rhc message center for a prompt response. Sec ya in the air) C:n:g.

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN !'LICHT PARK -- . Sec our display ad. Discover why FOUR TIMES as many pilors c:1rn their wings at Lookou1 than at any <Hhcr

school! We wrote USHGA's Official Trainiug Manual. 011r spccialty-rnstomcr satisfoction and fon with the BEST FACILlT!ES, largest inventory, camping, swimming, vnllcybll, more! For a flying rrip, intro flight or lesson packages, Lookout Mountain, just omsidc Chattanooga, your COM-PLFTE training/service center. Info, (800) 688LMFP.

SPORT SOAR.INC CENTER/M[NNEAPOLIS ~ Instruction, equipment dealers for Wills Wing, Pacific Airwave & Edel. (612) 688-0181. NEVADA ADVENTURE SPORTS Sierra toms our special ty lJSHCi\ certified school and ratings. Dealers for Pacific: i\irwave, Wills Wing, Blue Airborne. Fly tire Sierras with a full-service shop. Research Way, Carson City, NV 89706 (702) 883-7070 phone/fax. NEW JERSEY MOUNTAIN WlNC:S

Look under New York.

NEW MEXICO

HAWAII

MOUNTAIN WEST lli\NC Gl.ll)lNC OHering sales, service, instruction in the Four Corners area. (505) 6'.)2-84/i.1 Farmington NM.

BIRDS OJ: PARADISE--~· !fang gliding & ultralight !lying on Kauai. Cerriflcd tandem instrncrion. (808) 822 5309 or (808) 6:l'J-1067.

\JP OVER NEW MEXICO lnsrruction, s:ilcs, service. Sandia Morrnrain Wills, Pacific Airwavc. Albuquerque, NM 821-851/i.

ILLINOIS

Wll.D BLlJF YONDER NM's only full time, full service school & shop. We've got it! Allmqucrquc

RA VFN SKY SPORTS (3 12) :l60-0700. Please sec our ad under WISCONSIN.

(505) AIR--1210.

FLY HTCH HANG Cl.!DTNC, INC Serving S. New York, C:onnccrict1L, areas (Fllcnvillc Mm.). Area's EXCLUSIVE Wing dc,llcr/speciali.st. Also all other major brand.s, accessories. Certified school/instruction. Teaching siucc I 97'). Area's most INEXPENSIVE prices/repairs. Excellent secondary instruct ion ... if you've flnishcd a program and wish to continue. l•ly the moutnain! i\TOl. tow· ing! Tandem flights! Contact Paul Voight, 5 I 63 Searsville Rd, Pinc Bush, NY 12'i66, (91/i) 741-3317. II<AROS SPORT i\ VIATION -- NYC's only ccrti ficd hang paragliding, trikes school. Distributors !KARO 2000, AFRO, FINSTER-WAI.DER, APCO, LA MOl/ETTE, COSMOS, MOUNTAINEER TRIKES, AIR CREATION and more. Full service and equipment at best prices. The most friendly service in tire area. For 1996 CATALOG send $Ii to ISA, 38-1 I Ditrn:m Blvd It l l 0, Astoria NY 11105. Store address: 29--31 Newtown Ave., Astoria NY. Phone/fox (l 18) 777 --7000. SUSQUEHANNA HICHT Pi\ RI< Cooperstown, NY. Certified Instruction, Sales and Service for all major manrrfacmrers. IJO acre p,uk, 5 training hills, jeep rides, hunk honsc, hot showers, 600' NW ridge. We have the best in N. New York state to teach you how to ily. RD 2, Box 3/i8A, Coo1>ersrown, NY U:J26, (315) 8666153. NORTH CAROLINA CO ROI.I.A Fl.IC] IT · America's most exr,erienc:cd tandem flight instructor, teaches urilizing Double Vision. Call or wrire for information DeWoJC C:orolLr Flight, PO Box NC 27949. (')19) li531800.

NEW YORK INDIANA

JJ MITCIIFLL

TANDEM. UP, l\rcAir dealer. 67:l.3 Columbia Ave., l lamn10nd, IN 1632/i (219) 815-2856.

J<ENTUCKIANJ\ SOAR! NG - - Sec om classified under P:trts. RAVEN SKY SPORTS (1 lli) /i7J-8BOO. Please sec our ,rd under WfSCONSIN. KANSAS PRAIRIE !JANG C:UDERS Bed & breakfast. Full service school & dealer. Grear tandem instruction, towing & XC packages. (316) 697-25Tl.

MAY 1996

MA FLIGHT SCI 1001 MOUNTAIN WINGS and EAST COAST PARAGLIDING in Ellenville NY. MOST PROFJJSSIONAL in NE with I 5 years experience. 7 full time certified instructors, Ii exclusive training hills. We stock everything available fr,r pilots and sell & service AIRWAVE, UP, BLUE SKY, WILLS WING and now MOYES, also SWIFT, SUPERFLOATFR and ALL PARAGI.IDER BRANDS. Unbearable prices on gliders. F11ll time towing focility, tandems, JC!', clinics. We do it all. l--800-525-7870, (91/i) 6/i/-3377. 150 Canal Street, Ellenville NY 12li28. OUR EXPERIENCE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.

'J'andem lnstTt1nion ° J\erotowing

• Boar Towing • Paragliding • l'oot l.:tunch • Motmtain Clinics • Equipment Sales and Service Open Ycar Round • Beach Resort (800) 3:$li-li7T7 Nags Head, NC [nLcrnct Address: http://ww\\,.k,nyil:rwk.com F-Mail Address: lla,11g-glrdc("'orrtcrh,rnl,:s.com

Tr1e Improved Tracer (IT) features continuous webbing structure, adjustable padded leg straps, adJustable shoulders, hook knife, steel carabiner, easy rotation for excellent sit--up-ability, skid plate toe protector, bungee retractor channel, custom sizing and a wide range of colors & options

ffli;l1i l1111rm~ lll)et!ts alse 111i!S ~uantum itnies ~ar;i1lllut1s, i mw1ffi mmre i.ilesi;ne!lt s~e1ifi1111Jl~ fe>n 111am; !llliiim!ll,

US1 !GA and MBNA America" Bank arc Lo introduce a credit card for USHGA members. The Visa card lets you suppon USHGA ancl offers credit card. You deserve: • No annual fee. • A line of credit. Lo$] ,000,000 in common carrier navel accident insurance!' • Customer Seivicc available--24 hours a clay, 7 days a week 24 hours a day, 7 days a week t imc you use USH GA recei vcs a comribuLion al no extra cost Lo you I contributions add up, for USHGA. The card also the USHGA logo, every time you use it. Please mention priority code IlXV when you call. ~whC'n you charg\: en1irc Li res to your (,t)lil Cmrl, ym1 air rn1tnnrnnc:1lly t DV1'ti'(l w11l11q) 10 i'500,000 m rntnmon nmt('r trnvd f\( ndrnt 1risun1we If ym1 Jht> hook y·11r trnwl pbns w11h (,nlrlPw,s:11\c I tr,,v,,J ,e1\'m",, y1ni'i\· ,1t11r11i\:t11rally; ow1c(l f,1r up w an addtllom1l '1,100,000 (l he Custom lmd pllwHks tip :o 1>)00,000 101al <(NCiag<') ( t'1Lnn wstl!(llOtl\ apply to the,,c rmd otlw1 bnwhts dc'oc:1hed 111 ilw lwndll', b1rn:hun·" \r'nt soon ,ihn ymu :1n·,1u11l hoprnrd c;oJdPa.,c,agc 11,wcl sc1vH"f'~ ,trr prnvHkd t11 !AB;,,,.A (.1Nc,1rnT, by. ,md ,uc the l\'Sp011.,1billly o-:, :m mdqwndcntly 11wrwd and opciaH'd tiavel ag('lKy llw1(· :ll<' rnsh aw,n,iLcd with 1l1c \N' ol tlll', l:lld You may (n11Ult llw h',HC'J'<!lld adnim1'.>ll,!lill o[ lhl':> p1ogi,m1. MHNA AnWlll',l. to request "JlCClh( mL11n1,nwn alJl)ut 1hr cosis by lallm1'. l-HOO Wl/-/r/H 01 w1nmg 10 tv1HNA /\uc11(,1, I' 0 l\11x ]'>0)0 \·V1lrn111gtn11, rn· Jt)W50 lvW~A 1\n1r·lt(.l :md ( ,old!',1\\,l/t <11<· frd(·inlly wgh\ciwl ~eiv1u· nrn1h oi MP.NA 1\m·rn c1 !lank, NA. Vhtl l' ,\ krln,tl!y 1cghtc1cd '/'IVl(T mc1rk ilf V1•,a ll ', 1\ lnc. used pm,,11:mt tn li(nl\\ V J()l), lvlll."..i\1\mc11oll.111k, All(, 1-( ;\1)(,-lJ-J(-tJ'.\ ,\DC,-lN l· j,Jfl)'i

You WANT IT. WE GOT IT. the SOARING CENTER offers e-;erything a ,tudent pilol needs. Excellent inslNc~on, 1lote-ol·the-art equipment, and a !raining siht with consishtnt conditions ideal for leamin9. This means you get more air-time, have more fun, and become a "-• pilot in less ~me••. You wont it? YOU got Ill • lessonJ tought doily, yeor-,ound. • Sooroble condition$ 300+ doys a yea. • Smooth grassy ridges "mode for $00ting ". • les.$on pocko9e1 f« beginners or your finl 100 mile X-country. • Tandem/ Solo Hong gltding & Paragliding lessora, • Pro site guides for 2,00Q• • S,000' mountain launch sites-, • Demos & glider rentols. • Soil & oirttome repairs by fodory expert$. • Full service $hop with ptoducts from nlO$I deal«t.. • Free Comping at the lc,un,:h, • ICP's and oerobo:tic clinics.

ot •Poil'\t of the Mountain" 12665 So. Mintnemon Drive # I Draper, Uloh SA020 Phono 180 II 576-6460 FAX 180 I) 576-6482

Cab - - - _ l;f~

s uccess since its public debUI in April 1995. the new Superfloater offers: • Excellent I 5: I performance

in sit•down soaring comfor1 (and no harness to buy!) • Superb joystick handling • Very simple aero or winch launching (foot launch is possible) ... . . .all for an amazingly low price. > Fully built and ,est Oown, the

SuperAoater is shippi_n g IIOlV. Fly unde r Part J03 and thermal in close with your hang gliding friends.

Ultralight Soaring Aircraft

Coby Fins

. Eliminate Yaw from •II H,nf! Gliders.

• Ate Li~L.Clcan nnd Eflicient - Art &,jJ Mounted. • Are:.Suitable f<>r AJl 1-laog Gliders. As Tested by Dennis Pagen in the l0/95 issue of Bani Glidi.n8, l\~tt@t1Zine.

Pnc:c,....SJJOAu~ r,ersel. \vhich i11t'lude.i AirFrl~Ju to {}$.,I, (\.fake COOquc Payable. lll AU$truh.an Dollars, 10:

PARK COMFORT SPORT. lA lw)1UQDd Rd. THIRROUJ. N.S.W. 25 IS AUSTRALIA.

or truly independent soaring. the Cumulus ultraligh1 motorglider is a highly refined choice: • Soar beyond 20: 1. sillk as slow as hang gliders • Handle with ease and authority • Zoom beyond 80 mph , or chug along at 60 for better than 200 miles on less than 5 gallons of fuel. Even beuer... s hul her down and soar for miles. Then, tap the electric starter and motor home easily. > The Cumulus is a three-year, top-10bottom design offering superb soaring compatible with hang gliders . Call/fax

to get Info on these 2 great

~S Aviation • 2oS cino ln 1 ~outn SI ~aul

7sI U~A I Telif3t M~i~S0-09~0 M~ sso choices.

OHIO NORTH COAST HANG GLIDING c:enificd lnstmction. New & used gliders. Specializing in Pacific Airwavc gliders. Mike Del 1916 W. 75th St., Cleveland, 01-1. li4102 OREGON

AlRTIME ORFCON Certified insuuction on modern cquipmetll. Lor.s of gliders, harnesses, chures in stock. Dealer for Blue Sky, Moyes, PacAir, WW, Lee, Reflex, Panoramic, Uvcx, cc;, High Energy and lots more. inventory in the srnte. Paraglidcr sales. Plight Design, Pcrchc, UP and instruction Trekking. Airrek rockc1s and harnesses. Eugene area phone/fax (541) 9')8-1220.

1-111.L COUNTRY PARAC;LJ[)]Nc; INC -- I.earn complete pilot skills. Personalized US!IGA certified training, ridge soaring, foot &_ tow bunching in ccnrnt! Texas. MOTORIZED PARAGLIDING INSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE. (915) 379-1185. Rt 1, Box J 6F, Tow TX 78672.

KTTE l'.NTERPRlSES lnstrncrion, sales, repairs, towing and foot hmnch. Dallas & Nonh Texas area. 211 Ellis, Allen TX '75002. (21 Ii) 390-9090 anytime. Dealer, Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing. RED RlYFR AIRC:RAFl'/CO HANC Cl.fl)JNC

Jeff Hunr--Owner. Texas's most active school and shop. Qna!iry service and insrnrction ... li811 Red River St., Austin TX '78751, ph/fax (512) Ii(//. 2529.

SOUTHERN OREGON JIANC CT.IDINC: Certified instrncrion, ATV retrieval. PacAir, Wills Wing, J-IES, Moyes. (Sli I) 179-582:l.

Area's OLDEST Wills TOTAL AIR SPORTS Wing dealer. Ccrrified insrrncrion available. "I only DEAL wi1h WILLS". (,354 Limestone, llo1tston TX 77092. (713) ')56-6 ! /i7.

PENNSYLVANIA

UTAH

MOUNTAIN TOP RFC:REATJON Certified in.mucrion, Pittsburgh. (Ii 12) 6'>7-li!i77. C'MON OUT AND PLAY!

VULTlJRE GLIDERS S1tpcrior l/Sf !GA insrrnc·rion at The l'oinr of' rhc Mountain. New Falcon trainers. Shop is 10 minmcs fi·om hill. Dealer for Moyes, WW, PacAir. Call Charlie (801) 25/i-Cilli I.

MOUNTAIN WTNGS

ALL NEW lJl:rRA,-UGITT LAMBIE Lm The lightest, most comforrable hang glider hclmcr. Aerodynamic, low turbnlcncc, low drag shape. Hightech look. Finish is clear resin over rhe gold/black wc,1vc of the super·strong carbon/kcvlar outer shell. Open face, only 12 oz., price $160. Inregral full face version, only 1 oz. $ J 'J') includes headset installation. Measure around head and from bottom of car-lobe over top to bottom of earlobe for custom /tr. From the designer, Jack Lambie, 8160 Woodsboro, Anaheim CA ')2807. !'hone and fax (711) 779-1877.

l.ook under New York. VJRCTNIA

TENNESSEE At Raccoon Moum,tin. Private rooms, bunkhouse, jacuzzi, pool. Work program. (615) 821-2516 Chattanooga, ( :huck or Shari.

Al.PINE LODCE

Lessons, sales, repairs, accessories, towBI.UE SKY ing. Custom sewing for harnesses and sails. Call Steve Wendt m (5/iO) lt32-655'1. HAWK ATRSPORTS JNC P.O. Box 9056, Knoxville, TN 37940-0056, (12:l) 9.13-92%. I Jang Gliding and world famous Windsoks.

KITTY T-JA WK KlTES

LOOKOUT MOUNTATN FUCHT PARK ad under Ccorgia.

Ccrrifled bg/pg instrncSILVER WINGS, INC. tion and cq1tipment sales. Proudly representing Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing, Sccdwings & UP. (703) 533-· 1965 Arlington VA.

Sec

BFST 17." WHEELS AVAfLAHU,'. lightweight, a musr for trnining, tandem in bnshings. Only USA--hnilt I)," quantity discounrs. lmmedia1e delivery. l.ookou1 Moumain. (800) 688-Uvli:l'.

Sec North Carolina.

TEXAS WISCONSIN A.A.S AUSTIN AIR SPORTS Certified foor launch, tow & tandem training. Sales/service AUSTIN, TEXAS Srevc Burns, 1 I Waterson, 78703, (512) li711669. HOUSTON (713) li71 1488.

two-month lead time plan ahead. SB

RAVEN SKY SPORTS HAN(; CLIDlNG AND PARA(;LJDING Largest and most popular in rite Midwest. Traditional curriculum, ridge soarin1;, n1ountain clinics, acroi-cnving & tandems by Brad Kushner. for all major brands. PO Box I 01, Whitewater Wl 53190 (Jilli) li73-8800. PARTS &ACCESSORIES AEROTOWING ACCESSORIES Sec TOW INC. nm WALIABY RANCH (9/il) 424-0070.

!'HOM "BREAfJPAN" MAKEH NllW l>'UR HANU

COMBO UNT1

AND PARAGLIDING.

My well-foved

quick vario married to an excel-

lent altimeter

to new gcncr:uion lascr--trinuncd

transducers. Squeezed into link RF·proof box only 5x3x l A" still bas reserve Interchangeable broad Velcro srr:tps or base tube mouming hardware. $2')5 Shipping inc. (805) 682-J088. Laser trimmed retrofit also available for bread pans $85. ROBERTS Cl.IDER INSTRUMENTS 3Y10 CUFF DRIVE SANTA BARBARA CA 93109

HANC CLIDINC

WISH

C:J\MFRJ\ RF.MOTF 20', Cits most cameras. Snaps on over existing sit mt er release. $Ii 5 (ask aho111 our in1rod11ctory $10 rebate). Tek l'light Prod11cts, Colebrook Stage, Winsted CT 060'Jii. (Camera not incl11dcd.) CJ\ LL I< FNTUCK I J\ NJ\ SOJ\ RI NC S11mmer Comp $1,195. lnclndcs v;ilnc). Call (812) 288711 I for rhc best price. FI.YTEC 3010 Women's Race II w/chute, Avsac harness. (lt08) 681-2571.

FJYTFC: :1030 $5'i0. Ball M50 deluxe $/iOO. Oxygen systems .1, 150. (71 ')) 539-5900.

VARIO'S: Fl.lG!lT DECKS NFW BJ\LL CRJ\l'l IIC:S PI.US ...... $1,lt95.00 ............... w/free Carmin 38 GPS BAI.I. Ml 9. ...... ............. ...... 1')94 ... $337.00 HALL M19.. ...l'J'l5 DEMO ...... $105.00 AFRO MICR(JPANEJ .............................. $375.00 AIRCOTEC VJ\RIOS ... $CALL FOR BFST PRICE IlRJ\UNIGER BA.SIS ... $150.00 BRA UNI CFR C:LJ\SS!C: ............ .. ... $(,80.00 BRAUNJl;EJ, C:OMPF.TITlON. . ... $750.00 MJ\Ll.E'J'\TC: ..... $159.')5 TJ\NCFNT .. ... $CJ\1.L

lfEI.METS RFFl.l·'.X ..

l'J\NOJ,AMIC LEE-Fl. LFI·>l:2 ..... LEE ARC. PFLI.E UVFX.

....... FUI.l. FJ\CE ......... l'Ul.1. FJ\CF.

........ HJ!.!. FJ\CF ......... HJl.l. 1:ACF

..... $155.00 ...$lli9.00 .... $2.30.00 .. .... $290.00 .. .... $320.00 ...... $150.00 ... $290.00

RADTOS-1\LL MODFJS AVl\ll.Alll.E YJ\FSU FTl IR ..... 5 watt ........ $.,05.00 I<FNWOOll Tl 127... .. .. $7.85.00 PTT FlNCFRSW!TC! 1/I IFADSET ..... $89.00 5/8 TI'I.FSCOPIC J\NTFNNJ\ ... ...... $20.95 5/8 <;A)N DUCK J\NTFNNJ\ .. .... $17.95 EAR TJ\Ll<:SPFJ\KFR/MlC SYSTEM ........ $8/i.OO VC22 YAESlf VOX/l'TT. . .. .... $58.95 MOllll.L

......... 50 watt..

..$350.00

TUNE LI' w/W'ARRANTY JI\'TACT .......... $35.00 MJ\XON 2550. .. .............. $31\9.00 PJ\RACllUJ'ES From I l FS, Wills WILLS WINC I IFS l}lANTUM HANG GLIDER CJ\MF.RJ\ MOUNT Shown on 112" 111hc, $'.l'J. 50 i11cl11dcs shipping. TEK FLIGHT PRODUCTS. Colebrook Stage, Winsted er 060')8. (8(,0) .,7'). I (,(,8 (Camera !lOI included).

MINI VARIO World's smallest, simplest variol Clips 10 helmet or chinstrap. 200 hours on ha1rerics, 0--18,000 f1 ., fasr response ,md 2 year warranty. Creal for too. ONLY $169. Mallcncc, 1'0 Box 15756, Ana CA, 'l2Tl5. (71/i) %6-12/iO. MC/Visa accepted.

OXYGEN SYSTEM~; .................. $CAI.I.

OTHER NEAT STUFF

WJN!) J\DVISORY AIRSPEED W/Cl.J\MP .$2:l.OO llALl. l'J\RJ\l;TJ])FR J\lRSl'FFD...... .. ..... $2.8.95 11001< KNIFE. .. ...... $1 li.95 TOW JHLEJ\SL ............. IVIJ\SON'S ......... $52.00 BAR MITTS U MITTS.. . ..... $35-$90 AVOC:ET WATC:llFS ... ..$115.00 KENTUCKIJ\NA SOJ\RINC Avenue

(812)288-7111 fax(812)281i-liI15

The world -class XC:R .. l 80 ~1'18,000 Ii. and weighs only

up ro 3 homs Complete kit with

cylinder) harucss, regulator, cannula and remote

on/off flow1t1c1cr, only $T75.00. TJJE INCREDIBLE EJ\RTJ\I.K ~-· Just pm it in your car (no microphone). Lasy for sending 0111 or receiving P111 PTT conrrol piece on glove or harness transmit/adjust voice ..\:<n.li 5 inclndes sl,ipping. \SA (/ 18) 7?7 -7000 phone/fox. · Real lifr savers! 12", light, rough. Fits all gliders. Send $11.95, M.50 pair to Sport J\viation, PO Box l O I, JV11ng1,v1llc PJ\ I6il56. Ask about our dealer prices.

MAY 1996

PTT lllJTTON SWITCH ~ l:ingcr mount with "click" l'ccdback. All popular I IT', .. uscr selectable. Connects he1wce11 headset and radio $39.95. Check or money order. Voice (123) 531 .. f-:()15.

INTH;RJ\f. FULL FAC:F ..- .. I Iclnter, extra small, best offer. Other helmets to choose fi·om. (Ii H) fi'13 . 8800.

QU[CK RELEASE CARAlllNER $49.9'i. Extra ball lock pin, $29.00. 10,000 lhs., dealers welcome, pending. 'l'hermal I 'J/i} l -Ii l Business Center Nonhridge, C/\ 91.12/i. (818) 701-798:l.

DON'T GET C/\UCTIT LANDING DOWN WIND! 1.5 oz. ripstop nylon, UV treated, 5'/i" w/ 11" throat. Available colors f'luorcscent pink/v,cllow or fluorescent piuk/wltite. $39.95 (, $/i.00 SIil). Send to l/SllCA Windsok, P.O. Box l.'l.'lO, Colorado Springs, CO 8090 I· 1330, (719) 6:l2 8:'$00, fax (719) 632-(,117. VISA/MC accepted.

HANG GLIDING FOR BEGINNER PILOTS ·~ by Pete Cheney. The Official USl!CA Training Manual. Over 2.60 pages, with more than 160 easy··to. understand illustrations aud photos. Yom library m1rts with this book! $29.95 (plus $/i.00 s/h) Colorado residents add YY<, tax. SEND/FAX/PHONE TO US! lCA BOOKS, P.O. Box I :no, Co\orndo Spriugs, CO 80901 UJO, FAX (719) 632·6417, PHONE Cll 9) 632·8.=lOO. YlS/\/MC accepted.

BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES UNTQUF OPPORTUNITY /\rises for qualified & cenilied person to sub-contract. All hang gliding & paraglidin[s instrnctiou :md tendcm lcsons at Torrey Pines. Please contact Bill Bcnuett or Roger Greenway ,tt ((, l ')) li'52-9851l or fax (61 <J) li52-')9g3, PlJBUCATIONS & ORGANlZA'J'lONS

TEK 6" WHEELS $26 per pair, plus $3.75 Sil I. Tek l'lighr Products, Colebrook Sragc, Winsted CT 06098. (860) 379-1668.

form. From the early Hang c;titfing (719) (,:J2.8:300.

to the present

HIGHER THAN EAGLES by Maraly.s &. Chris Wills. The lifr & rimes of BOBBY WTI.LS, haug gliding legend. the triumphs and o/' the Wills and rhe evolution of Wills $19.95 hardcover (1$/i.OO S/l-1), sec preceding classified for USI JG/\ BOOKS info.

3005 $375. New I Ii l.

US! JG/\ instrncror Tom Sapienza, of Aini me Oregon says, "I've tcsttd 1md rrcornrnnul \Vind Advisory'" Dependable. Built rn bst. No batteries required.

OHTC:!Al. FA/\ SECTIONAL And VFR, Terminal Arca ( :harrs. /\ll areas, cmrcnt (up to date New Airspace Classifications). Secrional maps $'7 each, VFR Terminal /\rca C:harrs $1 each. Add shipping and (Cal. rcsidcnrs only) tax. Dealer prices. Aini me of' S. F. (415) 759· 1 I 77, fox (Ii 15) 759. 1182.

WIND ADVl5DRY AIR/Wf}IO SPEED INDICATORS HELP You LAUNCH&. FLY SAFc"!

WIND ADVISORY With MOUNTING BRACKET only $24.50, includes s/h. You save $2.. 50. Sold scparntcly-lndicaror only $15 ,$2 s/h; Mounting bracket $8 +$2 s/h. Specify short or long bracket with your order. orders add $2 per item purchased. Send or MO to Pacific Resources, PO Box 9061, San Diego CA 92169. (619) 270-9162. Satisfaction Guaranteed!

DOWNWIND From the early days of the ?O's, to air of Owen's Valley, DOWNWIND is with thrill and cxhilaratiou of cross country advcntmc. The pcrfrct for both pilots and non· pilots. Sll/\RF THE EXPERIENCE. I\ trrn' well told. Available from USBCA Hc:tdquancrs ouly $10.95 (+$2 s/h). PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 8090) .. 1]30.

Your by more than 10,000 hang gliding

n1emhership (719)

HJ\NC GUD\:,..JC

BLIMP - Crear for advcnising, 8 feet long, Oberglass banens, helium filled $250. (30:J) 828·:3809. l'IVF STAR TIME SIJ/\RE San Diego. Very cheap, must sell! Comacr Bill ('/1 Ii) 17/i,/i88'/.

BAG IT! If' you don't have your copy of Dennis Pagen's PERFORMANCE FLYING available through USHCA J fcadqnartcrs V9.')5 s&lt).

& P;iragJjding magazine.

LJSJlC:A

SOARING Monthly magazine of' The Soaring of Society of' America, Inc. Covers all Full mc111bcrship $55. Info. with copy $3. SSA, P.O. Box F, Jlobhs, NM 887.lil. (505) '.)921177.

VIDEOS & FILMS Follows the action of a new FIRST FLIGHT pilot's fost lessons. This video is an entertaining way to show your fricuds and family how you acrnally learn to fly. Vf IS 15 minutes. $20 includes shipping (may be MJSSION SOAR· INC Way, Milpitas C/\ 9503'5. (40H) 267.·l 055.

I CAN I.AND 150 good, bad & landings. I\ of' aero. must for all studcms. 90+ minutes & Send $35 money order to: Jeff Rcynolds, 1902 F Sharon Drive, Phoenix AZ 85022.

TOWING AEROTOWING /\CCESSORJES - I lcadquartcrs for: The finest rclcas,·s, sc,·c,ndoirv "V'' bridles, weak links, t:mdcm kits, etc. TIIJI. WAI.I.A BY RANCH (911) 4210070. FOR SA!.F NEW /\TO! Style tow winch w/levd· willd, .3500' of lilll'., all accessories includes frame, never used. M 11st sell $2, 'J99 ()B(). Call li50·M37.

SAVF $500 TLS PAYOUT WINCH. Factory demonstrator. Includes new: rope (2500'), hydraulic hoses, calipr,r, master cylinder, rewind mowr, year warranty & free: delivery. Call Chris (21 OJ 87.11803.

POTNT OF THE MOUNTAIN Award winning hy East ( :oast Video, hg/pg action at this Utah mecca $29. HANG GLJDJNG EXTREME & noRN TO FLY by Adventure Video, great hg action $31.95 each. HAWAIIAN FLYIN by Space 9, adise $:l3. Call or fax USHCA (719) (719) 63?. ,61il7, plc:ase +$Ii domestic s/h (+$5 for two

IF YOU NFED INSTANT Yet very comfonablc housing for an upcoming event, business or personal, then call Flight Services at C/0(,) 398 -2888 and ask for Bill Summers abom our Ilotcl on Wheels. We deliver "rental-ready" travel traih:rs, fully equipped wirh towels, linens, cookware and diningwarc i<,r the same prices that most RV dealers charge for unequipped units. New and used unit.s arc folly tested at rhc dealershi1, to c:nsure all cquipmcnr is worki11g prnpcrly. is free in some areas. All trailers arc equipped with refrigerator, stereo, heat & air, microwave oven, gas oven and coffee maker. We

arc currently dealing in Culf Stream's SFA 11/\Wl< line.

or more: videos). Grear to impress your friends or for

those socked.in days. Pcrfoct gift for the launch pornto mrned couch potato. Also, ask us abom our pa1-:1r;l1cl,mg videos! MTSCELIANEOUS

Tl!E MASON TOW REl.F/\SES Are ready for the tow season. Send $'i2 to: Mason's Micro M:,cllmtng, 1239 Corrine St, Idaho Falls ID 8:lltO).. "MOONSIJA!)OW"

(208) 529-2 I 06.

cl.wind, overhead fairleads, nose release, IJOOO' spectra, :3 recovery ch111cs, 2 tow bridles. /'vlounrs to bo:it ski pylon, can also trnck/tr;iilcr mount $2.,li<JS (regular $:l,500). Appropri:1te Engineering, 97 I l'ishcrman 's Cove, Sc:ncca SC 29672. Phone (861) 885·09it9. SCOOTER TOW ST/\TlON/\RY WINCH Cornplcte with traini11p; for insrructiou $2,500. Dave Broyles, Allen TX (near D:1llas). (21/i) 996-7706 weekdays, (2 I Ii) 390--9090 evenings & weekends.

j/ !6" 9601/ breaking strength,

T. Specify short sleeve $17. Add $7.. 50 per order shipping. or money order to: Sky Wear, PO Box 544, Signal Mountain TN 37:177. (li2}) 886.(iJ')J. Dealer inquires wclcornc.

"AEROBATICS" Full color 23"x 31" poster featuring John Heiney doing what he docs hcst·I .OOP. JN< ;! Available thrnugh US! JC/\ HQ for just $6.95 (1 $3.50 s/h). Fill thar void on your wall! Send lo US! !GA Acrobatics Poster, PO Box 1:JOO, Colorado Spriugs CO 80933. (US/\ &. Canada only. Sorry, posters arc NOT AVAll.ABLE 011 intcrn:nional orders.) SPECIAL-Acrobatics poster & Frie Raymond poster-BOTH FOR $IO ( ,$3.50 s/h).

new

3000'--$ I 05

included. Volume discounts. Cajun ! Jang Club, 1 IO !<cm Circle, l.afayertc l.1\ 705011. Cl l 8) 'J8 l ·8T72.

MAY "1996

ifi

I Arai ,l.J\;•iU,;;u ............................. ;Ju Ball Va:rios ., .. ,... ,,,,, ................. .. Blue Sky n.Hvl<l.lt. .................... Brauniger ................................. ,., .., Coby Fins Fly tee ................................. 1 Ha.II Bros. High H.111°,rav Sports ................ 56 £;

WINDSEEKFR More fnn rhan a band of clownrnbcs. Jr soars, it loops, it flies! ONLY $3.00 plus $2 s/h ($3 slh on orders o(.3. More than 3 or !nt'/ orders, plcme ml/) UST IG/\, 1'0 llox 1:330, Colorado CO 8090 J. (71 9) 632·8300, fax yom MC/Visa order ro (719) 6.12-6417. VIDEOS BOOKS & POSTERS Call USHGA for your Merchandise order l'Drm (719) 632·8300. DON'T LEAVE YOOR GROUND-BOUND EQUIPMENT SITTING IN THE GARAGE. SELL IT IN TllE HANG GLIDING CLASS!, FIEDS.

CL/\SS1l1IED ADVERTISING RATES The rate for classified advertising is $.50 per word (or gronp of characters) and $ l .00 per word for bold or all caps. MTN!MlJM /\D CHARGE $5.00. A foe of$ I ~.00 is for each line arr logo and $25.00 for each photo. LINE/\RT & PHOTO SIZE NO LARGER THAN 1.75" X 2.25". Please underline words to be in bold print. Special layouts of tabs $25.00 per col· nmn inch. Phone mnnber~2 words. Email or web addrcss,s3words. AD DEADLINES: All ,1d copy, instrnctions, changes, additions and cancellations must he received in writing l l 12 months p,cccc,u"' the cover date, i.e. October 20th for the December issue. Please make chccb payahlc to tJSTlGA Classified Advertising Dcp1. !!/\NG GL!DlNG MAG/\ZlNE, P.O. Box 1330. Colorado CO 80901 · 1:3'30 (719) 632·8.100 or fax with your Visa or Mastercard.

Just Fly Aviation ........... 44 Just FlyNatioJ1als .................. ,,, Lakeview .............. ,..................... ,.

RAMAm 154 Stolen from the llAWAllAN HANG GUDJNG ASSN CLUBIIOUSF, MAKAPUU HI, during tlic first week of Scprcmhcr, 1995. White LE, cine 11ndcrpancl. Reward! Call

Stolen from the rop of BLACK MTN., MAPLE !'ALLS, WA on August 16, J 995. White LE, orange J st panel, white mid.panel, yellow rear panel, white TE & rop surface. Fh1orcscent orange nose cone, nick in right LE 12" from Conracr James Fiescr/Wha1com Wings (360)

WILLS WING 145 AT Stolen from VICTORIA BC, CANADA on June 19, 1995. White LE

Lookout Mtn. Flight Park ...... 16 Mojo's ,., ..,,u, ............................ <+'t Moyes ......... , ...................... ,"' ....,,. Pacific Seedwings .............,... ,.....,......... ,;.,., Soaring Center Sport Aviation Publications ... 20 US Aviation lJSHGA ......... 16,30,45,46,50,56 Wills Wing ............... , Wi.ngcwer Composites ............ 18

patch on each side, orangelblnc Moulrot1 (604) 850-(,7(J'7. Z3 HARNESS & EQUIPMENT Stolen from SUNLAND, CA car on April 22, 1995. Z3 harness is black/yellow w/hand deploy ch,He. Also a Monarch hclmct·-small m11l1i colored w/headsct, Yacsu rndio, !\all 652 vario. C,U Kevin McC:arry (8 l8) 352-2898. STOLEN WINGS me listed as a service to USHGA members. Newest entries arc in bold. There is no cliarge for this service and lost and found wings or equipmern be called in (719) 632-8300 or fax it in ('719) for inclusion in Hang Gliding magazine. Ple,1sc call to cancel rhe listing when gliders arc recovered. Perioclb11ly, this listing will be purged.

STOLEN WINGS & THINGS VARIOUS EQlJIPMENT Stolen at Alhuquerque, NM, March 9, 19%. Red, white, blue High Energy team hag with yellow/blue CG harness; BRS rocket & cl1cst-··moun1 reserve chute; Ball 652 vario; Uvex full.face helmet, whi1e with radio headset; I 1igh Energy Racer harness, electric bll!c ourside, inside~ florescent stripes anrnnd honom, silver ning bolt along sides; !-I igh mount reserve chn re; Fly1ec mounr. Contact: Jim Howman in 'X'yoming

655-9848. Happy to pay reward! RAMAIR 15ft Srolcn from home in OAKLAND, CA on December 14, 1995. Blue/pnrplc LF, red llndersurfacc. (510) 339-6263.

HANC CLIDING

(g 1996 by Dan Johnson srr. PAUL, MINN. This month o tlH3 t orient USHGA' annual survey. Sine<'" the ballot, high percentage are returned. Because of this Yoo shga oys more reliability in its survciying than do most organization.s. ••• rrhe overall t:L:1tics haven't have shifted much but e do rr'"veal themselves, notably .increases in flown (relative to anyway) and more women than While, more cmd more: Jeaden; of l:he need t:o expand l:he commercial which pr sent enthusiast inue with few change,~. ••• One non-product tc,rn worthy note. Our sport has now crossed a benchmark line: The by the average age s ed ly to rest [or .E 199''> at 40. 4, up half a year from las year. personal income also crc~pt up, average $ , 295 per member. We continue to "gray out" even as leaders for answers on enthusiasts. HowE)ver, is USHGA' s women to hang gliden;. 'I'hat number has now the 10. 5% for 199'). aviation segments, doing measurab.Ly /:er al: into fold. ••• The glider brand shares have become almoc1t (a boredom 1eader Wills Wing probably oys). 1: hcc, WW brand lncbed up to 44.0 90 from 42.7% 1ast year. the '90s a for whicb I hci.ve r ords c of; at hand thi r; performance i the hi El t Wi ls reached. 1:l'bc-:cir succeErn with thci Falcon may Second Pa.cific Airwave to 28.49<, a change ,;o t as to irrelevant. A recc·mt factory move doE!,3n' seem t.o have hurt U.te central Ca :i.forn:i.a company. UP/Blue Sky held on l:o about seven percent, to 6.8% from 7.390. In the earlier '90s, thc,y had just over 10% of market; we' if the new company' edator can change that. crept back up from to 4. 090 a continuous early . The success story entrenched market is Moyes, who wins "Most Improved" market share, up 28% from 7.1% t·:o 9.19, of !~he t:ot:al C'Drnm1mit.y. In the earlier '90s they sat below 5%, and have advanced since then. 'rhc "Others" category declined sharply from 6.0% couple years ago to only 2. 9 ~6 in 99 rrhi s uggest non U.S. brands are sti 1 st ing to establj_sh any Ameri an prc~scmce. ••• In strengths, Wills Jeads in o.E thirteen USHGA ( 1

MAY 19%

through 8, the

plus 10 and 13) E'acif:i.c Airwave three ( 9 , 11 , and 12 ) strength in some and 10. Seedwings ha 6 and 12. Wi11s spots in Wing lead seven regions in 1994, so picked PacAir up several points in this had lead five but declined l:o three, ty of however, PacAir has the largest r g1iders al in Region 12 wher t represent 52% of the field. ••• '.!'he number of gliders owned per member contjnuc~E; as always, 1. 9 each ( the last two years were 1. 8 and 1. 7) . 'J'hE! number of they' 11 glider dropped from 22.8% o to a forecast 1,900 new th.at may be 996. 8111111 'I'he t: up fractured market among 14 brands plus "Other . " Edel the solid 24.2% of the clear leader with is a distant second at 12. 7%, followed by (10. 8 90), ITV ( 7. 3 %) , and Firebird ( 6. 9%) . American is well down the list, with at 4.690, Eol1owed by PacAir in a tie for ninth place at 3.8% and Willa in thirteenth at 1. 9%. ••• By the way, industry leaders say decline in Europe where me E'G Ls market ir; saturated." 'I'his hang gl had done hang is now earlier. modest growth in Europe. Indc~ed, in t:he USA, for the, first time in the '90:3 lost ~]round. Of all types of para<Jl dropped over flown, to 27. 2 percent, from 29.6% of a11 increased from percent. Hang to 78.'5%, with 2 5 96 four Erom 3. 2% to 4. 0% percent share calculates to about ':i flown, a down from two years back. ••• In other trends, towing continues its inexorable climb relative l~.o foot relat,"d to In 1994, foot accounted for four out o.E five launches (79.4\/;). Last year, foot launches sunk to 72.796, due to the strengtb of three Florida tow which lift the cat.egory to 27. 3 90 of all launches. Al 1 t.hree typ0.,,; o .E aero, and were up, but aero towing did the best, for over tE0 n pc0 \rcm11· of all 1auncheE, nationwide and one third of all tow launches, up from only a sixth two years ago . ••• I 'm off to Sun 'n Fun in Florida. Let's see what li news results from that of 7'50, 000 aviation enthusiasts. So, got news or Send 'e.m to: il Dorsc,t, St. Paul MN 5:-i118. Fax or V-mai1 612--450-0930. E-mail to: Curnu1usMan@aol.com . .',I'HANR;~U