Hang Gliding & Paragliding Vol45/Iss02 Feb2015 by US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

FEBRUARY 2015 Volume 45 Issue 2 $6.95

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

The Swift 4 is a lightweight development of the Rush 4 constructed with a hybrid mix of light and ultra-light materials and Shark Nose solidity. Lightweight, agile, with top of class performance and a lively but balanced feel in the air, the latest edition of the Swift series has beneﬁtted from the performance breakthroughs that have made our sport-performance class wings, such as the Delta series, so popular. With a Delta 2 type arc, mini-ribs, plastic nose reinforcements, 57 cells for a super clean leading edge, and a 25% reduction in total line drag compared to it’s predecessor, the Swift 4 is the most efﬁcient wing we have ever produced in the category.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Moab, Utah USA - photo: Loren Cox pilot: Cade Palmer

in Ridgely, MD | photo by John Wiseman. MEANWHILE, Hiking to launch in Malawi | photo by Jody MacDonald

WARNING

ON THE COVER,Â 5000 feet over Highland Aerosports

Hang gliding and paragliding are INHERENTLY DANGEROUS activities. USHPA recommends pilots complete a pilot training program under the direct supervision of a USHPA-certified instructor, using safe equipment suitable for your level of experience. Many of the articles and photographs in the magazine depict advanced maneuvers being performed by experienced, or expert, pilots. These maneuvers should not be attempted without the prerequisite instruction and experience.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING magazine is published for footlaunched air-sports enthusiasts to create further interest in the sports of hang gliding and paragliding and to provide an educational forum to advance hang gliding and paragliding methods and safety.

ADVERTISING ALL ADVERTISING AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES MUST BE

SUBMISSIONS HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING magazine welcomes

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING (ISSN 1543-5989) (USPS 17970) is

editorial submissions from our members and readers. All submissions of articles, artwork, photographs and or ideas for articles, artwork and photographs are made pursuant to and are subject to the USHPA Contributor's Agreement, a copy of which can be obtained from the USHPA by emailing the editor at editor@ushpa.aero or online at www.ushpa. aero. HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING magazine reserves the right to edit all contributions. We are always looking for well written articles and quality artwork. Feature stories generally run anywhere from 1500 to 3000 words. News releases are welcomed, but please do not send brochures, dealer newsletters or other extremely lengthy items. Please edit news releases with our readership in mind, and keep them reasonably short without excessive sales hype. Calendar of events items may be sent via email to editor@ushpa.aero, as may letters to the editor. Please be concise and try to address a single topic in your letter. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. If you have an idea for an article you may discuss your topic with the editor either by email or telephone. Contact: Editor, Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine, editor@ushpa.aero, (516) 816-1333.

published monthly by the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc., 1685 W. Uintah St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904, (719) 6328300, FAX (719) 632-6417. PERIODICAL postage is paid at Colorado Springs, CO and at additional mailing offices.

SENT TO USHPA HEADQUARTERS IN COLORADO SPRINGS. All advertising is subject to the USHPA Advertising Policy, a copy of which may be obtained from the USHPA by emailing advertising@ushpa.aero.

POSTMASTER Send change of address to: Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine, P.O. BOX 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330. Canadian Post Publications Mail Agreement #40065056. Canadian Return Address: DP Global Mail, 4960-2 Walker Road, Windsor, ON N9A 6J3

COPYRIGHT Copyright (c) 2014 United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc., All Rights Reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc.

Martin Palmaz, Publisher executivedirector@ushpa.aero Nick Greece, Editor editor@ushpa.aero Greg Gillam, Art Director art.director@ushpa.aero C.J. Sturtevant, Copy Editor copy@ushpa.aero Beth Van Eaton, Advertising advertising@ushpa.aero Staff Writers Christina Ammon, Dennis Pagen, C.J. Sturtevant Ryan Voight Staff Photographers John Heiney, Jeff Shapiro

FEBRUARY 2015 FLIGHT PLAN

BRIEFINGS

FLYING YOGA

CENTERFOLD

RATINGS

CALENDAR

CLASSIFIED

THE 1

16 2014 USHPA AWARD WINNERS

Partnering with the Foundation

by John Irlbeck

#awesome

by C.J. Sturtevant

Water Gap

Photographer of the Year The Images of Jody MacDonald

44 Voo Livre Brazil

Part XIII: The Three-Second Rule

by Dennis Pagen

Whirlwind Psycho Flying Tour

by John W. Robinson

50 Love at First Sight The Ballad of Robb & Joe

by Matt George

Think Outside the Blocks

20-Minute Symphony by Missing

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FLIGHT PLAN One can get a proper insight into the practice of flying only by actual flying experiments. ~Otto Lilienthal

tto Lilienthal launched himself from a low-angle grass knoll in 1909, his head poking up through a bird-like wing, with a certainty and determination focused on aviation. A pioneer hallowed in the same halls as the Wright brothers, Chuck Yeager, Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh, Lilienthal was one of the earliest visionaries from which foot launch aviation grew. Non-ordinary individuals with a deep-seated desire to fly transformed dreams into flying machines and attempted to realize aviation by pioneering with prototype wings, and leaping from high places. This pioneering spirit is strong still with free-flight pilots. We continuously push the boundaries of our sports, flying through the air without a motor through the golden era of the technology that we utilize to continue our personal flying experiments. The February issue opens with a rundown of pilots, volunteers, and landowners who have gone above and beyond for the association this year. The annual USHPA awards presentations are held at the spring board meeting. This means that nominations are now open for next year’s award winners. Feast your eyes on the incredible gallery from this year’s Bettina Grey award winner, Jody MacDonald, who has taken world-class paragliding photos from all over the world over the last 10 years. John Irlbeck sent in a report from the Foundation for Free Flight’s project at the Delaware Water Gap. If your club is in need of aid for site preservation, expansion, or improvement check out http://www.ushgf.org/ for an application.

John Robinson reports back from Baixu Guandu, Brazil where the possibilities for airtime, adventure, and culture abound. There are several places that beckon during the winter months, and Brazil has been on the top of the short-list as long as free flight has existed. With a warm and vibrant culture, great flying, and plenty of amenities, how could one not go south? Matt George sent in a follow-up story to a chance encounter in 1971 at Fort Funston where his brother, without any previous flying experience, became a test pilot for a group of post-graduate students from the University of California. Mr. Pagen is back with another terrific installment of Thinking Outside the Blocks and Denny Pistoll contributed a piece detailing the beauty of a flight regardless of length. Today each of us benefits from all those who came before us in the development of hang gliding and paragliding. We stand on the shoulders of decades of pilots who have single mindedly striven to push their flying skills while unknowingly carrying the lot of us with them toward safer and more creative endeavors. Maybe every generation thinks that the equipment and techniques they are using are the best they will ever be, but it is up to us to do our part in the evolving nature of pioneering aviation by participating in actual flying experiments as frequently as possible.

left Smithsonian Air & Space Museum.

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PILOT BRIEFINGS

AIRSPACE & LAW for ULTRALIGHTS

E airspace. Lots of confusion swirls

is to create the safest, most comfort-

A video tutorial by Jeff Goin, 2014

around how this airspace is depicted

able helmets with clean, simple and

US ultralight rules grant us admis-

and what it means, which is why it’s

aesthetically pleasing lines. Predator

sion to a vast volume of airspace that

shown from several angles and with

integrates feedback from both recre-

covers nearly the entire country. The

numerous examples. Then it builds

ational and pro athletes to maintain

deal we made with a leery public

to more complicated structures and

their focus, making Predator the

essentially asks us to minimize risk to

gives many opportunities to see how

trusted choice worldwide.

others. In exchange for that we can

it all works together.

fly our hang gliders and paragliders,

Owner and designer Matt Kelly mixes his passion for skateboarding,

with minimal oversight, almost ev-

clears up some common misunder-

his background in competitive white-

erywhere. But it’s incumbent on us to

standings while presenting an inter-

water kayaking and over 14 years

know exactly how we keep our end of

pretation of some gray areas. Can I fly

experience designing and manufac-

the bargain: minimizing risk to others.

over that D airspace? Can I fly under

turing in the action-sports industry to

Jeff Goin has produced a video

the B? What about those dashed lines

create helmets of superior design and

aimed at making the topic, above all,

around some airports? Far more than

quality. With input from professional

very clear, and secondly, as enjoyable

chart reading, it enables chart under-

paraglider pilots, Predator has begun

as possible. Humor, usually pretty

standing.

to offer several helmet models to the

subtle, helps the medicine go down.

Clearing up the subject of airspace

You may be surprised at how much

in modern, enjoyable fashion, with

flexibility there really is. Sadly, learn-

live-action flying and motion graph-

ing about it can be an eye-rolling

ics, should make this video a useful

chore. This video makes it less so.

addition to any conscientious pilot’s

After covering the basics, Jeff’s video deconstructs a number of sites in a manner similar to how a knowledgeable pilot would, revealing with

library. To purchase a copy check out www.ushpa.aero/store.

graphics and 3D what the charts

PREDATOR HELMETS

mean. These include two prominent

Predator is a Vancouver Canada

free-flight sites: Torrey Pines and

based company focused on design-

Kagel Mountain (Sylmar).

ing and manufacturing helmets for

It starts with where we fly: G and

The last part covers the law and

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

action sports. Our design philosophy

paragliding air-sport market including

Martin Palmaz, Executive Director executivedirector@ushpa.aero Beth Van Eaton Operations Manager & Advertising office@ushpa.aero Eric Mead, System Administrator tech@ushpa.aero Ashley Miller, Membership Coordinator membership@ushpa.aero Julie Spiegler, Program Manager programs@ushpa.aero

the DH6 full face and the lightweight

XSHOT 2.0 for GOPRO

FR7 half cut style.

Taking photos of oneself can be

The DH6 full face with flip-up visor

tough while flying. A good device

is a great choice for a helmet featur-

with extendable sections can serve

ing clean, simple lines for aerodynam-

to get great shots while flying or

ics, a large visibility window and a

driving to launch. One of the best

ratcheting flip-up visor system with

we have seen is from XShot, who

tool-free interchangeability. The

have released a new addition to their

double D-ring chin-strap closure

camera-pole lineup. The new model is

provides maximum safety. A small

lighter weight and longer than the pro

chin-guard vent combined with an

model and is compatible with your

internal ventilation system helps

GoPro right out of the box. For more

keep you cool and reduces fog. The

info go to http://xshot.com/products/

DH6 comes in one size shell with a

gopro-pole-extender.

fit kit of pads including two sizes of cheek pads to insure a proper fit. A regular tinted visor comes installed, with a clear visor included in the box. Includes a fleece carry bag as well. Meets the higher impact standard of CPSC(USA) bike and CE(Europe) Bike/skateboard. Sizing: XS-L (53cm-61cm) Weight: 940 grams Certified to CPSC 1203 bike standard & CE EN 1078 standard for bicycles and skateboards MSRP: $325 USD For more information go to: www.

USHPA OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Rich Hass, President president@ushpa.aero Paul Murdoch, Vice President vicepresident@ushpa.aero Steve Rodrigues, Secretary secretary@ushpa.aero Mark Forbes, Treasurer treasurer@ushpa.aero

REGION 1: Rich Hass, Mark Forbes. REGION 2: Jugdeep Aggarwal, Josh Cohn, Jon James. REGION 3: Corey Caffrey, Pete Michelmore, Alan Crouse. REGION 4: Bill Belcourt, Ken Grubbs. REGION 5: Josh Pierce. REGION 6: David Glover. REGION 7: Paul Olson. REGION 8: Michael Holmes. REGION 9: Felipe Amunategui, Larry Dennis. REGION 10: Bruce Weaver, Steve Kroop, Matt Taber. REGION 11: David Glover. REGION 12: Paul Voight. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Ryan Voight, Bill Bolosky, Steve Rodrigues, Dennis Pagen, Jamie Shelden. EX-OFFICIO DIRECTOR: Art Greenfield (NAA). The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association Inc. (USHPA) is an air sports organization affiliated with the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), which is the official representative of the Fédération Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), of the world governing body for sport aviation. The NAA, which represents the United States at FAI meetings, has delegated to the USHPA supervision of FAI-related hang gliding and paragliding activities such as record attempts and competition sanctions. For change of address or other USHPA business call (719) 632-8300, or email info@ushpa.aero. The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, a division of the National Aeronautic Association, is a representative of the Fédération Aeronautique Internationale in the United States.

predatorhelmets.com.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

WATER GAP: Partnering with the Foundation for Free Flight by John Irlbeck

he Water Gap Club, located close to the Pennsylvania/New Jersey border, may be less well known than our larger neighbors—Ellenville to the north and Hyner View to the west—but this low profile is definitely not due to a lack of member enthusiasm or caliber of flying. Kirkridge, or “Kirks,” where the Water Gap Club flies, is located

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on top of Kittatinny Mountain in the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania. Kittatinny, which meant “endless hills” to the indigenous Lenape Indians, is actually a 25- mile continuous ridge running southwest to northeast at a height of approximately 1000 feet (one of the longest ridges in the Northeast). This section of the Appalachian Mountains is also the narrowest, producing a unique, funneling effect on migratory birds.

Remarkable views abound in the vicinity of our site. Kittatinny Mountain marks, within a few miles, the farthest reaches of the Wisconsin glacier, the last great glacier advance. What this provides for pilots is views to the north of the glacier-influenced, scenic, rugged Pocono Mountains contrasting with the rolling hills and fertile farmland of Northampton County to the south. Kirkridge is classified as a Hang-3 site, although novices with previous

LEFT The author launching at Kirkridge, assisted by son Michael, daughter Emily, and Jack

Eckert | photo by Nancy Irlbeck. BELOW Private road to launch | photo by Jon Irlbeck. high site experience greater than 500’ AGL, may fly radio-supervised by an observer or instructor. The 20-acre landing zone can be challenging, because either trees or power lines border all sides. Launch is at a height of 650’ feet above the LZ, at a distance where the decision either to soar or commit to a “sled ride” must be made with a degree of urgency. Two bailout fields are available. One is narrow and slopes downhill; the other shares the tree and power-line challenges of the main LZ . When the aforementioned challenges are met with appropriate skill and good judgment, Kirkridge is a pure joy. First, with an abundance of farmland located in front of launch, there are no secondary ridges with associated turbulence to worry about. These fields also are good generators of thermals that reliably drift downwind along the ridge. The terrain immediately adjacent to launch is well shaped for ridge soaring, with a bowl to the

right that effectively gathers a south wind, and a sheer, vertical cliff to the left. Although Blue Mountain runs mostly unbroken to the west 25 miles, the most sought-after flight is five miles east to the Delaware River Water Gap and back. Not all flights include a flight to “The Gap.” After launch, about 1000’ of altitude must be gained, and continuous soaring conditions must prevail, to allow pilots to reach a limited number of secondary landing fields. After reaching the Gap, pilots are rewarded with the most striking features in all of Northeastern Pennsylvania: sheer 1000’ cliffs, glacier-formed lakes, and cascading creeks. (As a side note: This area also includes many hiking trails and river-trip opportunities that may be of interest to visiting pilots, and/or their non-pilot companions.) Also unique to Kirkridge is the direction of launch: southeast. In the

LEFT Kirkridge launch staging area | photo

by Jon Irlbeck. BELOW Water Gap Club members at Kirkridge Launch. Left to right: Randy Leggett, Gus Johnson, Danny Weiss, Mark, Frasca, Bill Watters, Jonathan Leal, Jon Irlbeck (author), Jack Eckert. Photo by an unknown Appalachian Trail hiker.

Mid-Atlantic region, this characterizes Kirks as a pre-frontal site. The day before a good rain is usually a good day at Kirks, at a time when other sites in the area are unflyable. The Water Gap Club, one of the oldest hang gliding/paragliding clubs in the area, is rich in history and lore. Stories abound regarding formerly used launch sites throughout the Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, and western New

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Jersey. Many of the club’s senior members, the “Old Guard,” have been flying hang gliders in excess of 30 years. As a relative newcomer to the sport, I have found their insight and advice to be invaluable in improving my personal knowledge and judgment. Few clubs seem to have simple land-use arrangements, and the Water Gap Club is no exception. The

greatest challenge our club faces is maintaining good relations with four entities that are pivotal to our club’s continuation. Our launch, which is actually located inside the boundaries of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail corridor, is authorized for use by a partnership agreement with the National Park Service and the local Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Club. To reach our launch, we must use a private road that accesses a retreat center and then hike about a quarter mile across Pennsylvania State Game Lands. Our club has built a solid reputation as good stewards of both the

public and private lands we use, as we practice leave-no-trace ethics. We coordinate and assist the local ATC club in maintaining its assigned section of the trail and conduct two work-parties per year focusing not only on cleaning up our launch area, but also the surrounding hiking trails. To try to identify issues that might occur between our scheduled workparties and the days we fly, one club member is assigned to unscheduled monthly inspections on a rotational basis. We focus on maintaining good relations with our partners. For example, when the private retreat center approached the Water Gap Club requesting monetary assistance to improve the road we share to launch, the “Water Gappers” were quick to organize. At a significant cost to our small club, funds were raised and contributed. Unfortunately, although members dug deep, we still came up short. The Foundation For Free Flight donated the remainder of the balance, $1823, which allowed us to contribute our allotted share. The Water Gap Club is very grateful to the Foundation for Free Flight for their demonstration of support. Our club welcomes hang gliders and paragliders alike. WGHGC Membership is required to fly at Kirkridge, and new members are sworn to secrecy regarding the initiation rituals (application and fee). New members, regardless of rating, are required to avail themselves of a site introduction by a qualified member after joining and signing the waiver. If you visit, I hope you will be rewarded with a flight to The Gap! No matter what challenges we face, I am sure the Water Gappers will once again rally behind one another to preserve our site for the future.

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FLYING YOGA: HEAL YOUR BACK! by Sofia Puerta Webber W

elcome to Flying Yoga. I’d like to help you create a healthy routine that will incorporate endurance, strength, balance and flexibility into your flights by sharing simple yoga postures and exercises that can become an important part of your flying lifestyle. Exercise on a regular basis is a major component of a yogi life. Exercise is necessary to develop and maintain strength in the muscles we use when we fly. Our physical comfort is as important as our mental comfort, and exercise is the key to both. Lack of exercise often leads to pain, especially back pain. Instructors and tandem and cross-country pilots often complain of back pain. Flying or teaching when your back is killing you is not fun and,

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

obviously, it is not good to be forced to land because of your back. Proper nutrition is also essential for being physically fit; the right foods give muscles the energy required to be able to continue flying. They are as beneficial for your body and mind as thermals are for great cross-country flights. Do you skip meals? Do you guzzle soda, beer and other drinks? Are pizza, burgers, chips and protein bars a big part of your flying diet? Back pain is commonly related to poor nutrition, so be aware of the amount of food you put into your body. Develop the discipline to eat a healthy breakfast, pack wholesome snacks and drink lots of water. Turn into the thermal of proper nutrition! Besides proper nutrition, good

posture is requisite for a healthy back. Pilots who keep abdominal muscles tight and carry themselves with their chests up and backs straight suffer less back pain. To develop good posture and relax your back and internal organs, practice these two great postures: SUPERHERO and HALF SPINAL TWIST. SUPERHERO Pose:

• Lie down on your chest. Stretch out your arms and legs. • Inhale deeply and lift up your right leg and left arm. Hold this pose for 10 deep breaths. • Change sides and do it again. • Now stretch your arms and legs as far as possible. Inhale and lift up

It’s all about the flying | www.WillsWing.com

both legs and arms; imagine you are flying like a superhero. Feel your pelvis resting on the ground with abdominal muscles tucked in. Hold this pose for 10 deep breaths. Rest for three breaths and repeat the pose. Benefits: This exercise strengthens and relaxes your entire back. It also helps massage your internal organs. This pose helps alleviate back pain and avoid future discomfort. HALF SPINAL TWIST Pose:

• Lie on your back with arms at your side and legs together. • Bend the right knee and bring it towards your chest. • Extend your right arm away from your body. • Place your left hand on your right knee. • Using your left hand, guide your right knee across your body to the ground on the left, twisting your lower torso as you go. • Look over your right shoulder. • Hold the position for 15 deep

breaths. • Release and repeat on the other side. Benefits: Helps keep the spine elastic and relieves pain in the muscles and joints of the lower back (lumbago). Gives a rich supply of blood to the ligaments attached to the spine. Massages the gall bladder, spleen, kidneys, liver and bowels. Proper nutrition and exercise are components of flying yoga life. Exercise daily to keep your body and mind in the best condition. Take advantage of the minutes you have while waiting for the right wind to blow by doing your “yoga pose” check. May your spirit soar, giving you enjoyment during every flight. Sofia Puerta Webber is a journalist, certified yoga therapist, fitness instructor, and pilot in San Diego. Come to yoga class! Friday, 9:00 a.m., at Torrey Pines Gliderport, La Jolla, CA. Contact her: www.shiwido.com Facebook Flying Yoga. shiwido@gmail.com.

2014 USHPA Award Winners

#awesome by C.J. Sturtevant

ach year USHPA’s Awards committee reaches out to all USHPA members, asking every pilot to take a critical look at his or her local flying community to find those— both pilots and support folks—who have truly made an impact on the flying “quality of life” in their area. And every year the committee receives literally hundreds of responses nominating

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

those who have made over-the-top contributions to every aspect of free flight. Each nomination letter is compelling, and selecting the final recipient requires much discussion and debate and, often, disappointment that not every candidate can receive an award. From a pool of amazingly dedicated and inspirational nominees, here are the 2014 Awards recipients.

Presidential Citation Nick Greece The Presidential Citation is the one award whose recipient isn’t chosen by the Awards committee—while the committee, and USHPA members, may make recommendations, this

award is presented to the individual that USHPA’s president feels has made highly significant contributions to free flight. President Rich Hass has selected Nick Greece for this prestigious award. “Nick has brought a great deal of passion and professionalism to USHPA’s efforts in public relations and communications,” says Rich. “As a result of Nick’s concerted efforts to spread the gospel of free flight, USHPA and our flying community have benefited from the positive media he has nurtured over the past several years.” Included in those “positive media” moments are many impressive flyingrelated accomplishments; Nick was a member of the US Paragliding team in 2013 and will be again in 2015; he’s stood on the podium more than a dozen times at numerous national and international competitions since 2006, including 2014 US National Champion and 2011 winner of the Rat Race; he’s had some hugely impressive flights (such as a vol-biv the length of the Sierras, from California to Oregon) and holds a number of records, including the first US parapilot to break 200 miles, and the longest foot-launch paraglider flight in the US, both in 2012. A list of Nick’s many contributions to free flight and to the communities where we fly could fill the entire magazine. Here are some of the ones he’s found most satisfying: As president of the Cloudbase Foundation he has helped run numerous outreach projects, including partnering with corporate sponsors to work towards creating sustainable education projects in several countries. Nick is the one who first connected USHPA with the Cloudbase Foundation, and facilitated the rapidly expanding list of Cloudbase Foundation-supported projects throughout the world. Nick co-founded Wheels Up, working with the University of Utah engineering department to design a

wheelchair/harness that allows paraplegics to fly paragliders as solo pilots, and he collaborated with USHPA instructors to create the first adaptive paragliding program in the US. He signed off the first Wheels Up students as new P-2 pilots, and, based on his paragliding expertise, he was selected to serve as a member of the U of U project student’s master’s thesis board review, a rare honor for someone who’s neither an engineer nor a PhD. Nick loves to travel to fly, and he also gains great personal satisfaction from combining those passions with projects to work with those living in the communities where he flies. One of his favorite current outreaches is in Haiti, which he describes as “a beautiful country that is historically shown in a bad context.” For the past several years he has worked as part of a team to create adventure tourism, inviting pilots and non-pilots to join him on his visits to Haiti, to enjoy the country’s beauty, to add tourism dollars to local economies, and to spread the word that the amazingly strong people of this tiny country live in a beautiful place to fly. One of Nick’s compatriots describes him as a “free-flight dynamo,” and reminds us that we’re lucky to have him representing us around the globe. “Some of Nick’s endeavors have incredible ingenuity that was the cornerstone of getting them accomplished,” points out another. As a KEEN ambassador, Nick is in a unique position to leverage this world-wide company’s resources to further the Cloudbase Foundation’s philanthropic goals. Partnered with KEEN, the Cloudbase Foundation solicited used paragliders from pilots around the world, and is turning the wings into classy daypacks, available for purchase in the USHPA store and many other locations, with much of the proceeds of the sales going directly to Cloudbase Foundation.

“One of Nick’s biggest impacts is his infectious energy and enthusiasm,” states one pilot. “Every conversation, picture, video, and posting of his is bursting with positive energy and huge grins—it makes you want to jump up and follow wherever he leads.” Nick’s leadership continues to draw all of us to reach out a bit farther, give of ourselves a bit more, than we might otherwise have done. Rich Hass recognizes Nick as an exemplar of everything that is best about our free-flight community, and more than deserving of the 2014 Presidential Citation.

Exceptional Service Shawn McDuff All of USHPA’s award nominees are, of course, exceptional, but when it comes to the Exceptional Service award, the Awards committee typically ponders long and discusses in depth which candidate is the most exceptionally exceptional. Shawn McDuff’s accomplishments within the free-flight community, over

a period of more than a decade, are truly inspiring. His many nominators point out that he served 13 years at president of the Hyner (Pennsylvania) club, during which time he created an indepth club web site, Facebook page, and forum, all constantly updated with new information and photos. As a result of these efforts (among other things), club membership doubled during his tenure. He makes community outreach a priority, and he’s become the face of hang gliding to every business and organization leader in the surrounding towns, and he makes a point of maintaining this good rapport through changes of personnel in the state, local and federal agencies. He also obtained his footlaunch tandem-instructor rating, and began offering free tandems to all landowners, park rangers, and others related to the maintenance of hang gliding in our area. All this positive presentation of hang gliding has created huge amounts of goodwill that continues to work in the club’s—and the sport’s—favor. “His accomplishments are endless and there are many we don’t even know about,” points out one nominator. Another adds, “If anyone is more deserving for this award, I’ll eat my Wills Wing hat, sweat lines and all.” Luckily for that last pilot, Shawn’s many supporters provided an impressive list of Shawn’s numerous, varied and ongoing contributions. Here is a heavily condensed summary of what Shawn’s fellow pilots provided as evidence of his exceptional service: *He oversaw the merger of the Hyner club with the WindRiders and Blue Ridge clubs, resulting in over a dozen flying sites under one umbrella with unified insurance, waivers and maintenance. *He was the key negotiator with the State Park Service and the Department of Conservation of Natural resources in opening up a training hill within a state park, and a mountain launch site on forestry land.

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*When a land speculator bought the Hyner LZ property and planned to double rental fees, Shawn orchestrated a joint project between the State Park Service, the Department of Conservation of Natural Resources, and the county to purchase a new LZ to serve as a bargaining chip. It was Shawn’s efforts that led these government organizations to recognize the value of hang gliding to the community and to put forth funds to protect it. Under threat that the flying community would move to this alternate site, the new landowner backed down and decreased the rent hike, saving the club from a fee increase that would have decimated membership and threatened club viability. *When the State installed a weather station smack dab in the middle of the top-landing area at Elizabethville, Shawn took it on himself to contact the agencies involved and convince the right person to move the station to a better location.

*He has hosted holiday parties at his home for members of all the area clubs in order to introduce and gather pilots to strengthen ties within the wider flying community. One nominator says it in a nutshell: “Shawn has given willingly to the sport, often at significant cost to himself in both time and finances, and has asked for nothing material in return. It’s time the sport gives back to Shawn in recognition of his tireless and sometimes frustrating efforts.” The Awards committee agrees that the time has come, and with much appreciation USHPA presents Shawn McDuff with the 2014 Exceptional Service award.

Rob Kells Memorial Jon James USHPA established this award in 2008, to honor the memory of beloved pilot and ambassador for free flight, Rob Kells. Its intent is to honor a pilot

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who has been interacting with the flying community in a Rob Kellsesque manner for at least 15 years. The award is considered on par with the Presidential Citation, and can only be awarded to an individual/group/ chapter/other entity once. Unlike the Presidential Citation, this award requires considerable input from pilots, citing contributions that have been made over at least 15 years. Several of Jon’s nominators have known him for decades, and have been beneficiaries of Jon’s continued activism on behalf of free flight as it and the world around it evolved. It would take an entire magazine to list Jon’s numerous and quite varied contributions. Here are some excerpts from the letters of nomination: “In my 37 years as a member of USHGA/USHPA, I have met a few individuals who truly exemplify the spirit and intent of the Rob Kells Memorial award, but most of those individuals have had (like Rob himself did), or still have, high profiles at the national level of our sport. Jon James is an example of quiet, humble, continuous generosity to pilots of all stripes at both the local and national levels, yet many pilots outside Region 2 may have never heard his name before. It is my hope that the efforts of people like Jon can receive the broader recognition they deserve.” Another nominator gets specific: “When it comes to site preservation, acquisition, negotiation, or simply making sure the landowner knows he or she is appreciated, Jon is the guy who does it all. When a new pilot needs assistance, Jon makes sure that pilot’s needs are met. He has served as an officer in the local club, Sonoma Wings, for more than 20 years and is a critical part of the club’s continued success. Jon has also been a volunteer on several USHPA committees, including writing the national site guide. Jon’s attitude is

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what sets him apart. If ever there was an ideal representative for free flight, Jon is it.” Indeed, Jon’s attitude is cited by many as his most salient quality of leadership. “His quiet patience and attention to detail have been responsible for the opening and preservation of most of our sites,” points out one nominator. Jon’s attention to pilots of all levels, both hang and para, is legendary. “He has maintained strong support for providing access opportunities to beginner and novice pilots, coordinating with instructors and observers at local sites to provide mentoring for up-and-coming pilots,” points out one nominator, and another adds, “Jon was instrumental in vocally supporting early paraglider inclusion into Sonoma Wings at all levels of club activity and flying sites. As a bi-wingual dual-sport member of USHPA, I am personally grateful to those pilots of one type or other with hearts and minds open to embracing the beauty and shared passions for free flight, regardless of the wing(s) they fly.” On a more whimsical note, one pilots muses, “There are people who have flown higher and farther and a lot of other things than Jon. But there is none other who is as nice to fliers, helping when needed, encouraging when needed, dealing with landowners or prospective owners. If the USHPA wanted a spokesman, they couldn’t do better than Jon. Sort of a combination of Mr. Rogers and Bill Nye. Jon knows about flying and presents it in a way that makes people comfortable.” If you define a site-year as a calendar year of being mainly responsible for opening or keeping a site open, Jon has about 85 site-years under his belt. For that, plus all of the above-cited accolades, and many additional contributions too numerous to list here, the Awards committee is totally comfort-

able naming Jon James as the 2014 recipient of the Rob Kells award.

Video Tyler Lee & Brady Michelson Big things often come in small packages, as the film, "Kavu Chelan Nats," demonstrates. Packed into its three minutes 41 seconds gleaned from videos of the 2014 US PG Nationals in Chelan are all the essences of paragliding: beauty, wonder, magic, focus, energy, purpose. Narrated by several world-class paragliding competitors and XC pilots, the story line moves easily through high-energy scenes to contemplative moments, with both the photography and the music defining the pace. Pilots and non-pilots alike will enjoy this vignette of paragliding, viewable online at https://vimeo. com/104636395.

Hang Gliding Instructor of the Year Ryan Voight Having grown up in a family that lives and breathes hang gliding, it’s not surprising that Ryan follows that family tradition and has developed the skills and passion to become an outstanding instructor. His primary message to pilots of every level is always “safety first,” which is precisely the mantra we want our USHPA instructors to encourage in their students. His nominators provide specific examples of this mindset. According to one, “Whether on the hill, in the field, or in the classroom giving landing, launching, instructor, aerobatic, or cinematography clinics, OR writing his excellent series of articles in the magazine, Ryan lives to impart knowledge to others regarding the art of hang gliding.”

“He never stops teaching,” says another. “He is particularly effective at bringing his students to the next level safely, whether it’s H-1 to H-2, or teaching aerobatics to H-3s & H-4s, or commenting on incidents that shouldn’t happen. The quality of his landing, aerobatic and launch clinics is world class.” Ryan’s articles in the magazine have helped both new pilots and experienced ones advance their skills. At his home site, he’s known and respected for the mentoring he offers to pilots of all skill levels. “Ryan is a person who makes everybody he interacts with a better pilot by offering skill- and safety-related suggestions from launch to landing,” summarizes one of his nominators. For his dedication, depth of knowledge, and effective communication skills, USHPA proudly names Ryan Voight the 2014 Hang Gliding Instructor of the Year.

Paragliding Instructor of the Year Bill Heaner Paragliding Instructor of the Year is arguably the most hotly contested award that USHPA presents; the Awards committee reviews many dozens of nomination letters for highly qualified instructors, all of whom are deeply respected, dearly loved and enthusiastically praised by their students and colleagues. After much deliberation, the committee selected Bill Heaner for this year’s award. One of Bill’s nominators reflected back to his own award: “As the 2012 USHPA Paragliding Instructor of the Year recipient I was honored to be in such great company with the likes of Doug Stroop, Dixon White, Chris Santacroce, etc. These people are the true godfathers of our sport. There was

one person conspicuously missing from the list of past recipients, and that was Bill Heaner.” Bill’s numerous qualifications include many he shares with the other nominees, including mastery of both the technical and philosophical aspects of teaching paragliding; his kind, patient, and compassionate teaching style; his tailoring of his lessons to allow students to progress at their own pace; his focus on ground-handling skills and understanding the physics of flying that provide a solid foundation for building future skills. What made Bill stand out from the pack was, as one nominator put it, his low profile. “He doesn’t talk much about his exploits, and he probably

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never expected to be acknowledged for his contributions, but so much of what I do and teach on a daily basis is directly due to things I learned from Bill,” said one instructor. Bill was described by other instructors as an excellent teacher, mentor, and ambassador for all things free flight, and as “a legend who deserves some recognition.” For all of the above, the Awards committee selected Bill Heaner as USHPA’s 2014 Paragliding Instructor of the Year.

Chapter of the Year RVHPA Could there possibly be anyone reading this magazine who hasn’t heard of the RVHPA and the sites the club has been supporting for decades— Woodrat Mountain in southern Oregon since the ‘80s and, more recently, Whaleback, in northern California? One nominator says, “Honestly, I can’t believe RVHPA hasn’t received this award numerous times before, since they have such a long history of greatness!” Indeed they do! Specific examples of

greatness cited by nominators include maintaining an excellent relationship with local landowners and government agencies, resulting in continued access to a wonderful flying site that continues to improve and benefit the entire freeflight community; extending a warm welcome to visiting pilots and supporting them through a super-useful and active online discussion board; fun events; and making it easy to join the club (“The system at the store is brilliant!” enthuses one pilot, referring to the kiosk at the Ruch store that allows pilots to purchase required RVHPA membership when they arrive to fly Woodrat, if they haven’t already done so online). One nominator sums it up perfectly: “The RVHPA has consistently supported pilots from all over the world at Whaleback and Woodrat, providing a safe, warm and welcoming atmosphere for all. Hardworking officers see that the TOs and LZs are managed to the satisfaction of club members, visitors and local landowners. Fields are mowed, trees trimmed, gravel leveled and toilets maintained to insure a comfortable and safe area. Working with the local landowners and communities, the club sponsors charitable and educational events that help promote our sports and provide assistance for the schools and farmers in the Applegate valley. The club also works with MPH Sports in putting on the annual Rat Race paragliding competition and organizes the annual Starthistle biwingual fly-in. On a more personal note, when one of our pilots recently died after a long illness, the RVHPA president organized a glassoff flight followed by a BBQ and invited everyone to gather and share memories. That night represented the best of what we are as a flying community.” In recognition of the decades of ongoing greatness exemplified by RVHPA as a club and as individual

pilots, USHPA presents the Rogue Valley Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club the 2014 Chapter of the Year award.

Commendations Jugdeep Aggarwal Jug is well known in the paragliding community for so many contributions, but his nominators focused on his creation and continual improvement of the Northern California Crosscountry League paragliding series. “We

in northern California are incredibly lucky that he has continued to organize the League seven months a year, for years and years now, and even more so in 2014 as he’s added the Sprint League to his portfolio,” says one pilot. Another provides more specifics on the Sprint League: “Jug describes it as ‘a fly-in with a mission’ and it has been that and more. Pilots who have never competed are learning to use their instruments, how to set tasks, and how to fly longer and farther than they ever have before. Every Sprint-league fly-in found pilots setting personal bests. The first 2014 weekend event included not only flying but also mentoring and presentations. Subsequent weekends focused on flying and having fun in the evening sharing stories. Jug’s XC League has inspired others to establish similar events. Hopefully the Sprint League will do the same.” Another participant/nominator adds, “I was immediately impressed at the camaraderie and general organizational culture Jug has developed, and the level of professionalism with which he runs things (while still having a lot of fun, of course). It seemed like the perfect balance of friendly competitive spirit, incredible learning opportunity, with group encouragement to fly a bit farther and better than one might do otherwise. His events are very well run, which is an especially difficult thing to do with a group of independent-minded paraglider pilots.” “And,” adds one nominator, “he still does it with a smile.” More than one pilot names Jug “my hero,” for all of the above-described contributions, but only one provided this compelling reason for officially recognizing Jug: “It’s so much fun to say his name.” Who could argue with that? USHPA happily presents (all together, now!) Jugdeep Aggarwal with a 2014 Commendation award.

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Kim & Jay Browder Since taking over as co-organizers for the Tater Hill Open in 2009, Jay and Kim Browder have proved invaluable as liaisons for the local flying community. “Not only for Tater Hill,” one pilot points out, “but their tireless answering of questions, networking to promote our sport and goodwill in general is remarkable, and reaches further than our own small neighborhood.” Jay and Kim are also significant voices in the Southern Parapilot Association (SPP). Their dedication and love of the sport is obvious. “The Tater Hill Open would not be what it is—or perhaps would not BE at all— without their unflagging support.” Over the years Kim and Jay have played an integral role in turning the pilot population of the Southeast region into the vibrant paragliding community it is today. For their longtime, and ongoing, dedication to free flight in the southeast, Kim and Jay are awarded a 2014 USHPA Commendation.

For his passion and commitment to the sports of hang gliding and paragliding, and to the safety of his fellow pilots, USHPA presents Craig Carlson with a 2014 Commendation award.

Aaron Price

Craig Carlson Green Point is arguably the best ridgesoaring site on the Lake Michigan shoreline and surely the best known in Michigan. One of Craig’s nominators provides specifics: “The Green Point Flyers Association (GPFA) owns 10 prime acres south of Frankfort, Michigan, that includes a campground; a setup area for more gliders than you can bring; and a wooden ramp for hangs and a sand blowout/bowl area for paragliders, both 350 feet above the beautiful Lake Michigan eastern shoreline. Local pilots and visitors to the area also have access to three other pristine ridge sites in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park.” “Craig has been a faithful and trustworthy member of the GPFA board of directors and the safety director for as long as we can remember—over 25 years,” states one longtime pilot. “His enduring passion for the sport and his countless hours in dedication to the site preservation and development of the Green Point private site is unsurpassable. His unwavering commitment to safety initiatives for all pilots who are locals or visitors to both Green Point and the Sleeping Bear Dunes sites has been simply impeccable! The best thing about Craig is that he is a friend to all and a trusted and respected pilot among pilots.”

Building on Jug’s success with the Northern California XC League events, Aaron has been running the popular SoCal XC League for several years. “His dedication to safety, fun and participation is remarkable,” says one participant. As was Aaron’s intention, the SoCal XC League events have increased pilot participation in paragliding by providing incentive to fly at new sites, setting tasks that interest and challenge pilots of varying skill levels, and ensuring safety throughout every event. League-meet-style events have a proven track record for keeping pilots motivated, and for encouraging them to expand their skills in a safe, mentoring environment. Aaron’s nominators commended him for all that he does to make the SoCal XC League an ongoing, highly successful event, and USHPA adds official recognition and congratulations in the form of a 2014 Commendation award.

Bob Reynolds (no image) Bob has been a tireless and generous friend to free flight in New England. West Rutland, Vermont’s hang- and para-friendly site, has benefitted from Bob’s energy and caring spirit for many years. Whether it’s carrying loads of gravel to repair the road, haying or picking corn for the LZ owner, or carting up the mountain road any and all who want to get into Rutland’s friendly air, Bob has always been there. “He gives without asking anything in return,” says one nominator. “I can’t think of anyone who deserves a Commendation more than Bob Reynolds,” adds another. The Awards committee concurs, and presents Bob with a 2014 Commendation award.

Joachim Roesler JoR is president of the Brace (N.Y.) club, and of course his fellow pilots appreciate all the time and energy he invests in keeping the club running smoothly. But the many nominations for JoR focused mainly on his mentoring of pilots of all skill levels, and his constant vigilance toward all things safety related. “JoR is a role model

of excellent piloting, good judgment, and dedication to safety—everyone’s,” points out one nominator. “He regularly sacrifices his own opportunities to fly to oversee the safe launches of students and other pilots. As club president he ensures all members know the rules and the reasons for them, and in this way helps to preserve a beautiful flying site and a mutually supportive community of pilots.” Other pilots and students note that JoR’s insights regarding weather, and his ability to communicate the more technical aspects of paragliding are also significant safetyenhancers. The Awards committee agrees with the Brace Mountain pilots that JoR’s interactions with his fellow flyers are above the norm and worthy of recognition, and awards him a USHPA 2014 Commendation.

been completed, but much remains to be done. Patrick’s in-depth research, and the presentation materials that resulted from that research, are a compelling history of the presence of free flight in the park and national forests. Additionally, his presentations include reassuring documentation of the improved safety and performance of hang gliders and paragliders over the years, along with letters of support and permission to land on their property from local landowners. Because all signs indicate that the proposed work on these sites will continue in the future until all has been completed, the Awards committee felt it appropriate to recognize Patrick Terry for spearheading this huge ongoing project by awarding him a 2014 USHPA Commendation.

Jack Yount Walker Although Jack retired from teaching and flying hang gliders in September of 2013, his fellow pilots feel his many contributions to hang gliding should not go unrecognized. Jack served as an officer of the Houston Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association for many years, and as president of the Hang Glide Texas aerotow club for two years.

Patrick Terry As president of the Capital Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Patrick has been working closely with the Forest Service and the National Park Service to open/re-open/improve several flying sites in Virginia’s George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, and in Shenandoah National Park. Some work has already begun or

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He provided significant assistance to local instructors with both platform and aerotow operations. “When the FAA Sport Pilot rules came down, most local pilots had moved away from platform launching (PL) and were doing aerotow (AT) flights,” one nominator recalls. “When the rules for AT changed, our area was short on qualified AT pilots. During the interim time for training new AT pilots, Jack re-vitalized PL tow operations and flight activity in our area. Returning to a local PL tow site that had gone somewhat dormant, Jack got pilots out to Hearne Municipal Airport for towing ops. Hearne, once a site of numerous fly-ins and competitions and many XC flights, was reborn due to Jack’s efforts. Now with a hangar and towing ops from local Houston (HHPA) and Austin (AFFA) pilots, both hang glider and paraglider pilots have a place to tow and fly.” Jack often spent his free time training new students, mentoring new PL pilots (both hang and para) and towing up experienced pilots for free, taking as his pay/reward simply watching pilots succeed in flying. He also took it upon himself to maintain the club’s tow winch and to get it where it needed to be for pilots to use. “Jack is a humble and selfless dedicated leader of Texas hang and para pilots. He was instrumental in keeping the Houston club active for many years. A lot of new pilots joined and old members stayed because of Jack’s very positive character,” commented another nominator. Even though Jack is no longer active in the flying community, the Awards committee agrees that his many years of service to the free flyers in Texas are significant, and presents Jack Yount Walker with a 2014 Commendation award.

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Recognition of Special Contribution Jim & Erma Bogle For over 30 years, Jim and Erma Bogle have generously allowed hang gliding and paragliding pilots to land at their farm at the foot of Big Walker Mountain in Virginia. Then, 10 years ago, when the existing Big Walker launch site was closed by the adjacent property owner, Jim and Erma offered their mountain-top property as a replacement launch site, and obtained permission from the Forest Service to create a public road that would provide access to the launch site. “They have been exceptionally friendly individuals who have been extremely supportive of our passion. Through their efforts, Big Walker Mountain has become a premier flying site in southwest Virginia,

and probably one of the nicest places to fly on the East Coast,” enthuses one nominator. Erma has now passed on, and Jim’s health is failing; the many pilots who nominated the Bogles feel that it’s time to recognize both Jim and Erma for all that they have collectively done to enhance the sports of hang gliding and paragliding in Virginia. “Jim has given his heart and soul to free flight, as well as his time, money, and most of all, his support to help further this sport. Please recognize these two fine people for ALL of their support and dedication to our flying community,” urges one nominator. In gratitude and appreciation for all they’ve done to keep Big Walker a viable flying site in Virginia, USHPA presents Jim and Erma Bogle with the 2014 Recognition of Special Contribution award.

Will & Diane Dandy Every flying site needs a safe landing zone, and every pilot dreams of ending each flight at a groomed field with cold refreshments close at hand. Willy and Diane have been providing those amenities for Tater Hill pilots for many years. As one nominator puts it, “Without Diane and Willy’s support, flying at Tater would be a lot more difficult.” USHPA presents the Dandys with a Recognition of Special Contribution for making Tater Hill pilots’ returns to earth an exceptionally pleasant experience.

Aaron Rose After a close call between a paraglider and a commercial air cargo jet at a popular site in Washington State, Aaron Rose from the Seattle FAA TRACON (Traffic Radar Control) came out to the local flying site to gather information. Over the ensuing months he

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implemented the inclusion of a highlighted box on the TRACON radar screen delineating the area in which hang and paragliders were active. He arranged to have the radar box active when TRACON received a call from a senior pilot reporting that gliders were probably going to be flying near the airspace ceiling. In addition, Aaron arranged and conducted a tour of the TRACON facility and the nearby airport tower for the Seattle-area flying clubs. USHPA honors Aaron Rose’s contributions to pilot safety at a busy site with a 2014 Recognition of Special Contribution.

Rick Wilson Rick and his family have been letting pilots use their land as the primary LZ for Tater Hill, in North Carolina, for the past 10 years. In addition, Rick has been extremely supportive of the annual Tater Hill Open, including basing meet headquarters on his property. Rick’s generous welcoming of

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pilots onto his land has helped establish Tater Hill as a premier flying and competition site. Landowners like Rick are a major factor in keeping hang gliding and paragliding viable throughout this country, and in appreciation, USHPA presents Rick Wilson with a 2014 Recognition of Special Contribution.

NAA Safety Award Dave Wheeler Dave “Wheely” Wheeler is the mastermind behind, and the host of, the XCFind.com website, which displays tracklogs from GPS locators (SPOT and InReach) utilizing satellite communications with almost global coverage, thus ensuring that the pilot’s location will be seen in the most remote of areas. Many recreational pilots, as well as competitors, use the site to coordinate and facilitate retrieval of a pilot after he or she has landed. But, more to the point of this award, the

site can be used to keep track of pilots who have either landed in a location where they need assistance, or who have crashed and need rescue. In addition, Dave’s XCFind program has been used to organize searchers so that the area to be searched is covered as efficiently as possible. Thankfully, this is a worst-case scenario, but it has already been utilized at least once at a major competition. While the SPOT and InReach themselves are valuable additions to pilots flying in areas where “landing out” may be problematic, the organization of the XCFind site makes it valuable to competition organizers, allowing them to see all competitors’ tracks on one map rather than having to access separate SPOT or InReach pages for each pilot. For writing the XCFind program and making it available to pilots and meet organizers worldwide, USHPA nominates Dave Wheeler for the 2014 NAA Safety Award.

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Jody MacDonald

Photographer of the Year Jody MacDonald is arguably one of the best adventure photographers in the world. Although her subjects cover the gamut of adventure sports, she has focused on paragliding at times and her photos are world-class eye candy. Through her published imagery she has placed paragliding in front of countless people, and she continues to support USHPA by submitting her photos to this magazine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are fortunate to have such a talented photographer working with free flight. Jody has taken some of the best paragliding photos ever captured, and clearly epitomizes the talent this award was created to honor,â&#x20AC;? says our editor, Nick Greece. USHPA is proud to present this skilled photographer with the 2014 Bettina Gray award.

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Jody lived at sea for years and when she wasn't surfing she was flying paragliders, and taking pictures in places which have never been shot before in the free flight community.

Matt Beechinor at Mt Mulange, Malawi.

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Gavin McClurg in the Azores, Portugal. HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Namibia.

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Morocco.

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Jody has an amazing ability to capture landscapes in perfect light, highlighting what it feels like to fly in these locations. Gavin McClurg flying in Morocco.

St. George, Utah.

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Provo, Utah.

Jody joined the Sierra Safari crew and photographed the whole journey, also forming the backbone of the logistical team that supported the trip from Walts Point, CA, to the border of Oregon.

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Voo Livre

BRAZIL

JOH N W. R OBI N SO N

A “Whirlwind Psycho Flying Tour” of a Little Part of a Big Country

oring under the same cloud, high above the insanely beautiful landscape of Baixu Guandu, Jim and I come to the same realization: It’s overdeveloping quickly. Steve Barton, our guide and displaced Englishman, is above us, flirting with the wispies. His concerned voice cracks across the radio waves, “It’s too bloody much, boys; better find a place to put down.” My fellow American friend and I land safely on a scrubby knoll 12 kilometers down the valley. We’ve lost sight of Steve, but he reports via radio that he’s headed out over the flats to land. Gazing upward, I tell James, “I don’t know about you, but I’m glad to be on the ground.” Packed up and hiking cross-country, we try to re-establish radio contact with Thomas, Steve’s German ex-pat sidekick, who’s in the truck on retrieve. We look for it by locating landmarks among the extensive banana and coffee fincas. However, Thomas’s truck has broken down on one of the myriad dirt tracks, a faulty alternator to blame, so Jim and I hike our way to it. We find Thomas there, sweating under the hood of the Bandalero. Meanwhile, Steve has landed safely, and with the truck jump-started and the team reunited in a distant landing field, he reports (in that English accent we Yanks love), “That’s the first time I’ve ever used the B-line stall in earnest!” Crammed back into the truck, we’re off to our next destination, confident that, if nothing else, we will find laughs, further mechanical shenanigans, and “navigational challenges” ahead. We are in the middle of a whirlwind paragliding tour of an area of Brazil encompassing the states of Minas Gerais and Espirito Santos. We’ve been busy. “I think you’re going to need a bit of a holiday after this

trip,” stated the email from our friend Steve, who was based in Governador Valadares during the planning phase of the trip. Without the luxury of a multi-week holiday, my flying buddy Jim and I decided to do what we could in 10 days. Having never been to Brazil and being restless at heart, we want to see as much and fly as many sites as possible during our brief visit. Sure, one could spend weeks just flying G.V. But we have other ideas; we want to fly eight or nine sites in as many days. Through cyberspace, I can sense Steve shaking his head and wondering about the wisdom of this plan, but by the time we arrived in Brazil, he and Thomas are eager to take off on our “Whirlwind Psycho Flying Tour of Brazil.” Yeah, this is gonna be fun. A few hours after arriving in Valadares after our allnight, bone-shaking bus ride from Rio de Janeiro, we’re soaring above the stunning peak of Ibituruna and the valley. The Rio Doce, the color of cafe au lait, snakes below us, flowing east. We’re hooting in celebration and getting acquainted with the famous thermal markers and high-flying locals, the urubus. Later, when we land in the “Field of Peace” (you’ve gotta love that name) LZ, we continue to be impressed by the warmth and welcoming spirit of the Brazilians, pilots and non-pilots alike. Well into the evening, I’m having a hard time keeping my eyes open at the Iguana Pub, but somehow Jim talks me into playing my harmonica with him on the little stage.We all agree the trip is seriously off to a good start. Two days later, we’re at the Pancas takeoff. Valadares is but a happy memory, including flying the southbound XC route, the thought of which still makes me smile. It’s Sunday afternoon and a dozen or so local pilots are preparing to launch. We learn this is an impromptu voo livre—

LEFT James, after landing in the Castelo valley, waterfalls and all.

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Portuguese for free-flight party—and the Brazilian pilots treat us visiting Americans like long-lost brothers. The scene is breathtaking. Colorful gliders launch one after another, against a backdrop of 1000-meter-high black volcanic plugs and blue sky. The boys and I return to this stunning viewpoint at sunset to watch the shadows fall and ponder the meaning of life. We heartily agree that traveling to beautiful places for free flight is an excellent path for such a quest. Upon entering the quaint town of Santa Teresa, I’m

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feeling as if I’ve been here before, returning to a place that is both comfortable and familiar. This Espirito Santos town was settled by Swiss, German, and Italian immigrants over 130 years ago and reminders of its European origins are revealed everywhere by its architecture and language. Santa Teresa was once home to Swiss immigrant Augusto Ruschi, who devoted his life to the study of hummingbirds; we visit the museum showcasing his work. Above and beyond the cobblestone streets of town is the meticulously kept launch,

LEFT On the road, among the amazing volcanic monoliths that dwarf the landscape in the state of Espirito Santos. BELOW The author, at Castelo.

where we arrive mid-afternoon. As with so many Brazilian sites, we find there a comfortable, shaded gazebo under which to rest and chill out, a restroom, and, on weekends, a snack bar. The grassy launch is smooth and clean—a little different from some of the launches to which I’m accustomed back home. Anyway, conditions seem perfect as we lay out our gliders and prepare to launch, and, sure enough, our faces soon light up with huge grins as we thermal with tight turns to cloudbase. The flying is simply sublime, soar-

ing over the multi-hued landscape in easy thermals. Steve and some of the others take a lengthy out-and-return XC to the east, while I take a relaxed local circuit before evening comes, and we land with the last gleam of the sun. The nights are filled with feasting, beer, and getting to know each other and the happy Brazilians. I write in my journal, trying hard to capture events and impressions while I can still remember them. When we can’t keep our eyes open any longer, we sleep the sleep of the almost dead, accompanied by colorful and bizarre dreams. Jim and I start each day with an early morning wake-up stroll around whatever town we happen to be in. Breakfast is ever so good, always including several exotic (to me) choices of fruit juices or sucos and sweet breads. At one of our pousadas, our hosts play vintage American music on vinyl records that launch us into silliness. We are hopelessly amused by hearing such oddities as “Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head” and “Love is Blue.” We’re on the road again, heading to Alphonso Claudio. It’s another memorable site, and, as we climb the hill to the takeoff, we’re greeted by construction workers busily completing work on facilities that include restrooms, a snack bar, and a large covered veranda. Not bad, I think, not bad at all. This is yet another reminder of the support from local and regional governments, as well as the general public, that

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the free-flight community receives in this beautiful country. It seems as if everyone here loves voo livre! The workers take a break to watch us prepare to fly and cheer as we take off and climb out. It’s another morning at cloudbase on our psycho tour. Conditions in the skies over Alphonso Claudio continue to build, until we deem it prudent to land. Steve lands first, and his ant-like form 1000 meters below informs us via radio of turbulence in the LZ. Thankfully, there’s plenty of room and, despite being bumped a time or two close to the ground, we all land safely, if not gracefully. On this whirlwind tour we eat exceedingly well, although sometimes quickly, on the way to our next “event.” The local food is varied, delicious and beautifully presented by our Brazilian friends. The Brazilians are artists when it comes to preparing and grilling meat, and we sample many types, all of which are freshly butchered, seasoned and cooked to perfection. Eating a luncheon feast sometimes gets in the way of flying, but with concerted effort, we tear ourselves away from the table and get back on the road. And back in the air. “Let’s go!” is our mantra. It’s another day and we drive

to Castelo, truly a world-class free-flight mecca. This day, however, instead of soaring at the stunning site, we engage in other adventures, including more navigational challenges and truck breakdowns. The Bandelero continues to require some nursing along, which is what happens without a functional battery-charging system. Various shenanigans are employed to charge the battery as we go, enlisting the knowhow of generous locals and their tools and batteries. Finally, we encounter a resident mechanical genius who diagnoses and remedies the problem in short order, for cheap. “It was the diode!” Thomas gleefully announces in his delightful German-English. He pronounces diode with three syllables, like coyote, and we Americans think it’s hilarious. The words become one of our battle cries for the rest of the trip. “It was the diode!” When we finally arrive in Castelo, we find it magical. As we drive into the valley, we are treated to a dramatic view of black clouds in the northeast overlaid with golden rays of the setting sun, and double rainbows in between. We stop and stroll around in silence, mesmerized—as we unsuccessfully try to capture the majesty of the scene on the pixels of our cameras.

ABOVE The beauty of Baixo Guandu; climbing out from the main takeoff. OPPOSITE TOP On the road to Santa Teresa. BOTTOM Jim and friends at Governador Valadares.

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We get to fly Castelo and delight in smooth launches and buoyant air. We fly over waterfalls and near striking monoliths. We share the sky with new friends from Europe, and, in the “single tree” landing zone, we smile and celebrate with hushed voices, reluctant to disturb with irreverent banter the halcyon feel of the quiet valley. As one can imagine, our short psycho expedition flies by—pun intended. One day finds us at the impressive takeoff of Mirante, near Vargem Alta. The launch is engulfed in cloud, allowing only an occasional glimpse of the valley far below. Flying here will have to wait for next time. Before we depart for the next destination, Alfredo Chavez, we sit in the mist for a while, continuing our discussions of flying and life, of adventures past and yet to come. The pousada at Alfredo Chavez is unusual. Not only does the tall, narrow building look like something out of a deranged Disneyland, but the front lawn also is decorated —“littered,” some might say—with life-sized Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs figurines. It’s surreal. That night I dream of driving an old green Cadillac convertible down overgrown drainage ditches, dwarfs in the back seat. But Alfredo Chavez captivates us with its spectacular rampa (Portuguese for takeoff) complete with an amazing lookout and chillin’ deck. This Espirito Santos site is a beautiful place to fly, and we look forward to returning to try the classic XC route that eludes us on this go-round. They tell us the 30km flight to Iriri on the Atlantic coast is a classic.

The Whirlwind Psycho Flying Tour abruptly winds down. Heading back to Rio de Janeiro on an overnight minibus, we have room only to partially recline on bench seats in jostled comfort, while being serenaded by modern Brazilian music blaring from multiple speakers. As our two young drivers deposit us at Rio’s Galeao International Airport, we attempt to get the name of the last artist to whom we’ve been listening whose music we like. With no shared language, however, it’s a challenge. Finally, one of the drivers pulls the CD from the player and, with a broad grin, shoves it into my hand. Quick bear hugs and they depart. Rio recedes beneath the Tam Boeing 757 as we head north. Jim pokes me in the ribs and asks, “Where is the next Whirlwind Psycho Flying Tour going to be?”

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Sight: Love at First of Robb & Joe The Ballad

Fort Funston Then: It was surprising to me that I was not frightened. I was at Fort Funston on the beach in San Francisco. It was spring of 1971, and we were surfers, my older brother Sam and I. Sam was just 15, and I was 12. Sam had cadged us a ride to the beach with a couple of seniors from his high school. I stood on the dunes, facing the sea, taking the weather in the teeth. The surf was inhuman:

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M att G EO R G E

huge, deadly looking, arctic cold and laced with malice, hissing like a monster in pain. A northwest wind was screaming in, blowing the whole world to smithereens. From shore to horizon, the sea looked like a flock of giant, stampeding sheep. We held our jackets up and leaned into the wind. I got mine up to about 45 degrees. I saw them first. A group of hippies wrestling what looked like a plastic-wrapped, wooden Christmas tree,

I stood up and said I’d take a shot at it. Everyone loved this idea. Everyone but my older brother. He stood up next to me and waved me off. up from the spot where they parked on the Pacific Coast Highway. Sam and I watched as they fought their way to the top of the dune and unfolded the object like an origami butterfly. The contraption was made of clean, split bamboo and clear plastic sheeting, and soon it became evident they were going to attempt to fly it into the wind. Manned by one of them. Sam and I approached quietly and sat in the sand to watch. Being daredevils ourselves, we thought the machine and the mission made perfect sense. And God knows there was enough wind. The group, a mixed bunch with one very pretty girl in a Janis Joplin jacket, finally got their machine together. They surrounded it, braced it and levered it into the wind. I was holding my breath. The biggest one of them crawled under it, grabbed the bamboo bars and stood up, lifting the craft free of the sand. Someone, somewhere, blew a whistle and the big guy took off, running directly into the wind toward a 12-foot drop over an old bunker left over from World War II. So this big hippie tears off for all he’s got, while the pretty girl shrieks encouragement. He bounds along, leaps off the lip of the bunker, and for one second, I thought that contraption might work. He was suspended, airborne, hanging vertically with the bamboo bars under each arm, his shoulders up around his ears, and his eyes like a horse in a barn fire. Then came the shuddering stall, followed by the nosedive into the sand. POW!! Pathetic, really. All that work. I could tell he really wanted to impress the girl. She was the first one he looked at when he got out from under the contraption. The group hauled it back up the dune and he took another whack at it, but after five of these attempts, the

guy was pretty beat up. A nosebleed, torn pants, and broken glasses. That’s when he announced the girl was going to have to do it. You might as well have asked her to go catch a snake. So, like I said, I was surprised I wasn’t frightened. And I was the smallest human on the beach at the moment. So I stood up and said I’d take a shot at it. Everyone loved this idea. Everyone but my older brother. He stood up next to me and waved me off. The hippie with the nosebleed came over and asked us our weight. I didn’t know. But my brother was a springboard diver so knew what he weighed, and even though he had five inches on me, he hadn’t filled out yet. So Sam said he would take my place. He always was protective of me. Still is. The guys sized him up, and I think the pretty girl kissed Sam on the cheek right before he tested fate. Readied, they all ran like hell for the ledge, and Sam shoved off. It was a miracle to me. Watching my brother fly. The whole craft, with him hanging below it, suspended. After about seven seconds aloft, he crash-landed, unharmed, down in the flats. The second flight was nine seconds. That really turned the trumpets on. But the third flight was just too much for the bamboo and plastic sheeting; the main braces gave out and Sam fell out of the sky. The aircraft crumpled. My brother was banged up, but happily accepting handshakes all around. Sam got his second hug and a kiss from the pretty girl. She had tears in her eyes, but that might have been the weed I could tell she’d been smoking. That’s when we found out the hippies were a group of post-graduate engineers from the University of California

LEFT Matt George and Joe Greblo, first flight, Kagel Mountain.

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at Berkeley, who were spending grant money to develop a manned Rogallo wing for some big engineering design competition. By Christmas of 1972, people would be jumping off Half Dome in Yosemite Valley with the hippies’ design, and my sister’s boyfriend, who was competing in the Hang Gliding World Championships, would be hanging dead in his rigging in the upper branches of a redwood tree.

Kagel Mountain Now: Flight has always remained a constant in my life. My father had been a Navy man. Pilot. Spent World War II in the cockpit of a Grumman F6F Hellcat. Bought a couple of airplanes after the big show was all over, a North American AT-6 SNJ Texan and then a Starduster bi-plane beefed up for aerobatics. We had some adventures in those goddamned things, let me tell you. Some I’d like to forget. Running out of fuel over the San Francisco Bay in the Texan and a pitch-pole landing in the Starduster, after my Dad bent the wings doing Immelmanns with me sitting in the front seat. Mind you, I never learned to fly. It just wasn’t me. But I’d go up with the old man, sure. Support his passion. His fourth wife hated me for it. It went on, this flight thing and me. My abortive attempt at flight school. I quit after I ran out of money, having learned how to take off in a Cessna 152, but never how to land it. Then came the rides all over hell in the Bush planes, looking for surf. Mexico, Africa, Java. I got shot off the catapult of the USS RANGER in a turbo prop SEAL delivery aircraft. Zero to eight in an instant. G’s, that is. I thought my teeth were going to fly out of my mouth. That’ll age you. Then there were the Helicopter Ops for the UN during the Pakistan earthquake of 2006. No pilot me, just running the show and delivering high-altitude supplies in Kashmir out of Abottabad. They found Osama Bin Laden hiding out there later, and we all know how that went. And I guess the skydiving would count. But nothing prepared me for Kagel. Or the men who took me there. Kagel Mountain stands as a rampart over the inland empire of the Los Angeles area. From the ocean side of the valley, it looks like a footprint crushed into the edge of a caramel cake. Private pilots who are trying to find a place to land navigate by it. My friend Robb Derringer lives near there. He is, among other things, including a successful Hollywood actor, a pilot. I met him in Hawaii when he was acting on a television show I wrote for NBC. At first glance, I could tell by the way he walked that he was a pilot. That swagger. It was one of the reasons we hired him to star in the show in the first place.

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As a producer, I wasn’t supposed to fraternize with the help, but I was drawn to him by the fact that his acting came second to his flying adventures. After enduring a difficult childhood, Robb found freedom in the sky. He tried the Air Force and found it to be like jail. So he cashed out and returned to recreational flying, always keeping his license current in rented 172’s. Robb took my Aussie girlfriend and me up a few times. I would hang on for dear life and try not to vomit. We became fast friends. Back recently from some Indonesian travels, I caught up with Robb. I was writing for Hollywood again, and Robb had just landed a big role on General Hospital. Robb had started hang gliding the year before and had never been happier with his flying life. He told me he particularly liked flying with red-tailed hawks at his wingtips. It was that freedom he was looking for. When I stay at his house while visiting Los Angeles, I read all of his hang gliding magazines and feed his pet, a big, black rescue raven with a shattered wing. One morning, Robb sprung it on me that I was to take a tandem hang gliding flight with the legendary pilot Joe Greblo. A privilege, I was told. Up at a place called Kagel Mountain. Still being a bit of a daredevil, I said yes. And an hour later, I found myself sitting on Joe Greblo’s lawn right next to the Sylmar LZ, being given a briefing on what was about to happen to me. I listened to Joe like a child at the feet of Buddha. Joe was comfortable in his element. Competent. A master. With a bubbling enthusiasm barely held back by pilot protocol. Safety first. Play things down. Stay frosty. I’ve always had the feeling that underneath it all, pilots would rather just jump up and dance around and sing about how much they love flying. But they can’t. It’s against protocol. Up at the launch site I looked out over a big piece of California. It was both beautiful and hard to believe. After all, I was about to jump off a mountain, belly first. Robb was there, quietly helping Joe Greblo get me strapped in, triplechecking everything, keeping me calm. Robb was going to launch right after us and join us up there. In the last few seconds, I listened to Joe, who was my whole world at this point, and did exactly what he said. And this time my brother didn’t step in for me. This time, I stepped off into eternity on my own. And I found myself soaring with Joe Greblo, above all the troubles in the whole damned world. Funny, with pilots like Robb and Joe and the ghost of my father at my side, I was—for the second time in my life— surprised that I wasn’t frightened at all.

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Thinking Outside the Blocks Part XIII: The Three-Second Rule

e all know about the three-second rule: Drop a piece of food on the floor and if you pick it up within three seconds it is still safe to eat. That’s because microbes are so busy dividing it takes them a few moments to realize there’s a whole new planet to infest that just dropped into their tiny universe. But like any rule, there are exceptions. For instance, on my mother’s sterile floors the rule was more like 12 seconds. On the other hand, on my floors it is more like…well, never mind. As thermal soaring pilots we have another three-second rule to survive by. Perhaps you have heard it for years: When entering an area of thermal lift, count three seconds before starting a turn to best remain and center in the thermal. That’s not a bad rule for early thermal pilots, but there are exceptions as we shall see.

THREE SECONDS Easing into a thermal is as satisfying as the first bite of a pizza slice; the cashing of your tax refund check; the fifth kiss on a second date. But once you pass over the threshold, it is important to hold on in order to sustain the pleasure. In a thermal you can count “Mississippi one, hippopotamus two, Lackawanna three,” to get a feel for three seconds. That amount of time has significance because when you are flying level at 25 mph (which is 36.3 feet per second), you travel 109 feet in three seconds. Now, if you enter into a 30-degree bank, the diameter of your circle at minimum flying speed (unstalled in the

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turn) will be nearly 107 feet. So you need all of three seconds of lift in a line to have your circle remain within that lifting area. In fact, if you slow down when you hit the lift, or you make flatter circles than with a 30-degree bank, you need even more than three seconds. For most thermals, for pilots with intermediate skills, a four-second count may be wiser. Of course, there is a lag time between when you figure your seconds are up, you initiate a turn and the glider rolls into the bank, so if the lift is still present, you should be good to go. Let’s stop counting for a moment and note that once you have been thermaling for a while the whole timing process should be automatic. In other words, you are no longer counting, but sensing the extent of the lift in your right brain or wherever those feelings run around, and without thinking you begin your 360° turn at the right time. This process is a bit slower, but similar to the response of a batter at home plate, a tennis ace receiving a serve or some bubba opening a pop-top Bud. If you stop to think about these actions, there’s either too much delay or too much attention taken away from the important action. Working towards getting most of your choices to proceed with little thought is the state of controlled bliss top pilots strive for. Make it one of your goals to almost always fly “in the zone; in the groove.” That being said, even when you are feeling the thermals and feeling groovy, you can’t always predict the nature of

by Dennis Pagen every scintilla of lift. Generally, the thermals on a given day follow a pattern, be that big, small, smooth, rough, punchy, weak, strong, long duration, just a passing tease or some combination of these features. Usually, we can use the pattern of the day to tell how long to wait in lift before turning. Even so, there are hundreds of times when we hit a thermal, expecting it to last, only to find our vario going BLOOoop as we quickly pass into sink. We all have had the thought flit through our mind: “Here’s a good one,” only to be floundering in sink as soon as we initiate a turn. It can’t be helped, as far as I know, but if there’s some hoodoo out there predicting such events with accuracy, I’ll sell my soul. The point is, even when we are zoned or grooved out, we are not infallible, but we will be enhancing our performance. Often you can’t tell the thermal pattern of the day before hitting and wrangling with a few thermals. If conditions are weak and you need to work hard to get up, it is wise to observe a few pilots, if possible, to see how big the thermals are. At any rate, weak, broken or small thermals require a different approach than the big, fat thermals we love and cherish. In fact, the main message of this article is that a threeor four-second delay in turn initiation is way too long on the tough days. In these tough situations, more like a onesecond response is required.

THE ONE-SECOND RULE Let’s launch into a weak day with spotty

thermals. Follow me here: As soon as I hit lift I initiate a turn (if this lift occurs right after launch, see last month’s article for safe procedures to thermaling close to the hill). As the glider responds I slow to minimum speed for the bank I set and carry it around as long as the lift is lasting. I tend to push with my upper (outward) arm to help yaw the glider around. If I pass out of the lift, I usually keep the turn steady until I enter the lift again, then I bank even steeper to try to stay within the thermal limits. Sometimes I am in and out of the lift if the thermal is so small that I can’t circle within it at even a steep bank angle. By steep I mean at least 45 degrees. Sometimes even steeper is necessary, at least temporarily, especially if hard, tight shots of lift come zinging up. Even once I have found the lifting area and am struggling to max it out, I will apply the one-second rule every time I hit a more solid area. Often it is this quick-timing reaction to a thermal that makes the difference in who stays up or who goes down in the weak stuff.

On windy days be ready to crank into a bank as soon as you hit the thermal, for it may be torn apart by the wind. Even when the thermal is cohesive, it is often necessary to grab it fast before it pulls out of port—sailing downwind. If you wait too long your glider’s lag time will have you whiffing just the thermal fumes as it leaves you in the lurch. The whole point in elusive thermals is to establish your position in the lifting area at once. After a turn or two you can adjust the bank angle and your positioning to stay in the best lift. But if you lose it in the first place, no amount of efficient flying will save the day, or at least the chance to climb. We wish to make it clear that it is good to have some easy rules and guidelines when learning new skills like thermal flying. But all these rules have exceptions, and once you have developed a “feel” for thermals, feel free to explore variations. There will be four-second thermals, three-second thermals, and on rare occasions big blue whale thermals that allow you

to fly for 10 seconds in a straight line before turning. But be sure to apply the one-second rule on many scratchy days, including weak, broken, high pressure, spotty thermal days. THE 15-SECOND RULE Our next consideration also has to do with time as well: the time to complete a 360 in a thermal. The thermal doesn’t care much how long you take to bore around its border, but your log book does because the amount of time your circles take are a direct indicator of your circle diameter. Size matters. Clearly, if the thermal has a 100-foot diameter, a 120-foot circle will be wallowing in and out of the lift or be burbling in the turbulent detritus around the thermal. Here’s a few numbers to look at: Assuming your glider stalls at 20 mph when flying level, a 16.5-degree bank will result in a circle that takes about 20 seconds to complete. With this bank angle, your circle will be about 188 feet in diameter. That’s about 2/3 of a football field. Certainly there are thermals

with cross sections that large, but some are smaller, and more importantly, the real meat of most thermals is more to the inside. As I reported before, I have timed the thermal 360s of many of the top pilots during world meets and find their circles to take place in a span of 12 to 15 seconds. This circle time relates to a bank between 20 and 30 degrees. But occasionally I see steeper banks being deployed for snatching small cores, especially in the initial getup soon after launch. (Note: These numbers come from standard aerodynamic analysis. The derivation of the formulas and how to calculate circle times and dimensions are given in the appendix of my book, Performance Flying, starting on page 333. While these calculations are not necessary for excellent flying, they do provide a lot of insight into how our wings work and how to maximize performance). I have been teaching a cross-country course in Europe nearly every year

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since 2001. One of the main things we work on is thermal skills, because you can’t go anywhere if you can’t stay up. In fact, the better able a pilot is to work the errant thermals in a variety of conditions, the better cross-country pilot he or she will be. But you don’t have to be cross-country bound to use better thermal skills. Most orographic orbiting pilots want to get high and stay high—above the pack, preferably. To best accomplish that goal, a pilot must thermal efficiently. You’re not going to do it with less than a 20-degree bank. In fact, there are many thermals that require a steeper bank angle because their core is concentrated inward. A thermal tends to erode as it expands upward, so eventually only smallerdiameter circles keep the pilots in the best lift. I have my students count the seconds that it takes to perform one 360 in a thermal. This is one of the best things anyone can do to improve thermal

performance. Try it. The challenge I give them is to work towards 15-second circles. Once they can do such circles smoothly and repeatedly the goal is to work on moving them as the thermal moves. Several things happen. First, the pilot is able to stay in the thermal easier if it moves around or bubbles with stronger bits of core coming up. Secondly, the pilot can more easily stay with the thermal if it passes through an inversion. Third, the pilot can make adjustments in the thermal easier because the slightly higher airspeed and G loading make the glider respond more readily. Fourth, the pilot is less fatigued, because he or she can use pitch inputs to control roll. This latter point is more effective the steeper you are banked. It is very tiring using flat turns and having to constantly make adjustments. With more bank angle, a bit of pitch-out will make the turn steeper to bring you around in a bit of tight core or to avoid

a rough edge. So make 15 seconds your starting goal and see what happens. I have been with students in a thermal who were floundering and when I radioed them to tighten up they suddenly were climbing faster and more smoothly. More than once a student has marveled at the difference and was bubbling with newfound enthusiasm after they landed. On the other hand, I have had students remark that it seems like things go by fast—they almost feel like they are spinning when they turn tighter. Well, they certainly weren’t spinning— it is harder to spin a glider the steeper it is banked—and you won’t either. But some time ago I realized that some pilots need to train their brain to adapt to, then embrace, the slightly higher Gs and the faster rotational speeds of tighter thermal circles. The best way to learn to circle more tightly is to simply practice. Start with just a couple tighter circles with

plenty of ground clearance, outside of thermals. An evening smooth glass-off is ideal for this practice. Start your practice by doing two 360s just a bit tighter than you are used to. Count the seconds it takes to make one turn. Get your circles down to 20 seconds, then 15 seconds. All the while, strive for smooth roll-ins and roll-outs as well as steady minimum-speed turns while circling. Work up to more continuous circles by adding one more at a time. Eventually you should be able to do as many consecutive circles as you have altitude for with no worries. Once you get this practice down, try what you have trained for in thermals. Keep things smooth and feel your way through the thermal at all times. The next step is to make even tighter circles so you can use them on the small-core days. Try to get your circles down to 12 seconds. We use that circle size a lot out in the real world. The final technique to master is performing

about a 15-second circle, then tightening it up to a 12-second circle, then back out to a 15-second circle after one or two 360s. This practice helps you learn to hook a small shot of lift coming through the general lift, and also helps you learn to follow a drifting thermal by tightening the circle (steepening the bank) on the weaker side of the thermal.

ll this talk about time makes me realize it’s time to go flying. I hope to put this temporal technique to good use. Flying is not “painting by numbers,” but when we start out it helps to have some guidelines. Use the numbers we discussed here to get your performance in the ballpark, but as soon as possible try to feel your way through thermals to excellence. But every once in a while it is smart to do a little check on your numbers. I do it each time I drop something edible on the floor.

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20-Minute

Symphony by

he day dawned rainy and blowy with a wind over the back at the Lookout Mountain launch. This time, regrettably, the forecast was exactly right. Imagine! Only later that afternoon did we see some clearing and signs of a shifting wind towards the “proper” direction. Watching the trend provided just enough catnip that a small number of us loaded gliders and went up the mountain for a closer look. Despite a low, grey ceiling with dark clouds still roiling, evidence of a frontal passage was obvious as the sun creased the overcast revealing a few blue slivers of hope. So, in a flurry of optimism, we off-loaded our gliders and set up. With a consistent, laminar, incoming wind and clearing clouds

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Denn y Pisto l l

conditions were becoming ideal. Ridge soarable? As the inscrutable philosopher might language it: a definite possibility. Last in the group to go, a smooth breeze caressed my face as I strode to the ramp. As we all did this day, I had a wire-crew assist, which is a huge help in keeping the wing stable prior to launch in any significant wind. As the cliff edge is not a place to lose balance with a misstep in an errant gust, this is a more than reasonable precaution. As is custom, I thanked my crew in advance for their invaluable help which was to occur presently. Off launch I immediately ascended into the invisible wave of air that rolls up and over the mountain crest creating what, in the world of mountain flying, we call the lift band. I went

up and above the ridge but not very much... just a little. I was above the treetops but by my calculus not quite high enough to actually turn in and get onto the ridge proper. Others had... Oh, to be with them!!! The rub was that the lift band was weak and very narrow. The breadth of this band varies with both air density and velocity and knowing its limits is a fine collaboration of art and science and maybe a dollop of luck. Nevertheless, I had it for a short while, gleaning what I could, flying kind of a figure eighttype pattern out in front and near but not over the summit. So many times the duration of a flight pivots on that one critical turn that puts you on and above and thereby solidly in the lift band or, conversely, out into the

LEFT Denny on Launch with a wire crew at Lookout Mountain Flight Park | photo by Nydia Pistoll.

valley, flushed and descending for the landing zone. A “sledder.” This is a somewhat unwarranted and derisive term that describes a flight that garners no lift and just glides straight from launch to the landing zone. The weighty consideration here is that lurking right adjacent to lift is sink—that deceitful Lorelei, a temptress always promising but never delivering. It is an immutable law of nature that what goes up eventually comes down. Sink shows no mercy, no advance warning, and can change fortunes on a dime. So when committing to a turn into the mountain you must know with unwavering certainty that if you encounter sink you’ll have adequate clearance to safely escape terrain. On this point one needs to be coyote cautious and laser focused. In flying there is a sense of total immersion and immediacy where one lives in the now and does not think about yesterday or tomorrow. After a dozen or so passes I gradually I lost what small purchase I had on the lift band and had to turn out into the valley where the terrain clearance opened from 100’ to a breathe-easier 1300’. The valley air this day was surprisingly buoyant, not any sustainable thermals but delightfully smooth with nary a ripple. I glided out bathed in silent tranquility soaking in the panorama. Before me were forests on the cusp of autumn blanketing mountains gradually absorbing into the far horizon in fading shades of mauve. Below the ridges were lush valleys, many still swaddled in lingering tendrils of

fog from the passing front. It was a glimpse of our world from a most unique vantage, and what an awesome sight it was! Over the LZ I circled for a few minutes, losing altitude, eventually reaching the point of setting up my approach. There was a light ground breeze which is golden; landing with any kind of head wind—even a trickle—allows for a slower ground speed thereby making landing much easier... particularly helpful when your legs serve as the landing gear. Landing comfortably close to my target cone in a butter-smooth LZ, I was joined shortly thereafter by the rest of the gaggle as the lift turned off on the ridge and even the big dawgs were getting flushed. Within the next few minutes six other gliders were back on the ground. It is in the breakdown area packing up our gliders where we always enjoy the shared camaraderie of all who plied the sky that day and compare what we flew, felt and observed. The afterglow is gratifying in the unique way one feels acquiring the finish line in a foot race. It’s a cocktail of planning, anticipation, exhilaration, and accomplishment; a feeling that far transcends any recorded logbook metric. In this case, my flight was a scant 20 minutes... a piffle, a sledder, hardly worth even a footnote anywhere much less a piece in an aviation publication. Short though it was, it was a wonderfully fulfilling and powerful experience. My flight was a departure from planet Earth and a defiance of gravity in

lock step with mankind’s long-standing quest to challenge our grounddwelling fate. It was not an ethereal experience, far from it, but one of real substance chocked with the essence of what we call the majesty of free flight. It was a symphony played on nature’s stage in accordance with her own stern and uncompromising rules. A symphony that begs a reprise and one that holds the potential that next time you may go further, get higher and stay longer. But mostly, it was a symphony whose harmony sweetens our lives, lifts our spirits and, in turn, keeps us coming back for more.

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can be submitted online at http://www.ushpa.aero/email _ events.asp. A minimum 3-month lead time is required on all submissions and tentative events will not be published. For more details on submissions, as well as complete information on the events listed, see our Calendar of Events at www.ushpa.aero CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES - The rate for classified advertising is $10.00 for 25 words and $1.00 per word after 25. MINIMUM AD CHARGE $10.00. AD DEADLINES: All ad copy, instructions, changes, additions & cancellations must be received in writing 2 months preceding the cover date, i.e. September 15th is the deadline for the November issue. All classifieds are prepaid. If paying by check, please include the following with your payment: name, address, phone, category, how many months you want the ad to run and the classified ad. Please make checks payable to USHPA, P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330. If paying with credit card, you may email the previous information and classified to info@ushpa.aero. For security reasons, please call your Visa/MC or Amex info to the office. No refunds will be given on ads cancelled that are scheduled to run multiple months. (719) 632-8300. Fax (719) 632-6417 HANG GLIDING ADVISORY: Used hang gliders should always be disassembled before flying for the first time and inspected carefully for fatigued, bent or dented downtubes, ruined bushings, bent bolts (especially the heart bolt), reused Nyloc nuts, loose thimbles, frayed or rusted cables, tangs with non-circular holes, and on flex wings, sails badly torn or torn loose from their anchor points front and back on the keel and leading edges. PARAGLIDING ADVISORY: Used paragliders

should always be thoroughly inspected before flying for the first time. Annual inspections on paragliders should include sailcloth strength tests. Simply performing a porosity check isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sufficient. Some gliders pass porosity yet have very weak sailcloth. If in doubt, many hang gliding and paragliding businesses will be happy to give an objective opinion on the condition of equipment you bring them to inspect. BUYERS SHOULD SELECT EQUIPMENT THAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR SKILL LEVEL OR RATING. NEW PILOTS SHOULD SEEK PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION FROM A USHPA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

APRIL 5-11 > Groveland, Florida. The Green

Swamp Sport Klassic at Quest Air Hang Gliding. Come be a part of the growing Sport Class competition scene. Experience our huge LZ, full fleet of tugs and park like facilities. Come early and brush up on your XC and aero tow skills or just to have fun. This will be a race to goal format for Sport Class pilots only. Technical support for instrument related questions will be available prior to and during the competition. In addition to the excellent flying conditions this time of year, take advantage of this opportunity and go for a discovery flight in the Dragonfly, Flyboard or Hoverboard on Lake Carl or visit any of the Orlando attractions. More information: Mark Frutiger, 352-429-0213, or email info@questairhanggliding.com.

MAY 9-15 > 2015 Quest Air Open National

Championships. "National competition comes back to Florida and to Quest Air. We'll be flying in the best time of the year for big cross country triangle and out and return tasks up, down, and across the state. Quest provides full flight park services with plenty of Dragonflies on site, camping, clubhouse, kitchen, rental rooms, flyboarding, swimming, sun bathing, huge field for launching in any direction. More info: Belinda Boulter and Davis Straub, http://ozreport. com/2014QuestAirOpen.php, or belinda@davisstraub.com, or 836-206-7707.

MAY 17-23 > Flytec Race & Rally. The Flytec Race & Rally is back! We will follow the Quest Air Open, starting at Quest and flying (hopefully) north toward some of our favorite airfields in Georgia and South Carolina including Moultrie, Americus and Vidalia. Late spring in the southeast generally brings southerly winds driving us toward the north and we plan on aggressive tasks between 80-200km each day. We have arranged to have goal and tow out of dozens of beautiful small airfields as well as a whole fleet of Dragonflies following pilots on course each day and then towing them all up again the following day. If you missed out on our last Rally in 2012, now's your chance to come join the traveling flying circus once again. More info: Jamie Shelden, www.flytecraceandrally.wordpress.com, or naughtylawyer@gmail.com, or 831-261-5444. MAY 31 - JUne 6 > Ridgley, Maryland. East

Coast Hang Gliding Championship. More info: Highland Aerosports, http://www.aerosports. net/ecc.html., hanglide@aerosports.net, or 410634-2700.

JUNE 14-20 > Rat Race/Sprint Paragliding

Competitions Woodrat Mt. Ruch, OR. Thirteenth annual Rat Race/Sprint Paragliding Competition 2015. Practice day June 20th. Two parties, daily lunches, retrieve and mentoring provided. Join the experience, travel southern Oregon, bring your family and see why the Rat Race is more than the largest paragliding festival in the USA. Go here to see what southern Oregon has to offer. http://southernoregon.org Registration opens February 15, 2015 $495.00 until April 15th, 2015. More info: mphsports.com, and 541-702-2111. Sign up at MPHSports.com.

AUGUST 2-8 > Big Spring Nationals. The Big Spring Nationals is the premier hang gliding competition in the US with the best and most consistent racing conditions. Tasks average 100 miles. Many days we are able to come back to the airport and your glider can rest the night in the hangar. We usually fly every day. No other city supports a hang gliding competition like Big Spring, with use of their air conditioned terminal, hangar, free water and ice cream, golf carts, runway, welcome dinner, prize money, and much more. As a national competition it will again be a high NTSS points meet and count toward the National Championship. More info: Belinda Boulter and Davis Straub, http://ozreport. com/2015BigSpringNationals.php, belinda@davisstraub.com, and 863-206-7707. AUGUST 9-15 > 2015 US Nationals Race the Wasatch. Inspiration Point, Provo, Utah. 2015 US Nationals, Race the Wasatch - Inspiration Point, Provo Utah. Hosted by White Owl Paragliding, and Fly High. More info: Kimberly Phinney, whiteowlpg.com, info@whiteowlpg.com, or 707508-5431. AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 5 > DINOSAUR

2015 More info: Terry, and Chris Reynolds, rockymountainglider.com, terryreynolds2@gmail. com, 970-245-7315.

SEPTEMBER 13-19 > Santa Cruz Flats Race - Mark Knight Memorial Competition . The Francisco Grande Resort is once again welcoming us back for another week of great flying. If you're up for 7 out of 7 days of awesome technical flying conditions, come join us for the 9th Annual Santa Cruz Flats Race. Registration opens at noon eastern time on April 11th. More info: Jamie Shelden, www.santacruzflatsrace.blogspot.com, naughtylawyer@gmail.com, or 831-261-5444.

SEPTEMBER 20-26 > OVXCC - Owen's Valley Cross Country Classic 2015. More info: KARICASTLE.COM, Jugdeep Aggarwal, kari@karicastle.com, or 7600-920-0748

FLY-INS JUNE 20-28> King Mountain Glider Park Sa-

fari. Free Annual Idaho event. Fly the longest days of the year just east of famous Sun Valley. Paragliders, Hang Gliders, Sailplanes, and Self Launching Sailplanes are all welcome. Awesome glass off and cloud bases up to 18,000’. Fly to Montana or Yellowstone. Wave Window. Campfire, Potlucks, Star Gazing, Hiking, Mountain Biking and Fishing. Free camping at the Glider Park. Big Air and Big Country! For an outtake about King from Dave Aldrich’s awesome movie production seevimeo.com/104771241 Explore kingmountaingliderpark.com for directions and more info. Spot Locator with tracking function or equivalent required. Call John at 208- 407-7174.

clinics & tours January-MARCH> Costa Rica. Costa Rica Paragliding Tour. Come fly over the tropical forest of Costa Rica! For the 8th year. Advanced paragliding instructor and guide Nick Crane will be leading paragliding tours for pilots of all levels. We have pioneered and have unique access to many of the best sites in the country, some of the most beautiful sites anywhere. Transportation, rooms, guiding and coaching for all levels, from P-1 to P-4. We fly every single day. Prices are $1295 for one week, with discounts for couples or two-week tours. More info: nick@paracrane.com, 541-840-8587, or http://www.costaricaparagliding.com. January-March > Winter Flying Tours, Valle De Brava, Mexico. Think about your Winter flying. Are you going to join FlyMexico for some fun and airtime? Week long packages Sunday to Sunday and we can tailor things for Bronze, Gold, or Platinum levels. Big quiver of hang gliders, best fleet for transportation, most reliable drivers, and most knowledgeable guides. Come fly Mexico with FlyMexico. Contact Jeff Hunt at 800-8617198, jeff@flymexico.com or http://www.flymexico.com FeBRUARY 1-8 > Tapalpa, Mexico Fly Week

Parasoft has been guiding pilots to Mexico in January since 1990. In 2002 we discovered worldclass Tapalpa, with four other sites close by. With big launch and landing areas this is the best in Mexico! Tapalpa is a 2500’ vertical drive-up site located one hour from the Guadalajara airport. To prepare for the 2004 World Cup competition, a restaurant and bar were added. Our trips include six days of flying. We see these as both a fun flying vacation and a learning experience. To guide our clients well, we limit group size to four clients and offer tandem flights to improve flying skills. More info: granger@parasoftparagliding. com,303-494-2820, or http://parasoftparagliding.com/mexico-flying/.

February 5-20 > Medellin, Colombia. 2015 Colombia Top Pilots Paragliding Tour. Colombia Dream! We will paraglide in SEVEN wonderful sites around Medellin, Cali and Bogota including Sopetran, Jerico, Damasco, Anserma Nuevo, Roldanillo, Piedechinche and Sopó. We will stay in fincas or traditional farms. Breakfast and ground transportation included. $2,000 two weeks. For more information contact Sofia Puerta Webber at sepuerta@yahoo.com.

6030

FEB 6 > Anserma and Roldanillo, Colombia. Es-

cape the winter and join us in sunny warm Colombia. Light winds and good thermals allows excellent conditions for students to learn and improve their thermal and XC skills. Great from the beginner to the advanced pilot. We fly multiple sites around Valle del Cauca including world-class Roldanillo and Anserma Nuevo. Fly with Terry Bono, advanced instructor and guide with over 12 years of experience. Our focus is your thermal and XC skills using visual and radio contact, air-toair guidance, and analyzing your flights in a 3-D flight program. Options to come for one week, 10 days and two weeks. maria@pennsylvaniaparagliding.net, 610-392-0050. http://www.pennsylvaniaparagliding.com/Pennsylvania _ Paragliding/Colombia _ Tour.html

FEBRUARY 6-12> Philippines. Come fly Saranagni, the Philippines best flying site! Open to experienced pilots looking to get their USHPA P-2 rating or P-2 & P-3 pilots looking to upgrade to P-3 or P-4 ratings. Bring your flight logs. We had a similar event at Carmona in Cavite, November 7-10, 2014 it was so popular the organizers decided to sponsor this event early next year. Sarangani is a most awesome site in a beautiful coastal/mountain site very similar to S.California. Very inexpensive. Come for 2-3 days or all 6 days. More info: pchumes@gmail.com, or www.paraglidetandem.net. Feb 8, Feb 21, Mar 1> Roldanillo, Colombia. Eagle Paragliding is running 4 tours over 4 weeks. We guarantee unforgettable flying in Roldanillo, Colombia. Read about our Colombia Tours in the August 2014 issue of the USHPA magazine. The Paragliding World Championships will be held before our tours at this world-class site. The tours are for pilots of all levels. We offer coaching on thermaling, XC flying, tandem XC flying, and race-to-goal tasks for those interested. We have been offering tours for over a decade all over the world. The number of high-caliber staff members supporting pilots at Eagle clinics and tours is unprecedented. Let Rob Sporrer, Brad Gunnuscio, and our highly qualified staff of instructors support you in achieving your goals for the week. Visit www.paragliding.com, or contact us at rob@ paraglide.com, 805-968-0980, and www.http:// eagleparagliding.com/?q=node/27.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

MARCH 3-12, DECEMBER 7-16> Brazil. Para-

glide Brazil with Paracrane Tour. We’ll start in magical Rio de Janeiro, flying over the tropical forest surrounded by granite domes and landing on the beach, or try a flight to the world famous Christ statue! After 3 days we head to Governador Valadares, for incredible XC opportunities. Depending on conditions other sites we may visit include Pancas, Castelo and Alfredo Chavez in Espirito Santo. Brazil is a unique paragliding and cultural experience! Open to strong P-2’s and up. Please note, you will need a Brazilian Visa. More info: 541-840-8587, or nick@paracrane.com.

JUNE 3-13, SEPTEMBER 21 - October 1 & October 1-12> Paracrane European Tour. Austria,

Slovenia, and Italy. "The Sound of Music" meets the X-Alps! Early summer and early fall are perfect times for flying in Austria, Slovenia and Italy. We’ll base in Zell am See, Austria, with tram access to excellent flying. Other great sites are close by. On to the Alps of Slovenia, plus a stop in Venice. After classic Meduno, we shift north to some of the most spectacular flying in the world, the Dolomites. More info: nick@paracrane.com, 541-840-8587, or http://www.costaricaparagliding.com/europe.html.

CLASSIFIED FLEX WINGS A GREAT SELECTION OF HG&PG GLIDERS (ss, ds, pg)

-HARNESSES (trainer, cocoon, pod) -PARACHUTES (hg&pg) -WHEELS (new & used). Phone for latest inventory 262-473-8800, www.hanggliding.com

HARNESSES FLY CENTER OF GRAVITY CG-1000 - The most affordable single line suspension harness available. Individually designed for a precise fit. Fly in comfort. www.flycenterofgravity.com; flycenterofgravity@ gmail.com; 315-256-1522

SCHOOLS & INSTRUCTORS ALABAMA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - The best facilities, largest inventory, camping, swimming, volleyball, more. Wide range of accommodations. 877-HANGLIDE, 877-426-4543, hanglide.com.

CALIFORNIA AIRJUNKIES PARAGLIDING - Year-round excellent

instruction, Southern California & Baja. Powered paragliding, clinics, tours, tandem, towing. Ken Baier 760-213-0063, airjunkies.com. EAGLE PARAGLIDING - SANTA BARBARA offers the best year round flying in the nation. Award-winning instruction, excellent mountain and ridge sites. www. flysantabarbara.com, 805-968-0980

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

FLY ABOVE ALL - Year-round instruction in Santa

Barbara & Ojai from the 2012 US Instructor of the Year! More students flying safely after 10 years than any other school in the nation. flyaboveall. com Mission Soaring Center LLC - Largest

hang gliding center in the West! Our deluxe retail shop showcases the latest equipment: Wills Wing, Moyes, AIR, High Energy, Flytec, Aeros, Northwing, Hero wide angle video camera. A.I.R. Atos rigid wings- demo the VQ-45’ span, 85 Lbs! Parts in stock. We stock new and used equipment. Trade-ins welcome. Complete lesson program. Best training park in the west, located just south of the San Francisco Bay Area. Pitman Hydraulic Winch System for Hang 1s and above. Launch and landing clinics for Hang 3s and Hang 4s. Wills Wing Falcons of all sizes and custom training harnesses. 1116 Wrigley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035. 408-262-1055, Fax 408-262-1388, mission@hang-gliding.com, Mission Soaring Center LLC, leading the way since 1973. www. hang-gliding.com World famous historic TORREY PINES

GLIDERPORT: Incredible Flying – food – fun. Come enjoy coastal San Diego flying yearround! We offer USHPA-certified instruction for all ratings, as well as tandem, instructor, and SIV clinics and local flat land towing. Call us for details on our domestic and international clinics and tours or join us in our 4x4 12-passenger tour van for 15 other flying sites opportunities in SoCal and Baja California. We have expanded product lines including Ozone, Skywalk, Sup Air, Independence, Woody Valley, Sky, Gradient, Niviuk, Paratech, Plussmax helmets, Crispi boots, Gopro, Flytech, Flymaster and a lot more. Come test our new mini wings from Ozone. We have a huge selection of Demos on site. Our full service shop offers reserve repacks, annual glider inspections, repairs and more. We also carry an extensive new and used inventory of certified gliders and harnesses. Check us out at flytorrey. com, facebook.com/flytpg, info@flytorrey.com, or call us at 858-452-9858.

WINDSPORTS - Train in sunny southern Cal. 325

flyable days each year. Learn modern flying skills safely and quickly. Train on sand with professionals at Dockweiler Beach training slopes (5 minutes from LA airport.) Fly any season in gentle coastal winds, soft sand and in a thorough program with 1 of the largest schools for over 40 years. 818-367-2430, www.windsports.com

COLORADO GUNNISON GLIDERS - X-C to heavy waterproof

HG gliderbags. Accessories, parts, service, sewing. Instruction ratings, site-info. Rusty Whitley 1549 CR 17, Gunnison CO 81230. 970-641-9315.

FLORIDA FLORIDA RIDGE AEROTOW PARK - 18265 E State

Road 80, Clewiston, Florida 863-805-0440, www. thefloridaridge.com.

GRAYBIRD AIRSPORTS — Paraglider & hang glider towing & training, Dragonfly aerotow training, XC, thermaling, instruction, equipment. Dunnellon Airport 352-245-8263, email fly@ graybirdairsports.com, www.graybirdairsports.com. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - Nearest

mountain training center to Orlando. Two training hills, novice mountain launch, aerotowing, great accommodations. hanglide.com, 877-HANGLIDE, 877-426-4543.

MIAMI HANG GLIDING - For year-round training

fun in the sun. 305-285-8978, 2550 S Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133, www. miamihanggliding.com.

WALLABY RANCH – The original Aerotow flight

park. Best tandem instruction worldwide,7-days a week , 6 tugs, and equipment rental. Call:1-800WALLABY wallaby.com 1805 Deen Still Road, Disney Area FL 33897

GEORGIA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - Discover

why 5 times as many pilots earn their wings at LMFP. Enjoy our 110 acre mountain resort. www.hanglide. com, 1-877-HANGLIDE, 1-877-426-4543.

HAWAII PROFLYGHT PARAGLIDING - Call Dexter for friendly

information about flying on Maui. Full-service school offering beginner to advanced instruction every day, year round. 808-874-5433, paraglidehawaii.com.

MARYLAND HIGHLAND AEROSPORTS - Baltimore and DC’s

full-time flight park: tandem instruction, solo aerotows and equipment sales and service. We carry Aeros, Airwave, Flight Design, Moyes, Wills Wing, High Energy Sports, Flytec and more. Two 115-HP Dragonfly tugs. Open fields as far as you can see. Only 1 to 1.5 hours from Rehoboth Beach, Baltimore, Washington DC, Philadelphia. Come Fly with US! 410-634-2700, Fax 410-634-2775, 24038 Race Track Rd, Ridgely, MD 21660, www.aerosports.net, hangglide@aerosports.net.

MICHIGAN TRAVERSE CITY PARAGLIDERS - Soar our 450’

sand dunes. Full time shop. Certified instruction, all levels. Sales, service and accessories for all major brands. Call Bill at 231-922-2844 or email at tchangglider@chartermi.net Your USA & Canada Mosquito distributor, www.mosquitoamerica.com

UTAH

NEW HAMPSHIRE MORNINGSIDE - A Kitty Hawk Kites flight park. The

Northeast's premier hang gliding and paragliding training center, teaching since 1974. Hang gliding foot launch and tandem aerowtow training. Paragliding foot launch and tandem training. Powered Paragliding instruction. Dealer for all major manufacturers. Located in Charlestown, NH. Also visit our North Carolina location, Kitty Hawk Kites Flight School. 603-542-4416, www.flymorningside.com

NEW YORK AAA Mountain Wings Inc - New location at

77 Hang Glider Rd in Ellenville next to the LZ. We service all brands featuring AEROS and North Wing. 845-647-3377 mtnwings@verizon.net, www. mtnwings.com

FLY HIGH, INC - Serving New York, Jersey, New

England areas. Area's exclusive Wills Wing dealer. Also other brands, accessories. Area's most AFFORDABLE prices! Certified instruction since 1984. Excellent secondary lessons! Taken lessons elsewhere? Advance to mountain flying with us! www.flyhighhg.com, 845-744-3317 Cooperstown New York Serving the North East since 1978. We have the best training hill in New York. Dealers for Wills Wing and others. Trade-ins welcome www. cooperstownhanggliding.com 315-867-8011 SUSQUEHANNA

FLIGHT

PARK

NORTH CAROLINA KITTY HAWK KITES - The largest hang gliding school in the world, teaching since 1974. Learn to hang glide and paraglide on the East Coast's largest sand dune. Year-round instruction, foot launch and tandem aerotow. Powered paragliding instruction. Dealer for all major manufacturers. Learn to fly where the Wright Brothers flew, located at the beach on NC's historic Outer Banks. Also visit our New Hampshire location, Morningside Flight Park. 252441-2426, 1-877-FLY-THIS, www.kittyhawk.com

PUERTO RICO FLY PUERTO RICO WITH TEAM SPIRIT HG! Flying

tours, rentals, tandems, HG and PG classes, H-2 and P-2 intensive Novice courses, full sales. 787-8500508, flypuertorico@gmail.com

TENNESSEE LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - Just outside

Chattanooga. Become a complete pilot -foot launch, aerotow, mountain launch, ridge soar, thermal soar. hanglide.com, 1-877-HANGLIDE, 877-426-4543.

TEXAS FLYTEXAS TEAM - training pilots in Central Texas

for 25 years. Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Trikes. Hangar facilities Lake LBJ, Luling, Smithville www. flytexas.com 512-467-2529

CLOUD 9 PARAGLIDING - Come visit us and check

out our huge selection of paragliding gear, traction kites, extreme toys, and any other fun things you can think of. If you aren’t near the Point of the Mountain, then head to http://www.paragliders. com for a full list of products and services. We are Utah’s only full time shop and repair facility, Give us a ring at 801-576-6460 if you have any questions.

DON’T MISS OUT. RENEW ONLINE.

VIRGINIA BLUE SKY - Virginia's full time, year round HG

School. Scooter, Platform and Aero Tow. Custom sewing, paragliding, powered harnesses, trikes, representing most major brands. 804-241-4324, www.blueskyhg.com

INTERNATIONAL MEXICO - La Salina Baja's BEST BEACHFRONT Airsport Venue: PG, HG, PPG: FlyLaSalina.com. by BajaBrent.com, He’ll hook you up! Site intros, tours, & rooms. bajabrent@ bajabrent.com, 760-203-2658

BAJA

EXOTIC THAILAND X/C CLINIC - Phu Thap Boek,Thailand's most awesome,highest flying site 5,200ASL.Open to P-2 and above.Come learn how to fly high and far! Very inexpensive! More info: pchumes@gmail.com FLYMEXICO - VALLE DE BRAVO and beyond for

HANG GLIDING and PARAGLIDING. Gear, guiding, instruction, transportation, lodging - www. flymexico.com 512-467-2529 / 1-800-861-7198 USA

CLINICS & TOURS COSTA RICA - Grampa Ninja's Paragliders' B&B.

Rooms, and/or guide service and transportation. Lessons available from USHPA certified instructors. USA: 908-454-3242. Costa Rica: (Country code, 011) House: 506-2200-4824, Cell: 506-8950-8676, or Kathy @ 506-8918-0355 www.paraglidecostarica.com

ITALY - Fantastico! Great flying! Great food! Great weather! ALL inclusive service suitable for all levels of pilots. Round topped grassy mountains and large flatlands. Flying with culture! www.flytaly.com

PARTS & ACCESSORIES SPECIALTY WHEELS for airfoil basetubes, round

basetubes, or tandem landing gear. 262-4738800, www.hanggliding.com. GUNNISON GLIDERS - X-C, Factory, heavy PVC

HG gliderbags $149. Harness packs & zippers. New/used parts, equipment, tubes. 1549 CR 17 Gunnison, CO 81230 970-641-9315

PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS SOARING - Monthly magazine of The Soaring Society of America Inc. Covers all aspects of soaring flight. Full membership $64. SSA, PO Box 2100, Hobbs NM 88241. 505-392-1177, ssa.org.

Be sure to renew your USHPA membership online to participate in the USHPA Green initiative. Online renewal is only available to current members, and members who have been expired less than 3 years. Members who have been expired more than 3 years will not have access to online renewal. SERVICE CLOUD 9 REPAIR DEPARTMENT - We staff and

maintain a full service repair shop within Cloud 9 Paragliding; offering annual inspections, line replacement, sail repair of any kind (kites too!), harness repairs and reserve repacks. Our repair technicians are factory trained and certified to work on almost any paraglider or kite. Call today for an estimate 801-576-6460 or visit www.paragliders. com for more information.

RISING AIR GLIDER REPAIR SERVICES – A fullservice shop, specializing in all types of paragliding repairs, annual inspections, reserve repacks, harness repairs. Hang gliding reserve repacks and repair. For information or repair estimate, call 208-554-2243, pricing and service request form available at www. risingair.biz, billa@atcnet.net.

REAL ESTATE To Rent Lease or Buy. A beautiful Cabin within 5 min walking to LMFP. Call 423-400-3226. To see: jerryfagan.com "Crabapple Hill"

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

The 1

by Richard Nakai

We know there was a day when it all worked for you. When your training clicked, the conditions were perfect, the stars aligned, and you soared to new heights (real or imagined.) Send in your tale of “The 1” flight you'll never forget, and we'll print it right here. You'll be entered into the annual drawing for USHPA soft shell jacket.

he year was 1990, the first year of the Lakeview Umpteenth Annual Festival of Free Flight. Bret Warren was always planning where we would go to fly. We were always ready to go on weekend camping/flying trips with 30 minutes’ notice to Dunlap, the Owens Valley, Palm Desert or wherever. Somehow Bret had heard about the Lakeview fly-in, and as new crosscountry pilots, we were all in. We took two days to get to Oregon, pacing a weather system as we drove north from Southern California. We arrived at night in poor weather. The next day was looking pretty crappy, socked in with clouds, and many pilots wrote the day off. However, Bret was always optimistic and would convince us to go on “hang-waiting” trips in the rain. This day was no different, so we headed south to Sugar Hill across the California/Oregon border. When we arrived at this 7200’ mountain, there was no rain, but cloudbase was solid and was a few hundred feet over launch. We set up our gliders. A steady wind coming straight in, and it looked soarable, so a few of us launched. After some time in buoyant air, Bret said, “Richard, let’s head north.” Sugar Hill is just south of the Warner mountain range that runs north-south. Fandango Valley separates Sugar Hill from the Warners and is the first gap to cross. Traditional wisdom recommends that one have 10,000 feet of altitude before attempting the five-mile crossing, but we didn’t know this. We had just a few hundred feet of altitude above

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

launch. While the air was buoyant, we used all of our altitude to cross the valley and had to fight hard to stay aloft. By this time, Bret’s CB radio batteries had died. I knew he had taken a heading more towards the foothills of the Warners, closer to Highway 395, and I had drifted back into the valley, so when I finally got established on the Warners, I was on higher ground than I thought Bret was. I had lost visual contact with Bret and assumed he had landed by the highway due to his radio problems. The wind was “post-frontal” strong and blowing into the Warner range. I ridge soared north along the peaks of the Warners. By the time I got to the highest peak, I realized that I didn’t have the speed or penetration to fly west to the highway. I looked over the back and didn’t relish being rotored into the forest on the lee side. I radioed my predicament to my friends, and said that I was going to land in a meadow on top and hike down. I unzipped and went upright, and began setting up my top landing by crabbing NW. A deer scampered away from me. I projected my glide forward, and decided that I could make it out of the mountains. I zipped back into my harness, got as streamlined as possible, and hugged a spine falling off west to the highway, continually optimizing my glide. My glide was paralleling the top of the spine. At the end of the spine, I hit a booming thermal that rocketed me straight up to 10,000 feet. At the top of the thermal I found Bret! After crossing the valley,

he had patiently stayed in the foothills until thermals boosted him up one spine at a time, and he had been watching my predicament the whole time. We team flew all the way to the town of Lakeview, gliding in together below Blackcap (the town’s local flying site). We hit a thermal at Blackcap and circled up together above launch, where our friends had driven and caught us on VHS video. By this time, cloudbase had risen considerably and opened up into isolated cumulus clouds. I was ready to land after surviving that adventure, but Bret, sensing that, flew next to me and shouted, “Let’s go to Abert Rim!” That broke my brain, but after all, I was here to fly. We took slightly different lines, and he landed at Simms Ranch for about 44 miles, while I headed more downwind into the mountains, memorizing dirt roads in the event I needed to hike out (evidently surviving my stupidity earlier had emboldened me). Abert Rim is a gorgeous emerald-green plateau that one might see in a fantasy movie. I flew directly over the rim with perhaps one or two thousand feet over the plateau. I headed north along the rim and Abert Lake. Our chase crew picked up Bret and I said I would hitchhike back. I landed between Abert Lake and the rim for a 55-mile flight, and hitchhiked back to camp in Lakeview in a Shell Oil tanker truck with my glider lashed on top. Our flights had set distance records #1 and #2 for Sugar Hill, but they were easily broken the following day.

For those who want to fly beyond Cross country flights become child’s play with the new Flytec Element. This instrument's highly advanced vario guides you high into the air, its GPS points you in the right direction and shows you the way the wind blows, and the airspace warnings increase safety. In-flight usability is exceptional, featuring a redesigned high-contrast display and new keypad that gives better tactile feedback – even with gloves. After landing, records of your adventures are immediately available for Google Earth and online contests.

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