USHGA Paragliding May/June 1997 by US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

RATINGS

USHGAISSUES

CAl:.ENDAR

"CAGE" UPDATE AT 30 HOURS A look at this unique weight-shift paraglider. by Dixon White photos by Jesse Kaltenbach

PARAGLIDING INTERVIEWS: FRANK GILLETTE Frank discusses King Mm., ID, site of this year's Nationals.

CLASSIFIEDS

by Steve Roti

PILOT REPORT: THE FREEX FRANTIC

USHGA REPORTS

A look at rhis unique wing. by lvlt1rk ''Spec" Telep

pan ofan infom1a1ion c.lisscmination scr\'icc for

MAY /J UN E

1997

DISCLAIMER OF WAR· RANTJES IN PIJBIJCA· TIONS: ·n1c m:itcrlal pn.~ senced here ~ published as

USHGA members. The USHGA makes ao warranties or represenL'ltions :ind assumes no liability concerning the validity of any advice, opinion or recommendation expressed in the materi:tl. All individuals rdying upon the material do so at their own risk. Copyright © 1997 United St:ltt:i.llang GlidingJ\S.50., Inc. All rights reserved to Pa,·agliding and individual com ribucors.

;,~ii Dodgen, Managing Editor/Editor-in-Chief :S,teve Ro.ti, Jon Goldberg-Hiller, Contributing Editors

·oave Pounds, Art Director

.Office Staff .. Phil Bachman, Executive Director · <;;reg Huller, Ratings & ICP's 'Jeff Elgart, Advertising ·,p, Dean leyerle, Insurance & Membership Services : K.i:ren Simon, Member Services

·• tJSHGA Officers and Executive Committee:

· Bill Bryden,. President ; Randy Adams, Vice President ; Rl!sslocke, Secretary . Dan Johnson, Treasurer . REGION 1: Bill Bolos1'y, George Sturtevant. REGION2: · Russ Locke, Ray Leonard, Paul Gazis. REG.ION 3: Ken Baier, Joe Greblo, Gregg Lawless, REGION 4: Mark Fergus()n, Jim Z<')iset. REGION 5: Frank Gillette. REGION 6: Ron Kenney. REGION 7: Bifl Bryden. REGION 8: Randy Adams. REGION 9: Pete Lehmann, GeoffMu111fortj. REGION 10: G.W. Meadows, Matt Jaber. REGION 11: Jeff Hunt. REGION 12: Paul Voight. . DIRECTORS ATLARGE: ClaudiaStockwell, Paul Rikert, Os1n Johnson, fan Johnson, Dennis Pagen. HONORARY • DfREETORS: Chris Dupaul, Bob Hannah, Gene Matthews, Lars Linde, Arjan Ala, Barbara Flynn, Al,m <:huculate, Ed Pitman, .Ken Brown, Sandy King, Mike Meier, Rob KeHs, Fred Stockwell, Gregg McNamee, ·Micha~! Robertson, Greg Dewolf, Tracie Fifer. EX· .OFFICIO DIRECTORS: Art Greenfield (NAA). . The Urtit$d States Hang Gliding Association l11c. is an air sports organitation affiliated with the National · Aeron.iutic Association CNAA) which is the official repr~senta.tive qf the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAlhofthe world governing body for sport aviation. The NAA, which represents the U.S. at FAI meetings, has delegated to the USHGA supervisipn . of FAf-related paragliding activities .such as record attempt$ and cofrlpetition sanctions. · PARAGLIDING magazine is published for paragliding sport enthu,siasts to create further interest in the sport, .and to pr()vide an educational forum to advance paragliding methods and safety; Contributions are welcome. Anyone is invited to contribute articles, photos and illustrations concerning paragliding activities. If the ; material is to be returned, a stamped, .self-addressed return envelope myst be enclosed, Notification must be made of submission to other paragliding publications. PARAGUDJNG magazine reserves the right to edit contributions where necessary. The Association and publi· cation do not assume responsibility forthe material or opinions of contributors. PARAGLIDING editorial offices: 6950 Aragon Circle, Suite 6, Buena Park, CA 90620 (714) 994-3050. The USHGA is a member-controlled sport organization dedicated to the exploration and promotion of .all facets of uhp:owered .ultralight flight, and to the education, · training and safet)I of Its membership. Membership is . open to anyone Interested in this realm of flight. Dues for full membership are $54.00 per year (of which $15 goes to the publication of Paragliding), ($65 non-U.S.); subscription rates only are $26.00 ($32 non-U.S.). · Changes of address should be sent six weeks in advance, Including name, USHGA number, previous and .new address, and a mailing label from a recent issue. 0

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

MAY/JUNE

1997

VOLUME

KING MOUNTAIN CAVEATS Dear Editor, The Paragliding Nationals in 1997 will be held at King Mountain, Idaho after a week-long hang gliding meet. Therefore, this summer King Mountain will be flown by far more pilots in a greater variety of aircraft than ever before. As a King Mountain pilot I have had my best and worst flying experiences in the mountains of central Idaho. With this in mind I would like to offer some suggestions to make your flying more enjoyable and safer should you have the opportunity to fly King. Choose an aircraft with the highest possible top speed. I have spent some tense moments flying at 50 mph while watching the ground stand still. This is not like Chelan where escape is fairly easy. In higher winds the only escape is over the back, since penetration becomes difficult in heavy wind gradients. Fly with a good oxygen system. To safely jump ranges and valleys you need to be well above recommended oxygen minimums. You don't want to end a great flight because of hypoxia. When using radio frequencies other than those specified for USHGA pilots get a Ham license. Poaching of frequencies, and most of all repeaters, is totally inappropriate. The Idaho Ham operators have been very helpful, and in return a large percentage of the local pilots have become licensed radio operators. The repeaters across Idaho provide the best line of communication once simplex is not working, i.e., upon landing. The Jumpoff Peak repeater is also an excellent meeting place for planning a day of flying with other pilots. You should know where you are going by studying maps, and GPS is recommended. The mountains and valleys are complex, and retrieval is sometimes difficult. This was demonstrated one summer a while back when a driver put almost 1,000 miles on her truck in order to retrieve a

8, ISSUE #3

group of pilots. I may be old and conservative, and lack the hours that many pilots have, but I'm still flying hang gliders and paragliders and have never experienced a major mishap. Accept the fact that there will be days when it is unsafe to fly in these mountains. Be patient, as I have tried to be, and you will surely be rewarded with memorable flying. Please contribute to or join the Idaho Hang Gliding Association. This group has made great strides in the areas of roadbuilding, community relations, etc., and is responsible for getting all the permits that allow both hang and para pilots to fly King Mountain. I hope you will be rewarded with great flying. Chris Peck Jackson, WY

HELP SAVE THE POINT! Dear Editor, I'm a member of the Cloud 9 Paragliding Club in Salt Lake City, Utah, and am writing on behalf of the Utah Hang Gliding Association which oversees and operates the Point of the Mountain Flight Park. We have a unique opportunity to help save the South Side of the Point. The North Side is a county park from the hang glider launch left (south). There are now houses and home lots from the launch north and some lots 200 feet directly behind launch! We have worked with the developers and feel the site is safe for the time being, as long as we don't fly into people's living rooms too often! The South Side, our main training site, is leased by the club from a number of different owners. Part of the land is owned by the gravel companies working the west end of the ridge, and part is owned by the Utah Department of Transportation. Over the winter the gravel company has stepped up mining operations around the South Side, and now have in the parking area a huge pile of dirt it is "storing" PARAGLIDING

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32 TECHNICAL DATA 27 28 30 (41x2)+6 (42x21+6 (45x21+6 (48x21+6 Cells 27.3 29.5 26.6 317 Area m2 12.65 11.62 11.87 13.42 Soan !incl. stabilizer) m 5.68 5.42 A/R 5.07 5.16 65-80 75-90 85-105 100-120 Pilot weiaht ka /hook in) 22 22 V-min, km/h 22 22 V-trim, km/h 34 34 34 34 50 V-max, km/h incl. soeed svstem 50 50 50 Min sink, mis opt pilot weiqht 1 1 1 1 Certification: PERFORMANCE Warrantv: THREE YEARS/ 250 HOURS

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

supplies, towing accessories, knifes, instrument mounts, books, videos, maps, compasses, flares,

AEROLIGHT U.S.A 1355 N.W. 93 CT. UNIT A-105 MIAMI, FL. 33172 U.S.A TEL. (305)6393330, FAX. (305)6393055 E-MAIL: aerousa@shadow.net

MULLER HANG GLIDING LTD. MR. WILLI MULLER RR #2, COCHRANE, ALBERTA, TOL OWO CANADA TEL & FAX. (403)9326760 E-MAIL: mullerhg@cadvision.com

signals, wind socks, weather stations, bags, patches, stickers, art, glassware, gift, and MORE! I!

Office Hours: MON-THUR Noon to 5PM Central Standard Time CHALAMISH ST. 7 INDUSTRIAL PARK CAESAR EA 38900 IS RAEL P.0.8. 3049, TEL: +972-6-6273727, FAX: +972-6-6273728 E-mail: APCO@netvision.net.il

there. The club is very concerned about the long-term prospects for the South Side. I-15, the main artery for Salt Lake, is being rebuilt and will require a whole bunch of gravel. Our lease can be terminated at any time by the gravel companies if they find they need the land to mine. This is where you can help. The owners ofThe Soaring Center have been working very hard with other club members to find ways to preserve the South Side. As you may know, the South Side provides some of the most consistent soaring conditions in the world, and is the place for new and senior pilots alike to rack up hours. We have just met with the Utah Historic Society and they would like to work with us to try to obtain the land and have it designated as a protected Utah State Historic Site. This could be the best thing

to happen in Utah flying history! The Historic Society has asked us for PILES of letters from people around the world who have been to the Point, sharing their stories about coming to Utah to fly this site. We are asking ANYONE who has ever flown the Point, or even heard about the Point, to take a couple of minutes to scribble out a quick letter. What we are looking for is letters explaining "what makes the Point so special." We need to demonstrate that people actually come to Draper, Utah from around the world specifically to fly at the Point of the Mountain. Also think about "what it would mean to pilots to lose the Point as a flying site." These are quotes from the director of the Historic Society. The Society has pull with the state and can

1997 US Para Ii

arrange for the landowners to donate the land for a tax write-off. We need your help and need it ASAP. Anything, no mater how short, how misspelled, or how quickly written is GREAT! Just address the letter "To whom it may concern," since we don't know who will be reviewing the letters. You can e-mail letters to mayer@utw.com or send them to: Cloud 9 Paragliding, 9630 South Mumford Dr., Sandy, UT 84094. Please call me with any questions at (801) 5531834. Thank you VERY much for your help! Hope to see you flying this summer. Steve Mayer Salt Lake City, UT

ampionship

Ja·l}f9t"t'Hrl1D;gH :July,,26,

pain Your Team

Support yg,,~r T

Dave Bridges ''"''"%·!·M .,m.h c · Ohn 1

::M;rt~nn Karen Othar Lawrence ..,Lizy Opitz

The US Paragliding Meet the team Thursda¥<,,Ju

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19th, foftlrte Visit0urWeb Site at www.n

Ways to Support The Team: + Buy a US World Team T-Shirt for $25 +S&H + Buy a $5 Raffle Ticket (need not be present to win) + We'll even take cash donations

ain and needs your help to get there. Efrt¥ at !hie';.Aspen Super Clinic.

Cimtact Othar at 970-963-2520 or Fax 970-963-2625, , 692 S. 2nd St., Carbondale, CO 81623 email'oj~~lfQ;Ondale.com

PARAGLIDING

Calendar of events items WILL NOT be listed if only tentative. Please include exact information (event, date, contact name and phone number). Items should be received no later than six weeks prior to the first of the cover month (i.e., January 20 for the March/April issue). MAY: Owens Valley X-C!Thennal Clinics/Tour with Kari Castle. HG and PG. SEPT. 27-

0CT 4: Owens Valley Paragliding X-C!Thennal Clinics!Tourwith Kari Castle. OCT. 10-13: Owens Valley Paragliding X-C/Thennal Clinics/Tourwith Kari Castle. Call for schedule in May: (619) 872-2087. MAY 2: Reserve Parachute Clinic. Ground school including PLF practice, reserve deployment from a simulator, reserve inspection, repack and lunch. MAY 3: Thennal Clinic. Ground school, transportation, flight plan, supervision, retrieval and dinner. MAY 4: X-C Clinic. Ground school, X-C from Marshall with local "sky guides" to goal (12-miles). Includes transportation, maps, flight plan, supervision, retrieval and dinner. MAY 5-8: Four-d4y guided Southern California flying tour. Using the techniques learned in the three-day clinic series you will have the opportunity to log long thermal flights at a variety of Southern California sites. MAY 9: Reserve Clinic (same as above) MAY 10: Thennal Clinic. MAY 11: X-C Clinic. MAY 12-18: Seven-d4y guided Southern California flying tour. Pre-registration required for all of the above, limited availability. Contact: Air America Paragliding 1-800-2596729, airampg@aol.com. MAY 9-10: Thennal Clinic. MAY 23-30: X-C Clinic. JUNE 21-22: Mtn. Flying Clinic. SEPT. 12-14: Thennal Clinic. OCT. 4-5: Mtn. Flying Clinic. OCT. 25-26: Tandem Clinic. At Point of the Mountain, Draper, UT and Utah mountain sites. Contact: Ken Hudonjorgensen, Two-Can Fly Paragliding, 474 E. Tonya Dr., Sandy, UT 84070 (801) 572-3414. MAY 9-11: Chelan Thennal Clinic. Lodging, transport and expert guides and instructors included. Contact: (509) 925-5565. MAY 9-12: 25th Annual Hang Gliding

Spectacular and USHGA National Fly-In, Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head, NC. Features paragliding dune and tow competition, Air Sports Assn. Hang Gliding Expo, Rogallo Hall of Fame induction ceremony and banquet, annual street dance and equipment demos. Contact: Bruce Weaver 1-800-334-4777 or e-mail hang-glide@outer-banks.com.

MAY 16-19: Point and Beyond paragliding tour. Join professional guide Mike Eberle and a local guru on this tour of Central Utah. Airfare, lodging, transport, fees and advanced instruction provided. MAY 23-25: Oregon Coast Tour. Camp and fly some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. JUNE 6-8: Pine Mountain tour. Three-day camping/flying tour of Central Oregon's best site. Transport to and from site, retrievals, camping, all fees, advanced instruction by two USHGA-certified instructors. Contact: North American Paragliding l-800-727-2354 or (509) 9255565, napi@eburg.com. MAY 17-18, MAY 24-25: Two weekends offlying, food and fun compliments of Airplay and the NWPC, for recreational pilots and their families, including those who want to just check out the sport of paragliding. We have the latest gliders, the Cage and backpack motor units with special pricing for all new/used equipment and training packages these weekends only! Cashmere, WA. Contact: (509) 782-5543, airplaypg@msn.com. RSVP. MAY 22-26: 3rd Annual Demo Days & Safety Seminar at Point of the Mtn., UT. Free seminars from industty experts. Demo paragliders, powered paragliders, harnesses, varios and other equipment. Every make and size of glider available in the U.S. Non-profit event. $50 pre-registration for non-members before May 1, $60 at the door. $25 goes to Utah HGA to help "Save the Point." Contact: The Soaring Center, 12665 S. Minuteman Dr. #1, Draper, UT 84020 (801) 576-6460, fax (801) 5766482, hbc3@aol.com. MAY 23-26: Northwest Mountain & Coastal Tour. A great and inexpensive way to see the Oregon Coast and the Cascade Mountains of Washington. Transportation from Seattle, retrievals, camping accommodations and advanced instruction are included in this Memorial Day tour. Call Mike Eberle of North American Paragliding, Inc. 1-800-7272354. MAY 23-30: Southern Utah X-C Clinic. Advanced rating required. Taught by Ken Hudonjorgensen ad Dave Sharp, PG and HG X-C Utah record holders. Contact: Ken Hudonjorgensen (801) 572-3414. MAY 24: Reserve clinic by Joe Gluzinski at Airtime of San Francisco. Includes course outline, presentations and group discussions, video of reserve deployments, safety equipment review, lunch and repack afrer deploy-

ment from simulator. Reservations recommended. MAY 25-26: Thennal clinic at Airtime. First-choice site Potato Hill (call to confirm). Includes written outline with fourhour ground school, flight plan, radio supervision (optional) and dinner. Sign up for one or both days; overnight camping available. Contact: Phil at Airtime of SF (415) 7591177. JUNE 1-7 & 7-14: Paragliding tour ofFrance and Switzerland, based in Chamonix. Includes Verbier, Annecy, Mieussy, St. Hilaire. Experienced, friendly English-speaking local guides, transport, choice of accommodations. Contact: Alex/Sean tel. 33-4-50537023, fax 33-4-50531493. JUNE 2-SEPT. 6: Lakeview, OR Best ''Flight of the 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! Contact: Lake County Chamber of Commerce (541) 947-6040. JUNE 13-18: 1997 Aspen Open Paragliding Competition, Aspen, Colorado, Fee: $200 until June 1, $225 afrer. Requirements: USHGA Advanced rating or higher, Colorado hiking permit, appropriate safety equipment, reserve and radio with USHGA frequency capability. Oxygen systems are highly recommended. Meet Director: Jan Stenstadvold; Scoring/Press Coordinator: Tim Meehan; Safety Director: Urs Haari. PWC rules and scoring. Daily scores and standings posted to a special Aspen Open www site to be announced. Contact: Jan Stenstadvold (970) 927-3258, or Tim Meehan (303) 420-4344, or register by e-mail at meehan@csd.net. JUNE 14-18: 1997 Aspen Open Paragliding Competition, sanctioned meet. Hosted by Jan Stenstadvold and Tim Meehan. Modified format. Entty fee $225 ($25 refunded for each task flown). Scores and standing posted to HG/PG digest and special Web site daily. Immediately followed by the first annual Aspen Super Clinic, hosted by Aspen Paragliding. Contact: Tim Meehan (303) 4229029, fax (303) 421-0087, meehan@.csd.net. JUNE 18-22: Paragliding Super Clinic, by Aspen Paragliding with Parapente Aspen club endorsement. Advanced instructors Chuck Smith, Greg Smith, Dick Jackson, Chris Santacroce, Dixon White, Will Gadd, Robbie Whittall and others. Topics include launch,

PARAGLIDING

approach, rescue, thermal flying, X-C and comp preparation, maneuvers, ground handling, active flying, reserve packing and deployment, glider maintenance and more. Contact: Dick or Chuck, Aspen Paragliding, (970) 925-7625, fax (970) 925-7710, dimbfly@rofnet. JUNE 21-22, JULY 19-20, AUG. 16-17: Full Moon Fly-In and Campout. Fly and have fun! Go X-C! No entty fee, just a good time! Meet at 8:00 AM at the North American Paragliding, Inc. flight shop in Ellensburg, WA. Sponsored by the Inland Northwest Paragliding Club. Contact: Denton Meier (509) 663-1460. JUNE 21-22: Powered Paragliding Seminar. Bring your equipment or demo ours. Syllabus will cover transition from non-powered to powered flight through a safe, ease learning curve. JUNE 28-29: California Coastal Ridge Soaring Clinic. Soar the Golden State's breathtaking coastal sites from Big Sur to Santa Barbara. Get ridge soaring sign-off. USHGA certified instructor. Contact: Hugh Murphy (805) 544-8190. JUNE 28, JULY 5: Reserve parachute clinic with Joe Gluzinski in cooperation with Golden Eagle Paragliding, Anchorage, Alaska. Includes course outline, presentations and group discussions, video of reserve deployments, safety equipment review, lunch and a repack afi:er deployment from simulator. Reserves are repacked in the order of deposits received. JUNE 29, JULY 6: Thermal clinic at above. First-choice site Alyeska Resort (call to confirm). Clinic includes course outline, fourhour ground school, flight plan, radio supervision (optional) and dinner. JUNE 30-JULY 4: Anchorage, Alaska coaching service by Joe Gluzinski. More private instruction on weekdays. Work on anything from intermediate to advance ratings, special skills sign-offs, basic maneuvers or Tandem 1 rating. Contact: Air America Paragliding (909) 943-8664 or (800) 259-6729 airampg@aol.com, or Golden Eagle Paragliding (907) 563-IFLY, gep@alaska.net. JULY 2-6: Lakeview, OR 1997 Umpteenth Annual Festival ofFoot-Launched Flight. Two "One Grand X-C" contests (hang and para), Sugar Hill to Lakeview Trophy Dash, spot landing contest for both hang and para, aerotow clinic, truck towing at Abert Rim. Spectacular new "Palisades" launch open only 19 miles from Lakeview. Kids ping-pong ball drop for prizes, historical and wildlife tours, barbecue, dance downtown, plenty of activities for flyers and non-flyers. Plan a week and join

MAY/JUNE

1997

the fun in beautiful Lake County, Oregon "Hang Gliding Capital of the West"! Contact: Lake County Chamber of Commerce (541) 947-6040. JULY 4: Ellenville Airport Fly-In, Ellenville, NY. Hang gliding, paragliding, ultralights, aerotowing, winch towing, aerobatics, fireworks, food and fun. Contact: Greg at Mountain Wings (914) 647-3377. JULY 4-6: Second Annual Air Carnival, Ascutney Mountain Resort in Brownsville, VT. Grand prize for best costume/flying machine. Open to all hang glider and paraglider pilots. Manufacturers' demos and pilot swap meet. Contact: Nicola Cauchy (617) 4915480, NicoCauchy@aol.com. JULY 7-12: 1997 Chelan Classic. CBCC and Chelan Flyers invite all HG and PG pilots, Hang III (TUR, X-C, RLF) and up. $65 entry. All profits go to site fund. Contact: Brian Scott (206) 827-9024. JULY 9-26: World Paragliding Championships, Castejon de Sos, Spain. Contact: fax +34-74553473. JULY 12-27: Thermal andX-C clinics, guide and retrieval service from Chelan Butte, producer of more 100+ mile flights than anywhere in the U.S. Led by Swing representative Joe Gluzinski and Nova importer Alan Bradley. Includes thermal clinics every Saturday morning and X-C clinics each Sunday, maps, cold drinks and radio/GPS-equipped air-conditioned Suburban to pick you up no matter how far you fly. Records to beat are 109 miles north to Canada and 102 miles east to Reardon. Special "hitch hiker" rate for pilots who already know the site and just need a ride. Registration required. For registration form contact: Air America Paragliding, (800) 259-6729 or (909) 943-8664, airampg@aol.com. JULY 17-19: Gorge Games, Hood River, OR. Multi-sport event including windsurfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, etc., and paragliding! Contact: (541) 387-3106. AUGUST 2-4: 1997 Canadian Paragliding Nationals, Mr. Seven, Golden, British Columbia. Contact: Randy Parkin, Meet Director, 33 Shannon Circle SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2Y 2Al, randy@keyinc.com, (403) 256-6869. AUG. 10-13: XC Thermal Clinic, King Mtn., ID. Join Orhar Lawrence, number two-ranked

pilot in the U.S. and the unofficial U.S. outand-return record holder (100 miles at King). Comprehensive thermal and X-C training clinic at the site of the 1997 U.S. Nationals. Orhar is a local King Mtn. pilot with an exceptional understanding of the area and the various X-C routes. Training camp precedes U.S. Nationals to prepare pilots for extremely demanding King Mtn. conditions. The camp is limited to four people (min. P3) in an effort to offer direct one-on-one theoretical and practical instruction. Contact: Othar Lawrence (970) 963-1445. AUG. 16-23: US. Paragliding Nationals, King Mtn., Idaho. P-3 and above. Contact: G.W. Meadows (919) 480-3552. SEPT. 6-8: Sky Hook Sports Annual Thermal Clinic, instructed and hosted by Phil Pohl, $175. Includes camping, transportation from LZ to launch, dinner Sat. & Sun. 30 minutes to motels. Contact: Phil (541) 389-4086 SEPT. 13-14: 7th Annual Pine Mountain Fly-In, Pine Mountain, Oregon. Contact: Raven Young (541) 317-8300. SEPT. 19-21, 26-27: Fall Maneuvers Clinics by Skytimes Paragliding and John Yates, Lake Shasta, CA. $350, lunch included. With two tow boats and seven years of experience this is the premier clinic in America. Learn recovery techniques for asymmetrical collapses, recognition of constant stall and negative tendency for spin. Greatly enhance your paragliding skills. Contact: (415) 868-1330, switzer@hooked.net. NOV. 1-2: Womens Halloween Fly-In. Expertly organized by Kristin Armstrong (509) 3278172, and Kristin Janosky (509) 925-2190 again! Start making your costume plans now. NOV. 1-3: Thermal Clinic sponsored by Air California Adventure and Sky Hook Sports at La Salina Ridge, Baja, CA. Contact: David Jebb (619) 452-9858, aircal@netcom.com. NOV. 6-9: Fall USHGA Board ofDirectors meeting, Kitty Hawk, NC. All members are encouraged to attend! Please send your agenda items in writing to the USHGA office. Contact Karen Simon at USHGA Headquarters for information and reservations: (719) 632-8300, ushga@ushga.org. DEC. 12-14: Paragliding competition, Valle de Bravo, State of Mexico. Contact: Roberto Pous, pous@servidor.dgsca.unam.mx.

UNCERTIFIED ADVERTISING

n accordance with U.S. Hang Gliding Association Bylaw SOP 5-2.02F: " ...Advertisements will be refused from manufacturers stating compliance with ... Airworthiness Standards in their ad, when in fact, no certificate has been issued." Paragliding magazine has received several complaints concerning advertisements claiming AFNOR and DHV certification, when the actual gliders advertised have, in fact, not been certified. We, the publishers, strive to ensure that this does not happen. Unfortunately, occasional ads do slip by us and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our membership.

WHAT WINGS ARE CERTIFIED?

or information on glider certification (homologation) by the DHV or AFNOR you may consult their respective Web pages: http://www.dhv.de, http://lappcth4.in2p3.fr/aerotests.

84-YEAR-OLD GOES PARAGLIDING

aptain Antonio D. Gomez recently became the oldest tandem passenger to fly at Sun Valley Paragliding, and is very likely the oldest ever to fly a paraglider in the U.S. Tony turned 84 years old on Monday, March 10, and made a tandem flight from Baldy with pilot David Frank on the following Friday. "Absolutely fabulous!" exclaimed Tony upon landing. "He flew the glider for the majority of the flight; he even got us a couple of circles in lift, " said David. Tony was born in Malaga, Spain in 1913, but has lived most of his life in the U.S. His aviation career began on the frozen, make-do airstrips of Alaska, and he retired 27 years later from Delta Airlines. He has skied in Sun Valley for 50 years and has made the acquaintance of many interesting characters there over the years. Tony tells a story of meeting Ernest Hemingway in a Ketchum bar and, after discussing their beloved Spain over a few drinks, Ernest

relieved a table of its tablecloth as Tony picked up a chair to perform the role of a bull. His varied, colorful life is filled to the brim with interesting experiences and he's a good storyteller. If you see him in town, buy him a glass of red wine (his secret to longevity) and settle back for some wonderful recounting of his adventures all over the world. For more information contact: Sun Valley Paragliding/Edel, 301 Bell Dr., Ketchum, ID 83340 (208) 726-3332.

GREAT WALL OF CHINA INTERNATIONAL FLYING TOURS

aiichi Kosho Company of Japan and their subsidiary, UP, are working with the Mescalito Adventure Company of Canada to offer paragliding and motorized paraglider tours. Mescalito Project Coordinator Maxim de Jong traveled to Japan in March to visit Daiichi Kosho's seven flight schools, and he was very impressed. Tours allowing foreign pilots to enjoy these facilities are currently available. Spring and fall offer especially excellent flying conditions. Mescalito's 11 years of paragliding experience, along with extensive experience gained through 14 years of international adventure tours and expeditions, also impressed Daiichi. As a result, the two companies decided to combine their skills in this innovative new tour program. The program will begin in September with an exploratory safari to China's Great Wall. This unique paragliding tour and motorized paragliding expedition is made possible through collaboration with the Chinese Government's Special Projects Department. Also this fall Mescalito will offer a tour to Japan for power and nonpower pilots in conjunction with the Fifth Annual World Motorized Paragliding Competition and the 1997 DK Motorized Paragliding Festival. For more information and registration information contact: Mescalito Adventure

Company (604) 858-2300, fax (604) 8583080, mesc@uniserve.com.

FLIGHT DESIGN NEWS Flight Shop

light Design and North American Paragliding, Inc., wish to remind all pilots that an annual reserve repack and glider inspection is strongly advised no matter what glider you fly. You may contact their full-service repair shop to set up an appointment: (509) 925-5565, fax (509) 962-4827, napi@eburg.com.

Slvt

n excellent first glider. SHV Standard and DHV 1-2 give you the confidence you need to progress, and the performance to take you where you want to go. Built with the same swept-back wing tips as the rest of the Flight Design Fleet to produce optimal security and handling.

A6vt

ew intermediate wing for 1997. Made of Flight Design's exclusive double-coat T-9600 fabric by Teijin and highest quality FSE lines. The A6vt has a wide speed range a great sink rate. Brake input is direct and solid with light pressure. The A6vt is certified DHV 1-2 in the small size and DHV 2 in both the medium and large size.

B4vt

his glider offers performance and stability for intermediate to advanced pilots. The Flight Design B4vt is crowned the French National Champion. For a full review see September Vol Libre magazine (e-mailed on request: napi@eburg.comr

Exxtacy 160

he Flight Design Exxtacy 160 is a rigid wing designed and constructed to greatly outperform the highest performance hang gliders of today. "We have about a 40% better glide and 10%-20% better sink than any comp glider out there. In fact, you can no longer compare the performance with any normal hang glider!" states design team member Chris Bletzinger. Launch and landing speeds are lower than those of highperformance hang gliders and handling is as easy as a trainer glider.

PARAGLIDING

The one major similarity wirh a hang glider is rhat in-flight operation is the same with a normal control bar. Weight shift controls pitch and turning. Wing-tip spoilers are engaged for turning as yo u weight shift from left to right. Flaps improve sink rate while flying more slowly in thermals, increase glide while flying straight and fast, and decrease glide angle for landing in tight LZ's. The Flight Design Exxtacy 160 is made with a composite D-Spar and ribs wirh an aluminum keel. Dacron sailcloth covers the wing and setup time is reduced from rhat of normal hang gliders. The Exxtacy 160 is generating great enrhusiasm in both rhe hang gliding and paragliding communities. For more info on any of rhe above contact: North American Paragliding, Inc. (509) 925-5565 , fax (509) 962-4827, napi@eburg.com.

APCO UPDATE

n a recent series of tests in Italy, APCO's Mayday reserve system did particularly well against its latest rivals, proving best in speed of opening and second best in sink rate and stability. The Mayday is a classic pulled-down apex parachute designed and sold by APCO for over 10 years with well over 100 successful recorded deployments. The APCO Futura recently received an AFNOR Performance rating, and rhe Futura 28 and 30 now have DHV 2-3 certification. It appears that British Champion Barney Barnes will be flying rhe Futura at the British Nationals this year. He comments, "I may lose out to some of rhe competition wings on speed, but rhat's about all, and I'll be ahead when it comes to handling which is just excellent. It's so stable and thermals beautifully." APCO comments that much of the stability and performance has been achieved through the use of diagoMAY/JUNE

1997

nal rib sections that improve surface airflow and reduce drag. Overall line usage has been cut by over 100 meters and rhe line layout has been simplified to keep parasitic drag to a minimum. It is constructed wirh double-coated PU and silicone-coated paraglider fabric, and Technora/Superaramid lines wirh low-drag, maintenance-free hook-up points integrated into the sail. The Futura comes wirh a deluxe carry pack, inner protection bag, shoe bag, cinch strap, accelerator system, speed bar, clearly written owner's manual and a complete line-lengrh table and spares kit, including patches of each color fabric used on the glider. APCO Aviation, through its exclusive importer, Aerolight U.S.A. of Miami, offers to pay the entry fee of any pilot flying an APCO Futura in rhe 1997 U.S. Paragliding Nationals. Fully DHV certified, rhe APCO Contour harness is now available in sizes small (4' 11 " to 5' 7"), large (5' 5" to 6' l "), and extra large (5' 11 " to 6' 5") wirh QLB (Quick Lock Buckles) standard. The harness has been designed for maximum comfort and protection using modular elements, and it can be outfitted with a variety of protection systems. The harness has three different types of foam for back and spinal protection built in, and is also equipped with a unique "protection pocket." This allows for the installation of AirFoam with integrated kevlar plate, or CABS (Closed Air Bottle System). Also available from .iA1.erolight U.S."'A~. are rheir Kiwi helmets designed specificalJy for paragliding and hang gliding. They are of composite-fiber construction for strength and light weight. The new "Hype" comes in a variety of colors, is decorated wirh thin water decals and protected by a clear coating. The Hype and orher models are available in sizes XS to XL. Contact: Aerolight U.S.A. , 1355 NW 93 Ct., UnitA-105 , Miami, FL 33 172 (305) 639-3330, fax (305) 639-3055, aerousa@shadow.net.

GWM WORLD-CLASS MEETS UPDATE

n this year's 450-point meets organized and run by G .W Meadows, databack

time-stamp cameras will be required. In keeping wirh its policy of following the world standard, GWM has decided to incorporate rhis requirement which allows more start-gate options for the meet director as well as more start-time options for the competitors, in rhat it allows for up-to-rheminute scoring instead of in intervals of five or 15 minutes. Databack cameras are available for as little as $39 each. GWM stresses the importance of having fresh batteries in the camera so rhe data-stamp will show up well. An information page about the proper use of databack cameras will be online soon at justfly.com. Great world-class meets for 1997 include the hang gliding King Mtn. Open and Lakeview Nationals, and the paragliding King Mtn. Nationals. For more info contact: G.W Meadows, (919) 480-3552, fax (919) 480-0117, justfly@interpath.com, or visit rheir Web site at www.justfly.com. They've even got a mailing address: PO. Box 450, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949.

1997 ASPEN OPEN PARAGLIDING COMPETITION

jax Paragliding is proud to announce the 1997 Aspen Open Paragliding Competition. This USHGA-sanctioned meet will be sponsored and led by Ajax Paragliding's Jan Stenstadvold and RMHGA member Tim Meehan. Open to all pilots with an Advanced USHGA rating or higher, it will run from June 13-17 with June 18 as

a rain date, in Aspen, CO. Aspen has hosted two consecutive national paragliding competitions (1993 and 1994). It is famous for its incredible alpine and cross-country flying and its superb apres-flight party life. This competition includes a number of unique benefits for pilots. Urs Haari, twotime National Champion, will be in attendance as safety director. He will also be available for advanced technique and competition strategy workshops throughout the entire event. In addition, there's an interesting comp fee refund program for all entrants, based on the number of valid tasks flown at the end of the week: tasks not flown after a valid meet has been achieved (due to weather, uncontrollable acts of

nature, nuclear war, etc.) are eligible for a refund. The first pilots' meeting will be held Friday June 13, at 8:00 PM. Attendance is mandatory for entry. The next five days will cover a range of challenging tasks, some days with multiple tasks flown, focusing on courses in the upper Roaring Fork Valley. Each day will start with a pilots' meeting at the base of Aspen Mountain. Bring the whole family. Aspen has historically been busy and popular in the summertime. There are numerous festivals and activities taking place all summer. Make your hotel and campground reservations early. Pilots are responsible for their own retrieval and gondola passes. That's not all! Stay for the week following the competition and take part in Aspen Parapente's first annual Aspen SuperClinic. The combined events will include 10 days of great flying, in an excellent paragliding environment, with all the best pilots, and it won't cost an arm and a leg. Come fly with us and get a free T-shirt. Contact: Jan Stenstadvold (970) 9273258, or Tim Meehan (303) 420-4344, or register by e-mail at meehan@csd.net.

June 21-28: l(jng Mountain Open -

IFlYTEC USA TO TAKE "4030 GPS ACCESS" ROAD TRIP!

ALPINE MARINE NEWS

his summer Flytec USA will be on the road. In an effort to promote their line of variometers they will put all their wares in a white Suburban and travel across the United States. The company will attend the four 450-point meets this year (sec below for schedule). Company reps will have 4010's, 4020's and 4030's to demo, varios for sale, and will offer technical support. The main purpose behind the tour is to promote the 4030 GPS Access. They will also be offering repairs for their varios while at the meets. If you are interested in the Flytec line of variometers please keep an eye out for them, and if you have any questions feel free to contact the company. To arrange a demonstration for your local club or to find out where they will be traveling between the meets contact: 1-800-662-2449. May 9-12: l(jtty Hawk l(jtes HG Spectacular - l(jtry Hawk, NC June 7-14: Sandia Classic Albuquerque, NM

Lost River Valley, ID July 19-26: Hang Gliding Nationals Lakeview, 0 R Flytec will announce more dates as they become available.

SOUABSOLUTE SKY OUTFITTERS NEWS

he Sol Onyx is now available in the U.S. A wing for the serious cross-country pilot, the Onyx offers the latest in paragliding technology. Having gained a reputation as one of the best high-performance wings, according to the manufacturer the Onyx combines outstanding performance with docile handling and a high level of safety. Designed by Hannes Papesh, the Onyx is a glider produced under license from Nova. Also available is the Unno, a good choice for a first wing. In addition the company offers the Sol 34 CD, their popular double-canopy reserve parachute which received AFNOR certification in February. Contact your dealer or Absolute Sky Outfitters at (801) 467-6527 for a 1997 product catalogue.

he FreeX Frantic Plus intermediate glider has just been recertifiedAFNOR Standard without any changes to the wing or lines, just through the removal of the trimmers. The trimmer version offers the same docile characteristics when the trimmers are left in their normal unaccelerated position. By the time you read this a new model between the Frantic Plus and the Spark will be close to completion, the Spear. Using Spark technology this X-C glider is extremely fast (54-km/h) and approaches competition glider territory. Contact: Christian Mulack, Alpine Marine (206) 432-8900, fax (206) 4322876.

EDEL NEWS

ratio than the Quantum but a similar airfoil with a Saber-type planform. Firebird's new sport-class intermediate glider is the Flame. Security was the main design consideration and the glider is easy to fly with good performance. A DHV 2 in Land XL sizes and AFNOR Standard in XL, the Flame is an ideal second glider. Also from Edel is the Balance harness which has a 14-cm dorsal back protector and two hinging impact protectors per side. In addition to ample side pocket storage and a generous ballast storage area, the Balance has click buckles, a new reserve handle and many other features. The Saber Tandem was revealed this April at an Edel dealer meeting, and Chuck Smith of Aspen Paragliding commented, "I am ready to compete again, on the Saber Tandem," referring to its performance and security. The final version well be 42 m2. The new Flame Tandem features half-rib construction and few lines. Special attention has been paid to launch, handling and landing characteristics. Contact: Edel U.S.A., P.O. Box 5715, 301 Bell Dr., Ketchum, ID 83340 (208) 726-1100, fax (208) 726-1149, edelusa@micron.net.

he second annual Air Carnival will be held at Ascutney Mountain Resort in Brownsville, Vermont, July 4-6, 1997. Once again the Grand Prize will go to the pilot with the most creative costume and flying machine, and the events will be open to all hang glider and paraglider pilots. In addition to manufacturers' demos they are offering a pilots' equipment swap meet. Come barter, trade, sell and buy used equipment. Join in the fun flying and be among the first group of pilots to be invited to fly at a ski resort in the Northeast! Mt. Ascutney is the launch from which most hang gliding distance records have been set in the area. Contact: Nicola Cauchy (617) 491-5480, NicoCauchy@aol.com.

r. Gin Scok Songs' latest creation is the Edel Atlas. According to the manufacturer there has never been a D HV Level 1 glider with this level of performance and handling. It features a slightly higher aspect

PARAGLIDING

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1998 USHGA Regional Director Nominations Solicited USHGA is issuing its annual call for nominations to the national Board of Directors. Eleven positions are open for election in November 1997 for a two-year term beginning January 1998. USHGA members seeking position on the ballot should send to headquarters for receipt no later than August 20, 1997 the following information: name and USHGA number, photo and resume (one page containing the candidate's hang/paragliding activities and viewpoints, written consent to be nominated and that they will serve if elected). Candidates must be nominated by at least three USHGA members residing in the candidate's region. Nominations are needed in the following regions. The current Directors are listed and their terms will expired December 31, 1997. Ballots will be distributed with the November issue of HANG GLIDING and the November/December issue of PARAGLIDING magazines. USHGA needs the very best volunteers to help guide the safe development and growth of the sport. Forward candidate material for receipt no later than August 20 to: USHGA, PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901-1330. Reg# 1 2 2 3 3

Current Dire~tor George Sturtevant Paul Gazis Russ Locke Joe Greblo Gregg Lawless Jim Zeiset Frank Gillette Ron Kenney Pete Lehmann

Matt Taber

Jeff Hunt

5 6

States within region Alaska, Oregon, Washington Northern California, Nevada Southern California, Hawaii Arizona, Colorado, El Paso TX, New Mexico, Utah Idaho, Montana, Wyoming Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma Washington DC, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico Lousiana, Texas (excluding the El Paso area)

The following form is for your convenience.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR ELECTION NOMINATION FORM I hereby nominate_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ as a candidate for Regional Director for Region #

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

1998 Regional Director Election if three nominations are received by August 20, 1997.

Jan Ala (H) 938 N Olsen Tucson AZ. 85719 (520) 327-9741

REGION 5

USHGA BOARID OF !DIRECTORS REGION 1 Bill Bolosky (R) 24622 SE Morrormont Dr Issaquah WA 98027 (206) 936-3860 bolosky@microsoft.com George Sturtevant (R) 502 Ogle Ave NE North Bend WA 98045 (206) 888-3856 georges@nwlink.com Bob Hannah (H) 9920 51stAve S Seattle WA 98118 (206) 328-1104 paraskr@aol.com Gene Matthews (H) 15308 111th Ave NE Bothell WA 98011 (206) 488-1443 skydog@gte.net Claudia Stockwell (L) Fred Stockwell (H) 8901 Rogue River Hwy Grant's Pass OR 97527 (541) 582-1467

REGION 2

Luen Miller(HG Accident Chair) 316 Berkeley Way Santa Cruz CA 95062 (408) 423-9919 lumiller@pacbell.net

REGION 3 Ken Baier (R) 253 Rodney Ave Encinitas CA 92024 (619) 753-2664 airjunkies@worldnet.att.net Joe Greblo (R) 16145 Victory Blvd Van Nuys CA 91406 (818) 353-5580 windsports@earthlink.com Gregg Lawless (R) 9127 Bittercreek Ln San Diego CA 92129 (619) 484-2056 Sandy King (H) 360 Travelodge El Cajon CA 92020 (619) 444-8956 slark@worldnet.att.net Mike Meier (H) 500 Blueridge Ave Orange CA 92665 (714) 998-6359 mike@willswing.com

Ray Leonard (R) 3650 Research Wy #22 Carson City NV 89706 (702) 883-7070 advspts@pyramid.net

Rob Kells (H) 500 Blueridge Ave Orange CA 92665 (714) 998-6359 rob@willswing.com

Russ Locke (R) 868 S Mary Ave Sunnyvale CA 94087 (408) 737-8745 rsslok@aol.com

Alan Chuculate (H) PO Box 13451 La Jolla CA 92039 (619) 687-8993

Paul Gazis (R) 428 Madera Ave Apt 1 Sunnyvale CA 94086 (408) 736-0764 gazis@arwen.arc.nasa.gov Ken Brown (H) 791 Neeson Rd Bldg 521 Marina CA 93933 (408) 449-2508 kenb@ijlee.com Ed Pitman (H) PO Box 188 Shasta CA 96087 (916) 359-2392 epitman@c-zone.net

Gil Dodgen (Editor) 6950 Aragon Cir Ste 6 Buena Park CA 90620 (714) 994-3050 gildodgen@aol.com

REGION 4 Mark Ferguson (R) 6595 Odell Pl Ste C Boulder CO 80301 (303) 652-3496 Jim Zeiset (R) 13154 County Rd 140 Salida CO 81201 (719) 539-3335 jimzgreen@aol.com

Matt Taber (R) RR 2 Box 215H Rising Fawn GA 30738 (706) 398-3433 airwave@voyageronline.net

Frank Gillette (R) Rt 1 Watercyn 8 Declo ID 83323 (208) 654-2615 Watercyn@cyberhighway.net

Barbara Flynn (H) 705 E Marks St Orlando FL 32803 (407) 894-5715 skygods@ix.netcom.com

Tracie Fifer (H) PO Box 8225 Jackson WY 83001 (307) 733-5835

Gregg McNamee (H) 14141 SE 51stAve Summerfield FL 34491 (352) 245-8263 graybird@praxis.net

REGION 6 Ron Kenney (R) PO Box 356 Leoti KS 67861 (316) 375-2995 kenney@elkhart.com

REGION 7

Greg De Wolf (H) PO Box 607 Corolla NC 27927 (919) 453-4800 DeWolf7@aol.com

REGION 11

Bill Bryden (R) 6608 North 100 East Rd Seymour IN 47274 (812) 497-2327 bbryden@hsonline.net

Jeff Hunt (R) 4811 Red River Austin TX 78751 (512) 467-2529 RRAJeff@aol.com

Dan Johnson (L) 8 Dorset St St Paul MN 55118 (612) 450-0930 CumulusMan@aol.com

REGION 12

REGION 8 Randy Adams (R) PO Box 369 Claremont NH 03743 (603) 543-1760 bkramer@mvuts.lucent.com

REGION 9 Pete Lehmann (R) 5811 Elgin St Pittsburgh PA 15206 (412) 661-3474 104410.1150@compuserve.com

Geoffrey Mumford (R) 750 First St NE Washington DC 20002 (202) 336-6067 gkm.apa@email.apa.org Dennis Pagen (L) 368 Dunkle Rd Bellefonte PA 16823 (814) 383-2569 Chris DuPaul (H) PO Box 801 Gloucester Pt VA 23062 (804) 693-6742

Paul Voight (R) 5163 Searsville Rd Pine Bush NY 12566 (914) 744-3317 ryanv1 OO@aol.com Jan Johnson (L) 585 E Frank Applegate Jackson NJ 08527 (908) 928-8370 Paul Riker! (L) 101 N Broadway# 28-3 White Plains NY 10603 (914) 946-9386 Lars Linde (H) 954 W Front St Red Bank NJ 07701 (908) 747-7845

REGION 13 (lnt'I) Jan Johnson (L) 585 E Frank Applegate Jackson NJ 08527 (908) 928-8370 Michael Robertson (H) RR 5 865 Con 7 Claremont Ontario Canada L 1Y 1A2 (905) 294-2536 flyhigh@inforamp.net

Art Greenfield (X) 1815 N Ft Meyer Dr Ste 700 Arlington VA 22209 (703) 527-0226 NAA@ids2.idsonline.com

USHGA Executive Director Philip Bachman PO Box 1330 Colorado Springs CO 80901 (719) 632-8300 ushga@ushga.org

REGION 10

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

G.W. Meadows (R) 109 Carlow Ave Kill Devil Hills NC 27948 (919) 480-3552 justfly@interpath.com

President-Bill Bryden Vice President-Randy Adams Secretary-Russ Locke Treasurer-Dan Johnson

KEY (R)-Regional (L)-At Large (H)-Honorary (X)-Ex Officio

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TOTAIL

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(OJ/97)

RELEASE, WAIVER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT In consideration of being granted membership in the USHGA, I , - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - for myself, my personal representatives, heirs, executors, next of kin, spouse and assigns, do agree as follows: A. DEFINITIONS - The following definitions apply to terms used in this Agreement: I. "PARTICIPATION IN THE SPORT means launching (and/or assisting another in launching), flying (whether as pilot in command or otherwise) and/or landing (including, but not limited to, crashing) a hang glider or paraglider. 2. "HY SPORTS INJURIES' means my personal injury, my bodily injury, my death, my property damage and/or any other personal or financial injury sustained by me as a result of my PARTICIPATION IN THE SPORTand/or as a result of the administration of any USHGA programs (for example: the Pilot Proficiency System). 3. "RELEASED PARTIES' means the following, including their owners, officers, directors, agents, spouses, employees, officials (elected or otherwise), members, contractors, sub-contractors, lessors and lessees: a) The United States Hang Gliding Association, a California Non-profit Corporation (USHGA); b) Each of the person(s) sponsoring and/or participating in the administration of my proficiency rating(s); c) Each of the hang gliding and/or paragliding organizations which are chapters of the USHGA; d) The United States Of America and each of the city(ies), town(s), county(ies), State(s) and/or other political subdivisions or governmental agencies within whose jurisdictions I launch, fly and/or land; e) Each of the property owners on or over whose property I may launch, fly and/or land; Q All persons involved, in any manner, in the sports of hang gliding and/or paragliding at the site(s) where I PARTICIPATE IN THE SPORT. 11AII persons involved 11 include, but are not limited to, spectators, hang glider and/or paraglider pilots, assistants, drivers, instructors, observers, and owners of hang gliding and/or paragliding equipment; and g) All other persons lawfully present at the site(s) during my PARTICIPATION IN THE SPORT. B. I RELEASE, WAIVE AND DISCHARGE the RELEASED PARTIES from any and all claims and liability for HY SPORTS INJURIES, however caused, even if caused by the negligence (whether active or passive) of any of the RELEASED PARTIES, to the fullest extent allowed by law. C. I WILL NOT SUE OR MAKE A CLAIM against any of the RELEASED PARTIES for loss or damage on account of HY SPORTS INJURIES. If I violate this agreement by filing such a suit or making such a claim, I will pay all attorneys' fees and costs of the RELEASED PARTIES. I ACKNOWLEDGE that the non-participant third party liability insurance obtained by USHGA does NOT provide coverage for HY SPORTS INJURIES. D. TERMINATION. I can terminate this Agreement only by either (I) sending written notice of termination to the USHGA National Office postage prepaid return receipt requested, in which case the termination will not be effective until one year after I cease being a member of the USHGA or 30 days after I place the written notice in the mail, whichever is later; or by (2) signing and returning to the USHGA National Office a later version of the Official USHGA Release, Waiver and Assumption of Risk Agreement. However, even if I terminate this Agreement, all of the terms of this Agreement will continue to apply to HY SPORTS INJURIESwhich I suffer in whole or in part before the termination of this Agreement. E. I AGREE THAT this AGREEMENT shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. All disputes and matters whatsoever arising under, in connection with or incident to this Agreement shall be litigated; if at all, in and before a Court located in the State of California, U.S.A. to the exclusion of the Courts of any other State or Country. f. SEVERABLIUTY. 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.

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

Participant~ firnature

Date HR-3/97

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he first 10 hours were spent in mild conditions - many glassoffs, hours of kiting. The Cage is unbelievably easy to fly. I kept thinking that a retarded, one-armed monkey with fleas could fly one of these, then my serious side would take over and I'd start wondering if I was a sitting duck, chat it might instantaneously become the hardest thing I'd flown. From flying regular paragliders I've learned the lesson that just when you think your glider won't let you down, you're playing the fool. (A truism for most things in life?) In any event, even though it's different than a conventional paraglider I found it to be easy and sensible to fly. I'd find myself laughing like a little kid . (The "locals" thought I'd gone daffy.) This gizmo carves turns. You steer it through the air, pitch it out, pull it in, slip it over, and slow it down, all the while managing lifting air, and it makes perfecdy good sense. You can spin around and fly it facing backwards (just make sure to adjust your mirror). My first spiral dive while facing backwards was a big thrill! I induced many asymmetricals and frontals during my initial 10 hours and was amazed at the stability and recovery characteristics. Under a big asymmetrical you don't tip over and start to turn like you might with a standard paraglider, you simply steer the Cage where you want to go, push out a little, and it snaps the sailcloth to attention incredibly quickly. Compared to a conventional paraglider there's a dramatic difference in the amount of feedback the Cage gives the pilot. You interpret the air better, and Lord knows I need all the help I can get. I didn't do any spins or MAY/JUNE

1997

by Dixon White photos © 1997 by Jesse Kaltenbach stalls, but I trust the reports from the manufacturer chat it's predictable. Getting back on a regular paraglider afrer many hours on the Cage, there was so little sensation of the air that it felt like I was flying with big mittens. Thinking about the effects of truly big air had me daydreaming, so I signed up to fly in the Mexican Nationals. I wondered if I was biting off more than I could chew, so I got down to Iguala early to get in a couple of practice days. I'd flown Iguala quite a bit at this time of year, so I felt comfortable with the conditions early in the day. Well, little did I know that somebody pulled out the stops on the thermals. Before I knew it I found myself in thermal afrer thermal averaging 1,400 fpm up. Two hours and a lazy 25 kilometers lacer I was ready ro cackle that competition, grinning from ear to ear. Everyday was huge. It was really fun pitting the Cage against the other gliders on glide or in a thermal. Overall I'd say it was like polished granite - smooth and solid. The Cage glider is 15% smaller than what I normally fly, so I noticed a sink rate disadvantage in light conditions, but in thermals I could turn it so fast I had to back off to avoid ticking off the pilot across from me in the thermals. Speed was pretty impressive; pull in the bar and you can practically hear the tires squeal. I averaged two hours and 25 km per day, 1,400fpm thermals and 5,000-foor gains, 10 days in a row, and I never experienced a single problem. I heard the glider doing some things, but I never once had to fix

anything. There were bullet thermals every day that took my vario off the scale, yet the Cage refused to be spanked. I came in 10th which is the best I've done in a competition (there were more than 10 competitors). Considering that the Cage I'm flying is designed as a beginner glider I'd say we worked pretty well together. Before I make it sound like you can practically fly this thing while peeling potatoes I must set the record straight and say that I take thermal flying very seriously. I was just as active in my management of the Cage as I am with a conventional paraglider. There were times when I'd hit thermal turbulence and very active/,y push out and control the glider. It occurred ro me more than once that things might have been different if an inexperienced pilot had been flying in these conditions, so don't try this at home in your house thermal in midday conditions without a long learning curve. I've got almost 4,000 flights on paragliders, mostly in Arizona, so I'm pretty conscious of the air and how a glider should be driven through big air. But, there's no doubt in my mind that this was the most solid paraglider I've ever flown.

Dixon White is a Master pilot and Advanced Tandem Instructor for Dixon's Airplay Paragliding ofWashington and Arizona. You can visit his ~b sites at airplay.com and paraglide. com. •

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SIO

and irectio

by USHGA President Bill Bryden

cloned as we better understand the merits of each. My intent is ro offer some direction -- to point the way. People can now decide if it is right or wrong, and I'll happily alter my course in response. My concern is that if no one points us in some direction we will go nowhere. The following are my recommendations to actualize the vision l have for the USHGA. COMMUNICATION

t the March Board of Directors (BOD) meeting in Colorado Springs, I gave a presentation to the Board about my frustrations and visions regarding the future of the USHGA. I intended to scold the Board and myself for some of our recent mistakes and to inspire them to strive for more aggressive, proactive goals. I present it here to facilitate your understanding of the directions in which I am nying to lead the Association. It is hoped that you will provide feedback to your Regional Director and me, to help us fine-tune the direction in which we are attempting to navigate. Looking back over the past few Board meetings and couple of years of the Association, I am pleased with the progress made in some areas and dissatisfied with that in others. My dissatisfaction concerns two arenas: those in which we could do so much more and those in which we screwed up. The Planning Committee made some recommendations at the fall BOD meeting. I was pleased with rhe recommendations provided, however, there were not enough solid, concrete actions galvanizing the Board on longer-range goals and driving the Association in general to satisfy me. We need to shake the bushes a bit and look down the road to goals five or 10 years in rhe future, and plan the steps needed to achieve those goals. As I look at our sports of hang gliding and paragliding l see their terrible inconvenience as a major hindrance to growth. One does not typically stop by the flying site for a quick flight during the lunch hour, or go flying on the way home from work. It is usually an all-day or even all-weekend affair. Our equipment is inconvenient; although paragliders are less so than hang gliders. Our sites are usually inconvenient. Training is ofren inconvenient. How can these sports grow if we do not address their inconvenience, or at least the aspects about which we can do something? Too many folks still perceive our sports as deadly dangerous. How can the sports grow if we do not address this? Overall safety must be improved for the direct benefit of our members, and for the enhancement of our public image. l strongly believe more rules, regulations and ratings will not accomplish this. Rather, better understanding of accidents, better education and better training methods are the answers. The relative safety and joyful fulfillment experienced by participants must be aggressively pro mored if the erroneous perception of" aerial dearh" is to be overcome. For the USHGA ro grow the spores muse

MAY/JUNE

1997

become more popular, increasing the number of potential membets. Foe the USHGA to grow we must also expand the services provided and improve theit quality foe out membets. My vision for rhe USHGA down the road, at least five years from now, is probably best articulated wirh a set of points describing the activities, functions and services provided: We would put forth a vigorous effott in the area of site preservation and acquisition, rendering assistance down to the local level. Probably at least one full-time professional staff person would be needed to oversee these services. The Foundation would aggressively seek and raise funds, and work to purchase at-risk flying sites, potentially in cooperation with USHGA Chapters or other groups such as the Nature Conse1vancy. Chapters would be stronger and better supported with more services and tools to assist them in growing, securing flying sites, publishing their newsletters, attracting members to meetings, conducting seminars, public speaking, etc. We need aggressive accident investigation and analysis capability, and the sharing of data with associations in other countries for better trend analysis. This analysis needs to be translated into educational programs for members and Chapters, with recommendations for schools and instructors. We must have much-improved information exchange with members, so the Association better understands their needs and keeps them abreast of changes under consideration and changes to programs being implemented. We must share concerns and promote a strong network of members working collectively for the promulgation of the sports. We need stronger relationships with other aviation associations and the FAA. Aggressive promotion and publicity programs are needed to assist the growth of the spotts and consequently the USHGA. There are other elements in my vision but these points capture the highlights. My vision is not stagnant; it progressively responds to input which is critical to its evolution. To statt down the road of achieving this vision there are specific changes and programs l would like to see the USHGA implement. The following items are for starters. More will certainly be added, and some of these suggestions should probably be aban-

We are very poor in this area. Communication takes time and effort. I, as much as anyone, am guilty of looking at the work load and doing only the things that are screaming to be accomplished. Unfortunately, communication only screams after the failure to do it adequately leads to consequences. Not only does inadequate communication lead to confusion, it breeds contempt and suspicion. I want the USHGA to address this head-on and aggressively. The change needs to hit people like a two-byfour on the side of their heads. Let's blow them away. I would like to see the following actions caken in the suggested time frames: Web site. We have discussed rhis ad infinitum. It was approved last year and we should have had it up by now. It needs to be extensive and contain the stuff below. (Implementation in three monrhs.) - Overview of the spores and USHGA with pictures, etc. - FAQ section on the sports. - List ofUSHGA directors and officers with contact info. - List of chapters, officers and phone numbers to contact. - List of all instructors, examiners, observers, tow rating folks, etc., with contact info. - List of schools with contact info and hypertext links. - Bylaws and SO P's. - Minutes of the BOD meetings. - List of changes the BOD is considering for adoption. - Agendas for all upcoming meetings. - FAQ and explanation section for the waiver. Consider implementation of moderated discussion or feedback groups for debate ofUSHGA policy or programs. This could offer some useful feedback, insight and wisdom, but may require moderation to prevent it from becoming just a complaint board saddled with the bombast plaguing the present Internet discussion group. (One year for implementation if deemed desirable.) Begin "USHGA Issues" column. Address and debate issues facing the USHGA (or most of them) monthly. Discussion would be published in che magazines and provided to newsletters and the Net which can disseminate info to members more quickly. NPRM-type process added to SOP 2-3 for significant changes. If a sizable program change having extensive impact upon the members is

being pursued, it must be published in the magazines and at least 30-60 days provided for members to comment before the change may be approved by the BOD or EC for implementation. Provisions must be provided for emergency situations. Each Director should contact the office at least every month, if not more frequently, and share issues, site problems and member concerns. The office should provide Directors with a heads-up concerning anticipated issues, and monitor progress on tasks assigned to Directors. Directors should author a column for the newsletters in their regions or provide some regular communication with the members in their districts. I once did this but allowed it to fall by the wayside as time pressures constrained me. However, if we are to be responsive to the members we must somehow find the time. An agenda for each BOD meeting MUST be published prior to each meeting. A summary of the topics should be provided so people know what the heck they are about. A summary of the minutes must be published following every BOD meeting. The Secretary should be responsible for ensuring that the office completes this in a timely fashion. Chapter survey. What are the services and tools we can provide Chapters? What sites are at risk and what can USHGA do to help? ACCIDENT REVIEW Our collection of accident information has been good. However, the qualiry of the information gathered has only been as good as the reports submitted, which range from excellent to dreadful. For critical incidents we need to gather and analyze the particulars better, relying less on the chance that an accident report is detailed and complete or even filed. I was very dismayed by our performance investigating a high-profile accident last year. Numerous people were involved in the investigation but there was little sharing and comparing of notes. These intelligent people did not discuss the incident jointly and arrive at a thorough, more completely argued consensus. We had five different assessments which were very similar in their conclusions, but none were in total agreement. This is not acceptable if we want to grow the sport. Several years ago our friends in the United Kingdom experienced several incidenrs of a particular glider tucking. Their investigations led them to actually put similar vintage gliders of that model on a test truck and measure their stability. They found that this model was very satisfactory when new, but became divergent afrer extensive use. Did we "officially" find out about this and share the information? No. Do we regularly share things we have learned with them? Regrettably, no. I find this less than acceptable. Our accident statistics are limited, and the numbers make trend analysis difficult and subject to anomaly. Sharing and comparing data with other associations could help. They ofren learn things from which we could benefit, but this seldom

happens with no formal process. I would like to see the following: The Accident Committee should develop a training program to improve the skills and tools for investigation of an accident. This ideally would be a short home-study program potentially augmented with video. Participants would study the material, submit an exam, and upon completion be added to the list ofUSHGA accident investigators. The goal would be to establish a national nerwork to research significant incidents. Accident review teams. Discussion and debate are often needed to critically evaluate potential causes of accidents and reach a higher-quality conclusion. A Regional Director could appoint a small team of three or four investigators who would review a selected incident and provide a joint analysis. Dialog and formal information sharing with hang gliding and paragliding associations in other countries (BHPA, HGFA, etc.) should be established. Some of this is beginning to take place through the CIVL bur we can certainly do more. Accident columns in magazines should shift to providing mote proactive education rather than simply reporting what happened and why, along with editorial comments. We know that a few of the accident reports published last year contributed to a few people quitting the sports. The summary and analysis are still needed, but I want more content as in Private Pilot's "I Learned About Flying By That" column. A very detailed narrative setting the stage, giving some background, and a sequence of events is provided. A problem is encountered and the pilot's success or failure in dealing with it is presented. The column terminates with a summary of the lessons learned. I propose that we do something similar, but present the discussion about lessons learned the following month. The story could be discussed at Chapter meetings or berween individual pilots in the meantime, yielding a higher level oflearning and internalization of the lessons. PUBLICATIONS We are generally content with the magazines. However, I have a few concerns and would like to see the following concerns addressed: I fear some members receiving paragliding services may feel that they are second-class members receiving only six issues of Paragliding magazine each yeat. Understandably, the cost for the smaller subscription base makes it difficult to increase the frequency of publication, but the base of paragliding members is increasing. I don't think the membership would presently be content merging the rwo magazines, but this should be investigated. Until then, publication of 12 issues per year should be a goal. I believe it

is possible with proper coordination of articles and more use of "generic" articles printed in both magazines during select months to minimize the added cost. Maybe the members receiving Paragliding could be provided Hang Gliding during the off months. Whatever the right answer is, I'd like to see members receiving paragliding services get 12 issues within the next rwo years. As the integration of the hang gliding and paragliding communities increases I think there will be a point at which merging the rwo magazines into one big "killer issue" each month could be acceptable to the members. I'd personally prefer one big magazine with over 100 pages instead of our 64 and 56 page magazines now. Extensive discussion of this with the members and an opportunity for comment will be required well in advance of any change. This would likely save a pile of money, money that could be spent on site preservation or promotion of the sports. I would like to see this targeted for four to five years or sooner if the membership welcomes it. I fear for the smooth continuation of the magazines in the event Gil is hit by a bus or otherwise put out of service. He allegedly has a couple of magazines ready to go with non-time-sensitive articles. I would like the USHGA to establish a policy that rwo months worth of magazines (rwo HG and one PG at this point) be ready to go to press (camera ready!) at all times. This would put a bit of added work on Gil and we should be prepared to pay for it. (One-year time frame.) SITE PRESERVATION

As discussed, inconvenience hinders the growth of our sports. There is little we can do regarding the equipment, however, sites are also at the core of this. Site preservation and acquisition musr be high priorities for the USHGA. I think good progress has been made by Phil over the past rwo years but there is more I would like see occur: Compile a list of sites nationwide that are at risk and why (six months). Compile a list of sites lost nationwide in the past five years and why (six months). Put in place the appropriate mechanics and protections for the Foundation to purchase sites (rwo years). Implement an aggressive fund-raising program for the Foundation (rwo years). Professional staff member dedicated to site preservation support (half-time - rwo to three years, full-time - five years). INSURANCE This is critical ro maintain but there are also a couple of concerns I would like to see addressed: Pursuit of insurance that does not exclude par-

PARAGLIDING

ticipants should be a high priority. This would protect the Association and landowners from suits filed by pilots which the present and past policies have excluded. Some landowners require this and it would open some sites. Many airports are potential sites, especially with the increase of towing operations. Unfortunately, in spite of the FAA's support for our presence there, many airports are attempting to exclude hang gliding and paragliding activity on the basis of their insurance companies' concerns. Some firms require increased premiums or deny coverage entirely. USHGA should work to identify at least one firm and preferably two carriers friendly to gliding operations. Airports could then procure their general commercial liability coverage from these firms, potentially opening up additional sites. There are numerous trade journals in any industry, and the insurance industry is no exception. There are many impressions about hang gliding floating about the insurance industry based upon our history in the 1970's. The message about modern hang gliding and paragliding needs to be shared with this industry, potentially affecting the availability or cost of health and life policies for members. I'd like to see two trade journal articles about our sports in the next two years. A minor concern: Members typically cannot procure coverage for lose or damage to their gliders resulting from fire, storm, thefi:, etc., and they are typically excluded from homeowner' s policies. Coverage can be secured from Avemco and potentially others if the glider is registered with an air sports association such as USUA or EAA. USHGA should explore finding a firm to provide this coverage directly to pilots and/or establish a glider registration program as needed so pilots may obtain coverage from Avemco or similar aviation carriers (two years). CHAPTER SERVICES There are many good Chapters and they are potentially one of the greatest member-recruiting tools we could have. But what programs do we possess to utilize them? What have we done to help them grow? We have done virtually nothing to capitalize on chem. Supporting the growth and health of Chapters in turn helps the USHGA and is an area we must address. I have found that many chapters are unaware of some of the things USHGA can provide. Advertise these services periodically to them (one year). Establish a "Speakers Bureau," providing associations, schools and others with a contact for a local person or Chapter to talk to them about hang gliding or paragliding (one year). Offer several different prepared presentations with slides, photos and videos for use by a speaker. Why should they always reinvent the

MAY/JUNE

1997

wheel? We can also get a little more uniform message out to the public (two years). Newsletter editors crave material to publish. We should provide rhem the "USHGA Issues" column for publication prior to the magazines. Other material that we can provide should be disseminated to them, potentially surplus material Gil is unable to accommodate in the magazmes. I don't know specifically what else to recommend, but interaction between the USHGA and its Chapters should be more involved. We need to figure out a way for Chapters to not be isolated orphans but integral elements in the operation ofUSHGA. They need to be a part of our information flow, both ways, and an element in our decision making. I welcome any ideas on this. LWSON WITH OTHER ASSOCIATIONS We have made remarkable progress connecting with other aviation organizations. Other aviation groups and general aviation pilots are beginning to view our sports as legitimate aviation rather than dangerous recreation. Invitations to hold the Planning Committee meeting at EAA headquarters and my invitation to participate in an FAA Ultralight Forum at Sun 'n' Fun are good examples. Phil is to be commended for his extensive leadership. Our efforts at Oshkosh and Sun 'n' Fun are paying off. But there is more we can do. Many FAA personnel in the field are ignorant about our towing operations. Most are craving information when the subject comes up in their area. We have a unique opportunity to favorably influence the many field folks. We should prepare a short video and information package describing modern-day hang gliding and paragliding, tow methodology, and FAA policy toward the activities. Get Bill Cook or another key individual in Washingron to sign a cover letter endorsing the informational content and distribute this material to all FSDO's and field inspectors (one year). Author an article about towing for FAAviation magazine. (Bryden is already committed.) We have slacked a bit with our presentations at Oshkosh and Sun 'n' Fun . The folks doing it are tired. Bring some new blood into these events and present a more polished image with a specific message. Name two new people to head up booth activities for each event (one year). PUBLICITY AND PROMOTION We adopted some innovative ideas at the last BOD meeting to generate revenue and stimulate promotion of the sport. We cannot let up on these activities. I do not have specific ideas, but know that we need to formulate an integrated marketing plan so our efforts are not disjoint and unsynergistic.

Develop a specific marketing/promotional program with projected budgets for promoting growth of the sports primarily, and the USHGA secondarily (two years). BOARD OF DIRECTORS As I have vented before, this outfit needs to become more proactive and less reactionary, just looking for fires to fight by creating a new raring or another darn rule. I think we are performing better than we were two years ago, but I am still not satisfied. We have talked about various proposals but none have gone anywhere. Here is what I would like (I chink) to see: The BOD meeting each year (in the early spring?) each year accompanied by a membership meeting before, during or afi:er. (I don't know which would be better.) A convention each year in mid to late winter, initially in conjunction with the SSA's convention sharing space, room rates and seminars with additional time allotted for committee working sessions. This would involve seminars, new product unveilings, demonstrations, etc. (The membership meeting could possibly be held at this time.) Investigate elimination of one BOD meeting in lieu of working sessions for several key committees with pressing issues or extensive task lists. More controlled membership and attendance of committees. We have way too many people, Directors included, floating in and out of committees from meeting to meeting. Continuity is poor. Who knows who is "on the committee"? I do not know exactly how to best accomplish this but will continue working on it. Suggestions are welcome. These were the challenges I presented to the Board of Directors this March. They constitute the directions I honestly believe are required for the growth of the sports and the Association. If folks feel strongly chat some of these recommendations are incorrect, that is fine. But they must also present an alternative to keep us going. Some may argue that we do not need growth, chat flying sites are too crowded already. I disagree. The more people we can bring into the sport the more flying sites we will have. There will be more motivation and more energy invested in the creation of new sites. There used to be numerous glider manufacturers in the U.S. Now there is only one manufacrurer of significant size and a couple of smaller ones. I do not believe this is good. We must grow and we must be aggressive about bringing in new pilots. We welcome suggestions. Please provide them to your Regional Director or to me. However, more than ideas, we need people co bring the ones we have to fruition. That is an arduous responsibility. Are you up to the challenge? Ill

1997 Spring BOD Meeting Wrap-Up by Gregory W Huller

he most recent BOD meeting was held March 21-23, 1997 in Colorado Springs, CO. The day before, a special membership meeting was held to decide the outcome of two issues. Issue #1 was a restructuring of the current Full Member Class into three new classes Basic, Pilot and Instructor membership categories. Issue #2 was the proposed limitation of the lifetime membership class to the existing members of that class. Both issues failed, however, the issues will be better presented ro the membership over the coming months and another vote will be taken at the next membership meeting to be held at an as yet undetermined date. The following is a list of actions (broken down by committee) which took place at the spring 1997 BOD meeting.

ACCIDENT COMMITTEE 1) A paragliding accident review summary to be prepared annually for publication in Paragliding magazine. 2) President to appoint a new PG Accident Review Chair by 4/15/97. 3) USHGA to investigate informing dubs of search and rescue resources that are available to them. SAFETY & TRAINING COMMITTEE 1) PG ICP Administrator procedures adopted for HG effective 1/1/98. A two-day summit meeting of all ICP administrators and administrator candidates will be held at Kitty Hawk, NC immediately prior to the fall BOD meeting. 2) Eliminated proposed ICP/ITP changes from last BOD meeting. 3) An article addressing the IPPI card as well as foreign equivalence ratings to be written. 4) Accepted Women's Instructor Incentive Program. 5) ICP Administrators to be reminded of their responsibility to submit results to the office in a timely manner. TOWING COMMITTEE 1) Correction and completion of proposed SOP 12-10 (Towing/Aero towing Administration) to be done. 2) Platform launch test to be revised and submitted to test-review subcommittee for approval. 3) Greg Pierson and Tim Shea to be considered for Administrator appointments. 4) "FAQ'' article for towing activities to accom-

pany video for airport managers is ro be written. PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE 1) Editor will initiate an editor contingency plan by compiling and laying out a magazine issue. 2) A new "USHGA Issues" column in the magazines set to begin. 3) The financial aspects of combining HG and PG magazines co be investigated. 4) Instructional content in both magazines is ro be increased. Increased recognition of those who exhibit safe flying practices will be made in the magazines. SITE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE l) Work is being done on Kirkwood, CA site issues. 2) A site procurement project oucline is being created to assist in the procurement of sites. 3) Future Executive Director's reports to include a section on site management issues. 4) Investigations on the creation of a site leasing/purchasing fund is being conducted. Results of the investigation will be given to the BOD at the next meeting with recommendations to the committee. TANDEM COMMITTEE 1) Instructor requirement removed from Tandem Instructor rating prerequisites. Tandem Instructor limited to issuing Student Ratings only. (NOTE: A question raised, after the BOD meeting was over, as to whether or not Tandem Instructors should still be allowed to issue Tandem 1 ratings. The committee chair indicated that it was not the intention of the committee to bar Tandem Instructors from issuing Tandem l's.) 2) Tandem Administrator requirements are being added to SOP 12-2. NATIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE 1) USHGA office tasked to investigate the public lands user fee issue for ground-based recreational sports and take appropriate action. 2) Information on CIVL's Hang Gliding Diploma forwarded to the Awards Committee for inclusion in their awards processes. ORGANIZATION & BYLAWS COMMITTEE 1) Make available proposed revision of USHGA Bylaws to all members for review, requesting their input for consideration in preparation for final approval at the fall 1997 BOD meeting. 2) New SOP's 3-16 (Accident Review) and 3-17 (Awards) adopted. 3) SOP's 13-3 (Chapter List) and 13-4 (Insured

Chapter Sites) eliminated. SOP's 8-1 through 8-6 combined into a single SOP 8-1 (Awards).

FINANCE COMMITfEE 1) A magazine article soliciting donations to help cover current legal expenses will be written. 2) Approved $1,000 for an educational towing video. WORLDWIDE COMPETITION COMMITTEE l) Approved Rick Jacob and Mark Ferguson as Meet Stewards. 2) World Air Games letter to be sent to top 100 ranked pilots. MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT I) Office to repair current simulator and purchase a second one. 2) New HG publicity brochure approved. 3) Current waiver modified to exclude section D, indemnification oflandowner clause. 4) Legal counsel to investigate a further waiver revision to protect from claims by minors. 5) Membership drive to be designed and implemented. 6) The office will forward communications from women's sports organizations to the Executive Committee and/or Directors. 7) Representative(s) from the Women's Sports Foundation (WSF) to be invited to attend the next BOD meeting. 8) Investigation into whether members can donate frequent-flier miles to USHGA will be made. 9) The office will contact the editor of Women's Sports & Fitness regarding an ad swap. 10) Proposed revisions to SOP 2-3 (Committee System) establishing a formal system for approval of significant measures by the BOD to be worked on by the committee prior to the next BOD meeting. 11) Requests that members with marketing expertise volunteer their time and talents to the USHGA will be made in the magazine and on the Internet. The office will maintain the list so that these resources can be tapped for the benefit of the Association. 12) Office is instructed to send news and information package to Chapter newsletter editors on a monthly basis to use at their discretion GENERAL SESSION 1) The BOD will begin investigating the streamlining of BOD processes.

If you have any questions on the above subjects, or if you would like a copy of the meeting minutes, please contact USHGA Headquarters. The next BOD meeting will be held November 7-9, 1997 in Kitty Hawk, NC. II

PARAGLIDING

Paragliding Interviews

Frank Gillette On

KING MOUNTAIN by Steve Roti

PGM: Hang glider pilots have been flying

King Mountain for a long time. How much paragliding experience is there at King?

Frank: We've been flying it pretty extensively for the last two years. There've been some good flights there. It's pretty well tested. PGM: Othar Lawrence made a 100-mile out-

Frank Gillette has been flying King Mountain, Idaho for many years. In this interview he tells paraglider pilots what to expect at the site of the 1997 US. Nationals.

and-return flight from King last year, and Othar and Dave Bridges both flew 50 miles straight-line in 1995. Have there been other notable paraglider X-C flights launched at King?

Frank: There was one to the east (I forget who did it) toward Blackfoot. That's an unusual direction. The usual direction is to fly north up the range with the south or southwest wind. Most of our flights are in that direction, toward Challis (75 miles) and Salmon (100 miles), toward the Continental Divide. PGM: You hold the Idaho state hang gliding

distance record of 162 miles. ™1s that flight made from King?

Frank: Yes, I launched at King, and that was to Anaconda, Montana, where the big copper mine used to be. I was on the Divide going over. Beautiful flight - we were hitting 17,500' that day. It just happens somenmes. PGM: King Mountain has a

reputation for "big air. "How does it compare to Cheuzn, site ofthe!ast two US. Paragliding Nationals?

Frank: It's very similar to Chelan Butte, but

Atomic City•

°Richfield

'blatrich

Chelan differs in that you cross the river and then encounter flatland thermals. At King we follow the valley up, so we have stronger conditions during most of the ride. It's not uncommon to get 1,500 to 2,000 fpm up. We're going to have this meet in August when conditions are mellower, but you can still get as high as earlier in the summer. It just calms down a bit. PGM: Are there puzces around the mountain

which paraglider pilots should avoid?

PARAGLIDING

0rHAR LAWRENCE COMPARES KING MOUNTAIN TO PREVIOUS NATIONALS SITES

Air-to-air photo ofAL Whitesell over Sunset Ridge Looking back at King Mountain. Photo by Dave Albright. Frank: Yes, there are a few, and chose will be gone over in detail at the meet. It's similar to other places, where if you have a canyon the wind can venturi and you have to stay out. They're pretty easy to spot and we'll help people who are new to the site.

PGM: What is it that makes King Mountain a great cross-country flying site? Frank: Part of it is chat it has so many rock slopes up at 10,000'-12,000' that produce a lot of thermals. The farther up the mountain you get, the stronger the thermals are. You can adjust the thermal strength you want to fly in by staying out in front of the mountains . That's what I do; I don't go over the tops.

PGM: Is there only one X-C route from King (north along the range) or are there other possibilities too? Frank: Our favorite route is down the valley to the north-northwest, but we do have other over-the-top routes. One is coward West Yellowstone and Dubois in an easterly direction. The other is coward Dillon to the northeast. You need to have at least 2,000' to go over the top, I prefer 3,000'. You have to cross some 10,000' northsouth running ranges, then you can get out into some flatland flying on the easterly route.

PGM: What are the typical summer weather conditions that make for good flying at King? Frank: Prefrontal south-southwest winds is your best flying. If chat happens you can usually get up the range in good shape. If it

MAY / JUNE

1997

turns roo much northerly, which is postfrontal, you've got to go over the ranges in an easterly/northeasterly direction to get anywhere.

PGM: How high does cloudbase get during the middle ofthe summer? Is it advisable to fly with oxygen? Frank: We usually do fly with oxygen in hang gliders, and we've started co use oxygen in paragliders too. It's not uncommon to get up co 17,000'.

PGM: When does King open for flying in a typical year?

n comparing Aspen, Chelan and King Mountain I think of food. Chelan is definitely candy. It has strong thermals chat are usually soft, the wind on the ground is easy to see and predict, and the dust devils mark every thermal. This makes for a low-maintenance flying experience which is sweet. However, like any candy, the flavor gets old after a while. Aspen is hot, chunky stew. It has a lot of ingredients and if you're not careful it can burn. Aspen has an amazingly complex valley/mountain system, strong and sometimes rough thermals, lee-side thermals, and strong valley winds. It also has big verticals when it comes to both the mountains and cloudbase. As with any stew you feel fulfilled after eating it. Aspen is exciting and requires tl1ought. King is Mexican food. It only has a few ingredients but it's enough for a good meal. King has strong, sometimes punchy thermals. The mountains are big but the valley/mountain system is simple. Like Mexican food King is spicy that's why it is fun to eat.•

G.W MEADOWS TALKS.ABOUT PLANS FOR THE

1997 U.S. NATIONALS Frank: Somewhere between March 1-15. This year it opened in late March because we had a big snow year. The way the mountain is situated, the same thing that makes the thermals melts the snow off early in the year. It's an early opener.

PGM: Any parting words for paraglider pilots who've never been to King? Frank: King has been flown enough that I'm comfortable with it, and the conditions are not out of line. The time of year we've selected for the meet should be good. It's the most beautiful place you've ever flown in your life. It's common to see mountain goats and elk on the range, and we wave at mountain climbers on Borah Peak (12,655 ' MSL) as we go by. One of the best things about King is that the people who live in the area are really friendly and helpful to us, they're just that kind of people. •

run more comps in the U.S. than anyone else, and I have a very efficient organization to do so. We have our own photo processor, our employees are well trained and the competitors will be created like customers. It is important that paraglider pilots understand that this will be a world-class competition and not a fly-in . I love fly-ins as much as anyone, but chat's not the focus of this comp. All tasks will race-to-goal with or without a turnpoint. Oxygen is recommended and refills will be free. Time-stamp cameras are required. Our website is behind schedule (whose isn't?) but there will be a wealth of info available on it soon (hopefully by the time you read this) at jusrfly.com. The competition will be covered on the Internet while it's happening. We'll be taking photos with a digital camera and posting them, as well as daily results, pictures of the map that shows where the pilots landed and such, and just fun photos. It'll be a virtual competition. •

by Mark "Spec" Telep

' ' H ey, that's an interesting looking wing!" This is probably what you'll say the first time you see a FreeX. Every model in the FreeX line appears to be missing the front half of the stabilizer. (The stabilizer is the fabric that droops down at the wing tips on most gliders.) The manual says that this is done to reduce induced drag. There doesn't seem to be any less directional stabiliry than I'm used to, so why not? It looks cool. FreeX was started by DHV test pilot Christoph Kirsch together with designer Rasso von Schlichtegroll. The gliders are distributed in this country by Christian Mulack at Alpine Marine based in Maple Valley, Washington, near Seattle. The line currently consists of five wings starting with the Funiac (a DHV 1/SHV standard), the Frantic and Frantic plus (a DHV 2/Performance class which is reviewed here) , and the Spark (a DHV 2-3/Competition class which is a serial version of the Spark Pro). The Spark Pro is the full-on race version that is in constant evolution and suitable for racing at the PWC level. The fifth wing is a tandem version of the Frantic Plus called the Frantic Twin, a pretty good-looking mid-sized tandem judging by the wing on which it's based. Of all the testing organizations many people feel that the DHV is doing the most thorough job of testing paragliders. A DHV 2-rated glider like the Frantic Plus I

consider a good second-glider purchase, probably all the glider you'll ever need if you fly in strong conditions. Pilots with a thorough understanding of the air and faster-than-average reflexes could consider a DHV 2 wing as their first glider. Perhaps it's best to start by telling you what's most important to me in comparing wings. The two main factors are stability and performance. How a wing launches in zero wind, its roll rate and brake pressure are all important too, but these things are all pretty good on modern wings. I spent a considerable amount of time last summer flying one of the more popular DHV 2 wings, the Pro Design ProFeel 37. I've also recently flown popular wings of this type in the northwestern US. Christian gave me a large Frantic Plus for a week and I had a blast flying it around Chelan. One flight in particular rook me 20 miles our to Mansfield and about 80% of the way back, to the power lines. This gave me three hours to experience just about everything that might happen in strong thermal X-C conditions. Not a single asymmetric collapse, frontal collapse, or weird surge was experienced. Performance was confirmed by Hank Butzel, a buddy of mine from Missoula who was flying the same task on his Wills Super Sport, an equivalently rated hang glider. He said he couldn't believe the glide I was getting - pretty high praise.

The FreeX ties with the ProFeel for general resistance to collapse with the Saber not very far behind. I found that the Saber required some brake pressure in any kind of textured air or I'd get 10%-20% asymmetries on occasion regularly. A good argument was once made to me regarding the need for a wing to collapse asymmetrically, something to do with reducing spin tendencies. However, I'm not spinning a lot of gliders as a result of bouncing off impenetrable thermals. Let them stay open. Handling on the FreeX is superb as well. The roll rate is not quite up to that of the Saber, which is the most sporty, or the ProFeel, but maybe that's not such a bad thing. The Frantic still does tremendous wingovers if you want it to and it's sink rate maintains pretty well all the way through a t~rn. The former is something I really missed in flying the other two, compared to my comp wings . Perhaps the thing that impresses me most about the FreeX is its construction. Take a look at the sewing job on the lines. They didn't sew back and forth five times in the same spot destroying the core like some/most companies. Does this sound like something that really bothers me? It is! The stitching is perfect and appears as though it won't come apart. That's what I like about race lines; at least you can see what's going on. FreeX is using Carrington sail material, and EulitAramide line material, the same stuff used by many other manufacturers. Some kind of confidence-inspiring black webbing is used for the risers, and they are topped off by quality Stubai aluminum quick-links. The speed system deserves special mention as it is quite unique. Called the "overdrive capsular pulley system," it appears to be a lycra sock with some hardware attached. Inside is a three-to-one pulley system chat's protected from fouling by the sock. It remains attached to the harness during storage and attaches to a D-ring on the riser with a small steel carabiner, thus you need to thread line only on your initial setup. It's a very unique and effective method of speeding up the glider. Throughout this review you've probably noticed the word "unique" a number of times in reference to the FreeX. Take a look at one and you'll see why. While no better or worse than the top-selling brands, it deserves a look if you're tired of cookie-cutter wings.•

PARAGLIDING

1997 USHGA MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM

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1ST DIAMOND SAFE PILOT AWARDS DAVE RAYBOURN ED STEIN

Region 4 FERRIS, BOB: Mesa, AZ; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG HALL, DAVE: Durango, CO; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG Region 6 LOHR, JASON: St Louis, MO; S. Harris/Thermal Explorations

2ND DIAMOND SAFE PILOT AWARDS DAVID FRANK

Region 7 RIEBLING, JERYL: Peoria, IL; B. Fifer/Traverse City HG PG SIXTA, CALVIN: Paynesville, MN; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG SIXTA, TIM: Payesville, MN; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG

BRONZE LILIENTHAL AWARDS RICHARD SHALLMAN

SILVER LILIENTHAL AWARDS RICHARD SHALLMAN

Region 9 O'DONNELL, FIONA: Newark, DE; G. Pax/PG Adventure Xperts

BEGINNER RATINGS

Region 10 ERION, BRUCE: Atlanta, GA; H. Murphy/Surf rhe Sky KWAISER, STEVE: Mooresville, NC; R. Sharp/Parafly POGUE, DAN: Bonita Springs, FL; B. Kushner/Raven Sky Sports POST, KENT: Ft Lauderdale, FL; R. McKenzie/High Adventure

Region 1 BORCHIN, MICHAEL: Bend, OR; P. Pohl/Sky Hook Sports HERNLEY, CAROL: Cordova, AK; J. Gluzinski/Air America PG NOAH, LINDSAY: Chugiak, AK; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG RUSSEL, M MADELINE: Lake Oswego, OR; S. Roti/Observer SONTAG, JEREMY: Bothell, WA; C. Mulack/Chelan PG SONTAG, LARRY: Borhell, WA; C. Mulack/Chelan PG WILDER, F GREGORY: Issaquah, WA; M. Heckler/Para Pilots Region 2 BILLS, RICHARD: Palo Alto, CA; J. Lucas/Glidell BOIZEL, FRANCK: Sausalito, CA; W. Anderson/Chandelle COHEN, CHERYL: San Carlos, CA; H. Rejmanek/Airtime of SF DICKISON, DAREN: Salinas, CA; H. Rejmanek/Monterey Bay PG GONZALEZ, ROGER: Cupertino, CA; H. Rejmanek/Airtime of SF IAVICTOIRE, TERRY: Castro Valley, CA; J. Lucas/Glidell MADDUX, MIKE: Seaside, CA; H. Rejmanek/Monterey Bay PG MO, GRACE: Palo Alto, CA; H. Rejmanek/Monterey Bay PG ROSSKILLEY, DOUGIAS: Salinas, CA; H. Rejmanek/Monterey Bay PG RUTZAKIS, JANE: Salinas, CA; H. Rejmanek/Monterey Bay PG SHONG-HSIEN, YU SCOTT: San Francisco, CA; H. Rejmanek/Airtime of SF SIEGEMUND, BERND: San Jose, CA; H. Rejamek/Monterey Bay PG VAYDA, GREGORY: Monterey, CA; H. Rejmanek/Monterey Bay PG Region 3 BEIN, STEVE: Culver City, CA; T. Nelson/Thermal Dynamics COOKE, JOHN: Honolulu, HI; Steve Amy/Pro Flyght HI HOFFMAN, DOUGIAS: Kailua, HI; Scott Amy/Pro Flyght HI KENT-LANES, SHARON: Lakeside, CA; A. Chuculate MC KEE, DAVE: Lancaster, CA; M. Chirico/Chirico's Fright School RODRIGUES, DANIEL: San Juan Cap, CA; J. Gluzinski/Air America PG YARBROUGH, TIM: Torrance, CA; T. Nelson/Thermal Dynamics

Region 8 FRAWLEY, DAVID: N Tewksbury, MA; J. Nicolay/Morningside FP IARMIE, WAYNE: Dover, MA; R. Sharp/Parafly MACEACHERN, MATTHEW: Boston, MA; J. Stenstadvold/Ajax PG MELLOR, CHARLES: Peabody, MA; J. Nicolay/Morningside FP

Region 13 ORIS DE ROA, FERNANDO J: Argentina; C. Smirh/Aspen PG SANCHEZ, AMPARO: Mexico; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG SANCHEZ, JUAN LUIS: Mexico; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG

NOVICE RATINGS Region l BEER, DOUG: Bellingham, WA; K Baier/Airjunkies BORCHIN, MICHAEL: Bend, OR; P. Pohl/Skyhook Sports DE VILLIERS, JACQUES: Hillsboro, OR; L. Pindar/Over the Hill PG HEATHMAN, TOM: Asotin, WA; F. Johnson/US Airborne NELSON, VICKIE: Glennallen, AK; T. Hamler/Golden Eagle PG NOAH, LINDSAY: Chugiak, AK; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG RASMUSSEN, ERIC: Bainbridge Is, WA; L. Do Chirico/Chirico's Fright School SONTAG,JEREMY: Bothell, WA; C. Mulack/Chelan PG SONTAG, LARRY: Bothell, WA; C. Mulack/Chelan PG WILDER, F GREGORY: Issaquah, WA; M. Heckler/Para Pilots Region2 BILLS, RICHARD: Palo Alto, CA; J. Lucas/Glidell BOIZEL, FRANCK: Sausalito, CA; W. Anderson/Chandelle COHEN, CHERYL: San Carlos, CA; H. Rejmanek/Airtime of SF COOPER, JIM: Walnut Creek, CA; E. Stein/EA Stein & Assoc DICKISON, DAREN: Salinas, CA; H. Rejmanek/Monterey Bay PG GONZALEZ, ROGER: Cupertino, CA; H. Rejmanek/Airtime of SF IAVICTOIRE, TERRY: Castro Valley, CA; J. Lucas/Glidell MADDUX, MIKE: Seaside, CA; H. Rejmanek/Monterey Bay PG MARBLE, DAVID: El Cerrito, CA; W. Anderson/Chandelle MO, GRACE: Palo Alto, CA; H. Rejmanek/Monterey Bay PG

PARAGLIDING

REED, ERIC: San Francisco, CA; R. Osc/Blackwing PG ROSSKILLEY, DOUGLAS: Salinas, CA; H. Rejmanek/Monterey Bay PG RUTZAKIS, JANE: Salinas, CA; H. Rejmanek/Monterey Bay PG SHONG-HSIEN, YU SCOTT: San Francisco, CA; H. Rejmanek/Aircime of SF SIEGEMUND, BERND: San Jose, CA; H. Rejamek/Monterey Bay PG VAN METER, LORI: Soda Springs, CA;]. VanMeter/Wingtrip VAYDA, GREGORY: Monterey, CA; H. Rejmanek/Monterey Bay PG

Region 13 LINN, JOHN: Singapore; B. Fifer/Traverse Ciry HG PG LINN, THERESA: Singapore; B. Fifer/Traverse Ciry HG PG ORIS DE ROA, FERNANDO J: Argentina; C. Smith/Aspen PG SANCHEZ, JUAN LUIS: Mexico; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG

INTERMEDIATE RATINGS Region 3 BEIN, STEVE: Culver Ciry, CA; T. Nelson/Thermal Dynamics COOKE, JOHN: Honolulu, HI; Steve Amy/Pro Flyght HI GOLIA, DAVE: Encinitas, CA; K. Baier/Airjunkies HERSH, DOUGLAS: Del Mar, CA; M. Karren/Dixon's Airplay PG HOFFMAN, DOUGLAS: Kailua, HI; Scott Amy/Pro Flyght HI KNIGHT,JONATHAN: Haiku, HI; Scott Amy/Pro Flyght HI KUFUS, SCOTT: Pacific Beach, CA; P. Somerset/AT Sports MC KEE, DAVE: Lancaster, CA; M. Chirico/Chirico's Fright School NORRIS, BRETT: Goleta, CA; T. Truax/Sky Sports PARROW, NEAL: Los Angeles, CA; T. Truax/Sky Sports SAVARESE, ROBERT: San Diego, CA; S. Hassell/Airtek San Diego YARBROUGH, TIM: Torrance, CA; T. Nelson/Thermal Dynamics Region 4 BUTLER, PAUL: North Ogden, UT; S. Hassell/Airtek San Diego FERRIS, BOB: Mesa, AZ; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG HALL, DAVE: Durango, CO; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG JONES, DONLEY: Sandy, UT; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG PIERCE, RYAN: Snowmass Vig, CO; C. Smith/Aspen PG RUFFNER, DUANE: Salt Lake Ciry, UT; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG WALGER, ULLI: Park Ciry, UT; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG

Region 1 CALVERT, GAYLE: Canby, OR; S. Rori/Observer COMBS, DAN: Greasham, OR; L. Pindar/Over the Hill PG CRABTREE, PAM: Lynden, WA; S. Rori/Observer DE LISLE, BEN: Bellvue, WA; M. Chirico/Chirico's Fright School LEWIS, RUSS: Everett, WA; M. Eberle/North American PG MOORE, STEVEN: Milwaukie, OR; S. Rori/Observer ROWE, DALE: Seattle, WA; M. Chirico/Chirico's Fright School Region2 LEAHY, DAN: Fremont, CA; R. Visaya/Natural Flying OWENS, GENE: Watsonville, CA; T. Switzer/Skytimes PG SCHMID, ROBERT: San Jose, CA; P. Somerset/AT Sports SOBRINO, PEDRO: Los Altos, CA; A. Whicehill/Chandelle TAKAHASHI, NAOKO: Pacific Grove, CA; D. O'Hara/Observer Region3 CHANG, JAEIK: Garndena, CA; J. Gluzinski/Air America PG CHRISTENSEN, CAL: Winchester, CA; J. Gluzinski/Air America PG OCHOA, RODRIGO: San Diego, CA; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG OLSON, SCOTT: La Jolla, CA; D. Jebb/UP San Diego/Torrey Pines

Region 5 APPLEBURY, ALAN: Hamilton, MT; K. Baier/Airjunkies ENGLAND, M.D., BILL: Lewiston, ID; S. Johnson/US Airborne JENSEN, DERRICK: Jackson, WY; C. Warren/Wind Dance PARKEY, TODD: Lewiston, ID; F. Johnson/US Airborne VAN PERRE, MARY: Hailey, ID; M. Bell/Discover Flight

Region4 TONILAS, BRUCE: Littleton, CO; G. Banks/Parasofi: PG WORTH, W RANDOLPH: Littleton, CO; G. Banks/Parasofi: PG

Region 7 GILL, TIM: Rapid Ciry, SD; M. Eberle/North American PG RIEBLING, JERYL: Peoria, IL; B. Fifer/Traverse Ciry HG PG SIXTA, CALVIN: Paynesville, MN; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG SIXTA, TIM: Payesville, MN; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG

Region 7 CAULFIELD, PATRICK: Eagan, MN; R. McKenzie/High Adventure RIEMERSMA, KEITH: Holland, MI; W. Bergman/Observer

Region 9 KING II, JOHN: Midland, VA; R. Sharp/Parafly Region 10 ERION, BRUCE: Atlanta, GA; H. Murphy/Surf the Sky KIDDER, MIKE: N Charleston, SC; R. Sharp/Parafly KWAISER, STEVE: Mooresville, NC; R. Sharp/Parafly POGUE, DAN: Bonita Springs, FL; B. Kushner/Raven Sky Sports Region 12 KELLER, AMANDA: Franklinville, NY; K.Hudonjorgensen/Soaring Center

MAY /JUNE

Region 5 HIRSCHLAND, GEORG: Wilson, WY; C. Warren/Wind Dance

Region 9 BANTA,JOHN: Lititz, PA; K.Hudonjorgensen/Two Can Fly Region 10 THOMAS, BEN: Winston-salem, NC; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG VERNER, JAMES: St Petersburg, FL; P. Somerset/AT PG Region 11 SNYDER, JAMIE: Buchanan Dam, TX; N. Stanford/Hill Countty PG Region 13 CURYLO, ALEX: Canada; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG CURYLO, DANIEL: Canada; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG KARAM, JUAN: Mexico; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG YOUNG, LAURIE: Canada; M. deJong/Mescalico

1997

---llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!lllllllllillllllllllllllllllllllll----------,,,,,.:,.a.-,1nmm•·_..,.,.......,...,.,._,_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

ADVANCED RATINGS

TANDEM TWO RATINGS

Region l CRABTREE, DELVIN: Lynden, WA; S. Roti/Observer ORTH, GENE: Eugene, OR; S. Roti/Observer

PAUL KLEMOND MARCELLO DE BARROS

TANDEM INSTRUCTOR RATINGS

Region2 CLEM, CHARLES: Concord, CA; T. Switzer/Skytimes PG HERGERT, JENNIFER: Los Gatos, CA; A. Whitehill/Chandelle HERN, ELIZABETH: Red Bluff, CA; J. Yates/Pro Design KELLOGG, MIKE: Fremont, CA;]. Lucas/Glidell SCHROEDER, CHUCK: Reno, NV; J. Lucas/Glidell VAN METER, JOHN: Soda Springs, CA; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports

STEVE JOLICOEUR DAVID MCCUTCHEON BRIAN PORTER KINSLEY WONG LEN SZAFARYN ROB VON ZABERN KARL MAYFORTH TAYLOR ARNOT PHILLIP HIRST MAXIM DE JONG

Region3 EGAN, CIARAN: Van Nuys, CA; P. Somerset/AT Sports HALL, WILLIAM: Carlsbad, CA; M. Bell/Discover Flight KNIGHT, BEN: Long Beach, CA; J. Gluzinski/Air America PG LYNN, TONY: Pacific Palisad, CA; D. Jebb/UP San Diego/Torrey Pines OMAN, ERIK: Chula Vista, CA; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG Region4 CAHUR, MARK: Steamboat, CO; G. Eicholz/BOC PG GROOVER, SEAN: Aspen, CO; P. Somerset/AT Sports LOVING, GRAHAM: Aspen, CO;]. Stenstadvold/Ajax PG

1997 TOP 30 SCHOOL/CLUB LEADERS IN BEGINNER (PARA 1) RATINGS ISSUED RANK SCHOOL ................................ BEGINNERS

Region 5 BARKER, STEVEN: Moose, WY; C. Warren/Wind Dance HILLIARD, CHRISTOPHER: Laramie, WY; P. Somerset/AT Spans KUNKLER, HANSJORG: Troy, ID; D. Covington/Big Sky PG Region 7 BERGMAN, WAYNE: Muskegon, MI; T. Zakotnik/Above & Beyond FICHTER, PAUL: Evanston, IL; J. Gluzinski/Air America PG Region 10 DE LA PAVA, CESAR MEJIA: Miami, FL; C. Santacroce/Sun Valley PG Region 13 STOSCHEK, BERND: Germany; J. Lucas/Glidell

MASTER RATINGS Region 3 TABOR, JOHN: Venice, CA Region4 ANDERSON, FLETCHER: Glenwood Spgs, CO

TANDEM ONE RATINGS WALLACE ANDERSON ERIK OMAN CHRIS SCHRAGNER TAYLOR ARNOT MARIE OSOWSKI NANCY STANFORD

2 3 4 4 6 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 14 14 14 14 14 14 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

Dixon's Airplay Paragliding ............................. 17 East Coast Paragliding ...................................... 9 Monterey Bay Paragliding ................................. ? Airtime of San Francisco ................................... 6 GMI Paragliding ............................................... 6 Glide!! .............................................................. 5 U.S. Airborne ................................................... 5 Big Sky Paragliding .......................................... .4 Fly Away Paragliding ........................................ 4 HG/PG School ofOregon ................................ 4 High Adventure ............................................... .4 Hill Country Paragliding .................................. 4 Surf the Sky ..................................................... .4 Adventure Sports .............................................. 3 Air America Paragliding .................................... 3 Morningside Flight Park ................................... 3 Mtn Flyers Paragliding ...................................... 3 Over the Hill Paragliding .................................. 3 Suns ports ......................................................... 3 Air California Adventures ................................. 2 Aspen Paragliding ............................................. 2 Boise Paragliding .............................................. 2 Chandelle ......................................................... 2 Chelan Paragliding ........................................... 2 Chirico's Fright School.. .................................... 2 HG/PG Emporium .......................................... 2 Parafly .............................................................. 2 Continued on page 42 ... PARAGLIDING

OREGON Pine Mountain is Oregon's version of Chelan Butte, the paragliding site where all the state cross-country distance records have been set in recent years. Previous record flights went east ftom Pine Mountain along Highway 20 toward the town ofBurns. Bill Gordon broke the Oregon distance record last year by taking a new route, south over mostly uninhabited forest and desert land to Summer Lake. This is his story The day started out like so many others over the past few years. Good friends from around Oregon had gathered at our favorite high-desert flying site. Pine Mountain rises 2,000 feet from the floor of the eastern Oregon desert (4,700' MSL) and offers conditions that, depending on the time of day, all pilots can enjoy. The conditions on chis day looked okay for flying. The day was blue and sunny, but the pressure was tipping the high end of the scales so we were expecting afternoon rodeo air due to the extra energy the thermals would have to gather before breaking free of their earthly bonds. At 11 :30 AM I found myself on launch with some of my experienced flying buddies who also felt drawn to the midday conditions. We were soon airborne, and for the next half hour we played like yo-yo's doing the scratch and bump. We would scratch around until we bumped into a little bubble which we would work for a few hundred feet until we fell out the bottom, drifted too far behind Pine Mountain, or topped out at 8,000 feet. This felt too much like thermaling off the "E" at Lake Elsinore wait-

P AR AGL ID ING

Pete Reagan (left) and Bill Gordon (right) at Summer Lake in south central Oregon after Bill's flight .from Pine Mountain.

ing for the convergence to come in, so I decided to fly out over the desert floor in hopes of finding something larger than a bubble. Big mistake. By the time I returned to the mountain I was so low I had to land a few hundred feet below launch or sink out miserably at the Flying Farm LZ. During my hike back to launch my buddies made sure I knew how much fun they were I • ' .I • I I I . I • navmg m me au, ana now nor ana miserable I must be on the ground. At 1:00 PM I found myself alone on launch with no pilots overhead. They had either sunk out or called it a day. The thermals had grown stronger, but they were very punchy and fewer in number. I radioed to the Flying Farm - no response. They were all enjoying the shade under the porch, waiting the few hours until glass-off. I relaunched, gained a little altitude in a rowdy little bubble, and headed out toward the base of Pine searching for the one strong thermal that had eluded me all day. I was 500 feet off the deck when I found my thermal. She was strong, confident and spirited. I found her 1,200-fpm core and we circled and danced skyward. My radio crackled to life. "Hey Flash, looks MAY/JUNE

1997

like you caught a good one," Steve Rori said, "We'll follow if you decide to take it over the back. " I replied, 'Tm going to top this one out and drift with it. I'll let you know which way I'm heading when I top our." As I climbed a hang glider pilot joined in below me. I climbed to 9,500' MSL and the hang pilot topped out around 8,500'. We had both drifted behind Pine Mountain and were over the desert floor at the base of the southeast bowl. I had to make some decisions . Which way do I go? North and west were not options because the 15-20 mph wind at altitude was blowing me south-southeast. To the south the desert floor thickened into a green carpet known as the Deschutes National Forest. To the east lay Highway 20, the only paved road in a 40-mile radius. All the other roads surrounding Pine Mountain were the red dashed roads found on topographical maps that wreak havoc on your vehicle because of their unimproved nature. Not one had the word "highway" in its name; instead, roads with names like NFD 2315 and Wagontire snaked alongside their respective dashed lines. I didn't have my

maps and had never driven or flown deep into the Oregon desert. I did receive some comfort from the fact that I had my Garmin GPS. At least I could track my direction and ground speed. I decided to skirt the edge of the Deschutes National Forest. In this high pressure the trees wouldn't release their heat until later that evening, if at all. Also, my glide would have put me deep into the forest with no LZ in sight. Thermals would have a better chance of triggering from the desert floor, especially because there were numerous small buttes as well as a set of high-tension power lines that ran south along the forest edge. Both could be great thermal triggers and I have used them often during other X-C flights. Meanwhile, I was in the stone wne. I decided to jump over an outcropping of trees to a field between Sand Springs Road and Antelope Butte. I picked up a small bubble, cleared the trees, and began working my way toward the butte. I needed something - anything! I was a couple of hundred feet off the deck when I bumped into rhe bubble from hell. This little thermal was drifting fast and had an atttittt-

tuuuude! She had found the energy to release from the small lava rocks on the rib of the butte. I was way too eager, and when I dove in she slapped me with a 70% asymmetrical. It was a warning to play nice or not at all. I approached again with a lot more respect. She was moving south very

MOREDOFETHOE BESST

quickly while snaking around in the air. I lost her more than once but managed to find her again until she disappeared just west of Watkins Butte. I only gained 800 feet but I was able to drift with her fo r a few miles. I finall y contacted Steve and Pete

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Reagan in the chase car long enough to find out that they didn't have a good map either. It was up to me to give them directions from the air. A5 the day played out this would prove to be very difficult because roads were converging and snaking all over the place, and my perspective from

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the air was much different from theirs on the ground, and they were at least half an hour behind me. I flew south-southwest, picking up a few small bubbles but nothing solid. I headed toward Short Butte. I was getting kind of nervous because I was back over the trees and low. I skirted the north side of Short Butte. Nothing! I dove in behind Long Butte and headed toward Squaw Ridge, hoping it would trigger something. Nothing! I headed out to cross NFD 2315 to a clearing on the other side. It was over for me. I radioed, "Pete, I'm going down behind a butte. There's a road running right next to my LZ. I'm a couple of miles east of the power lines. Do you copy?" "Yeah, Bill, you're west of the power lines?" "No, East." "East, got it. Hey, we just drove into a cattle corral. Do you remember it?" "Sorry Pete, I don't. Just try to follow the power lines and you'll find me." As I was approaching NFD 2315 low enough to pick the pine cones from the trees below, three vehicles came around the bend from the north. I quickly angled my wing to run parallel and downwind from the road as they passed below me. I prayed the cars would trigger a thermal or at least a bubble so I could once again fight off the inevitable ground suck. Sure enough, she was rowdy, very tight and small, but I laid my wing over, locked in a tip, and started a slow dance into the sky. I lost the bubble a couple of times because of her dancing drifr, but managed to find her again pressed up against a rib on Squaw Ridge where she started to feel like a real thermal. As I climbed a couple of hundred above the ridge it becarne apparent that this small valley between the buttes was feeding the core. This was the first real tl1ermal I had hooked since Pine Mountain. The thermal was strengthening, my vario was screaming, my altimeter was spinning, and I was drifting quickly south. I had cheated ground suck and was happy once again. "Pete, do you copy?" "H ey Bill, we hear you loud and clear. Are you on the ground, yet?" "Uh, Pete, there's been a slight change of plans. I've just passed eight grand and am still climbing." I continued to climb to over 10,000 feet in the same thermal. Following the power lines I started picking up thermals consistently as I glided south. I was flying

MAY/JUNE

1997

into another air mass coming in from the south. There were cumulus clouds 20 miles away, the air temperature was dropping rapidly, and I was able to climb higher than before. I was beginning to feel the numbing effects of being above 10,000 feet. I was dressed for warmer high pressure conditions, not for a cold front. "Hey Pete, I've entered a valley covered with farm fields and criss-crossing roads. When you come to a T intersection turn left, follow the road west, then south a short ways, and when it jogs west again turn left and follow the road along the edge of the fields until you can head south again. Do you copy?" "Yeah, Bill, we copy. So you want us to take a right at the first T, follow the jog left, then right at the next T. Right? "Uh, yeah, I think that sounds right. There are thermals popping all over this valley. I've run into a front. Everything is going off. I'm going to slowly work my way south, which should give you guys time to catch up. " Unfortunately, I had verified the wrong directions. They headed west before turning south and ended up on Christmas Valley-Wagontire Road. "Hey Bill, we're west ofTable Rock on Highway 31. Where are you?" "Pete, you're where?" "We're west ofTable Rock. " "Pete, how could you be west of Table Rock. You should be right below me east ofTable Rock." "No we're above a dry lake bed called Silver Lake, west of Table Rock. " "Well, I'm east ofTable Rock, I think. The only lake I see is to me south and it looks pretry big. Actually, it kind oflooks like Summer Lake." "Bill, hovv could it be Summer Lake? That's pretty far south and east of where you told us to go. " "Pete, I know this sounds impossible, but I think I see Summer Lake and Wimer Ridge. Right now I'm on glide to a huge cumie. It kinda looks like Goofy from my angle. Do you see it?" "Nothing looks like Goofy from our angle Bill, are you okay?" "Yeah, I think so, I've just bumped into this thermal under this cumie and I'm climbing fast again. I'm kinda numb and I'm shaking pretty bad. Can't feel my fingers, but I feel gooooood. Look's like base is about 13 grand. I'll take this one as high as I can and jump me gap toward Summer Lake." "Okay Bill, we'll head toward Summer Lake."

I took the thermal to over 12,000 feet MSL before making the jump which gave me at least 9,000 feet for my glide. I didn't take it to base because I was just too cold and my judgment was already impaired. I was already past the first stages of hypoxia. As I went on glide I gained another few hundred feet before I hit the stone zone on the side of the cumie. I crossed into me Summer Lake valley when I noticed Steve's Jeep a few thousand below me. "Hey Pete, I'm directly above you guys. If you pull over you can probably get a visual on me." "We've got you in sight Bill. What's your plan?" 'Tm done. I'm on final over the swamp. I'll run the highway until I land. Being over 10,000 for over an hour has totally drained me." "Hey Bill, we feel so sorry for you down here. We'd much rather drive through hell on the ground man fly the 60+ miles to get here." "Hey guys, I'm not complaining, really, I'm just happy to be warming up again. Should've worn more layers. I'll see you soon." I flew eight miles past the Summer Lake restaurant and store. As I descended into warmer air my shivering stopped, my brain unlocked, and I could once again feel life pumping through my frozen limbs. I turned into me wind and touched down having flown a total of 68.6 miles straight-line measured by GPS. Steve and Pete were waiting, the sun was shining, me air was warm, life was good. Of course, back at Pine Mountain, nobody believed us. •

Flight Statistics

Date:

May 26, 1996

Launch Site:

Pine Mountain

Landing Zone:

8 miles south of the Summer Lake store on Highway 31

Distance:

110.5 km, 68.6 miles

Duration:

3 hours, 40 minutes

Aircraft:

Pro Design Contest

• -. . . .- . . he Italians have long been the world leaders in stylish design. If names like Ferrari, Cassini, Lamborgini, Armani and Maserati don't tum your

head, then perhaps Valery Bertonelli will. But over the decades the Italians have not been known for their aircraft designs. Perhaps chis is because so many compromises must be made to the design aesthetics of an airplane chat the Italians throw

up their arms and yell "basta" in disgust. Now, the design of a paraglider is a different matter. It is almost pure wing and there is an axiom of aerodynamics which states that the better a wing flies, the more beautiful it will be. Look, for instance, at the wing of a seagull compared to that of a bat, or the wing of a sailplane compared to chat of a Cessna. This concept is not lost on the Italians for they have been designing and manufacturing quality paragliders since 1984. But recently they have focused their formidable talents on building the ultimate paraglider. It seems that they have discovered a possible fissure in the spacetime continuum and have pried it open just enough to get a glimpse of the future. And they bring the future to us in the guise of a new wing called the Fourth Dimension.

WHAT A CONCEPT The Fourth dimension is a product of the fertile brain of Andrea Boschi, managing director of Paradelta based in Parma, Italy. The company has built hang gliders and parachutes since 1980 and paragliders since 1984. They patented the idea of using Kevlar lines protected by a plastic sheath and the design of an air rocket reserve parachute. Paradelta has also had a continuous line of successful paragliders whose names always start with a B, according to an ancient belief chat chis wards off bad luck. The Broken Wind (in all seriousness), the Bull Ball (winner of the 1989 World Championships), the Basic, Breeze, Brio and Bingo are a few chat come to mind. But now they have flaunted old superstitions to bring us the Fourth Dimension. Actually, the name Fourth Dimension doesn't refer to a glider at all, but a patentpending sausage-shaped inflatable tube to be inserted inside a paraglider wing. This tube goes from one side of the wing to the other and serves to prevent the wing from collapsing while at the same time stretching it out and giving it more projected area and a smoother profile. According to the manufacturer, when the inflatable tube . is inserted into a current conventional glider, the improvement in performance isn't enormous, but stall speed is decreased and top speed goes up. In addition, handling is improved because the wing is more solid and the brakes don't distort the wing as much. But it is the prototype test

PARAGLIDING

wing chat assaults the senses like a roaring Maseraci Mistral or a ceiling plastered by Michelangelo. This wing, as the photos show, is pure poetry in emotion. You want to weep with ecstasy when you see its sleek shape knifing through the slick air like a hot stiletto. Its very image trumpets performance. HOW IT WORKS WONDERS The prototype wing for the Fourth Dimension idea is an unparalleled paragon of performance to coin a paraphrase. If paragliding represents a dance in space, the Fourth Dimension brings us a ballet to an ethereal tune in an unfathomable key. If current paragliders are cousins of the eagles, the Fourth Dimension is an albatross. But lee's get down to practical matters and see how this idea really works. The inflatable tube itself is the secret, of course. It is constructed of trilam rip-stop Mylar (polyester film) that is sealed at the seams. Its dimensions for the prototype wing shown in the photos are 58 feet long with a center diameter of 12.6 inches and a tip diameter of about four inches. But it is suggested that such a tube can be inserted into the cross-ports of any glider, so presumably shorter tubes will be made available. The tube does not touch the top and bottom surface of the wing, since it must allow airflow to pass front to rear to pressurize the leading and trailing portions of chewing. The tube is inflated by one of several methods. An air tank can be used, of course, but this is cumbersome. The best method currently used is a small electric pump working off a motorcycle battery. This method takes between 60 and 90 seconds to inflate the tube to about 50 millibars. Then a hand pump is used to top up the pressure pre-flight (and in the air). The whole process takes about 70 pumps and four minutes. The reason for topping up the pressure in the air is that there is a relief valve to depressurize the tube if you get too high. Look at this: the tube operating pressure is from 150 to 380 millibars. The internal pressure increases by about 10% every 3,000 feet, so by about 12,000 feet rhe pressure begins to automatically bleed off. When you descend it is necessary to reinflare at some point to maintain the pressure within the desired limits. The tube alone weighs 6.2 pounds. MAY/JUNE

1997

With additional developments it is expected to come down in weight. This addition of weight to rhe canopy may be detrimental to lifting it in zero wind, but the ideal layout of the canopy that the cube creates and the better efficiency of the wing largely offsets this drawback. As mentioned, one of the things the tube does is prevent collapses by holding the wing rigid from side to side. Some concern from various commentators has been that if a collapse occurs, it may never come out, since once the tube is folded it cannot unfold gradually like a collapsed wing. However, with inflation pressures equivalent to or greater than those of a rubber dinghy, it is likely that the wing will never collapse. Or, even if it did on rare occasions, it would occur in air that would wrap up a conventional paraglider so the parachute option would become the common solution in both cases. The prototype wing is obviously pushing the limits of the flexible, inflatable format. Did 1 say flexible? Make that semirigid, for it is clear that such a shape could never be approached without the assistance of the tube. The wing shown has a span of 59 feet and an aspect ratio of 10 (this is a measure of the wing's thinness when viewed from above and is one important performance factor). The aspect ratio is much higher than any existing paraglider (a little over five, maximum) or flexible hang glider (a little over eight, maximum) , so its potential performance is apparent. The aspect ratio of a paraglider is normally limited by the wing's ability to stay inflated and maintain its spanwise shape. The cube rakes care of these matters. An additional consideration is the number of lines on a glider. These lines add drag which erodes performance, so conceivably a conventional glider could incorporate the Fourth Dimension tube and do away with a lot of lines to achieve an increment in performance.

will probably have a toned-down aspect ratio of 8.2, but even this is a quantum leap. This production glider has been flown by Alain Zoller, a Swiss certification test pilot. He reports that the glider is extremely solid laterally and during control input. However, it appears to be sensitive in pitch. Using a Flytec 3030 instrument he measured a minimum sink rate between 132 and 177 fpm. The maximum glide is 11 to 1 according to his calculations. We look forward to seeing the Italians continue to bless us with their design genius. They have cracked the door to the future and many of us are eager to peer inside. As that great dreamer of flight Leonardo da Vinci said, "Let's boogie!" (or something like that) . •

THEONCEANDFUTUREWING The future is now, for the Fourth Dimension has been flying around Italy for most of a year. Ir has been towed and exhibited in the air at the Bassano meet. With an accumulation of airtime refinements will come, but we predict you'll see some version of the idea available next season. The designer, Boschi, says he expects to optimize the system by then and reduce cost. The production wing from Paradelta

far in front of the pilot. With the

A NOTE OF CAITTION Caveat emptor is how the ancient Italians would say it. Our glorious account of the Fourth Dimension must be tempered with a cold dose of reality. The idea sounds great, but until extensive flight testing in the whole spectrum of typical turbulence takes place, the safety of the wing will not be known.

In 1989 there was a Swiss paraglider incorporating a similar inflated system.

It had problems when unusual flight conditions occurred. The main concern about the Fourth Dimension is how the glider will react in dynamic stalls when the pilot swings well in front of the canopy just as it stalls. The result in a conventional paraglider is a surge of the canopy and a frontal collapse if the canopy gets too Fourth Dimension the added weight in the canopy and the lowered drag may result in a more severe forward surge and tuck. We won't know about these matters until all the testing is complete, documented and duplicated. We'll keep you posted.

• ••••••••••••••••••••••••••

... Continued from page 34

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---·---------------------

Communication and the Waiver by USHGA President Bill Bryden ommunication is an area in which the USHGA is woefully inadequate. It requires a constant and concerted effort, and in a volunteer-led organization it too often falls victim to shortages of time or energy. In an effort to partially address this, the "USHGA Issues" column will become a regular feature of the magazines, with Internet distribution to Chapters and members. I will author the first several installments and then other Association Officers, Directors and selected members will assist in the task of addressing member concerns. I do not want this to be simply a one-sided column propagandizing the membership, nor do I want it to become a mudslinging cat fight. Future columns will periodically present opposing points of view on some issues. Other columns will be devoted to bluntly addressing the questions raised by the membership over various issues. To initiate this column let's discuss probably the most controversial issue facing the USHGA - the waiver. Having just returned home from the spring BOD meeting this column was written on short notice to meet the May issue deadline, so time did not permit solicitation of opposing comments this month. However, I have perused the Internet archives and pulled some of the more common remarks and criticisms to be addressed. Without a doubt, the implementation of the waiver was handled poorly. In retrospect it is dear that most members did not know it was coming until it was upon them. Discussion of a waiver took place at Board of Directors (BOD) meetings for at least two years prior to implementation, but Regional Directors, myself included, did little to promote discussion of chis with the members in their Regions. I believe most Directors did not perceive it to be much of an issue since, as pilots, we all sign waivers quite regularly. Nevertheless, it was little wonder that the waiver was a surprise and some members reacted strongly. On behalf of the Board, I apologize for this. I assure you that we are striving to improve communication with the membership. Unfortunately, as long as the USHGA is led by volunteers who donate their time and energy, I am unable to promise that a similar situation will never happen again. Actually,

it occurred already with chose little yellow postcards announcing the spring membership meeting in Colorado Springs, but that is a topic for another month. Please remember that your Directors receive no compensation for their services and most expend hundreds of dollars each year in their efforts to serve you. The USHGA has been criticized for stifling opinion and discussion of the waiver in the magazine by not publishing letters to the editor critical of the program. This criticism is deserved. Only one letter was printed and that included a pointby-point counter response. But the motivation assigned by some critics is incorrect. The intent was not to stifle discussion and jam something down the throats of the members, but rather to avoid the perpetuation of wrong interpretations of the waiver. For example, some letters claimed that by signing the waiver a member could no longer file a claim with his health care provider for treatment of flying-related injuries, especially if employed by governmental entities which are released parties. This was and still is incorrect. The decision was made not to publish letters with legal or factual errors regarding the waiver. The concern was that these would promulgate the misunderstandings. Unfortunately, chis left too few letters, none, to provide debate over the merits of the waiver. Consequently, rumors of conspiracy and other dubious activity were perpetuated. Some days you can't win. Hindsight is 20/20, and given the opportunity to do it over, letters objecting to the waiver would certainly be handled differently. Letters on future topics will be handled differently. Please keep in mind that the magazine is sold on newsstands and is also used for marketing purposes. Debate must be kept civil and not be too detrimental to those purposes. The waiver program itself has been criticized and opponents have argued that it is not necessary. Various incidents have been pointed to by some members as the precipitating causes which initiated the implementation of the waiver. No single event led to the waiver, rather, there was an accumulation of factors over a four- to five-year period. The waiver was implemented by the BOD as a means of preserving the long-term health of the Association and assisting in the preservation of

the sports. Here's how. Liability insurance is a service that USHGA surveys have repeatedly shown to be of great importance to the members, second only to receiving the magazine and a rating card. We feel that providing liability insurance is a high priority for the Association. As some of you may recall, we raised membership dues $5.00 in 1994. This was in anticipation of a large insurance premium increase. The premium did not increase significantly in 1994 as expected, but in 1995 it increased over $70,000, a little less than $8.00 per member! We sought competitive bids from reputable insurance companies but they refused to even give us quotations for coverage. Adding further concern, our insurance carrier at the time, TIG, a subsidiary ofTransAmerica, indicated that they were not really interested in continuing to do business with us. TransAmerica decided to consolidate product lines and was gradually moving out of certain markets like ours. They renewed our policy more as a courtesy to an established customer. Finding another carrier was necessary to ensure our ability to provide members with liability insurance in the future, and a waiver program was necessary to accomplish that. Concurrent with these events we were experiencing the loss of numerous flying sites. Many of these were being lost to development and liability fears on the part of landowners. The waiver was felt to be a method of addressing the liability concerns oflandowners in two ways. First, pilots who signed the waiver directly released the landowner from any responsibility due to the owner's negligence. Shooting at you or setting booby traps is not negligence, and is not released by the waiver as a few have thought. Failing to fill in a gopher hole that a pilot might step in while launching could be considered negligence, and is the kind of thing that is intended to be released. A second method of addressing landowner concerns is securing liability insurance that does not exclude participants. Our insurance is one big policy that covers the actions of pilots, and addenda to the policy can be made for coverage of specific sites and landowners. Unfortunately, the policies we have been able to obtain do not cover the landowner for suits filed by participants. If a pilot steps in the gopher hole, breaks his ankle and sues the landowner, the current insurance will not protect the landowner. While most state recreation liability laws and proper waivers provide protection for the landowner, they do not pay for legal fees incurred by him defending against a lawsuit. Thus, insurance is still needed. The Equinox site was lost solely for chis specific reason. With the waiver program in place, we believe coverage not excluding the participants can be secured. This

PARAGLIDING

would open up some sires. Another reason for the waiver is protection from our own members. Associations, and in particular sports associations, are typically sued for three reasons: 1) by employees over alleged improper employment practices; 2) for breach of contract when members sign contracts, usually without authority, committing the organization to some agreement; and 3) by members for sports injuries or grievances with the administration of their programs. In previous years the USHGA has been sued by two members for injuries they received while flying. We played no role in their particular accidents, but were probably perceived as having deep pockets by the plaintiffs attorneys. In both situations the suits against the USHGA were dismissed. The USHGA did not pay any settlement, nor was any settlement paid by any insurance company on behalf of the USHGA. From a USHGA legal and financial perspective these were basically nonevents, but we cannot assume that all future deeppocket suits will follow similar paths. We all know of cases in which a plaintiff has been awarded money even though the defendant was truly not at fault. The case against Piper Aircraft is a good example, and this was the precipitating cause of Federal laws releasing aircraft manufacturers of liability for products beyond a certain age. These combined factors compelled the BOD to decide that we could no longer postpone implementation of a waiver program. It was understood that no waiver could be written that possessed enough teeth to be meaningful yet satisfy 100% of the membership. It was understood that a few members would vehemently object to any waiver. The present lawsuit substantiates this. But, as stated above, there were reasons that compelled the BOD to pursue the waiver. The BOD believes that the waiver, like bad-tasting medicine, is in the best interest of the long-term health of the sports and preservation of the Association. Several pilots - Frank Peel, Briggs Christie, John Hill, Pete Lawrence and Dutcher Sterlinghad objections to parts of the waiver, Clause Din particular. They approached the BOD at the meeting last fall in San Diego and aired some of their concerns. They made specific suggestions for improvements rather than only complaining about the waiver. It was agreed that they (and their attorneys) and the USHGA's legal counsel would discuss these proposals and bring recommendations back to the BOD for resolution. This occurred, and as a result, at the recent meeting the Board of Directors voted to remove Clause D from the waiver effective April 1, 1997. Furthermore, any pilot with a waiver on file in the USHGA office

MAY/JUNE

1997

can sign a new one which by its terms terminates the old one. The intent of Clause D was to calm concerns oflandowners, assuring them that they would not be liable for the actions of pilots. However, the angst this section caused was deemed not worth the value it provided. State tort laws will still hold a pilot liable for damages he causes; the waiver just does not state this anymore. I thank Frank, Briggs, John, Pete and Dutcher for patiently pursuing remedy through the Board and for believing that this course would work. I thank them for seeking independent legal opinion that confirmed for them some of the assertions about the waiver made by the USHGA, and that gave them sound arguments to debate those points still in contention. They did not assign dubious motives to the Board and did not fill their arguments with hyperbole. Guys, I congratulate you on a job well done. There will likely always be some lingering issues and objections concerning the waiver. I'd like to address a few of those here and maybe put a few to rest for some of you. Whenever information is lacking - and admittedly, most Directors inadequately informed the members in their Regions - suspicion often arises in response. Some pilots alleged that the waiver's purpose was to protect dealers and manufacturers. The waiver was not authored to protect some secret interests of the Board members or protect their businesses. If that were the motivation the waiver would have been a poorly worded and very weak attempt. You do not find manufacturers or dealers listed as released parties. You find no words in the waiver relating to manufacturing, products, dealers, distributors, suppliers of equipment or related activities. The waiver does not, nor was it intended to, specifically release any manufacturers or dealers beyond the release provided any other pilot or person present or involved in flying activity at the site where you fly. If anyone doubts that, it was just stated here, in writing, by the USHGA's President. Some people have suggested that the waiver compromises a pilot's ability to seek compensation from his health care provider for flying-related injuries. Some people have asserted that the waiver terminates your ability to sue USHGA's liabiliry insurer should it fail to pay a valid claim. As Frank, Briggs, John and Pete confirmed with their attorney, the waiver does not do this. Just because a contract exists between the USHGA and our insurance company, or between your employer and health insurer, does not mean they are a "contractor" and released by the terms of the waiver. They are not contractors as that term is set out in the waiver. In the unlikely event that a misguided insurance company were to make such

an argument in court, all a member would have to do is take this article to the courthouse and point out this paragraph. The member would then defeat any misguided attempt to apply the waiver in that very different arena of insurance contract law. Some may wonder if the waiver has yielded any results. Yes. As a direct result of having the waiver we were able to obtain three competitive quotations from reputable insurers with AM Best A ratings or better. We saved $30,000 on our insurance for 1997 as a result. The new insurer is Fireman's Fund brokered through Acordia. A few sites require more than our $1,000,000 in nonparticipant third-party liability coverage. They demand two or three million. Previously, each $1,000,000 of supplemental coverage beyond our base $1,000,000 could be purchased for $2,000. With the waiver program this additional liability can now be purchased for $500, saving clubs $1,500. We are also in the process ofobraining quotations that would not exclude participants when protecting landowners. This would immediately open some sites. Our goal is to have this coverage by next year, if not sooner. I hope this answers some of the questions still surrounding the waiver. I know that a few will still remain suspicious of the Board and the volunteers who direct this Association. It should be pointed out thar neither Phil Bachman, our Executive Director, nor any of the USHGA office staff have authority in deciding matters of policy. Thar is the responsibility of the Board of Directors. Mr. Bachman is given direction to find insurance for us, find merchandise to sell to raise revenue, issue rating cards given a list of parameters, and similar tasks. He only runs the day-today operations of the Association. Criticisms directed at him about the waiver, its wording, implementation, requirements, or most anything else are inappropriate. Being rude to him, or the staff, is like being rude to a checkout clerk because the price of tomatoes is too high. They have no authority over it. If you have further comment about the waiver it should be directed to your Regional Director or to me. You are most welcome to use the office to communicate this to your representarives, but please be polite to them. They are not paid enough to be cursed and yelled at, as a few people have done. I will address another issue next month and hopefully be less longwinded about it. I thank you for your continued support of the USHGA, and for your forgiveness as we attempt to improve our communication with the membership and Chapters. Ill

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

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

APCO SENTRA 28 - <l O hours, w/Top Secura harness & Airbag! Best performance & handling with standard rating $3,000 OBO! (970) 728-4098. APCO SUPRA 30 - Never used, upper intermediate/advanced, stable, easy handling $2,200. (718) 2049774. APCO XTRA 30M - August '95, blue, 2 sets risers (I w!trimmers) $1,500 OBO. (619) 753-7499.

PARAGLIDERS APCO XTRA 30 - Blue/white, low hours, excellent condition $1,100. (908) 747-7845.

ABOVE AND BEYOND

APCO ZEN 32 - advanced, 40 hours, good condition, fast $2,400. Supra 33-good $900. XL ProFeel harness. Brauniger P3 vario $100. Two-merer radios. Selling or trading everything, due ro health reasons. Call Dave (509) 493-1081.

ALL BRANDS 7937.

New & used. Toll free 1-800-882-

AT LAZER 25M - 1996, 145lbs to 180lbs, 3 hours, split A's and trim, yellow and gray, perfect $1,500. (619) 459-6620.

ADVANCE OMEGA III .32M - Low hours, 180240lbs, mint condition $2,700. Greg (714) 754-7041.

COMET DISCUS 2000 70 - Excellent beginner through intermediate, 132-165lbs, 15 hours $1,400. Jim (760) 591-0055, email jmclane@cts.com

APCO ASTRA 29 - Fully adjustable harness & reserve. Intermediate, l 75-220lb, includes brand new A&B lines $650 firm. Tony (310) 459-2682.

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

EDEL SUPERSPAC:E II 25 - Low hours, great shape, lilac color, w/SupAir harness & Aerolite reserve $1,600. Ball l 9e vario $225. Ned (907) 243-5322, email: nedwl@alaska.net - - - - - - - - - - - - ---------

EDEL SUPERSPACE II - 20 hours, Hero harness, reserve, Yaesu radio $2,500 OBO. (970) 926-5085.

EDEL SUPERSPACE II - 120-165lbs, low hours, superb condition $1,400. Loren (518) 785-4746. EDEL SUPERSPACE II - Medium, 154-198lbs hook-in, excellent condition, <20 hours. Includes Edel harness with kevl,r protector, large reserve $2,I 00. Also Flytec 3005 vario and Alinco DJ180 radio. Kevin (616) 264-6148. EDEL QUANTUM - Large, 154-209lbs, excellent condition, <20 hours, fabric still crispy $2,150 or best offer. Call Hugh (805) 544-8190. FIREBIRD APACHE 23 - 110-155lbs, <30 hours, Firebird harness w/reserve, vario. Great shape, great intermediate glider $1,600 OBO. Ethan (970) 3496140. FLIGHT DESIGN A4-25 - New inspection, great shape $1,000 080. (509) 925-5565. FLIGHT DESIGN AS - Sport 22, just like new. Pilot weight 115-1 SOlbs, SHV Standard rating and a VERY stable glider. Only $2,395 OBO. Call (509) 925-2190 and ask for Kristin. FLIGHT DESIGN AS - Sport 30, brand new. Normally $3,600, on sale now for $2,999. Call North American Paragliding, Inc (509) 925-5565. FLIGHT DESIGN AS SPORT - Demo wing, <12 hours, 158-23Ilbs. Still looks new, includes carry bag and speed system $2,450 ($1,000 off retail). Call Hugh (805) 544-8190.

,------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------, USHGA CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ORDER FORM 50 cents per word, $5.00 minimum Boldface or caps: $1.00 per word. (Does not include first few words which are automatically caps.) Special layouts or tabs: $25 per column inch. (phone numbers: 2 words, P.O. Box: 1 word, E-mail or Web address: 3 words) photos: $25.00, line art logos: $15.00 (1.75" maximum) DEADLINE: 20th of the month, six weeks before the cover date of the issue in which you want your ad to appear (i.e., June 20 for the August issue). Prepayment required unless account established. No cancellations or refunds allowed on any advertising after deadline. Ad insertions FAXed or made by telephone must be charged to a credit card. Please enter my classified ad as follows:

Number of months: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ SECTION O Paragliders O Emergency Parachutes O Parts & Accessories O Business & Employment O Miscellaneous 0 Powered Paragliders O Videos

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

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

___STATE: _ _ _ __

PHONE: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Number of words: _______ @$.50 =_____ Number of words:

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

PARAGLIDING

FLIGHT DESIGN B3 - New, w/<5 flights. !mer/Adv who is shy on cash $1,200 OBO. (509) 9255565.

LA MOUETTE ZR250 - <15 hours $2.900. Training available from USHGA Certified Instructor Hugh Murphy (805) 544-8190.

FUN 2 FLY - Profile 29.5, 198-25.olbs, with harness $750. (501) 851-4094.

LA MOUETTE ZR250 - w/Pro Design Classic 27 wing, XS-400 backup, 3 wheel trike, instrumencs, 6 hours TT. $10,715 invested, $7.995 or make offer. (801) 586-1446.

ITV MERAK 31 - Intermediate, - 70 hours, new risers, annual, porosity tested good $1,500. Pete Foster (520) 635-0519, email: pfoster@itc.apc.org ITV PARAPENTE TROPAZ 28M - Bought and used last summer for training only, 3 hours airtime, perfect condition. Blue/yellow, safe, stable, beginner wing. Including ITV deluxe harness and glider bag, 150-205lbs. $3,350 new, asking $1,400 or best offer. Steve (413) 528-5255, 1-800-777-6881, email:

TREKKING MIURA - 1995, XL, intermediate, VERY STABLE & FUN TO FLY, 200-250lbs, <10 hours, includes Artwing harness $1,500. Paul (320) 240-9126. UP STELLAR 25 - '92, excellent condition, must sell $400. (406) 586-2620 satkin@montana.campus.mci.net

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J'IV RUBIS 27 -

Excellent beginner, very low hours, w/harness & Aight bag $1,500. (819) 827-8709. NOVA SPHINX 128 - Large, '95, low hours (~37). A steal at $1,200. Dave (360) 834-1698. NOVA XYON 28 - Large. No hype needed-you know it's hot! Low hours (20), perfect condition $2,600. Dave (360) 834-1698. PRO FEEL 33 - 20 hours, perfect $2,300. Contest 48, 100 hours, spare line set, factoty checked $1,400. Josh (415) 485-1012. RIT:v!O 27 - 130-175lbs, 200lbs motorized, <15 hours. "Best beginner/mocor glider for '93,'94,'95,'96" $1,490. Greg (619) 466-5593.

WW125 - Mint condition, <10 hours, harness and reserve, best offer. (510) 294-8 US. TURBO'S DEALER DEMOS-Low hours' Contest 50 ................ .fcw hours ....................... $1,750 Nova Xenon 28, perfcct, ........ <25 hours,(advanccd) ............................ Make offer or trade for ocher glider. Profil 30m ................. <50hours ........................ $ l ,650 Pro Design l'eelc harness, w/extras,good cond ..... $295 Paramotor FX2/Zenoa used .... Retail $6,995 .... $3,995 DK Beat, 1 only ... Recail $5,995 ............... Steal $2,995 Your Orange County PARAMOTOR DEALER, new and used, including the Whisper Plus (714) 495-8051. Lees make a deal or trade.

LA MOUETTE ZR250 - w/Edel Space 40, comp risers, < 10 hours on wing. Includes three-wheel trike, electric start, silencer. Motor used once, < 15 rnins. Photos available. Invested $10,555. Must sell, sacrifice, $8,000 OBO. (406) 543-5302. NEW AND USED MOTORS Paraborne (888) 636-911 I. PAP 920 8190.

Call Scott at

<10 hours $3,600. Call Hugh (805) 544-

PEEWEE FLY - SUPER FLY TANDEM POWER 115 in stock, from $3,895. Video $19.95. Wings and Things, 951-2 Old County Road #321, Belmont CA 94002. (415) 574-8895. USED POWERED PARAGLIDERS - We buy and sell all brands. Hugh Murphy (805) 544-8190. EMERGENCY PARACHUTES ADVENTURE SPORTS LOFT - The repair center for Air America Paragliding. Reserve repacks, repairs, modifications. Master Rigger Scou Christensen (909) 657-2676.

POWERED PARAGLIDERS HARNESSES

SABER L - Like new, 14 hours $2,450. AILES DE K CRISTAL 29/32, two intermediate $1,500, $1,400. ADK CRISTAL 32, blue demo, mint, 25hrs $1,800. FREEX FRANTIC Plus, demos S, M, L excellem condition, <30 hours $2,400 each. CHELAN PARAGLIDING @ALPINE MARINE. (206) 432-8900, fax (206) 432-2876.

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

SWING MINOA 27 - 120-165lbs, <5 hours, like new $1,700. Jim (760) 591-0055, email: jmclane0lcts.com

DEF! 210 - Like new, w/electric start, only 15 hours $3,000. 30M imermediate glider & reserve also for sale at a good price. Call (206) 84 5-1037 leave message.

SWING MINOA 32C - Custom color, deluxe metal riser system, center Aap system, absolutely pristine condition $3,500. Greg (714) 754-7041.

DK WHISPER - Demo. Japanese technology means light weight, easy launch, quier and smooch $4,500. Call Hugh (805) 544-8190.

SWING MYTHOS 23 - Excellent condition, 3 hours, 1OO-l 45lb. Top-of-the-line novice/performance, purple/whiteifuscia. New $3,200, SELL FOR $1,900. (415) 593-4307.

l'REE FLIGHT DESIGN A4-28 - Harness, e-start, each and lots more with purchase of this NEW CLOUDBASE CIRRO MOTOR. Only $4,850 delivered to you. Call (509) 925-5565.

SWING VENTUS 29 - Brand new, 10 flights $3,200. SWING MINOA 32C 3001m $1,200. AT MEDIUM HARNESS w/20 gore reserve $300. COMET INFERNO 26 175hrs $1,000. HELMET like new $100. KENWOOD radio $250. Call Bart (619) 942-4710.

LA MOUETTE 210 - New, never assembled, complete package w/new wing $5,950. Dealer for DK Whisper, used powerpacks available. Training available from USHGA and ASC certified instructor. FREEDOM FLIGHT, Kurt R. Andersen (206) 863-8711.

SYMPHONY - Large, w/Scracus Edel harness, like new, 15 hours. Paid $3,500, sell $1,800. (704) 857-2720.

MAY/JUNE

1997

I.A MOUETTE ZR250 -XL Ritmo II 41m wing, 10 hours, deluxe NAS harness w/fiberglass insert $6,800. (812) 388-5642.

ASCEND AIR - w/back proteccor/kevlar and Aerolite reserve, 22 gore $700. Greg (714) 754-7041. ASCEND AIR - w/Quanmm 440 reserve by High Energy Sports. Dual riser system w/Spectra lines. Second Chantz air-rocket w/hand deploy option. The best of everything $1,000. Greg (714) 754-7041. WOODY VALLEY MODEL - Is now introducing its full line of unique Italian paragliding and hang gliding harnesses in the United Scates. For info call Eastcoasc Paragliding at (914) 647-3377. Dealer inquires welcome. WANTED TANDEM GLIDER-And harnesses, tow rig. (916) 582-8468.

Our advertising has a twomonth lead time - plan ahead. 49

Air America

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l'rilce Sing le Tr ik e, solo 210 engine poss ible use with any hang -glider

1'efta..-.---------------------------Fl y Products , Via C. Battisti 13 Grottammare 63013 (AP) Italy Tel / Fa x+39 735 632486 port. +39 337 652734 www . insinet.it / fly E- mail : fly@insinet.it

SCHOOLS & DEALERS ARIZONA DIXON'S AIRPLAY PARAGLIDING -The perfect beginner training areas! Ycar round temperate climate. DRIVE UP to 360 degree treeless and rockless lallnches. Land in wide open fields. Master rated tandem instructor Dixon White has sLtpcrvised over 9000 student flights to dare, teaching pilots is his profession. Individualized training with state-of-the-art equipment, 2-way radios, comprehensive ground schooling with an emphasis on micrometeorology. Great new and used invenrory. Specialized clinics including the CAGE, towing and BACKPACK MOTORS. Enjoy the Grand Canyon and other spectac,dar scenery. Great lodging bargains or ILtxLtry accommodations. Dave Bridges, US National Champion says, "Dixon's students are extremely well-trained and competent pilots." Dixon's Paragliding in ARIZONA and WASHINGTON (appointments recommended), PO Box 2626, Flagstaff AZ 86004. (520) 526-4579. www.paraglide.com ARKANSAS SAIL WINGS - FLY power packs, five models, 3060lbs. (501) 851-4094 phone/fax.

A!RTEK PARACL!DING - In sunny San Diego. Year-round thermal & ridge soaring, beginner thru advanced insuucrion, all major brands, phone/fax (6 l 9) 450-6696. Please see our display ad. HIGI-1 ADVENTURE - Paragliding, hang gliding school. Equipment, sales, service at world famous Marshal Peak. USI-IGA tandem instructor: Rob By appointment year roLmd (909) 883-

MAGIC AIR - Located in Northern California. Lessons, sales, service. (707) 963-3455. WEST COAST PARAGLIDING - PARAGLIDING & HANG GLIDING. USHGA paragliding instruction, tandem. All major brands of paragliding and hang gliding eqllipment (new and Ltsed), repair specialists. Next to Fort Funston. The only full service shop in San Francisco! 3620 Wawona, San Francisco CA 941 l6. (4l 5) 759-1 l77. COLORADO VAIL VALLEY PARAGLIDING - Offers comprehensive instruction in all aspects of paragliding. Small student-teacher ratio promotes in-depth learning. We have several sites that face all directions with road access. Close to Denver, via 1-70 corridor. Contact Greg Kelley at (970) 845-4154. FLORIDA CLOSEST CERTLl'IED SCHOOL - To SOUTHERN SKIES see North Carolina 1555.

NORM LESNOWS f'LYING CTRCUS launch, ridge soaring & towing paragliders & hang gliders. Windwalkers Paragliding Club associate. Stationary winch towing. Contact Norm for more information. (810) 399-9433.

USHGA certified paragliding & hang gliding instruction. Courses arc expertly run on a friendly, informative basis. W c have been introducing people to the world of foot launched flight since l 976. New and used gliders and accessories. Ball, Comet, Edel, Firebird, ITV, Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing and others. All skill levels welcome. PO Box [226, Del Mar CA 92014. (6l9) 481-7400 Southern California.

MONTANA BIG SKY PARAGLIDING - Come fly the Big Sky wirh advanced rated tandem instructors, specializing in personalized rraining since 1990. Centrally located near King Mm ID, Chelan WA and Golden BC, we offer training, tandems, tours, XC and thermal clinics. Sales and service on all major brands including Edel, f.irebird, flight Design, ITV, Ball & more! Visa/MC: accepted. (406) 728-2876, toll free 1-888-349-3725 pin #3015. PO Box 7843, Missoula MT 59807. NEVADA ADVENTURE SPORTS - Mountain tours for all levels. USHGA Certified school & ratings. Dealer for all major brands. 3650 #22 Research Way, Carson City NV 89706. (702) 883-7070, advspts@pryamid.net NEW MEXICO COME LEARN TO FLY - New Mexico's high desert with New Mexico's full-service paragliding school. Advanced/Tandem rared Gary Brightbill offers instruction from beginner to advanced at flying sites across New Mexico. Call for details (505) 281-2759. NEW YORK EASTCOAST PARAGLIDING CENTER Professional, year-round instruction, towing and sales. We are the largest school in the U.S. our instructors are USHGA and European certified. Tandem and motorized paragliding available. Dealer for Pro Design, Airwavc, Edel, Nova, ITV, f'ircbird and flight Design, DK and more. Exclusive importer for the ever popular WOODY VALLEY MODEL HARNESSES. We carry all paragliding accessories and have an extensively stocked retail store. Mail order available. Visa/MC/Discover. 150 Canal Street, Ellenville NY 12446. (914) 647-3377 or (908) 747-7845. II<::AROS SPORT AVIATION & Spartan Microlight Manufacturing. NYC's fmr and only certified school for hang gliding, paragliding and trikes. Distributors/dealers for all major brands. Manufacturer for the BEST microlights in the world, SPARTAN. New and used equipment at best prices. The most friendly service in NY. For catalog send $5 to: ISA, 381 l Ditmars Blvd # 1 I 0, Astoria NY 11105. Store: 2931 Newtown Ave., Astoria NY. Phone/fax (718) 777-7000, email: ikarosl l@aol.com Internet: Imp:// members.aol.com/ikaros 11 /fly.htm NORTH CAROLINA

AIRJUNKIES PARAGLIDING - Join KEN BAIER for yollr "Pursuit of Paragliding Excellence" in the land of year-round, excellent paragliding: Southern California and the Baja. Courses for Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and lnstrucror ratings. Powered paragliding, soaring and manellvers clinics, gLtided tours, tandem and towing instruction and special events. USHGA certified. Handling the latest eqLtipment. Call (619) 753-2664 for information.

MAY/JUNE

1997

- Put your knees in our breeze and soar our 4 50' sand dunes. FULL-TIME SHOP. Cerrified instruction, beginner to advanced, foot launch and tow. Sales, service, accessories for ALL major brands. VISA/MASTERCARD. 1509 E 8th, Traverse Ciry MI 49684. Offering POWERED PARAGLIDING lessons & dealer for new & used units, including the Whisper and the Ply. Call Bill at (6 L6) 922-2844. Visit our paragliding school in Jackson, Wyoming. Call Tracie at (307) 739-8620.

SOUTHERN SKIES - FULLY CERTIFIED full time school and shop. Group discounts Pl thru 1'4. TANDEM FLIGHTS. Towing clinics. POWERED PARAGLIDING instruction, equipment and service. Beautiful training hills and mountain sites in Virginia and North Carolina. No reservations necessary,

START YOUR TRAINING TODAY! Call now l800-893-1555.

UTAH

LEARN TO PARAGLIDE at Kitty Hawk Kites Outer Banks, NC Lessons Daily Towing & Foot Launch Year Round Sales & Se1vice CALL TODAY! 800-334-4777 919-441-4124 E-Mail Address hang-glide@outer-banks.com

KITTY HA WK KITES -

See North Carolina.

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

ABOVE AND BEYOND

TOLL FREE- 1-800-882-7937. CLOUD 9 PARAGLIDING - Utah's largest and most affordable source for equipment and instruction. Morning and afternoon lessons taught year-round at the Point. Call for information pack (801) 553-1834, mayer@utw.com http://www.utw.com/-mayer/ steve.html FREE FLIGHT SPORTS LLC - Offers eve1ything a new or advanced pilot needs. Excellent instruction, state-of-the--art equipment, full service shop & training sites with some of the most consistent soaring conditions in the counuy. Free Flight Sports is owned and operated by nationally ranked pilot Dave Sharp. He is dedicated to the growth of foot launched soaring. This

WASHINGTON DIXON'S AIRPLAY PARAGLIDING - Dixon has expanded his teaching philosophies with advanced rated tandem instructor MARY ANNE KARREN. This Northwest training center is located on the Eastern side of the Cascades where the weather is good year round! This 1,400 acre private flight park is ideal for the beginner with drive-up open launches and large landing fields. Individualized training with state-ofthe-art equipment, 2-way radios, comprehensive ground schooling with an emphasis on micrometeorology. Great new and used inventory. Specialized clinics including the CAGE and BACKPACK MOTORS. One hout from the CHELAN BUTTE. Ask about onsite lodging and camping. On-site climbing wall, skiing, mountain biking, etc. Dave Bridges, US National Champion says, "Dixon's students are extremely welltrained and comf>etent pilots." Dixon's Paragliding in Washington and Arizona (appointments recommended), 8101 Hay Canyon Road, Cashmere WA 98815. (509) '/82-5543. www.paraglide.com

rneans you get 1nore airtime, have more fun and

become a better pilot in less time. Make your dream of flight reality. (801) 263-8611, 12.379 S 265 W, Point of the Mountain UT 84020, sharpdave@utah-inter.net

LEARN TO PARAGLIDE IN UTAH'S ONLY SCHOOL & SHOP

OVER THE HILL PARAGLIDING - Oregon/SW Washington. Sales, se1vice, beginner-advanced USHGA certified instruction. Nova, Firebird, Apco, AT, Pro Design, SOL, Ball, Flytec, HES Quantum parachutes. Se1vice: full se1vice shop, FAA rigger repairs/mods. Out of state pilots: We have great thermal, coastal and Gorge sites. Call us for info. There is no sales tax in Oregon! New/used gear. Trades welcome. 22865 SE Yellowhammer, Gresham OR 97080. (503) 667-4557, fax (503) 666-6979. Email: othpara@teleport.com http://www.teleport.com/-othpara/ TEXAS HILL COUNTRY PARAGLIDING INC - Learn complete pilot skills. Personalized USHGA certified training, ridge soaring, foot & tow launching in central Texas. MOTORIZED PARAGLIDING INSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE. (915) 3791185. Rt 1, Box 16F, Tow TX 78672.

UTAHS MOST COMPLETE SOARING SCHOOL - Year-round lessons, tandems, demos and glider rentals. Sales and service for new and used equipment. Soarable conditions 300+ days a year at the world famous POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN. Professional site guides for 2,000-5,000' mountain launch sites. USHGA & UHGA certified school. Discount pilot lodging at nearby hotels, motels and B&B. Free camping at launch. Pro dealer for all major brands. WHY SETTLE FOR LESS WHEN YOU CAN LEARN FROM THE BEST! 12665 S Minuteman Drive #L Draper UT 84020. (801) 576-6460, fax (801) 5766482, or Email us at HBC3@aol.com VIRGINIA

KITE ENTERPRISES - Foot launch, payout winch cow and powered paraglider instruction too. Training, sales, rentals and repair. Edel, Airwave, Wills Wing, UP and DK Whisper. Dallas, Fort Worth and north Texa_s area. 211 Ellis, Allen TX 75002. (972) 390-9090 nights, weekends.

WISCONSIN RAVEN SKY SPORTS - Largest and most popular in the Midwest. Training hills and winch towing for paragliders. Sales & Se1vice! PO Box l Ol, Whitewater WI 53190. (414) 473-8800. PARTS & ACCESSORIES AT, EDEL Pro Design, North American Paragliding and more! Call Kentuckiana Soaring for your best prices. (812) 288-711 I. Be sure to check out our display ad.

THE NEW INCREDIBLE EARMIKE 515, 575 Just plug it into the speaker/mic outlet in your ear and press the ptt button from the control piece when transmitting. Can be fit through your sleeve and attach ro your finger with vclco. The earpiece is washable. Earmike 5 I 5 is for !com, Yaesu, Alinco and more. Earmike 575 is for Kenwood. Introducto1y price for the best mic in the market is $94.95. ISA ph/fax (781) 777-7000.

CLOSEST CERTIFIED SCHOOL - To Virginia: SOUTHERN SKIES see North Carolina 1-800-8931555. ---------- ----~- ----

PARAGLIDING

HAVE EXTRA EQUIPMENT - That you don't know what to do with. Advertise in the Paragliding classifieds, $.50 per word, $5 minimum. Call USHGA for details (719) 632-8300, or fax your ad with a visa/me, fax (719) 632-6417.

Windsok. Made of I. 5 oz. ripstop nylon, UV treated, 5'4" long w/11" throat. Available colors fluorescent pink/yellow or fluorescent pink/white. $39.95 (+$4.00 S/H). Send to USHGA Windsok, P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330, (719) 632-8300, fax (719) 632-6417. VISA/MC accepted.

KENTUCKIANA SOARING Communications Specialist! Best Prices & Best Service! Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed! OVERSTOCK & CLOSE-OUT ITEMS! VARIOS: FLIGHT DECKS NEW BALL GRAPHICS PLUS .................... $CALL BALL GRAPHICS COMl' ......... DEM0 ...... $900.00 BALL M 19 .................................................... $360.00 AIRCOTEC Piccolo Plus, Demo .................. $400.00 DIGIFLY ................................... DEMOS .... $400.00 FLYI'EC 401 O............................ Demo ........ $533.00 FLYJ'EC 4020 ............................ Demo ........ $760.00 FLY!'EC 4030 ................................................ $CALL MALLETTEC .............................................. $159.95 GARMIN GPS 38 ........................................ $159.00 GARMIN GPS 45 ........................................ $299.00 GARMIN GPS 90 ........................................ $699.00 HELMETS PELLE & REFLEX Full Face OVERSTOCK CLEARANCE ......... Black & other ugly colors ..................... $125.00 PANORAMIC .......................... Full Face .... $149.00 LEE-F2, Used, Large w/PTT ......................... $200.00 UVEX ........................................ Full Face .... $290.00 RADIOS-ALL MODELS AVAILABLE YAESU FTl IR .......................... 5 watt ........ $305.00 KENWOOD TH22 ................... 5 watt .......... $CALL F/C Fingerswitch/Headset .......... Heavy-Duty ... $89.00 5/8 TELESCOPIC ANTENNA ..................... $20.95 5/8 GAIN DUCKANTENNA ....................... $17.95 EAR TALK-SPEAKER/MIC SYSTEM ................................................... Sale .............. $60 .00 VC22 YAESU Vox/PTT ................................. $58.95 MOBILE .............. 50 watt ...................... $299-375.00 TUNE UP w/Warranty Intact ................... $35-50.00 !COM V68 .......... 137-174mhz ..................... $229.00 ALINCO ........................................................ $CALL

Fingerswitch Radio Headset by Flight Connections. HEAVY-DUTY HEADSET with finger mounted switch allows pilot to communicate while keeping their hands on the control bar or brakes. Safer flying and

BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

COME TO CANADA! - For Paragliding & Hang Gliding USHGA lnsrructor Certification. ICP's held by High Perspective's Michael Robertson. Get certified the RCR way! Also, we arc expanding & looking for instructors to hire. Contact: Michael Robertson-High Perspective, RR 5, 865 Conc.7, Claremont Ont. Canada LI Y IA2. (905) 294-2536, fax (905) 2948495, email: flyhigh@inforamp.net PARAGLIDING INSTRUCTORS WANTED Eastcoast Paragliding Center is looking for paragliding instructors to join its team. For info call Lars Linde at (908) 747-7845. PARAGLIDING INSTRUCTOR WANTED - For growing paragliding program. Raven Sky Sports (414) 473-8800. PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS

PARACHUTES WILLS WING LARA ........ w/Paraswivel ........ $CALL HIGH ENERGY QUANTUM .. $CALL Edel, NAS, WW, ProDesign, HES & More!

more reliable com1nunicarions. Your instrument is pro-

tected with a 90 day mfg warranty with repair service available beyond the warranty. Currently available for Yaesu, !com, Alinco, Kenwood and other compatible radios. Available for full face or open helmets. $89 +$3.50 shipping, MC/Visa, dealer inquires invited. Kentuckiana Soaring, 425 N Taggart Ave., Clarksville IN 47129. (812) 288-7111, fax (812) 284-4115. SPECIALIZING IN ELECTRONICS, RADIOS, VAR!OS, GPS UNITS & MORE!

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

1997

MISCELLANEOUS ARMADILLO Glider Travelbag,UV resistant.$90.00 WIND ADVISORY AIRSPEED W/Clamp .... $23.00 HALL PARAGLIDER AIRSPEED ................. $28.95 HOOK KNifE ............................................... $14.95 MASON'S TOW RELEASE.. ......................... $52.00 U-MITTS...CLEARANCE OVERSTOCK .... $25.00 AVOCET PILOT WATCHES ..................... $! 14.45 KENTUCKIANA SOARING 425 N Taggart Avenue Clarksville IN 47129 (812) 288-7111 fax (812) 284-4115 MINI VARIO- World's smallest, simplest vario! Clips to helmet or chinstrap. 200 hours on batteries, 0-18,000 ft., fast response and 2 year warranty. Great for paragliding too. ONLY $169. Mallettec, PO Box 15756, Santa Ana CA, 92735. (714) 966-1240. MC/Visa accepted.

PARAGLIDING: THE COMPLETE GUIDE - By Noel Whittall. The most complete guide to paragliding on the market. Over 100 color photographs & illustrarions, 200 pages, $24.95 +$4.75 s/h. USHGA, PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901. (719) 632-8300, fax your MC/Visa to (719) 632-6417. SOAR.I NG - Monthly magazine of The Soaring Society of America, Inc. Covers all aspects of soaring flight. Full membership $55. Info. kit with sample copy $3. SSA, P.O. Box E, Hobbs, NM 88241. (505) 392-1177.

VIDEOS & FILMS FLY HARD: Viking Films newest release. Rob Whittall, Chris Samacroce & a vintage Buick convertible full of paragliders. Outrageous flying at several west coast flying sites. Meet HG aerobatics champion Mitch McAleer along the way. Excelle11t rock soundtrack, professionally filmed & edited $35.95. POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN by East Coast, hg/pg action at this Utah mecca $29. PARAGLIDE: THE MOVIE by Viking Films. Rock-n-roll world class competition at Owens Valley. Professionally filmed & edited $35.95. DAREDEVIL FLYER III by Tamm Communications. Paraglide with the Wills Wing team & friends in scenic Telluride, Colorado $24.95. Call or fax USHGA (719) 632-8300, fax (719) 632-6417, please add +$4 domestic s/h (+$5 for two or more videos). Great to impress your friends or for chose socked-in days. MISCELLANEOUS BUMPER STICKERS - Advertise your flight park logo and address on 3"xl2" removable vinyl stickers. Quantity orders $.33 each, sample will be mailed. Doherty Signs, 15 Peabody Avenue, Dracut MA 01826.

VIDEOS & BOOKS - Call USHGA for your Merchandise order form (719) 632-8300, fax (719) 632-6417, email: ushga@lushga.org DON'T LEAVE YOUR GROUND-BOUND EQUIPMENT SITTING IN THE GARAGE. SELL IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES The rate for classified advertising is $. 50 per word (or group of characters) and $1.00 per word for bold or all caps. Phone number=2 words, PO Box=2 words, web site or email address=3 words. MINIMUM AD CHARGE $5.00. A fee of $15.00 is charged for each line art logo and $25.00 for each photo. LINEART & PHOTO SIZE NO LARGER THAN 1.75" X 2.25". Plea,;_c underline words to be in bold print. Special layouts of tabs are $25.00 per column inch. AD DEADLINES: May 20th is the deadline for the July/August issue. Please make checks payable to USHCA. Send to: PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE, Classified Advertising, P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330 (719) 632-8300 or fax (719) 632-6417, email ushga@ushga.org with your Visa or Mastercard.

NOVA PHILOU 21 PARAGLIDER - New, blue/purple, only one in the US (sin 6105). Also Kenwood TH-22 radio (sin 60501515). (714) 9792449. STOLEN WINGS arc listed as a service to USHGA members. There is no charge for this service and lost and found wings or equipment may be called in (719) 632-8300 or fax it in (719) 632-6417 for inclusion in Paragliding & Hang Gliding magazine. Please call to cancel the listing when gliders are recovered. Periodically, chis listing will be purged.

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Adventure Productions ... ,. .. ,. ..... ,. ........ 38 Aerostudi ............ ,. ............. ,. ... ,. .......... 22 Air America Paragliding ...................... 50 Alpine Marine .................................... .42 Apco ......................... ,. ....................... ,..5

STOLEN WINGS & THINGS YAESU RADIO - Misplaced at TELLURIDE FLYIN, CO, in September 1996, serial number 4N201703. Dave Broyles (214) 727-3588.

AT Sports ............................................ 14 Ball Varios ,. ......................... ,. .............. 19 Brauniger ........... ,. ..... ,. ........................ 14

FOUND CAMERA - 35mm, found at POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN, UT on October 6, 1996. Call (801) 957-1418 to identify. GLIDER MISSING: FLIGHT DESIGN AS SPORT 26 - Blue, #512091D. Please call (509) 925-5565 if you have seen/have chis glider.

CAL GLOVE Light-weight CABRETTA LEATHER GLOVES, world famous in equestrian circles, are now gaining popularity in the hang gliding, paragliding & parachuting markets. Available in mens, womens & childrens sizes, 9 different colors and priced from $27.95-$39.95. For more info on these superior leather gloves co11tact: Cal-Glove, 2920 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento CA 95821. (916) 481-8701, fax (916) 481-1168, email: cal-glove@juno.com

WHITE MOTIi' ON BLACK - T-shirt. Just buy it! $19.95 +$4 s&h, specify S-XL. Checks payable to: Shari D., 40 Mac Dougal Street #14, NYC NY 10012. WORLDWIDE ADVENTURE TOURSTM Offers a wide variety of professionally guided tours to just about every destination imaginable. Chile, New Zealand, Washington, Canada, Asia, Europe and more. Call l-800-727-2.J54 or email to: napi(iDcburg.com for a currem schedule.

Fly Products .. ,.,. ..... ,. ........................... 50 Fly Castelluccio ......... ,. ............ ,..,. ....... 38 Flytec .................................................. 55

PACIFIC AIRWAVE RAVE 30 PARAGLIDER Stolen from the !LAS VEGAS MAXIM, NV on April 6th, 1996. Solid white glider. Also purple/black

Nova .................... ,. .............. ,. ............. 13

camclbak, windmeter, etc.) $200 reward for information leading to the recovery of this equipment! Any help will be greatly appreciared. Contact collect Eric or Sharon Chase (714) 587-1739 or (714) 255-5900, or contact the British School of Paragliding (702) 8966000.

Hall Brothers .. ,. .... ,. ..... ,. ........ ,.,. ... ,. .... 22 Mini Vario .......................... ,.,. .... ,. ...... 22 Mojo's Gear .................... ,. ... ,. ................ 5

Paragon Productions ........................... 50 Parawest Paragliding .................... ,. ...... 13 Pro Design ............. ,. ............. Back Cover Skytimes Paragliding ........................... 22 Sport Aviation Publications ,. ............... 38 Sup' Air ............................................... 43

Our advertising has a twomonth lead time: plan ahead.

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

Flight Design & NAPI.. ........................ 7

IKAROS (KOREAN) PARAGLIDER - Srolcn from SAN BERNARDINO, CA rental car on June 6th, 1996. Pink upper, white under with blue hawk design on right bottom, left brake line replaced with 505 hg cord. Contact MinHo Yoon (909) 887-4844 or Rob McKenzie, High Adventure (909) 883-8488.

"Paradise" harness wire.serve & misc. gear (vario,

just fly it.

Edel ................................................. 2,27

----

UP Paragliding .................................... 35 USHGA .................. 5,13, 17,18,31,46,47 U.S. Paragliding World Team ................ 6 Wills Wing ......................................... 43

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

PARAGLIDING

unique features of CONCEPT-AIR: • adjustable main hang points • adjustable seat extension • adjustable cross bracing • fully adjustable straps • rescue integrated on the side • side pockets • big back bag • container for water ballast • fully protection system consisting of: Carbon-Kevlar shield on the back Carbon-Kevlar shield under seat SIP (side impact protections) AirBag/foam layers • high quality workmanship • available in three Standard Color Styles

EAST COAST DEMO CENTER: East Coast Paragliding Ellenville, N.Y. Phone (91 4) 674-3377

•ROCKY MOUNTAIN DEMO CENTER: Fly Awtr/ Paragliding Boulder, CO. Phone (303) 64~·0849 WEST-COAST DEMO CENTER: Skytimes Paragliding San Francisco Bay Area. (415) 868-1330 E-MAIL: switzer@hooked.net

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