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

(USPS 017-')70-20 - ISSN 0895-433)()

16 Tut Woodruff's 1996 Annual Hang Gliding Extravaganza by Bruce Hawk Remember Tue from the old days? She's scill a big hang gliding booster.

A new glider from an up-and-coming British company.

~J 6

28 1996 Dry Canyon Fly-In by Morey Brown Alamogordo. New Mexico's now-fomous annual hang glidi ng evenr.

40 Foreign Soarin - Quebec's Mont St. Pierre by Alain Gtiumond with Donna Furlotte

photos by Sebastien Goutier

You are invited co fly at chis bcauriful and exotic Canadian sire.

44 Foothills Flight Park b)' Brent MCarter T he dawn of a new Aight park in Hiddenire, Norrh Carolina.

48 Flying In Puerto Rico article and photos by GeoffMumford Soaring above the shining star.

Columns

Departments

Exec's Corner, by Phil Bachman ......... .... l 0

Ainnail ............. ... ................. ............. .........4

Site Reports, by JtJes Gilpatrick ............. 14

C'llendar of Events ............................ .........6

Hawker & Vario, by Harry Martin ......... 19

Update.. ........... .................;................ .........8

Competition Corner .......................... .... .35

Ratings ...... ............. ................. .................20

Accident Reports, by Luen Miller .......... 38

Classified Advertising ............................. .52

Produce Lines, by Dan Johnson .............63

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

FEBRUARY 1997

Gil Dodgen; Man,l{ling l:dito1iEditor fn Chief Dave f'(lu11ds; ;\rt /Jiwctqi John Heiney, Getry Charlebois, Leroy Grannis1 Mnl'k Vaughn Photographr5rs Harry M;irtin, lllustrator Dennis P<1ge111 Marli Slucky, G.W. Meadtiws, )i111.Palmieri1 Stilff Wri1e1:,

Air Mail

omce Phil Uachman, f:xecutiVi: Direct,'Jr Greg Huller, lfatlngs 8, IC P's

Jeff Elgart,.Adverfising p,·Dean teyede, Karen Simoil, Meniber

lljll Bryden, Pmsident Randy Adams,. Vic'<.' Russ L.ocke; Sei:r1,;t,11y Dan Johnson, Trc,1surer

Dear Editor, Second only to my husband, Bill Benne rt who was killed on July 1996 was my best friend. He was the brother of my heart. f loved his warmth, his sincerity, his humor, his sharp wit, his pas· sion for flying and his company. l miss him with all of my heart. I will miss him for the rest of my life. Bill's life was hang gliding. He was a regional director, acrotow supervisor, tow adminism1tor, tandem instructor, and products dealer. A great deal of settling his affairs has been related to hang gliding. As Bill's friend and a pilot who understood his affairs, I offered my assistance to Bill's family. This has required me over the last months rn contact the USI !GA oflke on numerous occa·· sions fr)r assistance and information. 'T'he staff at USHGA has shown the utmost in empathy and understanding. Whatever I requested has been attended to immediately, totally, and with sensitivity and compassion. The Bennett f;unily and I wish to express to the staff at the USHGA, and Gil Dodgen, our heartfelt appreciation. Their kindness and efficiency have tremendously cased a difficult and emotionally straining duty. Raean Permenter White Hall, MD

Dear Editor, J want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the hang gliding community for their concern and support of me and my family during the recent tragic loss of my son William Coleman (Bill) Bennett. It is comforting to know that Bill had so many caring friends, and we all appreciate the fact that they have rallied around us. We appreciate the publication of the article by Jim Palmieri in the November issue of Hang Gliding magazine. Ir is a

1997 VOLUME 2 7, ISSUE .NO, 2

wonderful tribute to Bill. We have shared this article with mnny friends and they have found it to be inspirational. We wish only the best for everyone in the hang gliding community, and, most of all, we wish you many hours of happy, safe flying! Barbara S. Bennett Circleville, WV

Dear Editor, [ am writing regarding some of the recent published discussion regarding aerotow bridle/release configurations, primarily Gregg McNamee's article in the December issue. Although the issues may he fairly minor, J think it's fairly safe to say that release configuration and reliability probbns were big factors in reducing the rosters of the local club by two and of our Region by three this past season. I would first amend Gregg's descrip·· tion of the bridle components to suggest that they be fabricated from low-stretch material (e.g. Dacron, Spectra) rather than perlon (or nylon) to reduce damage to one's face in the event of failure under load, and to eke out a tiny hit more efficiency under row. It's also not a bad idea to use a thimble in the splice in the prim;iry bridle through which the shoulderto-shouldcr bridle is threaded ro reduce friction and wear. Tc) address Don Hewett's concern about the clanger of this threaded system jamming at low altitude (November "'Tow Lines") f would say that it appears ro me that this is something of an evil necessitated by the safety enhancement of a control bar-mounted actuator, an evil perhaps minimized by using a heavier, stiffer material than is sometimes seen and ensuring that smooth splices arc used in both ends. Although the practical risk may he so small as to hardly be worthy of rncntion, there is a hypothetical possibility of the secondary release described in Gregg's HANG GLIDING

1r article failing in precisely the manner of the above concern. The secondary rcle:ise incorporated in my system is a leech line Lark's Head with TcJggle (check a knot book), the rogglc being a tiny cotter pin with a shorr lanyard anachcd, everything safc'.tied with a lighr wrap of masking tape. ·fo fortlicr address the danger of a pri1m1ry release failure, a secondary weak link, strength somewhere be1 ween nificantly stronger than and douhle tha1 of the prirnary, should be installed at the other end or the primary bridle. Nore rhar a double-strength link will fail at a somewhat higher tow tension than is allowed by the primary, as the primary bridle has ceased being :1 bridle and is now an extension of 1hc towline (as explained in Dennis l\1gcn's and Bill Brydcn's November anicle), bur you'll still he in a reasonable ballpark. Also note that rhis secondary link may make the dfrcrs of rhc snagging of a traiic<I primary bridle (the potenti;il for which is illusrra1-cd 011 the Dcccmhcr issue's cover) a lot easier to live with. The illustration of I he system in article depic1s the carabincr in a configuration less than ideal for the upwind end ohi parachute bridle ro negotiate. Vinally, if you're flying wid1 a release mechanism that would require significantly more force 10 actuate in the event of a too-strong weak link being used, maybe you should consider changing hardware. The Wichard 2673 Quick Release Shackle which is rhc heart of the most popular of' these systems has a rated pounds. You fonctional load of can go through a lot of weak links, row lines, gliders and t11gs with thar figure. I hope that my commems may help 1 o improve 011 and reflne what I consider robe an excellent system.

'fad Earcckson

Millersville, MD

FiBRUARY 1997

Dear Fditor, I have tried rn:rny forms ol rowing to augment my mou11tain flying. 1 am probably 10 have survived some of this sclfimposcd experimentation, and I don't wanr :myone else 10 repeat my mis"" rakes. I have been pulled too hard, roo fast, too light and too jerky. I have broken weak links. I have released in really bad shape, and have been saved by at least one winch opcr:nor. Thanks, Mike! J f'ccl 1hat l understand the mechanics of rowing as well :is most pilots, and have essentially abandoned stationary rowing, mosrly because of inconvenience, hut also because I did nor feel l OO<YcJ comforrablc with rhc large angle formed between the wing and the towline. The glider can diverge quickly if the pilot lets ir get too for ofT to one side. This is hecrnse the tow force is unrelenring and increases with rhc increasing angle of anack required to offset rhc tow force. It's like a vicious circle, and very scary to

I agree (:is docs the modern towing com1rnmi1y in general) thar line tension control is very beneficial in limi1ing the "''r'"" v and probability of lockou ls, bu1 we should all be aware rhar this docs not always work well. Also, some lines arc springy and which causes the forces on either end of' the line to be unequal ar any given rime. Therefore, it is diflkult to ;1ccurarcly control the line end of the line dur" tension on 1he ing a dynamic sirnarion such as an impending lockout. Pilots should also be aware that they will probably be surprised at the behavior of their glider if' they release whcn in really h;id shape. The row force will he higher and the will bear a high if rhe airspeed is angle of attack only sliglnly higher than normal). The sudden release of rbc tow force allows the (which is still at a high ;mgle of :mack) 10 !inally do its job rnudi more

cffrctivcly, and the result is a I remcndous pop-up, or loop, which can be followed by a whip stall, spin, impact wirh rhc ground or other bad things even if the pilot is pL11lcd in. All forms of' towing arc differcm from !rec Oying, primarily hccause the pilot must properly manage and con1rol thc additional low force on the craft, and also consider the dynamic effects of a sudden release of' this force. Pilots should be taught that the glider will srall a1 a higher airspeed when towed at a high and tfr1t this high angle will dcvcl op if the glider gets too for off line. ff die is loaded asymmetrically when this dynamic stall occurs, a rolling moment c;rn develop which cannot he overcome by weight shifr. So, the line, keep it in check and get comfonable under row. Use good cquipmcm. Pull in when correcting rollouts in order 10 lower the angle ofanack and keep good Oying speed. Brad Cryder Hiddcnire, NC

Dear Editor, Rcgardi ng Ti_itmny Thompson's letter in Dcccrnher 1996 Air Mail: The Sauratown Mm 1nrain si le is open and has never been closed. The Sauratown Mountain Hang c;]iding Club of Nonh Carolina contin ucs ro regulate the two best launch loca-tions on the mounrain's top. This is the s;1me flying site that hosts the October's Best Ply-In each ye,ir. The SMJIGC: enjoys sharing its cxccllcm flying site wirh US! ICA members. Please pay us a visi l during your next road trip.

I )oug Rice Samatown Moumain Hang Gliding c:lub

dr Calendar of events items WJLL NOT be listed if only tentative. Please include exact information (event, date, contact name and phone number). ltems should be received no later than six weeks prior to the event. We request two months lead time for regional and national meets. FEB. 8-9: 12th Annual Sky Dog Hang Gliding/Paragliding Festival, Superior, Wf. Lots of fun and great trophies. Static line, platform and scooter rowing available. Walking distance from your hotel room. Call early to reserve a room at Barkers Island Inn and Conference Center, Superior, Wisconsin l -800-3447515. Contact: Dan O'Hara, (218) 6244500, dobara@wrcnshall.kl2.mn.us, or Doug Johnson (218) 723-1738. FEB. ] 4-17: Paragliding !CP, Carson City, NV. Conract: Adventure Sporrs (702) 883-7070. FEB. 26-MARCH 26: Sailplane gliding at Torrey Pines Glider Port, a yearly flying spectacle since 1928. Contact: UP San Diego (619) 452-9858. FEB. 27-MARCH 2: Fly+ Fun !ndug,1 '97. Contact: tel. 0821-25769-0, fax 0821-25769-85. MARCH 8: P1m1chute Clinic with Betty Pfeiffer of High Energy Sports at the Arizona Hang Gliding Center. Practice deploymem:s, repacks, swivel and bridle installation, etc. Price $30 wilh repack, $10 otherwise. Free with parachute purchase. Contact: Rob Richardson (520) 632-4114. MARCH 12-15: (16th rain date) Hang Gliding Wind SJJrint Races at Torrey Pines. Comact: Uf' San Diego (619) 452-9858. MARCH 19: Pr1rachute Clinic. Lecrurc, video presentation, care and mainte· nance, practice deployments, etc. Cost $50 or free with parachute purchase. Advance reservations recommended. MARCH 28-31: Basic ICP. APRIL U: Launch t1nd Landing Clinic. T'aught by Pat Denevan. Covers all aspects of lannch and landing. Cost $95. Advance reservations recommended. Contact: Mission Soaring Center, 1116 Wrigley

Way, Milpitas, CA 95035 (near San Jose) (408) 262-1055, fax (408) 262 1.388, MSCHG@aol.com. MARCH 20--23: USHGA Board of Directors meeting, Colorado Springs, CO. Contact: (Tl 9) (J32-8300, ushga@ushga.org. MARCH 28-30: !CA by Free Flight Sports at Point of the Mountain, UT. $50 pre-registration by Feb. 15. Entry fee $200. Free camping at the Point:. Contact: David Sharp (801) 263--86 ll, sharpdave@utah-inter.net. APRIL 10-13: Basic Advt1nced JCP, Carson City, NV. Contact: Adventure Sports (702) 883-7070. APRIL l 1-13: 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 (801) 263-8611, sharpdave@urnb-inter.net. APRIL 12-13: 1997 Oceanside Open. The 12th Annual Oceanside Open will be held at Oceanside, Oregon. Sponsored by the Oregon Hang Gliding Association (OHGA) based in Portland, Oregon. Contact: Stephen Sauerwein, OHGA Flight Director (503) 642-2306. rain date) First World Clt1ss Ptlragliding Races, Torrey Pines

APRIL 23-26:

Glider Port. Open and intermediate classes. Contact: David Jebb (619) '1529858, aircal@nctcom.com. APRIL 19-21: JY1efirstMarfo Meet, Marfa Airport, West Texas. Two 5,300' (1,700 m) runways in an X pattern. Marfa is south of Ft. Davis and the Davis Mtns. and should offer excellent flying. Requires ability to tow safely and entry into the Texas Season Long Contest ($10). Advance notice of intent to participate appreciated. Contact: Jeffrey Hunt, 4811 Red River St., Austin, TX 78751 (512) 467-2529, rrajeff@aol.com. MAY: Owens Vitll(y X-C/Thermal Clinics/Tour with Kari Castle. HG and PG. SEPT. 4: Owens Valley

Paragliding X-C/Thermal Clinics/Tour with Kari Castle. OCT. 10-13: Owens

Valley Prtragliding X-C!Thermal Clinics/Tour with Kari Castle. Call for schedule in May: (619) 872-2087. MAY 9-12: Kitty Hawle Kites 1997 Alumni Reunion. Former students will demonstrate how well they learned. Jockey's Ridge State Park, mile Post 13 on Route Nags Head, North Carolina. Participants will be available for interviews and photographs. Contact: Stessie Cattrell at Kitty Hawk Kites, 1-800344-477'7, kinyhawk-kites@outer-banks.com. To assure access to the participants and reunion organizers, contact Bruce C. Ebert or Ms. Camell of Goldman & Associmes at 625-2518. MAY 23-30: XC Clinic by sky god David Sharp held in the desert of Southern Utah. Must have H4 rating, working radio, tmb, cl, rlf sign-offa. GPS recommended. Limited class size. Contact: David Sharp (801) 263-8611, sharpdave@utah-intcr.net:. MAY 24-26: Dry Canyon Memorial Day Fly-In, Alamogordo, NM. Fun flying, contests, dinner, etc. Meet in LZ at 9:00 am each day. Sponsored by Rio Crande Soaring Association. Entry $25 in advance, $30 on site. Contact: Robin Hastings, Director (505) 541-5744 or Tommy West (505) 437-5213. JUNE 2-SEPT. 6: Lakeview, OR Best "flight ofthe Month" contest. Winners receive $100 and a plaque for the longest flight each month. ALSO, monthly random drawing for all registered pilots (hang and para) winner gets $50 just for flying Lake County! JUNE 7-14: Srmdia Classic, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Seventh annual 450 WTSS point meet at Sandia Peale The premier meet of the season! Price includes: entry fee, top-quality X-C tasks, glider and pilot transportation to launch, turn point film and processing, computerized scoring, full-time paid staff, free oxygen refills, gift certificates from local businesses, convenient meet headquarters with reduced room rates, awards barbecue, T-shirt and more!

HANG GLIDING

r Sixty-pilot m:1ximum /Jcld, 4 spors reserved for pilots ranked in rhe top 80 USHC/\ 01 top I 00 PIRS. Remaining entries will he based on ranking, competition experience and flight r:irsl--timc entrants must have: USI !GA Advanced rating, all Special Skills, I 00+ hours mountain thermal Oxygen and CPS highly recommended. Early registration if postmarked hefore I, after. H.dtrndahlc until April :rn. Contact: M ikc 1 117 St. Dr., Alhuquerquc, NM 87111 (505) 275-59'78 01 Mark Mocho (505) 298-2922. F-mail to mmocl 10(t1ln66.com.

JUN 21-28: First Mtn. sponsored by JUST FI.Y, Lost River Valley, ldaho one of the cmmtry's most bcaurifiil sires, near M:ickcy, ID. Meet HQ in Arco, I mins. away. Enrry until April 30, $345 afrcr. Special deal: up for lmrh this and JUST J:l,Y Narionals by March 31 for only $500

rotaL Contact: G.W. Meadows (919) fax (919) 480-0 I 17.

OR 1997 Umpteenth !lmnud h'stiual of'Footlmmchr'd Fl~~ht. Two "One Grand X--C" contests (hang I !ill to Lakeview Trophy Dash, spor landing comest for horh hang and par:1, acrorow clinic, rrnck towing at Abcrr Rim. Spcct:arnlar new "Palisades" bmch open only I') miles from Lakeview. Kids ping-pong hall drop for prizes, historical and wildlife tours, barbecue, dance downof activiries for flyers and Plan a week and join the fim in licamifiil Lake Counry, Oregon Cliding Capital of the Wcsr"!

and

19-26: · 1"T. Y US. NrJtirmak Lakeview, Great flying and local hospitality. A number of sites will be used. Fmry unril April 30, 5 ;1frcr. Special deal: Sign 11p /cir horh rhis :rndJlJST FLY King Mtn.

Open March 31 for only $500 total. Contact: C.W. Meadows (919) 4803552, fax (919) 48() .. 0J I AUG. 18-25: Tellurid(' Hang

Spad

lltrohatic Championships mu/ Contest. Entry foes: $90

for rhc Fcsrival, for the Acrobatic Championships, $200 for the Speed (;Jiding C:onrest. Meer organizers Jim Zeiser and the TAF promise to bring you the best evcrn in WHGS-sanctioned hang gliding. Program includes industry t:radc show, pri'1,es, dance, speakers, shows, an aw;1rds dinner and other events. Prize money toraling $15,000 for the aeros and speeders. Contact: Pendulum Acrosports (719) 5:\9-3900, e-mail web page hrrp://www. pc1Hlult1 macro.com.

NOV. 1-3: '/'herma! Clinic sponsored by Air California :rnd I-look ar La Salina, Baja, CA. Contact: David Jebb :1ircal@nctcorn.com. (619)

THIS VIDEO COMBINES THE BcST SHOTS OF CLOUDBASE SERIES AnOUND THE USA PLUS NEW cnoss COUNTIW FLYING TO CLOUDBASE. D1\NGE11 MEETS AND GAGGLES_ THI: BEST SCFNl:S IN 22 MINUTES. ARTWORK TO GllE/\T MUSIC.

BASIC FLIGHT CONTROLS THERMAL SOARING

FLIGHT PROFILE: Side view of 8 miles of XC to 4400' TOP VIEW: Overhead view of the glider for thermal tracking. PILOT'S VIEW: 3.. 0 view of the glider as seen from behind. INSTRUMENTATION: Variometer with audio tone, Altimeter. THERMAL LOCATOR: For pilots new to thermal flying. "HIGHWAY" TOURS THE USA FROM I\ GEf1M/\N POINT OF VIEW FLYING IS SPECT/\CULAn AND SCENES BEAIJTIFUI.. HAND GLIDING AND PAn/\GLIDING. 50 MINUTES

SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER WITH $4 SHIPPING. CALL, WRITE, FAX, or E MAIL TO ORDER OR GET A FREE BROCHURE WITH DETAILS AND MORE ACTION VIDEOS. ALL VIDEOS GUARANTEED FrnRU/\RY 1997

ADVENTURE PRODUCTIONS Pau I Hamilton 4750 Townsite Road F1eno, Nevada 89511 USA Phone/FAX 702-849-9672 harnilton@advontu ro. reno. nv_ us

SEND CHECK

MONEY TO: HIGH ADVENTURE 4231 SEPULVEDA AVE. SAN CA. 92404 For more info call Rob or Dianne at 883-8488

Bl Update NEW SKY DOG BOOK

KESTRELTM POCKET WIND METER

ccording co the manufaceurer, this new hand-held anemomerer, less than five inches long and weighing only 1.5 ounces, delivers rhe accuracy of inserumencs many eimes ies size, weighe and cosc. Slip off ehe proeeceive case, poinc ie inco the wind and read the wind speed on the digieal display in the user's choice of knoes, miles per hour, kilomeeers per hour, meeers per second or feee per minute. With the push of a single burron maximum and average wind speeds can also be displayed. le is priced ae $89. The Kestrel's precision-engineered anodized aluminum impeller allows it co regiseer almost imperceptible breezes (0.6 knots), yet measure gale-force winds (up co 78 knots) with an accuracy of 3% or beccer. This impeller is shock-mourned in a scurdy fiberglass housing, bue if it should become damaged it can be replaced simply and inexpensively by ehe user withoue cools. The Kestrel floats and is compleeely waterproof. Ir comes supplied with a lanyard and a high-visibilicy, slate-blue slip case. le operaees on a single common watch baccery and is fully guaraneeed for one year. The Kestrel wind merer is available at national retail and catalog outlets including Wese Marine and Thomas Sciencific. Concacc: Nielsen-Kellerman (800) 7844221, fax (6 10) 494-9537, e-mail: keserel@nkeleceronics.com, http://www.nkelecrronics.com/kesrrel.ht m.

ky Dog Publications announces rhae they are planning co publish a second book, Sky Advencures, Scories Of Our Herieage. The book will be similar in suuceure co Sky Adventures, Fantasies Of Free Flight bur will include articles and scories rhae are hiscoric and folkloric by veteran pilocs about the early days. Several pilocs have already agreed co submie articles, including: Francis Rogallo, Bob Mackey, Dave Broyles, Dave Vincenc, John Lane and Gil Dodgen. If you are a veeeran pilot and would like co submie a five- co ten-page areicle for the new book please send co: Jim (Sky Dog) Palmieri, C/0 Sky Dog Publications, 6511 Deepwoods Drive, Roanoke, VA 24018-7645 USA or send manuscript by e-mail co: SKYDOG@juno.com.

cold weather. The mask combats heat loss by effectively warming and humidifying each inhaled breath of fresh air by efficiently retrieving most of the hear and moisture from each preceding exhaled breach. There are breath-activated inhalation and exhalation valves designed co allow for easy and efficient breathing and to prevenc fogging of glasses. An easily removed metallic hear exchange pack in rhe mask can cleaned and freshened by washing it in ordinary soap or detergenc. The BreathWarmer is made of sturdy plastic and has a soft, flexible rubber gasket co provide a comfortable fit and seal around the nose and mouth. The mask sells for $59.95 (plus S&H). Concact: Weber & Sons, Inc., Alaskan BreachWarmer Division, 173 Juniper Dr. , Freehold, NJ 07728 1-800-225-0044, fax

(908) 431-9578.

NEW BALL VICE PRESIDENT all Variometers, Inc. is proud co welcome Rami Hyacy as its new VP of Marketing. Rami's most important responsibilicy will be co liseen co the demands of the hang gliding and paragliding communieies. This will ensure chae Ball Variomeeers, Inc. is doing whae ie cakes co manufacture insrrumencs char meet the needs of the pilot communicy. See the Ball display ad in this issue for more information on their products.

U.S. AEROS ANNOUNCES ITS ENTRY INTO THE U.S. MARKET

new hang gliding company has begun operations in the United Scares. U.S. Aeros will be importing and distributing rwo hang glider models into the U.S. lts entry-level glider, the Targee, will be available beginning March 1. Ir is a single-surface glider with very stable flying characteristics and is priced at $ 1,995. Their high-performance ship is the Stealth, which will have an introductory price of $3,995. Boch gliders are fully cereified by the BHPA. Both glider models are made of 2024 aluminum and break down to two meeers (juse over six feet) in 45 minuees withoue cools, allowing them co be eaken as baggage on airlines or shipped UPS. Contact U.S. Aeros or yo ur local hang gliding inserucror for more information: (919) 480-2774, fax (919) 480-0117.

NAA NAMES STEVE BROWN PRESIDENT AND CEO COLD WEATHER MASK WARMS AIR AS YOU BREATHE

eber and Sons, Inc. of Freehold, ew Jersey announces its new Alaskan BreachWarmer cold weather mask. Ir is designed co conserve body hear for chose participating in outdoor acriviries in

rlington, VA - The National Aeronaueic Association is pleased co announce chae Seeven J. Brown has been named Presidenc and CEO of yo ur national aero club. Wesley L. McDonald, Chairman of the Board, upon making the announcement said, "We searched extensively for H ANG GLIDING

Update an experienced aviation association executive to continue NAA's recent growth and ro prepare the Association for increased service to aeronautics in the 21st century. Steve Brown's choice as our President and CEO - with his enthusiasm and the wealth of aviation-oriented leadership and management skills he brings to our organization - will ensure that we meet these challenges. He is precisely the right man at the right time to lead NAA. " Brown comes to NM from AOPA, where he was Senior Vice President of Government and Technical Affairs and Secretary General of AOPA's International Council. He led the AOPA government affairs program on the federal, state and local levels, served as AOPA's leading lobbyist, and directed the Association's international activities. To ensure focus on increasing value to NAA members and to stabilize the leadership of the Association, the Board has employed the new President with a multiyear contract. In his capaciry as NAA's President, Brown will continue to serve on various organization Boards as well as on industry advisory committees. For more information contact: NAA, 1815 N. Fort Myer Dr., Suite #700, Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 527-0226, fax (703) 527-0229, http: //www.naa.ycg.org.

membership nwnber.)* Flyrec has been producing quality variometers and accessories for soaring pilots for over 15 years. Founded in 1989, Flyrec USA has consistently provided improvements and innovations in soaring electronics. Other products include altimeters, wind/air speed indicators and more. Contact your local dealer for more information. Flyrec USA can be reached at the following: (800) 662-2449, fax (305) 6723588, USAFlyrec@aol.com, http:// users.aol.com/ naherzin/ flyrec/hom e.htm. • W inner must be a curre nt H ang U or better USHGA member and have the necessary ratings. All entries m ust be received no lacer than April 30, 1997. T he drawing will be held on May 1, 1997. Travel dates must be no lacer than O ctober 3 1, 1997. Prize is for drawing winner only. W inner must have signed and returned to Flycec USA all necessary waivers prior to vacation start. Call your dealer fo r all rules and regulanons.

FLY PRODUCTS HANG GLIDING TRIKE

FLYTEC USA ANNOUNCES A VACATION IN SUNNY FLORIDA!

FEBRUARY 1997

Doubling your airtime at a site that's er SOARABLf 300 DAYS AYfARI 'Cl Accommodations that won't break you!

flying a5000' vertical mountain? Towing ta 3000 feet AGL? Powered PG?

lyrec USA annow1ces a trip to Miami Beach, Florida, away from the cold of the northern United States. The trip will include $200 applied toward airfare and four days and three nights (double occupancy) in a beach-front hotel on worldfamous South Beach. The winner will also have access to a glider suitable for his rating, and towing costs will be waived for the duration of the stay. Flyrec USA offers this in response to customer loyalty over the years. Entry is very simple. All pilots who purchase a Flyrec vario between January 15 and April 20 can send their registration cards along with proof of purchase to enter the random drawing for the Florida adventure. The winner will be notified by phone. (Please include day and evening phone nwnbers along with USHGA

Breaking your personal record? laking a flight on the newest supership?

Sound like A'Dream 7 hlelt q;ue Us ACatt & ioin Jn On 1he 1un!

ly Products armounces its single-seat trike for hang gliding with a Solo 210 engine and 115 cm. propeller. It is light weight and can be disassembled in just a few minutes and placed in the trunk of a small car. Contact: FLY Produces, eel. +39337-652734, fax +39-861-919227, e-mail: e.vignini@rinascira.it, http://www.rinascira.it!FLY/home.hcml.

Free Flight Sport L.L.C . offers everything a new or advanced pilot needs. Excellent instruction, state-of-the-art equipment, full service shop and training sites with some of the most consistent soaring conditions in the country. Free Flight Sports Is owned and operated by nationally ranked pilot David Sharp. This means you get more air-time, have more fun and become a better pilot in Jess time. Make your

dream efflight a reality. Give us a call today!

~,,u.~Ualit Sp",ts l 23 79 South 265 West Point of the Mountain UT 84020 (801)263-8611 sharpdave@utah-inter.net

I by Phil Bachman is pretty much a given that- the USIIGJ\ will continue to "v,w,·w,w,, issues, probably for the indefinite future. For example, the Water Gap Hang

Gliding Club (fought the successful effort to get a Federal Use Regulation for tbe Appalachian 'frail) is now involved in a serious effort to open tbe Mohican Hang Gliding Site in the Delaware ·water Gap National Recreation Area. They arc being deliberately blocked by New Jersey Fish and Wildlifo officials with pronunciations of a perceived conflict between the proposed launch site and dens of endangered rattlesnakes and habitats of endangered

bats in the local area! Another example, which just surfoced on the 19th of December, is a Notice of Proposed Rule Making published in the Federal Register by the Bureau of Land Managernenr (BLM). We have had and currently enjoy excelknr relations with BLM managers around the country. Yet in this NPRM it is proposed to exclude hang gliding and paragliding on or over "congressionally designated Wilderness Areas on Bl.M-managed land." Specifically, "The proposed rule would consolidate existing provisions that prohibit aircraft from landiug in Wilderness Areas or from dropping skydivers or materials into these areas. The proposal would also make clear that 'aircrafr' includes helicopters, hangglidcrs, hot-air halloons, parasols, and parachmes." T'hc public response on this proposal ends on Fcbrnary 18, l 997. We arc ;ilready contributing support to the WGIIGC: 011 the Mohican issue through our Legal Advisory Panel. We are (:11 the time this is written) still evaluating the proposed rule from the BLM in terms of its impact on our sports. By rhe time you read this, we will have decided on a course of action. If tlrnt decision includes a call to action from the membership in the form of a letter-writing campaign, our costs to get the information to you in time will be just short of $5,000. Again, by the tirne you read this, the campaign will have been implemented. 111 order for yom Association to have the resources to support responses to these and fr1turc events, we must cominue to raise money in prepar;:ition. 'lo 1-hat end, dw Board of Directors tmanimously supported my request ro designate specific reve1111es exclusively to site preservation issues. J\r the spring BOD meeting, revenues from our VIS/\ card and the US] !GA telecard programs were earrn::irkcd specifically for use in site preservation. Residuals from these two sources should be approximately $13,000 this year. Good, but not enough to be properly prepared. In future issues I will be explaining other programs we are putting in place to allow you to donate tax·-deducrible dollars robe used exclusively for site preservation activities. If we are to prevail now and in rhc future in protectiug our right w fly,

the USllG/\ will need your continued financial support.

On ;i more ridiculous note, papers were flied last month in a lawsuit against the USHGA regarding the Release, Waiver and Assumption of Risk Agreement by flve individuals: Daniel l---1. Brown, Vic Powell, Thomns J~ Carey, Gene I-Jilborn, and Michael Carlyle. One of the flve, Mr. Dan Brown of Emeryville, California, is acting as artorney for the plaintifli 'The lawsuit asks the court to prohibit the USHGA from requiring members to sign the waiver. It further asks the court to order the USHGA to pay Dan Brown his attorney foes in prosecuting rlie lawsuit! The impact of this legal action certainly does nothing to help the USHGA or its membership. It is a foct oflifo that, no matter how ill conceived the lawsuit appears to be, the USHCA still has to pay out hard dollars to defend against this action. At a time when your Association is focing continued costs to preserve its flying sites and operate on a break-even basis (we will sbow a small loss fc)r 1996) the last thing we need is to incur costs defending against suits flied by fdlow pilots. One oC the plaintiffs, Mr. Vic Powell, is a forrner contributor to this magazine, long-term member ofrhe Board of Directors, and a 1wo-timc past president of die Associarion. He in rhe past, been a major con t:rilmtor to the growth and development of the USHG/\ and is now one of rbe few who is attempting to damage the Association through legal action. I personally invited Messrs. Powell and Fhown ro attend a/any Board of Directors to discuss their concerns and listen to the reasoning of the BOD in making the forward-looking decision to implement a waiver program. Neither Brown or Powell bothered to attend any of rhe BOD meetings. Neither did they express any interest in listening, becoming involved, or conrributing their skills and expertise to help the USHGA. l will continue to inform you on the status of the lawsuit and on tbe amount of money iris costing your /\ssociation. II HANC C!IDIN(;

SEX

**************************************************************************************************************** Includes 12 issues ma.ga:z:me (PG Division), liability insurance, ratings, and other benefits. D l Division· $54.00 U.S. ($65.00 Non-U.S.*) . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ .

Please check one:

D Para!l:liding

D Both Divisions· $79.00 U.S. ($96.00 Non-U.S. *) ........................... . FAMILY MEMBER: (Includes all benefits except magazine. MUST reside with

Cl l Division $27.00 (Family Member(.~) must sign separate release from Full Member) ....

Please check one:

D Pa1raglid1ing

D Both Divisions· $39.50 (Family MemberM must sign separate release from Full Member)

full member ofsamie mv1s1cm,J

D $35.00 U.S. ($46.00 Non-U.S.*) D $26.00 U.S. ($32.00 Non-U.S.*)

**************************************************************************************************************** 1ST CLASS MAIL SERVICE· HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE: ($24.00-u.s., Canada, & Mexico only) ............... . AIR MAIL SERVICE· HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE: ($30.00-.Westcrn Hemisphere, $40.00-Europc, $50.00-All Others) 1ST CLASS MAIL SERVICE· PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE: ($12.00-U.S., Canada, & Mexico only) ... , ... AIR MAIL SERVICE - PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE: ($15.00-Western Hemisphere, $20.00-Europc, $25.00-All Others) .. , NAA MEMBERSHIP: ($10.00 annual dues), ..... , ......................... ,............ . ....... , ........ , ... . FAl SPORTING LICENCE: ($18.00 aunual fee) Date ofBirth: ___,/ ____ I__ Citizenship: _____________,_____ ..

**************************************************************************************************************** CHARGE MY:

Credit-----,---------,------·----------~-,--------,-~.--------·~·-----,------·---·------·--------- , ------------"'"'"--~-----.,-------**************************************************************************************************************** TOTAL

In consideration of being granted membership in the USHGA, 1, _,_,___,__,,_,____,,,,,____,_,____,__,_____.,_._,______--------' for myself, my personal representatives, heirs, executors, next of kin, spouse and assigns, do agree as follows: The following definitions apply to terms used in this Agreement: means launching (and/or assisting another in launching), flying (whether as pilot in command or otherwise) and/or landing (including, but not limited to, crashing) a hang glider or paraglider. <'01101"€:' IJVJU,R/ES' means nl"ru,&>riv darnaite and/or 2. nl'l»'<::nn:,u or sustained by me as a result of my PA,'iT/,C/f'ATJfO!iflN TM!=' S.PfJJ'1T;rnrl1'or as a result of the administration of any USHGA programs (for example: the Pilot Proficiency System). 3. 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 PAAfiTl'CIJ"A 11: "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 PAJVTl1C/P.'ATJro;.r IN D1SCH1I\R(iE the ng;;1..l[;;Jl'f,11;y PA~lTlt:Sfn>m however caused, even if caused by the negligence (whether active or passive) of any of the ng;;1r..,;;,.1.;,a;;,tv P,flu1·1,:r C. I A against any of the loss or damage on account of INJ'UR.fES. 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 ni.;,r..,,.«..,,;;.tv PJfR1.1ES. ACIKN!OV\fLEDG;E that the non-participant third party liability insurance obtained by USHGA does provide coverage for REIMBUR!iE the in paragraphs A. 3. d) and A. 3. e) above for their defense and indemnity (to the limited extent that the defense and indemnity are not otherwise covered by collectible insurance) in the event that someone suffers nr,,n.,.rtv a.unaJ?e as a result of my negligence (whether active or passive) or willful misconduct in TEIRMINJnl 0N I can terminate this Agreement 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 signing and returning to the USHGA National Office a later version of the Official USHGA Release, Waiver and Assumption of Risk Agreement. However, even ii I terminate this Agreement, all of the terms of this Agreement will continue to apply to I suffer in whole or in part before the termination of this Agreement. F. I shall be and rnn,,;;tr111Ptt matters whatsoever arising under, in connection with or incident to this Agreement Court located in the U.S.A. to the exclusion of the Courts of any other State or Country. If any part, article, paragraph, sentence or clause of this Agreement is not enforceable, the affected provision shall be curtailed and limited only to the extent necessary to bring it within the requirements of the law, and the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect 1

I have

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I ASmall Oregon Town Takes aHard Look the nomic Impact of Hang Gliding and Paragliding ... and Li What it ! by Jules Gilpatrick henever Kevin Samples looks up toward the ragged, dark top of Black Cap and secs a hang glider or paraglider he can't help but smile. Samples is a member of rhe l ,ake County Chamber of Commerce I Iang Gliding Committee charged with promot· ing and fostering foot-launched aviation in Lake County, Oregon. As the owner of a fast food restaurant located in the coun-· ty scat (Lakeview) he knows that the people associated with the pilot of that wing represent an average conrribution of to the Lake County economy fcir the duration of that pilot's stay in the area, usually two to rhree days. He's really smiling because he knows that approximately $82.0G of that amount will be spent in restaurants, one of which will very likely be his. With rhc release of the results of a recent survey of visiting foot-launched avi.. ation pilots, merchants all over Lake County have good reason to smile. Foot.. launched flying is becoming a major growth industry here! And none too soon! Lake County, Oregon, like every other county east of the Cascade Mountains, is a rural area whose economic base has traditionally been agricuhurc, particularly cat-· tic raising and forest products. Both

the writer hopes that the information will prove useful to individuals and clubs across the nation who might want to make an economic argument to the 1powers that be 1 with whom they must deal in order to obtain new sites or just keep old ones open. 11 11

•••

industries have seen hard times for at least 10 years or longer. Mills have closed due to lack of timber or nearly non-existent rract sales of timber from government property. Between forrnidablc ecological concerns and falling cattle prices, ranch-ing is pretty much a survival business these days. Crops other than hay and potatoes arc difficult or impossible to grow economically because the growing season is sbort. Further, Lake County is high-desert country and a killing frost is possible in any month of the year. The unemployment: figures tell the talc one

of the highest rates in the state. As a flying site, J,akc County was one of the best kept secrets in the footlaunched flying world. For years, through the I 970's and 1980's, it was rarely flown, except by one local pilot and a handful of Rogue Valley !Tang Gliding Association (RVI-IGA) pilots who came over primarily Oll the Fourth July weekend with their families for a few days of flying and site exploring. Each year, however, the group seemed to get a little larger as word .. ofmouth invitations to join the group "for the Fourth" spread. (This writer was introduced to the area with just such an invitation in 1987.) By 1989 the group, which had grown ro 12 pilots and their entourage, were starting to be noticed around town. 'The telltale hang gliding rigs were hcing seen fairly regularly at service stations, campgrounds, supermarkets and restaurants. One of rhe observers was Barb Gover, Executive Director of the local Chamber of Commerce. Barb was quick to notice that these people were spending money and that their numbers were increasing. Since she bore one of the prime responsibilities for economic development in the county, she soon was talking regularly with these pilots and putting together a plan that ult:imatcly resulted in the "Umpteenth Annual Pestival of FootLaunched Flight," a Fourth ofJuly celebration of hang gliding and paragliding now known throughom the world. ]'he details of the plan and the won· dcrfol cooperation she coordinated between pilots, the BLM, the U.S. Forest Service, local merchants and landowners is a talc too long to tdl here. It resulted in leading--edge action by local BLM and USFS managers to cause launches and roads to be built specifically for footlaunched flight on federal land as part of the recreational programs each agency was charged with carrying out. T'hc ultimate goal? Utilize Lake County's weather and topography, uniquely well--suited to footlaunched flight, to make foot .. Jaunchcd flying a growth industry in itself. 'The net result of this coordinated effort is that Lakeview and Lake County, Oregon arc now known around the globe as one of the premier places on tbe planet fix foot-launched aviation, combining

l{ANC CLIDINC

ropography that allows for safe launch and landing areas for any wind direction, spcctacuLir flying conditions and scenery, friendly landowners, an infrastructure more than adequate for convenicnr pilo1 following and retrieval, and a "home h:1sc" (Lakeview) with all the an1enitics pilots and their crews require, all within a GOmile radius of Lakeview. The 10wn enthusiastically bills itself as "The I fang C;Jiding Capital of the \)(lest" and enjoys broad suppon: in that endeavor from citizens throllghout the county, The exact economic irnp;1cr, however, was felt bur never evaluated umil 1996 when the writer decided d1at a de1ailcd survey of foot-·lannched pilots' opinions and spending habits was in order, so that the Chamber of Commerce and the mer-chants who generously supported the many projecrs designed rn lure more pilots to the area might get a more concrete idea of rhc effect oft hose efforts. A detailed rwo page survey was scnr out last August to approximately 300 pilots whose names were taken from the Chamber's registration list. Of those 300 sent, 60 were returned, an excellent result from a statistical standpoint and a number that would yield fairly reliable data from which to draw conclusions. Economic queries were made in two ca1:ei:i:oncs: expenditures made during a visit to J,akc County and expenditures made during the Fourth ofJuly Pestival of Foot-Launched Flight. The data broke down as shown in the accompanying table. Based on other queries made in rbc survey, in 19% Lah: County had 120 pilot visits during this year's festival with an average expenditure l each, and an additional 200 pilot visits over the flying season from June I to September 30 with an average expenditure of . Based on these nurn bers, fcJot-· launched aviation conservatively brought in between $100,000 and $115,000 (and probably considerably more) to the County's economy with almost zero cxpcndirmcs on the County's pan to maintain flying facilities or other amenities to keep pilots coming. Although these numbers may seem modest compared to the economic impact of really large activities in heavily populated areas, remember FEBRUARY 1997

that I .akc County only has a total of approxima1cly 7,400 people and that the county scat, Lakeview, has a population of' only 2,800 people. ln the context of our modest· population, these numbers arc very, very important ones! The writer wishes to thank all of the respondents who took the time and spent the postage to return their surveys. 'fhc data gleaned not only made a lot of people smile in Lake County, it most certainly will offer solid economic reasons for continued snpporr of foot-launched flying in the area, including the opening of new sites and rhc improvement of facilities at cxisri11g sites. Lake County residents, in rhc past, have lcfr no douht that they love foot·-launched aviation and its participallts for a lot of reaso11s. The smvcy results give

them one more reason and a real "biggie" at that "There's GOLD in rhcrn thar wings!" Anyone interested in a copy ofthc complete survey results can obtain one by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: SURVEY RESULT'S, l'.O. Box 590, Lal<cvicw, 0 R 9'7630-0590. Although the data arc really valid for Lakeview and Lake County, Oregon, the writer hopes that the information will prove usdi.il to individuals and clubs across the nation who might want 10 make an economic argument to rhc "powers that be" with whom must deal in order to obtain new sites or just keep old ones open. Pilots of foot-·launchcd vdiiclcs have money to spend and our survey shows that they spend it generously!

DURING A REGULAR VISIT (general length of stay, 2-3 days) I) .Average size ofparty 2.03 persons 2) Average total expenditure $328,'7] 3) Breakdown of expenditures:

Categr1ry Superrnarkcts Restaurants

Motels Gasoline/Oil Vehicle Repairs and Supplies Campgrounds Hardware Clothing and & SundrieB

% ofparties spending

in this cate,~rny 10091) 97cyo 17% 100%

20%

$78.86 $82.06 $122.50 $45.00

71% 34%

$30.67 49%

DURING A FES'TlVAL VISTT (general length of stay, 1) Average size of party 2.21 persons 2) Average total expenditure $457.12 3) Breakdown of expenditures: % ofparties sf)enaiin;

expenditure

in this category Supermarkets Restaurants Motels Gasoline/Oil Vehicle and Supplies Ca.mpgrounds l:fardware Clothing and T-Shirrs Drugs & Sundries

100% 100% 16% 100%) 32°1b 79% 37% 66%J 58%

$109.74 $182.50

$91.74

$19.21 $30.84

;\ L t--1 ;\ i"'I C~ Opening day at Tut Woodruff's 1996 Annual Hang Gliding Extravaganza was one ofpure beauty in the Mountains of N orthern Georgia. The colors last fall were the best in years, and it was an awesome day.'

Dudng

Im ym',

event numerous site records were broken, including altitude gain and duration. Greg Woj nowski flew fo r five hours, one minute and eight seconds in his new Concept, and during this flight a young bald eagle paid him a visit fo r several minutes. This was an obvio us thrill for Wojnowski, who said that the memory will last forever. The wind blew upslope all day, averaging 13 mph. Collin King, flying a Moyes XS, flew for more than four hours, and several other pilots achieved long flights and extended sled rides. Wojnowski and King averaged 2,500 feet above launch. The Concept smoked opening day and Kings' XS flew beautifully as well. Both pilots slept well Saturday night but it was hours before Wojnowski finally made it to sleep. It was a crisp, gor-

photos by Bruce Hawk &

L I D I r-1 G

ichele Greaser Alcock

E X T R ;\ \/ f \ G ; \ r-1 7 ;\

TUT WOODRUFF'S 1996 ANNUAL HANG GLIDING EXTRAVAGANZA- RESULTS

19960VERALL CHAMP Greg Wojnowski geous night. The second day began with straight-in, strong upslope winds, and this lasted for two hours before the high pressure moved in and conditions stabilized. Collin King was on launch first and cried in vain to exceed Wojnowski's time. Wojnowski eventually climbed out of the sack and made it to launch, and by the time the wind calmed only 16 minutes separated him and King. As the day progressed everyone began to tire, and at 4:00 PM the launch window was closed. The scores were tabulated, then the trophies and $2,000 were awarded to the top 10 pilots. Everyone had a great time! Tut's Mountain is, in fact, a very challenging site to fly and land, but nearly 100 flights were made at the 1996 event with only one broken basembe - not one downtube was damaged! Tut Woodruff has been a hang gliding enthusiast for many years, and she and Bill Moyes have been friends for a long time. She sponsors this event every year to remain involved in the sport and to con18

SPOT LANDING CONTEST 1st: Greg Wojnowski 2nd: Tom Fort 3rd: Collin King

DURATION CONTEST 1st: Greg Wojnowski 2nd: Collin King 3rd: Jack Kripps

ChieJScorer: Travis Baker Chiefjudge: Joe Birchfield Meet Director: Bruce Hawk

Greg Wojnowski receives his awardftom Tut Woodruff.

cinue to her express her enthusiasm to the pilots. So that participants don't need to break down their gliders between flights Tut provides transportation up the mountain using trailers to haul the gliders. She also furnishes two free barbecue lunches for the pilots. In addition, there were five rooms available with heat and access to a bathroom and shower. All of chis is ftee, and there is no entry fee! Tur owns several very nice log cabins on rhe mountain that are for rent, and it is a perfect place to bring your family for a weekend of great mountain sightseeing and tons of fun. So, if you want to have a great time in an absolutely beautiful location, as well as a shot at one of the largest purses in hang gliding, plan to attend chis event in October 1997. The daces are adjusted each year to minimize conflicts with other meets, so keep your eye on the Calendar of Events. By the way - no Pepsi, always Coca Cola! • HANG GLIDING

Yov. Kt-Jow

Cr.Mll'... ,11 .. /"

1 Wou.L1)N~ WISH 'tci>ON MY WDRST

AWARDS DAVE WJI l.S KELLY HARRISON

DAVE WILLS

JOHN TABOR

PAUL VOTGI IT

SCOTT BORDON

ESTORER, MICHAEL: Quantico, VA; J. Midcllcron/Silver Wings JAMES, TODD: 1,:Jizahcrhrown, PA; R. Hays/Mnryland School JIG KIRSCHBAUM, GENE: Alexandria, VA; J. Middlcron/Silvcr Wings KOSTEN, STEVE: Extern, PA; J. Harper/Valley Forge I LC LEAVENS, JOE: Aston, PA; J. Harper/Valley Forge I Jc; MOORE, ROBIN: Springho11sc, PA; Jl. Umst.arrd/Sky High PROUTY, DANNY: c:Jihon, VA; D. I Hawk Kites Region 10 ANDERSON, JR, G MARTIN: Hickory, NC; T. Bryam/Buu.arcl Flight School CORCORAN, KIRSTEN: Orlando, FL; B. Hynn/Quesr Air GRAINGER, MARK: Ft l.m1dcrdalc, FL; C:. Thoreson/Lookout Mtn Fl' MC GHEE, RO!W.R'f: Dunlap, TN; S. lkiple/Lookour Mm Fl' NOVAK, MICHAEL: Columbia, SC; P. Vencsky/f<itty Hawk Kites RODRIGUEZ-ORTIZ, JUAN: San Juan, l'R; R. Rojas/Caribbean Airsports SCHNEIDER, SCOTT: Bishop, GA; S. Hciplc/1.ookour Mm FP WHEATMAN, JANA: Miami, 1:1.; J. Tindle/Miami I JG Region I I Bl .OISE, TONY: A11stin, TX; J. l lnm/Co I lC CJ TARLTON, FREDERICK: I louston, TX; J. Ryan/HCC DERRIG, JACOB: San Antonio, TX; C Thorcson/1.ookour Mm FP HARTLESS, CHARLES: Amtin, TX; J. Hum/Go HG Region 13 C:HAVDA, KIRAN: India 307501; J. Ryan/HGC: ESHEL, ZVI: Israel 'i2225; D. c;Jovcr/Wallaby Ranch

FREDFRICK WAGNER DON PFAFP

TIMETHY HELMS

Region 2 BROWN, BARRY: Fresno, CA; D. Qw1ckcnhush/Trnc Flight PAULSON, BILLIE: Reno, NV; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports SCHAFER, ROHERT: Los Gatos, CA; J. Woodward/Natural Rcgion3 BERGER, ERIC: Reho Sta Marg, CA; P. Phillips/1.akc Elsinore Sports BUCZACZER, SHARON: S:mra Barbara, CA; T. Burcar/Fly Away DORFMAN, MARC: Los Angeles, CA; A. Whi1ehill/Cha11ddlc PULLEN, ROBERT: Goleta, CA; T. Burcar/Fly Away RUPP, SEAN: Chula Vista, CA; J. Ryan/HGC SMITH, G KEITH: Granada Hills, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flight VAN SAUN, KRISTINA: Calabasas, CA; I l. Qnackcnbush/Truc Flight WILLIAMS, CARRIE: Los Alimitos, CA; I'. Phillips/1.akc Elsinore Sports Region 4 MINDER, CARLA: Albuquerque, NM; R. Mc:Kcm,iclf ligh Advemurc MOTSENBOCKER, TOM: FlagstaH: AZ; S. Mish/Bandito Action SHERBAK, BRET: Colorado C:O; S. Dewey/Quiet Flight Region6 PRECIADO, GABE: Marion, AR; 'I . Fon/Lookout M tn Fl' Region 7 BOE[TER, DON: Carmel, JN; S. Hciplell.ooko11t Mtn Fl' BREJCHA, WAYNE: Evanston, IL; B. Kush11cr/R:1vcn Region 8 CAUCHY, NICOLAS: Cambridi;c, MA; J. Atwood/Morninp,sidc FP Rcgion 9 BELOTE, SUZANNE: Silver

Region FRANCIS, BRETT: Newark, CA; P. Dcncvan/Mission KESSLER, RAY: Palo Alto, C:A; D. Yount/Mission Soaring KOHLI, GAURAV: San.Jose, CA; P. Dcncvan/Mission LANDAU, IGOR: San Jose, CA; P. Dencvan/Mission Soaring MACOMBER, DONALD: Sama Ynez, CA; Y. Bajulaz/ABC: Airspons MARTIN, M.D., KENNETH: F.l Cerrito, CA; D. Burns/Mission NESSER, BRIAN: Santa Ynez, CA; Y. Baj1daz/ Al3C Airsports REDDY, SRI DHAR: Foster City, C:i\; D. Younr/Mission Soaring Rcgion 3 BUC7.i\CZER, SHARON: Sama Barham, CA; T. B11m1r/Fly DORFMAN, MARC: l.os Angeles, CA; A. Whirchill/C:handellc LYON, JOHN: Sanra Barham, ( :A; V. Bajulaz/ ABC Airsports RETTELE, DWAYNE: Laverne, CA; P. Phillips/Lake Elsinore Sports RUPP, SEAN: Chula Vista, CA;]. Ryan/I JGC SMITH, G KEITH: Gr:111ada Hills, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flighr WILLIAMS, JERRY: Los Alamitos, CA; P. Phillips/l "\kc Elsinore Sports WILSON, TED: Temecula, C:A; K. Harrison/ Adventures Unltd Region Ii BORDON, SCOTT: Bayfield, CO; M. Francis/Mo1111tai11 West HC BOTTELBERCHE, GREGORY: Cramsvillc, lJT; M. Knowldcn/Rebel Wings Tl(; IMMORDINO, PATRICK: R. McKcnzic/l ligh Adventure MINDER, CARLA: Albuquerque, MOTSENBOC:KER, TOM: FlagsrnH; AZ; S. Mish/Bandito Action Sporn WEYLAND, ROBERT: Granrsville, UT; M. Knowldcn/Rcbcl Wings HG Region 6 BENVENISTE, RONALD: St Louis, MO; C. Thorcson/J.ooko11t Mtn FP DOSSETT', TIM: Ballwin, MO; A. Bloodworth/Lookout Mm FP PRECIADO, GABE: Marion, AR; T. Fort/1.ookour Mm FP Region 7 BOELTER, DON: Carmel, IN; S. Heiple/Lookout Mm Fl' BREJCHA, WAYNE: 1,:vansto11, II,; B. Kushner/Raven Sky Sports

MD; J. Middlernn/Silvcr HANC C11rnNc

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A COMPLETE FLYING VACATION

DECEMBER THl<OUGH APRIL

1 l'l<·dsc IJ(' s11r1• lo 11s<• p(iority cork, IIXW wlH•11 you c<1II.

(602)285~4094 elvolador@aol.com

n Region 8 AMIN, MURTAZA: Meriden, CT; B. Davidson/Tek Rcgion 9 ELCHIN, JAMES: Ponage, PA; C. Elchin/Kitty Hawk Kites GREGOR, JANET: Washington, DC; R. Bachman/Kitty Hawk Kites PRESLEY, MARVIN: Gaplancl, MD; R. Hayes/Ma1yland School HG TOMLINSON, DAN: Centerville, VA; A. Bloodworth/Lookout Mm FP Region JO BRONSON, MITCHELL: Cocoa, FL; A. Bloodworth/Lookout Mtn FP CORCORAN, KIRSTEN: Orlando, FL; ll. Flynn/Quest Air GRAfNGER, MARK: Fr Lauderdale, FL; C:. Thoreson/Lookout Mtn FP MC GHEE, ROBERT: Dunlap, TN; S. Hciplc/Lookm11 Mm FP RODRIGUEZ-ORTIZ, JUAN: San Juan, PR; R. Rojas/Caribbean Airsports SCHNEIDER, MIKE: Conyers, GA; A. Bloodworth/Lookom Mt11 FP SCHNEIDER, SCOTT: Bishop, GA; S. Heiple/Loolrnur Mtn FP WHEATMAN,JANA: Miami, FL;]. Tindle/Miami HG Region l 1 CASTALDO, DOMENICO: Galveston, TX;]. Hum/Go HG CHART:rON, FREDERICK: Houston, TX;J. Ryan/HGC MC ENTEGART,JOHN: Princeton, TX;J. Hunt/Go HG Region 12 SPANO, JOEL: Waterloo, NY; H. Bocssl/Rochcster Arca Flyers STEENBERGE, ANDREW: Branchburg, NJ; P. Venesky/Kirty Hawk Kites Region 13 CHAVDA, KIRAN: India 307501; J. Ryan/HCC ESHEL, ZVI: Israel 52225; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch HORMANN, RICHARD: New Zealand; C. Thorcscm/Lookom Mtn Fl' MATERN, SVEN: Canada; K. Dinzl/Skysailing Ontario SANDALL, JEREMY: New Zealand; A. Bloodworth!f .ookom Mm FP

Rcgion 9 BENFIELD, WAYNE: Phoenixville, PA;A. Bloodworth/Lookout Mm FP BEUTLER, RANDOLF: Phoenixville, PA; J. lforper/Valley Forge HG VANT-HULL, BRIAN: Baltimore, MD; R. Hays/Maryland School HG Region 10 CHRISTENSEN, SEAN: Roswell, GA; A. Bloodworth/Lookout Mm FP CRITCHETT, DAN: Miami, FL; F. Foti/Miami HG WEIBEL, JEFFREY: Tampa, FL; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch Rcgion 13 ROWBOTHAM, EMMA: England; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mm PP

Region J LUNDQUIS'r, DAVID: J.ostinc, OR; R. Riner/Oregon Desert Flyers Region 2 COHEN, BERNARD: lncline Village, NV; M. Tabcr/Lookont Mm FP LEFHOLZ, LANCE: Carmel, CA; G. Recves/Airwavc Region 3 DOGGETT, RON: Norwalk, CA; P. Phillips/1,ake Elsinore Sports Region It HATHAWAY, JAMES: Salt Lake

UT; T. Webster/Wasatch

Region 8 ATWOOD, JONATHAN: Charlestown, NJ I; J. Nicolay/Morningside FT' Region l 0 CRUZ, JOSE: Rio Piedras, PR; R. Rojas/Caribbean Airsports PEREZ, ROBERTO: Toa Alta, PR; R. Rojas/Caribbean Airsports RADFORD, RHETT: Davenport, FL; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch WARREN, CURT: Orlando, FL; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch

Region 2 PEARCE, GREGORY: Sacramento, CA; E Ballard SlEGEMUND, BERND: San Jose, CA; G. Reeves/ Airwave Region 3 BLEECHER, ANDREW: Solana Beach, CA; R. Mitchell/The Wings CAMPBELL, RON: Leucadia, CA; R, Mitchell/The Eagles Wings CHEVALIER, DAVID: Kahului, HI; A Engen/HG Maui DE JESUS, MIGUEL: Sylmar, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flight DOLSON, CHRISTOPI-IER: Aliso Viejo, CA; P. Phillips/Lake Elsinore Sports HART, CHRISTOPHER: San Diego, CA; R. Mitchell/The Eagles Wings HENSON, BRAD: Lakewood, CA; P. Phillips/Lake Elsinore Sports MURRAY, JIM: Kula, Hf; A. Engert/HG Maui RFNKERT, BIFF: Yucaipa, CA; R. Mitchell/The Eagles SClfMAUSS, ALEX: Bishop, CA; D. Conners/Caldera Airsports WYLER, BOB: Manhattan Bch, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flight Region 4 ARBON, JEFF: Salt Lake City, UT; M. Knowlden/Rebel Wings HG MARCELO, MARLON: Draper, UT; D. Sharp/The Soaring Center MCANALLY, DAVID: Chandlcr,AZ; B. Holmes/Sky Masters Region 6 PRECIADO, GABE: Marion, AR; T. Fort/Lookom Mtn PP Region 7 LINEBAUGl{, ROBERT: Waukegan, IL; J. Nielsen/Raven Sky Sports MCKINSTRY, MARTIN: Wheaton, lL;]. Nielsen/Raven Sky Sports MESSINGSCHIAGER, KEITH: Elk Rapids, Ml; C. Thore-son/Lookout Mt. FP ZWICKY, CRAIG: Clarendon I !ills, JL; B. Kushner/Raven Sports

Region 3 HOWELLS, KEN: San Bernardino, CA Region 7 I.ESNOW, NORMAN: Hazel Park, Ml Region 10 CHAMPLIN, MICHAEL: Lake Worth, FL

ROBERT REICH

BIUAVIRETT KEVIN COSLEY JARRY JORGENSEN GRANT NELSON YVES BAJULAZ STEVEN RODRIGUES

HANC CUDINC

• C arbonfi bre technology with graphite crossbar, centre section and divesticks make the CSX stronger and safer while reducing drag th rough elimin ating k.ingpost and luffi ines • "Sail Propensity" (SP)* • Extended high speed glide ratio due to defl exor system • Springtip battens fi tted into fu lly enclosin g pockets produce a clean, smooth trailing edge decreasing drag

Results: 1st -Tomas Suchanek August '96: European Championships December '96: High Level Classic January '97:

Australian Nationals

Launching the Java at Piedrahita, Spain.

H ANG G LIDING

PILOT REPORT

For some rime we had heard about the decline of hang gliding in Europe as paragliding captured the public interest. Many continental companies tightened their belts for the meager pickings. But now there are signs that this trend is reversing and one small company in England Avian - is growing like a happy child. Avian began building gliders in 1989 by raking over the manufacture of the Clubman, an entry-level glider. The new owner and designer, Steve Elkins, soon added improvements and renamed ir Elan. Then he went to create the Amour, an intermediate glider that performed like a more pricey wing. His latest opus is the Java. I had the opportunity to fly the Java in three meets in Spain last summer. The model I had was 155 square feet with a regular Dacron sail. However, I also had one flight on the 155 with a Mylar sail and had plenty of comparison flights with the newer 150 Mylar glider. The following is my report after 45 hours of guiding the Java through the WHGS meet series in Spain, in everything including speed runs, paltry lift, rocker thermals, ratty turbulence and distressing head winds. FEBRUARY 1997

Avian designer Steve Elkins (right) pampers a Java.

DESIGN FOR HANDLING There is nothing radical about the Avian Java. Don't look for exotic materials, unusual sail curs or exceptionally trick hardware. But do pay some mind to the overall approach Steve has taken: He has put together a glider that combines intermediate-like friendliness with competition glider performance. His main idea is to emphasize easy handling and landing characteristics in consideration that these qualities instill confidence. Confidence allows a pilot to concentrate on other important matters such as maxing our a thermal or making quality decisions. Much of the Java's development

involves the airframe. To achieve good handling, the VG system loosens more than most gliders. T he resulting slack sail allows for light roll control and a low flying speed while thermaling. Another handling facto r is the leading edge construction. T he main fo re section of the leading edge extends far ther back than on many other gliders. T hen, the step-down to the aft (or outboard) section is greater to create a smaller diameter and thus more flexible rips. T he res ult is a stiffer sail inboard and a more pliable sail outboard. The idea is to allow the glider to enter a turn more rapidly while preserving straight-ahead and high-speed perfo rmance. Finally, we must add to this mix the extra travel at the high end of the VG range. The Java VG can be pulled very rightly for flattening a glide. In this con figuration, however, you will nor produce a quick turn to snare a passing thermal. I found that I had to back the VG off quickly if I wanted to hunt and score a core when gliding in full-right mode.

OTHER TOUCHES Continuing with the Java airfram e we

Modern control-bar corner.

Internal view ofcrossbar balljoint.

The Java's deep airfoil is apparent here.

The Java shows its planform at Piedrahita.

are designed to be as light as possible. The Java is no exception and the crossbar arrangement is just one example of the thought put into reducing weight. The Java comes stock with Safedge uprights reflecting its friendly character. The curved base bar is wired for safety and is attached with an interesting stainless steel pin held in with a large ring. This arrangement is midway between a pip pin and a bolt and nut in terms of convenience. The VG cleat is a standard plastic sailboat cleat placed perfectly near the right hand on the base bar. This is my favorite arrangement, since normally it is more important to be able to pull a VG off fast, rather than on. The fittings at the top of the A-frame are not built with swivel stops, so the whole glider can rotate around the keel when it sits on the control bar. This matter requires care during setup to avoid warping the nose plates (see below).

THE JAVA SETUP

The Java facilitates the landing phase offlight.

must note two other items. The crossbar attachment at the leading edge is accomplished with a bracket and bolts that only go through one side of the leading edge rube. With the hole oly drilled halfway through the rube and the use of internal sleeving, sail abrasion from the bolt head is eliminated Another Java feature is the ball joint crossbar center junction. These joints are similar, but not identical, to the ball joint developed by Moyes. The idea of such a

system is to load the crossbar in pure compression in the center, rather than with a compression and bending load as is the case with the plates typically used for the crossbar junction. The result is a stronger or lighter crossbar. There are many sites in England that require the carry-up of equipment. Despite all we may hear about the British stoical character - stiff upper lip and all that - they are keen to ease their load. For that reason, gliders built in England

With just a few minor excursions from the norm, the Java's setup is straightforward. The first thing we'll note is that the factory arrangement of removing the basetube entirely and placing a short tube between the upright bottoms when the glider is folded is time-consuming and unnecessary. As with other gliders, only one side of the basetube needs to be removed and thus reattached. The short-tube system is a holdover from the Magics of the mid 1980's when different hardware required such an arrangement to protect cables from bending. Once the control bar is attached in the manner of your choice, turn the glider over on its A-frame and spread the wings. But first, make sure the glider is not tipped - that is, the nose plates are parallel to the ground. Eventually, I found I could do this maneuver by holding the leading edge I wished to open and giving it a twist. Once the wings are opened a lirde bit the glider remains in the proper position. Next, attach the reflex bridles with a clip to the pigtail at the top of the kingpost. You must pull back on the kingpost to perform this act, since normal keel sag occurs. Follow this with batten insertion and crossbar tensioning. There are only 12 battens per side counting the three lowersurface ones. The upper battens are tight in their pockets, so don't whip them in or out. The batten ties are single-grommet, HANG GLIDING

ifr·linc bungees. Steve incorporated this arrangement recently to reduce drag. The lowcr·surfacc hattens go in easily and \i;ive no bungees or other attachment system. l n my ma11y hours on the Java in ofren windy semp conditions, I never had one back out. Finish rhc setup hy inserting rhc tip bancns, applying die from cahlcs and the nose cone. 'rhc tip batten has a curved internal end to fo on a plastic nub. You must check to sec that it is properly sc;itcd for safc.:ty's sake. 'fhe front cables ,lre attached with a swan catch that is convC·· nicnt and hidden by the nose co11e, so as to present no danger during towing. [n England, gliders arc ofrcn set up on the ground and pulled up to rest upon the A..frame as the last act in higher winds. 'fo rnake this act convenient, a webbing loop is attached ro the Java's nose.

FLYING Launching and landing the Java work like a charm. I tested the fi)l'rncr in roaring conditions, zero-wind cliff dives, flat slopes and crosswinds. The glider is bal· anced very well and easy to accelerate because of its light weight. I preferred launching with a bit of VG applied in order to t ightcn the side cables. I experienced 2 l landings in cvcryLhing from 110 wind to gusty, switchy con&tions. ] landed uphill, downhill and cross· wind. Only once did the nose touch the ground when I had to flare high in mil weeds on ;111 uphill landing with a strong gradient. Landing the Java is an easy affair with a broad flare window. I found it bcsl lo produce a gradual flare to avoid stalling the root first. 'fhis is characteristic of glid· crs such as the XS that get very slack in the VG-loose position. On at least six flights I landed with the VG foll-··on after crossing the Speed Gliding finish line a few feet above the ground. This act is a non .. cvent as long as you have the patience to let the speed bleed off. l .ike most gliders, l found the Java to be quite sensitive to tip settings. Once l set the rips to my liking, l had a very pleas·· ant-flying glider indeed. I would initiate turns readily and balance well in a thermal. No high- or lowsiding was required. llowcver, in the last competition in the heat of the day I would max om my climb by pushing oUL to the point of a stall in the turn. Then l would have to make roll corrections to remain well .. ccntcrcd in the rrnRUARY ·1997

JAVA Sail

l.40

155

31' angle Aspec1 ratio Normal length Short~packed..length

123° 7.1 18'

°Ii) double

83% 25 (6 lower) 60.5 lbs. l 12.. 176 lbs. 126 lbs.

Number ofhattens Weight Hookr>in weight nmge Optimum pilotweight

14'

varying thermals we ofrcn encountered in Spain. When the wing got stuck or l wanted to hurry a turn entry, l found that the Java responded very well to a sudden push out afrcr mild roll input. This is a nice feature usable in all VG settings. The combination of easy handling and slow flight results in a very good climb rate, and the only gliders that outclimbed me were ones with Mylar sails mostly Javas. The Mylar Javas also exhibit an interthermal glide equal to anything om there. Javas showed up at goal in the Piedrahita contest with regularity. At high speed as I experienced whcn diving to goal or during the Speed Gliding events--· the Java was rock solid. l experj.. cnccd no yawing and performed pre.. dictablc turns and spirals around die pylon course with full VG and full··stuffcd har. My conclusion is that the Java is a fonrn-fly glider with a good all-around performance package equal to the rest of the field. Witness the fact that Mike Stevens, top British pilot, recently took delivery of a Mylar 150 Java and rook second in the Speed Gliding and third in the cross,coun· try at Piedrahita, Spain.

OTHER FEATURES One oF the most interesting things abour the Java is its availability in a supine format. Avian thoroughly supports supine fly· ing (paraglidcr pilots take note). In the supine configuration the A.frame is smaller and different lower rigging is urilizccl. The Java comes with a kingpost hang strap with an integral backup system around the keel. h also has a very nice base bar grip (one of my favorite gripes is unsuitable or no grip material). Finally, we

123°

19' 4" 2" 83% (6 lowcr) lbs. 127-209 lbs. 161 lbs.

9" 123" 7.0 19' 4" 15' 2" 80% 25 (6 lower) lbs. lbs. 182 lbs.

should mention rhe easy-pull crossbar strap that attaches ro a pin with a safr:ty ring at the rear of the glider.

GETTING A Avian has sent representatives to the East Coast Challenge meet for the past three years. At one of these meets, Randy Lcgctt of Bangor, Pennsylvania saw the glider and liked wbat he saw. I le is now the U.S. distributor with a frill line and service. Randy has a Java and Amour in stock for test flying. Contact him at: Rd. Box 4348 Bangor, PA 18013 (6 l 0) 253 471 (days) (610) 258-(1066 (evenings)

The Java sells for $/i,600 in this coun· try and the Amour for $3,900. The glid· ers arc constructed of (J082.T6 aluminum with 7075·'1'6 barrens which accoums for the relatively low prices. Avian has a philosophy that, while modern gliders are very similar in performance, there arc big diHcrcnces between companies when it comes to customer service. My wife Claire and I were certainly met with enthusiasm and friendliness in our dealings with Avian. I carefully observed the customer support at the WI IGS meets last summer and saw a crew ready to support all their pilots iu every detail, from arranging rooms and rides to supplying spare pans and labor on the spot. We especially wish to thank Neil Hammerton for his help in arranging our wings and rides ro Spain as well as his genteel nature, friendship and mercy on the Spanish women. 111111

j Having never been to Alamogordo, New Mexico l pictured a scorched, desolatt: desert with a smidgen ~f residual radioactivity, devoid rf living creatures. But as we traveled from Ti+cson across the southern portion of Arizona and into the Land r~f ]:','nchantment, the heczuty rf the Southwest} deserts did not relent. The saguttro cacti of the Sonoran desert were traded for ocotillo and yucca plants of the northern Chihtzuhuan. Dramatic rockfaced mountain crests ldied themselves over expansive grasslands and creosote-strewn valleys. A peppering rfdust devils soared up into the towering; cumulus--laden s!<y

not the lush greene~y of a rain

forest; but to a hang glider pilot this place is heavenly. JUSTO RY AND THE PEOPLE The city of Alamogordo is just small enough to appreciate the influx of four·· wheel-drive vehicles carrying fluorescent dacron, dusty pilots and beautiful clrivers. The local Cham her of Commerce supported the Fly-In with a big welcome sign and some cash offerings LO the club, and they even sent a road grader off to the I ,Z, asking if there was anything thar needed flattening. Unfortunately, the road to launch was nor within their jurisdiction. '] 'his job required the valianr efforts and dhow grease of Rio Grande Soaring Association (RGSA) members Robin Hastings, Dave Church, Riker l )avis and 'fodd Perteet the day before rhe masses arrived. h:w people live in this area of the

planet, and even fewer arc hang glider pilots, but lack of numbers was easily overcome by the enthusiasm and selfless hospi· tality of the natives. Some of these desert denizens even invited us to their mud huts ovcrnigln. The warm welcome attracted some 39 pilots (including four paraglidcr from Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. "Been doin' this for IGyears," said a grinning 'fommy West, RCSA President and Fly-ln Coordinator, "and l love it." Tcimmy daz.. zled the crowd by adapting Robin's artistry and prinring really nifty T·shirts commem· orating last r:ly-ln. Ever since 1980 the annual Dry Canyon Fly-ln has been held on Memorial Day, however, in 1996 the worst drought in nearly 100 years hir rhe Southwest, turn·

ing the forest into a tinderbox and forcing the closure of arguably its finest mountain site only a week before the scheduled Fly-In. The RGSA quickly got on the blower and the lnterner to gcr the word om that the Fly-In would be posrponed. Great sadness erupted throughout the region. As summer progressed, the monsoon rains finally ended the drought, simultaneously giving life to thirsty desert vegetation and grounded hang glider pilots. DRY CANYON SITE The sourhwesr-focing launch sits at 7,000 feet MS!. atop a in the Sacramento Mountains of so111'1crn New Mexico. With sparse the ledge of rugged, twisted, scdimcmary rocks looms above the town of Alamogordo, 2,400 feet HAN(; Ci lfllNC

COMPETITION Under the dircct"ion of Meet Head Dave Church, tbc lion's share of rhe competition and flying was scheduled for Days J and with Lahor Day reserved for Open Distance X-C. The competitors selected from a palette o( competition nn,,,n,1u< J fowcvcr, a surprisingly number in the seemed to opt for attempting "Colden I lammer" category. Pilots could select from one or more of the categories designed for safo cornpctition for a variety of experience: levels: Spot Landing (distance added for, uh ... poor form), Duration (totaled over two days), Time 'fo Declared Coal (no partial credit and no extra poi ms for going beyond), and Open XC (longest single Hight over the three:

DA' J-lLYIN'

below. The view is not only geologically spectacular, but rhe mountain spits our thermals like an Uzi on full auto. Beyond the rown lies White Sands National Monmncut, showing off 300 square miles of blcachc:d-whitc gypsum dunes shifring across the T1ilarosa basin. Big, well-maintained, and as flat as a thrc:e--day-old mug of Pabst Blue Ribbon, the l .Z possesses an abundance of"wind streamers, a large shade structtm: and specra1or bleachers loaded , ,1itl1 members 1hc friendly indigenous population. Ir's a fine place to land, hut the four miles and over 8: l glide required 10 reach it make it seem very for indeed at rimes. Fortunately, a number ofhail--out LZ's ;1re also available, and urifo:c:d. The hospitality of the RCS/\ :1111rni11m·,, could not be heat. /\s usual,

]/\NlJ/\RY

199 7

they arranged f<)r rhc weather gods to pro-· vidc continuous launchablc conditions, with nary a non-soarablc moment. ln fact, rhe annual l Canyon J<'ly-ln is reportedly soa1ralJIC. [n rhc history of I he: Fly f n there: has only been one non-flyable day (due to strong winds ovc:r the hack), and rliar was J years ago, Memorial Day l 984. A Forest Service rule mandates the daily presence of an am!mlance and EM'l "sat launch if more than JO pilots arc present. A big rlianks goes out to rhe Dungan Vire Department and the Oro Vista EMT squad. While quite welcome and providing a warm, fc:cling for nervous launchers they were fortunately unncc:d eel throughout rhc: competition. The: USl;S also requires the luxury of a porta' pony, i~c11crously provided Rob Hughes.

[ ,ooking over the hack at the higher mountains near Cloudcroft, and Sierra Blanca near Ruidoso, the quickly turned ominous each day. Huge cu-nimbs formed and Zc:us threatened from many directions. But launch, the 'H1larosa basin and northerly X-C routes srayc:d clear of the ovcrdevclopment and offorcd scattered cumulus with cloudhasc levels of 9,500' to 12.,'500' MSI.. [ ,ooking northwest toward rhc: San Andres mountains and 'lfo1ity, site of humanit/s first nuclear test, was a large, mushroomshapc:d cu-nimb reminding us of the area's explosive past. Light breezes from the: southwest kept the launch and flying condiciorn safe: and fon. Little turbulence and nice 500 to 1,000 f\1m lifr offored pilots everything from smooth boating to ascending like: a homesick angel. While rhc relatively low cloudb;isc and late development over the valley made the X-C challenging, airtime was nor in sborr supply. 'fc:naciry and patience were rewarded nwrc than raw speed.

DAY ONE Those going Jix maximurn airtime launch early and soar in light thermals. Rising as noon passes they offer higher and pcrfrn wind-technician support to those attempting X-C:. Sonny White of Oklahoma dances high above downed pilots and rakes an Open X-C: lead hy flying 49 miles north to the Carizozo ;1irport. Bo Frazier, Simon Mayberry of Boulder and others get· some miles to nc:ar Three Rivers miles). Santa 1:c-an Brian Kurowski's tenacity allows him to scrape out 'l11larosa after two hours, 45 minutes of

skyrime. 'Ji1csonian Glen Bender navigates his Sport to near 'folarosa (12 miles). Locals DC and Jeff Clayton join 'focsonians Morey Brown and Mike Elsworth by diving into the big blue hole and coming up short of the 'fularosa goal. 'The Spot Landing and Duration comests also have many valid entries, and the local aluminum recycler is quite happy wirh today's Hying.

1996<DilY K4 Predator

HP Kr

DAY'IWO Bob Cochrane and other paraglider pilots flop into the light morning winds. Dwayne Sinclair, on his second flight after putting the sail back on his Airborne Shark, gets over four hours of skytime, lots more rh:m without the sail. Jeff Clayton flies to La Luz and back, then zooms north 30 miles. Flying thrills come in many forms today, including a tandem flight by Shane Riley wirb Dry Canyonite Cnrt Graham, and seven miles of paragliding X-C by Gary Brightbill which secures him first place in the paragliding division. After nearly Lwo hours of scratching, Morey and Bo hook a beauty from low over the LZ and ride it to 9,500', offering a start on the X-C route. A gust front from the east brings pilots out of the sky with Morey, DC, Simon and probably others landing near Three Rivers. Once again, back in d1e LZ, tbe local environmentalists are pleased with the volume of recycled aluminum. That evening the RGSA barbecues up pounds oF dead animal flesh in various sh;ipes and colors. Additional feast irems are also not in short supply and all guests to cat, drink and be fat. City scavenging Tommy and Cindy West produces a town full of willing supporters garnering free m.eals from the local feed spots to give away to hungry pilots as festive door prizes, One local beverage distrihuror even offers up 14 cases o( the good stuff. USHGA generously supports the Fly-In with offer-· ings of1 '..shirts, shorts and patches, and Roh Hughes donates a zippy custom-made glider hag. All this generosity is put to good use as ticket numbers are called, pilots cheer and door prizes are handed our to seemingly everyone. After checking with LZ statistician Cindy West, Master of Ceremonies Dave (DC) Church announces the winners of the two days of competition and awards Robin Hastings' artistic oak plaques, mahogany pen holders and paintings. Daylight dissolves frorn the sky, giving way

to a backdrop of Lyra and Cygnus overhead, and Jupiter giving life to Sagittarius and Scorpio in the south. The free beverages dwindle and the stories oF the day's airtime get longer, more thrilling and less credible.

DAYTHRI.:E 'rhe bulk of the contests being over and the partying now just a blurry memory, pilots rise like hibernating bears, slowly emerging from their trucks, rems and hotel rooms. 'l'he EMT staff waits on launch for a couple of hours, wondering where all the pilots have gone. Eventnally a stream of diverladen trucks begins the rocky climb to launch. Many gluttonous pilots have had their fill o( airtime over the last few days and decide to cut their flights short and get an early srarr on the trek home. About a dozen Hyers remain to catch a few rnore sky hours or vie for ;1dditional mileage in the Open X-C category in an attempt ro best Sonny White's 50-miler from Saturday. DC and Bill Cox head north hoping for some serious mileage, DC succeeds in con-· rn 11·'rm,cr 53 miles to a bit past Carizozo,

while Bill Cox journeys about 38 to near Oscura. Jeff Clayton and Dcnvcritc Scan Riley touch down after 37 miles. Mojave Desert dweller Mark "Forger" Stucky commandeers Robin's Blade, but returns it safe.. ly to the LZ. Q.J. Wilson, with sore arms, dead radio batteries and nose-wire-shaped calluses, finishes his third day ,1s Launch Safety Director. A grand time was had by all and a big thanks goes out to the RGSA for hosting an outstanding Fly--In.

HANC CUDINC

success since its public debut in April 1995 , the new SuperFloater offers: + Excellent 15: 1 performance in sit-down soaring comfort (and no harness to buy!) + Superb joystick handling + Very simple aero or winch launching (foot launch is possible) .. . . . . all for an amazingly low price. > Fully built and test flown , the SuperFloater is shipping now. Fly under Part 103 and thermal in close with your hang gliding friends.

THE SENSOR 61 OF W /Interconnected Flaps & VG

SIMPLY OUTCLIMB THEM A New Way To Fly Sailplanes and Paragliders camber their wings at will. The Trampenau Flap™system , not only boosts your climb-rate, but also allows slower and smaller concentric turns. You've never experienced a glider that performs at such a high level , yet handles this easily.

.....~.

Ultralight Soaring Aircraft

IClimb Fast, Glide Far

Loosening the VG lowers the flaps , increasing camber into a high lift, slow speed, thermaling airfoil. Dominating every core, you'll find yourself climbing faster than you ever thought possible. Tightening the VG raises the flaps and reduces the airfoil camber transforming your wing into a blade for maximum speed-range and glide ratio.

Launch And Land With Flaps The launch advantage is becoming airborne with more margin and control. Landing with flaps has dual benefits. You may accelerate above 30 MPH increasingly building drag degrading your glide. When it's time to flare, your touch down SQeed will be noticeably slower!

New SpeedFoiJ™ Tubing Lower drag, our new airfoil tubing for the king post and control bar boost the glide ratio adding a point or more at higher speeds. Other features on the Sensor 610F are: computer-optimized, laminar-flow airfoil; twelve shear ribs; control bar apex aft of the CG; Kevlar band & dacron cord TE hem; 7075 T6 LE and ribs; semi-cantilevered cross tubes and a simplified 12 minute set-up. We all knew that eventually hang gliders would be this good!

-THE SENSOR 610F WITH FLAPSWHAT YOU ALWAYS WANTED FLYING TO BE ... SEEDWINGS 41 Aero Camino Santa Barbara Ca 93117

•

Ph. 805 / 968/ 7070 Fax 805 / 968 / 0059

() 1996 Seec.lwln11s Inc. SeedwlnM5, Sensor, Tramp1mau Flap and the Sttdwln11i. loi,to are all tradema rks 11rS!!t!dwin11s Inc.

or truly independent soaring, the Cumulus ultralight motorglider is a highly refined choice: + Soar beyond 20: I, sink as slow as hang gliders + Handle with ease and authority + Zoom beyond 80 mph, or chug along at 60 for better than 200 miles on less than 5 gallons of fuel. Even better .. . shut her down and soar for miles. Then, tap the electric starter and motor home easily. > The Cum ulus is a three-year, top-tobottom design offering superb soaring compatible with hang gliders.

Call/fax

to get info on these 2 great choices.

US Aviation • 26S Ec~o ln • Soul~ St. Paut MN sso7s' USA ' Tel/fax: 612/4S0-0930

by ineteen ninety-six is over and ir's time rn n:view the res11lrs of a year's cross-country flying. It has heen a decidedly mixed year. While there have been a couple of I ()CJ.milers, only six flights of 60 miles or better were regis· tercel, and those flights were rnadc by only pilots, as Nelson Lewis made two idcnrical 67.7-milc flights. T'hc principal culprit for this rnrn of events was the pro· longed wimcr endured throughout the Region, followed hy a generally wet summer. The comesr's overall winner was Mike Nemn:m, the only orher pilot in the Region to twice break the 60 mile rlueshold last ye:ir. The winning flight of 118 miles took him from the west/southwest·· facing Ii _'.3() .. foot Avonmore, Pennsylvania sire t:o Thompsontown, PA on the Susquehanna River in the middle of state. The landing site had partirnlar signif1. cance t:o Mike, as it was from a site near there that he had made his first soaring and X--C flighLs in 1977. The most impressive thing ahont Mike's flight is tha1 it was done on a day that was quite diffi-cuh for rhc first 50 miles unril he got out of the open country and into the Appalachian Mountains near Altoona. After rhat he was cruising, seeing 1, I OOf1m1 lifr on his avcrager while dodging snow showers. It sho11 Id be noted that Ii is driver, john got to him befcJrC he was frilly broken down. That is service. Incidentally, Mike's second longest flight was 81.3 miles. Second place overall was taken with my I 00-milcr from Zirks near Cumhcrland, Maryland. It as a fine day with outstanding climb rates of 700· ] ,000 fpm, with cloudbasc at 8,800' msl. FF!lRUARY '1997

Lehmann 1Jhis year's contest had 50 competitors, the largest number of contestants ever participate. As a sign of the ti mes, there were two paraglider pilots entered... the 1997 contests will include a paragliding class. 1

However, as M ikc Neuman and I got out of the mountains cast of Front Royal, Virginia, the sky became blue in the late afternoon. Mike l,mded at Warrcmon where I copped a lucky /i()().foot, six o'clock save to gcr up and continue 011 course. The flight ended northwest of Predcricksburg under a bizarre, suddenly· appearing cloud deck possibly produced a sea breeze convergence. l had a brilliant retrieve as Chimney rcrraton was there with Mike to warch my landing al 7:00 pm. In third place overall, and the winner of rhc Mile Class, was Rich l ,awrencc. Rich promoted himself into the Open Class with a flight from North Mountain, West Virginia. The flight was a combination of ridge and thermal flying that included a couple of harrowing, low crossings of tree-filled gaps. What I like best about his flight is rhc name of the town near which he land· ed: Virginia. This is the second-longest flight from the site, the longest being one of 8/i miles by the late Bill Bennett. Rich was accompanied on the flight by his buddy Nelson Lewis who came up a

bit short of Rich, Inn still took fourth place overall with his flight of 67.7 miles. What is noteworthy about the flight is that it was an exact duplicate ofa /light he had rnade 011 the hiunh of July, a flight on which he landed in the same I 1n fifth overall, and second place i11 rhc Mile ( was Regional C:k1mpio11 Larry HuHinan. He too moves up to the Open Class next year after his flight of 63 miles from Avonmore, Pennsylvania. That represents his longest flight, and his crossing of rhc infamous Allegheny mountain barrier nc:ir Altoona, PA. Next comes Larry Ball with bis 52.6rnilc flight from the Fairgrounds. It's a flight that remains in his memory because it was l1is last flight togerlicr with Bill Bennett who was killed shortly thereafter in Ohio. Claire Pagcn follows with a 1 mile flight along the length of the Jack's Mountain ridge. It was done in csscnlially zcro--wind conditions and was one ohhc easiest nms she's had up that '] 'icd for eighth place at liG miles arc John Scott and Mitch Shipley. John's flight was a mid-summer's flight th;1t was largely blue 11nril he hit a 15-milc cloud street once he got into rhc moumains. Mitch's flight was llllllSUaJ principally hccaUSC of the late: date at which it occmrcd, November 11. Beyond irs late date, the truly extraordinary part orrhc flight is that his total dis ranee mcasmed 76. 5 miles as he cruised up and down Massanunen Moumain. After making ir to the so11thc:rn end of the ridge he anemptcd to accomplish a ncvcr-hcforc--acl1icved return to launch, but was finally shut down at 5:00 pm after a four and a h;ilr-hom flight. In I 0th place overall, and first place in the Rookie was Mark Gardner with a 39-mile J:ourth of.July flight from Woodstock. For the Regionals Mark had sent me a funny list of three non-flights, as he hadn't made a cross-cmmrry flight in the spring. I am glad rhat he has remedied rhat problem. Tied with him in 1Od1 place, and taking third in the Mile is another or the Region's more col orfol characters, John "Homer" McAllister, who landed with Mark 011 the s;imc 39-rnilc day. ln second place in the was Jeff Scruscr who manRookie what he felt to he an easy 3S

r flight from Avonmore. I was flying with him rhat day, and did not find it easy and couldn't figure out how he kept above and in front of me 1he whole rime. Well done. In third place was Marc Fink with 19.2 miles from Woodstock. After the close of the contest Marc flew somewhat further, and he, along with Mark and Jeff, will find themselves promoted into the Sixty Mile Class next year. That will leave the field clear for some of the newer Rookies such as Geoff Mumford who gor l miles on his first X-C, and Ric Niehaus who managed 14. '5 miles frorn the somewhat challenging I;isher Road site. This year's contest had 50 competitors, the largest numher of contestants to ever participate. As a sign of the times, there were two paraglider pilots entered, and while they registered no flights, it is mere· ly a matter of time before that does occur. As a result, the J 997 contests will include a paragliding class. Of the 50 competitors, 27 registered flights in the following classes: Open (1 Sixty (8) and Rookie (7). The chrouological distrihution is consistent with the historical pattern. Of the Aigh1s 15 were in the months of April and May, and if we add the two Lite March flights the 101::il of 17 fligbs in that time period accounts for (/,()!iJ of all contest flights. The concen1ration is even more cxtrerne as most of the flights took place in a four-week window between mid-April and mid-May. I point th is out as it is a partern that repeats itsclf every year, whether it be a good one or not. lf you want to go far in this Region that is the period of highest probability. So, close your business, take a vacation, acquire an illness or sell your children, but devote some effort to getting m11 at that· time of the year. Finally, the only site that was disproportionately represemed was Woodstock. That is probably because of the large number of pilots who fly it, and the good flying late in the year that permitted quite a few people to nm the ridge. Notable by their virtual absence arc die classic nonhwest, downwind sites of Zirks, 'Jemplet·on, Pulpit and Pleasant Gap. That probably had to do with the 1mus11ally late, wet and southwest conditions encountered during the April--May period. Let's hope for a more customary spring this year. II

1 NAME' Pete Lehmann Rich Lawrence Nelson Lewis Huffman Larry Ball Pa gen John Scott Mitch Shipley O) Mark Gardner John McAllister Rich Biegel Jeff Seruset Pat Brooks fohn Fenner 6) Randy Leggett 7) Jim Rowan Will Good Ralph Eckart Marc Fink Geoff Mumford Ron Dively Ric Niehaus Christy Huddle TR Johnson David Perry Jim Kolynieh Mike Chevaller Bad! Dicken

CLASS Open Open Open Sixty Open Open Open Open Roolde Sixty Rookie Open Open Sixty Open Open Sixty Rookie Rookie Open Rookie Sixty Rookie Rookie Sixty Rookie

9 GL!DliR

WWHPAT 158 1 Wills Wing Pac.Air Kiss Moyes Xtralite Moyes Xtralite 137 PacAit Klassic PacAir Klassic WWHPAT 158 PacAir I<Jassic 144w PacAir Klassic 144 Wills Wing XC l Pae.Air Klassic Moyes XS 155 Wills WingXC 155 PacAirK4 Avian Java WiUsWingXC Airborne Blade WWHPATJ PacAir Klassic 144 Wills Wing Sport Pae.Air Klassic WW Super Sport PacAir K2 TRX WillsWingXC WWHPAT 1.48 PacAir PacAir Vision Mk 4

LONGEST

DATE

SI71:'

118 100 73.7

April27 May 13 July 20 July4+20 April 21

Avonmore

63 52.6 51.5 46 46 39 39 33 3L6 30 22

21 20 19.2 17

16 11.3

8.5 8.4

7.5

Zirks

Peter's Mt. Peter's Mt. 'Templeton April Fairgrounds March '.31 Jacks Mt. August 9 Templeton Nov. l l Woodstock Woodstock July4 Woodstock July4 October 25 Woodstock Avonmore Mayl9 August 9 Templeton Avonmore April 27 March 30 Kirk's Ridge Fairgrounds April April 28 Fisher Road Sept.l Sod Parm Woodstock May 12 Nov. IJ Woodstock May 18 Avonmore Fisher Road June 1 Woodstock April 27 April 14 Jonestown Backwoods April 5 Backwoods May Woodstock April 7 Fisher Rd. 21

by ine1een was another good year for Idaho cross-country pilots as the top five places in the Open Class were all over I 00 miles and tl1e Declared ( ~oal Class was also won by a 1()().plus miler. No single launch in eastern [daho was the swcer spot this year, as King Mountain, Big Somhern Butte and Mount Harrison all provided big flights.

ln the Declared Coal Class, Ken Cavanangl1 took a day off from work on May 9 and was rewarded with a big fligh1 from Big Southern Butte. Working 20 different thermals for 45,500 feet of cumulative ;iltimdc gain he made it to ] ,ast Chance in just over three and half hours flight time. After climbing to as high as 14,770 feet and sinking out to Hi\NC CUDINC

within 1,000 leer I\(; I., he arrived at goal at l 1,'.'300 feet. Rather 1han proceed downwind and :ntcmpl to cross the snow· Continc111al Divide, he elect eel to land at his declared with a l er This night withstood all challenges for the res I of the summer. Mount Harrison turned on for Frank Gillette's ann11al Ay·in in August. Mt. Harrison provides a launch 4,000 foet above the form fields below bur is di/fo:ult lo get high on. For thm reason it is nick named Mt. H:1rrisink. Al Whitesell, Mark Mason and l<cvin Prost, along with numerous other gor a welcome Sill'·· prise this year and found themselves in booming conditions, climbing out ro challenge the limits oflcgal The got away from rhc moun·· rain and ran a line of clouds for the first '.W rniles. At the end of the first range the clouds spread out and so did the pilots. Kevin lost his radio and fell victim 10 retrieval road suck. There was very lirtle drifi to determine a rnllle, so Al and Mark with the high ground and were able to work over the next three ranges. This to he die best strategy resulting in rhe longest flights from Harrison over the past fc'.w years. Mark sunk om at the 88rnilc mark at Lava Hot Springs. Al was able to cmllinuc with a couple of' more th crm aIs l:11 c in the clay to fly past Soda Springs and rake the Open Distance Class with a 112 milcr. pilot Scott 'Th1cblood had entered both rhe Open and Classes and won the 50-Milc Class with a flight from

all flights must originate wi rhin the state of' Idaho and occur after payment of the entry fee. Conract Eiji Yokoda at (208) for more details.

out and landed hard enough to miss the rest of rhc season but he should be back next year. The ld:1ho Cross Counny Comest is open to all inrcrested X-C: pilots. 'fo be

1 (11 emdes)

Lciunch Big So. Butte

Date 5/9

Distance l 05.5

Glider Blade

(13 entries)

Ken Cavanaugh John Woiwode . Frank Yokoda Mark Mason

Launch Dr.ite 8/11 Mt. Harrison KingMtn. 6/8 Mtn. I0/4 Mtn. 5/10 King Mtn. 6/8 Big So. Butte\ KingMtn. Mtn. 8/24 Mtn. 6/29 King Mm 6/9 no flight submitted no flight submitted no Right submitted

50.. Mile Trueblood

Lttimch KingMtn.

Distance 112

109 107.5 104

104

89 69 68 20

Laminair 14 Blade K4 XC 1:12 Blade 151 Desire

140 158 Predator

Foil Poil C

(l entry)

Date 6/29

Distance

Glider Poil

mountain.

Nine pilors entered the State Record Class hur, once no pilot even within gliding disrancc of 1:rank ( 162-milc flight The prize por Jolin napwith a late-season flight. While many had rhcir for hunting season, wem into the record hooks for the late sc:;1son rnark the first l ()()-mile flight in by flying over I 07 miles from Mount;1in. Longtime flyer Dave Kriner rudely awak-· cncd the local the flrsr pilot ro break a in the mrlllllenec over Mou main. I )ave didn't get his chute Fllll~lJi\RY I ()<)7

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by US!1GA Accident Review Chairman Luen Miller 1ilc our currcm Accident Reports format doesn't lend itself well to an cxpcdicm imcrchangc of' ideas, rhc approach of this column has remained ro encourage discussion of issues by making in for-· mation on incidcms available to pilots. By broadening pilots' knowledge beyond just their personal experience we can turn an "unforeseen failure" into something accounted for beforehand. Jr you introduce any new dcmclH into an established system, even a femme, it may foil in ways that aren't obvious and drns create a new problem. Towline parachutes arc one such safety feature, imroduced to alleviate problems caused by falling towlines and to allow for rewinding the lines before they gathered debris or became fouled. Before last month I don't recall receiving more than one previous report of a problem with a towline parachmc. Then I received an interesting letter regarding a series of problems revolving around those parachutes that l thought would be valuable to pilots who tow. The author received four stars for his efforts, as well as the considerable honor of being responsible for the greater part of an Accident Reports column. Meet Craig "Yellow Dog" Austin (#35993), one of the most famous of the feared Sky I )ogs of Minnesota. Mr. Austin and his friends had some advcmurcs while towing. Let's join them as d1cy begin to use their new towline parachmes.

NOT AGAIN!

by Yl'llow 1Jog Event: A pilot climbs out afrer launching using a payout winch. Flying at a 400-500 fj,m climb rate, he smiles as tlw rate suddenly increases to 900 up. At around 500' AGL the pilot pulls the bar in to keep his climb rate under 800 l1im since he knows his weak link normally breaks at around 900. The glider Aies through the lifr after a few seconds, and the towline goes jusr slack enough to allow the tcnsion···reraincd towline parachute ro open. The chwc slaps the pilot in rhe face, then slides off' ro his lcfr between the down rube and side wire. The hy-now fully opened parachute then slides up the side wire as the pilot pulls his release. The glider yaws as ir begins to be towed "micJ . .Jefr wing" by the now-released line and its parachute. J\ half second later the

parachute collapses and p11lls through. "Free at last!" rhe pilot's mind screams as the episode ends. Only six to seven seconds had elapsed since the glider flew out of the strong Ii Ft. The pilot reportedly "kissed the ground" afrer a perfect landing. No problem, no report. Event: Another pilot tows aloft using a payout winch bur this time rhc towline parachute is in a bag on the hasctuhc. The pilor rows into 1,000 ljm1 up and pulls in a little. With rhc har pulled in somewhat, the towline parachute slips mll of the bag and opens heh ind him. The pilot continues rowing, unaware or rhc partially opened chute. He eventually releases, wondering what the flapping noise is. The parachute bumps the pilot on its way by. It: could have hooked on the keel, or rhc end of his harness, or :1 side wire, and rhcre wouldn't have been any way for himself to cut himself free. The pilot still uses the system. No problem, no report. Event: Same day, same system, same thing, hut 150 miles cast. This time the parachute opens and slaps the pilot in the face. He releases at JOO' AC L :md lands safely. This pilot quits using the system. No problem, no report? Yeah, right. I know, I'm guilty too. Lived through it, no problem, no injury, so 110 report. People need this information to survive, rn correct, and to eliminate the potential hir accidents, to tmke us all aware and hope.folly safer. So here's the report on my incident. Event: The first and last time f 11sc the para· churc hag on the basetubc. l tow to 2300' AG l., pull on the release, and m1thin' honey. Yank on it harder, nurhin' honey. l pull for all I'm worth. POP! PAlN! FEAR! MORF PAIN! The deployment line for the parachute had wrapped around the release cord while under tow, fouling it. When I get it to release, the deployment line quick as light unwinds, capturing two fingers. fr burns through my then through my skin, then ir releases. I cau't feel my fost two fi11gcrs and figure rhcy have been cm offunril l bold my hand up and sec them through the cut glove. Glad to sec you The line didn't have to let go, hut it did. "The weak link breaking wouldn't have helped bemuse l was already released! I could have been towed by my fingers tied ro my release cord. l could have been towed by my hand and arm under the basctubc. T probably wouldn't have been able to pull myself forward to cut myself away. Maybe J could have, probably not. And what if I had been using a 350·pound weak link?

Do it! Send the reports in! We all need to know, and evolve. While I've got your attention, there arc some other row issues that should be considered. Many pilots only use a single streamer at the start of the row. I am considered somewhat eccentric hec:rnsc I insist 011 srreamers for about six blocks worth of distance at the stan of a tow. We don't unless all the streamers arc looking good. seen too many scary incidents not ro rry to avoid unforeseen rurbulcncc when still low on row. In one of the incidents above, the pilm, like a lot of pilots l know in tends toward a stronger weak link instead ofa weaker one. He flies with a 350-ponnd weak link even though his weight plus glider is only 260 pounds. Pilots who experience failure of a strong weak link often find om just how much rnergy is stored in the system. J have seen gliders perform some radical maneuvers and even near-loop afrcr such releases. Many pilors who have to use short tow roads use higher pressmes or stronger weak links in order to get as high as possible before the end of rhc road. Those things add up and eventually you can have a serious problem. Ir is important for pilots to be able ro share the experiences of those who have had those prob-· lems. Send in the reports!

1995 ACCIDENT SUMMARY A summary of all accidents reported or collected by the Accident Review Committee for the year 1995 has finally undergone its final edit and is ready for disrribmion. These accident descriptions arc similar ro those prcr,:ircd by other organizations, such as the British Hang c;liding and Paragliding Association, exccpr rhat rhc incidents arc described in more detail and grouped according ro categories. This 27-page document has been prepared and made available for the expressed purpose or nying ro bring others interested in hang gliding safety inro the accident review process. Hopefully this compilation will he available in the fmurc as well. By pooling dat:1 from several years, thus examining larger numbers of incidcms wirb similar root causes, we may be able to make berrcr suggcsrions as to how to interrupt the sequence of cvems rhat lead ro those accidents. All requests will be processed through rhc USf IGA oflicc. Send $2.00 to cover copying, mailing and handling costs. Assuming a fovorablc reception of this first effort, the summary for 1996 should be available by spring of 1997.1111 1-IANC GLIDINC

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is nestled ma narrow valley bordered on the easr by Mont SL. Pierre (1,340 feet), on the north by the St. Lawrence River, and on the west by Mont George (1,300 feet). The most-used launches are situated on .Mom St. Pierre (north, northwest, west and south), and the rmin takeoff is a cliff launch (Hang IV required). Most flights involve flying over Mom St. Pierre Bay. The sfre is well known for its beau ti··

fi.11 scenery, and a few years ago some Can;:idian pilots named this area "The Hawaii of the Easr." The valley and the French-speaking population combine to create a European atmosphere.

fn May and June it's possible to observe whales looking for fciod while you arc flying, and at the end ofJuly Mont St. Pierre hosts the "Festival du Vol Libre" (Festival of Free Flight). This year the event will celebrate its 20th anniversary. The fcsti· val is a friendly gathering visited by pilots from all over eastern Canada. Some of our pilots have not missed a Festival in 1') Sometimes, when the sea breeze is blowing gently and winds from the southwest ;ire strong, a phc nomenon known as "vent magiquc" (magic wind) takes place. If you arc airborne at this time it's possible LO achieve an effortless, lengthy flight. Th.: lift is everywhere in the

and you can go wherev-

er you like without having to thermal. Pilots have taken advantage of these conditions ro set site duration records (8 hrs. 40 rnins. for hang gliding, 9 hrs. 20 mins. for par;1gliding). Beginning last year aero towing was also made avail,1ble ,lt Mont St. Pierre. ln past years many of our sonthern neighbors from New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and ·rcnncsscc have visited and enjoyed flying with us, and we would like to extend a warm welcome to American pilots again this year. The local

arc

always eager to make new friends and share the skies over Mom St. Pierre. Accommodations are available for all budgets (there are motels, campgrounds and a youth hostel), and don't worry if you don't speak French; many people speak English in our area.

come

and visit or plan to aLtend the Festival du Vol [ ,ibrc in l 997. Keep an eye on the Calendar of Fvcnts in this magazine for details.

For more infrmnation contttct A!rtin (4 J8) or (118) SJwHdl, Club

HIDDENITE, by Brent MCarter

ever ro do it, now is a good time. I've enjoyed helping Brad get the park started. I've basically handled the public rclarions, helping convince the old mountain pilots to try ;ierotowi11g. I'm more of a salesman while Brad is a '\hut up and fly" kind of guy. Fddie /\11drews (senior hang glider pilot and machinist) and Brad worked closely with Bob Bailey during the fin;il stages the tug assembly and test-flight phase. Brad's involvemem with Quest Air, Bob Bailey and Bill Moyes has allowed him 10 "jump right in" and tow the local hang glider pilots like he was born to do it. Based on Brad's history I never expected anything less. In Brad is a professional engineer with a degree in mechanical engineering. I le knows quite a hit about aircraft and Aying in general. I le has been involved in the design, construction and testing of aircraft and aviation-related devices, ;md has done R&D work for the U.S. /\rmy among other things. Brad is also the inventor of the transducer rhar converts wcighr ..shifr movements into clccrronic signals for hang gliding simulators (U.S. Patent Brad learned to before he learned to drive a car. He has been flying vanous a1rcrafr for more than 20 years and now is interested in the foture of e). ultralight I 1e1v ori (a r;ra11c 1 soaring crafr. /\II his stick and rudder experience, in con .. junction with the cxccllcnr Dragonfly tow training he received at Quest Air, kis given the pilots at the Foothills Flight Park a feeling of confrdcnce in him. Once the Park reaches the capacity that Brad has plans for, it will be a soaring vacation cen .. ter located midway between Kitty Hawk and Lookout Mountain. Many of the local pilots have disrnssed the need for this rypc: flight park for years, bm until Joe came we did not along with the] know how to access the beautiful cloud streets that the sailplane pilots have been taking advantage of for years. 'fhe Piedmont region ofNorrh

inally, afrer almost two years of ning, foothills Flight Park is to life. lt all started back in 1995 when I was on the phone with Juan of Moyes California discussing how great my new Xtraliltc 1 flew. Jmm mentioned that Hungary Joe was touring the U.S. in a moror home on a mission to demonstrate bow the Bailey.. Moyes Dragonfly would change the future of hang gliding forever. We worked our the details and Joe stopped at Crydcr's Acrodome in Hiddenite, North Carolina few days later. Most of the local pilots never towed behind a Dragonfly before, which meant that those pilots without an aerotow rating had to go through the required ground school and instmcl'ional

Alex Moestl getting plenty of'assist,mr:e prior solo tow.

flights. The ground school was taught by Joe and Cindy, his wife. Before Joe left the area every pilot who wanted a cross.. country flight had logged one, and in most cases their flights greatly exceeded their expectations. I personally logged a 55 .. mile flight. This was my first cross .. country without the crmch of mountains to provide ridge lifr. The amazing thing was that T found flatland cross--country flying to be much easier and more rewarding than mountain flying, although J do love the latter. I know that Joe's Dragonfly demo is a good sales technique because Brad Gryder (a fellow hang glider pi lot and visionary extraordinaire) bought one! 1:-k trnly believed that he could make this thing work in our area. Brad and f ocrn .. sionally discussed the park concept for about a year after Joe's visit. Brad made a mid-winter trip to Horida in January 1996 frir a flying vacation. When he returned, he told me he had decided to order a rug ;ind get serious abom the flight park idea. Looking back, J guess the whole idea was the product of a mid-life crisis syndrome you know, "ff

I li\Nc; CIIDINC

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Carolina is thc:rmal-gc:nc:rator heaven, and once: you gel rowed up to 2,500 feet behind die Dragonfly there arc [ Z's as for as the eye can sec:. This place is definitely a confidence builder ftH pilots of all skill levels. Brad has mentioned pbns for competitions that will involve typical tasks such as rurnpoints, patterns and race-to-goal. As all the local pilors have known for years, this area has great cross-country potential which has only been tapped by the top pilots. The longest cross-country flights of record have been achieved by nationally ranked competitors like Nelson Howe, B11bha Goodman, Vince Furrer, \Xlarren Simonsen and rhc late Stuart Smith. (Although there has been an untold number of flights by the local guys who choose fun flying over competition.) Another great thing about Foot Hills Flight Park is that rhere is no "product rivalry." l foci that this rivalry has caused way too much unnecessary grief among the brethren of the sport. l appreciate all gliders as long as they arc HGMA ccni fled. Tn 1995 l had the opportunity to compete in rhc Hobbs 'fow jam, where I was told from the beginning that "product rivalry" was not allowed and T loved it! What a breath of fresh air! The love of hang gliding was evident everywhere; never once did I witness any

Alex Moestl prepares for solo tow. behavior that caused hard feelings over glider n,·,,1""1·0rn-r "Redline the h.m meter while putting safc:ry first" is the philosophy at Foothills Flight Park, and everyone is welcome. The weekend of November 16-17, 1996 Campbell Bowen ca.me up from Quest Air to help us kick things off. Thanks to Campbell and Quest Air, and also to

Bob Bailey and Bill Moyes for having the vision ro develop the Dragonfly, which has opened up hang gliding in areas that previously only offorcd limited access to the sky.

'J 'he author may be contacted at 9933, Foothill, Night Pitrk, White Plains Rd., Hiddcnite, NC 28636. •

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HANC GUDINC

When

San Juan appeared on my convention schedule last summer I remembered a note I'd seen in the Update column in Hang Gliding (October 1994). The note announced that Ricky Rojas had set a new Puerto Rican cross-country record of 44.7 miles, indicating that hang gliding was alive and well on this Shining Scar of the Caribbean. Always trying to mix a little business with a healthy dose of pleasure, I cross-referenced the information from the magazine with that available from the Internet site guide. Cubuy was the only site listed, and Ricky Rojas was the only contact, bur in tl1e coming days I would become well acquainted with both. As a busy instructor Ricky is always on the move, and I wasn't able to track him down until the night before I left Baltimore. When we finally connected I could tell right away that I was in for a good time. We talked for a while, and when I finally got around to the awkward question of renting a glider, Ricky hesitated a little and said that he didn't normally rent gliders. But just as I envisioned lugging my

A grand over Cubuy waiting/or Ricky to launch. The switchback road to the right oflaunch has been temporarily washed out by hurricane Marilyn, Bertha, Horteme, etc.

oversized baggage through yet another airport, Ricky added, "Bur I do have one you can borrow." As if that weren't enough, Ricky offered to escort me to Cubuy from San Juan because he thought the site might be hard for a first-time visitor to find. I arrived in San Juan the next day with all my gear, rented a car, and too excited to wait for an escort, headed our witl1 the directions I'd retrieved from the site guide. Thirty minutes lacer I was lost. But armed with the one Spanish phrase I needed, I asked a local cop, "Donde volan las chiringas?" (Where do the hang gliders fly?) The cop smiled and said, "Ah, Ricky Rojas," and flipped through a little black book to confirm Ricky's cell phone number for me. I gave Ricky a call, he got me back on track and in another 30 minutes I arrived at launch. Cubuy is a relatively bald spot at 1,400' agl on an otherwise heavily forested section of the Luquillo Mountain Range at the eastern end of the island. But it's nor bald by accident. Ricky and his friends cleared the forest, brought in the bulldozers, graded the earth and then planted the perfect,

Julio Rodriguez kicks up into his pod after launching his Firebird

lllllll!!lllii"--~~~~~-'-~~......a..~.;;..;..~:.._~~.Ja.--atCubuy grassy slope. And it is from chis wellrounded knoll chat Ricky has launched so many pilots and, quite literally, the sport of hang gliding in Puerto Rico. Bue to appreciate how Cubuy evolved into chis thriving flight park we have to roll back the clock and reflect upon Ricky's humble entry into the sport. It all started very innocently. In August of 1989 Ricky was scanning the magazine rack of a local bookstore for the latest issue of Car And Driver and spotted an issue of Hang Gliding instead. Flipping through it, he saw an advertisement for Lookout Mountain Flight Park (LMFP), sent off a dollar for their brochure, and started planning a winter vacation to learn how to fly. A few months lacer, in January 1990, Ricky flew to Miami, stopped in briefly to see his aunt, and then drove directly to LMFP, arriving in the LZ at 2:00 am. Lacer chat morning he signed up for a Hang II package, training with Paul Thornsburry. The first day he took five flights on a Raven 209 from the cop of their small training hill and landed on his feet every time. That first day changed the course of

Ricky's life. His training progressed quickly, and within two weeks he had purchased a Mark N and was flying it from the top of the mountain. Leaving behind the security of his job as a sales representative with Sherwin Williams in San Juan, Ricky bought a $20 tent at K-Marc and spent the next three months sleeping in the LMFP LZ and flying every chance he got. Man Taber then offered Ricky a job instructing, and with the job came a change of address: He moved out of his rotting tent in the LZ and started sleeping on the floor of Marc's bike shop. Ricky worked at LMFP through the end of 1991 with 1,500 hours of teaching to his credit and 300 hours of flight time logged at 19 sites and on 21 different gliders. He headed back home to San Juan with his Hang IV, Tandem I and Advanced Instructor ratings, determined ro make it as a full-time instructor in Puerto Rico or return to LMFP. He negotiated a training hill and recruited enthusiastic students almost immediately. Bue what sore of flying environment had he returned co? The native

Ricky Rojas is interviewed by former Miss Unive1'se, Deborah Carty Deou, for a local television program just prior to launch.

Alberto de Jesus "Tarzan" Peraza (center) strategizes about how to get his Klassic back on the ground.

pilot population consisted of three pilots wbo didn't know how to thermal and had no cross-country experience. 'l'he only existing site was a 350-foot cliff launch pio-· neered by Leo Buchanon, a demist stationed at Ramey Air Poree Base. And although that site was ofren soarahle ic wasn't suitable for Novice pilots. Ricky found another cliff launch, "La Casita," bur it didn't face the prevailing wind. So the search continued for a consistent soaring site that would also accommodate his I fang II's. Eventually Ricky found Cubuy from the descriptions of expatriate pilots who had flown there in the early I 980's. 'fhe launch faced south but was set at the hack of a large bowl that funneled the wind straight in, regardless of the true wind direction. 'There was plenty of property in the valley at a 4: 1 glide, and a road to the lefr of launch allowed for an cigl11-minme retrieval. He leased the property for a year in J 992 and then bought rhe 1 I acre parcel in 1993 thus, Cu buy Flight Park was born. [n 1994 Ricky purchased a tractor trailer and had it permanently installed at the

edge of the sct·up area for glider storage. So, for $10/ month pilots can now keep their wings on-site. He has since added a workshop and and soon will have indoor plumbing as weH. As I arrived a1 Cu buy that flrst day T saw at least a dozen pilots enjoying the fruits of their labor. 'fherc was Ricky, clear ly in his clement, helping to crew for some follow pilots. Cloudbase was pretty low and most pilots were heading out into the valley or down the ridge, but when everyone else had launched, Ricky and f decided to it a try and headed over to the storage nail er t:o pull out our gliders.

Just then, the son of one of' the pilots drove up looking alarmed and said that some locals had seen a glider go down in the trees. Ricky got on his two-meter right away, trying l"O account frir everyone's whereabouts, but line-ofsight radio has its limitations in Puerto Rico just like every· where else. We jumped in Ricky's 1ruck and headed clown the mountain, scanning the rree line for any of a glider. A few minutes later we were guided to the spot by some locals, and quickly learned that the pilot was fine. So we grabbed some machetes to help extract the glider from the dense underbrush and grabbed the camcorder lc>r posterity. It seems that Alberto, a very competent [mcnncdiatc pilot, had succumbed to clouclsuck and whiteout. When the cloud finally spar him out he was behind one of the spines and couldn't get back to the I so he cm his losses and spiraled down to land on the softest canopy he could flnd, about 20 feet off the ground. In a flurry of Spanish, Alberto was immediately branded the new nickname "'farzan" by his friends, bm two hours later we had his Klassic om of the trees, inspected, and ready to fly again. Ricky and [ bunched imo the evening glass-off and flew fi.)r half an hour before l ran out oflift. At that point, Ricky rnt his flight short just to demonstrate, for me, rhc preferred approach to the I Z. (ffow many pilots do you know who would do that?) l fol· lowed him in and Alberto w;is close behind, landing with another no·steppcr, but this time on the ground. While we were

waiting for our retrieve we headed to the bar next door for a cold one. I was glad to see rhat the post-flight beer is a timc-11011ored tradirion in Puerto Rico just as it is back home. But my respect for the tradi-rion grew in Puerto Rico. Everywhere we stopped, d1c beer was served just on the edge of freezing. The bottles were so cold that they would frost up from the neck down on their way out of 1hc cooler, and, gowned in ice, these 12-ounce beauties are rcforred to by rhc locals as "Vcstidas de Novias" (she's in a wedding dress). And so it was in marriage that l ended my first exciting day of flying in Pnerto Rico. The tree-landing was a rare event, and Ricky is justifiably proud of the safety record the Puerto Rican pilots have maintained. In fact, the only injuries in Puerto IZico have been tbosc sustained by visiting pilor., (you know who you arc) but even those have hcen relatively minor. Following the only hang gliding-related death in Puerto Rico in 1991, Ricky and some other local pilots recognized the beneflt of providing more stnJCtlll'e for the Puerto Rican flying community. So, in addition to their starns as members of' USH GA's Region I 0, Ricky, Javier Romero, Pedro Rodriguez, Edwin Fomanez and Ignacio Montanez formed the Fcdcraci6n de Vuclo Lihrc de Puerto Rico (Free Flight Federation of' Puerto Rico). Some time later, with the help of Max Bishop and a $2,600 annual foe, Ricky won recognition for this body as an official arm of the Federation Aeronamiquc Internationale, which allows Puerto Rico the freedom to fly :.is a separate entity in world competition. Ricky took advantage of rh;it opportunity to compete in Ager, Spain in 1995 and managed to raise $20,000 in corporate sponsorship (American Airlines, Pepsi and Alpla Caribc) to finance the Puerto Rican World Team (seven pilots and a driver). Although only one pilor made it to the finals, Ricky' s HANC CLIDING

efforts speak volumes about the derennination of the Puerto Rican team and his per· sonal dedication to promoting the sport. The next day, with a better sense of direction, I got an earlier start and arrived at launch in time to take advantage of peak mid--day thermal conditions. The Sport I'd borrowed the day hefore wasn't available, so Ricky lent me his XC! "l'he winds were foir!y strong and my new friends provided a full wire ,1ssist. When I heard "positivo" on both wings I cleared and twanged off the hill. Soon I was 2,000 foet over at cloud base waiting for ro launch the Spectrum he was test--nying for a custorner. (In case you haven't guessed, this is Wills Wing country.) The evening bcfc.ire, Ricky had pointed om the alternate I Z's and retrieval points that dotted the valley for several miles down the ridge ro the west. So rhis day I was hoping to follow Ricky olll for a lirrlc cross-country tour. As it happened, I lost visual and radio comacr with him and ended up jusl tooling around launch for an hour or so. Many of the other pilots speak English bm none of them were in the air that day, ;111d f starred feeling prcny stupid for cutting all those Sprmish classes in high school. When l got flushed I circled back down to that familiar territory and landed with a technical heak a mild disappointment considering I he rest of rhc flight, fol. lowed by the sudden realization that ir was Sunday, the bar was closed and the best we could do was a round of post--fligl11 Snapplcs. Argh ... the honeymoon was over, but it was still a great day with Ricky end-· ing up l O miles or so down the valley. During rhc retrieve, Ricky told me that a local television reporter, Deborah Deou (forrncr Miss I had been touring rhe island filming stories ahom regional anracrions. She had set up an appointmcm ro film a story at Cubuy on· focsday morning and Ricky wanted to do his hest to flll the wirh pilots. on 'Tbcsday I arrived, signed my waiver (promising not to sue the TV station ifl gor killed) and set up behind Ricky. Deborah interviewed Ricky for 20 minutes or so and then he launched for wha1 looked like a sled ride. /\s he headed out to the LZ ] launched and scratched around our from fc)r my l minutes of fame. But thermal conditions weren't as strong as they had been over the weekend, and the wind in the bowl was a little cross, so my flight only lasted 30 minutes. As usual, Ricky manFIRRLJJ\RY 1997

aged to work his way 11p and flew down the valley for a pretty decent X.-C flight. '] 'he daily routine of morning instruc· tion and afrernoon soaring has served Ricky well during his career as an emerging competition pilor. Year bdi.Jrc last he ranked 80rl1 nationally, but last year his goal was to cut rhat ranking in half: and by at l )inosaur he was well on his way. Although my total flight time on this trip wasn't spectacular, it wasn't bad considthe last··rninute arrangements, and, regardless, I had a great time. However, the real story here lies in one man's vision 10 build the sport of hang gliding in Puerto Rico. 'lrl date Ricky has trained 106 Novice pilots on the island, averages 100 in1roductory lessons a year, and schedules sn1dcnts four to flvc days per week. The current site records (Ricky's X-C: of44.7 miles, Rohen Rumph's maximum altitude gain to 6,000' msl and Nelson Franqui/ durarion fligl11 of seven hours and l 5 minutes) arc destined to be broken by this next generation or pilots. /\ncl, as the pilot population grows, Ricky is thinking ahead and exploring additional sites. Having recently opened one in Salinas, a drier region 01 southern Puerto Rico, he may be able to capture those :-30-60 days per year when weather prcvcnrs him from C:ubuy. With nearly year-round soaring conditions, Ricky's modest instrnction rates and cheap airforcs to Puerto Rico, ir's easy to imagine Cub11y competing with some of the established flight parks in the Northern 18. So, while the 'lt:rritory ofl\1erto Rico may struggle to define its unsetrled relationship with the rest of rhc United States, there is no question that her hang glider pilots have found themselves a permanent home. I don't know if it's island culture or just my dumh luck, hut between Maui and Puerto Rico I've met some of the best pco· pie this sport has to offer, and Ricky Rojas is one of diem. For more information about die Fcderacion de Vuclo l .ibrc or flying in Puerto Rico comact:

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DESIGN 110 I Glendora Ave CA 94602. IO 531 2.261 5318

Ricky Rojas Caribbean /\irspons Pavillion Courr 20-C Huo Rey, Puerto Rico 0091 8 'frl. (809) 396-5262 Fax (809) I

IIANG Cl.JDINC ADVISCWY Used hang should always be disassembled before flying fost time and inspected carcfitlly for fatigued, bent or dented downruhes, mined bushings, bent bolts (cspc· cially the heart bolt), re·used Nyloc nuts, loose thim· hies, i'r'1yed or rnstcd cables, tangs with noll··cirrnlar holes, and 011 flex wings, s;1ils badly torn or torn loose from their anchor points front and back on the keel and leading edges. If in doubt, many businesses will be happy to give an on the condition of equipment you them rn inspect. Buyers should select equipment that is apprnpriate for their skill level or rating. New pilots should seek prnfossional instruction from a lJSHGA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR.

J!iO, 170, 195, FALCONS Wallaby Ranch (')/i 1) li2A-0070.

new and used.

!'Al.CONS Cl.FARANC:E SALF School use, one season. All sizes $I, 500-$1, 'JOO. (111) 17:J.8800. l'l.Y TWO '')5 PacAir tandem glider, one season, top shape $2,GOO. (Ii I Ii) 473 .8800.

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Double·surfacc for small pilot. $8()(). $1,200 including iuspecrion. (520) T12·1 l 1Ii.

!TARRIER II lT/ For parts or rework. Fair sail, OK, all battcus OK, frame mhing like new (21.'l) li83,2156.

FLEX WINGS AIRBORNE SI !ARK, Bl.ADE RACE, STINC, BUZZ. New and nearly new. Demo daily. TIIF WALLABY RAN(] I (9/i l) li2/i·0070. AIRBORNE SPAIH:S USA SIIARKS, BLADE RACES, STING Xe's & TRIKES. l':rcrnry direct parts and gliders. Most in STOCK. (211) 313,681 (,, (21 Ii) 3/i() .. ')') I I. Credit cards welcome. Cood shape $2.,000. (Ii H)

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DOUBI.E VISIONS & FI.Y2 Wallaby Ranch (9/i I) li2A 0070.

New and used.

DH.FAM 220 or taudetn. Only $900 including inspection. (520) T72·1111. DREAMS CLEARANCE SALF ··- lli5 & 18'i. Raven Sky Sports (Ii 11) /i'/}·8800.

I !PAT lli5 --· Fxcellertt condition $1,100 including inspection. (520) T72 Ii 11 I !PAT 1 'i8 Mint, excellent condition, <6 hours $1,300 OllU. Call Doug Marbomg (50'i) ')83-.3574.

l ll'AT 158 It! Iii.

l.ikc new, face. Must sell .make offor (glider (106) '728· 1926, c:tllrnlv1\wl.corn M< lYFS XTRAI.ITE I li7 Mylar sail, one year old, superb condition, extra downn1h,\ & out-· sinks abom everything P., 'iOO. ((, 19) li73,%6 I. MOYES XTRALITE ····- XS, XS3, XT, XL New and nearly new. AvaiLtlilc immediately. Nation's largest Moyes dealer. TllE WALLABY RANCH (911) 12/i· 0070. PUI . SE 9M ..... Mint condition, w/ncw helmet &. w:1tcrproof \,:tg, 30 hours, yellow/white $2,.100 ncgo· riahk. 1.ori (8 H) 885 .. (, 125. PULSE I OM l'crfrct condition, 15 hours, blue/black/green $2,:rno. (916) ')2'!·')')3/i. RAMAIR l!i6 ..... Fxcellent co11dition, musr sell $1,800. (80'i) T73 5292.

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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:

Well maintained $ J ,!iOO. (707)

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SECTION U Flex Wings :J Emergency Paract1utes IJ Parts & Accessories IJ Business & Employment IJ Miscellaneous IJ Paragliders IJ Videos

IJ Towing :J Schools & Dealers lJ Ultralights IJ Rigid Wings IJ Publications & Organizations lJ Wanted CJ Harnesses

Begin with 19 issue and run for ...._ ..-.... - ..-· consecutive issue(s). My IJ check, IJ money order is enclosed in the amount of$ NAME: ADDRESS:

Number of words: Number of

@$.50

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

HANC GUDINC

s RJ\MA IR I 5/i (6 I')) 561 1009.

J las to go! Cood shape $1,500.

RJ\MJ\ IR 1 '5/i Excellent condition, custom sail, aramid LE, extra downtuhc $'2,700 OB() includes fins. (808) :l%G')0(1 l law,1ii. RARE! RARF! RJ\IU:1 Brand new PACAIR MARK IV! 9 Cor immediate sale hy owner. Never whacked, ouly f'om hours airtime. Thermals like a dn:atn, ideal for nnvicc and intermediate soarcrs $2,:JOO OBO. Also: brand new I ligh Fnergy Tracer harness w/paraclrnte, Kevlar l'ttl\ .f'acc hclmcl, never used i\ircotec Alibi vario ... ;i\\ new, all grc:ll prices. Rick O I 0) 3021100 or rickybaby~i'juno.com SENSOR 61 OF Excellent condition, IJO honrs, selling om, will ship $2,!iOO 01\0. Day (861) 2JIJ. 7800, eve (86/i) 8:lli 5067. Sl!OP CLFJ\RANCE Si\LF UP COMET II \(,5, \JP C:omct II 18'i, WW I larricrl I WW Duck, all cxcellc:111 shap<:. MlJSFlJM l'IECFS: /\II flyable; Seagull 10m, Seagull 9111, Flcxi Floater, Bohcat. NFFD WORK: Dream I Wi, Phoenix 6D. $1,900 TAKES /\IL (616) 922,28/ili. Sl'FC:TRUM t/i,i 20 hours, excellent condition $1,iWO. 13 l,arness, 5'8" w/paraclu11c $:JOO. l'lytec 3005 $200. All for $7, I 00. (708) 9'i1 1281 Chicago. SPECTRUM lli/i I .ow homs, s1orcd since 1')9:l in Pi\, $7,000 OBO. ('717) Tl7·1087. SPECTR\JMS & VISIONS Bo11gh1 ,SoJd.'J'radcd. Raven Sky Spor1s (Ii 1Ii) liTl 8800.

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XC l 55 · I')% demo, NF.W condition, offer. 003)

I.Al.ER (,'-(,'Ii", NEW, 1tever Jlown, extra pockc1s and storage, will ship $600 OBO. (861) 1nfi.'S0(1/.

!i!\li 5/i55. XTRAI.ITE lli7 -· c:ood coudi1ion, blacknwhitc, myLir $1,500. (g I :l) 52(, 367.9 Florida. XTRi\l.lTE Iii') .. New in '96, 20 hours, excellenl shape, fluorcscc111 yellow. $5,!iOO new, li:1,800 firm ((,19) 5(,\,1009. XTRi\l.lTF 15."l New iu '%, 25 hours, mint shape. fluoresccnl yellow/orange. $5/iOO new, $3,800 firm ((,19) 5(,J 1009. SUl'ERSl'ORT H3. .. .... .75 hours ...... $ l ,(i50 SPORT I 67 J\ ... . ... 75 hours ...... $1,300 Fi\l.CON 225. ..25 hours. $2,200 Kl .i\SSJC 1(,6... .. .......... 10 ho111s ... $1,:JOO KI.J\SSIC \l $ ....................... '50 hours.. .$2,700 FINSTFRW/\1.IJFR l'lJNFFX 129 .$/iOO V11lime Clidcrs (801) 25IJ.(,Jfil

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TREKKING MIURA I 995, XI., intmncdi,11,·, VERY STABLF. & FUN TO !'LY, 200,250\b.s, ., I 0 hours, includes Arr wing harness $I, 500. Paul (320) 2/i0-9126.

\JI' STF.1.1.AR 25 '97., exccllmt condition, rnus1 sell $500. (IJ06) 586-H,2.0, e mail: satin('.hmo11tan;1.c11np11s.mci.11ct

RIGID WINGS EMERGI·NCY PARA(:! !UTES

/\LI. BRANDS Bought, sold, and repacked. I nspcct iou and repack $2 5-:U 5. l'araclrn tcs, bridles, inspencd and replaced, parnswivd, installed. AIR· TIME OF SAN FRANCISCO, %20 Wawona, S,m l'Ltncisco, C:i\ 9/i 116. (Ii 15) SKY 117'1.

2/i CORF !'])/\ .. With swivel for tandem $520 OBO. (Ii Iii) !i/l-8800

SUPER.FLOATER Ul.TRAl.!GIIT SAIT.Pl.i\NE Two in s10ck, avail:tblc for 1est flights, /\lien TX (near Dallas). (214) 99(i T706 weekdays, (972) 390-9090 evenings & wcckcnd:-i. ULTRAl.lCIITS J\IRBORNE EDCE TRIKF. 19%, 582 Ro1:1x, fol ly equipped, acrorows great wirh dolly, hours $I'), 500. (605) 5/i) .. /i/i I 6.

I IARNESSES

BUILD/FLY Your own BACKPJ\CK POW· ERED PARACHUTE /,,r /i11i/prn/11. Takes off Crom level ground unassis1cd. Safe, simple, incxpcusive. De1ailed hook with sources. Now only $19.9'i. Easy Up, I 089 Mcdl,,rd Ccntcr 117.!ilig, Medford OR 9/ 50/i.

SPORT 167 Co"'\ condi1ion. llavc bahy·mus1 sell' $500. (GO I) 85\·21 11 SUl'ERSPORT llil (;ood rnndi1io11, collapsing speed bar, new wircs, {lies greal $1,500. (Ii 12) '5538.

I .ook under New York.

SlJl'ERSPORT 1/i'.l I.ow hours, cxcellcnl condi · 1io11, brigh1 red/white/blue$ I ,'JOO OllO. (:l01) 729 0713.

IKJ\ROS S.J\.

TRX 110 $1,200. Klassic 155 $1,000. Trimble l'lightm:uc $250. (20')) 878 .. ()2/i9.

TANDEM lNSTRlJCTOR Wi\NTl-:ll hn hoat tow .-;chool in Florida. ( ;rcat pay, living accomrnodat ions as needed, busy winter sea.son. Airhorn Wa1crsports ('JOii) 650 <l6:l8 airhornGJlbeachlift:.net

WANTE!l

UP XTC 1(,'I .._. Mint, ex1ra downt11hcs and hasc· 1uhc, collapsing spccdbar. Musi sci] $1,000. (910) 2n

TRJ\INJNC: Cl.II lERS J\nd equipme,11, tow ng, school ecp1ip111cnt ('J 16) 587.. 8/i(,8.

VISION MKIV 17 - Red I.E, yellow&. whi1e, f\rca1 $1,000 (520) 717-1391

dition, saJ,,.cdge downtuhes. comfort har, mylar lead· ing edges $1,l'iO. (520) Tl(,.8987. VISIONS & Sl'E< :TRUMS .... Bough1 Sold l'radcd. !Zaven Sky Sports (Ii I Ii) /iT).8800.

XC Vi5 l.ll<E NEW, RED/WlllTE & BLUE, WINGI.ETS INCUJDED $2,:l99 OBO. (C,19) 9/i1·· 3562.

FEllRlJMlY

I 997

SCHOOLS & DE/\LFRS

I.A/1:.R $769 JFTSTIU:J\M $789 Both harnesses arc with 1hc same body. The diflcrenrcs arc in the framcs · the I.al.er being flexible and tltc Je1strc:11n being a Cull l,ack,fi-:11ne "comp" harness. Via :1 conversion kit, either harness can he converted i-o the other (yo11 virtually get two harnesses in one). Airtime ol S:m hancisrn (Ii 15) 759-1 I Tl, fox (Ii 15) 75'). 1182, crnai] :iini1nc(11)11iobius.rn·1

ALABAMA CLOUDI\J\SE CORP.

dba Rockc1 C:i,y Airspons.

Sales. JT111ab, service and certified instruction at Keel

Mounrain, Cmley, i\l:1barna. For informa1ion send SASE and $1 10 PO Box !in, (:urlcy /\I. :35'/fig. (}O'i) 1180 8512, (205) 716·'!') I IOOl<OUT MOUNTAIN l'LICI J'J' PARK

ad under ( ;corgi;1.

Sec

THE 11/\NG GLIDING CENTER Located in hcami/'ul San Diego. Hang and paragliding instrucrion, sales and service, condl!cted at TORREY PINES and local mountains. Spend your wimer vaca· tion flying with lls. Demo our line of' gliders and cqlliprncnt at the always convenient and world Limo11s TORREY PINES. \Xie proudly offer !CARO (LJ\MTNJ\R ST), MOYES (SX), PACIFIC AIR WAVE (CONCEPT), WILLS WING (XC) and all kinds of sniff. Makers of' rhe DROGUE CHUTE. 8615 hinira Dr., Santee CA 92071, (6l9) 562-1009.

ARIZONA HANG GI ,!DING CENTER INC. We arc a full-time, FULL SERVICE bang gliding shop located just minutes from the BEST site in J\rizoua, Mingus Ivfountain. We have the most com·· prchcnsivc u1ndcrn trnining program av:1ilahle and can teach you 10 be a Si\PE pilot in less time! We stock

gliders, harnesses and instru111cms from \XliJls, Paci\ir, Moyes, Plytcc, llall, High Fncrgy, C(; and many more! We need yom trade-ins. Cer1i/1cd insrructor Roh Richardson. 353 FLYABLE DAYS LASTYEJ\R! l 50 L So111h l 69 Dewey AZ B<,:l27 520 632-!i l 14 ahgc~'Jnortl,I ink.com

l llGI I ADVFNTURF l l:ing gliding, paragliding school. Eq(]ipment sales, service, rentals ar Southern California's mile high site, Crestline. lJSHGJ\ lnstrncrnr Rob McKenzie. lly appoi11tmc11t year rou11d. (909) 883-8ii88.

ARKANSAS 0/.ARK MOlJNTJ\JN I IANC CJ .]])ERS Sales, service and instruction. 160 Johmron Rd, Searcy AR 721/il. (501) 27') 2/i80.

31401 Riverside Or.

CALIFORNIA

92530 909-674-2453

ADVENTURES UNT.IMTTED Orange County's school. USHCA ccnificd instTl!ction and GUI·· specialist. New & used equiprnenr, Wills \X!ing dealer. (llli) li%-8000. AIRTIME OF SAN FRANCISCO HANG Gl.!DlNG & PARAGLIDING. Harness manufocrnrer and repair specialists. USHGA paragliding instruction, tandem. /\II major brands of paragliding and hang gliding equip111clll (new and used). Next to Fon Funston. The only full service shop in San hancisco! .%20 Wawona, San Francisco Ci\ 'J/il 1(,.

(Ii 15) 759-11 FLY A\Xii\ Y Jiang gliding, Santa Barbara, US! !CA ccrri/Jed insrrucrion. Tammy llurcar (80'\) % l-?./(,6.

in the wesr! Full service shop, csrabl ished I 97 Ii. PO Box Ci\ 931 /i() .. 13}'), (805) %5-373.'l.

here. 54

FULL SERVICE SHOP Located on I lwy 71 at the base of the Sama Ana mountain range. Pro11dly rcprcsenring ALL major brands. Rentals available to qualified pilors. Open 6 days a week 9am-Sprn, closed on Mondays. Visa/Mastercard/American Express. MAGIC /\JR and paragliding. Located in Northern Lessons, sales, service. USHGJ\ certified rowing i11strucrion. Landing and thermal clinics. (7()7) 965-0lt 11, (707) 963·'H55.

Our comprehensive instrnction program, locared at

rhe Bay Area's premier training site, fcatmcs gently sloped "bunny hills," winch towing, superlite gliders and comfortable training harnesses! "FIRST FLJCHT," a video of our lesson program, is for only $20 ping (m11y he applied to Our deluxe retail shop the latest in hang gliding innovarions. We stock new, used and demo, Trade-ins arc welcome. Feel Wills and Paci\ir free to demo the new harnesses in our custom siml!lat or! 11 I(, Wrigley Way, Mil pitas (nem Sf/n .fo.<e) CJ\ 950:35. (108) 262-1055, fax (lt08) 262 I \88,

TRUE FLIGHT HANG GLIDING SCHOOL DONJ\T.D QUACKENBUSH has the only shop at world famous Kagel Moumain, l.os Angeles. Offering ins1ruction and sales of hang gliding equipment wirh the sewing shop making MANTIS harnesses. Training pilots for over fifteen years. 13/i 12 Sayre Ave., Sylmar California 9 I :H2. I ·800-891t-51t33, fax (818) 367 Olil'J. \X!INDSPOR'J'S I.A's largest since 1974. Piftccn minutes from LAX. Central to Sylmar, Crestline, Elsinore and I raining sites. Vacation training, flying and glider sales packages including lodging and remals. The most popular and equipment, new and used in stod. Trade in your old equipment. 325 sunny eacl, year. Corne with us! 16115 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys C:i\ 91406. (818) 988··01 11, Fax (818) 988-1862. COLORADO GOLDEN WINGS Lcsso11s, sales, service. USHGJ\ certified i11s1ructors. Dealers for Moyes, Wills Wing, Blue Sky Aircrafr Co. ,rnd PacAir. 15/iO I W. 9th Ave., Golden CO 80401. (303) 278,7181. CONNECTICUT MOUNTAIN WINGS

Look under New York.

FLORIDA GRAYBIRD i\lRSPORTS INC USHGA & USU/\ certified inst:ruct:ion. Beginner rhrn advanced glider pilot rnndem aerotow training & ratings. USlJJ\ nlrralight pilot thru basic flight instructor training & ratings. 3 axis stickt:ime for Swift, Superfloatcr or Dragonfly pilot training. Instr11ction 7 days a week by appointmenr. Dealer for all major l 5 minutes from Silver flight and aerorow Springs, 1.5 hours Disneyworld. Call Gregg B.McNamcc (352) 215-8263. graybird(a)praxis.ner http://www.gypzi.com/graybird LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLJC;JlT PARK Sec ad under Georgia. Ncaresr mountain training cenrer 10 Orlando (only 8 hours).

HANC CLIDING

s GEORGIA

lMl fl G:J lil,J O [nl (i1 l.1 '.I (cj Wl.: l!AVE The mosr adv:rnccd training known to hang glidi11g, teaching you in J,aJ( time it rakes on the training-BUNNY HILL, and with more air time. YES, WF CAN TEACH YOU FASTFR AND SAFER. hir year ro1111d training fim in the sun, mil or write Miami !Iang Cliding (:JO'>) 7.85 8978. 2.(,/iO S Bayshore Drive, Coconut ( ;rove, Florida .3:3 I :n.

The

& Most

A,.Totow Flight Park Sat isfar:t i,m C11ara111ecd

PERMANENT RV SfTFS as $50/rno. ( :all Greg Clover

as low

Very conveniently located just 8 miles from Disney World. YFAR ROUND SOARING• OPEN ALL DAY 7 DAYS A WEFK l'C)URTUGS, NO WAITING LAUNCH STRA!GITT INTO ANY WIND DIRF.Cf'ION 30+ lliCE t'Clll:t!s to rry: Super Xtr:t!irc, XC, Klassic, Blade Race, XS3, XT, XL, Laminar, Shark, Sring, Falcon, Supcrfloater.

LOOI<OUT MOUNTJ\IN FLJCf IT PARK Sec our display ad. Discover why FOUR TIMES as many pilots earn their wings ar Lookolll than at any other school! We wrote \JSll(;A's Official Training Manual. Om sarisfocrion and hrn with the BF.ST inventory, camping, volleyball, more! For a trip, intro /light or packages, Lookout Mot111tai11, jusr outside your COMPLETE training/service center. Info? (800) 688-LMFP.

Al.so han1c.sscs varios, etc. 1

HAWAII

INTRODUCES QUEST /\JR SOARING CFNTER. Corne l'ly with the Original DRAGONFLY TEAM Learn to! !:mg ( ;Jidc with srarc--orthc-arr tandem and get a 111inimum of 6 10 8 hours I Jang 2 we airtime during your ca11 accdcr:11c your take us for :t tandem soaring !light in prime rime air! and swimming available, also close 10 all Central Florida Attractions. I mcrestcd in becoming a TlJG PILOT? Come learn to lly the Bailey/Moyes Aero· J'ug on one of the oldest Ccmral Horirla, with two J. I 00 over 80 acres of wide open space. Find ollt you can get ymtr own Aero Tow Ch,b or !'light Park starred. Moyes Microlights Assembly and Trniniug hrcility on sire, FOUR NEW TUGS IN STOCK. Bailey, Bowrn and Russ Brown arc USU/\ and LJS\I( ;}\ Ccrtilicd T,mdcm lnsrnrcrors. GLIDER & EQlJll'MFNT SALES AND SERVICE OPEN SF.VEN DAYS A WEEK CALL FOR MORE INFO (352) li29·0213.

13 To have learned to fly here. No one comes close ro our level of experience and success with tandem acrolOw instruction.

A Crcat Scene fm Pamily and hic:nds ... l O motels & resraurarns within 5 rnins., camping, shade trees, sales, storage, ratings, XC: retrievals, great weather, wall, trampoline, DSS 'JV, ping pong,

swing, picnic tables, svvirnming pool, etc.

Flights of over 100 miles and more than 6 hours. Arriclcs in ffrmg Cross and others. shows, ESPN2. Sec our Wch site :rt: http://www.wallaby.com

BlRDS OJ; PARADISE fl:mg gliding & ultralight on Kauai. Certified tandem instruction. (808) 822 530'J or (808) G.'l'J- I 067. JDAJIO TREASURE VALLFY HANC CL!DlNC - High quality produns from rcpurable m:rnufacrnrcrs. Proudly Pacific Airwavc, High Sports, Flytcc and more! Sales, service, seminars & ing info. Boise, Idaho (208) .7'7(, .. l9Jli.

ILLINOIS RAVEN SKY SPORTS (312) 360-0700 or (111) liTHl800. Please sec om ad under WISCONSIN.

Please c:rll us for references. l 805 Dean Still Road, Wallaby Ranch, l'lorida

INDJANJ\

.l:l8Jl93'i8 (')!Jl) 424-0070

phone & fax

Conservative• Reliable• Srarc of the Art

F.11.G. fNC./FLYfNC FLORIDA SJNCE 1974

JJ MITCHELL

TANDEM. lJP, Pac/\ir dealer. 6733 Columbia Ave., Hammond, IN 4632/i (219) 8IJ5-2856. RAVEN SKY SPORTS

(41 IJ) li73-8800. Please

sec our ad uudcr WISCONSIN.

Malcolm Jones, David Glover, Rhw Radford, Ryan Clover, Austin Collins, Tom Ramseur & Jim Appleton

KANSAS Full service school & PRAIRTF HANC C:LlDFRS dealer. Crear tandem instruction, rowing & XC: ages. (316) 375-2995.

FEBRUARY 1997

.55

Tell the world your head is in the clouds, by wearing great new clothing and accessories from the United States Hang Gliding Association!

eagle t-Shirt IHTEAO Ul+.95 l lb

standard polo IHPOL $24.00 1 lb blue, green & burgundy

earth polo #HPOLE $27.00 l lb spruce & olive

stone washed caps #HCSW $17.95 l lb blue, green & berry sun gradient t-shirt #HTSUN $14.95 l lb

woodblock t-shirt #TWB $16.95 1 lb blue PG, brown HG

classic t-shirt #HTCLA $14,95 1 lb

Address _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ City_ _ __ _ _ _ __ State_

Zip _ _ _ __

Phone No.L_)_ _ _ _day (_ _ )_ _ _ _ _eve.

desert polo IHPOLD $35'.00 1 lb black onl7

Qt y

Item #

Size

black fleece lined jacket #HJKFL $75.00 2 lbs

Color

Logo

Price per Total

M L XL

ah/bh

M L XL

ah/bh

M L XL -

golf caps # HCG $12.00 1 lb red, blue & purple

wool jacket #HJKWL $70.0 0 3 lb s

----

M L XL

ah/bh

M L XL

ah/bh

Subtotal

Colorado residents add 3.0%

Shipping

Tota l

Shipping (USA onl y) Orders up to $35.................................................................................... add $5 Orders $35 to $70 ................................................................................ add $6 Over $70 ............................................................................ cal l, fax or e-mai l Outside the USA ............................................................ call, fax or e-mail _ Check/ Money order enclosed _ Visa

_ Mastercard

Card No. _ __ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ Exp. date_ _

Signature _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _

Mail t o: US Hang Gliding Assn., Inc P.O. Box 1330

long sleeve d e nim ladies sleeveless denim #HDENL $27.00 1 lb

available in small also

f HDENLS $35'. 00 1 1 b abort sleeve denim IHDENSS $30.00 l 1 b

Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330 1-800-616-6888 fax (719) 632-6417

e-mail: ushga@ushga.org Please allow 6 weeks for delivery.

logo ah

logo b h

all of our stuff can be ordered with e i th er of th ese o fficia l ushga logos. 7ou ch oo s e .

NEW YORK GI.IDING!!! (Mexico) Alex 011 52 726-224li9, fax O11

Invircs you to our

rours, all year round information contact:

many sires! Pous,

Novo 11151, Col. <:oyoacrn, Mexico Tl.I',, Tel/Fax 011 525-6'i2-66.66/55li-17-7'),

Mid-December to Awesome sites for 0-5. Gliders pro(512) 467-2529 or email:

AAA FUGHT SCHOOi. -· MOUNTAIN WINGS and EAST COAST PARAGLIDING in Ellenville NY. Simply the MOST PROFESSIONAL rraining facility in the NE with 15 years experience. 7 full time certified instructors, It exclusive training hills. \Xie stock cvery1hing available for pilots and sell & service A!RWAVF, UP, BLUE SKY, WILLS WING and now MOYES, also SWIFT, SUPERFLOATER and ALL PARAGLJDER BRANDS. Unbeatable prices on gliders. Full rime towing facility, landcms, IC!', clinics. We do it all. 1-800-525.'7870, (<Jl!i) 61t7·3:lT7. I 'iO Canal Strcer, Ellenville NY 12128. OUR EXPERIENCE SPEAKS FOR

IKAROS SPORT AVIJ\TlON NYC\ first and paragliding, microlights school. J )isrrilrntors, lcaro 2000, Apco, La Mouctte, Cosmos, Mountaineer, Air Creation and more. hill service and equipment at best prices. The most service in rhe area. For catalog send $Ii to: IS/\, :l81 I Ditmars Blvd /1110, Asroria NY 11 I05. Store address: 2931 Newtown Ave., Ast:oria NY. Phone/fox (718) T/7·7000, email: lkaros1@l.tol.com Cooperstown, SUSQUEHANNA FLICBT PARK NY. Certified Instruction, Sales and Service for all 111ajor manufacturers. Ito acre park, rraining hills, jeq, rides, bunk house, hot showers, 600' NW We have the best in N. New York srate to teach you how to fly. RD 2, Box 31i8A, Cooperstown, NY I Tl2G, (315) 8(,G.(i 15.'l.

Wills, Pacific Airwave. NM (505) 821-85/i4.

• TANDEM INSTRlJ( :TJON • AEROTOWJNG • PJ\RACLIDlNC: • BOAT TOWING • MOUNTAIN CLINICS • FOOT LAUNC:H • OPEN YEAR ROUND • BEACH RFSORT • FQUIPMFNT SALES AND SFRVlC:F

(800) 334-4777 NAGS HEAD, NC

PENNSYLVANIA MOUNTAIN TOP RECREATION Certified instruction, Pirrshurgh. (Ii 12) 697-4/iTl. C'MON OUT AND PLAY! MOUNTAlN WINGS

Look under New York.

TENNESSEE

HAWK ATRSPORTS lNC P.O. Box 9056, Knoxville, TN 37'Jit0-005(i, (li23) 212-ii'J9/i. Hang Gliding and world famous Windsoks.

membership

[nstructioni sales,

Flight Park

Sell your unused

Look under New York.

service) instruction in the Four Corners Wing, Pacific Airwavc. (505) 6)2-8443 NM.

KITTY HAWK KITES

ITSEJ,F. FLY H!GI l HANC: CL!DfNC:, INC. Serving S. New York, C:01111ecticut, Jersey areas (Ellenville Mt11.). Area's EXCLUSIVE Wills Wing dealer/spe· cialist. Also all cHhcr major brands, accessories. Certified school/inst:rucrion, Teaching since 1979. Area's most INEXPENSIVE prices. Excellent sec· ondary insintction ... if you've finished· a program and wish ro continue. i!Jy the momuain! ATOL towing! Tandem Conlact Paul Voight, 5163 Searsville Rd, Pinc Bush, NY 12566, (911t) 7/ili-:3317.

Tandem. Toms our specialty. Hang USHGA certified instruction. for Airborne, Blue Sky, Moyes, Wills Wing. 3(,50-22 Research Way, NV 8')706 (702) 883-7070 phone/fax.

NORTH CAROLINA

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLTCHT PARK ·-" Sec ad under Ceorgia. TEXAS

(719)

A.A.S AUSTIN AIR SPORTS Certified foot launch, tow & tandem training. Sales/service AUSTJN, TEXAS Steve Burns, 1712 Waterson, 78703, (512) 471-1669. HOUSTON (7Ll) ii71 llt88.

HANC; CLJDINC

lllLL COUNTRY P/\RAC;LIDJNG INC Learn cornplcre pilor skills. Personalized UST IC/\ certified rn cc11training, ridge soaring, !<Jot & tow t ral Texas. MOTORIZED PAR/\GLIDING INSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT AV/\ILABI.F. (915) 379-1185. Rt 1, Box 16P, Tow TX 78672. K!TF. ENTERPRISES HANG GUDING AND P/\RACL!DING. Instruction by Dave Broyles, the most experienced scooter row insrrnctor in rite US. Foor launch, platform launch and acrot.ow instruction too. Training, sales, rentals and Pac/\ir, \'X/ills Wing, Predator and the ultralight sailplane. Dallas, J.'orr Worth and north Texas area. 2.11 Ellis, J\llen TX 7'5002. (972) 39() .. 'J()')() nights, weekends.

rn.FE fl.lCl!T SPORTS Ll.C

Oflcrs

new or advanced pilot needs. Excellent instruction, st:1tc-orrl1c-arr equipmem, ht!! service shop & uaini11g sires wirh some of the 1nos1 consistent soaring condl·-

t ions in the country. Free Flight Sports is owned and by nationally ranked pilot Dave Sh:irp. He is dedicated to the growth of foot launched soariug. This 1ncans yon get 111orc airrin1c, have more fun and become a better pilot in less time. M11ke your drmm of'

(801) 263-8611, l 2379 S 265 W, Point of the Mountsin UT 84020, sharpchvc(1)utah-inrer.ne1

flight

VIRGIN[/\ ALL NEW UITRJ\ .. LJGHT LAMlllF UD - The , most comforrahle hang glider helmcr /\crodynamic, low turbulence, low drag shape. High .. tech look. Finish is clear resin over the gold/bhck weave of' the super-strong carbon/kcvlar outer shell. Open face, only 12 oz., price $1Ci0. 1ntcgral fctll Lice version, only 1/ oz. $19') includes headset iustal!ation.

RED RIVER AJRC:R/\Fl'/GO H/\NG C!.IDINC!!! (Austin) Jeff l lnnr, 48 l J Red River St., Austin Texas 78751. Ph/fax (512) /i67-2'i29

/\rea's OLDEST Wills TOTA!. /\JR SPORTS Wing dealer. Cerrified instrnction available. "1 only DEAi. wirh WII.LS". 6351t Limestone, J louston TX 77092. (713) ')56-61 li7.

BLUF SKY ----

quality instruction, cquipmem sales. sewing, towing supplies, Clider Savers. Call Steve Wendt in I larrisonburg VA, (5/iO) 132-655/.

Metmrc ;iround head and from hot torn of earlobe over top ro hottont of earlobe for custom fiL h·on1 the

designer, Jack I .am hie, 8160 Woodshoro, Anaheim ( '.;\ ')28(J'/. Phone and fax (71 Ii) 77')- l il77.

KITTY I Ji\ WK KITES -- -· Sec North Carolin:1. UTAH Sll.VER WlNCS, lNC. Certified hg/pg instruc .. tion and cquiprnenr sales. Proudly representing Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing, (70:l) 533-1 %5 /\rlingto11 VA. WISCONSIN RA VEN SKY SPORTS 111\NC CUDlNC /\ND PARACI.IDJNC Largest and most popular in the Mid,vcst. 'l'radirional c11rricul111n, ridge soaring, mountain clinics,

acrotowing & tandctns

hy !\rad Kushner. for all major brands. PO Box 1Ol, Whitewater WI 5:l 190 (/illi) li738800. PARTS & /\CCFSSORIFS

BEST 12" Wl IFEI.S J\ VJ\11./\1\LE --- Super tough, ligluwcight, a must for rraiuing, tandem flyi11g. Built i11 bushings. Only USJ\ .. buili 12." wheel. $/i2.'J5, qmnriry discounts. Immediate delivery. l.ookolll Mount,rin, (800) 6B8-l.MFI'.

ABSOLUTELY THE BFST ---- Prices for Ball varios/para.. chutes. (61 'l) 229 .. ()0/i8, email: rdirokerQhincorn.net UT/\H'S MOST C:OMPI.FTF SO/\RlNC: SCHOOL · Year-round lessons, r:mdems, demos and glider rentals. Sales and service for new and used cquiprnern. Soar:il,le conditions JOO t· days a ye:1r al the world famous POINT OF Tll F MOUNTAIN. Profossional site guides for 2,000-5,000' mounrain launch sites. USHGA & l/HC/\ ccrtifled school. Discount pilot at nearby hotels, motels and B&B. Free camp .. ing at l:nmch. l'ro dealer for all major brands. WHY SETTLE FOR LESS WHEN YOU CAN LEARN FROM THE BEST! 12(,65 S Minuteman Drive Ill, Draper UT 84020. (801) 5766460, fax (801) 5766'182, or Email us at I IBC3@laol.com

/\EROTOWING ACCESSORIES - Sec TOWINC. THE WALLABY R/\NCl! (9/i 1) ii21t-0070.

FROM "BRE:ADl?l\.N'" MAKER NEW FOh'. HANG

COMBO UNIT

J\Nl) FAH./\GL1D1NU-.

My well-loved quick vario married man excellent alLimcter thanks Lo new gcnerarion laser-trimmed into ro11gl1 linlc RF-proof' box rr:msducers. only 5x3xl.4" still has reserve lxmcry! broad Velcro strnps or base tube mounting $295 Shipping inc. (805) 682-1 OB8. Bread pan units still $295. Laser rrimmed rcrrofo available $85. ROBERTS GLIDFR TNSTRUMFNTS 33/iO Cl .!Fl' URJVE S/\NT/\ BARBAR/\ CA 93109

FrnRU/\RY 'I 997

BALL GRAPHICS COMP

I IFIMETS lnregral & Air Kcvlcr, rop-of~thc·linc $180-$300. Discotmts on small & XS in stock. (111) 173-8800.

Call l<cntuchma So:ning (8 I 2) 288-71 11 for the best price.

I IICI I PFRSPFCTIVF WI IEl•:1,S

CAMERA REMOTE 20', fits mosi- camcrcs. Snaps on over existing shuucr rck\1se. $!i5 (ask about onr introductory $10 rebate). Tek Flight Products, Colebrook Srngc, Winsted C:T 06098. (Camera not included.)

Real lifo savers! 12", light, tough. Fits all Send $1t1.95 + $1.'50 shipping per pair to Sport Aviation, PO Box IO I, Mingovilk PA I 685G. Ask about our dc:1lcr prices.

MINI VARIO World's smallest, simplest vario! Clips to helmet or cltinsrrap. 200 homs on bat reries, (). 18,000 Ii., fost response and 2. year warranty. Gre:11 for paragliding roo. ONLY $169. Mallem,c, PO Box 15756, Santa Ana CA, 927:JS. (71/i) %6-1210. MC/Visa accepted.

"FLY" Above All!

CARMIN CPS 18 $ Iii'). Many other flying accessories available. Call Chad at (805) 5G'J .. J (,G7 f,ir more info or visit our web site: http://www.bodytrends.co111/para.h1m

KFNTUCl<IANA S01\RING PRESENTS "New" Fingcrswitch Radio Headset hy Flight Connections. JIEAVY-·DUTY HEADSET with finger mottmcd switch allows pilot to conununic:ne while their hands on rhe control bar or brakes. Safrr flying and more reliable commttnicawith a 90 day mfg rions. Your insrn11ncn1 is w:,rranty with repair service av:iilable beyond the war· ranty. Currcmly available for Yacsu, fcom, Alinco, Kenwood and other cornpmiblc radios. Available for foll face or open helmets. $8') ,$3.50 MC/Vis:,, dealer inquires invited. So:1ring, li25 N Ave., Clarksville IN 17129. (812) 288 711 I, (81 '.!) 281t-11 I 5. SPEC!AL!ZlNG IN EJ.FCTRONJCS, RADIOS, VARIOS, CPS UNITS & MORE!

The world-cl:1ss XCR-180 operates ttp to 3 homs Qrl 18,000 fr. and weighs only !ill,. Complete kit wirh cylinder, harness, regulator, cannula and remote on/off llowmcrer, only $37'\.00. PROTECT YOUR Cl.!DER -- Get the new GJJDER SAVERS, the wrap-around padded glider tiedown rhat helps protect your glider from wear while transporti11g.

$27, $49 or $G5 1$4.50 Red, blue or charcoal. PO llox 212, Penn Laird VA 22816. (5/iO) 132-6557.

BANC GLIDER CAMERA MOUNT Shown on 2-1 /2" tube, $39.50 incllldcs shipping. TEK Fl.lGIIT PRODUCTS, Colebrook Stage, Winsted CT OG098. (860) 37') IG(i8 (Camera not incl!ldcd).

IV!A!NTA!N YOUR AIRFOIL With this tool made ol hardwood and perk,n $36 +$Ii s/h. JCDC:, PO Box 65, Dobbins CA '.J5'Xl'i, (!i08) 2G2-81G5.

saw their

Gliding. 60

H1\NG GLJDINC

TFK 6" WHEFLS -- $2<, per pl11s Sil I. Tek l'ligln Prod11cts, L,iiclm,ol< Stage, Winsted CT 06098. (860) \'7') 1668. V-MITTS

hang gliding and p:1raglidJlon'1 let cold h:mds yum V.-Ml'l TS wday 1

teal, fusia

ZFPI IYR MFC Of' Brisrol, CT is pleased 10 armo11nce the release of' two new licit li11clde sizes as a pl:rd,mn 10 showcase om engraving capabilities. The desigrr works on the .sa111e 1,rinciplc as a military !J11ckle (sliding knurled roller wedging the webbing against rhe h:tck face.) Made o/' 606 l-T6 ahrminurn bar stock, each buckle is precision C:.N.( . machined, anodized and C.N.C. engraved inn & hang gliding scenes, m:rnuErcnrrer, dealer :rnd logos. h,r those interested in having their own designs engraved, any scanablc lin-

DOWNWTND From the e:1rly days of the 70's, 10 the big,tirne air of Owen's Valley, DOWNWIND is packed with thrill ,rnd exhil:mrtion of cross country adventure. The perfect gili for both pilots and nonpilots. Sll/\RE TIJF FXPERIFNC:F. A true well told. Available li-0111 US! !CA J kadcpiarters only $10.95 (, $2 s/h). PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901- I TlO.

cart or computer image c1n be engraved. The buckles arc

currently available in two si1.cs: 23"wX I .5''1, (:\Ornm webbing) and l .Hli"wX I S'h (25111111 webbing.) /\11 :1ssortmcnt webbing p:1ncrns and ;111odiz(' colors arc av:rilablc. !'lease c:1'1 Zephyr Mfg (860) 583-% IO and request a fox or ll'ttcr showing d1e various images and webbing pat terns avail:1ble or for worlc Price: MO each ;n,t..,t;n,, ""'h,1.;,,,,

These COR!HJR/\ vccro-on n1i1ts arc warm and comfortable :111d have superior abrasion resistance,

They ,He one size fits all and arc machine washal,lc. Mo11111ain Wings In,., 150 Canal S1rcet, Ellenville NY 121i1ic,, ('J Ii) <,li7 :nn.

BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT

IIIGHFR THAN FAGLFS Wills. The life & t, '"'''""''"'' the triurnph.1 and and the cvol111i011 of Wills $19.95 hardcover (,$4.00 S/1 l), sec nn:cc,1111CcP fied 1,n US! IC/\ BOOl<S ordering

And VFR OHICl/\1. FA/\ SFCTION/\1. Terminal Arca Charts. All areas, cmrc111 (up to rl:11c New Airspace Classific:nions). Sectional maps $'/ each, VFR Terminal Arca Charts $Ii eaclt. Add shipping and (Cal. residents only) tax. Dealer prices. Airtime of S.F. (Ii J 5) 759 1 I 77, fo.z (Ii I 5) 759. J J 8).

DON'T CFT Ci\lJCllT L/\NDINC DOWNWIND! 1.5 oz. ripstop nylon, UV trc:uc-d, 5'/i" long w/1 J" throat. /\vailal,lc colors fl11orcscent pink/yellow or iltrorescent pink/white. $39.95 ( 1-$/J.OO S/1 I). Send to \JS! Jc;/\ Windsok, PJJ_ Box I :no, Colorado CO 80901 l:l:lO, (719) (,:17-8_'\00, fox (719) 17. VIS/\/lv!C :1cceptcd.

new

FiflRU/\RY 1997

COME TO CANADA! Or bring me ro you 1 For l lang ]Cl''s. Get rccenif!cd the RC:R wayt Also, we arc [)(_ looking for insn-ucrors & tandem both hg 1\1 pg. Contact: Michael Rohertson-l ligh l'crspectivc, RR 5, 865 ( :one.?, ( :l:1rc1uon1 Ont. Canada LI Y I /\2. (905) 29/i--2556, fox (905) 2')/i 849'i, email: llyhigh~1linfor:1rnp.nct We nffrr stationary tow inst rnct ion (all levels) for hg/pg and !,ave releases, etc. for sale. PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS CALI. l JSJ!C/\ Corm. 1:rom 1hc early l lm1/!, Gliding (71 ')) (,:J2AUOO.

hack i.s.suc order ro the prcscnr

ll/\C lT! If you don't !rave yom rnpy of l )cnnis Pagcn's l'ER!'ORMJ\NCF Fl.YING yet, available through US! !Ci\ Headquarters $2').')5 (,$Ii s&h).

NFW IN STOCK! PARTY AT CLOUDBASE A !tang gliding music video by Aclvcnmre l'rodunions $19.')5. POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN-Award winning Fast Coast Video, hg/pg action al this Utah HANG GLIDING EXTREME & BORN Adventure l'roductions, hg action HAWAlTAN Fl.YIN hy 9, soaring in paradise, launches $.'l}. Call or fax lJSllGA (719) 6::\2.8300, fax 9) 632-6/i 17, please +$Ii domes, tic s/h (+$5 fcir two m more videos). Great to impress your friends or for those sockcd···in days. PcrFcct giii for the launch pot'1to rnmcd couch potato. Also, ask us abour our paragliding videos! "NEW" A RISK MANAGEMENT MANUAL For l lang Gliding, by Michael Robenson. Used extensively as CSHGA's Instructor Ccniflcation Program Srndenr Notebook. lncl11dcs: histoty, the wondrous wind, new tow section, the wing, the windividnal, and the famous REVISED, NEW CHARTS OF REL.lABJIXfY. $9.')5 ; $.1 silt. Order copy l'rmn: l ligh Perspective, RR 5, 865 Cone.'/, u:uc1rnom Ont. C:lllada 1.1 Y I A2. (905) 291-7'5%, fox (905) ?.')/i ·8li95, email:

MISCELLANEOUS

SPECIAL NEW Pll.OT El)]T!ON & Paragliding magazine. Now available \JSHGA Headquarters. $/i.95 each +$1 Informativc aniclcs and lots of color rhro11ghou1. SOARING-~ Monrhly magazine ofThc of America, Inc. Covers all aspects of soaring membership $55. Inf,,. kit with P.O. Box F, Jlobbs, NM 882/il. TOWING AEROTOWING ACCESSOIUFS Jfcadquam:rs for: The finest releases, releases, Spectra "V" bridles, weak links, tandem launch can kits, etc. THE WALLABY RANCH (911) 124,0070.

famou.s in cq11esrrian cir· des, arc now gainiog popttl:1rity in the gliding, paragliding & markets. Avaibblc in mens, womens & sizes, 9 different colors and priced from $27.'J'\ .. $39.95. l'or more info on these superior leather gloves contact: Cal-Glove, 2920 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento CA 95821. (916) /i81-8701, fi1x ('J16) li81· 11 (,8, email: cal·glovc<r1lj11no.com

"AEROBATICS" Full color 23"x 31" poster fomtring John Heiney doiog what he docs bcst .. JDOPING! Available through US! !GA HQ for j11st $6.95 (+$3.50 s/h). Fill that void on your wall! Send to USHGA Acrobatics Poster, PO Box 1300, Colorado CO 809:\3. (USA & Canada only. posters arc AVAILABLE on SPECIAL-Acrobatics posrcr & Eric imcrnational Raymond postcr.. lK)l'H FOR$10 (+$3.50 s/h). CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES T!te rate for classified advertising is $.50 per word (or group of charac· tcrs) and $1.00 per word for hold or all MINIMUM for each AD Cl IARGE $5.00. A frc of'$ I 'i.00 is line an logo and $15.00 for each photo. LINEART & PHOTO SIZE NO LARC;Jm TIIAN 1.75" X 2.25". Please underline words 10 be in bold print. !:tyoms of t:ibs $25.00 column inch. Phone words. Email or web AD DEADUNI·~S: All ad copy, instructions, changes, additions and cancellations must he received in wriring I 1/2 months the cover date, i.e. February 20th for the make checks payable ro US! !GA Advertising Dcp1. I !!\NG GI .]])ING MACAZJNE, P.O. Box l:l30, CO 80901, I 330 (l 19) 632,8300 or Colorado fax ('119)

LET T!IE GOVERNMENT -· Finance your small business. ( ;rams/loans to $800,000. Free recorded mes, .sage: (70/) /ili8-02/0(l'Y7)

CFT MORE AIRTIMF, GUARJ\\rTEFDI Platform pay·ollt and l·lornb powered stationary winch sysrerns in stock. Over (,5 systems in 11sc, prices start ,11 just $1,9'.l'S delivered. For more inform,11ion contact: Tl.S, '/010 Mark, San Antonio TX 78218. (210) 82/i1803, fox (210) 80'5-il386.

Adventure Proclunions ........................ 7 Air Air ............................................... 31 Arai Design ....................................... 51 Ball Varios ......................................... 39

TOW ROPES ... TOW ROPF.S ... TOW ROPES

Plyt:cc ............................................... .47 rrce Flight Sports ................................ 9

Spectra, Dacron. David Division. (215) sn. J 968, fox (21 UT:rRALTNE ln stock, ready ro ship. 3/1(,'' x :JOOO' $10'5. 3/lG" 1000' $1/i5 shipping included. Cajun Hang Clidillg Club, 110 Kent Circle, lafaycuc LA 70'508. (318) 9s 1,1i:m.. VIDEOS & FILMS

FIRST FT.IGHT Follows the action of a new pilot's to show first lessons. This video is an entertaining your friends and VHS 15 minutes. $20 le.uun 1,u,·chase!). MISSION 11 I 6 Milpitas CA 95035. (108) 262· 1055.

Hall Bros ........................................... 37 High Adventure .................................. 7

More hm than a barrel of down· WINDSFFKER t11bcs. 11 soars, it it flies! ONLY $3.00 $2 s/h (.$3 slh on ordtrs Mm·t th(ln 3 or int'! mil) UST !CA, PO Box 1.'300, Colorado 80901. (719) 632·8.'lOO, fax your MC/Visa with to Cl I 9) 632(,4 J 7. VIDEOS BOOKS & P05J'ERS Call USHGA for your Merchandise order form (719) 632·8300.

DON'T LEAVE YOUR GROUND-BOUND EQUIPMENT SlTTlNG IN TIIE GARAGE. SELL IT [N THE HANG GLIDING CJ.ASSIFJEDS.

I-ligh Spons .......................... .46 lcaro .................................................. 13 Lookout Mtn. Flight Park ................... 2 Moyes ............................................... 23 Safari Tours ................................ 21 Sport Aviation Publications ................. 2 US Aviation .. ,................................... 34 USHGA ................... 11,12,21

Wills

HANC GI.IDINC

by Dan Johnson Dernascon desiqn and of WiqhL of

on the

19 8'7,

Airwave USA at d

n an "Rcc;cognizing operal:ion, new

I,ookout·, Mount.a.in relationsr1 1 on c; 1-. Lmportant

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both

J\j rwavf,

brands S 0011

and

we aim to who wi LI the enc) info or shou]d Airwave callinc; 706 98 9545 you can send 1 to: hang1_ide@chattanooga.net or you can to 70 9fl -2906. up of PacAir' put Airwavc pilot and J

difficult, in

produced FlllRUI\RY 1997

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to l:hc room. 2 dia1

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Cu1rn11usMan@ao1. corn. THANKSt

BEHIND EVERY WILLS WING GLIDER IS THE MOST E X PER IENC ED TEAM OF AVIATION ENTHUSI AS TS IN THE INDUSTR Y. OUR EMPLOYEES AVERAGE TEN YEARS OF E X PERIENCE AT W ILLS WING . OUR PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT FLIGHT TEST CREW AVERAGES TWENTY YEARS OF HANG GLIDING E X PERIENCE AND TWO THOUSAND HOURS OF HANG GLIDER FLIGHT T I ME . DURING THE LAST TWENTY FOUR YEARS , WE ' VE BUILT MORE THAN

I 6 , 000 HANG GLIDERS.

OUR MISSION IS TO

BUILD THE BEST FLYING GLIDERS IN THE WORLD , AND TO GIVE YOU THE HIGHEST QUALITY SERVICE , BAR NONE .

~ 500 WEST BLUERIDGE,

ORANGE ,

LU~

92865 , USA PHONE ( 7 I 4) 998-6359 FAX (7 I 4) 998-0647

VISIT US ON THE WEB AT: