USHGA Hang Gliding July 1997

Manfred Ruhmer Nelson Howe Zweckmeier Josi~f Ze11lar1d Nation. New Zealand Allan Sames Carlos Nimeyer Nationals Brasil Beto Schimidt Masahiro M1,ne~1n1s;h1 Manfred Gerolf Heinrichs Alex Busca

1st

1st '2nd

Holland

Joop Berendsen

Mike

2nd 1st

Austria

Manfred Ruhmer Allan Barnes Kathleen Rigg Manfred Ruhmer

Championship Championship

Vinas Francese Franz Herrmann

1st 2nd 1st 1st 1st

1st 8645 Fanita Dr. Santee CA 92071 Ph./Fax (619) 562 1009 .JRAV8@aol.com

AV8 West: John Ryan

LarnincJr:

ICARO 2000 srl

Via Verdi, 19 21038 Sangiano (Vo) Italy Tel. - Fax ++39-332-648.079 http: //www.alphasys.it/icmo E-Moil: icaro@alphasys.it

(USPS o17-970-20 - ISSN 08')5-4:UX )

16 So, You Want To Be An Aerotow Tug Pilot? © 1997 by Gregg B. McNamee T he basics of learning ro safely cow ulcralighr soari ng pi lms.

23 USHGAAnnual Awards by }rm Johnson And the winner is...

24 Hang Gliding Interviews: _Mike Z by./irn (Sky Dog) Palmieri ·fhe world's laziest hang glider pilor.

34 University Students Launch A New Product

by Tracy S. Tillman, Ph.D. Designing the ulrimare aerorow launch carr.

40 Valley Of The Brave

by George Ferris An incredible hang gliding advenrure in Valle de Bravo, Mexico.

48 Serious Downwind Landing Defense © 1997 by Dennis Pagen, illwcrations by the 11uthor Making che best of a bad situation.

Columns

Departments

USHGA Reports, by Jan Johnson .......... 10

Airn1ail ...................... .................................4

Product Lines, by Dan Jolmson .............63

Update...........................,............................8 Calendar of Events.............. ..................... 14 Ratings ... ............... ................................... 28 Classified Advertising ............ ................ .. 52 Index co Advertisers ............ ............... ...... 62

COVER: \X'i11µ0\n .11 .~ loming"dc l· l1gli1 l'a,k. l'lioto (<) I')') 7 l,y i'vl.nk V.111gh11.

CFN Tl'.RSl'RFl\l>: 1-lving "I' till' ., idc ol 1li,· \kv.,do dc lol11,.1. f\ll'\ico vok.1110 looking Ol'<'I' thc ri1n hack i11to th,· ,1.11n . .\cc ,to11· on pagc ·10. l'lio1<> hr Jim Ali nowi,h. l>ISCLAl:vtER 01' \X'ARRANTIFS I N PUHI.IC1\TIONS: 111<· m.11,.,i.d p1rn·1Hnl here· i, p11lilislinl ·" p.11 t nf ,Ill i nlo1111;n io11 di,.,l'lllil Ll lion \l'l'Vilt' fo r l.lSI l(ii\ l ll l'lllht'f'\. l'lic l :s1 I(;,.\ 111a k,.:, IHI w.1 rr;11u ic.:s or 1\.-prc'l'I\Lllion, .111d ;1ss1111H·, 1\11 l1ahili11· ,011<n11 i11g 1hc 1alid11r ol .1 111· .1dv1u·. opilll<>ll 0 1 1,·u,mmc·nd.u ion nprc"nl in the· 111.11 n i.1I. All i11d ivid11.tl, 1d1i11g 11po11 th, 111.Hnial do ,o ,II tl1<·ir m\ll rnk. ( :"l')'l igl11 ,,) l')'P l lnit,·d \1.11<·., I L111g ( ,lidi11g ih, 11 .. In, . ..\II nglH, rc·"·1vnl 10 """.~ <,'/lr/111x .11,d i11d i1id11.1 l c, 1111rih111m,.

3

Gil Dodgen, Dav«,; Pounds, Art John Heiney, Leroy Gmnnis, VaLlghn Ph,·,ln,·n•c>,·,h,w, Martin, //h1strator l'agen, Mark Stucky, Geoff Mtnnford, G.W. Meadows, Jim Pahniuri, Slaff Wr//('I:, Phil Bachman, Executive Director Muller, Ratings ICl''s Advurtising D. Dean leycrfo, l<aren Simon,

Dear Editor, I am writ i11g to and plMd that you ch;mgc the name of rhe "Accident Reports" column ro somcthi11g like "Safety Porum."

The magazine is our conduit to the rest of rhc world and they do not need to think that there arc fornl accidcms happening every 1110111 h! Many times old accidents arc reevaluated, but to someone who l1as never seen the magazine before this is not apparent.

The poim of all the analysis is, after all, rn do norhing other than improve and promote safety. I am ofrcn hesitant to give of' the 10 students because they have rnld me that d1cir signific;in1 others or families arc already skeptical of the whole hang gliding thing. Calling it Accidcm Reports simply feeds those fears. A simple label change could do wonders for how the "rest of the world" perceives us.

Kudos to I ,uc11 Miller for a stellar job.

Please his work an appropriate title.

Jeff Harper Fallowfield, PA

MANG GLIDING (ISSN 0()9:i-,J:Ux) the United Slates Pikes f'eak Ave., Colorndcl" B090:l-J657 (71 'l) o_;,;-1).1,u!!.

641 PERIOOICAI. l'OS1AGE Is paid ill Colorado Springs, CO and at ;Kklilional ni;iiling offices.

P<)SlMASHR: S!'NIJ CHANGE IIANC GLIDINC, P.O. BOX I tl0901 · I 3.10.

]ULY I <)97

VOLUME

TO:

:no,

ISSUE

7

l )car Editor, This is just a There arc: two things that might make a big diffc:rrnce in chc numbers of people entering our dwin-· dling sport. The first thing is rather simple, and that is 10 change the name of Httng l 11 some foreign counrries h:mg gliding is rcfrrred to as "free flight," and magazines arc named Free FlzRhtwirh the words "free" and "flight" in the local language (of course). The terms "free" and "flight" arc two of the most appealing words in any language. While "gliding" is a respectable carries a negative connotation. I am not suggesting changing the name of rhc sport, jnsr rhc publication. l!tmg magazine is carried by very fr:w newsstands, but I suspect that c:nough non-flyers sec it that its attractive cffocr is The new, more appealing name would, of course, appear on the "New Pilot Edition" as well, which rhrough the USHGA's distribution program would be seen by the righr people. Also, some pilots

help the effort by rhcir hack issues around to various waiting rooms and libraries.

Perhaps we should "free flight" before some other aviation sport realizes thar this great name has gone unused in this country all this time. 'f'he second thing would not be nearly ;is easy to implement, but: could h:we a much greater effect on enrollrne111 numbers. '] 'he idea is to have a person who would act as a liaison between the hang gliding comm uni· ry and the news media in this co1mrry. This individual would have to possess the skills ro develop a working relationship wirh the proper people at newspapers, mag;izines ;ind rhe broadcast media around the nation.

Hang glider pilots would forward their information abom inrercsting swrics and people involving hang gliding to the liaison who would disscminarc it 10 the various media.

News organizations arc always looking for human--imcrcst stories. A few I can think of arc: a GO-ycar·old-man who flew fighters dming World War 11 learns to fly hang glid-crs; hang glider pilot flies with his dog; octo· gcnarian woman rakes a tandem hang glider flight; hang glider pilot sets new state cross-· counrry disrancc record. I think that local news organizations would jump on these and other such stories like "chickens on a June hug" if rhcy were just available to them.

or course, this person would need to be paid, and therein lies the rnb. But, the main stated purpose of the USH(;A is to promote hang gliding. ft seems that in today's mediaintensive a proactive connccrion ro the media should be a top priority in the execution of thar fonction. Perhaps a parttime position would sull!cc, at least frir now.

John Heiney Draper lJ'I'

Dear Editor, Let's hear ir for Bob Trampcnau, whose Sensor glider held four of the top 10 Morningside glide ratio contest slots, win-· ning the mosH1ccuratc first day and virtually dominating rhc entire event! No matter rhat his design got small mention in the text and only one small photo, his Sensors make great pilots gm1ter, and bonc--hcaded pilots HANC CIIDINC

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great, (/\s :1 poilll of' refr:rcnce, flying one has ca1,apulred me 10 rhe rank of" ..,um, 110 longer pirihil,") l salrnc Bill Bryden, who is as fair minded and visionary as he is arriculate, I low nice to read a message rhar isn't loaded or devious! [11 Bill WC h:1vc a leader unusual perception and unusual humility.

For horh reasons he has earned my respect and my complete supporr, · !'he combin:1rio11 oflrnrnility and pc:rccption is a strong one.

May we as a membership, as instTuctors, and as pilots, be as clear and foir. I also hope we (including heretofore transgressors: I nrcrnetcrs, Lcrtcrs-to-d1c,ccliror I M:meuvercrs) can in the rll1ure meet call for "civility" and fairness in what we publish. We arc all human, hut we can still aspire ro higher levels of inrcgrity, like Mr. Bryden clearly docs.

No, rhis isn't his dad sneaking omo Mil,c's computer, either.

or

Mike Vorhis hcrnont, CJ\

I )car Editor, I'd like to thank everyone who came ro our Dry Canyon Ply-In this year in Alamogordo, New Mexico. lt's a long way ro drive for many of you, and we really appreciate your making the trip. /\II of us in rhc Rio (;randc Soaring /\ssoci;1rion had a muy grandc rime hosting the event and meeting and visiting with you all. There was even some good flying in rhcre, and I have if on the best of authority that Bill Cox has more influence wit:h the weather gods d1an [ do, so next year it should be even better.

C'mon hack on Columbus Day, :md safe· /lights to you all in the mc;1ntimc.

Rohin Hasrings, Meer Head ! ,as Cruces, NM

also a collection thar I can make available to anyone, inside or outside the hang gliding community, conducting research on our great sport. l 11 :1dditicm to most of the early U.S, magazines and significant regional ncwslet1tcr:s, l have the r:irst several years of most foreign hang gliding magazines. To visualize what t'his represents in terms of volume, the archive is packed solid i11 32 srackahlc milk crates (the type that normally contains 12 half-gallon conrniners), Twentyfive 1970\ hang gliders and old harnesses in pristine condition arc also pan of this collection. /\!though there arc many items rh:11 I hope to acquire for rhc collccrion that arc nor public:1tio11s such as a tail and control bar for a Mariah, any Pliable Moose gliders, a pair of "Flap Chaps" or a l•lighr Realities Click /\nglc l ndicaror the early publications arc still rhe heart of the collection, 'T'o that end I am srill looking for bet· tcr copies o/' the first IO issues of Ground S!.:immer. Scvcr:il hooks have also managed to elude my grasp: True Pli,t,!,ht by! Jerman Rice,

by F.ddic Paul and The 1ltmg Gliders Bible hy Markowski.

There arc actually many more maga" zincs, hooks and early :urifocts rhat I inrend t.o eventually acquire, hut it's roo long to list here. Acquiring these items has hccn a big project, and ald1011gh it has not been llllgcly expensive it has been a financial drain and nor an asset.

I have had the opporruniry to acquire much more but it has been necessary to limit' my acquisitions given space limitations, My hope is that others will join in the dforr and hold, preserve, store and catalogue any, thing l hat may he of some historic value.

I hope to publish more information on this collection soon and I hope that one day our sporr will acrnally have its very own museum. Please comact me at (805) 965-· 37:)3 if you have any of 1he abovementioned items or if you arc interested in working on the museum project. [(en de Russy

Santa Barbara, CJ\

Dear Editor,

I have, I'm rcason:1hly sure, the most cxtrnsivc hang gliding archivc/collccdo11 in the world. I have worked over rhc years to ,1ssemblc not only my own collection bm

G

work, let me share wi1h you a little personal checklist that some of you may find hdpful.

I am a pilot with US /\irways and, despite my best efforts, [ couldn't help but have some of the rigid culrnrc of rhc airline industry trickle over into rny hang gliding.

Seriously though, for those of you who don't like checklists, keep in mind that the prolifc:ration of additional equipment, and increased complexity of some of that equip· mcnr, make it inevirnblc that, without a checklist, one will eventually launch having forgotten to adjust, rnrn on, or pre/light some safcty-rcbtcd item. For those of you who do like checklists but don't find a physical checklist practical on launch, here is a mental checklist you might find uscfi.d. I call it the eight Il's (or however many I I's you may wish ro use i11 tailoring your checklist to your specific needs). Without ft1rthcr ado, lcr me begin,

I like, Walk-,;1round or preflight inspection complete, !le/me! -- ( )n with chin strap secure.

Carahincr through primary and secondary hang loop. ,,,,_,.,,,_,_ Hang check complete.

Correct height above the basetubc assuring proper handling, rhc carabincr being in rhc correct position, and the lines untangled.

I Tamcss Through the straps, zipped and dipped.

High 'f'cch Ensure that yom gadgetry is 011 and set radios, varios, CPS' s, cell phones, fox machines, etc.)

Review your flight plan, taking into consideration all of the known vari-

! look

ables.

OPTION/\!.: Honey Give your significanr other (driver?) a prc,1mnch smooch.

This may or may not be useful ro you in rhis form or any other. But if you choose to add it to your regimen Feel free ro amend it as necessary to meet your panicuJ;ir needs. Now with your checklist complete and a clear mind 1101 distracted with thoughts like, "Did f forger anything?" you arc "cleared frir takcoffl'' Ric Niehaus Pittsburgh, P/\

I kar Ediror, In keeping with the standardization and checklist discipline thit I'm force fod at

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II Update

ACME TR3 HGMA CERTIFIED

A

cme Glider Company announces HGMA certification of its new TR3 flex wing hang glider without kingpost or other top rigging.

The TR3 features composite construction of all major frame components. In addition to its graphite front and rear leading edge sections, the glider has a beefy carbon fiber keel with removable stinger/stand. Massive, tapered, carbon fiber cross-spars are joined at the center by a sophisticated center section combining precisely machined 7075 aluminum and carbon composite components.

Despite the weight penalry inherent in replacing the kingpost and associated wires with a more complex structure, the TR3 is more than 10 pounds lighter than any other conventional or topless highperformance hang glider of similar size.

Spokesman Terry Reynolds states: "The most unique feature of the TR3 is its extraordinary lighr weight. It does not take rocket-science aerodynamic theory, or hang glider design voodoo, to understand the difference in handling that this

TELLURIDE AIRMEN'S RENDEZVOUS & WORLD AEROBATICS CHAMPIONSHIP

T

he Telluride Air Force, Pendulum Aerosports and Luigi Chiarani, Festival Director, invite you to participate in the 24th Annual Telluride Airmen's Rendezvous. The 1997 event will be held

8

weight reduction cannot help but make.

The TR3 is amazingly easy to land.

Primarily due ro its weight and perfecr twist distribution, the flare window is particularly large. The tips are still flying, providing the opportunity to make a nostep landing well past the point where a "whack" becomes inevitable on other gliders. In addition, once again due ro the light weight, inertia is reduced. (Inertia is the force behind that sickening feeling, just before a whack, when the glider has quit flying but is still moving faster than you can!)"

For more information contact: Acme Glider Company, 1075 Marco Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 (813) 526-3629 (phone/fax), TRGLIDERS@aol.com.

Dealer inquiries are welcome.

SPECIFICATIONS Area ..... ..... ... .. ........ .. ...... ....... .. . 155 sq. ft.

Span ... ...... ........ .............. ........... ... .. 35' 3" Aspect Ratio ........ .. ... ... ....... .... ... ........ ... .8 Nose angle .. .. ......... .................. 128°-132° Pilot weight range .... .. .. ..... ... 140-250 lbs.

August 18-27 and will again present the World Aerobatics Championship held high in the skies directly over the Telluride Town Park, with the spectacular San Juan Mountains providing an awesome backdrop for the most skilled aero pilots in the world who'll be ripping through the sky at speeds in excess of 80 mph. This ain't just

looping friends, we're ralking verrical dives from 12 grand, changes in direction of90 degrees at the top of a loop, and spins that will make yo ur eyes bug out.

Pendulum Aerosports has gone over the top this year, donating $7,5 00 in prize money for the event. Up to 30 pilots from all over the world are expected to attend.

The Telluride Air Force has also lined up a very special program which will focus on the relationship between footlaunch pilots and our feathered friends. A very special guest speaker, Bill Lishman, the amazing man behind the "Bird Migration Project," on which the boxoffice hit movie "Fly Away Home" was based, will be there in person to present an update on his ongoing work.

Currently, Bill is working with "sandhill cranes" and hopes to establish a migrating population of the seriously endangered whooping crane. Bill will also present "Fly Away Home" on the big screen.

Bring the kids and enjoy a wonderful week in Telluride. Check out the "Operation Migration" web site at www.father.goose.durham.net.

In addition, John Stokes, who serves as an inspiration to all flying creatures, feathered or not, will be in Telluride with his copilot "Osceola'' (the injured bald eagle he cares for). John will be speaking abo ut his concerns for the environmental challenges this beautiful predator faces.

Pioneer hang glider and microlight pilot Michael Robertson will also present a very special program on the history of hang gliding and what inspires us to fly.

Camping is plentiful in Telluride Town Park and the surrounding area. Intown accommodations are also available.

The registration fee of $95 includes the special presentations, a great T-shirt and the famous and fun awards banquet held Saturday night.

Flying vi deos will be shown all over rown, and Paul Hamilton will offer a free clinic on making yo ur own hang gliding videos. He'll cover how and how not to mount video and still cameras on yo ur glider, the ins and outs of editing, and more.

T he latest hang gliders and related equipment will be displayed by various manufacturers. Come out and get a demo H ANG GLIDI NG

Update flight, and check out the latest in instrumentation and safety equipment.

But wait, there's more! The World Hang Gliding Series "Speed Gliding Finals" will also take place. You can compete against the fastest, most efficient pilot/glider combinations in the world and have a go at a slice of the $7,5 00 in prize money generously donated by Jim Zeiset's Pendulum Aerosports. (They don't call ir the "GREEN Team" for nothing!)

In addition to hang gliding seminars by the nation's top pilots who will offer rips on optimizing your flying, many other non-hang gliding events and activities will also be available: the Mushroom Festival, the Mudd Butt Theater Troupe's live performances at the historic Sheridan Opera House, movies, fly fishing and live bands.

For information about accommodations call Telluride Visitor Services at l 800-525-3455. For more information on the Airmen's Rendezvous visit the Pendulum web sire at: www.pendulwnaero.com.

FIRST FALCON CROSSCOUNTRY CONTEST SPONSORED BY WILLS WING

W

hen: July 1 through December 31, 1997. What (gliders)? Falcons, of course - any Falcon bur only Falcons.

Where: All of the U.S. as divided into four regions in an attempt to make skill, not flying sires, the determining factor for the winners. Prizes will be awarded for all four regions in three classes.

The regions are: West Coast (west of Route 5, USHGA Regions 1, 2 and 3); West (USHGA Regions 1,2,3,4 and 5 east of Route 5); Central (USHGA Regions 6,7 and 11); East (USHGA Regions 8,9,10 and 12).

Nore: These regions and other details may be changed slightly prior to the beginning of the comest.

Why: Prizes generously donated by Wills Wing to reward pilots who fly for sheer enjoyment and go places. Who: Any Hang II pilot and up. Pick an appropriate class to enter: Pro (Hang IV); Amateur (Hang III); Recreational (Hang II). Towing? Yes, with a maximum release altitude of 2,000'.

JULY 1997

How: 1) We must have received your entry and sent you a landing form before the first flight char you submit. 2) Fly with the flight/landing form and get a landing witness for any X-C flight. There is no limit on the number of flights yo u may submit. 3) Send us notification within two weeks of the flight - who, where, when and how many miles. Submit all flights since no one knows which one will win.

There is no entry Jee, but a selfaddressed, stamped envelope is required for any correspondence requiring a response (i.e., entry forms, ere.). E-mail correspondence and entry forms are acceptable, in fact, they are preferred (rek@snet.net).

Stupid.icy or unsafe behavior automatically disqualifies yo u. Please, no nit-picking. This is for serious fun.

Please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope. You will receive a flight form that you will make a bunch of copies of, fill out, have witnessed for each flight, and which you should save in case verification of any of your flights is needed. A pilot can fly in any region(s) bur will receive only one prize if placing in more than one region/ class.

Contact: Tek Flight Products, Colebrook Stage, Winsted, CT 06098 (860) 379-1668, tek@sner.net.

LAMINAR 14 ST PRODUCT UPDATE

A

V8 and Icaro have found through their research on the RTS (the recreational version of their competition glider), an effective way to improve the landing characteristics of the ST With a simple kit, the apex of the downrubes is moved rearward.

The results are a much easier-flaring glider with all the world-class performance available from the ST There are drawbacks to the modification, however. Primarily, the pilot loses rhe "European" lay-flat setup capability. The ST must be set up conventionally on the control bar. Second, the ST lands so easily with chis modification that pilots will have no excuse for not-so-graceful landings.

For information on this modification to your existing ST, or for info on how to order an ST in the U.S. version, contact AV8 at (888) ICAR0-2000.

m

SPORT AVIATION PUBLICATIONS NEWS

S

port Aviation Publications announces the end of an era. The older book entitled Hang Gliding Flying Skills by Dennis Pagen is no longer in print. This very successful training text was used worldwide for over 20 years and was translated into many languages, bur due to some outdated material its publication has been discominued.

Hang Gliding Flying Skills was replaced by a new training text called Hang Gliding Training Manual in 1995.

This new book is much more complete and depicts the latest hang gliding training methods used in schools worldwide.

Its larger format (8-1/2" x 11 ") and many photos and illustrations make it the most complete book for beginner to intermediate pilots available on the marker. Hang Gliding Training Manual retails for $29.95 and is available through schools, dealers or directly from Sport Aviation Publications (add $3.50 for postage).

To help instructors and schools make the most of this Training Manual the publisher has compiled an Instructor's Guide to accompany it. The Instructor's Guide is free to all instructors or schools purchasing the manual, or it is available for $3 .50 to cover

Continued on page 19.

9

Ii

th

by Jan Johnson }tm Johnson (right) and t1lien clone Jill Altm jtl!lcson. s the flying season progresses more

foreign pilots will be attempting to fly sites in the United States. Por those of you who arc unaware, the USHGA's Region 13 serves foreign pilots and USHGA members who live outside of the United States (with rbe exception of Puerto Rico and rhe U.S. Virgin Islands which belong to Region IO).

If you are a foreign pilot and want to fly USHGA--insurcd sites, or if you are a U.S. pilot who wishes to fly outside the states, you should ohtain an IPP] card from the USHGA office or your national aero dub. This card is designed to streamline procedures mid offor an international rating. Poreign pilots will have to become USHGA members in order to access the liability insurance required at USHGA insured sites. Please be aware that many of the sites have specific local regulations that you must know about in order ro fly. Even if you have an IPPI card and USl-!GA membership you should check with local pilots bd<xc flying a new site. A lisr of Observers and Directors is available through rhc USHGA offkc. lf you wish to be USf TGA rated and you are a f<:ireign pilot you must demon-stratc that you have a raring from a country that has a reciprocal program wirh the U.S. These countries arc France, Germany Australia, Canada and Norway. (These arc for hang gliding ratings only.) Or, you may go through the USHGA Pilot Proficiency Program with a Certified Instructor, Observer, or Special Observer. I!Je

1()

USHGA office does not rate pilots. Please cmllact the office or the Region 13 Director well in advance of your visit so th;it you can be connected to the appropriate people. If your national aero club has a rating program ir may be eligible for equivalcncy stmus :md should be presenl· cd, in Fnglish, to the Safety and 'fraining Committee fr)r review.

The USHGA is not in rhc business of saving the world through better rating programs. Many countries have their ow11 rating programs monitored by the national aero club. It may not be necessary to have an armyof'USI fGA-rated instructors in order 10 serve the needs of' USHGA mc:m·bcrs outside the U.S. We have a mccha-nism to appoint Special Observers who can issue ratings and monitor activities.

Special Observers arc appoimed by the Regional Director.

USHCA office will not process any !CPI without the Director} approval. ICP administrators arc expected to get paperwork into the offke and/or Lo the piluts for signature cxpcdi-tiously. The office staff can best serve the membership when the administrators coopcrarc with the program.

There has never been a better time for women 10 fly. Equipment is size-appropriate and lightweight. Aero and truck towing offor accessible venues. The USHGA needs new members. At 51 ex> of the popu--

lation and an increasingly important economic foctor, women should be actively recruited into the sport.

This is the first generation of women which has had the opportunity offered by Federal Title IX programs which mandate equity in athletics. The under-30 crowd accepts girls and women in team and nontraditional sports as routine. What better way to increase the rnalc pilot membership than by increasing the fornalc membership? Sure heats the ch;1t morns on the Internet.

Joking aside, the USHCA needs to look at ways to continue to grow. 'The women of Ellenville, the original members of the Ladies lmcrnational Pilots' Society (I.IPS), invite you to join us at Ellenville on August 28 and 29 for a reunion, flying ,md brainstorming session. Paragliding and hang gliding will take place on the mountain and training hill as well as at the tow hill for aero and truck towing.

Ground school and lessons will be available for new pilots as will he tandem and towing clinics. The men's auxiliary is welcome. We plan to have representatives from the Women's Sports hmndation and mhcr women aviation groups in attendance. T'l1e Annual Southern New York I fang Glider Pilots Association hm Meet will follow on the weekend. Demo gliders will be available. Check the calendar of events for updated information or check with UPSERV!CE, the answering machine at (908) 928-2684.

There was a tremendous amount of energy focused at the last BOD meeting on effective communication and proactivcly managing the ch;illcngcs the Association faces. People arc more alike than different, ald1ough our perceptions and personal styles may be unique. Tr is important that we recognize and respect this diversity. While the structure of the Board may be diHicult to manage some-rimes, the process will work if the intent is to resolve issues rad1cr than pcrpcrnatc them. "Conspiracy" means "to breathe together." Breathing is a good thing. h's time lo take a deep breath and get back to the business of protecting our fragile sites, keeping pilots safo and sharing the air. II

Hi\NC CUDINC

current u1rec:t01rs are

terms

3 3 4 5 6 9

11 is

-

-h1s/ht::r name

--

-

Jan Ala (H) 938 N Olsen Tucson AZ 85719 (520) 327-97 41

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

REGION

USHGA BOARD DIRECTORS REGION 1 Bill Bolosky (R) 24622 SE Morrormont Dr i,,:,t1quc,11 WA 98027 936-3860

Sturtevant (R) Ave NE North WA 98045 (206) 888-3856 georges@nwlink.com Bob Hannah (H) 51st Ave S WA 98118 (206) 328-1104 paraskr@aol.com Gene Matthews (H) 15308 111th Ave NE Bothell WA 980 ! ·J 488-1443 Claudia Stockwell (L) (H) Fred 8901 River Hwy Grant's OF< 97527 (54'1) 582-1467

REGION Leonard (R) Research Wy #22 Carson City NV B9706 (702) B83-7070

Luen Miller(HG Accident Clmir) 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.attn!"t Joe Greblo (R) 16145 Victory Blvd Van CA 91406 (818) jt);j-!:Jbi:lU windsports@earthlink.com

Sandy King (H) 360 Travelodge El Cajon CA 92020 (619) 444-8956 slark@worldnet.att.net Mike Meier (H) 500 Ave Orange (714) 998-6359 mike@willswing.com Rob Kells (H) 500 Blueridge Ave Orange CA 92665 (714) 993 .. 5359 rob@willswing.com Alan Chuculate (H) PO Box 13451 La Jolla CA 92039 (619) 687-8993 Gil Dodgen (Editor) 6950 Aragon Cir Ste 6 Buena Park CA 90620 994-3050

Ken Brown (H) 791 Neeson Rd Bldg 521 Marina CA 93933 (408) 449-2508 kenb@ijlc,e.com Pitman (H) Bo)( 188 Shasta CA 96087 (Sl16) 359-2392

REGION 4 Mark Ferauimn 6595 Pl Boulder CO 80301 (303) 652-3496 Jim Zeise! (R) 13154 County Rd 140 Salida CO 81201 539.3335

Frank Gillette (R) Ht 1 Watercyn 8 DBclo ID 83323 (208) 654-2615 Watercyn@cyberh ighway. 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

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

Ron Kenney (R) PO Box 356 Leoti KS 67861 (316) 375,2995 kenney@elkhartcom

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

REGION 11 ,Jeff Hunt (R) 4811 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 CumulusMan@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·B370

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

REGION 9 Pete Lehmann (R) 5811 Elgin St Pittsburgh PA 15206 (412) 661-3474 "I04410.1150@compuserve.com

GeClffrey 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 L1Y 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 justf\y@interpath.com

President-Bill Bryden Vice President-Randy Adams :se1:re1:ary•-f<1Jss Locke Treasurer-Dan ,Johnson

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

1 p_RI~

USHGA HANG GLIDING CALENDAR Excellent pholo~Jraphy.

USHGA HG CALENDARS Mor!ci excellent photography. (Circle Yr) 1991

.SALE1/b ·1990 1989.

11b

$ 5.00 $ 1 50

"SPECIAL NEW PILOT" Magazine. Hang Gliding or Paragliding (circle one). Buy both I 7oz NEW-SKY ADVENTURES 36 hg stones by 32 hg authors. Informative & entertainin9.240 pgs 1/lJ PARAGL.IDING··THE COMPLETE GUIDE by Noel Whittall. Comprehensive, color pl1otos 21b HANG GLIDING FLYING SKILLS by D. Pagen Our most popular book. Beginner-Novice 1/b PERFORMANCE FL YING by Dennis Pagen. For U1e Intermediate-Advanced pilots 340 pgs. 31b UNDERSTANDING THE SKY by D Pagen. THE most complete book on micrometerology.

21b INSTRUCTOR'S MANUAL by D. Pagen. For hang gliding, used in ICP's. Plenty of illustrations.21/J PARAGLIDING FLIGHT.WALKING ON AIR by D. Pagen. Covers all aspects, 140 illustrations. 11b PARAGLIDING-A PILOT'S TRAINING MANUAL by M.Meier/Wills Wing. Covers all aspects. 21/J RIGHT STUFF NEW HG PILOTS by Erik Fair. Reprints of Erik's HG column. Classic. lib HIGHER THAN

by Maralys & Chris Wills. Bio. of hg legend Bob Wills.Hardcover.

21b THE GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT by B. Moorman.

2//J DOWNWIND by Larry Fleming. Share the experience of over 20 years of hg flight.

1/b 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.

21b FLIGHT LOG BOOK The Official USHGA flight log book. 40 pages. Log those flights!

2oz 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 $19.95 $ 8.95 $19.95 $19.95 $10.95 $ 9.95 $15.00 $ 2.95 $ 1.95

AT CLOUDBASE;, A hang gliding music video, set to hard driving music (20 min) .

$19.95 $19.9ti $35.95 $29.00 $34.95 $35.95 $34.95 $34.95 $33.00 $24.95

11b CLOUDBASE; A paragliding music video, set to hard hittinti music. (20 min) Jib FLY HARD Rob Whittal & C. Santacroce paraglide the westcoast. Rock soundtrack.(36 min) .. 1/b POINT OF THE MTN (Utal1) HG & PG action at one of America's favorite sites. (52 min) 1/b BORN FLY HG action. Meet Larry Tudor & Green team. fly Owens, Sandia, etc. (50 min) . Jib THE MOVIE Owc,n's Valley world competition. Hot action, rockin' soundtrack. (40 min) 11b "''""''Juu","",;;; PARAGLIDING Great intro. video. Meet !lie hot pilots, fly the 1101 sites. (36 min) 11/J HANG GLIDING EXTREME Fly spectacular sites in the US. Meet the top pilots (50 min) 11b HAWAIIAN FLYIN' HG & PG in Paradise. Amazing launches & awesome scenery1 (46 min) .. 11/J DAREDEVIL Ill-THE PARAGLIDERS ,Join Team WW in Telluride, CO. (50 min).

1/b All our videos are in USNVHS NTSC format only.

Q_TY __ Total Wel9ht TOTAL.

WINDSOKrM 1.5 oz. ripstop nylon, 5'4" long w/11" throat Pink/yellow or pink/white (circle one) 2/b $39.95 WINDSEEKER Hang glider flyintJ model. It loops & soars. Lots of fun to fly, you'll want two. 15oz $ 3.00 50 USHGA EMBLEM DECAL Our original logo, in its original colors, on 3" circular sticker. . ·/oz $ USHGA EMBLEM Our original logo, in its ori\Jinal colors, on a 3" circular patch . 1oz $ 1.50 MTN. GLIDER DECAL Full color 6" rectan9ular, 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 PIN Multi-colored, custom shaped w/epoxy dome, military clutch back 2oz $ 3.95 LICENSE PLATE FRAME I'd Rather Be Hang G/i(Jin9 or I'd Rather Be Paragliding (circle one) 11/J $ 6.50 *EFUC RAYMOND POSTER 24"x37" Eric 17,000' MSL over the Sierra Nevada Range 11/J $ 5 95 23"x31" Colorful keel-angle shot of John Heiney looping skyward 11/J $ 6.95 *Posft1rs are NOT A VAILA/3LE on International orders-Sorry.'

SPECIAL BOTH POSTERS FOR $10.00 included with your order.

PAYMENT must SUBTOTAL WEIGHT (for shipping) NON .. lJSA must be in FUNDS drawn on U.S. BANK!

CHARGE MY VISA or MASTERCARD Under 16oz ADD $1.50 1 LB ADD $4.00 ADD $5.00 ADD $5.50 ADD $6.00 ADD $6.50 7-8 L.B ADD $7.50 9-·10 LB Over 10 LB .. Call/fax/email NON-·USA SHIPP/NG·Calllfaxlemai/

Send to:

SUBTOTAL Colorado residents add 3% tax "··"·-·. .- ...- .........Shipping (see

r Calcncbr ofcvcms items W[LI. NOT be listed

ii'only tentative. Pb1sc include exact informa· tion (cvclll, dare, comacr name and phone number). Items should he iu:civcd no later than six weeks prior t:o rhc event. We request two months lc:id lime for and national meets.

UNTlL SEPT I: Yoscmi1t Nt1tio11a! P11rk g!idr:rjlying every weekend through I .abor Day. I<> pilots per cfoy. Meer at Clacicr Poim 7:00 AM for sig11·in and oricnt:11ion with Site Monitor. Must show ClllTCill brninarcd Hang JV cmL $5 douarirn1, Monitors arc volumccrs from the Yosemite Hang ( ;!iding Associ:1tion.

Call US! I( ;A oflicc ar (719) 637-8300 for rcscrvarions. ( '.ontacr: Breck Bens((> 19) 9743.

UNTIL SEPT. 30: /)inrmwr, C'o!omdo X.(.' rontcst. Winners receive $100 and a plaque for the longesr flight each rnomh. Bonus package includes rooms, meals, RV parking, gifi. ccrtificarcs and more for the first flight over 700 miles from ( :Jiff Ridge launch. Pilots must (free) ar Dinosaur·:m:a dramher of' commerce before Contact: M ikc

UNTIL OCT. 30: 7 Open, scason-1011~ X-(: competition. Monthly-rallied open X.C and om<111d-rcrurn competition. deter· mined by pilot's hcsr three flights per month.

Flights must originarc from sires within rhe Region. March through June scores clcrcrminc qualif1catio11 for curry to the Nats. Smcl $ I 0 cmry fi:c to: Peter Birren, 502 Shadywood ] .:me, Elk ( ~rove, 11. (>()()07. Info, rules and formulae will be sent. Scores published l<!r•PIN,•w,and wlH.;rcvcr else they'll go.

/)71tfi:r

UNTIL DEC. 31 : Rr:,~ion J l X.(' C'rmttst.

Sum of'hest three X·C distances. $10 entry to a l JS] I( ;A Chapter officer required prior to :rny flights that counr. l;lighr must originate in Region I I (Texas and I .ouisiana). Contact: Jeff Hunt (517) 467-2529, rrajcfl0Daol.com.

GMO.

"011c Grand X-C" contests (hani~ and para), Sugar Hill to l .akcvicw Trophy Dash, spot landing comest fr>r l>olh hang and para, aero· tow clinic, truck towing at Ahcrt Rim. Spccrarnlar new "Palisades" lau11ch open only 19 miles from I .akcvicw. Kids ping-pong ball drop for historical and wildlifr'. tours, barbecue, dance downtown, plenty of activirics for flyers and non-flyers. Pbn a week and join the fim in bc:n.1ril1tl Lake County, Oregon "Ha11g Gliding Capital of the West"! Contact: I.a kc County Chamber of Commerce (54 l) ')li7(>01i0.

VII 'iO-Mi/c rmd ( :ross-country competition

for Region VJ I pilots who have yc1 to exceed 50 miles i11 a flighr. Plight must origi1mc wirhin Region VII. Longest single flight made Oct. :l 1 wins. NO ENTRY Pl(F, prize for at kast top three Comact: .'1p,ccrnu11 5116 Pran, Skokie, II. 60077 (847)

1997 Che/cm Classic. CllCC and Chelan Flyers invite all HG and PG pilots, Hang Tll (TUR, X-C, RLF) and up. $65 entry.

All profits go ro sire fond. Comacr: Brian Scott

JULY I 6: Pt1mchu1c Oinir. Lccrure, video, care and maintcrrnncc, deployments. $50.

Conrnct: Mission Soaring (408) 762· l 055, mschg<i1)aol.com.

JULY l 9-20: Chino Valley Chrillenge, Arizona. Alten~ate wc:uher July 7,(i.27. Timed race to go:11 from Mingus Mm. and/or tow road. Prizes :md trophies. Benefits Chino Valley swimming pool fond. Entry fee $20 prior ro July 10, $30 after. Hosted by the Arizona TJang Gliding ( :cnrcr. Contact: Rob Richardson (570) 632·41 l Ii, ahgc<i~norrhlink.com, or meet head Mike King ('520) 775-0'JG9.

JU LY 19-26: /UST H. Y US N1ttio11r1k Lakeview, Oregon. 450·point meet. Great fly· ing and local hospitality. A number of sites will he used. $795 until April 30, $34 5 after.

Special <bl: Sign np for both rhis and JUST Fl.Y King Mtn. Open March 3 I fc)I' only $500 roral. Contacr: G. W. Meadows (919) ff80·3'S52, fox (919) 480-0117, jusrlly0i>interpath.com.

acrorowing, rowing, acrobatics, fire· works, food and fon. Contact: at Mmmtain Wings (9 I Ii) Gli7 33'77.

,., r·1n1". 3: 20th A11nut1l f11111g Fes1iv11l 11t MonL Saint-Pierrr, Quebec! We expect once ,1gain lots of magic flights over rhc sea, over the mmmtains, ovl:r the clouds ...

Contact: Alain Caumond (418) 797-7584,

UNl'IL DEC. l: Stmnd Amzuril New Yori, StflLe Crmir'sl. '] \vo classes, rookie and 65-milc. 1:Jy from your favorite New York sire and still compete. $10 cmry foe. C:1ll for info aml rules. ( :onrnct: l )avid Perry (607) 7%:no5 (w), (<,07) 5Ci'iT'>75 (h).

JULY 4-G: Second Anmlfl! !lir Carnival, ( '.brcmonr, N l l. ( :omacr: ( :onract: Nicola Cauchy, J>.o. Box <in, Kendall MlT, Cambridge, MA 02l'J7 (617) 491-5480, Nico( :aucl1y(ii)aol.com.

14

Pilots arc invited to join spccracular soaring in the Soutl1wcsrcrn Montana skies.

Accommodations and amenities available. I:Jy from incredible Ellis Peak, si1c of rhc most frc· quell! 100-milc flights in Montatia. The famous Silver Buckle Ply-In will be hdd July I I 13. X{: jackpot throughom the summer until Labor Day. Contact: (liOG) (ig J .3 I1/i for inforrnation and reservations.

JULY Ii: Nlmville !lirport Ellenville, NY. l-hmg paragliding, ultralights,

JULY li-6: Rrcfft't!o Mountain Flyers 8uff't!o · l 'alihina, ( )I(. 'I 'cam-oriented tasks, X-C, duration and spot landing contests, plrn a contest with prize for drivers. Buffalo Wings cookout and T-shirts. ( :ontact: I .ynda Wach1 (817) Cili9-5 I 68, lwad1r<iilaol.com.

379-8337, Angdoma11tvi\1ol.com.

BEGINNING JULY 6: Hm:rr? Pmiric Hilton

(206) 827-9024.

UNTIL SEPT. 6: l,11/ce1Jinu, OR Best o/ the Month" contest. Winners receive$ I 00 and :i plaque for the longest flight each month.

Al.SO, momhly random drawing for all rercd pilots and para) winner gcrs just for County. Contact: Lake Cou111y Chamhcr of Commerce 947

Two

Warden (970) 374 2249.

UNTIL OCT. 31:

UNTIL DEC 31: WORymr-longXC <.imtrst.

Sum of' rhc best three !IC/PC flights in rhrcc catcg<mcs: Bay Arc:1, Region ll :1nd anywhere.

For more info visit http://mcmbcrs.:10l.com/worxc and submit your {lights on-line. ( :omact: Ramy Yanc1,,, 307 Sr. fl U, lv!ounrain View, CA 94043, fox (Ii l 'i) %8-(,7, \ 7,, worxc<iilaol.com, or call Mark Mulholland (408) ')79 17'53.

fotcvolil>01\1ucl1cctcl.co111.

JULY 28-i\UC. I: Rorhy Mountrrin (,'liding ln1g11r: "'/rJ1tt!fy S;mia:d (Jut" X-C.' dinic in Colden, BC:. I .cam 10 fly X-C: and place higher in comps. Friendly competition format.

Nightly discussions on flying x.c, conditions and info on tl1c Colden, [nvcrrncrc Valley.

Prizes in mwy caregorics. Fee $70. Camping available: Colden Municipal (right in town) (750) 344-54 I::>, Whispering Spruce (250)

I IANC GUDINC

r 31i4-6680, White Tail (2.50) 34/i 5979, ( :on tact: sccprcr(tilspors.ab.ca, gsclmeidcr(rt)b]ucrangc.cmn, fox (40J) 2861763, (40'.l) 28(,.'\770 (h) (40J) 2647422 ext. l lt07 (w).

rhc 22nd. USHCA Intermediate or Advanced rating required. Contact: Dave l)unning (50 I) %7 -881:l or Mark Poustinchian (50 I) 9677057. For camp sires or cabins call (501) 229-· %55.

30-AUG. 5: Osh!wsh Vol11mccrs needed to man US! fCA booth and assist with flying demonstrations. ( :all USI !Gi\ office at 9) (,J2-8JOO to volunteer.

AUG. 28-29: UPS l.fldies and Gentlemen

AUG. l ICP hosted hy Adventure Carson City, NY wirh administrator Mark Axcn and Ray Leonard. Reserve, X-C and rhcr-· mal clinic,. Mark's lecture on mcrcorology is unsurpassed. Cost $JOO. Contact: i\dvcmurc Sports (702) 88:l-'7070, advsp1s(t1)pyramid.ncr.

Ellenville, NY. Contact: The Machine (908) 928-2.<,84.

Al.JG. 30-31: SNYHGP!I Annual Fun Meet Fest. Hang gliding and paragliding, [.abor Day weekend. Contact: Voightcr at Fly High (914) 744 331

AUG. 30-3 l: Annual convention rmd worf.:shop o/the 'Xlestem I>ivision o/the SailpLme omn1,,uurn, 11.rn?cttmon, Tehachapi, Ci\, Mo11main Valley Airport. Homebuilts, hang gliders, sailplanes. Contact: Bmce Carmichael 14) 4%-5191.

1997 'Xlestr:rn Canadian I lan7, ,,,,,,,,.,,,,,,,,.,,,,,,,.,, ( ;olden, BC: ( :anada. at premiere site. Check die picture for Mardi in rhc USH(;i\ calendar. $30 enrry foe includes Sunday night beer bash.

Individual and team scoring. Contact: Doug Keller (403) 293-4008, skywa rdv'l\:ad visi (rn .co1 n.

AUG. 'X!J[(;S Fmnce. Speed gliding, X-C C:omacr: tel. 01 l-:H-492,.()2.7-970, /:ix 011 33-li92 027-970. AUG. 18-27: 'XII /GS 'fr,fluridc, US/I. Speed gliding, Sec list· ing below.

Sun Vil!lry Wood River ID. Awesome food, mmmrain hiking and great flying. No prizes, no T-shirts, 110 entry foe. Contact: (2.08) 7B8 2376.

AUG. JO-SEPT. 1: !vmstts J,ahor Day Fly-In, I .coti, KS. l'rizcs for spot landings, X-C: tasks and more (pins the party afterwards). No entry foe! If you don't have a tow rating sign-off get one here! Watch Toro soar! C:onract: Ron Kenney (J 16) }75-2995, kenncy<c0 clkhart.corn. i\UG. :\0-SEP'T. 3: hthor Oay werlu:nd hrmg Owens Valley tour with Kari ( :as tic.

SEPT. 27-0CT 4: Owrns Vrtlley l'amgliding X-OThermril Clinics/Tourwirh Kari Castle.

OCT. I() .• 13: Owens Valley l'r1mgliding X-C!l71trmril Clinics/Tour with Kari Castle. ( :all for schedule in May: (619) 8722087, karic:1sdcv11mail. tclis.org.

i\UG. 10--1

Acrohr1tic Contest. Entry for the i\erobaric ( :hampionships, $200 for 1he Speed Cliding Contest. Meet org:111in:rs Jim /.ciset and the Ti\i: promise ro hring you the hcsr event in WI I( ;s.sanctioncd hang gliding.

Program includes i11dus1:ry trade show, shows, an awards dinner and other events. Prize money totaling $15,000 for the acros and speeders. Comact: Pendulum 9) '539-:\900, t>mail ji1m.

Acrosports grecn(trlaol.com, web page http://www.pcnd11lumacro.com.

AUC. 21 Mt. Neho Ny·ln, Dardanelle, AR. Camp sites, cabins and swim ming pool on top. Potluck cookout evening of'

)ULY 1997

SEPT. I 8.2 J: )1th Coupe lam: and International Free N~r;ht Pilm St. l lilaire du Touvet, Prance. Contact: rel. 011 J:H76-08 :\3·99, fax 01 J.'.H476-97-2.0--56.

SEPT. 20-21: Rosarito Tight Airshow and MflStn, o/!·1·eestyle Hang Gliding Gmtest, Rosariro, Mexico. Free to public. Includes skydiving, powered paragliding, barn" srorming. Acrobatic contests in unlimited and classes. i\erotow launch. I \ntry 15 pilots max. Pee includes hotel accommodations, cash purse, prizes, awards dinner, T-shirts. C:on1act: Aero Events (818) 5635316. For hotel reservations call l-800-J4J. 8582 or (619) li98-82.JO.

OCT. 3-5: Ortolm·'.1 Rest flyln, 1997 is North Carolina's welcome mat to any pilot looking for a good time. 'I 'he Sauratown Mountain l fang Gliding Club produces the fall flight frstival featuring guaranteed foot-launch airtime.

State-of.the-arr launch ramps make cliff jump··

ing a breeze. Strong north winds aren't flyable, everything else is. C:ash prizes and merchandise ""'""'""'·'' fun competition on Saturday and Sunday with practice flights all week long. June mouth-watering barbecue chicken dinner at is to die for Saturday night. I lot showers available at the new YMC:i\, cottage available on the mountain, or free camping in the I.Z. $30 entry fc.'.e includes custom T-shirt. Contact: Doug Rice(() IO) 9944377, Vic I .ewellen (910) 595-6505 OJ' 702.72.. 'SJ I Qt)compuserve.com.

OCT. l 1-13: Dry Columbus /)(ly Flyln, Alamogordo, NM. Sponsored by Rio Crande Soaring i\ssn. Contest, trophies, shirts, dinner, etc. Meer ar I Z 10:00 i\M the 11 rh.

Entry $10 in advance,$ I on site. Mail advance entries to 2216 Pecan I )r., Alamogordo, NM 88310. Contact: Robin Hasrings (505) 541-574/i or Tommy West (50'5) 437-5213.

OCT. 19-20: 'fitt '.r Mountain flang Glidin7, '.xt1'tma(1cm2;a. Clayton, Ci\. Bring the whole family to our 23rd annual event. $1,000/day prize purse wirh no cnny foe. Includes free barbecue lunch and limircd deluxe accommodations, cooking focilitics and more.

Transportation from LI. to launch without breaking down. Prize competition for duration, spor landing, most fligh rs and 1he fomous "M ystcry Pilot" awards. Jncludcs Tm's exotic animal preserve, live cultural demonstrations.

Contact: Tm's Mtn. 1-800-621 1768, (706) 782-6218 or Bruce Hawk (423) 212..199/i.

NOV. 1·3: 777(:rmrrl Uinir sponsored by i\ir Califrmria and Sky I look at I.a Salina, Baja, CA. Contact: I hvi(1 Jebb (619) (i70-5J22, aircaJ(tll11ete<>m.com.

NOV. 6 9: foll US!!G/1 meeting, Kitty Hawk, NC. /\II members arc encouraged ro attend! Please send your agenda items in writing ro the \JSHGJ\ office. Contact Karen Simon ar lJSHCA llcadqtrnncrs fr1r information and reservations: 9) 632·8300, t1shgaGrlusl1ga .org.

DEC. 14-19: )ncl Mm.mil KM Hang Gliding & Pt1raglidin7, Big Island oC Hawaii, direct·· cd by Achim Hagemann. l11termcdiate to Advanced pilors. Mauna Kea offc.'.rs incredible flying wirh launch sires m 11,000', I 2.,'500' and 13,700' MSL. Includes prize money, 4WD to launch, free T-shirt, retrieval, guidance, free oceanside camping. Discounted flights available. Contact: l'araglidc I ·lawaii, P.O. Box 7')7, Mountain View, HI %771 (808) 968 8685, hagcman11ggte.nct, hnp:/homcl.gte.ncr/hage· mann/ index.hrm.

regg B. McNamee is the owner of Gray Bird AirSports flight training center and flight park in Summerfield, Florida. He is also a U.S. Ultralight Association Basic Flight Instructor, U.S. Hang Gliding Association Advanced Tandem Instructor and a USHGA Aerotow Supervisor. Gregg has been training aerotow mg pilots for about six years, and tandem training hang glider pilots for about l Oyears.

He has spent hundreds of hours on thousands of aerorows, at each end of the towline. He is also a USHGA Honorary Direcror because of his vast aerorowing knowledge, and is currently helping co write the guidelines and procedures for safe aerorowing. Gregg has been aerorowing behind ultralights for more than 10 years. He starred aero rowing with a group of friends centered around Bob Bailey, designer of the Bailey/Moyes Dragonfly. Thousands of aerorows with many different pilots have provided Gregg with the necessary experience to help develop training and operational procedures that are assisting in making aerotowing one of the safest and most reliable ways to tow soaring ultralight aircraft aloft.

G

THEAEROTUG The revolutionary, task-specific Dragonfly aeromg designs opened the skies co safer and easier aerorowing. The low-speed handling characteristics and high climb rates of the Dragonfly made aerotowing soaring ultralight aircraft much safer for everyone involved.

The Dragonfly is equipped with a tow boom and release. This enables the mg pilot co release rhe towline in an emergency. A rearview mirror allows the tug pilot co keep a watchful eye on the soaring aircraft throughour the row. The strength of the aircraft is a muse, co safeguard against the punishment char rough fields inflict on the tug during landings and takeoffs. Large control surfaces are needed to keep the aircraft in tow from overpowering control of the tug. Huge wings and flapperons create the low-speed lift necessary to aerorow soaring ultralights at a good climb rare.

The speed range of the Dragonfly was designed to provide ideal cow speeds for slowflying soaring ultralights. The stable handling characteristics enhance the tug pilot's ability ro perform aerorows through the rough thermal air of the soaring portion of the day.

These same characteristics make the Dragonfly one of the best choices for dual ulualight insuuction. The three-axis controls of this rail-dragger also offer perfect flight H ANG GLIDING

training for rhe soaring ultralight pilor. This training enables rhe pilot to lransition to or.her rhree-axis controlled aircraft wirh confidence and ease.

IT'S FUN BEING AN AEROTOW TUG PILOT A qualified aerotow tug pilot is rhe first line of defense in providing a safe aerotowing operation. The tug pilot's judgement and flying skills make l1im a sky god co the soaring pilots he or she provides wirh tow flights. The ability to fly rhe ultralight flawlessly in a variety of conditions and to accurately evaluate conditions relative co the skill level of the soaring pilot helps co reduce rhe inherent potential hazards involved in cowing.

The first rhing you notice as an aerocow mg pilot is rhat you are rhe wind dummy 99.9% of rime. There have been rimes when or.her pilots watched me rest rhe air, only co comment about how glad they were that they djdn'r have co go up in that rowdy air.

Suitable condicions for ilighr training are usually smooth and relatively mild, bur condicions utilized for aerocowing soaring aircraft are a different story. Soaring pilots want co be cowed during the hear of rhe day when rhe best thermals are present. Thjs is the time of day when rhe average ultralight pilot has tied down !us aircraft to wait for smoother, calmer conditions.

Thermal air is rough - you climb and fall in the invisible currents of vertical air like a boat on a scorm-swollen ocean. The violent vertical air on a thermally day cosses the ultralight around like a leaf in the wind. L1 addition cows, there is a 150- to 200-fooc rowline attached co rhe tow boom, connecting you co the soaring ultralighr. The posilion of the ullralight being cowed can cause problems for the aerotow rug pilot if the soaring pilot doesn't work with you during the cow. If lhe soaring pilot is coo high relacive co the rug, the rug's airspeed increases as he pulls your rail up and points the rug's nose ar the ground. If he gets coo low, your pilot may end up in lhe prop wash and you must dive co bring him up quickly or the weak link will do irs job and end rhe cow for borh of you. If the soaring pilot doesn't ancicipare lhe vertical movements of the rug, a vertical oscillation can occur belWeen the mg and the soaring aircraft. Besides dealing with these siruarions the rug pilot must scan the air for other aircraft, sray within glide of a landable area, and watch in the mirror to safeguard the soaring pilor. (Other than all chis, the aerocow rug pilot really doesn't have anyclung co do but JULY 1997

cow the pilot up and ger back co the ground for another cow.) Due co the complexity of the task I have found that an aerocow rug pilm clinic is invaluable in promoting safe aerocowing operacions.

ULTRALIGHT PILOT SKILLS The prospeclive aerocow rug pilot needs co be a hjghly skilled pilor. He or she should have an FAA private pilot license with a singleengine raring or a minimum of 100 hours of logged powered ulrralighl flight rime, with a minimum of 10 hours logged ainime in the particular ultralight being used for aerocowmg.

A qualified aerocow rug pilot must be able to fly the aerorug with such precision that he can focus hjs attention on the soaring aircraft in tow. The ability co perform rhjs task requires experience and training. An aerorug pilot can help or hinder the soaring ulcralighr in cow, depending on the knowledge and performance level of the rug pilor.

Ir is also important rhal the prospective aerorug pilot fly in the soaring ulcraljghc while in cow. This provides the srudent rug pilot with a better understanding of what ic is like on the receiving end of the cowline. Thjs experience helps the cow pilot understand how co help the struggling or inexperienced soaring pilot have a safe and successful aerocow.

The srudent mg pilot muse initially cow highly experienced USHGA-rared pilots with aerocow special skills sign-offs in smooth air.

As he progresses inco more difficult conditions and his experience level increases, he will develop the skills needed co aerocow newly soloed soaring pilots and perform tandem insrruccional flights.

A complete understanding of aerocow vehicle operation is essential, including all normal and emergency procedures and signals between the aerocow pilot and the soaring pilor. Good judgement, excellent flying skills and experience give the qualified aerocow pilot rhe abiliry co perform aerocows safely.

AEROTOWING EQUIPMENT Tow bridles, releases, weak links, cowlines, cow rings and ground-launch vehicles are just a few of the components required co perfo rm successful aerocows. T he fasteners and operation of these items make a big difference in the safety of the cowing operation. A complete understanding of rhe interaction of these components helps pilots avoid potential hazards.

CONCLUSION You don't want co experiment with your safety for the sake of a dollar. Learn fro m the experience of others, rather than rest-piloting, co find our what experienced pilots already know.

Aerocowing is as safe as rhe people who do ir.

Learn from a qualified insrrucco r who promotes safety and the national organization that provides your rati ngs. We need co support the organizations that provide us with access co rhe skies. Withour their help we would all be ouclaws, just waiting to be shut down and driven our of the sky. O ur flying safety record is a derernuning faccor in the continuation of our flying opportunities, nor to mention cl1e fact rhar we all have more fun when we know we are safeguarding our welfare.

Gregg McNamee, owner of GrayBird AirSports, Inc. , has aerotowed hang gliders and ultralight soaring aircraft at Sun 'n' Fun in Lakeland, Florida for the past three years in an effort to promote safe aerotowing. Gregg provides professional USHGA tandem aerotow training and aerotow tug pilot clinics, as well as USUA-certified ultralight instruction. Flight equipment, aircraft assembly and service are available. ifyou want to start your own aero tow club or flight park, flight equipment and development information are available. GrayBird AirSports is in Summerfield, Florida, 1 hour 15 minutes north ofOrlando, 20 minutes south of Ocala, between I-75 and US. Hwy. 441127 He is available seven days a week by appointment. Contact: (352) 2458263, graybi1d@praxis.net, http://www.gypzi. comlgraybird •

17

Pilots seem to ·ust love the looks of our topless model f \'( 11

,Ill ,,I, I

Ull lilt}

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Utt; !

Stealth KPL 151 or 130 $4800 -.;i't~

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Contac~ you r dealer for pricing and tp get your test flight. If yo ur dealer doesn t sell Aeros gliders. then you re obviously at the wrong dea ler.

You can even ca ll us if you fee l like It.

919480-2774

fax919480-0117

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111<1 ltqllt, I

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9. materials and postage.

lfr;mg ( ;/iding Fmining Manual and its Instructor Cuide arc rhc best tools available to schools and studcms alike.

In fact, the 'li·aining Manual includes all-imporram training for llang II and I Ill pilots. l'61ing has now become a collector's item, but rhc Th1ining Manual has already assisted many pilots in their learning ,,v,,;»<·1,,,·,,-,, For more inforrnarion on rhcsc books and other Sport Aviation publications, check their web site at www.Lizerlink.com/ .. pagenbks. You may an order hy sending payment to: Sport Aviation Publications, [~0.

Box IO I, Mingoville, l)A l (,85(,.

uc to the diversification of hang gliders (namely, those ones with aluminum and wires on wp and those without) there will be an addition· al class al the Lakeview Nationals this year. J•:ach day the highest-placing pilot in the "pigstickcr" (gliders with king· posts) class will be A prize for the highest-placing pigstickcr pilot will be at the awards ceremony.

Publication or placings at hang gliding meets produced by GWM will list pilots in kingpost and 110-kingposr cat· Pilots should feel tbat they will be recognized /'or placing well among competitors flying gliders wi1h similar performance. No pilot should fr,el less welcome because he is flying a pigsrick· er.

fT,,,,a,,,1,• seminar will be a reserve parachwe seminar prcscnrcd by Betty Pfeiffer of High Sports. The dares arc August I The freestyle scmin,ir will consist of classroom theory and video sessions each The flying/critiquing sessions ]UIY

1997

will rake place in the mornings and late evenings when the air is smooth.

Beny will t:1lk about the latest advance· mcnrs in reserve chute design, show tcst-ing ;md actual emergency deployment videos and inspect and repack your reserve. John will talk and show videos ahoul rhc and development of the Alrair Prcd:1tor, aud will have Predators ro demo.

John will instruc1 each pilot individu· ally according 10 his or her level of experience. The lcicus will be on a gradual pro· grcssicm imo hang gliding freestyle (previously called acrobatics) with the main emphasis on salcty and the development of good habits in rhc limdamemals. A Hang Ill raring, an acrorow sign-ofTand a rcsponsihlc attitude arc required to partic· seminar. iparc in the Arrange to come early if you need an acrotow sign-·off hir more info conu1ct Quest Air ar: 429-02 l 3, q ucsra ir<i:llsu nd ia l.net, www.qucstairforcc.co1n.

mong items oflcrcd for sale at a silent -·'""'"""' at Ingram Micro, Inc. in Santa Ana, CA was a ccnilicatc for a hang gliding tandem /light donated by High Adventure, a San Bcrnardi110-·bascd flight school.

The auction was pan of" Expanding Cf !OC:/J•:nhancing I "a /i.111<.l-raising event sponsored hy the Orange C:ounty Cliaptcr of the Society for "lt'.chnical Communication (OCSTC) to benefit Children's Hospital of Orange County (Cl IOC).

Rob [ l igh Adventure own· er, is the most experienced tandem hang gliding pilot in the world, h;iving logged more than 6,000 tandem flighrs with an unblemished safety record. Says Frik Fair, hang glider pilor and former hang gliding instrnctor, "Whenever any of my relatives come to visit from the Fast Coast and express an interest in going hang gliding, I always arrange for Roh to rake them rather than taking them myself. h's just this simple: he's the best rherc is." ( :omacr: High Adventure (909) 883· 8li88.

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corgc Reeves (formerly of Paci/Jc Airwavc) will be this season's U.S. Aeros '] hivcling Road Show Director.

Wi rh a t ruckloacl of Acros ( ;corge will he cnss-,crc,ss111g hosring demo clays with demo days have already been arranged.

I.ook for U.S. Acros to come to an area near you.

Dc:dcrs already scheduling Acros demo days in California arc: \',(/indsporis in Los Angeles, High Adventure i11 San Bernardino, Wvsrcrn Hang Clidcrs in Marina, Torrey Pines Clidcrport in San Diego and Adventure Sports in Carson City. Ceorgc will also be at rhe Lakeview Fourth of'July Fly--111. lei arrange a demo day near you con tact U.S. Acros at (919) fox (919) li80-011 /. Check our their wcli site at www.justfly.com.

porting tlic little Stealth KPL, Claire Pagcn will be zipping around the competition skies for U.S. Aeros during the 1997 competition season. Citing its excellent handling and outstanding per· formancc, Claire says she is very excited :1bour flying the smallest topless glider on the market. U.S. Aeros presidcn l C.W. Meadows says he couldn't he hap· pier, "Claire is a very straightforward and consistent pilot and we're tickled ro have her flying i<)r us. Om little Stealth has gotten rave reviews from everyone who's flown it, and we're happy to have addressed this segment of'rhc market first."

clmct manufacrmcr Nocai and Ball Variomcrcrs will sponsor rhc 1997 U.S. Paragliding Team competing in the Paragliding World Championship at Castejon de Sos, Spain rhis July.

Noc:1i is providing each compc1irnr with a custom-·fi tted version of thci r high-quality helmets. Ball Varios is offer· ing each competitor one their rcccnrly upgraded Craphics Comp flight com·

or

19

puters. Other team sponsors illcl11de Acrolitc/Apco, Air America Paragliding, Pro-Design, Edel USA and rhe Northwest Paragliding Club.

For additional inf<)rmation conrau U.S. Team Captain Paul Klcmoncl at (206) pau](rll]rn rious.org.

A

s many of you who have flown the . friendly skies of" Lakeview, Oregon since 1990 know, the community has welcorncd us with open arms and some grcar flying, aml this year they have raised the awards fund to an unprccC·· dented pot of' $3,200 for the 1997 Eighth Annual Festival of FoorLaunched Flight! This doubling of the prize money is to provide equal access 10 prizes for US! !GA paraglidcr pilots.

The enrry fee remains a minimal fc>r hang gliding or paragliding, or $10 if you want ro enter both sets of contests.

This is a trial nm for you bag--wing drivers. Lakeview is not a wealthy com· munity. If the paragliding attendance is not as good as the hang gliding attcn-· dance has been in past years they won't want to do it again. Please consider adding "The Hang Gliding Capital of the West" Festival of hiot-Lau nch Flight Fly-In to your summer plans.

The Fourth of July part fits in nicely between the King Mountain Open and the Chelan Classic. Don't forget that the Nats arc coming hack to Lakeview this year, July 19-26.

They will once again nm the June through September X-C Contests. ·rhis

includes a random drawing prize of $50 (hang gliding and paragliding) each month, and $ I 00 for the pilot with the longest single flight (hang gliding and paragliding) each month. There are also plans for two $500 awards for the Most Accl!mulative X-C: Miles flown frorn Black Cap from June I ro September 30, one for hang gliding and another for paragliding.

Contact: Dave Baleria, dbaleria@aol .corn, fax/phone (54 I) 772 3 [09 (c.mail is prcforred), or h ttp://www.triax.com/lakecounty/lakc-· co.httn.

compete in the World Air Carnes in 'lbrkcy rhis September. Team members will be responsible for paying all their own fees and expenses which could be as much as $5,000 per member. If you would like to help support the team please send your contributions to: US! lG Foundation (memo: WACF), c/o USHGA, P.O. Box 13.30, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330.

SHCA is soliciting award nominations in the following categories.

Keep in mind that there is no limit to the nurnbcr of Commendations and Special Commendations given each year. Send your written nominations to the USHGA office (P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330, ushga(t1)ushga.org) or to your Regional Director before the fall 1997 Board

www. ustlga. org www.ustlga.org www. usriga. org www. ustiga .oro

meeting.

Presidential Citation This is the USHGA's highest award, and may be awarded to members and non-members who have made a signi/kant contrihu1ion to the sport. The comribu tions need not have been made during the previous year.

Chapter o/the Vr,ar This award provides an opportunity for the Association to recognize the US 1-1 GA Chapter club that has conducted sue· cessfol programs which reflect positively upon the Chapter and the sport.

Activities include, bur arc not limited to: site prncurem.clll, development and retention, safety, membership develop· mcm, and beginner and novice pro· grams.

Newsletter of'thr: Year 'I'his award recognizes an ourstanding club publication that has been supportive of rhe sport and the sponsoring Chapter's activities. The award is based on service to memhers, layout, article variety, safety promotion, and promoting the sport. i>fiecial Commendations Special Commendations arc awarded to nonmembers and organizations who have done cxcepdonal volunteer work that has significantly en ha need and promoted the spon in the United States. The Special Commendation is a way for our organization to recognize landowners, drivers, resraurant owners, government offtcials and other good ole boys and gals who have contributed in a non· member capacity during the year.

Commendations Commendations arc awards to USJ-JGA members who have contributed to hang gliding on a volunteer basis in any number of areas, including site development and retell· tion, compcti1ion organization, public relations, heroic rescue efforts, and/or basically getting off their duffs and doing something for someone else's enjoyment of flying and the promotion of the sport.

N/JA Safety Awrmi &' USHGA Exceptional Serviff Awttrd-- 'fhc NA/\

6JO'D6LjSrl'MMM

20

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Safety Award is given to an individual who has contributed to prornotion. The USlIGA Exceptional Service Award is diffrrem from tbe Presidential Citation in thar this award recognizes outstanding service to rhc Association. Ill

I 1/\NG GUDINC

I

SEX

****************************************************************************************************************

(Family Member(.~) must sign separate release from Full Miimber) ....

Please cheek one: Pa1ra11:lidil12 Both Divisions Full Member)

a

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11;::uw:H,lH'"'l!c - HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE: ($24.00-U.S., Canada, & Mexico only) ....

AIR MAIL SERVICE - HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE: ($30.00-Westem llcmisphcrc, $40.00·Europe, $50.00-All 01hers) lST MAIL SERVICE·· PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE: ($12.00-U.S., Canada, & Mexico only) .......... .

AIR MAIL - PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE,: ($15.00·Westcm Hemisphere, $20.00-Europc, $25.00-All Others).

NAA MEMBERSHIP: {$10.00 annual dues). . . . . ......... .................... . ............... .

FAI SPORTING LICENCE:

($18.oo annual foe)

Date ofllirth:_.-

I -··- !____

Citizenship: ______ ····-··--·---····- ..

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

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

TOTAL

(03/97)

In consideration of being granted membership in the USHGA, I,--------------,---------------· representatives, executors, next of kin, spouse and assigns, do agree as follows: The following definiti0ns apply to terms in this Agreement: means launching (and/or assisting another in launching), flying (whether as pilot in command or otherwise) and/or landing (including, but not limited to, crashing) a hang glider or paraglider. 'i:'n'" 01r"' l}'>/}Ufl!E.S' means 2. nirnniPirtv ct.am:aie and/or n11>r~nn1::1.1 or sustained by me as a result of my PAJ"IT~CIP.~TJ'ON as a result of the administration of any USHGA programs (for example: the Pilot Proficiency System).

3. 1na;;;11.a;;;,p1.;,,:;u P.IIRirlES" means the following, including their owners, officers, directors, agents, spouses, employees, officials (elected or otherwise), mcmuc1 l, contractors, sub-contractors, lessors and a) The United States Hang Gliding Association, a California Non-profit Corporation (USHGA); b) 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 Of America and each of the dty(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; All persons involved, in any manner, in the sports of hang gliding and/or paragliding at the sitc(s) where I PAJ'ITJCIJ~1,'f: D 11 11 .~.- ..,,.•• - AII persons i11volved include, but are not limited to, spectators, hang glider and/or paraglider pilots, assistants, drivers, instructors, observers, and owners of hang gliding and/or paragliding equipment; and All other persons lawfully present at the site(s) during my rnil',nT g) n11,.;1~m;.;1"1,.,D;;. Wti,nva:: the any and all claims and liability for 1111;;,1.IIJ'a,1111;;v P,4R11ES. to the fullest extent allowed by law. however against any of loss or damage 011 account of INJ'URAPES. If I violate this by filing such a suit or making such a claim, I will pay all attorneys' fees and costs of the n,:;,r..,:;"""''"',:;;v P.flR11ES. ACl{N()WILECIGE that the non-participant third party liability insurance obtained by USHGA does provide coverage for TEIIMIINATIO!N I can terminate this Agreement by either sending written notice of termination to the USHGA National Office postage prepaid return requested, in which me the termination will no( be effective until one year after I cease being a member of the USHGA or 30 days 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, Assumption of Risk Agreement. However, even if I terminate this Agreement, all of the terms of this Agreement will continue to apply to I suffer in whole or in part before the termination of this Agreement.

E. I shall be and rnn,~tir11mirt for myself,

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 to bring it within the requirements of the law, and the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

I have

!'3rticipant's fignat11fl!

Oate MR-3/97

USH GA ANNUAL AWARDS And the winner is ...

by Jan Johnson NAA president Bill Cooke (left) and Dennis Pagan.

CJ Stutevant thanking all the littl.e people.

Bob Beck's daughter Jeannette Lowmaster:

OTHER AWARDS Commendations for members' volunteer service went to: Lionel Space, John Lane III, Dan Buchanan, Pamela Kleweno and C.J. Sturtevant. Awards for competition points went co: Dave Bridges, Nelson Howe and Kari Castle. The FAI Diploma was granted co D ennis Pagen.

USHGA President Bill Bryden (left) and Tim Herr.

A

s is the custom at the spring Board of Directors meetings, time was set aside for the presentation of the USHGA Annual Awards, recognizing achievements, support and service to the organization. Apart from honoring hang gliding and paragliding pilots, the ceremony provides an opportunity to thank nonUSHGA members for their assistance in allowing us the privilege of flight.

The Special Commendation will be

)ULY 1997

thank her for the years of support chat she has given to pilots.

W ith the merging of paragliding and hang gliding the choices for Newsletter of the Year and Chapter of the Year have been expanded. The committee looks at a variety of factors when selecting che winners of these awards, including service to members, encouragement of new pilots, community involvement, focus on safety, variety of articles, etc. The 1996 winners were The Northern California Foot Launched Pilots Association for Chapter of the Year, and Cascade Lines Qim Donaldson, editor for the Cascade Paragliding Club) for Newsletter of the Year.

Challenging myriad lawyer jokes, the Exceptional Service Award was presented to Tim Herr for his outstanding volunteer service to the organization - this, in an era of litigious attacks. Tim educates us about the legal process and guides us with conscience and wisdom. Thank you.

The Presidential Citation, the USHGA's highest honor, was awarded to Robert Beck in recognition of his tireless efforts chat resulted in saving the Hyner View flying site. His work can be a template for managing administrative bureaucracies and in effectively promoting the sport.

increasingly important in ensuring access to flying sites in the furure . USHGA members are encouraged to meet the challenge of identifying individuals and organizations in their communities for recognition.

There should be at lea.st one honoree from each Region. This year's Special Commendation was presented to Emma Jane Carbaugh, owner of the landing zone for the H igh Rock flying site. Emma Jane is part of the heritage of chis site and we

Congratulations to all recipients. The Awards Committee will convene at the fall BOD meeting to review nominations for the 1997 awards. All nominations are given serious consideration. Details regarding the specific requirements appear in chis issue's Update column and are always available through the USHGA office or your Regional Director. •

23

Hang Gliding Interviews JP: Mike, having just met you in person you have portrayed a pronounced image to me. For sure, you stood out from the many pilots assembled at Wallaby Ranch this New Year's holiday - long flowing hair, cigar in hand, and a new topless TR3 hang • • • glider. The TR3, with its black sail, is sleek and very stealth-looking. As the sailmaker for Acme, and as designer along with Teny Reynolds, I am hoping you can share your ideas and thoughts with us.

Would you please introduce yourself to the hang gliding community?

Mike: I'm Michael Zidziunas (pronounced Zidjune-as) bur everyone calls Mike Z with his long hair me Mike Z. I am a Hang IV-rared pilor and Cuban cigar, contem- and Tandem Inmucwr for Mian1i Hang Gliding. I build cuswm afrerplating modifications marker hang glider sails, helped design recently made to a protorhe new TR3 wirh Terry Reynolds, and type wingfor the TR3. invenred the "Z-Cur" undersurface used in this new glider. l'm 37 years old. I was born in Newport News, Virginia where my dad worked for Newport News Shipbuilding, specializing in nuclear sysrems. When I was eighr, dad built our first sailboat, a 19-foot lighcning.

We moved w Kansas Ciry during my junior year in high school, and that's where l got my student pilot's license while still in high school. I graduated in 1977, joined the Air Force as a parachute rigger, and learned how w sew. After the Air Force I taughr sailing for a while, and then got into racing and sailmaking. As a sailmaker I worked on America's C up projects and was exposed w some high-tech materials. My fascination with rhe ever-advancing technology of sailcloth led me w design two sai lmaking programs using cuning-edge products. In 1991 I started my own company, building high-tech sails in Miami.

MIKE ZIDZIUNAS

(MIKEZ) THE WORLD'S LAZIEST HANG GLIDER PILOT

by Jim (Sky Dog) Palmieri

JP: When and where were you first exposed to hang gliding?

MZ: My interest in flying started when I was yow1g. We used to rake our swnmer vacations in Nags Head, Nonh Carolina, and thar's where I saw my first hang glider. I really wanred w learn how w fly, bur my dad was dead-sec against ir. While in technical training at Chanute Air Force Base I bought my first hang glider, a used 18-foot Eipper Flexi-Flier, on the condition that the guy had w show me how to work ir.

"Flight training" consisted of about 30 Mike Z working at his sail minutes of running off a small hill in sewing bench.

Illinois, and then I was on my own.

Over the course of the nexr two years I flew that glider off absolutely everything that looked as if you could jwnp off and fly. I even wok the glider with me when I was stationed in Japan. Ultimately I balled-up the glider and

24

H ANG GLIDING

goc our of gliding. In over 100 flighcs on char glider my weal airrime was about 30 minuces . Looking back, it's a miracle I wasn'c killed.

In 1992, while livin g in Miami, I looked up ac che sky and choughc, "There muse be a way w fly in Florida. " I checked che Yellow Pages and saw a liscing for Miami H ang Gliding. Miami Hang Guding scares reaching scudencs w fly by platform launching from a boar wich a payouc winch. Hang II insuucrion is by placform launching from a pickup truck.

My firsc fl ighc on che boar was a candem cow w 2,000 feec. I was hooked again . Wich Miami Hang Gliding owner James Tindle and Frank Foci as Mike Z installing battens my inmucwrs I soloed in nine flights. in a newly modified sail.

I flew as much as I could, read books, and devoured each issue of Hang Gliding magazine che day ic arrived.

JP: W'ho were your mentors?

MZ: My firsc "Sky God" was Dennis Pagen, because he knew so much abo uc hang gliding. I have read every book Pagen wroce about hang gliding. Bue my all-rime "god" is G.W Meadows because of his straightforward way of explaining chings. As an inscrucrnr, I refer w GeeDub's materials often.

Last February I wrote and administered a Hang III seminar for Miami Hang Gliding. I used some material from GeeDub's arricles in Hang Gliding magazine. D ennis Pagen's new book, Hang Gliding Training Manual, was required reading for all clinic participancs.

JP: W'hat were your most memorable flights?

MZ: My most memorable flight was on che day before che 1996 Narionals in Dinosaur when I gained 10,000 feet of altitude in less chan 10 minuces . We don't get chat kind of flying on che East Coast. In fact, che whole Dinosaur at's was a great experience char I like to describe as, "The world's laziest hang glider pilot goes w Dinosaur. " I'd like w chank Chris and Teny Reynolds, G .W Meadows, Jim Tindle, and Wallaby Ranch owner Malcolm Jones for cheir help and encouragement, and for making my trip w Dinosaur ~ r:;"~~... possible. T his was my first national competition; I do not consider myself w be a compecition-caliber pilot yet, but it was a wonderful experience. I encourage every pilot wich decent foo t-launch and landing skills w go w che Natio nals.

P: W'here is your favorite flying site?

25

A

THE SENSOR 610F W/Interconnecte d Flaps & VG

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

success since its public debut in April 1995, the new SuperFloater offers: + Excellent 15: l perfonnance in sit-down soaring comfort (and no harness to buy!) + S uperb joystick handling + Very simple aero or winch launching (foot la unch is possible) ... . . . all for an amazing ly low price. > Fully built and test flown , the SuperFloater is shipping 110w. Fly under Part 103 and thennal in close with you r hang gliding friend s.

Ultralight Soaring Aircraft

------t,WJ ~ t• J(1 tJ-

Climb Fas t, Glide Far Loosening the VG lowers the flaps , increasing camber into a high lift, slow speed, thermaling airfoil. Dominating every core, you 'll find yourself climbing faster than you ever thought possible. Tightening the VG raises the flaps and reduces the airfoil camber transforming your wing into a blade for maximum speed-range and glide ratio.

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

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

F

or trul y independent soari ng, the C umulu s ultrali g ht motorglider is a hi ghl y refined choice: + Soar beyond 20: l , sink as slow as hang g liders + Handle with ease and a uthority + Zoom beyond 80 mph , or c hug along at 60 for better than 200 miles on less than 5 ga llo ns of fuel.

Even better ... sh ut he r down and soar for miles. Then , tap the e lectri c starte r and motor home easily . > The Cumulus is a three-year, top-tobottom design offering superb soaring compatible with hang g liders.

-THE SENSOR 610F WITH FLAPSWHAT YOU ALWAYS WANTED FLYING TO BE .. .

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

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\Vallahy Ranch is my version of heaven on earth. Where else can you get IO hours of flying in three flights on a weekend and not have 10 break down your glider? idea of a perfect flying day is lljl four hours, working upwind and cl rifting back, racing 01 her pilots to cloudbase, landing by the pool, cracking ;1 hcer and about how great we flew. Malcolm's place makes it just 100 easy; 1hat's how I hccamc "il1c world's laziest hang glider pilor." You never even have rn carry your at the Ranch. own

a quiet, if not mellow pilot, but don't be fooled has traveled the world many times over, both as a Peace volunteer and as a combat pilot. Terry presently in Florida with wife Chris and his two sons. in 1979.

1980 he was already an Reynolds starred flying Adva.nced (IIang IV) pilot. is a strong believer in F!CM/\ cc1·t1r1.ca1:1or1.

H.e the Monarc II (the first glider to by the dc1ag11ecl and the 'I'RX. IIis proudest n1oment acbievernent was mak, the U>S. World 'Team frir the J991 World Meet in Brazil. is quite passionate about hang gliding. Bd<m: Glider was president of UP International. The Acme philosophy is t:o put all time resources into developing the possible glider. that the is just that glider photograph). Prornotion and ,:,rim• 1·•·1c·,1nc, Kt:'VllCllds may appear to

interested

sailboat sail (1c,ilf!ller. foiling back in love with hang gliding J tinkered wirli sail design for gliders. In 1993 I flew my /Jrsr custom sail WW-I ace, Red Baron on my Vision Mark lV. In 199/i I bought a TRX 160 with irs carbon fiber it w;1s the rnost advanced glider on the market. /\f'tcr my fast flight 011 the I decided Reynolds was a The TRX has great climb, sink rate and landing characrcrisrics, but it docs 1101 go fost. /\ftcr extensive with tufts located at every single pf:tec on the sail, I came up with the concept of the "/.--C:ur" undersurfacc, bm I didn't want to cut up my beloved TRX ro rest the theory. It rc111aincd just an idea.

1ciu·""''',1

MZ: Ahout ;1 year ;1go a former employee of mine, Bronnie McKiever, c1lled me to say she was working with· lcrry Reynolds.

However, she couldn't tell me ;1bou1 rhe ''top secret" project. Soon tl1e project hecame bogged down due to difficulties with the sail design. discussed options wi1 Ii Malcolm Jones, who rccommc11dcd that 'lcrry contact me to sec if I could help. Next, I got a call from the Reynolds hirnsclfl 'J had developed a fahric called which was a composite of high tech matcri;1Js chosen for the hest properties of each, and cornbincd inro :i lightwcigln scrim fabric, laminated between two il1in of my1ar. This ]UIY 1997

l)U<if~ets arc rninimal: l·fo wears a tl1ree"dollar 'f,shirt with the Acme (hardware

logo hand."stencilcd on the front. was similar to materials I had worked with in high tech sailboat sails, so l folt I could indeed help him with his TR3 pro! a sail rhar weighs seven pounds less than the same sail made from convcnlional materials, and is nearly three rimes as strong. 'lcrry and J got along very well and bounced ideas off each other for the of rllC' topless glider. During one of many discussions J broached the "/.-Cut" ;-nnn•nt· with 'fo say the least, 'lcrry was bur suggested the way ro test ir would be to modify only one wing of my TRX. If there was any difference it would he noted, and would not require hours Encouraged, l rnodified the lcfr side and prepared to test it. It exhibit no change, or, if the change was dramatic enough, I migh1 not he able w control rl1c glider. Perhaps I should include this test flighr as one of

or

my mosr memorable.

The tcsL took place on a calm morning and I platform-laund1cd from my pickup Lrnck. AfLcr giving last-minute instruct ions to my crew about whar to do if

things did 1101 go I launched. The airspeed indicator read 26-2.8 mph 011 dimhout. The glider exhibited a slight tendency ro yaw ro the right, hm iL was 1101 unmanageable. I topped our at 1,800 foct and released. I wanted to sec what would happen when I slowed down ro a stall. /\s I approached a s1all the right (tmmodiflcd) stalled, a11d the glider rolled I recovered and aLtcmptcd a more stall. Once again, the righr wing stalled a11d rhe glider rolled right. I then tried a high -speed test, grad· ually srnlling the bar. With the liar pulled hack as far as I could, I had to shift my body to I he left aho111 one foot in the control frame 10 maintain straigh1 flight.

The gl idcr stabilized wirh the lcfi yawed about l O in from of the the right Subsequcll\ rcsls I was I he left was both foster (less aero, dy11amic i11 high-speed flighr, ;rnd slower (flow rcm:1ins auached so ir doesn'1 stall) in low-speed flight.

CJ IRIS FrLER

Region 3 AMOUR, WILLIAM: Redondo Reach, CA; A. Bccm/Windsports Tnt'l COTTER, DAVID: Pasadena, CA; A. Bccm/Windspons lnt'l GARDNER, JAMES: S:mta Barbara, CA; T. Bmcar/Fly Away He; HOEHN, JOHN: I .ong Beach, CA; R. McKenzie/] ligh Advcmmc LEISURE, KEVIN: Aliso Viejo, Ci\; P. Phillips/Lake Elsinore Sports TOFANI, GLENN: Mission Viejo, CA; I(. llarrison/Advcmmes lJnlimircd

MIKE l'ArGE Region 7 PETNJUNAS, ALEXANDER: Dearborn, Mr: T. Burcar/Fly

MlKEPATGE

HG

Region 8 BARBER, EDWARD: Boston, MA; D. Clover/Wallaby Ranch STAPLES, CHARLES: Lincoln, MA; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch STAPLES, RICH: Wilmington, MA; D. Clover/Wallaby Ranch WRYNN, VINCENT: North I laven, CT; c;. Black/Mounrain Wings

8 BARBER, EDWARD: lfoston, MA; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch STAPLES, CIIARLES: Lincoln, MA; D. Clover/Wallaby Ranch STAPLES, RlCli: Wilmington, MA; D. Clover/Wallah~ Ranch

9 FEDErn, KATHIE: Baltimore, MD; A. Trncringtrnnll<inv Hawk Kites HUDSON, BRECK: Owncsboro, KY; T. 1-Iagcr/l .ookom Mm 1:p WAGNER, MARK: Baltimore, MD; A. Torrington/Kitty Hawk Kites

Region 9 ZUCKER, LISA: Mansfield, OH; M. Manzo

BEEM, ROXANNE: Tampa, FL; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch CHASTEEN, BRENT: Knoxville, TN; G. McNamcc/(;raybird Airsports COLEMAN, JAY: Palm Harbor, Fr.; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch DAVIES, BILLY: W Palm Beach, FL; D. (;Jover/Wallaby Ranch GUM, DAVlD: Lakeland, FL; D. Glover/Walbby Ranch HARPER, DIANE: W Hollywood, Fr.; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch HEARD, KRISSJ: Tampa, FL; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch OLSON, RAYMOND: Kissimmee, FL; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch TRAJORRAS, SCOTT: Tampa, FL; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch

Rcgioo 10 BEEM, ROXANNE: Tampa, FL; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch BENNETT, KARL: Wellington, FL; J. Tindle/Miami HC BROWN, MITCHELi.: Johnson City, TN: B. Burril/lJl1raligl11 Fquip COJ .EMAN, JAY: Palm Harhor, FL; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch DA VIES, BILLY: W Palm Beach, Fl.; I). Glover/W,dlaby Ranch GlJM, DAVID: I .akcland, Pl.; D. (;\over/W,11\ahy Ranch HARPER, DIANE: W Hollywood, FL; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch HEARD, KRTSSl: Tampa, FL; M. Joncs/Walbby Ranch OLSON, RAYMOND: Kissimmee, Fl.; M. Jones/Wallaby Randi TABB, Kl P: Head, NC; A. Torrington/Kitty Hawk Kites TRAJORRAS, SCOTT: Tampa, FL; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch WIDENER, CHRIS: Kill Devil !Ills, NC:; A. Torrington/Kitty Hawk Kites

Region 12 VARTAN, KIRK: New York, NY; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch

Region 11 FREEMAN, DAVID: Austin, TX; S. Burns/Austin Air Sports

Region l 0

Region 13 BUTTENHlJ !S, ANGEi JQUE:. !'he Netherlands; D. Clover/Wallaby Ranch HISCOCK, ALI.AN: Germany; I). Clover/Wallaby R:mch I.ILLY, STEVE: Gennany; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch ROBERTSON, AL: United Kingdom; D. R:mch

Region 1 CUMMINGS, R TAGGART: Seattle, WA; 'I'.

1nst Co·op 1-IIU ., STEVE: Buckley, WA; T. Burcar/Fly SCllNfTZLER, WERNER: Seattle, WA; J. Johns/Northwest Inst CcHrp STOLZ, MILO: Miltonfrcew:1rcr, OR; 0. l laugcn/Wizard I IC

12

VARTAN, KIRK: New York, NY; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch Region 1:3 BlJITENHUTS, ']he Netherlands; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch COLI.ADO, DAVID: France; P. Williams/W:1sarch EVANS, DANIEL: England; D. Clover/Wallaby Ranch GUNN, DEAN: United Kingdom; D. Clover/Wallaby Ranch HISCOCK, Al JAN: Germany; I). Glover/Wallaby Ranch LILLY, STEVE: c;crmany; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch POTTS, NORMAN: United Kingdom; D. Clover/Wallaby Ranch ROBERTSON, AL: United Kingdom; D. Clover/Wallaby Ranch

Region 2

GARCIA, KAREN: Modesto, CA; D. Pratl1cr/Drcam Weaver I re; HARLOW, PAM: San Jose, C:A; A. Mcle:rn/Missio11 Soaring NEOS, PERRY: Milpitas, CA; A. Kenny SALTER, JEFF: Santa C:ruz, CA; l'. Codwin/Wcstcrn I IC; WEST, TOM: Sama C:rnz, CA; P. c;odwin/Wcsrcrn fl(;

2a

Region 2 JOHNSON, MICI IAEL: Sacramento, CA; { ;. l familmn/Sacramrnto I IC

Hi\NC Gill)INC

3 GARDNER, JAMES: Santa Barbara, CA; T. Bu rear/Fly l IC HOEHN, JOHN: I .ong Beach, C:A; R. McKcmie/lligh Adventure RIVERA, USA: l.os CA; P. (;odwin/Wcstcrn I !G RIVERA, RAY: Los CA; P. (;oclwin/Wcstcrn HC ST'EVENS, JOHN: Rancho Park, C:A; A. llcem/Windspons Jnr'l TOFANI, GLENN: Mission Viejo, CA; I<. Harrison/Advcntmes Unlimited 8

BARBER, EDWARD: Boston, MA; D. (;Jover/Wallaby Ranch STAPLES, CHARI.ES: Lincoln, MA; D. (;Jover/Wallaby Ranch STAPLES, RICH: Wilming1on, MA; D. Clovcr/Wa!Lihy Randi

Region 12 ASANO, JlJNJI: New York, NY; G. Black/Mountain SLAYBAUGH, CHRIS: New York, NY; G. illack/Moumain TINDELL, LOWELi.: As1oria, NY; P. Voighr/Fly I ligh !l(; Region 13

EVANS, DANIEL: England; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch GUNN, DEAN: United Kingdom; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch HISCOCK, ALLAN: Germany; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch LILLY, STFVE: Germany; D. Clover/Wallaby Ranch POTTS, NORMAN: United l<ingdom; D. Clover/Wallaby Ranch ROBERTSON, AL: Unircd Kingdom; D. c;Jovcr/Wallahy Ranch

9 HUDSON, BRECK: Owncshoro, KY; T. Ifager/T.ookout Mtn Fl' KESSLER, DAVID: Sunbury, OJ I; M. Manzo Region 2

FLOYD, WIIUAM: Las

10

BROWN, MITCHELL: Johnson TN; B. Bmril/Uhralight DAVIES, BIi.LY: W Palm Beach, FL; D. Clover/Wallaby Ranch MULLER, DAVID: Creer, SC; B. I-lunt/Bluc Ridge

NV; B. Bcnnctr/UP San Diego

Fquip

11 HlH:MAN, DAVJD: Amrin, TX; S. Burns/A11srin Air

Region 3

AMY, SCOTT: Knla, Ill; S. Stackable/UP San Diego COFFIELD, ALAN: Canyon Lake, C:A; I<. Harrison/Adve111mcs Unlimited CROTHERS, STEPHEN: San C:A; J, Ryan/I IC Center FINNERTY, DAN: Pasadena, C:A; L Bynum SANDOVAL, BERK: San Diego,< :A; S. Stackahlc/LJI' San Diego

12

VARTAN, KIRK: New York, NY; D. Clover/Wallaby Ranch

5 TRFADUP, NTK!: Jackson, WY; R. Mi1chdl/Thc

Wings

13

COi .l ./\DO, DAVID: ha nee; P. Williams/Wasatch EVANS, DANTFL: England: D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch GUNN, DEAN: lJniLcd Kingdom; \), Glover/Wallaby Ranch HISCOCK, ALI.AN: c;crmany; D. ( ;Jover/Wallaby R;mch LILLY, STEVE: Cermany; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch POTTS, NORMAN: United Kingdom; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch ROBERTSON, AL: United Kingdom; D. Clover/Wallaby Ranch

Region 8 ROYS, SHARON: Brisrol, CT; M Jones/Wallaby Ranch Region 9 SLOCUM, JACK: Troy, PA; B.

Source

Region 10

WIKNER, DIXON: Orlando, 1:1.; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch Rcgioo 12 RICHARDSON, STEPHEN: Cranford, NJ; c;, Black/Mounrain HORNJNC, RICHARD: Marina, CA; P. Godwin/Western HC

3 EKLUND, DAN: San Marcos, C:A; R. Mitcl1cll/Thc

4 HENDRICKS, BUDDY: Glenwood

S SI IEFFIELD EATON MARK FRANCIS KEVIN FROST

CO; J, l'rahl/Q,JCst Air

7

TJMLAND,

Milwaukee, WI; B. Kuslmcr/Ravcn

Sports PAUL SCIIULJ'F

10

PARIS, OMAR: Carolina, PR; R. Rojas/Caribbean PLEMONS, C:01mclly Spgs, NC:; J, Prahl/Quest Air WOODWORTH, STEVEN: 1:cJlsmcre, Fl.; M. Joncs/W,tlh1hy Ranch ll

CASTALDO, DOMENICO: Galveston, TX;J. I lum/C:o .. I !Cl WJJI.IAMS, MIC! lAEL: C:hanndvicw, TX; B. Misiaszek

]UIY I ()<)7

PFTERGRAY WILIIAM KIMBALL

RANK SC/-JOOL .......................... Rl'.'G!NNERS Wallaby Ranch ....................................... .48 Lookou r M tn Flight Park ........................ 2 5 3 Kitty Hawk Kites........... .. .................... 22 4 Mission Soaring ...................................... 18 Windspons ......................... 11 6 l;ly Away.......................... .. ........... 9 6 Miami I-lang Cliding ................................ () 8 High Adventure ........................................ 8 8 Mountain Wings ....................................... 8 10 Lake Elsinore Spons .................................. 7 11 Hang Cliding Center of' San Diego ........... 6 l l ·11-t1e Flight ........................................... 6 13 Aini me Above ........................................... 5 13 Dream Weaver Hang Glid 15 Fly High Hang Cliding ....................... ..

15 Co ... Hang Cliding .............................. ..

I 5 Morningside Flight Park.. ..................... .

I 5 Raven Sky Sports .......... .. .................. .4 15 Silver Wings ........

15 Soaring Wings......... ................ .

15 Valley Forge Hang Gliding ................. ..

Advent me Sports 'fours ............................. 3 22 Advenrures Ulimited ..................................3 2.2 Arizona Hang Gliding ............................... 3 22 Wasatch Wings ......................................... 3 2G B:mclito Action Sports ............................... 2 2G Buzzard Wing rlight School ...................... 2 26 Caribbean Airsports ................................ .

26 Chandelle .................................................. 2 26 l1alcalrnla Hang Gliding ........................... 2 26 lkaros Sports Aviation ............................... 2 2.G Nonh West Ins! ructor Coop .................. 2 26 (2ucst Air.................................. .. .......... 2 26 Plight .............................................. 2 2G Sacramento llang Gliding ......................... 2 2G 'Jc1. Flight Products........... .. ........... 2 26 Western Hang Gliding ......................... 2

Rankings were compiled from ratings puhlished in the January-July 1997 issues of !1tmg Gliding magazmc.

30

RANK SCHOO!................................ NOVICE Lookout Mm Flight Park ........................ :38 2 Wallaby Ranch ............................... ..

3 Mission Soaring.............. .. ........... J 4 4 C2uest Air ................................................ 12 Miami Hang Gliding .............................. 10 6 High Adventure ........................................ 9 7 Moumain Wings ....................................... 8 8 Ki try Hawk Kites .................................... ..

8 Windsports ............................................... 7 JO l{G Center of San Diego .......................... 6 JO Ti·uc Flight ................................................ 6 12 Lake Elsinore Sports .................................. 5 12 Raven Sky Sports ...................................... 5 12 Sacramento Hang Gliding ...... ..

15 Abe Airspons ............................................ 3 1 Adventures Unlimited ............................... 3 J 5 Airborne Sports USA ................................ 3 1'5 Airtive Above ............................................ 3 15 Arizona Hang Cliding ............................... .3 15 Fly Away Hang Cliding ............................. .3 15 Fly High Hang Gliding .......................... .

15 Go ... Hang Gliding .................................... 3 15 Western l lang Gliding .............................. 3 24 Adventure Sports ....................................... 2 2/r Austin Airsports ........................................ 2 24 Bandiro Action Sports ............................... 2 24 Blue Ridge Hang Glid ........... .. ........ 2 24 Carri bean Airsports ................................... 2 24 Cloud base Enterprises ............................... 2 24 Halcakula Hang Gliding ........................... 2 Ikaros SportsAviation ................................ 2 Maryland School of' Hang Gliding ............ 2 Rebel Wings Hang Gliding ....................... 2 24 The Soaring Center ................................... 2 2.4 Ultralight Hying ....................................... 2 24 Up San Diego ........................................... 2 24 Valley Forge [ fang Cliding ........................ 2 24 Wasatch Wings ......................................... 2

Rankings were compiled from ratings published in the January-July 1997 issues of Hrmg Gliding magazme.

HANC CIIIJINC

#Call me direct.

Let's talk flying!

I'll tell you why Ball instruments are the absolute best you can own."

-Mark Ferguson , President, Chief Designer; Ball Varies

TOP FIVE REASONS WHY YOUR NEXT FLIGHT INSTRUMENT WILL BE A BALL: • BEST PERFORMANCE - BEST PRICE • BEST SUPPORT IN THE INDUSTRY • DESIGNED FOR PILOTS, BY PILOTS • FLOWN BY TOP PILOTS WORLDWIDE • 37 YEARS WORLD LEADERS IN FLIGHT INSTRUMENT DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Call today, demo one tomorrow 6595

O ' Dell

Place

Boulder ,

CO

80301

teach R&D, design and manufacturing at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where I developed a two-course sequence in which students design a product, and processes and tooling for that product in one semester, and then manufacture that product during the next semester. These courses are called "Design for Manufacturing and Tooling," and "Manufacturing Enterprise Capstone."

Upon graduation many of our students will work or are already working as design, automotive, quality, or manufacturing engineers for the auromotive industry in the Detroit area.

My flying background began in the mid-1970's with standard Rogallos, the Icarus II and Easy Risers, and evolved through various ultralights until I quit flying due to various commitments in the mid- I 980's. Like many others I have recently rediscovered flying, and so has my wife, Lisa. We learned to aerotow at Wallaby Ranch and Quest Air in Florida, and fly with the Wind Walkers stationary winch row club in Michigan.

Our flying interests lead me to suggest a new design and production project for my students.

Since Lisa has a torn-up knee she usually care launches and wheel lands. She needed a launch cart for winch towing in Michigan. Also, I had problems with my Wills Wing XC 15 5 fi rcing properly on the carts I had previously used for aerotowi ng. Therefore, I suggested to my students in the fall semester that they design a cart for winch and aerotowing that could be manufactured by the next class in the winter semester.

UNIVERSITY LAUNCH A

I

CART DESIGN The students really got excited about the project. Their first step was to do some research. They looked at other cart designs

34

Students and cart at

EMU

by

CAD

from Wallaby, Boh B:1ilcy, I Joe, l~ill Bryden, rhe ( :anadiall Kitchcncr/Warcrloo hang gliding duh, Cilben Criflith in Australia, and other as pictured in llang Gliding ;md Cross Country articles. They benchmarked the qualities of those and did a type of" failure mode and effect (JiMFJ\) to determine prob !ems to avoid. Their goals vvcrc: fimcrionality for winch and aero]LJ\Y I 997

~fr:art.

flt to most any hang glider, adjusrability for optimal angle attack, collapsibility for transport, light weight, low cost, and USH( ;A can design recommencla1 ions. a concurre111 engineering

or

were developed computer-aided design software, wi1h isometric, exploded asscrnbly, and shaded 3-D model views. They lmilr a 1fl-scale

model and huilt several Full-size working

s

Ph.

proro1ypes for They did some initial roll testing of the cans and casters, which consisted of some very mtcn:sll,ng gliclerlcss rides behind a pickup truck near the university's foodiall stadium. Si1Jcc it was now winter in Michigan, we took the prototypes to Wallaby Ranch in Florida for launch and fitting to various gliders. At this srnge we were happy with the adjustability and collapsibility of rhc cans, but wanted to make the design a bit lighter. We ;1lso deterrnincd that the cas1ers needed improvement. It turned our that the to shimmy increased with both speed and reduced load (weight) on the carts. Just as the on the prototype cirts reached Aying speed, the wheels would sliimmy lx1dly. Shimmy can cause a can to slow down or stojJ abrupdy, which, of course, can be dangerous to die pilot/glider still oil the can.

By rhis time rhe next semester had started, a11d die seniors in the manufacmr·· ing cmcrprise course took over. Most of these stud en ts were i 11 1 he previous semester's design class. The srndents went hack lo the board and developed a lighter, better design with casters I hat do not shimmy. The new prototype was trialccl at Wallaby Ranch. lt worked quite well, bUl rhcre were a frw additional ideas we wanted to incorporate. The rear keel suppon was redesigned 10 be lighter, more adjustable, and more collapsible for transport. At tha1 time we also eliminated rhe \lSe of a webbed belt as a keel suppor1 because of a Canadian repor1 another cart's belt catching on :1 keel durlaunch. The keel support hclt on our design was replaced with a rubber roller.

I .isa and I purchased :1 Dragonlly for JV1tc1111 1{:111, so we went to tug training. We also brought die srndcnts' new production prototype can Lo Air for more test-

or

ing. We happened to meet Bill Bryden while he was rherc, and he gave us a few additional suggestions which were incorporated into the production models.

The srudcnts designed and built all the necessary fixtures and jigs for drilling and cutting, ordered materials and hegan prod11ction. Production cart #1 was brought to Quest Air for final verification testing.

The production cart design mer all our expecrarions, and the students set up and began mass production, assembly and packaging.

CART DESIGN PROBLEMS In the May 1997 issue of H;rng Gliding magazine (page Lm:n Miller (USHCA Accident Review Chairman) rcponcd that a number of accidenrs in 1996 were launch-cart related. 'T'here arc some impor1::mt issues related to cart design that should be recognized: I) small wheels do not roll well; 2) DO NOT use a cart with caster shimmy; 3) the cart should be big enough to properly support rhc keel, con-

36

trol bar and wheels; Ii) an angle of attack that is roo low may require too high an airspeed befc)rC takeoff; '5) an angle of atrack that is too high may result in one wing of the glider lifting early due ro a side gust; 6) avoid protrusions and pinch points for cords or fingers; 7) a cart that is too heavy or is difficult to get rolling may overstress the weak link.

CART DESIGN so1;0TIONS The US HCA launch cart design recommendations sidebar) were a good starring point. Additionally, we found thar: 1) 1 to 16" wheels were best; 2) we could not find a manufocmred caster that didn't we had to design and make shimmy our own; 3) rope hand loops work better for holding the glider on the cart in some c;1ses, and a length of rope across the earl

and through the cradles worked hcncr for others; and 4) a angle of attack seems robe optimal, bur a 20- to .30dcgrcc range is okay.

CONCLUSION Not only are the carts cmrently being used in Michigan, bur d1cy arc also in use at Quest Air in Florida and at Raven Sky Sports in Wisconsin. Tbe can met all our design expectations, and can be taken on an airline flight as regular baggage in a ski bag and a dufflc bag. 'fhis may be especially useful for pilots going overseas to competitions using aerotow. ft was a great project for the smdents, and certainly made them interested in hang gliding. ff you arc in need of a cart, please conrncr 'fracy or Lisa at (313) 669 8449 in Ann J\rbor, Michigan.

ACKNOWU?DGMENTS Ir!/' would lif<e to th1mf< Nussell Brown, G1mpbcll Bowrn, Bill Norm l.esnow, David Glovei~ Ryan (,'lover, Mrtlcolm Jones, Hmtl Kush11c1; I fungary}oe, Gilbert Griffith, Peter Bimm, the f<itchencrlWaterloo dub, anti Rony JVt/mumcturzrw this project. II

I IANC CIIDIN(~

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Bcca11sc we were in the throes readythe nor ycHopless '1 'R3 for the Nationals, 'lcrry did not fly the half-modified 'TRX until Sep1cmbcr. Eager to line nme the topless TR:'\ and get it ro marker, the last thing 'Jerry wanted was ro make another major modification, but lie agreed to my TRX anyway, His shon test flight lasted two and a halrhours. During rhe flight radioed to his wifo Chris, "Mike Z was right, this rc:1lly works."

Chris replied, "Mike Z didn't say rhis, hut I'm sure he's thinking, Duh.' "'lcrry decided lo incorporate the "Z--C111" in the TRJ, I was elated. I do want to m:ike one thing clear. The TR3 is very much 'Jerry's glider. Many other people have also helped on rhe project, hm the glider is designed 'il:rry Rcy1 !Olcls.

MZ: The biggest problem is that we don't an ract enough new pilots to the spon.

Today, people have less ti me and more dis-posablc income than ever, Hang gliding has to he within die realm of possibility for more people. There arc two things that keep most people from considering partic-ipating in hang gliding. First, the public needs ro be educated abour the sport.

Mosr people still think this is such a dan-gerous sport that only a crazy person would do it, Second, hang gliding needs to become more convenient, more uscrfricndly. This is a recreational sport, and ir should he as hassle free as possible for peo-ple to participate.

by G.W. Meadows MZ: The finmc is aerorowing from pri-vatcly owned flight parks, The hippie dippie days hang gliding ;:ire over. 'foday's new pilots arc not imcrcsted in venturing our hours into the wild to go Hying. Hight parks such as Wallaby and I ,ookout Mountain can encourage more new pilots by making it convenient, comforrnble and hassle free. (I'm sure there arc m;:iny other full--scrvicc flight parks, particularly out Wcsr, and their omission is not inrcntion-al.) The forurc is Malcolm Jones' Wallaby Ranch. Malcolm has one customer who is a doctor, I'm sure this guy makes plenty of money. He looks out die window on a particularly soarablc day and calls the Ranch. They set up his glider, he goes out, flies, and leaves to go back to work, then they break down the glider, The only 1hing they don't do is fly i1 for him.

god? 'Ihat boy's on medication, If he's not, he should 'fhat's

or

MZ: Our sport is aging because we're not a1tracring new pilots. Plight parks like Wallaby attract lots spectators and put flying in the realm possibility for everyone. 'I 'he more people who arc exposed to hang gliding, Lhc more new pilots we will

or or

attract.

one

scariest things I've ever

Seriously, if you arc an enced pilot in a position to revered, remembet that someone is watching you, You may an unwfo.. mentor. What kind of mentor are you? Whether they verbalize it or not, all up ..,mcJ ..coming pilots folb up the hang gliding food dutin to whom they .look for leaders.hip.

Advanced pilots must work hard to set: a worthy example in the area of flying habits for less . experlenced pilots attempting to follow in their foot,..hmnched steps.

I honored that Mike Z identified me as one of the pilotB he has looked up to over the years, I watched Mike make.sound (lec;1s11)ns about when to fly and when not to fly at the l996 Nationals in Dinosaur. When wasn't l00%) sure of (:ither the launch conditions or the thunderstorm potential, he broke down his glider on the top of the mountain, This is a true sign of a

mature pilot. I am proud to some for helping him form

MZ: No. The additional expense of cngi1oplcss gliders makes rhern inappropriate for beginner gliders. Greater beneltts could come from utilizing design and materials to reduce the weight h1'1rmn1,,· gliders. The topless TR3 weighs less than 60 pounds. That's less than the TRX almost 20 pounds less than any comparably sized high-performance glider and almost 30 pounds less than any other topless glider on the market. Can you imagine foot-launching a 90-pound glider with :ill your competition gear? Wouldn't a 60--pound glider be easier?

I am currently designing a glider code-named Zephyr. It is a 170--square--foot bcginncr/i11tcrmcdiarc dune--soaring glider.

1t will weigh between 40 and 45 pounds and out-glide any Vision.

good bJg..air sense:. Mike Z is one of those quiet pilots you might never know anything abont if it weren't for this even if you had flown with .hitn on occasions. arc a lot of pilots like him, Establish good habits, Yi.)u are watched.

or

aestfJl,mf various wing applications trt/Jora,10111 workshop,

transition in our sport.

ACKNOW!Jc'DGMFNlS by Mike/ 5JJecial thtmles to Chris Pmleer who trtmslclt-ed my twisted into thrn maht:.r sense 1md to 1md Chris Reynolds· fr1r their support,

HANC CIIDINC

........ _ 1530Eastem S.E. Grand Rapids ........... Michigan 49507 (616) 245-7777 (888) ICARO 2CDJ TOLL FREE

The Performance Wing

by George Ferris photos by Royce (Hoss) Anderson, Jim Afinowich, Mark Gergely & George Ferris

Working my way up the side ofthe volcano I was anticipating the great pictures I could take ifI made it into the crater at 16,000 feet. I was told that in the bottom ofthe crater was a turquoise lake. ini and I had jusc finished three weekends of cowing on the frozen lakes of northern New York, our home, and we were excited about going south co a warmer climate.

We arrived in Mexico Cicy on che 19th of February and met up with Mark Gergely. That is where our advencure began. Wich map in hand, what seemed to be a simple route out of the cicy turned into a two-hour ordeal. Like mice in a maze we

G

RIGHT Launching at El Pefion.

BELOW George and Gini on takeoff, Nevado de Toluca (13,500' MSL).

INSET A local enthusiastic ground crew.

42

cven tually learned where not Ul go and found our way onto 15 West which took us to Valle de Bravo (Valley of the Brave).

The brave pan starts when you choose 10 rem a car and try to find your w:iy om of this a·maze-ing Not counting our tour time, we arrived in Valle three hours just in rime for dinner and a mt1cl1 needed ( :ucrvo.

The next morning we were on our way to El Pcfion which we were told was the most consisrcnr thermal site in Mexico.

There were six people in our party: Mark from New Jersey, I loss Anderson from Lincl:1 Hodgson and Jim Aiinowich from Arizona, and Cini and me. Accompanying us from Safari 'fours were John Olson and Eric Rasmussen, who lives in Valle, and om driver Marticn.

On the way over, smiling Ole (John Olson) our guide, interpreter and sto· ryrcllcr told us about all the landing areas. The LZ's arc spaced abom three ro flvc miles apart, making for easy bailoms on one's way 10 goal (ahout 19 miles back 10 Valle de Bravo). They all have unique names like I .a Mcs;1, Tmquc de Cas and Rancho to name a few.

'J\ikcoffis ar 7.200 feet MSL (1,500 ACL). The landing area below, called The Piano, was described 10 !IS as a lion's mouth that would devour anyone ;1trcmpting 10 land there. The dust devils, nurncrous barbed-wire fences and power lines took no prisoners. The Piano is fomous ffir its downrnbe and occasional lcacling edge carnage. The idea ;11 this site is to take of{ get high and leave.

Cini, however, not having a 101 of cross-coumry experience, chose to land at 'The Piano succcssfiilly several times. ouH:lirnbing 11s in her l liO folcon she liked ro land at The Piano which she considered to have the best ground There is a wondcrfid phenomenon in Mexico. Almost everywhere you land children come out of nowhere to break down and carry your glider ro a ncarhy road in hopes of earning a few pesos. The children arc extremely friendly and happy. They have very little, but what they do have they appreciate. In addition, almost you land there seems to he a taco stand nearby. It's Afrcr the kids break down your glider you find the nearest t,ico stand and satisfy your thirst and hunger while waiting fix rhc retrieval van. (By chc way, make sure you pay and say good-bye JLJ!Y 1997

to the kids before leaving with your glider

to go to the taco stand. If you don't you

will find more kids at the taco srand than you kive pesos many, many more.)

Arriving ar El Penon we wasted no time setting up since there were pilots high over takeoff. Eric has many gliders to choose from high-performance, intermediate and beginner wings althot1gh I wouldn't recommend char a beginner pilot fly El Pchon. The air on most clays was a ha11dh1l, and would certainly leave a beginner in rhc lion's mouth with no thoughts of flying there again.

On om flrst day conditions were anything but ideal, ,rnd most of us landed at Las Pcnyitas, the flrsr landing area behind t:1kcoff. as rhc week progressed both the conditions and we as pilots improved. made it to cloudbasc many times and to the San Caspar goal at least once.

Flying over Valle de Bravo to San Gaspar offers a picturesque sight, as bcaurifid as you will ever experience. There arc two primary landing areas 011 the lake. San Caspar, at the north end, is a fairly Lirge l .Z 011 rhc edge of' the water at a marina. If' you land there make smc you have your bathing suit with you. The water is great and it makes the retrieval seem short.

Make sure when coming in for a landing that you diHcrcntiarc between land and lily pads. Many pilots have been fooled and ended up in the water.)

The other landing ,irca is called Club Santa Maria, nicknamed The Postage Stamp, and it is. This is the primary I Z for La 'forrc, the favorite site of the locals.

'E1kcoff is at about I ,200 fret AC I. over the lake. It is situated directly over the town the lake, and has a bcautift.d cement takcof'C The wind comes directly off the lake and straight into the moun .. tain. This sire is soarablc every day between 12:00 110011 and 5:00 pm, and produced one of the most scenic flights I've ever The colors of the town, whi tcs and reds, comrasti 11g with die green forest and blue, shimmering lake create such an inspiring image that you forget abom rhc landing.

This landing area is a place where pilots and tourists alike seek daily enter.. tainmcnt. They all have their cameras as pilots come in to Lmd. The I.I. runs parallel to the shore and is shaped like ,1 triangle. The rip o/' the triangle has w;uer on both sides and is just wide

enough to sit on. One side of'the of course, is bordered by water, and the other side has several (i() .. frlol rrccs. The end of the triangle is twice your wing span, and to keep you fi·om plowing imo rhc boats aud buildings there is ,1 J 2-fclOt fence at its end. The fence is bent over slightly from you know what. The triangle's length is about 7.50 feet. It's :t challenge, to say the lcasr, but well worth it and grcar fi.111.

About 85<)1J of the pilots, paraglidcrs and hang gliders end up in the water, and most beginners fly with some form of flotation (inner rubes, etc.).

One evening at dinner Eric mentioned Ncvado de 'foluca, the volcano. Cini, Marco and l had seen its snow·covcrcd peak towering at 16,000 MS!. 011 the way from Mexico City. Eric explained that it is not frcqucnrly flown because of its inclement weather and the di(Tic11lt rcrricval if you land out, but we decided it was a must. Eric said that he knew a pilot in 'foluca who could tell 11s what day the weather would be favorable.

Valle De Bravo is a hcautiftd little town nestled in the moumains at 6,000 feet MS!, in a large pine forest 011 the edge of Lake Avandaro. The whitewashed stucco houses with red tile roofs complement the many colors. Flowers arc abundant The town is built on a hillside overlooking the lake, a short walk down rhc cohblcstonc streets (i·om the water's edge.

There is ;1 sm;:dl park in the center of the town, Plaza I ndcpcndcncia, which has brilliant /lowers, trees and many park benches. In the morning the pla:r.a trees arc flllcd wirh singing birds. Some there is song and dance, for the plaza is the gathering place for all activities. For a few pesos you cm dine al one of the many restaurants, listen ro the singing and watch people visiting rhe many unique shops.

I )ining at the plaza with your sciiorira, stars glistening and music playing, is quite roman tic.

There ;ue fruir markets ""'"'"'""""" Stores arc abundam and all sell bottled water. There is a bank right by the plaza that opens every day at 9:00 am where you can get seven pesos for cacl1 American dol· lar.

The accommodations provided for us

by Eric were only a block away from the plaza. They were small bm clean and corn· fonablc. [r cost about JOO pesos per night, or about 15 dollars American. The only

!JJ

George cmd Gini at the El Penon launch site. thing that takes a day or so to ger use to is the roosters. lt seems that they can't distinguish between moonlight and sunrise. Yes, you've got it. They serenade you all night long.

The weather is as predictable as the thermals. Every day is sunny with beautift1l blue skies. The temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees during the day and drops to 50 or 60 degrees in the evenings.

Arriving at Eric's the next morning [ got the news that we were headed to the volcano. We were psyched. It's about a one-hom drive southeast to the base of Nevado de 'foluca from Valle de Bravo, and about minutes up a winding road ro takeo/E On the way we traveled through two passes high in the mountains and were shown the landing fields. Ole and Eric explained that this was the route to follow on one's way back to Valle de Bravo, using the road as a guide. They also warned us thar there would be a strong west head-wind starting at the first pass. At the base of the mountain we stopped at a taco stand to foci up on beverage and tamales.

The drive up was euphoric LO say the least. We stopped at 13,500 feet where the road circled around a 100--foot knoll on the side of the volcano. 'T'his spot appeared to be a good launch site.

The condirions looked favorable, with the wind blowing about l O to 15 mph from the cast-southeast. Looking down, the nearest TZ seemed to be about 11 to away. Everyone was wondering if he could make ir without lift. Marco and Cini

44

chose not to fly because of this, but I was going LO fly no rnatter what. J figured that if I started 10 get low I could always bail out, landing on the side of the volcano above the tree line.

It was about 12:00 noon. There was already a cap cloud forming and there were some cumies out in the distance, 1 wanted to set up and launch as soon as possible since J was worried about overdevelopment at this altitude and the warning that the weather could change at any time. We chose to hike up about a hundred feet above the road to the top of the grassy knoll. This would give us a choice oftake-e off directions.

I grabbed my harness and glider and started up the knoll. J took 15 steps and couldn't catch my breath. I consider myself· to be in very good shape and could not believe the effect this altitude was having on me. I had heard people talk about highaltitude exhaustion bur never experienced it before. J have been many places where takeoff is between 6,000 and 9,000 feet MSL, bur never folt like there was that rnuch difference between my home at 500 feet MSL and these higher altitudes. 'fhis additional li,000 feet really let me and the others know it. Gini carried my pack and I hiked my gliclec It was the 1nost difflcult I 00--foot climb [ have ever experienced.

Many of the pilots paid ro have their gliders carried up.

We set up as quickly as possible since clouds were starting to Corm out in the valley. Hoss was the flrst one off. hir the amount of wind, about 15 mph, there

wasn't much lift. He started sinking ou1 and lefr the side of t:be volcano in search of thermals. [ took off shortly behind Hoss and chose to turn right toward the steeper parr of' rhc volcano, hoping rn catch more lifr. My luck wasn't any better. I was losing altitude and headed back past my takcofl point toward the radio tower near the retrieval van where we had parked. I was hoping the tower would be releasing thermals coming up the face.

My experience paid ofl Reaching the base of the tower I enrered a thermal. I circled the 200-foot tower to the top and bolted back over the knoll ro a steep cliff where I found ratty lift. I worked rhe lift on the clifl' focc, waiting for another rl1ermal that carnc fairly soon. l just kept thinking that norhing was going ro stop me from climbing the additional 2,500 foer into the crater. As J topped out over the cliff [ realized that the crater rim was a quarter mile behind me.

J srnck with the thermal as long as I could hut it was drifting in the wrong direction. l ld't the thermal with enough altitude to race to the lower pan of rhe crater wall. One side of the crater is blown away and is lower than the other side. As l arrived over the lower crater wall rim I entered a strong, ratty thermal and held on. Finally I crested over the top ofthc lower rim and could see the lake.

The lifr smoothed om at this point and carried me up and hack into rhe crater itself: l looked out across the turquoise lake about a half mile to the other side of the snow-covered crater that rose an additional 1,000 leer forming a giam howl.

'The view surpassed even that of my flight a year ago when I peered down into the three-million·year--old Wainiha Valley in Kauai, with its hundreds of 1,000-foot waterfalls. As hang glider pilots we will go ro our graves knowing how few will ever e:xperiencc such exhilarating flighrs and indescribable views. l raced across the lake to the bowl, anticipating major lifr because of the location and shape of the cap cloud, l wasn't disappointed. When I reached the bowl the air glassed off into 200 fpm up. l starred taking pictures as I circled up to 16,000 feet, and was able to fly anywhere I chose.

The smooth, glassy lifr extended over the whole lake. J flew ;1round in rhe crater from one end to the orher, gaining altitude all the time. At l 6,900 feet I left this panorama and headed for Valle de Bravo.

HANC CUDINC

While 1 w,1s my way up into tl1c crater, Linda, Jim, Ole and Frie la11ncl1cd.

As ! looked north into the valley f could sec a cloud street forming frorn north to sourh in the distance. I ,1rrivcd at the cloud street at abour 16,000 l<xt and realized that l would have to circle down to cloudhasc or lly directly through the clouds. l never thought I would find in the predicament of having to lose altitude to contirrne a cross-country flight.

I circled down to cloudhase at 14,000 fr:et and raced norrh under rhc streer. During this time I could hear the group over the radio hut c011ld not locate them. \lv'hcn I reached the ro,id we were instructed to follow the cloud street which had come to an end. horn the time I lcf'r the volcano I had been traveling almost due north.

I looked to tlie west toward the first pass and saw three gliders circling in lift about level with rhc pass. I remained u11<kr the last cloud and observed them for a while. Their drift was cast, away from the pass, and their climb race was weak. had nm inro tl1c west l1cadwind. Watching them, I decided rhar this was nor the rourc to take. 'le) the north there was another cloud street forming, rnn ning cast to west. l remembered an interview by Dermis Pagcn in which Thomas Suchanek said, "Since thermals arc large masses, they will block the wind, so it is easier to go upwind under a line or clouds than in rhc blue."

I headed north to the street, lc:iving at about 12,600 foci. The fonher away 1 got from the volcano the lower cloudhase was, and halfway there it became apparent that J wasn't 10 make it. 'le) the cast and downwind there was a cloud ftirming over a mountain peak. I knew this w;1s my only chance and wcm fcir it.

I arrived ahou1 500 fr:c1 over the peak, and at 8,700 fret MSI, I entered a rlicrmal which took rnc to cloudbasc at 12,400'.

'The strong component had car ried me downwind two or three miles. I headed northwest, trying to make i 1 to rl1c casr-wcst street. The sink between the cloud I lcfr and the street was too much, and once more I had to fly downwhere I was able to wind ro another circle ro cloudbase yet again. Each time I made ir a little forthcr nonh. It was hccornl had solved the puzzle and this strategy, finally reaching the cast-west street at 8,000 foct. I circled up to cloudbase and raced west under the ]LJIY 1997

street extended about l miles.

As I crossed the second pass I could sec the lake (Valle de Bravo). The problem was that the cloud street had come to a a 400.foot hill and abom seven miles or valley remained between me and the lake.

It was so ironic. J:lying from El Pef\on to the Like many rimes during the past week I had wondered what it would be like ro leave the lake, cross the valley and head up the pass. of comse, I want· cd to be on the lake side. Pilots arc never sa tislicd.

A starred forming out in the ,fo .. r:mcc. I was having no trouble staying high, but the cloud was drifting cast, away from 1hc lake. [ decided it was time to leave.

With no cloud street in front or me the headwind seemed more pronounced.

There was a lot of blue sky between me ;ind the wisp fi:)tTning in the distance. I was losing a lot of altitude for the arnount of ground I was covering. At 700 fi)ln down I wasn't smc I would make ir. I had to make my decision now fly hack downwind, circle up to cloudbasc and in hopes that the street would develop out into the valley, or go for it. It was 4 :00 PM and T figured things were only to start shuning down, so l continued oti.

As I passed over the /i()() ... foor hill imo the v;illcy rhc was staning to take Ir was still a ways away, hut at rhis poim I was sure I could make it. ] kept slowing down in what I thoughr were lrnbblcs oflifr, but as I slowed I real i·1,cd it was fc1ol's ltfr (less sink), and increased my speed. I arrived under the cloud at 8,400' MSL and started a triangular search for lifr.

The lift that I found was broken up and this indicated to me that this thermal source was shutring down. I banked up to confirm my suspicions. The cloud was dis-

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u want: the real

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hack cast to the 400-foot hill I still had hopes. When I arrived al tree level 011 rliis small ridge J folt right at home.

Where I'm from these kind of ridges arc common flying sites.

There was enough ridge lift ro maint:1in. Looking back over rhe ridge I could sec that the cloud street l had lcfr was still healthy. If! was patient maybe I could catch a t hcrmal and get back 11p. Just then I noticed ;1 wisp in the valley forming in

4r5

U'FTTO

RIGHI.: Linda flodp;eson, Royce (Hoss) Anderson, Ole Olson, Gini (,'eorp;e

Mark

Afinowich rmd Rasmussen.

about the same place the other one had formed, but I was too desperately low to make it there unril J gained altitude.

Working every bubble I tried desperately to get higher since the wisp in the valley was now beginning to form imo a nice cloud, hut the highest I was gctring was l 00 over. I was no match for the drifr of the small therrnals coming throngh.

They were drifting behind the hill so nmch faster than they were rising that was afraid to stick with one. Then, during one of my t:urns, I spotted someone at the end of' the cloud street where I had been 20 minutes prior. This made me even more determined than before. I stood the glider on a wing, stuck with the thermal I was working and went over the back at l 00 feet.

I wasn't good enough, however, and ;1fter gaining 300 ket I foll our of the lifi and plummeted frorn the sky. When I reached rhc ridge again I was lower than the top. I had to fly around ir to get out in front and imo a landing area.

Upon landing J was ahlc ro get ro my radio which had been buried under my coat collar during the flight. I had been listening but thought every one had land-· ed. I wasn't surprised to find that it was Eric. He conveyed ro me that Ole, Jim and Linda all got high, had great flights and landed at the first pass. Jim flew over rl1c crater and got an amazing picture with his wing-mounted camera.

Frie had ]di the street and was headed fr.ir the cloud that had formed over the valley. l watched with at1ticiparion, hop-

ing that he would make it since [ didn't. 1 saw him start ro circle as he arrived low below the cloud. If he made it to cloudbase it would be a glide home.

As the kids and I broke down my glider, my radio sounded: "Ccorge, do you I copy," I replied. "The copy?" "Yes cloud is dissipming. I guess T'll end up landing with you," came his response. I looked up and Eric was flying toward me. l lc was wo low to make an attempt at the lake. As I was watching him I noticed the cloud had stopped dissipating. I radioed, "Eric, q11ick, mrn around, the cloud is reforming. Do you copy?" He did.

By the time l finished packing up Eric had reached doudhasc and was on his way to the Valley of the Brave.

I wish to thank Ole and Eric, since without question this was the finest week of flying l have experienced in my 24 years of participating in this magnificent sport. Every pilot should go on this tonr.

Ir is professionally run, and every effort is rnade to sec to it that everyone leaves Valle de Bravo with a great experience, new friends and a longing to return. You can contact John Olson at Safari Sky !<.HJrS (602) 285-409/i, fox (602) 53() ..

29.')8, skytours<!'hjuno.com, or Frie 011 Rasmussen (direct from the 1731.11

0

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46

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SERIOUS DOWNWIND LANDING DEFENSE

Makin the Best of a Ba Situation © 1997 by Dennis Pagen, illustrations by the author

The conditions were HIVPL6XBT2-3*. The site was 1,800' AGL with a 7,300' MSL takeoff in south-central Mexico. The pilot was advanced, experienced and confident. He struggled to get up but was eventually flushed to the landing field out front with a number of others. This field is often turbulent and is affectionately known as the piano because it's reserved for flights that imitate that ponderous musical instrument's trajectory out ofa tenth-story window.

0 Ur

pilot was on a long final approach when a wing was lifted and his glider turned 180°. He felt he had no option bur to land downwind in a breeze of 10 mph or more. He quickly hoisted himself up to stand in rhe control bar(!), for he thought he'd be able to perform a more vigorous flare with his feet on the baserube. He flared, slammed in and suffered a broken back. Since he was walking around before his trip to the hospital it is likely he luckily only cracked a vertebrae or a spinal prorrusron.

This accident at a sire I was flying made me ponder the situation long and hard. Ir was clear that mistakes were made, and most likely the accident could have been avoided. However, what our best defense is in a serious downwind landing has never been explored as far as I can recall. I and others have written about light downwind landings, or uphill downwind landings, bur we haven't suggested emergency procedures in an imminent furrow-gouging, five-alarm, Richter-registering tailwind touchdown. It's rime we did.

H OW IT HAPPENS Of course, the first line of defense against 48

downwind landings is to avoid them with vigor. Generally this is easy. However, there are several situations rhar can catch us our of sorts. One such is on a lighrwind day with robust thermals lifting off.

The wind can easily switch 180° in this case, and if you are on low final or in a restricted field there is nor much you can do but prepare for some hard rimes.

Another potential tailwind landing situation occurs when local conditions impose a surface flow very different from that of the wind higher aloft. This phenomenon occurs most often due to carabaric flow near mountains. We regularly fly a sire where we leave rhe ridge in soaring conditions and frequently find the wind in the landing field out front exactly opposite that of the wind on rhe ridge, due to the !are afternoon flow our of a ravine.

Wind streamers rake care of the problem and will often indicate a tailwind even though 360's performed 50 feet up will show a drift into the mountain.

However, cross-country flights to lll1flagged fields and even landings in wellrufred fields can result in downwind landings, since carabatic flow can set in suddenly. Considering the foregoing, it is clear that all pilots should be taught or should

• Hang IV, Pucker Level 6. Crosswind, Broken 771ennals of200 to 300 feet per minute.

develop a downwind landing defense.

Before we discuss this defense, we wish to return to the accident mentioned above.

You will note that we didn't list getting turned downwind as a valid reason for landing downwind. This is because it should never happen. From my own experience I can stare that I have never been turned even 90° when on final, despite having landed in my fair share of windy, rowdy conditions. The secret to avoiding such a fate is maintaining ample maneuvering speed throughout the landing setup.

On the day prior to chat of rhe described accident the pilot performed a nice little X-C excursion and landed in a field we were using regularly. I saw him come in with slow, floating setup turns in a back-and-forth pattern. Once on final he pulled on speed about 15 feet up and had a very nice textbook touchdown. However, this field is occasionally quire turbulent, with a strong gradient due to a tree line along its side and irs situation below an upwind rise. Ample speed throughout the setup is often necessary to avoid negative consequences. We suggested just rhar to the pilot in question, bur the following day he landed too slowly according to eyewitnesses.

H ANG GLIDING

However, pulling the VG on close to the ground is probably nor a safe procedure since ir occupies one of your two important hands.

Wheels are a definite bonus when a downwind landing occurs. However, we advise extreme caution when contemplating landing on them like an airplane, unless they are large, freely rolling and the ground has no weeds, brush or ruts.

Landing on your feet and then falling on the wheels is much preferable to rolling head first and catch ing the wheels in a rut.

THE CONTROLLED DOWNWIND

CRASH The previous discussion is more or less conventional wisdom. Now we enter the realm of damage control which is a less exact science. We will consider how to land downwind in winds greater than five mph (lee's use a 10-mph tailwind for our purposes) .

Note: T he followi ng techniques are emergency procedures. They cannot be practiced in total safety and are only suggestions as how to minimize injury and damage in a potentially dangerous situation. Landing with a strong tailwind on flat In sum, we can state that carrying extra speed throughout the landing setup is an important defense against downwind landings. When we discuss the fourth defense below, we'll see how extra speed produces other positive results as well.

THE CONTROLLED DOWNWIND LANDING The second defense during an impending downwind landing is to land with skill.

That sounds simplistic, but what we mean is that you must be able to produce a fullflare, no-step landing into the wind on a light-wind day if you are go ing to pull off a downwind landing. If you can do this, chances are you can do a no-whack downwinder in up to five-mph winds. Here are a few key points: 1) Do not look directly down at the ground. You can get little useful informati on by doing this and most likely will be thrown ·into a panic by the perception of a whizzing planet grazing your body.

2) Attune your senses and concentrate on the flare-timing signals (see Hang Gliding Training Manual). These sigJULY 1997

nals are mostly non-visual, so it helps if you can tune our your vision in any manner short of closing your eyes.

3) Position your hands to flare as hard as you can. If you normally flare with your hands at shoulder height, they should be moved about four inches (one fis t) higher. This position affords less roll control bur a greater pitch-up potential.

You should be able to flare your glider nearly keel vertical wirh the above position. Such a flare produces the maximum brake effect which is your goal in a downwind landing. Of course, you cannot slow more than the tailwind, so gee your running gear moving. Also, cry to flare fairly low to the ground because the hard flare will raise you. (Too high a flare adds to the severity of any impact.)

We should note that while some pilots with short arms sometimes flare with the rear cables, standing in the control bar will nor make the flare bener (imagine where your feet are if you flare the glider keel vertical in this manner). One thing that will improve your flare is leaving your VG full on. We have demonstrated chis many times at the annual Glide Ratio Con test.

ground is not advised.

Our third defense against downwind landings is preparation for a straight-ahead crash. Follow the procedures for light tailwind landings with caution to avoid the tendency to fly too slowly. The stronger rhe tailwind, the more our sense of vision screams "too fasr! " Ignore ir and concentrate on feeling the airspeed and contro l feedback.

Now as you prepare to touch down after your flare, expect to only take a stride or two before falling. Most of us can run at least 15 mph, bur it seems to be impossible to do with the full weight of the glider and the restriction of the harness. The essence of this technique is in the fall.

With wheels on smoo ther terrain it is not unreasonable to maintain your hold on the uprights to keep your body well behind the glider and roll to a stop. Wi thout wheels you should turn your body sideways (one shoulder forward), tuck both arms like folded bird's wings, lower yo ur chin and roll. Because you are hooked to your glider, you cannot perform a complete roll, bur you can get your back directed toward the real hard stuff (uprights and keel) and your side toward the pretty hard stuff (the ground).

49

Wind from front

I. Naring with one

low ofien results in a ground loop.

As om heading indicares, this is a controlled crash designed mainly to minimize injury. The irnport:mt idea is to avoid slamming hc:1dftrst inro the keel or the ground. You can actually prepare for this technique somewhat by going through the roll motions on the ground with a friend holding your glider level.

But I prdcr the fourth defense. With this method l have twice prevented damage to myself and my glider in a strong surprise railwind. This technique involves doing something we wish to avoid in a normal landing: flaring with one wing down. As J:igure I shows, in a normal landing, flaring wid1 unkvel wings results in a ground loop and a noticeable whack, ofren at the expense oLm upright. On the other hand, the same procedure performed with a tailwind usually results in a sliding with no nose-in, damage or abrupt stop as shown in Figure 2. The diffc:~rcncc between the 1wo results is clue to your nmrion rcla1ivc to the ground when the low hirs. ln a tailwind the low wing slides easily and serves 10 level the wings.

Be prepared to nm sideways in this simation.

l discovered this technique when trying to make a low--lcvd turn in a tailwind and flaring when l got part way around. It works surprisingly well. But this brings up another poim: If you arc on final with plenty of extra speed you can use this speed to pay off imo a non-sinking turn just as you can pay off the energy to extend your glide. With this in mind, it should be possible to turn at least 90° before you even have 10 flare. It seems to me that in the accident mentioned earlier, if the pilot had rnough time (height) to climb into the

50

The glider drifts away from the wing on the ground and levels out.

control bar, he had enough time to per-" form at least a parrial turn.

In conclusion we can summarize the desirable downwind defonse as: I) Lmd downwind and hit the ground running in winds less than five mph.

2) Perform a partial turn and flare with one wing down in stronger tailwinds.

3) Be prepared to nm and fall in all cases with a balling up and rolling action. lJnfonunatcly, most pilots do not take intermediate or advanced instruction.

'Therefore it is the dmy of all insrrucrors to leave rhcir swclcnts with defenses to guide their furnre flying. One such dcfrnse is

maintaining ample maneuvering airspeed through the Lmcling process. Another dcfr:nsc is learning downwind landing emergency procedures. While we don't advise practicing such landings, we wish to report that m1mcrous times pilots have related how they saved a bad situation by doing the right thing when something they read or were told flashed into their minds.

We all wish to avoid downwind landings, hut if they happrn inadvertently we can be prepared by knowing some escape procedures.

H!)JTOR'.S' NOTE: The photD t1ccornptmying this article was staged after 11 tree.fell on the 1;an. The pilot was not hurt. Ill

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A BUNCTI OF GLIDERS For sale, new, used and demo, ready to ship, from $(,00 up, EXTRA CLEAN/CALI. AND COMPARE. TOPLESS: Moyes, lcaro, Wills, Tit\. K!N(;POSTF.D: l.:uninar, Concept, SX, Xrralite, Shark, XC, Khssic, XS, u11i;,.,pu,,, :,upt'r:>11or1, Spectrum, XT, Sting, MK JV, P11lse, V7., Fly2 and more. WALLABY RJ\NCI!, FLORIDA. OPEN DAILY (9ftl) li2/i-0070 glidcrs@wallaby.com

I !PAT 1'i8 Good condition, "I 00 hours, new side wires & spare downtuhe. Never crashed, must sell $600. Nate (Ii 15) .J3 \ .i\51i2.

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LAMINAR ST, lli, 13 in stock. WALLABY R/\NCH (9/il) li21.0070.

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Prepayment required unless account established. No cancellations or refunds allowed on any advertising after deadline. Ad insertions FAXed or rnade by telephone rnust be charged to a credit card.

Please enter my classified ad as follows:

SECTION IJ Flex Wings IJ Emergency Parachutes

IJ Towing

Parts & Accessories IJ Business & Employment IJ Miscellaneous 'J Paragliders IJ Videos

IJ Ultralights IJ Rigid Wings IJ Publications & Organizations IJ Wanted IJ Harnesses

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Begin with ..,....- ...,.. _ ...,... , ,,. .. ......... ,,,. issue and run consocutive issue(s). My IJ check, IJ money order is onclosed in the amount of$ __,. ,.... ,_, _____ ,__ ______ ,,,,_ NAME: ADDFlESS: CITY: PHONE:

USHGA, P.O Box 1330, Colorado

co 80901

(719) 632-8300, lax (719)

S2

HANC CUDINC

turquoise/dark blue, small control fi-,tmc, super $3,200 OBO. Call Erika (818) 81tl··1088.

SPORT EURO I 50 faccllent condition, small con' rol bar, cus1om sail, low hours $ J, I 00. (li08) 7.fi(i.

12116.

SPORT ElJRO 167 Excelknt, <7">hrs, red/gold/white $8 50. Ball 652 vario/airspccd/alt $ J 75.

WW cocoon 57" $100. (818) 35').0/i37.

SPORT EURO l 67 -· Full race, great conditio11 w/pod harness a11d parachute $1,200. (71')) li88-309J. Awesome co11dition, magcn· SUPERS!'( )RT I lt:l rn/ycllow, best olfor. (813) 5'Vi-2851t.

MOYES XTR/\UTE J:l7 OUTSTANDING CONDITION, SUPERB PERFORMANCE, LIKE NEW AT llALF TirE PRICE! Sllll'PING CON TAINER PLUS FXTRAS $2,600, (608) 781-6113,

SUPERSPORT 153 - · Flown rwice, folding speedbar.

Blue I.E, magenta/red/yellow $2,YSO. (') 19) 851-o/5/i

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EMERGENCY PARACHUTES 2/i (;ORF l'DA Tandem reserve, excellent. c:ondi tion $1i20 OBO. (li08) 252-(,'!5 I. 24 CORF !'DJ\ Witlt swivel for tandem $'i7.0 OBO. 22 w/swivcl $1t20. Many more parachutes to choose (It 14) lt7.l·8800.

NC

HARNESSES

MOYFS XT I 65 I 5 homs, w/li:trncss & helmet $1,/00. ((,! ')) :l(,'j .. Ofi7J.

SUl'ERSPORT 153 25 hottrs, crisp, 0 honks $2,100. Flylight f,,r 5'8", 1.-R vario/alt, gore para· ch1ttc. ALL H)R $2,500. (ltOG) 213·2'>35.

MOYFS XT PRO I (,5 Novice/intermediate double surface, 2'i hours, great shape $2,')00. (1 H) ltl:l-8800.

Cood condition, folding sp,,cdbar, new wires $1,500. (')1(,) 251-587/i.

SUl'FRSl'ORT 153 -- Crisp sail, <50 hours $2,100.

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l'U!SF 9M · Mint condition, :lo hours, yellow/white $2,300 negotiable. Lori (811) gwi-6125.

SUl'FRSPORT 163 - .. Never ttsed-mnst sell-make offor··will ship. (51 Ci) 826-7] 3fs.

PULSF 10M · Flown :I ti1ms, <lhr airtime $2,')00 will ship. (;,09) 878 .l7 l 0.

TOPLESS I.I\ MOUFTn: I 2M ~ $4,000 <20 hours, white LF, hlue undersurfacc. Flies great, easy ro scHtp. '( :reat' glide. Be the first at your site to go topless, wid1out breaking yo11r bank account. Contact l'lytcc USA ] .8()() ..(,(i2-21ilt9. We'll he on the road this smnrncr, we can deliver it to you then.

w/rockc1, Uvcx helmet, many extras 870-5/i<JS C:hauanooga.

cu tube, extras $2,'500 f,,r all. (5/i I) lt'J8 22:l:l Oregon.

PULSL l 1M

TRX !ltO White wlturquoise & yellow, <10 hours $2,500. (616) 983-19/i(i

PlJLSF I l M (;orgern1s, .l hours UV, all accessories including harness w/paraclunc, helmet, keel mounted rocket paraclrnte $:\ 'iOO. (It I/) y;7. 5')0:,.

Ul' CFMINJ · Like new, ,.30 hours, w/HF harness & chtttl', vario, Bell helmet $800 OBO. (50:l) :J')'). '):J')7.

PULSES & VISIONS llougln Sold Traded. Ravc11 Sky Sports (It I Ii) ltTl 81WO.

VTSION MKlV 17 Very good condition $1,'500.

John (207.) lt7'H 128w.

R/\MAIR 1/i(i Excellent condition, a srcal at $1,800. (81':i) 7llt)l88.

VISION MK!V !')

RAVEN 209 8710.

12 hours, pod harness w/parachute,

Crcat shape $450 OBO. ((,12) lt82

SFNSOR ':ilOE 159 (86/i) 2')782/0 S( :.

VISIONS & PULSES . !\ought-Sold Traded. Raven Sky Spons (4 I ff) liTl-8800.

1

C(; ... JOOO'S ·- ('i) Pendulum l\c1ms1,orrs is selling their

team harnesses. Call for prices Fl YXC

SPFCT!ZlJM I lilt

Red/white, mim co11ditio11, only hobby, so will sacrif1cc.

Paid $3,:lOo, C:C-1000 harness w/chute, also 111i11t, f,,r stnall-rnedium build, asking $/'iO. l<e11 ('S).()) 77'). 'S48(, A'/.

SPECTRUM CLEARANCE S;\LF Three 16'> Spcctrums in near new co11di1ion, w/all option.s $2,ltOO $3,).00. Ravrn Sky Sports (Ii lit) iil:l-8800.

sizes. 1-800-WF-

H.F. TRACER !'OD New 199'i, 'i'JO", lltOlb, black w/purplc stripe $400. (608) 221-:3681.

ll!Cll FNFRCY POil I lf\RNFSSFS Sizes & styles chanl\e monthly, $300 liOO. C:(; I OOO's $7.50.

Cocoons $200 each. l<neel,angcrs & stirrups also avail able. (Ii lli) ltTl-8800.

WW Z:l JTARNFSS 6'-6'/i", used 5 times, all options, w/2/i gore P])f\ $(,25 OBO. (71 /i) 6':i0-1 %3.

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Very good conditio11 $97'5.

SKY! IJ\ WK 188 Ball va rio, foll face helmet, corno11 harness wit! 1paracht11c $ I /,00 (all or part) (71 Ii) '528-7168.

)LJIY 1997

Both harnesses I.J\!.FR $799 JFTSTRFAM $7')'! arc designed with the same body. The differences arc in the spreader frames the I.aZcr being llcxihlc and the Jerstrcam being a fiill lnck-framc "comp" harness. Via a conversion ki1 either harnc.ss can be converted lo dw orhcr (you virtually get two harnesses in one). Airtime of San Francisco (Ii 15) 751 50(18, email: ainirnc~~;1nol)i t1s.1 •ct

XC lli2 Red/black, <'50hrs $.'l,500. Winglcts t'x XC bag $200. All excellent condition. Don Richmond (818) 3ii<J-20·tl Cilii.

XTRA!.ITF 117. Like new conditiott, 10 !tours $3,800. (It 11) l6/65 l8.

XTRALITF 1li7 · Com! condition, hiaclH1·white, mylar $1,'iOO. (8 l l) 52(,.,J(,29 Florida.

XTRALITFS .. Crecn Team is selling their one old 111ylar racing gliders. Two 16/is $1,GOO<rt>. $UWO. Creal deal for someone. Call 1-800-WE.. J'LYXC.

C:;\(;F I.ACON 27 Supro11e harness included, hours $?.,750. (It 15) 597-2218.

IKA ROS SA

I .ook under New York.

Tl !E CACE ·- The parapcntc that flies like a haug glider. No brake turns-hcuer aitfoil I lcss drag. (5 I 0) 787-6867 ( :agc]usa((tlaol.com

RIGID WINGS FLFDCE IIB

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Low airtime, swred indoors $300

OllO. J\lso UI' knee-hanger li;Hncss $25. ('!Iii) 2'710X/').

lllCH i\lWFNTURE 11"ng gliding, par·aglliding school. Equipment sales, service, rrntals :11 Southern California's mile high site, Crestline. lJSl·IG/\ lnstrnctor Rob Mcl<cm.ie. By appointment year round. ('!09) 883 81i88.

l JLTR/\LIG!ITS

31401 Riverside Or.

J\I RBORNF FDCF TRI KF -· 1'!%, 582 Ro tax, ft illy equipped, aero tows great with dolly, homs $1 '), '500. ((,Ol) 5/i?. /ili16.

Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

RlJllD/FLY Your own B/\CKP/\CK POWF.RED PAR/\CHlJTF. f'or fon/1rn1l11. Takes off from level ground unassisted. Safe, simple, inexpensive. Detailed book wi1h so111u·s. Now only $1').'!5. EasylJp, lOWJ Medford C:en1cr 112/ilig, Medford OR 97504. lmp://www.wavc.nc1/easy11p/ !K/\ROS SA

Look under New York.

FOLi )ABU,: 'i3 ponnd l'ly trikes. harnesses, 50 pounds. Sail Wings (50 I)

TRIKE WINGS

NORTH WING DESIGN LfD. l ligh Q11,1li1y US made trike wings, will adapt to

any i-rikc. Acrotowing wings, rraincrs, fast touring

Light haudling you can count 011 when it most ,rnd speed range performance that c11Jrn11v ... 1u11::, !'or inf'o contaCI' Kamron Blevins at Wing, PO Box 12.8, M:irina Ci\ 9'.l'>'.33. (/i08) 381-·li807 OEM's and ,k,dcrs wclconic.

909-674-2453

ARIZONA HANG GLIDING CENTER INC. We arc a fi,11,time, l'lJJ.L SERVICE h,mg gliding shop located just minutes from the BFST site in Arizona, W c have i he n1ost cornprchcnsivc av:iilahlc and can teach yo11 in less time' We s10ck gliders, harnesses ancl instrtltllellls from Wills, i\irwave, Moyes, Flytec, Ball, Energy, CC and many more! We need Certified instructors Rob I !elms. 350, FLY/\Bl.F D/\YS PER YEAR! 150·-LSomh l 69 Dewey /\'/, 52.0 (ij2, .. ,j I Iii ahgc("lnort hlink.co111

s FULL SERVICE SJ 101' I oc:11cd on I lwy 7/i ar the l>asc of' the Sarna /\na mo,mrnin range. l'rnndly reprc· senting ALL major brands. Rentals available 10 qualified pilots. Open (, days a week 9arn,5pm, closed on Mond:iys. Visa/Mastercard/ American ]'xpress.

M/\C[C: J\IR l.ocatccl in Northern C1lifornia.

Lessons, sales, service. (707) %:Flli'i5.

ARK/\NS/\S WANTED EZ RISER Complcrc, pans, literature. What ya got. ('!09) 699 0851.

OZARK MOUNT/\lN 111\NC Cl.lDERS S:ilcs, service and instruction. 160 Johnston Rd, Searcy /\R ?21/i.l. (501) 2.792/i80.

Om comprehensive instruction program, locarcd at tire San h,mcisco Bay Area's site, foa1urcs gently sloped "bunny ,, supcrlitc ,111d cornf,,rtable training harnesses! "FIRST FI.ICI IT," a video prcscnt;ltion of our

179's, )()'J's and :12CJ's in Wi\NTFD: Ri\VFNS good shape. C:all Matt or Chris1ian at (?OG) 3')8 ...1541

CAUPORNIA ABC J\lRSl'ORTS Best quality, best prices. WW RamAir I 5/i, /\xis 1:l, lll'll, Raven 229 :rnd more.

Trade-in for nvw hg or pg. (805) (,88 .. 0.'lli'.l ybaj t1l:ul1'silcom .rnm I, 1tI,://www.silcom.com/ ,.ybajulaz

SCHOOLS & DEALERS

ALABAMA CLOUDBJ\SF CORP. dha Rocket City i\irsports.

Sales, rentals, service and certified instruction al Keel Mo1111tai11, J\hbama. l'or information send Si\SE to PO Box Curley /\I. ?,'S71i8. (7.05) 880, 8512., (205) 176 9') 12.

Orange County's ADVENTURES UNLIMITED school. USH(;J\ certilied instruction :md 1ancm1inrnr·111. Wills Wing www.,1rtnct.11c1/-sl,,yd,og/ind,·x.l1tml('lllt)lt96

IOOl<OUT MOUNT/\JN l LICHT PARK

FLY J\W/\Y Hang gliding, Santa B:rrbara, USllC/\ ccrLified instruction. T,nnmy Burcar (805) % l»'.t/66.

,id under Ccorgia.

Sec

us

54

OWENS

8000

l\es1 training hill 11/\NC CLJDER EMPORIUM in 1hc west! hill service h,mg gliding/p:iragliding shop, established I CJ'llt. PO Box Ii I Tl9, Sama Barbara Ci\ '.l.'llli01lo'), (805) %'i$Tll. THE 11/\NG GLIDING CENTER Located in hc,rntili,I San Diego. I Jang gliding and paragliding instnrction, sales and service, conducted at TORREY PINES and local mountains. Spend winter vaca tion flying with l\S. Demo ottr line and cqllip, world famous mcnt a1 1hc always rnnvcnicnt TORREY PJNES. We pro11dly offer JC/\RO (L/\MlN/\R ST), MOYES (SX), WILLS WING (XC) and all kinds of' stuff. Makers of' the DROGUE CIIUTF. ((,l ')) 561 ., 009.

lesson program, is av~1il-

ablc for only $7.0 shipping (n'ltly IH' applied to yrmr/itture !l'sso11 purchr1ses). Our deluxe retail shop showcases the l:1rest in h:ing gliding innovations. We stock new and l!scd Wills, J\irwavc and Moyes gliders, PLUS all the hours/ new harnesses. Trade-ins arc welcome. Take " flight on om am:izing new VIRTUAi. REALITY hang gliding flight simulator! 1116 Way, Milpi1as (nmr SJ/n josc) CJ\ 9'i0'.l5. (108) 1055, fax (li08) 762 1.'l88, MSCJJ(;(i1\wl.conr www.l lJ\N(; .. c;u1 JIN(;,com

Tl lF N/\MF Si\ YS IT ALL! Join us al Walts Point and other launches for the of' your lik. Toms/rides to l:runch/rctricvals/XC record c:linics. Camping and hunkhnmc/Win,ILalkcr l:rnnclr info. l;,quipment sales and rentals/river rafring and b:1ckco11n1ry excursions.

The May 1

Cliding Ccmers' Owens Base Camp opens Please call to plan ynur vacation.

Progrnms £(H· novice pilots

non-pilots. Tandcrn X( ~

the Sierras! Toll free (888) OWENS XC. TRUF. FLIGHT 11/\NG CL!DINC SCHOOL DONALD QU/\CKFNBUSH has the only shop ,11 world famous Mountain, Los Oflcring ins1ruction and of' hang gliding equipment with rhc sewing shop m:iking MANTIS harnesses. Trainiug pilots l,,r over /Jf1ern years. 13112 Sayre Avenue, Sylmar C:alif,,rni:i '!1 '.oli2. W18) %T-(,O'i0 ph/fox.

HANC GLll)INC

I JANG Gf][).

WFST COAST PARAGLIDJNG ING L\/ PARAGLIDING, \JS! ICA p;iraglidillg instruction, tandem. All major hrallds of paragliding and gliding eq11ipmcn1 (llew alld 11scd). Repair specialists. Next to hm Fim.11011. The 011ly f11II scr\'icc shop i11 S,lll hancisrn' :)620 W:iwona, S,lll hancim, C:A 'Jli 11 (,. (Ii l'i) h'l I I WINDSPORJ'S I.A's largest si11cc 19'7/i. Fii'r,·,·" mill11tes l'rom I.J\X. C:elltr:il to Sylmar, Crcstlillc, Elsinore ,rnd training si1cs. Vacition training, f1yi11g and glider sales including lodging and rcllt:ils.

The most pop11Ltr and cq11ipmrn1, new alld llScd in stock. Trade in your old equipment. V.'i s11llll)' days each year. Come fly with ns! l(,Ili5 Victory lllvd., Van N11ys CJ\ 91/i()(,. (818) <Jgg.()J 11, h1x (818) 'J88.

18G2.

QUEST J\IR SOARING CENTER The J\crotow Flight Park l'alldcm i\crotow lnstrnctiou FVF.RY DAY,ALI. DAY So:tring Instruction With Every Lc,-,son Package

COLOI{ADO

.S,rrj;J;1.uj(~qJ. !J w1-;J n1J~.rd J11st 8 miles fi-0111 Disllcy World

AIRTIME /\BOVE l IANC Cl.IDINC hill rime lessons, sales, service (:olorado\ mosL cxpcricncvd.

Wills Wi11g, I ligh Energy, Ball, Moyes. (\O:l) hlii 215 l J\irtimcl f(;(,'1\ml.com GOLDEN WINGS Lessons, sab, service. US! J(;;\ certified instructors. J lcalers fin Moyes, \\/ills \Ving, J\lri\ir, and J\irwave. 15/iO I W. 91 h i\vc., ( ;oldl'II CO 80/iOI. CHU) )7il7181.

NFW: TURBO TUG, WE GET YOU TO THF. L!Ff' QUICK! NFW: 10,000' T:111dc111 l.e.ssom, Sec J\lmost i\11 oC l'iorida J\l.so I 0,000' Solo Tows, Call l,ir rcscrvatiolls and Info.

NEW: Pro Shop with lots o(s111{Jlt More Tandem J\crotow Expnicncc Than ANY!!!

Other Flight l'arl<. S1ate·or1hc.J\n Tandem Equipment and Proven Teaching Tcchniq11cs.

CONNFCTICU'I' MOUNl'J\IN WINCS

l.ook under New York.

FI.ORIDJ\ CRJ\YBIIm i\lRSP()JffS INC l ISi IC:J\ & l/Sl/1\ cenilicd in~tructinn. Bcgillncr thn1 advanced h;rng glid er pilot tandem ,,crntow training & rating.s. lJSlJJ\ 11ltraligh1 pilot 1lrn1 basic /light insrn1ctor trailling & ratings. 3 axis s1icl<timc for Svvift, S11pc·rC!oatcr or Dr:1gonlly pilot training. Instruction l ,hys a week hy appoi111111c111. Dealer for all major flight and acro1ow cq11ipmcn1. I 5 111ill11tes Crom Silver Springs, I. 5 hours from Disncyworld. Call ( ;rcgg B.McNamee (.l'52) 82(,:$. grayhird(dlpraxis.nct !11 tp://www.gypzi.com/grayhird UlOl(OUI' MOUNTJ\IN l'LICllT l'i\RK ... Sec ad under ( ;corgia. Nearest mountain 1r;1ining center to Orlando (only 8 hours).

90 i\C:RE /\JR FIFLD. LOTS OF ROOM TO l.i\LJNCI! /\ND l.i\ND. I lave a small plane? Fly in lc,r your lessons and fly hollll' diC .'>alnl' cby.

Rental ( ;Jiders ,md the TEMPEST Sailplane, Rooms, l\11nk I lo11Se ,md C1111pillg. I lotl'.ls and Rcsrauran1s close hy. Dry Storage l,1r c:Jidcrs and Cear. Pool Table, Ping Pong, Swimmillg Pool with liO l,,01 Screened Deck, Fishing Pond, Virtual Reality I lallg ( Simulator, llSS 'JV Ii I I B() ( :hallnels. Bring your ( :olr ( '.lnbs, Ii ( :rn,rscs near by or knock some balls here.

Corne Sec the OUT OF CONTROL BJ\R! Lighted Vollcyhall Cour1.

Open l l \1ys A Weck. ( :real Vacniou Spot For The Whole Family. Close to J\ll Central Florida J\11ractiom.

Central to Attractions

YFJ\R ROUND SOJ\R!NG OPEN DJ\YS A WEEI< FOUR TUGS, NO WAITINC EVERY DIRECTION SO 1 NLGE demos to fly: Clidcrs: l.:iminar, Moyes, TR.'l. Wills.

S11pcr X1rali1c, XC, Collccpt, Shark, Sting, Falcon, S11pcrlloater alld more: also harnesses, v;irios, vrc.

Ages U To

have learned 10 fly here.

No one comes close to our level of' cxpniL'llCc and success with Lu1dcrn acrotow irn,tr11ction.

J\ GRF.i\T SCJ,'.NE H)R Fi\MILY /\ND HHENDS ...

IO motels & n_·sLnir;1111s within mins., camping, hot showers, shade trees, s;1ks, stor;1gc, r;nings, X(' retrievals, great ,vcithcr, clirnlling \vall, trarnpolim:,

DSS TV, pin!', prnip,. b1mgcc swinp,, pirnic tables, swimming pool, etc

Plights of over I 00 miles and more than 6 hours. i\rticlcs in I !rm,~ (,'/iding, Kitplmm, ,\'kywi11gs Cross Coun/Jy and other.'>. l;caturl'd Oil nurncrous 'J 'V shows,

including FSl'N2. lJSlJJ\ Basic Flight Instructors 011 stafl; we teach 'l'ug Pilol:-i.

Visit ns Oil the Wch: http://www.wallaby.com

I Jang Twos and Thrccs··'I'rain wid1 w; to get

your next rating.

I Lrng hiurs·l:xp:md your skill levels by letting 11s teach yo11 to he a taudcrn ai.:rotow instructor.

Clicck Olli 011r Wch Site at wv,w . rn1csr:111101cc.uH or !·>Mail at qm·s1airvi's1rndial.nct ( :all :11 (Yi2) li2'J,021 '$, l'ax (:l52) li29 liilliG or keep up wi1h your !·>Mail rni mll' third line and hrnL'>C com put er or pl11g in your laptop.

WE I Ii\ VF The most advanced program known to hang gliding, you ill die time it takes 011 thc 1rai11illg·lllJNNY !Ill.I., :md with mon· in flight air time. YES, WE CJ\N TEM:l I YOU !'/\STER AND Si\H'.R. for training J,m in the sun, call or write Miami J Lmg ( (,)O'i) }.85 8')78. 2550 S Drive, Cocon111 Crow, Plorida :n1 .'l:l.

)lJIY 1997

M,,i] Sndf 10: Quest J\ir, G'ili8 CrovcLrnd J\irpon Rd., CroveLmd Fl. :l1TJ<, VIS/\. Mi\STERCJ\RD ""cl i\MFRICAN F.XPRESS acn:pted I Jere.

Please call us for rcfrrcuccs and video.

180'5 Dean Srill IZoad.

Wallaby Rallch, Florid,, Tl8T7·9.'l'i8 (9/i I) /i2/i.Q070 phone L\/ fox c:nnscrvative

Rclial,lc

Srate of,hc /\rt

.I I.C. INC./Fl.Y!NG FIDRl!)A SING'. 1'J/li

Malcol111 Jones, I )avid Clover, Rhe1 r Radford, Ryau ( ;[over, J\ustill Collins, Torn lbmscm & Jim J\pplc-ron

0

0

0

GEORGIA

RAVFN SI<Y SPORTS 011r ad under WISCONSIN.

NEVADA

KANSAS PRAlRlE Hi\NC: GUDFRS Full service school & dealer. Great randcm instruction, rowing & XC packages. (316) 375-299'3.

ADVENTURE SPORTS Sierra Soaring· Aerorowing-Tandem, Tours om specialty. Hang gliding/paragliding USJ ICA certified instruction. Sales & fill\ service shop for /\irhorne, Al11\ir, Moyes, Wills Wing. 3650-27, Research Way, Carson City, NV 8')70(, (702) 8il:l 7070 phone/fax, ,1dvsptsV''pyrami, I. net

MFXICO NFWJERSEY EXPFRIFNCE I kccmbcr '97 tbru April '98. Reserve for 1hc holi1L1ys. (602) 285·-ltO')it ~k,; I ,1ms~"1u110.,:om

MOlJ'.'lTi\lN WINGS --1.ook under New York.

NEW MEXICO

I

PERMANENT RV SlTFS w/f,ill hookups, as low as $50/mo. Call Greg Glover 1--800-8(Fl-'778il. l,OOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK Sec our disphy ad. Discover why FOUR TIMES as many pilots earn their wings at l.ooknut than at any other school! \Xie wrote USHGA's Official Trnining Manual.

Our spccialty--c11sromcr satisfaction and fim with the BEST PACILITIFS, invcmory, camping, swim· more! a flying rrip, intro flight or ming, lesson Lookout fvlountain) 011t.sick Chattanooga, your COMPLETE ccn· tcr. Info? (800) 688--LMFP.

NEW BUNKllOUSE AT LOOKOUT! Coming this summer is the latest addition ro Lookout Mountain Hight Park's l Z by ( ;lover. building a b1mkhousc for visiting There separate kmalc and unisex dormitories wi1h showers/bathrnoms for each. Towels and linens rnpplied for your convenience. The new llllnldrnusc at The Landing RV Park & Cabins will he this summer, so call Crcg al 1-800-80:l-'/788 ask him how ies going! l!AWAII BmDS OF PARADISE J Ling gliding & nlrralight flying on K,111ai. Cerriftcd 1a11dem instr\\ction. (808) 822-5309 or (B08) 6'3')-1067.

ILLINOIS RAVEN SKY SPORTS (:312) 3600700 or (ltlli) /i7.3-8800. Please sec om ad under WISCONSIN.

MOUNTAIN WEST HANG c;uoJNc; Farmington's only 11,II service school and Wills Wing dealer. Offering row and tandem fliglm. ('505) 6.'32· 8itli3.

PAl"<AGUDING \JP OVER NFW MEXICO

Based in Bcamif,t! Valle de Bravo experienced, profossional group • l'ABULOlJS IJOUSF FOR LODCINC • Al./\ CAlffE SERVTCF MENU /\VAII./\BLE • RENT OUR I IAN<; CLIDFRS OR BRJNC YOUR OWN • ll/\SlC PACl<ACES AT$ I 00/DAY l IC, $6':!/IJA y pc; • REl'FRENCES AVAII.ABLF Pl IONF.: 1-800-8(,1-7198 l-:M,\11.:/lymcxico@anl.com Wl >'.B: Imp:// rnemhers,aol .con ii flymex ico/i ndex.b tm I CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO OR RESERVA'l 'IONS MEXICO l'IYfNC CFNTERhrrp://www.infi,ahc.com/pous 1·:nuil: pmisCi:Pservidor.unam.mx Tel/h1x 011 525 G52-66-(,6/55/i -17-79.

MICHi CAN NORM LFSNOW'S FLY[ NC /\DVENT\JRES T:rndcrn) turbo mg

Instruction, sales, scr Wills, Pacific Airwavc.

NEW YORK /\AA Fl.lCHI' SCI lOOL MOUNTAIN WINGS ,tnd FAST COAST P/\RAGLIDING in Ellenville NY. Simply the largcs1, MOST PROFESSIONAL training focility in the NF with I years experience.'/ liill rime ccni/,cd insrrm:rors, Ii exclusive 1raining hills. We stock cvcTvtl111w avaibblc for pilots and sell & service AIRW AVE, AV8, ALTAIR, WILLS WJN(; and now MOYES, also SWIFT, SUPERFLOATER, KASPER. WI NG and ALL P/\RAGLIDER BRANDS. Unheatablc prices on 1anderns, JC!', clinics. mrnwingsQi\wl.com. I 50 Canal Street, Ellenville NY 12li28. OUR EXPERIENCE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. AEROMAX I\JC Fxperirncc the freedom of' soaring flight! Specialized in tandem instmction & acrotowing. Gifr certificates available. I .ocation: 1 hour nor1h of NY(:. For info call om ho dine ('l I Ii) '778· 58:l'J, email: nia~~~clo11d'l.nc1

inrroductory

and fitll range programs hcgi1111er ro Aern1ow clinics & US! !Ci\ appropriate rat· ings available. US] !CA certified school. Please cont:ict Norm Lcs11ow-M,1s1cr pilot, Examiner, Advanced Tandem lnstrucror, Tow Adminis1ra1or. (810) :l')9'JliTl, lt1ll-1i111e school.

ELLENVILLE FI.IGIIT PARK Sales, service, USl \CA ccnifkd i11snuc1io1L Dealer for AIRBORNE, LA MOUFTTE TOPLESS, APO), instrnmcnts, accessories. 80 I Jang Clidcr Road, Fllc11ville NY J 21t28. Call Tony Covelli or Jane, phone/fox (9 lit) 617--1008.

TRAVERSE CITY BANG GLIDERS/PARAGLTD

FLY 1 llCIJ 11/\NC (;LJDING, INC. Serving S. New York, ( '.onncctiutt, Jersey areas ([>'.lien ville Mrn.) 1\rca's EXCLIJSIVE Wills Wing dcakr/specialist. Also all 01hcr major hr,rnds, accessories. Certified school/instntction. Teaching since 197'). Area's most INEXPENSIVE prices. Exccllcn1 secondary instruc tion ... if you've finished a program and wish ro continue. Fly rhc m011nrain! ATOL Tandem fligh1s!

Contact Pa11l I 63 Rd, Pinc Bush, NY 12566, (911i)

FRS FU! LTlME shop. Ccnificd instrnction, foo1 Llllnch and tow. Salc:s, service, accessories for Al.I major brands. VISA/MASTERCARD. Corne soar om 1/50' dunes! 150') E 8th, Traverse Ml li%81t. paral',i i,dir11, lessons & for new the Whisper and the Fly. Cdl 'JL!.·lNl'J. Visit our paragliding school in J,1ckso!l, Wyotnillg. Call Tracie at (.107) Tl')-8620.

INDIANA MINNESOTA TANDEM. Airwavc dealer. 67:n JJ MITCI JELL Columbia Ave., I lammond, IN it(i.'37-lt (7, 19) 815 2856.

S8

SPORT SOARINC: C:ENTER/MfNNEAPOf.lS l11s1rucrion, ecnllPlllC'lll de,dcrs frn Wills Willg, Pacific Airwave & ((,!)) 688-0181.

HANC GIIDINC

s IKAROS SPORT AVIATION & Sp:rrran Microlight Mam1L1c111ring. NY(.

Cicd sd1ool for h:rng glidillg, and nikcs, Disrriburors/dealcrs !or all major brands. Ma1rnE1ctnrcr for 1hc BEST microlights in the world, SPARTAN. New and used equipmrnt al hex\ prices. The most frirndly scrvi, e in NY. For catalog srnd $5 to: !SJ\, .1811 Ditmars Blvd 11110, Astoria NY 11 IO'i. Store: 7.'J:ll Newtown i\ve., Astoria NY. Phone/fox (/18) Tl/-/000, rn1:1il: Jkarosl lG11:1ol.corn Internet: 1/fly.htm SUS<)LJl•:J JANNA 1·ucHT l'J\RK Coopcrsrnwn, NY. Cenilicd Instruction, Saks and Service for :rll major m:mufactttrcrs. liO acre p:rrk, training hills, jeep rides, hunk house, c:nnping, hot showers, 600' NW ridge. We have the best focilitics in N. New York state to tc:rch you how 10 fly. c/o l lan ( ;11ido, llox 2').l Shoemaker Rd, Mohawk NY I :lli07, (:l I 'i) g(,(, (, 1'l:I.

VIRGINIA

TFNNESSEI

BI.UF

l<ITTY I IA WI< l<ITFS I.OOl(Ol!T MOUNTAIN FI.ICI IT PARK

S,T Nonh Carolina.

Sec

ad under ( ;corgi a,

Sil VFR WJNCS, INC:.

C:crti/Jcd instrnction and crpripmcnr .saks. (/(U) 'i:U-1 %5 J\rlinf,IOll VA.

TEXAS WISCONSIN ( :cnified lc,ot launch, row AUSTIN AlRSl'OHTS & 1;1ndcrn training. Salcs/MTviu\ Steve & Fn'd Burns WINDEMERE (210) 6'J35B05. lfOUSTON (2BI) lilJ-1/iBS.

NORl'f l CAROLINA

instn1ction, equipment Clidcr S:ivcr.s. C:all Stew VA, ('iliO) li32-6'i'i7.

IIAWJ< AIRSPORTS INC P.O. Box 90'i6, l<noxvillc, TN .l7'Jfi().()0S6, (17.3) 2.12-·li'J')/i. 11:rng ( ;liding and world l:imous Windsoks.

I !ILi O)lJN rn.Y PAJ(J\CLIDIN<; INC Learn rnmplcte pilot skills. Personalized US! ]CJ\ ccrtifted training, ridgL' soaring, f{mt & tow Lnmching in cent ml Texas. MOTORIZED PARAGLIDING INSTR.UC TION & EQ!JIPMFNT AVAILABLE, (91 'i) 379 1 185. Rt 1, Box I <,I', Tow TX 78677..

KITE FNTlcRPRISES 1'001 launch, platfortll Llllncli and :icrotow instruction too. Training, sales, renuls and rep:1ir. J\irw:1vc & \Xlills Wing. Dallas, h,n \Xlonh :1nd north Texas area. 11 Fil is, Allen TX 7500). (')72) .l'l0-90')0 nights, weekends.

RAVEN SKY SPORTS lli\NC Cl.ll)!NC /\NlJ l'ARACJ.J])JNC Lrrgcsr :rnd mo.st pop11lar ill the Midwest. Traditional curriculum, ridge soaring, rnoun tain clinics, Drngonl1y acro!O\ving & t,rndcms hy Brad

l<11shncr. Sales/scrviec/acccssmics for ,ill major brat!ck PO Box I 01, Whitewater WI 'i:l I 'JO (ii 1Ii) liTl-8800.

PARTS & J\CCESSORJFS J\BSOllJJJ,J,Y Till. BEST Prices for Ball varios/parachutcs. (() 19) 22(J.-O()lt8, cm;1il: rcbrokcrVhincom.nct

AEROTOWING ACCESSORIES Sec TOWINC. Till' WALLABY RANCI I (9ft 1) li21i-0070.

RED RIVER J\IRCRJ\J'T/C0 ... 11/\NC CL]J)INC 1!1 Jeff! !urn, liSI I Red River St., Ausrin .l\·xas 787'51.

Pl,/Etx (512) lt67-2'i2.'J • TANDEM INST!d.JCTJON • AFROTOWJNC Jl()J\T TOWJNC • l'J\RJ\CI.IDJNC l'OOT I.AUN(] I • IVIOlJNTJ\IN CIINICS ll LA( :J I JH:S ORT Ol'FN YFJ\R ROUND • F<JLJll'MFNT .,/\I.ES AND SFRVICJ:

Area's OJ.DEST Wills TOT1\I. J\lR SPORTS Wing dc;ilcr. Certified instruction av:rilalilc. "l only DFAl. with WII.IS'. 6:l'ili l.irmstonc, llouston TX 7709!. (7 U) 'JS(, <, 1li7.

UTA II

(800) lntemct Address: htrp://www.kinyhawk.com !'-Mail Address: h:r11g-glidc<i1lrn11er-·l"mks.cotll l'FNNSYI ,VANIA

ARMJ\DI LIO CUI JER llACS Protect your glide, from UV and all JlallllT.S clements. ( :nstolll lll:ldc heavy duty polypropykt!c wlrull lcngrl1 zipper $90 (plus $7.'iO s/11.) FXC:UJSIVFI.Y through I<cntuckiana Soaring, li2'i N i\vc., ( :l:1rk.svillc IN iill 29. (812) ;>88-7111, (812) ?.H!i-li 11 MC/Visa.

or

MOlJNTJ\J N TO I' RECREATION Cenificd instruc1io11, l'itt.slnngh. (Ii 12) 69/ liliT!. C'MON our AND PLAY! MOUNT1\IN WINCS

CALI Kl·NTUC:KJANA S01\RJNC /1 11 for the best price.

Look under New York.

(812) 28B

Pl.EASE SFF OUR DISl'LA Y AD. WASATCH WINGS - l'Ul.L TIME US! IC/\ certified I JC instruction ,ll l'oint of tire Mo11ntain and mo1111t:rin sites. Dealer for Wills Wings, Moyes, i\i1w:rve :rnd m11ch more. C:all i'.ac (80 I) 2.T! · I Oli:.>.

)UJY 1<J<J7

59

KENTUCKIANA SOARING Communications Specialist!

Best Prices & Best Service' Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed!

OVERSTOCK&. C:LOSF .. OlJT ITEMS' VARIOS: FUGITT DFCKS Nl'W BALL CRAP! 1IC:S PLUS. .... $CALL BALI. GRAPHICS COMP .... DFMO ........... $900.00 BALI.Ml'l ..... $360.00 AIRCOTEC Piccolo Plus, Demo .. .. ... $/i00.00

BEST 12" WIIEELS AVAILABLE

lightweight, a must for bushings. Only USA built

Super tough, tandem flying. Built··in wheel. $1i2.95, quantity

discou1Hs. lrnmcdiate delivery. Lookout Mountain,

DlCIFLY . . .

FI.YTECli010 FLYTEC li020 ..

FLYTEC4030 MJ\1.1.ETl'EC: ...

CARMIN CPS 38 ..

.. ... DEMOS ......... $/i00.00

..... Demo ... ........ $'533.00 ..... Demo ... .. ...... $760.00 ......... $CALL .$159.95 ............ $1 '5').00 ........... $29').00 ......... $69'!.00

GARMIN CPS li5 ..

CARMIN GPS 90 ..

(800) 688 .. J.Ml'I'.

IIELMF.TS l'ELLF. & RI\Fl.EX Full !'ace .............. OVERSTOCK CLEARANCE .... Black & other ugly colors .... $175.00 PANORAMIC ...... Full Face ......... $lli9.00 LEF-1'2, Used, Large w/PT 1 •• .. ..... $200.00 lJVEX . . ................. . .. Full Face ........ $290.00

FROM "BRllA!JPllN" MAl<!BH NJ.:W SM!IU, COMBO FOR HANG AND PARAGhIDlNG.

My well-loved lightning quick vario married 10 an cxcclle111 altimeter thanks to new generation laser· into 10ttgh little RFtrimmed rransducers. proof box only 5x.3x1 still has reserve battery!

Interchangeable broad Velcro straps or base rnhc mounting hardware. $7.95 Shipping inc. (805) 682 ]()88. Brcaclpan ,mits still $295. Laser trimmed rctroii, available $8 5.

ROBERTS curnm INSTRUMENTS 33/iO Cf.lFF DRIVE

I lELMFTS lnregral & Air l<cvler, top-of~tl1c-line $180-$300. Discounts ot1 small & XS in smck. (Ii iii) li73-8800.

RJ\l)JOS-AJ.I. MODF.LS AVAi f.J\BI.F YAFSU FTl 1R .. ... 5 watt ........ $305.00 KENWOOD Tll22.. ........ 5 wa11....... ..$<:ALL F/C Fingerswitclt/l le:tdset ...... I lcavy·Duty ...... $89.00 5/8 TELESCOPIC ANTENNA...... ...$20.95 5/8 GAIN DUCK ANTENNA. . ... $17.95 EAR' J'J\I X-Sl'EAKElUMlC: SYSTEM .... Sale ... $60.00 VC2?. YAESU Vox/FIT .$58.95 MOBILE ............ 50 wart ..... $299·375.00 Tl/NF UP w/Warranty Intact .................... $35-50.00 1COMV68. .IY/-17/imhz ... $22.9.00 AL!NC:O ........... $CAI.I. PARACIHJTES

WILLS WfNC !.ARA ..... w/l'araswivcl ..... $CAI.I. rnc;11 FNERGY QUANTUM"' ... $CALL Edel, NAS, WW, l'roDcsign, HES & More!

SANTA BARBARA Ci\ 93109 MISCEU .ANEOUS ARMAD[LI n (:lid er Travel bag .. UV resisianr .. $90.00 WIND ADVISORY AIRSPEED W/Clamp ..... $23.00 llALI. PARAGLIDER AIRSPEED.. .. ... $28.95 1 IOOK KNJFF .................................... $14.95 MASON'S TOW RF.U:ASF .. $52.00 U MITTS ........ Clearance Overstock ............ $2'i.OO AVOC:E I' PILOT WAH TIES ................... $1 lli.li5

IllCI 1 PF.RSl'ECTJVE WI !EELS Real liic savers!

12", light, tough. Fits all gliders. Send $41.95 + $4.50 shipping per pair ro Avi,ition, PO !lox 101, Mingoville PA !6B56. about our dealc.r prices,

"New" KF.NTUCKJANA SOARING PRESFNTS Fliglrt Connections.

Fingerswi1clt Radio I leadsel HEi\VY-DUTY HEADSET linger mrnmted switch allows pilot to rnnununicatc while their hands on rhc control har or brakes. Safor Hying more reliable comnmnic:ttions. Yom insrrumcnt is protected with a 90 day mig w,trran1y with service available beyond the warraury. C:urremly for Yacsu, !com, Alinco, l<cnwood and other comp:11iblc radios. Available for hrll face or open hclmels. $8') +$3. 50 shipping, MC/Vis,t, dealer inquires invited. Kcnrucki:rna Soaring, lt7.5 N Taggart Ave., Clarksville IN li'712'). (812) 28[l-71 l 1, fax (812) 2Bli-4l I SPECIALIZING IN ELECTRONICS, RADIOS, VJ\RIOS, CPS UNITS & MORE!

KF.NTUC:KTANA SOARING Avenue Uark.s11JIJc IN li7129 (fll2) 288-7111 fax (812) 28/i-4115

Tl TE NFW !NCRFDIBLE FARMJKF. 515, Just plug it into the otttlct in your car and press the ptt hnnon the cont ml piece when rr:ms Can be fo through your sleeve :md :tnach to with velco. The earpiece is washable.

Earmike 5 is for !com, Yaesu, Alinco and more. for l'armikc 575 is for Kenwood. the best mic in 1he market is $'J4.'J5. ISA 777 7000.

60

c;1Frs & TROl'l llFS Unique, umtsual & creative !rang gliding related gifts and trophies. Free caralog' Soaring Dreams, 11716 Fairview, Boise Idaho 83711.

(208) 376-791 Ii. uc·:m,av..s, hand fairings, hart1<.·ss

zippers and more.

Cunnison ( ;Jidcrs, l '5,i') co 81210. (970) 6ft I -9l I 5

shipped same d:ry.

Road 17, ( ;unnison

MINI VARIO World's smallcsl, simplest vario! Clips ro ltclmcr or chinstrap. 200 hours on batteries, 0· 18,000 Cr., fast response and 2 year warranty. Creal for paragliding too. ONLY $169. Mallcnec, !'() Box 15756, Santa Ana CA, 92735. (71/i) '!66-12/iO. MC/Visa accepted.

HANC GUDJNC

The world-class XCR l 80 opnates up to 3 hours /ih 18,000 Ii. ,rnd weighs only /ill,, Complc1t· ki1 wi1h harness, regulator, cann11la and remote on/off

llm•m1c·1cr, only $l75.00.

llllN'T CET C:AlJ(;l!T LANDINC DOWN. WIND! ·- I. 0·1.. rips1op nylon, lJV treated, 5'/i" long w/ 11" tlm111t. Avaihblc colors Cluo1csccn1 pink/yellow or fluorescent pink/whitc:. $39.95 ( $/i.00 S/11). Send ro USI I< ;A Windsok, P.O. Box 1330, CO 80')0 I t:l30, (l 19) 612 8300, Colorado

lllGHER 'JUAN FJ\CJ.ES hy 1VL1111lys & Chris Wills. The lifr & times of BOBBY WILLS, glidiug legend. the triumphs and the Wills aud the evolution of $19.95 hardcover (+$/i./5 S/11 for lJPS/l'riority delivery), sec preceding classifa:d for US! !CA BOOKS

fox Cl I'))

ordcriug info.

1

TEK Fl .!GHT PRODUCTS

BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT 1.MFP NFFllS EXl'FtnFNCFD I 11'.IP shop. Call Abn or Matt (706) :l'J8-35/i I.

In rhe sew

WANTED Jiang Cliding/Paragliding instrnctors. lmmcdi,uc full time openings 11v11il11hlc. l.ivc the California drc,1rn ... ins1ruct s111dcnts ;it 1hc -San J•'r:mci-'>co Bay ,irc;1's premier training site. Service shop

ernploymcnr is also available. Ask f,ll' Pat Dcnevan (/i08) H,2. JOS5. MS< :1 JC<cilaol.com www.l IAN<; ..

(;J,JJ)INC.com C1mcra 1no1m1, several models ,1vailablc $/i:,.SO. C1mern rcmole (asl, aboul rclx11e) $Ii '5. Vario moun1 $15. 6" wheels $2'J.l5. Sil I illdudcd.

PUBLICATIONS & ORGANl/1\TIONS AVAILAlll.F ACAIN Sllbject index f,,r I IC zinc, 19//i throng!, 1')')6, with improved binding includes shipping. Soaring Technology> 6 I larvcsr Lane, htrmit1gton C: I' 0(,0:lL

BAC: IT' !f' you don 'c haw your copy of' Dennis Pagcn's PERFORMANCF. Fl.YINC yet, available through lJSI JCA Headquarters $29.'J'J (, $5. 50 s&I, for Ul'S/l'riony Mail delivery).

CALL l ISi !CA ((nrn. I-' rom tlw r·arly I 11111g c;/idillg. (719) C,.l2 8.lOO.

TEK FLICf!T PRODlJCTS, Cokbrook S1agc Wiustcd C:T 06098. (860) 379,16(,8. h11p://mem· bcrs.1 ri1,od.corn/ ·1cklligli1/i11dcx.h1rnl

A Truo Hong Gliding St:o",I

bv· LARRY l'LlsMll'KI

DOWNWIND hom tlw early days o/' rhe /O's, to the hig-tirnc air o/' Owen's Valley, DOWNWIND is packed wi,h thrill and exhilaration of' cross co1mrry advemmc. The pcrfict gi/'t frll' both pilots and non· pilots. SI !ARE Tl IF EXPFH/l'NC:F. A trllc story, well told. Available Crom l JS] l( ;A Headquarters for only $10.95 (, $.\ s/h). PO Box U:lO, ( :olor:1do Springs CO 80'JO 1.1.no.

]UIY 1997

"NEW" A RISK MANAGEMENT MANUAi. For 1 lang Cliding, by Micl111cl Robenson. Used ,·xtc1111s lJSI ICA's lnsrrnctor Certification No1cliook. Includes: his1ory, the wc111cllnl!llS wind, nc\v tow section, the wing, the windividual, and ,he famous REVISED, NFW CHARTS OF REI.IA BIi.ITV. $9.')5 ,y;., s/h. Order yom rnpy Ii-on,: l ligh Pnspcctivc, RR 5, 86'i C:onc.7, Cl:iremont Ont. Canada L1 Y l 1\2. (')05) 2')/i-25:l(,, fax (905) 2')/i 8195, email: flyhigl,(dlinfor,unp.m't,

61

SPECIAL NEW l'ILCH EDITION l Lmg Gliding & Parngliding magazine. Now available through USl]C;\ $!\.95 each ,$!.'ill s/h.

MISCELl,ANFOUS

DON'T LEAVE YOUR GROUND.BOUND EQUIPMENT SITTIN<; IN TIIE GARAGE. SELi. IT IN Till' HANG CIJl)!NG CI.ASSfflEDS.

SOARIN(; Mo11rhly magazine of The Soari11g Society of America, l nc. Covers all aspects of soaring flight. Full membership $55. Info. kit wit!, sample copy ~3. SSA, P.O. Box I', I lobbs, NM 882/i 1. (505) 'l'J2 1,177.

REAL ESTATE TFXAS I Ill.I. COUNTRY - -- Rednced-mnst sell!

Secluded hill top lot. Paved road & milirics, I min ntes from Packsaddle Mtn., 20 minutes f'rom Anslin Airsports rrnd Hill Coumry J>araglidin[\· Access to l8 hole golf' course & 5,000' paved private runway $8,500. Call Chris (21 O) 82/i 1803.

TOWING

"AEROBATICS" Full color 2.3"x .31" poster fc,nuring Johu I doing whal he docs bcsr-1.00PINC! lJSI !CA I l(J for just $6.95 (,$3.50 Available s/h). 11ill that void on your wall! Send Lo US! ICA l\erohatics Poster, i'(l Hos l:>00, Colorado Springs (:o 80'!5:l. (USA & Canada only. Sorry, poslcrs arc NOT AVAII.AI\I.F on international ordns.) SPE& Eric Raymond poster'iO s/h).

AF.ROTOWTNG ACCESSORIES I lcadquartcrs releases, Spectra "V" l,,r: The finest releases, bridles, weak links, tandem launch cart kits, etc.

THE WALLABY RANCH (9/i I) 121-0070.

CET MORE AlRTIMl 1., CUARANTEED! Platform pay·ou1 systems in stock. Over 6'i systems in use, prices st arr at just $ I ,995 delivered. h,r more iul,rnuation contact: TLS, '70 IO Mark, San Antonio TX 18?. I 8. (210) 82/i 1803, fax (210) 805-8:l86. MC, Visa, Amx accq11cd.

SO)OTFR ·1·ow SYS'l'FMS prices. (972) :190-9090.

TOW[NC TRAIi.FR 198'). (617) F,57(,3(,,

Available at various

ATOL scrnp, in use since

VIDEOS & FILMS J:IRST Fl .!GHT

Follows the action of a new pilot's

VIDFOS BOOKS & POSTERS-~ Call US! !CA l,,r your Mcrdrnndisc order form (71 ')) 632.-8300, email: ushgaCrJ1usl 1ga.org.

CI.ASSIJ/IED ADVERTISING RATES The rate lor classilicd advertising is$. 'iO per word (or group of' characters) and $1.00 per word for bold or all MINI MUM AD CIIARGE $5.00. A !'cc of' 15.00 is charged for each line art logo and $25.00 for each photo. LINEART & PllOTO SIZE NO I.ARCER THAN 1.75" X 2.25". Please underline words 10 be in ol' tabs $2.5.00 per column incll. Phone words. Email nr web addrcss~:lwnrds. AD DEADLINES: All ad copy, i11struc1ions, clia11gcs, additions and cancellations mu.st be received in I 112 1110111hs preceding the cover dare, i.e. Jnly for the September issue. Please make checks payable to US! IGA, P.O. Box 1330, Colorado CO 80901 1YlO, (I 19) 6.32-8300.

Fax (I 19) ] '/ or email: ushgav11ushgr1.org ynur classified with your Visa or Mrisrcrc:trd.

Adventure Productions .................. , ..... ?

C/\l. Cl.OVF. !.i1;ln·wcight CAHRETTA LEATHER GLOVES, world famous in eq11cstrian cir clcs, arc now in the hang gliding, paragliding & Available in men, women & sizes, ') difl,,rcm colors and priced limn $7.l.')S-$.3').')'i. For more inl,, on these superior learltcr gloves comact: Cal-( ;Jove, 2.920 Auburn Blvd, Sacrrtmcnto C:A 'Vi82.l. (916) li81-8701, fox (916) li81-1 168, email: cal-glovc(t1)juno.con1

Alrair ................................................. 57 Arai Design ...................................... .45 AV8 .................................................. 39 Ball Varios ......................................... 31 Braunigcr .......................................... 18

Fly Products ...................................... 51 Flyrcc ................................................ 56 I fall Bros ........................................... 47

first lessons. This video is an cufcrt:iining way to show

your friends and fomily how you acmally learn to VllS 15 minutes. $20 includes shipping (may MISSION SOARINC applitd to lesson CENTER, 1116 Way, Milpitas CA 950:l5. (li08) 2/i2-I 055.

NEW IN STOCK! PARTY AT CI.OUDBASE hang gliding rnusic video hy Adventure Prod11nions $1 'J.'J5. POINT OF Tl rn MOUNTAIN Award winning by East Cort.st Video, hg/pg acriou al this Utah rnecc, $29. I (ANG CLIDING EXTREME & BORN TO FLY Advcnrmc Productions, great hg action $:\li.9'i HAWAIIAN H,Y!N by Space'), soaring la11nches $3.'l. Cdl or fox \JS!-ICA (119) 6.32 6/i I please +$1 domestic s/1, (, $5 /,,r two or more videos). Crear Lo your fricuds or for 1hose socked-in days. Perfect for the launch potato 111rncd couch potaLo. Also, ask us :1hout our paragliding vid(·os!

62

VARIO BALL 652, great condiriou, recently cali hr,11cd $).2.'i. (518) US evenings.

High Energy Sports ........................... 46 Icaro .................................................... 2

Just

Lookout Mrn. r:light Park ................... 5 !Vlojo's Gear ........................................ 7 Mountain c:ondos ............................ .47 Ncilsc11-Kcllcrma11 ............................ 5 I Pendulum /\erosports ........................ 18 Soaring Cc mer .................................... 7 Sport Aviation Publications ............... 37 WINI JSFFKER More /im than a barrel ol' downtubes. lt soars, it loops, i1 flie,! ONLY $3.00 plus $2 s/b ($., s!h on ord!'rs of'.3. Mort 1hm1 3 or Int'/ ordrn, p/mst ml!) \ JS! !CA, l;O Box 1:l:lO, Colorado ( :c) 8090 I. ('119) 6:12 8:300, fox your M( :/Visa order to (71 ')) 6:12-6/i 17.

U.S. /\cros .................................... l 8/i7 US Aviation ...................................... 26 UST-IC;/\ ............................. I Wills Wing .......................... Back Cover

I IANC CiiDINC

@

by Dan Johnson

DUNLAP, TENN. flack Ln the: Cr1attanooga and up at· JT0nson Gap for M0rnor.i al was hoping to do a loL· of ,war ng rm n0wl y However, wi U1 only comp le Led Cumulus one. ddy ning, d wea Lhcr was foiJ ing tl1osc0 pLann. bad somG; Lime to put out So, on wiU1 ••• off, friend and fellow USHGA Board of Di.rectnc membG;r, now clai.m he flew tltE' no ::;Li 9h1 feat wortliy accomp] i slimenl.s lJE·cn hc~1d by Mike in lJ1e pa'",t.

Neuman (13 rc,cord), U1e more mile difficult ISl Hecord by Tony by

intere.s t:ing account wanted Lo add my an pilot. hanc1 qlidc,r rnam1filcturing :i L·.akinq in my view. ng ocienl.aU on L:o I niche . Hc,re in I.he lat.e '90s, we one major marn.1fact:urer Ln \\/ills W:i nq w}10 rnippJ the bulk ol. new glidcrr; Cul.I four models. Fo11owinCJ that i bui.lden; n·,inforced w.i U1 opccra L j ems The o.ldec,t and Bob •rrampc.c,nai 1 ' Soedwin(rs by Jolm Heiney' supply the innovative Prc,dator.

I~eynold' company CJLicler In adch tion, some: North Wing ••• he·, once in Washinqton sl:ato encompassinq a full ,;a iL loft, schoo.l , and ors hip. Since~ then done with and Di:c,lt:a WinCJ. Nov, \hat. they' th~ businRss, Cl ns has o,3t:abJ.i.c,hed North WinCJ to fulfill severaJ neec]s he F:i Wing gliders . Kamron :Jays or you can (Jet: "parts, sail r·epair, and l:eclinical supporl:" for PacJ\ir can also supp] y al I and L:he Dream !:lying hi.m repair Secondly, and pC?rhaps th,} ma.ir1 thrusL ot North Winer, is wings lllevim1 he saw, " ...a need hiqh·qualit:y U. profc~.ssiona l., not. copy a Dream or old Demon. " Tle reco(Jnizc,,c; Lhat han(J CJLider:,.; and Ld kc, wings are "different: cmima.l and that a harnJ glider should noL· be a trike Many ul I.rill i ght· L.rikc this Nort.h Winq Lr i ke· capable: wi ncJs . The Mustang "ck,~; i.qned around aE;rotow.i.rnJ, " and wil L reportr.xfl y 28 mph while towinCJ. BI c":virm says place training ac, weJ 1. Next rimallc,r and .~iporti er winCJ with up to 6'> mph. Fina] J y, he }1as Lhe Contour an 88~) )UIY 1997

doubJe surface wing L:hat Ciln race to 72 rnph while landinCJ only 22 mph, B] 'I'he l:op·ofthc>· Line Contour in L:c~nded f:or country t:ourincr c1ncJ tra i ninq LU cJhlB North WinCJ is not· enU rely focused on trike win9s ancl ha.nci CJliding dealers rnay be quite :i ntcrested l:o know L:liat the new company wi I make 190 and 220 Eaglets, which, interc?sl:ingly!, ava:i.lable :i.n kit form.

Pric(•S and avc.1ilabi.Jj Ly on }1ang CJJidE;r::o, trike wings, and [com Norl:h Wing can obtained by conl:acl:inCJ Blevins at P.O. Box 128 in Marina, CA 93933. You may also cal] 4N1·883·9112 or 672 8659.

••• While Wi:Uc,, Seedwinq:;, Altair, AcrrK", and NorlJ1 Wi.nq are Yilnkee enterpri I operations are aJso Uiriving. establis1led Moyes, newcom0.:,r,s AV8 (I,aminars [rom U.S. Airwave based Lookout: Mountain (Concept[, from En9.Land), and now, GW Meadow,, ' U.S. Aeros, which w.i l 1 import gliders from Russi.a, of a.1 J place,;. 'J'his newest operation l1ds a lineup of t:hree: CJlider models 'I'he Target is a sin9l (Ji ider avaj lablc~ in 1/J'J and :UlO squaric, Whi similar l:o WW' s hot·BGllinCJ Falcon, l:he Target adds a mylilr L,.E. and low0,r wing, Meadows LiCJbter pi t_ch and rol Lllim the filmiliar Dream come u;.;ing ki n(Jpoc,t point. "J believe lit Llle only c:;in(Jle surface fCJliderJ l:o do that· , " observes GW . cu s l omer CJC, l:13 choice of colors for only , 650.

ThQ Stealth (w:ith Jdngpo,;t) s only avai1ab1c in JCiil square foot: . ·['his double modeJ ql ider al I tl1e rnodern liaulback and for $1,] 00. Like the '1'ar9et Polyant D:imensiornJ sail cJoU1 from Gemany which ME~adows says Wi.Jl:3 WinCJ. " However, the Stealth Kl?L ( kinqpos U e,3fl) . Like CW, has t:hEc; 0

He continues, explaining, "Whcc;re \:lie' majority of ot.ber manufacturers are using carbon Li.ber (mud1 more expensive'!; wei ) , th(, KPL conventiona1 spar that hw0; proven CJeneral avi a U on Lor 60 year,:;, " 1'11(, KPL prerc;en t:.Jy available in 132 and 152 square foot sizes ilncl accordinCJ t.o Meadows, "The? 144 c:tiJ I bein9 finished up and should be under(JoinCJ tbe inj tia] pitch and load test rror tbe German DHVI before Lonq. " Perhaps the n,a I se the quj l:.e modest $4,800 price in the USJ\, whicl1 includes the sh:ippinCJ and import expensc:c,s. CW clciirnc, tJ1is Ls ~;1, 000·1, 20() lc·?,s.s U1an al] othc,r 1.oples:, dEcSJCJJJS. L' .I J have more on the Tl. S. Ac,rm3 opera t:iom; il fu t:ure "Product Lines," but you can cal] detaih; at: 9]94fl().?,'1'71. You can also to 919 480·011'/.

Say, we' oul:ta room once again.

Next month l:o have ,;ome breilk:inq on Brightstar• new Millennium (a parl:ialJy cloLh wing, Jower··priced follow·on t·o . So, qot news or opiniom;? Send ' l:o: ii Dorset:, St. [)au.l MN 5')1Ul. l<'ax or Vmail to 61?,·4'S0-0930. Or Lo CumulusManC1ao1.com. THANKS!