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

o 74470 77855

enthousiastic pilots dclightmcnt is another proof of new 3 s overall quality performance.

latest requirement, regarding kingpostless hanggliders with carbon fiber crossbar, is a faci I es and production inspection of the carbon manufacturing company. design carbon r•rr\(:,<,lr,qr and manufacturer were, inspection--, the first ones to accepted and acknowledged.

Sail area Nose angle Wingspread Aspcc! ratio Double surface area o/c Battens (t1ppcr I lowcr sail) 11 Weight (packingbnginclt1dcd) lb Min Pilot weight lb Max Pilot weight lb Packing length ft length ft

134.55 130° 32.48 7.84 86 21+4 65.04 l00.00 144.00 16.08 12.14

142.08 130° 32.87 7.60 86 21+4 68.34 122.00 188.00 16.34 13.62

155.00 130° 34.12 7.51 86 23+4 7385 166.00 243.00 1706 13.62

142.08 130° 32.87 7.60 88 21+6 72.74 122.00 176.00 ]6.34 13.62

155.00 130° 34.12 7.51 87

23+6 77.15 165.00 242.00 17.06 13.62

West: John Ryan - 8645 Fonita Dr. Santee CA 92071 Ph./Fax - (619) 562 1009 . JRAY8@aol.com

East: 1530 Eastern S.E. · Grand Rapids · Ml 49507 Ph. 616.2457.777 Toll free:888.ICAR02000 · (4227620)

!CARO 2000 srl

Via Verdi, 19 21038 Sangiano http: / /www.alphasys.

Italy Tel. ++39-332-648.335 E-Mail: icaro@alphasys.it

Fax ++39·332-648.079

(USPS 01 7-970-20 - lSSN 08')5-433X}

16 Aerotowing by Aust;n Scott Coffins, photos courtesy Vv'allaby Ra11ch Learning how to do it -

learni ng how to opti mize ir.

24 T he Morningside Glide Ratio Contest by G'eorge Fmis, photos by Mark Vaughn T he last year this event will evaluate kingpost gliders.

35 1996 Yearlong Accident Summary by USHGA Accident Review Chairman luen Milkr A review and summary of chc year from 204 submitted reports.

48 USHGA Issues by USHGA President Bili Bryden Bill kicks off rhis new Hang Gliding feacu re wirh a discussion of comm unication and the waiver.

Columns

Departments

USHGA Director Nominations ........ .... .. 13

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

USHGA Report~, by Bill Bryden ............27

Calendar of Events .............................. .. .....6

BOD Meeting Report, by Greg HuJler ...40

Update..................... .................... ,..............8

Competition Corner ................................43

Ratings ....................... ........... .................. .45

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

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

c:()VFlt: \ 1ih'1 ~·l li\ ln:I pil111i 11b- ,HI ,. \ <.l lll" T R) ···11.pl 1.·,," \\'i tl 1 1 1.111, 1u r 1..·11 1 ... id , II 1·011l \" l' i n 1..·'\ , ( .. il il o n 1i .1.

l'l,01 0 [>1 \X'.1\'lll' \.l\<'I . ( TN Tl-:RSl' RFt\l): lZoh lv ll, 011 li n.d .II 1h,· :\101 111111:",I,· ( ,lidl' 1\.11 10 ( Oll lnl. l'ho10 ll\ :... l.11k V.111gli11. \n' ,101~· 1111 )' ,lg t· ~. I

l>IS( :t.i\ll\H.R 01' \VARRANTll ·. S IN l'l!BIH :ATlONS: I he 111.11c11.1l 111," 111 n l l,,,11, " p1 d,l1, hl'll ." p.111 1'1 11..· l :s 1{( ;,.'\ l ll, d,l ·\ IHI \\.11 1'.llll i l'\ t) I l"l'jHl· Sl' ll l.lli1 11 1, .1 11d ;1, ,ll ll li.'\ 111 1 ll.1hd i1 y lO l \lV lll i ll !~ tl 11..· ,·.d1d1 1~· td ,Il l\' ,llh· iu ·. o pi11 i11 11 Il l ll'l O l ll llll tl d.1t i 1111 l "\ jll"l"\ :"!l'lJ i ll illl' ll l. Jkl i; 1J. i\ 11 i11d 1,·11l11,t!\ 1d vi ll!! t1p1 11 1 tlh' l ll;ltl' l i . d llt1 \0 .II d!i.:1 1 tl\\"11 11,k. ( .t1p~-ri glll (c ) l'J')(l \ 111i tul ~ I.I ll"\ 1 1.lll!!, ( ;lidi 11r. ,'\ ,-.11 .. 1111 . ·\ II 1ighh l\'\i..T\ 1..'d ( t i f /1/il,t: ( ,'/itft11.~ ;J!ld 111di\ idu.1l u 1llt l iht1tPI \ .

nl ;111 inl( H'll l;ll fn ll di.\.\l ' l1t i11 .lli111 1 \l'l'\'ill - !or\ 1\f I( ,:\ Jlli..'lll hn ....

MAY 1997

.Gil. Qodgen1 M,1n1i1,5J1igEditor!l:clito1 in C:liief l)ave P<>u11ds,Ar/Direcwr John. H~.iney1 Gerty (:haif(ibois, Leroy G1:a1ini$1 M.ark. Vaughn. Photogmphers H,my Martin, 11/ustrator . , Oenni.s Pa.g1m1 MarkSlutl(y, G1i0Jf Mumford, C.W. Meadows,.Jim Pahnlerl, ,Staff w,,111,1:, Offic:oSt,1({ .· . . •. . . . ··.· . . . ,,c •• c,-·-·-· Phil Baqhn1<11J; fixecL1tlve Director

Greg Hi1ller1 .Ratings.& IC:P's Jeff Elgait, Advertising D. D.can teyerle, Insurt\nc0i •&Mpi)1be1ship S,:rvk:c,s Kare1, Simbn, M,,mlJ(1r: S!,rvJces

MAY 1997

VoUJlv1E

[SSUE

Air Mail MOUNTAIN Dear Editor, The Paragliding Nationals in 1997 will be held at King Mountain, Ichho 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 J would like ro offer some suggestions to make your flying more enjoyable and safor should you have the opportunity to fly King. Choose an aircraft with the highest possible top speed. 1 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 safoly jump ranges and valleys you need to be well above recommended oxygen minimums. You don'r want to end a great flight because of hypoxia. When using radio frequencies other than those specified for USHGA pilots get a Flam license. Poaching of frequen·· cies, and most of all repeaters, is totally inappropriate. The [daho Ham operators have been very helpful, and in retnm a large percentage of the local pilots have become licensed radio operators. 'fhe repeaters across Idaho provide the besr line of communication once simplex is not working, i.e., npon landing. The Jumpoff Peak repeater is a!so an excellent meeting place for planning a day of fly· ing with other pi!ors. You should know where you are going by studying maps, and CPS is recommended. The mountains and valleys nre complex, and retrieval is sometimes difficult. 'This was demonstrated one summer a while back when a driver pnt almost l ,000 miles on her truck in order to retrieve a group of pilots. J may be old and conservative, and lack the hours that rnany pilots have, hue

I'm still flying hang gliders and paragliders and have never experienced a major mishap. Accept the fact that there will be d;iys when it is unsafe to fly in these mountains. Be patient, ;is f have tried to be, and you will surely he rewarded with memorable flying. Please contribute to or join the Idaho Hang Gliding Association. This group has made great strides in the areas of road building, community relations, etc., and is responsible for getting all the permits thar allow both hang and para pilots to fly King Mountain. I hope you will be rewarded with great flying.

Chris Peck Jackson, WY

Dear Editor, Once upon a time we flew around with little bitty wires on the backs of our wings that you visually inspected each time you went to launch. Well, in 1997 the kingpostless gliders have arrived, and there arc two potential probluns that we as a flying community need w deal with. First, you can very easily launch without your pitch stabilizing system hooked up. fr is all internal, and presents a problem similar ro harness leg loops. You cannot easily sec them, so don't take for granted that a pilot has them hooked up. Ask. l am not certain what would happen if you flew without the internal pitch stabilizing sysrem in place, but l theorize that it would not be a fun flight. Second, t:he performance you get from these gliders makes even big fields get small quickly on landing. The old technique of stuffing the bar if you're a little high just doesn't work with these low-drag monsters. Longer approaches, going upright early and drogue chutes arc in order if landing zones are small. In addition, approach speed needs to be lower than best glide, bur please don't mush in. A few pilots have wondered if the lack of parts on the top of the snil is a fad. HANG CilDINC

Ask any pilot who's flown one, or better yet fly one yourself: 'Then you too will agree that '97 was another historic year in the sport of hang gliding. John Ryan San Diego, CA

Dear Editor, This is jusr a brief note to thank the USHGA /or its support of our recent event. The 12th annual SkyDog Hang Gliding-Paragliding Pestival was held Pebrwiry 8-·9. The event was a great success and we were blessed with light winds and mild conditions. ]'his is not always the case this time of year. We had a good group of Region VfI pilots represented, and a spirited competition for this year's trophies. This type of event allows pilots in our area to get together to check equipment and make contacts and arrangements for our upcoming spring flying season. We realize that d1is is not a world--class affair, but it is irnporram and useful in our area. 'rl1e Sky Dogs greatly appreciate the assistance and merchandise provided by the USHGA. It is support like this thar allows these types of events to be made available to lJ SH GA members and to promote our sport. Daniel O'Hara President, Skyl .inc Sky Dogs

Dear Editor, I believe USHGA is trying to counteract the mess our legal system is in and the insmancc companies what they want so they will contiuue to offer insurance for our sites. USHGA is supporting this win/win situation for lawyers and insurance companies by continuing with the waiver. In the long run this is not a solution to the problem.

MAY 1997

l think the waiver is very controversial. l do not intend to make someone else responsihle for my actions as a pilot, however, the waiver undermines the rights of the members whom you are serving. USHGA's article in the las1 issue asks for unity from the membership. flying is important, but we are all individuals wirh differences of opinion that should be heard and acted upon. You might have discovered a great deal of unity in the flying community if USI-IGA had come up with a small seed plan that paved the way to help change the current situation, USHGA did not consult the flying community or draw upon its resources before instituting the waiver. Where do you plan to work out the issues? 'Time will tell whether or not USHGA has acted wisely in this area. In the meantime, tbanks for all your efforts on our behalf: Raymond Wolf

See USH<lA President Bill Bryden's "USHGA Issues" column in this issue ofthe comments on Raymond'.r observations. Ed.

Dear Editor, As a pilor and a lawyer f was a little distressed about those taking legal action regarding the waiver (although I feel Director Bach man's handling of the matter was a little heavy-handed). But this is a free country and if l have to pay a few more dollars in dues to defend the mat· tcr, I'm not losing any sleep over it. When the original release came out in 1995 I had many discussions about it at flying sites and group meetings. While I supported the need for a release J had sorne concerns about its language. I felt that the language regarding participating in the sport was too broad. The way the release originally mid, you would be waiving your rights to sue a negligent driver who has an accident

while driving you 10 a site. Also, l was concerned rhat if another pilot trashed your glider or orhcr equipment (e.g., with a bad landing), that you would be waiving your right to collccr against his insurance. I expressed my concern in 1995 in a letter to Tim I Terr who drafred the release. The release was subsequently arnencled to identify partic.. ipation as essentially flying a hang glider. Additionally, afrer reviewing applicable law, l was also convinced that the release did not release manufacturers because of defective or defectively designed cqnipment. My last concern was with Paragr:1ph C (now Paragraph D). Since, currently, a negligent party (rbe pilot) would be required ro indemnify another party vicariously liable (e.g. ,the landowner) this provision doesn't add much to exisring law, However, I did feel that a requirement to pay defense costs was an additional burden not currently required by law. So, I signed the release because if f'm in an accident it is probably going to be my fault and there's nobody lo sue but myse!C Second, if T am screwing around and hurt somebody (not a pilot in the air, because he signed the waiver), and he sues me and the landowner, [ turn it over to my homeowner's or remer's insurance. ff l can't afford homcowncr's or renter's i nsurancc I am likely to be judgment proof anyway and protected by bank.. ruptcy laws. Third, l want to fly hang gliders at California sites and 10 keep those sites open. Enough already. Let's go ily. Roger Sublett San Jose, CA

Para[;rttph D has been removed. See US!-!GA President Hill Bryden\· "USHGA Issues" column in this issue ofthe magazine. Ed.

Calendar of events items WIL!. NOT he listed if only tentative. l'lc:1sc include exact information (cvcm, dare, contacr name and phone number). hems should be received no later than six weeks prior to the event. We request two mon1hs lead rime for regional and national meets.

Vt1lky t'ar·11et,•rtn1eKari C:asrlc. OCT, ](). 13: Owens Valley

Stokes rm,,t /J11n,1{ glid1,•1g ,mc·-w.rnged UNTIL JUNE 15: Smmd Ammrt! New Yori, Ch,,1mp10nsl1ips. Two classes, rookie and 65,milc. Fly from fovorirc New York site and still compete. entry foe. Call for info and mies. Comacr: David Perry (607) 7%·33D5 (w), ((107) 565,7375 (h). UNTIL OCT. 30: Region Open, sea;;o11-1ot1g X·C competition. ;vlonthly·tallicd open X-C: and ollt··and .. rcturn competition. Scoring determined by pilot's bcsr three fligh1s per month. Flights must originate from sites within rhe Rq_;ion. March through June scores determine qualification for entry to the Nats. Send$ IO entry foe ro: Percr Birren, 502 Shadywood Laue, Elk c; rcwc, IL 60007. Info, mies and formulae will be sent. Scores published in Ree/News and wherever else they'll go.

UNTII, OCT. 31: l?egion \l!l 50-M ile rmd Under Lorn;,•ctt,tu!i1. Cross-country comperition for Region VI I pilots who have yet to exceed 50 must originate miks in a single flight. wirhin Region VII. Longest single fliV,hr made by Oct. 3 I wins. NO ENTRY J,EE, for ar lcas1 top rhrce places. Contact: Spectrum Hang Gliding, 51 16 Pratt, Skokie, IL 60077 (Wi-7) 329--83:37, Angdomam(fhaol.com. UNTIL DEC. 1: Second Annual New Vork Stt!tc Yearlong X-C Contes/. Two classes, rookie :md 65· mile. Fly from your favorite New York sire and still compete. $ IO rntry foe. Call for info and rules. Contact: l)avid Perry (607) 796-3305 (w), (607) 565 .. 7375 (h). UNTIL DEC 3 l: in rh rec categories: Bay Area, Region ll and anywhere. For

more info visir hrtp://mcmbcrs.:10Lcom/worxc and submit your flights on-line. Contact: Ramy Yanctz, 302 S1. !tl.3, Mountain View, CA 94043, fax (415) 968-6212, worxc@\1ol.com, or call Mark Mulholland (408) 929· 1753.

UNTIL DEC. 31: Region l I X-C Conttst. Sum of best three X-C distances. $10 entry to a USHGA Chapter officer required prior ro any fligh1s that coum. flight must originate in 11 (Texas and Louisia,w). C:onract: Jeff Hum (512) 467 .. 2529, rraj,:J1(1l:iaol.cm11.

MAY: Owens Valley KC/Thermal Clinics/Tour with Kari Casrle. rn; aod PG. AUG. 30-SEPT. 3:

Osceola, on <:ns premier of Ordinary/Fxrraordinary, 9:00 PM EDT. MAY 2-4: l3mic efAdvrmrnl !Cl', Rochester, WA. Contact: James Reynolds (360) 357 'i203. MAY 3.. 4: I I th Annut1l Stewart Smith Hrm,~ l'ournammt, Moore Mm., Perry I.owe Orchards, l O miles north of Taylorsville, NC: off I 6. $4 5 entry includes T-shirt, hmben1c, dart rournamcnr. Tasks: spot landi11g, bornb drop, duration and X.. C Trophies for 1st through :frd in each event. Fun $25. Contacl: Travis Bryant (704) 758 .. 9331, or Ben Burri] (704) 392-3765. MAY 9-11: Cosmos C/msitXC: Cosmos, MN. Tow meet. Grear tow site with record potcmial i11 dircclion. Cmrent MN x.c: record is I34.8 Trophies and pri·,,cs. Contact: Alan (612) 92')-7177, or Paul Kilsrofre (612) 8690293.

Kitty I lead, NC. Fea1ures dune and aerorow co111pc1itio11, Air Sporrs Assn. ]fang (;Jiding Expo, Rogallo I !all o(Tamc induction ceremony and hanquer, annual sneer dance and equipment demos. C:omacr: Bruce Weaver J .. 800-334 ..4777 or e-mail: ll:11'1g-gl1dc<10ourc,r--l1:1r1ks.com.

Ho,1·kyMoui11m;11 J!1mg Tow Meet. " Emry $3'5 with a ponion to rhe Canadian Team. Hdcl in the lkiscker area; practice for the weekend. Contact: Carnrosc Meet rhc Geof Schneider (403) 286-3770, fax (403) 286 17C3, gscl.111c1dc1·(a>!J,Jucr:mf.,e.com. MAY l 2-15: Br1sic antt ll,,/1;m:1cectht1r.1g f',l'id111g !C!'n Kitty Hawk Kites, Adrninisrcrcd hy Michael J{oil)ertso11. Bruce Weaver l ,800-3:34-4777 or c.. mail: l1a1·1g-"J1ctc1rDoun.:r.. t)ar1lrn.com. MAY J 6--18: 19.97 South Carolina Sm·ini•"lmw In, ar Monmain near Greer, SC Corne: flying and duration, X-C:, ere.) ar this beautifitl rnmmwin. Plaques awarded ro all lsr, 2nd :rncl 3rd place fin, ishcrs in cornperitions. $20 entry fee i-t)r competi· FJy .. in T-shirts available. (;Jassy is C:0111acr: Paul Peeples, P.O. Box

2121, Brevard, NC 28712, (704) 885,25:1(,, Hranue1tl(fi\:itcom.11er.

Ginir. MAY 21 : MAY 17: l.mmrh Pilmrhute Clinir. Contact: Mission Soaring Center, 1116 Wrigley Way, Milpitas, C/\ 95035 (near San Jose) (408) 262-1 O''i'i, fox (408) 262 .. 1388, MSC! !G«rl:101.com. MAY 23 .. 30: X-C Clinic by l hvid Sharp held in rhe desert ofSornhcrn Utah. Mus have I 14 rarradio, rmb, cl, CPS reco1r1m,:nctcd. Limited class size. ( :onract: David Sharp (801) 26'.', .. 8(, 1 I, sharpdave(r1\11ahinrer.ner. MAY Lookout Mountain Flight Park, Rising Fawn, Ccorgia. Bendit for the D:1dc Rescue Team and DyLm Hooks Fun/wacky contests on borl1 for pilots Hang 11 rared and up. $50 cnrry fee (a of which is tax deductible) includes T-shin designed hy Rex l ,isle (high cntertaimnem value) and Saturday night cookour. Contact: Judy l {ilclebrand (706) 398-2819, or e-mail Lori 'J'ahcr at ltahcr~'lmillcrrnarrin.com.

Vii/le)! 11,mi Anmtfl! S111rthistle Meet, Woodrat Mountain off! Iwy. 238, near Rudi, west of Medford, OR. Called tasks, spots and Saturday night barbecue included in entry foe ($20 plus $5 w;1ivcr). ] l/1'3 or l J/P2 raring with an insrrucror release for possible a!tcrnoon tmbu .. lent mountain condirions. Camping nearby. Comacr: Mike Stevenson (541) 77.'J.-I J 87 or Mallory(541) 535-4812. MAY 2fi .. 26: Dry Alamo[~ordo, NM. F1111 conrcsrs, dinner, ere. Meet in I.Z at 9:00 am each Sponsored by Rio Grande Association. Emry $25 in advance, $30 on site. Comacr: Robin Hastings, Director (505) 541-5744 or Wesr (505) 437-521 .1.

JUNE 2-SEPT. 6: l.rdceview, OR Rest of the Month" contest. Winners receive $100 and a flight each momh. Al .SO, plaque for rhc for all pilots momhly random and winner gcrs $50 jnst for flying l ,akc County. Contact: l .akc County Chamber of Commerce (541) ')f\J..6040. JUNE 7-14: Sandia Clflssic, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Seventh annual Ii 50 WTSS point meet at Sandia Peale 'T'hc premier 111eer ohhe season! Price includes: cmry fee, IO)HJUa!ity XC casks, glider and pilm rrnnsporrarion ro launch, tum-point /Jlm and processing, compmcrized foJl .. rimc p,1id stall; free oxygen rcl1lls, cares from local businesses, convenient rnccr HANG GUDINC

r J1c;1clc:111anc1,·s wi 1h red11ccd room rates, awards barbecue, T shin and morel :-i1xtv··Dll<lt maxi mum field, 45 spots reserved for ranked in 1he rop go US! !Ci\ or top J ()() PfRS. 1,e1natllll'lV, cmrics will he based on competition experience and /light experience. Virsr-1 imc e11rrants must have: USII( ;;\ Advanced Skills, I 001 hours morn11ai111hcrrnal and (;J'S highly recommend""'""'''''"""' $l2'i before May J, ,'1;375 aficr. Refundable umil April :10. C:omacr:Mikc J?ll Sr. Dr., Albuquerque, NM 871 I I (5(l'i) US 5978 or Mark Mocho (505) 298--297.?. E-mail to mmocl1o(tllrr66.rn1n.

FJlcnville, NY.

I !:mg nllraliglns, acroww winch rowing, acrobatics, fireworks, food fim. ( :on1acr: ( al Mo11main Wings ('JI 1 i) 6,!7.3377.

519 I.

JULY 4-6: 811/J;tlo MounttLin Hufftt!o Talihi11a, OK. Tcam .. oricn1ed tasks, XC, and spot comests, plus a comest wirlt prize for drivers. Bu{falo Wings cookout and Tshins. C:omact: Ly11da Wachr (817) 649-5168, lwacl11 (<'1\wl.com.

J!JLY ,1,6: S1·m11d l!nnuril !Ur C't1rni1Jal, C:Liremon 1, NI I. Coma er: Nicola (

(617)

4')1 5/i80,

JUNE J ,f.18: I 997 lhpen <Jprn l'm·rtei1d111r: Comp•c/1,11m•1, s:mcrioned mecl, J Stcnstadvold and Tim M,:chan. Modified formar. frc $2),5 ($25 refi.indcd for each task flown). Scores and posted to I JC/PC and Weh site daily. l tnllll:d1:1tely hy 1he Jirsr annual hosted by Aspen l'a1·agl,1d1ny,.

!IJ'J? 01f'lt1n 011.n·il'. CBCC :md invite all I re; and pc; pilots, f la11g Ill Cl'UR, X C, HLI') ,md up. $65 emry. All go 10 sire frmd. Contact: Brian Scott (206) f\27-902/i.

JULY C:hel:in

Meehan 003) lin9029,

JUNE 15-20: W1! l(,'S Grr'm' (World l l:ing Snies). x.. c:_ Contact: rel.

rncchanG1l.cscl.11e1.

)0-9/i-.%3-UJ:l,

JUNF 20,22: fM W'i/t! Wli!cl W't'.>l ;\l)<HJ/III(.\,

c:omc C:iry, NV. Mt. H-3 and ahovc welcome. Come cl:1im your silver belt buckle awarded ro rhc live Cost $100 before 31, $1 Include., dinner pany. Contact: i\clvcnrurc 36'S0 1/22 R,'se.trch NV 8970(, (702) 88:l 7070,

Carson C:i1y,

JUNE 21,28: First Opm, spomorccl FLY, Lost River Valley, Idaho one of most bca111ih1I sites, near Mackey, 1n u-r,0111t meet, Meet HQ in Arco, 15 mins. $2')5 u111il April 30, $:Ws afrcr. deal: sign up for bod, this and JUST PLY Nalionals by March :31 for only $'500 rornL Contact: c;.w. Meadows (919) 480-355?, fax (919) 4fl().() l l }, /!lStlJyl/l'JJ}lerpallLCOlll 1

30 1457.-3876, pap· /\lJG. 7-1"7: \':v!JGS Franc!'. gliding, XC C:omact: 1cL 33-li9?1:HlJL-027-970. AUG. 18.-27: 02}-')}0, \.VI /(;'S Te!!11rid1', US!!. gliding, Sec l,clow.

JULY 1926:) UST J,J.Y US Nt1tionals, Lakeview, ,i50.. poim meet. Creat and local ;\ number of sites will be med. Frnry $295 umil April 30, $31i5 afi:cr. Special deal: 11p for both this :md JUST Fl Y J<ing lvlrn. Open by March .31 for $500 total. Comac1: c;.w. Meadows (919) fox ('J 19) 480--0117, jusrfly(t~in1erp;ith.com. i\UC. 2-4: 1997 W'f'stfTn Crmadirm llrmy; (,'fiding ( JJ'ti/Jl(Jt,ms/11/,>s, ( ;olden, BC: Canada. X-C ar Canada's sire. Check the for March in the US! !CA calendar. $30 cmry fee includes beer basl1. Individual and team ( :onract: Dong Keller (403) 293li008, sl<ywardV·'1c:1,:1v1:,1011.c,lm.

JULY 2Ai: /,rtfmJicw, OR 19')7 ( hnpttcnth Annutl! 1'i!sr1iw!I o/h//Jt-lmmched l·lz~ht. Two "One Grand X-C' contcsrs (hang and para), 1 lill ro l .akcvicw Trophy Dash, spot land .. ing contest for both and para, acrotow clinic, trnck towini; at Abcl't' Rim. new "Palisades" launch opcn only 19 miles from Lakeview. Kids hall drop for hislorical a11d downtown, plcmy of activities for and non-·

Plan a week and join rile fim in bcamifid C:onn1y, Cliding Capital of 1hc Wcsr"I Contact: I ,ake Cou11ty ( :ham her ol' Commerce (Yi I) 947-()040.

MAY 1997

AUG 30·31: l!nnurd corwen1ion the Wcs!ern Division o("thl' Sailplanr flome/JU,,tdcn Aswcirttion, Ci\, Mounrain Valley /\irporr. l lomelmilrs, lu11g vim:1gc sailplanes, Conracr: Brncc Carmichael (714) 496-

l!erobr1tir· (,/Jam1,1c,ns/J1/JJ; m1ct

C'tmti's/. Entry for the /\croharic Championships, $200 hlr the Speed ( Conrcs1·. Meer Jim /.cisel a11cl rhc TAF promise ro cvcm in WHGS-sanctioned hang Program includes industry trade show, dance, shows, at\ awards dinner and orhcr events. Prize money toraling $15,000 for Contact: Pendulum the aeros and Aerosporrs (719) 539 3')00, e-mail 11n1zv,,i-cc.11(!1'ao,l.cc,m, wch page

SFPT. 18-2 l: 21th Gmpe !care rmd l111emr1tiona! hre Film Festival, S1. I lilairc du Touvcr, France. C:onrnct: rel. ()/i.'J(,-08-33-99, fox Oli-}(,. 97-20-SC. l ')')7 is North OGf. 3.. 5: Octoher'.r l!rst Carolina's welcome mat to any looking for a good rime. The Sauratown Moumain Hang ( ;Jiding Club the foll flight festival fc:aguaranreed foot-launch airtime. Stare-of rhc-arr launch make cli(Cjumping a breeze. Strong north aren't flyable, else is. ( :ad1 prizes and merchandise giveaways, co111petirion on and Sunday with prac· rice flights all week long. June Bug's mouil1barbecuc chicken dinner :n $5 is ro die for Saturday I lot showers available ;1t 1hc new YMCA, co11agc available on the mountain, or free camping in the I ,'.I., $30 einry fee includes custom Tshirr. C:onlact: Doug Rice (9 JO) 99/i · li3T1, Vic l ,cwcllcn (91 O) 595-(/105 or '70272. 53 J (thcompmcrve.com.

OCT. 11-- 13: Canyon Cotumhus !Jay Ny-!n, Alamogordo, NM. Sponsurcd by Rio Crandc /\ssn. Contest, trophies, shins, dinner, etc. Meet at l Z 10:00 AM the 11 rh. Emry $1 () in advance, $15 on sire. Mail advance cmrics ro ?216 Pccan l)r., Alamogordo, NM 88310. C:onract: Robin (505) 541 -571i4 or Tommy West (505) 4J/.'i7, 13.

OCT. 19 -20: Tu!:, Moumain Gliding /'.xtmvrJJ:tm,za, Clayton, GA. the whole family ro our 23rd annual cvcm. 1,000/day pri·1.c purse wirh no entry Ice. lncludcs free barbecue lunch and limited ddlJXc accommodations, focilitics and more. Transporration from

r:;: to lau11cl1 without breaking down. Prize com .. petition for duration, spot landing, mosr flights and die famous Pilor'' awards. Incluclcs

T\11 's exotic animal preserve, live culrnral dcmonsrrarions. C:omact: Tur' s Mrn. 1-800-621-1768, (706) 782-62.J 8 or Bruce I lawk (li23) 212.Li'.)9/i. NOV. \ .. 3; Thermal C'linir sponsored hy i\ir California and Sky J look at La Salina, Baja, C:i\. Conract: David Jchh (619) 6'70-5:322, aircalG-1lnercrn11.eom.

NOV. 6-9: Fdl US! !CA nm:ting, Kiny I fawk, N( :. /\II members arc encouraged ro aucnd 1 Please srnd your items in writing to the US! f ( ;A office. Contact Karen Simon at USJ fCA [ lcadquartcrs for information and n:servat ions: (71 ')) (,:\2-8300, usl11°al!:011s!11°;uow

Update

NEW INSTRUCTOR GUIDE FOR HANG GLIDING TRAINING MANUAL

port Aviation Publications announces a new guide m help instrucmrs get the most out of the popular book, Hang Gliding Training Manual. This book has become the standard hang gliding text worldwide because it explains all facets of learning m fly hang gliders in a complete and clear manner. Now instructors will have an even easier job when using chis manual for their lessons. The instructor's guide consists of three main parts. First is a discussion of the important points of each chapter. This material is organized so you can use it to conduct your ground schools and practical lessons. In face, with chis guide all you have to do is read the parts which are indicated as essential and you'll have a complete ground school. In a similar manner, the main subjects ro emphasize during your on-site teaching are also highlighted. Teaching becomes easier when your lessons are organized with chis guide. Included in chis section is a schedule of assigned readings to help your students keep abreast of your ground schools and lessons. Also provided are figures from the manual illustrating some important teaching points and how they can be used. The second part consists of a "finishing school. " This is a list and discussion of 15 points chat eve1y student should know or have practiced before progressing on his or her own. These are subjects not covered in many schools, such as knowing how m set safety limits, preventing bad landings, avoiding vertigo, etc. This is a valuable teaching tool and checklist for insrrucrors who want ro make sure their students continue m fly safely. The chjrd part consists of written tests covering each chapter of the Manual. You can give these tests to your students to check their progress and monimr their learning. These tests also help prepare the student for the USHGA rating tests. (The Hang Gliding 1i·aining Manual also contains a scudy guide for passing the USHGA tests.)

Schools are offering more intermediate training these days. Pilots are interested in this higher-level training because they want m fly with wider safety margins. Many realize char the advancements in technique and equipment require additional training to enhance learning races. This instructor's guide will help an instructor or school set up an intermediate program through the material in the first two parts mentioned above. The latter chapters in the Manual cover intermediate skills, and the guide helps organize chis material. Pare two of the instructor's guide is aimed at the intermediate pilot and can form the basis of your teaching plan. How can you gee a copy of chis guide? Ir is free to all instructors or schools ordering the Hang Gliding Training Manual. Ochers who wish to order a copy may do so by sending $3.00 to cover coses and shipping to: Sport Aviation Publications, P.O. Box 101, Mingoville, PA 16856.

LAST CALL FOR CALENDAR PHOTOS - THE MAY 31 DEADLINE IS ALMOST HERE! ike Hang Gliding magazine, the USHGA Hang Gliding Calendar keeps our lifeblood flowing. The difficulties we pilors face with ground-bound obligations are alleviated with this monthly pictorial infusion of our beloved sport. This is where you, our esteemed USHGA members, come

L In.

The USHGA Calendar relies heavily on membership photo contributions. If you have some hot hang photography, send it to us and send it today! Launching, landing, secup, breakdown, truck/aero/boar/dog sled mwing, X-C, whatever. The Calendar Committee wanes to see it all! If chosen, your photo will be immortalized throughout the world, possibly the galaxy, for everyone m admire. Hints of fame and fortune from chis exposure are "in the air." But you have to send your pies in now! Imagine yourself, glider or site being universally admired. Send your photography to USHGA Calendar, P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 8090 l . All photography will be created with the utmost respect and properly recurned. Don't delay - send 'em today!

FLYTEC USA TO TAKE "4030 GPS ACCESS" ROAD TRIP! This swnmer Flycec USA will be on the

road. In an effort to promote their line of variomecers they will put all their wares in a white Suburban and travel across the United Scates. The company will attend the four 450-point meets chis year (see 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 wh ile at the meets. If you are interested in the Flycec line of variomecers please keep an eye out for chem, and if you have any questions feel free m contact the company. To arrange a demonstration for your local club or to fi nd out where they will be traveling berween the meets contact: 1-800-662-2449.

May 9-12: Kitty Hawk Kites HG Spectacular - Kitty Hawk, NC June 7-14: Sandia Classic Albuquerque, NM June 21-28: King Mountain Open Lost River Valley, 1D July 19-26: Hang Gliding Nationals Lakeview, OR Flycec will announce more daces as they become available.

2ND ANNUAL ULTRALIGHT SOARING CHAMPIONSHIPS NATIONAL CHAMPION GARY OSOBA TO DEFEND HIS TITLE

adies and gentlemen, start your planning! The United Scares Ultralight Soaring Association (USU SA) is pleased to announce char the Sunflower Aerodrome near Wichita, Kansas, will once again serve as the host sire for the Ulcralighc Soaring acional Championships. Permission was secured to use the Sunflower Aerodrome for the Memorial Day Weekend chis year, and for the entire week preceding, altogether May 19-26. The meet will essentially follow last year's format, with the possibility of adding a fourth day of competition along with some added practice rime. Tasks will be designed to accent cl1e 1mique attributes of ULS's: excellent soarability, localized X-C capability and duration . A final all-out distance cask wi ll wrap things up. Good success was had last year H ANG GLIDING

For The Dealer Nearest You, Call - Paraborne Aviation

www .paraborne.com

The Tangent Flight Computer is proving to be the best XC vario on01~· market. No other flight co1nputeir has accumulated as marr,'co1mpeti1:ion miles. Whether y or -phobe,

a tech-weenie u want the real

thing, get the Tangent. "Now I know m gliding as efficiently as po ·· e. The audio speed con rol works great. It's pretty n my instruments. Dangerously addictive, frighteningly necessary. I love it."

"The Tangent is the best performing climb and glide instrument I've flown with. I like how you c:an personally tailor the myriad of functions the Tangent boasts to suit your style."

DESIGN 110 I Glendora Ave Oakland, CA 94602 5 IO 531 2.261

NEW MEll\JBI~R SEX ****************************************************************************************************************

Includes 12 issues Division), liability insurance, ratings, and other benefits.

en Di'11isi1on. $54.00 U.S. ($65.00 Non-U.S.*) ............................... . check mm:

O Pmragl,idh1g Divisions $79.00 U.S. ($96.00 Non-U.S. *) ........................... .

D l Division $27.00 (Family Member(s) must sign separate release from Full Member) .... Please check one: Cl D Pa1ragllidil1g (Family Member(s) must sign separate release.from Full Member) Divisions·

U.S. ($46.00 Non-U.S. *)

a $26.oo u.s. ($32.00 !'IU,,.,.., .

..:i.

1ST CLASS MAIL SI<2RVICE HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE: ($24.00-ll.S., Canada, & Mexico only) ............... . AIR MAIL SERVICE - HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE: ($3(1.00-Western Hemisphere, $40.00-Europe, $50.00-All Others) .. ·-···-·------····--···· 1ST CLASS MAIL SERVICE: PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE: ($12.00-ll.S., Canada, & Mexico only) ...... . AIR MAIL SERVICE· PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE: ($15.00-Westcm Hemisphere, $20.00-Europe, $25.00-All Others) .... ·--·------..·-····--···NAA MI~MBERSIUP: ($10.00 annual dues). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............ - ______..___.........._ ........ FAI SPORTING LICENCE: ($18.00 annual foe)

Date

Citizenship: _ _.....-

..--...- ...- ...-

... ·• ..-·-·-·----·-·--·-·

**************************************************************************************************************** CHARGE MY: ....... Maste,rCard

Credit

TOTAL

(03197)

In consideration of being granted membership in the USHGA, I , - - - - - - - - · - - - - - - - - - - - - · - - - · for myself, my personal representatives, heirs, executors, next of kin, spouse and assigns, do agree as follows: The following definitiorns apply to terms used in this Agreement: I. 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 parnglider. nrnni>ll"ltv diamage and/or 2. injury, ra,,a-r'-~·1 ' ft· as a result ru•rc:nn,:aa or sustained by me as a result of my PAirtTlir:IPi4TJON of the administration of any USHGA programs (for example: the Pilot Proficiency System). 3. means the following, including their owners, officers, directors, agents, spouses, employees, officials (elected or otherwise), members, contractors, sub-contractors, lessors and lessees: a) The United States Hang Gliding Association, a California Non-profit Corporation (USHGA); b) Each of the person(s) sponsoring and/or participating in the administration of my proficiency rating(s); c) Each of the hang gliding and/or paragliding organizations which are chapters of the USHGA; d) The United States Of America and each of the city(ies), town(s), county(ies), State(s) and/or other political subdivisions or governmental agencies within whose jurisdictions I launch, fly and/or land; e) Each of the property owners on or over whose property I may launch, fly and/or land; D All persons involved, in any manner, in the sports of hang gliding and/or paragliding at the site(s) where I PAJflTJ'C/1~1.'E "All persons involved" include, but are not limited to, spectators, hang glider and/or paraglider pilots, mistants, 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 PAJ"IT/4~/PJITl('JN~W DISCHiA.RCiE the any and all claims and liability for however caused, even if caused by the negligence (whether active or passive) of any of the to the fullest extent allowed by law. C. I A against any of the loss or damage on account of l,O'UliJfES. 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 nc,r..,:;,,1.i,,1;v P.IIR11ES. ACl(N()WUH)GE that the non-participant third party liability insurance obtained by USHGA does provide coverage for TElllMU..Umi:>N. I can terminate this Agreement by either (1) sending written notice of termination to the USHGA National Office postage prepaid return receipt requested, in which case the termination will _not be effective until one year after I cease being a member of the USHGA or 30 days after I place the written notice in the mail, whichever is later; or by signing and returning to the USHGA National Office a later version of the Official USHGA Release, Waiver and Assumption of Risk Agreement. However, even if I terminate this Agreement, all of the terms of this Agreement will continue to apply to INJURIESwhich I suffer in whole or in part before the termination of this Agreement. E. I shall be and California. in and before a matters whatsoever arising under, in connection with or incident to this Agreement Califo1rni:1. U.S.A. to the exclusion of the Courts of any other State or Country. F, If any part, article, paragraph, sentence or clause of this Agreement is not enforceable, the affected provision shall be curtailed and limited only to the extent necessary to bring it within the requirements of the law, and the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

I have

Participant's flinature MR-3/97

s are

current

are

terms

1 2 3 3 4

5 6 9

South

11 IS

I I

that

name will be placed on

nominations are,,.,,.,,,,,..,.,,,." by August 20, 1

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

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

REGION 5

USHGA BOARD OF 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 !51st Ave 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(liG 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 L.n San Diego CA 92129 (619) 484-2056 Sandy King (H) 360 Travelodge El Cajon CA 92020 (619) 444-8956 slark@worldnet. alt. 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 rssfok@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 Zeise! (R} 13154 County Rd 140 Salida CO 81201 (719) 539-3335 jimzgreen@aol.com

Frank Gillette (R) Rt 1 Watercyn 8 Declo ID 83323 (208) 654-26'15 Watercy n@cyberhighway.net

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

Tracie Fifer-Welch (H) PO Box 8225 Jackson WY 83001 (307) 733-5835 di_wyo@compuserve.com

McNamee (H) SE 51st Ave Summerfield FL 34491 (352) 245-8263 graybird@praxis.net

REGION 6

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

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

REGION 7 Bill Bryden (R) 6608 North 100 East Rd Seymour IN 47274 (812) 497-2327 bbryden@hsonline.net

REGION 11 Jeff Hunt (R) 48'11 Red River Austin TX 78751 ( 512) 467-2529 RRAJeff@aol.com

REGION 12

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

Paul Voight (R) 5163 Searsville Rd Pine Bush NY 12566 (914) 744-3317 ryanv1 OO@aol.com

REGION 8

Jan Johnson (L.) 585 E Frank Applegate Jackson NJ 08527 (908) 928-8370

Randy Adams (R) PO Box 369 Claremont NH 03743 (603) 543-1760 bkrarner@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 Riker! (L.) 101 N Broadway# 28-3 White Plains NY 10603 (914) 946-9386 Lars Linde (H) Accident Chair)

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

USHGA Executive Director

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

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 (F~}-Regional (L}-At Large (H}-Honorary (X}-Ex Officio

Both of theae here meeta are ,,r1·,"'"""'' Greirt Worli::!Claaa Meets. For more info, con· tact G.W. @ 919 480 :3552 or check out www.Juatfly.com OLD PILOTS (LIKE DENNIS I'N;EN) WILL LOTS OJ' PRIZES· Pl IN DIVISIONS .f)]~IVEH

l31! Tl !ERE SO YO!l 1'\IGJ IT WIN

Don't

CONTESTS & Tl IINGS WL CANT PUBLISJ I

* Lessons !ought daily, year-round. Soarable conditions ]00+ days a year. Smooth grassy ridges "made for soming". Lesson packages for beginners or your first l 00 mile X-country. Tandem/Solo Hang gliding & Paragliding lessons. ® Pro site guides for 2,000' 5,000' mountain launch sites. ® Demos & glider rentals. ® Sail & oirfrome repoirs by factory experts. ® Full service shop with products from most dealers. Free Camping ot the launch. ® IC:P's and oerobatic clinics. ®

Aerotowing LEARN ING HOW TO DO IT LEARNING HOW TO OPTIMIZE IT by Austin Scott Collins, USHGA Aerotow Pilot photos courtesy Wallaby Ranch

Hang gliding acquired its swashbuckling, daredevil reputation not ftom the actual practice of the sport (which is usually pretty benign, unless you happen to be in the Owens Valley) but ftom the primitive circu ms tan ces under which we launch and land.

M any

of this country's soaring sites tend to be crude and poorly developed - often just a patch of inclined real estate, a gate, and a rough mountain road. Many LZ's, likewise, are little more than a clearing tucked in a remote part of the countryside. Although circling in thermals or making long, lazy passes in ridge li ft is a more or less meUow experience, ail the peripheral activiry that's required to get there transforms hang gliding into something that's only feasible for someone with physical stamina, courage, a willing accomplice or rwo, and a fo ur-wheel-drive sport utiliry vehicle. Along came aero towing. Taking a cue from the sailplane world, we discovered that the best way to get an unpowered aircraft into. the air is to use a powered one. Aerotowing means that hang gliding is available to everyone from the ages of 13 to 83, and even to those with disabilities. Choosing to go again does not mean breaking down and hitchhiking; it means fin ding a cart and rolling out. You can spend ail seven days of a seven-day trip hang gliding, because you can put hang gliding centers where the weather is good, not where accessi ble ramps are located. You can launch directly into any wind direction, and the rug pilot can put yo u right in the core of the best lift. Instead of being located in raw, howling wilderness, hang gliding sites can now offer ail the comforts and amenities necessary for pilots and their fam ilies to experience "ha11g gliding vacatio ns. " Perhaps for this reason hang gliding is alive, healthy and growing in places where aerotowing (and tandem aerotow training) is the exclusive launch method. This article will derail a few of the finer points of how to aerotow, with hints at1d advice both for the beginner and expert pilot. ore, however, that this is general information only, and not a substitute for personal training by a qualified instructor. I will talk mainly about technique, and my frie nd and colleague David Glover, US HGAAdvanced Tar1dem Insuuctor, will add some comments on safery. If yo u are completely new to aerotowing yo u shmJd rake a moment to understand the principles by which it works. An ultralight aircraft, either a trike (an engine-driven hang glider) or a threeaxis (stick ar1d rudder) ultralight (such as the almost-ubiquirous Moyes Dragonfly), uses a long rope ro pull a hang glider into the ai r, where the glider may then release at the pilot's discretion and fly normally. (Ir is general ly acknowledged that the Dragonfly is superior for aerorowing, due to the trike's higher airspeeds and lack of positive yaw control.) Hang gliders behave differently under aerotow than they do while in ordinary freeflight. For this reason aerotowing requires

CALL TODAY! Ask about our NEW PROGRAMS • Maintenance

• Trade-Ins • Finance Options • Money Bock Guarantee! • Mode (& serviced) in the USA • 30 years in business, family owned • Preferred by top pilots world wide

Call today, demo one tomorro 6595 O ' Dell Place Boulder, CO 8030 I

,u1rr11rtx, no matter hou; much r:x1,,erzeni:·l'you have. best way to learn basic acrotowing skills is to take a tandem flight with a qualified, experienced tandem instructor, Herc :uc the fundamcmal things he or sbe will demonstrate to you:

Posi1ion is everything! /\cro1owing is essentially similar to formation flying, except th,ll the lead aircraft provides all the thrust, 'fhe pcrfoct tow position is CEN-TERED, with the WHEELS OF THE TUG ON THF HORlZON. Maintaining this position ar all times is very important. Push in or pull out on the bar as needed 10 remain then:. [ )epending on how ac1 ivc the air is when you fly, you might have to push out or pull in quite aggressively in order to stay there. Use the "bump and center" rech-niquc to remain in position late.Tally "bump" your weight ro the lcfr or right as needed, then center your weight and let die glider drift back imo position. Staying in position laterally is MUCH easier iryou stay in position vertically! Your hang glider will fly ar an artifl-cially high angle of attack while under acrotow. le is virrually impossible ro stall while being towed. ff you push out you will not stall, you will only climb. If you ge1 low (if the rug's wheels arc ;1bovc the horizon) you may have 10 push our hard in order l'O get back up. Do not be afraid ro do this. You will climb, nor stall. During turns you need 10 rcm;iin um-to the same arc described by the way of parh. 'I 'hat's a ing that you have to follow in the steps. Imagine that the tug is a hoat and arc a water skier. You wam to keep your right in the middle of the boat's wake dur-ing a turn, so do not 1ry !O match the tug's ;rngle of bank right away when 1·hc tug begins a turn. This will put you inside the tug's turn and you will lose airspeed and sink. lfyou do nor turn enough, or if you turn the wrong w;iy, you will get outside the turn and 1his will result in a lot of bar pressure. Unless you corrccr this situation it could lead to a lockout. Launching when acrotowing is very different thall launching using any system. You will place your glider on a specially designed rolling can which will supporr it at the proper :mgle of attack for rnkcoH: You will get into your harness and

MAY 1997

get prone, advantage or acrotow-is rhar it is almost completely impossible to take off not hooked in.) A member of the /light ground crew will connect the towline lO your V--pul!, which is a lillc thar balances the tow force so that yon and your glider arc pulled evenly, When you arc ready, rhe ground crew person will a signal to the tug pilot, and you will begin to roll. If one wing seems to wane ro rise, correct with weight shift just like you would if you were flying. You can hang glide on the can. This is imporrnnt. I )o nor let the hang glider lift off in a banked attitude. YOU WI LL REACH Fl YJNc; SPEED BEFORE THE TUC; DOES. Allow your glider to lift off the can smoothly, keeping your wings level. Clirnb ONJY to a height of five or ten foet above rhc ground, and rhcn WAfT for the tug ro cake off When the rug climbs through your altitude, push out as necessary to match its climb rare, which might be a little or a lor. Warch out most rugs climb quite quickly and you do not want to be left behind. Nmv the wheels of the tug 011 the horizon and enjoy rhc ride! (NOTE: Nor all flight parks will have launch carts or ground crews, although most hang glider pilots feel that using a can is easier and safer tha11 off.)

There is a weak link at borh ends of ) the towline. Yours is weaker than the one at the tug pilot's end, because it is ideal for the rug to keep the rope. The tug pilot also has the capabiliry of releasing you should ir become necessary. Should you fail to remain in position, either the weak link pilot will release yo11 will break or the bcfi:)rc you get roo ou1 of position to recover. The hcsr way ro deal with this sirua-rion is to avoid ir, that is, keep the wheels of the rug on the horizon! But if you should find yourself suddenly and unexpectedly in free flight, be absolutely sure that you do not still have the towline anachcd to you. Hit the release and get rid of it. Never attempt to land with the rope dragging behind you, for obvious reasons. The tug pilot will not allow you ro lock out if you arc low; he will release you. The tug pilot will also release you if you climb too high when you initially lift off the cart, because this pulls the tail of the rug up and forces its nose down. The point of all this is that you should be ready AT AU. TIMES to cope with an unplanlled release. Pull in to regain your airspeed (recall that you aerotow at an artiflcially high angle of attack.), and if you

arc very low prepare ro bclly--slidc in on your wheels. (For more safety su;~gc.smrns sec Dave's sidebar.) 'J'hc best way to learn how ro acrotow is to take tandem ;md 1hc best rime to learn is in calm, still air. This is common sense: IF you wam to learn to water ski, you do it when the lake is ff you want to learn to ride a hike, you do i1 on smo01h, level pavement. Learning to acrotow in turbulent conditions is like learning to ski on choppy water or riding a hike on a gravel track frustrating and not as safe.

IT you arc already an experienced hang glider pilo1, here are a fow profossional tips on how to ger rhc most out or your aero-tow. The tug pilot will rake you upwind of the field and imo the best lifr he can flnd. J\ responsible tug pilot will never gc1 out or gliding range of the flc!d. Most acrotugs have 1hc sink rate and glide angle of a set of car keys, so if rhc tug can make it back you can easily make it back. So do not worry about watching the LI:; watch rhc tug instead. When you release, watch where the head tug goes. The tug will almost directly back to the field. The rug pilo1 ofien has other considerations as well, such as noisc--scnsitivc areas that he wishes Lo avoid, notoriously sinky terrain, orher air traffic, rcstric1cd airspace, and so Oil. So the facr 1har he is turning docs not rwr·r•«,11·,lv rncan he is rnrning in lifr. ter! Most ;1crorugs have a climb rate of at least 500 (Ask the staff about the spc-cific climb rate of your aernrng.) So if your mg clirnbs ar 600 fpm, and yom vario indi-catcs that you arc climbing at l ,200 ffHTI, and rhc tug pilot is circling tightly, then it is very likely that the tug pilot is coring a thermal for you. You would be wise ro get off there. M,rny glider pilots arc determined to get towed "all the way up," or as high as possible:, bur 1-his is not always ner'e,s;ir·1lv the best course of action. 'Ii.1g pilots, of course, arc happy to take you as high as you want to go (within reason), but is it ofren more advantageous to get off lower in a really good d1crmal tb,m to go higher looking for more lift: that may or may not mate-rialize. ft is quite common to clirnb right out of great lift while on tow, and thcn not find anything else. Even the world's greatest mg pilot cannot put 100% of his clients in 19

a lot of discussion about and whether or not it

Flywhh a release designed specifically fot aetotowing. a good. backup loct~ted where it al)d qHickly accessible. fly with apw1mly sized weaklink of dfo right breaking strength. • Stay in 1wsido11! • l~ly behind an USHGA certified tow fillor. with people. • Learn with a gi:oup that is m.ore knowledgeable M1d saJ:<:ty,.co11sc:io11s than youtsdf. • Don't be a guineapigfor anything. • Stay in position! • Don't tty to save a bad situation. • Pull in imniediatdy afi:ermiy • In a deteriorating sitnation., err on side of off too soon. in stable q>ndi,. tions. • Fly the easlesMo-fly glidet when learning tbis new skill. "' cut corners. • Stay in positfo.n! • AdeqiJateisjust not go(ld enough. Take of tandem training .to IeaJ"n solid aeromwing technique. Cir:adorate slowly and in small to rowlfit:r air.

Mya in smooth ccmditi0t1s. Don't be stacked again~t you by lgnorirtg any of these

dohs.

David Ranch end,itranicc his J1h()togrttphshave ctf)f1eai'ea.m 1ria11v issues of HnngGHding magazine, Fie has safely ttdinet/ har;g glic!etpilots.

stupendous lift l 00%i of rhe 110 matier how hard he tries to make everybody happy. Moreover, the tug pilor will only take you "all rhe way up" to the rn:1ximum allowable release :iltitude ifhc has not found anything good in which to drop you off. So, what yoll should be looking for is !ifi, not altitude per sc. Remember, use your variometer, and, whenever you can, get off in lift. Do 1101 w:1ir for the tug pilot to you the signal to get off, because he may not do that umit you have reached the maximum altitude, and there might yon get there! not be any lift The release signal us11ally means rhat you must get oil and the rug [1ilot docs not necessarily want to make your decisions for you. 'fake the initiative: when the tug pilot is coring that juicy thermal for you, go ahead and release and enjoy it. The tug pilot is on your side he wants you to get off in great lifr, and wants you ro get up and have a great flight so do 1101 liesitme ro get o{f when your vario tells you that you are flying though something 'T'he best pilots, and the ones wirli the most aerorowing experience, tend ro get off lower and sooner. Tliey know that good lift and solid rliermaling skills make for long flights, not a high tow. David Glover once had a weak link hrcak at about 100 feet while [ was towing him. I le nor only got up, but proceeded 10 have an cxccllcm cross-country Jligh1. That's an extreme example, bur it illustrates the point, Larry Tudor flew with us, and he seldom went much above 1,200 feet before releasing. If your tug pilot is highly experienced yon should trust his judgment, especially irhc has been flying all day. lk knows what the sky is doing where the thermals :ire, how wide they arc, how tall, and how strong. If you have any requests (if you wam to go where your friend is, or wh:11cver), lei the ground crew know bcfrire they hook

you up. Tlicrc arc ro the gct-off-assoon-as-you-liit-good-Jifr mle. On a windy day, for example, upwind distance is impor· tanc Let the tug pilot rake you where you will be in a good position to drifi: hack toward the field. Tf it is blowing more than l miles per hour the tug pilot might nor circle at all, jnst fly in a maight line. Of course, if you arc you want to row higher. Don't wait too long. Ever notice how no one w;mts rn be the first out on the dance floor? It's rhc same in hang gliding,

f\crotowmir makes ir easy to up over times a day it suits you. it also makes it easy 10 take and somcri mes pilots port with a swimming and shade rrces lulls some pco, cornpl:10:.:nc:y, and stan prothctr cr:1sn11at1nf~, not even crs until of plywood arc ofF the ground and commuter aidine pilots arc reporting livestock al ] 5,000 feel. Don't w,1ste v:ilnable soarablc days! Co as soon as you think you can otherwise you could miss rhe window. in weaker conditiom your and allows you to acu.1mulare more airt imc. And if you do come down, no tow, It's cheap, quick and Do not be tot;1lly on clouds. Ir is important to keep in mind that not all tl1cr, mals lrnvc cap clouds ycr, and not all cumulus clouds arc still being fr:d convective currcms. Some gre;lt lifr can found in clear air. 011ce rcfc:r to your variomctcr while ;1erotc>w1n1~!

next to a yrn1 ro you arc iment on the tug (as yon should he), you might not noticed tlic The rug pilot will seldom take into a crowded thermal for

10 get i11 a spor where look around. on acr'Ol(lW'llH' Many pilots who become spoiled by it, not surprisingly; it's dd1nircly the easiest way ro get imo the sky! It may be almost too easy some pilots seem to how to :12£[1'e.,:stvelv seek ont lifr. in mind that if you were l:11mcliing from a traditional site you would have one shoi at it, and no choice as to where to your The job is to get you up there. up to you. 'Eike maximum ac1•var1t;H>e this wonderful and use it intclli-

/Justin Scott Collins is an Wallaby Rrmch where o/JJ)OO tows rt year.

tit

I !!\NC (;i IDINC

Airtime will give a 100% refund if rrny

harness does not meet the customer's expectations/satisfaction upon delivery.

If your dealer doesn't carry our Harness, we can make arrangements for you to see one.

1,340 ft. Mountain Launch

5 Full Time Tandem Instructors

The Best Training Hills

No other flight school can match our facilities,

Lookout Mountain Flight Park has consistently, for

diversity, dedication, and history of excellence.

the past 10 years, safely trained over four times as

Our complete desire is to help you realize your

many pilots to the novice level than any other flight

flying dreams and goals.

school in the U.S.A.

Lookout Mountain Flight Park is the perfect place to

Allow us a chance to demonstrate the Lookout

safely train and progress your skills in Hang Gliding,

Mountain Experience.

while also having a lot of fun. Everyone dreams of flying- make your dream a reality! Act now, and before you know it, you'll be soaring with the eagles!

3 Aero Tow Tug Planes

18-LM ://www.hangglide.com email: hanglide@chatt.net

1 PRICE USHGA 1997 HANG GLIDING CALENDAR - Excellent photography. USHGA HG CALENDARS More excellent photography. (Circle Yr) 1991

.SALE 1/b 1990 1989. 1lb

$ 5.00 $ 1.50

"SPECIAL NEW PILOT" Magazine. Hang Gliding or Paragliding (circle one). Buy both I 7oz NEW-SKY ADVENTURES 36 hg stories by 32 hg authors. Informative & entertaining.240 pgs 1//J 2/b PARAGLIDING-THE COMPLETE GUIDE by Noel Whittall. Comprehensive, color photos. HANG GLIDING FLYING SKILLS by D. Pagen. Our most popular book. Beginner-Novice. 1/b PERFORMANCE FL YING by Dennis Pagen. For the Intermediate-Advanced pilots. 340 pgs 3/b 2/b UNDERSTANDING THE SKY by D. Pagen. THE most complete book on micrometerology. INSTRUCTOR'S MANUAL by D. Pagen. For hang gliding, used in ICP's. Plenty of illustrations.2//J PARAGLIDING FLIGHT-WALKING ON AIR by D Pagen. Covers all aspects, 140 illustrations. 1/b PARAGLIDING-A PILOT'S TRAINING MANUAL by M.MeierNVills Wing. Covers all aspects 2//J RIGHT STUFF FOR NEW HG PILOTS by Erik Fair. Reprints of Erik's HG column. Classic. 1/b HIGHER THAN EAGLES by Maralys & Chris Wills. Bio. of hg legend Bob Wills.Hardcover. 2/b ACCESS & THE GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT by B. Moorman. 2/b DOWNWIND by Larry Fleming. Share the experience of over 20 years of hg flight. 1/b THE ART OF SKYSAILING by Michael Robertson. Used in ICP's, withe Charts of Reliability . 1/b RECORD ATTEMPT KIT Includes all forms needed for national & world record attempts. 2/b FLIGHT LOG BOOK The Official USHGA flight log book. 40 pages. Log t11ose flights! 2oz CERTIFICATION BOOKLETS Document your skill level sign-offs. Specify HG or PG. 2oz

$ 4.95 $14.95 $24.95 $ 9.95 $29.95 $19.95 $15.00 $19.95 $rn.95 $ 8.95 $19.95 $·19.95 $10.95 $ 9.95 $15.00 $ 2.95 $ 1.95

PARTY AT CLOUDBASE> A hang gliding music video, set to hard driving music (20 min) . 1/b MASTERS AT CLOUDBASE> A paragliding music video, set to hard hitting music. (20 min) 1/b FLY HARD Rob Whittal & C. Santacroce paraglide the westcoast. Rock soundtrack.(36 min) . . 1/b POINT OF THE MTN (Utah) HG & PG action at one of America's favorite sites. (52 rrnn) 1/b BORN TO FLY HG action. Meet Larry Tudor & Green team, fly Owens, Sandia, etc. (50 min). 1/b PG: THE MOVIE Owen's Valley world competition. Hot action, rockin' souncJtrack. (40 min) fib CLOUDBASE PARAGLIDING Great intro. video. Meet the hot pilots, fly the hot sites. (36 min) 1/b HANG GLIDING EXTREME Fly spectacular sites in the US. Meet the top pilots (50 min) 1/b HAWAIIAN FLYIN' HG & PG in Paradise. Amazing launches & awesome scenery! (46 min) . 1/b DAREDEVIL FLYERS Ill-THE PARAGLIDERS Join Team WW in Telluride, CO. (50 min) 1/b

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

All our videos are in USA/VHS NTSC format only.

WINDSOK™ 1.5 oz. ripstop nylon, 5'4" long w/11" throat. Pink/yellow or pink/white (circle one). 21b $39.95 WINDSEEKER Hang glider flying model. It loops & soars. Lots of fun to fly, you'll want two. 15oz $ 3.00 USHGA EMBLEM DECAL Our original logo, in its original colors, on a 3" circular sticker. . 1oz $ .50 USHGA SEW-ON EMBLEM Our original logo, in its original colors, on a 3" circular patch. . 1oz $ 1.50 MTN. GLIDER DECAL Full color 6" rectangular, long-lasting vinyl decal. Very colorful. 1oz $ 1.50 MTN. GLIDER SEW-ON The most beautifully embroidered patch you've ever seen. 1oz $ 3.95 MTN. GLIDER LAPEL PIN Multi-colored, custom shaped wlepoxy dome, military clutch back. 2oz $ 3.95 LICENSE PLATE FRAME I'd Rather Be Hang Gliding or I'd Raihor Be Paragliding (circle one). 1/b $ 6.50 *ERIC RAYMOND POSTER 24"x37" Eric 17,000' MSL over the Sierra Nevada Range 1/b $ 5.95 1/b $ 6.95 *AEROBATIC POSTER 23"x31" Colorful keel-angle shot of John Heiney looping skyward. . *Posters are NOT AVAILABLE on International orders-Sorryt SPECIAL - BOTH POSTERS FOR $10.00 PAYMENT must be included with your order. SUBTOTAL WEIGHT (for shipping) NON-USA orders must be in U.S. FUNDS drawn on a U.S. BANK!

CHARGE MY VISA or MASTERCARD

SUBTOTAL

Under 16oz ADD $1.50 1 LB ADD $4.00 ... ADD $5.00 LB :1A LB ....... ADD $5.50 5-6 LB ....... ADD $6.00

Shipping

7-8 LB ....... ADD $6.50 9-10 LB .... ADD $7.50 Over 10 LB .. Call/fax/email NON-USA SI-/IPPING-Ca/1/faxlemai/

Send to:

Springs 17

80901-1

email: ushga@ushga.org

$_____

$._ _ _ _

Get rated with

Hang Gliding Training Manual by Dennis Pagen For Beginner to Intermediate Pilots 'I wish I had had this book when I started. It's complete yet concise. It's the perfect book to transition from the novice to intermediate level. After studying it, passing the Hang Ill test was a breeze." Chris Henderson, New Hang Ill , Salt Lake City

Send cash or check to: SPORT AVIATION PUBLICATIONS Po Box 101, Mingoville , PA 16856

(please continue here)

Total for all books $ .. ....... .. Po stage and handling $2.50

Please rush the books below: Add s1 .oo for.P.erf. Flying o H. G. Training Manual. .... .. .... $29.95 and H. G. Tr~in,ng.M~nual ···:······· o Performance Flying ... .... ....... $29.95 Overseas a1rma1l 1s desired o Understanding the Sky .........$19.95 ($8.00/book - .s12 tor P. Flying Fl. ht $ and H. G. Training Manuaij ........... . 0 p arag 1.d. I ing 19 ... ..... ....... .. 19.95 o Powered Ultralight Flying ..... .$11 .95 TOTAL ENCLOSED ........... . o Pow. UI. Training Course ...... $9.95 SEND TO (pl ease print) Save 10% order two or more books Save 20% order five or more books

NAME .......... ... ... ..... .......... . ADDRESS ..... ... ................. .

Total amount for books $ .... ......... ....

~~~E:·ziP::::::::::::::::::::: :::·

(please continue in next column)

COUNTRY ....... .. ...............

HISTORIC

MEET _ _ __

THE MORNINGSIDE GLIDE RATIO CONTEST by George Ferris photos by Mark Vaughn

he 1996 LID results from the Morningside Glide Ratio Contest will go down in history, not due to the fact that there was any significant increase in glide, or that one manufacturer's glider stood out from the rest, but because it was the last year that this event will evaluate kingpost gliders. The results, therefore, are more important than in previous years. With the evolution of "Topless" gliders the sport has made its most significant leap in performance since the Comer, 18 years ago ... or has it? Most of us are familiar with the Morningside Glide Ratio Contest, since this is its ninth ongoing year. Some think it is a good measure of LID and some think not. To my knowledge there is no other glide ratio contest in which all manufacturers have participated, at least not for the last eight years, so it's a fact that the Morningside data are the most accurate we have. Of all the years I've been at the contest, in 1996 most everyone felt that because of the conditions (fog, no sun, no lift) and with 110 flights made from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, the results of the first day were probably the most valid ever recorded. Averaging the cop 10 gliders the LID was 11.49 on the first day (12.07 overall). I would say, having a minimum of five hours on every one of the gliders, that 12/1 seems to be realistic. It is important to note that Jeff Nicolay, Manager of Morningside, rakes great pains to run the contest as identically as possible from year co year. So make sure you save chis issue of Hang Gliding. The significance of the Topless revolution will be revealed at this year's competition by comparing the 1996 results with those of the 1997 Morningside "Topless" Glide Ratio Contest. So that no one gets the wrong impression, I am not condemning kingpost gliders. I own one and I feel that they will be around for many years to come. This article is meant only co be a reference point for what is happening in the ongoing evolution of the sport of hang gliding which I have been formnate enough co be involved in and excited about for 24 years.

LEFT John Szarek doing a perfect swan dive. Give him a 1O! BELOW LEFT Rob Kells crossing the bridge. BELOW Curley Dunn ready to pound

ABOVE: X-Con, the "no-breakdown" tow rig. ABOVE RIGH T JeffBurnett ground skimmingfor distance. RIGHT Dennis Pagen on a Predator.

STANDINGS A meal of 19 pilots entered the event. On the first day we flew six rimes fo r a grand total of 110 flights. After three flights on the second day pilots started reaching 14/ l , so the contest was closed. The 110 flights on the first day were the most flown wi thout interruption on a single day during the lase eight years, so I'll list the first day's standings separate from the final results. •

FIRST DAY'S RESULTS Place Pilot ....... . .Glide Ratio . . . . Glider 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10)

Jeff Burnett ..... 12.19 ... .. .... Sensor 610F Ken Brown ...... 12.18 . ..... . .. Concept John Szarek ..... 11.70 ... . ... . . XC Rob Kells ....... 11. 52 .... ..... XC George Ferris .... 11.41 ......... Sensor 6 1OF Mark Clark ... . . 11.35 ......... Senso r610F Mark Dunn . . .. . 11.21 ......... Xcral ice Dennis Pagen .... 11.18 . . .. ... . . Predator Ri ck Dunkcan .. . 11.18 . . . . ..... Shark John Sillero ..... 10.99 . ... . . ... Sensor 6 10F

FINAL RESULTS Place Pilot .. . .. . ... .Glide Ratio . ... Glider 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11 ) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19)

Ken Brown ...... 12.620 . .. ... . . . Airwave Concept Jeff Burnett .. . . . 12.494 .. . ... .. Sensor 6 lOF Rob Kells ....... 12.362 .. . . .. . . WW XC Mark Clark . .. . . 12.188 .. . .. ... Sensor 610F John Szarek . . ... 12.167 .... . . . . WWXC Rick Duncan .... 11.955 .... . . . . Airborne Shark John Sillero ..... 11.840 ....... . Sensor 6 10F George Ferris .. .. 11.786 .. .... . . Sensor 6 10F Mark Dunn ..... 11.725 . .. ... . . MoyesXL Dennis Pagen ... 11.501 . . .. . .. . Predator Frances Dussavlc .11.4 54 ........ Sensor 510 Rodney Pen dry . . 11 .228 .. . .. . .. Predator Nelson Howe .... 11.091 ...... .. Airborne Shark Serger Prevosr.. ...... 11.079 ............ .. .. Tecma Boomerang Fl Daniel Fortin ........ 10.360 ................ DNF Cleber ....... .......... .. 10.24 .. ........ .. .... .. Klassic John Arwood .... .. ... l 0.06 ................ .. Spocc/Concepc Ted Dorenkamp .... 9. 78 ...... .... ........ .. HP AT Gini Ferris ............. 7.841 .. .............. .. Falco n 140

by t the March Board of Directors (BOD) meeting in Colorado ""·"·,ririv.,. 1 gave a [)resentation to the Board abom my frustrations and visions regarding the future of the USHGA. I intended to scold the Hoard and myself for some of our recent mistakes and to inspire rhem to strive for more aggressive, proactive goals. l present ir here to facilitate your understanding of the directions in which I am tiying to lead the Association. Ir is hoped that you will provide foedback to your Regional Director and me, to help us line-tune the direction in which we arc attempting to navigate.

Looking back over the past fow Board me·crn1gs and couple of years of the Association, J 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 recommcnclatious at the foll BOD meeting. l was pleased with the recommendations provided, howcvct; there were not enough solid, concrete actions galvanizing the Board on longer-range t~oals and driving the Association in gener,11 to satisfy me. We need to shake the bushes a bit and look down the road to goals five or l Oyears in the ft1turc, and plan the steps needed to achieve those goals. As] look at our sports of hang gliding and paragliding l sec their terrible inconve-· nienc:e as a major hindrance to growth. One docs 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 paraglidcrs arc less so than l,ang gliders. Our sites are usually inconvenient. 'foiining is ofi:en inconvenient. How can these sports grow if we do not· address their inconvenience, or at least the aspects about which we can do something? 'lcio many folks still perceive our sports MAY 1997

as deadly dangerous. How can the sports grow if we do not address this? Overall safomust he irnprovcd for rhc direct bcndir our members, and for the enhancement of our public image. I strongly believe more rules, regulations and ratings will not accomplish this. Rather, better understanding of accidents, better education and better methods are the answers. The and joyful fi.ilfillmcnt experienced participants must be aggressively promoted if the erroneous perception of ''::icrial death" is 10 be overcome. J~or the USHGA ro grow the sports must become more popular, increasillg the number of potential members. For die USJIGA to grow we must also expand the services provided and improve their quality for our members. My vision for the USHGJ\ down the road, at least five years from now, is probably hest articulated with a set of points fonctions and serdescribing the vices provided: We would put forth a vigorous effort in the area of site preservation and acquisition, rendering assistance down to the local level. Probably at least one fulltime professional staff person would be needed to oversee these services. The Foundation would aggressively seek and raise funds, and work t:o purchase at-risk flying sites, potentially in cooperation with USHGA Chapters or other gro11ps such as the Nature Conservancy. Chapters would be stronger and better supported with more services and tools to assisr them in growing, securing 11ysitcs, publishing their newsletters, attracting members LO meetings, conducting seminars, public speaking, ere. 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 co11ccn1s and /Jromotc a strong network of members working collectively for the promulgation of the sports. We need stronger reLuionships with other aviation associations and the FAA. 1\£'.f!n::ss,vc promotion and publicity programs arc needed to assist the growth of the sports and consequently the USHG/\. There are other clements in my vision but these points capture the highlights. My vision is not stagnant; it progressively responds to input which is critical to irs evolution.

Tc) start down the road of ad11e'Vll1,('; this vision there are specific changes and pro· grams I would like ro sec the USHCA implement. The fcillovving items arc fiJr starters. More will certainly be added, and some of these suggestions should probably be abandoned as we better understand the merits of each. My intent is 10 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 thar if no one poinrs us in some direction we will go nowhere. The following arc my recommendations to actualize rhe vision I have for the USHGA.

We are very poor in rhis area. Communication rakes time and effort. 1, as much as anyone, am guilty oflooking at the work load and doing only the things that arc screaming to be accomplished. Unfortunately, communication only screams afier the failure to do it adequa1ely leads to consequences. Not only docs inad equate communication lead to confosion, it breeds contempt and suspicion. I want the USH GA ro address rhis head-011 am! aggressively. The needs to hit people like a 1wo--by--four on side of their heads. Let's blow them away. ! would like ro sec the following actions taken in the suggested time frames:

• Web site. We have discussed this ad infinitum. 1r was approved last year and we should have had it up by now. 1t needs to be extensive and comain the stuff below. (Implementation in three rnonths.) * Overview of the sports and USHGA with pictures, etc. f:AQ section 011 the sports. l .ist ofllSHGA directors and officers with comacr info. * List of officers and phone numbers w contact. List of all instructors, examiners, observers, tow rating folks, etc., with conract inf<). l .isr of schools with contact infc) and hypertext links. Bylaws and SO P's. * Minutes of the BOD meetings. * List of changes the BOD is consider· ing for adoption. * Agendas for all upcoming meetings. r:AQ and explanation section for tbe waiver. Consider implementation of moderated discussion or feedback groups for debare of USl1GA policy or programs. 'fhis could offer some usefol fr:edback, insighr and wisdom, bur may require moderation to prevent it from becoming just a complaint board saddled with the bombasr plaguing the present Internet discussion group. (One year for implementation if deemed desirable.) Begin "USI1GA Issues" column. Address and debate issues facing rhe USHGA (or mosr of them) rnon1bly. Discussion would he published in the magazines and provided to newsletters and the Net which can disseminate info to members more quickly. NP RM-type process added to SOP 2-3 frH signillcanr changes. lf a sizable pro-gram change having extensive impact upon rhc members is being pmsued, it must be published in rhe magazines and at least 3(l-60 cL1ys provided for mcrnbcrs to comment before the change may be approved by rlic BOD or EC for implementation. Provisions must be provided for emergency sintations. Each Director should contact the office at least every momh, if nor more frcquemly, and share issues, sire problems and member concerns. Tl1e of!tcc 2/l

should provide Directors with a heads-up concerning anticipated issues, and monitor progress on tasb assigned to Directors. Directors should author a column for the ncwslcners in their regions or provide some communication with the members in their districts. I once did this bur allowed it to fall by the wayside as rime pressures constrained me. However, if we arc to be responsive to rhe 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 die beck they are about. • A summary of the minutes must: be published following every BOD meeting. The should be responsible for ensuring that offlce completes this in a timely fashion. • Chapter survey. What arc the services and tools we can provide Chapters? What sites arc at risk and what can USHGA do whelp?

Our collection of accident information has

been good. However, the quality of the information gathered has only been as good as the reporrs submitted, which range from excellent to dreadful. For critical incidems we need ro gather and analyze the partien,lars better, relying less on the chance that an accident rcpon is detailed and complete or even filed. l was very dismayed by our performance investigating a high-proflle accident last year. Numerous people were involved in the investigation but there was little sharing and compnring of notes. 'fhese intelligent people did 1101 discuss the incident jointly and arrive at a thorough, more completely argued consensus. We had five diffcrcm assessments which were very similar in their conclusions, but none were in total agrec-rncnt. This is not acceptable ifwe want ro grow the sport. Several years ago our friends in the United Kingdom experienced several incidents of a particular glider tucking. Their investigations led them to acrually put similar vintage gliders of that model on a tesr

truck and measure their stability. They found that this model was very satisfactory wlien new, hut became divergent after extensive nse. Did we "officially" flnd out about this and share the information? No. Do we regularly share things we have learned with them? Regrettably, no. J find this less than acceptable. Our accidenr statistics are limited, and the numbers make trend analysis diffo:uh and subject to anomaly. Sharing and corn paring dara with other associations could help. They ofren learn things from which we could benefit, but this seldom happens with no formal process. l would like to see the following: T'he Accident Committee should develop a training program to improve the skills and 1001s for investigation of an accident. This ideally would be a short home-study program potentially augmenred with video. Participants would study the material, submit an exam, and upon completion be added to the list of USHGA accidenr investigators. The goal would be w establish a national ncrwork to research signifiG1nr inci· dents. • Accident review teams. Discussion and dehatc are ofrcn needed ro 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, ere.) should be established. Some of this is beginning to take place through the CIVL but we can cenaiuly do more. • Accident columns in magazines should shifr to providing more 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 con-trihuted to a few people quitting the sports. 'l'he summary and analysis arc still needed, but I want more content as in Private Pilot's "I Learned About Plying By Thar" column. A very derailed narrative setting the srage, givHANC CIIDINc;

some events is

and a sequence

A problem is

cncouutcrcd and rhc E1ilnrc in

success or

The column tcrmin:Hcs with a summary of' the lessons lcarm:(L l pmposc rh:11 we hut prcscnr the discussion about lcssorn learned the fol-

momli. The story could Ix: disat ( or hctwccn individual pilots in the a higher level nali:t,at io11 the lessons.

We arc comcnr with rhc maga· ;,incs. I l l1avc a fow concerns and would like to sec the following concerns

in advance ofany This would save a pile of money, rnoncy that could be spclll on sire preservation or promotion of· the sports. I would like to sec this targeted for four to five years or sooner if the membership welcomes it. J rear for the smoo1h continuation or the in the evrnt Gil is hit by a bus or 01 Jicrwisc p11t OU I of service. l lc has a couple of magazines to go with 1101Himc-sensitivc articles. I would like the US] ]CA to estah lish a policy that two months worth of (two HC and one PC; at d1is point) be ready to go to press (camcr:1 at all times. This would put a bit cl added work on Ci! and we should he prepared ro pay for it. (One-year time k1mc.)

addressed: ®

I fear some mcrn hers inconvenience hinders the of our sports. There is little we can

do rcg:mling the equipment, however, sites 10

increase the publication, !mt the hasc orp:iragliding members is I don't think the memberwould

be invest puhlicnion of 12 issues per year should Ix: a goal. I believe it is with proper coorc.linatio11 0L1rriclcs and more use articles primed in both magazines during select rnomhs to minimize rhc added cost. the mcm bcrs could he provided during rhc off molllhs. Whatever rhc arnwcr is, I'd like ro sec members paragliding services get issues within the next two years. As the of the hang gliding and p:iragliding comnmnitics i11crc1scs I thi11k rhcrc will be ;1 point at which rhc t WO imo OllC "killer issue" each month could he to the members. I'd personally one with over I00 pages instead oC our fri and 56 page now. r,:xtcnsivc discussion this with rhc members and an opportu·· for comment will be well

MAY 1997

arc also at the core of this. Site preservation and acquisition must be high priorities for the US HCA. I rhink good progress has hccn m:1de by Phil over the past two years hm rhcrc is more I would like see occur: Compile a list of sites nationwide tha1 arc at risk and why (six months). Compile a lisr of sites lost nationwide in the past rive years and why (six months). Put in place the appropriate mechanics and protections for the Foundation to purchase sires (two years). Implement an aggressive fund-raising program for the Foundation (two Profrssional staff member dedicated to sire preservation support (half-time two ro three years, full-time five

Associ;ition and landowners from suits filed by pilots which the present and past policies have excluded. Some landowners require rhis and it would open some sites. Many airports :ire potential especially with the increase of towing opera· tions. Unfortunately, in spite of rhc FAA's support for om presence there, many airports arc attempting ro exclude hang gliding and paragliding activity on the basis of their insurance companies' couccms. Some firms require increased premiums or deny coverage US! JGA should work ro idcmify at least one firm and preferably two carriers friendly to gliding operations. Airports could then procure their general commercial li:1hility coverage from these firms, potcmially opening up additional sites. There arc numerous trade journals in any industry, and the insurance industry is no exception. There arc many impres-· sions about hang gliding floating about the insurance industry based upon our history in the l 970's. The message about modern hang gliding and paragliding needs to be shared with this industry, potentially affocting the availability or cost of health and lifr policies for rncmbers. l 'd like to sec two trade journal aniclcs about our sports in the ncxr two yc,1rs. A minor concern: Members typically cannot procure coverage for lose or damage to their gliders resulting from fire, storm, thcfr, etc., and they arc typically excluded from homcowner's policies. Coverage can be secured from /\vcrnco 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 rhis coverage directly ro pilots and/or establish a glider rcgistra-· tion program as needed so pilots m;iy obtain coverage from /\vemco or similar aviation carriers (two

This is critical to maintain but there arc also a couple of concerns I would like to sec addressed: Pursuit of insurance that docs not exclude participants should be a high priority. This would protect rhc

"] 'here arc m;iny good Chapters and they arc porcmially one of the greatest mernhcrrccruiting tools we could have. But what programs do we possess ro utilize them'

u What have we done to help them grow? We have done virtually nothing to capitalize on them. Supporting the growth and health of Chapters in turn helps the USHGA and is an area we must address.

l have found that many chapters arc unaware of some of'thc things USBGA can provide. Advertise these services periodically to them (one Establish a "Speakers Bureau," provid-associations, schools and others wirh a contact for a local person or Chapter to talk to rhem about hang gliding or paragliding (one year). Offer several different prepared presen· mtions with slides, photos and videos for USC by a speaker. Why shou lei they always reinvent the wheel? We can also get a little more uniform message out to the public (two years). Newsletter editors crnve material to publish. We should provide them the "USHGA Issues" column for publication prior to the magazines. Other material that we can provide should be disseminated to them, potentially surplus m;tterial Gil is unable to accommo· date in the magazines. I don't know specifically what else to recommend, but interaction between the USHCA and its Chapters should be more involved. We need to figure out a way for Chapters to not be isolated orphans but integral clements in the operation ofUSHGA. They need to be a part of our information !low, both ways, and an clerncnt in our decision making. I welcome any ideas on this.

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 headqu;mers and my invitation to participate in an PAA 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 arc paying off But there is more we can do.

Many FAA personnel in the field arc ignorant about our towing operations. Most arc craving inf<)l"mation when the subject comes up in their area. We have a unique opponunity to favorably influence the many Jicld folks. We should prepare a short video and information package describing modcrn-dny hang gliding and paragliding, tow rnethodol· ogy, and FAA policy toward the activities. Get Bill Cook or another key individual in Washington 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 wirh our presentations at Oshkosh and Sun 'n' Pun . 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).

We adopted some innovative ideas at the last: BOD meeting ro gcnerntc 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 unsyncrgis-tic. Develop a specific marketing/promotional program with projected budgets fcir promoting growth of the sports primarily, and the USHGA secondarily (two years).

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 rating or another dam rule. l think we arc performing better than we were two years ago, but I am still not satisfied. We have talked about various proposals bur none have gone anywhere. [Jere is what I would like (] think) to see:

• The BOD meeting each year (in the early spring?) each year accompanied by a membership meeting before, during or after. (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 unvcilings, demonstrations, etc. (The membership meeting could possi· hly he held at this time.) Jnvestigate 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 Continuity is poor. Who knows who is "on the commit-tee"? I do not know exactly how to best accomplish this hut 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 arc required for the growth of the sports and the Association. ff folks feel strongly that some of these recommendations are incorrect, that is fine. But they must also present an alternative to keep us going. Some may argue rhat we do not need growth, that flying sites arc too crowded already. I disagree. The more people we can bring into the sport the more !lying sites we will have. There will be more motivation and more ener6,y invested in the creation of new sites. used to be numerous glid. er manufacturers in the U.S. Now there is only one manufrtcturcr 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. l1owcvcr, more than ideas, we need people to bring the ones we have to fruition. That is an arduous responsibility. Arc you up to the challenge? 1111

HANC CliDINC

NEGATIVE ADVERTI ING

TR3 negative 150° load test - photo by Mitch McAleer

ACME A name you can trust

1075 Marco Drive NE St. Petersburg, Florida 33702 Phone/fax (813) 526-3629 TRGLIDERS@aol.com ACME Glider Company is a subsidiary of GenTech Corporation

The dtzta from the accident reports ofthe ptzst year have been tabulated. This years summary does not include dattt from the voluntary survey mailed with the ballot:s- since that irifrJrmation was still being compiled at press time.

to the outstanding 4fi1rtr ofour dedicated

reporters, there ·were 204 reports on 1

incidents collected by me or

the office, an increase ofapproximately 15 % over by

Accident Review Chairman Luen Miller

ongratulations are certainly due for the outstanding job being done by reporters and pilots interested in hang gliding safoty! As you might suspect, there arc no new striking trends robe announced, but there are some interesting changes in the reports. Pilots arc increasingly reported to be wearing full-face helmets, and the number or reports involving aerotowing continues ro go up. Of the seven fatalities, two involved aerorowing and another happened while the pilot was using another relatively new technology, stationary winch towing.

f,'ATAUTIES Pilot: Date: Site:

Glider: rnjuries:

30-year-old male January 1996 'fow road near Phoenix, Arizona Beginner rating, two tandem row flights, tow ground school, about 150 total flights Eipper Antares 155 "Massive," head, face, neck, chesr, arms

massive upper body injuries. 'fhe pilot stayed on the downmbcs the whole way down. Time elapsed from when the pilot appeared in trouble until impact was approximately four seconds. The release used was "dog leash" style clip purchased front a discount hardware store. No weak link was used at either end of the rope, and the pilot flew withom a helmet or parachute. The pilot reportedly didn't think there was much to hang gliding and made com· that: towing wasn't very men ts to the complex. This incident is an excellent example of the dangers of sclf--training for hcginning pilots. 'There arc procedural and equipment complexities in towing, as well as hang gliding in general, not immediately obvious to beginning pilots. Pay for good instruction, then follow the instructions! Pilot: Ihte: Site:

Glider Cause:

Unknown Lockout on static-line tow

Flying without his instructor in the cornpany of friends, the pilot performed a good launch on the downtubes under static-line tow and began gaining elevation out at a moderate rate. The glider climbed evenly to 100'-150' and the pilot appeared confident. He appeared to reach for the basetubc and llew for a fc'.W seconds before going hack to the downtubes. The glider rapidly rotated to the right and dove straight down imo the ground. The pilot hit face llrst, probably dying insranrly of MAY 1997

Glider:

Cause:

Male, 68 years old April 28, 1996 'Etylor Hill Fann, Fredericksburg, Virginia Novice rating for seven years, in the sport 1-<.Jr 1 years hut "still low airtime," prior tow-· ing experience and a tow sign·· off frir payout winch Pac Air Formula 1 Chest, massive internal? Keel, kingpost, leading edges, nose plate, crossbar, ban:ens, downtube, sail l ,ockour on stationary winch row

The victim and tow operator were doing some towing using an experimental motorcycle engine as a stationary winch,

with a launch dolly. In light conditions, the operator and victim planned to practice landings hy towing to 200' AGL and then releasing. On the second tow the operator cut power at (j()' AGL bur can\ remember why. He vaguely remembers the glider turning left slowly and nosing down, diving more and more steeply until the sail was between rhe victim and operator, heading about 180 degrees away. The glider crashed nose first at an extremely steep angle. The operator grabbed his first aid kit and reached the victim 30-4 '5 seconds later, not breathing and without a pulse. He was able to enlist the aid of another pilor and the two transported the victim to a fire station close by where professional EMT\ took over. The pilot was pronounced dead at a local hospital. This incident involves many equip·ment questions, especially regarding the possible surplus power of the winch. Others have questioned the flight plan, speculating that 150'-200' ACL is a low altitude to plan a release. Such an altitude little time for action in the event of a problem. One recommendation resulting from this incident is for the tow operator to be ready to cut a glider free from tow before it reaches an unrecoverable attitude. Pilot: Date: Site:

Male, 33 years old July 6, 1996 Thompsonville Airport, Thompsonville, Michigan Experienec: Novice rating in 1987, reportedly hadu't flown in the previous year and a half Moyes Xtralite Glider: Internal Injuries: Lockout on static-line row, Cause: with a turnaround pulley

The pilot hooked his own bridle to the towline and asked for assistance in launching. l .aunch and tow were normal. At the end of the normal tow altitude, the pilot didn't release. I le was observed yawing back and forth as if not the glider and may have been trying to manually release. The pilot continued to drifr in a right-hand rum away from the pulley. Maximum altitude was estimated at from 4·00'-600' AC! ..

The driver was told by radio to stop and release the line. Before the line was detached, be was told to drive in reverse so he got back in the vehicle and drove backwards at high speed. The towline remained under tension until the glider hit the ground in a steep dive. The pilot was found unconscious with a pulse and shallow breathing. An ambulance arrived within five mi nutcs. Both breathing and pulse stopped and CPR was administered but the pilot died shortly thereafter. 'fhe pilot was using a release pin which had reportedly worn through its protective pocket. Speculation is that the release line hung up on the exposed pin and prevented proper release. The tow line forces were not enough to break either weak link. The pilot did not have a hook knifo or a radio. I believe this incident highlights the need to get off tow immediately when a problem develops, and to have a release which functions correctly every time, regardless of the load or direction of pllll. Tow pilots who value their lives will have an observer ready to cur the line at the ground end of any tow. Victims:

Student (pilot) li4-year-eClld male Instructor (passenger) liO-ycarold male Date: July 1996 Site: Cleveland Sport Parachuting Center, Cates Field, Garrettsville, Ohio Experience: Student (pilot): Advanced, Advanced Instructor, Acrotow, all other special skills except 'fandcm [nstructor (passenger): Masrer, Examiner, Observer, 'fandem TnstTuctor, Instructor, Aerotow Supervisor, Tow Administrator, all special skills Glider: Pac Air Double Vision Injuries: Srudem: face, neck, back Insrrncwr: head, neck,

back Glider damage: Cause:

Unknown Lockout: on acrotow

The flight was a chcck--off night for the student's tandem training and was a t:rain-ing flight for the unrated tug pilot. The glider ended up low and to one side of" the tllg and remained in that relative position as the altitude slowly increased. At some--

where between and 150' AG], ir srnrtcd a lcfr turn which q11ickly increased in hank angle. The tug pilot noticed the glider in a bad attitude and attempted to activate the release. When the line didn't release, he then tried sevcr;il m;111euvers in an attempt to break the wc;ik link before trying the release again. At some point rhc glider apparently locked out and either flew into the ground or was released shortly before impact while in a steep Lum, hitting very hard at a high bank angle 011 the lefr leading edge and nose. The pilots died either immediately or shortly afterward. 'T'his incident has been reported and analyzed in greater detail in rhc Accident Reports column and other articles. We know what happened, essentially. What will never be known is "why." I:or whalcvcr reason, when problcrns developed with the tow, the glider did not get off line in time. l )uc to the high profile and experience of the victims involved, this incident seemed to intimidate many pilots. However, despite the victims' credentials, I believe it is irnporta111 to remernber that, most of all, this was still a training incidem. 'lwo pilots were undergoing training at the same time, and critical instructions from tbe instructor 10 the tug student to fly faster never made it forward. A nervous student and a nervous instructor being towed by a trainee pilot, after dark, after a long day of flying, and the instructor probably can't reach the release or basetubc. I wonder how a Robertson Reliability Chart would lwve scored before this tow?

earlier as they all flew north along a familiar cross-country romc. The pilot ended up low, a sharp with at 20-30 mph, flew winds downwind over the top of rhc ridge. As he was flying the backside the ridge the glider suddenly turned and into the slope. The glider pancaked 011 a steep hank in a sheer cliff and a drop to a river. Rescm:rs were unable to reach the glider :is it rocked in the wind and strong rotor tmbulence, but no morion was seen frorn the pilot. The glider eventually slid down the slope and fdl imo rhe river where rescue personnel were waiting. Tl1e victim apparently died on initial impact with the ridge. Speculation focuses on whether the pilot was trying ro thermal back ttp and catch his friends or was caught by a rotor as he was 10 make a line fi>r an open /Jcld adjacent ro rhe ridge. The pilot had passed up a huge open field a half' mile back, thinking he was high cncmgh ro continue. The long layoff before flying such demanding conditions was mentioned by all reporters as a potenti,11 f:.tctor. Avoichrnce of similar incidents includes a healthy respect of porential rotor situations and 1hc ability to know to achieve a when to back off from goal. This incident is also a reminder that cross-countTy flying is one of the most dangerous and advanced skills in hang gliding.

Pilot: Date: Site:

Male, 22 years old May I l, 1996 Ure near Williams, Colorado n,,rw,w,P· Intcnncdiate, 8/i+ flights, li5 hours, Ii years, several hundred XC miles in strong mountain conditions Glider: WW S11pcr Sporr Injuries: ] lead, back, legs Glider One leading edge, keel, con trol frame imo rotor Cause: The victim launched into strong conditions on his first flight oF the season, trying to catch up with others who had launched

Male, Ii 1 years August l 0, 1996 Near Williams Peak, Colorado Advanced, expired member-ship, at least nine years of

Glider:

Cause:

keel, ki ngpost, upper cable Failed acrobatics, unsuccessful dq)loyrnenr

The pilot bunched into moderate to turbulent conditions and soared at or ahove cloudbasc (15,000' 16,500' MSL) for about two hours. The pilot then headed for the I and arrived at about 800' AC!,. He entered a dive and performed a HAN(; CIIUINC

wingover (achieving more than 90 degrees bank) and exited into another steep dive which lost quite a bit of altitude. Upon pushing om ro recover from rhe second dive the glider quickly inverted and stabi lized. 'The pilot flew the glider inverted down to an altitude ofsomewhere between 300' and ACL with his body pulled up tight to the basetube. I le was srill zipped Up in his harness with his feet resting Oil the trniling edge. At this point, the pilot threw his hand· deployed parachute. As the deployment bag came into view the glider turned nose up and Fell straight to the ground. The parachute did not deploy beyond the bri die. The pilot appeared to hit face and chest first 011 hard dirt. l lis halr,shdl he!, met was found pushed up over his forehead. The pilot stopped breathing after three or fciur minutes and no pulse was detectable after 15 minutes in spite CPR administered by a team of doctors and nurses assembled from passersby. While rhere may have been other con·· tributing factors involved in this fatality (possible hypoxia, for example), rhis incidcn t is a reminder oF the potential hazards of acrobatics. Clidcrs arc sold wirh placard·· eel limitations. Safety-conscious pilots fly within those limitations. In addition, the recommendation regarding parachutes has to remain, "When in doubt, whip it our!"

NON-FATAL INCIDENTS

Forty-nine incidents, about a quarter of those reported, revolved around non··training incident landings or approaches to landings. 'lwelve of the accidents involved fractures or dislocations of the shoulder, arm, elbow, or wrist. At least eight involved face, head or neck injuries I would categorize as "moderate to severe," including lost teeth, concus.,ions, neck injuries involving bone or cartilage damage, or deep curs. A couple involved serious back, chest or pelvic injuries, and three involved serious leg injuries.

Launch Wirh the introduction ofrhc modem elem· blc-surfocc, high-performance hang glider early in the 1980's, but before towing hccame as popular as today, landing inci-· dents quickly eclipsed launch incidcnrs as a MAY 1997

source of reports. The ratio was 2: 1, and that figure seemed to hold over time. In the intervening years towing has grown in popularity. Previously, frcc--flight launch incidents were considered against all landing incidents. 1t occurred to me rhat this wasn't really a good way to analyze the data, since all pilots land on their foct (or wheels, or face), but many pilots tow launch instead of free-fly launch. This year I analyzed the free-flight inci · dents separately, to find out if the land-· ing/launch ratio still held. What I found was that the ratio oC landing incidents 10 free.flight launch incidents is now about li:.3. Whether this is normal variation, or if it says we arc landing better or launching worse, or if it reflects changes in glider design, I can no! say. There were 2.G incidents reported involving non-training free-flight launches. Almost all were launches blown in light conditions or turbulence, which really seem to bring out the weaknesses in pilots' launch technique (usually angle of attack control). Remember that even accomplished pilots can push the parameters enough to blow a launch. Several nebulous reports were received of' "20 pilots" blowing launches ar this year's Nationals, due to a com hi nation of temperature, elevation and pressure to launch. (Only a handfol of those events were able to be confirmed and entered as accident reports.) The lesson seems clear: Give yourself a little lee· way when it comes to the conditions you arc going to launch or fly in.

Om of 19 reports on training incidcms there were IO broken arms suffered by students. There was also one serious leg injury: !\ pilot was making training flights by himself when be crashed and suffered a compound fracture of the femur (thigh hone sticking out). Unable to move, he couldn't get the attention of anyone pass·· ing by for over half an hour, although sev·· cm! people saw hirn as they were walking or driving by. Given that a pilot died the previous year in a very similar training incident, J would recommend that pilots always train with a companion or others very close hy.

There were 28 reports di reedy related to

towing. Fifteen incidents revolved around problems early in rhe tow, i.e., under 100' /\CL A number of reports were received involving towlines dropping over objects or becoming fouled. As in the past year, there were a number of reports involving aerotow launch dollies. One month's Accident Reports column was based on a series of incidents involving towline parachutes. Discussing the column later with other tow pilots, I found that many had similar stories. Until this year, either no one had seen the inciclems as potentially serious or they weren't energetic enough to write up a report. Remember: when in doubt, write it om! Acrobatics Besides one fotality there were the usual incidcnrs of broken gliders and failed deployments. Pilots will continue to attempt acrobatics in all types of aircrafr. As John Heiney poi med out previously, don't forget that gliders are gcrring f:1stcr and can exceed their limits rnorc easily and by a larger margin. Unril gliders can be placarded to the speeds and bank angles necessary for acrobatics, risk is greatly increased for pilots engaging in acrobatics. Other !\ couple of reports were received on inci-· dcms in which soaring pilots refused to clear the air for rescue aircraft. Several reports were received of pilots either getting careless or incorrectly analyzing conditions and ending up in rotor, with several cases of serious injury. There was a rare case of side wire failure, resulting in serious injury. A category may need to be formed for incidents in which pilots get airborne and then immediately encounter turbulence. 'l'hcse incidents don '1 strictly qualify as "launch" incidents, since the pilots get suc· cessfolly and stabley airborne. ln some cases I suspect the pilots don't quickly exert authoritative comrol over their gliders and end up "just along for rhc ride." Rut in other cases pilors who seem well qualified just find themselves dumped, banked past vcnical, or tumbled while still only 50' .. I 00' /\GI .. !\ large number rhese incidents result in serious, extensive injury, probably enhanced by rhe fact that frce-fliglu launch sites tend ro be located in steep, rough terrain. The analogous tow incidcm involves flying imo turbulence

shon\y after liftoff. The only method of prevention I can think of for this type of incident is to be very carcfr1l about analyzing conditions before launching. As a fin;1l rernindcr, ple;ise rememhcr ro send in those accident reports! Pilots are doing an outstanding job of supporting the process, hut l arn always surprised at bow many times pilots mention new incidents to me and say, "l was sure someone turned in a report!" Remember: names aren't important, even those of tbe reporter. Just give us enough information to separate rhc events from other similar ones and we will he happy. It will only be by analyzing many incidents over time that meaningful suggestions on improving hang gliding safoty can be made. Fly safely in 1997! II

CAUSES flew .......... 19 ground ............ 5 trees ............. . power lines ......... 3 graxs ............. . bystanders. . . . .... 2 fence..... . ....... 1 brush ............. J misc crash ......... l I flare timing/execution .. 7 turbulence ......... 6

ballistic: I successful unintentional, ...... . 2 unsuccessful unknown type: l suc· ccssful pro,cedlure:s .......... 26 not hooked in ....... 4 equipment problems/ failure ............ 22. Tandem ............. 7 ....... 19 Other .............. 3

stall ............... 3 downwind ......... 3 Launch ............ 26 stall. . . . . . . . . . . . J 6 11 misc "blown • • • • • • • 7 tu rhulence . . . . . . . . 2 snow on gliclc:r ...... ]

Flew into ........... 13 rotor .............. 9 clouds ............. 2 another glider ....... 2

.......... 5 ueolovm.cnt:s ........ 11 3 successful, 3 unsuccessfol, I uninten· tional successfi1l

head ............. 20 face .............. 27 neck ............. 13 chest ............. 21 shoulder .......... JG arn1 ............. . dhow ............. 7 wrist .............. 6

hand ............. 4 leg ............... 7 foot. .............. 6 pride/ego ......... . pocketbook ......... l

FATALITIES BY YEAR 1996 .............. 7 1995 .............. 7 l 991 .............. 9 l 993 .............. 8 1992. .............. 9 199 l .............. 9 1990 .............. 8 1989 .............. 6 1988.. . ........ 12 1987 ............. 18 1986 .............. 5 1985 . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 1984 .............. 8 1983 ............. 14 1982 ............. 12 1981 ............. 21 1980 ............ 23 1979 ............. 30 1978 ............ 23 1977 ............. 24 l 976 ............. 38 J 975 ............. 32 1974......... . .. 40 1973 .............. 9 1972 .............. 4 1971 ............. . 1970 .............. 0

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

•

lli;lii lim111c11i ll!Ulilts 11111:1 ffi1s 1'~1111tuti111 linl1s 112ana11:1;t11, I ti111CH1ilffi ti111Ht lll1sl;m111i!I smemlfl1alli fmn ffi1111m ;lilllim;. I

3[)

HANC GLll)INC

Greg Blad Mountain Wings 150 Canal St. [llenville. NY 11418 1914104)-3311 Hartley Comlort Soaring Center 116a5 Minuteman Or. #1 Draper. UT 84010 10011m-mo 1801) 516-6461 Joe Greolo Winosports lal45 Victory Blvo. Van Nuys. CA 9140a 18181988-0111 l818l 988-18a1 fAX Grand Rapids Michigan 48507 [616] 245-7777 (888] ICARO 2000 TOLL FREE

Jonn Harris Kiltf Hawl Kites Box 1839 Nags Hean. NC 11959 18001334-4111 19191441-1591 fAX

Jonn Rian HangGlioing Center Ba45 fanita Or. Santee. CA 91101 la19l 5a1-1009 jravB@aol.com larry Strom Spokane Aircralt West 3108 4to Ave. Spoiane. WA 99104 15091458-4444 15091489-1941 fAX ls1rom@comtcn.iea.com Anny Wnitenill Cnanoelle San francisco Inc. 1595 Lfrancim Olva. #f San Aalael. CA 94901 14151454-lm l4 15l 454-lla9 fAX

NelsonHowe PO Box318 franmia. NH03580 la03I B13-Bl95 nel ly@moose.ncia.net

Al Wnitsel l 1141 Hoopes Ave. loano falls, 10 83404 11081511-1413 l108l 51H013 fAX

Malcom Jones WallaoyRmn 1805 Dean Still Ro. Davenport. fl 33831 19411414-0010 gloveron@gate.net

Steve lee Route 1. Box19 Oun lap, TN31311 14131 m -ma

Jell Nicnolay Morningsioe fligntM 351 Morningsioe lane Cnarlestown. NH 03a03 la03l 541-44la la03l 543-9511 fAX

Mar i Poustincnian 1111 Clill Ro. Ausselville. AA 11801 150119aH05l l50ll 858-435a VM mpousti@ente1gy.com

u to include :1 section on site rn:mage-

Ii)

by he most recent BOD meeting was hdd March 21 -2}, 1997 in Colorado Springs, CO. The day before, a special membership meeting was held to decide the outcome of two issues. Issue# l was a restructuring of 1he current Full Member Class into three new classes Basic, Pilot and Instructor membership 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 to 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 dare. The /c)llowing is a list of actions (broken down by committee) which took place at the spring 1997 BOD meeting.

ACCIDENT COMMITTEE I) A paragliding accident review summary to be prepared :1nnually for publication in Paragliding magazine. 2) President ro appoint a new PG Accident Review Chair by 1/ J 5/97. 3) USHGA to investigate informing clubs of search and rescue resources that arc available to them.

Accepted Women's Instructor fnccntivc Program. ICP Administrators to be reminded of their responsibility ro submit results ro the office in a timely manner.

'fOWING COMMJT"TEE l) Correction and completion of pro·· posed SOP 12- 10 (' J <)Wing/Aerotowi ng Administration) robe done. 2) Platform launch test to be revised and submirtcd to test-review subcommittee for approval. 3) Creg Pierson and Tim Shea to be co11sidered for Administrator appoin trnents. 4) "FAQ" article for towing activities to accompany video for airport managers is to be written.

PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE I)

2) 3)

Ediror will initiate an editor contin gcncy plan by compiling and bying out a magazine issue. A new "US HCA Issues" column in the magazines set to begin. T'hc financial aspects of' combining I-IC and PC mag:1zines to he investi--

gated. SAFETY & TRAINING COMMI'rl'EE l) PG ICP Adrninisrraror procedures adopted for Ji(; cffoctivc I I J /98. A two-day Sl11lll1lit meeting or all IC:P administrators and administr:110r candidates will be held at l<itty Hawk, NC: immediately prtor to the foll BOD meeting. 2) Elirnin:1tcd proposed !C:P/JTP changes fi·om last BO I) meeting. 3) An article addressing the I PP[ card as well as foreign equivalence to be written.

l nstructional content in both magazines is to be increased. Increased recognition of those who exhibit safe f1ying practices will be made in the magazines.

SITE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE l) 2)

Work is being done on Kirkwood, CA si tc issues. A site procurement project outline is being created to assist in the proc1iremcm of sites. Future Executive l )ircctor's reports

rnenr issues. Investigations on the creation of a site leasing/purchasing fond is being conducted. Rest1lts of the investigation will be to the BOD at the next meeting with recommendations to the com mi nee.

TANDEM COMMITTEE l) lnsrructor rcquircmcm removed from ' [imdcm l nstrncrnr r:1ti ng prerequisites. Tandem Instructor limited to issuing Student Ratings only. (NOTE: A question raised, afrer the BOD meeting was over, as to whether or not 'l:mdern I nstrucrors should srill be :ii lowed to issue 'J '.mdcm 1 ratings, The committee chair indicated that it was not t-hc intention of the committee ro bar 'fandem l nsrructors from issuing 'fandcm I 2) Tandem Administrator requirements arc being added ro SOP 12-2. NATIONAL COORDINATING COMMlTTEE 1) USJ-IGA office tasked to investigate 1hc public lands user fee issue for ground-based recreational sports and take appropriate action. 2) Information on CJVI:s Hang Gliding Diploma forwarded ro the Awards Comrnittce for inclusion in their awards processes. ORGANJZATJON & BYLAWS COMMITTEE 1) Make available proposed revision of USHCA Bylaws 10 all members for review, requesting their input for consideration in preparation for final approval at the fall 1997 BOD meeting. 2) New SO P's 3- 16 (Accidcnr Review) and 3-17 (Awards) adopted. :3) SOP's 13-:l (Chapter List) and l'.3-4 (Insured Chapter Sites) eliminated. Ii) SOP's 8- l through 8-6 combined imo a single SOP 8-1 (Awards). FINANCE COMMITTEE I) A magazine article soliciting donations Io help cover currenr lcgal expenses will be written. HANC GIIDINC

Approved $1,000 for an educational rowing video.

WORLDWJDE COMPETITION COMMITTEE l)

Approved Rick Jacob and Mark J:erguson ;1s Mee1 Stewards. World J\ir Cames lc1ter 10 be sent to rop I 00 ranked pilots.

MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT l)

()(flee to repair ct11Tc11t sinrnlator and purchase a second one.

New HC publicity lirocl111re approved. Current waiver modified to cxclmk section D, indenrnificarion landowner clause. Legal counsel to investigate a further w:-iiver revision to proLeel from claims by minors. Membership drive robe designed and irnpkmentcd.

Ii)

The office will forward communicalions from women's sports organiza·· tions w the Executive Committee

and/or Directors. Rcprcscntativc(s) from the Women's Sporn Founda1io11 (WSH to be invited ro attend the next BOD meeting. 8) [ nvesrigarion imo whether members cm donate frequent-flier miles to USI-JCJ\ will be made. 9) The office will contact the editor of Women's Sporrs & Fitness regarding a11 ;1d swap. I 0) Proposed revisions ro SOP 2-3 (C:ommince System) establishing a formal system for approval of signifi · c;rnt measures by rhe BO]) to be worked 011 by the comminee prior to the next BO!) meeting. I l) Requests that mcmhers with market .. ,•v1v,r1·,c,, volunteer their rime

Carry in your pocket. Instant accurate readings. • Measure wind or air to 95 MPH. Wind max and average modes. Knots, MPH, KPl1, FPM, MIS and Beaufort scales. Hugged construction, protective slip case. clear digital display. Waterproof,

and talents ro the USI-1 CA will be made in the magazine and on the lnternet. ·rhe office will maintain the list so that d1esc resources can be tapped for the benefit of the Associa rio n. 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.

[ f you have any questions on the above subjecrs, or if you would like a copy of rhc meeting minurcs, please conrac1 USHCA I leadquarters. The next BOD mecring will he held November 7-9, 1997 in Kitty Hawk, NC. la

The USHCJ\ Visa" Gold and Preferred Visa ca1·cls provide you with more savings, more benditS; and more servic('S than just aboul any other credit card you may b(' • Issued free of an annual fee. 1 ligher line of credit, up lo $SO,OCJO, if eligible. ® Peerless Customer Service available 24 hours a clay, 36!> cfoys a year.

l'lmse hr· surP 10 usr• priority code IIXW whm you c,111.

impeller & battery. 1-year warranty.

MAY I 997

success since its public debut in A pril 1995, the new Supe rFl oate r offers: + E xcellent 15: 1 perfo nnance in sit-do wn soaring comfort (and no ha rn ess to buy!) • Superb j oystick handling + Very simple ae ro or winch laun ching (foot launc h is poss ible) .. . . . . all for an amazingly lo w pri ce. >- Fully built and test fl own, the SuperFloate r is shipping now. Fly un der Part I 03 and the1111al in cl ose

THE SENSOR 610F W/Interconnected Flaps & VG

SIMPLY OUTCLIMB THEM A New Way To Fly

Ultralight Soaring Aircraft

Sailplanes and Paragliders camber their wings at will. The Trampenau Flaprn system , not onl y boosts your climb-rate , but also allows slower and smaller concentri c turns. You've never exper ienced a glider tha t perform s at such a high level, ye t handl es th is easil y.

Climb Fast, Glide Far Loosenin g the VG lowers the fl aps, increas ing camber in to a high lift, slow speed , thermaling airfoi l. Dominatin g every core, you 'll fin d yourself climbing faste r t han you ever thought possible. Tightening the VG raises the fl aps and redu ces the airfo il camber transforming your wing in to a blade fo r maxi mum speed-range and glide ratio.

Launch And Land With Flaps The launch advantage is becoming airborn e with mo re ma rgi n and contro l. Landin g with fl aps has du al benefi ts. You may accelerate above 30 MPH increasingly building drag degradin g your glide. When it's time to fl are, your touch down SP.eed will be noticeably slower!

New SpeedFoiJ™ Tubing Lower drag, our new airfoil tubin g fo r the king post and control bar boost the glide ratio addin g a point or more at h igher speeds. Other fea tures on the Sensor 610F are: computer-optimized , lami nar-flow airfo il; twe lve sh ear r ibs; control bar apex aft of the CG; Kevlar band & dacro n cord TE hem; 7075 T6 LE and ribs; semi-cantilevered cross tubes and a simplified 12 minute set-up. We all knew that eventuall y hang gliders would be th is good!

F +

or trul y independent soarin g , the C umulus ul traligh t motorg li der is a highl y refined choice : • Soar beyo nd 20: 1, s ink as slow as hang Handle with ease and a uthority + Zoom beyond 80 mp h, or glide rs ch ug a long at 60 for better than 200 m iles on Jess than 5 ga ll ons of fu e l. E ven better . . . shu t her do wn and soar fo r mi le s. Then , tap the e lectr ic stai1e r and m otor hom e easily. >- T he Cum ulus is a three-year, top-tobottom des ign offering superb soaring compati ble w ith hang g lide rs.

-THE SENSOR 6 1 0F W ITH F LAPSWHA T YOU A LWA YS W A NTED FLYING TO BE .. . 41 Aero Camino Santa Barbara Ca 93117 SEEDWINGS

•

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

r l':J<Jf, Seedwlnl(, Inc. S!!cd11lng~. Scn!oOr, Trampenau nap am.l thc ~d1,ln~~ l(lj(IJ art! all 1ndcmarls or~d1\in~ lm...

Call/fax to get info on these 2 great choices.

US A~iation • 265 Ec~o ln • Soul~ St. Paul, MN SSO?S • USA • Tel/Fax: 612/450-0930

ouhrnd-returns, but l might add one this year. It's a lot harder ro fly 19 miles

by Spectrum Hang liding he in:mgural Region 7 SO-Mile and Under Competition is now history. Despite the worst flying season [ can remember in my I years of flying Region V[J, 1herc were six placing pilots. I Jere's some background concerning our cvenL Bccrnsc there were already so many pilots ger1i11g 50+ mile lligh1s, J decided to start a competition that would highlight the accomplishmc111s of pilots either new to X-C or who only got out occasionally, The flight had to take place within Region Vil, and rhe pilot's longest previous K-C had ro be under 50 miles, '[c) cncomagc wide participation rhcre was 110 entry fee (and there won't be in J 997), Originally the only was pro-vided by Spcctr11m, hur and Wills gcneronsly agreed to prnvide further prizes. Firsr place welll to Madi.son, Wisconsin pilot Din;rner, Altho11gh only flying for a few years, Crcg has made giant strides, and it wouldn't surprise me if' he becomes one of the area's top X-C pilots. l met him several years ago when he w;1s flying a Vision 20, I le did well on the glider, despite the fact that he only weighs about 150 pounds! 1.ast year he picked up a Moyes Xrralire 137 and proceeded to suin smokin', His winning flight was made 011 June 14 from Whitewater, Wisconsin ro Grand Prairie, lllinois, for a distance of lt9 miles. lt was a blue-thermal day, and his !\CL maximum alrirndc w;1s Second place went to Doug Ski res of Chicago, Doug got an Xnalitc two years ago and has been flying wirh ( :hris Cryzh, a member of the Polish National 'lc:am, ]-Tis expertise is starting to wear off

on Doug, 'fhe day of Doug's :37.-milcr he actually om-flew Chris by 12 miles, which rendered Chris very quiet at rlic post-flight dinner! Doug's flight was made on June and the amazing thing ahour it is that he never got above 3,000' !\CL dming the emire fligh1. There were two third places (tied), The fifih- and sixth-place !lights rook at the same site on the same day, 6, at the Manteno, Illinois tow sire. Six pilots showed up, and in spite of the weak drift all six went X-C First off were Doug Skites and Chris Crzyb. They recorded good distances hut their flights were disqualif1cd. Next up were Chris Dclannoy and Joe Cuadagnoli. ( B:1rnl1art followed, and bringing up the rear was your author. As mcmionccl earlier, the flying was pretty had last year, at least in the Chicago area, and ir was great to finally be up in some good air. Afrer topping our al 5,100' ACl. I rook off downwind, with chase driver par excellence Al Mills in hot pursuic While flying I saw ,mother pilot heading back toward launch, It was Chris Dclannoy, completing a 19milc 011r-and-return, good for fifrh place. There was no "multiplier" last year for

our and hack than downwind, Soon I was down to 600', and just when J thought the flight was over l found a gnarly little monster thermal that got me hack up, As [ was climbing I saw }>e Cuadagnolis' glider parked near a road, I vectored Al over to it, hrn Joe was already gone, having paid someone $20 to take him hack to launch. His I miles were good for sixth place, While climbing out I spotted Barnhart above me. Ile didn't have a chase driver, so he decided ro stick with me, Cliding down RL ,11 I hit zero sink at 1,500', The drift started taking me roward a forest, so I decided ro land and headed crosswind lo a nice, big field, Surprise! Best thermal of the day, Not strong, bur big and easy ro work, Passing We through 4,000' l rc,sponccl crossed I nrerstatc 80 and ran smack imo the O'Hare airport control 1,one! Damn' The lilt wast he best of die day and was going up everywhere, but we conldn't fly any farther. I free-flew for a while but didn't have any water, and /\I was parked by a big field wirh a cooler foll of'cold drinks, Greg landed shon time airer I did. Our /lights measured out at 21 miles, purring us in a ric for third place. ll'wc hadn't hit the control zone we could have gone at least another seven or eight miles, Oh wclL I had a report ofa 16-mile flight in Minnesota by Bill Thimsen, brn I couldn't reach him for v<:rifkation, so the flight will have to he unofficial. l particularly want to thank lJ S Moyes for their support, They provided some cxccllcm prizes for the first three places, allowing prizes for all six phcing

50-Mile and Under Competition Place Pilot l) Dimmer 2) Doug Skites 3) /\ngclo Mantas

Barnhart 5) Dclannoy 6) Joe Gnadagnoli

Results

Glider

Sponsor I Prizes Moycs/X.C glider bag Moyes/streamline downtube

Moyes Xtralitc Moyes Xtralitc Moyes Xtralite Pac Air Klassic

19 12

Pac Air K4 Wills Wing

Distance 49

32 21

Moyes/T.sh irts

Spectrum/gear bag Specrrum/"Small Hall" ASI Wills Wing/T-shirt & cap

pilots.

The J 997 Region VII 50·Mile and Under Competition is now underway.

There is no entry fee, and I amicipatc prizes for the top six places. Every qualif1ed pilot in the Region is encouraged to send in their flight reports. The official rules may be had by contacting Spcctrurn Hang Gliding at (847) 329-8337, Angclomant@aol.com. Good lucid Ill

Chapter official prior to any flight that counts. Of particular interest is that the J l Q. rnile flight, the longest in the contest, was made starting in the Houston area. Also participating: James lsensee, Mike Degwff, Mike Rafferry, RR Rodriguez, Ben Eastern, Leo Pierce, Bob Loper, Richard Manz, Dave Broyles, Pete Hammer, Jerry Pritz, Jeff Hum. Ill

flights were made at the Junction meet, a fun event. The number of p:1r-· ticipating pilots was up and so was the number of scoring flights. Plaques were made to honor the top three enrrants. T'he 1997 conresl is underway and ends Dec 31. Flights must originate within the Region. Registration ($10) is required through a USHGA

(distances in miles)

The Region 11 (Texas and Louisiana) Cross Country Contest /cir 1996 was a season.Jong event and scored by the sum of the three longest fliglHs made by an entered pilot. 'T'he 1-louston club carne on strong and dethroned the North Texas group which swepr the comest in

Also scoring: Rick Floyd John Moody

J 995. Third place was claimed by an

Lynda Wacht

2) 3)

Len Smith Juan Garcia Reed Murray

TOTAL 187.7 76

Flt. #1

GO 30

1~7t, #2 110 30 13

Rt, 17.7

11 13

;30 25

Aust.inite. A number of the scoring

Books UW0,616,6888 ust1,qA{Q9usl1qA.0Rq

HANC CUDINC

7 KORNEEV, EGOR: Sun Prairie, WI; B. Kushner/Raven Sky Sports YOUNT, JACK: Marrinsvillc, IN: S. Hciple/Lookom Mtn 1:p

DAVE RAYBOURN ED STFIN

Region 9 CULLFN, WlLUAM: \Xlashington, DC; J. Tindle/Miami I-JG Region 10 HIXON, Al.EX: Wildwood, CA; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch "'''"'' ·" MARSHALL: Clemson, SC; M. Tabcr/Lookom Mrn Fl' NEWTON, KRISS!: Wildwood, CJ\; S. I lciplc/Lookour Mm Fl' SCT !WARTZ, JOSH: Coral Gables, FI,: F. Foti/Miami HG

FORBFS, MARK: Corvallis, OR; IV! Jones/Wallaby Ranch

r", .., ... iw;,,ru" Ranch Kissimmee, FL; C. Bowen/Quest Air SCHWARTZ, JOSI I: Coral Cahlcs, Fl.; 1:. Foti/Miami l!(;

Region J 3 KFTTLE, ROBERT: Norway; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch

FORBES, MARK: C:orvallis. OR; M. Jo11cs/WallabyRanch

Region GOOD, PIIHJP: Janesville, C:J\; A. Whitehill/Chandcllc

ALEX: I.as

NV; l ), Cordon/ Advc111mc

Tours

Ii DIEDERICH, MARK: Draper, UT; D. \lu·mll!'r,,,,

Region 9 PRESLEY, MARVIN: Capl:incl, MD; C Huddle

.l MORAWIFC, KRYST(WER: Simi 1 MAJOR, ALEXANDER Parker, CO; I',

I Jawk Ki res

KORNEFV, EGOR: Sun Prairie, WI; R Kushner/Raven

Region 10 /\GOTINJ TO, JR, UNO: ( :oconm Gnwe, FL; S. Kroop/Miami TJG BULLOCK, MARTHA: Miami, H.; S. J<roop/Miami He; PALMER, ADAM: Boca Raton, l;L; S. I<roop/Miami !IC ,.H!ll'<l.1\1~. TfMOTHY: h 1.auclcrdalc, FL; S. l<roop/Miami HC VOISARD, MARK: 1-'.aglc Lake, Fl,; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch

ANGER, ROBERT: Cru·nwood, DF: D. l l 1:iwk Kircs , .1Ju.1.1~. WI LUAM: DC; J, Tirnllc/Miami I JC: 10

BENHAM, TRACY: Fl.; D, Ranch I I!XON, ALEX: Wildwood, C;A; M, Jones/Wallaby Ranch JESSEN, MARSHAT.L: C:lcmson, SC; M. Tabcr/Look0111 Mm FP MACMILLAN, Wilmington, NC:; D. I lfawk Kites

B KE' !'Tl .E, ROBERT:

Region 2 RHYMES, BRUCE: Susanville, CA; C. J lamilron/Sacramen10 I TC (issued GI I 5/%) Region 3 SARRAI!.LE, RICHARD: Sun TL IEROUX, GREGORY:

CA; K. Harrison/Adventures Unlimited CA;M.

!),

Region Ii MFLANEY, BUD: Callup, NM; M. Clantz/High Dcscn HC Region 9 SALMFN, DAVfD: Arlington, VA; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch PORBES, MARK: Corvallis, 01{; M. Joncs/W:111:iby Ranch I IOI .LOWA Y, AARON: Richland, WA; B. 1V1c,rp;a111J,an1cs11akc l IC

Region 10

VOISARD, MARK: Eagle Lake, FL; M Jones/Wallaby Ranch GOMFS, MJCTJAFL: \Jnio11

CA; P, l kncvan/Missio11

3 MAUZY, DARREL: CJ\; R. Mitcltcll/Thc ROMANO, RICIIARD: l'amona, CJ\; WOOD, VJCTOR: W Lm C:J\; D. lj1Jackcnl,us/1/

Mw JrJ97

Region 10 M/\SHY, TIKI: Lake Worrh, FL:

4 ,)['

MICHAIZL VORHIS

JON THOMPSON

!VINK

SCHOOL ................................................. BFGTNNHR

Lookom Mm. Plight Parle .............................................. I Ci Kitryllawkl<itcs ............................................................ 13 Wallaby Ranch ............................................................... 13 Mission Soaring ................................................................ 9 ·rruc Flight ....................................................................... Ci Airtime Above .................................................................. 5

Fly

Hang Cliding Center of San 1JJq,,.i. ................................... J Miami Hang u1,u11Jv, ....................................................... . Windsporrs ....................................................................... 5 Lake Elsinore Sports ........................................................ .4 Raven Sky Sports ............................................................. .4 Morningside Flight Park ................................................... 3 Silver Wings ..................................................................... 5 Soaring Wings .................................................................. 3 Valley forge llang Gliding ............................................... 3 Caribbean Airsports .......................................................... 2 Hy lligh Hang Gliding .................................................... 2 Go ... Hang Gliding .......................................................... 2 Ikaros SporrsAviation ........................................................ 2 ciucstAir .......................................................................... 2 Sacramento l Lmg Gliding ................................................ 2 Tck Flight Products .......................................................... 2 23 schools arc tied with ..................................................... I

2 2

6 Ci

11 11

13 13 13 13 17 l

17 I

17 17

17 21

RANK

::. 4 5

5 46

True Fligh I ....................................................................... 6 Hang Gliding ( '.enter of San ui,q,ti .................................. . Raven Sky Spons .............................................................. 5 ABC A'1rsporrs .................................................................. :3 Airborne Sports USA ........................................................ 2 l J C:arribcan 11 Fly t\w·ay ........................................................................... ;. 1 I Hy High Hang Gliding .................................................... 2 11 Co ... Hang Gliding .......................................................... 2. 11 High Advcnture ................................................................ 2 11 lkaros Sports Aviation ....................................................... 2 11 Lake Elsinore Spom ......................................................... 2 11 Maryland School of Hang Gliding .................................... 2 11 Rebel Wings I Iang 11 Sacramen ro l Ltng Gliding ................................................ 2. I I The Soaring Center .......................................................... 2 11 Windsports ....................................................................... 2 24 33 schools arc tied with ..................................................... I

8 8 10 11

Na:nli:irwr wr:re compilr:dfi"om rating, published in the Jrmuary--MCIJ 1997 issues o/lfang Gliding nlf,'J'.flZlJ\1e.

................................................................................ 5

mo•.io (mo'jo) 11.

a charm or amulet thought to have magical powers; luck as of a magical or supernatural origin; a magical selection offlight gear from Texas. Cull for your Free Copy: 48 full-color pages of over 400 acccssorlcs

SCHOOl ...................................................... NOVTCh'

Lookout Mm. Flight Park ............................................... 28 Wallaby Ranch ............................................................... 13 Mission Soaring .............................................................. I 0 Miami Hang ( Kitty Hawk Kitcs .............................................................. 6 Quest Air .......................................................................... Ci

HI\NC GUDINC

r by

President Bill Bryden

omrnunication is an area in which the USHGA is woefully inade· quatc. It requires a constam and concerted cfhJrt, and in a volunteer-led organization it Loo often falls victim to shortages of rirne or energy. l n an cffllll to partially address this, the "USHCA Issues" column will become a regular feature of the magazines, with Internet distribution to Chapters and members. I will author the first several insrallmems and thcu oth-· er Association Officers, Direct ors and selected members will assist in the task of addressing member concerns. f do not want this to he simply a one· sided column propagandizing the mem· bership, nor do I want it to become a mudslinging car flght. F111:ure columns will periodically present opposing points of view on some issues. Other colurnns will be devoted to bluntly addressing the questions raised by the membership over various issues. 'Tei initiate this column let's discuss probably the most controversial issue focing the USHCA the waiver. Having just returned home from the spring BOD meeting this column was written on shorr notice to meet the May issue deadline, so time did not permit solicitation of oppos· ing comments this month. However, l have perused the lntcrnct archives and pulled some of the more common remarks and criticisms to be addressed. Without a doubt, rhc implementation of the waiver was handled poorly. fn retro·· spect it is clear that rnost members did nor know it was coming until it was upon them. Discussion of a waiver took place ;:it Board of Directors (BOD) meetings for ar least two years prior to implementation, bur Regional Directors, myself included, did little to promot'C discussion of rhis with the members in their Regions. l believe most Directors did not per· ccive it to be much of an issue as pilots, we all sign waivers quite regulnrly. Nevertheless, it was linlc wonder that the waiver was a surprise and some members

413

reacted strongly. On behalf of the Board, apologize lcJr rhis. I assure you th,11 we arc striving to improve cornrnunication with the membership. Unfortunately, as long as the US! IGA 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 those linlc yellow postcards announcing the spring membership meeting in Colorado Springs, but· that is a topic f<ir another rnomh. Please remember that your Directors receive no cornpcnsa· rion for their services and most expend hundreds of dollars each year in their efforts ro serve you. The USHGA has been criticized for stifling opinion and discussion of the waiver in the magazine by not publishing lcners to rhe cdiror critical of rhc pro· gram. 'fhis criticisrn is deserved. Only one letter was printed and that included a poim-by-poim coumer response. Bm the motivation assigned by some critics is incorrect. The imem was not to stifle discussion and jam something down the throats of the members, bur 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 ic)r t rearm cm of flying-related injuries, especially if employed by governmental entities which arc released parties. This was and still is incorrect. The decision was made not to publish letters with legal or factual errors regard· ing the waiver. The concern was that these would promulgate rhc: misunderstandings. Unfortunately, this left too few letters, none, ro provide debate over the merits of the waiver. Consequently, rumors of con· spiracy and other dubious activity were perpetuated. Some you can't win. Hindsight is 20/20, and given the opportunity to do it over, lcners objecting to the waiver would certainly be handled differently. Letters on fi.11ure topics will be han·-

dlcd differently. Please keep in mind that the magazine is sold on newsstands and is also used for rnarketing purposes. Debate must be kept civil and not be too dcrrime111al to those purposes. The waiver program itself has been criticized :rnd opponents have argued that it is not Various incidents have been pointed to 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 flve-year period. The waiver was implcmcmcd by the BOD as a means of pre· serving the long-term health of the Association and assisting in the prescrva· tion of' die sports. Herc's how. Liability insurance is a service that US HCA surveys have repeatedly shown to be of great importance to the members, second only to receiving the magazine and a rating card. We foel that providing liability insurance is a high priority fort he Associ;1 tion. /\s some of you may recall, we raised membership dues $'5.00 in 1994. This was in amicipation of a large insurance premium increase. The premium did not increase significantly in 1994 as expected, but in 199'5 it increased over $70,000, a lirtle less than $8.00 per rnemher' We sought comperitivc bids from reputable insurance companies bu1 they refused 1'0 even give us quotations for coverage. Adding further concern, our insurance carrier at the time, TIC, a subsidimy of TransArnerica, indicated rhat they were not really interested in continuing to do business with us. · fransAmcrica decided to consolidate product lines and was gradually moving out: of certain markets like ours. 'fhey renewed our policy more as a courtesy to an established customer. Finding another carrier was necessary to ensure our abilit·y to provide members with liability insurance in the future, and a waiver program W8S necessary to accomplish th:H. Concurrent with these events we were experiencing the loss of nu mcrous flying sites. Many of rhcsc were being lost ro development and liability fears on the part of landowners. The waiver was felt to be a method of addressing the liability concerns of landowners in two ways. First, Hi\NC CIIDINC

pilots who signed the waiver di reedy released the landowner from any responsibility due to the owner's negligence. Shooting ar 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 thing that is negligence, and is the kind intended to be released. A second method of addressing landowner concerns is securing liability insmancc that docs not exclude parrici-· pants. Our insurance is one big policy that covers the actions of pilots, and addenda to the policy cm be made frlr 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. ff a pilot steps in rhc gopher hole, breaks his ankle and sues rhc landowner, the current insurance will not protect the landowner. While most st.ate recreation liability laws and proper waivers provide protection for rhc landowner, they do not pay for legal fees incurred by him defending against a law.mfr. Tims, iusurance is still needed. The Equinox site was lost solely for this specific reason. With the waiver program in place, we believe coverage not cxclud· ing the participanrs can be secured. This would open 11p some sites. Another reason for the waiver is protection from our own members. Associations, and in particular sports asso· ciations, arc typically sued for three reasons: 1) by employees over alleged improper employment practices; 2) for breach of' comract when members sign contracts, usually without authority, commining the organization to some agreement; and 3) by members /t)r sports injuries or grievances with the adrninistra-tion of their programs. ln previous years the USH(;J\ has been sued by two rnembers f<:w injuries they received while flying. We played no role in their particular accidents, bur were probably perceived as having deep pockets by the plaintiff's attorneys. fn both situations the suits against the USHCA were dismissed. The USHCA did not pay any settlement, nor was any settlement paid by any insurance company on behalf of the USHCA. horn a USHCA legal and

MAY 1997

financial perspective these were basically non·cvcms, but we cannot assume that all fi1turc deep-pocket suits will follow similar paths. We ;ill know of cases in which a plainti!T has been awarded money even though rhc defendant was nt1ly not at fault. The case against Piper Aircraft is a good example, and this was the precipitating cause of Federal laws releasing aircra/i mant1focturers of liability for products beyond a certain age. These combined factors compelled rhe BOD to decide thar we could no longer postpone implementation of a waiver pro-gram. It was understood that no waiver could be written that possessed enough teeth to be rncaningfol yet satisfy l ()()<Ycl of the membership. Tt was understood that a fow members would vehemently object to any waiver. The present lawsuit substamiatcs this. Bm, 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 rhc sports and preservation of the Association. Several pilots Frank Peel, Briggs John Hill, Pete Lawrence and Dutcher Sterling had objections to parts of the waiver, Clause D in particular. They approached rlie BOD at the niecting last foll in San Diego and aired sornc of their concerns. They made specific suggestions f<lr improvements rather th:m only complaining about the waiver. It was agreed that they (and 1hcir attorneys) and the USHCA's legal counsel would discuss these proposals and bring recommendations back to the BOD for resolution. This occurred, and as a result, at· tbc recent meeting the Board of' Directors voted to remove Clause D from the waiver effective April I, 1997. Furthermore, any pilot with a waiver on file in the USI-ICA office can sign a new one which by its terms terminates the old one. The intern of Clause D was to cairn concerns of landowners, assuring them that they would not be liable for the actions of' pilots. 1-lowever, the angst this section caused was clecmcd not wonh the value ir provided. Stare tort laws will still hold a pilot liable for damages he causes; the waiver just docs not state this any.. more.

I thank 1:rank, Briggs, John, Pete and Dmcher 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 f<H them some of the assertions about the waiver made by the lJSHC/\, and that gave them sound arguments to debate those points still in contemion. They did not assign dubious motives to the Board and did not fill their arguments with hyperbole. Cuys, l congrarulatc you on a job well done. There will likely always be some lingering ism cs and objections concerning die waiver. I'd like to address a /c.'.w of those here and maybe put a frw to rc:sr for some of you. Whcncver information is lacking and admittedly, most Directors inadequately informed the members in their Regions suspicion often arises in response. Some pilots alleged thar the waiver's purpose was to protccr 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 flnd rnanufacturcrs or dealers listed as released parties. You find no words in the waiver relating to mant1focruring, products, dealers, distributors, suppliers of cquipmcnt or related activities. The waiver docs not, nor was it intended to, specifically release any rn,1mif:icturcrs or dealers beyond the release provided any other pilot or person present or involved in flying acrivity at the site where you fly. If anyone doubts that, it was jus1 stated here, i11 writing, by the US! [(;A's President. Some people have suggested that the waiver compromises a pilot's ability ro seek compcnsatio11 from his health care provider for flying-related injuries. Some people have asserted that the waiver 1crmina1es your ahiliry to sue USHCA's liahiliry insurer should ir fail to pay a valid claim. As hank, Briggs, John and Pete confirmed with their attorney, the waiver docs not do this. Just because a contract exists between rhe USHCJ\ and om insurance company, or between your employer and health insurer, docs not mean they arc a "contractor" and released

u by the terms of the waiver. They arc not comractors as that term is scr out in the waiver. In the unlikely event that a misguided insurance company were to make: such an argument in conn, all a member would have to do is take this article to the courthouse and point om this paragraph. ·rhe member would then defeat any misguided attempt to apply the waiver in that very different arena of insurance con-· tract law. Some may wonder if the waiver has yielded any results. Yes. As a cl irect result of h:1ving the: waiver we: were able to obtain thrc:e compc:titivc: 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 fow sites require more than our $1,000,000 in non--participant thirdparty 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 addition;i] liability cm now be purchased for $500, saving clubs $1,500. We arc also in the process of obtaining quotations rhar would not exclude participants when protccti11g landowners. 'This would immcdiarcly open some sires. Our goal is to have this coverage by next year, if not sooner. I hope this answers some of the questions still SlllTOUJlding the waiver. I know that a fow will still remain suspicious of the Board and the volunteers who direct this Association. It should be pointed out rhat· neither Phil Bachman, our Executive Director, nor any oftbc USHGA office staff have ;Juthority in deciding matters of policy. That 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-

IO··d:1y operations of the Association. Criticisms directed at him about the waiver, its wording, implemcntarion, requirements, or most anything else arc inappropriate. Being rude to him, or the staff, is like being rude to a checkout clerk because the price of tornatocs is too high. 'fhcy have no aULhority over it. [f you have farther comment about the waiver it should be directed to your Regional Director or to me. You arc rnost welcome to t1sc the office to comrmmicare rh is to your reprcsentat ivcs, but please be polite to them. 'They arc not paid enough to be cursed and yelled at, as a fow people have done. l will address another issue next month and hopefully be less longwinded about it. l thank you fi:lJ' your continued support of the US! l CA, and for your forgiveness as we ancmpi to improve our cornrnunicnion with the membership and Chapters.

THIS VIDEO COMBINES THE REST SHOTS OF THE CLOUD\lASb" SERll:S 111,0UND THI: USA PLUS NEW CROSS COUNTHY FLYING TO CLOUDBASE. TOWING, AEROBATICS, MEETS AND GAGGLES. THE BEST SCENES IN 22 MINUTES. HANG GLIDING ARTWORK TO GREAT MUSIC.

V V

SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER WITH $4 SHIPPING. CALL, WRITE, FAX, or E MAIL TO ORDER OR GET A FREE BROCHURE WITH DETAILS AND MORE ACTION VIDEOS. ALL VIDEOS GUAF!ANTEED

ADVENTURE PRODUCTIONS Paul Hamilton 4750 Townsito Road Reno, Nevada 89511 USA Phone/FAX 702-849-9672 hamilton@ac1venture. reno. nv.us

.SO

IIANC Ct.lDINC

HANC: CLJ])!NC ADVISORY Used hang should always lw disassembled before f,rst time and inspected for hcnt or dented dnwntubcs, ruined bushings, hem bolts (especially the heart bolt), re-used Nyloc nuts, loose thimor rusted cables, tangs with non-cirettLtr bles, holes, and on flex wings, sails badly torn or torn loose Crom their anchor points front and hack on the keel ,rnd biding JC in doubt, hang gliding businesses will happy ro give an opinion on the condition o( equipment you

them to

inspect. Buyers should select cquipmcm that is appropriate for their skill level or rating, New pilots should seek professional insrmction from a US! !CA CERT!F!FD INSTRUCTOR. FLEX WINGS A BUNCH OF GLIDERS -- For sale, new, used and demo, ready to ship, from $(,00 up. EXTRA CLEAN/CALL AND COMPARE. TOPLESS: Moyes, fcaro, Wills, TR3. K!NGPOSTFD: Laminar, Concept, SX, Xtralitc, Shark, XC, l<lassic, XS, un.ra,,pr,n, SupcrSpon, Spcc1rurn, XT, Sting, MK IV, Falcon, Buzz, V2, Fly2 and more. WALi.A BY RANCH, FLORIDA. (WEN DAILY ('!It]) lt21t0070 l,liders~ilwallaby.com

/\IRBORNL BI./\DF 132 - $1,500. En1erprisc Combar II L,9 $750. Both fly pedc:ctly, I /7. price, references. (208) 237-9157. AIRBORNE SHARK lltli $2,liOO. Blade Race 141 $2,000. llladc IIt 1 $1,800. /\II in excellent condition, 50-7'i hours. (60.Cl) 82.,-8195. AIRBORNE SHARK, BLADE RACE, STING, BUZZ. New and nearly new. Dcrno daily. THE WALLABY RANCH (91 I) 121-0070.

/\IRW1\VL CONCEPT llt'J Wi1h winglcts, excel lent condi1io11, (,0 homs, will ship $:l,500 OBO. Call Ckn (6 I 'J) 158 .l.l70 or 1-800-275-5 120.

!'ALCON 170 Excellent condition $1,lOO. Will consider trade fcir small Spon Euro/Supersport. (606) 7.'5'5-C,07/i Krnt11<.:ky.

19%, perl,·ct, sec Oct'% AVIAN AMDllR 159 1lang ( ;Jiding review $2,600. ('JI 6) 927-'J<JYi.

l'ALC:ONS C:LFARANCF SAI.E ··-·· School 11se, one season. /\II sin:s .$1 ,5()0.$),,500. (!il/i) 1i7:l-8800.

$2,000. White 1.E, blne BLAD! R/\C:I 155 undcrsmfacc, flow11 for 011c season ,,50 hours, great flies great, perfect for a first high-performance Co11tact Flytcc USA 1-800-662-2/i/i'). We'll he on the road this ~ummcr, we crn deliver it to you

l'USION -- Demo daily. WALLABY RANCH

thrn.

(9,j l) '12/i-0070.

l)Olllll.F VISION 215 OBO. 1,300 Creg dewolf7vi\wl.corn DOUBLE VISION ,ilJ-8800.

Used but nor :ibuscd (919) li531i800

( ;ood shape $2,000. (Ii I Ii)

DOUBLE VISIONS & Fl.Y2 --- New and med. WALLABY RANCII (9/il) li2/i-0070. Crc,11 condition, mfg by lJI', rccem DREAM 220 model ,000. (909) 338-5682. DREAMS CLFARANCF. SALE· - l!i5 & 185. Bo1b in great shape. Raven Sky Sports (Ii I Ii) lil3-8800. EICER 2000 Collapses down to 2111, easy 1rans, port, very low airtime $950 OllO. (208) 3:l8-'j(,92.

HARRIER II IT/ -- <50 hours, good condition, black 1.L, r;iinhow center, blue TF, spccdh;ir, new cover $600. (916) 781-667}.

111'/\T 158

Dec'')(), <50 hours, clean, crisp sail, 1,,Jding bascwhc. Passed ,rn1111al i11s1)ec1 ion ,rnd rest flight by Missio11 Soaring in May'96, not flown since $1,200. (916) 781-M,n. \(2 lli5 Flies great, new VC and comfort bar $800. ((,08) 221 %8 l JR! IM27 J\~1lprodigy.rnm Creat condition, w/wi11glcts, <70 Kl.i\SSIC 1.3:l hours, sweer handling $2,800. l.isa V. (80 I) 288 I 58').

Kl .ASSJC: 1lili Crc,tt condition, blue and magenta, liO hours $7.,000. 1-800-li8/· 142/i extension ;,25, st evc~'la pp lied. net

FNTF.RPRISF 152 C:OMBAT Co()(\ condition, spare parts $700. Ball (,52 vario $100. Kenwood Tl l7.6AT radio $ I 00. l'arach11tc $ I 00. (Ii 15) 7.06-9%8 SI' Cdifornia. FALCONS lliO, 170, I 95, 22.5 new and 11sed. WALLABY RANCH (91 I) lt21i-0070.

USHGA CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ORDER FORM 50 cents per word, $5.00 minimum Boldface or caps: $1.00 per word. (Does not include first fElW 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 rnade by telephone must be charged to a credit card. Please enter my classified ad as follows:

KI.ASSJC: 1/rli Superb condition, 85 hours $7,500. (80 I) :ll6 liO 19. KI.ASSIC: l !iii Sec Fchruary ccnrerspread, w/wingll'ts $J,200 OllO. (916) li52-lt2/i7 airlrnn-

Number of months: SECTION J Flex Wings U Emergency Parachutes IJ Parts & Accessories IJ Business & Employment J Miscellaneous J Paragliders IJ Videos

i..J Towing

J Schools &Dealers U Ultralights

ll liigid Wings Publications & Organizations IJ Wanted IJ Harnesses

Begin with _...._.._____ ..____............. , issue and run for_, ___........-...-,.·consecutive issue(s). My IJ check, U rnoney order is enclosed in the amount of$--.. --------~-···-·····-· NAME: ADDRESS:---·-·--··--·- ... ________. . ,--.-· _____ ·-·--CITY: STATE: PHONE:

Number of words: Number of words:_

MAY 1997

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

KL/\SSIC: I/iii Whi1c &. red, nice shape, under 100 homs $2,:lOO. (Ii I Ii) IJTJ-8800.

hours UV exposure, wi1 h $3,000 and I shipping 10 U.S. tlircl', flown

RAMAi R 15/i (,() hours $1,800. I IF pod harness $::>OO. ((,19) ?.65 187/i.

SUPFRSPOlff 16.3 <50 homs airtime, cxccllcnr condition $1,700. (805) %7-9(,J 'J.

RAMAi R 15/i ~ .. /\I! white w/Ramair logo, <50 hours $1,200. (105) 363-352 l.

TOPLESS LA MOUETTE 12M --· $1,000 <20 hours, white LE, hlnc undcrsurface. Flies great, easy to

Lire Mys1ic

two seasons, almost new condition

$(,(JO apiece OBO. C:2 185 $/iOO. Comer I 65 $!(00. Kevin {:l07) 2353.%/ days, (307) liTJ-8655 niglm. KL/\SSJC 155 Fxccllcnr condition, w/wu11n11>s. low hours $3/iOO. Will rraclc for Vision. (219) 285(,.

set-up. *( ;rear*

Sl'NSOR 51 OB · Good condi1ion, w/C conversion, new lower wires, CC; 1000 harness w/2nd Clianrz ba[ .. chute w/swivcl, I lummingbird (/iO(i) 8(,2. 7332. SENSOR 51 OC Very dean cast coast glider, forms and handles great $800. (70li) 299· 111.?

SENSOR 51 OE Unused for last Ii years, low homs, wifr insists best offer takes it. ('i I 6) ?') J. I Tl.'l.

Li\ MOUFTTE TOPLESS! or performance with grc:11

SENSOR 51 OVC:B Want high performance, on a bndger' Nearly new conc\i1ion $800. (70li) (,2(,-2099.

9/i?.-0122. Mi\CJC: Ill w/Vc;, specdhar, spaghetti harness, stored Gtl[,M Fl'. Sell or 1radc for motorcycle, llarlcy prcfrrred. Tel/fox (liO!i) 892-'i0'/4.

.i;:uoo.

MOYES CSX SX, XTL, XS3, XT, etc. New and nearly new. i\va,hhlc ,mrncdiatcly. Nation's largvst Moyes dealer. WALLABY RANCH (94 l) li24,0070.

SPECTRUM 1/ili Very good condition, grear /Jrs1 glider, spccdhar $1,800. (205) 830-6708 Nonh /\lab:rnia.

MOYES XI 145 · Like new, 75 hours, single sur· face, (glider in Somhcrn Cal.) $1,500 OBO. (/i06) 728- 192(, eallcnl(1\10Lcom

SPECTRUM 165 Clear LE, custom rninhow low er with Spccrrnm billbo,ml, 2/iO HT!' TE, fully faired, speed bar, many extras included, 60 hours. Sec Wills ad Junc'93, minr condition $2,100 OBO. Bill ()03)

MOYFS XT 11/5 <l hours, very $2,000 OBU. I IF Tracer harness Paracl1u1e $200. Ball 652 vario $275. Jim l .cc hclmcr, like new $200. (G 19) 61i2-0'J52.

SJ•:NSOR 6 I Ol' 1'55 (8 I OJ n1boltglidcliilaol.corn

MOYESXT 165 $1,700. (6 J 9) %5-0li71.

PRl,:J)i\TOR lli2 1.ow hours, cxccllcm condition $},300. Ram/\,r J/i(, $1,800. {lilt) li59-/83:l. l'RED/\TOR ] 'jg ] ,ow hours, excellent condition $},600 (208) llt2 J 3'i0. PULSE lOM Flown J times, <lhr ainirne $2,'JOO will ship. (209) 878 T7 l 0. PU! .SE I IM ( :orgeuus, 3 hours UV, all accessories including harness w/parachute, hclmcl, keel mounted rocket parachmc $,J, 500. (Ii J l) Y\7 5903. l'Ul.SES & VJSJONS Bough1-Sold. l'radcd. Raven Sky Sports (414) 173-8800. Ri\MAIR 146 Tuned, irnmarnlatc, 70 hours, asymmel ric sail. Moslly red, black WW, gray r,p $1,700. (lil5) llt5·0lT7.

Good concli1io11 $1,700 (619)

& SENSOR, $500 each or bes I oOcr or trade for paraglidcr. ('/02) 597. I I 98 Las Vegas.

UP C2 165 166,'559.'l.

Cood condirion $300. Creg (619)

white, hours airr imc $1,/iOO. (602) 375,981/i. VISION MI<IV J'l Older glider wi rh airtime. Robertson vario/alti, W\'(! harness clrnte, helmet, thcrmornitts $2,000 OHO. 532.2. VISIONS & PULSES Bought Sold Traded. Raven Sky Sports (41 Ii) lf7:l-8il00. WW SKYH/\ WK 188 Cood condition, very low UV, hclmcl, harness, extras $800 OBO. (909) 69/i, 5631.

Three I (,5

near new condii-ion 1 w/all options

Raven Sky Sports (Ii 1ft) 4'13,8800.

SPORT EURO l 67 2/2 .. 85/i(i.

MOYES XT PRO 165 Novtcc/intcrrncdiate double smfacc, 25 hours, great shape $:2,900. (It lli) 1'7'.o8800.

I')%, red &. white, 60 homs .391- 1227 Michigan

SPECTRUM CLF/\R/\NCE Si\LE N,/ICJU-,l>.),,Luu

TRX 160 8'5/i(,,

UP COMET II 185

message.

Li\MIN/\R ST, lit, 13 in stock. W/\1.Li\BY RANCH (941) li21J,0070.

Be the first at your site to go

wi1bom your bank account. Contact LISA I ,800-6(,2,2/i/i'J. We'll be on the road this summer, we can deliver i1 to yon then.

i\syrnme1ric red/blue with new white Primo condition $2,500. (20(,) 322-

l'air cnndirion $600. (61 '))

SPORT F\JRO 167 Recent frame 111spe,cti,rn/ov,.>rl1anl, good condirion $700. (606) Ken1 wky. SPORT FURO 167 L\xccllem condition, hot pink LE, w/cocoon harness & p,irachutc $I, 500. ((,02) 5/i57121. SUl'FRSl'ORT 14:J !lot pink & magenta, <55 homs $1,700 OBO. {970) 925 5510. SUPERSPORT l li:l · Awesome condition, hot pink/yellow $2,100. (813) 595 2854. SlJl'l'RSl'ORT I 'i:l · ( :risp sail, <50 hon rs $2,100. (5(,0) 866- J Ii I evenings. SUl'FRSl'ORT 163 ·- Never used-must sell-make offrr-will ship. (516) 826-'7l l8. SlJPERSPORT I 6:, Two availal1le, low ho11rs, 11111st sell, best offer. (6 I')) 2H6-5601.

XTR/\1.lTE Jli7 --· 1.ike new condi1,on, 10 honrs $3,800. (4 iii) 367 (,':,38. XTRJ\JJJ'FS old mylar $ I ,800. Creal l'l.Y-XC.

Crecn Team is Two 16/is for someone. ( :all 1-800· WE-

DRF/\M 220 ...... Bighoy/iandem ....... $900 (;FNESIS .. .Do11ble··surfocc/srnall pilot .. $800-$1,200 I IP /\T HS .......... Excell em condition ...... . $ I ,Ii 00 DREAM 165. .. ................... $900 /\!so Spectrum l(,'j and M;irk IV 17 &. 19's. All gliders incl11de full & test flight. Arizona Hang Cliding Ccmer (,32,41111. SUl'ERSl'ORT lli.3 hours ......... $1,650 SPORT 1671\ ................ /5 hours. ...$1,.300 FALCON 225 ............... 2'i homs ......... $2,200 1<11\SSIC J(i(, .............. 10 homs ..... $3,:300 ......... 50 hours ......... $2,700 l<Li\SSIC 1.3:l l'INSTFRW/\l.DER Fl/Nl'FX l2'J $100 U1ah Mrn I Tang Clicling (801) 2Sli-6J/il EMERGENCY J'/\R/\CHUTFS

R/\MAJR 15/i Blue dition $1, '500. (206) }22 J

edge, uear primo con-

clavis~ilhakyon.co1n

SUPERSPORT 1 c,:$ Like new, low low time, bcautif1d bright yellow/white $1,'J50. (')16) 987 1/9'i.

2/i CORF PD/\ Wirh swivel for tandem $520 OBO. 22 w/swivcl $/i20. Many more p;irach11tcs to choose (Ii J Ii) /iT).8800.

HANC GLIDINC

SCIIOOI.S & DEALERS

JIARNESSES CCJOOO'S

ALABAMA l BOO

their ll':tm harnesses.

WF 1'1.Y XC ll.E. TRACER POD New l'J'J'i, 5'\0", JliOJb, black w/purplc sl ripe $100. ((,08) 221 3681.

I JJC:11 FNFRCY POD '>'8"5' l J ", w/FI.Al'S side 1nount ballistic & front mount chute container Co1 hand deploy s:rno 0110. (970) 82/i 215/i. Jl!C:11 FNFR<;Y POD IIARNl'.SSFS Sizes & styles mo111hly, $}()().lj()(), CC I OOO's $)50. each. l<ncehangcrs & stirrups also (Ii 1/i) lil$-B800. WW 7-2'i Tl'Jl.

CI.OlJDll/\SE CORP. . dha Rocke1 Ci1y /\irsports. Sales, JTnlals. service :111d ccni/Jcd i11structio11 at Keel M0Jmtai11, ( ;urky, Al:iharna. h,r inl'orm:ttion send SASE 10 PO !lox li22, 1;11rky Al. :l571J8. (205) 880 Wi I (;,O'i) ];(,.')')]},,

!OOl<OUT MOUNTAIN l'l.lCI IT PARK -· Sec

THE HAN(; Gl.lDING CENTER l.oc:11cd i11 bcau1 ifid San Diego. l la11g and paragliding instrnc1ion, sales and service, conducted ar TORREY PINES a11d local mountains. Spend yom winier v:ica 1io11 flying wi1h rn. Demo 01Jr line of' gliders :111d equipment at 1he always convenient and world fomous TORREY PINES. We proudly offer !CARO (LAMINAR ST), MOYES (SXI, WILLS WING (XC) a11d all kinds o/' srnff. Makers o/' 1hc DROGUF CHUTE. 8ii15 F:rnita Dr., SaJucc CA 92071, (619) 5(,2-1009.

ad under Ccorgia.

ARIZONA

HICI I AD\ILNTlJIU·: ~ l bng 1i:n:1glidillg school. Fqniprncn1 sales, service, :u Southern Calil'cH11ia's mile high site, Crestline. US] !CA lns1ructor Rob McKenzie. lly appointrnenl yc:n round. ('JO'!) 88:l-8188.

New ill bm, 'S'J()".(i' $/i'J5 f,rm. ('SOI)

31401 Riverside Or'. PARAGI [l)ERS

lake Elsinore, CA

/\dvanc,·d, /i() hours, good rnlldition, fost $2.100. Supra :3.,·good $900. XI. l'roFecl harness. Br:11mign 1'3 v:irio $100. Two-me1er r:idios. Sell or tr:ide for I IC equipment. ( :all Dave ('iO'J) ii'!J 1081.

fl2530

IJ<AROS S.A.

I.ook under New York.

\JP STFI.LAR ?.5 · '<J2, cxccllcll1 condi1ioll, m1Jst sell $/iOO. (li06) 58(, .. 7(,20 sa1kin(fll111011ta11:ua111 pus,inci.nct

RICIIJ WINGS

Fl.LDCF JIB I.ow airtime, s101nl indoors $300 OBO. Also LIP kncc·h:mgcr harness $:.>5. (<JI Ii) 0279

111.TRA!.IGI ITS AIRBORNI' l<J)C:I'. TRIKE - hilly equipped :Jno11Jg w/ir:iilcr $15,000. (861) 'i'.l7- Jli70.

909-674-2453

ARIZONA !JANG GLIDING CFNTFR INC. W,· arc a /'11ll tirnc, FULL SERVICE hang gliding shop located just rni111J1es Crom die BEST site in Ari'l.oll:t, Mingus Mountain. We have the most co111prl'licnsivc tandem 1 mining program available and can 1c:1cl1 you to he a SAl'E pilo1 i11 less time! We .siock glidns, harnesses :llld instrumc111s from Wills, Airw:1ve, Moyes, l'lytec, l\all, High Energy, ( :c; :rnd many more! 'vl/c need your 1radc-ins. C:n1ificd instrnelors Roh Richardson & Tim I !elms. 350+ FLYABLE DAYS PER YEAR! 150-1. Sou1h I lighway (i<J Dewey /\/. 8(>3?7 520 6:'l2 Ii 1 lli al11~c(f1J11c)rt 11 l i 11k .C(ll1 I ARKANSAS

AIRBORNE FD(;J·'. TRll(E 19%, 582 Rorax, foJ. ly equipped, acrotows great with dolly, ho11rs $19,500. (60,) 5!fLliliiG. BUlI.D/FLY Yom own BACKPACK POWERED PARACI IUTF for f'11n/pro/J1. Takes off i'rom level gro11nd \Jllassistcd. Safe, simple, JllL'XPellSJVe. Derailed book with sources. l\'ow only l').'J'i. 108') Medford Center /12li1g, Medf,,rd OR

F!.Y 531b foldahlc trikes. Video. S:iil Wings (50 I) 8'i J ..•j()')/i ph011c/C1x. JI<AROS S.A.

I .ook 11nder New York.

0/1\RK MO\JNT;\JN I IANC CI.IDERS S:iles, service and i11struction. J 60 Jnl11is1on Rd, Searcy AR 721/i.\. (501) J,7'J.}/i80. CALIJ'ORNIA ADVENTURES UNLIMITED Ora11ge Cou111y's school. lJSI ]( ;A ccniricd insrmction and ra11spccialiS1. New & used cquipmcnl, \Xlills Wing dealer. www.art ncr/ · skydog/i11dex .html (71 Ii) 1 ')(,. 8000

l'I.Y AW;\ Y l lang glidi11g, Sa11ta Barb:Ha, l/SJ !CA ccrtif,cd i11s1n1c1ion. T:nnrny Bmc:rr (805) ')(, I 17(,(,.

WANTED I 0( :, ( ;ood condition 01 bc1tcr. Tom (81 G) 118}9')23.

MAY 1997

l lANC GI JDLR EMPORIUM. Bes1 training hill ill the wesil !'till service hang glidi11g/p:1r:1gliding c·stablishcd I ')7/i. PO Box Ii UY), Santa Barbara CA <J3 J,j() Ul'J, (8(!'5) 'J6'iJ7Jl.

s l'U/.J. SFRVJCL SJ !OP ·- Loc:Hcd oll I Iwy 71J at the base of' the Santa A11:1 mon111ai11 ra11ge. Prondly rcprcscming ALL major brands. Rc111als av:1ilable rn qualified pilo1s. Opc'n (, days a week ')am·'ipm, closed on Mondays. Visa/Masterc:ml/ American l'.xpress. MACIC AIR Located in Norrhcrn C:alif'ornia. Lessons, sales, service. (707) %.J.:llt55.

( )11r cornprehcnsivc instruct ion San Francisco !lay i\rc:t's ge11rly sloped "hu1111y " s11pcrlite and comfonablc rraining lwrncsscsJ "l'lRST Fl.JC! IT," a vidm presentation Olli lesson program, is av;iilable for 011ly $20 (mrl)I he 11/'Plicrl to your .fi.111m' lcs.,·011 pu/'/'hr1sts). retail shop showcase~ the latcsl in hang glidillg innovations. \Ve stock new a11d nsed Wills, Airwave and Moyes gliders, Pl.l/S :111 1he ho1t1's/ 11ew l,arnesses. Trade-ins arc wcloJJ our :unazing new \llRTlJAI. llight sirn11l:t1or! 11 I(, REI\! ITV .\'1111 josc) ( :A 'lS0:35. (108) Way, Milpit:is 1055, fax (IJ08) 76}.. 1.,88, MSC! !C(al:10!.corn www.J JAN(; .. Cf.lJ)JNC.corn

OWENS Tl II' NJ\MF SJ\ YS IT J\LL! Join us ,tt Walts Point and other launches for the· flights of your life. Toms/rides to lau11cb/rctrievals/XC an,\ record cli11,, ( :amping and bunkhomc/Windtalker launch info. lcquiptncnr sales and rentals/river rafting and back country excursions. Tlie Hang Gliding Centers'

Uwcns Base Camp opcns May 15th. Please call to plan your vacation. Programs for novice pilots

no11-pilots. Tandem XC the Sierras! Toll free (88B) OWENS XC.

TRUE RIGllT llANC GLIDING SCllOOL DONALD QUACKENBUSH has the only world famous Mo11ntai11, Los J\ngelcs. li:mg

WEST COAST PARAGLIDING !NG & PARAGLJDlNG, USllCA paragliding insrrncrion, 1andcm, J\11 major brands of pat"agl1d11ng and ha11g gliding (new and used), >JJ<,u;,111o11o, Next to Funston, The only foll service in San Francisco! 3/i'.W \Xlawona, San Francisco CA ')/i 116, (,j 15) 75')- 1177,

WIN DSPO R'J'S

since 1')71i, Fil,cen 10 Sylrnar, C:restliue, Elsinore and Vncation training) sales including lodging The most popular gliders and equiprnem, new and used in stock. Trndc in your old cq11ipmc11L 325 sunny days each year. Come fly with us! 16145 Victory Blvd,, V,m N11ys CJ\ 9lli0(,, (818) 9880111, F,1x (818) 988- I Hli2, COT,OHADO

GOLDEN W[NGS Lessons, sales, service, US! f(;A certified instructors, Dealers for Moyes, Wills Wing, AltAir, and Airwave, 1510 I W. ')th Ave., Colden CO 80401. (:rn:l) 278-7181. CONNECTlC\JT

MOUNTAIN W!Nc;s -,, Look 11nder 1':cw York,

QUEST AIR SOARING CENTER Tandem Aerotow lnsrrnction EVERY DAYALL DAY Soaring I nsrrncrio11 With Every Lesson Package

The 1\erorow Flighr Park Satisfaction Cuarantecd

NEW: TURBO TUG, WE GET YOU TO THE LIFT QUICK! NEW: J 0,000' Tandem Lessons, Sec Almost 1\ll of"l'lorida Also 10,000' Solo Tows, Call for reservations and lnh NEW: Pro Shop with l01s of sruff!!

Jrnt 8 miles from I )imey World Central to J\rtractions

More Tandem J\crornw Fxperiencc Than ANY!!! Other Parle Srarc-of.th,>J\rt Tandem Fq11ipmcnt and Proven Teaching Techniques,

90 ACRE AIR FIEID, LOTS OF ROOM TO LAUN<:JJ AND LJ\ND, I lave a small plane? Fly in for yonr lessons and Oy home rhc same day, Rental ( ;Jiders and the TEMPEST Rooms, Bunk llo11sc and s,ar11tH11;c,, close hy. Dry Storage Tahlc, Swimming Pool with 40 foot Screened l'ond, Virtual llang < ;tiding Simnlator, DSS 'IV Ii I I BC l Bring your Colf ( :!ubs, ,1 ( :ourncs near hy or knock some balls here, Corne Sec the our (W CONTROL BAR! I .ighrcd Volleyball ( :onn, Open 7 Days A Weck (;rear Vacation Spot For The Whole Family. Close ro J\11 Central l'lorida Anrac1io11s, USU/\ Basic

Insrrnctors on stafl Tug Pilots. l lang Twos and Threes,.'! 'rain wirh 11s ro

YEJ\R ROlJNll SOARING• OPEN 7 DAYS A WEFK FOUR TUGS, NO WAITING • EVERY DIRFCTJON 'ill, lliCli; demos ro lly: Topless Gliders: l .ami11,1r, Moyes, Tl(), Wills. Super Xrr:1lite, XC, Co11ccp1, Shark, Sring, h1lco11, Snper/loa1cr and more; also harnesses, varios, etc.

J\gcs l 3 To have learned 10 lly here. No one comes close to our level of experience an,l success with 1andc1n acroto\v instr11nio11. A GREAT SCENF FOR FAMII Y AND

FRIENDS,,, IO mo1cls & rcsraurams wirhin

mins,,

hot

showers, shade trees) sales, s1orngc\ ratings) rcnicv;1]s, great wcarhcr, climbing v,rcill, trampoline, DSS TV, ping pong, hungcc swing, picnic udJcs, swimming pool, etc.

Flights of over 100 miles and more than 6 homs, Articles in / l{lrtK, (;/idin,~; Kitplrmrs, Slqwingr, Cross Country ,md others, Featured on 1111mcrous TV shows, including ES1'N7,, Visit 11s on the \\'leh: http://www.wallaby,com

\VC

FLORID/\

your ncxr rating.

CRAY!l!RD AlRSl'ORTS INC lJSIJGA & USUA certified instruuion, Beginner thru advanced pilot tandem acrnrow training &. ratings, lJSUA 11lrralight pilot thrn basic flight instrncwr training & ratings, ,'l axis sticktirne for Swil"t, S11periloater or Dragonfly pilot training. lnstrnction 7 a week hy ;1ppoi11t111enr. Dealer for all major and acrorow

minutes from Silver

I, 5 hours Disncyworld. Call Gregg ll,IV1c:Na1r1ee C,52) }.1'5 82/i5, graybird~i1praxis.11et h1 Ip:/ /www,gypzi ,coin/ graybinl LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIC:1 IT l'ARI< Sec ad under Nearest mountain tr~1ining center to Orlando 8 hours),

l'o'lll"S··l',XIJ:llld yom skill levels hy lctri11g ns ;I tandem acrntow instntci-or.

Check our our Web Sire at wvvw.qt1es,ra11"1orcc,cc,111 or E»Mail at q11estair<i1's11ndiaLnc1

Please call us for rclt:rcnccs and video, 1805 Dean Srill Road, Wallaby Ranch, Florida 338:3'7-9358 (9/i 1) li2fi,0070 phone & fax ( :onscrvarive • Reliable• State of the i\rt F.l LC, TNC/FLYfNC FLORIDA SlNC:F 197/i

Call at (352) /i29-021:\, h1x (352) li29-li8/i(, or keep up with your E-Mail 011 our rhinl line and house computer or plug in yo11r bptop.

M,ilrnlm Jones, David (;Jover, Rhen Radford, Ryan ( ;JDVer, A11stin ( :oil ins,' l'om Ramseur & Jim Appleton

Mail S111ff ro: (~nest Air, <i51i8 C:rovcland Airport Rd,, C:rovel:111d FL :lli7% V[SA, MJ\STERCJ\RD and AMFRTCAN EXPRESS accepted here.

HANC GLJDINC

INDIANA

JJ MITCHELL

TANDEM. Airwave dealer. 6Tl3 Columbia Ave., llammond, IN lt632ii (219) 8!i52856.

RAVEN SKY SPORTS (Ii 1Ii) fi?:l-8800. Please sec om ad under WISCONSIN. KANSAS WE I JAVE The most advanced program the time known to hang gliding, 1cachi11g you in it takes on the training--BUNNY HILL, and with more in-flight air time. YFS, WF CAN TEACH YOU FASTFR AND SAr:ER. For year-round trniuing fun in the sun, call or write Miami J fang ( ;liding (305) 285-8')78. 2550 S Bayshore Drive, Coconlll Crove, Florida :l:\ I :U. GEORGIA

PRAIRIE I Ji\NC CUDFRS Full service school &_ dealer. Creal tandem instrnction, rowing & XC: packages. 0 I 6) 375-2995. MEXICO CO .. JIANG CLIDINC;!!! - (Mexico) Alex Olazabal, Valle de Bravo. Rental gliders, all level of services. (01 I) '52 726-22/ili9, fax (O I]) 52 5 55.'l :lO-i 5 rraje/'1~1\10!.corn

MEXICO FLYINC CENTER http://www.inf'oabc.mm/pom Email: pousG/)scrvidor.1111am.rnx Tel/Fax OI 1-'l25-G52--66-66/55/i- I 79

NEW MEXICO MOUNTAJN WI\ST 11/\NC CLIDlNC ()f1Cring sales) scrvicc instruction in the rour Corners 1

area. Wills Wing, Paci!tc Airwavc. (505) 6}2-8ii4.'l Farmington NM. Instn1ction, sales, service. Sandia Mountain guides. Wills, Pacillc Airwave. Albuquerque, NM (505) 821-85/ili.

NEW YORK AAA FLICHT SCI IOOL MOUNTAIN WINGS and EAST COAST PARAGLIDING in Ellenville MOST PROFESSIONAL NY. Simply the training facility in the NE with I years experience. Cull time certified inst-ruci-ors, Ii exclusive training hills. \)(le stock available for pilots and sell & service AIR.WAVE, UP, BLUE SKY, WILLS WING and now MOYES, also SWIFT, SUPERFLOATER and ALL PARAGLIDER BRANDS. Unbeatable prices on gliders. Fnll time rowing facility, tandems, !CP, clinics. We do it all. l-800-52.'5-7870, (')lii) 6iJ7-3.'lT7. 150 C:anal Strcer, Ellenville NY I 2/i28. OUR EXPERIENCE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.

MIClllGAN NORM I.ESNOW'S FLYINC ADVENTURES Ridge soaring, rowing, foot--bunch hang gliders and paraglidcrs. t\dvanccd lnstrnctor, Examiner, Tow Administrator, lcssorn. Call Norm (810) :l99--9fi33.

PERMANENT RV SITES - w/Cull hookups, as low as $50/rno. Call C:reg ( ;Jover l--800-80:l--T788. UlOI<OUT MOUNTAIN l'LICHT PARK

Sec

our display ad. Discover why FOUR TIMES as many

varn their wings at Looko111 than at auy other school! We wrote USI ICA's Official Training Manual. Our special1y-cusrorncr satisfoction and run with the BEST FACILITIF.S, largest inventory, ctrnping, swimming, vollcyb:111, rnore 1 h,r a flying trip, intro flight or lesson Lookout Mo111ll:1in, jmt outside C:ha11;111ooga, yottr COM-PLETE training/service center. lnl'o) (800) 688LMFP.

TRAVERSE CITY JIANG CLIDERS/PARAGJ.IDERS FULL-TIME shop. Certified instruction, foot launch and row. Sales, service, accessories for ALL major brands. VISA/MASTERCARD. Come soar our 150' dunes' 1509 E 8th, Traverse City M f /i%8/i. Orfl'ring powered paragliding lessons & dealer for new & used units, including the Whisper and the Fly. Call Bill at ((, 1G) 92.2-28filt. Visit om paragliding school in _J:1ckson, Wyoming. Call Tracie at (307) Tl98620. MINNESOTA

SPORT SOARINC; C:FNTER/MINNEAPOUS Insrruction, equipment dealers for Wills Wing, Pacif-ic Airwave& Edel. (612)688--0181.

HAWAII

NEVADA

BIRDS 01' PARADISE I fang gliding & 11ltraligh1 flyittg on Kauai. Cenified tandem instrnction. (808) 822-5'.lO'J or (808) 639-1 067.

ADVENTURE SPORTS - Sierra Soaringt\ermowing-T,mdem. Tours our specialry. Hang gliding/parnglicling USI !CA cerrified instruction. Sales & full service shop lcH Airborne, AltAir, Moyes, Wills Wing. %'50--22 Research Way, Carson City, NV 8970(, (702) 88.l-7070 phone/fax, advspts«1i11yramid.net

JDAJJO TREASURE VALLEY HANC CLIDING - - Boise, Idaho (?.08) Y!(,-7')1/i. Sales, service, info. Large .selection ofamcrican ;md c11ropcall tubing, parts, etc. ILLINOIS

NEW JERSEY

AERO MAX IN(: Experience rhe freedom of' soaring flight! Specialized in tandem instruction & aerotowing. (;if't certificates available. l.ocat ion: I hom nonh o/' NYC. !'or info call our hotline (') IIi) 778583'), email: max<rhcloud9.nct EU.FNVII.LE Fl.lGHT PAR!( Sales, service, USIICA certified instrttction. Dealer for AIRBORNE, LA MOUETTF TOPI.FSS, APCO, instruments, accessories. 80 I fang Clider Road, Fllcnville NY 12-i?-8. Call Tony Covelli or Jane, phone/fox (91/i) 61t7 1008. 1:r.y I !!Cl I I IANC CI.IDINC, INC. - Serving S. New York, Connecticut, Jersey areas (Ellenville Mtn.). Area's EXCLUSIVE Wills Wing dealer/specialist. Also all other major brands, accessories. Certified school/instruct ion. Teaching since 1979. Area's mosr INEXPENSIVE prices. Excel!etJt secondary instmction ... if' you've llnished a program and wish to continue. Fly the mountain! ATOL Tandem flights! Contact Paul Voight, 'i l G3 Rd, Pinc Bush, NY 12%6, (9Jli) 7/ili-:l317. !KA ROS SPORT AVIATION -- & Spartan Microlighr Manufacturing. NYC's first and only certified school for hang gliding, paragliding and trikes. Disrributors/dealers for all majot brands. Manufacturer for the BEST microlights in the world, SPARTAN. New and used eqnipmem at best prices. The most friendly service in NY. For send $5 ro: !St\, 381 I Ditm:irs Blvd II I I 0, Astoria NY 11 I 05. Store: 2')31 Newtown Ave., Astoria NY. Phone/fox (718) 77'7-7000, email: Jkarosl [G1laol.corn lmcnll'.t: http:/ /membcrs.aol.com/ikaros 11 /fly.lnm

MOUNTAIN WINGS - - Look under New York.

RA VJ,:N SI<Y SPORTS (l l 2) 360-0700 or (Ii IIi) li73-8800. Please sec om ad under WISCONSIN.

MAY 1997

:i5

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

eagle t-Shirt #HTEAG $14.95 1 lb

earth polo

standard polo # H POL $ 24.00 1 lb blue, green & burgundy

#HPOLE

stone washed caps #HCSW

$17.95 l lb

blue, green & berry sun gradient t-shirt #HTSUN $14.95 1 lb

$27.00

1 lb

spruce & o li ve

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

classic t-shirt #HTCLA $14.95 l lb

City _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ State __ Zip _ _ __ _ Phone No.{ _ ),_ _ ______.cday (_ _)_ _ __ _ eve.

desert polo #HPOLD

$35.00 l lb

black onl7

Qty

Item #

black fleece lined ja cket #HJKFL $75.00 2 lbs

Size

Color

Logo

Price per Total

ah/bh

M L XL -

- - --

ah/bh

M L XL

- -- -- -

- -- --

M L XL - - - - --

ah/bh -

- - - --

ah/bh

M L XL

Subtotal

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

- -- - -

Shipping

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

#HCG $12.00 1 lb red, blue & purple

Tot aI $ -----------------

wool ja cket #HJKWL

$70.00

Colorado residents add 3.0%

- - - - - - -- -- - - -- - - golf caps

- --

ah/bh

M L XL

$ - --

3 lbs

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

_ Mastercard

Card No. _ _ _ __ _ __ __ _ __ __ __

Exp. date ___Signature _ __ __ __ _ __ _ Mail to: US Hang Gliding Assn., Inc P.O. Box 1330

ladies sleeveless denim #HDENL $27.00 l lb available in small also

long sleeve denim $35.00 l lb short sleeve denim #HDENSS $30.00 l lb

#HDENLS

Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330 1-800-616-6888 fax (719) 632-6417 e-mail: ushga@ushga.org

Please allow 6 weeks for delivery.

logo ah

logo bh

all or our stuff can be ordered with either of these official ushga logos. 7ou choose.

SUSQUEJ IAN:-JA FLICl!T PARK Cooperstown, NY. Certified Instruction, Sales and Service for all major manufocrurers. liO acre park, 5 training hills, jeep rides, bunk house, hot showers, 600' NW ridge. We have the bcsr in N. New York state lo lead, you bow \D fly. c/o Dau Cui do, llox 293 Shoemaker Rd, Mohawk NY I :lli07, (l 15) 866-61 53.

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLlCllT PARK ad under Ccorgia.

Sec

VIRGINIA

TEXAS ALTERNATIVE AVlATlON Certified foor launch, tow & tandem training. Sales/service, Steve & 1:rcd Bnrns AUSTIN (512) li71i -1669. HOUSTON (281) li71 lli88.

NORTH CAROLINA

Flight Park

lllLl. COUNTRY PARACl.ll)!NC INC I.earn complete pilot skills. Personalized \JS] !GA cerrificd ridge soaring, foot & tow Lmnching in cm· tral MOTORIZED PARAGLIDING INSTRUCTION Iv. EQUIPMENT AVAILABLF. (915) 379 11 B5. Rr I, Box I(,F, Tow TX 78672. KITE ENTERPRISES

hiot launch, platform

launch and acrotow inst-r11uion mo. Training, sales, rentals and Airwavc & Wills Wing,. Dallas,

Fort \Xlott\1

• TANDEM INSTRUCTION • AEROTOWIN(; • BOAT TOWING • l'ARA(;LJDIT\C FOOi I .AUNc:t I MOUNTJ\IN CLINICS • BEACH RESOlff • OPEN YEAR ROUND • FQ\JlPMLNT SALFS A\JD SF.RVICF.

lnrcrnct Address: http://www.kittyhawk.com E-Mail Address: hang.. glidcv"outer hanks.com PENNSYLVANIA MOUNTAIN TOP Rl•:CREATION Cenificd instruction, l'insburgh. (/; 12) 69;'-4477. C'MON our AND PLAY! MOUNTAIN WINGS

Sec North Carolina.

Sll.VF.R WJNc;s, INC. -- Ccrtiflcd l1g/pg instruc· tion and sales. Proudly rcprcse11ting Pacific Airwave, Wing, Scedwings. (703) 5.'l:l· 1%5 Arlington VA.

north Texas area. 2.11 Ellis, Allen TX

75002. (972) :l')0-9090 nights, weekends.

WISCONSIN

Rl'D RIVFR AIRCRAFT/CO I IANG c;JllllNC:!!! (Austin) Jeff I lunt, li81 \ Red River S1., Amtin Texas 78751. Ph/fox (51 ?.) li61 2529 rrajc/Rhaol.com

RAVFN SKY SPORTS IIANC CUDING AND PARAGI.Jl)JN(; Largest and most popular in the Midwest. Traditional c11rriculum, ridge soaringi

TOTAL AIR SPORTS Area's OLDEST Wills Wing dealer. Ccrrified instruction available. "] only DEAL with WIT.LS". 6.o51i Limestone, llousron TX

UTAH

acrotowing & tandcins

motmtain clinics,

hy Brad Kushner. for all major brands. l'O Box 101, Whitewater WI 53190 (Ii Iii) /iTJ 8800.

PARTS &ACCESSORlF.S

17092. (71.,) 956-6 H7.

ABSOLUTFLY THF BEST (619)

Offors everything FREF FLIC:HT SPORTS TLC a new or adv:mccd pilor needs. Excellent instruction, srarc-orthc .. an equipment, foll service shop & train ..

(800) 334-4777

KITTY HA WK Kl J'ES

ing sires wirh some of the most consistcnL soaring

Prices for Ball varemail:

22'J-OO!t8,

AEROTOWING ACCESSORlES Sec TOWING. THE WALLABY RANCH (91t l) lt2/i .. ()070.

conditions in the country. Free Flight Sports is owned and operated by nationally ranked pilot Dave Sharp. 1lc is dedicated to the growth of foot l:rnnchcd soar· 'This means gcr more airfin1ci bnvc 1norc fim become a pilot in less time. Maki' drct1m of/light (801) 263,8611, 12.379 265 W, Poinr of' Mountain LIT 84020, sh:1 rpdavc(n\na h.. in ter. net

Look under New York.

TENNESSEE ARMADILLO GLIDER BAGS Protect your glcd er from UV and all of natures clements. Custom made heavy .. dmy polypro1,yJ,::ne zipper $90 (plus $7. 50 through Kenmckiana Soaring, li25 N Ave., Clarksville IN li7129 (812) 288 .. 7111, (812) 28/iltlVi. MC/Visa.

HAWK AJRSPORTS INC P.O. Box 9056, Knoxville, TN 37'Jfi() .. ()()'j6, (/;2'.J) 2 l 2-li99/;. I Tang Cliding and world famous Windsoks.

PLEASF. SEE ()(JR D!SP!.A Y AD.

CALL KFNTUCKIANA SOARING UTAIJ MOUNTAIN HANC c;LJDING Formally Vulture (;Jidcrs, owned and operated by Charlie Rcpntablc school, shop and sales. Now also a for learn Laminar. (801) 254 .. (, 1li 1.

BALL

COMP (812) 288

7111 for the best price.

HANC Cl IDINC

KFNTUCKI/\N/\ SOARING C:om1nunica1ions Spcciali~t! Be" Prices & Bes! Service'

BFST I 1" Wl I EFLS A\Ii\ ILAJ\LF S11pe1 lightwciglu, a 1m1s1 for 1r;iining, tandem in Only US/\-huil, I wl1ccl. tpnntity lmn1cdi;11c delivery. I ooko11t lvloun1ain, (800) (,trn I .Ml:1'.

( :ustomn S:ttisfan ion ( ;11;1ran1ccd! OVEIZSTOC:K & CIOSJ> .. OlJT ITJ.:MS! V/\RIOS: l'l.lCl!T DECKS NLW 1\J\11 CR/\PI !JCS 1'1.US ............. $C:/\ll BAil Cl\/\1'1 !JCS COMP ..... DFMCl ..... $900.00 llAI.l. Ml'J.. ...$lCi0.00 /\mC:CHFC Piccolo Plus, Demo.. .. .. $,100.00 DICJl'LY ... .. .. DEMOS .... $100.00 l'LYTFC: ·iO I 0..... .. ... Demo... ...$5.l:l.OO 1 IYI FC li020.... ...... l>cmo ......... $7<i0.00 l'l.YTFC: lilJ:50. ... ...$C:/\1.L Mi\ l.l.l TT! <. ...$15'>. 95 CARMIN Cl'S .l8. .. .. $159.00 ....... $2'J'J.0() C/\RMJ>I CPS li'i ... t:/\1\MIN Cl'S 'JO .. .. .. $<>99.00

l!EI.MFTS Pl·J.LF fx· RE!'l.FX hill Face ... OVERSTOCK CLFARANCF. . ..... 1\1:.ck & other ugly rnlors ................... $]2'j.()() l'/\NOR/\M IC ... Full J'acc . ... $ lli9.00 l }:I' 1'2, Used, I .arge w/PT I' .... $200.00 \JVLX .... l'ttll !'ace .... ~290.00

FPOM

NF:hl ,'JMAl,J, ( i)ML\{l \INl'l' 1

FOi\ l!/\NC (}],/))JN(;

Pl\.l<ACl,lDlNC.i

Mv well-loved

quick vario m:irricd to ;lll to new gt'11cr:ition !asc1 trimmed tran\duccrs, Squeezed i11to tough litdl· Rl·· 'ix:lx I .Ii" s1ill has 1cscrve li;11tcry!

l111cr,:h'1,n;>.cahlc brn,1d Velcro s11aps or ha"· 1nhe $)'>', Shipping inc. (80'i) (,g7_ 1JJ1iu, .~till $2lf). l .asn trirnrnl'd retroROBFRTS CLIDFR INSTJUJMFNTS JWJ CLIFF llRIVF S/\NT/\ ll/\Rll/\lZI\ C:1\ 93 IO'J

l lFLMFTS Integral & Air l<cvlcr, wp-of'.d,e line $]BO $300. Discounts on small & XS in stock. (Ii iii) li71-il80()

R/\D!OS-/\l.l MODEi .Si\ \I /\11./\lll.l. Y/\FSl!Fl'lllt. wa<t ..... $JO'i.OO KFi'lWOCJD Tll22.... .. ... 5 wan ..... $CAI.!. l'/(: Pi11gerswi1ch/J Icadse1 .... l lc"vy·D111y .... $89.00 'i/8 TELFSC:Ul'IC: ANTENNA.. .. .. $W.95 ....... $1 '/.')5 'i/8 C.1\IN DUCK /\NTENN.1\ ... FAR T1\lKSl'l·I\I<l·R/ivl!C SYSTEM ..... S,de ... ... $60.00 \/( Y1\ESLJ Vox/l'TT ... .... $'iB.'J5 MOllll.F. .:iO watt. ......... $),'J'J-T7'5.00 TUNE lJl' w/W:irr:rnty lnt"ct. ... $l''> 'io.oo !C:OM \/68 .............. I \7 · 1'/limhz .. . ... $22'!.00 /\!!NCO .. ......... $CALI.

HlCl I PFRSl'FC:TJVF WI !LFI.S Real lifr s:1vcrsl 12.", light, tough. !'its all gliders. Send $Ii 1.95 1 $-1.50 shipping per pair to Sport /\viat ion, f'() Box IO I, Mingovillc PA 16856. Ask ahout om dc:dcr p1iccs .

l<ENTUC:KI/\N/\ SOARJN<: l'RFSFNTS "New" l'ingcrswitch Radio I lcadsel hy Connections. I IF/\ VY-DlHY l IE/\DSFT with gn mounted switch allows pilot lo cornm11nic:11c

PAR/\(] IUTFS Wll.l.S WINC !./\PA ... w/l'arnswivcl ...... $CAI.I. l l!Cl I FNERCY QLJ/\N I UM.... . .$CAI I Edel, N/\S, WW, ProDesig11, I IFS & More 1 MISCF!.!J\NEOUS /\RM/\DlLl.O C:Jidn Tr:ivdhag .. UV resistant ... $90.00 WIND /\DVISORY /\IRSl'F.ED W/Clamp.$2:l.OO I !/\IL P/\Ri\Cl.llWR /\fRSPEFD.... ...$28.'>5 . ..... $14.')5 HOOi< KNll F... MAS( lN'S TOW RF! .F/\SE .... $52.00 lJ .. M)TTS... .. .. Clearance Overstock. .. .. $25.00 i\ \IOC:ET PILOT W /\TCH ES .. .. .. $1 llt.liS

wl1ilc

their hands on the control har or ;ind mor{' rcliahlc communici with a 'J() day mfg warr:rnry with repair available bcyo11d ,he w,u ranty. C:urrendy avctilahlc fell' Yacsu, kom, i\linco, Kenwood and other comp:nihk radios. /\v:1ilablc fo, Cull face or oprn helmets. $89 +$.l.50 sl,ipping, MC/Visa, dealer inquires invited. l<cntuckiana Soaring, /i).5 N Ave., Clarksville IN li71l'J. (Bl2) 288-'/l l I, 7) 2g1J .. IJJ I SPECIALIZ IN(; IN FLECTHONICS, R/\DIOS, V/\RIOS, CPS UNITS & MORE! br:ikcs.

l<ENTUC:KlANA SO/\RJNC Avcn1w (812) 288-7111 Tllt': N!·:W lNCRFlllllLF l·:/\RMIKF 51 Just plug it i11to the owk1 in your c;ir and p1ess 1hc pu hrnton d11· rnntrnl piece whrn tramCm he fit through your slcevc· and a11ach 10 tn11>erw11h vclco. The earpiece is w:dtahlc. Eannikc rs J is !corn, Yacs11, ;\\inco and more. Larmikc )7') is for Kenwood. Introductory price for the bc11 mic in tlw market is $')/i.95. JS.~ ,,!,/fox (18 I) /7/:;()00.

MAY 1997

fax (812) 28/i-/;l 15

J 11\NC CI.IDJNc; CIFJ'S

h,rnd craf1ed hang gliding

/\11d trophies. Custom, and unique, q11:dity Lach item one of' a desk ,1cccssories,

frames and lots more:! ( :a!l or wri1c J()r our

log! Soaring I hcams) ! ! 716 Fairview Avenue) Boise Idaho 8l7l3. (208) .l7G-i'J1/i.

M!Nl/\TURE COLOR VIDFO C:/\MFR1\S !'or hg/pg. I lookup to yom camcorder. (707) il(i'J.'J IM h 11 p:/ I m,·1 ro.nct/bl:1cet I

MTN! VARIO World's smallest, simplest vario! Clips to helmet or chinstrap. 200 hours on bartcries, 0, 18,000 It., fast response and ?. year (;rear for 1>aragliding too. ONLY $169. Mallcttcc, Box 15756, Sanra Ana CA, ')2'735. (711) 9(i(,. ! 7.10. !'vi C/Visa accepted.

The world,.cJass XCIZ· 1fl() up to 3 hours G1'l8,000 fr. and weighs only Complete kit wi1h cylinder, harncss rcc:ut,1tor, cuu1tda and remote on/off flowmctcr, nnly 1

TEK FLIGHT PRODUCTS

COME TO CANADA! rnc to you! For Hang Cliding JCP's. Cc1 rcccrtilic,d the RC:R way! Also, we arc & for instructors & 1andcm ro hire hoth & pg. Contact: Robcr1son-lligh RR 5, 86'S C:onc.7, Claremont Ont. LlY 1A2. (905) 291-253(,, fax (905) 294,8/i95, email: llyl,1igli\i1''inlora1n11.11<,t We offer sta1.:101iarv "'!111.:ll/:;tcp low instruc1ion levels) for hg/pg cs, releases, etc. for sale.

f.MFP NEEDS EXPF.RJENCED HELP - - In the sew shop. Call Alan or Ma1t ('706) 398,:3541.

Hang instructors. l111111cdiatc fnll time openings Live the C:iliforni:t drcam ... instruct s1ntlcnts at 1hc San Francisco Bay area's 1raining sire. Service shop employment is also avail;rblc. Ask for Pat Dcnevan (li08) 2621055. MSC:H(;(i1\10l.cotn www.JlANG-(;JJDlNG.com Camera mount, several models available $/iJ. 50. Camera remote (ask ahom rebate) $15. Vario mount $] (," wheels $29.7',. S/[I included.

DON'T CET Cl\lJCllT l.1\NDINC DOWN UV rrcatcd, 5'/i" WIND! /lv:11Jalllc colors fluorcsccnl or /foorcsccnl pink/white. $39.95 (+$1.00 S/J I). Send to USl ICA Windsok, P.O. Box co 80')01 13:lO, (719)

WlNGl'fl'S

PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS I\VA!l.ABLF I\CAlN

Hrnnd new for Klassic $300 OHO. form. From rhe lltmg (;/fding.

(219) 8/i 5 28'i6.

BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT ARF YOlJ /\ USHCA cmrrtflED INSTRUCTOR? owe ii- to your.self to give us

TF.K FUGHT PRODUCTS, Colebrook Stage,

a D.:w rcsponsibk:i mat un: and md1vr,.l11ab to join the MOUNTAIN yom s11n1mcr in be:111tif'ul

Winsted CT 06098. (860) 379 .. ]668. lHtp:1/mc:m· hers. tripod.com/,· tckflight/indcx.hunl

love most,,1-IANC GI.IDfor more derails.

DOWNWIND From the early days of rhc ?O's, ro air of Owen's Valley, DOWNWIND is wi1h rlHill and exhilaration of cross country adventure. The gift for hoth and non· pilots. SllAJ<.I,: A rruc well told. Available from USHCA Headquarters only$ I 0.95 ( 1$2 s/h). PO Box 1:330, Colorado Springs CO 8090 I 1330.

HANC CUDINC

SOAHINC Momhly mag,uine of The Soaring Society of /\111cricr, Inc. Covers all of llig!,1. hrll membership $'55. Info. wirh copy $3. SSA, P.O. Box F, Hobbs, NM 882·11. (SO'S) .392-1 ]Tl.

REAL ESTATE LAKJ·:VJEW ORI\CON Hang Cliding Capital of rhc Wesr Rclocarc your business and rake a "launclr" ho11r. Approx 15,000 sq.ft. warcltorrsc, 10 minmr·s to the local lau11clt site' Showroom-office rooms-"'3 phase power. MAYBE Al lANGIPARAGLIDING SHOP? Or buy as an invcsuncnr, collccc rnrrcnt rents and deduct those lrnsincsslflyi11g trips. l'o'5ibly eligible for Oregon F.conomic Development t's. Owrrer Terms· $115.000 (5/il) iW,6228. 1

I [[GHER TllAN FAG LES

by M,nalys & Chris Wills. The lifo & times of BOBBY WILLS, hang gliding the triumphs a11d trngcdivs of rhc ;rnd rhc cvolmion of Wills Wing. $19.95 hardcover (1$/i.OO Sill), sec classi-

NEW IN STOCK! PJ\HTY AT Cl.OlJDBASF. A hang gliding mmic vidc:o by Advent me Productions $19.95. POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN Award winning hy East Coast Video, hg/pg acrion at this Utah mecca $29. IIJ\Nt; GLIDJN(; EXTREME & BORN TO Fl.Y by /\dvcntnre l'roducrion.s, great hg action $3/i.95 each. HAWAIIAN FLYIN by Sp,1cc 9, sncrring in paradise, launches $T3. Call or fox USJlC1\ (719) 6328:$00, (719) 6:l2.-6li17, please 1M domestic slh (-r$5 /,,r two or more videos). Crcat to impress yortr frirnds or for rhose socked-in days. Pcrfoct for the launch potato turned couch potato. Also) us about our paraglidillg videos! MISCELLANEOUS

TF.XAS I !ILL COUNTRY Sccl11dcd hill top lot, excellent view of Lake LBJ. Paved road & utilities, l 5 minutes from l'acksaddlc Min., 2.0 minutes from Austin Airsports and ]·Jill C:01mtry Paragliding. Access 10 18 hole & 5,000' paved private runway $12,500 Chris (21 O) 821- 1803.

TOWING

li,r·: Tl1e finest releases. secondary releases, "V" bridles, weak links, urndem wheels, kits, etc. THE WAL! ABY RANCII (9fi l) 42/i-0070. GET MORE AJRTIMF, CUAR/\NTEED! l'latform pay-·ont and Honda powered stationary winch systems in stock. Over 65 systems in use) prices

fl you don't have yollf copy of Dennis BAC IT! Pagcn's PERFORMANCE FLYING yet, avaihl,lc through US! )CA l lcadquancrs $29.9'j (1 $Ii s&h).

.start at just $1,995 delivered. l'or more informai-ion conurct: TLS, 70 l O Mark, San Antonio TX 78218. (21 O) 82/i- 1803, fox (2 JO) 805-838<i. MC:, Visa, Amx accepted. SCOOTER TOW SYSTEMS prices. (972) 390-9090.

TOWING TRAILER 1989. ((ill) 335-76:16.

Available at various

ATOL setup, in nse since

"AFROBATfC:S" Full color 2.3''x I" poster fca1\tring John I kin,·y doing what he docs best-1.00P!NC! Available through \JS! ICA I IQ for just $6.')5 (1-$3.50 slh). Fill that void on yortr wall' Send to US! !CA Acrobatics Poster, PO !lox 1300, Colorado Springs C:O 80').1:l. (USA & Canada only. posters arc NOT AVAII.ABI.E on orders.) .SPEC!AI..-.J\erobatic.1 poster & Frie Raymond postcr-llOTI l FOR $10 (,$3.50 .s/lr). BUMPER STICl<FFS Advertise logo and address on Y'xl 2" rcr,10·,1able Q11anti1y orders $.3."l each. sample will be mailed. Doherty Signs, I Peabody !\venue, Drncut MJ\ 0182G.

VIDEOS & FJLMS

"NEW" A RISK MANAGFMENT MANUAL Cliding, by Michael Robenson. Used as USJf(;A's Jmtructor Certification Student Notebook. Includes: history, the wind, new tow section, the the win dividual, and the fomom REVISED, CIIARTS OF RFI.IABIUTY. $'J.95 1.i:J s/!1. Order yom copy from: High Perspective, RR 86'i Conc.7, Claremont Ont. Canada LI Y l A2. (905) 2'Jli-253<i, fox (905) 29·1 8li95, email: flyhigh«"infiiramp.nct SPECIAi NF.W I'll.OT F.DITION l la11g Cliding & i'arngliding rn;igazinc. Now available thro11gh USIIC/\ l $/i.9'5 each +$1.50 s/h. Informative and plenty of color throughout.

Mi\Y 1997

Follows the action oi" a new FIRST Fl.lCHT pilot's first lessons. This video is an entertaining to show ii·iends and family how you learn ro VHS 15 minutes. $20 includes shipping he 11j>jJlitd to lesson MISSION SOARCFNTFR, l 11 <i Way, Milpitas CA 95035. (li08) 262- I055. 1 C:J\."J !.AND 150 good, bad & ugly Lrndings. A must for all students. 90+ minutes & lots of aero. Send $35 money order 10: Jeff Reynolds, 1907 E Sharon Drive, Phoenix/\/, 8'5022.

CAL CLOVF l.ight-weir,ln CABRETTi\ !.EAT! !ER CLOVES, world L,rnons in equestrian circles, arc now popul:rrity in the ing, paragliding & markcls. in men, women (\[_ sizcsi 9 different colors and priced from $27.95--$39.95. hir nrorc inli, on these superior lcatlrcr gloves rnnr;rct: Cal-Clove, 2920 /\11burn Blvd, Sacramenro CJ\ 95il21. (')16) liHl· 870 l, fox ('J l Ci) li8 l -1 l <i8, email: rnl glovc~tljuno.rnn1

llANC (:UJWR MOBlLE KIT No pilots home or omcc is cornplcrc without this crnfiy reminder of time brncr Easily assembled, this kit consists of 6 gliders, with slightest breeze sets wingspan into serene circles just below cloud base. Step step instructions with CAD dr;iwu dia gr'1m.s included. ONI.Y $1'5.')'i 1$1 order two for ONLY $2'l.9'i postage paid! or money order to: WINDWARD R/C, 201' lfodsou l larl,our Drive, Ponghlm:psie NY 12601.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATF.S The rate for classilicd :idvcnising is $. 'iO per word (or group of chat:icters) :ind $1.00 per word for bold ot all caps.

MINIMUM AD CllARGF. $5.00. A {,:c of' $15.00 is charged for each line an logo and $25.00 l,n each photo. L!NF.ART & PHOTO Sll.F NO LARGER Tl!AN J X Please underline words to lw in bold Special of tabs $25.00 per col nrnn Phone words. Email or web address :lwords. AD DFADI.INFS: All ad copy, instruci-inns, changes, addii-ions and cancellations must he received in l 1/2 months preceding the rnvcr date, i.e. M:1y for rhc July issue. Please make checks payable to lJSHCA, P.O. Box 1330, CO 80901 - JJJO, (71 ')) (,:\7.-8300. Colorado Fax (7 I 'J) I 7 or email: nshg,1Q1'nshga.org your classified \viih your Visa or Mastercard.

Acme ................ ,................................ 31 Adventure Productions ...................... 50 Airrime of San Francisco ......... ,......... 21 Altair ................................................. 3/i Arai Design ...................................... , 10 A V8 .................................................. 39 Ball Varios ................. , ....................... 18

Braunigcr ......... ,................................ 23

r:Jy Products .................................... ..44

STOLEN WINGS & THINGS

Flytcc ................ ,............................... 47 YAF.SU RADIO Wl-llTE MO'J'JF ON BLACK

T-shirt. Jttst \my irt Checks payable ro: Srreet //Iii, NYC 10012.

IN, CO, I 996, serial nnmbcr liN20170.1. Dave Broyles (21/i) 727 3S88.

FOUND CAMERA '.\5mm, found at POINT OF THE MOlJNTJ\lN, UT on Ocrobcr <,, 19%. Call (80 I) 957 I Ii I 8 to identify. SOLAR WlNGS SCANDAL Stokn from VAN· COUVER, BC CAN/\DA on August I 0th, I 9%. Ll.6 m,·1crs, lilac leading 1\/ undcrsnrfacc, blne chevron w/cruisc harness: parnchntc; blue Skylark vario. Nick Collins (60/i) .lJ/i-2602.

WlNDSFEKFR

More fun than a b:m-d of down-· $2 mhcs. 11 soars, it loops, it llics! ONLY $."l.00 s/h ($:3 s!h 011 orders o/'.i. More than or orrirTs, 17/mse mil) l/SJ !CA, PO llox U:JO, Colorado CO 8090 I. ('71 ')) 632-8:\00, fox yonr MC/Visa order to ('719) 632 6/i 17. VIDEOS BOOKS & POSTERS

Crll \JSJ!CA Merchandise order form ('7 I 9) (,:l2-8.300, nshgaQti11shga.org.

Hall Bros ............................. ,.... ,........ 62 l ligh

Sports ........................... 38

lcaro ........ ,,, ........ ,, ,, ,, ........................... 2

Jus1

Kitty Tlawk Kites ,........................ ,.... 50 !.ookour Mtn. Flight Park ................. 21

Mojo's Gear .. ,.................................. .46 Moyes ............... ,............................... 2c;

lK/\ROS (KOREAN) PARAGI.IDER Stolen from SAN BERNARDINO, CA rcnrnl car on June Gtlr, I')96. Pink upper, wliirc 1111dcr with blue Ji;rwk honom, Jell brake line replaced wirlr Contact Min! lo Yoon (')09) 88/-/i8ii/i Mc:l<cnzic, lliglr Advrnrnrc· (')09) 88:l 8188.

Para borne ............................................ 9

STOLFN WINGS arc listed as a service w USJ !CA

Sport Aviation Publications ... ,........... 2:3

members. Newest c111rics arc in bold. There is no chnrge for rhi.s service .,-md lost and found or cqnipmcm may be c1llcd in ('119) (i32·/UOO or it in ('719) (132-6/il'l for inclusion in I Cliclinr; gliders magazine. Please c:rll ro canc:cl the ,rrc recovered. l'criodically, this listing he purged.

Neilsen-Kellerman ........ , ................. .Al

Soaring Center ................... ,.............. 15

US Aviation ................................ ,.... .42 USf-JCA ........................ ! 1,22,44,56,57

Wills Wing .......................... Back Cover

DON'T LEAVE YOUR GROUND-BOUND EQUIPMENT SlTTTNG IN THE GARAGE. SELL JT IN THE HANG GLlDING CLASSlf'HmS.

NEW! SMALL HALL Great for hand-held wind mcasurcrncnl or paraglic!cr

Airspeed Indicator using Brnckcl. Small Hall Now available: Small I lHll for hung gliders, 0 \o 70 mph

Hall Brothl\l'S P.O. Box 1010·11, UT 84050, USA 5" Dia. ABS Plastic Whcds $24.00/pair

Mas1crcard I Phone, (80 I) 829-'.l?.:l?.

I C.O.D Fax (80 I) 820-6149

HANC GLJD!NC

(r) S'J'. PAUL, now,

by Drm Johnson

We' in for L-_h0, moj country, hopefu 1 ly be I /'lying. One place in North Caro] ina at the this wi 11 happen oldest ongoing hang gliding e·1rent in the cJ !.:ew cfoys, the Kitty Hawk Ki Hang Gliding Spectacular wjlJ ombin with th USHGA National Those of you who can ought: ,Jockey' Hc!ad, NC Lo prove; memoprobably in wi Long d:L anc Lar:ry Tudor; :it r/me t dircctor/qear sel er, GW Meadows ... oh, the cas of !"acters c,ocs on. packed ,cVGnt p1anned wi l.h being the fJyinq. A t time Outer Bank.s, you the dune that has trained more hanc, g1ider pjlots than any other in the, world, you can aero tow al: the nearby Currituck Flight Park. A fin;t, an Sports Expo, wi1J showcase fJyincJ equipment from number of: vendors n c a sic show c,tLing. A Roga11o Foundation Hal] of FamE, award wi.1:1 be 9:Lven to the~ irsL ent. Proprjetor parties every rdght tbe four-day event w:L th a dance as one, of t.he hicJhl ights. John has be;en working hard Lo prornoLe cen old Spc:cLacular. All ouc,ht'a be a L detailc,, call 800-4/ll·!ll?.4., LL 919 4.!JJ !J. ?.7. You can E·ma 1 informa ion@khkinfo.pd .:Lnterpath. or Lic:ral:e their website at llttp://www.kit tyhawk. com/ ld t tyhawk. In eve:,nt of long standing tradition (barely one younge than KHK' Spc'e tac:ular) , the Telluride Festival is happenin9 over Au9ust 18-2 . '1'bic3 's evenl: expanded furLher to incluclcc, not. only the World Aerobatic Championships but lso a Speed Gliding Champs endon>ed by the WHGS (World Hang Clic:Hng Serie.',) . Like many others, 'm very enthused over the potential for gJiding as way offer great to rnc'edi a tr.1.at mi9ht help promote hanc, qlidLng, anc] think 'J'elluride ought be ~,ett :ing Eor Emcli a da.sh down mountain. ,Jack Carey UlC' director a<Ja Ln and ,Ji rn Pendulum Aerosports i providing biq---time sponsorship to the tune of a $15,000 purse (half trw spe(,-,d gliding portion and tlie oth0,r hal L to the.:, aeroba champs) . 'I'his a massively attended in stunninqly beauLifu1 t:.ion and you should der at t,9ndinq. For more deta Li-ma J j imz-

MAY 1997

JVUNl\l

green@aol.com j You can also call 719 -':>39-3900 (Pendu:lum) or 970 72il 4.7'.i9 (Carey). 111111111«11 Sc,edwinq,; wrote to announce "three new flapped Sensor 610 mod-els." T bc"en ,J wbi1e since T'ramp,mau sent information to Product but thal: may very wel] be because" putting cfosign l.ime on his 'I'he 610s are available in three 1112, and 150. 'l'he new flap system old syc3 tern one bE,tter, Li lly Jowerinq the Lall speed "another mph from the II mpb rcc:,ducLion of the originaJ flap sysl:ern." [-lee:: also claims t.hat sink rate is 10-20 J:pm :better on all models while yet- maintainin(:r Never Exceed speed 6''> mph. For information on t.he newes Sensor,-, from f,antc1 Barbc;ra, cal] 80 -968-70'/0 or ax to B05 96il 0059. Former PacAir bo"JS, Ken Brown, wrote Lo say, t official! I am now working Lakeland Ultralights, l:he wa f] ying spc,cialis Kc?n wj LL move his wj fl" ,J'ulann and year-old Avery to Sharon, Lake Lind OL bar,ed. "We' Lhe new opporLunities. It appears Lhe u]tralight market on a bit· of rebound and wat0,r flyin9 is such a blast:." He' 11 be working on a uJ, Lra 1 ight f i tcd wi tb a J. oa.t sys tern c1nd named the Sea Wing. S:i nee to and pe:irllaps even r Jy the bird at Sun 'n Fun, J can t:e] 1 you more about U1e work he' doinq in a ful.:ure "Product Lines." Good Luck, Ken.! For those who' cl to contac l: Brown, m,e th(" Emai:I address of kenb@ijlee.com. Larry 'l'uc:lor informed Produc that importer AV8 "is now qet t:inq shipments of tlle Laminar ST Jdngpost1ess ~y] He also reports, "We are getLjng a qrec;t response on its perf:ormanc d handling.• Additionally, U1e new company :i. accepting orders for l:hc Laminar 13 S'I' (about 1110 ft. ) , and thE-, Elll'.'Opean M2 harness UBed by Meda1iic;t and top U pilot the Pre-World,;:; Nelson Howe. ror further infor· mation from AV8 on U,ej r lh1e of gliders and gear, E-·maiJ 'rudor at voador@InfoMaq:i c. com... or rc;ec L.heir acl in this ly a clarification: Greg Blaclc' s APLOR (Automat:ic Prl0 Lock Ol1t Relec;se) mentioned lwnc:, Ia t month is intended to be; a system that be added to v:Lrl:ually any l:ow mcc::chanir;m. While B1ack sell he, meant the APLOR to be a safety gizmo tha l: might he] p nc~wer pi1ots avoid lock out situations. 91/J. 64'/ 3377 f:or c,reater detail. ••• Well, divc;r l:hi,,, concludes another Product L.i nes, and also conc1 tl1e 18th year this column. So, uslla1, got new,; or opiniorn:;':' .Send 'em Lo £l Don:,et, St. Paul MN 55118. or V-mail any info to 612-4 50--0930. Or, you can E---maj1 to CumulusManCJaol.corn. •rHANKS!_ 11