USHGA Paragliding January/February 1999 by US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

The

dependable intermediate

DHV-Gutesiegel Kl.

'1-2 GH

US Distribution West Coast Paragliding 3620 Wawona St . San Francisco CA 9411 6 Phone (415) 759-9011 Fa x (415) 759-1182 www. air-time .com / free X

•

AFNDR standard

Development , Manufacturing International Distribution free X air sports GmbH 82544 Egling Germany www.free x. com

•

1111ith

,reeX handling

DHV-Gutesiegel Kl.

Northwest Distributor Alpine Marine Phone (425) 432-8900 FAX (425) 432-2876 Email : alpmar @compuserve .com

'1-2 GH

•

AFNOR standard

PARAGLIDING • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1999

AIR MAIL

RATINGS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S CORNER

USHGA REPORTS

GuoER REviEW:THE FLIGturoEJ1&~ by Alan CJJ.tJ.Culate .•

s2 ,-',

_;';·,_

,','.-_

PlLoT REPoRT:THE Pll<>D~lGNREtAii60 UPDATE

FLYING.

',<·-:<'.-:

SITES:]ACI<SORlit>t~:~ft)N11~~·········

.·article and photos. by De1:>(>t#f:tlflel:if>..~all:1'§1:i/li:.· COVER: Shandy O'Neil launching at Rendezvous Peak in .front of Corbet's Cabin, Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Photo by Deborah Webb Halbach. See story on page 34.

CLASSIFIEDS

Accident Reports

.• .D~J3ll(lF . ·•..

•w~.INPIJBUCA-

. . TIQ1'TS; 't'p;e uiatetial vre·~~t¢cl h~(e ~1:>uh1tslle,das ·

Part of'(Jn;lnfo~tiondis,;· . .• · ·..·. :s~dq11Jietvicefor C . ·ysil:GN:tn.¢Plbe1'S..Tft~. USHG~,tn~esJ10 wair

·rarwes,ilt:represeµratiqµs

_,,_: -,,,,

AGA:.TH.ERI.NG·OP.?Gtllis>i . by CJ.Sturte~dh.t

the~,,

~d ass\iines 11otiab,llity ... Q{ •.. all}' advice, opµjj(}a Ot t'e<;"

·. wnceriutlg

onunetid!\tiOtl ¢,qlt'.esile<(~

the~t~ahAJ!tJl9iYicl(l\fJs

·~rtttg

up<>n.thenmWrial.do· ..· .• scr~t t4¢ir QWtJ.tisk. .·• •.

C(){)~ ~l999:Uni~~·•.· . ·Statcs,$ngG)lding'.4ssn,/ . Jnc.•:AUrt@tsl'es!~ed,to··

:J>araglfdt~,m~ iildi.vidtil'll , 0

. <:pijttiliutC11'$,

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1999

Gil Dodgen, Managing Editor/Editor-in-Chief Sieve Roti, Contributing Editors Dave Pounds, Art Director Will Gadd, Dennis Pagen Staff Writers Office Staff

Phil Bachman, Executive Director, phbachman@ushga.org Jeff Elgart, Advertising, jjelgart@ushga.org Joanne Peterson, Member Services, rjpeterson@ushga.org Elaine Elgart, Web Administrator, emelgart@ushga.org Natalie Hinsley, Merchandise Services, njhinsley@ushga.org John Halloran, Administrative Director jghalloran@ushga.org USHGA Officers and Executive Committee: Gregg Lawless, President Chris DuPaul, Vice President Russ Locke, Secretary Geoff Mumford, Treasurer

REGION 1: Bill Bolosky, Steve Roti. REGION 2: Russ Locke, Ray Leonard, Scott Casparian. REGION 3: Ken Baier, Tammy Burcar, Gregg Lawless. REGION 4: Mark Ferguson, Jim Zeiset. REGION 5: Frank Gillette. REGION 6: Jeff Sinason. REGION 7: Bill Bryden. REGION 8: Randy Adams. REGION 9: Pete Lehmann, Geoff Mumford. REGION 10: G.W. Meadows, Matt Taber. REGION 11: Dave Broyles. REGION 12: Paul Voight. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Paul Klemond, Paul Rikert, Dan Johnson, Jan Johnson, Dennis Pagen. HONORARY DIRECTORS: John Harris, Steve Kroop, Larry Sanderson (SSA), Ed Pitman, Chris Dupaul, Gene Matthews, Lars Linde, Alan Chuculate, , Ken Brown, Rob Kells, David Glover, Michael Robertson, Greg DeWolf, Tracie Fifer-Welch. EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS: Art Greenfield (NAA).

-----------··-----

The United States Hang Gilding Association Inc. is an air sports organization affiliated with the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) which is the official representative of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FA!), of the world governing body for sport aviation. The NAA, which represents the U.S. at FA! meetings, has delegated to the USHGA supervision of FAl-related paragliding activities such as record attempts and competition sanctions. PARAGLIDING magazine is published for paragliding sport enthusiast, to create further interest in the sport, and to provide an educational forum to advance paragliding methods and safety. Contributions are welcome. Anyone is invited to contribute articles, photos and illustrations concerning paragliding activities. If the material is to be returned, a stamped, self-addressed return envelope must be enclosed. Notification must be made of submission to other paragliding publications. PARAGLIDING magazine reserves the right to edit contributions where necessary. The Association and publication do not assume responsibility for the material or opinions of contributors. PARAGLIDING editorial offices: 31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy., Suite A-256, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, phone (949) 8887363, fax (949) 888-7464, e-mail: GilDodgen@aol.com. The USHGA is a member-controlled sport organization dedicated to the exploration and promotion of all facets of unpowered ultralight flight, and to the education, training and safety of its membership. Membership is open to anyone interested in this realm of flight. Dues for full membership are $54.00 per year (of which $15 goes to the publication of Paragliding), ($65 non-U.S.); subscription rates only are $26.00 ($32 non-U.S.). Changes of address should be sent six weeks in advance, including name, USHGA number, previous and new address, and a mailing label from a recent issue. PARAGLIDING (ISSN 1089-1846) is published five times per year (Jan./Feb., March/April, May/June, Sept./Oct. 1 Nov./Dec.) by the United States Hang Gliding Association, Inc., 559 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 101, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903-3657 (719) 632-8300. FAX (719) 632-641 7. PERIODICAL POSTAGE is paid at Colorado Springs, CO and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: PARAGLIDING, P.O. BOX 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1999

NAA SPORTING LICENSE CLARIFICATION Dear Editor, From conversations I have had with several Air Sport presidents, it has come to my attention that NM did not provide notification of a change in our pricing policy related to sporting licenses. This letter is to advise you of our current prices, our policy regarding notification of price changes, and to let you know of changes we plan for 1999. Prior to January 1998, sporting licenses were available for $15. That price was in effect since 1990. In January of 1998 we increased that fee to $25, and then inJulywe decided to charge both a member and non-member fee. The NM member's fee remains at $25. The non-member fee was set at $35. Please note that the NM member's fee applies to those people holding a regular membership. Currently, we issue sporting licenses for a calendar year and they expire on December 31. This caused difficulty for some people participating in competition late in the year. Beginning in 1999, we will issue sporting licenses for 12 calendar months. This will eliminate the requirement to purchase a sporting license in December, and then again in January, should the person be participating in a competition during those months. In the future we will send notification of price changes to all Air Sport groups at least 30 days prior to the date of the change. We do not plan any changes in the sporting license fee in 1999. Donald Koranda

NM President

NAA may be contacted at: 1-800-644-9777, www.naa.ycg.org. -Ed

MORE SKYWINGSCOMMENTS Dear Editor, Your correspondent who criticized Skywings (the British HG/PG publication) a while back said that the magazine had rurned into a paragliding comic, to the disgust of hang glider pilots in general. Well, yes, the hang glider pilots amongst us (I'm one, since 1977), don't like the PG content, but we have to face facts. In Britain, paras outnumber hangs two to one, and with a total of some 6,000 fliers that makes only 2,000 hangies - not enough to sustain a decent color magazine on their own. Joe Schofield, the editor, a hang glider pilot himself, does a very fine job of keeping the hang gliding editorial content dose to 50% of the magazine, far more than we'd get, I feel, if a paraglider guy was editing it. What causes people like your

VOLUME

10, ISSUE #l

correspondent to think that the mag has gone totally PG is the ad content. In Britain, generally (I have some experience with this), paragliding attracts more upscale individuals (most of them have jobs, and lots of them even have careers), unlike the average hang glider pilot. Most of"us" seem to be part-time construction workers or the like, and put flying ahead of working. It follows, therefore, that paraglider pilots have more money and are more willing to spend it. Therefore, advertisers target the paragliding market, as they stand a much better chance of making their ads pay for themselves. AB a result, the ad content of the magazine is 90% paragliding, and this gives the spurious impression that paragliding has taken over the magazine altogether, although the editorial content is really nearly 50/50. I, as a hang glider pilot, would be sorry to see the end of the USHGA hang gliding-only magazine, but unless the same social conditions apply over there as here, I don't think you have anything to fear. Rod Buck Great Britain

HELP SAVE "THE POINT" Dear Editor, I have a request for pilots who have flown at Point of the Mountain, Utah or who would like to some day. I am the president of the Utah Hang Gliding ABsociation and we are working to save our site from land developers, gravel companies and the Utah Department ofTransportation (which owns the land). What we need is a quick sentence or two about who you are, if you have flown at the Point (or if would like to travel here some day to fly), and where you live. The more pilots from other states and countries the better. The powers that own the land have no idea how famous the Point is, and I want to demonstrate to them that we have pilots traveling to our site to fly. Please address responses to me, not the general list. I may be contacted at: info@paragliders.com, 9630 S. Mumford Dr., Sandy, UT 84094, fax

(801) 523-1854. If we don't do something quickly, the Point of the Mountain will be leveled by the gravel companies in three to five years! Thanks to everyone for your help, and please show this to anyone you know who has flown at the Point or who would like to. Steve Mayer Cloud 9 Paragliding School President, UH GA

PARAGLIDING

'{()EOS 'WATllHE$ 'ALTIMETERS ' VIATUOS • POSTETIS ' 'TfJWING GEAR '(;EAR TO WEAR 'M.4/NTffWiCE ' '111/Cl(E'lff:ih 'Al>VIENWR/i\<, • WHIST>ETI•/. 'IJp,,;,

all your flying needs! 129.00: TOWING Iii.OFT INSTRUCTIONIU. '8001( 129.00 : DISCOIIFRING PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE+ GUmf ro ,ownn 'Nl'IUIGL!DIN(J MAGAZINE & llmffJ 149.00 :fOUCHING CI.OU1J1JIISE INSTRUCTIONIU. Ct>-flfJM 139.00 :TOllCHINfJ CI.OllfJIMSE llmEO 12,;.oo :fOUCNING CI.OUfJ'IIASE INSTRUCTIONAi. 'IJIJfJI( FREE SIU)() :A fJUmf ro THE tl('I CUJIJO ,onn SHl'P'PING 13/i.OO :SECURm IN RlfJHr VmEO .. ONWEI S31U)O :INSTABltm llmffJ " ORDERS Sl'UJO :NOW 10 Fl.'1 A MWER Pl41MGl.mER llmEO

om tao

111'15 CR 110

row, TX 18611

915-:11'.MIIS 'PH 915·319-11111/

shop@mojosgeu.com

1=800-664-1160

INmtJCrtON SIii.Ei & SERVICE

Visit our web site at www.adventurep.com

More of the best

VIDEOS

SERIES

SKYFOOLS

HOMORI FUN! GUARANTEED TO MAKE EVERYONE LAUGH I IN GERMANY, CROSS THE "DANUBE" WITH A WING CONCEIVED IN 1009. (80 YEARS BEFORE LILIENTHAL I) IN SWITZERLAND, SPRINGBOARD FLIGHTS ONTO A LAKE. IN FRANCE, A BEST-OF, FROM "COUPES ICARE", ST. HILAIRE DU TOUVET FESTIVAL. 26 MINUTES OF FOOLISH FUN. $39.95

ono

Le Triangle CHAMPION PARAGLIDER PILOT PIERRE BOUILOUX RECREATES HIS WORLD TRIANGLE RECORD IN THE EUROPEAN ALPS. SPECTACULAR SCENERY IS MIXED WITH CROSS COUNTRY TIPS AND A DASH OF HUMOR. THIS AWARD WINNING FILM IS NARRATED BY PIERRE FROM THE AIR WHILE FLYING HIS PARAGLIDER. 30 MINUTES. $39.95

THE BEST SHOTS FROM THE CLOUDBASE SERIES PLUS MASTER PILOTS TECHNIQUE MAKE THIS VIDEO ACTION PACKED. FLYING INTO CLOUDS, PARAMOTORS, MEETS, GAGGLES & MANEUVERS. ITS DIGITAL PARAGLIDING ARTWORK TO GREAT MUSIC. 22 MINUTES $19.95

Cloudbase PARAGLIDING /la ~¥«U o1- P ~ I FROM THE BASICS OF PARAGLIDING TO EXTREME MANEUVERS. TOUR CALIFORNIA, NEVADA, COLORADO AND SEE THE LEGENDARY OWENS VALLEY WITH KARI CASTLE. BE PART OF THE COUPE ICARE FESTIVAL IN FRANCE WITH THE MOST EXOTIC AND ZANY COSTUMES IN PARAGLIDING. PURE FLYING EXCITEMENT. 36 MINUTES $34.95

SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER WITH $4 SHIPPING. CALL, WRITE, FAX or Email TO ORDER OR GET A FREE BROCHURE WITH DETAILS ON MORE ACTION VIDEOS. ALL VIDEOS GUARANTEED

l:!!!I •

ADVENTURE PRODUCTIONS Paul Hamilton 4750 Townsite Road Reno, Nevada 69511 USA Phone I FAX 702.849.9672 hamllton@adventure.reno.nv.us

Calendar of events items WILL NOT be listed if only tentative. Please include exact information (event, date, contact name and phone number). Items should be received no later than six weeks prior to the event. We request two months lead time for regional and national meets.

COMPETITION FEB. 1-12: Brazilian Paragliding Tou,; Governador Valadares. Consistent X-C flying, 3,000-ft. mountain launchable in any direction with easy retrieval and accommodations. See May/June Paragliding magazine. $1,195 includes room, meals, transportation to launch, retrieval. Contact: Adventure Sports (702) 883-7070, advspts@pyramid.net, www.pyramid.net/ advspts. FEB. 27-MARCH 5: 1999NewZealand Paragliding Open Championships, Mt. Borah, Manilla, NSW, Australia. Entry $85 includes limited transport to launch, awards dinner, prizes. 75 pilots max, first come, first served. Cloudbase usually over 3,000 meters, flights over 100 km are common. Faxed credit card entries acceptable. Contact: ph. 011-64-3384-9687, fax Ol l-64-3-384-9644.

JAN. 10-24: Yates/Pro-Design Fly Ecuador Tours, by Thermal Tracker Aero-Sports. Explore the high Andes, flying among some of the most beautiful peaks in South America. Fly miles of smooth coastal ridge sites. Many activities for non-flying family members. Tours led by local pilot guides with five years of experience. Tour sizes limited, early reservations recommended. Past participant referrals available. Contact: Thermal Tracker Paragliding and Aero-sports, P.O. Box 292, Wolf Creek, OR 97497, (541) 866-2529 (ph./ fax), thermaltracker@bigfoot.com. JAN. 16-18: Inland Northwest Paragliding Club Winter Fly-In at Saddle Mountain. HG and PG welcome. Bring wings and skis. Contact: Denton Meier (509) 663-1460. JAN. 17-24, 24-31: Winter flying in Iguala Mexico. Join Parasofr Paragliding for their 6th year of tours to warm Mexico. Enjoy thermal and X-C coaching in 80° weather in January. Contact Granger Banks (303) 494-2820, parasoft@csd.net. FEB.: New Zealand Tour by Worldwide Adventure Tours. Three types of trips from rugged to ritzy. Contact: 1-800-727-2354, www.fun2fly.com. FEB. 19: The Northwest's Annual Reserve

MARCH 6-13: 1999 Australian Paragliding Open at Mt. Borah. Entry $160 (Aus.) before Feb. 12, $180 after. Large setup area, fly in nearly all directions. Flatland X-C, cloudbase to 3,000 meters, 100-km X-C flights typical. Phone/fax payment by credit card accepted. Contact: Godfrev Wenness Ol 1-61-2-67856545, fax 011-61-2-6785-6546.

FUN FLYING FEB. 12-15: Hawaiian Valentine's Day Fly-In and Edel USA Demo Days at Makapuu, Hawaii. Contact: Pete Michelmore/Marc Hill, paradiseparagliding@yahoo.com, (808) 375-6386.

CLINICS/MEETINGS/TOURS JAN. 2: Ground Handling Clinic. USHGA instructional clinic for learning ground-handling techniques. Learn compound steering, glider control, launch and landing techniques, etc. $50. Contact: David Jebb, Torrey Pines Gliderport, 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr., San Diego, CA 92037 (619) 452-9858, aircal@ix.netcom.com.

Additional sites will be added to first clinic. Earn ridge soaring sign-off, as well as other Advanced Special Skill endorsements. FEB. 27-28: Powered Paragliding Clinic IL Syllabus will build on previous clinic, with more flying sites, Special Skill endorsements, and continue the smooth transition from non-powered to powered paragliding. Contact: SurfThe Sky Paragliding (805) 544-8190. FEB. 12-13: Hawaiian Demo Days and First Annual Oahu Paragliding Fly-In, by Paradise Paragliding and Edel USA. Come fly where the sun always shines and the wind always blows. Fly Makapuu cliffs, 20-mile flights, 2,000' MSL, land on the beach. Fun for the entire family. Contact: Paradise Paragliding, Honolulu, HI (808) 375-6386, paradiseparagliding@yahoo.com. FEB. 28-29: Pro Reserve Clinic by High Energy Sports and Atmosphere Paragliding of Huntington Beach, CA. Answers to the hottest questions about parachute backup systems. Meet with the pros and bring your toughest questions and concerns. Two-day course. Visit the factory, learn how to pack your reserve and more! $250 per person. No payment required for reservation. Limited number of participants. Contact: Betty Pfeiffer or Marcello DeBarros at (714) 4079575 or (714) 972-8186.

Chute Deployment and Repacking Seminar with Rob Kells of Wills Wing. $30 if pre-registered by 2/5, $40 after or at the door. Deployment practice begins at about 5:00 and continues until everyone has deployed and all chutes are repacked. Simulators for both hang and para pilots. New pilots: the clinic is free if you don't yet have a parachute to repack. Just bought a new reserve? Check the 9/98 issue of Hang Gliding magazine to see why you need to bring it to this seminar! Location: St. George School, 5117 13th Avenue S., Seattle, WA. Contact C.J. and George Sturtevant for more information or to pre-register: (425) 888-3856, georges@nwlink.com. FEB. 6-7: California Coast Ridge Soaring Clinic by Hugh Murphy. Soar the Golden State's beautiful coastal sites from Big Sur to Santa Barbara. Earn ridge soaring sign-off. FEB. 13-14: Powered Paragliding Clinic by USHGA-certified Advanced Instructor Hugh Murphy, on the beautiful California central coast. Syllabus covers a smooth transition from non-powered to powered paragliding with a safe, easy learning curve. Bring your equipment or demo ours. FEB. 20-21: California Coast Ridge Soaring Clinic fl

MARCH 20-APRIL 2: Paragliding and suifing trip to Indonesia, Bali and Java. Limited to 6 or 8 pilots. Also, paragliding trips to Israel in May and Annecy-France and Spain in September. Contact: Kinsley Wong, Big Air ParaGliding, 164 Bocker Ave., Shell Beach, CA 93449-2012, http://www.BigAirParaGliding.com, phone/fax (805) 773-9200. MAY 20-24: Fifth Annual Demo Days and Safety Seminars, Point of the Mountain, UT. Informative seminars from industry experts. Try out new products: paragliders, motorized paragliders, harnesses, flight suits, tandem gliders, oxygen systems, helmets, etc. Every make and size glider available in the U.S. Nonprofit event. $50 pre-registration before May 1, $60 after. $25 goes to Utah HGA for your membership dues and to aid in their efforts to save the Point. Sponsored by The Soaring Center. Contact: 12665 S. Minuteman Dr. #1, Draper, UT 84020 (801) 576-6460, fax (801) 576-6482, HBC3@aol.com, www.soaringcenter.com.

PARAGLIDING

19820 Hirsch Court #3 Anderson, CA 96007 530.378 .0233

Southwest Service Center Mitch McAleer 29120 Melby Drive Lake Elsinore, Ca 92523 909.67 4.8844

2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive San Diego, CA 92037 619.452.9858

USHGA Safe-ty and Training Committee new, simplified and streamlined Instructor Certification Program has been put in place by the USHGA Board at the recommendation of the Safety and Training Committee. The primary components of the new USHGA Instructor Certification Program are outlined in this article. For all the specific details we suggest that you visit the USHGA Web site at www.ushga.org or contact the USHGA office to get a copy of the new program. The most significant change to the program is that the training of instructor candidates has been separated from the testing of instructor candidates, making it much simpler for qualified instructors to obtain certification or to re-certify. The new program will include a three-day Instructor Training Seminar (ITS), followed by one day of testing, including practical and written exams. Qualified instructors will be able to attend just the testing portion of the program to obtain certification. The former Instructor Certification Program required, for new instructor candidates, 40 hours of apprenticeship with a certified instructor, and attendance at an Instructor Certification Program (ICP). The ICP included training in instructional techniques and culminated in a test to establish competence as an instructor. Re-certifying instructors were required to attend the full ICP, including both the training and testing parts. The new program strongly recommends the 40 hours of apprenticeship and

attendance at an Instructor Training Seminar (ITS) for new instructor candidates. The ITS program includes a comprehensive checklist of subject matter to make it easier for instructor candidates to understand what they need to know to become certified. For already qualified instructors, however, it is now possible skip the training components of the program and go directly to the testing phase to obtain certification. Please take note, however, that as a part of this new program, the testing phase will be considerably more rigorous than it has been, in most cases, in the past. In many cases even practicing instructors will benefit from attendance at the Instructor Training Seminar preceding the testing day, and few new instructor candidates would be expected to be able to pass the testing phase without having both apprenticed and attended the ITS program. A new requirement in the testing phase of the program is to pass the FAA Fundamentals Of Instruction (FOi) written exam. Candidates must also pass a written exam based on the USHGA Instructor Manual. The FAA Fundamentals Of Instruction Manual I Study Guide, on which that test is based, as well as the USHGA Instructor Manual, are available from the USHGA. (It may also be possible for candidates to take the FAA written exam from an FAA test facility, though the policy on giving the exam without an FAA flight instructor endorsement may vary from one testing facility to another.)

A number of Instructor Administrators have been appointed to conduct the new instructor training and testing programs. For more consistency and higher quality we decided to have a smaller number of people conduct the training and testing programs under the new system. There are currently 14 Hang Gliding Instructor Administrators, and 10 Paragliding Instructor Administrators. They are distributed around the country, and all of them are willing to travel to accommodate the membership. If you have experience in training instructors and wish to become an Instructor Administrator please contact Safety and Training chairperson Bill Bryden at (812) 497-2327. If you want to become certified as an instructor, please contact the Instructor Administrator nearest you. Overall, the test to pass the instructor program will be tougher, but all the arbitrary "hoops" candidates had to jump through have been removed. It is hoped that the consistency brought by the smaller number of presenters, coupled with the fairness of a more objective testing system will make this new program more accessible to the membership, and improve the quality of instruction for both hang gliding and paragliding. These changes were unanimously approved by the Safety and Training Committee. This committee was comprised of a wide spectrum of pilots and instructors involved in both hang gliding and paragliding. The USHGA welcomes your comments. Ill

PARAGLIDING

~fe\~'f ~t~~ ft\/& r~~~~~fe\rt~~r )

1~"

\fP~[~$ ,,"

" w

l@@k. N® p;urt:m~r,

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

PARAGLIDE: THE MOVIE

PARAGLIDING-THE COMPLETE GUIDE

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

by Noel Whittal. The most complete & comprehensive guide on the market today. Over l 00 color photographs. 200 pgs $26.95

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

PARAGLIDING-A PILOT'S TRAINING MANUAL by Mike Meier;Wills Wing $19.95 Covers all aspects of paragliding. Equipment, beginner skills, flying techniques & more.

POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN PG & HG action at this Utah mecca.52min. $33.00

) MASTERS AT CLOUDBASE

UNDERSTANDING THE SKY

A paragliding music video. $19. 95

by Dennis Pagen. The most complete book on micrometerology for all sport aviators. Plenty of photos & illustrations. $19.95

USHGA, PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901-1330 1-800-616-6888 Visa/MC fax (719) 632-641 7 www.ushga.org Please add s/h {US) $4.50 for videos, $5.50 for books. Orders over $50 call!

•

111

l> "'

•

, .·0

.<I>

.<)

~-.··~JK~~'f.,g,::;:t ;(II/ii"'

l.tach! e,_d Storl~t About The Early Days of H•ng GHdl$'1@ anjfi ParagHdl~ . . Dedicated to Francis Rogallo Over 500 pages by more than 100 oontributon Articles, Illustrations, Photographs, Poetry and much more ... Editors: Jim (Sky Dog) Palmieri & Maggie Palmieri Illustrator/Cartoonist: Mike Vorhis \

!i ,i~l" t:

)

"'~

Stories of Our Heritage - $29.95 (includes SIH)

Order on-line http://www.skydog.net '\

"'""

~ ~

»JJ~M lilfllt lih1hlic~:1ti11>ms • t>!H '1 m~e~wo0cls fflrilrn R0am0lu~, VA. aaC.PI a • lia0-77a-aat>a; '

Ml~l llR~IBBil IMillll!lielil#WIMil MB!liBR HAND-HELD WIND METER Monitor changing wind conditions. Responsive to slightest variation In wind velocity. AIRSPEED INDICATOR use with optional PATENTED paraglider mounting bracket. Maximize your performance and skill. RUGGED & ACCURATE: Molded of super tough LEXAN ® resin Stainless steel rod. Cal/brat/on traceable to National Institute of Standards and Technology.

h Hall Urothers, P.O. Box 1010-P, Morgan, UT 84050, USA Mastercard/VISA/C.O.D. Phone (80 I) 829-3232 Fax (801) 829-6349, hallbros@earthlink.net

This "one size fits all" radio harness instantly adjusts to hold any radio snugly to your chest without the use of multiple velcro straps or buckles found on lesser quality harnesses. The vertical orientation of the radio improves reception and extends antenna life. Our unique suspension system virtually guarantees that your harness will not bounce or swing. The Adjusta Pro radio harness features all Cordura construction, large bellow cargo pocket, pen pouch and twin elastic antenna keepers.

Phone I Fax (541) 86

i~~~:I J~~c~~ft '6~:-~b°R~7497 :Z

BOOK RELEASE - "FLYING WITH CONDORS", BY JUDY LEDEN

port Aviation Publications is happy to announce the release _of a ne"." book in the U.S.: Flying With Condors by British pilot Judy Leden. This book 1s the first eve~ to be written by a hang glider, paraglider and ultralight pilot about a flying career. Making a living at flying light powered and unpowered aircraft is not ~o c?mmon, Judy Leden was very successful at it and she tells her story in a fascmatmg autob10graphrJudy learned to fly in 1979 and very quickly became the top fem~e ~ang glider pilot in the world as a result of her passion for the spore_ ~d determ~n~uon to excel. For many years she competed and succeeded in hang ghdmg, p~aghdmg and ult,ralight flying, in both women's and men's contests. But an eve~ bigger part ofJudys career was flying iff promotional stunts or for films about flymg. Judy remembers and recounts the highs and lows. Adventure and travel are the central themes of the book. After a brief history of how she learned to fly, Judy takes us to the Himalayas, Kenya, Aust~alia, the Mi~dle East and the Andes, to name only a few locauons. One might think that Judy's parents were wealthy to support such traveling, but this wasn't the case. Judy did it all on her own by getting sponsorship from various companies. It wasn't easy; her story is a lesson in perseverance and hard work. Stunts and records were Judy's specialty. She takes us through preparation for and the realization of cr?ssin? of the English Channel, several world records, a mke flight from England to Jordan, a hang glider balloon drop. from 40,000 feet, and her dream paragliding expedition in the Andes. The book is hard to put down as one adventure follows another. The reader can see Judy mature as she flies. The book is not only an account of incredible accomplishments, it is a touching chronicle as Judy reveals herself, her successes as well as her failures, and adopts a very humble attitude. Rather than describing herself as Wonder Woman, she discloses her human and humanitarian sides. I found the "Flight for Life" chapter to be the most touching one, in which she tells of a long aerial voyage she made in remembrance of a lost friend and to raise funds for cancer research. Told in a first-person narrative, Flying With Condors is written in a light s~le. Judy adds humor whenever possible and uses tongue-in-cheek comments typical of the British. The book is organized into 22 chapters which relate events that took place between 1979 and 1995, at which time Judy decided to "retire" from public flying. She then sat at a desk and wrote until she was published in 1996. Twenty-four pages of beautiful four-color photographs ofJudy's adventures appear in the mid~e of the volume. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in personal flymg and personal achievement. . The best way to summarize Flying With Condors is to quote these lines from Richard Bach that appear at the very beginning ofJudy Leden's tale: "You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however. " Flying With Condors retails for $26.95 (plus $3.95 postage) _a nd is_available in hard cover from Sport Aviation Publications, P.O. Box 43, Spnng Mills, PA 16875 (814) 422-0589, www.lazerlink.com/-pagenbks. - review by Claire Pagen

?uc

U.S. PARAGLIDING WORLD TEAM NEWS

he U.S. Paragliding World Team will host an instructional course at Chelan, Washingron on May 27-30. Along with this free, continuing educational opportunity, the Team will hold a fund-raising party and raffie with a slide show, etc. Stay tuned for details about how to enroll in courses on ground handling, thermaling, cross-country and competition. In addition , visit http://kurious.org/UsTeam99/ for an updated list of raffle prizes, an image of the U.S. Team T-shirt, and for information on how to support the U.S. National Paragliding Team.

More information will follow in the next issue ofParagliding with a profile ofthe team members. - Ed.

NEW ROGALLO FOUNDATION BOD MEMBERS

AGS HEAD, NC - The Rogallo Foundation is happy to announce two new members of its Board of Directors. The new members are G.W Meadows, USHGA Director and owner of Just Fly in Nags Head, NC and Bruce Weaver, Recreation Manager at Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head, NC. The Foundation, which is always searching for new perspectives for promoting and supporting aerodonetics and aerodynamics through education and participation, looks forward to the expertise these new members will bring us.

GLIDERS FROM WEST COAST PARAGLIDING ADVANCE SIGMA 4

n its 10th anmversary, the Swiss company Advance has announced the release of their longawaited replacement for the Sigma 3, which has been around since 1995. Designer Robert Graham's goal was to produce a glider with excellent pitch stability and energy retention for thermaling in strong conditions. The glider features internal stitching,

PARAGLIDI N G

1998 ONTARIO PARAGLIDING CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES RESULTS

he ·event was organized and sponsored by Canadian Paragliding, Ltd. and the SOGA club. Twelve days were flown with 10 scored.

Place

Pilot

Glider

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 1O) 11) 12) 13)

Stan Drdla . ......... . ..... Galaxy Scorpion Phil Larose . . .. ..... . ... . . Galaxy Experience Lenka Drdla . .. .... .. . . .. . . .. Perche Sensor Ziggy Runzer . . . .. . ....... Galaxy Experience Louis Vasconcelos ......... Galaxy Experience Leeroy Jelinek . ........ .. .. Galaxy Excalibur Charles Warren ....... . ... . ..... Edel Saber AndrewMakuch . .. .. . . . ... . .. . . Edel Galaxy Elvis Wong ....... . .......... Flight Design Phil O ' Connar ...... . ... . .. . . ... Edel Atlas Phil D 'eon .. .. . . ..... . ....... . Edel Orion Kelvin Flook ............. .... . . Edel Orion Keawe Wong . .. ...... . ...... . . . Edel Orion

For more information contact: Canadian Paragliding, Ltd. , Stan and Lenka Drdla, (905) 777-1824, fax (905) 777-0222, canadian-paragliding@sympatico.ca, http://www3.sympatico.ca/canadian-paragliding. mylar-reinforced leading edges and four A-lines for easier big ears. A sport glider for experienced pilots, the Sigma 4 is AFNOR Performance certified in all three sizes and DHV 2-3 with speedbar. F REEX SUN

he Sun was designed for safery and fun, and is an ideal glider for beginners and recreational fliers. According to the manufacturer it features easy launch characteristics and excellent handling, making it an ideal training glider, although it retains excellent performance. Even safery-conscious advanced pilots with limited free time will appreciate the forgiving flight characteristics of the Sun. FREEX F UN IAC XT

he unique FreeX FuniacXT is

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1999

,·--

--------------. No introduction needed: The PICCOLO PLUS $425 ideal for expeditions or mountaineering. It employs the lightest materials but with reinforcement in the most highly stressed areas, and weighs only 3.6 kg. (7.92 lbs.). The glider packs down to a minimal volume. Alpine pilots need excellent launch characteristics and high speed, and the Funiac XT possesses both these qualities. The design was derived from the D HV I -certified Funiac.

$95 Perche Full Face {similar to shown)

NEW PARA.GLIDING WORLD RECORD CLAIM - 335 KH.Om METERS!

$60

n Monday, November 16, 1998, paragliding instructor Godfrey Wenness, flying an Advance Omega 4, set a new paragliding Open Distance World Record of 335 kilometers from Mt. Borah, Manilla, Australia. The flight took 7 hrs. 29 mins. Godfrey, the Australian record holder (235 kms, Feb. l, 1989) launched from Mt. Borah at 12.15 pm and flew alone during the entire flight. Cloudbase was never reached, but started at approximately 2,400 meters and rose to 3,000 meters MSL by the end of the day. The maximum lifr was less than six m/sec. with the average lift being around three ml sec. The first 150 kms were slow, with only a few small clouds and big blue holes. Good cloud streets formed over the flat wheat and cotton farming countryside during the second half of the flight, allowing use of "dolphin-flying" techniques with the speed bar to reach ground speeds between 60 and 70 km/hr. The flight was aided by a 20 to 25 km/hr. southerly wind. Godfrey landed at 7:45 PM at "Enarra" Station approximately I 00 kms northwest of the New South Wales/Queensland state border town of Goondiwindi. The last part of the flight (a final glide from 2,000 meters) was made crosswind in order to land near the Enarra homestead. If a retrieval vehicle had been following, the flight could have easily passed the

3/4 style shown Limited Sizes, Colors and a 20% Restocking fee for returns and exchanges

NAS Reserve or Harness $425

Deployed under 100ft. - No injury! 220lbs. Pilot Ed Levin Parkt CA.

Special: Harness, Reserve & Full Face Helmet

$900 100% guaranteed. Limited quantities. No dealers. 303/347-8995 paragliding@wwdg.com

Contact: West Coast Paragliding, 3620 Wawona St., San Francisco, CA 94116, (415) 759-9011, fax (415) 7591182, www.air-time.com.

350-km mark with a tailwind on final glide! This flight from Mt. Borah is the longest hill-launched paragliding distance flight in the world (and the first over 300 kms). Its also the first nonwinch launch record flight in many years. It was flown in average conditions. Manilla will be the location of the New Zealand Paragliding Nationals (2/27 to 3/5) and the Australian Paragliding Open (3/6 to 3/13) over two consecutive weeks this February and March.

GIN GUDERS/SUIPER FLY NEWS orld-renowned paraglider designer Gin Seok Song has started his own company, Gin Gliders, and Super Fly, Inc. is thrilled to debut the newest, state-of-the-art technology to North America. After a recent visit to the Gin Gliders facility in Seoul, South Korea, Jeffrey Farrell and Chris Santacroce are pleased to announce that they have been selected to represent the new company. Gin is the designer of such famous paragliders as the ZX, Racer, Space, Super Space, Rainbow, Quantum, Adas, Saber, Energy, Sector, Sector TX and the Galaxy. His new organization features a complete marketing and R&D team of creative individuals who have been working together for years. The first new Gin glider is the highperformance Boomerang. Tibour Berki flew this glider to first place at the German Nationals, and the company reports that many World Cup pilots are ordering Boomerangs. More than 150 have been sold worldwide. The Gin Gliders Competition Team includes Hans Bollinger, Tibour Berki, Patrick Holmes and Patrick Berod. The Bonanza is the new DHV 2-3 offering from Gin Gliders, and the company repons that this glider has already been well received in the U.S. Super Fly currently has gliders in stock in every size and color. Gin Gliders has made a commitment to quality, offering the best fabric, lines, risers, backpacks and a whole host of PARAGLIDING

19820 Hirsch Court #3, Anderson, CA 96007 530.378.0233, edelusa@micron.net USHGA regions 1,2,4,5,7

2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, San Diego, CA 92037 619.452.9858, www.flytorrey.com USHGA regions 3,8,9,10,11,12 Southwest Service Center Mitch McAleer 29120 Melby Drive, Lake Elsinore, Ca 92523 909.674.8844, mmca1eer@ez2.net USHGA regions 3,4,6

CANADIAN PARAGUDING, LTD.

Visit our web-site:

34 Plaza Dr: P.O.BOX 63011 Dundas, Ont. L9H 4HO CANADA Call toll free: (888) 850~9995 or fox :(905) m- 0222

http://www3.sympatico.ca/canadian~paragliding BEST PRICES ON THE MARKET

NEW INTERMEDIATE PARAGLIDERS FROM $2,100.• US!

accessories. Stay tuned for the release of new DHV 1-2 and DHV 2 gliders from Gin Gliders and a wide range of accessones. Contact: (801) 255-9595, fax (801) 256-9898, info@firebirdusa.com.

NEW BRAUNIGER BASIS IQ2 FUNCTION

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

NEW AND USED EQUIPMENT

1999

rauniger announces a new "weather station" function for the Basis IQ2. When activated, the instrument automatically switches on every hour and measures air pressure, then switches off. Measurements are stored for 48 hours, after which the oldest values are overwritten with new ones. The Basis IQ2 displays these values for the previous 48 hours along with time and date. Display

is both digital and analog with a precision 1/10 mbar. With this information one can predict local weather phenomena. Contact: Brauniger U.S.A. Inc., 1355 N.W 93rd Ct. Unit A-105, Miami, Florida 33172 (305) 639-3330, fax (305) 639-3055, brauniger@aerolight.com, www.aerolight.com. 1111

FEATURE~ NO-WIND REVER~E LAUNCHE~ &OTHER 6ROUND HANDLIN6 TIP~ IMPORTANT CLA~~ROOM BA~IC~ BRILLIANT ON-BOARD TANDEM VIDEO AT CHELAN BUTTE APPEALIN6 INTRODUCTORY VIDEO FOR PRO~PECTIVE PILOH

ONLY $19.95 Plus S5 I/H Send $24.95 check or money order to: Airplay, PO Box 2626, Flagstaff AZ. 86003 .paraglide.com (520) 526-4579 dixon@paraglide.co

SILVER SAFE PILOT AWARD PHIL NERI

SALYER, JEFF: Salt Lake City, UT; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG SCHLICHT, CHUCK: Lake Havasu Cty, AZ; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG SOUSA, MICHAEL: Avon, CO; G. KelleyNail Valley PG THURMAN, KENT: Boulder, CO; W. Laurence/Fly Away PG WILLIS, CURTIS: Grand Junction, CO; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG

BEGINNER RATINGS Region 1 BARKSDALE, LAURA: Bellevue, WA; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG GLATTE, HAYDEN: Talent, OR; K. Lee/Thermal Tracker PG GRAVES, DAN: Juneau, AK; M. DeVietti/Dixon's Airplay PG GRAVES, JULIE: Juneau, AK; M. DeVietti/Dixon's Airplay PG GRAY,ANDY: Seattle, WA; B. Hannah/PG Washington HELD, ANDREW: Kirkland, WA; M. DeVietti/Dixon'sAirplay PG LAGUNA, ABE: Bothell, WA; B. Hannah/PG Washington PAOR, JASON: Redmond, WA; M. DeVietti/Dixon's Airplay PG PECQUET, BRIAN: Bellevue, WA; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG PORTER, ROGER: Duvall, WA; B. Hannah/PG Washington RAY, JR, ROBERT: Portland, OR; D. Raybourn/HG/PG School ROBERTS, KURT: Seattle, WA; E. Oman/Wild Wings PG ROJAS-KOPEINIG, GABRIEL: Seattle, WA; C. Mullack/Chelan PG School SEABORN,JOE: Bellevue, WA; M. Heckler/PG Washington VAN KUIKEN, MIA: Bellevue, WA; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG WATSON, TED: Clam Gulch, AK; M. DeVietti/Dixon's Airplay PG WEISER, MANNY: Bellevue, WA; M. DeVietti/Dixon's Airplay PG WHATLEY, GIL: Port Townsend, WA; M. DeVietti/Dixon's Airplay PG Region 2 BAKKE, DAVE: San Jose, CA; P. Hirst/Airtime of SF CALDER, STERLING: Windsor, CA; P. Hirst/Airtime of SF DANIELL, PIERS: San Francisco, CA; J. Van Meter/Airtime of SF EITENMILLER, KURT: Reno, NV; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports FINCKE, ERIC: San Francisco, CA; M. DeVietti/Dixon's Airplay PG HAMILTON, LORETTA: Reno, NV; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG HOCKETT, JOSHUA: Palo Cedro, CA; E. Hern/Skyn4hi PG HUGHEY, CAROL: Whitethorn, CA; H. Murphy/Surfthe Sky PG NEWELL, GARY: Garnerville, NV; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports PARKS, JEFF: Santa Clara, CA; J. Van Meter/Airtime of SF RINTEL, DAVID: Reno, NV; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports SAMMEL, MICHAEL: Whitethorn, CA; H. Murphy/Surf the Sky PG Region 3 CARLSON, SCOTT: Port Muenewe, CA; S. McGarva/Sky'n Out PG PARSON, HOWARD: Imperial Bch, CA; D. Jebb/Torrey Pines Gliderport SOVA, DIANE: Goleta, CA; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG Region4 BARTEE III, ROY: Sandy, UT; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG BEEBE, MURRAY: Lafayerte, CO; W. Laurence/Fly Away PG CARTER, LAWRENCE: Phoenix, AZ; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG CHAMPAIGN, DAVID: Avon, CO; K. HustedNail Valley PG GALLI, CHRIS: Salt Lake City, UT; K.Hudonjorgensen/Above & Beyond GLASSMAN, KIP: Durango, CO; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG HOOVER, TODD: Park City, UT; K.Hudonjorgensen/Two Can Fly KATS, LARISA: Salt Lake City, UT; S. Marion/Point of the Mtn PG KOBATA, TAKAHIRO: Salt Lake City, UT; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG MARTZ, RUSSELL: Park City, UT; K.Hudonjorgensen/Two Can Fly MEAGHER, SHARON: Aspen, CO; R. Kocurek/Crested Butte PG REEVES, LLOYD: Murray, UT; H. Comfort/The Soaring Center

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1999

Region 5 CRAVEN,JOHN: Eagle, ID; B. Bloxham/KingMtn PG TOWER, CLARK: Missoula, MT; P. Swanson/Sports Exchange Region 7 BERGER, MICHAEL: Menominee, MI; B. Hannah/PG Washington KARCHER, RON: East Peoria, IL; A. Chuculate/Air Apparent Region8 DUCHARME, DIANE: Mendon, MA; R. Sharp/Parafly PG REIL, AUGUST: Cromwell, CT; T. Lavictoire/Morningside FP ROY, DENNIS: Bellingham, MA; R. Sharp/Parafly PG Region 9 DENNIS, LARRY: Daleville, VA; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG KINGSBURY, TIM: Roanoke, VA; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG PHILLIPS, JOHN: Reading, PA; P.S. Franco/New York PG SEEFELD, MICHAEL: Sarver, PA; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG SZABO, GEORGE: Lausdale, PA; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG WILSON, KEITH: Spring Mills, PA; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG Region 10 ALAN, SCOTT: Kissimmee, FL; B. Hannah/PG Washington CARROLL, THOMAS: Claremont, NC; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG ELIADIS, MANYA: Caty, NC; T. Bowles/Southern Skies PG FORETIC, SANDY: Gainesville, GA; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG FRYMAN, ERIK: Camp Lejeone, NC; T. Bowles/Southern Skies PG MAYES, ANDREW: Caty, NC; T. Bowles/Southern Skies PG MCCORKLE, WILLIAM: Raleigh, NC; S. Bland/Sky's the Limit MURPHY, MIKE: Newton, NC; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG RISSER, III, P N: Clearwater, FL; A. Palmaz/Aspen PG Region 11 GREENFIELD, JR, GERRY: San Antonio, TX; N. Stanford/Hill Country PG MILLICAN, PASHA: Lubbock, TX; M. Karren TAYLOR, BILLY: Houston, TX; M. Osowski/Hill Country PG Region 12 DOBRYGOWSKI, MARTIN: E Rutherford, NJ; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG FERENC, LESZEK: Clifton, NJ; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG ORZAKIEWICZ, HENRY: Saddle Brook, NJ; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG WARNER, MARK: Victor, NY; C. Smith/Aspen PG Region 13 DUNBAR, LAYTON: ; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG MARCHETTI, ANDRES: Costa Rica; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG SIMPSON, ST JOHN: Hong Kong; J. Williams/Air America PG STARK D.C., PATTERSON: New Zealand; R. Kocurek/Crested Butte PG SUMMERSKILL, ANDY: United Kingdom; P. Hirst/Airtime of SF VEAL, MIKE: England; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG WINKELMANN, THEO: S Africa 0132; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG

NOVICE RATINGS Region 1 BAKER, ROB: Girdwood, AK; D. Ryan/Chugach PG BURKHARDT, DAVID: Portland, OR; L. Pindar/Over the Hill PG DENNIE, TREVOR: Seattle, WA; M. DeVietti!Dixon'sAirplay PG DEVOE, MICHELLE: Port Orchard, WA; C. Mullack/Tiger Mtn PG DUNCAN, VICTOR: Girdwood, AK; H. Comfort/The Soaring Center FITCH, DONALD: Ashland, OR; K. Lee/Thermal Tracker PG FREEMAN, MICHAEL: Seattle, WA; L. Chirico/Chirico's Fright School GLATTE, HAYDEN: Talent, OR; K. Lee/Thermal Tracker PG GRAVES, DAN:Juneau, AK; M. DeVietti/Dixon'sAirplay PG GRAYES, JULIE: Juneau, AK; M. DeVietti/Dixon's Airplay PG HOUGHTON, STEPHEN: Yakima, WA; M. White/Dixon's Airplay PG LAGUNA, ABE: Bothell, WA; B. Hannah/PG Washington LUM,JONATHAN: Mercer Island, WA; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG LUNDY, ROBERT: Kirkland, WA; M. Eberle/Norrh American PG LYLE, N CRAIG: Walla Walla, WA; M. DeVietti/Dixon's Airplay PG NEUBAUER, EDWARD: Bellevue, WA; L. Chirico/Chirico's Fright School ODEGARD, DAVID: Seattle, WA; L. Chirico/Chirico's Fright School RAY, JR, ROBERT: Portland, OR; D. Raybourn/HG/PG School ROJAS-KOPEINIG, GABRIEL: Seattle, WA; C. Mullack/Chelan PG School SCHWARTZ, WAYNE: Fall City, WA; L. Chirico/Chirico's Fright School SEABORN,JOE: Bellevue, WA; M. Heckler/PG Washington SHEPPARD, JOHN: Portland, OR; J. Carroll/Gorge Air THOMPSON, SUSAN: Newberg, OR; S. Roti/Mt. Bachelor PG TONSMEIRE, JULIAN: Bellingham, WA; L. Chirico/Chirico's Fright School 1WYMAN, BYRON: Portland, OR; S. Roti/Mt. Bachelor PG WALDEN, EVELIN: Port Townsend, WA; D. White/Dixon's Airplay PG WATSON, TED: Clam Gulch, AK; M. DeVietti/Dixon's Airplay PG Region 2 ALFHEIM, KENNElli: Pleasanton, CA; J. Laos/Glidell BAKKE, DAVE: San Jose, CA; P. Hirst/Airtime of SF DANIELL, PIERS: San Francisco, CA; J. Van Meter/Airtime of SF HACK, ERIC: Atascadero, CA; H. Murphy/Surf the Sky PG HOCKETT, JOSHUA: Palo Cedro, CA; E. Hern/Skyn4hi PG HUGHEY, CAROL: Whitethorn, CA; H. Murphy/Surf the Sky PG PARKS, JEFF: Santa Clara, CA; J. Van Meter/Airtime of SF SAMMEL, MICHAEL: Whitethorn, CA; H. Murphy/Surf the Sky PG Region 3 CARLSON, SCOTT: Port Muenewe, CA; S. McGarva/Sky'n Out PG CORYELL-MARTIN, CARL: San Diego, CA; S. Hassell/Airtek San Diego HARTSHORNE, RICHARD: Goleta, CA; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG KEMP, SCOTI': San Diego, CA; D. Jebb/Torrey Pines Gliderport MONTGOMERY, THOMAS: Kailua, HI; P. Michelmore/Paradise PG WINDLE, MICHAEL: El Cajon, CA; K. Hong/Torrey Pines Gliderport Region 4 BARTASUIS, MICHAEL: Avon, CO; K. HustedNail Valley PG BARTEE HI, ROY: Sandy, UT; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG BEEBE, MURRAY: Lafayette, CO; W. Laurence/Fly Away PG CAMPBELL, PETER: Salt Lake City, UT; H. Comfort/The Soaring Center CYRIER, LYNN: Pleasant Grove, UT; H. Comfort/The Soaring Center GALLI, CHRIS: Salt Lake City, UT; K.Hudonjorgensen/Above & Beyond GLASSMAN, KIP: Durango, CO; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG HALL, NATHAN: Salt Lake City, UT; S. Marion/Point of the Mtn PG HOOVER, TODD: Park City, UT; K.Hudonjorgensen/Two Can Fly

KATS, LARISA: Salt Lake City, UT; S. Marion/Point of the Mtn PG KOBATA, TAKAHIRO: Salt Lake City, UT; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG MARTZ, RUSSELL: Park City, UT; K.Hudonjorgensen/Two Can Fly MONICK, DOUG: Boulder, CO; G. Banks/Parasoft PG PARKER, RUSSELL: Colorado Spgs, CO; G. Banks/Parasoft PG REEVES, LLOYD: Murray, UT; H. Comfort/The Soaring Center SALYER, JEFF: Salt Lake City, UT; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG SCHILDT, BRAD: Boulder, CO; G. Banks/Parasoft PG SHEPHERD, KIRK: Denver, CO; G. Banks/Parasoft PG TAYLOR, GREG: Copper Mtn, CO; G. Banks/Parasoft PG THURMAN, KENT: Boulder, CO; W. Laurence/Fly Away PG WILLIS, CURTIS: Grand Junction, CO; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG Region 5 CRAVEN,JOHN: Eagle, ID; B. Bloxham/King Mm PG GIBEAULT, GERALD: Idaho Falls, ID; B. Bloxham/King Mtn PG STATEN, GARY: Hazelton, ID; F. Gillette/Magic Valley Gliders TOWER, CLARK: Missoula, MT; P. Swanson/Sports Exchange Region 6 SCHMIDT, CHAD: Oskaloosa, KS; G. Banks/Parasoft PG Region 7 SCHWERIN, PAUL: Coon Rapids, MN; S. Marion/Point of the Mtn PG Region 8 DUCHARME, DIANE: Mendon, MA; R. Sharp/Parafly PG HERRINGTON, DONALD: Sullivan, ME; T. Lavictoire/Morningside FP NIXON, BOB: Castleton, VT;]. Atwood/Earth & Sky ROY, DENNIS: Bellingham, MA; R. Sharp/Parafly PG WHEELER, DAVID: Westbrook, CT; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports Region 9 CARTER, KERMON: Daleville, VA; C. Bowles/Sourhern Skies PG KINGSBURY, TIM: Roanoke, VA; C. Bowles/Sourhern Skies PG SEEFELD, MICHAEL: Sarver, PA; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG SZABO, GEORGE: Lausdale, PA; C. Bowles/Sourhern Skies PG WOLFE, GRANT: Walnut Port, PA; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG Region 10 ALAN, SCOTT: Kissimmee, FL; B. Hannah/PG Washington BLAHA, MIKE: Sarasota, FL; F. Desantis/U-Can-Fly-2 CARROLL, THOMAS: Claremont, NC; C. Bowles/Sourhern Skies PG COURTNEY, RONDA: Sarasota, FL; F. Desantis/U-Can-Fly-2 ELIADIS, MANYA: Cary, NC; T. Bowles/Southern Skies PG FRYMAN, ERIK: Camp Lejeone, NC; T. Bowles/Southern Skies PG JENSEN, WONNE: Alpharetta, GA; T. Bowles/Southern Skies PG MAYES, ANDREW: Cary, NC; T. Bowles/Sourhern Skies PG MCCORKLE, WILLIAM: Raleigh, NC; S. Bland/Sky's rhe Limit MURPHY, MIKE: Newton, NC; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG PETERSON, STEPHEN: Warner Robins, GA; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports SLAGLE, TOM: Gray, GA; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG STUBBS, NEAL: Brandon, FL; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG Region 11 BODAK, STEVE: Austin, TX; N. Stanford/Hill Country PG GREENFIELD, JR, GERRY: San Antonio, TX; N. Stanford/Hill Country PG

PARAGLIDING

Region 12 DOBRYGOWSKI, MARTIN: E Rutherford, NJ; L. Linde/Easrmast PG FERENC, LESZEK: Clifton, NJ; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG NO, SALOMON: New York, NY; P.S. Franco/New York PG ORZAKIEWICZ, HENRY: Saddle Brook, NJ; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG ZAMPOGNA, STEVEN: Jamestown, NY; T. Bowles/Southern Skies PG Region 13 MARCHETTI, ANDRES: Costa Rica; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG STARK D.C., PATfERSON: New Zealand; R. Kocurek/Crested Butte PG SUMMERSKILL, ANDY: United Kingdom; P. Hirst/Airtime of SF VEAL, MIKE: England; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG WINKELMANN, THEO: S Africa 0132; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG

INTERMEDIATE RATINGS Region l DEVLIN, GERALD: Centralia, WA; L. Chirico/Chirico's Fright School HUGHES, BILL: Beaverton, OR; D. Raybourn/HG/PG School MICHAELS, JOHN: Wilsonville, OR; D. Jebb/Torrey Pines Gliderport WILLIAMS, CAROL: Portland, OR; S. Roti/Mt Bachelor PG Region2 BADARACCO, PATRICIO: Stinson Beach, CA; P. Hirst/Airtime of SF BOYD, MATT: Fpo, AP; S. Hassell/Ainek San Diego CHU, JAMES: Palo Alto, CA; P. Hirst/Airtime of SF CONGER, RICK: Oakland, CA; H. Murphy/Surf the Sky PG GENTLES, ANDREW: Stanford, CA; P. Hirst/Airtime of SF JURRIUS, JOHN: Hercules, CA; P. Hirst/Airtime of SF Region3 CHANTLER, GLENN: Goleta, CA; S. McGarva/Sky'n Out PG HURST, JOHN: San Diego, CA; D. Jebb/Torrey Pines Gliderport JEBB, GABRIEL: San Diego, CA; D. Jebb/Torrey Pines Gliderport OWENS, STEVE: San Diego, CA; D. Jebb/Torrey Pines Gliderport ROACH, JOHN: Oxnard, CA; S. McGarva/Sky'n Out PG SCHMER, AIDAN: Kaiwa, HI; D. Jebb/Torrey Pines Gliderport WOO, EDDIE: La Jolla, CA; D. Jebb/Torrey Pines Gliderport Region4 BRINKMEYER, TOM: Aspen, CO; D. Bridges/Aspen PG CHABERT, HERVE: Boulder, CO; G. Banks/Parasoft PG CHRISTIANSEN, BRUCE: Logan, UT; D. Jebb/Torrey Pines Gliderport HINTZE, KEVIN: Sandy, UT; H. Comfort/The Soaring Center HUTCHINGS, KENT: Albuquerque, NM; L. Pindar/Over the Hill PG KRUEGER, JON: Durango, CO; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG RIDGIK, GEORGE: Jamestown, CO; G. Banks/Parasoft PG RUFFNER, DUANE: Salt Lake City, UT; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG RUFFNER, TOD: Salt Lake City, UT; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG USNER, MICHAEL: Albuquerque, NM; L. Pindar/Over the Hill PG Region S COMBS, JAMES MATT: Jackson, WY; T. Bartlett/Peak PG MAYES, BRETT: Meridian, ID; M. Bell/Discover Flight WEIGAND, TODD: Moscow, ID; S. Johnson/U.S. Air Borne Region 10 ALAN, SCOTT: Kissimmee, FL; B. Hannah/PG Washington BROEMEL, DAVID: Nashville, TN; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1999

Region 12 DONOHUE, VINCENT: Massapequa, NY; R. Liggett/Eastcoast PG HOGAN, PAUL: Maspeth, NY; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG JOYE, BILL: Carmel, NY; P. Renaudin/GMI PG WEISS,JEFFREY: Wrightstown, NJ; P. Renaudin/GMI PG Region 13 RAGAISIS, ROLANDAS: Lithuania; C. Bowles/Southern Skies PG STARK D.C., PATTERSON: New Zealand; R. Kocurek/Crested Butte PG TREMBLAY, JEAN: Hong Kong; R. McKenzie/High Adventure

ADVANCED RATINGS Region l BAILEY, STEVEN: Redmond, WA; B. Hannah/PG Washington CRABTREE, LELAND: Bellevue, WA; L. Chirco/Chirico's Fright School JOBE, JEFF: Redmond, WA; M. Chirico/Chirico's Fright School THOMPSON, RICHARD: Newberg, OR; S. Roti/Mt. Bachelor PG WICK, CHRIS: Jacksonville, OR; C. Santacroce/Super Fly Boyz Region2 MORSE, ROGER: Las Vegas, NV; K. Biernacki/Upper Limits Region3 DUREE, TOBY: Hollywood, CA; K.Hudonjorgensen/Two Can Fly JEBB, GABRIEL: San Diego, CA; D. Jebb/Torrey Pines Gliderport MACHEMER, TODD: San Diego, CA; F. Lawley/Accelerated Flight Systems Region4 BINDER, DAVID: Draper, UT; H. Comfort/The Soaring Center GUNNUSCIO, BRAD: Salt Lake City, UT; H. Comfort/The Soaring Center HART, CRAIG: Aspen, CO; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG JANSON, SEAN: Highlands Ranch, CO; G. Banks/Parasoft PG MACEY, LOREN: Golden, CO; S. Mayer/Cloud 9 PG SHAPIRO, LEE: Aspen, CO; A. Palmaz/Aspen PG RegionS COMBS, JAMES MATT: Jackson, WY; T. Bartlett/Peak PG HILDEBRAND, CHIP: Jackson, WY; T. Bartlett/Peak PG Region 10 DUC, CHRIS: Palm Bch Gdns, FL; J. Casaudoumecq/Aerolight USA Region 12 VOIGHT, PAUL: Pine Bush, NY; L. Linde/Eastcoast PG Region 13 STARK D.C., PATTERSON: New Zealand; R. Kocurek/Crested Butte PG SUMMERSKILL, ANDY: United Kingdom; P. Hirst/Airtime of SF

TANDEM ONE RATINGS MICHAEL GREEN: Seattle, WA; B. Hannah GEORGE YOUNG: Bend, OR; C. Santacroce TOBY DUREE: Hollywood, CA; K.Hudonjorgenson DANE JACOBSON: Goleta, CA; T. Truax JEFF WILLIAMS: Dana Point, CA; J. Gluzinski

PARAGLIDING FLIGHT $19.95

TANDEM TWO RATINGS DAVID BINDER: Draper, UT; K.Hudonjorgenson MASAHIRO IKEDA: Sandy, UT; M. Ferguson DANIEL OLSEN: Jackson, WY; F. Gillette THOMAS RUSSO: Teton Village, WY; F. Gillette MARKWOLLING: Wilson, WY; F. Gillette

Training manual full of practical advice. 208 pages, 170 photos and ii lustrations

TANDEM INSTRUCTOR RATINGS KEVIN BIERNACKI: Las Vegas, NV; R. Leonard STEPHEN MC GARVA: Moorpark, CA; K. Baier GLENN MILLER, M.D.: Santa Barbara, CA; K. Baier WILLIAM SMITH: Rio Rancho, NM; M. Ferguson

1999 TOP 10 SCHOOL/CLUB LEADERS IN BEGINNER (PARA 1) RATINGS ISSUED RANK SCHOOL ......................................... BEGINNER l Dixon's Airplay Paragliding .................................... 15 2 Southern Skies Paragliding .................................... 14 3 Paraglide Washington .............................................. 6 4 Airtime of San Francisco ......................................... 5 4 Cloud 9 Paragliding ................................................ 5 5 Eastcoast Paragliding ............................................... 4 6 Adventure Sports ..................................................... 3 7 Aspen Paragliding .................................................... 2 7 Crested Butte Paragliding ........................................ 2 7 Fly Away Paragliding ............................................... 2 7 Hill Country Paragliding ......................................... 2 7 Parafly Paragliding ................................................... 2 7 Surf The Sky Paragliding ......................................... 2 7 Two Can Fly ............................................................ 2 Vail Valley Paragliding ............................................. 2 7

UNDERS l J\NlJING

THE SKY

UNDERSTANDING THE SKY - $19.95 Best large and small-scale weather guide available. 288 pages, 270 photos and illustrations

NEW! Flying With Condors - $26.95 (bard back) by Judy Leden - The flying and traveling adventures of a great hang glider and paraglider pilot. Four-color photos. Send total for books plus $3.50 for shipping to: Sport Aviation Publications, PO Box 43, Spring Mills, PA 16875 Tel/Fax: 814-422-0589 - We accept credit cards.

for Paraglider Pilots Important Reasons to Request Yours Today! No Annual Fee Low Fixed Introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on cash advance checks and balance transfers $1 million Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance with the Platinum Plus Card*

1999 TOP 10 SCHOOL/CLUB LEADERS IN NOVICE (PARA 2) RATINGS ISSUED RANK SCHOOL .............................................. NOVICE l Southern Skies Paragliding .................................... 17 2 Dixon's Airplay Paragliding ...................................... 8 3 Parasoft Paragliding ................................................. 6 4 Chirico's Fright School ............................................ 5 4 Cloud 9 Paragliding ................................................ 5 5 Eastcoast Paragliding ............................................... 4 The Soaring Center ................................................. 4 5 5 Westcoast Paragliding/Airtime of SF ....................... .4 6 Paraglide Washington .............................................. 3 6 Point of the Mountain Paragliding .......................... 3 6 Surf the Sky Paragliding .......................................... 3

Rankings were compiled from ratings published in January/February 1999 issues ofParagliding magazine.

Credit line increase decisions in 30 minutes or less 24-Hour Customer satisfaction

Please Mention Priority CodejLWO When Calling.

Choose between United States Hang Gliding Association Platinum Plus'" Visa• or the Preferred Visa Each time you make a purchase with your USHGA Visa, you are ~elping to support USHGA's efforts in preserving our flying sites

There arc costs associated with the use of this credit rnrd. You may contact the issuer and a<lminisrraror of this program, MBNA America"' Bank, to request spenfa information about the costs by calling 1-800-523-7666 or by v,..riting to PO Box 15020, Wilmington, DE 19850 *Certain restrictions apply to this benefit and mhers described in the materials sent soon after your account is opened. Preferred Card Customer benefits differ from P!atm1m1 Pim benefits: Common Carrier Travel Acodem Insurance coverage is up to $150,000; and there are additional costs for Registry benefits. MBNA America, MUNA, and Phtinmn Pim are service marks of MBNA Ametita Dank, NA. Visa 1s a federally registered servite mark of Visa U.S.A. Inc., used pursl!ant to license © 1998 MBNA America Bank, N.A ADG-1 ACE-9/98 AD-09-98-00 IO

PARAGLIDING

HELMETS

We have the latest in h elmet technology in assorted colors. Including the new "Magic" Helmet.

HARNESSES

Designed and licensed by the European leader - C h arlie. Back protection, leg extension , auto-buckles, sewn-in tow straps, 2 sizes available for side or rear reserve mounts. Now available new air bag attachments and h arnesses.

RESERVES

Standard pull-down apex and the revolutionary double-cap design to reduce pendulum and sink rate.

FLIGHT

SUITS

A variety of colors and sizes for both summer and winter flying.

ACCESSORIES

Varios from Skybird, Carabiners, Windsocks, G lider Packs, Radio Holders, Spreader Bars, Back Protectors, We got it all.

@@][)00 ~fil}W$3

LESSONS

Para 1 to Para 4 Ratings. Tandem Fligh ts and C linics offered at world-famous Point of the Mountain, Utah.

ff 1rd<~

_l 111 ul121·

- ---------

The Atlas has proven to be t he best novice/beginner value on the market with Advanced Security Technology. Edel unites simple inflation, easy launch and fun flight character, with ultimate security and exceptional performanceGuaranteed to build confidence in the novice and provide performance to the growing intermediate pilot.

Area

Span A/R

Root

m m kg km/h km/h

Tip

min max

Area

Span

A/R

small

med

22 .3 10 4.44

24.2 10.4 4.44

small

med

large

23.43 9.49 3.85 2.9 0.58 50-65 21 44 Std

25.43 9.89 3.95 3.02 0.61 60-80 21 44 1/Std

27.51 10.29 3.85 3.14 o,63 75-95 21

29.66 10.68 3.85 3.26 0.66

26.2 10.8 4.44

Toray nylon66,44g/m2

Technora-aramide Pi lot Weight

Trim Max Sink Rate (approx) "

50-70

60-80 75-100

km/h km/h

35- 38 47- 51

35- 38 35-38 47-51 47 - 51

m/s

1.05

].05

Area

Span A/R

min

kg km/h km/h m/s

small

med

large

22.92 9.62 4.04 50-70 20 47 1. 1

24.36 9.92 4.04 60- 80 20 47 1.1

26.35 10.32 4.04 70-90 20 47

28.41 10.71 4.04 20 47 1.1

HARNESSES BALANCE DELUX Our most popular harness. The Balance harness, with a 14cm dorsal back protector and two hinging impact protectors per side, is the full feature harness of the future. Along with ample side pocket storage and a generous ballast storage area. The Balance has click buckles, a revolutionary new reserve handle and too many other features to mention. $500

BALANCE STANDARD All the comfort and protection of the delux harness, simplified without back mount reserve or side pockets. $460

EDEL'S WOODY VALLEY MODELS Edel teams up with Woody Valley to add two excellent harnesses to our line.

X-Over Th is way cool race style harness features : neoprene dashboard-front expandable ballast container, auto-layback speed system, adjustable hang length, neoprene faired- in rigging, back-mount chute, side pockets, stylish, functional construction, and super thick back (14cm) and side (7cm) protection. $580

X-Act

Total Height

m2 m m m m

73-88

85-103

km/h km/h

39.45 12.28 3.82 3.686 0.593 9.0

Max

km/h km/h

m/s

FLIGHT SUITS After two years of field testing and pilot comment, Edel has developed a waterproof, breathable outer shell of Fine Tex reinforced at the shoulders and knees with Dupont Keynote. Elastic leg loops hold legs down when flying . Lengthened Sleeves with velcro cuff closure for covering any size glove. Generous upper body cut for freedom of movement. Redesigned liner makes it easy to get on or off. $240

NOCAI HELMETS

Min

25.77 11.24 4.90

Trim Max

Sink Rate (approx)'

Area Span A/R Root Tip

large

23.83 10.81 4.90

m2 m

Pilot Weight Flight Speed (approx_)'

med

Area Span A/R

Featuring : Front-mount chute, velcro dashboard, super thick back and side protection, side pockets, with all the adjustments; laying back or sitting up, an awesome comfortable rig with bomber construction, elegant styling and features to please. $550

20 40

Elegant light weight full face helmets. Three styles to chose from. $ 82-$ 150

RESERVE CHUTE RS II 38 $4so SECURAMAX (TANDEM) 52 $ 620

visit the edel website at: www.edelusa.com

Southwest Service Center Mitch McAleer 29120 Melby Drive Lake Elsinore, Ca 92523 909.674.8844

2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive San Diego, CA 92037 619.452.9858

RECREATIONAL PARAGLIDER REVIEWS

•

THE

This review of the Flight Design (FD) S2 is the second article in a series of recreational paraglider reviews. The first portion of the lead review (which appeared in the November/December '98 issue of this publication) provides a preview to this series and is recommended reading if you missed the first installment. I chose to review the S2 because of its impressive top speed. In reviewing this glider I learned that it also possesses other attributes that further distinguish it from the rest of the field.

THE FLIGHT DESIGN PRODUCT LINE FD currently has five paragliders in their sized smaller than most gliders (area for product line: the S2 (DHV 1-2 and weight). The influence of this higher wing AFNOR Standard), the A6 (DHV 2) , the loading will be brought up throughout this B4 (AFNOR Performance) soon to be sucreview. ceeded by the B5, the C5 (AFNOR Competition), and their tandem giider, the Twin 2. FD refers to the S2 as their "sport Most paraglider manufacturers use ripclass" glider and not simply as a recreation/ stop nylon (polyamide) cloth as the canopy al glider. ! material. FD has chosen to use the heavier, THE WING but more SIZING Small Medium Large durable, Teijin 2 The S2 is avail- Area (m ) ripstop poly26 ·8 2 3.0 able in four sizes. Flat 30. 6 ester. This is a 2 3.l 26.4 The extra-small Projected l9. 8 lighter-weight size is not certiWeight Range version of the fied and DHV KG 60-85 80-105 100-130 material typicertification for LB 132-187 176-231 220-286 cally used for the small size is hang glider pending. The table below only includes the "s~ls" (1?uPont Dacron p~lyester). Use of three largest sizes (small, medium and this fabnc suggests that this cloth may be large) . I flew the medium-size 52 and my less prone to mildew since mildew is rarely hook-in weight put me in the middle of a problem with hang gliders. A lighter the weight range. Note that the wing is cloth (38 g/m2) is used for the bottom sur-

face than the top surface (48 g/m2) for less weight and added durability respectively. Both surfaces are coated with polyurethane (PU) , with three layers on the top and rwo on the bottom. The PU coating adds lubricity to reduce abrasion and acts as filler between the fibers to reduce permeability. According to Mike Eberle of North American Paragliding, Inc. (the FD importer/distributor), used gliders made from this cloth that are returned for inspection and/or repairs rarely have porosity measurements less than those of new gliders. Consistent with the technology trend, this canopy is designed with V-ribs to reduce the number of lines for improved performance. The load-bearing ribs, which are those with line attachments, are stiffened at the leading edge with an extra piece of polyester cloth to enhance inflation characteristics. The non-load-bearing ribs do not have or need this reinforcement

PARAGLIDING

•

es1

because they are recessed and do not have line attachments, and thus have less influence on inflation behavior. The trailing edge seam is reinforced with a clear strip of Mylar (polyester film). The 52 comes standard with a white bottom surface and white V-ribs while the top surface is available in four colors: blue, orange/red, violet and yellow. On the glider I flew, the yellow vertical ribs added accent to the translucence of the bright orange/red top through the pale bottom surface. One pilot commented that the color cranslucence of this glider was the most visually appealing he has seen. LINES

The 52 differs from the traditional FD choice of Dyneema lines by use of Cousin ararnid fiber (an improved form of the original ararnid fiber, DuPont Kevlar). According to Mike Eberle, supplier costing was the reason for this change.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1999

Dyneema is marketed in the U.S. under the brand name Spectra. Chemically, this is a super-strong form of polyethylene (PE) known as UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight). Ararnid fibers tend to stretch less but fatigue more quickly than Dyneema. The line cores are typically yellow when made of the former, and white when made of the latter. Whichever material is used, they both need to be checked, the former more for structural integrity and the latter more for dimensional stability. The DHV requires glider inspection every two years, and FD recommends that the glider be checked every 50 to I 00 hours, or once a year, whichever comes first. This inspection includes a porosity check of the canopy and a load and length check of the lines. Q UICK L INK LIN E RETAINERS

FD uses heat-shrink on the quick links to keep the lines and quick links themselves from becoming misaligned. This method also has the advantage that it keeps the quick link nut from rotating and possibly loosening inadvertently. This heatshrink wrapping must be removed if and when a line needs to be replaced, but an 0-ring applied in a figure-8 on the quick link and straddling the lines will keep the lines in place if replacement heat-shrink wrap and a heat gun (or hair dryer) are not available.

The 52 uses four primary risers per side with three lower lines per riser. Only three

about glider orientation, it does require an adaptation for an experienced pilot who anticipates with a conditioned response. An example of this was two other advanced pilots I invited to fly the S2 who each had difficulty getting it overhead and keeping it there. This paradox is due to the light force required and the rapid inflation response of the S2 that indicates to an experienced pilot that the glider is about to overshoot, as many advanced gliders will. These experienced pilots struggled because they released the A-risers prematurely and applied the bral<:es too early and/or too much. The yellow triangle center cell marker on the white bottom surface lacked contrast with the translucent background of the orange/ red top surface. A darker marker would mal<:e it more visible.

IN-FLIGHT HANDLING FLIGHT FAMILTARIZATION

colors are used for differentiating the four risers, the C-risers and 0-risers both being marked with blue. Use of an additional fourth color would have offered full distinction. Split A-risers for doing big ears are standard. The A-riser line distribution is two on the inner and one on the outer. Rear riser trimmers are available for the S2, but the glider I flew didn't have them installed. There is no mention in the DHV data of trimmers being tested so their installation will put the glider out of certification configuration.

reverse inflation. Every attempt at a "nohands" inflation was successful in both calm and windy conditions. Use of only the inner A-risers worked well in windy conditions, but wasn't necessary because the glider requires so little effort for inflation. This ease of inflation can be partly attributed to the fact that the glider is sized relatively small for one's weight. The S2 does require the pilot to follow through during the inflation and bring the glider fully overhead. Excess braking can easily cause the canopy to deflate.

GROUND HANDLING

KTTING

INFLATIONS

The S2 must be brought further overhead than other gliders typically require. While this characteristic is not an issue for a student who has no preconceived bias

The S2 consistently inflates easily, quickly and straight, with no tendency to overshoot, whether doing a forward or a

The S2 shines when it comes to responsiveness. This is partly due to it being sized smaller for one's weight when compared to other gliders. Despite the higher wing loading the brake pressure was light, yet firm enough that a student should be able to easily avoid PIO (Pilot-Induced Oscillations) due to over-control. The brake line configuration is non-standard in that deflection occurs at the mid-span before the tip. This provides a progressive feel when turning for avoiding the potential stall/spin scenario an inexperienced or heavy-handed pilot may induce with a responsive glider. The glider feels small, both on the ground and in the air, making it easy to handle. It's a pleasure to fly because its short span and chord make it handle like a sports car, yet the overall design provides the stability of a sedan. Porpoising (pitch oscillations) and wingovers (roll reversals) are easy to induce, yet the responsive handling of the S2 was very manageable as a 1-2 or Standard category-rated glider should be. One warning for the inexperienced pilot, who may not be accustomed to high airspeeds, is to be caurious when doing spiral dives on the S2. It quickly builds excess airspeed in this maneuver and if you're unaccustomed to this speed it can be overwhelming. SPEED SYSTEM

The S2 speed system has a very large

PARAGLIDING

range of travel, a full eight inches (20 cm) between the compound pulley axles. The travel was so great that all of it may not be usable even on the upper stirrup of the two-step speed bar included with the glider. To avoid leading edge tuck with the reduced angle of attack, the design applies full and equal travel to the A-risers and the B-risers and half this amount of travel to the C-risers. HARNESS/GLIDER COM131NATION

The S2 is certified for use with a GHtype harness (a harness without crossstraps). Weight shift response was excellent, as it should be with the small size of this glider.

PERFORMANCE FD claims the S2 has: • a maximum speed of 50 km/hr. (31 mi./hr.) • a minimum sink rate of I.I m/sec. (3.6 ft./sec. or 217 ft./min.) • a maximum glide ratio of7.7:l at a trim speed of 35 km/hr. (22 mi./hr.) This maximum speed puts the S2 at the top of its class and it also flies significantly faster than many gliders in more advanced certification categories. While I didn't do any one-on-one speed comparisons or fly with an airspeed indicator, there's no disputing that this glider is very fast, faster than any other recreational glider I've flown. While ridge soaring at Torrey Pines, my maximum attainable altitude was consistently lower than other gliders. This is a reflection of a glider's sink rate performance and can be partially attributed to the higher wing loading of the S2. Many local pilots who fly in the light winds prevalent at Torrey Pines fly oversize gliders, so a more valid comparison of minimum sink rate would be soaring with similar wing loading. A maximum glide ratio of7.7:l is impressive for any paraglider, and especially a 1-2 or Standard category-rated glider. This compares to maximum glide ratios of 6.5 to 7.0 that were common in the recent past. This performance gain is directly attributed to the reduction of parasitic drag by the elimination of lines made possible by the technology ofV-rib construction.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1999

SAFETY COLLAPSE AND RECOVERY CHARACTERISTICS

The S2 exhibited very benign collapse and recovery behavior while performing big ears, big ears with speed bar, 50% asymmetries on each side, frontal collapses, and B-line stalls in smooth coastal air. No pilot input was required for prompt, forgiving and predictable recovery with the exception of big ears, which tended to remain closed but opened immediately with a single pump of the brakes. I didn't have an opportunity to fly the S2 in strong summertime thermals. Its 1-2 and Standard category ratings combined with its higher wing loading should make it very stable and highly collapse resistant when thermaling. However, there are two important points worth noting about the behavior of gliders in extreme flight modes such as high wing loading or high speed. I) Any glider when more heavily loaded will be relatively more resistant to collapses, but if and when a collapse does occur, it will tend to be more violent with greater altitude loss, an increased amount of rotation, and a higher rate of rotation. 2) When a paraglider is flown fast (speed system utilized), the angle of attack is reduced, which increases the possibility of frontal collapse in turbulence. While the S2 exhibited no collapse tendency or recovery problems during my test flights, prudence would dictate that gaining experience with any extreme flight modes should be acquired using an incremental approach. Also, one should always allow for extra clearance from terrain and other traffic as a safety margin when trying new maneuvers and/or new equipment. No special certification notes were indicated by the DHV for the S2.

OTHER FLIGHT MODES TOWING

I didn't have the opportunity to tow launch the S2 but it is suitable for towing according to both FD and the DHV. MOTORING

I flew the large size S2 with my "heavy" motor pack as a powered paraglider and found it acceptable for motoring. It flew the same with or without power, exhibiting no peculiarities due to the addition of auxiliary power.

Big ears is easy to do with the S2's split A-risers while flying with "J-bar" type motors (those with high attachment points above the shoulders). Rear riser trimmers are a desirable option for powered paragliding to compensate for the turning tendency during powered climbs. The large size S2 I flew didn't have this option.

SUMMARY The S2 offers impressive top speed and responsive handling. If you usually fly in windy or strong lift conditions or your site requires a long glide out for landing, the S2 would be an excellent choice. Top speed can be a critical glider attribute for safety in suddenly strengthening winds, but if you typically fly in light wind and light lift conditions, you may want to choose the S2 in one size larger than FD recommends. This tradeoff of top speed for a lower sink rate would be reasonable in terms of performance, but carefully consider the differences in handling and stability when flying a glider at a lower wing loading. The ground-handling characteristics of the S2 are different than most gliders, but if you are a new pilot you'll likely not notice this difference. If you generally fly in windy conditions and you need a glider that inflates quickly and nearly effortlessly without overshooting, this glider would be well suited to your needs. The choice of materials and the addition of fabric coating and construction reinforcement are an indisputable statement by FD about the glider's longevity. If you are considering purchasing a recreational glider that you can fly for a long time, the S2 would be a good value.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Alan Chuculate began teaching hang gliding in 1975, and has been teaching paragliding since 1990. He is authorized by the USHGA to train and certify instructors in both disciplines. He is also a certified instructor far powered paragliding, and is currently co-authoring a book with Dennis Pagen on powered paragliding. He resides in San Diego, California. For comments or questions you're invited to contact him directly via e-mail at g_achucu@qualcomm.com or by telephone at (619) 292-1552. Ill

a DHV 2 rating when equipped with a speed bar. Except where specifically noted, the remainder of this review discusses the Relax 36 which is the size I flew during testing. My total load weight during testflying was 90 kg., which put me in the bottom half of the weight range for the glider.

THE WING Pro-Design currently has three paragliders SIZES in its product line: the Eole (AFNOR The Relax comes in three sizes as listed in Standard), Relax (DHV 1-2), and Max the table below. Note that the weight (AFNOR Competition). Coming soon range is for the total load, in other words, will be a new DHV 2-rated glider called pilot+ equipment+ glider. the Target that will fit between the Relax It's also worth pointing out that and the Max in the Pro-Design line. although the Relax received a DHV 1-2 Pro-Design markets the Relax as their rating in the 34 and 36 sizes, the 38 size intermediate paraglider, and the owner's received a DHV 2 for accelerated flight. manual has this to say about which pilots According to the DHV test report, when it's suitable for: "The Relax is an the Relax 34 and 36 were flown at maxiIntermediate mum takeoff Size 34 36 38 glider with weight and the Area (m 2 ) dynamic asymmetric Flat 27.2 30.3 33.4 behavior and tuck (accelerat26.3 29.0 Projected 23.6 excellent pered) tests were formance. performed, the Weight Range Despite the gliders turned 85-110 Kilograms 105-125 65-90 DHV between 90 Pounds 143-198 187-242 231-275 Category 1-2 and 180 rating, the glider is not meant to be a / degrees, which is within the parameters of school glider. It is recommended to pilots the DHV 1-2 rating. But the Relax 38 who have sufficient experience on an turned between 180 and 360 degrees, entry-level glider and are looking for more which gave it a result of 2 in this test. performance, but do not wish to fly a Because the final rating is the worst single Performance or High-Performance wing." result from all tests, the 38 size was given

The Pro-Design Relax follows some new design avenues compared to the company's previous designs. The first change is that diagonal V-ribs have been added, increasing the weight of the canopy but dramatically reducing the line cascades and therefore drag. This results in improved performance characteristics such as faster trim speed and more efficient glide, both with and without the speed system. Best glide is achieved at trim speed. Some of the concepts developed with the High and the Max have also been incorporated into this wing. Most noticeable is the tensioning tape across the lower third of the wing (two-thirds of the chord length back from the leading edge). This allows the leading edge to be swept back dramatically without the tips oscillating forward. Re/,ax riser showAccording to ing the cowrPro-Design coded lines, the importer John extra line on the Yates, the Relax outside of the Acanopy is made of riser for pulling 44-gm Porcher big ears, one of Marine fabric the sister clips which has tance to porosity. He says that the current fabric is

used to attach the speed bar to the risers, and the plastic quick-link

PARAGLIDING

twice what it was a year ago on the porosity meter tests.

The Relax lines are made out of Dyneema, known in the U.S. as Spectra, which is Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMW PE). Dyneema can creep (stretch over time) unlike Kevlar or other polyaramid fibers, but it doesn't fatigue like Kevlar. Importer Yates says that the lines used in the Relax are a new type of low-stretch Dyneema that Pro-Design co-developed with Edelrid. The Relax lines are color-coded with a different color on each riser. This assists the pilot in identifying the correct lines or risers during ground handling or in-flight maneuvers. The Relax 34 and 36 have 3A/3B/3C/4D lines per riser. The Relax 38 has 4A/4B/4C/SD lines per riser. Because of the possibility of Dyneema line stretch, the Relax owner's manual recommends that line lengths be remeasured after every 25 hours of airtime or whenever the reactions of the paraglider seem unusual. RI SERS AND QUICK LINKS

The Relax has a four-riser system. Many gliders on the market these days feature a riser design that makes it easier for the pilot to pull down big ears. The most common approach is split A-risers, but the Relax is different. There is an extra line on the outside of each A-riser, attached at the bottom about eight inches below the quick link and at the top to the outer A-line about 18 inches above the quick link. This makes it possible for the pilot to grab the extra line on each side and pull down big ears without having to

stretch to reach high on the outer A-line. Some pilots prefer split A-risers for this purpose, but I found the extra line on the Relax easy to use with gloves on. The speed system is attached to the risers with sister clips (also known as brummel hooks), a type of marine connector that replaces the mini D-rings or mini carabiners used by many pilots. Sister clips have many advantages: they're small, they can be attached and detached quickly, and they don't have any moving parts (nuts or gates) so that once they're together they can't open accidentally. Also, they won't accidentally clip other lines as mini-carabiners have been known to do. The quick links are fitted with triangular plastic inserts to prevent the quick links from turning sideways in the risers and from self-opening, and to keep the lines in place at the top of the links.

GROUND HANDLING INFLATIONS

I made five flights on the Relax,. all in thermal conditions, with a total of six and a half hours of airtime. The glider was easy to inflate in both forward and reverse positions. My subjective observation is that it tends to come up a little slower than previous Pro-Design gliders like the Pro-Feel and Compact. This is not a criticism, just an observation that I felt the need to stay on the risers a little longer to make sure that the glider was fully overhead.

IN-FLIGHT HANDLING HANDLING

The glider has some significant handling differences from the Pro-Feel and the Compact. For one thing, it is trimmed faster than both gliders. The glider is pitch stable in normal flight (unlike the Compact which tended to pitch slightly with its short lines). The turns are positive and can be easily flattened with opposite brake. The glider does require active piloting skills, more so than the Compact. With the added glider weight and higher trim speed, the glider tends to be more sensitive to changes in the air. However, the glider is predictable and the feedback to the pilot is not disconcerting unlike some of the current crop of DHV 2 gliders which feel more like advanced wings. SPEED SYSTEM

The big difference with this wing is the excellent acceleration and stability on speedbar. Unlike the Pro-Feel, the wing has plenty of reserve speed without a huge sink penalty. Although I didn't measure my airspeed while using the speed system,

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1999

\ . .

·1 fh,~i w:

The highest quality Super Aramed Kevlar Lines made by Eulit. Subjected to DHV testing for aging 1 and strength. The finest made.

We use high quality Mylar reinforcement on the leading edge which does not soften with time. This means your glider will inflate and take-off easily, not only when it's new, but years from now also.

Our unique and exclusive PARACAD®System uses cutting-edge technology that delivers perfect gliders every time. The cleanest gliders technology has to offer.

Easy inflations. Perfect launches. Unmatched stability. Unparalleled performance. Great landings. The perfect choice for beginners or cross-country pilots. Taking the world by storm.

e- HV Furthest flight ever on a DHV 2 wing by Scott Johnson -141 miles. Nordic distance record - 156 km. Winner Italian Intermediate Champ. 2nd Place - US Nationals 1997. What MORE do you NEED?

Famous Firebird handling. Superior performance. The hot new ship for 1998-99. 2nd Place - Red Bull Wings Over Aspen.

Monster Tandem DHV 2 THE top choice among professional Tandem Pilots.

Pro-Design and DHV both report a maximum speed of 44 km./hr. (27 mi./hr.). Subjectively, the speed bar felt like it gave me a significant boost as evidenced by the increased wind on my face, unlike some other gliders I've flown where the speed system didn't seem to make much difference. H ARNESS/GLIDER COMBINATION

The Relax is certified for use with a GHtype harness (a harness without crossstraps). I flew it with this type of harness and was impressed with the glider's response to weight shift. The Relax feels sporty when turns are initiated with weight shift.

PERFORMANCE

Kevlar lines protected by pfastic

Gruppo Adesso

Tel.: (541 ) 825-8003 E-Mail: oldoodesso@yohoo.com http://www.lanzadero.com/odessoparagliding

The Relax has excellent performance for a DHV 1-2 glider. In my opinion, it has enough performance for any recreational pilot who flies for fun, even those who want to fly cross-country recreationally. To back up this statement I'll tell you about a flight I made on the Relax at Golden, British Columbia. It was in early August on a day when we were able to get 2,000' over launch in thermals that registered as 600 fpm on my vario's 20-second averager. I took off from Mount 7 with a group of other paraglider pilots around 5:00 pm, and two of us headed south along the Beaverfoot Range. The other pilot was flying a DHV 2-3 rated glider that is marketed as a high-performance wing. We both flew 29 miles that day and there was no noticeable performance difference as we flew down-range together for more than two hours. I was on the speed bar during most of the inter-thermal glides and I couldn't see any significant difference in glide ratio between the two gliders. When we were thermaling up together our sink rates were comparable. I came away from that flight feeling that the Relax doesn't sacrifice much performance in comparison to modern D HV 2 and 2-3 rated gliders. For those who like numbers it's interesting to note that the Relax placed first among the intermediates in the 1998 Stubai Glide Ratio Contest with an average glide ratio of?.535 . This gives it a better glide ratio than its predecessors, the Compact and the Pro-Feel.

SAFETY COLLAPSE AND RECOVERY CHARACTERISTICS

Because I flew the Relax only in thermal conditions, I didn't have the opportunity to perform maneuvers in smooth coastal air and observe the results. The only maneuvers I performed during my test flights were big ears and mild spirals. The ears came out promptly after being released without the need for pumping the brakes. I found it easy to enter and exit mild spirals on the Relax using weight shift and brake input. (For information about spiral dives see the Special Certification Note below.) I can't tell you much about the Relax's collapse and recovery characteristics in thermal air because I didn't get any big collapses while test-flying the glider in strong conditions at Golden, BC. Other gliders in the air with me were getting asymmetries, but the biggest events I experienced were a couple of tip tucks during the flight described above that popped open before there was time for me to think about them. To give you a better idea how collapse-resistant this glider was during the time I was test-flying it, let me tell you about another flight. This one was in late July, also in Golden, BC. Conditions were a little bit stronger than during the flight described above, with elevation gains of 5,000' over launch and thermals averaging 1,000 fpm and occasionally pegging my Ball vario at 1,600 fpm in the cores. I flew 34 miles in two and a half hours that day without a single noteworthy collapse. Other pilots near me reported half-wing asymmetries and full frontals on the radio, but the Relax stayed inflated. This flight convinced me that with active piloting the Relax can be flown in mature thermal conditions without having to deal frequently with collapse recovery. That's not to say that the Relax won't ever suffer large collapses. Another pilot flying a larger Relax 38 on the same day experienced a half-wing asymmetric and commented, "It recovers from collapses very quickly. "

SPECIAL CERTIFICATION NOTE There is an "Additional Flight Safety Remark" in the D HV test results for all sizes of the Relax. It says, "Spiral Dive: at sink rates >12 mis turn can keep on." This means the glider becomes spirally neutral at large bank angles, wanting to perpetuate the spiral dive rather than

PARAGLIDING

recover when the toggle is released. Pro-Design addresses this potential problem with a discussion of spiral dives in the owner's manual, as shown in the following excerpts. The owner's manual also recommends an advanced paraglider training course or a safety clinic for Relax pilots. "Initiating a spiral dive takes very little input and is easy to do, even in turbulent conditions. This is a great safety advantage if quick altitude loss is desired. It is important that pilots get acquainted with the fast acceleration, high sink rate and the physical loads that are possible. You must gradually feel your way into the maneuver. Exiting a hard spiral may also require a different technique than former glider designs. "When descending in a spiral faster than 12 m/sec. a stable rotation may

occur. This means that with no brake input or weight shift the glider will continue to spiral. This tendency is strongly dependent on the harness settings (tight or loose chest strap and crossbrace settings). To stop rotation, pull the opposite brake, but be careful not to exit too quickly." In recognition of the fact that the current generation of paragliders will enter a stable spiral more easily than earlier gliders, the July issue of the German magazine Fly and Glide has an article tided "Stable Spiral Dive" by Stefan Mueller. The following excerpt is a paraphrased translation from the article. Pilots who would like to subscribe to Fly and Glide can contact the magazine by telephone (D-089/68 00 11 41), fax (D-089/68 00 11 68), or on the World Wide Web (http://www.flyingpages.com/ fly&glide). "The basic reason that a glider accelerates into a spiral is that the angle of attack for the inner wing is always greater than it is for the outer wing (because the outer wing goes farther than the inner wing, but falls at the same rate.) As the inner wing gets a steeper and steeper angle of attack, at some point the lift starts to decrease, but the drag continues to increase. At that point the wing will tend to accelerate into a spiral, and the outer (upper) wing will tend to try to overfly the lower wing and dive toward the ground. "So why did we not experience this problem of stable spirals or spiral dives with previous generations of paragliders? What is the difference between the canopies of the new series and previous ones? With modern gliders, good glide ratios have been achieved with relatively small aspect ratios. Wings now have more width at the tips. The interaction of these three factors contributes to an increased tendency to produce a stable spiral.

"So it's understandable that all the glider manufacturers independently encountered the same problem of stable spirals. They were not copying each other. Much more important is the interplay between factors that logically followed from the further evolution of the airfoils. "What can be done in the future about spirals? The goal must of course be to address aspects of spiral characteristics both in design and construction that haven't been foreseen . A more exact understanding of the factors that influence this is already being worked on, and a mathematical model that describes these interactions is of great interest."

OTHER FLIGHT MODES According to Pro-Design and the DHV, the Relax is suitable for tow launching. Pro-Design also lists it as suitable for powered paragliding.

SUMMARY I didn't expect to be as impressed with the Relax as I turned out to be. After primarily flying DHV 2 and higher-rated gliders for the last five years I'll admit that I expected the Relax to represent a step down in performance, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that wasn't the case. Its aspect ratio isn't as high as the performance gliders and it may not look as sporty, but there is a certain satisfaction that comes from doing more with less. The Relax is being marketed to the intermediate pilot. However, this should be qualified since the term "intermediate" has been abused. Pro-Design has traditionally been conservative in both its marketing and wing construction. This wing is no different; it represents an excellent compromise between speed, glide and stability. I'm sure the Relax will be a hit with both new intermediate pilots and pilots who have become disgruntled with the current crop of DHV 2 and performance wmgs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Steve Roti began paragliding in 1991. He holds USHGA ratings as a Basic Instructor and a Tandem Instructor. Steve Lives in Portland, Oregon and flies whenever it isn't raining. He can be reached by e-mail at: paragLiding@compuserve.com. • PARAGLIDING

SHGA M RCHANDISE ORDER FORM

CALENDARS

PRICE

USHGA 1999 HANG GLIDING CALENDAR - Excellent hang gliding photography ....... .

1/b

$ 9.95

fr TOWING ALOFT by Dennis Pagen/Bill Bryden. Covers ALL aspects of towing. 372 pgs. . . 3/b frPARAGUDING-THE COMPLETE GUIDE by Noel Whittall. Comprehensive, color. 200 pgs. 2/b "SPECIAL NEW PILOT" Magazine. Paragliding or Hang Gliding (circle one). Buy both! . . . 7oz NEW-SKY ADVENTURES 36 hg stories by 32 hg authors. Informative & entertaining. 240 pgs 1/b UNDERSTANDING THE SKY by D. Pagen. THE most complete book on micrometerology ... 2/b PARAGLIDING-A PILOT'S TRAINING MANUAL by M.Meier/Wills Wing. Covers all aspects .. 2/b ACCESS & THE GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT by B. Moorman ........ 2/b DOWNWIND by Larry Fleming. Share the experience of over 20 years of hg flight. 1/b A RISK MGMT MANUAL by Michael Robertson. Used in ICP's, withe Charts of Reliability.. . 1/b RECORD ATTEMPT KIT Includes all forms needed for national & world record attempts. . 2/b FLIGHT LOG BOOK The Official USHGA flight log book. 40 pages. Log those flights! 2oz CERTIFICATION BOOKLETS Document your skill level sign-offs. Specify PG or HG. 2oz

$29.95 $26.95

QTY Total Weight TOTAL

PUBLICATIONS $

$ 4.95 $14.95 $19.95 $19.95 $19.95 $10.95 $ 9.95 $15.00 $ 2.95 $ 1.95

$ $ $

$32.00 $19.95 $35.95 $29.00 $35.95 $34.95 $33.00

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $

VIDEOS frGREEN POINT FLYERS HG, PG, Powered PG, towing, animation, all in Michigan. (50min) 1/b MASTERS AT CLOUDBASE.J> A paragliding music video, set to hard hitting music. (20 min) . 1/b FLY HARD Rob Whittal & C. Santacroce paraglide the westcoast. Rock soundtrack. (36 min) . . 1/b POINT OF THE MTN (Utah) HG & PG action at one of America's favorite sites. (52 min) . . . 1/b PG: THE MOVIE Owen's Valley world competition. Hot action, rockin' soundtrack. (40 min) .. 1/b CLOUDBASE PARAGLIDING Great intro. video. Meet the hot pilots, fly the hot sites. (36 min) 1/b HAWAIIAN FLYIN' HG & PG in Paradise. Amazing launches & awesome scenery! (46 min). 1/b All our videos are in USA/VHS NTSC format only.

MISC.

$_ __ USHGA PHONE CARD 25¢ per minute long distance rate, specify hg or pg card, includes 30 min. $10.00 $_ __ WINDSOK™ 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 flying model. It loops & soars. Lots of fun to fly, you'll want two .. 15oz $ 3.00 $_ __ USHGA EMBLEM DECAL Our original logo, in its original colors, on a 3" circular sticker. . . . 1oz $ .50 $_ __ USHGA SEW-ON EMBLEM Our original logo, in its original colors, on a 3" circular patch. . .1oz $ 1.50 $_ __ LICENSE PLATE FRAME Chrome plated. I'd Rather Be Paragliding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/b $ 6.50 PAYMENT must be included with your order. SUBTOTAL WEIGHT (for shipping) _ _ NON-USA orders must be in U.S. FUNDS drawn on a U.S. BANK!

SHIPPING (USA)

CHARGE MY VISA or MASTERCARD

Under 16oz ADD $1.50 1 LB ........... ADD $4.00 Acct# 2 LB ........... ADD $4.75 3-4 LB ....... ADD $5.50 expires 5-6 LB ....... ADD $6.00 7-8 LB ....... ADD $6.50 signature_ 9-10 LB ..... ADD $7.50 Over 10 LB .. Call/fax/email NON-USA SHIPPING-Call/fax/email

SUBTOTAL

$ _ _ __

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

TOTAL$ _ _ _ __

Send to:

Name_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ USHGA #_ _ _ _ _ Phone_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street Address (if possible) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

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

been a popular summer and winter playground, as well as a gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Located in western Wyoming, this part of the Rocky Mountain system dominates the area with seven peaks over 12, 000 feet.

"Ho!,," h;ghHglucd by

the meandering Snake River, is encircled by mountainous public lands . Only rwo percent of the area is privately owned, creating an incredible destination for the outdoor enthusiast. Paragliding opportunities in this area abound, with multiple venues available. Despite the growing popularity of the sport, Jackson-area fliers still enjoy relatively uncrowded skies, incredible landscapes and a hospitable atmosphere.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1999

Derek Goldman (left) and Mike "Spud"Webb launch at

The flying site with the greatest vertical is Rendezvous Mountain in Teton Village. Also known as the Jackson Hole Ski Resort, the area lies 12 miles from the town of Jackson, at the base of the Tetons. An aerial tram serves the mountaintop with an ascent of 4,139 vertical feet from 6,311' to 10,450' MSL - whisking pilots and their gear to the launch site. Morning coffee and facilities are available at Corbet's Cabin which fronts the large southeast-facing bowl. The terrain is an open, rocky, alpine slope with minimal but delicate vegetation, affording plenty of room for setup and top-landings with few obstacles. Rendezvous can be appropriate for novice pilots. Visiting pilots should be P2 raced and need to sign a waiver at the aerial cram dock. Ideal wind conditions are southeast and 5-10 mph. It is possible to launch off the back in ocher wind directions, but a local pilot should advise. The mountain is a typical high-altitude thermal site. Early in the day the sun heats the rocky terrain to begin producing thermals. This upslope breeze is gentle enough for a novice to launch and fly. Forward launches are·most common in the morning, and cram access allows a pilot to cake a few early morning sled-rides to feel the air. On a good summer day it is not unusual to be specking out 1,000 feet over launch within a few minutes, or soaring the spines and ridges of the mountainous terrain, viewing hikers and tourists on the trails below. A less-experienced pilot can head toward milder terrain to reach smooch air. As midday approaches and the thermals increase, conditions can change quickly. Even with light winds on launch, the air can be rowdy out front. Pilots need to stay clear of ridges and lee-side rotors, as winds can be cross away from launch. The pilots here watch the tram-tower windsocks on the ride up and subsequent to launch, observing wind direction. As with any unfamiliar flying site, the locals are always the best source of information. Hang glider pilots also share the site and, as always, appreciate a liccle extra space. The incredible panorama laid out before you as you launch from over 10,000 feet MSL into the Snake River Valley defies comparison. The LZ lies in the valley below - a large, grassy cow pasture adjacent to the main Teton Village road (Highway 390)

PARAGLIDING

r f

r·r,

:' 'f ,,... ' I I'

• -- J ' ,-,(I

rl '

- I

I ~

...

J - ,I I

,,..

, r ,r f I .' r' I

,..

,--J' ~(I

U.S. EXCLUSIVE IMPORTER

' .......

·;

SILHOUETTE WITH INTEGRATED

CYGNUS AIRBAG

TOP SECURA

,- '

,r'(

,' , I ,,.

. -J'

I ,,

' ~

I I

'j.

•

. • ~ . · { . fi' f ~· .. J •

,~ 1;1" 1 • 1 ,· J

•

1 ....,

•

~ I. I ~

•• , · • ~ • , I

,',.....J

J.'

• - - .,

~-:'

E-mail: paragliding@aerolight.com http://www.aerolight.com

,.~

• •

•

r;1"'·, .1 .,

· J.:...::.'... 1 ' r •"·I • ,·"

· r'r

; •• ' r I ' I ,...

,,.

r' (

-1-

J",' r

1355 N.W. 93 Ct. UNIT A-105. MIAMI, FLORIDA 33172 U.S.A TEL.(305) 639-3330 FAX (305) 639-3055

·'47'r1ll••1111•••••••11!1••••1.: ·,

' , •. ~ I

CONTOUR

. I 1J·

J r 'I

. r'r

FIRST SILHOUETTE

•

.,. .. r

·' .. r

1998 APCO AVIATION HARNESS LINE

, . ·.•I

., • r .

FUTURA 38 & 42 TANDEM: Certified ACPULS "Bi Place" Class• 2 Sizes

I/'' ,r

Factory: 7 Chalamish St. Ind. Park Caesarea Israel 38900, Int. Tel. ++972-6 6273727, Int. Fax: ++912-6 6273728 Web: www.apco.demon.co. uk

SANTANA: Basic Intermediate • Certified ACPULS " Standard" Class • 4 Sizes . SIERRA: Advance Intermediate • Certified ACPULS "Standard" Class • 4 Sizes FUTURA: High Performance • Certified ACPULS "Performance" Class • ASizes TIGRA: Competition • 3 Sizes

(

;,-

-;-

APCO Aviation Ltd.

PRIMA: School/Beginner • Certified ACPULS "Standard" Class• 5 Sizes.

I ,•

1998 APCO AVIATION PARAGLIDER LINE

•

,,, • ..,

. '

- , ,

,- "

),·:_."' / .

' t·

I I ;

•

, , . /,. I

'~ •:; ,

I . , . "',

J ~ ~ •' '

J:.__ i ..,, • J

,.. I. , .,. I

Ir'

·J--

-, ......

/' I "r f ..

Dave Iantuono and Luke Madsen soar in front of Rendezvous. INSET: The aerial tram. Scott Harris and the windsock can be seen in the background.

- and is well marked by a few telltales near a turnoff. A free lift back to the village is an easy mile away. The pilots used to land in the center of the Village in front of the famous Mangy Moose Saloon. Although no longer allowed, the only true advantage, besides thrilling the patrons, was g~tting that cold beer 15 minutes earlier. Cross-country flights are possible, flying north along the fault-block Teton Range over glaciers, lakes and 3,000-foot cliffs toward the 13,770-foot Grand Teton peak (10 miles), or northeast to Moran Junction (24 miles) orTogwotee Pass (45 miles). In the March/April 1997 issue of Paragliding, local pilot Jon Patterson described his August 1996 five-hom flight from Grand Targhee, 68 miles southeast to Green River, crossing two mountain ranges and two valleys. · Jackson Hole Ski Resort is also the site for winter flying. An environment with 402 inches of average snowfall on the mountain is obviously not conducive to thermals in the winter, but soaring conditions can sometimes be had. In any event, a spectacular 15-minute sledder can usually be enjoyed over one of the most incredible ski areas in the U.S. There are multiple winter launch sites other than Rendezvous bowl; consult a local about the options. The winter LZ is closer to the vii- !age, north of the entrance road in an open pasture which doubles as the Nordic Skiing Center. Pilots should be courteous to the skiers below. Other easy-access flying sites in the area include: SNOW KIN G SKI AREA

1,571' vertical to 7,871' MSL Located adjacent to the town of JacksQn Scenic chair lift, summer and winter 1-800-522-KING GRAND TARGHEE SKI REsoRT

2,200' vertical to 10,200' MSL Located 42 miles from Jackson Hole over the Teton Pass Chair lift, summer and winter 1-800-TARGHEE

Continued on page 44.

PARAGLIDING

topics, schedules and other interesting tidbits. Our Web site is at www.ushga.org.

by USHGA Executive Director Phil Bachman NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND AIR EXPO he second annual USHGA Membership Meeting and Air Expo is shaping up to be quite a show. The dates are Thursday, February 25 through Saturday, February 27, 1999 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The show is being held in the Knoxville Convention I Exposition Center. Judging from the interest shown from equipment distributors and manufacturers, there will be a lot of gliders and equipment to inspect. We will be updating the USHGA Web page with additional information as we receive it. At this time we have enough speakers for seminars on interesting topics for Thursday afternoon and all day Friday. I say "enough speakers" because as the word has gotten out, more calls are coming in from people with interesting presentations who are volunteering. By the time you read this we will have an extensive list of hotels and motels in the Knoxville area on our Web page. Because of the newness of our participation in a program of this magnitude, we are not blocking out hotel rooms for attendees. As we gain more experience we will begin doing this at future shows along with preregistration. In addition, we will have campground information on the Web page, the speakers list with biographies, seminar

JANUARY FEBRUARY

1999

MEMBERSHIP MEETING The annual USHGA Membership Meeting will be held in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, February 27, 1999. It will be held in Salon A of the Exhibition Center. The exact time has not been set yet, but plan on late morning. There is going to be a joint Board of Directors meeting with the USHGA and Soaring Society of America earlier on Saturday morning. Once the time for that meeting has been confirmed, we will be able to confirm the membership meeting. The USHGA Web page will have the time posted as soon as we have it. In addition, we will publish it in the February magazine. There are two voting items for this meeting. Both involve confirmation of an Ex-Officio Affiliate Director position. Since this is a change in the Association's bylaws regarding a voting position on the Board of Directors, it requires membership approval. Both of the matters are reasonably selfexplanatory. For several years the National Aeronautic Association and the USHGA have sent representatives to each other's Board meetings. These representatives have functioned as Ex-Officio members on the other's Board of Directors. However, the NM representative to USHGA's Board has not been able to vote due to the fact that the position has never been ratified by the membership. We have included a proxy in this issue for you to use to cast your vote on these two matters. On the proxy you will see that it appoints me, Phil Bachman, to attend this meeting and cast your vote on your behalf and as you have specified. This is a legal responsibility I have as Executive Director that I must carry out per your instructions. To vote, copy or cut out the ballot, mark, sign and mail or fax it to the office. USHGA PARTICIPANT INSURANCE OVERVIEW or years, USH GA has provided $1,000,000 third-party liability insurance coverage as part of the membership benefits. This meant that a current USHGA member had liability coverage in

the event that member somehow caused injury or damage to a third party (such as overshooting the LZ and depositing himself and equipment on the hood or through the windshield of a parked car). This happened last year. This would be a third-party damage, and is covered. This insurance coverage has been used as proof of insurance for years by clubs in negotiating with landowners. A certificate of additional insured which specifically names the landowner(s) as additional insured is issued to them to verify coverage on that site. Only current USHGA member pilots who fly club-maintained sites are covered by the policy. The problem with this coverage has always been that the greatest potential for recourse from accidents and injuries lies with the pilots themselves, the participants, not third parties. For instance, if a pilot blew a launch, whacked and was seriously injured, that pilot could very realistically (in today's litigious society) make a decision to sue the landowner for not clearing the boulders below the launch which subsequently led, in his mind at least, to the cause of his injury. Another scenario: A pilot overshoots the LZ, sets up for a landing in an unprepared area and hits a barbed wire fence causing severe injuries. Another very real possibility would be a lawsuit by that pilot against the landowner for allowing the barbed wire fence to remain intact in the vicinity of the LZ. In both of these hypothetical cases the landowner would have had no insurance coverage under our prior third-party liability coverage. The landowner would have to pay an attorney to defend the lawsuit, and if a judgment were somehow rendered in favor of the pilot, the landowner would have to pay the judgment. He would have no insurance coverage at all. This left the landowner wide open to a potential legal and financial disaster. For years, this situation has been a major concern with members of the USHGA Board of Directors because this exposure through pilot (participant) injuries opened the local club, its officers and the USHGA to probable counter suits by a landowner who had the unfortunate experience described above. This was the impetus for the search to develop a way to secure partic-

ipant liability insurance in addition to third-party insurance. Enter the USHGA Release, Waiver and Assumption of Risk Agreement. No insurance company ever asked the USHGA for a waiver. A waiver is signed by the participants. The insurance companies who wrote the USHGA coverage in past years were not covering the USHGA participants (pilots). When approached about the possibility of negotiating liability coverage for our participants, the insurance companies stated that the only way they would even consider the possibility was for the USHGA to first have its members on a signed assumption of risk and waiver, a very common document with any organized sports association. The insurance companies' logic is simple to understand. If all of the participants who seek the liability coverage have a signed waiver on file it means that they have agreed that they will not file a lawsuit in the event they are injured while participating in their sport. With this in place, the risk becomes acceptable for the insurance company to offer the coverage. The most probable scenario is that a pilot injures himself, files a lawsuit anyway, and the insurance company gets the suit thrown out in summary judgment before the trial preparation (and the majority of the costs) begins. With the membership on a waiver program, the insurance company can then evaluate their

exposure in terms of how many times this will happen, not in terms of how many times we are likely to have to pay out a judgment or claim to an injured participant. With a waiver in place, participant liability coverage became available. The USHGA is now able to offer real and complete coverage to the landowner in exchange for the use of his land. From a BOD member's point of view, this is a major milestone in membership benefits. The issue for the Board was to get participant liability coverage in place to better protect the landowners, clubs, and the USHGA itself. If this was not done, more and more sites would very likely be closed or never allowed to open in the first place. A site which was closed in 1995 was Mount Equinox in Vermont. The specific reason sited in the letter from the landowner's attorney was, "Due to liability concerns in connection with your group's activities ... " He is referring here to participants in the sport, not third parties. The nuts and bolts of the policy are straightforward. The new policy language for participant coverage was negotiated with the insurance underwriters and USHGA by our general counsel. It begins with the existing third-party coverage and adds the participant coverage to the same policy. It is all in one policy. Because of our relatively good loss/claim numbers on the third-party coverage in recent years, coupled with the

signed waiver in place, the premiums for this new policy did not increase over what we had been paying. The new coverage became effective August l, 1997. Within three weeks of the effective date, the policy was used by the Rocky Mountain Hang Gliding Club to successfully negotiate a use permit with the Winter Park Ski resort, the largest in Colorado, to fly paragliders from their slopes. Without the participant coverage, it wasn't even feasible. If a club is negotiating to open an insured site, USHGA will send a copy of the policy to them to give to the landowner as proof of insurance - both third-party and participant. If they reach an agreement, a date is set, and the insurance company issues a certificate of additional insured through the USHGA office, naming the landowner and any other entities necessary for the permit, effective on the negotiated date. The insurance coverage is purchased through the USHGA club. This coverage issued to the landowner is for current USHGA member pilots only and the landowner needs to be aware of that. The coverage applies to both public and private landowners, or both if necessary. The USHGA office has a new eight-page explanation of the insurance coverages prepared by our general counsel that can be used by a club in discussions with landowners about sites. Call or e-mail me for a copy. Ill

UN!TED STATES HANG GLIDING ASSOCIATION, INC. I, , a voting member of the United States Hang Gliding Association, Inc., a California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation, revoke any previous proxies and appoint Phil Bachman as my proxy to attend the meeting of that corporation's members on February 27, 1999, and any adjournment of that meeting, and vote or otherwise represent my membership as to the following matters in the manner I have specified below: 1) Change the first sentence of Article VII, Section 1 (a) to read: "The authorized number of Directors shall be 26 Directors, which shall be comprised of 20 Regional Directors, 5 Directors-At-Large and 1 Ex Officio Affiliate Director:' As to this matter, my proxy is directed to exercise my vote as follows:

D Approval

D Disapproval

2) Add an additional subsection (e) to Article VII, Section 1 to read: "Ex Officio Affiliate Director. The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) shall be represented on the board by an Ex Officio Affiliate Director authorized by the NAA to represent it on the board;' As to this matter, my proxy is directed to exercise my vote as follows: Dated: _ _ _ _ _ _ __ [Signature of Member]

D Approval

D Disapproval

*PARAGLIDING MEMBERSHIP APPUCATION *

ATTENTION: USHGA WAIVER (ON BACK SIDE) MUST BE SIGNED FOR MEMBERSHIP PROCESSING

NEW MEMBER RENEW/USHGA#- - - - - - SEX (M/F)_ _ __ BIRTHDATE- - - · - · - - - - ****************************************************************************************************************

ANNUAL DUES:

Includes 6 issues of PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE, liability insurance, ratings, and other benefits.

FULL MEMBER:

D $54.00 U.S. ($65.00 Non-U.S.*) ........................................ $_ _ _ __ ($15 of the fall membership goes lo the publication of Paragliding Magazine)

FAMILY MEMBER:

D $27 .00 (Family Member(.s) MUST sign a separate release from Full Member) . . . . $_ _ _ _ __

(Includes all benefits except magazine. Family member MUST reside with full member of same division.)

SUBSCRIPTION ONLY:

D l Year $26.00 U.S. ($32.00 Non-U.S.*) .................................. $_ __

*Foreign payments must be in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank.

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

OTHER OPTIONAL SERVICES 1.ST CLASS MAIL SERVICE - PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE: ($12.00-U.S., Canada, & Mexico only) .... ..... $_ _ _ _ __ AIR MAIL SERVICE - PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE: ($15.00-Western Hemisphere, $20.00-Europe, $25.00-AII Others) .... $_ _ __ SUBSCRIPTION TO HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE ($35.00 U.S., $40 Canada & Mexico, $50 Int'!) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $_ _ _ __ **************************************************************************************************************** CHARGE MY: $ _ _ __ MasterCard VISA Credit Card# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Exp Date_ _ _ _ _. ________ _ Phone: ~ - - - Signature _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ **************************************************************************************************************** TOTAL

$_ _ _ __

~ Please tell us how you heard of USHGA _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

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

(01/99)

RELEASE, WAIVER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT In consideration of being granted membership in the USHGA, I, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ for myself, my personal representatives, heirs, executors, next of kin, spouse and assigns, do agree as follows: A. DEFINUTIOINS - The following definitions apply to terms used in this Agreement: I. "PARTICIPATION IN THE SPORT means launching (and/or assisting another in launching), flying (whether as pilot in command or otherwise) and/or landing (including, but not limited to, crashing) a hang glider or paraglider. 2. "Hr SPORTS INJURIES' means my personal injury, my bodily injury, my death, my property damage and/or any other personal or financial injury sustained by me as a result of my PARTICIPATION IN THE SPORTand/or as a result of the administration of any USHGA programs (for example: the Pilot Proficiency System). 3. "RELEASED PARTIES' means the following, including their owners, officers, directors, agents, spouses, employees, officials (elected or otherwise), members, contractors, sub-contractors, lessors and lessees: a) The United States Hang Gliding Association, a California Non-profit Corporation (USHGA); b) Each of the person(s) sponsoring and/or participating in the administration of my proficiency rating(s); c) Each of the hang gliding and/or paragliding organizations which are chapters of the USHGA; d) The United States Of America and each of the city(ies), town(s), county(ies), State(s) and/or other political subdivisions or governmental agencies within whose jurisdictions I launch, fly and/or land; e) Each of the property owners on or over whose property I may launch, fly and/or land; ~ All persons involved, in any manner, in the sports of hang gliding and/or paragliding at the site(s) where I PARTICIPATE IN THE SPORl AII persons involved include, but are not limited to, spectators, hang glider and/or paraglider pilots, assistants, drivers, instructors, observers, and owners of hang gliding and/or paragliding equipment; and g) All other persons lawfully present at the site(s) during my PARTICIPATION IN THE SPORT. B. I RELEASE, WAIVE AND DISCHARGE the RELEASED PARTIES from any and all claims and liability for Hr SPORTS INJURIES, however caused, even if caused by the negligence (whether active or passive) of any of the RELEASED PARTIES, to the fullest extent allowed by law. C. I Will NOT SUE OR MAKE A CLAIM against any of the RELEASED PARTIESfor loss or damage on account of Hr SPORTS INJURIES. If I violate this agreement by filing such a suit or making such a claim, I will pay all attorneys' fees and costs of the RELEASED PARTIES. D. I AGREE THAT this AGREEMENT shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. All disputes arnd matters whatsoever arising under, in connection with or incident to this Agreement shall be litigated, if at all, in and before a Court located in the State of California, U.S.A. to the exclusion of the Courts of any other State or Country. IE. SEVERABUU1Y. If any part, article, paragraph, sentence or clause of this Agreement is not enforceable, the affected provision shall be curtailed and limited only to the extent necessary to bring it within the requirements of the law, and the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect 11

f. I VOLUNTARILY ASSUME ALL RISKS, KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, OF MY SPORTS UR/ES, HOWEVER CAUSED, EVEN UF CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN

PART BY THE ACTION, INACTION, OR NEGLIGENCE Of THE RELEASED PARTIES, TO THE f ULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. I have read, understand, and agree to the above RELEASE, WAIVER AND ASSUMPTION Of RISK AGREEMENT.

Participant's S11nature

Date MR.R/97

YOU WORK HARD ENOUGH WHEN YOU ARE WORKING . YOU SHOULDN'T BE WORKING HARD WHEN YOU'RE HAVING FUN,

These things are tun : Top of the stack soaring performance. Easy, relaxed ground handling , launching and flying characteristics. The security of DHV Certification . The confidence that comes from quality design and manufacturing.

The art of flying .

No hassles with service - ,.eliable, available, and still here tomorrow. Low cost of ownership.

•I n O s I

a 5

r a

tnl< 1rnerJ .11,

perforn1onc(

OHV 1 - 2 • M , L, XL s ,zes

witl

f11-,I fl1ql1I

I 111

DHV 2 • s s ,ze

r-.icar co,iq" t1l1n11 r l.ic..,~ p• rro,n1.inc c vv,th cxtr.io1(1111 ny

OHV 2 • S , M , L , s izes

, , 11rttv

DHV 1 - 2 • Twin (T a nde m) size

Continued from page 38. When conditions are marginal for paragliding, Jackson Hole becomes a mountain wonderland for biking, rafting, fishing, climbing, snowmobiling, and downhill or cross-country skiing. Not enough can be said about this beautiful place. Whether driving through the valley at the base or flying among the peaks, one has to smile at the origin of the name of these unusual mountains: The pioneering French trappers called them "Les Grands Tetons" - "The Big Tits"!

JACKSON HOLE AREA INFORMATION Local contact. J.H. Paragliding Club, Adam McCool (307) 734-9126

ACCOMMODATIONS Various lodgings, restaurants and nightclubs are located both in Teton Village and the town of Jackson. TETON VILLAGE

J.H. Resort Lodging: Houses and condominiums: 1-800-443-6840 The Hostel: (307) 733-3415 Best Western Inn at Jackson Hole: (307) 733-2311 Resort at Jackson Hole: 1-800-445-4655 Alpenhof Lodge: 1-800-732-3244 JACKSON

J.H. Central Reservations: 1-800-443-6931 J.H. Visitors Council: 1-800-782-0011

JH. Aerial Tram Approx. $15 per ride Memorial Day to mid-September Early December to early April Tram information: (307) 739-2753 Rendezvous Mm. weather conditions: (307) 733-2291 General area weather forecast: (307) 739-3611

Jackson Hole is located· 500 miles from Denver 280 miles from Salt Lake City 90 miles from Idaho Falls Jackson Hole airport lies seven miles north of town

Camping: Grand Teton National Park: (307) 733-2880 Bridger Teton National Forest: (307) 733-2752 Targhee National Forest: (208) 624-3151 Teton Village KOA campground: (307) 733-5354 Jackson: A-1 Campground: (307) 733-2697 J.H. Campground: 1-800-334-3077 Virginian Lodge RV Park: 1-800-262-4999 Wagon Wheel RV Park and Campground: (307) 733-1980 Ill

HISTORY It's called the Women's Fly-In because it originated in 1991 when the half-dozen or so women pilots of the Northwest decided to get together on the same weekend at the same site for some fun flying "with the girls." It's held at Saddle Mountain in Eastern Washington because Saddle's 17mile-long ridge is situated at an equitable distance between the south-enders from Portland and the north-enders from BC, and Saddle typically provides soarable conditions (or at least flyable windows) in both north and south winds. We girls had so much fun in '91 that we simply had to meet again the next year, and the next, and invite our friends, and so a tradition was born. From that first small gathering, the Northwest Women's Fly-In has evolved into what is probably the largest assembly of foot-launching females in the country.

A Gathering Of Girls The Eighth Annual Northwest Women's Fly-In Draws a Record Crowd of Female Fliers by CJ Sturtevant

RULES The Fly-In rules have varied a bit from year to year depending on who's doing the sponsoring and organizing, but the basic philosophy remains the same: If you're a female pilot (hang or para is not significant, XX chromosomes definitely are!), you don't pay an entry fee; males must cough up $20 to be part of the official festivities. Guys are expected to provide assistance (if asked) in getting wings to launch, in laying out or setting up, and in folding up and packing wings after the flying is done. The men, predictably, became jealous of this preferential treatment of the women, especially as the number of female pilots steadily increased. In a burst of magnanimous creativity, one ingenious group of organizers ca.n1e up vvitl1 a solution: Since the traditional date for the Fly-In is the last weekend of October, woman-wannabee's of the XY chromo~'\ some variety would be granted priority \ ./ ~· setup/breakdown rights, provided they were willing to pay the entry fee and dress appropriately to claim their privileges. Thus "Donna" Marcy and "Martha" Kaplin acquired their first pair of pantyhose and spike heels

CJ and George Sturtevant win the "best coup!/ award as St. George and the Dragon.

and, with "Pretty Woman" as their theme song, joined the core group of Women's Fly-In regulars. 1998'S EVENT Halloween weekend '98 was blustery and showery, typical Northwest late-autumn weather. In spite of the dismal outlook for flying, the excellent organization of Kristin Armstrong, Kristen Janosky and Lisa Donohue drew more than 100 pilots (25 of them women and at least another dozen woman-wannabees) to eastern Washington to fly and camp out. Costumes ranged from historical to hysterical, from elegant to frumpy. One creative Portland pilot, yearning to see ul-ie world from the perspective of a pear person, searched the thrifr shops for a dowdy dress sufficiently large and stretchy to fie over a paraglider harness. Subtly-cut slits in "her" nylon frock allowed access to 'biners, so Sweet Seward (Whitfield) was able to fly comfortably in spite of "her" considerable girth. Another pilot, whose '97 costume would have made a Playboy bunny blush (and shiver with the cold), opted for a more modest and practical bunny outfit this year, complete with long ears, fuzzy tail, and snugly full-body fur. Perhaps because he could sympathize with his more scantilyclad comrades, Reade Obern took it upon himself to keep the campfire stoked to bonfire intensity, earning a new nickname: "pyro-bunny. " And the flying? Everybody - hang and

para, guys and gals, beginners to advanced - got airtime on Saturday, mostly flydowns to the sand dunes about 2,000 feet below launch. Occasionally, someone lucked into a slightly-extended sledder or a brief moment of glory above takeoff before

The Wannabe Women: "Sue" Whitfield from Portland, "Martha" Kaplan and "Donna" Marcy from Seattle. out. In the spirit of the event, a constantlychanging corps of gallant guys would meet each woman pilot as she landed, bundle up her wing and hustle it over to the packing tarp, efficiently fold and pack the wing and stuff pilot and gear into the next available vehicle heading back to launch. Launches and landings were non-stop from early morning until the rain shut us down about 3:00 pm. At that point, everyone migrated over to the campground where the potluck and bonfire and costume contest kept us all

PARAGLIDING

PARAGLIDERS

A~URc YOUR fLIGHT~ Mlle~ NOT MINUTt~ ... HI GHEST BUI LD-QU ALI TY & MATE RI ALS DH V & AFNOR CERTI FI CA TIO NS PERF ORMANCE DR IVEN DESI GN

AEROLIGHT USA, Inc., 1355 N.W. 93 Ct. Unit A-105, Miami, FL 33172 • Tel: (305) 639-3330, Fax: (305) 639-3055•paragliding@aerolight.com,http://www.aerolight.com

entertained until the food was gone and the firewood burned up. Sunday dawned less rainy but basically not flyable, with winds from all the wrong directions. (A Northwest weather joke, too often true to be really funny: Q What's the wind forecast for today? A Over the back.) Pilots began packing up and drifting toward home, for some a six- or seven-hour drive. No one was heard grumbling about only one day of flying; instead the conversations seemed to focus on

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1999

chuckles over this year's costumes, and plans for next year's even more outrageous outfits. The forecast for next year: The weather we can't guarantee, but the fun factor is assured. It's always worth the trip. Come fly with the Northwest women in '99! •

The organizers in costume: Kristin Janosky (toy soUier with bazooka), Lisa Donhue (''Fembot"fom the Austin Powers movie, and Kristen armstong (cute scarecrow).

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

EDEL RAINBOW - Good condition, extra large, Edel Prolite harness included $1,375. Must Sell!!! (805) 3842634. EDEL RAINBOW - Immaculate, 70-90kg, must see $500. Steve (805) 523-1529, skyout@vcnet.com EDEL SUPERSPACE 22 -Small, inspected 7/98, <20 hours, Edel Hero harness, Secura Max 30 rese1ve $2,000 OBO. (307) 733-5154.

PRO DESIGN COMPACT 33 - 4 hours, never towed, magenta/purple, w/reserve, helmet, Ball vario, windgauge, Hall bag $1,5i'5 OBO. Ian (414) 547-7426, miller547@prodigy.net. SWING MISTRAL 30 - Excellent condition, <20 hours, first WW inspection-still in box $2,200. SupAir Profeel II w/Moose bag & hip protection $475. Laura Gold rese1ve $425. Digifly vario $335. Icaro boors $50. learn helmet $150. PTT system $60. (51 O) 23.'l-6466.

PARAGLIDERS AIRWAVE HARMONY - '98, never flown, medium, first $2,000 steals. (440) 786-2815, Logan-5@juno.com APCO SABRA 27 - Intermediate, 70-90kg, like new, must see $1,000. Steve (805) 523-1529, skyout@vcnet.com APCO SENTRA 28 - Medium, I 996, hook-in 7090kg., flown I. 5 years, purple/hlue, fasr intermediate, rated Afnor Standard, just serviced: new A&B s, new risers, w/trim & split As, good backpack $1,200 OBO. (307) 733-3417.

EQUIPMENT SALE - Tandem harness, chute, bars $600. Edel Galaxy tandem-fair condition, patches $1,800. XIX Inter 33m-for beginner/intermediate, new in U.S., you'll love this glider, excellent, easy yet fun even for advanced, 4hrs, new $1,800. Nova 43 tandem, good condition $1,900. Pro Design Compact 33-good condition $1,300. La Mouette 210, excellent condition $3,000. (941) 485-4488. FIREBIRD G-SPORT XL - Good condition, 50 hours $1,000. AT Mirage xi-good condition, 30 hours $900. (970) 544-8462.

Good condition $800. Call

FLIGHT DESIGN A6 26Vf - '98, orange/red, 85l !Okg all incl., DHV 2, like new, 6 flight $1,950. (801) 474-2.'380, kmuench@edu.uni-klu.ac.at

EDEL SECTOR- High hours but recent porosity test was excellent $600 OBO. Edel Superspace 25 - great shape, 40 hours, must sell, make offer. (80 I) 474--2380.

FLY N RELAX 38 - Pro Design, very good condirion, with trimmers & move. Used packages from $900. Call (541) .'387-3106.

EDEL ENERGY XL Pete (435) 658-1892.

EDEL QUANTUM - Large, pilot weight l 54-209lbs, ve1y good condition, less than I 5 hours, excellent novice or school glider $500. Don (860) 594-3313 days.

TANDEM PROFILE - Excellent condition, great for powered paragliding too! $1,000. Steve (805) 523-1529, slcyout@vcnet.com WILLS WING 12.'l - Grear Beginner, like new w/harness $800. Steve (805) 523-1529, skyout@vcnet.com WILLS WING 125 - Great beginner, low hours, w/ harness $600. Steve (805) 523-1529, skyout@vcnet.com DEMO WINGS FOR SALE - DEADLY CHEAP Advance Epsilon 2 - medium FreeX Flair - s!m/1 1-'reeX Spear - large FreeX Spark- medium FreeXTwin Edel Arias - M/L Airwave Harmony - medium Airwave Fusion - small UP Vision - small For prices, call Matti (415) 759-1177 or email airtime@earthlink.net

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

Number of months: __________ SECTION D Paragliders O Emergency Parachutes D Parts & Accessories D Business & Employment O Miscellaneous D Powered Paragliders o Videos Begin with

D Towing

O Schools & Dealers D Ultralights D Publications & Organizations

OWanted D Harnesses

19_ _ issue and run for _____

consecutive issue(s). My D check, O money order is enclosed in the amount ---------- ------- --- -----

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

of$ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: _____________ STATE: _ _ _ __

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

Number of words: ____ Number of words:

PHONE:

_ _ @$.50= _ __

_ _ _ _ _ @$1.00= _____

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~ 48

PARAGLIDING

POWERED PARAGLIDERS

HIGH ADVENTURE - Paragliding, hang gliding school. Equipment, sales, service at world famous Marshal Peak. USHGA tandem instructor: Rob McKenzie. By appointment year round (909) 883-8488, www.cee.org/bus/high_adventure

ADVENTURE F4 - Backpack motot, electric start, new prop & cage, Tinitach, 18 hours $2,995. (770) 487-7595, email sewen10688@aol.com DK WHISPER - wllarge Symphony canopy, <20 hours, like new, must sell. (561) 278-8420. ZR250 LA MOUETTE - w/trike attached, Pro Design Companion wing (440lbs), XS-400 emergency parachute, instruments, 3.5gal bottom gas tank, 2 props, foot throttle, great condition, less than 40hrs TT. Daytime (435) 586-1446.

DERPORT 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive San Diego CA 92037 Since 1928

EMERGENCY PARACHUTES ADVENTURE SPORTS LOl'T - Experienced paragliding rigging center. Reserve repacks, repairs & modifications. Master Rigger Scott Christensen (909) 657-2676, fax (909) 657-3747, email asi@pc.net. Visit our web site: http://www.pe.net/ ~asi BRAND NEW - NAS PDA reserves, 37sq/m, 4 lsg/m, 100% guaranteed $425. (303) 347-8995.

USHGA certified paragliding & hang gliding instruction. Courses are expertly run on a friendly, informative basis. We have been introducing people to the world of foot launched flight since 1976. New and used gliders and accessories. Ball, Comet, Edel, Firebird, ITV, Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing and others. All skill levels welcome. PO Box 1226, Del Mar CA 92014. (619) 481-7400 Southern California.

PARAGLIDING AND HANG GLIDING USHGA certified instruction, tandem flight instruction, sales, service, repairs, parachute repacks, motorized

pg/hg instruction and site tours. Southern California dealers for EDEL and SOL. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Check us out at http://www.flyrorrey.com or call (619) 452-9858. CONNECTICUT

HARNESSES EDEL HARNESS & RESERVE - Great shape $450 OBO. Ian (510) 482-6313, ianbr@hotmail.com. WOODY VALLEY MODEL- Is now introducing its full line of unique Italian paragliding and hang gliding harnesses in the United States. For info call Eastcoast Paragliding at (914) 647-3377. Dealer inquires welcome. WANTED WILL TRADE - My like new yellow Cannondale Super V-800 fully suspended, medium size mountain bike with only 150 miles, for a medium size beginner glider with low hours, in excellent shape. Lloyd (805) 772-9463 or submarine@thegrid.net

AIRJUNKIES PARAGLIDING - Join KEN BAIER for your "Pursuit of Paragliding Excellence" in the land of year-round, excellent paragliding: Southern California and the Baja. Courses for Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Instructor ratings. Powered paragliding, soaring and maneuvers clinics, guided rours, tandem and towing instruction and special events. USHGA certified. Handling the latest equipment. Call (760) 753-2664 for informadon.

AIRTEK PARAGLIDING - In sunny San Diego. Year-round thermal & ridge soaring, beginner thru advanced instruction, all major brands, l-888-2SKYIGO, phone/fax (619) 450-6696.

ECP- Look under New York. FLORIDA SOUTHERN SKIES - Serving the SOUTHEAST, nearest MOUNTAIN FLYING, also POWERED PARAGLIDING. (828) 632-6000 WWW.SOUTHERNSKIES.NET GEORGIA SOUTHERN SKIES - Serving rhe SOUTHEAST, 4 hours from ATLANTA. MOUNTAIN FLYING, and POWERED PARAGLIDING. (828) 632-6000 WWW.SOUTHERN SKIES.NET IDAHO

SCHOOLS & DEALERS ARIZONA DIXON'S AIRPLAY PARAGLIDING -#1 School for 1997 & 1998. The perfect beginner training areas! Year round temperate climate. DRIVE UP to 360 degree treeless and rocklcss launches. Land in wide open fields. Master rated tandem instructor Dixon White has supervised over 17,000 student flights to date, teaching new pilots is his profession. [ ndividualized training with stateof-the-art equipment, 2-way radios, comprehensive ground schooling with an emphasis on micrometeorology. Great new and used inventory. Specialized clinics including the CAGE, rowing and BACKPACK MOTORS. Enjoy the Grand Canyon and other spectacular scenery. Great lodging bargains or luxu1y accommodations. Dave Bridges, US National Champion says, "Dixon's students are extremely well-trained and competent pilots." Dixon's Paragliding in ARIZONA and WASHINGTON (appointments recommended), PO Box 2626, Flagstaff AZ 86004. (520) 526-4579. www.paraglide.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1999

AIR TIME OF SAN FRANCISCO WEST COAST PARAGLIDING THIS PREMIER PARAGLIDING FACILITY - Is now under the management of LARS LINDE of East Coast Paragliding and GREG SMITH of Edel USA. We are qualified ro issue all possible paragliding licenses pursuant co USHGA standards. THE BEST SHOP IN THE WEST! We offer a full spectrum of instruction, tandem, repairs and porosity tests. We stock all major brands of paragliding equipment available on the market. Enroll in our demo day-everyday program. SHOP (415) 759-1177, OFFICE (732) 747-7845. PLY ABOVE ALL - Coastal or mountain tandem available. Best training hill in the west! Full service paragliding shop, established 1974, Santa Barbara. (805) 965-3733, www.bodytrends.com/para.hrm

KING MOUNTAIN PARAGLIDING - Certified full-time SCHOOL, taught by Master rated instructor Brad Bloxham. Tandem, RETAIL, major brands, POWERED PARAGLIDERS, guide service, mountain tours, site information, including world famous King Mountain (1997 US Nationals.) SUPPLIER/MFG: The most comprehensive, educational INFO/LOGBOOK in the USA, $24.95, RADIO HARNESSES $39.95, PG CARGO/DUFFEL BAG (holds wing & everything else) $49.95. 10169 N 15 E, Idaho Falls, ID 83401. Phone or fax (208) 524-0039, email KingMtPG@aol.com, Visa/Mastercard/Discover.

Our advertising has a two-month lead time: Plan ahead. 49

~; ~~ =-- -·· ·-..:- . ._\...--,

,.___

NEW YORK

MEXICO

Ill

EXIC fff

Ill

'''

HANG GLIDING

PARAGLIDING

BEAUTIFUL VALLE DE BRAVO~ Open to all, rent or bring hg/pg. Basic packages: $100/day hg, $69/day pg. 1-800-861-7198, jeff@flymexico.com www.flymexico.com

E A S T C:C>A. T PAAACIS LIi 11:>I NCJii THE NUMBER 1 - Rared USHGA paragliding school in the United States 1995, 1996 and 1997. Our premier school and "WORLD CLASS STORE" are conveniently located only 1.5 hours outside Manhattan in the Catskill mountain range. We offer a full spectrum of instruction including our famous TAKE OFF PROGRAM which allows you to learn at your own pace. We now also offer full-time towing at our airport, located only 5 minures from the shop. Importer of WOODY VALLEY MODEL, AIRWAVE and NOCAL (the US Paragliding World Teams official helmet) products. 150 CANAL STREET, ELLENVILLE NY, SHOP (914) 647-3377, OFFICE (732) 747-7845. NORTH CAROLINA

- Put your knees in our breeze and soar our 450' sand dunes. FULL-TIME SHOP. Certified instruction, beginner to advanced, foot launch and tow. Sales, service, accessories for ALL major brands. VISA/MASTERCARD. 1509 E 8th, Traverse City Ml 49684. Offering POWERED PARAGLIDING lessons & dealer for the Explorer & used units. Call Bill at (616) 922-2844, tchangglider@juno.com. Visit our paragliding school in Jackson, Wyoming. Call Tracie at (307) 739-8620. NEVADA ADVENTURE SPORTS - Mountain tours for all levels. USHGA Certified school & ratings. Dealer for all major brands. 3650-22 Research Way, Carson City NV 89706. (702) 883-7070, email: advsprs@pryamid.net web site: http://www.pyramid.net/advspts

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

ECP- Look under New York.

(719) 632-6417. We gladly accept VISA and MasterCard. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1999

OREGON

OVER THE HILL PARAGLIDING - Oregon/SW Washington. Sales, service, beginner-advanced USHGA certified instruction. Nova, Firebird, Apco, AT, Pro Design, SOL, Ball, Fiytec, HES Quantum parachutes. Service: full service shop, FAA rigger repairs/mods. Out of state pilots: We have great thermal, coastal and Gorge sites. Call us for info. There is no sales rax in Oregon! New/used gear. Trades welcome. 22865 SE Yellowhammer, Gresham OR 97080. (503) 667-4557, fax (503) 666-6979. Email: othpara@telcport.com web: http://www.releport.com/-orhpara/

HILL COUNTRY PARAGLIDING INC - Learn complete pilot skills. Personalized USHGA certified training, ridge soaring, foot & tow launching in central Texas. MOTORIZED PARAGLIDING INSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE. (915) 3791185. Rt l, Box 16F, Tow TX 78672. KITE ENTERPRISES - Foot launch, payout winch tow and powered paraglider instruction too. Training, sales, rentals and repair. Edel, Airwave, Wills Wing, UP and DK Whisper. Dallas, Fort Worth and north Texas area. 211 Ellis, Allen TX 75002. (972) 390-9090 nights, weekends. www.kire-enterprises.com

NEW JERSEY

FAX your classified ad, membership renewal or merchandise order:

Can't afford new equipment? Find great bargains in our classified ad department.

BIG SKY PARAGLIDING - Specializing in advanced training, tandems, clinics and tours, since 1990. Dale Covington l-800-782-9204, (801) 474-2380. SOUTHERN SKIES - MOUNTAIN FLYING and POWERED PARAGLIDING instruction, sales and service with full-time shop, 1 hour north of Charlotte. 7 beautiful flying sites nearby. (828) 632-6000 WWW.SOUTHERNSKIES.NET

CLOUD 9 PARAGLIDING - Utah's largest paragliding school. We offer BOTH AM and PM training sessions at Point of the Moumain. Para 2 certification is $650 for the unlimited lesson package which is 100% applied toward the purchase of new paragliding gear. Call or email for information pack (80 I) 553-1834. Web site is www.paragliders.com email at info@paragliders.com

VIRGINIA KllTY HA WK KITES -

See North Carolina.

SOUTHERN SKIES -- Serving the SOUTHEAST, 1 hour from Virginia state line. MOUNTAIN FLYING and POWERED PARAGLIDING. (828) 632-6000 WWW.SOUTHERNSKIES.NET WASHINGTON

Join us at the most CONSISTENT, EASY, CONVENIENT drive up, beginner and intermediate site in the world! GREAT WEATHER and YEAR-ROUND flying, only 30 minutes from Salt Lake City Internacional Airport. GUIDING available to all UTAH SITES, dose to INCREDIBLE national parks and the BEST skiing anywhere! SCOTTY ALAN MARION is a Ii.JI time USHGA CERTIFIED instructor and TANDEM instructor. Our goal is to have the most THOROUGHLY TRAINED, HIGHEST QUALITY SAFE PILOTS! We specialize in FRIENDLY, PATIENT, PERSONAL instruction (MAXIMUM of 2 in a class). COMPREHENSIVE ground school includes: simulator, micro and macro meteorology, re.1e1ve and aerodynamic cheo1y. FIREBIRD dealer.

DIXON'S AIRPLAY PARAGLIDING - #1 School for 1997 & 1998. This Northwest training center is located on the Eastern side of the Cascades where the weather is dry and beautiful! This 1,600 acre private flight park is ideal for the beginner with drive--up open launches and large landing fields. Individualized training with state-of-the-an equipment, 2-way radios, comprehensive ground schooling with an emphasis on micromeceorology. Great new and used inventory. Specialized clinics including the CAGE and BACKPACK MOTORS. One hour from the CHELAN BUTTE. On-site climbing wall, skiing, mountain biking, etc. Dave Bridges, US National Champion says, "Dixon's students are extremely well-trained and competent pilots." Dixon's Paragliding in Washington and Arizona (appointments recommended), 8101 Hay Canyon Road, Cashmere WA 98815. (509) 782-554.'l. www.paraglide.com

GIANT PARAGLIDING PACKS you can Ltnzip to form a tarp to protect yollr glider from UV and dirt. $165 +$6 shipping, MC/Visa. Guaranteed. Critter Mountain Wear, PO Box 975, Crested Butte CO 81224. (970) 349-9326, email critter@crescedbutte.net www.criccennmwear.com In stock for immediate dclive1y. HAVE EXTRA EQUIPMENT - That you don't know what to do with. Advertise in the Paragliding classifieds, $.50 per word, $5 minimum. Call USHGA for details (719) 632-8300, ushga@ushga.org or fax your ad with a Visa/MC, fax (719) 632-6417.

WISCONSIN RAVFN SKY Sl'ORTS- Largest and most popular in the Midwest. Training hills and winch cowing for paragliders. Sales & Service! PO Box 101, Whitewater WI 53190. (414) 473-8800, brad@hanggliding.com PARTS & ACCESSORIES So you've got your P2, NOW WHAT? Ask about our P2 PLUS program. This program is designed around the huge NEED for pilots to CONTINUE in EDUCATION and SKILL development. Special skills and education include: judging conditions on launch, launching tactics, turn coordination, 360's, spot landing tactics, big ears, speed system, cop landings, side hill landings, ground handling, highwind techniques, mountain flying, ridge and chennal SOARING! DON T take shorccurs with aviation' FLY for LIFE and LOVE eve1y minute of it! POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN PARAGLIDING PO Box 616 Draper UT 84020 (801) FLYAWAY email scoccy@pointofchemountain.com www.pointofthemountain.com THE SOARING CENTER - Utah's only full service paragliding and hang gliding shop and school. We offer AM and PM lessons seven days a week. We arc dealers for all m,rnufucturers. Great new and used equipment. We teach at the fiunous "Point of the Mountain." Free camping right where you learn. Great discount bargain lodging or luxury accommcxiations. Guide services, mountain tours, site information.

Affordable classes. For a free information package, call toll free 1-888-944-5433, email HBC3@aol.com, fax (801) 5766482, 12665 S Minuteman Dr., Draper UT 84020.

Windsok. Made of 1.5 oz. ripstop nylon, UV created, 5'4" long w/11" throat. Available colors fluorescent pink/yellow or fluorescent pink/white. $39.95 (+$4.75 S/H). Send to USHGA Windsok, P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330, (719) 632-8300, fax (719) 632-6417. VISA/MC accepted. MINI VARIO- World's smallest, simplest vario 1 Clips to helmet or chinstrap. 200 hours on batteries, 0-18,000 ft., fast response and 2 year warranty. Great for paragliding rno. ONLY $169. Malleccec, PO Box 15756, Santa Ana CA, 92735. (714) 966-1240, www.mallettec.com BRAND NEW AIR.MIC - $65. By NAS (the one chat works.) Noc for Kenwood. Talk and hear chru car, PTT switch. (303) 347-8995. EQUIPMENT SALE - Harnesses-Woody Valley, Advance, FreeX, !'co Design, SupAir, Apco, 1AM. Reserves-Champion, Edel, Apco/Charley. For prices, call Matti (415) 759-1177 or email airtime@earthlink.net FLIGHTSU!TS SKYLINES - All sizes, colors: red, black, blue, orange, price $299. Call Matti (415) 7591 177 or email aircime@carchlink.net

VARIO KlT $'10 - Soar with your hand made vario 1 Hi1yu Mfg. hccp://home.acc.ne.jp/red/FLY, fax: Ol l-8143-279-4627 Japan. BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES PARAGLIDING INSTRUCTORS WANTED Eastcoast Paragliding Center is looking for paragliding instructors to join its team. For info call Lars Linde at (908) 747-7845.

PARAGLIDING

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

add +$4 domestic s/h ( +$5 for two or more videos). Great to impress your friends or for those socked-in days. www.ushga.org STARTING PARAGLIDING - Paul Hamilton has masterminded a pcrfecr introductoty paragliding video. Informative & spectacular. Techniques & precision flying that is Dixon s trademark, puts you right in the middle of a typical Airplay training program. Important classroom discussions, close-up shots of ground handling techniques, unique on-board camera shots, including a superb tandem flight thousands of feet over Chelan Butte. -28 minutes, $19.95 (plus $5 s/h). Order by phone (520) 526-4579, by email: paraglide@paraglide.com or mail check to Airplay, POB 2626, Flagstaff AZ 86003. Sec www.paraglide.com

STOLEN WINGS & THINGS US VOLES STORM 301 - Stolen from vehicle at TIGER MOUNTAIN LZ, ISSAQUAH, WA on October 12th, 1997 weekend. Pink top, !irecn/yellow undcrsurfacc, also AT harness, large green reserve. (206) 949-0519. STOLEN WINGS arc listed as a service rn USHGA members. There is no charge for this service and lost and found wings or equipment may be called in (719) 6328300 or fax it in (719) 632-6417 for inclusion in Paragliding & Hang Gliding magazine. Please call to cancel the listing when gliders arc recovered. Periodically, this listing will be purged.

MISCELLANEOUS

PARAGLIDING: THE COMPLETE GUIDE - By Noel Whittall. The most complete guide to paragliding on the market. Over 100 color photographs & illustrations, 200 pages, $26.95 +$4.75 s/h. USJ-IGA, PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901. (719) 632-8300, fax your MC/Visa to (719) 637-6417, email: ushga@ushga.org,www.ushga.org. SOARING - Monrhly magazine of The Soaring Society of America, Inc. Covers all aspects of soaring flight. cull membership $55. Info. kit with sample copy $3. SSA, P.O. !lox F, I lobbs, NM 88241. (505) 3921177.

ARGENTINA PARAGLIDING TOURS -Three different flying sites, 14 days all inclusive $1,300. Contact Condor Paragliding Adventures: gcondor@lycosrnail.com VIDEOS & BOOKS - Call USHGA for your Merchandise order form (71 9) 632-8300, fax (719) 6326417, email: ushga@ushga.org, www.ushga.org DON'T LEAVE YOUR GROUND-BOUND EQUIPMENT SITTING IN THE GARAGE. SELL IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS.

FLY HARD: Viking Films newest release. Rob Whittall, Chris Santacroce & a vintage Buick convertible full of paragliders. Outrageous flying at several west coast flying sites. Meet HG acrobatics champion Mitch McAleer along the way. Excellent rock soundtrack, professionally filmed & cdircd $35.95. POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN by East Coast, hg/pg action at this Utah mecca $33. PARAGLIDE: THE MOVIE by Viking Films. Rock-n-roll world class competition at Owens Valley. Professionally filmed & edited $35.95. Call or fax USHGA (719) 632-8300, fax (719) 632-6417, please

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES The rate for classified advertising is $.50 per word (or group of characters) and $1.00 per word for bold or all caps. Phone nurnbcr=2 words, PO Box=2 words, weight range i.e. 137-185lbs=2 words, web site or email addrcss=3 words. MINIMUM AD CHARGE $5.00. A fee of $15.00 is charged for each line art logo and $25.00 for each photo. LINEART & PHOTO SIZE NO LARGER THAN 1.75" X 2.25". Please underline words to be in bold print. Special layouts of tabs are $25.00 per column inch. AD DEADLINES: January 20th is the deadline for the March/ April issue. Please make checks payable to USHGA. Send to: PARAGI.IDING MAGAZINE, Classified Advertising, P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330 (719) 632-8300 or fax (719) 632.-6417, email jjclgart@ushga.org with your Visa or M astcrcard.

"'hga.org www.ushga.org

www.ushga.org www.ushga.org www.us:::r

VIDEOS

www.ushga.org

::J

a 11 y

3; 3;

on line

Q'> 0

(0 ~ ~

~ en

::J

.c U")

:::r

3; 3;

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

1999

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Adventure Productions .................. 5 Aerolight USA/APC0 ................. 37 Airwave ....................................... 31 Ball Varios ................................... 31 Brauniger ...................................... 5 Canadian Paragliding .................. 13 Dixon's Airplay Paragliding ......... 14 Edel ............................... 7,13,20,21 Firebird America .................... 28,29 Fly Products ............................... .4 7 Flytec .......................................... 11 FreeX ............................................ 2 Gruppo Adesso ........................... 30 Hall Brothers ................................ 9 Mescalito .................................... 31 Mojo's Gear ................................... 5 NAS ............................................ 12 Nova ........................................... 47 Pro Design .................... Back Cover Sky Dog Publications .................... 9 Sol .............................................. 19 Sport Aviation Publications ......... 18 Sup' Air ....................................... 14 Thermal Tracker ............................ 9 USHGA ..... 9, 14, 18,33,41,43,50,53 West Coast Paragliding ............... 55 Wills Wing ................................. .43

ANOTHER FATALITY, AND SOME GOOD LUCK by Peter Reagan cently a 77-year-old man flew in somehing more dangerous than a paraglider and returned to a hero's welcome). Space travel in the shuttle still has an order of magnitude higher death rate than our sport, hour for hour, if not mile for mile. Automobile travel is a little better. As a denominator I will use registered vehicles. Since many drivers share somewhat fewer cars, this will make the death rate look a little higher than it would if we calculated it per licensed driver. In the U.S. the death rate is about one per 5,000 cars per year, roughly a fifth of the paragliding rate of one per thousand. In Europe the statistics suggest that driving there is at least twice as dangerous, and in Africa it may actually be much safer to paraglide. The most dangerous country in which to drive, Ethiopia, had a staggering rate of almost two percent of the cars involved in a fatal accident per year. Our data on experience level and fatalities remains a little frightening, however, even in comparison to Ethiopian driving. In the United States last year, three of four deaths befell extremely seasoned tandem instructor pilots. Here is a report on the fourth one:

SEPTEMBER 1998, POPULAR CALIFORNIA BEACH SITE An extremely experienced tandem and tow instructor pilot with more than 2,500 hours of foot-launch airtime was flying in relatively light ridge lift in a 30-degree crosswind of roughly seven mph. His glider was rated DHV 2. He flew without back protection or a reserve parachute and was about 20 pounds under the lower limit of the placard. The weak lift didn't allow him to get more than 30 feet over the cliff top. About 150 feet out from the cliff he induced a series of porpoise maneuvers, and on the last one allowed the canopy to come forward in a surge of roughly 90 degrees. This resulted in significant altitude loss and a frontal collapse, which evolved into a front horseshoe. He was rotated over 90 degrees and found himself facing the cliff just as the wing surged forward to start flying again, causing a high-speed impact and almost instant death. Hindsight is easy in this case. The pilot induced very dangerous maneuvers in a fairly sporty wing, at significantly less than the minimum placarded loading, with no significant ground clearance in a crosswind with no back-up safety equipment. He was extremely experienced at this site and must have underestimated the risk. It's instructive to think about how a person with this experience level could be so cavalier. Familiariry has its dangers. We need to help each other remember that none of us has inexhaustible

luck. There have been some other instructive accidents with less tragic results. OCTOBER 1998, COMPLEX MOUNTAIN SITE IN OREGON A very experienced pilot with an older competition wing did a long hike-up to a summit where conditions are frequently too strong. He had one pilot companion with him. To save weight, he carried a descent-style harness without back protection or a reserve. At launch the conditions were quite strong with gusts close to 20 miles per hour. The LZ is by a large body of water, however, and whitecaps were occasionally barely noticeable. A long stretch of water is visible upwind, so some warning of building conditions is possible. The two waited an hour and a half until near evening, and the intensity of the wind decreased. Both pilots launched and became the first pilots to ever soar this difficult and complex site. The approach to the LZ is complicated by a large hill upwind which causes rotor and convergence in the lower altitudes, and the landing field requires an uphill landing facing a line of trees which can also cause turbulence After about a half hour the victim-to-be thought he saw increasing wind on the water and worked to descend. He spent a !or of time in ears and with the speed bar in order to approach the LZ, but by 200 feet AGL he was again flying the full wing at normal trim. At perhaps 30 feet AGL he experienced a large surge, a frontal collapse, and landed hard. He tried to get into a PLF position but fell backward and fractured his wrist. The second pilot was luckier, finding smooth air where the ugly tree rotor had been moments earlier. Over the years this has frequently been a very educational site, but this was the first injury to occur here. Using minimal equipment at this site is a questionable practice, especially with a high-performance wing. Being at such a difficult site in strong conditions, with a walk back being a major undertaking, made the opportunity to soar for the first time very difficult to turn down. Many landings had been made here before, but never in soaring conditions. The strong wind in the LZ was predictable. The bottom line is that a trip into the unknown increases risk. One final observation: The injured pilot on the ground maintained that he was fine until a day or so later. His companion only noted that he didn't fold up his own glider. Denial is strong. It's hard for all of us to accept our own injuries. It's crucial for an uninjured party to critically assess the wellbeing of an accident victim, and be a bit skeptical of his protestations that he's just fine. AUGUST 1998, POPULAR CASCADE MOUNTAIN SITE A fairly new pilot was flying with many others at an organized event. The site is at 1,500 feet AGL with a lot of thermal activity, and a lot of up-valley wind and thus ridge lift. The launch is a rounded ridge perpendicular to the valley, and very inviting

for top-landings. Conditions were moderate. The victim decided to top-land. His approach pattern involved sharp S-turns with a lot of brake. About 100 feet AGL he felt his wing go slack and he plummeted into a tree stump on the edge of the landable area, fracturing both of his ankles. There had been upwards of 100 top-landings that day in similar conditions, and quite a bit of instruction and tandem activity. There has been a lot of discussion about the flying conditions involved in this accident. The pilot originally felt that he was in a rotor. Observers did not observe a rotor and suggest that he was turning too sharply and lost control close to the terrain. For our purposes it isn't critical, since the accident illustrates the dangers of both. Toplanding is an advanced skill, and demands fairly specific conditions, a lot of care, some luck, and a complete willingness to go around, even at the risk of missing the opportunity altogether. It isn't safe to force a top-landing. If conditions are too strong, the top will be unreachable because of abundant lift. If conditions are favorable, one still needs to be quite exact in one's approach through areas that could have turbulence, and one may be tempted to fly slowly and make sharp turns to optimize one's spot-landing ability. These situations are inherently risky. HAWAII, AUGUST 1998, OCEAN RIDGE SOARING SITE An intermediate pilot was soaring with several other pilots at a classic, very complex site. In order to fly to a road for pickup he flew in front of a sea cliff, expecting good lift, but misjudged the wind direction and found himself sinking out over the ocean. There were tide pools within reach where he had landed before, but instead he chose to try to glide around a corner to another beach, which had never been tried. As he went around the cliffs, at just 100 feet AGL or so, he realized that he was a long way from any landable terrain. He flew the glider at best glide and headed for a pile of rocks ro avoid the ocean. He crashed - downwind, just four feet from the surging waves - into two-footdiameter irregular basalt chunks, breaking both ankles. Extracting him from this area was difficult and took the rest of the afternoon. This pilot was obviously in a terrifying situation and extremely lucky to escape with his life. His position was hopeless as soon as he decided to run around the corner to the beach which was too far away. When it comes to flying, you have to be sure you can do it before you try. Luck only works for some of us, some of the time. The last three reports involved pilots taking risks in order to avoid walking back to their cars. In hindsight, they would have been happy to walk. Flying within reasonable safety limits has allowed many of us to experience sublime cross-country flights all over the world. It is not necessary to live on the edge to have a wonderful time in the air. Please report your accidents! The pilot you save may find a thermal for you some day. Ill

PARAGLIDING

v~~ /~J<Mjb&e~@jb~ 6~~0

imported by

W@§ll' ~@@l§lt [pJ@lff@lf1/0Ur1/UUiJ.@ www.atr-ttme.com 415-759 9011

glide/I Jody tucas p# 650-424 9704

dixon·s airplay paragliding cashmere, wa & flagstaff, az p# 509-782 5543