USHGA Paragliding January/February 1997 by US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

PARAGLIDING • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1997

RATINGS

CLASSl~IEDS

CA[ENDAR .ANOTHER P ERSPECTNE ON RESERVES Everything you always wanted to know about chutes. by Alan Chuc-ulate

PARAGLIDING ORIZABA

UPDATE

Launching from rhe third-highest peak in North America. by Douglas Hase

BAJA THERMAL CLINIC The La Salina, Mexico event was a stunning success. by DavidJebb, Air Califamia Aduenhm, and Keith Hanz, Image Raptor Photography

COVER: launching at the Air California Adventure I Skylfook Sports thermal clinic in La Salina, Mexico.

WOMEN'S HALLOWEEN FLY-IN Fun flying in the Pacific Northwest. by Susan Engquist

PARAGLIDING INTERVIEWS: JOE GLUZINSKI

See story on page 28.

An adventurous journey from skydiving to paragliding. f>;, Steve Roti

J ANUARY/ F EBRUARY 1997

DISCLA.!MHR OF WAR· RANTIES IN PUBUCA-

TIONS: The material pre~entcd here is published as part of an information dissemi.!latioo service for USHGA members. The USIIGA makes no warranties or representations and a.~sumes no liability concerning the validiry of :tny advice, opinion or rccommendatiou expressed in the material. All individuals relying upoo the material do ~t> at their own risk. copyright @ 1997 Unitcd States 1-1 ;mg Gliding Assn. , Inc. Alt rights reserved 1o Paragliding and imliYida:il comribuLUrs.

Gil Dodgen, Managing Editor/Editor-in-Chief Steve Roti, Jon Goldberg-Hiller, Contributing Editors Dave Pounds, Art Director Office Sta«--------------·-------

Phil Bachman, Executive Director Greg Huller, Ratings & ICP's Jeff Elgart, Advertising D. Dean Leyerle, Insurance & Membership Services Karen Simon, Member Services USHGA Officers and Executive Committee: Bill Bryden, President Randy Adams, Vice President Russ Locke, Secretary Dan Johnson, Treasurer

REGION 1: Bill B~losky, George Sturtevant. REGION 2: Russ Locke, Ray Leonard, Paul Gazis. REGION 3: Ken Baier, Joe Greblo, Gregg Lawless. REGION 4: Mark Ferguson, Jim Zeise!. REGION 5: Frank Gillette. REGION 6: Ron Kenney. REGION 7: Jlill Bryden. REGION 8: Randy Adams. REGION 9: Pete Lehmann, Geoff Mumford. REGION 10: G.W. Meadows, Matt Taber. REGION 11: Jeff Hunt. REGION 12: Paul Voight. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Claudia Stockwell, Paul Rikert, Dan Johnson, Jan Johnson, Dennis Pagen. HONORARY DIRECTORS: Chris Dupaul, Bob Hannah, Gene Matthews, Lars Linde, Arjan Ala, Barbara Flynn, Alan Chuculate, Ed Pitman, Ken Brown, Sandy King, Mike Meier, Rob Kells, Fred Stockwell, Gregg McNamee, Michael Robertson, Greg DeWolf, Tracie Fifer. EXOFFICIO DIRECTORS: Art Greenfield (NM). The United States Hang Gliding Association Inc. is an air sports organization affiliated with the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) which is the official representative of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FA!), of the world governing body for sport aviation. The NAA, which represents the U.S. at FA! meetings, has delegated to the USHGA supervision of FAl-related paragliding activities such as record attempts and competition sanctions. PARAGLIDING magazine is published for paragliding sport enthusiasts to create further interest in the sport, and to provide an educational forum to advance paragliding methods and safety. Contributions are welcome. Anyone is invited to contribute articles, photos and illustrations concerning paragliding activities. Jf the material is to be returned, a stamped, self-addressed return envelope must bf, enclosed. Notification must be made of submission to other paragliding publications. PARAGLIDING magazine reserves the right to edit contributions where necessary. The Association and publication do not assume responsibility for the material or opinions of contributors. PARAGLIDING editorial offices: 6950 Aragon Circle, Suite 6, Buena Park, CA 90620 (714) 994-3050.

The USHGA is a member-controlled sport organization dedicated to the exploration and promotion of all facets of unpowered ultralight flight, and to the education, training and safety of its membership. Membership is open to anyone interested in this realm of flight. Dues for full membership are $54.00 per year (of which $15 goes to the publication of Paragliding), ($65 non-U.5.); subscription rates only are $26.00 ($32 non-U .S.). Changes of address should be sent six weeks in advance, including name, USHGA number, previous and new address, and a mailing label from a recent issue.

PARAGLIDING (ISSN 1089-1846) is published bimonthly by the United States Hang Gliding Association, Inc., 559 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 101, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903-3657 (719) 6328300. FAX (719) 632-6417. PERIODICAL POSTAGE is paid at Colorado Springs, CO and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: PARAGLIDING, P.O. JlOX 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330.

TUCK ZONE Dear Editor, I am writing in reference to Garth Magee's accident reported in the November/December '96 issue of Paragliding magazine. Elsinore pilots refer to the area in which Garth was flying when he crashed as the "tuck zone." Turbulence encountered when flying in the tuck zone has broken hang gliders and sent more than one paraglider pilot to the dirt. The tuck zone is over the south face of the spine that pilots use to thermal up when flying the "E" launch. When the wind switch occurs the tuck zone is downwind of the prevailing wind, potentially in a rotor. The funny thing is, you can be above the local terrain but still feel like you are in mechanical turbulence. This is simply che coastal convergence or "shear" coming through like a blender mixing up the air. I had an experience while flying above the ruck zone several years back. Encountering 800fpm sink caused me to drop 300' in a parachutage-type descent. To get out ofit I flew with zero brakes until I was out of the descending parcel of air. It seems that Garth was unlucky and ran into something much worse than I did. To reduce the chance of this happening to you at the E, fly early in the day and land before the coastal convergence pushes through. This advice, however, is not quite bulletproof, since it ofi:en blows down by 11 :00 am making it tough ro gee in an early flight and miss the convergence. If, however, you find yourself in rhe air when the shear comes through, ny to keep 1,000' between you and the ground and go X-C. There are many good LZ' s in the area and hitchhiking back is easy.

undctwear? My point is that our sport is all about freedom. I am not implying that this means we should be reckless, negligent or foolhardy. I am merely stating that the choice of protective equipment is a personal one, and as such should not be regulated. The fact that there are certifying bodies that carefully examine the quality of safety equipment is a good thing. To take this one step further, perhaps Paragliding could do comparative product reviews of safety equipment in an objective format. This would further help pilots make intelligent, informed decisions concerning safety equipment purchases, so they don't have to get their information from hearsay, unsubstantiated opinions, or instructors who only cany certain product lines. This is done in many other adventure sport publications, bur has been sadly lacking in paragliding since the inception of the sport. Unbiased, comparative reviews of reserves, back protectors, etc., would be a welcome addition to the magazine. The final word on safety should be that "adequate" safety gear will never compensate for inade-quate piloting skills. Finally, if paragliding in the U.S. is going to advance beyond ics current infancy stage, the focus of our concerns should more appropriately be placed on the current level of instructor competence (see Sebastian Hassell's letter) as well as on providing more well-run and well-reported USHGA-sanctioned competitions. There was a very well run (albeit short, due to inclement weather) USHGA-sancrioned competition this summer in Telluride, Colorado that received no mention in Paragliding. If Paragliding is to be the voice ofUSHGA then che onus is on the magazine to report on USHGA's competitions. After

Joe Gluzinski Air America Paragliding

all, there were only two this pasr year! Alex McA!ister Salt Lake City, UT

SAFETY GEAR AND ADVANCING TIHE SPORT Dear Editor, This letter is in response co the comments by Doug "Shame" Maclean in the Nov./Dec. issue. If you read the Mark Harrah report you will see that the author states that the helmet in question did not fail. You will also see that the opinion of the author - that full-face helmets are safer, ere. -- is just that, his opinion, not necessarily the view of Paragliding magazine. Ir would seem from the tone of Doug's letter that ifhe had the power to require pilots to wear full-face helmets, he would. Where should these requirements end? Should we regulate footgear, gloves and sunglasses, or require kevlar-reinforced

UNSOUCITED BOUQUETS Dear Editor, I want to give some unsolicited "bouquets" to Joe Gluzinski, Ed Pitman and John Yates for their Advanced Maneuvers Clinic that I attended at Lake Shasta, California, September 27-29, 1996. The setting was beautiful, the staff was professional, and the training was excellent. This clinic is a "must do" for anyone who enjoys flying a paraglider. Frank App Oakland, CA

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1997

VOLUME

ISSUE

PARAGLIDING

*PARAGLIDING MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION *

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(lnclu,des all ben.efits except m\l11azine.

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C 1 Year $26.00 U.S. ($32.00 Non-U.S.*) ..•....•..........................

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USHGA, PO BOX 1330, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80901-1330 (719) 632-8300 FAX (719) 632-6417

(01/96)

RELEASE, WAIVER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT 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: A. DEFINITIONS - The following definitions apply to terms used in this Agreement: I. "PARTICIPATION IN THE SPORT 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. 2. "HY SPORTS INJURIES' means my personal injury, my bodily injury, my death, my property damage and/or any other personal or financial injury sustained by me as a result of my PARTICIPATION IN THE SPORTand/or as a result of the administration of any USHGA programs (for example: the Pilot Proficiency System). 3. "RELEASED PARTIES' 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 PARTICIPATE IN THE SPORT. "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 PARTICIPATION IN THE SPORT. B. I RELEASE, WAIVE AND DISCHARGE the RELEASED PARTIESfrom any and all claims and liability for HY SPORTS INJURIES, however caused, even if caused by the negligence (whether active or passive) of any of the RELEASED PARTIES, to the full extent allowed by law. C. I WILL NOT SUE OR MAKE A CLAIM against any of the RELEASED PARTIES for loss or damage on account of HY SPORTS INJURIES. If I violate this agreement by filing such a suit or making such a claim, I will pay all attorneys' fees and costs of the RELEASED PARTIES. I ACKNOWLEDGE that the non-participant third party liability insurance obtained by USHGA does NOT provide coverage for HY SPORTS INJURIES. D. I AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND REIMBURSE the RELEASED PARTIESlisted 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 personal injury, bodily injury, death, or property damage as a result of my negligence (whether active or passive) or willful misconduct in connection with my PARTICIPATION IN THE SPORT. E. TERMINATION. I can terminate this Agreement only by either (I) sending written notice of termination to the USHGA National Office postage prepaid return receipt requested, in which case the termination will not 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 (2) 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 HY SPORTS INJURIESwhich I suffer in whole or in part before the termination of this Agreement. f. I AGREE THAT this AGREEMENT shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. All disputes and matters whatsoever arising under, in connection with or incident to this Agreement shall be litigated, if at all, in and before a Court located in the State of California, U.S.A. to the exclusion of the Courts of any other State or Country. G. SEVERABLILITY. 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.

H. I VOLUNTARILY ASSUME All RISKS, KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, Of HY SPORTS INJURIES, HOWEVER CAUSED, EVEN IF CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE ACTION, INACTION, OR NEGLIGENCE Of THE RELEASED PARTIES, TO THE FULL EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. I have read, understand, and agree to the above RELEASE, WAIVER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT.

Participant's Jifnature

Oate MR-12/9l

APCO

---

NO.

• Tracer Harness: loaded - S52s.oo • Flight Suits: Summer/Winter - S185.oo • Reflex Helmet: #1 Best Seller! - S16s.oo • Steerable PDA Reserve: from - S4SO. oo • The Legendary Mirage: ask your Dealer for a full AT Package. AT Paragliding School -Sun • Fun • Soaring Certification • Tours • Mountains • Mexico Motors • Retail Shop • Repairs ••• year 'round!

USA AEROI.IGHT U.S.A. INC. 1355 H.W. 93 CT. UNIT A · 105 MIAMI, FLORI DA 33172, U.S.A. PH ONE: (305) 639 -3330 FAX : (305) 639·3055 E-MAIL : aerousa @shadow.net

Canada Muller Hangglidi ng and Paragliding Cochrane, Alberta , 403 -932-6760. E-Mail: mullerh9 @c:ad11ision .com Nova Scotia • Heinz Berger, Saulmerville, 902-769-3772. Ouebec • Ken A1sdon. Tramontane. Chateau A1cher. 418-824-5343. Ontario - Antoine Chabot. A1rsensat1on. Ottawa. 819 -595-2072. Micheal Robertson. High Perspective. Claremont, 416-294-2536. Karl Dinzl. Etob1coke. 416-626-2227 Alberta - Rrck Miller. Southwmd. Edmonton. 403-439-2016. British Col umbia - Eric Oddy, Mt. 7 Paragliding. Golden 604-344-5653. Max Fanderl. Max Parag1ng Fairmont Hot Springs, 604 ·345-6278 . Kasper Naef, Wes1bound Adventures. Nelson. 60.:1-229-577 4. Don Glass. Cloudbase Enterprises, Ketowna, 604 · 49" -4944. Karl Buchegger. W1ll1ams Lake, 604 -392-:!131. Walter Bucher. Smithers. 604-847-2409. Mark Tulloch. A1rd1eams. Victoria. 604-658-0119.

~ MAIL: P.o.s. 2124, HOLON ss121 , FACTORY: 7 HALAMIS H St. , INDUSTRIAL PARK CAESAREA ISRAE L 38900 P.O.B. 3049 TEL: 972-6-6273727 FAX : 972-6 -6273728. E-mai l:apco@mail.netv ision.net.il

APCO Aviation Ltd.

Calendar of events items WILL NOT be listed if only tentative. Please include exact information (event, date, contact name and phone number). Items should be received no later than six weeks prior to the first of the cover month (i.e., January 20 for the March/April issue). JAN. 17-26: Fly Mexico, La Salinas. Pickup at San Diego Airport (1-1/2 hrs. from La Salinas). Includes optional airport service, guide, transportation, demos, camping with hot showers, sauna, jacuzzi & tennis. La Salinas is perfect for the whole family with restaurant and oceanside condos. Contact: Joe Gluzinski, Air America Paragliding, P.O. Box 353, Perris, CA 92572 1-800-259-6729. JAN.: Andean Flying Adventures and Pro Design USA Ecuador tour. Spectacular high-altitude volcano flying, Indian markets and Kruscita, the best beach site in the world. APA and Pro Design have been flying in Ecuador since 1991 and organizing tours since 1993, and they guarantee maximum flying and safety. Suitable for pilots of all skill levels. Contact: 1-800-YATES-16. JAN. 17-20: Winter Fly-In. Bundle up and come Fly Eastern Washington when the air is thick and our toes are cold. This is our 6th annual Winter Fest and we are still going strong! Contact: Inland Northwest Paragliding Club organizers Denton Meier (509) 663-7082 or Joel Armstrong (509) 327-8172. JAN. 18-19, 25-26 - FEB. 1-3, 8-9, 1522: Motorized Paragliding Clinic, La Salina, Mexico. $100 plus $300 refundable propeller deposit. Followed by Ridge Soaring Clinic and Baja Tour at $20/day. San Diego airport pickup possible. Hang glider pilots welcome. Contact: Brian Shook, P.O. Box 3370, Chula Vista, CA 91909, tel. 011-52-615-50107, e-mail: Elaine_Lerma@MSN.com. JAN. 24-26: Igua!tz 1997 National Paragliding Competition, Mexico. Open distance, triangles, out-and-return. Contact: e-mail pous@servidor.unam.mx or http://www.infoabc.com/pous.

FEB.: Andean Flying Adventures and Pro Design USA Venezue!tz tour. Maximum X-C in the middle of the northern winter. Flying in Caracas, Merida and La Victoria preceding the first PWC of '97. Para 3+ pilots with X-C experience only. Guided by KIWI and local knowledge. Guaranteed to be the best flying of your life! Contact: 1-800-YATES-16. FEB. 6-8: ICP, new and recertification (old format). Redding, CA. Contact Claudia Stockwell for info and requirements: (541) 582-1467. FEB. 8-9: 12th Annual Sky Dog Hang Gliding/Paragliding Festival Superior, WI. Lots of fun and great trophies. Static line, platform and scooter towing available. Walking distance from your hotel room. Call early to reserve a room at Barkers Island Inn and Conference Center, Superior, Wisconsin 1-800-3447515. Contact: Dan O'Hara, (218) 6244500, dohara@wrenshall.kl2.mn.us, or Doug Johnson (218) 723-1738. FEB. 14-17: Paragliding Imtructor Certification Program, Carson City, Nevada. Contact: Adventure Spans (702) 883-7070. FEB. 14-17: Paragliding Basic and

Advanced !CR Paraglider Tow Training, Powered Paraglider Fly-In, La Salina, Mexico. USHGA Instructor Certification for paragliding, $400. Prerequisites required. USHGA paraglider Tow Pilot (TP) training, $300; USHGA paragliderTowTechnician (TT) training using stationary winch (scooter) $300. Accommodations available at 800-754-4190, ask for Yolanda and refer to the "powered paraglider flyin." For USHGA certification send a $100 deposit to: Alan Chuculate, Box 13451, La Jolla, CA 92039 or call (619) 687-8993 for more info. FEB. 14-23: NewZea!tznd '97!Come join the fun on our 6th annual adventure Down Under. Condo, pool, choppers, advanced instruction and more included in this luxury tour for any level pilot. Contact: North American Paragliding, Inc. 1-800-727-23 54 to register.

FEB. 15-21: Venezuela Pre-PWC Tour. Enjoy the best X-C flying in the world in 1997! Fly Caracas, Merida and La Victoria, site of the 1996 and 1997 PWC, with James Johnston and Kari Castle. Perfect X-C conditions mean flying 30 miles and landing by the pool at our hacienda/hotel! $1,650 includes airfare ex-Miami, accommodations, transportation and retrieval and three instructors. For strong P3+ pilots with thermal experience. Contact: Wild Planet Adventures 1-800-YATES-16. FEB. 21-23: Paragliding JCPin Southern California with Ed Pittman. FEB. 24-25: Paragliding Tandem Clinic in So. Cal. with Ed Pittman. Contact organizer Joe Gluzinski for details. (909) 943-8664. FEB. 24-MARCH 2: Paraglide New Zea!tincA Learn to fly on this separate certification tour. Airfare, lodging, equipment, instruction, etc. all included on this fantastic tour. Professional instructor/guide, Mike Eberle of North American Paragliding, Inc. Contact: 1800-727-2354. FEB. 27-MARCH l: 2ndAnnual Motorhead Showdown, Las Vegas, NV. Powered paragliding extravaganza. Three new U.S. manufacturers and at least 15 new European companies. Contact: Hugh Murphy (805) 544-8190. MARCH 7-9: Powered paragliding clinic at Point of the Mountain, UT presented by Free Flight Sports. Learn the fundamentals. Try the new DK whisper. Clinic fee $150, $50 deposit before Feb. P-2 rating with 40 hours logged required. Bring your skis and your personal wing. Contact: David Sharp (801) 263-8611, sharpdave@utah-inter.net. MARCH 7-23: Andean Flying Adventures and Pro Design USA Ecuador tour. Spectacular high-altitude volcano flying, Indian markets, local culture and Crucita, the best beach soaring site in the world! APA and Pro Design have been flying Ecuador since 1991 and guarantee maximum flying, advanced instruction and safety. Suitable for pilots of all levels. Contact: 1-800-YATES-16.

PARAGLIDING

MARCH 8-15: Australian Paragliding Open, Manilla, 330 km. northwest of Sydney. Biggest PG comp of the Aussie season. $2,000 (Australian) in prizes. Entry $150 before Feb. 14, $170 after. Contact: Godfrey Wenness, tel. +61-67856545, fax +61-67-856546.

APRIL 28-MAY 1: Instructor Training Program (ITP). First ITP under new USH GA guidelines. Requires Para III rating. Conducted by instructors Ken Baier, Bill Lawrence, Claudia Stockwell and John Yates in Redding, CA. Cost $300. Contact: 1-800-YATES-16.

MARCH 20-23: USHGA Board of Directors meeting, Colorado Springs, CO. Contact: (719) 632-8300.

MAY: Owens Valley X-C!Thermal Clinics/Tour with Kari Castle. HG and PG. SEPT. 27-0CT 4: Owens Valley

APRIL 11-13: Tow Clinic (payout) by Free Flight Sports at Point of the Mountain, UT. $50 pre-registration by March 15. Entry fee $200. Free camping at the Point. Class size limited. Contact: David Sharp (80 I) 263-8611, sharpdave@utahinter.net.

with Kari Castle. OCT. 10-13: Owens

Paragliding X-C!Thermal Clinics/Tour

APRIL 16-21: First World-Class Paragliding Races since 1991 sponsored by Torrey Pines Glider Port. Open and Intermediate classes. Contact: David Jebb (619) 452-9858, aircal@netcom.com.

FLY HARD

Valley Paragliding X-C!Thermal Clinics/Tour with Kari Castle. Call for schedule in May: (619) 872-2087.

launch open only 19 miles from Lal{eview. Kids ping-pong ball drop for prizes, historical and wildlife tours, barbecue, dance downtown, plenty of activities for flyers and non-flyers. Plan a week and join the fun in beautiful Lake County, Oregon - "Hang Gliding Capital of the West"! JULY 9-26: World Paragliding Championships, Castejon de Sos, Spain. Contact: fax +34-74-553473. AUG. 16-23: U.S. Paragliding Nationals, King Mtn., Idaho. P-3 and above. Contact: G.W Meadows (919) 4803552.

JULY 2-6: Lakeview, OR 1997 Umpteenth

Annual Festival ofFoot-Launched Flight. Two "One Grand X-C" contests (hang and para), Sugar Hill to Lakeview Trophy Dash, spot landing contest for both hang and para, aerotow clinic, truck towing at Aben Rim. Spectacular new "Palisades"

NOV. 1-3: Thermal Clinic sponsored by Air California Adventure and Sky Hook Sports at La Salina Ridge, Baja, CA. Contact: David Jebb (619) 452-9858, aircal@netcom.com.

'1Vl1~ i!!fje;

Paraglide the western states w/Rob Whittal & C. Santacroce. Great maneuvers, rockin' sound. 35min. $35.95

PARAGLIDING-A PILOT'S TRAINING MANUAL by Mike Meier/Wills Wing $19, 95

PARAGLIDE: THE MOVIE World class competition at Owens Valley. Rock-n-roll & plenty of action.40min. $35.95

CLOUDBASE PARAGLIDING Great intro video. Meet the hot pilots & fly the hot sites. 36min. $34.95

POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN PG & HG action at this Utah mecca.52min. $29.00

DAREDEVIL FLYERS Ill-THE PARAGLIDERS As seen on Prime Sports. Paraglide in scenic Telluride, Colorado. 50min. $24.95

PARAGLIDING FLIGHT-WALKING ON AIR by Dennis Pagen $19. 95 Both books cover all aspects of paragliding. Equipment, beginner skills, flying techniques & more.

UNDERSTANDING THE SKY by Dennis Pagen. The most complete book on micrometerology for all sport aviators. Plenty of photos & illustrations. $19. 95

USHGA, PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901-1330 l -800-616-6888 Visa/MC fax (719) 632-641 7 Please add s/h (US) $4.50 for videos, $5 for books. Orders over $50 call! JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1997

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CROSS COUNTRY WEB PAGE ross Country magazine now has a Web page ar hrrp://www.planerb.fr/xcoumry (e-mail: xcoumry@planerb.fr). Included are summaries of fearure arricles, news, and informarion on how ro subscribe.

TORREY PINES NEWS ill Bennerr of UP San Diego is pleased ro announce the appoimmem of David and Maya Jebb of Air California Advemure as general managers of rhe Torrey Pines Gliderport of San Diego, California. David has been involved in sales and marketing for many years and has always been a consisrem leader in his fields of endeavor. His primaiy funcrions will be to promote rhe spons of hang gliding and paragliding by offering rhe finesr in equipment sales, uaining and certificarion programs available ro rhe Unired Srares marker. Maya will oversee rhe rerail srore operarions and intends to rransform rhe retail cemer into the 'Torrey Pines Dream Flight Cenrer." David is a graduare of San Diego Srare University wirh a degree in business administrarion. He also holds a liferime reaching credential from rhe San Diego Community College System. He is a rerired San Diego police sergeant. Prior ro joining UP San Diego, David was a rap-producing real esrare agem for rhe pasr eighr years wirh Cemury 21. He is a Class IV paraglider pilor and holds Advanced Insrructor and Tandem Insuucror ranngs . Torrey Pines Gliderport is rhe firsr dedicared fligh r park of irs kind in the Sourhern California region. Ir has been in use as a freeflighr park since 1928. Torrey Pines has long been recognized as one of rhe besr coasral ocean flying sires in rhe world. Ir is a USHGA charrer insured site and requires hang gliding and/or paragliding rarings . For more informarion call (619) 45 2-9858 or e-mail: aircal@nercom.com.

NEW FLAGSHIP WING FROM AIRWAVE he XMX is Airwave's new comperirion and X-C wing. Designed from rhe ve1y successful Alro XM (which srill holds rhe UK X-C record of 175 km) rhe XMX has been flown successfully by Airwave's resr and design ream over rhe pasr year, winning rhe Swedish Narionals, raking firsr and second in rhe Brirish Narionals, firsr in rhe French Narionals and firsr in rhe Brirish Open. The new wing is now available ro rhe general flying communiry. According ro rhe manufacrurer rhe XMX performs wirh rhe besr when ir comes ro sink rare, glide and speed, bur also possesses qualiries somerimes lacking in high-performance wings: excellent handling, stability and security. The company comments rhar much of rhe srability and improved performance have been achieved rhrough rhe appropriare use of diagonal rib sections to improve rap-surface airflow and reduce drag. Overall line usage has also been reduced by more rhan I 00 merers, and line layour has been simplified to reduce parasiric drag and improve glide ar speed.

At thf' momf'nt rhf'rf' ~rf' two ,i7f', ~v~il-

able: 28 m2 and 31 m2. Borh are fully certified ro ACPUL Comperirion srandards wirh upper micro-lines and sra.ndard Trevar lower lines. A srandard Treva.r/Dyneema-lined oprion is also available, and Airwave's chief designer Bruce Goldsmirh is working on a smaller 25/26 1112 version. The company also announces rhe release of rhe Alro "Sport" which is a super-sport caregory intermediare para.glider. Ir fearures a simple four-riser sysrem wirh a speed srirrup for grearer speed range. Ir is available in three sizes: 24 m2, 27 m2 and 30 111 2 . All models are certified in the ACPUL Performance category. For more informarion comacr your Airwave dealer or Airwave UK at: rel. +441983-53 l 6 l l.

NEW SCHOOL IN DRAPER UT ationally ranked hang glider pilot and hang gliding/paragliding Insrrucror David Sharp has starred a flight school: Free Flighr Spores located in Draper Urah. The new school fearures hang gliding and paragliding lessons, sales, service, randems, rowing and clinics. Free Flighr Spores opens February 15. The

new shop is located at 12379 So. 265 W., Draper, UT 84020. For more information contacr Dave at (801) 263-8611, sharpdave@ucah-inrer.net.

NEW VP AT BALL VARIOS all Variomerers, Inc. is proud ro welcome Rami Hyary as irs new VP of Marketing. Rami's most important responsibility will be ro listen to the demands of the hang gliding and paragliding communities. This will ensure rhar Ball Variomerers, Inc. is doing what it rakes ro manufacrure insrrumems rhar meer rhe needs of rhe pilot community.

PELICAN PARAGLIDING ADVENTURES elican Paragliding Adventures, Ausrralia is a new company specializing in paragliding rours on rhe easr coasr of Australia. The 12day tours explore rhe besr flying sites, beaches and orher amacrions. Contact: tel. (24 hrs.) 0061-0414942938, cel./fax 0061-74-448120.

MOTORIZED PARAGLIDING NEWS FROM JAPAN he Fourrh Annual World Motorized Paragliding Competition was recently held in Japan in conjunction wirh tl1e 1996 DK Mororized Paragliding Festival. With tl1e support of rhe Japan Hang Gliding Assn., Tochigi Prefecture Hang Gliding Assn., Sano City and Daiichi Kosho Co., Lrd. , rhe event was again an overwhelming success. There were five coumries represented by 85 comperitors, and rhis year Korea cook home the gold. For inlormation on the 1997 comperition in Asia contact: Hugh Murphy (805) 544-8190.

SUP'AIR NEWS up'Air now has a Web page: hrrp://www.cdtel.fr/supair. They also wish to notify pilors using "Mousse Bag" side and back prorecrors in any harness ro remove rhem prior to parricipacing in an advanced maneuvers clinic. Afrer water landings some pilors have had difficulty floaring righr side up. The proreccors prorecr rhe pilot rhrough tl1e use of compressible foam which floars!

WILD PLANET FLYING TOURS nrernarional para-adventurer James "rhe Kiwi" Johnston and World Women's Hang Gliding Champion Kari Castle are pleased ro

PARAGLIDING

A Guide to Powered Paragliding Video & Magazine announce rhe formarion of a new advemureoriemed, free-flying rour company, "Wild Planer Flying Tours. " Kari is well known ro all hang and para pilors in rhe U.S., and rhe Kiwi's resume includes rhe firsr para.glider descem of Coropaxi (rhe world's highest active volcano) in Ecuador for MTV Spons. Togerher they offer more than 25 years of experience flying in some of rhe wildest places around the globe, and now wish to share rhis experience rhrough rheir rours which will emphasize flying, fun and advemure, for borh para.glider and hang glider pi lors. Tours include: January, Ecuador; February, Venezuela; Seprember, King's Moumain Narionals; Ocrober; Owens Valley; December, Chile. Brazil, Peru and Bolivia will be included in the 1998 rour itinerary and New Zealand in 1999. Coma.ct 1-800YATES-16 fo r informarion.

FLY PRODUCTS NEWS he Power 70 is the smallesr paragliding moror unit on the market designed for lightweight pilots, and it can be disassembled into two pieces for easier rransponarion. Also available is Fly Producrs' paragliding trike which is adaprable for all their para.glider models. Coma.cc: e.vignini@rinascica.ie, http:/ /www.rinascica.ie /FLY/home. hrml.

JAMES JOHNSTON JOINS PRO DESIGN ro Design Para.gliders is pleased ro imroduce James "Kiwi" Johnsron as rhe Sourh America/Wesr Coast distriburor and technical representative for all Pro Design products. The Kiwi will be embarking on an ambitious rour of Latin America in November which will see him visiting Mexico, Central America, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina wirh a full range of demo gliders in 1997 and 1998, so look our fo r rhe Pro Design Wild Planer Advemure-mobile rolling inro a pueblo near you! Any schools, insrrucrors or local pilors inreresred in conracring the Kiwi may find

J ANUARY / FEBRUARY

1997

him at: James Johnsron, c/-Aparrado 17-21431, Eloy Alfaro, Quiro, Ecuador, fax 593-2225-228, e-mail: explorer@saec.org.ec, or coma.ct Pro Design, fax 43-512-54644520.

The full color periodical covers current information Powered Paragliding in North America. With 8 pages on the units, featuring photos and specs. FAR's, weather, thrust tests and more. The video is a documentary, covering the 3 day meet in Baja, Mexico and much more. Please call for more information.

FLY ECUADOR " Fly Ecuador" is offering rours in Ecuador from rhe coasr ro rhe Andes. The trips are all inclusive wirh professional guides. Explore rhe culture of rhe coumry and rake parr in many orher recreational acrivities. Send an SASE ro: Fly Ecuador, P.O. Box 8428, Jackson , WY 83002. RECORD SET FROM BALDY IN IDAHO n Ocrober 2, 1996, David Frank, an insrrucror ar Sun Valley Paragliding, flew 50 miles from Baldy ro Hwy. 93, 14 miles norrh of Mackay. Ir was rhe longesr X-C flight ro dare from rhe Kerchum, Idaho sire, and rhe only flighr ever ro rhe easr over che specracular Pioneer Range. "The view was as brearhraking as rhe alrirude! " David said of rhe flighr. He cominued: "I flew jusr north of Hyndman and Cobb Peaks ar abour 14,400 feet. From there I flew over rhe Pioneer Cabin and worked rhe spine ro rhe ease where I got high again. Those jagged peaks and blue, high-mounrain lakes were beaurifu.l ro see from above. Once across rhe range I ser our on an impossible seven-mile glide across what seemed ro be rhe world's widesr valley. Somehow I made it! When I finally crossed Hwy. 93 I srill had abour 2,000' and was hoping ro hop over rhe nexr range, bur rhe valley wind was cross from rhe sourh and I couldn't quite climb out. I was real ly happy wirh the flight - I like flying across rhe middle of nowhere. The view is unparalleled as is rhe commitmenr required." As a side note: David squeezed rhe performance he needed our of an imermediate-rared glider, a Firebird G-Sporc. Many rhanks ro Jessica Stackell for his retrieval. You can fly Baldy wirh an insrrucror by calling Sun Valley Paragliding ar (208) 726-3332.

Discovering Paragliding The New Pilot's Issue This magazine is published for everyone who is interested in the sport of paragliding. The focus is on informative articles for new and existing pilots or for anyone who would like to know more about paragliding. It is S6 pages with many full color photographs. $7. 95 incl. Air Mail or both issues for $1S.OO incl. 2nd day air mail.

Paragon Productions Fred & Claudia Stockwell Phone (S41) S82-1467 Fax (S41) S82-3S22 8901 Rogue River Hwy.

Grants Pass, OR 97S27 Visa / Mastercard accepted

SILVER SAFE PILOT AWARDS KELLY KELLAR

BRONZE LILIENTHAL AWARDS

Region 12 BROOKER, PAUL: Hoboken, NJ; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG GABOR, CSABA: New York, NY; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG GUEDO, TERRI: Woodbury, NY; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG JOYE, BILL: Carmel, NY; P. Renaudin/GMI PG PFLIEGNER, KERSTIN: New York, NY; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG WALTER, KURT: Albany, NY; P. Renaudin/GMI PG

ERICLOWHAR

BEGINNER RATINGS Region 1 BURRIS, BRETT: Redmond, WA; D. White/Dixon's PG CARRITHERS, MIKE: Lynnwood, WA; D. McMillin/Airplay PG CHAPMAN, KAREN: Puyallup, WA; L. DoChirico/DoChirico PG GRICE, GORDON: Mukilteo, WA; D. White/Dixon's PG HEATHMAN, TOM: Asotin, WA; F. Johnson/US Airborne KERBEL, MICHAEL: Portland, OR; R. Higgins/Sunsports PG KRASKE, LMT, JOHN: Kirkland, WA; D. White/Dixon's PG MAY, RICK: Seattle, WA; D. White/Airplay PG MEIER, SHERRY: Beaverton, OR; R. Higgins/Sunsports PG SAWYER, LESLIE: Portland, OR; L. Pindar/Over the Hill PG WENNING, JOHN: Seattle, WA; L. Pindar/Over the Hill PG Region 2 FARNSWORTH, VIRGINIA: San Anselmo, CA; W. Anderson/Chandelle HALE, THOMAS: Atascadero, CA; H. Murphy/Surf the Sky HUG, MARKLEY: Las Vegas, NV; K. Biernacki/Upper Limits ISHIHARA, KEN: Sunnyvale, CA; J. Lucas/Glidell ISHIHARA, MIKA: Sunnyvale, CA; J. Lucas/Glidell JOHNS, DIANA: Los Gatos, CA;]. Greenbaum/Airtime SF LA COMBE, ROBIN: S Lake Tahoe, CA; D. McCutcheon/Adventure Sports MC CAUL, BEN: San Luis Obispo, CA; H. Murphy/Surf the Sky NORLANDER, PETE: Pleasanton, CA; R. Ost/Blackwing PG TAYLOR, RALPH: San Francisco, CA; J. Greenbaum/Airtime SF Region 3 DUREE, TOBY: Hollywood, CA; K. deRussy/HG PG Emporium FROGER, JACQUES: Olancha, CA; R. McKenzie/High Adventure JEROME, GADBOIS: Olancha, CA; R. McKenzie/High Adventure WINDLE, MICHAEL: El Cajon, CA; D. Jebb/Air California Adventure Region4 DALTON, BOB: Boulder, CO; W. Laurence/Fly Away PG DALTON, SALLY: Boulder, CO; W. Laurence/Fly Away PG DE LUCINGES, ANDRE: Avon, CO; K. Husted/Vail Valley PG STRONG, BOB: Vail, CO; G. Kelley/Vail Valley PG WEEKLEY, ANDREW: Boulder, CO; G. Banks/Parasoft PG ZITKALAWIN, WAKINYAN: Arvada, CO; W. Laurence/Fly Away PG Region 5 DALY, JOHN: Eagle, ID; R. Liggett/Boise PG ENGLAND, M.D., BILL: Lewiston, ID; F. Johnson/US Airborne KAUFFMAN, GARY: Kalispell, MT; D. Covington/Big Sky PG MULHAUSER, G RJERRY: Missoula, MT; D. Covington/Big Sky PG ONKEN, LOGAN: Missoula, MT; D. Covington/Big Sky PG Region 8 BERTCH, SCOTT: Bricktown, VT: P. Renaudin/GMI PG BOLANOS, A MARJORIE: Meriden, CT; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG JOHNSON, JIM: Meriden, CT; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG SMITH-DASILVA, KAREN: Somerville, MA; J. Nicolay/Morningside FP Region 11 CAMPBELL, DUANE: Pflugerville, TX; C. Bowles/Hill Country PG

~--------- ---------

Region 13 IMAFUKU, TORU: Japan; R. McKenzie/High Adventure LIPPERT, UWE: Bermuda; D. White/Dixon's PG LOCKLEY, MARK: England; K.Hudonjorgensen/Above & Beyond MASTERS, DANA: Bermuda; D. White/Dixon's PG

NOVICE RATINGS Region 1 BURRIS, BRETT: Redmond, WA; D. White/Dixon's PG CARRITHERS, MIKE: Lynnwood, WA; D. McMillin/Airplay PG DE BEER, JOSEF: Kirkland, WA; M. Heckler/Para Pilots FISK, SHARI: Bend, OR; P. Pohl/Sky Hook Sports GRICE, GORDON: Mukilteo, WA; D. White/Dixon's PG HINGER, PHIL: Brewster, WA; C. Mulack/Chelan PG KAPLAN, LESLIE ANN: Seattle, WA; M. Eberle/North American PG KRASKE, LMT, JOHN: Kirkland, WA; D. White/Dixon's PG LARSON, GEOFFREY: Douglas, AK; J. Kreinheder/Alaska PG LARSON, MARCY: Douglas, AK; J. Kreinheder/Alaska PG LOWHAR, ERIC: Seattle, WA; M.A. Karren/Airplay PG MAY, RICK: Seattle, WA; D. White/Airplay PG MEIER, SHERRY: Beaverton, OR; R. Higgins/Sunsports PG MICHAELS,JOHN: Wilsonville, OR; D. Raybourn/HG PG School of Oregon MICHELL, MARK: Eastsound, WA; Scott Amy/Pro Flyght HI OKYAY, NEV: Beaverton, OR; D. Raybourn/HG PG School of Oregon PALMER, MARTIN: Davenport, WA; M. Eberle/North American PG PALMER, SUSAN: Davenport, WA; M. Eberle/North American PG SHATTUK, DON: Juneau, AK; J. Kreinheder/Alaska PG SHAW, LADDIE: Juneau, AK; J. Kreinheder/Alaska PG STIPAK, BRIAN: Portland, OR; P. Pohl/Sky Hook Sports SWAN, RYAN: Skykomish, WA; M. Eberle/North American PG WEAGANT SASSE, SARA: Portland, OR; L. Pindar/Over the Hill PG WENNING, JOHN: Seattle, WA; L. Pindar/Over the Hill PG ZENTNER II, WILLIAM: Juneau, AK; J. Kreinheder/Alaska PG Region 2 HALE, THOMAS: Atascadero, CA; H. Murphy/Surf the Sky HENRY, JASON: Big Sur, CA; Y. Bajulaz/ABC Airsports ISHIHARA, KEN: Sunnyvale, CA; J. Lucas/Glidell ISHIHARA, MIKA: Sunnyvale, CA;]. Lucas/Glidell JOHNS, DIANA: Los Gatos, CA; J. Greenbaum/Airtime SF KROLL, PER: Menlo Park, CA; K. Schluyer MC CAUL, BEN: San Luis Obispo, CA; H. Murphy/Surf the Sky MORKEN, BOB: Incline Village, NV; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports NAFZINGER, CONNI: Mountain View, CA; R. Ost/Blackwing PG NORLANDER, PETE: Pleasanton, CA; R. Ost!Blackwing PG OLSSON, HAKAN: Palo Alto, CA; K. Schluyer PELANT, FRANK: Bakersfield, CA; T. McClement/NAS TAYLOR, RALPH: San Francisco, CA; J. Greenbaum/Airtime SF Region 3 BAINES, LAURA: Bishop, CA; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports BLACKWELL, DOUGLAS: Kailua Kona, HI;]. Hagemann/PG Hawaii COCKBURN, CHRISTOPHER: Bishop, CA; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports CONAWAY, STEVEN: Fillmore, CA; T. Truax/Skysports FROGER, JACQUES: Olancha, CA; R. McKenzie/High Adventure JEROME, GADBOIS: Olancha, CA; R. McKenzie/High Adventure SENNETT, TOMAS: San Diego, CA; S. Hassell/Airtek PG -----------------

PARAGLIDING

Region 4 BAILEY, MICHAEL: Denver, CO; J. Smith/Colorado PG BRENNAN, FRANK: Sandy, UT; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG BULGHERONI, JUAN: Golden, CO; G. Banks/Parasoft PG DALTON, BOB: Boulder, CO; W. Laurence/Fly Away PG DALTON, SALLY: Boulder, CO; W. Laurence/Fly Away PG DANCE, MICHAEL: Salt Lake Ciry, UT; S. Mayer/PG Utah DAY, GARY: Wheatridge, CO; J. Smith/Colorado PG DELMISSIER, PETER: Sandy, UT; K.Hudonjorgensen/Two Can Fly ELLETT, WADE: Evergreen, CO; G. Banks/Parasoft PG MC DONALD, MARK: Salt Lake Ciry, UT; D. Sharp/The Soaring Center OWENS, NATE: Ogden, UT; D. Sharp/The Soaring Center ROHLEN, ALISON: Boulder, CO; G. Banks/Parasoft SHAW, ERIC: Crested Butte, CO; D. Hase/Pterodacryl PG ZITKALAWIN, WAKINYAN: Aivada, CO; W. Laurence/Fly Away PG Region 5 DALY, JOHN: Eagle, ID; R. Liggett/Boise PG DWORSKY, MICHAEL: Missoula, MT; D. Covington/Big Sky PG JENSEN, JEFF: Plummer, ID; M. Eberle/North American PG KAUFFMAN, GARY: Kalispell, MT; D. Covington/Big Sky PG LAUREN, JEAN: Jackson, WY; J. Johnston/Kiwi School of PG MULHAUSER, GR JERRY: Missoula, MT; D. Covington/Big Sky PG WHITESELL, ALBERT: Idaho Falls, ID; F. Gillette/Magic Valley Gliders Region 8 BERTCH, SCOTT: Bricktown, VT; P. Renaudin/GMI PG BOLANOS, A MARJORIE: Meriden, CT; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG BRIDGHAM, CLIVE: Rumford, RI; R. Sharp/Parafly PG FARR, MAUREEN: Deer Isle, ME; R. Sharp/Parafly PG HAQUE, MOHAMMED: Brookline, MA; R. Sharp/Parafly PG JOHNSON, JIM: Meriden, CT; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG MEJIA, EDUARDO: Worcester, MA; R. Sharp/Parafly PG TORRENTE, ROBERTO: Allston, MA; R. Sharp/Parafly PG Region 9 DEVOS, BRICE: Sterling, VA; M. Fink/Silver Wings NUNES, LUIZ A M: Derwood, MD; R. Sharp/Parafly PG Region 10 WOLFF, DYLAN: Jacksonville, FL; G. Banks/Parasoft PG Region 11 CAMPBELL, DUANE: Pflugerville, TX; C. Bowles/Hill Country PG DRESCHER, ANDREW: Arlington, TX; D. Broyles/Kite Enterprises HOOD, RUSSELL: Mandeville, LA; C. Bowles/Hill Country PG Region 12 BROOKER, PAUL: Hoboken, NJ; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG GABOR, CSABA: New York, NY; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG JOYE, BILL: Carmel, NY; P. Renaudin/GMI PG KOCH, K PETER: Locust Vallev, NY; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG LETTIERI, RAFFAELE: E Patchogue, NY; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG PFLIEGNER, KERSTIN: New York, NY; L. Linde/Eastcoasr PG WALTER, KURT: Albany, NY; P. Renaudin/GMI PG Region 13 BRUNNER, MARKUS: Switzerland; M. Eberle/North American PG IMAFUKU, TORU: Japan; R. McKenzie/High Adventure LANG, ANDREAS: Switzerland; M. Eberle/North American PG LIPPERT, UWE: Bermuda; D. White/Dixon's PG MASTERS, DANA: Bermuda; D. White/Dixon's PG

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1997

INTERMEDIATE RATINGS Region 1 BALDWIN, GERALDINE: Auburn, WA; D. McMillin/Airplay PG CONRADI, FLOYD: Renton, WA; M. Chirico/Chiricos Fright School FORD, BRIAN: Bellevue, WA; M. Chirico/Chiricos Fright School HEIM, ROBERT: Woddinville, WA; M. Chirico/Chiricos Fright School MURPHY, DENNIS: Girdwood, AK; J. Gluzinski/Air America PG THOMPSON, RICHARD: Newberg, OR; R. Higgins/Sunsports PG WONG, GREG: Lynnwood, WA; M. Chirico/Chiricos Fright School Region 2 COOPER, THOMAS: Pleasanton, CA; A. Whitehill/Chandelle LEE, DAVID: San Jose, CA; T. Switzer/Skytimes PG SONNBERGER, KARL: Mi-wuk Village, CA; R. Ost/Blackwing PG WILLIAMSON, GLENN: Reno, NV; D. Jackson/Aspen PG Region3 BAILEY, DANIEL: Lahaina, HI; Steve Amy/Pro Flyght HI COSTIN, PAMELA: Carpinteria, CA; T. Truax/Skysports CRAMBLIT, DEANNA: Santa Barbara, CA; T. Truax/Skysports FRANKLIN, BOB: Paia, HI; Steve Amy/Pro Flyght HI FRENCH, MICHAEL: Canyon Country, CA; J. Greblo/Windsports Int'l GOLIAN, HADI: West Hills, CA; T. Nelson/Thermal Dunamics GUNALL, DAVE: Ventura, CA; R. Liggett/Boise PG MADDOX, JAMES: Santa Barbara, CA; K. deRussy/HG PG Emporium MATASAVAGE, STANLEY: N Hollywood, CA;]. Gluzinski/Air America PG RODGERS, CASEY: Santa Barbara, CA; T. Truax/Skysports Region 4 CRISS, PATRICK: Sandy, UT; K.Hudonjorgensen/Two Can Fly ERRETT, BRIAN: Albuquerque, NM; K. Mayforrh/Paradox Region 9 ELSETH, WAYNE: Columbia, MD; K.Hudonjorgensen/Two Can Fly Region 10 KRUGBASSE, PHILLIPE: Palm Beach, FL; J. Greenbaum/Airtime SF RAWERS, BOB: Sullivans Isl, SC; J. Stenstadvold/Ajax PG Region 12 DREWETT, SHARI: New York, NY; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG KOUDIS, NICK: New York Ciry, NY; P. Hirst/Eastcoast PG MORGAN, GARRETT: West Islip, NY; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG Region 13 LAUTENBACHER, MAX: Canada; D. Jebb/Air California Adventure MICHIO, OKADA: Japan; R. McKenzie/High Adventure

ADVANCED RATINGS Region 1 DEVIETTI, MARTY: Ellensburg, WA; M. Eberle/North American PG Region 2 LEHMAN, CLAUDIA: Oakland, CA; J. Lucas/Glidell MOOCK, TOM: San Leandro, CA; J. Greenbaum/Airtime SF WONG, KINSLEY: San Luis Obisbo, CA; H. Murphy/Surf the Sky Region3 BUCKNER, BOB: El Cajon, CA; T. McClement/NAS DE BARROS, MARCELLO: Westminster, CA; J. Gluzinski/Air America PG GOLDBERG-HILLER, JON: Honolulu, HI; L. Pindar/Over the Hill PG

Region 4 FRECKLETON, PETER: Aspen, CO; D. Jackson/Aspen PG HASE, DOUGLAS: Crested Butte, CO; K.Hudonjorgensen/Two Can Fly Region 5 WOLLING, MARK: Wilson, WY; C. Warren/Wind Dance Region 8 MOY, FRED: Danbury, CT; A. Chuculare NICOLAY, JEFFREY: Charlestown, NH; R. McKenzie/High Adventure Region 13 LNENICKA, PETR: Czech Republic; C. Santacroce/Sun Valley PG SRETROVA, CARMEN: Czech Republic; C. Sanracroce/Sun Valley PG

TANDEM ONE RATINGS GARY KILPATRICK BOB OSBORN STUART POLLACK H ROGER GREENWAY ERIC LUND THOMAS ALEXANDER DOUGLAS HASE MATT MC NICHOLS TODD ONKEN RICK SHARP PETR LNENICKA GARY PAX

TANDEM TWO RATINGS JEFFREY NICOLAY

TANDEM INSTRUCTOR RATINGS STEVEROTI DAVE KARL

1996 TOP 30 SCHOOL/CLUB LEADERS IN BEGINNER (PARA 1) RATINGS ISSUED RANK SCHOOL ............................. BEGINNERS 1 2 3

4 5

5 5 5 9 9 11 11 11 14 14 14

14 14

EAST COAST PG ... .. ............ ....... .... .... .... ...... 25 GLIDELL. ..................... ... .... .... ......... .... ......... . 19 DIXON'S PG .. .... ... ....... ...... .......... ........ ......... . 13 FLYAWAYPG ... .. ... .... ................ ..... ...... .. ...... 11 ADVENTURESPORTS .. .. ... .. ..... .... ....... ....... 10 HILLCOUNTRYPG ..... ............. ........ .... ... ... 10 SKYTIMES PG ..... ... ......... .............. ..... .... .. .. ... 10 AIRTIME OF SF .......... ....... ... .................... .. .. 10 CHIRICO'S FRIGHT SCHOOL.. ..... ......... ... .8 MORNINGSIDE FP .................... .... .. .. .. .......... 8 PRO FLYGHT HAWAI! ..................... ............ 7 AIR AMERICA ... ........ .. .. ... .............. ........... ..... 7 HIGH ADVENTURE ..... ......................... ....... 7 GMIPG .................. ... .................... ..... .. .... ........ 5 HG PG EMPORIUM ..... ..... ... .. ........ ........... .. .. 5 TRAVERSE CITY HG PG ........ ..... ........ ..... ....5 BOISE PG .. ..... .... .... .. ................. .. ... .. .... .... .... .... 5 SURFTHESKY .. ...... ...... .... .. .... .......... ... ... ... .... 5

PARAGLIDING

14 14 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29

CHANDELLE .................................................. 5 PG WASHINGTON ........................................ 5 AIR CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE ................ .4 BIG SKY PG ..................................................... 4 THERMAL DYNAMICS ................................. 4 AIRPLAY .......................................................... .4 COLORADO PG ............................................ .4 OVER THE HILL PG ..................................... 4 PEAK PG .......................................................... 4 ENCHANTMENT PG .................................... 4 ABC AIR SPORTS ........................................... 3 HY HIGH ........................................................ 3 UPPER LIMITS ............................................... 3 BLACKWING PG ............................................ 3 HANG GLJDING CENTER OF SD .............. 3 SUN SPORTS .................................................. 3 SKYN4HI PG ................................................... 3 ASPEN PG ........................................................ 3

T 0

VALLE DE BRAVO, STATE OF MEXICO September thru May

Flying Center of Mexico: Tel/Fax (525) 652-6666 E-mail: pous@servidor.unam.mx Internet page http://www.infoabc.com/pous

1996 TOP 30 SCHOOL/CLUB LEADERS IN NOVICE (PARA 2) RATINGS ISSUED RANK SCHOOL ..................................... NOVICE I 2 3 4 5 6 6 8 8 8 8 12 12 12 12 16 16 18 18 18 18 22 23 23 23 26 26 26 29 30 30 30 30 30

EAST COAST PG .......................................... 36 PRO FLYGHT HAWAII ............................... 24 DIXON'S PG .................................................. 20 GLIDELL ........................................................ 16 SKYTIMES PG ............................................... 15 SKY SPORTS ................................................. 14 PARAFLY ........................................................ 14 AIRTEK PG .................................................... 13 CHIRICO'S FRIGHT SCHOOL.. ................ 13 AIR JUNKIES PG .......................................... 13 AIRTIME OF SF ............................................ 13 THE SOARING CENTER ............................ 12 FLY AWAY PG ............................................... 12 OVER THE HILL PG ................................... 12 NORTH AMERICA PG ................................ 12 TRAVERSE CITY HG PG ............................ 11 ABOVE&BEYOND ..................................... 11 ASPEN PG ...................................................... 10 TWO CAN FLY ............................................. 10 ABC AIR SPORTS ......................................... 10 AIRAMERICA ............................................... 10 COLORADO PG ............................................. 9 PARASOFT ...................................................... 8 SURF THE SKY ............................................... 8 PG UTAH ......................................................... 8 ADVENTURE SPORTS .................................. 7 HIGH ADVENTURE ..................................... 7 SKYHOOK SPORTS ...................................... 7 AERIAL ACTION ............................................ 6 HILL COUNTRY PG ...................................... 6 BLACKWING PG ............................................ 6 AIRPLAY........................................................... 6 ALASKA PG ..................................................... 6 CHANDELLE .................................................. 6

ALPINE MARINE 206/ 432-8900

il '1,,1' It 1' 'I' I Cl N

Lo Solino Th@rmol Clinic Pilo+1

Rankings were compiled from ratings published in the March/April to November/December 1996 issues of Paragliding magazine.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1997

-------------·---------

Another Persp tiv on Reserve Para hut s by Alan Chuculate

Recently, Betty Pfeiffer, owner/president of High Energy Sports (HES), mentioned to me that the number of inquiries she has received from paraglider pilots regarding parachutes has increased significantly. She also noted that their questions indicate that these pilots lack fondamental information about reserves. We agreed that a need existed to make this type of information availaMe again, so I offered to share my views on parachutes. I'll preface the main topic by suggesting some attitude adjustments. DEPENDENCE IS A RISKY PROSPECT If you need to use your reserve you've already made a mistake. I know, because I have. When I started hang gliding more than 22 years ago parachutes weren't available for foot-launched soaring. Since they've become available I've made two reserve deployments, as a demonstration and in an actual emergency. In the latter case I depended on it to save my life, and it did. It paid for itself the first time I used it. I was lucky that time, but what about next time?

Depending on your parachute to save you leads to complacency. That was my mistake. LEAVE PLENTY OF SPACE BETWEEN YOU AND THE GROUND This summer we lost a fellow pilot, Bob England. Bob was a seasoned veteran. He was getting familiar with the handling of his new competition class wing. He was flying at high speed and at low altitude when his inside wing collapsed and he turned into the cliff face. Paragliders are most vulnerable

to leading-edge collapse at high speed because ofthe low angle ofattack. He probably didn't have time to deploy his reserve. Making high-speed runs close to the cliff and at low altitude appears to have been his mistake. This was compounded by the fact that he was doing so on a glider with which he was

not yet completely familiar. However, he did choose a seemingly benign site with which he was familiar.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE

Make your piloting decisions with the goal of flying again tomorrow. Respect the conditions. Sometimes the best choice is to stay on the ground. That can also be the most difficult choice. Choose a glider you can confidently manage for thermaling in rough conditions. Keep your paraglider pressurized and centered overhead with active piloting. This helps resist collapses and can prevent them before they occur. Keep track of other gliders around you to avoid a midair collision. If it's too crowded for your tolerance level, abandon the gaggle. No thermal is worth a midair. Avoid flying closely downwind of other gliders, particularly tandems; their wakes are the worst.

FOR BIG ASYMMETRICS, WEIGHT SHIFT FIRST

When undergoing a big asymmetric collapse everyone should know to steer and then clear, but the initial steering input should be through weight shift. This reduces the possibility of stalling what little wing you have left by excessive braking. As the lifting area of the wing decreases due to the collapse,

your wing loading increases and so does your stall speed, so it takes less brake input to stall your remaining wing.

HOW LOW BEFORE YOU THROW? When the glider is collapsed, a pilot's instinctive reaction is to try to recover control of the wing. Ifyou're low, the better choice may be to deploy your parachute. The choice of what this "cutoff" altitude should be is up to you as the pilot. To help you determine your cutoff altitude consider Table 1 which lists the time in free fall starting at zero velocity from a specific height. Depending on how much, if any; of your wing is flying, your actual descent time may be somewhat longer than the free fall values in this table. Note that if you're fast on deployment and can get canopy opening in the first 3.5 seconds, you'll use about 200 feet (60 meters) of altitude. Because of the acceleration due to gravity, the next 1.5 seconds doubles your altitude loss to 400 feet (120 meters). CHOOSE YOUR CUTOFF ALTITUDE BEFORE EACH FLIGHT The cutoffaltitude at which you will deploy your reserve rather than attempt to recover is your choice. It depends on your confidence, experience and skill level when it comes to performing collapse recovery and reserve deployment in an emergency situation. But it should be decided before you face the situation. If your confidence, knowledge, or skill is questionable, this altitude might be as high as 500 or 600 feet (150 or 180 meters) AGL. To reduce your response and recovery time, attend a maneuvers clinic. This will provide you with the knowledge and practice to dramatically improve your skill and confidence. Remember, your decision height will also depend on how you feel at the time. Some days you feel 100%, but on others you know you're not up to par. On such days, raise your cutoff altitude to leave yourself more margin.

PARAGLIDING

WHEN YOU NEED IT, YOU BETTER BE READY When you have a problem at high altitude you have time to resolve it. But when you're low you're vulnerable. As I tell all my students, altitude is your friend. The higher you are, the safer you are, because the ground is what hurts. The most important aspect of flying with a reserve is being prepared to use it. Hang in your harness and practice deploying under the critical eye of an instructor. Also, practice the PLF (Parachute Landing Fall). There is no substitute for this preparation, and a refresher is always constructive. Practice until you can reliably deploy in less than three seconds. Quicker than this is even better. Flying with a reserve without getting proper training, and without being current and proficient in its use, is like having a life insurance policy with yourselfas the beneficiary, you won't be around to receive the benefits. If the person who sold you your parachute did not train you to use it, it's time to take your business elsewhere. I recommend to my students and customers that they practice deploying their reserves when they first purchase them. To encourage them to do so, their first repack is free. HAVING IT READY You need to not only make sure that you're prepared, but also that your parachute is ready. A reserve tends to be neglected from lack of use. Heat will deteriorate the fabric, rubber bands and bungees quickly, so store your parachute in a cool, dry place. Moisture will increase the opening time because the canopy fabric will tend to stick to itsel£ Also, nylon loses a significant amount of its strength while wet. Like your paraglider, anytime it gets wet you'll want to air-dry it as soon as possible to avoid mildew. Do this in the shade because the intense UV (ultraviolet) rays of direct sunlight quickly deteriorate the thin fabric. Compression from being packed for long periods may increase the opening time for low-speed paragliding deployments, so repack every four to six months. Whenever your reserve is to be repacked, take this opportunity to practice deploying it. Generally you should hang your parachute at least overnight before repacking. If you're in a time crunch, kite it in a breeze or run around with it in a grassy field to stretch it out. During repack, inspect the fabric for

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1997

stains and damage. If you have any doubt as to its structural integrity, bring it to an FM-licensed Master Parachute Rigger for his or her opinion. Replace the rubber bands, and closely inspect the bungees. If your bungees aren't sewn in place, insert a flat washer between the loop and the knot to keep the knot from slipping through the grommet. This washer should have an outside diameter larger than the grommet hole,

Table 1 Free Fall (initial velocity = 0)

and an inside diameter as small as possible while allowing the bungee loop to fit through. Before you launch, make sure your closure pin(s) is (are) in. If you have a rocket, disable the safety before your launch to ensure that it's armed.

Most pilots don't give much thought to the color of their reserves. If a choice is available, pick a high-visibility color like orange or red. In the event you're disabled on impact, your high-visibility colored parachute will make you easier to locate for rescue. The potential need for rescue is also a good reason to fly with a radio and/or signal smoke.

ROCKET AVAILABILITY As of this writing there are no new, commercially produced rocket-deployed reserves available for paragliding that I am aware 0£ (Second Chantz went out of business, Airtek discontinued their Air Thrust, and Ballistic Recovery Systems never packaged their solid propellant-deployed parachute for paragliding.) Rockets are available second hand, so there is the choice of a rocketor a hand-deployed reserve, but service may

not be available.

THE WNG AND THE SHORT OF IT A rocket is fast for extracting the parachute from the container and attaining full extension. This can be critical for a hang glider where the reserve bridle must be long (at least 15 feet) to get the canopy and lines clear of the close and rigid airframe. A paraglider's distant and flexible "airframe" does not require a long bridle. Having a long bridle only serves to increase the opening time. When you purchase a parachute be sure it has a short bridle or short risers intended for use with a paraglider (about 2 to 4 feet). THE HAND CAN BE QUICKER THAN THE ROCKET One problem with a rocket installation is that it is usually set to fire in a fixed direction. What if that direction happens to be where your paraglider is? In this case you have to take the time to aim it first, assuming your installation allows you to do so. I prefer to trade offthe minimal amount oftime I would save with a rapid rocket extraction for the versatile and prompt aiming ofa handdeployed reserve. However, if you have a physical limitation that precludes a vigorous throw of a hand-deployed parachute, this would be a good reason to opt for a rocket. VERSATILITY OR RELIABILITY? Many pilots ask about the combination package which offers either rocket or hand deployment. This is a tradeoff of complexity for versatility. An alternative is to carry two separate reserves, one hand deployed and one rocket deployed. This is a tradeoff of redundancy for added versatility with increased cost, bulk and weight. The features I want most in a parachute system are simplicity and reliability. When you add complexity, reliability decreases. Reliability was the reason Charles Lindbergh chose to fly nonstop from New York to Paris in a single-engine aircraft; there were fewer parts to fail. Not only did he make it, and do it first, but he was the only pilot who attempted it in a single-engine aircraft. They called him Lucky Lindy. I call it foresight. A TRADEOFF OF TROUBLES Having a reserve, and being properly trained and practiced in its use, still does not guarantee your safety. A successful parachute ride requires that: 1) you deploy in time, 2) your reserve remains clear of your paraglider, 3) you maintain a slow and sta-

ble descent, and 4) you survive the impact well enough to walk away. Promptly and suc-

Figure 1 -A single-bridle parachute with a swivel.

cess.folly deploying a parachute does not guarantee that you1l land safely. It simply introduces a new set ofproblems. ONCE IT'S OPENED THE ADVENTURE HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN Pilots have successfully deployed their reserves, only to have secondary problems during the descent or after landing. One pilot landed softly in a river and subsequently drowned after being dragged downstream. For this situation, and for landing

under a parachute in high winds, having a hook knife to sever the reserve bridle(s) is imperative. While pulling in the paraglider after deployment another pilot had a single parachute bridle twist, partially closing the reserve. This resulted in the pilot impacting much faster and with more severe injuries than he would have if the parachute had remained fully open. For this reason you

Figure 2 - The dual-riser design ofthe HES Quantum Series paragliding reserve.

should have a swivel on a single-bridle reserve, or have a dual-riser parachute. (See Figures 1 and 2.)

WILL YOU WALK AWAY? Perhaps the most important question is, How fast are you willing to impact under a reserve? Are you satisfied to just survive, or do you want to walk away?Table 2 lists the velocity and time in free fall from acceleration due to gravity, starting at zero velocity from a specific height. If you want to get a feeling for free-fall impact force, set up a ladder and step off from varying heights. Be cautious; start low and work your way up. Only go as high as you're willing to fall. Be attentive to not jump up or to leap out. Have the ladder anchored and positioned vertically, then simply step off. Do this in a grassy or sandy area, and wear ankle-supporting boots. Even a six-foot (two-meter) fall can produce a surprisingly hard impact. Landing on concrete, asphalt, or rocks will be significantly harder. Uneven terrain will increase the likelihood of ankle injuries. No matter how small your parachute is, when it's open you'll stop accelerating, and you will then be falling at a constant speed. However, if you're oscillating, and you impact on the downswing, the impact will be greater than it would be without the increased velocity produced by this motion. In addition, you may come in swinging sideways

Table 2 - Free Fall (initial velocity= O) Height ft.!mtrs.

Velocity ft./sec. mtrs.lsec.

Time secs.

1.0/0.3

8:0/2.4

0.25

2.0/0.6

11.3/3.5

0.35

3.0/0.9

13.9/4.2

0.43

4.0/L2

16.0/4.9

0.50

5.0/1.5

17.9/5.5

0.56

6.0/1.8

19.7/6.0

0.61

an increased sink rate which will whack you harder when landing under a reserve. For Do you fly on hot and/or humid days? Do you fly over high-elevation terrain? The reduced air density in these cases will cause

reduced air density you'll want a bigger parachute. Table 3 gives values for the standard Continued on page 22.

P ARAG LID ING

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Evan Green, Ledyard Long and I are great friends going through transitional periods in our lives, and we were seeking an adventure that would involve something that had never been done before. Taking numerous factors into account, we decided to climb the four highest volcanoes in Mexico and paraglide from as many as possible. The thought of flying from a volcano intrigued me, since one can launch in any direction

Third Highest Peak in North

evado de Toluca, Izraccihuad, Popocateped and El Pico de Orizaba were the peaks on our agenda and this was the order in which we would climb them. We drove through Mexico City, where the traffic lights are merely suggestions, and headed west for the colonial town of Valle de Bravo. Ir was here that I first flew an AT Mirage glider graciously given to me by Sebastian of Airrek as a demo for the volcano summit flight attempts. It is a solid intermediate glider with bomber stability, and I felt it would be perfect for the feat. Following an incredible weekend of mountain flying over the alpine lake in Valle de Bravo we headed off for Nevador, an easy climb. Nevado is a flatter, squat volcano with nowhere near the steep slope the others possessed. However, I was afforded a phenomenal flight from just below Nevado's rocky summit at 15,400 feet. Instead of flying away from the volcano's rim, I rook this unique opportunity to fly into its quarter-mile-wide crater. Circling inside the rim over the deep blue crater lake on the way down, I dropped in and landed in the center of our campsite. The vertical descent for this flight was 1,400 feet. Iztaccihuad was a great climb, affording epic views of the active volcano Popocateped spewing black ash thousands

of feet into the air. However, with 60+ mph winds at the 17,200-foot summit it was hard to walk upright, much less fly. Popocateped had not been active for 200 years, bur erupted violently a year ago and was still a bit active. In fact, five scientists died from burns they suffered near the summit just a week before we arrived in Mexico City. Due to this activity Popo was closed to climbers. Bur we were pilots, not climbers. In any event, once again the winds were too strong near the 17,900-foot summit. After spending a few days on the beaches ofVeracruz carbing up on cold ones here and there, we were off to the hjghest peak - El Pico de Orizaba. It is the third highest peak in North America behind Denali and Logan in Alaska at 18,500 feet. We negotiated a 4WD shuttle from Tlachichuca to the Piedra Grande base huts at 13,500 feet. As we left town at noon there were countless tenacious dust devils sucking dirt straight up into the clouds. Launch would have to be at sunrise before any convection turbulence began. T here was a lenticular cloud cap stationed over the peak, indicating winds aloft well in excess of 40 mph. Not a good sign. Soon thereafter cumulonimbus clouds darkened the sky, and by the time we reached the huts, blowing snow and lightning engulfed us. We cooked some pasta and goat cheese,

by Douglas Hase (in photo at left)

scarfed some chokis (don't ask), and prepared to get some sleep. Rekindling our hopes, the storm and winds dissipated as we fell asleep by 8:00 Pm. (We would leave the base huts at 1:00 Am which would put us on the summit by 6:00. Sunrise was at 7:15, and we felt there would be an ample margin for "unforeseen events.") Arising at 12:30 AM we noticed that the sky was full of stars, and the winds continued to subside. Ir seemed this would be the best window of opportunity to fly. One last gear check after donning our head lamps and we were off Montezuma's revenge. Just one day prior Evan had been on his back with an IV in his arm enduring the boiling cauldron within. One week earlier Ledyard had been pasty white and nearly unconscious from dehydration and altitude sickness, with his jugular throbbing relendessly. We climbed together for the first two hours. Ir was slow go ing, and it was obvious that their colon tenants had once again taken up residence. As a result of the nwnerous "stops" we were anticipating PARAGLIDING

from the cone's apex. Since Evan and Ledyard are just beginning their paragliding careers they would fly from smaller mountains, while I would attempt to fly from the volcanoes' summits. The expedition would take place in May when the weather was in transition to the rainy season. We knew the weather would be far from optimal, but it would be nice being the only ones climbing the mountains this time ofyear.

reaching rhe summit around noon, when rhe sun's hearing would cause the winds to be much too strong. After a brief discussion ir was decided rhar they would climb together and I would attem pr to make up rime and reach the summit by sunrise in order to fly. We would make radio contact every hour on the hour. Utilizing rest steps and pressure breathing I forged ahead without looking up, stopping only for water and to strap on crampons at the base of the Jamapa glacier. Halfway up the glacier rhe sun illuminated rhe sky with brilliant streaks of red, orange and yellow. The wind was now calm, and I found myself drawn to the magnificence of rhe vista, bur there was still a thousand vertical feet to climb. The weather was perfect, and I was much too excited to be concerned with minor symptoms of altitude sickness. I was practically running up the 40-degree glacier at this point. The glacier was riddled with 20-inchrall "ice fins" and small unnerving crevasses. Going up wasn't so bad, bur I really hoped to fly as rhe descent would be ankle JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1997

wrenching. Still ascending, rhe crevasse fissures continued to settle, causing my heart to stop on several occasions. A half hour after sunrise I reached the crater rim with nausea setting in from the rapid altitude gain. The crater was an impressive sight, with a depth of 1,500 feet and a diameter of just 200 feet. Fifteen minutes later I was on the summit of El Pico de Orizaba. I radioed to my friends who were now at the base of the Jamapa glacier 2,000 feet below. They still weren't feeling well, bur unless they began coughing up blood or both lungs collapsed I knew they would make the summit. Green light for rhe flight. I could see 100 miles in every direction. To the east I could make our the Pacific Ocean with cumulus clouds towering above ir. Six thousand feet below me lay rhe tops of the local cloud layer which mostly obscured my flight goal, rhe village ofTlachichuca, 11 miles away and 10,300 vertical feet below. Conditions would soon become turbulent. The flight would have to rake place immediately. I felt like Chevy Chase in rhe movie "Vacation. " Crested Butte offers some of the finest and most diverse hang gliding and paragliding in rhe world: ridge soaring, drive-up mountain sires, climb-and-fly peaks - it's all there. Because I live in Crested Butte and am familiar with high

LEFT TO RIGHT: Doug, Evan and Ledyard. The English version of the sign reads, "Everybody finded in this area will be sended to respective goveruent." alpine flying, launching from the summit of Orizaba was much less intimidating than ir might otherwise have been. I laid our rhe real AT Mirage 25 paraglider next to the summit cross, arranging the leading edge on rhe crater rim. I was concerned char I would sink rapidly due to the thin air, so I picked several alternate landing zones between Orizaba and the village. The launch site had a 40-degree pitch, so glide ratio wouldn't be a problem. It was 8:05 Am. I radioed down to the boys from my summit altitude of 18,500 feet and told them to get our the camera. A deep breath. Laughing to myself bur focused, I leaned into the glider... it inflated direcrly overhead. Two strides and I was airborne. Five more seconds and I was 2,000 feet directly over two black dots on the glacier, Evan and Ledyard. There was a light thermal over the Sarcofago, a massive rock horn jutting up from the base of the glacier. I was genrly carried up 300 feet above the summit and had to circle back direcrly over the crater

Continued on page 26.

Continued from page 18. atmosphere. Take special note of the ternperature column and the relatively cool values, especially with respect to summertime flying at mountain sites.

I LIKE BIG ONES When I had my actual emergency deployment I walked away, partly because I had a large reserve. It brought me down slowly and softly. A larger parachute does open somewhat more slowly. If it's large enough, I believe it will stall the paraglider, preventing it from flying and down planing. That doesn't mean the paraglider won't get tangled with the reserve, or cause rotation or oscillations. You must still manage your descent. I suggest that bigger is better when it comes to selecting a parachute.

SIZE VERSUS SINK RATE Size is not a true measure of reserve performance. Gore size is not standardized. An 18-gore parachute can have a larger constructed diameter than a 20-gore reserve if these pie-shaped segments are larger. A particular brand of parachute may be bigger,

Table 3 - The Standard Atmosphere Altitude ft.!mtrs.

Temperature OF/OC

Pressure inHglmb

% Density Loss From Sea Level

0/0

59/5

29.92/1013.2

1,000/305

55/13

28.86/977.3

2,000/610-

52/11

27 .82/942.1

3,000/914

48/9

26.82/908.2

4,000/1,219

45/7

25.84/875.0

5,000/1,524

41/5

24.90/843.2

6,000/1,829

38/3

23.98/812.0

7,000/2,133

34/1

23.09/781.9

8,00012,438

311-1

22.23/752.8

9,000/2,743

27/-3

21.39/724.3

l0,000/3,048

23/-5

20.58/696.9

l 1,000/3,353

20/-7

19.80/670.5

12,000/3,658

16/-9

19.03/644.4

13,000/3,962

13/-11

18.30/619.7

14,000/4,267

9/-13

17.58/595.3

15,000/4,572

6/-15

16.89/572.0

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PARAGLIDING

but if the fabric has a higher porosity, the sink rate may be higher. A sink rate measured

during in-flight testing, with a specified payload, in specified atmospheric conditions, is the on/,y accurate measure ofreserve performance.

Table 4 -

Operational Limitations ofthe Quantum Series Parachute (Courtesy ofHigh Energy Sports)

Model

Maximum Suspended Weight (lbs.lkgs.)

A simple way to compare the drag force of parachutes is to "kite" them on the grass and measure the resistance in a constant-speed wind with a spring scale. Remember that this will not reveal their stability characteristics such as any tendency to oscillate.

Figure 3 - The HES Quantum Series parachute comes standard with lower suspension lines made from Spectra for added strength, lightness and compactness compared to nylon. The upper lines are made ofnylon to provide some stretch to reduce opening shock.

OPERATIONAL UMITATIONS Inquire about the operational limitations of the reserve. What is the maximum suspended weight for the size you're considering? What is the maximum operating speed? (See Table 4.) If the manufacturer is unwilling to specify the operational limits of their product, they probably haven't tested it, or if they did, it probably didn't perform well. Is this

something with which you want to entrust your life? (See Figure 3.) KEEPING IT IN What keeps your parachute container closed? Most paragliding harnesses use a single-pin closure for the reserve container. I watched as a pilot with a single-pin closure container had his parachute fall out onto the ground during his takeoff run. I prefer the two-pin closure container. Its simple design and proven reliability in hang gliding provides added security. (See Figure 4.)

WHERE'S THE HANDLE? Most paragliding harnesses use a rearmounted reserve container. This can be difficult to see and access when needed. I know of one person who hit the ground while attempting to reach for the parachute handle. The pilot never found the handle because it was on the opposite side of the harness. A reserve container mounted under the seat is an alternative to a rear-mounted parachute, but inspect it closely if you land on your butt. Also, a rear-mounted reserve for the from person on a tandem flight is vulnerable to inadvertent deployment by the person in the back. I prefer to use a side-

Figure 4 - The simple and reliable two-pin closure system on the HES reserve container. Note the curved pins which release with any pull direction. Figure 5 - The HES parachute container has Fastex buckles for quick and easy attachment to either side of any harness.

mounted container so that my deployment handle is more readi/,y visible and more easi/,y accessible. (See Figures 5 and 6.) Also, if you ever do any powered paragliding you can use this same side-mounted container for both forms of flying. In this case, your parachute and your wing should be sized for the total suspended weight of you and the motor unit.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1997

Figure 6 - The HES reserve container mounted on the right side ofa harness. Note the convenient access to and visibility ofthe deployment handle provided by this positioning.

GETTING IT OUT Another factor with most reserve system designs is the additional length of webbing between the deployment handle and the deployment bag. This added length makes it difficult to control the mass of the parachute when throwing. This difficulty is accentuated when the deployment handle has a single attachment. For throwing a

Figure 7 - The two-point, direct attachment ofthe deployment handle to the deployment bag available from HES. Note the UV reflective fabric.

reserve I prefer the firm feel and positive control ofthe parachute provided by a short deployment handle attached directly to the deployment bag at two points. (See Figure 7.)

OPENING CONFIDENCE I think every pilot should learn to repack his own reserve. You'll need to learn this by practicing under the supervision of someone who is experienced in repacking parachutes used for paragliding or hang gliding. But unless you do it regularly you're likely to forget how. If you have any uncertainty about whether your reserve is properly packed, hook your deployment handle onto a solid object and pull on che riser(s). Continue to pull until the entire system is stretched out free from the deployment bag.

Figure 8 - The HES stageddeployment bag with two compartments: one far the canopy and one far the lines. Notice the double stow closures ofeach compartment.

First the riser(s), then the lines, and finally the canopy should snake out ofthe deployment bag in a smooth and orderly sequence.

THE ROCKET SLOW-PULL TEST To check for parachute extraction with a rocket installation, disconnect the lanyard from the rocket and pull the lanyard to simulate the rocket pulling the reserve out of the container. It should pull out smoothly. If the pull force is measured with a spring scale, it should be no more than the rocket manufacturer's specification: usually about 25 to 35 lbs. (111 to 156 N).

IT'S IN THE BAG, OR IS IT? Many European parachutes use what's known as a "free bag" or a diaper. This is a deployment bag with four flaps. This usually has a single rubber band or bungee used as a line stow to keep the bag dosed and the canopy contained until line stretch is complete. The free bag design provides a very wide deployment bag opening, but there is usually no provision, or inadequate provision, for line stowage. Some free bag systems use elastic tabs in the container for orderly line stowage, but this does not provide the correct sequence of staged deployment. In this case, the lines will stretch first, leaving them dose to you, your harness and

your paraglider, thereby increasing the chance of entanglement. Remember, you're not going to be deploying your reserve in smooth and steady flight. You're going to be in rough and tumble chaos, and just getting your parachute out may be a challenge. A properly staged deployment will begin with bridle stretch. This gets the deployment bag away from the potentially entangling objects. Next, the lines stretch, which displaces the bag even further. Finally, the canopy opens when it's as far away as possible. I recommend a staged deployment bag

which has separate pockets far the canopy and the lines, and that uses two closure stows far each pocket. (See Figure 8.)

There are potential pitfalls when executing a deployment, such as in the incident mentioned earlier in which the pilot never looked for the handle. This is the all-important first step in the seven-step deployment procedure: 1) LOOK for the handle. DO THIS DURING EVERY FLIGHT. The next step is to 2) REACH and GRASP the handle. This may seem trivial

now, but if you're in a high-G spin the centrifugal force can be surprisingly strong. There is something to be said for having your reserve handle close at hand. 3) PULL the handle to dislodge the pin(s) and peel open the Velcro. On many installations this means down and away, but I know of one side-mount container that requires a forward pull. Do not assume that your parachute is similar to another pilot's. BE COMPLETELY FAMILIAR WITH THE DETAILS OF YOUR PARTICULAR EQUIPMENT. 4) LOOK for clear air. Assess the status of your paraglider. If it's stable, throw promptly because the steady state may not last, particularly as a result of your throwing movement. If your paraglider is oscillating, time your throw to maximize the separation distance from the paraglider during deployment. Maintain altitude awareness. If you're low, extract your reserve from the container and throw it all in one motion. If you are high above the ground, you may want to draw the mass back in toward your body, or across your chest after extracting the deployment bag from the container. This

PARAGLIDING

may provide you with a stronger throw. 5) THROW the deployment bag toward clear air. Throw the bag with all your strength because your survival may depend on it. The best direction is up, but not if this risks entangling the chute with your paraglider. The worst direction is down because that will maximize your opening time. 6) YANK vigorously on your parachute bridle or risers to reduce opening time. This will help open the air channel and spread the suspension lines. It can also help compensate for a weak throw. 7) CHECK to make sure the reserve is open. If necessary, pull your parachute back in vigorously and re-throw. Not only has this been necessary, but it has also been successful. MEMORIZE THIS SEVEN-STEP PROCEDURE.

FEET FIRST FORMATION Another important question is, Where should the reserve bridle or risers be attached? Landing feet first is the only way to go; ask any skydiver. A two-point suspension atop the shoulder straps of your harness will produce this result. If you attach your parachute to your carabiners where you attach your paraglider risers, this will put you in the vulnerable position of landing tailbone first. If your harness does not have provisions for two shoulder attachments to accommodate a reserve, it's time to upgrade to a more modern harness.

Ensure that your parachute is securely attached to your harness at the top ofthe shoulders. (See Figure 9.)

CAN YOU STEER TO CLEAR?

Steerabi!ity is a good feature, but it's only usable ifyou have a ftee hand. A steerable reserve has toggles on the risers to allow you to turn to land into the wind. It also has vents in the canopy to produce a slight forward speed. These two features combine to permit you to maneuver slightly to clear an obstacle such as a rock or fence in favor of impacting in an open or softer spot. In reality though, you will probably not be able to utilize this feature because you are likely to have your hands full attempting to manage your descent. If you can't or don't steer, and you land downwind, your ground speed will be higher with a steerable parachute, making for a harder landing. Also, as Betty states in her article, steering a round canopy increases its descent rate, so if you "flare"

Figure 9 - A harness with two-point parachute bridle attachments on the top of the shoulder straps. Note the Ma/lion Rapide (quick link) connectors.

for landing, you'll hit harder.

ROUND BOUND

A round reserve is very stable if it's ftee to function. This means keeping your paraglider from interfering. If your paraglider reinflates it will likely downplane (surge forward) in an attempt to compensate for the added drag of the parachute. This can increase your sink rate because neither canopy will be directly overhead working exclusively against gravity. To resolve downplaning, most pilots are taught to pull in their wing. This is a great goal, but it has its risks: 1) it's time consuming; 2) it can induce rotations, causing riser twist and canopy closure; and 3) it can distract you from being aware of your altitude and preparing for impact.

LAISSJEZ-FAIRJE APPROACH

Ifyour paraglider is downplaning, but you're falling at an acceptable rate, and in a state of equilibrium, it may be best to wait and watch. Be ready to respond though; this equilibrium may only be temporary. It can be easily disrupted by a subtle movement or a gust, and may destabilize suddenly and rapidly.

DOING THE DOUBLE DECELERATOR DANCE

Ifyou can get your parag!ider directly overhead the reserve will converge with it, minimizing your sink rate. If you can sort out the moving tangle of risers, try B-lining to kill the paraglider lift and get it overhead. Full stalling with toggles or rear risers is another option. Using a hook knife to cut away your paraglider is another possibility, but it is very likely to entangle with your parachute after separation.

THE SLACK ATTACK

Ifyou're going to attempt to disable your paraglider by pulling it in, the best time to

accomplish this is when the lines are slack. When I did a demonstration for Second Chantz I was at approximately 500 feet (150 meters) AGL in straight-and-level flight. I fired the rocket and just observed the events. The air rocket deployed the reserve directly backward. The paraglider initially downplaned afrer the parachute opened. The drag of the parachute was great enough that, as it came overhead, the paraglider went limp and drifted up toward me. After one wing tip passed close enough by me that I could have grabbed it, the paraglider looked like it was heading for entanglement with the reserve. I immediately began pulling in the paraglider while the lines were still slack. After perhaps 30 rapid pulling strokes I had just collected all of the paraglider canopy into my arms as I looked down and splashed in the water. I would have had no time to consider a PLF.

ADOPT THE BOY SCOUT MOTTO I have emphasized what I consider to be some important aspects of parachutes. I have also left out some details that Betty included in her article ("Basic Parachute Use: A Practical Perspective for Paraglider Pilots") which appeared in Paragliding, The Magazine in Nov./Dec. 1995 (Vol. 6, No. 6). I highly recommend you read or review this article. When it comes to emergency procedures I believe in the Boy Scout motto: BE PREPARED. I want to thank Betty PFeiffer for her inspiration and critique of this article.

Alan Chucu!ate has been teaching paragliding since 1990 and teaching hang gliding since 1975. He is authorized by the USHGA to train instructors in both disciplines. He is also a Basic Flight Instructor authorized to teach powered ultralight flying. He is currently working as a Training Director for a powered paragliding company. Ill

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1997

Continued from page 21. void! The near-vertical crater walls and magnificent volcanic sculptures within disappeared into the bottomless black hole. No one else had ever been granted this view. An IMAX camera would have been appropriate. Now out of the thermal lifr and sinking, it was time to attempt the flight to Tlachichuca. Flying over the warming volcanic ridges below I was still at 17,500 feet, 30 minutes into the exhilarating flight. I thought much about my family and friends back home and wished they could be flying with me. I was now above the lowland forest and there was zero lifr. Sinking, I flew at top speed toward the plains for 10 minutes. I finally reached the plains where the air was more buoyant, but I was now above the thick layer of clouds that obscured the village. I chose to follow a mountain ridge peaking above the clouds. I knew where the village was relative to this ridge. Knowing I was nearing the edge of the

village I spiraled down through a hole in the clouds. Emerging from cloudbase I realized that there was a light rain falling all around me. Avoiding the precipitation, I continued circling straight down to land on a dirt road just outside Tlachichuca. A truck full of Mexican field hands gathered around me bantering and attempting to figure out how I had flown this extraterrestrial piece of fabric out of the clouds. Speaking poquito Espanol I attempted to explain: "Vuelo a el Pico de Orizaba." Shaking their heads, they just laughed at me and gave mea ride

the village. The dream-come-true flight lasted 65 minutes. As I stood 10,300 feet below and 11 miles away from the summit of Orizaba I felt ecstatic that our goal had been reached. However, it was now time to begin defining the next adventure goal. I radioed up to my friends as I felt the colon critters mashing inside me. They had watched the entire flight, and were excited and feeling better, but they had a ways to go before reaching the summit. I was concerned because the clouds had begun rapid vertical development, indicating vicious afrernoon thunderstorms in the immediate future. They forged on, canying themselves and their bowel buddies with them, reaching the summit at 11 :00 Am. The weather deteriorated and by noon they were in the midst of a feisty thunderstorm. Sixty-mph winds and whiteout conditions prevailed, with relentless lightning strikes that shook the valley. I was once trapped on the summit of the Grand Teton with a friend in a similar freak storm and I was extremely worried about them. They were dressed properly, bur were completely exposed to the lightning on the glacier. Speaking with them, I could hear the edge in their voices. Fortunately, they were carrying their ice axes/lightning rods which might help keep them warm during their descent. The only option was to descend as quickly and cautiously as possible in zero visibility. After five hours of horrifying climbing down the mountain they staggered back to the base huts. I had driven back up to the huts and was waiting for them. Exhausted and frazzled, they informed me that on our next climb, yet to be determined, they would be taking paragliders up as well!

Doug Hase is owner/operator of Pterodactyl Paragliding in Crested Butte, Colorado. He has been a USHGA-certified instructor since 1993. For information concerning flying in Mexico or these specific volcanoes feel free to contact: Doug Hase, Pterodactyl Paragliding, PO. Box 2075, Crested Butte, CO 81224 (970) 349-2836, or Chai Hale, Mexico City Paragliding, 011-525-5141649. AGLIDING

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he thermal clinic hosted by Air California Adventure and Sky Hook Sports in La Salina, Baja, Mexico last November 2-4 was a huge success. A total of62 pilots and support staffattended the three-day event. Many pilots set their personal best records at this year's event, including longest duration and greatest altitude gain, and some made their first thermal flights.

The event began for most attendees on Friday, November 1 at the clinic's check-in and registration in the lobby of the Baja Seasons Resort. There the pilots and their guests were met by the smiling faces of Linda Baker, Maya Jebb and Susan Tillis. Soon after the paperwork was completed and the tents were set up, pilots were shuttled to the beautiful La Salina LZ. For some, the first impression of the ridge was breathtaking. The warm Baja sun shone bright, and a warm westerly breeze drifted across the recently enlarged and freshly graded LZ. Some of the pilots walked to rhe middle of the LZ and just stood in awe of the ridge. The soft sounds of the ocean PARAGLIDING

waves crashing on the beach just a mile away and the pungent smell of fresh sage filled the air. The westward flapping flags in the LZ pointed the way up the hill, and so we began our journey to the two launches approximately 700 feet above the nearby Pacific Ocean. On top of the ridge are two beautifully maintained launch pads. The north launch is carved out between two huge piles of volcanic rock and offers a panoramic view out over the flatlands and the ocean below. The windsock was indicating a steady 10 to 12 mph breeze. There is enough setup and launch area to immediately lay out three to four gliders. NO VEMBER /D ECEMBER

Some of the pilots moved over to the south launch which is a larger launch area facing slightly norrh and has enough area to lay our five to six gliders. It also offers an adjacent top-landing area. More than a half dozen pilots rook ro the air and flew until the blazing red sun melted into the azure Pacific Ocean . The thermal clinic began promptly each morning at 8:30 AM with a buffet breakfast. While participants were still eating, instructors David Jebb, Phil Pohl and Frankie Watson began lectures. For the next three days the clients would follow this routine because in Baja the flying can start as early as 8:00 AM. By 10:30

1996

most of the pilots were on their way to che launch sites. The ascent to the top involves a 20- to 25 -minute hike, or for chose wishing to drive the trip lasts 45 minutes. The rrail to launch involves a series of switch backs sculpted out of the hill by rwo disabled Vietnam veterans and paraglider pilots Steve Epperly and "CB." They also strategically placed flags along the ridge and built our-houses in the LZ and on launch. The overall project was a gift oflove which they alone spent approximately four months preparing for this event and the inauguration of the Site.

On Saturday by 11:00 in the morning

the wind was blowing out of the west at a steady 10-12 mph. Within an hour more than 75 paraglider and hang glider pilots were swarming over the two launch sites. The air was unbelievable. The thermals were big and steady, averaging 200 to 600 feet per minute. Within minutes pilots were 500 to 1,000 feet over the launch. Several managed to reach 2,500 to 2,600 MSL. Few pilots flew for less than one hour, and several flew for over four hours. le was one of chose magical moments - at one point one of che attendees reported seeing more than 40 paragliders and hang gliders in the air at one time. Although the sky was a solid

mass of brighcly colored gliders no one complained about overcrowding. One pilot commenced, "I kept expecting it to be crowded, but every time I turned around to initiate a turn, nobody was there!" The air was big, and so is the ridge which extends over four miles in length. For most of the attending pilots the ridge and flying conditions were a constant source of amazement. The flying continued all day Sunday but by Monday conditions had strengthened, so many pilots who chose not to fly were able to obtain additional hands-on training in kiting and launch techniques offered by the clinic

instructors. George Greer of North American Spores and Oliver Tictman of AbSOLuce Paragliding offered parachute repacking instruction and specific technical information ro pilots about reserves and helmets. The day ended at the Baja Seasons Resort cantina and restaurant. One of the very special reasons the clinic was a major success was the excellent volunteer support staff in attendance. They represented some of the most seasoned La Salina Ridge pilots, including Chris Brower, Tim Hall, Keith Hanz, Mike Holland, Jim Mendez, Kevin Smith and Kinsley Wong. The safety record for the three-day event was perfect. In large

PARAGLIDING

part this was due to the fantastic commitment made to each of the thermal clinic pilots by the 16 support staff present for the event. Th tee days of flying, training and making acquaintances with pilots from 14 different states proved to be a very enjoyable experience. The event will definitely be scheduled yearly according to event organizers David Jebb and Phil Pohl. On Saturday, November 2, the flying site was officially inaugurated by the townspeople and officials of La Mision. La Salina Ridge is the first officially dedicated paragliding and hang gliding flying site in Mexico. This is a great source of

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1997

pride for the residents of the small village of La Mision. Although the site is called "La Salina Ridge," the official name is Puerto Cielo De La Mision. (The name literally means "sky port of the mission.") Attending the official inauguration was the ex-president of the landowners association, Mr. Mario Vieyra-Lara. Mr. VieyraLara was originally instrumental in helping pilots develop the site as the first official Mexican paragliding and hang gliding flying site in the country. The president of the landowners association oversees and administers the 9,000 acres on which the site is located. Later that evening after the ribbon-

cutting ceremony more than 100 pilots attended a fund-raising dinner in honor of the La Mision community and the people who generously allow flying on their land. The pilots raised more than $550 for the site ambulance fund. The proceeds were personally handed over to the Mayor and current Association President, Gabriel Garcia Vega. In addition to these funds, paraglider pilot John Furey donated $500 toward the party expenses and Air California Adventure and Sky Hook Sports donated an additional $350 toward the food and live band. In total, $1,300 was raised for the ambulance fund and com, munity/pilot barbecue. Ill

FAMOUS FIFTH ANNUA

..-...-LOWEE WOMEN'S FLY-I As I drove my U-Haul over the state line of Oregon following a three-day drive from Denver, I had no idea I had just entered the wonderful world of Northwest paragliding. Just one day before departing Denver I was hanging from a tree in my yard at the end of my Great Dane's leash while

my instructor,

Bill Laurence, simulated conditions for

a reserve de-

ployment. With the ink till wet rary USHGA membership card, I hooked up the U-Haul and headed for Oregon, keenly aware that my next flight would be without Bill. by Susan Engquist

Don Marcy preparing to launch at Saddle Mountain. Photo by Tina Pavelic.

etailed guide in hand, listing over 35 sites in Oregon and southwest Washington, I spent my first three weekends becoming familiar with the area and introducing myself to any gliding aficionado I encountered. The site guide, published by the Cascade Paragliding Club, is a newcomer's dream. Meetings of the club are held monthly and I attended my first in eager anticipation of all I could learn. I was not disappointed. The enthusiasm and lmowledge of the members were contagious, and it was at this meeting that I again encountered the term "fly-in." Plans were in the works for the Famous

LEFT & CENTER: Paraglider pilots preparing to launch and soaring at The Silos. Photos by Reggie.

Fifth Annual Halloween Women's Fly-in. I had first heard of this event while on a business trip to San Francisco, planned to include checking out the coastal flying at Pacifica. Accompanied by my friend Reggie on this particular trip, we happened to encounter fellow paragliding enthusiasts Jim and Colleen from British Columbia. It was Colleen's mention of the Halloween event that really whetted my appetite. A "fly-in" she called it. Now I'd heard of "sitins" and "drive-ins," and of course there are "walk-ins" and "check-ins." But a "fly-in"? Two weeks later I received a phone call from Tina Pavelic with yet another menJANUARY/FEBRUARY

1997

tion of, and this time an invitation to the Women's Fly-In. Talk about feeling wanted. This must indeed be a happening I should not miss. When the official announcement arrived describing the costume contest, potluck dinner and overnight camping, including an invitation to not only see friends fly but lady bugs, vampires, birds, bees and devils (not to mention Tina Turner), I couldn't fill out the registration fast enough. The big day finally arrived. Following a Friday night drive from Portland, Reggie and I awoke in Yakima, Washington. Donning our outfits (this was a Halloween

party, remember) we headed for Saddle Mountain with the teenage dread of being the only ones in costume. Stopping for gas and using the facilities to apply the finishing touches (beard and mustache) to our full-leather biker garb, we then coaxed our dog Tucker into a matching outfit complete with Harley logo. This was it; either drive on to our destination or turn back. We drove on. Arriving at the LZ shortly after noon all fears were cast aside as we were warmly greeted by Minnie Mouse (Kristen Armstrong), Captain Hook (Kristin Janosky), and a number of other quixotically dressed people. The two Kristens, as they were referred to throughout the weekend, were the exceptional women who organized this year's fly-in, and from this fast-timer's viewpoint they did an outstanding job of making everyone feel welcome. Following introductions and mutual costume appreciation, a caravan of cars headed to launch with our "threesome" taking up the rear. As we pulled up to launch, paraglider pilots were taking to the air like lemmings to the sea, one right after the other. Wind conditions had moderated from the morning to 10-15 mph straight up launch. Pilots were getting good penetration while still being able to get 1,000 feet over launch. Dozens of pilots launched, soared and landed during the next two hours until the lift shut of rather abruptly and sled rides ensued. What a sight to behold. Many of the pilots were in costume, even while flying, and the sky was filled with not only Rocky the Squirrel complete with large tail billowing behind her, to Bullwinkle who had a bit of trouble with the horns interfering with his lines. One pilot, Rick Shallman, really dove into the event (no pun intend-

ed) with his opera/Viking-type costume (Flight of the Valkyries), and broadcast sound from a speaker attached to his harness . Not easy to explain - it needed to be experienced- yet magnificent enough to win best overall in the costume contest later that night. After an incredible day of flying the party moved to the campsite south of Vantage, Washington. A picnic table was set up, the bonfire lit and potluck dishes were rapidly filling the table. There were roughly 75 people flying during the day and much to our surprise most of them stayed on to camp, partake of the potluck and enjoy the beautiful, warm campfire. The costumes of the evening were also something to behold. Awards for the best costumes were distributed by the two Kristens and everyone who had put an effort into dressing up was acknowledged. Reggie and I scored a bottle of vino for the "best theme," but I truly believe it was Tucker the dog who clinched it for us. The party went long into the evening but not so long that we weren't ready to enjoy the next beautiful day. Morning greeted us with south winds, exactly opposite from the preceding day, so the group moved down the ridge to a site known as The Silos. Apparently this was at one time the location of Department of Defense missile silos, but all that remains are a few scattered concrete pads and some holes in the ground. I was the first to launch around 11 :00 AM, with a short sled ride and a side-hill landing. Conditions started picking up around noon, and by mid afternoon there was enough ridge lift to soar 50 to 100 feet off the ground along a half mile of ridge. Teresa Carey and Susan Stroming were in the air a lot, probably getting more airtime than all the men combined. It was tight flying with so many pilots so close to the ground, but no incidents occurred and most everyone had fun top- and side-hill landing multiple times during the afternoon. It stayed soarable until sunset when the last diehards finally packed up and left. The weekend was truly one to remember. All advertised promises were fulfilled and I know first-hand what is meant by a "fly-in." Those wonderful people rook me under wing (pun intended) and over expectations. We tip our hats to the Inland Northwest Paragliding Club for hosting this successful event. •

A pilot reverse inflating at Saddle Mountain. Photo by Seward Whitfield

ABOUT SADDLE MOUNTAIN, WASHINGTON .

When the wind is from the ,north paraglider pilots flock to Saddle Mountain, located south of the town of Vantage in the central part of the state. Saddle-_is an ,l,800-foot,.. high, north~facing ridge that. offers therrn~ flying in the summer and ridge soaring ln the winter. Launch -{2',400' msl) if near the west end of the ridge and froin there the ridge extends rnore than 10 miles east toward the town of Othello: Out-and-back flights along

the ridge are possib(e, and top-landings are common. in,soarable 6ondi-

tions. The standard, LZ ( @O' msl) is a, fa.rge, flat; sandy area near an :off-toad vehicle park and wildlife area. Saddle Mouptain is. maintained as a flying site by the lnland Northwest Paragliding Club and is insured under the USHGA site insurance program. Pilots are required to sign a waiver prior to flying Saddle Mountain, and donations are requested to defray the site insurance costs. Waivers and additional information are av~ilable from Joel and Kristen Armstrong, Inland Northwest Paragliding Club, 4023 North Monroe, Spokane, WA 99205 (509) 327-8172. • Photo by Tina Pavelic

PARAGLIDING

PARAGLIDING INTERVIEWS by Paragliding Contributing Editor Steve Roti Joe Gluzinski is best known as co-organizer, with Bill Gordon, of the 1995 US. National Paragliding Championships at Chelan, Washington. Joe has also been active in instruction and competition for years, and in 1992 he was the winner of the Torrey Pines World Paragliding Races. Paragliding contributing editor Steve Roti interviewed foe by e-mail

PGM: When did you first experience foot-

launched aviation? Joe Gluzinski: In 1976. I was 16 years old and in high school. My friend Rick Farkas rook one hang gliding lesson from Ken de Russy in Santa Barbara, California. He then bought a hang glider out of the newspaper for $300 and while learning how to fly he tried to teach me too. PGM: How did it go? Joe Gluzinski: After abour five practice days I worked my way up the 300' hill and launched at sunset. Immediately after takeoff I thought, "What do you do when you want to stop chis thing? Oh yeah, flare," and so I flared right after takeoff and stalled it into the ground. A few weeks lacer after replacing broken downtubes I was back working my way up the training hill again. My second and lase high flight resulted in object fixation on an abandoned dishwasher in a ravine. My flare stopped me with the dishwasher centered between both downtubes, skinned knuckles and my nose two inches from the dishwasher. PGM: What did you do after that?

Joe Gluzinski: In 1984, for my 25th birthday, my parents bought me a staticline skydive. PGM: What did you Learn ftoin skydiving

that could apply to paragliding? Joe Gluzinski: Three main things come to mind. Number one is chat skydiving instructors drill emergency procedures into your head really well. Of course, skydiving has been around longer than paragliding, so they have had more time to refine their training. Number two is "altitude awareness. " Since you are plummeting at over 100 mph you only have so much time to recognize and deal with a crisis such as a malfunctioning main parachute. Of course, in paragliding your distance from rhe terrain varies during the flight. Number three is a universal concept called "intermediate syndrome," a feeling char you've mastered the sport after only a few months or years. Intermediate syndrome can last up to three or four years depending on how often you fly. Beginners and advanced pilots often fall into a similar phenomenon at their levels. The bigger problem, though, is with recreational pilots who have been booted from the nest and are no longer flying under supervision.

Joe flying in Interlaken, Switzerland. Photo by Paul KLeinond.

The man himself

Joe going to work as a real estate Loan officer (1986).

Ridge soaring in the early days in his "ExcaLidog. "

More flying over beautiful Interlaken, Switzerland. Photo by Paul Klemond.

Almost close enough to get spray in his face - waterfall and cliffi at Murren, Switzerland. Photo by Paul Klemond.

After one or two hour-long soaring flights they tend to get overconfident and aren't aware when they are about to fly into a preventable problem situation.

PGM: Did you ever have any reserve deployments skydiving? Joe Gluzinski: Yes, I've had three. One was when a riser released by itself on a hard opening. Another resulted from two broken lines on deployment. The third was on my first freefall - my sixth jump ever. They progressed me to freefall even though I had bad exits and would sometimes roll onto my back on exit. Wouldn't you know it, on my first freefall I had a weak exit and rolled over onto my back. When I pulled the ripcord the parachute came out of the container but stayed in the deployment bag. They called it a bag lock in training and had told me to put my feet and knees together and pull my reserve handle. When the reserve came out I was still on my back and felt something strange so I looked to the left. The reserve was coming out between my left arm and my side, and not wanting the reserve to wrap around my arm I brought it in against my body. The reserve came out, inflated and I landed safely. First freefall, first reserve ride -whew, got that one out of the way. Eight years later I had mixed feelings when I read a fatality report involving a beginner. On his sixth skydive and first freefall he had a weak exit, bag lock, then pulled his reserve. It wrapped around his left arm and he bounced. That made me think a little bit since nobody trained me to tuck in my arm, I just figured it out on the fly. An accelerated form of natural selection maybe?

Andy West. We would go to Palos Verdes peninsula and do glide-ratio contests in the morning, then cliff soar all afternoon. Later, we started flying mid-day at an inland site named Soboba. We called it turbulence, not thermals, but since the Excaliburs were ve1y stable we didn't get many collapses.

PGM: Josh Cohn's article on B-line stalls in the November/December 1996 issue of Paragliding magazine referred to an experience you had in which a B-line stall turned into a negative spin. How did that happen? Joe Gluzinski: Five years ago I had a DHV II-III glider named the Spirit FXC with a fully mesh leading edge. I just heard about the B-line stall as a descent technique and tried it. Nobody told me you couldn't let the risers up slowly or that it might not come out for a while. Upon releasing the risers it locked in and didn't recover. I had already done full stalls hundreds of times with skydiving parachutes and several on my Excalibur, so I went for the stall. Upon entering the full stall too slowly the right side went first. The glider entered a spin in constant stall. I called it a "constant spin." It was very flat and ve1y slow and not violent. I tried to countersteer and it constant spun the other way, one last try and another spin to the right. Since the B-line started at 600' agl I went for the reserve. To stop downplaning and to give me a slower descent rate I full stalled the glider with two wraps. The extra drag from my wing set me down softly on some bushes and rocks. My reserve was a Free Flight Enterprises 20-gore canopy, and I walked away unhurt.

PGM: How did you get into paragliding?

PGM: Do you agree with Josh's dislike of B-line stalls?

Joe Gluzinski: I got a job with a parachute company near Perris, California owned by a guy named Tony Domenico. He had a second business that sold Excalibur paragliders, Aerolite reserves and harnesses and published a magazine called Paraglide USA. Soon I was doing sales for the paragliding company and I learned to fly as part of my job. On weekends I would take three or four wings out and fly with a couple of skydivers named Dave Dolak and

Joe Gluzinski: I wouldn't say my dislike of the B-line stall is as great as Josh's. For novice pilots I think big, big ears with speed bar is safest. The B-line, spiral dive and front horseshoe are your three other main options. Although the B-line stall can create problems, so can the spiral dive and front horseshoe. I think pilots should read their manuals to see what the manufacturers recommend. The next step would be to attend a safety clinic and perform the

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1997

advanced descent techniques over water with a hook knife, flotation and rescue boat. While in this learning environment don't just dabble in the descent techniques, learn to master them; someday it will probably come in handy.

PGM: Have you used your reserve parachute any other times in flight? Joe Gluzinski: Yes, this past summer on day one of a hang gliding competition called the Chelan Classic. I was across the Colombia River and about a mile short of Mansfield when I threw my reserve. You can read about it in an article in this issue of Paragliding magazine.

PGM: Have you ever done any pre-planned reserve deployments? Joe Gluzinski: Yes, two paragliding reserve deployments at 7,500' agl from a perfectly good airplane. We modified my skydiving harness to belly mount a paragliding reserve, so I had a total of three parachutes. The setup included a three-ring cutaway release system which is found on all skydiving main parachutes. Upon static-line deployment from the plane I was to monitor oscillation and descent rate. The reserve was set up with an adjustable pull-down apex line, and I was to adjust it for slowest descent rate and minimum oscillation. A barograph was used to record my descent rate. The oscillation was to be documented with video by a skydiver who chased me around the sky. The first reserve was intentionally "short lined." They made the lines shorter than the design called for in hopes of a faster opening, but instead it created massive oscillation. I sat there under the inflated round 22-gore swinging like a chimp. Adjusting the pull-down apex line didn't help, so at 3,000' agl as planned I cut away, releasing just one of the risers, and did a high-speed streamer at 80-100 mph for fun. I was carrying two hook knives with me, one to pull out and throw right away ('cause you're going to drop it anyway) and another to do the cutting. Opening altitude was 2,000' agl just as planned. Jump number two went a lot better; the reserve only oscillated sporadically. There was an inversion that day below my open-

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ing altitude and my guess was that turbulence induced the oscillation. It seemed that with a full-stalled or B-line stalled glider over my head it would have reduced oscillation from my reserve and also given me a slower descent rate. Last summer I also did an intentional deployment from 700' over the Marshall LZ. Following the reserve's opening I did a complete cutaway of my paraglider. It was Urs Haari's new highly steerable deltashaped reserve with about a 2.5 to 1 glide and 8-10 mph airspeed (depending on wing loading and other factors).

PGM: After an emergency reserve deployment it is often suggested that the pilot should disable the paraglider to prevent it from interfering with the reserve or from downplaning, but there doesn't seem to be a consensus on the best method (full stall B-line stall, pull in a tip, cut away). What's your opinion on methods for disabling the paraglider after a reserve deployment? Joe Glminski: Whatever you can do more quickly: the B-line stall or two to three wraps and a full stall. If you already have riser twists the B-line or CID riser combination is probably your best option, because pulling the brakes will probably be ineffective. I had bulky gloves when I threw my reserve this summer. It was hard for me to grab the right B riser, so I pulled the CID risers on the right side and the B riser on the left side and that stopped the down planing.

PGM: When I started paragliding in 1991, most pilots who were flying with reserves had them front-mounted Then for a few years the fashion changed to rear-mounted, but now I

PGM: You led a paragliding tour to Europe last summer. Where did you go and how did the flying compare to that in North America?

notice a number ofpilots switching back to front-mounted again. What's your opinion on front versus rear reserve mounting? Joe Glminski: I think the front-mounted system is the safest. You can see the handle and it's accessible with both hands. I see front-mounted reserves coming back into fashion for sure. There is a harness out now that has a built-in front-mounted reserve container. The reserve I deployed this summer was bottom-mounted on a "Fire" harness from Woody Valley. The Fire has a feature I like a lot - the bridle on the reserve handle is very short. My paragliding reserve deployment five years ago involved a bellymounted Aerolite system.

PGM: Where do you live and what do you do for a living now? Joe Glminski: Perris, California for the past eight years. Occupation: para-guide, owner of Air America Paragliding, a fulltime guide service for novice and intermediate paraglider pilots visiting Southern California during the winter. Year round we offer clinics on reserve parachutes, thermal and cross-country flying and advanced maneuvers. Working one-on-one with pilots we improve their flying skills, help them fly new sites and obtain their ratings.

PGM: How did your focus on coaching recreational pilots come about? Joe Gluzinski: When paragliding entered my life, I discovered that the same intermediate syndrome from skydiving existed in our sport. That's when I decided to be a paragliding coach and offer a guide service

Joe Gluzinski: The 1996 Air American European Invasion included a total of five pilots who flew Zillertal Austria, St. Moritz, Verbier and Interlaken Switzerland, Lago di Como Italy, Chamonix, Annecy, Mieussy and Grenoble France, all in 32 days. Flying in Europe was much different than in North America. For starters, you want to be good at forward inflations on steep, wet, grassy launches. They had a rainy summer in Europe, but in spite of that we still flew 75% of the days. Quite often we found ourselves ridge soaring the Alps - that was quite a surprise to me. Since cloudbase was low we never got high above the peaks, although we still managed some great soaring and cross-country flights. One day after a challenging cross-country flight from Achensee to the Zillertal Valley we radioed a local taxi driver who scans pilot frequencies. He came right over and picked us up -- that was different. Europe, with its highaltitude launches and narrow valleys was like flying Aspen, Colorado over here.

PGM: Many pilots associate your name with two flying sites in Southern California: Elsinore and Marshall. Tell us a little bit about Elsinore and some ofthe flights you've had there. Joe Gluzinski: Lake Elsinore is just 20 minutes from Perris; I would consider it my home flying site. The Elsinore club is called the "E Team," and the majority are hang glider pilots. Luck and natural selection determine who flies there -- there are no rules. A modest number of paraglider pilots fly Elsinore in the summer. Most of them are experienced cross-country pilots who are trying to ger up and go for distance. We use a launch site called the "E". The main landing zone is not within gliding distance from the E launch. Due to our proximity to the Pacific Ocean, from May to October we get a 180° wind switch as early as 11 :00 am. Some people call it an on-shore flow; we call it PARAGLIDING

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PGM: What trends do you see in our sport? Joe Gluzi.nski: Our industry has seen big

More flying in Switzerland. Photo by Paul Klemond

"the shear." The associated turbulence caused by the wind switch can be extremely violent. Everyone can picture a tall, strong, thermal column, but how about a strong area or column of sink? Imagine a 10-story-building-sized parcel of sink being dropped onto your wing. We certainly don't fly around looking for them, but they occasionally exist in these conditions and could put you on the deck. Around the world this wind switch phenomenon is referred to as a coastal convergence. Coastal convergences occur near large bodies of water all over the world. The Elsinore convergence has been flown for many years by hang glider and sailplane pilots. It is well understood and is documented in an FAA pilot training manual. Most often paraglider pilots visit Elsinore in the winter when it blows down at Marshall and we get an off-shore flow. At that time of the year the locals fly the Edwards launch. Sometimes the winds can be quite cross or strong. Often it just completely blows out for paragliders. One good thing about having Lake Elsinore out in front is that you can usually see the wind coming before it's too late. Elsinore has many personalities; I have seen five different wind directions there on the same day. In general I would recommend that intermediate pilots who fly there have a guide no matter what time of the year. Some of my best flights have been there during the competitions Mitch McA!eer has organized. It's a lot of fun sharing your home site with visiting pilots. Although my longest flight from Elsinore is less than 30 miles, it's such a challenge that it makes

you ecstatic. Fond memories include: getting 8,000 feet over in one thermal without a vario and flying home; during a competition, flying into a strong headwind for over a mile, going up at 800 fpm all the way to the turnpoint; climbing to 12,000 feet and flying to Hemet where a nearby cloud that was dropping virga fired off a lightning bolt and scared me out of the sky.

PGM: Tell us about Marshall and how it differs ftom Elsinore for paragliding. Joe Gluzinski: Marshall is a paragliding paradise. With 2,100' vertical, two-wheeldrive access and a large, flat area at launch for top landings, it's perfect for paragliding. Want to build up a lot of hours thermal flying? Check out Marshal. It works with any wind direction from southeast to west. The winter time is when I appreciate it most. Between November and March, when we don't get an offshore flow or low cloudbase or rain, you can find locals and visiting snow birds flying Marshall. While most of the U.S. is getting rain and snow, Marshall is producing great thermal flights two or three days a week. During the summer we don't always fly with paragliders midday. Most likely we'll get in two to three hours before midday in tolerable bumps and two hours in the evening as conditions back off. Elsinore is not as suitable for novice/intermediate paraglider pilots as Marshall in the summer. Between May and October it blows down hard around noon, forcing you to sink out or go X-C.

performance and safety gains with the wings we fly in the past five years. The next step is better designed harnesses, reserves and speed systems which are more interchangeable between product lines. Too often the reserve and harness will both have bridles and the speed system doesn't work 100% of its intended travel. Other needed improvements include shortening the bridle length between the reserve handle and pin (a longer reserve handle bridle increases the chances of it wrapping around the reserve lines) and reducing the amount of velcro on reserve containers (too much velcro creates hard pulls or container-lock malfunctions). My background is in skydiving where reserves and harnesses are certified by the FAA. Personally, I don't want to see further FAA intervention in our sport, but it seems paragliding industry standards for harness and reserve systems aren't adequate. Another big problem we have is the number of reserve containers out there with cracked grommets on the closing flaps. Next time you get a chance take a look at yours. Quality control with many of the manufacturers seems to be pounding the grommet until it splits, that way they know it's in there good, right? The problem occurs when you pull your reserve handle. The pin slips out of the closing loop which passes through the grommets on the container flaps. Here the dosing loop can get caught in one of the cracked grommets giving you container lock. Sadly, about 50% of the grommets I have inspected are cracked. I also see many pilots using hang gliding reserve deployment bags for paragliding. Unless modified, the hang gliding deployment bag does not have a loop for the reserve handle on the center of the bag. As a result, once the reserve container is closed, the bridle routes through a corner of the reserve container. Often times the sides of the reserve flaps are sewn together and the reserve gets jammed in the corner. I have seen this cause a hard-pull situation half a dozen times in reserve clinics. Another trend I see is more pilots taking advantage of instruction in the form of

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clinics covering reserve parachutes, thermal and X-C flying, and maneuvers. For example, the USHGA recommended operating limitations for a novice pilot at 200 fpm peak climb rate in thermal lift. I see a lot of novices out there trying to teach themselves how to thermal. With more advanced instruction available today why not attend a clinic? You'll learn more quickly and safely. If your instructor is too busy on the training hill, ask an advanced pilot from your club to organize a clinic. If they need help with an outline give me a call and I'll be happy to send out copies of mine.

PGM: How is the paragliding business doing these days? Joe Gluzinski: In the U.S. paragliding industry I see the instructors having the hardest time. Over the past few years in Los Angeles, five full-time schools have gone out of business. Most would still be teaching had they been able to make a decent living. Let's compare a paragliding instructor to a white-collar businessman. Both are full-time professionals. The businessman makes upwards of $40,000 per year and can afford to own a home, wing, reliable car and have auto, medical and dental insurance. He probably even has some money in the bank toward retirement. How many paragliding instructors can you say that about? Many argue that the paragliding instructor doesn't really work for a living. I consider teaching someone how to kite or driving down the hill to pick up a pilot work. Some say that paragliding instructors receive aesthetic income in place of monetary gain. I say they are right, we do love our jobs, but so do golf pros and fishing guides, and do you know what they make an hour? Here's a scenario I see a lot. A pilot has been flying a few years and is ready to buy his next glider. He calls a distributor who advertises in the magazine, knowing the distributor pays less for gliders than his local dealer. The pilot arranges a discount and buys one from the distributor, or he finds a dealer from out of state who will sell it over the phone for less. A week later he goes out to his local flying site and asks the local instructor for a ride up the hill. At launch the pilot discovers he doesn't know

how to hook up the speed system correctly and asks the instructor for help. A few months later he breaks some lines and asks the instructor to install the new lines because it's cheaper for him than shipping interstate. So who's servicing the customer now, the guy who sold him the wing or the local instructor?

PGM: How well is the instructor-distributor relationship working? Joe Gluzinski: When a pilot calls a distributor instead of a local instructor, the distributor can make more money by selling direct. This makes it less likely that the sale will be referred to the instructor. On the other hand, if the customer were referred to the local instructor the distributor may lose that sale. Chances are that instructor is a dealer for several product lines. This makes it quite difficult for distributors to make money and support a dealer network, but a few have found a way to never, or "virtually never," sell direct to the customer. Another problem instructors have is when distributors set up dealers who are not USHGA-certified paragliding instructors - recreational pilots who sell gear at cost just for the glory of being in the industry. Some hang gliding instructors argue that they should be paragliding dealers too, even though they aren't rated paragliding instructors and may not be able to fly a paraglider very well. Perhaps some day paragliding instructors will have a national association in addition to USHGA, one that would better represent them. PGM: What advice can you give to novice I intermediate pilots in the sport? Joe Gluzinski: Fly recreational gliders, not competition wings. If you think you need a competition wing to stay up it probably means you are not flying your recreational glider to its fullest potential. Read the recommended operating limitations for your pilot rating and memorize them. When you are on the hill, examine the conditions and factor in if conditions are likely to change. Only exceed your operating limitations with good cause, after sitting on the ground and thinking about it for a while. Attend advanced courses whenever possible; they will help you progress more quickly and safely than learning on your own. II.I

his summer I had a dat:e withfat:e. This was the secorid time I ha.cl. the urgent need to deploy my · paragliding reserve. As thel'e are nianysecon:d,.hand versions of rhis'story, HhoughtJ w6uld give it to you fro many perspective'. ~ t spring lgotan offer to rep for Swing USA. Included w~ a.chance tobe •. the first U.S. pilouo own $wing's new performance-rared competitibn glider, the "Nimbus." Upon inspectii;ln !found the · Nhnbus. to have about two.and ahalfinches of trim. When trim was full out, all the quick links were of equal l~ngt;h. I thought that was strange. Normally, when I let out trim risers the front risers become shorter than the rear risers. When I pulled it all the way i.n the rear rlsers were shorter than. the front risers by the two arid a half inches. Regardless, I was determined tQ fly. Once airborne I became comfortable with the way the Nimbus handled .. Within a few week~ offlying it at Elsinore and Marshall the Nimbus became my friend. A few weeks later I entered the Telluride Paragliding Classic and had no. problems. ·· A week later I was in Chelan, Washington and it was day one of the Chelan Classic hang gliding competition. Conditions over Chelan Butte were not particularly big that day: high pressure, weak 50-300 :fpm up and a slow dimbout before the Colombia River crossing. Working the weak lift near. therim I finally made the jump onto the flats. Behind me I spotted Rick Higgins taking a big one on an Apco Zen. He did sort of a minimaneuvers clinic, then recovered. "That won't happen to me," I thought, "I have a higher wing loading than Rick." I had been in the air for nearly two hours and was just coming up on Mansfield. At about 2,200 feet AGL I searched some smooth zero sink for a core, then wham, a sixty-percenter. My first collapse on the Nimbus - cool. Some weight shift and brake to shoulder - no turn. I looked up, one deep pump, and pop, the glider inflated and rocked behind me evenly into a constant stall. I let up, there was a big surge, I braked, constant stalled, there was one more stall/surge cycle and I decided to go for the full stall. After holding the stall three seconds I looked up and the glider was almost directly above me. That was when I went hands PARAGLIDING

How Fell Into My Glider On My Sutntner Vacation by Joe Gluzinski

Joe's rescue crew: Mark, Dixon, Mike and Mark doing the "Elsinore claw. "Photo by the author. up kinda fast - maybe too fast. You should have seen it surge 45, 90, 120 degrees, then the right side continued until about 160 degrees from overhead. Looking down at my Nimbus I had a moment to think about how cool it looked at that angle, and then it happened. It started as a wavering then a small tuck, and then it became a big yellow snake coming right toward my head. Oh no! I was, falling, falling, falling, then it hit me: the right wing tip wrapped around my head and I entered a spiral dive attached to the glider by my head. It was time to throw my reserve but I couldn't see anything except yellow, the color of my glider. One 360, two 360's, three 360's four - it was time to eject my helmet. Reaching up I grasped my full-face with both hands then gave it a shove. Off it went with my Oakleys, gone forever. I was clear of the glider then and could throw the reserve. I looked, reached, checked and threw the reserve into clear air, then checked again. I disabled the glider with one B riser and a C/D riser combo. (Big gloves made it hard to reach the right B riser.) The glider stalled and I swung under my reserve. Looking up I discovered that my harness Y bridle and the dual bridles on my reserve combined and made the reserve lines longer than my wing. The right wing tip snaked under my reserve in between JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1997

several lines. Whoa! I let up on the risers and watched the two parachutes downplane. A big compromise: let the glider fly to a 45-degree angle away from the reserve. That would eliminate some of the downplaning and keep it away from the reserve. The next concern was landing. I looked down - a lake! Somebody put a lake under me as some kind of a joke. It wasn't a big lake, just Perk Pond next to Mansfield I found out later. I transmitted on my radio, "Houston we have a problem," then pulled out my hook knife and put it between my teeth, ready for splashdown. Watching the drift I experimented with the downplaning. It seemed that ifI allowed the glider to downplane I got a better drift. "So I'm gonna let it downplane now - right!" I thought. I had good ground speed at 200' AGL and I'd cleared the water. Looking down carefully I checked my descent rate. PLF! Feet and knees together, thump, tuck and roll and it was over. I was okay. It was time for an assessment. Broken bones? No. Back and head okay? Yeah. (I had no helmet, remember.) All systems go, just some scratches on my face. Thanks East Coast Paragliding for the plush Woody Valley harness. It's been field tested now. I like those thick, flexible back protectors.

I pulled out the camera to document the moment with some self-portraits and watched Dixon White with his crew and fellow Elsinore E-Team hang glider pilots pull up to help. I would like to close with some comments on what I learned, what I already "knew," and what was reinforced. 1) Read the manual. I'm sure that ifl had had one for the glider it would have given me the proper trim setting for neutral. 2) The Y bridle on my harness was looped end-to-end to the dual bridle of my reserve. This resulted in the reserve being above my glider after I stopped the downplane. 3) Fly actively and be paranoid. You never know when you are going to take a whack. 4) Be spontaneous. Nobody told me to eject my helmet ifl ever wound up with my head wrapped in my wing. I learned to eject helmets from skydiving video camera people. Sometimes they get stuck in the lines. 5) In retrospect some might ask, "Why didn't you try to fly your glider after you ejected your helmet?" It's a good question. True, I was at maybe 1,500' AGL. However, I made the decision to throw my reserve when I was in a spiral dive with my head wrapped up in the glider, and followed through with that decision. On the topic of throwing a reserve in general some might say, "You don't need a reserve, just fly your glider," or, "Your glider inflated just before you threw your reserve; you should have waited." I say good job, you made a good decision. You demonstrated the ability to follow through with your training in a highstress situation. You get to fly again.•

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MASTERS AT CLOUDBASE; A paragliding music video, set to hard hitting music. (20 min) . 11b FlY HARD Rob Whittal & C. Santacroce paraglide the westcoast. Rock soundtrack.(36 min) . . 1lb POINT OF THE MTN (Utah) HG & PG action at one of America's favorite sites. (52 min) .... 11b PG: THE MOVIE Owen's Valley world competition. Hot action, rockin' soundtrack. (40 min) .. 11b CLOUDBASE PARAGLIDING Great intro. video. Meet the hot pilots, fly the hot sites. (36 min) 11b HAWAIIAN FLVIN' HG & PG in Paradise. Amazing launches & awesome scenery! (46 min) .. 11b DAREDEVIL Fl YERS Ill-THE PARAGLIDERS Join Team WW in Telluride, CO. (50 min). . . 11b All our videos are in USA/VHS NTSC format only.

$19.95 $35.95 $29.00 $35.95 $34.95 $33.00 $24.95

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

$39.95 $ 3.00 $ .50 $ 1.50 $ 6.50

$._ __ $_ __ $_ __ $ _ __

$ $

VIDEOS

MISC. WINDSOK™ 1.5 oz. ripstop nylon, 5'4" long w/11" throat. Pink/yellow or pink/white (circle one). 21b WINDSEEKER Hang glider flying model. It loops & soars. Lots of fun to fly, you'll want two. 15oz USHGA EMBLEM DECAL Our original logo, in its original colors, on a 3" circular sticker. . . . 1oz USHGA SEW-ON EMBLEM Our original logo, in its original colors, on a 3" circular patch. . .1oz . .... 11b LICENSE PLATE FRAME Chrome plated. I'd Rather Be Paragliding. . . . . . . . . . PAYMENT must be included with your order. NON-USA orders must be in U.S. FUNDS drawn on a U.S. BANKI

SHIPPING (USA)

CHARGE MY VISA or MASTERCARD

Under 16oz ADD $1.50 1 LB ........... ADD $4.00 Acct# 2 LB ........... ADD $5.00 3-4 LB ....... ADD $5.50 expires 5-6 LB ..... .. ADD $6.00 7-8 LB ....... ADD $6.50 signature 9-10 LB ..... ADD $7.50 Over 10 LB .. Call/fax/email NON-USA SHIPPING-Ca/1/faxlemai/

$. _ __

SUBTOTAL WEIGHT (for shipping) _ _

SUBTOTAL

$ _ _ __

Colorado residents add 3% tax $._ _ _ __ Shipping (see chart) v _ _ _ _ __

TOTAl $_ _ _ __

Send to: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - USHGA # _ _ _ _ _ Phone_ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street Address (if possible)._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

United States Hang Gliding Assn., PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901-1330 (719) 632-8300 1-800-616-6888 fax (719) 632-6417 email: ushga@ushga.org

PARAGLIDING ADVISORY: Used paraglidcrs should always be thoroughly inspecred before flying for the first time. If in doubt, many paragliding businesses will be happy rn give an objecrive opinion on rhc condirion of equipment you bring chem co inspect. BUYERS SHOULD SELECT EQUIPMENT THAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR SKILL LEVEL OR RATING. NEW PILOTS SHOULD SEEK PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION FROM A USHGA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR.

EDEL SECTOR M - Good condition, goes well $2,000. Call Ochar (208) 725-0443. EDEL SUPERSPACE II - Medium, 154-198lbs hook-in, excellent condition, <20 hours. Includes Edel harness with kevlar pro rector, large reserve $2, I 00. Also Flycec 3005 vario and Alinco DJ180 radio. Kevin (616) 264-6148. EDEL SUPERS!'ACE II - '95, large, w/Hero harness & Secura Max reserve $2,000 OBO. (303) 692-0605.

PARAGUDERS APCO XTRA 30M - August '95, blue, 2 secs risers (1 w/crimmers) $1,500. (619) 753-7499. AT MIRAGE 27 - 1996 model, like new, 165209lbs, intermediate, 60 hours $1,799 OBO. Dave at (408) 356-5985. I'll cake credit cards. AT MIRAGE 27 - 165-200lbs, 30 hours, good condition $1,000. (505) 242-1673. AT MIRAGE 30XL - Excellent Xlarge intermediate wing, <15 hours, crisply new condition. Pilot weight l 99-255lbs $1,750 OBO. Scott (51 O) 372-6930. EDEL CORVETTE 25 - Good shape, low hours, includes harness. Best offer over $500. (413) 5285571. EDEL SECTOR - Medium, competition cerrified, 75-100kg, pristine condition, Edels top wing for 1997. Need to sell before end of February $3,000 OBO. (954) 938-7522.

EDEL SUPERSPACE II 25 - Low hours, great shape w/harness $1,600. Helmet w/mike, Ball 19e, flighcsuit (med), Aerolire 22 reserve, all excellent. Ned (907) 243-5322. EDEL SUPERSPACE II - Superb condition, -lOhrs, size large. I need a smaller glider. Scott (718) 2913344. FIREBIRD COMANCHE 26- 1992, 40 hours, Pro Comfort harness, reserve $600. David (410) 614-1529, david.linden@qmail.bs.jhu.edu FIREBIRD G-SPORT - Large, 25 hours, excellent condition $2,400. (505) 242-1673. FLIGHT DESIGN A4 - 185-225lhs, 1 hour use, deluxe harness & backpack, never used reserve & Uvex XL helmet $3,000 OBO. (206) 340-5995 bedek@cimerrix-cadcam.com FLIGHT DESIGN B3 - Advanced, 198-270lbs, 3 flights since annual, speed system, -60 hours $1,000 OBO. (208) 387-0208.

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 caps.) Special layouts or tabs: $25 per column inch. (phone numbers: 2 words, P.O. 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 FAXed or made by telephone must be charged to a credit card. Please enter my classified ad as follows:

GREAT BEGINNING INTERMEDIATE Gliders, very stable eutopean design, only 2-5 hours, complete packages $400-800. Call Milan (802) 8782466. IT MOCKS ME - From my closet! Apco Prima 24, harness, reserve, <10 hours $2,800 OBO. Stacey (818) 833-9934. ITV AGENA 30 - '95, mylar top, 30 hours, inspected, excellent beginner/in termediace $1,400. TREKKING RITMO XXL-'96, brand new, 265400#, solo or tandem $2,500. (915) 379-1522. ITV PARAPENTE TROPAZ 28M - Bough, and used last summer for training only, 3 hours airtime, perfect condition. Blue/yellow, safe, stable, beginner wing. Including ITV deluxe harness and glider bag, 150-205lbs. $3,350 new, asking $2,350. Steve in Mass. (413) 528-5255, 1-800-777-6881, email: sprour@sproutman.com PRO DESIGN COMPACT 29 - Wirh SupAir ladies harness and Edel reserve. Great for small pilot $2,500. Piccolo Plus vario, like new $300. Call Karen (801) 561-3830. PRO DESIGN CONTEST 48 $1,400. (209) 576-2561.

Good condition

PRO DESIGN PRO FEEL 33 - 70/90kgs, blue, instructors wing, perfect condition, 14 hours. List $3,200 only $2,500. Blackwing Paragliding (415) 5881975.

Number of months: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ SECTION

O Paragliders 0 Emergency Parachutes 0 Parts & Accessories O Business & Employment O Miscellaneous O Powered Paragliders O Videos Begin with

0 Towing 0 Schools & Dealers O Ultralights O Publications & Organizations DWanted O Harnesses

issue and run tor _____

consecutive issue(s). My D check, O money order is enclosed in the amount of$ _ _ _ _ _ __ NAME: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ ADDRESS: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ CITY: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _STATE: _ _ _ __ PHONE: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ Number of words: _______ @$.50 =_____ Number of words:

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

@$1.00 =____

1997

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

Power up with

CLOUD BASE PARAENGINES rn mO"jo (mo'jo) n.

" Quick SERVICE " Custom Options "QUIETer than a whisper " Best powersiie • Durable cage ® Easy To launch e Weight shift " Full mess to lines "fUfil HI HV

a chann or amulet thought to have magical powers; luck as of a magical or supernatural origin; a magical selection offlight gear from Texas.

e Electric ttart " Units prices start at $3890. w/paraglider $6200.

Choose from 3 Levels Chro • Thrust for pilots fo #270 Alto - Compact for pilots to #190 Strdo • light for pilots to #165 Complete service, puts, accessories and instruction a11ailable. Call Mojo's Gear ltd. Co. at 1-800-664·1160 for more information and a DEALER near you!

Instruments, radios, reserves, helmets, life vests, boots, gloves, flight suits, tee-shirts, hats,

caps, survival supplies, sunglasses, eyeglass retention, goggles, warmers, hardware, repair supplies, towing accessories, knifes, instrument mounts, books, videos, maps, e-0mpasses, flares, signals, wind socks, weather stations, bags, patches, stickers, art, glassware, gifts and MORE! I!

0 ice Hours: MON-THUR Noon to 5PM Central Standard Time

HAND-HELD WIND METER Monitor changing wind conditions. Responsive to slightest variation in wind velocity.

AIRSPEED INDICATOR use with optional PATENTED paraglider mounting bracket.

Maximize your performance and skill. RUGGED & ACCURATE: Molded of super tough LEXAN ® resin. Stainless steel rod. Calibration traceable to National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Spec : o~ 0mph or o- . /h AltspeecPrld,l<::ator $~3.50 Para .!Ider BrackE3t $?t50 HALL BROTHERS PO Box 1010-P Morgan UT 84050 (801) 829-3232 fax 829-6349 MCNisa/COD

Skytimes Paragliding In the San Francisco Bay Area. USHGA certified lessons. Tandem instruction. Guided mountain trips including thermal and cross-country training. Radio communications between student and instructor. E-mail switzer@hooked.net PO Box 687, Solinas CA 94924

Dealer for Pro-Design

(415) 868-1330

61101 N'G'Y;:;: NIA

PROFIL 24 & 30 - Intermediate, both w/SupAir harness, reserve & belmet. 132-l 76lbs and l 98-253lbs, both <5 hours. (406) 287-7878. RITMO XL - 195-2651bs, low hours, good condition. Excellent beginner/ motor glider. Only $1,100 without harness. (303) 932-8626 evenings and weekends.

POWERED PARAGLIDERS BUILD/FLY - Your own BACKPACK POWERED PARACHUTE for fun/profit. Takes off from level ground unassisted. Safe, simple, inexpensive. Detailed book with sources. Now only $19.95. EasyUp, 1089 Medford Center #244p, Medford OR 97504. http:/ /www.wave.net/easyup/

USED PAP 920 - wlelectric start, easy in-Right restatt, weight shifts, big ears & b-line stall capability, d O hours $3,595. Call Hugh Murphy (805) 5448190. USED POWERED PARAGLIDERS - We buy and sell all brands. Hugh Murphy (805) 544-8190. EMERGENCY PARACHUTES

SWING MINOLA 32M - Custom color, custom ordered $3,500. Flytec windspeed $250. Greg (714) 754-7041.

CLOUDBASE PARAENGINE - 1996 Cirro ST. Breakdown cage option, AT rocket reserve, container, harness, tac & wing. $6,600 for all or separate. (330) 645-9304. DEF! 210 - Powered paraglider. Electric scatter, carbon fiber prop, Mikuni carb, SupAir harness, 56lbs, 15 hours, no damage $3,500. Will take motorcycle in trade. Steve (408) 296-1244.

ADVENTURE SPORTS LOFT - The repair center for Air America Paragliding. Reserve repacks, repairs, modifications. Master Rigger Scott Christensen (909) 657-2676. HIGH ENERGY SPORTS - Quantum 440, spectra lines, brand new $450. Greg (714) 754-7041. HARNESSES

DEF! 220 - wlelecrric statt $4,000. 1-800-864-1000 ext.62462462456245, leave message. DK WHISPER - New condition, 10 hours total time, no damage $4,500. (408) 296-1244. TREKKING MIURA -- 1995, XL, intermediate, VERY STABLE & FUN TO FLY, 200-250lbs, <10 hours, includes Artwing harness $1,500. Paul (320) 240-9126. UP STELLAR 25 - '92, excellent condition, must sell $500. (406) 586-2620. UP VISION - Small, absolutely like new, 11 5-1 501b range, fuschia/whitc, <1 hour use, w/SupAir harness and reserve $2,250 for all. Steve (310) 477-0777. WANTUM QUANTUM? - Edel Quantum L. Yellow, rainbow bat. Super clean, low hours, with or without harness and backpack. (505) 294-8697. WWAT 121 - 4hrs $800. Edel Superspace I-large $1,000. Edd Supersp.tce II-new, 3hrs $2,100. (616) 739-5363 before 5 EST, (616) 798-3208 after 5pm. WW125 - Mint condition, dO hours, harness and reserve, best offer. (510) 294-8 US. XENON 28 - Qualified pilots only, ve1y good condition, low aittime, only $1,800. (505) 281-2759. XYON 24 - Blue, 85 hours $1,950. Sphinx 125, 60 hours $1,000. Mike (303) 43!-3020w, (303) 424894Ih. TURBO'S DEALER DEMOS-Low hours! Contest 50 ............... .few hours ....................... $1,995 Challenger C ............. 75 hours ......................... $995 Nova Xenon 28 ......... <25 hours,(advanced) ..... $1,995 Profit 30m ................. <50hours ........................ $1, 895 Pro Design Fly2 36111 randem .... <30 hours ....... $1,995 Your Orange County Paramotor dealer (714) 495-8051.

GERMAN ALTIMAXX LIGHT - Solo 210, intake & exhaust .silencer, 17kg, 4-blade, 90cm, I 12hr testrun $3,200. Delta wing $1,000. (604) 344-2157 Canada. LA MOUETTE 210 - New. never assembled, complete package w/new wing $5,950. Dealer for DK Whisper, used powerpacks available. Training available from USHGA and ASC certified instrucror. FREEDOM FLIGHT, Kurt R. Andersen (206) 863-8711. IA MOUETTE ZR250 - Tandem powered paraglider. Complete, 8 hours, w/ADVANCE tandem trainer canopy 38.5111. $6,500 OBO must sell! (805) 5276076. NEW AND USED MOTORS Paraborne (903) 636-9111.

ASCENDAIR - SupAir kevlar backplate w/extra BumpAr back protection. Includes Quantum 440 reserve, spectra lines & 2nd Chantz Air rocket $1,000. Greg (714) 754-7041. WOODY VALLEY MODEL - ls now introducing its full line of unique Italian paragliding and hang gliding harnesses in the United States. For info call Eastcoast Paragliding at (914) 647-3377. Dealer inquires welcome. WANTED TANDEM GLIDER -And harnesses, tow rig. (916) 582-8468. QUALITY BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE Paragliders wanted, or trade yours in for paraglider of your choice. Blackwing Paragliding (415) 588-1975. SCHOOLS & DEALERS

Call Scott at ARIZONA

PAP 920 - Electric start, <10 hours $3,795. DK Beat S-elecrric start, excellent condition, XL Mirage l 99255lbs load, includes harness wirh state-of-the-arr back protection $7,995. La Mouetre ZR250-low hours $3,895. Trade-ins taken on new Japanese DK Whisper Plus. Call Hugh Murphy (805) 544-8190. PEEWEE FLY - New extra small Motor Pack for pilots up to 165lbs. New $3,995. Call WINGS AND THINGS (415) 574-8895. SUPER FLY - New powerful Motor Back Pack, Hirtb 330cc 27hp engine, 80kg thrust, 60lbs dry weight. Electric statt and 4 piece cage for easy transpott. Motor Back Pack kits also available from $1,200. Call Wings and Things for brochure. (415) 574-8895. USED JAPANESE DK BEAT S - Electric start, weighs only 39lbs. Comes w/XL Mirage, 169-285wt range, includes harness with state-of-the-art back protection $7,995. Call Hugh Murphy (805) 544-8190.

DIXON'S PARAGLIDING - The perfect beginner training areas! Year round temperate climate. DRIVE UP to 360 degree treeless and rockless launches. Land in wide open fiel<ls. Master rated tandem instructor Dixon White has supervised over 9000 student flights to date, teaching pilots is his profession. Individualized training with srate-of-the-arr equipment, 2-way radios, comprehensive ground schooling with an emphasis on micrometeorology. Great new and used inventory. Specialized clinics including the CAGE, towing and BACKPACK MOTORS. Enjoy the Grand Canyon and other spectacular scenery. Great lodging bargains or luxury accommodations. Dave Bridges, US National Champion says, "Dixon's students are extremely welltrained and competent pilots." Dixon's Paragliding in ARIZONA and WASHINGTON (appointments recommended), PO Box 2626, Flagstaff AZ 86004. (520) 526-4579. www.paraglidc.com ARKANSAS SAIL WINGS - Suppliers of fine flying equipment. PO Box 13335, Maumelle AR 72113. (501) 851-4094 tel/fax.

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}ANUARY/FEBRU.ARY

1997

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NORTH CAROLINA

LEARN TO PARAGLIDE

USHGA certified paragliding & hang gliding instruction. Courses are expertly run on a friendly, informative basis. We have been introducing people to the world of foot launched flight since 1976. New and used gliders and accessories. Ball, Comet, Edel, Firebird, ITV, Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing and others. All skill levels welcome. PO Box 1226, Del Mar CA 92014. (619) 481-7400 Southern California. AIRJUNKIES PARAGLIDING - Join KEN BAIER for your "Pursuit of Paragliding Excellence" in the land of year-round, excellent paragliding: Southern California and the Baja. Courses for Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Instructor ratings. Powered paragliding, soaring and maneuvers clinics, guided tours, tandem and towing instruction and special events. USHGA certified. Handling the latest equipment. Call (619) 753-2664 for information. AIRTEK PARAGLIDING - In sunny San Diego. Year-round thermal & ridge soaring, beginner thru advanced instruction, all major brands, phone/fax (619) 450-6696. Please see our display ad. HIGH ADVENTURE - Paragliding, hang gliding school. Equipment, sales, service at world famous Marshal Peale USHGA randem instructor: Rob McKenzie. By appointment year round (909) 8838488.

ERS - Put your knees in our breeze and soar our 4 50' sand dunes. FULL-TIME SHOP. Certified instruction, beginner to advanced, foot launch and tow. Sales, service, accessories for ALL major brands. VISA/MASTERCARD. 1509 E 8th, Traverse City MI 49684. Offering POWERED PARAGLIDING lessons & dealer for new & used units, including the Whisper and the Fly. Call Bill at (616) 922-2844. Visit our paragliding school in Jackson, Wyoming. Call Tracie at (307) 739-8620.

BIG SKY PARAGLIDING - Personalized, advanced rated tandem instruction. Sales and service on the finest equipment including Edel, ltv, Firebird, Pro Design, Ball & more! (406) 728-2876, PO Box '/843, Missoula MT 59807.

ADVENTURE SPORTS - Mountain tours for levels. USHGA Certified school & ratings. Dealer for all major brands. 3650 #22 Research Way, Carson City NV 89706. (702) 883-7070. NEW MEXICO COME LEARN TO FLY - New Mexico's high desert with New Mexico's full-service paragliding school. Advanced/Tandem rated Gary Brightbill offers instruction from beginner to advanced at flying sites across New Mexico. Call for details (505) 281-2759. --------------------

MAGIC AIR - Paragliding and hang gliding. Located in Northern California. Lessons, sales, service. USHGA certified towing instruction. Landing and thermal clinics. (707) 965-0411, (707) 963-3455. MICHIGAN NORM LESNOWS FLYING CIRCUS - foot launch, ridge soaring & towing paragliders & hang gliders. Windwalkers Paragliding Club associate. Stationary winch towing. Contacr Norm for information. (810) 399-9433.

Sell your unused equipment here. ~-------- -------- -

at Kitty Hawk Kites Outer Banks, NC Lessons Daily Towing & foot Launch Year Round Sales & Service CALL TODAY! 800-334-4777 919-441-4124 E-Mail Address hang-glide@outer-banks.com

EASTCOAST PARAGLIDING CENTER Professional, year-round instruction, towing and sales. We are the largest school in the U.S. our instructors are USHGA and European certified. Tandem and motorized paragliding available. Dealer for Pro Design, Airwave, Edel, Nova, ITV, firebird and flight Design, DK and more. Exclusive importer for the ever popular WOODY VALLEY MODEL HARNESSES. We carry all paragliding accessories and have an extensively stocked retail store. Mail order available. Visa/MC/Discover. 150 Canal Street, Ellenville NY 12446. (914) 647-3377 or (908) 747-7845. IKAROS SPORT AVIATION - Lessons, service, equipment. Paragliding, hang gliding, powered paragliding, trikes. Phone/fax (718) '/77-7000, email: Ikatosl@aol.com

OVER THE HILL PARAGLIDING - Oregon/SW Washington. Sales, service, beginner-advanced USHGA certified instruction. Nova, Firebird, Apco, AT, Pro Design, SOL, Ball, Flytec, HES Quantum parachutes. Service: full service shop, FAA rigger repairs/mods. Out of state pilots: We have great thermal, coastal and Gorge sites. Call us for info. There is no sales tax in Oregon! New/used gear. Trades welcome. 22865 SE Yellowhammer, Gresham OR 97080. (503) 667-455'/, fax (503) 666-6979. Email: othpara.telcport.com, web: http:/ /telcport.com/-othpara/ TEXAS HILL COUNTRY PARAGLIDING INC - Learn complete pilot skills. Personalized USHGA certified training, ridge soaring, foot & tow launching in central Texas. MOTORIZED PARAGLIDING INSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE. (915) 3791185. Rt L Box 16F, Tow TX 78672.

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PARAGLIDING

KITE ENTERPRISES - HANG GLIDING AND PARAGLIDING. Instruction by Dave Broyles, the most experienced scooter tow instructor in the U.S. l'oot launch, payout winch tow and powered paraglidcr instruction too. Training, sales, rentals and repair. Edel, PacAir, Wills Wing, UP and DK Whisper. D,illas, fort Worth and north Texas area. 211 Ellis, Allen TX 75002. (972) 390-9090 nights, weekends. UTAH CLOUD 9 PARACLIDING - Utah's largest md most affr,rdable source for equipment and instruction. Morning and afrernoon lessons taught year-round at the Point. Call for information pack (801) 553-1834, mayer@lutw.com http://www.urw.com/ -mayer/steve. html

PARAGLIDING UTAH - lntermm111tain West test & demo center. Chief flight instructor KEN HUDONJORGENSEN. USI-ICA/UHGA certiFied school. Year-round lessons, tandems, new & used equipment sales, service, rentals, demos, equipment financing. Flight operations at POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN. Discount pilot lodging available, also free camping. TOLL FREE 1-800-882-7937, fax (801) 947-9476.

LEARN TO PARAGLIDE IN UTAH'S ONLY SCHO &SHOP

WASHINGTON DIXON'S AIRPLAY PARAGLIDING - Dixon has expanded his teaching philosophies with advanced rated tandem instructor MARY ANNE KARREN. This Northwest training center is located on the Eastern side of the Cascades where the weather is good year round! This 1,400 acre private Aight park is ideal for the beginner with drive-up open laL1nches and large landing fields. Individualized training with state-of:theart equipment, 2-way radios, comprehensive ground schooling with an emphasis on micrometeorology. Great new and used inventory. Specialized clinics including the CAGE and BACKPACK MOTORS. One hour from the CHELAN BUTTE. Ask about onsite lodging and camping. On-site climbing wall, skiing, mountain biking, etc. Dave Bridges, US National Champion says, "Dixon's students are extremely welltrained and competem pilots." Dixon's Paragliding in \)lashingron and Arizona (appoinnnents recommended), 8101 Hay Canyon Road, Cashmere WA 98815. (509) 782-5543. www.paraglidc.com WISCONSIN RAVEN SKY SPORTS - Largest and masc popular in the Midwest. Training hills and winch towing for paragliders. Sales & Service! PO Box 101, Whitewater WI 53190. (414) 473-8800. PARTS & ACCESSORIES AT, EDEL Pro Design, North American Paragliding and more! Call Kenruckiana Soaring for your best prices. (812) 288-7111. Be sure to check out our display ad. FI.YTEC 3005 - Electronic altimeter/vario. Large I.CD, brand new in box, never used. Paid $450, sell for $295. Steve in Mass. (413) 528-5255, 1-800-7776881, email: sprout@sproutman.com

"FLY" Above All! - Year-round lessons, tandems, demos and glider rentals. Sales and service for new and used equipment. Soarable conditions 300+ <lays a year at the world famous POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN. Professional site gllides for 2,000-5,000' mountain lactnch sites. USHGA & UHGA certiFied school. Discount pilot lodging at nearby hotels, motels and B&B. Free camping at Lmnch. Pro dealer for all major brands. WHY SETTLE FOR LESS WHEN YOU CAN LEARN FROM THE BEST! 12665 S Minuteman Drive #1, Draper UT 84020. (801) 576-6460, fax (801) 5766482, or Email LIS at HBC3@aol.com VIRGINIA KITTY HAWK KITES -

Sec North Carolina.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1997

Windsok. Made of 1. 5 oz. ripstop nylon, UV treated, 5'4" long w/11'" throat. Available colors fluorescent pink/yellow or fluorescent pink/white. $39.95 (+$4.00 S/H). Send to USI-IGA Windsok, P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330, (719) 632-8300, fax (719) 632-641/. VISA/MC accepted.

Fingerswirch Radio Headset by Flight Connections. HEAVY-DUTY HEADSET with Finger mounted switch allows pilot to communicate while keeping their hands on the control bar or brakes. Safer Aying and more reliable communications. Your instrument is procccted with a 90 day mfg warranty with repair service available beyond the warranty. Currently available for Yaesu, !com, Alinco, Kenwood and other compatible radios. Available for full face or open hclmecs. $89 +$3.50 shipping, MC/Visa, dealer inquires invited. Kcntuckiana Soaring, 425 N Taggart Ave., Clarksville lN 47129. (812) 288-7111, fax (812) 284-4115. SPECIALIZING IN ELECTRONICS, RADIOS, VARIOS, GPS UNITS & MORE! MINI VARIO - World's smallest, simplest vario! Clips to helmet or chinstrap. 200 hours on batteries, 018,000 fr., fast response and 2 year warranty. Great for paragliding too. ONLY $169. Mallettec, PO Box 15756, Santa Ana CA, 92735. (714) 966-1240.

GARMIN GPS 38 - $159. Many other flying accessories available. Call Chad at (805) 569-1667 for more info or visit our web site: http://www.bodytrends.com/para.htm HAVE EXTRA EQUIPMENT-That you don't know whac to do with. Advettise in the Paragliding classifieds, $. 50 per word, $5 minimum. Call USHGA for details (719) 6328300, or fax your ad with a visa/me, fax (719) 632-6417.

WINTER HOLIDAY CLEARANCE SALE - In new and used gear!!! Everything is priced to sell! Yaesu transceivers, Flighc Design A5s, Cirro powered paraglider, Flight Design A4s, XCPro harness, back supports, Flight Design B4VT, Avocet watches, Flight Design B3s, Renschler SOL-7, Flight Design A3-24, Joffa helmets, Brauniger Classic varios, boots, anemo1netcrs, videos and more! Call North American Paragliding (509) 925-5565 for these great clearance prices.

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COME TO CANADA! - For Paragliding & Hang Gliding USHGA Instructor Certification. ICl''s held by High Perspective's Michael Robertson. Get certified rhe RCR way! Also, we are expanding & looking for instructors to hire. Contact: Michael Robertson-High Perspective, RR 5, 865 Conc.7, Claremont Ont. Canada Li Y IA2. (905) 294-2536, fax (905) 2948495, email: flyhigh@inforamp.net

VIDEOS & FILMS FLY HARD: Viking Films newesr release. Rob Whirrall, Chris Santacroce & a vintage Buick convertible full of paragliders. Outrageous flying at several west coast flying sites. Meet HG aerobatics champion Mitch McAleer along the way. Excellent rock soundtrack, ptofessionally filmed & edited $35.95. POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN by East Coast, hg/pg action at this Urah mecca $29. PARAGLIDE: THE MOVIE by Viking Films. Rock-n-roll world class competition at Owens Valley. Professionally filmed & edited $35.95. DAREDEVIL FLYER III by Tatum Communications. Paraglide with the Wills Wing team & friends in scenic Telluride, Colorado $24.95. Call or fax USHGA (719) 632-8300, fax (719) 632-6417, please add +$4 domestic s/h (+$5 for two or more videos). Great to impress your friends or for those socked-in days. MISCELLANEOUS

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PARAGLIDING INSTRUCTORS WANTED Eastcoast Paragliding Center is looking for paragliding instructors to join its team. For info call Lars Linde at (908) 747-7845.

PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS CAL GLOVE Light-weight CABRETTA LEATHER GLOVES, world famous in equestrian circles, are now gaining popularity in the hang gliding, paragliding & parachuting markets. Available in mens, womens & childrens sizes, 9 different colors and priced from $27.95-$39.95. For more info on these superior leather gloves contact: Cal-Glove, 2920 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento CA 95821. (916) 481-8701, fax (916) 481-1168, email: cal-glove@juno.com TR1PPIN' TO FRANCE? - Hundreds of sites-alpine, coastal. Topo area map, GPS coordinates, hazards, favorable conditions. Phone contact for local club. Phone/fax (561) 225-0545 after 6pm.

SOARING - Monthly magazine of The Soaring Society of America, Inc. Covers all aspects of soaring flight. Full membership $55. Info_ kit with sample copy $3. SSA, P.O. Box E, Hobbs, NM 88241. (505) 392-1177.

March/April classifieds deadline: January 20

VIDEOS & BOOKS - Call USHGA for your Merchandise order form (719) 632-8300, fax (719) 632-6417, email: ushga@ushga.org DON'T LEAVE YOUR GROUND-BOUND EQUIPMENT SITTING IN THE GARAGE. SELL IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES The rate for classified advertising is $.SO per word (or group of characters) and $1.00 per word for hold or all caps. Phone number=2 words, PO Box=2 words, web site or email address=3 words. MINIMUM AD CHARGE $5.00. A fee of $15.00 is charged for each line art logo and $25.00 for each photo. LINEART & PHOTO SIZE NO LARGER THAN 1.75" X 2.25". Please underline words I9 be in bold prim. Special layours of tabs are $25.00 per column inch. AD DEADLINES: January 20th is the deadline for the March/April issue. Please make checks

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STOLEN WINGS & THINGS GLIDER MISSING: FLIGHT DESIGN AS SPORT 26 -- Blue, #51209ID. Please call (509) 925-5565 if you have seen/have this glider. IKAROS (KOREAN) PARAGLIDER - Stolen from SAN BERNARDINO, CA rental car on June 6th, 1996. Pink upper, white under with blue hawk design on right bottom, lefi: brake line replaced with 505 hg cord. Contact MinHo Yoon (909) 887-4844 or Rob McKenzie, High Adventure (909) 883-8488. PACIFIC AIRWAVE RAVE 30 PARAGLIDER Stolen from the LAS VEGAS MAXIM, NV on April 6th, 1996. Solid white glider. Also purple/black "Paradise" harness w/reserve & misc. gear (vario, camelbak, windmeter, etc.) $200 reward for information leading to the recovery of this equipment! Any help will be greatly appreciated. Contact collect Eric or Sharon Chase (714) 587-1739 or (714) 255-5900, or contact the British School of Paragliding (702) 896-6000. NOVA PHILOU 21 PARAGLIDER- New, blue/purple, only one in the US (sin 6105). Also Kenwood TH-22 radio (sin 60501515). (714) 979-2449.

PARAGLIDING INSTRUCTOR WANTED - - For growing paragliding program. Raven Sky Sports (414) 473-8800.

PARAGLIDING: THE COMPLETE GUIDE - By Noel Whittall. The most complete guide to paragliding on the market. Over 100 color photographs & illustrations, 200 pages, $24.95 +$4 s/h. USHGA, PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 8090 l. (719) 632-8.300, fax your MC/Visa to (719) 632-6417.

payable to USHGA. Send to: PARAGLIDING MAGA ZINE, Classified Advertising, P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330 (719) 632-8300 or fax (719) 632-6417 with your Visa or Mastercard.

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Absolute Sky Outfitters .......................... 43 Adventure Productions ........................... 41 Air America Paragliding ........................ .41 Air California & Sky Hook .................... 15 Air California Adventure ........................ 50 Alpine Marine ........................................ 15 APC0 ...................................................... 7 AT Sports ................................................. 7 Cloudbase Paraengines ........................... 50 Edel ......................................................... 2 Fly Products ........................................... 14 Flying Center of Mexico ........................ 15 Flytec ..................................................... 19 Hall Brothers ......................................... 50 Mojo's Gear ........................................... 50 North American Paragliding .................. 35 Parafly Paragliding ................................. 27 Paragon Productions .............................. 11 Pro Design ............................... Back Cover Skytimes Paragliding .............................. 50 Safari Sky Tours ..................................... 41 Sup' Air .................................................. 22 UP Paragliding ....................................... 55 USHGA .................... 5,6,9,27,41,46,47,48 Wills Wing ............................................. 27

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PARAGLIDING

U.S. Open Sport Class Championship: ' · 1st Place -. Zach Hoisington 2nd Place • Josh Cohn '

unique features of CONCEPT-AIR: • adjustable main hang points • adjustable seat extension • adjustable cross bracing • fully adjustable straps • rescue integrated on the side • side pockets • big back bag • container for water ballast • fully protection system consisting of: Carbon-Kevlar shield on the back Carbon-Kevlar shield under seat SIP (side impact protections) AirBag/foam layers • Stubai Click buckles

EAST COAST DEMO CENTER: East Coast Paragliding EllenviRe, NY. Phone (914) 674-3377 ROCKY MOUNTAIN DEMO CENTER: Fly Away Paragliding Boulder,..CO. Phone (303) .642-0849 WESTCOAST DEMO CENTER: Skytimes Paragliding San Francisco Bay Area . (415) 868-1330 E-MAIL: switzer@hooked.net

PRO-DESIGN USA · Shasta Air Inc. • 2608 Hartnell Ave. #6 · Redding, CA 96002 Phone: (916) 222-4606 · Fax: (916) 222-4640 · PH/FAX: 800-YATES-16 E-MAIL: pro$:.lesig@snowcrest.net · NEW HOME PAGE: http://www.ping.at/members/pro-d/