NZHGPA Airborn #195

Issue 195;August,September,October 2015

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING Red Bull X-Alps 2015 Convergence to Akaroa Dalby Aerotow Class Flying Manilla

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any pilots visit flying sites outside their own region. To ensure that you don’t jeopardise arrangements between land owners and local flyers you must ALWAYS CHECK WITH LOCAL PILOTS BEFORE FLYING. That way you won’t upset land owners or pilots, you will be shown all the best sites and will be welcome back. We don’t publish site names and

locations because flying sites have been lost by careless visiting flyers. To assist travelling pilots, people wishing to learn to fly or to contact hang gliding and paragliding clubs, here is a list of people who can help you.

Those on the list or wishing to be listed, should contact their Club Secretaries who should keep Airborn and the NZHGPA website updated of changes of contact details.

MANAWATU H.G.P.C. C/- Andrew Brownlie 11 Hollows Crescent Takaro Palmerston North 4412 Email: rosscoe@inspire.net.nz Pres, Airsp: Ricky Winduss (Wanganui)..............

06 345 7659, or 027 447 4117 Sec/Treas, HGSO: Ross Gray......021 126 0892 PGSO: Andrew Brownlie ...........027 444 8911

AUCKLAND H.G.P.C. PO Box 90 154 Auckland Email: grahamsurrey@gmail.com www.cloudbase.org.nz Pres: Graham Surrey .................021 0262 5023 Sec: Alex Daley............................021 121 0795 Treas, Airsp: Leslie Graham............09 579 6485 HGSO: Michell Jagersma...............06 622 3210 PGSO: Reuben Muir.......................09 446 0020 Cameron Kennedy..........................09 813 3610 Eva Walton-Keim............................09 446 0051 Tony Cowley ..................................09 426 1264 Website; Wayne Rohrs...................09 630 2939 Active Sky HG, Sebastian Katz....021 170 3646 Skywings Paragliding ....................09 570 5757 Aqua Air Adventure Hang Gliding.027 288 0193 Wings & Waves Paragliding ...........09 446 0020

BAY OF PLENTY H.G.P.C. C/-Dominique Le Sellin 41, Ririnui Place, Maungatapu Tauranga 3112 Email: frogiwi@xtra.co.nz www.facebook.com/BOPHangGlidingParagliding Pres: Dave Washer.07 544 2951/ 0275 992 934 Sec: Dominique Le Sellin.07 544 2951 / 021 617 111 PGSO: Wayne Roberts.07 574 4223 / 021 668 852 HGSO: James Low.......................021 102 5004 Airsp: Rhys Akers.........................021 177 7563 Sites: Dave Shaw...........................07 575 9560 Levitate Paragliding........................07 542 0098 Mount Paragliding..07 574 4223, 027 643 6529

WAIKATO H.G.P.C. Inc. C/- Ewen Tonar 23A Brookview Court Hamilton Email: etonar@infogen.net.nz Pres, Airsp: Neil Howe....................07 304 9631 Sec/Treas: Ewen Tonar...................07 855 3969 HGSO: Paul Brydon.......................07 825 9161 PGSO: Bruce Vickerman ...............07 868 4991 HAWKES BAY H.G.P.C. Inc. 30 Kaweka Place Havelock North 4130 Email: hbhgpc@gmail.com www.soarhawkesbay.co.nz Pres, Treas: Rebecca Rae..............021 605 204 Sec, Airsp: Bernie Gunn.................06 874 3837 PGSO: Sam Elkink..........................06 824 3123 HGSO: Ross MacKay.....................06 877 2052 PG Sites; Euan Talbot .....................06 8778999

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MARLBOROUGH H.G.P.C. C/- Julie Bousquet 122 Wellington Street, Picton Email: j_bousquet@yahoo.com Pres, Airsp: Vern Sanders...............03 570 5322 Sec: Julie Bousquet.....................027 340 0718 Treas: Derek Wong Nam.................03 577 8857 HGSO: John Urlich: .......................03 577 8886 PGSO: Russell Read....................027 448 0888

KEY Pres; .............................................. President Sec; ............................ Secretary/Treasurer

PGSO; ............. Paragliding Safety Officer

HGSO; .......... Hang Gliding Safety Officer

CFI;........................... Chief Flying Instructor Airsp;.................................Airspace Officer

CANTERBURY H.G.P.C. Inc. C/- Jennifer Corbett 17 Admirals Way, New Brighton Christchurch 8061 www.chgpc.org.nz Email: jenster66@hotmail.com Pres: Danial Campbell....................03 980 6335 Sec/Treas; Jennifer Corbett............03 382 4404 PGSO; Robert Kennedy.................03 329 3339 HGSO; Eddie Pearson..................021 280 0599 Sites PG; Patrick McGregor...........03 328 8333 Sites HG; Derek McKee...............021 251 2300 Airsp; Peter Taylor..........................03 338 6287 Website; Stephen O’Shaughnessy.03 326 7373 Samuel Bartholomew.....................021 819 755 Canty HG School; Bill Degen.......021 247 2676 Nimbus Paragliding......................027 432 4874 ParaPro.........................................0800 548 323 AORANGI H.G.C. C/- Tom Knewstubb PO Box 5976 Dunedin Pres, Airsp; Kevin McManus........021 134 0463 Sec/HGSO; Tom Knewstubb (wk) 027 289 6103 PGSO: Lisa Bradley......................021 156 3256 SOUTHERN H.G.P.C. C/- Mark Hardman 2127G Cardrona Valley Rd, RD2, Wanaka Email: admin@southernclub.co.nz www.southernclub.co.nz Pres, Mark Hardman......................021 809 275 Airsp: Keri Mapperson....................021 530 950 Sec: Jim Rooney....................... 020 4010 1926 PGSO: Blake Round.....................027 367 7679 HGSO: Ian Clark.............................03 442 3992 Treasurer: Craig Smith..................0273 433 537 Coronet Peak Tandem PG & HG..0800 467 325 Elevation Paragliding....................0800 359 444 Extreme Air............................ 0800 PARAGLIDE Flight Park......................................03 442 1586 Infinity Paragliding School..........021 0228 2939 Lucky Montanas PG (Wanaka).......03 443 1680 Paraventures.............................0800 FLYSOLO Skytrek Hang Gliding & Paragliding.0800 759 873

Photo; Bernie Gunn

TARANAKI FREE FLYERS C/- Dennis Green 38 Kaitake Rd RD4, New Plymouth Pres/Sec/HGSO, Airsp; Dennis Green .......................................................06 752 7618 John H. Morgan..............................06 759 4262

WELLINGTON H.G.P.C. PO Box 9824 Marion Square Wellington 6141 www.whgpc.homestead.com Email: firth@xtra.co.nz Pres: Kris Ericksen.......................021 116 4558 Sec: Grant Firth............................. 021 422 698 PGSO: Chris Connolly..................022 676 5599 HGSO: Grant Tatham...................027 636 3491 Airsp: Ian Miller ............................022 176 8205 Newsletter Editor: Kris Ericksen.....04 938 6539 Oceania Paragliding School.........022 676 5599

TASMAN H.G.P.C. C/- Olly Barrett 1/160 Collingwood Street Nelson 7010 Email: thgpgclub@gmail.com Pres; Peter Allison .........................03 546 5242 Sec; Olly Barrett ..........................027 382 8648 Treas; Brian Erasmus .....................03 545 1003 PGSO;Greg Benjamin.....................03 545 1543 HGSO; Mark Patton.......................03 548 7944 Site Owners; Tim Percival .............03 548 7397 Site Maintenance; Frog Twissell ....03 538 0339 Airsp; Ian Woods..........................027 245 1851 Nelson Paragliding.........................03 544 1182 Adventure Paragliding....................021 762 769 Hang Gliding NZ.............................03 540 2183 Tasman Sky Adventures...............027 229 9693

Heading north towards the infamous (and wide) Mohaka River mouth crossing with Euan Talbot & many goats

NORTHLAND H.G.P.C. C/- Guntram Gross 1 Brook Road Whangarei Email: skywalk@igrin.co.nz Pres, Airsp; Shane Gross...............09 436 0268 Sec/Treas; Guntram Gross.............09 436 0268 PGSO; Wolfgang Harder................09 403 7594 HGSO; Stephen Chambers............09 430 3689 Herman Ahrens...............................09 432 9333

ISSN 1170-9928

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MAGAZINE OF THE NEW ZEALAND HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING ASSN. INC. Published every three months for hang gliding and paragliding enthusiasts in New Zealand and abroad ● Subscription is by membership of NZHGPA (a legal requirement for all hang glider and paraglider pilots in NZ) ● For non

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members who quote their PIN number ● Classified advertisements are

N.Z.H.G.P.A. INC., 23 Covent Drive, Stoke, Nelson 7011, New Zealand www.nzhgpa.org.nz PRESIDENT

Evan Lamberton, 35A Manly Esplanade, Browns Bay, North Shore City 0630, 09 478 0063, 021 407833, gsifly@gmail.com VICE PRESIDENT

Derek Divers, 106 Lachlan Avenue, RD2, Wanaka 9382, 03 443 7190, 027 493 1112, d.divers@xtra.co.nz ADMINISTRATION/LICENSING

Nicky Hamill, 23 Covent Drive, Stoke, Nelson 7011, 03 547 4845, admin@nzhgpa.org.nz HANG GLIDING OPERATIONS MANAGER

Glenn Meadows, 8 Brook Tce, Nelson. 03 548 9151, 027 275 1022, gmeadows@clear.net.nz HANG GLIDING TRAINING MANAGER

Ross Gray, 7 Nathan Place, Palmerston North 4412. 06 357 8996, 021 126 0892, rosscoe@inspire.net.nz PARAGLIDING OPERATIONS MANAGER

Grant Middendorf, 30 Charles Court, RD2, Wanaka 9382, 03 443 5090, 027 491 3786, middy25@xtra.co.nz PARAGLIDING TRAINING MANAGER

Alan Swann, Rapid 115, Arthurs Point Road, Queenstown 9371. 021 0228 2939. info@infinityparagliding.co.nz AIRSPACE OFFICER

Nick Taber, 27 Strathaven Place, Dodson Valley, Atawhai, Nelson 7010. 03 545 0766, 021 420 742, nicktaber@hotmail.com CHIEF MEDICAL ADVISOR

Paul Brydon, 1431 Main Te Pahu Rd, RD5, Hamilton. 07 825 9161, 021 253 5264, paulbrydon@gmail.com DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE CONVENOR

Dean Straker, 35 Seymour Avenue, The Brook, Nelson 7010, 03 545 7511, 021 545 7511, dean@verticallimits.co.nz INTERNAL AUDITOR

Kris Ericksen, 11 Koromiko Road, Aro Valley, Wellington 6012, 04 938 6539, 021 116 4558, skf@paradise.net.nz NZHGPA BOOKSHOP

Ewen Tonar, 23A Brookview Court, Hamilton. 07 855 3969, 021 041 1418, etonar@infogen.net.nz HANG GLIDING COMPETITION COMMITTEE

Mark Alton, 09 480 8871, 022 195 5746, markalton@yahoo.com Dennis Green, 38 Kaitake Road, RD 4, New Plymouth 4374, 06 752 7618, 021 430 436, dennis-green@clear.net.nz Max Gebhardt, 03 312 7899, 022 159 6101, aerosm@gmail.com PARAGLIDING COMPETITION COMMITTEE

Johnny Hopper, (021 056 2275), Tim Brown, Cameron Kennedy, nzhgpapcc@googlegroups.com

IN THIS ISSUE...

Red Bull X-Alps 2015....................................................................4

automatically deleted after each publication, for repeats please re-send or

Convergence Flying to Akaroa....................................................8

gliders and paragliders must state certification status and meet our standard

The Soaring Kiwi and the Sauerkraut.......................................12

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Flight Pix......................................................................................15 31 Ways to Work out Wind Direction........................................18

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Introduction to Manilla...............................................................20 Paragliding Competition Ladder...............................................23 Safety Checks, Events ..............................................................24 Cross Country Champs Scoreboards.................................26, 28 Classified Advertisements.........................................................30 FRONT COVER: Nick Neynens flying at Zwoelferhorn near Fuschl am See in Austria

NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE: 1 OCTOBER 2015 A

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2015 Red Bull X-Alps

By Ed Ewing, editor of Cross Country magazine

W

as this the most exciting Red Bull X-Alps ever? Yes it was, and here’s why. First, it was a race - a proper race.

Chrigel Maurer (SUI1) had won three times in a row, and each time he has won by a big margin - setting up a clear lead between him and the others.

This time, he couldn’t do that until the very end - and it was the mistakes of others that allowed him to get away.

Day one saw the best race start the Red Bull X-Alps has ever experienced. As temperatures soared in Salzburg athletes had to race to the top of the Gaisberg.

Sebastian Huber (GER3) got there first, showing his mettle early.

On what then turned out to be the best day of the summer athletes then took to the air for a 100km flying day that saw them soaring at 3,800m above the glaciated peaks of Austria’s northern Alps. It couldn’t have got off to a more stunning start.

By Day 2, the race leaders had already tagged Turnpoint 3, Aschau Chemsee Kampenwand in Germany.

A storm rolled through the course line early and kept everyone grounded, but by the afternoon they were flying. Paul Guschlbauer (AUT1) was already chasing Maurer down, surfing the flanks of the mighty Zugspitze in a bid to make Turnpoint 4, Lermoos Tiroler Zugspitz Arena.

But Maurer beat him to it, taking

another more direct line on the other side of the mountain. He wasn’t happy though - when he arrived he heard the shock news that 80% of the field would get a time penalty for going off course on the run through Salzburg. Under protest, that was reduced from six hours to two, but it was unsettling for all.

Day 3 started high above Lermoos as Maurer and Guschlbauer both headed south towards the Oetz Valley. Struggling in the wind both athletes were forced to land - but Guschlbauer’s landing spot meant he couldn’t re-launch easily, and he was soon back in fifth as others flew in overhead.

A race for the front then played out as Sebastian Huber (GER3) took the lead. Hot on his heels was Maurer, Stephan Gruber (AUT3) and the young Czech pilot, Stanislav Mayer (CZE). Racing each other they headed for the highest mountains in Austria, destination Italy.

Once across the main spine of the Alps slowed down. It was a battle with the elements as rain swept through. And it was a forced march into the mountains to

Left; Supporter Louis Tapper with Nick Neynens (NZL) in Saint-Francois Longchamp, France Photo; © Kelvin Trautman/Red Bull Content Pool

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Above; Competitors at Zermatt, Switzerland

Photo; © Felix

Woelk/Red Bull Content Pool

Above; Competitors during the start at the Mozartplatz, Salzburg, Austria Photo; © Harald Tauderer/Red Bull Content Pool Below; Paul Guschlbauer (AUT1) and Sebastian Huber (GER3) at Brenta, Cima Tosa (turnpoint 5), Italy Photo; © Kelvin Trautman/Red Bull Content Pool

Right; Paul Guschlbauer (AUT1) at turnpoint Annecy, France Photo; © Harald Tauderer/ Red Bull Content Pool

tag the next Turnpoint at Brenta Cima Tosa. Maurer got there first, just, and picked up the Salewa Brenta Trophy for his trouble.

He didn’t hang around long to pick it up though - he was soon off, back in the air and heading west to Switzerland and the Matterhorn, Turnpoint 5.

The race for the Matterhorn was harder than many had predicted.

Strong west winds made it difficult to make progress and it was rough in the air. Maurer descended in a straight line as he hit 50km/h winds.

In the chasing pack Michael Witschi (SUI3) hit the strong westerly wind and found the air so turbulent he had to deploy his reserve parachute.

That worked fine, but the wind then blew him into a lake where he had to get out of his harness and swim for shore.

Other athletes stopped to help, showing the true spirit of the Red Bull X-Alps, and Witschi was back on track again the next day, none the worse for his cold evening swim.

Out front, Maurer led again, tagging the Matterhorn turnpoint by surfing in low along the valley. Behind him Guschlbauer was taking a gamble on another route. He landed high on the Matterhorn and spent the evening in a mountain hut. That morning he hiked to 3,450m to launch. He wanted to fly through the big mountains to Mont Blanc, but it wasn’t to be. Instead, a strong northerly wind pushed him south into Italy.

Sebastian Huber ended up there too, on the wrong side of 4,800m high Mont Blanc. Athletes must pass the turnpoint to the north, but they were on the south.

U n d e t e r re d , b o t h a t h l e t e s completed stunning flights the next day. Guschlbauer hiked up to a high pass and flew for 15km down to the valley floor at 6am. Huber meanwhile hiked up to 2,400m on the flanks of Mont Blanc and then completed a near circumnavigation of the Mont Blanc Massif at altitude.

Further back in the pack meanwhile things were jostling about. Gavin McClurg had started strongly but then slipped back. He took a westerly line to get to the Cima Tosa turnpoint but it didn’t pay off.

Toma Coconea was running round the mountains, showing incredible stamina, and Nick Neynens (NZL), who had ended the first day at the back of the pack, was slowly pulling himself back up the rankings to eventually finish 10th.

With wind still an issue Maurer spent a long and frustrating day on the ground - highly unusual for him.

He then a took a northern route past

Above; Dawn Westrum (USA3) gets support from Gerhard the technical pro near Garmisch, Germany Photo; © Harald Tauderer/Red Bull Content Pool Right; Yvonne Dathe (GER2) plaunches in Salzburg Photo; © Markus Berger/Red Bull Content Pool Below; Paul Guschlbauer (AUT1) & Sebastian Huber at Brenta, Cima Tosa tp5 Italy Photo; © Kelvin Trautman/Red Bull Content Pool

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Right; Chrigl Maurer of Switzerland arrives in Peille, France on July 13 Photo; © Sebastian Marko/Red Bull Content Pool

Mont Blanc, avoiding the Chamonix Valley, before dropping on to the Aravis mountains, the gateway to the next Turnpoint in Annecy. He would arrive in Annecy the next day through the ‘back door’, hiking up from the valley floor.

After a slow start he eventually got away, using the thermals to gain height in the stable air of the Annecy basin. As he was going out, heading south on the 250km leg to Peille and Monaco, Guschlbauer was heading in. He and Huber were not far behind.

Maurer was in their sights.

But it was not to be. Guschlbauer made a significant route choice decision, and it was to prove fatal to his plans. Rather than follow the direct line south as Maurer had done, Guschlbauer went west. At first this seemed sensible as it followed the wind, but it also added distance. And it was ultimately too windy. It meant Guschlbauer was grounded while Maurer skipped away into the lead.

From there it was a home run for Maurer, despite Huber chasing hard.

Maurer got to Monaco on Monday afternoon, Huber got in the next morning.

Behind though, Guschlbauer was engaged in the race of his life.

With silver gone, it was suddenly a question of whether he could hang on to a podium spot at all. Gaspard Petiot (FRA4), Antoine Girard (FRA2) and Antoine Durogati (ITA) were flying together and making fast progress south.

Herculean efforts from all saw them arrive literally within minutes of each other. Guschlbauer landed above

Right; Competitor at Zermatt, Switzerland Photo; © Felix Woelk/Red Bull Content Pool Lrft; Competitors fly over Salzburg, Austria Photo; © Felix Woelk/Red Bull Content Pool

Below; Tom De Dorlodot (BEL) at Gaisberg, Austria Photo; © Leo Rosas/Red Bull Content Pool

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Nick Neynens launches at Zwoelferhorn, Austria Photos; © Harald Tauderer/Red Above; Christian Maurer (SUI1) during the prize giving in Monaco Photo; © Vitek Ludvik/Red Bull Content Pool the turnpoint, his glider snagging in bushes. Stuffing it into his bag with the help of fans he ran down the hill to Peille to take third - with just half an hour to spare.

In the air, Girard was still flying and he flew right to the finish line, overtaking his countryman Petiot who was on foot in the very last stretch. He thumped down on launch

3m 16s ahead of Petiot, who was gobsmacked but still smiling. A little further back, Durogati hiked in an hour later for sixth place.

The race for the finish line couldn’t have been closer and the top 6 were all in. All the athletes had to do now was fly down to that raft in Monaco, and then lie back and wait for the others to arrive.

Below; Competitor at Annecy, France Bull Content Pool

Final Rankings 1. Christian Maurer (SUI1) – 8 days, 4 hours 2. Sebastian Huber (GER3) – 8 days, 22 hours 3. Paul Guschlbauer (AUT1) – 9 days, 4 hours 4. Antoine Girard (FRA2) – 9 days, 5 hours 5. Gaspard Petiot (FRA4) – 9 days, 5 hours 6. Aaron Durogati (ITA) – 9 days, 6 hours 7. Ferdinand van Schelven (NED) – 9 days, 22 hours 8. Gavin McClurg (USA2) – 10 days, 4 hours 9. Manuel Nuebel (GER4) – 10 days, 17 hours 10. Nick Neynens (NZL) – 10 days, 18 hours 11. Nelson de Freyman (FRA3) – 11 days, 2 hours 12. Stanislav Meyer (CZE) – 11 days, 8 hours 13. Peter von Bergen (SUI4) – 11 days, 12 hours 14. Chi-Kyong Ha (KOR) – 11 days, 15 hours 15. Honza Rejmanek (USA1) – 11 days, 17 hours 16. Pawel Faron (POL) – 11 days, 20 hours 17. Erik Rehnfeldt (SWE) – 11 days, 21 hours 18. Michael Witschi (SUI3) – 11 days, 22 hours 19. Stephan Gruber (AUT3) – 11 days, 6 hours 20. Dave Tuner (USA4) – Distance to Goal: 140km 21. Steve Nash (GBR) – Distance to Goal: 178km 22. Gerald Gold (AUT2) – Distance to Goal: 302km 23. Dawn Westrum (USA3) – 375km to goal - eliminated

Photo;

©

Felix Woelk/Red

The Comeback Kiwi

Bull Content Pool

O

ne athlete to surpass expectations was the New Zealander Nick Neynens who made an extraordinary comeback. On day 1 he was the first to launch but finished the day in last place after a disastrous route decision. He spent the first few days at risk of elimination but clawed his way back to re-emerge in the top 10 after an epic 170km flight on Day 8, which included a direct line over the Swiss mountains at 3,600m. (Watch it at: www.redbullxalps.com/athletes/ diary/nick-neynens/article/team-nzlmatterhorn-and-onwards.html) “The race was just fantastic. I feel great,” he said after making goal at 06: 30 local time. “I wasn’t worried about elimination,” he added. “I just walked as fast as was sensible, and over the race the flying just got better and better.”

Later we caught up with Nick and told him he’s being called the ‘Comeback Kiwi’.

“Awesome.” Nick replies, dryly.

“I made a tactical error on the first day which threatened to get me eliminated.”

On the booming day, Nick chose a route that had worked brilliantly in training, but on race day put him down on the ground while others disappeared into the distance. For the solo adventurer, the first to launch from the Gaisberg above historic Salzburg, it was a huge setback that would leave him fighting at the back of the field to stay in the game.

Nick, however, no stranger to adventure flying in tough conditions, was already

mentally prepared for the setback. “I didn’t want to focus on the elimination,” he explains, “I just wanted to focus on doing things in my style and doing the best I could. Competitions are about just getting ahead of someone else, but I want to discover the best way to do things. A lot of most sports comes down to confidence, and it’s hard to be confident if you’re just trying to copy someone else. If you can believe in yourself then you’ll end up flying and hiking better.”

Nick’s style worked: neck-and-neck with Dathe (GER2) at the end of the day, he used his Led Lenser Night Pass to assure his position. “It was good after I’d overtaken a few people, and I didn’t have to think about that anymore.”

Nick continued to climb the rankings, making some of the longest flights of the race. He puts his rise down in part to the month of preparation where he focused on understanding the flow of the wind through the mountain terrain - knowledge that became essential on the marginal flying days on which Nick excelled.

“Everyone made mistakes in the race well, maybe except Chrigel (SUI1) - and it just so happened to be that mine was on the first day. The support worked really well, the management of the day worked really well, and most of our decisions were good ones.”

24. Tom de Dorlodot (BEL) – 499km to goal - withdrew 25. Pascal Purin (AUT4) – 531km to goal - withdrew 26. Toma Coconea (ROU) – 555km to goal - withdrew 27. Stephan Kruger (RSA) – 575km to goal - eliminated 28. Michael Gebert (GER1) – 575km to goal - withdrew 29. Ivan Colas (ESP) – 611km to goal - withdrew 30. Alex Villa (COL) – 635km to goal - eliminated 31. Samuel Vurpillot (SUI3) – 755km to goal - eliminated 32. Yvonne Dathe (GER2) – 840km to goal - eliminated

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7

Catching the 15:02 to A

By Jean Brossard Photos by Lloyd Greenfield

S

ome say; Timing is everything when y o u ’ re t h e r m a l flying. For some sites like here in Christchurch that is definitely the case.

Flying from the Port Hills Gondola site to Akaroa is a flight which many are keen to try, but it can be tricky to get the timing right. You need to get high enough above the Gondola to make the harbour crossing or you’ll have to thermal your way around the rim before the North East sea breeze kicks in. That’s harder.

Get it right and you’re at cloud base.

Wait too long and you’re left with a mix of sea breeze and weakening thermals. Sooner or later, you’ll be watching the others who got it right, high and on their way. Very frustrating.

This is the story of the time I got it right and what I’ve learned.

Well, after 3 years out of the paragliding scene, I sure was missing the good old flying days. Feeling ready and excited about the prospect of “jumping off mountains with my parasail again”, I bought brand new safer gear: wing, pod, instruments and the rest. I’d had some of the most memorable flights around Wanaka and Mt Cook in the past few weeks and was hungry for more back in Christchurch.

The forecast looks good for thermal flying on this particular February day, so here’s my chance; I quickly grab my gear, and focus on the flight ahead. As I’m driving to the Port Hills Gondola car park, my face is in the windscreen. I’m scanning and watching for the first cu’s of the day. Picking up clues like height and the frequency of the thermals.

Motivated with what I see, I plan ‘Akaroa or bust’.

Getting out of the gondola, the top lift operator greets me and says, “It’s been blowing steady SouthWest, but it’s weakening.”

- Thanks for that.

As I’m walking towards the SW take off (the aerials) I can see Lloyd Greenfield is already there. It’s nice to see another pilot flying mid-week to share the sky.

Quickly weighing our options and forming a plan, we’ve decided to open the airspace to 5500’.

Approved, we decide to take off and get as much height as possible. Then we would try for the crossing over the Lyttelton Harbour if we get the high enough and if the SW was not going to be a problem.

Well, we didn’t do too good and top landed at Upper Cass just 15 minutes later and a bit disappointed. There was just too much SW for progress and the bent thermals were drifting us towards Christchurch.

A half hour of parawaiting goes by and the good news is, there’s still no NE. So the ‘Plan’ is still on.

I can hear on the radio more pilots have turned up at the Gondola take off. I see Dave Dennis taking off and watched him getting to cloud base in no time and with no drift.

We re-launched. Lloyd got to cloud base first. Skywalk’s Tequilla are lighter than air and they probably

Left; View of Christchurch from cloudbase

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wouldn’t pass a urine test if they could piss if you ask me. So it’s a no contest really. Meanwhile as reality hits me, I was painfully admitting being out-flown here. Dang!

I must focus harder as I can hear the others saying the North East is now churning up the air on take-off and it’s now pretty much shut down.

I can feel them lumps all right; my glider bucks and needs active flying by now.

Lloyd is half way across already, when I finally reach base. I spotted him with loads of height above Diamond Harbour. He mentioned the SW is still present lower down, needing some speed bar for a better glide. I soon joined him over the thermal hunting grounds.

Working lee side thermals without any significant gains, I head down wind with the now active sea breeze hoping to glide to a ridge past Orton Bradley’s golf course for some dynamic lift.

Half way there, I picked up a good one above the fairway at about 200m from the deck. We climb up to cloud base in no time with massive grins on our faces. Lloyd proceeded to out-climb me again for a bit more ego bruizn. Nice Flying Lloyd.

Mt Bradley is now way clear underneath and there’s not much wind at cloud base. Life’s good as I’m soaking in the view from high up.

Pushing speed bar to catch up with Lloyd while staying on a lifty line at cloud base, we’re now on top of the

karoa Left, Jean meets up with Lloyd near Orton Bradley Park Right; Good height over castle Rock Banks Peninsula and clear above Mt Herbert. Feeling charged with our progress and optimistic with the tanks filled up, I look at what’s ahead and head under the obvious convergence line formed by the NE vs SW. Port Levy is to my left and Little River to my right, as i head SE. Looking around, it seems like Lloyd didn’t have as much luck and got lower on the Little River side. I waited a bit, but then decided to go ahead with what height I had left to try and reach Akaroa. One last look behind to make sure he is not trying to catch up, but now I can’t see him at all.

Oh yeah! I’d better look above me too to be sure! Unfortunately, he’s not in sight. Still, I’m hoping his thermalling skills will get him back up so he can catch up.

I can now see Akaroa harbour and after topping up at Hilltop I head over Akaroa harbour for my second water crossing of the day. It’s working well and I’m going to reach Akaroa without Plan B. Watching the sailboats, I pick up the lower sea breeze info and after a long glide above the harbour, I line up for landing in the main field in town. Looking up and trying on the radio one more time for Lloyd, I was unsuccessful.

I bought a couple of beers and a meal at a cafe bistro on main street.

Thinking if Lloyd shows up a cold beer is there already. If not, well it won’t go to waste. It’s a thirsty business this.

All in all, this was no doubt one of my favorite flights of the season. And I totally recommend it to everyone.

What makes this flight particularly special and memorable for me though, was succeeding at playing the ‘sea breeze vs cloud base’ game.

It’s a game that we play often here but end up rarely winning.

XC flying is so diverse and intricate but sometimes I forget how it can also be just fun too.

So enjoy!

Thanks to Lloyd for the photos and for sharing the flight. Lloyd flew to Little River in the end. Congrats to him.

Above Centre; Good height for the Lyttelton Harbour crossing ahead Right; Over Mt Herbert under convergence. Akaroa is over the next harbour ahead at the right

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9

Dalby Aerotowing Co

By Andrew Gooding Photos by Lisa Bradley

Ever had the urge to fly but the wind direction is all wrong at your favourite launch site?

Ever sat on the hill for hours waiting for conditions to be just right?

Then I strongly suggest a tow course with Canungra Sky Sports.

I am a low airtime pilot but despite this, I was encouraged to gain my tow endorsement by Lisa Bradley and John Smith from Canungra Sky Sports, and I have to say, it has been one of the best decisions I have made.

I joined a group of 6 pilots working to gain their tow endorsement.

Top; Andrew behind the tug Left; Classroom time Below; Kevin and Damian ready to tow

10 A i r b o r n

urse

Top; Andrew getting towed.

Although we were all feeling a little nervous at first, this soon eased under the excellent teaching methods of Lisa and John. Their intensive teaching method and dedication to the sport of hang gliding (they really live for this stuff) has the ability to inspire you and help you believe, “Hey, I really can do this!”.

With the expert flying of the tow gurus, Bruce and Blano, we were put through our paces. With many tows to 2000ft, tight left and right hand turns and altitude changes (all important conditions to deal with), we managed to be rewarded with our endorsement, opening up our opportunities to fly – you could call it our ticket to freedom.

We no longer need to worry which direction the wind is coming from.

We can just set up our gliders and get up there and enjoy the view.

Once again, thank you Lisa and John for the amazing experience and the awesome gift of flight.

Above; Rafael and Lisa Below; Rafael, Bruce & Matt

Above; Big smiles from Roger and Kev

Above; Matt ready for take off

Right; May Aerotow course participants

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11

The Soaring Kiwi and Sentenced to Life With a Grumpy Cabbage “One more torturous treatment and you’re terminated”, declares the German nurse, as she marches out to the supplies cupboard. “I’ll be back.”

Ok, so she didn’t say that. Exactly.

Although a true translation of intent would not be too far away. But then maybe I am not thinking so clearly.

Since very cleverly snapping the bottom part of my leg like a long dried chicken drumstick, in what could be considered a slightly less than perfect hang gliding landing two hours earlier, this now soring Kiwi has the overwhelming wish to utter strange squeaking sounds, grow a tail and run around on the remaining healthy three of all fours.

“Nein! Are you a man or a mouse?

Scissors are not necessary”, replied my previous collision with the compassionate world of German nursing scornfully, as she shredded the intravenous drip, no relation, and hair plaster from my forearm. “See”, she said gleefully, holding an arm scalp triumphantly in the air. “You didn’t need scissors.”

Yet overwhelming wishes and soring aside, a true Kiwi would never squeak, sprout a tail or partake in animal behaviour experiments.

It couldn’t. In fact the kiwi that is commonly known around the world as: a) a small brown furry fruit b) a brand of shoe polish c) a motorcycle helmet is actually a small brown, nocturnal, flightless bird, unique to New Zealand. Somewhere back in our short history we New Zealanders, lacking other fierce wildlife, decided it would be a good thing to be named after something brave enough to wander alone in the bush at night.

Not that this explanation helps much in parts of the world where the only kiwi known is a). While it would

certainly be no problem to be called after a motor cycle helmet and being a shoe polish could be useful for job interviews, no true Kiwi male would ever call themselves a fruit.

Now what was that about one more torturous treatment? Triumphantly the nurse pulls out something resembling a dry roll of high tech carbon fibre. Adding fluid to the fibre roll, she starts wrapping it around my leg. This is Germany the land of advanced high quality engineering.

Who would use heavy, messy outdated plaster from France when a lighter, more efficient alternative is available?

Then it dawns on me. She is going to set my leg. Without painkillers. Us Kiwis being tough manly types, see above, I start shaking uncontrollably while searching frantically for a bedpan. I ask if they don’t have any laughing gas or other painkillers I could use.

“Oh no, we don’t have that here, just grit your teeth”.

The torment begins with a light pressure on the undersurface of my foot, before vanishing again as the empathetic envoy of medieval medicine disappears to the cupboard for forgotten instruments of torture. All that is missing from the interrogation scene of one of those really bad Nazi movies I remember from my childhood, is the lamp shining in my eyes, an old piece of leather between my teeth and the heavily accented voice telling me there are vays I can be made to talk.

Reappearing victorious at the foot of my bed and broken leg, the nurse applies pressure once more, increasing it slowly as my foot is

“Prost!” (Cheers!) says Phil after flying pushed back. As bone pieces grind slowly into place I discover the roof is closer than originally thought. By this point I’ll confess to almost anything.

Even that no Nazi ever said what I remember them saying. So how did I end up here?

I suppose it all really began one day in June 1998 in a local pub on one, which if truth be told was a lot more than one, beer fuddled evening in my home town of Wellington in New Zealand. Two and a bit years and even more beers after this first evening I find myself standing on Brooklyn Hill in Wellington about to marry a grumpy cabbage.

A life sentence proposed just a week before. Before which time we were both starting to panic a little. It was the middle of November and on December 1st, Isabel, less formerly known as Izzy, and I are heading off to her home country of Germany, with a slight tourist detour through Australia and South East Asia, to live for a while. But I don’t have a visa.

Nor does it look like the German authorities are very keen to provide a brave brown bush bird with such a thing. After much discussion of life, bureaucracy, visas and the importance of a healthy breakfast, we decide on the doing porridge option, with salt.

A bit too late, in more ways than one, for the usual white wedding, we elect to have a simple registry wedding. This is organised for the following week. Only after the weekend’s breakfasts of pancakes and French toast with maple syrup, the porridge is in need of some sweetening. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to have a few friends and family there? And there must be a

Left; This vintage tractor is a paraglider pilot’s flying vehicle. Useful when you land in a farm field

12 A i r b o r n

more romantic spot than the registry office.

Although if this was Germany, as I find out later, we wouldn’t have a choice. The only permissible way of obtaining a healthy breakfast with salt there is via the marriage registry, or Standesamt. Weddings that take place in a church, or on a windy hill, might be very romantic, but they have no legal standing. Therefore a German wedding, just to prolong the torture, is held in two parts: legal and romantic. In that order exactly. The romantic part may be left out, but if the order is reversed, the celebrant, be they priest or lay person, is breaking the law and may end up doing porridge themselves2.

Not that true Kiwi males would ever admit to caring about the romantic ramifications. Grumpy cabbages acting as visa facilitators, however, do. Unhappy visa facilitator, no visa.

“Yes Isabel dear, of course it is important that we have a romantic spot dear. What about Brooklyn Hill then dear?”, I suggest. “It is there, Isabel, you are usually on a bike and of course then there is the lovely view of Wellington.”

Spot chosen, all that remains is organising a marriage celebrant and inviting the guests. On Monday night we open the yellow pages to the marriage celebrants section and pick one at random. Only there is no first name listed, so we move to the next one down. A woman by name of Gillian this time. I ring the number and ask Gillian if she would be available for an evening wedding in three days time, a Thursday, as this is the only free day we both have and the weekend is already taken with a leaving for Germany party.

She is. She then asks our names.

I give them.

“Was your mother Gwenda?”, she asks.

the Sauerkraut The Soaring Kiwi, aka Phil Southward,

By Phil Southward

Copyright © 2015

is a wannabe competition hang gliding pilot and author. Phil was born in Lower Hutt, a suburb of the big, for New Zealand standards, capital city Wellington.

After completing an unremarkable few years at school, he went on to squeeze a further forgettable number of years in the IT industry while travelling, skiing, windsurfing, surfing, hang gliding and mountain biking whenever he could.

Making the mistake of marrying the Sauerkraut, a grumpy German he met in Wellington, Phil moved to Munich where he lives today.

Phil has two great little girls, a hang glider, paraglider, windsurfer, surfboard, mountain bike, motorcycle, three pairs of skis and a number of toy Porsches.

This is his first book.

“Yes she was”, I reply, “How did you know?”

“I used to work with her, just before she died”, at which point she chokes a little, while I struggle to avoid being labeled as an a). She then tells me she would love to do the wedding and we arrange to meet the next day to go over the final arrangements. The next couple of days are a blur. In between the Frau to be’s final exams for her diploma, emptying my house of seven years of possessions and packing freight for Germany, we have very little time. On the Wednesday we begin ringing around a small number of friends and family. I go out to visit my favourite grandmother to invite her personally.

“Mama, what are you doing tomorrow evening?”, I ask.

“Oh, I don’t know dear. Maybe shopping, why?”

“Izzy and I are getting married. Do you want to come?”

“Oh I think I will have to sit down dear. Yes, yes that is great of course I will come”.

Unfortunately or not, depending on your point of view, the time is too short for the Frau to be’s parents to come over from Germany and many friends we can not invite as there is just not enough time or room.

We have trouble enough finding a restaurant to cater for the 30 people who do come. And so much for our, well actually the Frau to be’s, idea of a romantic evening in a hotel room on the night of the wedding.

The whole of Wellington is booked out. We settle for a romantic evening picking our way through the bomb site that used to be known as my house instead.

Finally the big day arrives, and everything is ready. Except rings are missing. Not just the one ring, but two. I am not so keen on the idea of wearing something so precious.

The Frau to be is. But then I worry what will transpire when she puts on the one ring. The invisible part would not be so bad, but the binding and ruling bit scares me. I resolve to buy a ring too. The wedding itself proceeds with a hitch as planned.

Vows are exchanged, rings slipped on, a fellowship established, a visa secured and my freedom is gone with the wind. A four month honeymoon via Australia and South East Asia and ending in Germany, begins a week later.

Honeymoon over, I find myself, armed with the sort of extensive vocabulary resulting from 36 promptly forgotten hours of evening German classes two years previously, stepping out of the plane into the organised chaos of Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s busiest, not understanding a word. Luckily the Frau proves she can actually speak the language of her birth and my hands and arms will not be needed after all.

While she practices her German on the Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) clerk, I look over a big yellow poster that I, with above average intelligence, assume must be a train timetable due to the place names and times listed on it. Hmm strange, it mentions here the time the ICE departs. Ice departure? Today is last the Tuesday in March and therefore winter. I suppose if it is winter and there is ice on the ground, there must also be a time it leaves. Wow these Germans certainly have things well organised. All that is missing is a timetable for SNOW. At the bottom of the timetable, written in small print, I notice the words “ICE - Inter City Express”.

We somehow manage to find the right train connection to HerbornSeelbach, the Frau’s birth place and the home of the in-laws who I have met only once. Back when I was just the strange brave bush bird boyfriend of their precious daughter.

“Ist hier noch frei?”

I am suddenly back in one of those forgotten 36 hours of German lessons. Amazed that I have actually understood something, I nod my

head and indicate to the woman that she can sit. I look over at the Frau and try to contain my laughter. I never believed my German teacher, or the Frau for that matter, that people really would be polite enough ask if a seat was free before sitting down. We Kiwis would just sit. Actually maybe that is why the German teacher made us, especially me, practice it so often.

Looking out the train window, I notice the landscape is flat with touches of green peeking through where the ice and snow have departed on schedule. I am actually amazed how much green there is. For a country not a lot bigger than New Zealand in land area, but with 84 million inhabitants Germany has nearly 21 times the number of people. But no sheep.

Not even the odd nervous one. With over 40 million sheep, ten times the human population, in New Zealand it is difficult to drive more than a few kilometres without seeing at least one flock. For Germany I had been expecting a near continuous suburban sprawl. Instead I observe many small towns and villages separated by fields and forests occasionally kilometres in length. As I find out a bit later, even Frankfurt, Germany’s banking capital and one of the few German cities with high rise buildings in the centre has only around two thirds of a million inhabitants.

Herborn-Seelbach, or Seelbach to its friends, is around 100 kilometres from Frankfurt and located in the state of Hessen. Seelbach is a small village of approximately 3,729 people, where every person counts, and is part of the wider Herborn region. Herborn itself, the big smoke of the region and overrun with around 8,500 people, lies four and a half kilometres distant.

Around 47% of the population are employed in the dominant wood and steel manufacturing industries of the region. Luckily only a small number are engaged in outright railway robbery. Like the highwaymen of old.

Only different. And more audacious.

These modern highwaymen don’t steel from people using the highway, they steal the actual highway. Or to be more precise, the rails.

By showing all who ask, and not many do, a contract from Deutsche Bahn, the quintessential railway robber is able to employ others to do the majority of his work for him.

‘The Soaring Kiwi and the Sauerkraut’, is an offbeat travel tale about a hang gliding New Zealander who makes the mistake of marrying a grumpy German and moving to Munich, the city of big beer and Lederhosen you couldn’t whip a high ranking motorsport official into wearing.

A big life style change for the kiwi known to most of the world as: a) a small brown furry fruit, b) a brand of shoe polish, c) a motorcycle helmet, but is in fact a small brown, nocturnal bird found only in New Zealand. And can’t fly.

Perfect prerequisites for our Soaring Kiwi, on his quest to become the world’s worst hang gliding champion.

From the; • pinnacle of the dedicated dot.com entrepreneur with a cunning business plan, to the tedium trough of the underemployed with an efficient German employer that isn’t, • climax in every teenage petrol head’s wet dream of piloting a big black car really, really fast, legally, to the pit of despair while being overtaken by a Mini, • thrill of the first proper sentence in German, to realising said sentence could have been uttered by any good international man of mystery, • relief of freedom from pain, to the tortures of Germany’s modern medieval medical establishment.

‘The Soaring Kiwi and the Sauerkraut’ is a germane journey through the highs and lows of adjusting to life in a new country with bad coffee.

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13

Flying at Greifenburg, Austria Which they do. Over several weeks at the beginning of 2006, as I learn later, a five kilometre section of disused track near Seelbach is dismantled and sold for a profit to scrap metal dealers4. And no-one notices. And this is where the Frau became what she is? I’m worried.

After around an hour and a half we near Seelbach. The landscape has become hilly and the forest thicker.

The houses between and within villages look similar, but not exactly the same either. Black slate tile roofs, white plastered walls and small gardens. Character houses. I am feeling increasingly apprehensive.

Not from the forest though. After all I come from a country where flightless birds wander around in the forest at night and alone. Nor from the character houses. No, this is something much worse. I am going to meet the Frau’s parents for only the second time. But this time as their son-in-law. They speak very little English and, apart from questions about seat availability, my German is worse than their English.

What’s more, wanting to surprise the Frau’s parents, we have not told them exactly when we will be arriving.

We decide to walk the 10 minutes to their office and just march in on them. My trepidation is not exactly helped by the greeting I have been practicing the last few weeks, all the while encouraged by the Frau, who I am sure like a kid sticking their finger into a bees nest, just wants to see what will happen. The Frau and I go around to the back entrance of the office. We open the door and walk in.

“Hallo Drachenschwiegermutter”, are the first words out of my mouth to Anneliese, my new mother-in-law.

14 A i r b o r n

Anneliese goes white and a shriek escapes her lips. Oh no have I gone too far?, I think. Anneliese rushes over to hug first the Frau and then me.

That I had just called her my “dragon mother- in-law” hasn’t registered at all. Like daughter, like mother, I think.

Attracted by the not inconsiderable noise coming from the back of the office, Gunter, the Frau’s father, walks in. More hugs (and a handshake for me of course, come on none of us here are an a) and questions. At least I think they are questions. I am sailing through a German language fog, even worse than the German classes two years ago. I have no idea what anyone is saying, nor how I should even start a conversation.

Would the fog clear if I asked about chair availability?

The German language fog doesn’t disappear in the next few weeks, but with the help of some Schwiegermutterdeutsch, or mother-in-law German, it does thin a little.

“Wir essen Kartoffel-Potatoes”, says Anneliese.

Hey I understood that. Maybe more than just useful questions about available seats has stuck in my head from those 36 hours of forgotten lessons after all. “We are going to eat potatoes-potatoes”. But why the German English mix? A few days later a similar thing happens, this time with another mix of German and English. Again I understand both languages. Then it dawns on me. Anneliese knows a few words of English. She is just trying to help me understand. By now though I don’t have the heart to tell her that she only ever translates the words I already understand.

A l o n g w i t h Schwiegermutterdeutsch, I also get to learn Omadeutsch, grandmother German. The Frau’s Grandmother Oma - lives in a self contained flat above Günter and Anneliese. Oma is 95 and for some reason taken with me. Even though her English is as extensive as my German, we somehow, with the Frau as translator, manage to converse. I hear a bit about growing up under the Kaiser, or German emperor, and how different things are these days. Back then the Kaiser was (or maybe had) such a big wig that on his birthday, Oma and all the other school kids would get a free bread roll. I hear also about her experiences as a young woman growing up in Marburg. What I never learn from Oma though, is anything about her experiences during the time you are not supposed to mention. It is never mentioned.

I learn later from the Frau and her aunt Waltraud, Oma’s daughter, why.

This was a very difficult time for Oma. The Nazi government would not allow her and her later husband, a customs officer, based in France during the occupation, to marry. Even though she was already pregnant with his child. And to have a child out of wedlock was, at the time, a monstrous scandal. Then after Germany was defeated, we won’t mention when, her future husband was imprisoned by the British for over three years after having been captured in France. At the time Oma didn’t know if she would ever see him again.

It is actually the example of Oma that demonstrates to me how Germany has handled the Nazi times,

at least within the Frau’s family, up to now. It was scarcely mentioned with the Frau or her brother by either her parents or grandparents. Yet this same example also displayed the difference of the Frau’s generation to that of her parents and grandparents.

Such subjects are no longer tabu.

This openness becomes more obvious to me a couple of years later once my German has progressed enough to read local newspapers.

As part of the 60th celebrations of the end of the second world war, the local Munich pager, the Süddeutsche Zeitung, runs a series of articles about life under the Nazis and directly after the war. They did mention the war. It appears that while Germany has not forgotten the war or the Nazis and the terrible things done in their name, Germany has achieved closure and moved on. Perhaps it is only the English speaking world that still requires a session on Freud’s couch?

What I do learn from Oma, I am certain could not be learnt in such scholarly detail from any other source. That is the goings on of various German movie and TV stars and how Charliss, Deeana and other members of the British royal family are getting on. Or what the Princess of Monaco is up to. And finally how to get the best out of sundry pot plants and flowers. All of which I am certain is going to prove intensely useful for life in my new adopted country.

Chapter one ends here. To read further, it is available as both eBook and paperback on Amazon, or as a paperback in New Zealand from fishpond.co.nz or wheelers. co.nz. Further information can be found at: www.SoaringKiwiSauerkraut.com

FLIGHT PIX

Speed Riding the Grand Couloir, Double Cone, Remarkables. The day was perfect; zero wind, 2.5 hour hike to the top. Epic flight. by Blake Round

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15

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HALL compact (11.5cm) ‘Small Hall’ is the best priced airspeed meter available. Simple and accurate. Brackets for hang or para. Never needs batteries!

PLUSAIR Helmet; tough ABS shell, matte rubber coating & EPS liner with 11 passive air vents & Hydro-Cool lining. Removable ear covers. Certified EN966 for free flight & ski. 470g. Optional chin guard.

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IQ SONIC; Mini-vario (audio only) Ideal as a back-up or combine with an alti-watch. Small, light, simple; just switch on and go.

All switchable metric/imperial. Mounting bracket options.

Fabric and perspex covers for insulation and protection.

PG Front Chute Container; Your parachute mounted where you can see, reach & deploy fastest with either hand. It’s less drag and has a handy flight deck for your instruments that zips off as a protective carry bag.

THE VERY BEST SECOND CHANCE!

Many accidents happen close to the ground, so a fast, reliable opening is most important. The dual canopy, pulled down apex system opens fastest and most reliably.

Leading German manufacturer Charly makes Revolution double canopy PDA reserves. Many top NZ pilots have been saved by their reserves; even with deployments below 50ft !! which shows how fast these can really open.

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Most items are in stock for overnight courier delivery. Call or email for more information. Dealer, School and group order enquiries welcome

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phone 021 247-2676 (021 AIRBORN), a.h. 03 326-6411 email aero@xtra.co.nz

post 99A Panorama Road, Christchurch 8081

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O R C A & S V I S URSE O C

SS E E S S R R U U O O C C TT LLLL R R A A O O , , PP S D S D N N N N A A A A R R M T T E R D R E E T R T P A P L O O U C I P L E O P H E O D T DUE W INCLU NO

Location Lake Wanaka NZ

Lake Wanaka NZ

SIV Dates Dates November 20th-24th

November 20th-24th January January 22nd-26th 22nd-26th February February 19th-23rd 19th-23rd March March 18th-22nd 18th-22nd

Contact: Contact: Craig Craig Taylor Taylor Email: info@freeflyparagliding.com Email: info@freeflyparagliding.com Web: Web: www.freeflyparagliding.com www.freeflyparagliding.com Mobile: Mobile: +64(0)21 +64(0)21 942 942 533 533

An Introduction to Manilla

By Tim Brown

T

he NZ Paragliding Competition Committee has recently selected Manilla, Australia as a the venue for the first of two NZ PG opens to be held in 2016, and although I am on the PCC what follows is not to be a justification but a description of my flying in Manilla with an intent to entice and encourage the newer NZ competition pilots into making the effort to go to Australia to fly and spread their wings. The more experienced competition pilots, and those that have flown previously in Manilla need no such encouragement. It is a classic place to fly.

I am in fact an Australian but now living in Queenstown, NZ. I bought a house there in 1992 when I first learnt to fly paragliders in 1992. I flew in my first competition from Coronet Peak, with cameras and maps, in 1993 and have flown in competitions all around the world ever since but I believe it was my flying at Manilla, where I flew regularly whilst living in Sydney from 1995-2002 that, I really ‘cut my teeth’ and fell in love with cross-country paragliding.

Manilla is 40km north of Tamworth.

I’d heard about it, and one weekend decided to drive and just turn up.

I knew nothing else. It was 1995.

Manilla was a blip on the paragliding radar. It is about 5½ hours drive

Over the west launch from Sydney and a bit further from Brisbane. Up until then I had done most of flying ridge soaring in Hong Kong and hadn’t done a lot of cross country.

North of Tamworth the country begins to open out. A line of small hills on the right and pockets of scattered hillocks to the west and out to Gunnedah. How can this be a mecca for paragliding? It’s so flat.

And then you come into Manilla. A small rural town with really only one main street... a very wide main street with several pubs, a supermarket, a post office a cafe or two and not much else. At the time the pub for hang and paraglider pilots was the ‘Bottom’ pub run by Colleen.

The hang gliding community had discovered Mt Borah several years before but from the west side and now Godfrey Wenness, a paraglider pilot, had bought a large property on the east side of the mountain from where he built a road to access the mountain from the ‘not so steep’ east.

Mt Borah is 11 kilometers northwest from Manilla along a public dusty, dirt road through several farming properties.

Mt Borah west launch

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On arrival at Godfrey’s property all the pilots and visitors would lob into Godfrey’s kitchen at the homestead, a squeaky fly-screen door, then a cup of tea or toast and to ask the weather and what the lowdown was for flying that day. If it were not flyable we would watch videos in Godfrey’s lounge room. Katie was Godfrey’s dog that endlessly chased anything you threw at her. Over the years there were pet kangaroos too.

Godfrey owned and provided an old and rickety Toyota 4WD called “The Basher” which was in varying states of serviceability. Then there was the ‘basher’ driver, often an itinerant visiting pilot that needed to make a few bucks to get by for the summer.

For a few dollars everybody would load into and onto the Basher and drive the few kilometres up the hill.

The main take-off at the time was on the west side just a little north of the current west launch. Godfrey ensured that the kangaroos are protected on his property so to see a kangaroo on the drive up or even on launch was quite special, especially for the overseas visitors.

Mt Borah is quite a small mountain but with a large wide top which slopes down somewhat to the east and north. It is part of a small mountain range that runs northsouth for some 20km. The main take-off is just 350m above the valley below at an elevation of 883m; not a lot of time to find a thermal, even less from the North and East launches. but the views to the west are spectacular across the open flatlands and farms out to a few small mountain ranges. All of it flying country! It’s vast.

We would sit on a log under the tree at launch and ‘ chew-the-fat’ waiting for the conditions to be OK. The only direction that is not flyable at Mt Borah is from the north, which

is what happens when the cold fronts sweep up from South Australia.

The take-off is quite steep and over rocks and trees. Find that thermal. Find that thermal quickly!

There’s few known trigger points on the small spurs off to the left and then on a light wind day it’s a classic soar up to base. You’ll need to know your thermal flying flight rules here now. Often an inversion would have developed though. You’ll know it because, even in clear air, all of a sudden it gets quite choppy and rough as you bounce off the bottom! Wait and be patient. Boat around and wait for the inversion to lift. A guideline is not to ‘leave the hill’ until you’re at at least 1800m.

It’s a real ‘headspace’ leaving the safety of Mt Borah that first time, and especially if you’re relying on a hitch-hike to get home!

If you’re taking off from the west launch you’ll commonly go ‘over the back’ towards Godfrey’s (not advisable if you’re not at least 200m above hill height if there’s any wind around; lee side turbulence can be quite frightening low over the rocks and gums (they’re quite an unforgiving tree!). There’s lots of room to top land if you need to.

There is also a ‘short east’ bombout and some space by the road if you really need to put down. (These are more often used when flying from the east launch).

There is a steep 4WD retrieve track down the west face to the infamous ‘West Bombout’. ‘Infamous’ because just about everybody has and will end up there! Even the best pilots. And sure enough, you’ll land there just as the basher is setting off, full, back up the hill! It is possible to drive (walk) all the way around to the east landing paddocks from the west through a low gully to the south of launch.

Often at the end of a day the basher

may go back this way from the west bombout to Godfrey’s.

There’s a big sky in Manilla and you’ll get to apply all those little techniques you learnt from books at flying school: like watch the ground features when low... ploughed paddocks, tree lines, spurs, rises in the ground, gullies. Watch wedgetail eagles and other soaring birds.

The wind on the ground: check the dams, the direction that the horses are facing, (or the cattle), the rustling in the trees; all the time though checking your drift and keeping an eye out for the trees and the ground, soaring birds and cloud development (or over development!). Keep moving. On a good lift day, don’t sweat the small stuff. Keep moving.

The main direction for flights is either by staying along the west side of the range or going over the back and up the range along the highway towards Barraba (35km), Bingarra (95km) and Warialda (125km). At the end of the range is what’s called “The Tarpoli Hole” because it will ‘suck’ you down if you haven’t been briefed on how to cross it! Many, many pilots have ended their day there at just 15 km from launch. If you get to Barraba it’s a great day! And it’s pretty easy to hitch back from there.

Also from the west launch a common direction is south east 60km towards Bendemeer. This route pretty much follows the road

up the Bendemeer Valley from past Manilla township or it can take you up into wooded, high country. Flying to the northeast is possible but not very common.

The other main directions to go are to take-off from the east launch and depart to the west towards the ‘Boggabri Gap’ (27km) where there is a long straight road (with not much traffic) and out to Narrabri (90km), Wee Waa (125km) and even Walgett (250km) or Moree (150km north west). Moree can be flown by taking the Boggabri Gap or going northwest directly from Mt Borah through the picturesque Horton Valley.

There are also routes to the south west out towards and beyond Gunnedah over Lake Keepit. These are the directions that are flown after a launch from the northeast take-off.

It’s not a very high take-off and the wind slides around the east side.

There is a nice little cliff as a trigger left, in the gully, but it’s a long glide out to the east bombout if you miss it!

The only direction in which there is any airspace of any note is to the south towards Tamworth, but this is a direction rarely flown. There are some other ‘no fly’ zones though, especially over horse studs and emu farms. As per usual, be careful.

Be mindful.

Sure you’ll have some big consistent thermals that will really get you to hone your thermalling skills, and work out how the thermal

West launch

Photo; Craig Collings

Split Rock Dam near Manilla shifts as you climb, and sure you’ll get some big height over the flats.

You’ll probably get to fly with wedgetail eagles and in competitions you’ll get to learn about gaggle flying, something that we don’t often do here in New Zealand and yep, you’ll get some really, really low saves from tree top level in a thermal that will power you back to over 2000m in no time! Hang on!

But Mt Borah isn’t always about flying open long distances.

Sometimes the guys set off to fly out and returns or FAI triangles. I’ve had some great evenings ridge soaring on the west launch and then popping over the back in calm conditions to land at Godfrey’s house. Or go a little further and fly to Manilla. One evening we were boating around over Godfrey’s. There were just a few cumulus clouds with a base of around 10,000ft. Several of us were able to soar up to base and even higher in the air spilling around the sides of the cloud. It was classic and we were all really hyped after that.

Flying in Manilla you’ll need to consider the sun. In New Zealand we mostly fly with a mask to keep us warm, but in Manilla you’ll see lots of pilots with masks to keep the sun off their faces. You’ll need to consider nourishment for your flight and for perhaps a long walk out. You’ll need to keep hydrated and even what you’ll do in case you need to pee. A 5-hour flight is quite a long time. I find it laughable, even sad, that some New Zealand pilots feel they’ve done a cross country flight by doing a 13-minute sled ride at Coronet Peak!

Because of the big flights you’ll need to hone your radio communication

procedures and etiquette. It is important to keep in contact with your flying colleagues for the day and your even more so your retrieve.

Keep them updated regularly and make sure you let them know where you are before you get on the ground and lose radio comms. You’ll need to keep an eye on landing options and how you’ll ‘get out of there’. Where is the nearest road? Closer to the ground keep an eye on features with which to brief your retrieve driver.

Godfrey now has fantastic on site accommodation and a ‘recreation hall’ for the visiting pilots. There’s a river by which to camp and a swimming pool too. I like to stay in town though at the Royal Hotel which is now the ‘pilots’ pub. Tom and Vic have been looking after Manilla pilots for years and are fantastic hosts. The hotel is central and well appointed, though somewhat rustic. I love the big balcony.

I’ll be booking my place for the NZ Open 2016 Round 1 in Manilla as soon as it becomes available.

There’s going to be a lot more international pilots there which will make the scoring more valuable and the flying more competitive, in fact international pilots travel the world over to come and fly at Manilla at any time of the Australian summer. They come to fly long distance. They come for some fantastic, reliable flying and, if you get the weather there’s some great flying to be done.

You don’t have to be an expert though this is sure a great place to develop your paragliding expertise.

The sky is big, the thermals are big and the flying dynamic. Get your ‘teeth into it’ and stretch your wings.

Fly Manilla in 2016.

Scratching at the east launch

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21

Wings of Kilimanjaro for Kiwi

Bernie at Clifton Cliffs, Hawkes Bay.

I

n September 2016, Hawke’s Bay paraglider pilot Bernie Gunn aims to be the first kiwi to fly off Africa’s highest mountain Mt Kilimanjaro.

He is doing this as part of the Wings of Kilimanjaro (WOK) expedition.

WOK have negotiated with the Tanzanian Government to secure the sole right to take paraglider pilots

Photo: Kris Ericksen

to the top of the worlds highest freestanding mountain. In exchange for this, WOK and the pilots who fly with them have to raise significant amounts of money for the partnered charities working within Tanzania.

The 2016’s expeditions partner charity WorldServe International implement clean water solutions, mainly drilling wells for rural villages

where in some cases poor quality water sources contribute to up to 50% infant mortality.

The expeditions fundraising goal for 2016 is US$1,000,000 to go to charity WorldServe International.

Bernie’s personal fundraising target is US$10,000. 100% of money donated goes to the partner charity WorldServe Intl through WOK’s fundraising platform.

A Wings of Kilimanjaro Facebook post shared on the Cross Country magazine Facebook page caught his attention and when he read that the expedition would involve paragliding, Africa, mountains and helping people, he couldn’t but go.

Bernie has a rigorous training regime lined up including an SIV course, attending the Nelson leg of the National Paragliding Champs and is also looking forward to getting into more mountain flying on the

Molesworth Hike & Fly Camp as well as a fair few fundraising initiatives.

The take-off at over 20,000ft is going to be potentially the most hectic part from a flying perspective, extreme conditions and many pilots piling off in small weather windows means Bernie is going to be putting in some serious ground handling time as well as as many high altitude take-offs as he can jam in here in NZ. He is glad to have learnt to fly at Te Mata Peak which has one of the more challenging launch sites to learn on.

Bernie has planning plenty of fitness training including the popular 47km running race the Triple Peaks Challenge on the 19th March 2016.

He is hike & flying the race and invites any other pilots to join in.

Check out the race website at www. triplepeakschallenge.co.nz Get in touch with Bernie to be involved

Hang Gliding Nationals Winners W

hen it was decided to engrave previous winners on the latest Hang Gliding Nationals trophy, it was found that the only records we had were in back issues of Airborn magazines. Airborn Year Place Held 1976 Coronet Peak

1997 Cancelled 1978 Te Mata Peak 1979 Queenstown 1980 Kaimais 1981 Queenstown 1982 Kaimais 1983 Queenstown 1984 Paeroas 1985 Kaimais 1986 Queenstown 1987 Wanaka 1988 Hawkes Bay 1989 Paeroas 1990 Nelson 1991 Omarama 1992 Wellington 1993 Kaimais 1994 Queenstown 1995 Omarama 1996 Hawkes Bay 1997 Kaimais 1998 Nelson 1999 Omarama 2000 Wairarapa 2001 Paeroas 2002 Omarama 2003 Nelson 2004 Waipukarau (aerotow) 2005 Waiarapa 2006 Havelock 2007 Tapawera (aerotow) 2008 Wairarapa 2009 Havelock 2010 Paeroas 2011 Wanaka 2012 Paeroas 2013 Paeroas 2014 No Nationals 2015 Wanaka

didn’t start till 1980 so there was much emailing and ringing around as well as other publications checked for the earlier winners (see below).

The winners were eventually confirmed and

Winner/s Graeme Bird; flex wing class, Murray Sargisson; Rogallo, Roy Ealson; Open, Charlie Butchers; Seagull III Terry Delore Terry Delore Terry Delore, Bob Schutte Class 2 Allan Garard Invalid Comp Alan Daniels AUS, 2nd Warren Grey NZ Lindsay Hay Rick Duncan AUS. 2nd Bernie Massey NZ Jess Flynn GB, 2nd Mark Tullock CAN, 3rd Pete Ryan NZ Ross McMillan Anton Lawrence Pete Ryan Bernie Massey Tim Osborn John Turnbull Ricky Duncan AUS, 2nd Anton Lawrence NZ Geoff Dossetor Tim Osborn Steve Elliot Alan Barnes Nigel Leigh Nigel Leigh Alan Barnes GB, 2nd Bill Degen NZ Geof Green Tim Osborn Dave Newton Tashca McLellan Dave Newton Matt Barlow Dave Newton Dave Newton Dave Newton Dave Austin Ian Clark Neil Howe Neil Howe John Smith

22 A i r b o r n

Mark Alton is now collecting the names of the organisers of each event and Sport Class winners if there was one. Meanwhile here is the complete list of winners and NZ Champions.

Pilot with the hike & fly section of Triple Peaks.

Bernie admits he has a steep Bernie with son Thomas learning curve ahead but is looking forward to both the challenge and to meeting lots of awesome people along the way. He is also looking for possible corporate sponsorship so if you know anybody who might be interested then get in touch with him.

To support Bernie’s fundraising efforts and to track the progress of the expedition follow the link http://wingsofkilimanjaro.com/join-theadventure/wok-2016-participants/wok-2016adventurers/ and click on Bernie’s personal fundraising page. He can be contacted at berniegunn86@gmail.com or mob. 021 808 896.

NZ Paragliding Competition Committee write up

D

ue to frequent requests (actually – none) I have done some highly scientific calculations to establish which NZ paragliding club has the best competition pilots. The results conclusively indicate that Auckland pilots are the best.

If we regard the new ladder which is ready for the coming season, we can see that there are 44 pilots that survived the cut. It’s a very close split between Auckland Club, Southern Club and “all the other clubs put together”.

But to normalise things we really need to look at the average points per pilot. You will see that Auckland pilots are still the best, closely followed by Kris Ericksen as sole representative from Wellington!

Now, if we turn our attention to the top ten (which is occupied exclusively by Auckland and Southern pilots) then you will see that Auckland has the most points again…

Let’s now look at the share of the points… Although it’s close - Auckland has the most.

Finally, when I sorted the clubs in alphabetic order, then it is, once again a win for Auckland, with an extremely poor showing by Kris.

See you in the bomb out in the new season - Johnny Hopper and the PCC NZNew Paragliding Ladder Zealand Paragliding Ladder Ready for Season 2015/16

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

http://wingsofkilimanjaro.com

0 0 0

Season Club Gain/Los s

Starting Position

Pilot

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 41 43 44

Grant Middendorf Reuben Muir Wayne Rohrs Evan Lamberton Mark Hardman Jeff Ripley Derek Divers Eva Keim ♀ Tim Brown Robbo Robinson Nick Taber Peter Taylor Peter Groves Itai Almog Nick Stead Kris Ericksen Russell Read Glen Stevens Hamish Barker Roy Tingay Rodger Kerr Louis Tapper Melanie Heather ♀ Kussy Gomez ♀ Rhys Akers Matt Stanford Rob Boyle Grey Hamilton Anand Srinivasan Cameron Kennedy Phil Hystek Johnny Hopper Rory Devine Dean Straker Kyla MacDonald ♀ Elisabeth Tobler ♀ Craig Miller Sandy Yong ♀ Edward Guy Graham Surrey Don Smith Duncan Macnab Nick "X-Alps" Neynens Timothy Heather

A

S A A A S A S A S A T C S S A W M C T S A S S S B C T C A A S A S T A A H C S A A H S S

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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Ladder Score Start of Season 2015/16 742 673 647 646 630 559 552 538 530 515 504 474 474 446 445 423 418 413 405 401 384 381 373 371 371 358 343 334 329 322 321 315 312 311 308 287 282 273 270 266 261 261 260 253

23

Safety Checks Gin Genie Race 3 paraglider harness bridle connection A pilot reported that the main rescue bridle failed at the shoulder connection points following a rescue parachute deployment.

An investigation by Gin Gliders has revealed that the connection on the concerned harness may have been weakened by a previous rescue deployment. Further tests on other Genie Race 3 harnesses have concluded that the main rescue bridle connection exceeds the minimum certification standards. Tests on the shorter front rescue bridle have demonstrated that the front bridle connection is good to over 2000kg.

Any pilots who have previously deployed their rescue parachute should re-check their rescue bridle connection point before their next flight.

Gin Gliders recommend that all Genie Race 3 pilots use steel maillons (rated to over 1000kg) to connect each main rescue bridle to the front rescue bridle connection point as shown in the photos below. A pair of maillons can be obtained free of charge from your GIN distributor.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your GIN distributor or Gin Gliders directly. www.gingliders.com 08.06.2015 Before

After

Infinity 4 paraglider fabric During a routine incoming goods control of a new Infinity 4, too high air permeability values occurred.

An immediate analysis resulted in the fact that material with insufficient coating was used. Only gliders that come from the factory in Sri Lanka are affected, where AQ is contained in the serial numbers. This deficiency was only noticed partly on the yellow and blue cloth material. U-Turn puts safety first and hereby asks all Infinity 4-pilots with an affected serial number (XX-INF-4XX-XXAQ-XXX) to have the air permeability checked, either at a U-Turn check facility or at U-Turn itself. This check needs to take place before the next flight.

Because of that incident, U-Turn is taking appropriate steps and is ending the cooperation with the production facility in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately the check list and production instructions of the U-Turn Controlling protocol were disregarded in this factory, which included a strict inspection of the material before using it to build gliders.

Therefore this production facility can’t fulfil

24 A i r b o r n

the high quality management of U-Turn and poses a safety risk. The other two production facilities of U-Turn paragliders are not affected.

We thank you for your understanding and apologise for this incident 10.6.2015 - Thomas Vosseler, U-Turn GmbH www.u-turn.de

EVENTS Molesworth Fly/Hike/Camp

Icaro Cyber TE S paraglider DHV GS-01-2000-12 Manufacturer Icaro has issued a safety advisory for the paraglider Cyber TE S DHV GS-01-2000-12. In one case, a glider of size S had risers designed for the size M model fitted to it, which resulted in increased travel when using the accelerator bar. See here for the Safety Advisory www.dhv.de/web/ fileadmin/user_upload/files/2015/sicherheit/ icaro_hinweis01_cyberTE_150622.pdf Notice from the DHV: test flights with the incorrect riser set have demonstrated that at full speed the glider can self-collapse.

Aa a result of this, all owners of Cyber TE S gliders are urgently recommended to conduct the checks in the Safety Advisory before the next flight.

- Karl Slezak, DHV Safety and Technical Dept. 22.06.2015

Hang glider Funky 15 & 17 DHV 01-0416-06, DHV 01-0417-06 During routine airworthiness checks of hang gliders Funky 15 and Funky 17 from Seedwings Airsports GmbH, incorrect luff heights have been determined. This can be due to several different reasons. Seedwings Airsports GmbH together with the DHV have issued the following safety advisory: Luff heights on all Funky 15 and Funky 17 hang gliders must be checked before the next flight. Checks may be conducted by the aircraft owner themselves. Should the luff heights on the hang gliders differ from those noted in the DHV specifications, then Seedwings must be contacted for further information.

Airsports specifications Funky 15: www.dhv. de/dbfiles/tmo/datenblaetter/K_01-0416-06. pdf Airsports specifications Funky 17: www.dhv. de/dbfiles/tmo/datenblaetter/K_01-0417-06. pdf General information for measuring luff heights and pitch settings: www.dhv.de/web/ piloteninfos/drachenflug-welt/drachen-news/ pitch-beim-drachen/ Seedwings Airsports GmbH Schlitters 63, A-6262 Schlitters, Austria office@seedwings.eu www.seedwings.eu/ 18.06.2015 - Michael Moeller, Geschaeftsfuehrer/CEO

Sup Air Walibi2 & Evasion2 paraglider harnesses reserve handles Extraction problem with the tandem harnesses reserve parachute handles; Depending on the extraction direction and how old the velcros are, it is possible to find it difficult to pull and extract the reserve parachute handle from its housing.

If the case, the reserve parachute extraction sequence could be jeopardised.

More info and remedial instructions can be found at: http://supair.com/communication/ telechargement/securite/Safety_note_EN_ Rescue_handle_extraction_on_tandem_ harness_low-res.pdf 30/03/2015 http://supair.com

An informal fly/hike/camp is being planned for the Molesworth area (upper South Island) for either late November or early December.

Based at the Archeron Campsite the idea is to hike up various hills, then fly off, and then return to the campsite each night. For those that are keen maybe a bit of Vol Biv can be done. The idea is to explore the flying potential of this wonderful remote treeless landscape.

For those who overfly this area on their way to Hanmer this will be an opportunity to explore the area in more detail and discover how to potentially extend your flights. Paramotors are also welcome.

This is an informal gathering - everyone will be responsible for their own food, tents and transport. However, we will ideally eat breakfasts and dinners together - bring some food that can be shared!

There are 20 camp sites at Archeron ($6 per person per night) - but no power. We may hire a generator for charging batteries/GPS/ radios. Cost of this will be advised closer to

the time - otherwise bring inverters. More details about the campsite: http://tinyurl.com/ molesworthcamping The event would be from the Friday evening through to the following Sunday. Come for the first weekend only, during the week, second weekend - or the whole time!

However, which time period would you prefer? The options are: 20 Nov - 29 Nov, 27 Nov - 6 Dec or 4 Dec - 13 Dec. There is a poll on our Facebook page - search for MolesworthFlyHike - along with a registration of interest form.

Names of participants and vehicle registration numbers will be required early November, as a DOC permit is required. All attendees MUST have radios.

More details: Kris Ericksen M 02 11 16 45 58 skf@paradise.net.nz

Forbes Flatlands Hang Gliding Championships 2016 When: Thursday 31st December 2015 - Saturday the 9th January 2016 Where: Forbes Airport 8 days of flying plus 1 practice day Four classes: Open, Women’s, (Forbes) A-Grade* and Sport** *Pilots that have never placed in the top 100 on the FAI WPRS ranking. *The Women and A-Grade will fly, and be scored in the Open Class as-well. **Sport class will have their own task set each day.

Trophies: for all 4 classes plus the Forbes Council encouragement award What you need: Hang glider (well maintained!), Harness (well maintained), GPS or GPS/vario, Tow release and bridle, Recently repacked parachute, Helmet, Current HGFA membership, VHF Rating and equipment (more info), Aerotow Rating, Cost: (get in early and pay less). $300 if paid before 7th November, $350 if paid before 7th December, $400 if paid after 7th December, $450 if paid on 31st December, + $400 tow fee (inc. site fee) Includes: Unlimited tows, awesome flying and fun and the welcome and presentation meal.

Aerotow: Organised by Bill Moyes himself.

Retrieve: You need to arrange your own retrieval team, we can help with match making just contact us.

Headquarters: Forbes Sports & Recreation Club.

Address: Lachlan St, Forbes NSW 2871.

Schedule: Registration at HQ from 10.00am - 12.00pm & 4.00pm - 6.00pm - Thursday 31st December 2015 Welcome Briefing at HQ at 8.30pm Wednesday 31st December (Yes it’s New Year’s Eve)!

Practice Day: Friday 1st January, 2016 1st Competition Day: Saturday 2nd January 2016 Last Competition Day: Saturday 9th January 2016 Presentation: Saturday 9th January 2016

Hang Gliding Competition Dates 2015/16 NORTH ISLAND Northland League 7 & 8 Nov, Reserve dates, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 28 & 29 Nov 2015 Contact Tom at tkmechanical@vodafone. co.nz Kaimais League 5th & 6th Dec, Reserve days 12th & 13th Dec 2015 Contact Geoff at Geoff@tradeupjobs.co.nz Wellington League 23-25 Jan 2016 Contact Grant at Tathams@xtra.co.nz Auckland League 27 & 28 Feb Reserve dates 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20 March 2016 Contact Mark at markalton@yahoo.com or Les at graham-mackie@vodafone.co.nz SOUTH ISLAND Cheeseman League 24th Oct to 26th Oct Max Gebhardt 027 836 4288 The Nelson Golden Triangle Nationals 13/2/2016 - 21/2/2016 Sites; Sherry River, Inwoods Lookout, Tapawera, and Mt Murchison Organisers; Glenn Meadows 027 275 1022 Max Gebhardt 027 836 4288 Omarama XC Classic Camp 2016 January 31st - February 7th 2016 which gives a few days rest for those going to the Nationals.

Contact Bill Degen for info; aero@xtra.co.nz

Omarama HG Classic Cross Country Camp 2015

Saturday 30 January to Sunday 7 February 2016 As always during the week of Waitangi Day. Finishing 5 days before the 2016 Nationals.

At this time of year, Omarama gets the most flying days; the least turbulence and strong winds so the most cross country flying opportunities. Fly the whole week, just the weekends or just fly the best days.

Flying will be spectacular, expect 9000ft plus and 20 to 100km depending on your skill and luck. You’ll probably beat your Personal Best; height, distance etc, & move up the XC Champs table.

THE MISSION; fly open distance, in any direction from the Omarama area. You choose.

Enter any number of flights. Take any days off, only your best 3 flights get scored. Flights can be entered each evening at the Omarama Hotel, the cottage next door or at the camping area entry boards.

REQUIRED; Advanced rating with mountain/ XC skills. Pilots with lower skill ratings may fly only under supervision and if conditions are suitable. Printed site briefings are available.

If you don’t feel like driving up the hill, bring your aerotow or car tow setup instead.

All types of accommodation are available; from free camping, cabins to luxury hotel.

For more information, contact Bill Degen aero@xtra.co.nz or for further information, site briefing, maps etc; www.hgpg.co.nz

The First Auckland Regional Paragliding Comp of the 2015/16 Season November 28th/29th 2015 Reserve dates following weekend: 5th/6th December 2015 FAI Cat-2 sanctioned! So get your world ranking points here.

Sites could be Dills Hill, Moirs Hill, or as far as Paeroas.

Saturday night barbecue with domestic fowl spotting excursions.

No entry fee - all qualified NZHGPA paraglider pilots welcome.

WOF, Back protection, UHF Radio, altimeter and reserve parachute mandatory.

All gliders must be certified EN-A, EN-B, EN-C, EN-D or CCC Contact Johnny on johnnyhopper@gmail. com or on 021 056 2275 Comp First timers very welcome, but please make contact in advance.

NZHGPA Paragliding Open Round Two Nelson 2016 The Tasman Hang gliding and Paragliding Club (THGPC) is delighted to announce it will be hosting Round 2 of The New Zealand Paragliding Nationals in Nelson from Friday 26th February to the 5th Mar 2016. This is the second of two FAI Cat2 competitions for the NZ 2016 season.

Whilst it is acknowledged that the main purpose of the PG Open has the serious task of running a FAI Cat 2 competition to find the NZ champion, it is worth noting that Nelson is also renowned for its high mountain launches providing many opportunities for pilots to achieve an open distance personal best.

In previous Nelson Nationals and Tim Percival’s renowned St Arnaud XC Camps, scores of pilots have left Nelson with a big smile on their faces having bagged a Personal Best (PB). During the 2014 Nelson Nationals over a dozen pilots gained PB’s, Antje Daehler broke the women’s NZ Open distance record and 5 pilots flew on to a New Zealand declared goal record. Of interest the Tasman region has seen more milestone flights per percentage of pilot’s flights than any other region, with Mt Murchison ranked as the No 1 Site in New Zealand.

With such great flying potential, the Nelson THGPC will be promoting and encouraging pilots of all abilities to fly as far as they can and is offering a special Nelson prize to the best achieved personal best - The PB Trophy.

Hang Gliding Nationals Organiser 2017 We are looking for someone who is interested to run the 2017 HG Nationals in the North Island.

For the last two years it has been in the South Island. Time to bring it back North and hopefully some South Island pilots with it.

Please contact the HG Comp committee to voice your interest.

- HG Comp committee

Forbes HG Big Spring Sports Class Championships 2015 A full week of fun flying is planned this coming Spring for the inaugural Forbes Big Spring Sports Class Championships 2015!

Come out and hook into some spring-time thermals at the site of the 1998 & 2013 Hang Gliding World Champs!

This will be a FAI Sanctioned Sports Class hang gliding competition, with two Classes, Sports and Floater Class.

All pilots of all experience are welcome.

Come along whether it be your first competition or you are just wanting to get some serious airtime in the spring thermals of Forbes.

Prize Money! $1000 for 1st , 2nd and 3rd!

Registration and more info at www. forbesflatlands.com Practice Day: Saturday 31st October, 2015 1st Competition Day: Sunday 1st November, 2015 Last Competition Day: Saturday 7th November, 2015

Pilots on route to new PB’s at Mt Murchison.

Photo courtesy of

John Henderson

The comp base HQ will be based out of the Tahuna Beach Kiwi Holiday Park and the manager has offered for pilots booking for 8 nights or more to receive the last nights’ accommodation for free, just use Promotion Code; ‘PG Open’ when booking. The Park offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets from tenting, cabins, house share up to 9 pilots and motel units, to book visit; http://tahunabeachholidaypark.co.nz/ with the camp location backing onto to the beautiful Tahuna Beach, don’t forget to bring all the toys like the kite surf, mountain bike and your togs.

For more information on pilot requirements and to book you place in the Nelson PG Open Competition visit www.pgopen.org.nz Don’t forget to book early by the 30th December 2015 to receive the early bird discount and free t-shirt.

Nelson Pilots look forward to sharing the sky with you, Let’s Fly High - Go Far, - Nick Taber

NZ Competition Organiser’s Responsibilities It is the Comp Organiser’s responsibility to; 1. Obtain a list of current members from the Administrator.

2. Ensure every competition entrant is a current NZHGPA member.

3. Sign up any non-members.

Any competitors found to be nonmembers will be listed and scored as ‘disqualified’.

Hang Glider with 30 year production run Finsterwalder’s ‘Fex’ gliders have now been in production for 30 years. The Funfex, Airfex, Perfex and Lightfex proved to be ahead of their time in design, materials and engineering when introduced in the 1980’s.

Well known for their light weight and unique ability to shortpack to 2m without tools, videos on the Charly website show setup in just 15 minutes from short-packed.

The company supplies fittings, extrusions and other parts to many other hang glider and paraglider manufacturers.

To celebrate, Finsterwalder will refund 50% of the glider cost to a customer drawn from those that purchase a new glider between 1/1/2015 and 30/6/2016.

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April 1st 2015 to March 31st 2016

Cross Country Milestone Flights - 2015 Season

April 1st - March 31st. Sponsored by Wings & Waves

2015/2016 XC Scores Best 3 flights as at 19/7/2015 Pos Pilot 1 Shaun Gilbert 2 Mick Kennish 3 Leighton Joll 4 Michal Karnik 5 Alexander Ianovski 6 Dave Livesey 7 Matt Harrison 8 Alexey Kryssov 9 Jeff Ripley 10 Cam Kennedy 11 Andrew Cavaney 12 Peter Taylor 13 Bruce Vickerman 14 Elliot Revell-Nash 15 Fred Timmermans 16 Olly Barrett 17 Stefan Sebregts 18 Roy Tingay 19 Dominique Washer-Le Sellin 20 Chris Connolly

Total 80.62 76.97 61.43 34.69 34.49 27.53 26.16 24.81 22.33 20.49 18.37 15.76 13.60 12.83 10.68 9.22 5.76 5.68 4.73 4.41

flight 1 31.18 76.97 28.71 13.43 23.88 15.09 26.16 13.47 22.33 20.49 9.62 15.76 9.13 12.83 3.97 5.38 5.76 5.68 4.73 4.41

flight 2 28.47 - 22.39 12.74 10.62 12.44 - 11.34 - - 8.75 - 4.47 - 3.51 3.84 - - - -

flight 3 20.96 - 10.32 8.51 - - - - - - - - - 3.20 - - - -

Table 1. 2015 Season Milestone Paraglider Flights.

By Tim Percival

A

s a way of recognising and thus encouraging cross-country flying endeavours, the NZHGPA awards “CrossCountry Milestone Achievement” stickers the first time a member pilot surpasses the ‘milestone’ distances of 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 or 200km (open distance) on a hang glider or paraglider in New Zealand. (Flights are declared through the NZ Cross-Country Championships, or via participation and scoring in National or Regional competition-flying events). Pictured above right is what one looks like.

Table 1 on the left, lists the pilots who achieved milestone paraglider flights during the 2015 season through to the end of April. Congratulations to all eighteen pilots who bagged their 25km milestone flights! Chris Connolly and Luke Goleman achieved the sometimes elusive 50km, with Luke suppressing the Jacksons pub suck this time ‘round to get several km past the West Coast establishment from Cheeseman Skifield, Canterbury, for a flight of 54km.

At the top end we saw some experienced xc pilots really excelling in the conditions of the season, with eight pilots (Rory Devine, Peter Groves, Grant Middendorf, Bryan Moore, Nick Neynens, Glen Stevens, Angus Tapper and Louis Tapper) accounting for all of the 75km or higher milestones achieved. For Nick, out in the Southern Alps training for July’s European X-Alps race, it was almost a full set of milestone stickers earned in just one season. Five pilots have surpassed NZ100km for the first time, boosting that group to 15 pilots. (A 50% increase in one season, when we had a run of seasons, 2008 to 2012, when not one 100km milestone was achieved!)

Pilot

Milestone Achieved (km)

Flight Date

Open Distance

Site Name

Louis Tapper

100 & 125

7/11/2014

126.0

Coronet Peak

Keith Clapson

25

7/11/2014

42.4

Coronet Peak

Elisabeth Tobler

25

9/11/2014

27.1

Moirs Hill

Nick Neynens

50 & 75

2/12/2014

79.8

Mt Alfred

Aaron Ford

25

2/12/2014

47.9

Coronet Peak

Bryan Moore

150

7/12/2014

152.1

Treble Cone

Peter Groves

100 & 125

7/12/2014

143.6

Treble Cone

Steven Christophers

25

7/12/2014

37.2

Treble Cone

Michal Karnik

25

7/12/2014

36.4

Treble Cone

Nick Neynens

100

12/12/2014

104.7

Gertrude Saddle

Luke Goleman

50

14/12/2014

54.9

Cheeseman

Ian Wood

25

14/12/2014

26.6

Mt Murchison

Rory Devine

75

16/12/2014

87.3

Treble Cone

Angus Tapper

150

23/12/2014

170.4

Coronet Peak

Simon Corbett

25

23/12/2014

26.3

Cheeseman

Grant Middendorf

150

3/01/2015

157.3

Sealy Tarns

Glen Stevens

75 & 100

5/01/2015

114.7

Sharks Tooth

Ian Douglass

25

7/01/2015

28.8

Coronet Peak

Matt Harrison

25

10/01/2015

34.8

Moirs Hill

Lukas Walton-Keim

25

28/01/2015

32.7

Treble Cone

Ben Levy

25

28/01/2015

32.4

Treble Cone

Nick Neynens

125

11/02/2015

134.1

Kamilas Hill

Rob Gillard

25

14/02/2015

39.5

Hospital Hill

90

Elliot Revell-Nash

25

19/02/2015

30.7

Moirs Hill

80

Rory Devine

100

20/02/2015

113.1

Brewster Hut

70

Danny Murphy

25

22/02/2015

25.2

Treble Cone

60

Chris Connolly

25

28/02/2015

41.8

Parachute Rocks

50

Chris Connolly

50

1/03/2015

56.0

Mt Murchison

Glenn Doggett

25

10/03/2015

26.7

Paeroa

30

Emlyn Revell-Nash

25

21/03/2015

39.0

Paeroa

20

Plus here’s one that’s already been logged in the 2016 season:

10

Mick Kennish

25

3/04/2015

47.8

Kourarau

Table 2. 2015 Season Milestone Hang Glider Flights

Milestone Statistics The graph and table below shows counts of milestone distances that have been achieved, comparing now with flights by April 2008 and by April 2012, and comparing hang gliding with paragliding.

Over the period spanning the last three spring-summer flying seasons, for the first time paragliders have matched or bettered hang gliders in terms of milestone flights achieved in the bigger distances, mainly due to the excellent paraglider flights of the last season. 7 PG pilots bagged NZ100km for the first time compared to 8 HG pilots, and 3 PG pilots bagged NZ125km

Count

Numbers of Pilots Achieving Milestones*

40

0

Site Name

50

3/01/2015

56.1

Magic Mountain

25

28/01/2015

31.0

Treble Cone

50 75 100 125 150

125

8/02/2015

142.9

Magic Mountain

200

Pilot Gary Turner Glenn Meadows Bill Degen

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HG By 2008

HG By 2012

HG By 2015

PG By 2008

PG By 2012

PG By 2015

74 48 23 10 1

77 51 26 12 2

84 56 34 14 3

52 23 9 5 0

60 30 9 5 0

85 36 16 8 3

1

1

1

0

0

0

Photo: Ross Gray

Flight Date

Open Distance

Milestone Achieved (km)

50 75 100 125 150 200

Other Statistics – Pilot Tallies of 100km, 125km Flights, HG vs. PG The graphs below give a bit of a comparison between hang gliding and paragliding for 100km and 125km flights, when all recorded flights of a pilot are counted. But note that this is only a partial comparison, because records of subsequent flights by hang glider pilots over these distances have not always made it into my flights database.

Pilot Tallies of 100km Flights

No. of Pilots

16

HG PG

9 5

4

4 2

2 2 0

1

2

3

4

1

1

5

0

6

1 1

1

7

0

0

8

1

16

Tally of 100km Flights

Pilot Tallies of 125km Flights No. of Pilots

8

4

HG PG

3 1

1

2

2 2

3

1

0 4

0 0 5

0

1

6

Tally of 125km Flights

SITE CLOSURES

In Springtime throughout New Zealand, farms are expecting newborn sheep, cattle, horses, deer and other animals.

Your presence on or flying over farmland could frighten or injure pregnant or newborn stock.

Even at places that you usually fly without problems, please check with the farmer if it is OK to fly. This is a difficult time for farmers and they do appreciate your consideration. Not asking has resulted in the loss of many flying sites while asking has earned their friendship.

If in doubt or if any stock are present DO NOT FLY without asking.

N Z H G P A BOOKROOM THE ART OF PARAGLIDING

by Dennis Pagen. Instruction manual for beginner to intermediates. Large format 374 pages $80 HANG GLIDING TRAINING MANUAL by Dennis Pagen.

Ultimate guide to Beginner to Advanced hang gliding flying skills $80 PERFORMANCE FLYING by Dennis Pagen. Hang gliding for intermediate to advanced flying skills, includes competition, cross country, towing $80 UNDERSTANDING THE SKY by Dennis Pagen. Sport aviation weather and micrometeorology for hang glider, paraglider and microlight pilots. $60 PARAGLIDING, BEGINNER TO CROSS COUNTRY by Sollom Cook. From basic techniques to competition flying $60 A PILOTS TRAINING MANUAL (PG) Includes zone free, 80 minute DVD with 9 chapters including; forward inflation, reverse inflation, manoeuvres, soaring, flying thermals to landing methods.

Only $65!

NZ HANG GLIDING TRAINING HANDBOOK Essential Beginner/ Novice instruction information for NZ hang gliding students learning to fly. $15 NZHGPA HANG GLIDING TOW MANUAL All aspects of towing with clear photographs and step by step instruction $15 NZHGPA AEROTOW MANUAL In depth detail of aerotow procedure as authorised by MAANZ and NZHGPA $15 NZHGPA PARAGLIDING TOW MANUAL This manual outlines requirements and procedures for towing $15

NZHGPA LOGBOOK With rating record $15

NZHGPA MOVIE LIBRARY FLYING OVER EVEREST, DVD, Angelo D’Arrigo and the story of his flight over Mt Everest.

PLAY GRAVITY, DVD, Extreme paragliding, snowboarding, BASE jumping, freeriding and speedflying in the most awesome settings.

EAST WIND, DVD, German pilots fly hybrid recliner bike/ paramotors 1632 kms across eastern Europe; Hanover to the Black Sea. DYNAMIC DECISIONS, DVD, Shows how different DHV paragliders react when flying the most dangerous manoeuvres.

THE RACE, DVD, A race between climber and pilot in the Italian Dolomites. Winner of 4 world film contests.

Paragliding Learn to Fly, DVD Tutorial for PG Performance Flying, DVD by Jocky Sanderson Never Ending Thermal Pura Vida Flying Security in Flight & The Speed to Fly Birdmen of Kilimanjaro The Red Bull X Alps Managing Risk in Aviation CAA Red Bull X-Alps 2005 Check the NZHGPA web site for the latest special offers In order to cover the high cost of importing HG and PG DVDs, cost of hire and postage is $10 for 10 day loans Postage and GST is included in price.

Please send your order with payment to;

BOOKROOM

NZHGPA

for the first time compared to 2 HG pilots. Even more notable was three different PG pilots surpassing NZ150km last season (Moore, A. Tapper & Middendorf), when the previous best open distance for a paragliding flight in NZ had been 142km (by Middendorf flying from Waiorau, Otago, way back in October 2005).

Of course the addition to the hang gliding 150km tally was John Smith’s NZ flex wing open distance record of 172 km from Coronet Peak on December 19, 2013 (extended by John to 177.5 km three days later). He joins Dave Newton and Shaun Gilbert as the only HG pilots to achieve that distance in NZ. (In March, 2003 Shaun flew distances of 168 km and 230 km from Te Mata Peak, Hawkes Bay on his “Swift” rigid wing; while Dave Newton previously held the NZ flex wing open distance record of 169 km flying from Motueka (tow launch) in January, 2009). (*Counts of this table are not just stickers awarded, but of all milestone distances attained, including achievements of overseas pilots).

Ewen Tonar 23A Brookview Court Chartwell Hamilton Phone 07 855 3969 etonar@infogen.net.nz

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January 1st to December 31st

T

he 2015 Hang Gliding XC Champs is soon to rev up with the last few months of 2015 warming up with the best weather for the finish at the end of December. Anyone could wind up in first place and everyone who improves their cross country ability wins.

The way to get those cross country flights is to keep trying so you are flying fit when that good day comes up. Then you need to be flying at the right place when conditions turn on. Often it’s the ordinary looking days that unexpectedly turn out best, and it’s those who are out flying on the day that get to take advantage of it.

There’s always time to improve your cross country skills and while doing that you could get that big flight that will top your personal best distance. You’ll be surprised at how well you can do if you are out flying on a day that turns it on.

ONLINE RESULTS Latest results are posted as they come in first at www.hgpg.co.nz and at www.nzhgpa.org.nz/ competitions/hg-competitions/hang-gliding-crosscountry-championships (but check it’s up to date).

Online scoring? Not yet, but if you have a 3D GPS you can enter any of the online contests as well.

If you do this, just let me know by emailing me a link to your online entry and that’s all we need to enter your flight.

TO ENTER...

It’s free and simple; fly anywhere in NZ before midnight on 31st December, email or post in your flight details (and tracklog if you have one) before 30 days has passed and you’re entered. Enter as many flights as you like. Your shorter flights are automatically replaced by your longer ones. Only your longest four flights are scored.

For each flight entry, please supply; • Your name, email address and contact phone number.

• Flight date, take-off/release place, landing place, and flight distance in kilometres and 10ths.

• Tracklog file from a GPS that can be read by GPSDump, such as an IGC file.

• That’s all, unless you don’t have a GPS tracklog, then please also supply; Start and landing witness/s name & contact details.

A GPS instrument has many advantages for XC flying, but for pilots who don’t have GPS, you can still enter the NZ HG XC Champs without one, you’ll just need to give take-off and landing witnesses.

GPSDump works on Windows or Mac and reads GPS tracklogs from just about any instrument, then works out the best start and finish points for you automatically. It also works out if the flight fits any other FAI criteria such as out and return, triangle etc. You can even export it for viewing in Google Earth in 3D. You can download GPSDump for free at; www.gethome.no/stein.sorensen RULES You must be a paid up NZHGPA member during all flights or you do not score. Entries must be postmarked or emailed within 30 days of the flight or do not score. This helps ensure accuracy, prevents

28 A i r b o r n

2015 Cross-Country Championships Table so far...

Name Flight 1 Flight 2 Flight 3 Flight 4 Total kms 1 Bill Degen 142.9 102.2 69.9 58.0 373.0 2 Geoff Christophers 108.7 100.9 75.4

285.0

3

255.9

John Smith

166.5

56.4

33.0

4 Cris Lawry 81.4 63.5 58.6 35.3 238.8 5 Neil Howe 89.1 60.0 54.8 203.8 6 Rick Hawkeswood 74.2 51.2 125.4 7 Leslie Graham 36.8 36.0 27.3 23.4 123.4 Sponsors 105.8 8 Mark Nichols ** 48.3 31.6 25.9

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING SUPPLIES

9 Gary Turner 56.1 28.6 84.6 10 Bill Fisher 32.7 24.9 57.6 11

Mark Alton

40.0

40.0

12 Ian Miller 19.3 12.2 31.5 13

Steve Bankier

25.0

pilots holding back flights until the end, and we all want to know how everyone’s doing.

Please DON’T phone, txt, or tell me in the pub, all entries must be in writing (email preferred) with all flight details (and GPS tracklog if using remote launch and/or landings) or do not score. Don’t assume that because someone else was there or you were in a competition that your flight has been entered. It is each pilots’ responsibility to declare and enter full details of their own flight entries.

Measure your flights in kilometres and 10ths of km, straight line from take-off to landing. Optimised flight distances with a Remote Start and/or Remote Finish are welcome, provided you send in a valid, GPS track log to prove it. Out and return, triangle or multiple distances are not eligible at this stage.

Aerotow launched flights are permitted, but your release altitude must be less than 5% of the flight distance (current FAI ruling) or does not score. Tow release position (not take-off) verification should be witnessed by the tug pilot, or confirmed with known landmark photo or GPS tracklog.

Please Note: If you don’t follow these rules and provide all relevant flight details, (including valid tracklog for remote start or finish flights) you DO NOT SCORE. GLIDER CLASSES Same as FAI rules. Flex wings including kingpostless gliders are Class 1. Rigid wings such as the Atos are Class 5 and Swifts are Class 2 or Class 5 without the pilot fairing.

There’s a special prize for pilots flying skyfloater gliders such as such as the Fun, Falcon, Malibu etc. 30% double surface training gliders such as Buzz, Gyro, Mars, Target, Ventura, Malibu etc can be flown in this class too. As long as it has exposed crossbars.

Don’t forget to point it out on your entry if you have an exposed crossbar glider or rigid wing. You can enter in as many classes as you like. Skyfloater flights can be entered in a separate class and/or included in your Class 1 score, whichever you prefer.

SCORING The pilot with the best total of four flights

2.4

1.2 ** Class 2 (rigid wing), * Skyfloater

28.6

is the NZ Hang Gliding Cross Country Champion for that year and gets first choice of prizes followed by pilots with second and third best totals. The pilot with the longest single flight gets fourth choice, then prizes go from fourth best total onwards.

Flights for the current years XC Champs must be flown before 31st December and entered within 30 days. This ends the contest at a good part of the season while it’s still hot for flying. Flights from January onwards will be entered in the XC Champs for the new year.

SEND YOUR ENTRY TO; aero@xtra.co.nz (Please write “XC Entry” in the header and please keep your entry separate from other emails) or post entries to; NZ Hang Gliding XC Champs, Bill Degen, 99A Panorama Road, Christchurch 8081

THE COUNTRY CODE We are all dependent on good relations with the farmers who own the land we fly from. Here are some guidelines to ensure that you and other pilots will be able to continue to fly.

ALWAYS CHECK with local pilots before flying at new sites.

ALWAYS ASK PERMISSION to fly unless you are absolutely certain that the owner allows use of the site without asking.

CHECK AGAIN at Springtime as most farms have pregnant and newborn stock that can easily be frightened and injured.

DO NOT show displeasure or abuse an owner if permission is refused.

This could hamper getting permission in the future.

ALWAYS GET PERMISSION to take a vehicle onto a property. Ensure that vehicles without gliders are not taken onto the property. Put all gliders on one car rather than have a convoy crossing the property.

If stock is near, drive slowly.

LEAVE GATES as you find them, gates may be closed to keep stock in or open to allow stock to feed. Ensure that all pilots and drivers understand.

USE STILES and gates where ever possible, if you must cross a fence, cross at a post or strainer post.

AVOID hay standing or cut unless permission has been given to cross it.

AVOID landing in paddocks containing crops or stock. Carefully move off crops to avoid damage.

DO NOT LIGHT FIRES at any time.

DO NOT SMOKE during fire risk times.

DO NOT TAKE DOGS onto any farm or property.

DO NOT disturb plants or machinery, move around it.

LEAVE NO RUBBISH.

L

e t t e r s

Risk Takers I didn’t like ‘selfies’ until I saw the photo of Aurelia Halle on the cover of the Feb-April Airborn and then I was hooked. A photo worth taking.

Normal people already consider paraglider and hang glider pilots to be the risk takers of society, so why would we possibly start judging ourselves for taking risks and entertaining the public.

It is sad to find out that there are such intolerant people in our midst, maybe they should take up knitting or tiddlywinks, because the last time I checked, flying was crazy and fun. Intolerance is what starts conflict and war and it has no place in the flying community.

By the way, when this photo was taken in Australia, helmets and harnesses were not compulsory.

Fly High, - Tish The Flying Fish PS: Don’t do this at home kids, you might hurt yourself!!!!

Learn to Fly Hang gliding, paragliding schools and instructors that you can contact for qualified flight instruction in New Zealand NORTHLAND HANG GLIDING

Skywalk Guntram Gross, Herman Ahrens Phone: 09 436 0268 or 09 432 9333, 021 072 0357 Email: skywalk@igrin.co.nz

AUCKLAND HANG GLIDING Aqua Air Adventure Paddy Monro Phone: 09 528 7594, 027 288 0193 Email: aquaair@ihug.co.nz Web: www.gethigh.co.nz PARAGLIDING SkyWings Paragliding Alan Hills Phone: 09 570 5757, 027 498 2345 Email: alan@skywings.co.nz Web: www.skywings.co.nz Wings & Waves Paragliding and Kitesurfing Reuben Muir and Eva Keim Phone: 09 446 0020, 027 472 7013 Email: info@wingsandwaves.co.nz Web: www.wingsandwaves.co.nz WAIKATO PARAGLIDING Wings & Waves Paragliding and Kitesurfing Reuben Muir and Eva Keim Phone: 09 446 0020, 027 472 7013 Email: info@wingsandwaves.co.nz Web: www.wingsandwaves.co.nz OMAHU, THAMES/PAEROA PARAGLIDING Bruce Vickerman Phone: 07 862 4919, 027 498 9941 Email: bruce.v@clear.net.nz HAWKES BAY PARAGLIDING Airplay Paragliding School Barry Sayer, Phone: 027 451 2886 Email: barry@airplay.co.nz Web: www.airplay.co.nz BAY OF PLENTY PARAGLIDING Levitate Paragliding Ltd Shane and Summer Tims Phone: 07 542 0098, 027 649 2222 Email: levitateparagliding@hotmail.com Web: www.levitate.co.nz Kiwi-Air Mike & Aniko Phone: 07 929 5807, 021 104 6208 Web: http://kiwi-air.co.nz Mount Paragliding Wayne Roberts Phone: 07 574 4223, 027 643 6529 Email: thermalmonkee@hotmail.com MANAWATU HANG GLIDING SkyVenture (Manawatu HG & PG Inc. Club School) CFI: Ross Gray Phone: 06 357 8996, 021 126 0892 Email: rosscoe@e3.net.nz WELLINGTON/WAIRARAPA HANG GLIDING Wellington Hang Gliding & PG Club Grant Tatham Phone: 06 379 7322, 027 636 3491 Email: tathams@xtra.co.nz Oceania Paragliding School Chris Connolly, Phone: 022 676 5599 Email; school@oceaniaparagliding.co.nz Web; oceaniaparagliding.co.nz

PARAGLIDING Adventure Paragliding & Kiteboarding Kevin Rooke, Phone: 03 540 2183, 021 762 769 Email: info@skyout.co.nz Web: www.skyout.co.nz Nelson Paragliding Stew and Zanna Karstens Phone: 03 544 1182, 027 446 3930 Email: paragliding@xtra.co.nz Web: www.nelsonparagliding.co.nz MARLBOROUGH PARAGLIDING High Adventure New Zealand Russell Read, Phone: 027 448 0888 Email: russread@ihug.co.nz CHRISTCHURCH HANG GLIDING Canterbury Hang Gliding School Bill Degen Phone: 03 326 6411, 021 247 2676 Email: aero@xtra.co.nz Web: www.hgpg.co.nz

PARAGLIDING ParaPro (Paragliding & Powered Paragliding) Dave Dennis Phone: 03 328 8255, 0508 548 323 Email: info@parapro.co.nz Web: www.parapro.co.nz WANAKA PARAGLIDING Lucky Montana’s Flying Circus Advanced over water manoeuvres (SIV) instruction Rob Darby Phone: 03 443 1680, 027 220 1185 Email: lucky_montana@hotmail.com QUEENSTOWN PARAGLIDING Elevation Paragliding School Shai Lanuel Phone: 0800 359 444, 027 224 2121 Email: elevationpg@xtra.co.nz Web: www.elevation.co.nz Infinity Paragliding School Alan Swann & Blake Round Phone: 021 0228 2939 or 027 367 7679 Email: info@infinityparagliding.co.nz Web: www.infinityparagliding.co.nz Neverland Paragliding Dominic Eller, Phone: 021 314 730 Email: neverlandpg@hotmail.com Paraventures Paragliding School Mark Hardman Phone: 0800 FLYSOLO (0800 359 765), 021 809 275 Email: info@paraventures.co.nz Extreme Air Tandem Hang Gliding & Paragliding Lisa Bradley Phone: 021 156 3256 Email: lisa@extremeair.co.nz Web: www.extremeair.co.nz Queenstown Paragliding School Lisa Bradley Phone: 021 156 3256 Email: info@extremeair.co.nz Web: www.extremeair.co.nz Queenstown Hang Gliding School Lisa Bradley Phone: 021 156 3256 Email: info@extremeair.co.nz Web: www.extremeair.co.nz DUNEDIN PARAGLIDING Dunedin Paragliding & Hang Gliding School Lisa Bradley Phone: 021 156 3256 Email: lisa@extremeair.co.nz Web: www.extremeair.co.nz

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Photos: Neil Brown, Ross Gray

NELSON/TASMAN HANG GLIDING Hang Gliding NZ Ltd Kevin Rooke, Phone: 03 540 2183, 0800 212 359, 021 762 769 Email: rooke@slingshot.co.nz Web: www.hanggliding.co.nz Nelson Hang Gliding Adventures Glenn Meadows Phone: 03 548 9151, 027 275 1022 Email: gmeadows@clear.net.nz Web: www.flynelson.co.nz

Tasman Sky Adventures Trevor Leighton, Phone: 027 229 9693 Email: info@skyadventures.co.nz Web: www.skyadventures.co.nz

■ Paid up NZHGPA members may run one advertisement per classification for free in each issue ■ Please send your written advertisement to the editor, quoting your NZHGPA PIN number ■ Commercial operators, dealers, and non-members must enclose payment of $0.50c per word with their advertisement ■ All advertisements are deleted for next issue unless repeat request received ■ Buyers are advised that all used hang gliders and paragliders are required to have a NEW fitness check (WOF) when sold ■ It is dangerous to fly a glider or with equipment that is above your rated ability ■

MOTOR PARAGLIDING PARAMOTORING – Miniplane and PAP motors - contact SkyWings for courses and equipment - www.skywings.co.nz or phone Alan 09 570 5757 HANG GLIDERS WILLS Wing T2 144, Hydranet (spectra cloth) sail, well maintained and tuned wing that has numerous comp and XC wins including 2nd at last Nats and the Magic Mountain XC distance record. Has all the optional performance extras but handles and lands extremely well. Full strip check. Contact Bill 03 326 6411 or aero@xtra.co.nz MOYES LiteSport 4. Full mylar sail. Topsail; white. Underside; lavender, light green. Current W.O.F. Brand new glider bag & zip, grass green, $170 worth. Spare set of S glass tip wands. $3000.00. Dennis, 021 430 436, 06 752 7618 SKYFLOATER Falcon 195 with 16 hours on the clock from new. Comes with near new apron harness, training wheels and speedbar. Recent full strip check and warrant. Red and white, offers to Julian on 021 708 549 SPORT 2, 175, Blue and red lower, near new, just 10 hours, very tidy condition, No prangs, 1 geriatric owner, contact 03 326 6411 or aero@xtra.co.nz for info.

SKYFLOATERS; New & used; Fun, Falcon, fully strip checked, test flown and trimmed, contact 03 326-6411 or aero@xtra.co.nz for info.

ATOS VQ for sale. Low hours. Near new. 19:1 glide with 0.65m/s sink rate. Excellent handling. $15,000. Phone Mark on 021 339 336.

WILLS Wing U2 160, 2004, 150 hours of great flying. Selling as have upgraded to T2C. Very few hours on coast so it’s in good condition. Phone Mark 022 195 5746 STING2 XC 175, As new under 50 hours and well looked after. Selling on behalf. Suit experienced Novice or above with hook in weight of 80-135kgs or with a motor harness which it’s perfect for. This is the later version with lever-tip battens and lighter pitch pressure. It has PX mylar leading edges and flouro yellow/dark blue lower. Photos available.

Reasonable offers wanted. Full strip check & WoF available. Contact Bill at aero@xtra. co.nz or 021 247 2676.

DISCUS ‘C’ 13.7 (147.5), very low hours, (3 seasons old?) Excellent condition, ‘C’ model specs include Wills Wing litestream uprights, aerofoil basebar with streamline fittings & slipstream KP. Spare upright. Recent strip check. Has dacron sail for longer life and better handling. Great combination of performance and handling, read the reviews on the net. $5500 ono. Open to trades. Contact Peter on 027 752 9650 or peterj.deboer@clear.net.nz C2 Lite 14. Recent work, New wires & strip check (receipts available). Approx 120 hours. $2200 Phone Adrian 027 247 2436 or 03 326 5689 adrian.brown@lincoln.ac.nz ATOS 146 rigid wing. Top sail; white with blue and white undersurface. $4500. Contact 03 545 0630 julie.bryant@xtra.co.nz ELITE 151, Sail a bit scratched on leading edges but Ok, 7075 leading edges, spare upright.

Make an offer. Buck 027 655 1968 jacquipay@slingshot.co.nz MOYES Litespeed RS4, Full carbon, not many of these around. Only 40 hours flown.

Excellent condition. Red, white and blue undersurface, smoke mylar top surface. Phone Guy 021 707 203, ah 03 528 4472 guyharding@xtra.co.nz AIRBORNE Climax C2-13, yellow and white. Excellent condition, less than 80 hours. Flys and lands nicely. $1500 ono. Phone Cris on 03 310 3050 or 022 653 3900 flyingfish1@xtra.co.nz HANG GLIDER HARNESSES WOODY Valley harness, size 4XL (but not as big as what you think), suit pilots 5’7” to 5’11” tall, near new c/w parachute. Phone 03 577 8886 or email john.urlich@nzdf.mil.nz.

AEROS Race harness, with front mounted reserve parachute. Contact 03 545 0630 julie. bryant@xtra.co.nz MOTOR HANG GLIDING EXPLORER motor harness with carbon fibre folding prop and reserve. offers considered, Tony 021 265 8224, email tony@sthlaw.co.nz AIRTIME motor harness, late model, 8 hours airtime, Folding prop, Tiny tac, Tuning lights, 2 owners, contact 03 326-6411 or aero@xtra.co.nz for info.

MOSQUITO NRG motorharness, very tidy with very low airtime, all the usual features plus folding carbon prop, Stainless auto carabiner, parachute if required. Phone 021 247 2676, email aero@xtra.co.nz

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INSTRUMENTS DIGIFLY, Flytec/Brauniger, Oudie and Aircotec flight instruments, basic varios to full GPS flight computers. Large range in stock. Phone or txt 021 247 2676, email aero@xtra.co.nz RESERVE PARACHUTES RANGE of Charly and Free Flight reserve parachutes for hang gliding and paragliding.

Bridles, Front containers, Maillons, Swivels, Hook knives etc, in stock at HG & PG Supplies, Phone 021 247 2676 or email aero@xtra.co.nz ACCESSORIES HELMETS, No Limit, Insider, Loop, Breeze (adjustable) and PlusMax. Range of colours & sizes, No Limit visor option, PlusMax chinguard option, phone 021 247 2676 email aero@xtra.co.nz INSTRUCTION NELSON Hang Gliding Adventures HG training course Beginner and Novice rating. Call Glenn to register interest. 03 548 9151 or 027 275 1022, gmeadows@clear.net.nz HANG Gliding/Skyfloating. Experienced instruction in Christchurch using the latest skyfloater hang gliders and equipment, Phone Bill 021 247 2676, 03 326 6411 a.h., email aero@xtra. co.nz and www.hgpg.co.nz EMPLOYMENT CORONET Peak Tandems Ltd, Queenstown, are looking for tandem hang gliding and paragliding pilots. Call 021 220 5932 PARAGLIDING tandem pilots wanted - Full time positions available - Please send your CV to info@skytrek.co.nz HANG gliding tandem pilots wanted - Summer 2015-’16 - Must have minimum advanced rating, training given to suitable applicants. Please send your CV to ian@skytrek.co.nz or phone 027 430 1741 for more information.

BUSINESS NELSON Paragliding, established 1993, After 20 years of operation I am looking for a business partner to share in the running of the school and 115 commercial Tandem flights.

Nelson Paragliding has excellent equipment and sites where high standards are achieved.

Although seasonally busy would suit someone with secondary income. So if you’re a motivated pilot with good people / business skills and like hanging out on hills please enquire as full training will be given. Contact Stew Karstens 03 544 1182 paragliding@xtra.co.nz

Keep in touch with the NZ hang gliding and paragliding scene, the latest developments, events, new and used equipment...

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All NZ hang glider and paraglider pilots are required by law to be members, and receive Airborn magazine as part of their membership but non flyers and overseas pilots are welcome to subscribe.

For AIRBORN SUBSCRIPTIONS please contact; NZHGPA Administrator, 23 Covent Drive, Stoke, Nelson 7011, New Zealand

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A4 size issues $4.- each

Feb/Mar/Apr May/Jun/Jul Aug/Sep/Oct Nov/Dec/Jan 2015 issue numbers 193 194 195 2014 issue numbers 189 190 191 192 2013 issue numbers 185 186 187 188 2012 issue numbers - - 183 184 2011 issue numbers 179 180 181 182 2010 issue numbers 175 176 177 178 2009 issue numbers 171 172 173 174

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PARAGLIDERS NOVA Mentor 4 - just released. 5 glide better than Mentor 3 - best all-round XC wing?

See www.nova-wings.com and Alan at SkyWings for ordering - 09 570 5757 - www. skywings.co.nz OZONE Paragliders - fly-ozone.com - exclusively by SkyWings - Awesome new models Swift 4, Rush 4, Roadster 2, Viper 3, the amazing Zero miniwing - and the new Rapido www.skywings.co.nz - 25 years bringing you the best wings - email alan@skywings.co.nz NOVA Paragliders - nova-wings.com - exclusively by SkyWings - See Nova’s new website and great new models - Mentor 4, Ion 3 low EN B, highest performing school safe wing ever, Triton 2 - highest performing EN C ever and Suzi - current safest wing - www. skywings.co.nz - email alan@skywings.co.nz SPEEDFLYING specialists - and dozens of great XC wings - happy to trade - all kinds of harnesses in stock as well - www.skywings.co.nz or phone Alan 09 570 5757 ADVANCE Paragliders by Infinity Paragliding. Check out the new Advance Iota - high performance EN-B, the Epsilon 7 - mid range ENB and the Lightweight PI mountain glider @ 3.14kg! Also an exceptional range of harnesses - the new Lightness 2 lightweight POD harness, the Axess 3 Air and Progress 2 reversible. Go to www.infinityparagliding.co.nz or www.advance.ch for all the specs or call 021 0228 2939

For those who want to fly beyond The Flytec Connect 1 is the first ever smartvario. Just like a smartphone it comes with a touch screen, a multitude of sensors and, most importantly, wireless connectivity. Download waypoints and airspaces and upload tracks on the go. The Connect 1 will ultimately help you explore new limits with a graphic thermal assistant, graphic airspace display, and maps. Learn more about the development stages of the Connect 1 on connect.flytec.ch

www.flyozone.com www.nova-wings.com

www.skywings.co.nz

EN B .5 glide better than the class leading Mentor 3, so glide ratio around 10.5 - Better handling and improved safety - almost no one needs more - this glides very close to Mantra 6 but with vastly more safety and ease- EN B This is the new performance reference for high B gliders

EN C

INDEPENDENT REVIEW GERMAN THERMIC MAGAZINE JULY 2013 “In Summary: The Delta 2 is a force to be reckoned with! It launches superbly, and turns when you move your finger in the direction you want the wing to go.

This glider is sensationally solid, glides very well, is easy to accelerate,and it delivers pure pleasure and happiness to the pilot.

Although the Shark Nose profile and dynamic nature might make it look and feel at first glance a bit agressive, in the end this is not true. In any case, anyone who flies regularly will not experience any bad surprises.

Except that the permanent smile induced by the D2 can only be removed by surgery.This is truly a wing designed how wings should be.

Amen”

Nova Ion 3 - EN B Once again, Nova bring the most performance you can get to a School safe glider. And also the most dynamic handling you can have in a first glider.

low EN B

20 years motoring & teaching Our level of experience means everything when you learn to motor www.papteam.com www.miniplane.net

Harnesses Exclusive importers of Sup’Air and Ozone harnesses like the Ozone Ozium - 2.5kgs

www.flyozone.com Miniplane - under 20kgs NZ’s most popular motor

Mini Wings

Twice the fun, twice the flying, half the price! Perfect your ground handling skills.

Huge fun for soaring and strong day thermalling. We are the specialists with 20 years on the smallest wings.

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BRAND NEW

High wind soarer/ mini wing

As much performance and handling as you can get in a first glider.

The perfect beginner intermediate glider.

PARAMOTORING SPECIALISTS

- Shark Nose Technology - Glides .1 better than Mantra 4 - (10.3) - Replacable Rods - C Riser control system - Improved agility and compactness - New advanced arc and profile - Clear EN C leader

Ph: 09 570 5757 Cell: 0274 98 2345 email: alan@skywings.co.nz

www.skywings.co.nz

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Fazer 2