USHGA Hang Gliding January 1997

Also Nelson Howe, the U.S. team member the World. Championships, will.fly LAMINAR LAMINAR is ICARO 200(l's trademark of a super glider, expressly designed for competitions and XC pilots.

The result of such a development is a superb wing responding to pilots' highest performance demands, but still extremely handy in take off, flight and landing. Its frame is entirely made of the best tubes available, produced in al\uminiL1m alloy 7075 by Alumcnzikcn, the well known Swiss factory.

• laminar leading edge: lower • sail rips in Dacron: stable profile for edges • greater aspect ratio • reduced # of battens Laminar's most outstanding.features • wide range of speed, very low stall speed • improved gliding ratio at speeds of 35.45 mph • amazingly easy handling

!CARO 2000 announces the formation of a distributorship for the US, Canadian, and Mexican market.

Headed up by Larry Tudur and John Ryan, AV8, of Grand Rapids, Michigan will have the exclusive rights to distribute !CARO hanggliders throughout these areas. Gliders will be stocked on both the East and West Coast. For information on glider contact:

1530 Eastern

Grand Rapids Michigan 49507

Tel. 616.2457.777 TOLL FREE Tel. l .888.ICAR02000 (4227620)

A wonderful Christmas gift.

The lcaro 2000 Full Face Helmet is available from your local hang gliding or paragliding shop or direct from JUST FLY. It comes in White and Carbon Optic finishes.

Mode of Carbon Fiber and Kevlar, it's certified in Europe (CE95) for hang gliding and paragliding.

Conlad JUST FLY lo order or to get your copy of the certification standards.

!CARO 2000 srl - Via Verdi, 19 - 21038 Sangiano {Va) llaly -- Tel. ++39-332·648.335 - Fax ++39-332-648.079 http: //www.alphasys.it/icaro E-Mail: icaro@alphasys.it

II

(USPS 0 17-970-20 - ISSN 0895-433X)

16 Clean Never Looked So Good article andphotos by "R. C Dave" Freund A look at the new crop of "kingposr-free" gliders.

24 It's Still Magic article andphotos by DuffKing flying Makapuu, Hawaii over rhe years.

34

:1tn;!t~g I~fi!t:m~~ Gre.ir Aying in Grear Brir.ain.

40 A Unique Air Show Performer

by Dan Johnson Flying a hang glider is nor all that makes Dan Buchanan's air show special.

44 Team Challenge '96

by Mary Clor

The Tennessee Tree Toppers' an nual ream meet.

48 The 1996 WHGS Series © J997 by Dennis Pagen The debut of Speed Glidi ng.

Columns

Departments

Product Lines, by Dan Johnson ............... 6

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

USHGA Reports, by Greg Huller .......... 15

Calendar ofEvenrs .....................................7

Tow Lines, by Dennis Pagen .................. 19

Update.................... .... .... ............ ................8 Ratings ................................. ............. ....... 10 Classified Advertising .............................. 52

II II -_r_r1

Index to Advertisers .... ... ..........................63

JAl\'UARY 1997

3

HEWETT COMMENTS Dear Editor, I read the article by Don(nell) Hewett, "Don't Do It!" with some surprise. l am aware of the contribution he made in popu-larizing center--of--mass towing. Jf; however, he had followed his own advice of not "repeating many of the dangerous experiments that were performed by numerous other pilots more than a decade ago," he would nor have made the advances he did.

Many of the practices which he developed on his own, some which he discarded, flew in the face of what we had learned about towing in the previous decade bcftire he came into the sport. I guess that innovators, among whom [ include myself, often retry things which others have discarded. lt is then possible rhat Donnell may not reali,.e that current innovations h:tvc overcome previous objections to them.

In bis article, Donnell seems to object to two practices shown in the magazine: l) using a V--bridlc which threads through the eye on the end of a tow rope for aerotow, and 2) launching with the rope under the basetube wh"1le rowing from the pilot's body.

Proper aerot:ow training teaches that when a V-hridle is used in aerotow, rherc is usually a release at each end of the V-bridle.

There is, as well, a very light weak link at one of t·hose artachmcnt points. There is also a weak link at rhe row--plane end of the tow· line along with another release. Further, the aerotowing community has learned how to create bridles and towline eyes which reduce the chance of the V -bridle catching on rhe towline. 'Thousands of aerotows over the last decade have made it clear that with the proper precautions in place ir is not a dan-gerous practice to use a "threaded bridle release system." The article "/\erotow Takeoff Checklist" emphasizes having two releases on the pilot and the illustration shows that both the pilot's bottom and top releases arc visible. l n the second instance, a photo of my son scooter towing, the problem seems to be an illustration which appears to show, if you have not read the article, launching with the towline under the basetuhe while towing from the pilot's body. Of course, as Donnell himself points om, the pilot is launching with the towline above the basetube. Foorlaunching with the towline under the basc-rnhc is not practical. It has been my experience that attempting to do so doesn't com-monly result in a lockout, but more com-· monly an aborted launch culminating in a ground loop, as the pilot: cannot get off the ground. Donnell may be unaware that scooter tow training is conducted through the use ofa turnaround pulley, and the

winch operator is mually right next to the pilot launching. A launch abort, thusly, is easily and safely clone. Like most photos in Hang Gliding magazine, this photo shows something that shouldn't be tried except by pilots with proper training. Closer examin;i-rion of the photo, incidentally, will show that the tow bridle is draped over the top of and is touching the control bar. This is because, for trnining purposes and to allow easier foot launches, the tow bridle is anachcd just above the cc; of the pilot. [ might also rnemion that the tow bridle touching the basetubc on the top does not compromise the safety of the tow in any way.

I tbink that Donnell's first poinr should have been that pilots need to get proper rnw trnining, and that it is not a good idea to try to learn to tow, or hang glide in general, from pictures. lt should be clear hy now, if just from analyzing the accident st;itistics, rhar ir is foolhardy to ny to learn to tow or be t:owed on your own. Towing is sufftciemly complex that proper training is required.

I hope that Donnell's comments will not create a perception that the towing commu-nity in general is conducting unsafe prac-tices. While we had a spike in the nmnber of towing fatalities last year which probably should be considered a wake-up call ahout the dangers of the sport in general an enormous amount of towing bas taken place over the last decade, and there is probably no direct correlation between the amount of towing and the increase in towing fatalities last year. [ do sec that we have had a number of accidents in which the participants were isolated and not properly trained, ;ind thus not able to benefit from the combined knowledge of the tow community. [ have also read the letter to the editor from Donnell Hewett. which appears in the December issue of Hang Gliding.

Donnell says, "There is a comment in the first article, an explanation in the second and an attitude in the last that need to be addressed before rhey acn1ally decrease tow-ing safety." This statement must be the result of a great misunderstanding on his part.

He says thar, " ... the anthor implies that a glider could be flown safely with a very short rope from a payout winch because 'the pay-· out of die rope and rhe constant tension fca-mre provided an effectively infinite towline length.' This implication is nor accurate.

Platform towing is not safe because the sys-rem makes a short towline behave as if it were a long one, it is safe only because: 1) the towline docs not remain short for vciy long, and 2) because the towline force is pri-marily directed downward." I am sure that a rigorous mathematical analysis will prove my HANC GLJDJNC

iI point, bm Tdon't sec that proving or disproving the point will change the impact of the article as l don't rhink pilots will be tempted to fly for any great length of time heh incl a payout winch with only five foet of rope paid om, I believe that Donell's analysis of Dennis's diagram misses the poim of rhc diagram, What Dennis is illustrating in Figure 2 on page is the mechanics of a lockour during aerorow and rhc possibility of ;1 glider going invened in a lockout during acrotow if the pilot docs not correct for the lockour or release from it. Dennis was trying ro show that it is fc)olhardy ro hang on roan aerotow past a certain point as the glider will turn upside-down, Prior to that poi 111, while the glider is still upright, if the pilot corrects or releases, the glider's anirudc will remain right side up, I :im not sure what Donnell is trying to say when he comments rhar, "Pilots must come to rcali't,c that whenever they tow wirh :i non,,CM bridle system, whenever they allow their bridle or towline ro touch any inappropriate part of the glider, or whenever they allow the line of action of the towline to pass under, over or to the side of the cemer of mass of' rhc glider/pilot then are in danger of' a lockout.

1u Europe, towing from the pilot's body has been done for many years, I have been told rhat they have been doing this since even before [Jonnell Hewett firsr wrote about rhe ccmcr,,,of.,mass concept", Currently in the US we row from the pilot's body during platform launch and scooter tow, Donnell may consider towing from the body to be a "non,CM bridle tern," Furopcrn1 developments the pilot's hody using the double release system and rhe ingenious med1ods developed by the A'TOL group have shown that this is a very viable method of' wwing, and not prone to lockouts, Any assertion that a bridle system is totally resistant l"O lockoms is incorrect, This is because there is no such thing in hang gliding, ft is impossible to tow precisely from the cemer of mass of a hang glider pilot system, as during rhc tow, the rclationsh ip between the center of mass of the pilot and the center of mass of the glider constantly changes, Towing from the pilot's body is good because it provides amo,corrcc,, tion, Towing from the pilot's body and rhc airframe of the glider is good because it decreases the har pressure required to keep the nose of' the glider down during acrotow, Towing with a Skyting bridle and die many variations I hereof arc good beca11Sc rhcy all provide good, stable tows, [ believe that acci, dcm st arisrics will show that the risk of locJ,,, ours is abom thc same for these variations of the CM,,!Jridlc sysrem and for towing from JANU1\RY 1997

the pilot's hody, Where each falls short is when rhc pilor comes in contact with the air,, frame of' the glider when 1rying lo correct for a bad attitude of the glider, whether caused hy atmospheric conditions or pilot error, I am certain rhat my article and the Dennis Pagcn/Bill Bryden article mention this, and Olli' point is to either stay in position or get off the towline before this happens, Donnell cornmcms, "The animdc in the fourth article is typified on page !iii where the aurhor 'and in many situations, such as the decision (to release) should be taken om of the hands of rhc pilot and release should be mechanically cffcctccL"' Let rnc what I ,uen M illcr is l:'P"" ting at when he says rhar in some cases release should bt "mechanically cffcctccL" He w;1s frustrated hy the death of two pilots in a tandem accident and rhc inexplicable failure of either to rcb1sc from the towline, ( )bvio11sly, if they had had an auro,,rcleasc to opera re if the pilot got 100 fat' out position, the progression of rhis accident might have been for different. There arc ways to do this, and, in facr, some people in h1ropc use ;111 aunH·clcasc for srudcnts 11ndcrgoing acrotow t:raining, There arc several effective and practical ways to impb, mcnt aut<H"elcasc, Whether we adopt auto,,

releases or nor here in rhc

implemcnra-

tion is nor the issue, The reason we don't P"e11c1,a11.v do this has been a difference in training philosophy rather than a lack of ;1ppropriatc mcthock I am certainly happy thar Donnell has chosen to resurface, I hope thar when he gets up ro speed on current safety practices in rhe tow community he will once again join with those who have been working to improve for many years, Dave Broyles

Allen, TX UHOH l )car Editor, In the December magazine I wrote a sidebar to rhc 199G Nationals article in which I memioncd sponsors and their par"' ricipation in the rnccL Somehow I omitted Kirty Hawk Kites as a sponsor of the day, That was the only mistake I made regarding the emire comcsL C,W, Meadows Swampbnd Salesman

THANKS TO

JlORBURGER

Dc;1r Editor, Congratulations Dave Broyles and I )cnnis l'agcn for rhc great aniclcs on lock,,

outs, This is a highly misunderstood aspect

of towing and hopcfidly your articles will help prevent some serious accidents, In your article you wrote, "It rook a brave person to cat the first oyster, and a11 equally brave one the fast payour,,winc:h truck to launch, would like to credit to rhat first hr;we pilot, Jerry Forburgcr.

The Toce brothers (prc,,Cajnn Hang Gliding) began towing hang gliders in l 97/i, and afrer a number of towing incidcms which resulred from the then dangerous rowing techniques, we quir Our fly,, ing was limited 10 the one or two trips to the mountains that could he put rogct:hcr in a year, Thanks to Jerry Forbmger and his crazy idea oflaunching a hang glider off the back ofa rruck on an cighr,foor towline attaclicd ro a payour winch, towing is much, log liO hours much sa/c:r, We can also per year with a flying sire (tow road) only liO minutes away.

Donnell Hewett brought a grcar innovation t"o rowing with his centcr-of-:,rnass row system, and Jerry Forlmrgcr performed a great service for us fl:nLmclcrs by applying it to platform towing, For a job well done and rccognit ion thar is well deserved, thanks again Vicror A 'T'oce Lafayette, LA

FATAUTYVICTIMS' NAMES !Jcar Editor, l am protesting the decision to withhold the names of fatal accident victims from our magazine's accident reports, Om sport has :1 small flying population, and many long-distance friendships arc forrned as pilots travel to flying sites around the corn1try, !fa /lying acquainrancc of mine dies hang gliding, I want to know about iL We hear about the big-name foralitics anywziy; witness rhc out,, pouring oft:ributcs in November's magazine in response to William Bennett's death, Stating the obvious, his fatal accident was described in the October magazine, but without his name I can understand a policy of' withholding the names of pilors involved in non,,fatal incidents, We want to le:irn from all flying accidents, and some incident reports will only be filed if rhc pilots involved can avoid focling publicly humiliated, Burl think that in death one is (i"ce of embarrassment. Don't all fatal accident victims deserve to he mournecP Fred Stoll West Chester, OH

CG 1997 by Dan .Johnson SAN DIEGO, CALTF. Topless fever is coming!

Relax! 'm not talking aboul: the famou nudcc beach in th.is ~mu thern CJ wli i. ch t month hos t.ed USHGA board of directors. OE o u r s e , I ' m t a 1 k in g a LJ o u g1 s w :i. U·i out kingposts or upper r:i gr.ring. Only a couple 1Jf monthcl ago, I relayed the tl1oughts of German competiU.on official who fell America was behind the times bcc,cause our nol: c"mbracing this new idea. speculated that it might be anotl1er fad like, scoops lonq ago. But in the months ahead, you wilJ topless from W:i Wing and Airwave. '.Pllese wi.11 add to the Reynold' new glider, and of tha starl:.ed the j (although t·.hc, U.S market) of Wing confirmc"ecl tll( ,y to put cmch ldngpostlesis glider on the market :in 1997. add that they expect present of gliders course t-J1e has been or fact, l:rie Yankee builder regain th0,y early '90s.) is customary for released no information l:hey , or speculate on like certification just t.o wait this m1t a while. ••• Pacific Airwave w.i J 1 eventually the new Concept in kingpostless f:orm, said U.S. bosr3, Ken Brown Triese days PacAi.r dec,liver.ing c,liders rnostl produced by Airwave UK. "J an economy ot ied Ken, adcEnc, thal retains the lity to if, heavy demand longer waits from England. other ways, Brown e,ays the two companies merging operations and their California unit will concentrate on servic:Ec, and more t:rian manufacturing. Short-run, custorn·-glider buLLdin<J continue in the howevor. ••• After even more exotic ideas were shown in devc)lopment. (menl:ioned here somf, montris ago), Terry Reynolds is making som0,what monc; conventional TR3 desigT1. Ilowever, in typ·i ca.I Rc,ynoldic; fashion, the Acme Glider Company q1ider i llardly convcJntional, u ing carbon r rame memberE, plus no kingpoE, or upper rigging ( as you saw in photos month) . ••• John Ryan, partn<c:r in the new AV8 Ei rm triat includes Larry 'I'udor, indicated that suppl:iec: were slow arriving their fir,ot batch Laminar STs reported here last month. demand is stronq and many avail able; units destined for the pnc··World mc~et in Aus month. eee Wow! gJ news the Wills bullc"tin l:.hat they are releasing the Ultra Sport. Formc;rJy known the Sport XC, the new intenned:i ate gl.i dcr has completed a1J tc,s ts and Wi wi.l seek certification at: the ncc:xl: HGMA meeting. The Ultra Sport wil.l come out at: an introductory price of $3,975 Eventually avai.lable three the Ultra Sport 147 will be offered first featur'ing a 0

14:J VG,

rear crossbar haulback kingpost hanq stream1.i.ne<3 downt,ibes, kingpor,t. Spedfications of ol:her were not annm.mced ••• In Led announcements, Wills announced website al' www.wiLlr,winq.com and an E-rnaiJ addrc~ss of commen l:.s@wi11swinq.com. So l.et 'em know what you think the new f,port: or othc,r producl:s. ••• PacAj.r J<: .. mailed more, info ... i:hei.r newest "bra~rning rigbts." 'Phe Concept 49 (number meaninq 149 sq a "59" w:i.lJ al.so be available) had 900d ini competiLion result:s j n Bra7,iJ. '!'his the kin9post modCJ1. The glidc:r took Fi.rst, Second, and Thi.rd plus 5th, 6th, and [H·h at tJ1" Brazilian Nationals. In the comp,,te, where foreign 3' I) and 10th. areund Lhem t:11 T,am:i pro o l:.ypc' and one:: La Mou t.e ~··opl ess. A Lamina.r won Open "Gibbo" t:rie report vi a Airwave UK to r,,port own lc;uccess: on a Concept. ••• Ai Concept, "We have been cU hand] ing, per and ,;tab.i sysU,m that us<,,d to replace luf lin Ken Brown addc,cl, "In t.h future, when we bave devised a mainspar system, [L:rie Concept] wi.11 available witl1 the 'topless option.' At thi.s t:ime, with all the prot.:otypes made, we find t·h<cc hiqgest advancic,s have bec:m achieved wlli remaining wi. tll l:he tandard airframe structure. " t.hough they will proclucec, Brown wil 1 nute step forward." The eliminated the luff lines observa L:ion of t.he many uropean gliders at the 1995 World Championr;b 'l'o make up o:r os t re ex t.abi lity, Airwave chose to individually support the outer bat·.tens wit.h 1ightw0.:iqht carbon fiber ribs cal "Spare Ribs" giving the wing a wid<c ranqe of washout-derived pitch stability. the line 21 fully Concept lost to both, the topless model f ye due l:o Embl.;tanl::i aJ ccmt mate.r:i als. 'rhe no·-luff model from improved handling that cci.me when removed sailshift restraints caused by the luff lines and a high tension. Sa tension can bec• lowered on the Concept because t.be supported ribs which provide pitcri stability do so over t:riat ke,:;ps washout down. can hi gh-speccl gl i.cle.) and lowered stall speed allows the Concept \:o thermal slower Uian its approacri sounds like a reasoned response to the topless raging throuqhout tbe design world. Soon we' witness how L:ric changes in competit:ion. ••• Outta room. So, got rww,; or opinions? Send 'em to 8 Dorset, MN 5 11 tl . V-rna i I or to 612 · 4 5 0 t.

THANK~l 0930. E-mail to CumulusMan@ao1.com

HANC GIIDJNC

r Calendar of events iterns Wll J, NOT be listed if only tema1ive. Please include exact information contact name and phone number). [terns should be received no later than six weeks prior to the evenl. We request two months lead time for regional and national meets.

JAN. 6-1

!3ogong

Australia.

Intermediate rating with alpine ence. 1,:111 ry $ I g 5 Australian m,,111,1,,, $5,000 prize money, shin, imp, awards dinner, film & processing. 30 places reserved for international pilots 1111til Oct. 31. Max l :30 pilots. Contact: Cup, c/o PO. Box 308, Bright , Victoria, Aus1ralia. lnquirics: Steve teL (i l 1- 50.1 (6-10 pm eastern Australia time only).

Accommodations: Mt. Beauty Information Ccmrc, rel. 0 l l -6 J 541-267.

11- 13:

/(,'/; Reckling,

CA. C:ontac1: Eric Mies (916) ,j72 ..

1291.

17 .. 19: Basic and J1dv11nml !Cf; Lake CJ\ Comact: (209) 928 .. ]25].

20-PEB. l: 1997 Hr1tl11nds, Forbes, Ausrr,1lia. Prc··World international team competition for the World Meet in January 1988 in Australia. Contact: '97 Platlands, l~O. Box 950, QI.I J 4211 Australia, phone Ol 16J.7.5596.

3600, fax 01 J .. (i('/..5596,439/i.

/)og Superior, and great trophies.

Static line, platform and scooter available. Walking dist:mcc from your ho1 cl room. Call early ro reserve a room at B:irkers Island Inn and Conference Sl!pcrior, Wisconsin l -·80().. :304 · 7515. Conract: Dan O'J Iara, (2 l 8) 67,/1.

4500, dohara('hwrenshall.kl 2.mn.us, or Doug Johnson (218) 72:) l T\8.

PEB. 14-17: !Cl; Carson NV Contact: Advcnrure ('102) 883-7070.

JANUARY 1997

MARCH 28,30: !Cl; by Free Plight at Poim of the Mountain, UT. nrc-re,r>1stratwn by J:ch. 15. Enny fee Free camping at the Point.

Contact: 1)avid Sharp (801) 263 8611, sharpdavc(t,\1tah-in tcr. net.

APRll. 11- B: Ihu., Clinir (payout) Free ar Point of the Mounrain, nrc··rc,1z1s1rat1ou by March 15.

Free camping ar the Poinr. Class size limited. Contact: David Sharp (801) 263-8611, sharp(hvc(ti\1tah-i n tcr. net.

APlUL 19·21:

M11rf1 Mee!; Marfa

Airport, Wcsr'frxas. Two 5,300' (l,700 m) runways in a11 X pattern. Marfa is south of h. [ )avis and the I)a vis M tns. and should ofkr excellent flying. t<.e,qu11res ability to tow safely and entry inro the 'l<:xas Season Long Contest O). Advance notice of intent to par.. appreciated. Conract: Jeffrey Hunt, 4/i l l Red River Austin, TX 78751 (') l 2) 467 2529,

MAY 9. l Kitty Hawk Kites 1997 !llumni Reunion. Former sruclcms will demon·· stratc how well learned. Jockey's State Park, mile Post 1:3 on Rourc 258, Head, North Carolina.

Panicipants will be available for inrer· views and photographs. Coma ct: Stcssic Camell at Hawk Kites, l-800· ki rtyh awk-k i tes(t,lou tcrh;m ks.corn. · ltl assure :1cccss to the par·· ticipams and reunion organizers, conract Brncc C Ebert or Ms. Canrell of Goldman & Associates at <i25l 8.

advance, $30 on site. Contact: Robin Hastings, Dirc:ctor (505) 5/i l ·574/i or 437521:'i. 'fornrnyWest JJ1<cu11:w, OR /Jcst of'tht /\lfonth" contest. Winners receive $100 and a plaque for rhe longest /light each rnonrh. Al .SO, monthly random drawing [or all

tcred pilots and gets $50 just for

71 Ii: Sandia Albuquerque, New Mexico. Seventh annual 450 WTSS point meet ar Sa11dia Peal<. The premier mccr of the season! Price rop .. qualiry x .. c includes: entry glider and pilot transporr:uiou to bunch, turnpoint /ilm and rmJce,ss1ne:, computerized full··time staf{ free oxygen certificates from local convenient meet hcadquarrers with reduced room rates, awards T·shirt and more!

Six1y·pilor maximum field, 0 5 spots rcsern:d fm pilots ranked in the top 80 USHCA or top l 00 l)IRS. Remaining cm rics will be b,1sed on rar,1,11111,, l!l!Oll and flight r,v,·11•n1•n1·1' FirsHime cmrants must have: USHCA Adva11ced rating, all Skills, JOO+ hours motmt:1in thermal r•vr,N11'1'\f'1' and CPS rccomrnencled. postm:irked l, after. Refundable :30. C:onract: Mike nnril 121 l St. Mary's Ur., Albuquerque, US-5978 or Mark NM 871 l I Mocho m mocho('1)r166.com.

Anmu,l 1-istival o/Ioot/11unchetl

MAY 23-30: XC Clinic

god David

held in the desert of' Southern working radio, G PS recom· size. Contact: mended. I ,imited l hvid Sharp (80 l) 263-% 11, shmp· dave(i1111 rah-inter. net.

MAY 2/i-·26:

Memorictl /)ay Alamogordo, NM. hm flying, contests, dinner, et.c. Meer in l.Z at 9:00 am each day. Sponsored by Rio Grande Association. Emry rn

Two "One Grand x.. c" comests

I Jill to Lakeview and para), ·l\·ophy Dash, spot landing contest for both hang and para, aerorow truck at Aben Rim. Spectacular new launch open only l 9 miles from Lakeview. Kids ping-pong ball drop for historical and wildlife tours, barbcquc, dance down· of activities for and Plan a week and join the fon in bcawifril Lake C:011my, Oregon "Hang Gliding Capital of tlic Wcs1"!

m

Update

HANG GLIDING TEST CENTER OPENS he Wallaby Ranch announces their Hang Glider Test Program. Over 25 different makes and models are available for pilots to demo and fly any rime. All major manufactures are represented: Laminar, Wills Wing, Ainvave, Moyes, Airborne, TR3, etc.

Top competition to recreational gliders are available daily. New gliders will always be added when they become available. For more information call Wallaby Ranch at (941) 424-0070, http://www.wallaby.com.

T

NEW SCHOOL IN DRAPER UT

N

ationally ranked hang glider pilot and hang gliding/paragliding Instructor David Sharp has started a flight school: Free Flight Sports located in Draper Utah.

The new school features hang gliding and paragliding lessons, sales, service, tandems, towing and clinics.

Free Flight Sports opens February 15.

The new shop is located at 12379 So. 265 W., Draper, UT 84020. For more information contact Dave at (801) 263-8611 , sharpdave@utah-in ter. net.

OUTER BANKS HANG GLIDING SCHOOL'S ALUMNI TO DESCEND ON ALMA MATER

A

t this 1997 reunion, Kitty Hawk Kites' former students will demonstrate how well they learned.

WHO and WHAT: Many of the more then 220,000 hang glider pilots who rook up rhe sport at kitty Hawk Kites are being invited to rerurn for a grand reunion whjch will rake place at the 25th annual Hang Gliding Spectacular. The four-day Hang Gliding Spectacular is the oldest continuously held hang gliding competition in the United States. Kitty Hawk Kites, long-recognized as the foremost school for first-time hang glider pilots, will spotlight the skills of returning former students who have achieved expertise.

WHEN: Mothers Day Weekend, Friday, May 9 through Monday, May 12, 1997.

WHERE: Jockey's Ridge State Park, at 85 feet, the East Coast's tallest dune, mile

8

Post 13 on Route 258, Nags Head, North Carolina. The park is across the road from Kitty Hawk Kites.

WHY: This will be an opportunity for hang glider pilots throughout the world to gather where they first experienced the thrill of fl ying and added an important and wondrous new dimension to their lives. (Ar this highly-visual event, the participants will be available for interviews and photographs. ) HOW: Alunmi are being asked to call KHK events coordinator Sressie Camell at Kitty Hawk Kites, 1-800-344-4777 for information and reservations. The company's E-mail address is kirryhawkkites@ourer-banks.com. To assure access to the participants and reunion organizers, contact Bruce C. Ebert or Ms. Camell of Goldman & Associates at (7 57) 6252518.

PERMITTED RADIO FREQUENCIES IN AUSTRALIA

W

ith increasing numbers of pilots visiting Australia in recent years, and with formal ream flying during the PreWorlds and Worlds, we must advise your teams and independent traveling pilots of the legal requirements for the use of radios.

In Australia the unrestricted approved frequencies are in the HF frequency range of 26.965 to 27.405 Mhz and UHF frequency range 476.425 to 477.400.

Only those pilots who hold an amateur radio operator's license issued by rhe appropriate authorities in their own country, and which is approved by the Spectrum Management Authority in

Australia ($45 fee) , will be legally entitled to use two-meter VHF radios. T he normal call-signs and radio usage protocols of amateur operators are expected to be used on these frequencies.

The Spectrum Management Authority in Australia has warned the HGFA that they will prosecute illegal radio users (AUD $12,000 fine) and confiscate nonapproved or unlicensed equipment, and have threatened to close down any competition where widesp read problem s occur. These actions have been initiated following serious breaches of the frequency spectrum over the past two competinon seasons.

Those consideri ng flying in Australia are asked to make alternative plans fo r radios if they do not hold an appro pri ate amateur operator's license fo r rhe use of VHF two-merer radios. (Forty-channel UHF radios sell for approximately AUD $400 .)

CROSS COUNTRY WEB PAGE ross Country magazine now has a Web

C

page at http://www.planetb.fr/xcoun-

try (e-mail: xcounrry@planetb.fr). Included

are summaries of feat ure articles, news, and information on how to subscribe.

1997 ELLENVILLE UPDATE

T

he Southern New York Hang Glider Pilots' Assn. (SNYHGPA), Chap ter 47, will once again be maintaining, regulating and monitoring the Ellenville, NY flying sire. The annual flying fee is $140 for the year if paid by February 28, 1997, and $160 thereafter.

H ANG GLI DING

Update Visiting pilots may utilize a $10-perday visitor's pass program with passes available in the landing zone. This program can only be used three rimes per pilot.

To receive a waiver and registration form for 1997 and the "early bird" incentive call (9 14) 744-3317 and the forms will be mailed to you.

(6 19) 452-9858. Owner John Ryan may be e-mailed at weav8@msn.com.

HANG GLIDING CENTER OF SAN DIEGO MOVES

T

he Hang Gliding Center of San Diego is now located at 8645 Fanica Dr., Santee, CA 92071. That's still in San Diego and just down che road from Torrey Pines where the Hang Gliding Center has been contracted to train hang glider pilots. If you haven't been there in a while yo u owe it to yourself to come out and fly. UP San Diego has done a fantastic job at chis worldfamous flying spot.

The HGC carries most brands of hang gliders. They can be reached by phone at (619) 562- 1009 or at Torrey Pines at

1996 COLLEGE PARK AIRPORT AIR FAIR

A

t chis evenc the Capitol Hang Glider Association and USHGA were represented by myself, Bacil Dicken and Joe Gregor at the two-day event on September 14-15.

What better place for rhe USHGA

Bl

simulator than the College Park Airport!

Founded in 1909, the airport located in College Park, Maryland is the world's oldest continuously operational airport. The ann ual two-day Air Fair features aerobatic demonstrations, sratic displays and airplane rides. The .free hang gliding simulator rides made USHGA the hie of the show for the kids and their parents. The children waited 30 to 60 minutes to get a couple of minutes of "airtime" in the simulator while parents took pictures and videos. They learned how to speed up, slow down and turn in the simulator.

This went on all day, right up until breakdown time.

The simulator is the single best public relations cool char USHGA has.

MOYES HAS MOVED

M

oyes Australia announces chat they have a new address: 11 44 Botany Road, Botany NSW 2019 , tel. (02) 93164644, fax (02) 9316-8488 , e-mail moyes@ip.net.au.

HOW TO ENJOY THE VIEW FROM THE TOP. ~

The USHGA Visa®Gold and Preferred Visa cards provide you with more savings, more benefits, and more services than just about any other credit card you may be carrying.

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There are costs associatP.d with the use of these cards You may contact the issuer and administrator of this program. MBNA

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Wilmington, DE 19850 Visa 1s a federally registered service mark of Visa U.S.A. Inc .• used pu1suant IO license MBNA America" is a federally registered service marlc of MBNA America Bank. N.A. ©1995 MBNA America Bank, NA AOG-9-27-95

JAN UARY 1997

ADG-tACE-11/95

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You pay only 25 cents per minute, anywhere in the U.S., day or night!

Recharge your US~GA telecard with a convenient toll-free number.

USHGA, PO Box 1330 Colorado Springs CO 80901 (719) 632-8300, fax (719) 632-6417, ushga@ushga.org Visa &M/C Welcome!

9

MASEK, MICHAEL: Pensacola, FL; M. Tabcr/Lookom Mtn Fl' DAVFWILLS KEl,LY HARRISON

PERRY, JAN: C:lcarwarcr, FL; M. Joncs/W,1llaby Ranch QUTNLAN, TIMOTHY: Ft Lauderdale, FL;J. Tindle/Miami I-IC REYNOLDS, ED: Roopville, CJ\; T. lfoger/Lookour Mm FP SHOPE, JERRY: Dalton, c;A; J\. Bloodwonh/f .ookout Mtn FP TRAVERS, MARK: Chattanoor;a, CA; T. Hager/Lookout Mrn Fl' WEST, STEVEN: Wesley Chapel, 1:1,; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch

DAVE WILLS

BIIJ, S'l'UKENIIOLTZ

Region 12 BROWN, DANNY: Depew, NY; T. GASPAR, RICHARD: Binghamton, n.

Spirit Fligh1 KNOEUJm., RICHARD: Middle Village, NY; Makrinos/lkaros Sports MONTRONE, ANGELO: New York, NY; S. Makrinos/Ikaros Sports PRICE, RICHARD: Newburgh, NY; D.S. Jewell/Fly High HG

Region Ii BORDON, SCOTT: Bayl1cld, CO; M. Fr,mcis/Moumain Wcsr f-!C

Region J MAAI, TODD: Kirkland, WA; ( ;. Nclson/f JC Advcnturc.1

Region 6 WEISER, KEVIN: Coffeyville, KS; R. Bachman/Kitty Hawk Kites

Region HOBBS, STEVEN: Plcas,mron, CJ\; R. Leon:ird/ Advemur:: Sports MACART, CHRIS: Milpitas, CJ\; D. Yount/Mission Soarin[; MARTINEZ, JiERNANDO: Baker.dick!, ('.A; A. Bccm/Windsports lnt'l THOMPSON, SETH: Redwood City, Ci\; I'. Dcncvan/Mission Soaring

Region 10 PERRY, IAN: Clearwater, FL; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch QUINLAN, TIMOTHY: Ft Lauderdale, Fl.; J. Tindle/Miami l !C WEST, STEVEN: Chapel, FL; M. Jom:s/Wallaby Ranch

Region l FAUVEL, MAURICE: Zillah, WA; 0. llaugcn/Wizards Wind & Water MADISON, LESLIE: Seattle, WA; I', Phillips/Lrkc Elsinore Region 2 HAMBY, PIIYL: Union City, C:A; A. Mclean/Mission Soaring MARTINEZ, FERNANDO: Bakersfield, CJ\; A. Bccm/Windsports Jm'I Sl'AM, DAV[D: San Jose, CJ\; J\. Mclean/Mission Soaring WHEELER, ROB: Sunnyvale, CA; D. Burns/Mission Soaring WILLIAMSON, MARK: Tiburon, CA; H. Ream/Mission Region 3 CHAHEY, WILLIAM: Beach, CA; M. Vorhis MARCOH, MICHAEL: Santee, CA: J. Ryan/HG Center TOPCI-fYAN, GAREGIN: Van Nuys, CJ\; J\. Bcam/Windsports Int'!

Region 5 LYON, RUD: Blackfoot, ID; Z. Majors/Wasatch Region 7 SCULLY, JACK: Schaumburg, IL; B. K11.1hncr/Rave11 WALKER, CHRJST: Meleo, WI; B. Kushner/Raven Sky Region 8 AMIN, MORT/\ZA: Meriden, CT;/\, Davidson/Tck Flight Products SETTLEMIER, SCOTT: Newton, MA; D. Baxrcr/Morningsidc PP STELTI(, KAMILA: Southington, CT; A Davidson/Tek Flight Products Region 9 LOPER, SAM: Hagerstown, MD; J.

Jr/Wild

Region 10 GRAHAM, CHRIS: Raleigh, NC; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mtn FP GURSOY, JOHN: Naples, Fl.: D. Clovcr/W:ill:,hy ltrnch LOUD, DAVID: Nags Head, NC; W. Thornton/Kitty Hawk Kircs

10

Region 3 MARCO fl, MICHAEL: Samec, CA; J. Ryan/HG Center Region 1 ASHTON, JEFFERY: Provo, UT; l'. Anderson/The Soaring Center WRIGHT, RONALD: Glenwood ( D; P. Anderson/The Soaring Center Region ENGLE, JULIE: Cedar Rapids, TA; B. Krnl1ncr/Raven Sky Sports SCULLY, JACK: Schaumburg, J L; B. Kushner/Raven Sky Sports WALKER, CHRIST: Meleo, WI; B. Kushner/Raven Sports Region 9 ADAMSON, LEJ\H: Columbia, MD; W. Thornton/Kitty 1-!awk Kites ISAKSON, PAUL: Chesapeake, VA; R. Bachman/Kitty Jlawk Kircs LOPER, SAM: Hagcrstowll, MD; J. Long Jr/Wild Wings SMTTII In, ANDREW: Cleveland, VJ\; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch THOMAS, JOHN: Salisbury, MD; C:. Thorcson/Lookom Mtn FP Region JO CRAWH)RD, CHARLES: Augusta, CJ\; J\. Bloodworth/Lookout Mn1 FP GAMBLE, JAMES: Fuquay Varina, NC; J\. Bloodworth/Lookout Mui FP GOLDSTON, RICHARD: Nags 1-lead, NC; C. D11l'aul/Kiny Hawk Kites GURSOY, JOHN: Naples, FL; D. Glover/Wallaby Ranch MASEK, MICHAEL: l'c11s,rcola, Fl.; M. Tahcr/Loolrnut Mm 1:p MOSHER, JR, CHARLES: Chapell lill, NC; D. Clover/Wallaby Ranch QUINLAN, TIMOTHY: Fr Lauderdale, fl,; J. Tindle/Miami HG SHOPE, JERRY: Dalton, ( ;;\; J\. Bloodworth/1,ookout !vim 1:p TRAVERS, MARK: Chattanooga, GA; T. 1-lagcr/Lookom Mrn FP WEST, STEVEN: Chapel, FL; M. Joncs/Walbhy Ranch Region I l WOLF, MIKE: Greenville, TX; D. Broyles/Kite Enterprises Region 12 BROWN, DANNY: Depew, NY; T. Hagcr/1.ookom Mm Fl' DUBOIS, TIM: Liverpool, NY; D. Guido/Susquehanna FP KNOELLFR, RICHARD: Middle Village, NY; S. Makrinos/lkaros Sports MONTRONE, ANGELO: New York, NY: S. Makrinos/lkaros Sports PRICE, RICHARD: Newburgh, NY: D.S. Jewell/Fly J figh HG HANC GLIDINC

WEAPON

A COMPLETE FLYING VACATION

DECEMBEl< THf<OUGH APf<IL

ll) (L)

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

ADVENTURE PRODUCTIONS Paul Hamilton ~750 Townsite Road Remo, Nevada 89511 USA Phone/FAX 702-849-9672 hamilton@adventure.reno.nv.us

(/)

1

IIIIJJI

should

'Pc,rfnrrbYly".:lnr~o

Fl~\~0~

\\trying to improve."

Tomas SuchamJk, three-time World Champion, on insights into the art of finding thermals

r f

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

Please rush the books below:

o H. G. Training Manual. .. o Performance Flying ...

DH. G. Flying Skills ... o Understanding the Sky .. o F>aragliding Flight .

D Powered Ultralight D Pow UI. Training Save 10% order two or more books 20% order five more books Total amount for books $ (please continue in next column)

(please continue hero)

Total for all books $ Postage and handling ... $2.50 Add $1 .00 for Perf. Flying and H. G. Training Mfmual

most comprehensive book %of valuable information. It pilots more m~~tOl"l".:1! : crucial "'"'r,,c"'· I 1

I

Overseas airmail is desired

I

($8.00/book $12 for P. Flying and H. G. Training Manual)

I

TOTAL ENCLOSED .

SEND TO (please print)

book 'Understanding the

Tony former U.S. Champion and U. S Team Member

I

I I I I I I

1

Region I:', BRATHWAITE, BRENT: Canada; M. Robcrrson/l ligh Perspective VALENCIC, MICHAEL: Canada; T. Hager/Lookout Mtn Fl'

Region l BRIMLEY, DWIGHT: l'.ugcnc, OR; L. Keller

Region 11 VIRVEL, YELi: Trophy Club, TX; D. Broyles/Kite Enterprises

Region 3 HARRISON, KELLY: SanJuan

CA

Region 2 BROWN, DANIEL: Sacramcnro, CA; R. Schacrli BOB MORKEN GRF.GORY FISCHER STEVEN REWOUNSKI

Region:', JENSEN, BJORN: Calabasas, CJ\; D. Quackcnbush/Trnc Flight URIBE, JUAN GLENN: Calexico, CA; J. Ryan/He; Ccmer Region 4 MACHER, DAVID: Denver, CO; M. Windsheimer/Colden

MIKE SHIELDS JESSE FORBUS

Region 6 KUDLACEK, KALE: Kansas City, MO; D. Broyles/Kite Enterprises Region 8 KERR, DOUG: Manchester, NH; J. Nicolay/Morningside PP O'NEAL,JTM: Manchester, NII; R. Corbo/Morningside PP Region 9 CU-UNJIENG, MD, ANDREW: I.ouisvillc, KY; T. l lagcr/l.oolwut Mm FP Region JO HOLUPKA, ANDREW: Head, NC; I'. Brooks/Sky J;lighr POGUE, DAN: Bernita Springs, FL; B. Flynn/Central FL Flyers RAMSEY, WILL: Pensacola, FL; T. Hagcr/l.ookour Mtn PP Region 11 WALTER, JAMES: Austin, TX; J. I lunr/Co I JG Region 12 CHAMBERS, JOHN: Minerva, NY; D. Guido/Susquehanna PP SCHMIDT, JOI IN: Fairport, NY; R. McGovcm/Rochcstcr Arca ZAUNER, MARTIN: Brooklyn, NY; M. Lassachcr/Acromax Region 13 ELIAS, ENRIQUE: Mexico; M. Jones/Wallaby Ranch TWASADA, MASAKI: Japan; R. McKenzie/High Adventure W!NKEL, MARTIN: Canada: M. Robcrrson/l ligh Perspective

Region 4 CAMERON, PATRICIA: Boulder, CO; l. Hnss/L/D 1<:111crp1,·iscs JONES, STORM: Grants, NM; M. T;rancis/Monntain West HG SCHUMACHER, JAY: Phoenix, AZ; R. DeStcphcns/Zonic HC Region 5

LUEDERS, JAM ES: Missoula, MT; H. Bunel/Obscrvcr Region 7

TERPSTRA, LEE: Caledonia, Ml; G. l.awlcss Region 10

BESSA, CARLOS: Pinellas !\irk, Fl.; D. Clovcr/Wallal,y Ranch 13LANCO-HERRERA, COSMO: Miami, Fl.; J. Tindle/Miami !JC; MORALES, JOSE: PR; R. Rojas/C:arihliean Airsports TABER, LORI: Wildwood, CA; T. Hagcr/Lookonr Mtn Fl'

12

N!lNK SC/TOOT ............................... BB;TNNliR 1 LOOKOUT MTN 1:p ............................... 69 2 KITTY HAWK KlTES .............................. 67 3 MJSSION SOARING ................................ 49 4 WALLABY RANCH ................................. .46 5 MORNINGSIDE FP ................................. 2.1 6 WINDSPORTS ......................................... 19 7 WESTERN HC ..................................... ,... l :'> 7 TRUE FUGHT ......................................... 13 9 HJGI-1 ADVENTURE.. ............................. 12 10 ADVENTURE SPORTS TOURS ............. 11 11 RAVEN SKY SPORTS ............................... 10 l l MIAMI HG ............................................... 10 13 SACRAMENTO HG ................................... 9 13 I.AKE ELSINORE SPORTS ........................ 9

1:'>

BERKELEY HG ........................................... 9

16 17 17 17 17 21 21 21 21 21 21 27 2.7 27 27 27

I TAI .EAHALA HG ...................................... 8 WASATCI I WlNCS .................................... 6 ROCHESTER AREA FI .YFRS .................... 6 NATURAL PLYlNC .................................... 6 ]!AR UP HG ................................................ 6 r:JY HIGH I IG ............................................ 5 VALLEY FORGE HG .................................. 5 SUSQUEHENNA FP .................................. 5 MOUNTAIN WINGS ................................ 5 LAl<E ELS IN ORI( HG ............................... ,5 AUSTIN A!R SPORTS ................................ 5 UITRALIGHT FL.YING ............................. 4 MARYLAND SCHOOL OF HG .............. ..4 JIG CENTER (W SAN DlECO ................ .4 EAGLE'S WINGS HG ............................... .4 ADVENTURES UNI JMITED .............. ,.. ,,..-1

HANC GL!DJNC

RANK SCJ!OOL .................................... NOV!CE I LOOKOUT MTN 1,·p ............................... 78 WALLABY RANCH .................................. 50 2 3 WINDSPORTS ......................................... 23 4 MISSION SOARING ................................ 22 5 MORNJNCS!DE FP ................................. 21 6 MIAMI HG ............................................... 1 7 TRUE FLICHT ......................................... 1/i RAVEN Sl<Y SPORTS ............................... 14 KITTY HAWK KJTES .............................. 14 10 HIGH ADVENTURE.. ..............................12 11 THFSOAR!NC C:ENTER ....................... 10 l l BERKELEY HC ......................................... 10 13 NATURAL FI.YfNC .................................... 9 lit WESTERN HG ........................................... 8 lit MOUNTAIN WINGS ................................ 8 16 LAKE ELSINORF SPORTS ........................ 7 l6 EACLE'S WINGS !TG ................................ 7 lB I IALEAHALA HG ...................................... 6 18 ZONIE HG ................................................. (i 18 WHAi 'COM WTNCS ................................. 6 18 AIRBORNE SPORTS USA ......................... 6 22 FLY HIGI l HG ............................................ 5 22 RED RIVER ATRCRAFf ............................ 5 22 KI'rE EN'l'ERPRISl'.S ................................. .5 FAR UP HC ............................................. ..

2.(1 HG ADVENTURFS ................................... A 26 ARIZONA /\IRWAVE ................................ .4 26 TEK J:l .ICHT PRODUCTS ...................... A 26 ROCKF.T CITY AIRSPORTS .................... .4 26 ROCI IFSTHR AREA HYERS ................... .4 26 QUIET r:!JGHT ........................................ .4 26 HC CENTER OJ; SAN D!FGO ................ A 2(i AUSTIN AIR SPORTS ............................... .li

Rankings arc compiled from ratings published in JanuaryDecember 19% issues of lhmg (;/iding magazine.

NEW! SMALL HALL Great for hancl-·hcld wind mcasurcmcnl or paraglidcr l ndicator

Parnglidcr Braclwl Now available: Small flall for lwng gliders, 0 to 70 mph

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$14.95 $24.95 $ 9.95 $29.95

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21b INSTRUCTOR'S MANUAL by D. Pagen. For hang gliding, used in ICP's. Plenty of illustrations.2/b

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PARAGLIDING FLIGHT-WALKING ON AIR by D. Pagen. Covers all aspects, 140 illustrations. 11b PARAGLIDING-A PILOT'S TRAINING MANUAL. by M.MeierNVills Wing. Covers all aspects .. 21b

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RIGHT STUFF FOR NEW HG PILOTS by Erik Fair. Reprints of Erik's HG column. Classic.

1/b HIGHER THAN EAGLES by Maralys & Chris Wills. Bio. of hg legend Bob Wills.Hardcover... 2/b ACCESS & THE GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT by B. Moorman.

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

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THE ART OF SKYSAILING by Michael Robertson. Used in ICP's, withe Charts of Reliability .. 1/b RECORD ATTEMPT KIT Includes all forms needed for national & world record attempts.

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

2oz CERTIFICATION BOOKLETS Document your skill level sign-offs. Specify HG or PG. 2oz

$ 9.95

tlb 1/b Fl Y HARD Rob Whittal & C. Santacroce paraglide the westcoas\. Rock soundtrack.(36 min) . . 1/b POINT OF THE MTN (Utah) HG & PG action at one of America's favorite sites. (52 min) 11b BORN TO FlY HG action. Meet Larry Tudor & Green team, fly Owens, Sandia, etc. (50 min) . . 1/b Jib PG: THE MOVIE Owen's Valley world competition. Hot action, rockin' soundtrack. (40 min) CLOUDBASE PARAGLIDING Great intro. video. Meet the hot pilots, fly the hot sites. (36 min) Jib 1/b HANG GLIDING EXTREME Fly spectacular sites in the US. MeEit the top pilots (50 min) .

HAWAIIAN FlYIN' HG & PG in Paradise. Amazing launches & awesome scenery! (46 min) .. 1/b 1/b DAREDEVIL. FLYERS Ill-THE PARAGLIDERS Join Team WW in Telluride, CO. (50 min).

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

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

MASTERS AT CLOUDBASE., A paragliding music video, set to hard hitting music. (20 min)

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WINDSOK™ 1.5 oz. ripstop nylon, 5'4" long w/11" throat Pink/yellow or pink/white (circle one). 21b $39.95 WINDSEEKER Hang glider flying model. It loops & soars. Lots of fun to fly, you'll want two. 15oz $ 3.00 . 1oz $ .50 USHGA EMBLEM DECAL Our original logo, in its original colors, on a 3" circular sticker. .1oz $ 1.50 USHGA SEW-ON EMBLEM Our original logo, in its original colors, on a 3" circular patch.

MTN. GLIDER DECAL Full color 6" rectangular, long-lasting vinyl decal. Very colorful.

1oz $ 1.50 1oz $ 3.95 MTN. GLIDER SEW-ON The most beautifully embroidered patch you've ever seen.

MTN. GLIDER LAPEL PIN Multi-colored, custom shaped w/epoxy dome, military clutch back. 2oz $ 3.95 LICENSE PLATE FRAME I'd Rather Be Hang Gliding or I'd Rather Be Paragliding (circle one). ·1fb $ 6.50 *ERIC RAYMOND POSTER 24"x37" Eric 17,000' MSL over the Sierra Nevada Range 11b $ 5.95 *AEROBATIC POSTER 23"x31" Colorful keel-angle sl1ot of John Heiney looping skyward.

11b $ 6.95 SPECIAL· BOTH POSTERS FOR $10.00 *Posters are NOT AVAILABLE on International orders-Sorry!

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Street Address (if prnssitile) __"--·-·---------·------------·-·-·-··-·------·----·-·-------------·

United Hang Gliding Assn., PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901-1330 (719) 632-8300 1 fax (719) 17 email: ushga@ushga.org

The Tangent Flight cc,mriut,er is to be the best XC vario market. No other flight

by he foll BOD meeting took place ~ovcml:er 22-24 in San Diego, Cal1for111a. 1 lighlights arc as follows.

PUBUCATIONS There was a presentation hy Sally Tucker abow a project to provide: all hack issm:s of !fang Gliding magazine on CJ) Rom. 'I 'he work will be performed by a non-profit volunteer organization at no cosr to USHCJ\.

Committee agreed to support the project.

ORGANIZATION & BYLAWS Agreed to modify the elections SOP ro up the ball or distribution and cutoff dares by one month in order to accommodate the accelerated magazine schedules.

FINANCE Agreed to expend up to $5,000 for an accident survey.

SAFETY & TRAINING Agre~d lo waive all calendar waiting period reqmrements between ratings. Clari/Jed Part 104 in that knowledge of''Tow Discussion :ropics" only be applicable to pilots seeking a row n.ning . High Altitude (HA) paraglidspcc1al skill prerequisite changed from f;1t'.:rmediat~ (P3) ro Novice (P 2) rating.

Scnons Acc1dcnr Investigation Guidelines adopted. New lnstrnctor Training and Testing Program adopted. Program will cornmence on 5/5/97.

TANDEM New Paragliding Tandem [nstrucror Ccrrificarion Clinic plan approved. Lars Linde: and Bob ffannah approved as new PG Tandcrn J\dminisnators. Ken lhicr and Tim Shea conditionally approved as PC and HG 'Lmdcrn Administrators resrie,cfrvcJ,r.

WORLDWIDE COMPETITION [nstructed our ClVL delegate ro recommend rhat C:JVI. han Bclorussa i11ilitary participants fr'.)m aH hang gliding and paragliding compct1t1ons m response t:O the unprovoked attack on (and subsequent downing of) an cntranr in rhe Cordon Bennett International ;'),aHooning Compccition earlier this year.

I !11S attack resulted in the deaths of two American citizens. Approved 4 SO-point

meets for 199'7: Lakeview ]-Jc; Nationals, July 19-2Ci (OR); King Mmmrain I IC; Open, Jnnc -28 (] D); Sandia HC Classic, June lri (NM); East Coasr HC Championships, April I C)-26 (TN); and King Mou main re Nationals, Augllst I Ci23 (l D). All dares arc temative.

'l'OWJNG l .engrh of Tow Administrator appointments set at one year. Rccornmcnd that an observer and/or two- way radio commllnication be used frir platform-based and sraric--line rowing. Modified acrotowing requirements.

US/ !(;A Acrotow ( ;uidclincs adopted.

MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT to publish in every magazine a list of top 30 HC and PC schools in order of lki{nrnc:r/lNc,vic.T r;Hings iss!lcd. Agreed to start ;1 co-op ad program in conjunction with qualified HG/PG schools and instruc-tors. Agreed to minimize the onc-mond1 mcrnhcrship materials (in order w reduce cosr) and alloca1c $5.00 ofcach $7.00 collected to an advcrrising and promotion accoum beginning 1/J /97. Approved rhc 1997 Narional Fly-! n to be in conjunction with Kiny J Liwk !<ires' 25rh Annual Spectacular May 9-11. Agreed to propose a new cnrhusiasr membership category at the annual membership meeting to be held in conjunction with the spring 1997 BOD in Colorado Springs. Agreed to sup-port a membership drive for current USHGA rnembcrs to sign up new members.

There will be a significant grand prize.

Modi/Jed the C:haprer Requirement SOP. GENERAL SESSION USHGA ofllce directed rn choose sires for future BOD meetings beginning with the 1:all 1998 meeting. Kitty Hawk, NC: chosen as the Fall J 997 meeting site.

ELECTIONS Presidem Bill Bryden; Vice President Randy Adams; Russ Locke; Trcasmcr Johnson; At Large Directors Claudia Stockwell, Paul Rikcn, Dan Johnson, Dennis Pagen and Jan Johnson; Honornry Dircnors Chris Du l\ml, Bob Hannah, Rob Kells, Sandy King, Mike Meier, Gene Matthews, Lars Linde, Arjan Ala, Cregg McNamcc and Michael Robertson.

Dan

. Don't forgc1 1ha1 the next BOD meeting will he held 1\.farch 21 ·23 in Colorado

rrnt'Y,n .. r,,c

has accumulated as

m<111\\'· ccim,pe1:iti,:m miles.

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I like how you can personally tailor the myriad of functions thE) Tangent boasts to suit your style."

A

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DESIGN I IO I Glendora Ave Oal,dan,d, CA 94602

I 2261 fax 531 18

CLEAN NEVER LO A new wave of "topless )) hang gliders is sweeping the world A BRIEF LOOK AT

Before we embrace or revile them let's take a quick look at KINGPOST-FREE

what our European friends are up to. The current crop of HANG GLIDERS

kingpostjree (KPF) gliders may have started with Christo[ ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY "R.C. DAVE" FREUND Kratzner and two friends of his who wished to have an os Guggenmos builc a carbon-sparred version of his Buller Cur. Two sizes of chis design are in produccion and have acq uired the cough DHV cercificacion.

La Mouecce picked up on chis trend quickly, putting che "Topless" into production. le is also certified in Europe.

In 1996 both che Topless and the Buller RCS won some of the.compecicions they entered, and co my knowledge no scruccural failures or tumbles have been reported.

Kraczner is now compecing on a KPF UP Speed and Airwave has rurned our a bunch ofKlassics without luff lines. As Moyes and learn join the fray, kingposcs are rapidly disappearing at che Internacional meets.

The questions I have regarding these good-looking and probably very high-performance designs fall into che following cacegones.

J

STABILITY - Can a glider wichouc luff lines scay right-side-up at all speeds and in very stro ng condicions?

STRUCTURE - Can a KPF glider cake abuse and stay together as well as our current gliders do?

COST - Can we afford chem, and are chey worth it?

First, stability. For the pasc 15 or so years luff lines have provided che nose-up force char makes modern gliders almosc safe enough for the Owens Valley. Designers must still do other things right, but luff 16

Bu/Let RCS by Guggenmos - 9/1 aspect ratio.

Guido's "Topless. " lines very effeccively stabilize our gliders by holding up che crailing edge and radically reflexing che airfoil when required. These KPF gliders depend on washouc cubes and ocher irnernal scruccures co hold cwisc and washouc in some parts of the sail while allowing ocher pares co blow down, creacing stability through a highly cwisced sail shape.

In ocher words: lacs of cwisc, !ors of scability.

Are these cwo methods of creating picch srabilicy equivalem or interchangeable?

Perhaps. There is hiscorical precedence char says yes. The reduced use of arrow shafts in our ribs may, in retrospecc, be a clue.

Remember, all gliders can tumble under the right circumscances, but so far these gliders seem co work (in the hands of experts).

They can definitely pass the cerrificacion tests.

Structures. As fo r strength: if yo u flip your glider and fall onto it yo u can break rubes and become a novice skydiver. If yo u hang 400-600 pounds at each crossbar/leading edge junction the top wires will probably break. Ir is not often that a cop wire or kingposr fai ls. Thar gives you an idea of how strong che spars must be. To make a spar impact damage resis tant it will probably have co be much stronger than needed for flight loads alone. The keel is rhe weak link; expecc to see chem grow. These gliders may prove co be scronger chan our current ones.

In a tumble siruation the leading edges may now have to absorb considerable cwisting forces. This shouldn'c be too big a problem wich a modern airframe using largediameter rubes. From whac I've seen chis year, chese gliders are scrong and durable.

Beware, however, if you flip one over on cakeoff or landing chere is noching to keep che top of the sail fro m geccing rashed!

Finally, is ic worth ic? T hese gliders are snuggling co escape che grip of their sailing hericage with cables and poses in che breeze.

They will probably nor be any less expensive then a current high-performance wing and probably will be a good bic more dear. I can chink of cwo good reaso ns why I want one: They promise a superior high-speed glide (3 5 mph+) and chey look REALLY COOL. Lee's forger cool for now. How fast do H ANG GLIDI NG

OKED SO GOOD advantage during the 1995 competition season. They built reinforced aluminum-tube crossbars and internal supports for the ribs and sail into Bautek and Thalhofer (now UP Europe) gliders. They successfully competed in these gliders despite the increased weight which resulted.from these construction methods.

The La Mouette Topless. yo u want ro go? If you never fly over 35 mph me wires aren't hurting yo u too much. Save yo ur money and buy yo ur buddies some beer. In Europe, cross-counuy competition usually involves flying triangles, which implies an upwind leg and the ability ro penetrate back ro the beer. A berrer, faster glide offers a significan t advantage. Besides, it's fun to go fast.

The technical hurdles are reasonable, the economics marginal, and the future inevitable because the average USHGA member makes too much money not to want ro be the raddest, fastest and coolest dude on me hill. Me? I have a credit card ready. •

Rear view ofthe Bullet RCS. DECEMBER 1996

17

A

THE SENSOR 61 OF W/Interconnected Flaps & VG

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

success since its public debut in April 1995 , the new SuperFloater offers: + Excellent 15: 1 performance in s it-down soaring comfort (and no harness to buy!)+ Superb joystick handling+ Very simple aero or winch launching (foot launch is possible) ... . . . all fo r an amazingly low price. >- F ull y built and test flown , the SuperFloater is sh ipping now. Fly under Part J 03 and the rmal in close wi th your hang gliding friends.

Ultralight Soaring Aircraft

CUMULUS

Climb Fast, Glide Far Loosening the VG lowers the flaps , increasing camber into a high lift, slow speed, thermaling airfoil. Dominating every core , you 'll find yourself climbing faster than you ever thought possible. Tightening the VG raises the flaps and reduces the airfoil camber transforming your wing into a blade for maximum speed-range and glide ratio.

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

New Spe edFoiJ™ Tubing Lower drag, our new airfoi l tubing for the king post and control bar boost the glide ratio adding a point or more at higher speeds. Other feat ures on the Sensor 6 lOF are: computer-optimized, laminar-flow airfoil; twelve shear ribs; control bar apex aft of the CG; Kevlar band & dacron cord TE hem; 7075 T6 LE and ribs; semi-cantilevered cross tubes and a simplified 12 minute set-up. We all knew that eventually hang gliders would be this good!

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

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or trul y independent soaring, the Cum ulus ultralig ht motorglider is a hi g hl y refi ned choice: + Soar beyo nd 20: 1, s ink as s low as ha ng glide rs + Handle wi th ease and authority + Zoom beyond 80 mph, or chug along at 60 for better than 200 miles on less tha11 5 ga ll ons of fue l.

Even better ... shut he r down and soar fo r miles. Then, tap the electric starter and motor home eas il y. >- The Cumulus is a three-year, top-tobottom design offering supe rb soaring compatible with hang gliders.

F

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rhc lockom probpose addiquest io,1is or make srarcmcms wirh which I through learnwould like to oHc:r my vic:w1pomts.

Let me hcgin with rhc accident involving Bill Bennett and Mike Delsignore which occurred in in Ohio, since this accident seems to be the which started rhis recem flnny ofdiscuS'· sion. a good friend of' [~ill's and of' the verbal and wri tren reports I believe 1 can shed some ligl1t on Bill was training pilors in tandem and as rug drivers ar 1hc rime. Bill had crcdemi,1ls in all tl1rcc disciplines and was idenlly suited for die job. However, ;111 cxrern1,11tllH! be that lie was

or' these

'"''""''"''"" the operation as well as repeatedly as a tandem while trainees piloted the hang glider. Thus, could have h('Cll a factor in rhis accident. l·lowcver, perhaps more critical was the foct that dming the flight that proved fotal, several factors were combined. First, Mike, while a very ,,vrn,,,.,,.,,,n•d Prrn11Hl··lc,;isc:c! tow pilot, was new to Mike was nor an cnced tandem pilot. Third, the tug pilot was inexperienced. Fourth rhc weak link was way mo strollg. Fifth, rhc arrangement of the tandem pilors was 1101 ideal, and sixth, rhc release ar the mg end have mal/imctioncd.

A mancr is the focr that Mike was for pilot Bill was flying wirh. Nor did rhis create a very high lo:1ding on the glider, bur Bill was unahle 10 reach the control bar according to some wimcsses. Even ifhc could in normal flight, J believe he could not in the reponcd simarion in which Mike was push· fol] .. out to climb behind rhe rng.

Witnesses reported Bill saying rhat rhc row was too slow on their first flight a witness who was with flights iudicatcs this mesto the tug pilot. It seems from commcut and what happened subsequently rhar a slow row combined wirh a loadinp, is what initiated the Lml sequence. the pilots were airborne remained low on rhe rug and most through ar least a portion of the This wake is very rurbulcnr and control with a nearly puslHHit lO climb above. This is not a desirable posit ion ro be in, r•stwr·i,lilv dose ro die grottnd. The rug pilot can in simation by diving to increase the speed. In this case, the inexperienced tug didn'r know rhe proper procedure and cur

JANUARY 1CJ97

power ro "!er rhc glider carch up." 1.arcr, he aLJ11Ja1-cnrlv dove ro break the weak link, bur by time a lockout was in progress and speeding up makes it worse.

Ira titg is too slow ro bcgill with, there is no way to above rhc wake and the only recomse is ro release. l believe the tug's wake nu·.. hulcncc rolled or s1alkcl the hang glider and a lockout rnpidly cnsued. 1 am sure Mike did nor have rhc to make a quick and rimcly decision, and he liad his hands to conrrol the Bill was lmr without 011 no idea what forces and fr,cdhack were occurring. I expect the lockout so fosr rhar he had no chance 10 react once ir got serious.

The bridle used was like that shown in rhe 20 of the September J 996 issue 'I 'here was only a bonom release. The weak link was at the rop and w,1s tested after the accidenr to break ar over :lOO (ir was construcrcd from 205 Dacron Because or the doubling effect of the bridle, this would a towline force clover 600 pounds 10 hreak. This is way too high. There is no known reason for the fail me of the since it was tesred before and afrcr the with a realistic tow force. l Iowcvcr, C()rrccring horh or these matters weak link and release failure .- would nor have 11ccei;sa1nly pn.:vcntc:d rhis accident, for even if 1hc was from the towline it may have been roo low ro recover from 1hc lockout aniwdc.

In concl11sio11, let me poinr 0111 rh,11 like mosr accidents, in rhis case a cascade of cvenrs occurred rhar got our of hand. l don't agree with rhc accident in rhc October, 1996 issue that indicated rhc roor cause was rhc failure of rhc to release. l think the root cause was a pn:,blic111s as ourlincd above, and more S/>('(.'ll1ca11y, our failure ro educate pilors on all This includes towing adminisrrators as well as To remedy this situation we recommend following. (These arc rni;gesll<lllS and l' m sure be addressed in rhe USHCJ\ Committee.)

1)

2)

3)

4) 5)

A pilot should be an tow pilot before he or she is allowed to be pilot-incomrnand for rhe firsr :300 feet AGL in a 1a11dcm situation. situation should nor indudc an mc:xpenern::cd pilor at borh ends of rhc towor winch opcraror at one end and ar or her end). should rake place ar five mph foster rhan solo lowing for the flrsl .300 /c,ct.

Weak links should be tested for maximum load with the acrual bridle setup to he used.

Pilots should be raught early emergency release and should such as pan of their

It should be made very clear to all pilo1s rlwt tandem arc less rhan solo crs in and arc thus more 10 wake rurbulcncc-induccd problems lockoms.

There has bcc11 some 011 rhc lmerncl rha1 1·csts of rhc ,vakc 1>n·hnl,•,"'''

a rcspo11snre I, for one, would nor like to tandem glider near rhe ground. have a ro resist hang glicl,:r in such a siruation close 10 the ground bcca11se of obstr11Ctions and field limirs.

Thus, rhe safesr procedure is for the pilot ro release ifhc gets low in the I 00 frcr of acrorow climbout. In rhe I difh:rcm op,cr,1mms l have aero rowed with, I have low rckas· way toward pilots to come a timely manner in case of trouble.

Next, I wish to address rhc anidc by I )onncll I lcwen in the Novcmhcr, 199(, iss11c and his let· 1cr in rhc December issue. J have rhc for Donnell and am aware of his major co111riburions 10 l lowcvcr, I would like ro respond to a couple or he makes. l le mentions Frank Sauhcr and quotes from rhc accidenr rcpor1 that he was can llOUS.

l flew wirh J,'rank and know a bit abom the accident that occmrecl. He was wirh a thar had a rclarivcly short line ro a separate continuous loop. Frank himself was not too r•v1,w,-.e,1n•d

errors that have been worked our prc:vHms:/y.

Besides the dcarh of a very nice dent is a tragedy because it avoided if' rhe had ing from experienced tow pc:rsomi,cl.

'Thus, f awcc with Donnell rhat towing is nor because i1 is bm bcca11se many pilots conrinuc ro rcpcar procc·· dures rhar have prnven robe many yca1·s This means our of cduca· rion been fulfilled. A case in poim is rhc accident of Hill and Mike reviewed above. I am almost sure rhar Bill didn'r have a policy of rcc1m:srinti cxrra speed while tandem, nor was weak link setup adequate. aeru1<1w11w informarion from around rhc world had been made available, would rhis accident have hccn avoided?

There arc a number of difforcnt tech· niques in orher countries rh,n may be of some use in om quest for safe l will nore thar all rakes V-hridlc that Donnell is da111gc:r011s

19

Tow or with only a straight shoulder release. T think these systems are safe if scr up properly for several reasons. Pirsr, with the V,brid\c, using stiff line with no metal parts, it is almost unheard of for the bridle to catch on the towline once rhe bridle is released. Even if it docs, the jerk on the pilot is not dangerous because of the angle of the pull and the rdat"ivcly low tow forces with aerotow· ing. Also, all safe systems currently in use have a secondary release at rhc shoulders (as seen in the phoro). I recommend rhar this secondary be a frtll 1wo·string release so the secondary bridle doesn't have to thread as well.

Wirh a shoulder tow, rhe release should be within reach in case ofa malfonction, which is not the case wirb a full ccmcr···of,mass bridle. l have acrotowcd cxrcnsivdy with borh systems and l prefer rhc shoulder row in most instances.

With the shoulder tow, rhe bar position is differ· ent, but the controls ;ire very similar to free /light. l have been in quite virulent turbulence wirb both systems and have never fdt l was in danger ofloeking out as [ have with ground.based towing. lncidcnrnlly, the stanclard bridle used in Australia for ground--basecl towing in rhc competitions I have attended consists ofa V·bridlc simi· lar to the one in the photo mentioned, with rhc lower arm going under the basctnbc to the pilot's waist area. \1(1id1 this system, the upper bridk

20

pushes downward hard on the baserube al some poinr in the climb aud the pilot comuers this by pushing our. f do not necessarily condone this method, but there have hecn thousands of rows performed with this system in rhcrmaling condi· tions nnder rhc pressure of compcrii-ion. l have nirely heard of a lockout occurring here. I rhink the main reason thar dire consequences are avoided is rhar d1c ww operators arc very well trained to eliminate row forces if a problem appears alter all, rhc Aussies have been rowing since the l 9GO's! My conclusion is that again, training is as important in towing safety as is using rhe proper ec111ipmcnt.

Next I wish to comment on Donnell's statement rhat: automatic release systems arc not a very good solmion. I have in my possession an automatic release that has proven very useful for paragliding towing. Jr does release pilots success.. folly when a lockout A similar son rem 1w1y be useful for gliding as well, since rhe tendency li:ir mosr of us is ro rry to wrestle wirh rhc comrol bar rather drnn lcr go rn activate a release.

Finally, I will comment: on Donnell's dis .. agreement with the lockout. diagrams l presented on page 22 of the Ocrober, J 996 issue. 'I 'he dia · grams and analysis arc correct (alrhough some-what simplified because we are showing a three·

dimensional action in just two dimensions). As Donnell says, if the row !-<.,rec goes 10 :;,cro, rhc weight and Ran: greatly mis;1ligned. 1n this case, rhe glider conrinue.1 to slip briefly until it yaws more nosc·down and pirch stability rakes over. A weighr-shifr hang glider cannot normally slip vc1y much, since it and enters a diving rnrn.

However, wirh a atrached, the natural pirch·up and recovery is prevented by rhe row· line itself. The glider musr Ay away from rhe ini· rial flight direction (away from the towline) to recover, which it can't do. Thus a lockout occurs.

Donnell states drnt a glider locks out because iris nor rowed at the center of mass of rhc forces arc misaligned. [f this were true, roy kites and paragliders wouldn'r lock om since their a1tachme11t is very nearly ccnrcT··of..mass. ]!or example, a paraglidcr is typically towed from rhc harness at about chest level. · ['his is close to rhe ccmer of mass of rhc comhincd and glider since the pilor's center of mass at the hips and the much lighter center of mass is at the canopy. The lock .. om problem can be reduced with ccnrcr,ol~mass systems, for such systems afford the pilot more control. However, l don\ believe ;rny bridk tern will comple1cly eliminate lockouts. Only establishment of safe and careful training will do rhar.

HANC CLIDINC

I

SEX

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7

In consideration of being granted membership in the USHGA, I,.,_,,,,,__-,_,,_,_,--,,--,-.,-,-,,-,--,-,-·--,--·--·-,··-·-·-------------"' for myself, my personal representatives, heirs, exerntors, next of kin, spouse and assigns, do agree as follows: A. ~ The following definitions apply to terms used in this Agreement: I. means launching (and/or assisting another in launching), flying (whether as pilot in command or otherwise) and/or landing (including, but not limited to, crashing) a hang glider or paraglider. t'a#,a,•f.' IJV/U,N/E:'S' means nfl'.r,nii'.>lr'hl Clarnai?e and/or 2. nP1rc:nn::u or sustained by me as a result of my PAJ'l1T!1CIP'IJTJ'ON as a result of the administration of any USHGA programs (for example: the Pilot Proficiency System).

3. means the following, including their owners, officers, directors, agents, spouses, employees, officials (elected or otherwise), members, contractors, sub-contractors, lessors and lessees: a) The United States Hang Gliding Association, a California Non-profit Corporation (USHGA); b) Each of the person(s) sponsoring and/or participating in the administration of my proficiency rating(s); c) Each of the hang gliding and/or paragliding organizations which are chapters of the USHGA; d) The United States Of America and each of the city(ies), town(s), county(ies), State(s) and/or other political subdivisions or governmental agencies within whose jurisdictions I launch, fly and/or land; e) Each of the property owners on or over whose property I may launch, fly and/or land; D All persons involved, in any manner, in the sports of hang gliding and/or paragliding at the site(s) where I PA,Fm'C!J'A11: "All persons involved" include, but are not limited to, spectators, hang glider and/or paraglider pilots, assistants, drivers, instructors, observers, and owners of hang gliding and/or paragliding equipment; and g) All other persons lawfully present at the site(s) during my """""'"'"" DISl:HAiRGE the 11,:;1..,:;,.,,n:;;v PAJi7l!t::ffrc>m however caused, even if caused by the negligence (whether active or passive) of any of the n,;;;11.,;;;,,n,JO,::;,u f'JtlR11ES, C. I A CLAIM against any of the for loss or damage on account of IN/URJrES. If I violate this agreement by filing such a suit or making such a claim, I will pay all attorneys' fees and costs of the n,:;,11.c::,1.:u;;v P,tlR17ES. that the non,participant third party liability insurance obtained by USHGA does provide coverage for REIMBUR!iE the in paragraphs A. 3. d) and A. 3. e) above for their defense and indemnity (to the limited extent that the defense and indemnity are not otherwise covered by collectible insurance) in the event that someone suffers nv,w11>rtv aarna~ie as a result of my negligence (whether active or passive) or willful misconduct in

TEIRMINJnlON I can terminate this Agreement by either sending written notice of termination to the USHGA National Office postage prepaid return receipt requested, in which case the termination will !!Q! be effective until one year after I cease being a member of the USHGA or 30 days after I place the written notice in the mail, whichever is later; or by signing and returning to the USHGA National Office a later version of the Official USHGA Release, Waiver and Assumption of Risk Agreement However, even if I terminate this Agreement, all of the terms of this Agreement will continue to apply to I suffer in whole or in part before the termination of this Agreement.

F. I shall be n,n,.,,..,.1,11'.>n

If any part, article, paragraph, sentence or clause of this Agreement is not enforceable, the affected provision shall be curtailed and limited only to the extent necessary to bring it within the requirements of the law, and the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

l have

Participant's Sif!IJl!Jre

DJte MR,ll/9S

IT'S

STILL

MAGIC

article and photos by Duff King

ave you ever thought about what it would really be like to fly like a bird? Well, I have. Ever since I wa.s a little kid I've had great flying dreams.

The first time I saw someone soaring over Makapuu, Hawaii wa.s in the early 1970's. I had my private pilot's license at that time, but when I saw someone flying at Makapuu I knew that hang gliding wa.s going to be my next adventure in the air: Just the thought offlying so free like a bird gave me chilk and a wonderful adrenaline rush which I still get when I fly today.

In O ctober of 1974 I took my fi rst hang glider flight off Makapuu tandem, with a great guy named John H ughes. We were flying seated on a huge tandem Rogalio-type glide r. It was a beautiful day with glass-smooth air, and it was perfect. I knew right then that I wanted to learn how to fly hang gliders. So I starred on little sand dLU1es and small hills with my good friend Ki mo, who knew a little more than I did about fly ing. You see, there were no flying schools here in H awaii at that time. We were pretty lucky that we never go t hurt. Even to th is day, a~er al most 22 years of flying, I've never bro ken a bone -

knock on wood. I have broken a few

gliders in th e past, bur not myself.

T hen it hap pened . My friend John Hughes was killed while flying at Makapuu just th ree mo nths after I had taken my first fl ight with him. I was so totally tra umatized by his death that I sidestepped my dreams an d stayed away fro m hang gliding fo r almost a year. I got started again in October of 1975.

I was flying off the Kahuku sand dunes again and then moved up to bigger hills. T hen came the day. Mal<apuu was perfect, and I

24

"Glories" are frequently seen when soaring Makapuu.

25

was ready. Thar was January 3, 1976. Thar first flight was pretty scary. After about 10 minutes of flying, my leg strap on the left side of my harness starred to come undone and I couldn't fix ir in flight. Then it finally let go and I was hanging there, crooked in my harness and held by only the right leg strap and the upper pan of the harness. Needless to say, I came down right away and landed by Sea Life Park. I was okay.

On August 27, 1996 I was lucky ro be flying over Makapuu. Ir was one of the most beautiful days I've ever seen in Hawaii. You could see for over a hundred miles in all direccions and there were light trade winds blowing.

Ir was a perfect day to fly Makapuu and downrange along the Koolaus.

26

HANG GLIDING

So I called some of my flying buddies to see if they coLLld fly. We decided to meet in the sky.

I drove up to our launch sire at abo ut 4:00 PM and starred to set up m y glider. Our sire is about 1,200 feet above sea level and requires that yo u be an Advanced-rared pilot to launch there. On this day the conditions couldn't have been better. While I was setting up my glider I looked up and saw some Ewa birds flying overhead. They are a great indi cator that the lift is good, and this day they were right. I finally got into the air at about 5:00 Pm. On that day I decided to bring my camera. I'm sure glad I did because I got so me great photos flying over Rabbit Island, then to the lighthouse and over Makapuu Bay. It was just spectacular. On that day there was a full moon rising about the same time that the sun was setting so I decided to fly downrange just JANUARY 1997

27

behind Wairnanalo where the sheer Koolau cliffs produce the greatest lift. A, [ was soaring, slowly climbing up over the clouds, I could see the awesome sunset to the west, and just as I climbed to .\300 feet I could see one of the most beautifol full moons I'd ever seen. It was this awesome yellow and just rising over Molokai. It· seemed to be playing hide-and-seek behind the clouds that were still being lit up by the sun. Then, just as I completed a 360degree tum, the moon came up over the tops of these clouds that were pink, orange and reddish-purple. [ was there all by myself at 3,300 feet watching the clouds go under me and the full moon getting brighter as it rose. Wow, it was incredible. /\s l was flying back toward the lighthouse an Fwa bird came right up to within 10 feet of me and decided to stay alongside my glider for about 15 minutes, soaring in the same lift as l was. This wasn't the first time an Ewa had done this, but it's rare when it happens. However, I've flown with as many as IJO Ew;i birds at one time

just outrageous. They arc such excellent fliers. f wish l

could flap my wings like they do.

It was starting to get dark so I decided to climb up as high as I could to make the jump over to Sandy Beach from Sea Life Parle I got to 2,200 feet, then jumped over the top of the ridge and landed at Sandy Beach at about 7: 15 PM, and l still had plenty of'light to sec for my landing. Needless to say, this flight was one J'll never forget. 'fhis is my 20th year of flying at Makapuu, and a lot of things have happened during those years. The first person to fly Makapuu was a guy named John Wallberg in the wimer of 1972.

'Then came many others. In the l 970's hang gliding became very popular among adventurous types, and on any good flying weekend there would be 30 to 40 pilots flying at Makapuu. Between 1972 and 1980, 18 pilots lost their lives while flying there. Some

of the accidems were the result of pilot error and others were caused by stTucrural fi1ilurc

some were the result of borh.

knew most all of those guys and I still miss them.

Makapuu started to become well known afrer Bob and Chris Wills flew there in 1973. 'They were becoming famous in hang gliding all over the mainland because of the contests they were winning and the records they were setting.

A bizarre incident occurred at Makapuu in August of 1976 thar bears repeating. This guy narned Yahowha wanted to fly off Makapuu. It so happened that he was the leader of a religious cult called "Tbe Source," and some of his followers flew bang gliders ar Makapuu. 'J'bey all changed their names to those of celestial bodies like Mercury, Jupiter, etc.

On this particular day Mercury came up to the Makapuu launch site to fly, accompanied by some of The Source people.

Y:1howha, their leader, was there as well. Mercury promptly pul

29

at least that's

many different commercials and television shows, so I can truly

what all the other pilots thought. No one was paying much atten-

say that hang gliding has been very good to me. I'm still flying

tion when Mercury stepped aside and hooked Yahowha inro his

hang gliders at Makapuu, and f hope to for many years to come.

glider. fn the next few moments Mercury launched Yahowha. The

While flying ar Makapm1 I've seen some really incredible things that Mother Nature had a hand in, such as sharks in

his glider together and was getting ready to lly

only problem was thar Yahowha had never flown a hang glider before. Suddenly he was over I ,200 feet in rhe air without knowing a thing abom how to fly.

Makapuu Bay

In the

rnornents

Mercury launched Yahowha. The on{y problem was that Yahowha

missed a tent full of people, then crashed in the beach park just to the left and far below the

backs arc really something to see from the air. stingray or a manrn ray can be seen in the bay.

And I can't forget about the Ewa birds. They

each time the glider went faster until he ran out

of altitude. The next thing we knew he narrowly

in a feeding frenzy.

Dolphins and turtles and once in a while a

the glider dove it went even faster. Yahowha repeated this maneuver a few more times, and

smaller reef sharks

Whales arc always a beautiful sight; the hump-

The glider went into a stall, then dove straight down. The next stall was even steeper, and when

big hammerheads, tigers and

arc just incredible fliers.

Once while flying at Makapuu an

had never flown a hang

Ewa bird came right up behind me playing

launch site. Flis followers rushed down the

chase. He flew right at my glidds trailing edge

mountain to where he had crashed and found

and tried to take a bite out of the sail. He

him seriously injured, but they wouldn't let the

totally quit flying, shaking his head violently

police or the medics near him. They took his

hack and forrb, but couldn't get what he want-

broken body back to their house in Lanakai, and

ed. The next thing l knew he landed on the

after abom nine hours he died of inrernal

leading edge of my right wing. That darn Ewa

injuries. Needless to say, Mercury was booted out

stayed there for a good five minutes, half flying

of· the club and was never allowed to fly

and half going along for the ride. It was pretty

Makapuu again.

incredible. I found out later that this Ewa bird

However, about l O months after Yahowha

and his sister were orphans that Sea Life Park

died, Mercury decided to sneak up to Makapuu

had raised, so they weren't afraid of people.

and fly on a foll-moon nighr. After a good

Every year when whale season arrives I get

launch he flew for a while, then, while doing a

excited. lt is quite a spectacle to sec those

360, be turned back into the cliff and crashed.

incredible creatures as they swim and play in

l:le died on the face of the cliff Most of the fliers

the deep blue water around Makapuu. In 1991 I saw two humpbacks, 40 to 50 feet long, inside of Rabbit Island, and thcu they went just inside of Black

thought it was suicide because of the Yabowha incidem.

In the late I 970's Tstarted work as a stunt man. l got a call one

Island. The water was so shallow that [ could sec them scratching

day from John Thorpe, who was a srnm man for the Hawaii

or rooting at something on the bottom of the bay. While they

Fivc-0 show. He asked if I would like to fly in the next show, and

were doing this their rails were corning out of the water at the

of course my answer was yes. There were five pilots in this partic-

same time their noses were scratching on the borrom. I was the

ular shot flying in formation, and we performed the stum in one

only one to sec this happening, perched high above the bay in

take. The director was so impressed at how well it all turned out

my hang glider. That's only one of hundreds of sightings of

that he asked if I would like to do some stunts in larcr shows. Ir

whales I've had around Makapuu over the last 20 years.

was great.

'fhese arc just some of the things l've seen and experienced

Thcu came the Magnum I~I. show in l 980. I got to stunt dou-

while flying at Makapuu. I hope f'll still be flying there when l'rn

ble for 'fom Selleck and Darren McGavin flying a hang glider. All

a hundred years old and beyond. 'T'hcse days rhcrc are only abour

the flying scenes were filmed at Makapuu, and I was lucky

l O pilots who regularly fly at Makapuu, bur hopefully a new

enough LO be able to do many mlier stunts for the Magnum show.

bang gliding school starring up on the Nonh Shore will bring

f also got to fly in the Raven show which was filmed at Makapuu

some new people into the sport.

as well.

lf you're ever in I fawaii please look me up and we'll go flying.

Until rhen, Aloha and blue skies. Makapuu is still magic. B

Through the I 970's and l 980's I got to fly hang gliders in

30

HANC CL!DINC

PEAK FLYING IN THE

OR, GREAT FLYING IN GREAT BRITAIN article and photos by Geoffrey Mumford

34

In the middle of a very bleak winter l received a little ray of sunshine in the form of an e-mail message from an old friend, Nick Stammers. Nick is a UK native bm had spent three years working in Maryland and served as a dedicated Region 9 Observer during my first year of flying.

Last year he resettled with his wife Karen and baby Ben in one of the best hang gliding regions in the United Kingdom - the Peak District just somh of Manchester. ick had ordered a new Xtralite from our mutual friend, mentor and Region 9 Co-Director Bill Bennett, and was looking for an escort to bring it across the pond. In exchange, I'd get half my airfare, a free place to stay, use of his Magic IV and a tour of premier UK hang gliding sites. The timing was perfect. I was taking a break between jobs and looked forward to seeing a new part of the UK. I arranged a direct flight between ewark and Manchester to avoid unnecessary glider transfers, but faced the usual harangue when it came time to check the excess baggage. Continemal's limits were 10 feet and 70 pounds and I was well over

H ANG GLIDING

on both counts, but as usual played the innocent wind surfing bum. Baggage ser·· vices wouldn't accept my estimated dirncn-· sions and imroduced a new unit ofmea· sure, "the ticket agent." ·rhat's right, the lady in the red jacket who solves all the problems went over to the glider and laid down next to it. She w;is abom 5' (," and soon determined the package was two agents long. This should have meant the cargo rate, but alter some additional discussion she decided to charge only the normal excess fr:e. Por me, this is still the rnosr distressing part of any vacnion.

But soon I was relaxing. T'he flight w::is overbooked and I got bumped up to business class, so l put the electric lmnhar mas-· sage to work on the small of my back in anticipation of some good flying the next day. The glider and 1 arrived imact, and after a thorough inspection of Nick's new toy it w:is time to head for the hills.

The Peak District is nor named for the mountainous terrain, but after a Celtic the tribe that once inhabited the region Pccsacron. The district is subdivided into the "Dark Peak" to the north which is Ji\NU1WY 1997

ABOVF· Pilots on Lord's Sect/ ltrunch ti wind

charactcrizccl hy black, boggy plateaus, and the "Light Peak" to the south where the whire limestone valleys arc the dominant visual foaturc. Nick lives in the Dark Peak in I Iayfidd, a small village in the County of Derbyshire, central to the l 0 sites negotiated by the [ krbyshire Soaring Club (DSC). Those IO sites, all within 15-30 minutes of his house, cover every wind direction, arc frequently soarahle and feature top-landing! ·rhc only twist for this lazy American was getting used to the

modest carry-·np to launch. The Mid Atlantic sires I'm used to flying in the lJ.S. all have immediate road access, but these unspoiled preserves of the l;I<'s National Th1s1 arc mealll for hikers, and hike we did! ( )n any day there's no need to guess ahout where to fly, as one cntcrpris· ing member of the Rod Buck, has installed the /1rsr in a proposed series of remote weather stat ions d11hbcd "\l(/cndy Wind blows." The cost of the units is sub-

An unidentified pilotprrpares his Avian Aero at Stanagt sidized by a user fee of about $0.30 a call.

Wendy gives min/max and current temperature, min/max and current wind speed and direction, as well as averages for the last 30, 60 and 90 minutes. ln addition, she provides rnrrent sky cover and overnight rainfall. She's the Peak's homewrecker, luring pilots away from their families for a rendezvous up on the moors. ·rhat first morning, Wendy's soothing synthetic voice suggested we head up to Shining 'for, a non-·DSC site managed hy the Peak Hang Cliding Club. 'J'birty minutes later we were carrying up to join 20 other pilots on a large knoll. Physically, Shining 'I <lr is typical of the other Peak District sites, a grassy ridge with a flat top covered by heather, heath and peat bog that gave the feeling of walking on a giant: sponge cake.

'I 'he air of relaxation at this site was also typical. There were no launch lines because you could launch anywhere you liked.

There was also no pressure to fly because whatever site was "on" for the day was con"" sistcmly soarablc and the availability of top-landing allowed for multiple flights throughout the day. Pilots would take of{ fly for half an hour, land, chat with their friends and fly again. A very civilized arrangement!

Al though !au nch just looked like a much bigger version of what we had back home, the setup area looked very diffcrcnr.

For example, although Wills Wing enjoys the dominant market share in the U.S., you're unlikely ro sec many in rhc UK.

36

Moyes is creeping but the v;ist majority of gliders are Airwave, Solar Wings ;ind a locally produced series by Avian. In addition, because there is no shelter from the wind ar these sites, gliders are rigged flat on the ground and the nose wires arc attached just prior to launch. Cround han-· dling under such conditions can he unfor"" giving, and the week before l arrived a vis"· iting pilot was killed when his nose pitched up in high winds and he failed to let go of" the glider as it Acw over the: hack at another local sile.

Under less extreme conditions launcl1 is easy. J\ single nose man holds pitch, the glider is maneuvered into the wind, the pilot calls "release," the nose man drops and rolls and the glider is airborne. A/i:cr observing a few flights I launched the Magic IV. I was up r1bout 20 minutes but something folt odd about my bar position.

Still feeling pretty road weary from my trip, l decided to cut the flight short, bled off my altitude, and brought it down on that big, brown sponge. In general, the top-landings were a better option than their bouom"·lancling counterparts, and, Mad Cow concerns aside, "lambing" sea" son placed restrictions on many of" the bottom-·landing areas anyway.

The following day we headed off rn I ,ord's Scat, the northerly site from which the UK X-C record was set when Gordon Riggs flew 142 miles to Bath in I 989. We were greeted by a brief hail storm and a very crowded launch, and decided not to bother with the carry-up that day. Bm our

day would come.

The fcirccast wasn't looking very good the next morning either, but we decided to go back to Shining Tcir ro sec if we could squeeze in another soaring flight before the rain shut things down. We took turns on the Magic IV cruising the ridge under a menacingly low cloudbase . We achieved my goal of sorting out the problem with my hang-point and decided to quit while we were ahead, as a squall line thrc;itcncd. 'flie Peak District is Judy Lcdcn's home base, and her husband, accomplished hang glider and paraglider pilot Chris Dawes, runs a foll-service HG and PG shop, Airways Ltd. in Hope. On die way home from Shining we stopped by to pick up a keel modification that had been issued for the Magic fV following a freak in"flighr failure in the UK last year. We never g01" around to actually installing it, but hey; it's the thought that counts.

Leaving the shop we found that the skies had opened up, baiting us to check "om another somhwest site at Sta!lagc Edge. Stanage is a flat slope launch leading to duce miles soarable cliff face to the northwest. We set up our gliders and helped launch a fellow pilot, but: t:hc squalls we lcfr behind at Shining began moving through at regular intervals so we packed up and headed home.

I'd brought some pretty crappy weather with me, and th rec 11101-c days of rain lefr us aching to fly. When rhc weather finally broke again we faced a good post-frontal day. Blown out and crossed up at I ,ord's HANC Ci IDINC

,

•

1

Scat we headed up to Wimer Hill, another north launch fovorcd under strong condi-tions. Winter f[ill is an excellent training site for beginners with its huge top- and bottom-landing fields. The only distraction on this, the highest point in Lancashire, is a series of' transmitter towers, one ofwhidi extends J ,000' above launch.

Nevertheless, after a brief hailsrorrn (this was Wimer Hill, after all) we all enjoyed smooth, late-afternoon soaring flights with a view of the Irish Sea to rhc west and the southern mountains of the Lake District to the north. On landing l beaked into the only crater on the moor to secure my bid for rhc coveted "Whack Around the World" award for yet anod1cr year.

Nick had planned a party for Saturday night to celebrate the return of' some old pilot friends, and I had volunteered to man the barbecue. We had a bunch of errands to nm before the party, bm with rhe foul weather 1har week we were also still desperate to fly. We consulted Wendy and Karen and decided to head out to I .ord's Scat for a quick flight and then come home to he! p get things ready.

Conditions looked good on top, and Nick helped me launch into a slight west cross. l made one pass to rhe north and immediately headed back toward Mam 'for, the nonhwesr launch a half mile to the cast. T scratched around for a few minmes bur soon joined several other pilots a fow thousand over, already at clo11dhasc. I drifted over rhc back with the gaggle and really wanted ro go X-C, bur without a radio and any re;il sense of Manchester's

3B

restricted airspace, I decided to head hack to the ridge. Meanwhile, Nick had

launched and was rhcrmaling over the hack a couple of thousand feet below me.

Later he told me that from his vantage point he thought I was too far back to penetrate to the front of the ridge and assumed f'd committed to going X-C, so he made that: commitment too. In fact, 1 did get back out front with plenty of altirude and played around in the valley for an hour or so unril I got flushed and toplanded at Marn 'for.

Now what? This wasn't in the game plan, and we'd made absolutely no arrangements for retrieval. Fortunately, he'd !di: the keys with the car, but l had no idea where he was and all the rest of our flying buddies had scattered on their own X-C's, so I grabbed the Mazda and headed home to wait for a telephone call.

1 helped Karen the dinner ready as the hours ticked by. Pinally, at 5:00 P.VI we got a call from the little village of Scalford just south ofNoningharn, 54 miles southeast of launch! Nick was preny happy with his new glider thar day only his fourth flight on the Xm1/itc and his first UK X-C. Karen was the ulrimarc good sport about the whole thing . She gave me great directions and resigned herself to hosting the party alone while [ we111 on the hunt for Nick. For me, it was a two-hour trip driving on the right-hand side of a high-performance sports car down tbe wrong side of rhe road. Coincidentally, Nick had landed within sight of the DSC: ncwslcrrcr's editor, Gordon Bishop, and I found

him in Gordon's living room sipping a celebratory vodka when I rolled up to collect him. We arrived back in Hayfield at about 9:00 PM with the party in fi1ll swing and a slight flare-up on the grill. Ir was cheers all around for Nick and the perfect end to a great flying day. r was heading down to Goring to sec my mum for the second half of' this trip, so my flying days were over. But even if there is no flying in the Peaks it's not to be missed; every view is a postcard and the net work of pub! ic access tTai ls make the region a hiker's paradise. Many thanks to Nick and Karen for making the trip possi-blc, and to the other local pilots (notably Adrian, Jufon and Bernard) who were all so accommodating. g

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With this many air shows, you might think rhe oppommity to be an air show performer would be terrific. Instead, insiders say it's like so many so-called glamour jobs. Being a performer rums out to be hard work and requires long hours, only a few of which involve flying in the shows.

Being a performing air show pilot is only part of the job. Sure, you have to be a good, maybe a great pilot. Bur you also must be a businessman, salesman, promoter, innovator and repairman.

Among all the srars in the air show performing universe, Dan Buchanan stands out as one of the most unique aces in the business. When he gets out of his Airwave hang glider and into his wheelchair, this singular performer rums heads in amazement. How does he do it?

The answer comes easily when you speak with Dan. At Oshkosh 1996, where he earned the prestigious position of being a "headline act, " I got that chance.

A UN IQUE AI R SHOW PERFORMER Flying a Hang Glider is Only Part of What Makes Dan Buchanan's Air Show Special

by Dan Johnson photos courtesy "Flying Colors"

TO SOME, A "TOUGH START" t hasn't been an easy path for Buchanan, and the wheelchair is only one of the challenges. However, it may have provided additional motivation. A hang glider pilot for only one year before a motorcycle accident changed his life 15 years ago, Dan has been able to rum a negative into a positive that works for him while motivating others.

What would have kept most pilots down produced further drive in Dan. Not only did he continue to pursue his interest in hang gliding, he also set his sights on a larger goal in flying.

In 1989 he had the opportunity to do a hang glider row at a show in Medford, Oregon. "I got to meet some of the bigname performers, to get a taste of the air shows. When I saw the entertainment side of air shows, I saw a chance co provide something entertaining that was not then being offered." Even with a different idea, with a special arigle, the air show game isn't for the timid or lazy. Buchanan set about pursuing his interest with enthusiasm.

I

40

The first three years of going to shows, booking conventions, and meeting the right people was and remains very expensive, Dan repons. As he crept his way into the circuit he recognized that a methodical approach was needed. Dan wrote a business plan using a hang glider to put on a theatrical show that he could afford to underwrite himsel£ He had to do it this way. No one stands up and offers to help would-be performers, not even highly motivated ones.

"The first three years involved completely our-of-pocket expenses," he says, "I sunk

over $50,000 into the project." Yet his plan is working well enough that he expects to get back to break-even after six years of pursuing this venture. Not many would-be performers demonstrate this kind of staying power.

"My act normally includes the hang glider, a helicopter and a mono-wing aircraft," says Dan in describing the overall performance. "I climb co altitude doing water ski rums - everyone understands that description - while the plane 'harasses' me, flying close enough to clip my trailing streamers," Dan explains. T hen the helicopter appears H ANG GLIDING

A

ir shows are the second /,argest outdoor draw ofany spectator activity in America!

Ranking just behind pro baseball over 450 air shows around the country attract twice as many people as either pro football or auto racing, two enormously popu/,ar events in the

entertainment-saturated United States. and they do a formation comedy schrick. In the finale, the chopper brings the chair to Dan via a long line .. . all part of the act. "We are booked as a trio abo ut 70% of the rime," he says (though nor at Oshkosh 1996). fu a reporter, I had to be blunt. Does the wheelchair help open the door to air shows and generate press? Dan replies in his easy manner, "Sure it does." He says ir as though it were no challenge at all. No wonder he's succeeding at the demanding trade of air show performing.

GETTING STARTED IN AIR SHOWS y idea was nor hang glider aerobatics, bur a visual display," Dan comments. By itself this differentiates his product. "I got some guidance from well-known performers who were in my general vicinity. They gave me a lot of direction that I didn't have. I would have gone another direction." For example, he says the first thing everyone in the industry cold him was, "Don't use the words hang gliding." They said to call it anything else, so he refers to his glider brand, Airwave.

Those of us in hang gliding may regret or resent that requirement, bur Dan is a practical man . Once you win your way into the so-called good ale boy club, you can begin ro strut your stuff. However, if your entry is blocked - even when that may be due to misconceptions - you're still blocked and have no opportuni ty to demonstrate what yo u can do.

During his first two years on rhe air show circuit everyo ne watched Dan like a hawk, waiting to see if he'd do something stupid that would tarnish the reputation of rhe air show industry. "One person can ruin it for everyone else," he comments on a theme that should be familiar ro hang glider pilots striving to protect their flying sites. Dan explains char some air show performers have multi-million-dollar contracts: "They make a living from chis and don't want some halfcommitted amateur to spoil the good reputations they've developed. The public and the FAA don't watch as closely as the other

M

JANUARY 1997

performers. T hey put me under a microscope at fuse. " Talk about proving yourself before your peers!

HANG GLIDERS AS PERFORMING AIRCRAFT

I

t sounds like a natural aircraft for someone seeking a different attraction. Indeed, others have cried ir, bur did they help or hinder Dan's effort? Primarily, they hindered, he feels. Dan explains, ''Air show announcers, organizers, and even the FAA raid me, This is the first [hang glider act] we feel comfortable watching.' They usually commenced that ir didn't look 'erratic.' Thar word kept coming up . .. erratic."

He also clarifies char his is a business, nor a PR cool for the sport of free flying. 'Tm nor selling hang gliding," he says.

Though his fellow hang glider pilots may nor wane ro hear it, he feels that hang gliding still has a negative connorarion for those who aren't close ro ir. In spire of his realism, Dan porrrays the spore of hang gliding very positively in his performance; even his brochure makes hang gliding look inuigumg.

Interestingly, though Dan follows the advice of his peers, the Oshkosh performer sheer listed his act as "hang gliding. " Dan

explains, "Sometimes 'hang glider' slips our. " Ir may nor be a positive as far as air show organizers are concerned, bur the truth is that the public still loves to see hang gliding in demonsrrarions like those "Flying Colors" presents.

However, good news ... Buchanan and his revue have successfully penetrated the field, and indeed, greater aviation acceptance of hang gliding may follow. After six years with his Flying Colors act, the air show industry now welcomes Dan and h is hang glider. Even if they haven't seen his act, they know the name Flying Colors and that ir's a pyrorecl1nic glider show which can be performed during the day or at night.

DETAILS AND CREDENTIALS

T

wo years ago he was approached by the International Council of Air Shows, of which he is a member. "T hey cold me I had to get my paperwork in order [for the FAA]. The Council leadership liked what I was doing.

They told me, 'Yours is the first hang glider ace we like having on our circuit,' and they offered to hold the FAA at bay for a while."

T he problem stems from requirements char disallow performing in an air show for

41

compensation without a Commercial Pilot's License and a Certificated Aircraft.

Buchanan set about correcting these deficiencies and succeeded at both. Dan got an Airframe and Powerplant FAA-sanctioned mechanic with Authorizing Inspection credentials to give his hang glider an inspection, which led to his registration and Nnumbers. He operates in the Experimental, Amateur-Built Glider category. An Airworthiness Certificate for his hang glider was the actual door-opener. He then earned his Private and Commercial sailplane license. Dan believes he has the only such registered hang glider.

(Note: While pilots might want to dispute the ':Amateur-Built" aspect ofthis certification, such questions are best Left uncontested. He achieved his goal and most hang glider pilots believe that HGMA-approved gliders are airworthy flying machines.)

FLYING IS ONLY PART OF THE JOB

0

ther hang glider pilots have tried to break into the circuit and many fantasize about the experience, but Dan points our the real work of the job. He says, "A few rimes we've taken interested hang glider pilots with us to work a weekend show. Everyone who has come has failed to come again. They say, 'I had no idea it was this much work. "' "Ir's a

42

full time job. During the winter months I'm busy marketing, booking air shows, making plans and keeping records," Dan says, explaining chat there are many hours that don't involve flying. He observes that l 0hour days are common.

Before he joined the air show circuit, Buchanan was a consulting mechanical engineer in the Silicon Valley area. Most recently he has trained engineers on CAD systems which was preceded by work in electronics equipment packaging. "Three years ago I gave up my regular job as a mechanical engineer. I saw tl1at this was going to rake all my time if I was going to be successful at ic," he comments. Engineer turned salesman!

Today, Dan is mainly a marketer, throwing around words like "demographics" and "exposure" more than "aerodynamics" or "control pressures. " "People don't understand that what you do in the air is actually a break from the main work that goes on for a performer. I can put on a 12-minute show, bur the rest of che rime is spent caking care of sponsors."

Ac first, air shows seem more directed by organizers and air show directors, but to performers the real concern is delivering the goods to the sponsor. Buchanan continuously emphasized the large effort that went inco obtaining a financial backer: "I've been working on GM [to become my sponsor] for three years. We are about co close a deal

concerning their Mobility Program. " This General Motors program attempts to assist disabled folks who have to make modifications to new automobiles. "I'll be goiJ1g around giving seminars at dealerships in the towns where I perform," he says. Does three years sound like a lot to pursue one sponsor?

Dan says, "No, that's actually short. Ir is usually a three- to five-year battle to get d1rough rhe corporate bureaucracy."

In particular, Dan makes a lot of hospital visits. "This is integral to GM. " As a motivational speaker he has what publicists like to call a "high believability quotient." In normal language this means d1at when Dan tries to help ocher people recovering from disabling injuries, d1ose folks have to listen.

Look what he accomplishes ... flying a hang glider in public performances! Dan also does motivational speaking to GM dealers and workers.

If Buchanan gets the GM contract he'll only be allowed to perform in 20 air shows, because he'll need the other weekends to do sponsor work. "GM doesn't really care about the flying too much," he points out. While the auto giant did pay for a couple of new gliders just so they would have d1eir logo displayed, d1ey aren't too interested in this publicity: "They're primarily interested in what I can do when I'm not flying." He sums this up SL1ccinctly, saying, "Nobody makes much money flying a billboard; it's just not tlm valuable."

HANG GLIDING

At night the streamers are replaced ~JI intense, commercial-grade sparlelers and other night spectacles. You can see the glider iuell as it is litjrom inside in a very clever twist on the n~r;;httime air show theme.

THE CLUB 11chanan is a member of rhc indusuy's trade organizations like rhc lmcrnaLional Council of Air Shows (]CAS) which has abom (>00 mernbers. All rhe main performers arc mem-hcrs bm the names change often, just as in convcmional show business. l )an cornments, "IlalCoCrhc group will disappear in about two years when they discover you can'r make money pcrfclrming at air shows. They don't have the patience, nor do th,:y realize at first how hard is it to run down sponsors. lfyou have a full. time job you're never to make ir. You have to commit to it."

Of those 600 IC:AS members, how many actually make a proft'.ssion orir? According to Dan, "About to 30 make a good living at this. This is a pretty accurate number.

Another 150 a quarter of all members arc gctling by, paying some bills."

How docs Buchanan expect lO find him·· self in that slim group at the rop of the heap?

Since ir doesn't depend on his dazzling air show act, ir has to be the coverage he can generate for his sponsor. But getting coverage is hard nnlcss you're dazzling, and even then, rherc arc no guarantees. Air shows arc umclcviscd events. L\ig as air shows arc as a national institution, they don'r comm;md the vast TV audience.

Since television is our, Dan turns ro print media. "I've goncn pretty good at getting coverage, especially in newspapers," he says.

Dan doesn't wair fc>r rhc air show JANUARY 1997

to arrange this for him. He calls the media and solicits their attention. He tries hardest for a color splash on the front page since "such coverage is one of the most valuable marketing rools you can get."

The whole game is repeated in rnwn afrer town. fr is indeed a circuit, and travel for a hang gliding acr means lots of driving since you don't fly your aircrafr from airport ro airport. "We pack up on Sunday and usually by rhc next Wednesday have to he at the next air show destination. 'lypically by Thursday morning the Flying Colors team has to be available to go wherever the air show organizer wants them ro appear. CommuniLy sponsors also want ro meet the performers, so dinners arc another way oflifo on the circuit. All this makes it a fivc-day-a·weck job.

Buchanan's four or five winter months are spent 1Cl hours a clay on the telephone booking shows, he says. All this effon is designed to place Dan and Hying Colors in the city locations where GM wants him t:o appear: "GM will want a certain city appearance, so it's my primary task to find a show in which I can perform while visiting that " This is a tricky bit of logistics, wouldn't you Scheduling 1my be the tough part, hut lots of details important details devour Dan's timc. Por example, because of his use of special cffocts in the Flying Colors act he had to obtain state and federal pyrotechnic licenses. "I had to get training from Hollywood guys," he reports. Ir took a year and a half to get a ( :alifornia license and ftlUr momhs for a federal license. Dan talks to a Fire Marshall in every state, completes paperwork, and presents his credentials. If you're as curious as most you may enjoy hearing that in every 12-minntc show Dan spends about $600 on smoke and spc-

cial effects. Wirh 25 shows a year that means $15,000 of his annual revenue literally goes up in smoke. Such products arc obtained through specialty wholesalers that supply profossional fireworks people and a Iiccnsc is required to buy these items.

SUCCESS IS AT HAND frer years of working at it Dan says, "1 Gill olfor 90'% ccrrainty that I'll get my sponsor a frontpage color space."

As a follow hang glider pilor I have been pleased to sec Dan rise up in the pcrfrirming ranks. He was a top-listed pilot at Arlington '96 (a large regional air show near Seattle) and has become a rcg1dar pcrfcmncr ar rhe giant Oshkosh air show.

Dan tells the media that he's wheelchair· hound ("lt gets their inrcrest more quickly") bur he doesn't promote this fact ro air show organizers. l lis act in the air docs nor depend on employing this awareness. "Now that they are getting to know me, though, most know I'm in a chair," he says.

Nonetheless, GM secs how it could hcnd1r their customers with similar amo needs as Buchanan. A professional presemation by someone as motivated as Dan makes their bottom line more secure as well.

As he prepares for the company's sponsorship, Dan reports that he's cut h;ick this year, only appearing in I Gshows. For the last two years he's done 25 shows and rnckcd up 45,000 miles a year on his vehicle.

Soon, he hopes, rhis last expense will be generated by a GM vehicle.

Either way, odds are you can get ro a show in which Mying Colors will perform.

Judging 1rom the crowd's reaction at Oshkosh 1996, Dan's brochure headline is correct. It reads: "Dan Buchanan's 'Flying Colors' Always Leaves Them Cheering!" l know it cheered me.

Dan

may b<'

dt: r:!:ying

Colors (,zir show act), 10183 Old River Rd., forcsLvillc, Cll 95136 (7()7)

11

(tel!fizx). JI video antljitrther infimnt1tion ttre rwailr.1ble. - Ill

T

he day saw booming nonhwesr winds in rhe IO to 20 mph range, and several pilots practiced their cross-country skills by flying to the end of the valley. Pilots met up with their Challenge teammates, some of whom were /lying buddies and others strangers added to fill out the teams. Each team was comprised of' five pilots any mix of"A" (most experienced), "B" and "C:" (least experienced) pilots with more points awarded to the less-experienced pilots if they achieved the task each day. 'lc)gether, the teams played in the skies and planned strategies for the upcoming week. 'Team members would work together to "make goal," with the top three scores from each team counting for team points each day.

Spirits were high, especially since the weather forecast called for more of the same soarahlc winds during the first fow days of the competition. The 'Iennessee Tree 'foppers held their annual Octoberfest celebration on Saturday, continuing late into the evening as 20 smoked turkeys and 200 cobs of corn were devoured in the cool autumn air around a roaring bonfire.

A column <f more than

hang gliderJ~ worleing a thermal above

Highway 711, greeted Doug Mossbroo}? as he headed to Henson's Gap on 5,aturday, October

the Wltrm-up day ftJr the Tennessee Tree

SUNDAY - DISTANCE DMNG Welcome to rhe 1996 '[t:am Challenge!

After checking in all of the competitors, the podium was wrned over to Meet Director Mark Furst. ·rhere were 12 teams ready to fly rhe Sequatchie Valley every day for the next week.

Well, the great flying weather from the day before disappeared. Tnstead of soarable northwest air, winds were light. With memories of great flights fresh in their

The "Women With Balls" shared the prize for best tetim name. Top (l tor) Kari Castle, Nans Nieuwendijk, Judy J fildebrand 1{)ith dog LID. Bottom: jean CarmichaelThoreson, Claire Pagen. Mr1ry Clor photo.

44

minds, the task committee called for an ambitious rask 22 miles to Marion County Airport as the day's goal, expecting d1ennals to set up along the way.

But thermals were few and far between, and little ridge lifr could be found to help out. ft turned out to be a dive for distance, with nearly a quarter of the pilots scoring zero. Larry Hnllman flew the forthesr, fol-· lowed closely by Kari Castle. The local

ream, Dunn Deal (headed by local Moyes dealer Curly and Karie Dunn), captured first place For the day.

Doug Mossbrook was flying "low and slow" in his glider (fi-eshly repaired from its highway damage), gliding for distance, when he found himself below the ridge in a gap a fow miles southwest of launch. He got into a small rnrn toward rhc cliff foce and tried ro release his VG 10 help him get om of the turn. But his VG smck "on" and Hi\NC GLJDINC

1

Mary C:lor

the air yet.

had spent

(Tettzrw his glider repaired it.fell rdfhis motor

on the long trip down from New York.

A new stone painted with the 7'T'J'/ogo graces the entra nee to Henson'., Ga;;. Photo

by Michael Morrisseau.

he coulcln'1 wrn out! Doug crashed his glider into the trees, suffering only a cul on his hut his glider was destroyed.

Because he had made ir beyond the threemile scoring threshold he scored a fr:w points for his te:1m small consolmion for his ill fornmc.

MONDAY LEAi• PICKING The winds were light again, this time om of the somhwcst, a 90° cross ro 1he 11orth]1\NlJ/\RY 1997

west-facing Henson's Gap radial ramp used the day hefore. Afrer a great local Community Center breakfast of biscuits and competitors drove ;icross the Cap to southwest Henson's cliff l:111ncl1. Abom 75<Y() of the pilots set up in hopes the winds would 1urn on. (Boy were 1hey for good air!) But the good air never came. After rhe round was fo1ally called of{ 20 or so hold pilots decided to dive off this no-step cliff launch in no-

wind conditions to real 'Tiu: 'fop per leaf picking.

Tha1 evening pilots anemlcd a communiry meeting orga11ized to in/rJrm them of a proposed electricity-producing pumpedwater storage facility with lots of high-volt· age power lines that threatens the foture of Tennessee 'lh:e 'foppers' flying sires.

(During off peak times when demand for electricity is low, water is pumped up the mountain to a storage lake, then drained through generators during periods of peak demand ro produce extra elcctrici Ly. The 'lcnnessec Valley Authority already opcr·· ates one such facility on Raccoon Mountain in the 11carby Chattanooga area.)

TUESDAY SCRAPPIUNG 'fhe calm air was gonel Tn its place were strong southeasterly winds. The 'Ii-cc 'I clppcrs' southeast-focing cliff launch at Whitwell, '[e'.!Hlessce would be t be starting point. The goal was to fly h:tck to Dunlap, , Jc.'lll1CSSCC (about ] miles the closest town below Henson's Gap. The wiudsock was blowing straight back from the Whitwell launch, and the bright fall leaves were TTT President Anne devised the being blown off Lhe zm;•im:rwname "Betrees below.

Bop Hip-Nop Nevertheless, the Cloud.flop Co Op" New England Air her team.

Heads team sent their two least experienced pilots (true wind dummies) off first, fearing conditions would only worsen.

Carefolly orchestrated teamwork liy team leader Scott Leonard helped rhc Air !leads narrow their seconcl--placc standing.

J-lowcver, three Dunn Deal pilots reached earning their team a 50goal that point bonus. They retained their b1d. 'lcammatcs and local pilots Rick

Gattonc and Jon Woodruff, of the NimboManiacs, launched and raced north, never looking back. They crossed the goal line first and second, with l other pilots join-· ing rhem later. Stories of wild landings filled the radio channels, as pilots reported ground winds up to 32 mph. Lors ofhro-

45

name had something to do with the of vario some of the team members Nearly everyone sank out, bur Terry Pete Lehmann and Jon Woodruff the course. "ferry made goal, Pete a mile back, and Jon was joined by H"nn,,h and Curly Dunn a little far-· behind. Other pilots scored a few as a southerly evening Wonder helped gliders squeak past the cn111i>,Mr'<t foce of Henson's Gap and glide the three--mile mark around the corner. such a good showing, the Nirnbo ..

IYl,mtacs took over as tbe team to beat in place.

FORGETTING TO LAND of daily prizes were given out at yet c>nr,th,,,,. cholesteroJ .. Jaden Southern break-then everyone beaded for Whitwell a short task before the forecast rain ken down tubes were added to the scrap pile that night!

Meanwhile, back at launch, Pete Lehmann waited a while, then backed off because the air was trashy. Finally he gor a decen I and launched. Local ace 'lerry Presley wasn't as fortunate, hut he showed I-fang V patience as he and his eighHnan wire-assist c1nv waited on launch /i.() minutes for a consistent cycle.

It never came, and he finally backed off This allowed Wil Pere,, a cl1ancc to launch. His loud yell of' "Clear" was fol · lowed a sharp twang of his flying wires as his wire crew released their grips and the glider shot straight up into the air!

At rhe encl oft he day, after everyone had pulled their beaten gliders and sore bodies out of the gusty fall air, they headed b.ick to the 'li·ee 'fopper clubhouse at Henson's. On the way, the Dunn Deals suffered a loss as the tie·down rope for their gliders broke on their chase truck while cruising up the highw.iy at 55 mph, Over at Curly's shop that night, the pile of scrap aluminum grew bigger.

WFDNESI)J\Y

UCKJNG WOUNDS National Weather Service radio stated, "Hold on to your steering wheel tightly," as gusty winds of 30 mph pounded the southwest face of Henson's Gap. Given the strong conditions both in the valley and on top, and with pilots still licking their wounds from the day before, com-

46

petition for the day was called off, Everyone was contellt w feast on a pancake breakfast and spend the day fixing gliders. The hang gliding community rnct later on for complimentary skating at Roller Country in Dunlap.

THlJRSDAY

THE GAP

The winds changed dramatically again, and 'learn Challengers were faced with another light and variable day. Several paraglicler pilots played our in front of the radial ramp at 1:-lcnson's as the hang glider pilots awaited a sign they would be able to estab-lish a task.

After too many games of foot· bag, a task was flnally called. The goal for the day was Pikeville, 'lerrnessee, some 20 miles northeast of the I lcnson's launch.

Pere Lehmann was first to launch, jump-ing across Henson's Cap and working a light thcr· ma! out in front of the southwest cliff face. 'krry Presley and his entire team of Nimbo--Maniacs joined in, followed by most of' rhc Women With Balls. (What can we We were told

Once again there was little wind. This however, the breezes were joined by cloud cover and even occasional ,·rn·,,,1,-1,,c A short round was called, end· at 3:30 PM, so everyone could launch the storm hit. Tl1e goal was to Ay nnrl'l,,,,"''t back to Dunlap.

Several wind dummies launched. They their problems one scratched too could not penetrate to

Doug Mosshrool: (leji) relied on hisfel· lou/"lrti/ Grinders" to help him overcome sev· era! ohstacles during the week Doug received thr: 5)!ortmanship Award. l to r: Dave Fink Tom Doug Rodgers and Christian Tztone.) Photo by Mary Clor.

Hi\NC GLIDINC

The New England Air Heads pulled off a strategic victory on the last day of flying.

Top (l tor): Scott Leonard, Pete j udge, Mike Sylvia. Second row: Robert Willows, Tom Lanning.

Bottom: Driver Joanne Chuck. Photo

by Mary Clar.

the LZ and flew into the crees at che end of a wo-small field. Another popped his nose on a no-wind launch and ended up below rhe cliff face, unhurt bur with damaged leading edges. T hen the compeciwrs launched into another dive-for-distance con rest.

The pilocs all aimed north and fell om of the sky in quick succession. Yet many pilots scored beyond the minimum threemile discance. A few hearty souls made ir even farther. Jeff Hannah of the MedMo rphics bubbled from field to field trying w eke out a little extra distance.

Finally, Hannah was so low he could go no fanher. He pressed on w get just a little mo re mileage and, as he described ir, forgot to land. A broken keel was che price he paid for rhe most distance thac day. It brought his team into second place. And Curly Dunn's aluminum pile grew bigger agam.

Meanwhile, the New England Air H eads looked ac this round not as a dive for distance, but rather a dive for dollars .

T hey calculated exactly how far each pilor would have to go to edge the NimboManiacs out of first place. The Dunn Deal did che san1e. While the Nimbos launched and scored nominally, the ocher reams waiced for just slightly berter conditions, and worked hard to go just a little farther.

After the round, the standings were a mystery, and with a rainy forecast for the last day of the meet, everyone was anxious JANUARY 1997

to see where their team had finished. To quiec the anxiety, a gang of pilors went to the Dunlap drive-in movie theater mar night ro see Fly Away Home.

SATURDAY - PACICTNG IT UP The rain finally came, and the competition ended. It was time for the awards celebration. Meet Direcwr Mark Furse and Meet Organizer Mary Clor kepr me teams in suspense until the end. After seven days, the Team Challenge was so close that the members of the wp four teams still were not sure who was the overall winner. More man $1,300 in cash and lo cs of other nice prizes were ac stake, w be spli c among these fo ur teams.

The award for Top "C" Pilot - a pilot with little or no cross-country experience and no competition experience - went w local Lookom Mountain Flight Park pilor Jon Woodruff. The Sportsmanship Award went to Doug Mossbrook, who received prizes valued at more than $125 (little consolarion for the expenses he faced during the week). The Top "B" Pilot award wem w Curly Dunn . ( . o award is given the best ''A" pilot, as the Team Challenge is a team meer. The awards w the best "B" and "C" pilots are w encourage less-experienced pilots to compere.) And the award for me Best Team Name was split between the Women With Balls and rhe Hip-Hop Be-Bop Cloud-Hop Co-Op. After the awards, pilots packed up in

the rain . Some smck around for horseshoes and a barbecue at the annual Fireman's Cookout in Sequatchie Valley.

Some do nned disguises co attend yet another pilot party - Lookout Mountain Flight Park's annual Halloween costume parry.

Some, like D oug Mossbrook, headed home. After a fr ustrating week, Doug was due for a change ofluck. Not quite yet.

On his way up I-75 a lady pulled om in from of his vehicle. T he crunched front end of his motor home now matched his twice-crunched glider!

Every pilot no doubt has his or her own stories w tell about rhis year's Team Challenge. This com petirion has become so popular mere's not enough space to accommodace every pilot who wants co compete. Lase year, even Team Challenge fo under Dennis Pagen was too late signing up and was refused a slot. He had to settle for being a wind dummy. Imagine that!

The Tennessee Tree Toppers would like w thank the following sponsors fo r their help in the 1996 Team Challenge: Just Fly!, Kenruckiana Soaring, Lookout Moumain Flight Park, Q uest Air Soaring Center, Sky Wear and the U.S. H ang Gliding Association. T hey support all of us, so please support them by buying their products. And thanks co everyone who helped. •

47

THE 1996 WHGS SERIES

OF ING © 1997 by Dennis Pagen

The sun scorched the Andalusian plains as we raced south to Granada. Dust devils spun like whirling dervishes while eagles and grijfons etched circles on the achingly blue sky The scent ofjasmine filled the air.

W

e were part of a movable feast, a traveling band of air gypsies trading horizons. We had come to Spain on the seventh ofJune to compete in the Wo rld Hang Gliding Series (WHGS or Wings).

Granada, that last bastion of a Moorish occupation on the Iberian peninsula was our second stop. By now we were into the swing of the Spanish tempo - dinner at m idnight - sharp! We were also seasoned competicors, having just spent a week Speed Gliding in the morning and crossing vast stretches of rugged terrain every afternoon. Finally, we were a band of boon co mpanions, for there's nothing like flying, dining and traveling together to form friendships. I expect the same bonds exist on the professional skiing or tennis circuits and this is one of the unexpected highlights of Wings.

Bur the story begins in the Pyrenees, just south of the French border.

CASTEJON DE SOS

W

e can only speculate abo ut the need for security in medieval ti.mes that drove tribes into d1e high mountain keeps. Bur centuries ago, Castejon was founded by refugees from the plains of Spain. In the valley carved by the Esera River they found a little paradise where they could tend their flocks and raise their crops.

Now chis heavenly area co ntinues as a tourist venue, a mi.nor ski area and a major flying site.

Wid1 nearly 3,000 feet of alcirude between the landing field and the multiple takeoffs that ring the valley, Castejon de Sos invites any competent pilot to fly vast triangles arow1d the rim of peaks that crenelate rhe horizon, or co pass beyond the valley walls and explore the huge rowers and rock walls that extend to the south. Two notable formacions will be familiar to th ose pilots who have competed in Ager, sire of the World Meer last summer. The first is El Turb6n, a massive rock spire reaching 8,174 feet. This

48

H ANG G LI DING

JANUARY 1997

49

tower guards the south side of the Esera Valley and we found it to be constantly pumping out feisty thermals. The other dramatic feature is the :\000- to 4,000foot-high rock wall of the Sierra Ferrera that stretches west from Campo. This wall is shaped like a long Sand is nearly sheer except for a midway bench. Lift along it is abundant and it is affectionately known as the snake ridge, vulture ridge or racing ridge hy various teams for obvious reasons.

Every morning in Castejon de Sos we would set up at 9:00 AM for Speed Gliding.

The course consisted of a series of pylons to round and gates to fly below. 1t wasn't all bar-to-the-knees screaming, however, for the center section of the course involved a fr>ldcd loop that required flying at maximum glide angle to complete. This course was very exciting to fly and there's nothing like an adrenaline rush in the morning to make the rest of your day a snap. All participants were sold on the Speed Gliding concept from the very first run as we shall sec below.

But Speed Gliding was only the beginning, for the afternoon presented crosscoumry opportunities. \i(!c flew every day, in mostly moderate to strong thermal conditions. We flew circuits around the Castejon Valley and usually hopped the rim for excursions in all cardinal directions.

Space doesn't allow us to detail all the bcautif'ul vistas, the hearty climbs and pleasant journeys, but allow me ro describe whar may be the best flight of my life. Ir reprc·· sents just a fraction of what Castejon has to offer.

Our track sent us north, then south 16.5 miles to a turnpoint past El Turbon and back to the landing field in Castejon de Sos. On the southern leg I was a bit behind the le,tdcrs with Jenny Auckland and Niki l·famihon, two pilots from Great

Britain. Suddenly we found ourselves in widespread lifr averaging l,000 fpm. A convergence had pushed in from the north.

We climbed and climbed, past the bases of nearby cumulus domes. We reached rhe top of the towering clouds and still we climbed. Eventually we reached 13,200 feet MSL and frHmcl ourselves at least l,000 foct above the tops of the surrounding clouds whose bases were at 8.500 leer MSL All the while we were in clear air.

We set out hugging the side of a huge cloud line as we slowly sank along its flank. lt was aligned on the perfoct track and we were still above its base when we cleared its end. We continued our 15-mile glide, rounded the rurnpoint and joined the lead pilot, Oleg Bondarchuk, from Ukraine.

The trek back to Castejon was convention.. ally under the cloud bases, bur [ was given one more gifr. On the final glide to goal, the north wind had mounted to become a fresh breeze in the valley. Niki and Oleg raced each other to goal only to land about a quarter mile short. [ was a bit more circumspect with my altitude and made the go;1l with 100 feet 10 spare. J won my only round with Sandy Ditnnar of Venezuela coming in second.

The significance of winning a day is that in the Wings series, your best 10 flights in any combination of meets count toward the overall scoring at the end of the year. The pilot with the best 10 placing will he the World Series Champion.

Woefolly, Tonly s,1w the pole position once.

Speed Gliding al Castejon was won by Gordon Rigg (Great Britain, Moyes Xtralire) followed by Gerard Thevenot (France, La Mouette Topless) and Guido Gehrmann (Germany, Topless). The crosscountry was won by Thevenot followed by

Guido G'ehrman dives to cross the lower control gate

below the pylon

Sandy Dittmar (Venezuela, Airwave Khssic) and Guido Gehrrnann.

ON TO GRANADA he competition in Granada was some.. what marred by the fact that the main site near Granada, while suitable for recreational flying and great for paragliding, doesn't have enough landing fields on rhe potential X-C routes for hang gliders. But we ran a first round there to a goal on the Mediterranean shore. Only Sandy Dittmar made it. On subsequent days we drove abom an hour 1·0 a site near Baza to launch from Jabacon, a 4,900-foot peak wfrh several takeoffs. Baza is a lone butte, like the Chelan, w;1shington site with fairly flat surrounding ground ideal for X-C. Unfortunately, the site ofren gets windy in the afternoon, and on two days we were blown out.

However, the nearby natural hot springs and lakes provided us with plenty recreational activities on the clown days.

Speed Gliding was nm from the Granada site and a good course with lots of

or

50

IIANG CIIDINC

nrn Ji'UTURE OF WINGS

twists and turns was run every morning.

The winner was Gerard 'l 'hcvenot followed

by Guido Gehrm;rnn and Oleg Bondarchnk. J\11 were flying La Mouctre's 'foplcss.

The crosH:ountry was won by Sandy Dittm;:ir followed by Cordon and Alan Barnes Zealand, lcaro Laminar)

NORTH TO PlEDRAHITA iedrahita is a small village settled into the foothills ohhe Sierra de Credos Mou mains, a fow hours west of Madrid.

The area is known for its cross,counrry ing and is very similar to Dinosaur, Colorado, except rhe launch site is a grad· ual slope rather 1han a cliff.

The speed gliding course :it Piedrnhirn added a new wrinkle with a 360 around a protninem rock. This proved to be very spectacular and was great firn for the pilots.

'I 'his comest saw an in fi1sion of new blood as 15 additional British pilots and orhers from Japan, Ukraine, J\ustralia, Vencmcla and h·ancc showed up. This final results thus contained some new names. The meet ]ANlJ/\l<Y 1997

was won by Shaun Kimberly (Great Britain, Airwave followed hy Mike Stevens Britain, Avian Java) and Bondarchuk. cross-country flying in Piedrahita was superb windy conditions that three of the rounds. We prevailed had triangle of up to 150 km (9ft miles) in hopes of world records.

Some pilots made goal cvcty day but the first. The was superb with cloud bases up to 13,000 feet.

Piedrahita has long been a hang gliding and paragliding center. 'T'he locals arc accustomed to putting on meets with abundant festivities, including meals and young ladies performing traditional dances in h1ll The restaurants arc ahundant and reasonable with a variety of Spanish dishes. Storks adorn every chimney, tree and roof and they occasionally find a thermal fi:lr you. Our recommendation: visit 1he Barjcsus where rhc wine flows like water.

he world's first Speed ( ;tiding event _ convinced all involved that the fim was worth the effi:irt. Several television stations at each venue covered the event.

In fact, on the Spanish narion:11 d1an-nel, Speed Cliding preempted the ongosoccer World Cup for the sport news lead--in.

We want to do more and do it bet ter. Modiftc11ions for ncxr year include more challenging comses with fowcr rounds so rhe b11rnom factor doesn't crop up. Commcms sucli as, "l 1-cally learned more about controlling my glid· er," and Cliding is like life in the fast lane withom the " kt us know we arc on the right track. So your lit de gliders and keep yom elbows tuc:l<ed for next year.

The cross-coumry format of the Wings series came off smce we have been doing this so long.

The J:reestylc evcnr was poorly attended so it was held only as exhibition. John Heiney provided some excellent footage for the cameras. ln the fimirc we hope w open up to many more pilots having a standard class. ln this class, bank angles will be limited to 90° and the cn1phasis will be on pre:Clston flying including a mandarory scroncm and a free segment. 'fo prepare such flying, the best thing to practice is mild w11nsr<wers and turns while coming out on exact predctcrrnincd headings. will continue Next summer with a new series. The cxricctecl of now arc Viiga, 1,1r11·u.,.,,,,.

Castejon de Sos and Piedrahita, Spain as well as somewhere in Central Europe and the U.S. This year was our learning stage. Next year we will be up to provide all interested pilots even greater challenges and more fun. Ill

OVERALL LEADERS l)

Allen Barne:s Oleg l:Son,dar<:hul·l -·---- UCR Sandy Ditt:rnar VEN Niki Hamilton GB Dermis USA

Shaun l O) Geoff Dossctor

GB AUS

HANC CLlD!NG ADVJSORY Used hang should always be disassembled before first rime and inspected carefully for bcnr or dented downtubcs, mined bushings, benr holrs (cspc· the heart bolt), re-used Nyloc nurs, loose thim· blcs, or rusted cables, tangs with non-circular holes, on flex sails badly torn or torn loose from their anchor from and back on the keel and leading edges. If in doubt, many hang gliding businesses will be happy to give :in objective opinion on the condition of equipment yon bring them to inspect. Buyers should select equipment that is appropriate for their skill level or rating. New pilots should seek professional instrnction from a USHGA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR. FLEXWTNGS AIRBORNE SHARK, BLADE RACE, STING, BUZZ. New and nearly new. Demo daily. THE WALLABY RANCH (9/i I) li24-0070.

AIRBORNE SPARES USA - SHARKS, BLADE RACES, STING XC's L'x: TRIKES. and gliders. Most in STOCK. (211) Yi0-991 I. Credit cards welcome.

CROSS COUNTRY l 5/i excellent

DOUBl.F VJS!ON

210htp $1,500.

DREAM 220

or tandem. Only $900 772./i 114.

DREAMS CLEARANCE SALE Raven Sky Sports (4 lli) 473-8800.

llfS & 185.

KLI\SS!C 144 85 hours, superb condition $2,500.

(801) 336-/iO 19.

FALCONS 140, 170, 195, 225 new and used.

Wallaby Ranch (941) li2/i-0070. ]'Al.CONS CLEARANCE SALE School use, one season. All sizes$ l, 500·$2, 500. (Ii 14) 4THl800.

LITE MYSTIC 155 Excellent condition, <50 hours $800. UP C2 J 65-good condition, new lower wires $300. Greg (619) 466-5593.

GI•:NES!S Donble.,mrfocc for small $1,800 including inspection. (520)

$800-

MARK fVl 7 Excellent condition, <75 hours, trilam T.E, spccdb,n $900. (801) 399-1508.

l lARRIER fl J 77 For p,rrts or rework. J1air sail, OK, all hanens OK, frame tubing like new (2U) li83-2456.

MARK lVl 7 Good condition, new wires, comfon bar $1,000. SPORT 167,-good condition, new pans $700. (619) .187-2819.

HPJ\T 145 Excellent condition $1,500 including inspection. (57.0) 772.--11 I Ii.

MARK fV 19 Excellent condition, 70 hours. Blue leading edge, purple & red undersurfacc. Excellent glider for new pilots $ I ,400 Oil(). Call Dale C,302) 731-8507.

]]PAT' 158 Mint, excellent condition, <6 hours $1,300 OBO. Call Doug Marbomg (505) 'l83·'>574.

MOYES SX5

HPAT 158 ,j] 14.

$999 including inspection. (520)

HPAT 158

Cood condition, black·n-whitc $600.

(8 U) 526-3629 Florida.

DOUBLE VISIONS & FLY2

KLASS IC 14/i Fxcdlem condition, light bltte, yellow, l 5 flights, 10 hours, still new, many exrras $3,100. (505) 281-5398.

FLY TWO '95 PacAir tandem glider, one season, top shape $2,600. (4 lli) 47'3-8800.

Cood shape $2,000. (,J H)

/i73 8800.

Kl.i\SSIC 133 With winglets, 12 hours, like new, absolutely minr. White LE, lavender undcrsurfacc, uo logo $3,200 OBO. Dan or Sharon (860) 589- l 520.

Xtralitc 153) like new, l 0 cost $3,500. (970) 6/i 1-2937.

MOYES XTRALTTE 137 Ycllow/pmple, mint condition, only 20 hours $3,200 OBO. (205) 7769912.

New and used.

Wallaby Ranch (9/i 1) li2ii-0070.

DRF.AM 165 Very cleau, blue w/rainbow colors $700. Delta wing pod, $150. Will trade for used paraglidcr. (970)

[<lSS 154 7/ili'i.

Good condition $500 ORO. (515) 285·

Excellent condition, wingkts, sweet KT.ASSJC J 33 handling $2,800. Lisa V. (970) 925-3861.

MOYES XrRAUTE J 47 Mylar sail, one year old, superb condition, extra dowmubc, om-glides & outsinks about everything $2,500. (61 ')) 4Tl-966 l.

MOYFS XTRALJTE 147 Excellent condition $2,400 OBO. (619) 4:3'7-6699.

USHGA CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ORDER FORM 50 cents per word, $5.00 minimum Boldface or caps: $1.00 per word. (Does not include first !ew words which are automatically caps.) Special layouts or tabs: $25 per column inch. (phone numbers: 2 words, P.O. Box: 1 word, E-mail or Web address: 3 words) photos: $25.00, line art logos: $15.00 (1. 75" maximum) DEADLINE: 20th of the month, six weeks before the cover date of the issue in which you want your ad to appear (i.e., June 20 tor the August issue).

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

Please enter my classified ad as follows:

SECTION IJ Flex Wings IJ Emergency Parachutes IJ Parts & Accessories IJ Business & Employment rJ Miscellaneous 0 Paragliders rJ Videos

O Towing 0 Schools & Dealers IJ Ultralights O Rigid Wings 0 Publications & Organizations 0 Wanted IJ Harnesses

issue and run consecutive issue(s). My IJ check, CJ money order is enclosed in the amount of NAME: ··-·-·----·---·-·-·---·-·-··-··---·--·--·------··---· --···· .. --··--·--·-·---·---·

Number of .. -· ._,, __·. ··--··-···-.. -·-·---... .,._.. @$.50 Number of @$1.00

52

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

HANC GLIDJNC

MOYES XTRALJTE 16/i l 9% $:\,000. Brand new Foil Combat II $ l ,'500. Sensor C $800. (IJ06) 8925088.

UP XTC: 16'/ Mint, extra downtuhes ,111d bascnibc, collapsing spccdbar. M11sr sell $1,000. ('r/0) 920-7,315.

MOYES XTRAUTE XS, XS.3, XT, XL New and nearly new. /\vailahlc immediately. Nation's Moyes dcalcc THE WALLABY RANCH (911) 0070.

VISION 17 1,:c:UPSF - Fxccllrn1 contli1io11, 25 hours, upgraded brdwarc $800. L/1) harness, 5'10" w/clrntc $(,00. Bail M 19c, JO flights $300 OBO. (71'J) 5:l'J.690 I.

l'\JLSL 9M Mint condirion, w/new helmet & waterproof hag, 30 homs, yellow/white $7.,300 ncgo riahlc. Lori (8lli) 885612'>.

VJSJONS & SPFCTRUMS BougJ1t.Sokl· i'radcd.

Raven Sky Sports (•111) 1TJ-8800.

RAMAIR H(, l\xccllcnt condition, nrnst sell $1,800. (805) 77357.92.

RAMAi R 116 Fxccllcnt condition, 50 hours, or,rnge LF. $1,500. (510) 659-8 IJ'!.

RAMAlR 1/i(, l''.xccllcnt conditio11, a steal at $1,BOO. (815) 231'5388.

RAMAIR 15/i (619) 5(il-!OO'J.

Has to go! (;ood shape $1,500.

1996 demo, NF.W condirion, offor. (30:l) XC 155 V11i-Vi55.

including winglcts.

XTRA I.IT]' 1ii7 Cood condition, black·n··wbitc, mylar $2,:lOO. (8 U) 526-3629 l'lorid:t.

XTRJ\LITE Jlil) ·-- New in '%, 20 hours, cxcellcn1 shape, f111orcsccnt yellow. $'5,liOO new, $3,800 Jinn (<il<J) 561··1009.

RAMAfH 15/i Excdlent condition, custom sail, ,ir:rmid l.F, extra downtube $2,700 OB() incl11dcs fins. (808) ,J96 .. (,906 1!nwaii.

XTRALITF 153 New in '96, 7.'i hours, mint shape, fluorescent ycllow/or:mge. $5,!iOO new, $3,800 lirrn (619) 5(iJ.\OO'l.

RAR!c! RARE! R/\RF 1 Brand new PACAIR MARK IV l 9 for immediate sale whacked, only four hours airrimc. dream, ideal for novict: aud intcrmedia1-c soarcrs $2,300 OHO. Also: brand new l F.ncrgy Tracer harness w/1,arachutc, Kevlar lrclmcr, never 11scd Aircotcc Alibi vario ... all new, all great prices.

Rick (3 J 0) :307. .. J 100 or rickybabyvijuno.corn

SU!'ERSPOHT I li3

hours $1,G'iO SPORT l(,7A homs $!,JOO FALCON 2.25 hours $2,),00 10 horns $:l,300 K[ASS[C 166 KLASS l C I l:l 50 hours $2,700 FJNSTFRW/\LDER FUNH:X 12'!

V11lturc {;Jidcrs (801) 25/i .. 61/rl

Low hours, storc.d since 199:J

Both h,trncsscs LAI.FR $769 JFTSTRFAM $789 arc designed with the .1arne hody. The diiforcnccs ,trc in rhc spreader frames · the I .a/er hcing llcxiblc and the Jctstrcam a /,di b:ick-frnrnc "comp" harness.

Via a conversion

either harness call be converted

ro rhe other (you vin11ally two harnesses in one).

Airtime or San Francisco I 'i) /591 IT/, fax (Ii 1'i) 759 .. 1182, cniail ainim,·vDmohius.nct lllGI I 1,:J-,,J ERCY POD Size 6'/ 170lb+/ $?.50.

Wirh rocket & parach111c ~;Goo. lnstntmcnts extra. ('i05) 281 53'l8.

$/iOO

EMERGENCY PARACHUTES

SPECTRUM 114

10''.(,'2", great shape $250 OBO.

XC 155 like new, 25 hours $3,ltOO OBO. (702) 8:37.-550/i Tahoe area.

Fxccllcnt condition, low hours RAMAIR 15/i $1,750. (/, 19) 589-lt 17/i Ohio.

SHOP CLMRANCF SALE UP COM El" ll 165, UI' Comet II I il5, WW l farrier] 1T7, WW !luck, all excellent shape. M USFUM PIECES: All Jlyablc; 1 Om, Seagull 9m, Flcxi J:lo,rrcr, llobcat.

WORK: Drc;rn1 J 85, l'bocnix 6U. $1,900 TAJ<ES ALL (6Hi) 922,2841.

IIARNESSES

ALL BRANDS Boughr, sold, and rcpachd. lnspcc1io11 a11d $25·$35. hmrclirttcs, bridles, ,111d parnswivds installed. AIR· Ol' SAN FRANCISCO, 3620 Wawona, S:m l'rancisco, CA 9,1116. (Ii 15) SKY 1177.

2li CORF PDA With swivel for randem $520 01\0. (!illt) 473,8800.

J!IC!l ENERC:Y 1'01) llARNFSSES Sizes & styles change mot1thly, $:300-liOO. CC IOOO's $250. t\n,cct1:m1tcr.1 & stirntps also av:iil:tbk. Cocoons $200 each. (Ii /i'!:3-8800.

PARAGLJDFRS lKAROS SA

l.onk under New York.

TREKK!N(; MIURA 199'5, XI., intermediate, VERY STABLE & FUN TO FLY, 7.00-2',0lbs, 20 hours, indttdcs Art wing ltarnc.ss $ !,500. Paul (32.0) 2/i0-9126.

SPFCTRUMS & VISIONS Bought·Sold-Tradcd.

Raven Sky Sporrs (ii 14) liT,-8800.

'92, cxcellc1tt condition, mnst sell $500. (/iO<,) 586 2620.

SPORT 16'/ Cood condition. I {ave haby·~nrnsl scllt $',Oil. ((,01) 8',:\-2111.

RIGID WINGS

SPORT !67 Cood condirion, 7.50 hours, red btding edge, yellow undcrstufacc $900 OHO. Ctll D:ile {307.) '73 l-8'507.

SUPERSPORT H.'l I.ow hours, excellent condition, bri1,ht red/white/blue $1,900 OBO. (:101) 7290773.

TRX J!iO $1,7.00. l<lassic 15'5 $1,000. Trimble Flight male $7.50. (209) B'/8-02/i'J.

]Al'-JUJ\l~Y 1997

SOPEHFLOATER ULTRALIGI IT SAIi.Pi .!\NE Two in stock, available for rest flights, Allen TX (11car Dall.is). (21 Ii) 9961706 weekdays, ('J'/2) YJO ')090 cveni11gs & wceke11ds.

UITRALIGl!TS BUILD/FLY Yom own BACKPACK POWERED PARAC! JlJTE for li.rn/pro/,r. Takes nff from level grottnd unassisted. Safr, simple, Detailed book wiil1 sources. Now only l ').'J'S. 1089 Medford Ccntcr //2li 1ig, 1\;lcdfonl OR http://www.wavc.net/casyup/

COSMOS TJUKF Two seater or condition, low airtime $3.000. (Ii 12) IKAROS S.A.

ARKANSAS OZARK MOUNTAIN JIANG Cl.lDERS Sales, service and in.muction. 160 Johnston Rd, Searcy AR '!2lli3. (501) 279'.l'\80.

l .ook 11nder New York.

UTETRlKE Soarablc, engine, compktc $1,500. Ivan

CAT.IFORNJA

SOARMASTER WANTED

ADVENTURES UNLJMITED

Omngc County's school. USHG/\ certified insrructiou and ran· New <'\r. used cquipmcm, Wills Wing

5205.

WANTED SOARMASTER WANTED

496.8000.

John (li08) 736·

5205.

For bo;1t TANDEM INSTRUCTOR WANTED tow school in Florida. ( ;,.e,u pay, living accommoda· tions as needed, busy winter sc,1son. /\.irborn Wmcrsports (90/i) (i50.3638airborn@beacl,Jifc.net TFAJNTNC; GLIDERS And eqtop111er1t, tandem glider, school equipment

FULL S[•:RV!CF SHOP Located at the base oC the mountain on I !wy 71. De,1lcrs of Moyes, Blue Sky Aircraft, PacAir, Ball, Avocct &. more.

Call for free area infr, Ren mis ;1vaiJ, ahlc.

909,674 ..2453 31401 Rivel'side DI'.

Lal«i li:lsinore, CA. 92530

HANG AIRTIME OF SAN FRANCISCO GLIDING & PARAGLIDING. I larness nrnnufac. mrer and repair specialists. USHCA pa1·a1(lid1ng instruction, tandem. All and hang nnd Fon l'trnston. only f'11II service shop in San Francisco! :3620 Wawona, San Prancisco ( :A 91 l J 6. (lil 5) 7591177.

MAGJC AIR

HY AWAY

SCHOOLS & DEALERS ALABAMA CLOUDBASE CORP. dha Rocket City Airsports.

Sales, rentals, service and certified instruction at Keel Mountain, Curley, Alab;1ma. i'or information send SASF and $1 rn PO Box li22, Gurley AL .35718.

(205) 880,8512. (205) 776,9912.

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FUCHT PARK ad under Ceorgia.

Sec

ARIZONA

in the west! Pull service shop, csrablished 197/i. PO Box 1339, Santa CA 93140 B:39, (805) 965.3n3.

THE llANG GLIDING CENTER Located in beaurifol San Diego. 1 lang gliding and paragliding instruction, sales and service, conducted at TORREY PINES and local mountains. Spend your winter vac.1· tion /lying with us. Demo our line of gliders and equipment at the always convenient and world fatuous TORREY PINES. We proudly offer ICAR.O (LAMINAR ST), MOYES (SX), PAC!I11C AJR. WAVE (CONCEPT), WILLS WING (XC) and all kinds of stuff. Makers of the DROGUE CHUTE. 86/i 5 f'anita Dr., Samec CA 92071, (619) 562· 1009.

011r

instruction program, located at

the Bay premier training site, foantrcs sloped "bunny hills," winch towing, supcrlite and comfortable harnesses!

FLIGHT," a video prc:se11,ra11on 1,011 program, is ping (may be lesson pu,,-cn,ase,;;, Our deluxe shop the latest in hang gliding innovations. We stock new, used and demo, Tradc,ins arc welcome. Feel Wills and PacAir free to demo the new harnesses in our custom simulator! 1116 Milpitas (near San Jose) fax (it08) 262,] 388, CA 95035. (408) MSCHG(i1)aol.com www.hang,gliding.com TRUE PLIGHT HANG GLIDING SCHOOL DONALD QUACKENBUSH has the only shop at Mountain, fJ>S Angeles. Offering world famons of bang with

since 19'!Ii. Fifrccn to Sylmar, Crestline, Elsinore and Vacation training, including lodging and cquipmem, new and used in stock Trntle your old equipment. 325 sunny clays each year. Come fly with us! 1614 5 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys CA 9lli06. (8Ul) 988·01 l I, Fax (8 J 8) '!88, 1862.

WINDS PORTS

ARIZONA HANG GLIDING CENTER INC. We arc a full·timc, FUT.I. SERVICE hang gliding shop located just minutes from the BEST sire in Arizona, Mingus Mouur,1in. We have the most com, prchcnsivc tandem anilablc ,111d can teach ycm to be a SAFE in less time! We stock gliders, harnesses and insttumcnrs from \'{'ills, PacAir, Moyes, Flytcc, ]l.,JJ, l Fncrgy, C:C and many more! \Xlc need your Ccri-ificd inst-runor Roh Richardson. :35:l FI.YABT.E DAYS !.AST YFAR! l ')() .. J. Somh Highway 6'J Dewey AZ 86:l2'/ 520 632-4 11 Ii ahgcl!tl11onl1link.corn

'..i4

HlCl-l ADVENTURE I Jang paragliding school. Equipment sales, service, at Southern C,lifornia's mile site, C:rcsrlinc. USHCA Tnstrnctor Rob JVt<c1,.,c,m01c. By appointment year round. (909) 883,8/i88.

COI.ORADO

Sell

GOLDEN WINGS Lessons, sales, service.

USHC:A certified instrnctors. Dealers for Moyes, Wills Wing, Blue Sky Aircraft ( :o. and PacAir. 15401 W. 9th Ave., (;olden CO 80!i01. (303) 278· 7181.

HANC GUDINC

c:ONNEC'l'ICtJ'l· MOUNTAIN WINCS

l .ook under New York.

'fl-IE HILL WITH IT!

FLOR]l)/\ CR1\ YBIRD /\!RSPORTS INC USI IC/1 & USU/\ ccni/icd ins1n1ction. Beginner rhru advanced hang glider pilot tandem ;tcro\Ow training ratings. llSU/\ ultralight pilot thru basic flight instructor training & r;itings. :J axi:i sticktimc for SwiC1 Supcrfloatcr or Dragonfly 11ilor training. l11,;1ruction 7 days a week by appointment. Dealer for all flight and acrorow 15 111iHJJ1cs from Spri11gs, I .5 hours Disncyworld. Call Gregg B.McNamcc (352) 2/iS 8263. grayhird(iilpraxis.net h 1 l J,:/ /www.i;ypzi.com/ grayhi rd 1

The Original & Most Experienced /\ero1ow Flight Park .Sati0factjnn. C~t1.;1ran1.ccd

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FL!(;] IT PJ\RK Sec mountain training center

Very conveniently located just 8 miles from Disney World.

WF ll/\VE known ro yon in i, 1akcs on lllLL, and with more irdlighr air , imc. YES, WE C/\N TEACll YOU FASTER AND SAFER !'or ycar·round train· ing fon in the sun, call m wri1e Miami Hang (;Jiding (305) 28'S.8978. 26/iO S Bayslwrc Drive, Coconut <;rove, Florida :n I :l3.

GEORGIA

YLAR ROUND SOARING• OPEN /\LL DAY 7 D/\ VS /\ WFEK • FOUR TUGS, NO WAITING I .AUNCll STRAIGHT INTO ANY WIND DIR[CTION JO+ tlLCL rcmals to try: Xtrali1e, XC, !<lassie, Blade Race, XT, XI., I .aminar, Shark, Sting, l'alcon, Supcrflnater.

Also harnesses, varios, etc.

l :l To 7.1 have learned to lly here.

No one comes close to our level of experience nnd success with tandem acroww instruction.

PFRMANFNT RV SITES lNTROllUCES QUFST /\JR SO/\RINC: CENTER. Come Fly with the Original DRAGONFLY TE/\M l.carn 10 I Jang (;Jide with statc·orrhc·art tandem a minimum of 6 ro 8 hours

1\ C:rc:11 Scene for bmily and hicnds ... l O motels & rewmr:ints wirhin 5 mins.,

,is $50/mo. Cd! Crcp; Glover

great

TV, 11ing swi1nming pooC etc.

can accelerate your tilc:rn1al1ngslctlls,

of over I 00 miles and mmc than G hours. in Hm17, C,'/idinr:., !(itp!mm, Cross Counny :1nd others. Fcarured on 1mmcrous shows, including FSPN2.

tandem soaring flight in prime time aid fJshing and swimming available, also close to Cen1ral FINida Anractions. lmcrcstcd in a TlJG PILOT) in runways and 1'i11d out how you or Fligln Park s1ar1cd.

over /l() :1Crt'S of wide open ca11 your own J\ero Tow Microlights Assembly and Tr:1ini11g hcili1y on si1c:, FOUR NEW TUGS IN STOCK Bobby Hailey, C:amphcll Bowen and Russ Brown arc USU/\ :rnd US! JC/\ Ccrti!1ed Tandem ln.muctors.

CL!DFR & EQUIPMENT S/\LES /\ND SFRVICF OPEN SFVEN D/\YS A WEEK CALL FOR MORE INFO (352) -129·0213.

Sec our Web site at: http://www.wallaby.com

wlrull hookups, as low I 800-803,7788.

LOOI<OlJT MOUNTJ\JN I'LIC:J IT P1\RK Sec our display acl. Discover wl,y FOUR TIM ES as many pilots earn their wings at Lookom than at any other school! We· wrore USJ·]C/\'s Official Training Manual. Om s:itisfouion :md !t,n wirh tire F/\C!L!TIES, largest inventory, camping, swi111ming, volleyball, more! For a /lying 1rip) intro flighr or lesson packages, Lookout Mountain, just outside yom COM· PLFTE training/service center.

(800) 688-

LMFP. Plc:ise c:ill us for rclcrcnccs. l 805 l )can Still Road, Wallaby Ranch, Florida

HAWAII

:rnn7'>358 (9ft 1) lt2ft.()0'70 - phone & fux Conscrv:tl ivc • Rdialilc

State of the /\rt

BlRDS OF P/\RADJSF Hang gliding & ultralight !lying on Kauai. Certified rnndcm instniction. (808) 82?..S:)09 or (808) 6.19· I 067.

F.Tl.C;. INC./Fl.YINC Fl.ORJI)/\ SINCE 197/i

JDAHO

M:ilcolm Jones, David Clover, Rhett Radlcrnl, Rpn Clover, Austin Collins, Tom Ramscnr & Jim /\pplcron

TRFASURE V/\l.LEY Jl/\NC (;LJDINC High quality from rcpmal,lc m:l11t1f:ic111rcrs.

Proudly l'aciCic J\irwavc, l l igh Sports, l'ly1cc and morel Sales, service, seminars & ing info. Boise, Idaho (208) :r;c;.791 Ii. TL!.INOIS 1,/\ VFN SKY Sl'Cl RTS Cll 2) .360-0700 or (Ii i!i) li73·8BOO. Please sec our ad under WISCONSIN.

]/\NU/\RY 1997

Tell the world your head is in the clouds,

by wearing great new clothing and accessories from the United States Hang Gliding Association!

eagle t-Sh1rt #HTEAG $14.95 l lb

standard polo # HPOL $ 24.00 1 1 b blue, green & burgundy

earth polo #HPOLE $27.00 l lb spruce & olive

stone washed caps $17.95 l lb blue, green & berry #HCSW

sun gradient t-sh1rt #HTSUN $14 . 95 1 lb

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

classic t-shirt

IHTCLA $14.95 l lb

Address _ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ __ __

desert polo #HPOLD $35'.00 l lb blac k onl7

City _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ State_

Zip _ _ _ __

Phone No.L_J_ _ _ _ day (_

_ )_ _ _ _ _ eve.

Qty

Item #

Size

black fleec e lined jacket IHJKFL $ 7 5'. 00 2 lbs

Color

Logo

Price per Total

ah/ bh

$

$

-

~

---

M L XL

ah/bh

$

$

M L XL

ah/bh

$

M L XL

---

-

ah/bh

M L XL M L XL

- -

ah/ bh

-

$

----

$

- --

$

- -- - -

-

$

--$

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

Colorado residents add 3.0%

$

Shipping

$

Tot aI

$

- - - -- - - - - - - - -- - wo ol ja c ket #HJ KWL $7 0.0 0 3 l bs

$

Subtot al

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

g olf caps # HC G $12.00 l l b re d, b lue & purple

--

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

_ Mastercard

Card No. _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ Exp. date_ _

Signature_ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _

Mail to: US Hang Gliding Assn., Inc P. O. Box 1330

ladies sleeveless denim #HDENL $27.00 l lb av a ilable in smal l

also

long sleeve denim $35'.00 l lb short sleeve denim #HDENSS $30 . 00 l lb #HDENLS

Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330 1-800-616-6888 f ax (719) 632-6417

e-ma il: ushga@ushga.org

Please allow 6 weeks for delivery.

logo ah

l ogo b h

a ll o f our stuff can be ordered with either of th ese officia l u shga logos. 7ou cho os e.

s INDIANA

JJ MITCHELL

TANDEM. UP, PacAir dealer.

67:B Columbia Ave., I lammond, IN !i(,32/i (21 'J) 8/iS-2856.

RAVJ,:N SI<Y SPORTS - (1 Jii) 473-8800. Please sec our ad under WISCONSIN. KANSAS

l'RAIRIF HANG GLIDFRS Full service school & dealer. Great t:111dcrn instruction, rowillg & XC packages. (316) .075-2')95.

MEXICO CO .. l!ANC GLIDING!!!

Olazabal, Valk de Bravo. 011 'SJ. 5 55:l 30ii5.

(M cxico) Alex 72G-221ilt9, fax 011

Mid-December to MEXICO WINTER % '!7 mid-March. Awesome sites for hang 0-'i. Cliclcrs pro·· vidcd. Contact (5 J:>) 4G7-2529 or email: rrajeff<ii>aol .com MICIIIGAN NORM lFSNOW'S FLYING ADVENTURES Ridge soaring, towing, foor-la1mch hang gliders and paragliders. Advanced l nsrructor, Examiner, Tow Administrator, lessons. Call Norm (810) :l99-9ii,l:l.

TRAVERSE CITY HANG GLIDERS/PARAGLID ERS FULJ. .. TJMF shop. Ccnificd instruction, foot launch and row. Sales, service, accessories for ALL major brands. VISA/MASTFRCARD. Corne soar our lt50' dunes! J ')()') F 8th, Traverse C:iry Ml li%81i. Offering powered lessons & dealer for new & used units, the Whisper ,rnd the Fly. Call Bill at (G 16) 'JL,,-nv,,,. schooJ in .Jackson, \Xlyoming.

739-8620.

MINNESOTA SPORT SOARING CFNTFR/MlNNFAPOLIS Inst ruction, equipmcnr ckakrs for Wills Wing, Pacific Airwavc & Fdcl. (G 12) 688-0181.

NEVADA ADVENTURE SPORTS Sierra SoaringAerotowing--Tandcm. Tours our specialty. I Jang glid ing/paragliding USHCA certified instruction. Sales&. full service shop for Airborne, Blue Sky, Moyes, Pacific Airwavc, Wills Wing. ,%50-22 Research Way, Carson City, NV 89706 (702) 883-'7070 phone/fax.

NEW JERSEY MOUNTAIN W!NC:S

Look under New York.

NEW MEXICO MOUNTAIN WFST HANC CL!DlNC Offering sales, service, instruction in the Pour Corners C1rea. Wills Wing, Pacific Airwave. (105) G:l2-81i4:l l'arrningron NM.

SB

lnstruction) sales) scrUP OVFR NEW MFXICO Wills, Pacific Ai1wavc. vice. Sandia Mountain Albuquerque, NM 85/ilt.

NORTH CAROUNA

NEW YORK

Flight Park

AAA H.!Gl IT SC:f !001.

MOUNTAIN WINGS and FAST COAST PARAGLIDING in Fllenvillc MOST PROFESSIONAL NY. NE with 15 years experience. frill rime instructors, Ii exclusive training hills. We stock everything available for pilots and sell & service AIRWAVE, UI', BUJF SKY, WILLS WING and now MOYES, also SWIFT, SUPERFLOATER and ALI. PARAGLTDFR BRANDS. Unbeatable prices on Full time rowing facility, u111dcms, /Cl', clinics. do ii all. J -800-575-7870, (9H) 6li7-3377. 150 Canal -Street, F.llcnville NY J2/i28. OUR EXPERIENCE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. FLY l!ICJ I f !ANG CLIDJNC, INC. New York, C:01111cctic111, areas (Elllct1villc Mrn.). Arca'.s EXCLUSIVE Wing dealer/specialist, Also all other major br:inds, accessories.

Cert ilied school/instrncrion. Teaching since 1'J79.

Area's most INEXPENSIVE prices. Excellent sec· onda,y instruction ... i{ you've !inished a program and wisl, 10 contirn1e. l'iy the motllllain! ATOI. ·1 \rndcm llighrs 1 Contact Paul 5 163 Rd, Pinc Bush, NY 12'i(,6, (91ii) 17.

NYC's firsr and IKAROS SPORT AVIATION pamgliding, microliglm pat·a1;JJ(/t111;, school. l )istribwors, 1'it1Stcn,v:tldcr. lcaro 2000, Apco, La Moucnc, C:osrnos, Mountaineer, Air Creation and more. Full service and equipmcm at best The most friendly service in the arc:t. l'nr to: ISA, 3811 llirm:ns lllvd Ill 1(), Astoria Store address: 2931 Ncwrown Ave., Astoria NY. Phonc/E,x (718) 7'77--7000, email: Jkaros I Q11 aol.corn

l'LICHT PARK SUSQUEl JANNA Cooperstown, NY. Ccrrif'ied Instruction, Sales and Service for :t/1 major manufacturers. 10 acre park, 5 training hills, jeep rides, hunk house, camping, hot showers, GOO' NW ridge. We have the hcst facilities in N. New York state to teach you how ro fly. RD 2, Box 3ii8A, Coopcrs1own, NY 1,l32G, (3 J '5) 866 GI 5:l.

FAX your classified ad, membership renewal or n1erchandise (719) 17. We gladly,..,,...,...;_,,.,,.,,. VISA MasterCard.

• TANDFM INSTRUCTION • AFROTOWINC • BOAT TOWING • l'ARACLlDING • MOUNTAIN Cl.lNlCS • FOOT LAUNCH • OPFN YEAR ROUND • BEACH RESORT • FQUIJ>MENT SALES AN]) SERVICE

(800) 334-4777 NAGS HEAD, NC lnrcrnet Address: http://www.kinyhawk.com E--Mail Address: hang--gliclc~ilourer-banks.corn PENNSYLVANIA MOUNTAIN TOP RECREATION Certified instruction, Pittsburgh. (412.) 697-li/i/7. C'MON OUT AND PLAY! MOUNTAIN WINGS - Look under New York.

TENNESSEE

HAWK AIRSPORTS INC - P.O. Box 9056, Knoxville, TN 379/i0-005G, ('12:l) 212--ii991t. Hang Cliding and world famous Windsoks.

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLlCHT PARK ad under Ceorgia.

Sec

TEXAS

Ccrrificd foor A.A.S AUSTIN AIR SPORTS launch, tow & t:rnclem training. Sales/service AUSTIN, TEXAS Steve Burns, l 712 Waterson, 78703, (512) li7/i-1G69, IIO\JSTON ('713) li711488.

HANC CLJDINC

l!JLL COUNTRY PARACLJ])!N<; INC Learn pilot skills. l'crson:ilized USIJ(;A ccrriflcd ridge soaring, foot & ww bunching in ccnrral Texas. MOTORIZED PARAGLIDING INSTRUCTION & EQll!PMl'.NT AVAILABLL. (915) J79·l JBS. Rr I, !lox 16f',TowTX 78(,"/7..

SII.VFR WINCS, !NC. Ccrtilicd hg/pg insrmcrion and sales. Proudly representing Pacific Airwave, Wing, Scedwings. (70.'$) 5:33- l %5 Arlington VA. WISCONSIN

KITE ENTERPRISES llANG GIJD!NG AND PARAGLIDING. Instruction by l hve Broyles, the most experienced scooter ww instructor in the US. l'oot bunch, platform bunch and aerotow instruction sales, rrnrals and l'acAir, Wills and the ultralight I lallas, Fort Worth and norrh Texas area.

211 F.llis, Allen ·1 75002. ('!72) YJO 9090 nights, weekends.

RAVEN SKY SPORTS JIANG (;J.!D!NC: AND PARACLJDINC Lirgcst and most popular in the Midwest. Tr;idi1ional curriculum, ridge soaring, mountain clinics, acrorowing &_ tandems l,y Brad l(usllllcr. for all major brnnds. PO llox IOI, Whitewater WJ 53!90

RFD RJVER AIRCRAFI/CO I IANC Cl.!DINC!tt (Austin) Jeff l ltrnt, IJ81 l Red River St., Austin Texas 78751. l'h/fax (512) li<i/·2529 rrajc/)Ci";rol.com

Price.1 for Ball v,ir-

TOTAL AIR SPORTS Area's Ol.DFST Wills \Ving cb,ler. C:enilicd insrrucrion available. "I only DEAi. with WILLS". 6.35/i J.imcs10nc, l louston TX 77092. (7 U) 'J'i6 6 l lil

/\EROTOW!N(; ACCESSORIES Sec TOW INC. TlfF WALLABY R/\NCI I (911) /i2/i·0070.

(Ii 1Ii) liTo-8800.

·x

PARTS & ACCESSORIES

BFST U" WHEELS AVAll./\1\LF lightweight, a must for in bushinr;s. Only quantity disconnts. lmmcdi:1tc dclivl'ry. Lookout Mormrnin, (800) CiS8,1.MFP.

UTA!!

FHOM

11

BREAl)l?.AN 11 llMIC:

Ml\KVii

My well-loved

COMBO AUil 1,J\E/\GL IDlNU.

quick vario married 10 ,rn to new generation laser

UTAH'S MOST COMPLETE SOARINC SCHOOi. Ycar·round lessons, tandems, demos and glider rentals. Sales and service for new and 11scd cqt1ipmc·nt. Soarablc conditions 300+ days a year ar world fon,011s POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN. l'rofrssional site guides for 2,000-'i,OOO' mo11ntai11 iannch sites. UST !CA & Ul lC/1 ccni/'icd school.

Discount pilot lodging ar nearby hotels, motch and ll& ll. Free camping at LmndL Pro dealer fo1 all 11\;ljor brands. WHY SETTLE r:oR LESS WHEN YOU CAN LEARN FROM THE BEST! 12665 S UT 8lr07,0, (BO 1) 57<,.

Minmeman Drive Ill, 6/i60, fax (80 I) or Email us at l I llC.'$~1laol.com VIRG!NlA

/\Ll. NFW lJLTRA·-LlGHT IAMBIF UD The lightest, most comfortable Aerodynamic, low turbulence, low sk,pc. I tech look. J!inish is clear resin over rhc Eold/lilack weave of the supct··Strong carbon/kcvL11 outer shell.

01,cn focc, only 12 oz., price $160. full face versiou, only I '7 oz. $199 includes installation. Measure around head and from ho110m of car lobe over top ro hotrorn o( earlobe for custom fit. hom the designer, Jack Lambie, 8 l 60 \Voodsboro, Anaheim C:A 92807. Phone aud fox (l 14) 77'). J 877.

trimmed transducers. Sqnec?.ed i1110 tough li11lc IU 1 proo/' box only 5.dxl .Ii" still has reserve battery! ntt·rclla11gc·al1,le \,road Velcro strnps or lusc tube· mcmnting $7.95 Shipping inc. (805) (,82 I 088. llreadpat, units still $2'J5. Laser trirnmcd retrolie available $85.

ROBFRTS (;l.l[)l'lz INSTRUMENTS 33/iO C:LJH DRIVE S/\NT/\ B1\RB1\RA C:/\ 9:J l 09

COMP SPECIAi.! $1,IJ'J5. Includes a free Carmin 38 CPS ($'.WO value). Call Kcnruckiana Soaring (812) 288 71 J I for the l,esr !)rice.

20', fits most cameras.

Snaps on over t.:xisting sll!ltrcr release. $/i5 (ask about

CAM FRA ll.FMOTF

BLUE SKY

our imroduc1ory $10 rebate). Tck Colebrook Stage, Winsted C:T 06098. includccl.)

sales, sewing, towing

Steve Wendt i11 I lan1·isonb1cn-i( KfTTY HA WK K!TFS

Sec North C:aroliria.

a

)/\NlJ/\RY 1997

Products, nor

KENTUCKJANA SOARING PRESENTS

GARMIN CPS 38 $159. Many other sorics available. Call Chad at (805) 569rnorc info or visit our web http:/ lwww .bodytrcnds.com/parn.htm

site:

GLIDER HACS $80 ppd. Gunnison Clidcrs, 1549 C.R. Gunnison CO 812,0. (970) 641 9315.

"New" Fingerswitch Radio Headset by Flight Connections. HEAVY-DUTY HEADSET with finger mounted switch allows pilot to commmlicatc while their hands on the conrrol bar or brakes. and more reliable communications. Your instrument is protected wirh a 90 day mfg warranry with repair service available beyond the warramy. Currently available for Yacsu, !com, Alinco, Kenwood and other compatible radios. Available fr,r foll face or open helmets. $89 +$:3.50 shipping, MC/Visa, dealer inquires invited. Kcnruckiana Soaring, li25 N Ave., Clarksville JN 47129, (812) 288-7111, (812) 284-lil 15. SPECIALIZ-

The world-class XCR I 80 up to :l hours @))8,000 ft. and weighs only Complete kir with harnc.ss, l'Cf\Ul,tto,r, cannula and remote llown1cn:r, only

PROTECT YOUR CLIDER Cct the new GLID, ER SAVERS, the wrap--nround p:iddcd glider ticdown that helps protect your glider from wear while transporting.

ING IN ELECTRONICS, RADIOS, VARIOS, GPS UNITS & MORE!

JIG llY JON

$27, $,i'J or $65 +$Ii. 50 PO flox 212, Penn Laird

MA!NTAJN YOUR AIRFOIL

HANG GLIDER CAMERA MOUNT l/2" tube, $39.50 includes PLIGHT PRODUCTS, Colebrook CT O(i098. (860) 379-1668 (Camera nor included).

With this tool ma,lc of hardwood and pcrlon $36 +$Ii s/h . .)CDC, PO Box 65, Dobbins CA '!5935.

Red, blue or chnrcoal.

22846. (510) 132-6557.

PTT BlJTTON SWITCH Finger mount with "click" feedback. All popular HT's-user selectable.

Connects between headset and radio $39.95. Check or money order. Voice (12:l) 5') 1--8045.

UELMETS lnrcgrnl & Air Kevler, rop-o/'.tbc-linc $180-$300. Discounts on small & XS in stock. (Ii Jli) 47.3-8800.

MINI VARlO World's smallest, simplest vario!

Clips to hclmcr or chinstrap. 200 hours on batteries, 0-18,000 ft., fast response ,rnd 2 year warranty. Creat for paragliding too. ONLY $169. Mallettcc, PO [)ox 15756, Santa Ana C:A, 92735. (714) 966-1210.

MC:iVisa ,icccprcd. lllCH PERSPECTIVE WllEFLS Real life savers! rough. Fi ls all gliders. Send $41.95 -1 $4. 50 pair 10 Sport Avi,uion, PO l\ox 10 l, M1ngciv1lk PA 16856. Ask abom our dealer prices.

60

TEK 6" WIJEELS $2(i per pair, plus $3.75 Sill.

Tck Flighr Producrs, Colebrook Stage, Winsted CT 06098. (860) 379-166fL

't

new

bargains in our classified

HANC GLIDINC

PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS CALL USHGA

For a

form. From the early lit1llf, (,'liding: (7 I 9) 632-8,300.

teal, fusia

CORDURA vccrn··On mitts arc warm and comfonable and have superior abrasion resistance.

Tbcy arc one size liis all and arc machine washable.

Mountain Wings [nc., J 50 Canal Street, Ellenville

NY I?.446, (914) Gli7 -3317.

ZEPflYR MFG Of Bristol, CT is pleased to announce the release of two new belt buckle sizes as a to showcase our engraving capabilities. The works on the same principle as a militaty buck .. knurled roller wedging the webbing against face.) Made of GOG J .. T6 aluminum bar stock, each buckle is precision C.N.C. machined, anodized and C.N.C. engraved in a variety para & scenes, manufouurer, dealer and club logos. !'or interested in haviog rhcir own designs cngi-aved, any scanable lincan or computer be engraved. The l)l)cklcs arc currently in two sizes: 2 ..3"wXl.5"h (30mm webbing) and J .84"wX 1S'h (25mm webbing.) An assortment of and anodize colors arc available.

(860) 583-3610 and request a various i1rn1ges and webbing

DOWNWIND l'rom the early days of the '?O's, to the big-time air of Owen's Valley, DOWNWIND is packed with thrill and cxhilarnrior, of cross cotmrry advenrure. The perfect gifr for both and non· pilots. Sll/\RE THE /\ rruc well rold. Available from USI IC/\ l-lcadqu,mcrs only $10,95 ( 1$2 s/h). PO Box I 330, Colorado Springs CO 80')01-1330.

patrcrns available or for pricing on cusi-om work

Price: $40 each including webbing.

DON'T GET CAUGHT LANDfNC: DOWNUV treated, 5' It" WJND! long w/ l l" thrnH. colors rlnorcscent pink/yellow or fluorcoscent pink/white. $39.95 (+$4.00 S/11). Send to USI!G/\ Windsok, P.O. Box 1.130, Colorado G:ll-8300, fax

BlJSINESS & EMPLOYMENT

ll!Gf-IER THAN EAGLES

by Maralys & Chris Wills. The life & times of BOBBY WILLS, hang l•,x1,encn,:e the triumphs and and rhc cvolmion of Wills Sill), sec $19.95 hardcover ficd for USHCA BOOKS ordering

CO go901.13:,o, (719)

17. VISA/MC accepted.

COME TO CANAD/\!

Or bring me to you' For Hang Gliding lCP's. Get recertified the RCR way!

Also, we arc expanding & looking for insrrucrnrs & tandem to hire for both bg & pg. Contact: t<nhcr,rn,n,tligb RR 5, 865 Conc.7, Claremont Ont. Ll Y I A2. (905) 29/i .. 25'36, fax (905) 294,8495, email, We offer srntionary wrnct1/st:cp tow insrruction levels) for hglpg and have

OFFICIAL FAA SECTIONAL And VFR Terminal Arca Charts. All areas, cunent (up ro date New Airspace ClassilJcariom). Seer ion al maps $7 each, VPR Terminal Arca Chans $Ii each. Add ship .. ping and (Cal. residents only) tax. Dealer prices.

Aini me of S.F. (415) 759-1 lax (415) 75')-1 l 8},.

cs, releases) etc. f(1r sale.

BAG IT! If' you don't have your copr of Dennis Pagcn's PERFORMANCE FLYING yet, available throup;lr USI !CA l-le:idqwmers $29.95 (+$Ii s&h).

)i\NU/\RY 1997

61

VIDEOS & FILMS FIRST FLIGHT Follows the action of a new pilot's lirst lessons. This video is an entertctining to show your friends and family how you learn to fly. VHS 15 min\itcs. $20 includes (may he //jJf'lied to lesson MISSION IN(; CFNTl'.R, 11 l !,

I.FT T!IE COVERNMENT Finance your small hmincss. Cr:rnts/lo:rns to $800,000. Free recorded message: (707) li!\8.(l270(l;Y7)

'l'iOl'i. (li08) 262 I O'i'i.

"NEW" A R1Sl< MANAGEMENT MANUAL Miclwc/ Robertson. llscd cxtcns1vcly as lnstrnnor Certification Student No1d1ook. Includes: hisrory, the

NEW IN STOCK! PARTY AT CLOlJDBASE I\ hang gliding music video by Adventure Prodnctions $19.95. POINT OF Tim MOUNTAlN·/\ward winning by Fast Coast Video, hg/pg :icriun :it this Utah mccrn $29. HANG GUDTNG EXTREME & BORN TO FLY by Advcnrurc Productions, great hg action $:Jli.95 each. IIAWAITAN Fl.YIN by 9,

hunches $Y\.

or fox

w,·,nf1rrn1' wincL new row section, the wing, i-hc win-

(71 'l) 6:)2.(,li 17, please

dividual, and the fomo11s REVISED, NEW CHARTS OF RELIABILITY. $9.9'i 1$:I s/h. Order your copy from: Pcrs1n·ctivc, RR 5, 8(,5 Cone./, Claremont Canada LJ Y 1A2. (')05) 29/i.2'i%, fax (')05) 291 8495, cm:1il: llyhighvflir1for:unp.net

, $Ii domestic s/h (, $'5 for two or rno1T vickos). ( ;real friends or for those socked.in days. r/,e launch por:110 rnrned coucl, por:110. us about our priragliding videos)

"MOONSIIADOW" Highly 1,/ne/white/purplc artwork on black, rm·,hrm,k T. Specify S,M,L,Xl.,XXL. shorr sleeve S 17. Add $2. 50 per order shipping. Send check or money order \Vear, PO Box 541,, Signal Mottmain TN 88(,.6391.

MIS(;E!JANEOUS SPECIAi. NI\W l'ILOT FDlTION

Mon1hly magazine ol' Society of America, Inc. Covers all llight. Full membership $5'i. Info. with copy $3. SSA, P.O. Box E, Hobbs, NM 882ft I. ('i05) :1921

ULTRAMITTS /\ND CLOUDBASE HARNESSES Keep your lrnnds roasty warm! (706) 398·396/i (leave message.)

TOWING AEROTOWING ACCESSORIES for: The finest releases, secondary releases, "V" bridles, weak links, tandem wheels, ki1s, etc. THE WALLABY RANCH (9/il) li21i-0070.

For hang gliders <'ll parar;lidcrs • straight or Will from a small for schools, reliable and easy 10 maintain • clubs and privarc use. • Several systems in opcrarion arnttnd rhc world Very low operating cost, mttch cheaper and as elficicnt as aerotowing • Fasy and s:rlc operanon, precise rcnsion coni-rol, rapid ll1rn-aronnd ~ Ea.sy to move) traUcr mount(·d sysu.:-1n • No more endless drivin!\ 10 find your Jlyi11g site! • C:m be dclivcrn! i11 pcrw11 with • I\ from Dis1:111ce

TLS TRUCK TOW SYSTEM

WfNDSFl'KER More fon than a barrel of down· tubes. l t soars, it loops, i1 flies! ONLY .$3.00 pins $2 s/h ($3 slh rm ordtrs o/3. More rha11 3 or Im'/ ordrn, plmse m/f) USI IC/\, PO !lox J:l.\O, Colorado Springs CO 8090 I. (719) (i32·8300, fax yom MC/Visa wirh order 10 (719) 6:l2·6/i 17.

2600' J/ I G ulrra· only $1,500. Dan

TOW ROPES .. :row ROPFS ... TOW ROPES Spcctrn, Dacron. David Brndley, Braided Producrs l )ivision. (21 5) 822· l 968, fo, °(21 5) 82).58'52.

62

Fnll color :l 1" poster lea· what he docs bcst··LC)()J>.

IIQ for $6.95 ING! Available through (,.$.'3. 50 s/h). Fill that void on yom Send ro USf IC/\ Acrobarics Poster, PO Box 1300, Colorado Springs CO 809:n. (lJSA & C:lllada 011/y. posters :trc NOT AV/\IL/\BLE on ,nr,·rna,!lon:it orders.) SPFCIAL,.f\crobatics & Frie Raymond postcr,BOT!l FOR $10 s/h).

C:AL GLOVE l.ight·weight CABRETTA LF.ATllFR GLOVES, wnrld famous in c'qucsrrian in the circles, arc now gaining ing, paragliding & rn:ll'kcts. in mens, womcrn & childrclls sizes, ') different colors and priced li-rnn $27.')5 ·$.l'J.'J'J. !'or more info on these rnperior k.nhcr gluv,·s contact: Cal,Clovc, 2920 Auburn l\lvd, S:1cramrn10 C;\ 9':i821. (')]G) liiJJ. 8701, fox(')]<,) li8J. J 1(,8, email: cal·glovcvt1juno.com

V!Dfi.OS BOOKS & POSTERS Call USHG/\ for your Merchandise order form (7 I 9) 637-,8300.

DON'T LEAVE YOUR GROUND.BOUND EQUIPMENT S[TTING IN THE GARAGE. SET.I. IT IN THE HANG GLIDING CLASS!

mms.

HANC GLJDJNC

CLASSJFJED ADVERTISING RATES The rw· f,11 classified advertising is $.SO per word (or l',roup of characters) :ind $1.00 pn word for hold or "II rnps.

MINIMUM AD CllARCE $5.00. A foe of $15.00 is charged for cad, line art lngo and $2'5.00 fen each LINEART & !'!JOTO S17.F NO 1.ARCFR Pk:isc underline words 10 be of rahs $25.00 per colwords. Jim:iil or wch unrn addressDEADLINES: All ad copy, instructions, chauges, ,iddi(/ons and cancel1ations must be n:ccivcd in writing 1 l /), months preceding the cover date, i.e. Ocrolicr 20tl, for dw December issue. Please make cliccks pay;iblc to lJSJ JC/\ ClassiCicd Aclvcnising Dq,r. !!ANG CI.IDIN(;

MAC:AZJNF., P.O. Box i:no, Colorado Sprin1;s, CO BO'JO I - I l:lO (71 ')) (,l2iUOO or fox (7 I 'J) (,l2-6lt I7 with yo11r Vis;1 or Mastercard.

or Roi, Mcl(cmi1·, l ligh Adventure (909) 883-81£88.

S'TOI.EN WlNCS arc listed ,is " service to USJ !CA members. Newes, rntric.s arc in bold. There is no

WILLS WING XC 1 l.ost on Lu/ihansa flight between J.OS /\N(;L!}'.S and Munich, (;cnnany on April )ml, l 'J96. Yellow wired XC: scpararint-; a grey (silver) asymrnc1tic bottom (sec Apr 96 ] IC cover), scriril 11.1U10. Con1rict Wills Wing (71/iJ 998-6359.

ch:irgc for this service and lost and found or he called in ('719) 632-8300 or it in 17 for inclnsion in eliding magazine. Please c:ill 10 ccrncel rhc listing gliders ate recovered. Periodically, this listing will be purged.

Adventure Productions .,,., ................... ,, ..... .., .... ,, .......... 1 I Alt Air ................ ,, ......................................................... 31

Arai [)esign ....................... ,, ......... ,................................ 15 f-Jall Bros.,,,,,,,.,,,.,,., .. ,,,. ....... ,... ,,, .................................. J 3

STOLEN WINGS & TlJTNGS

High Energy Sports ,,,,,,, ..................... ,........... ,......... ,, ... 63

POUND CAMERA - .3'5111111, /,,und at POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN, IJT on October 6, 19%. Call (80 I) <)S'/-l!i I g 10 identify.

karo ...... ,............ ,, ... ,....... ,, ......... .,,. ............. ,,,,,., ...... ,,,., .. 2

Lookout Mm. Flight 1,u,,l\.,,,,.,............. .,............ , .................... ,c,.,

SOI.AR WlNGS SCANDAL Stolen from VAN, COUVER, BC CANADA on August I 0th, I')%.

J.'\.6 meters, lilac leading & nndc1·,1·ml,ice, blue chevron w/crui'.-!c h;irncss; parachute; hluc

Skylark vario. Nick Collins (GM) :n-1-2602. lKAROS (KOREAN) l'ARAGT.lDFH Stolen from SAN BERNARDINO, CA rental cir on June 6th, 19')6. l'ink upper, white nndcr with hluc hawk ho1tom, lcfi brake line replaced wirh Contact Mini Jo Yoon (909) 8117--18/ili

Aviation Publications ... ,, ..... ,.... ,, ... ,, ................. ,... 1.1

US Aviation ................. .,, ................................ , ............ ,, 18 USHGA ............................................. .,,, ,.,, Wills Wing ................ ,, ............... .,......................,"'1.1~ Cover

The lrnprovecl Tracr"r (IT) features continuous webbing structure, acJJustable padded 10,g straps, adjustable shoulders, hook knife, steel carabiner, easy rotation for E,xcellent sit·up--ability, skid plate toe protector, bungee retractor channel, custom sizing and a wide range of colors & options }! l

~

t!

'"

J~l;ffl 111111;1 11111111111111 l;HtwfJ111 l1ni111111n11ffl1t111 1 mw111i lim1n1 i111111m11 11111111111111 fmn ffi1m1 mlillmgi. ,,

)ANlJ/\RY 1997

j

B EHIND E V ERY WILLS WING GLIDER IS T H E M OST E X PER I E NCED TEAM OF AVIATION ENTHUSIA STS IN THE INDUSTR Y . OUR E MPLOY EES AV ERA GE TE N Y EARS OF E X PER I E NCE AT WILLS W I NG . OUR PRODUCTION AND DE V E LO PME NT FLIGHT TE S T CREW AVER A GES T W ENTY YEARS OF H A NG GLIDING E X PERIENCE A N D TWO THOUSAND HOURS O F H A NG GLIDER FLI G H T T I ME . DURING THE LAST T W E N TY FOUR Y EARS , WE ' V E BUILT MORE THAN

I 6 , 000 HANG GLI DE RS . OUR M ISSION I S TO

BUILD THE BEST FLY I N G GLIDERS I N THE WORLD , AND TO GIVE Y OU TH E HIGH E ST QUALITY SER V IC E , B A R NONE .

~ 500 W E ST B L UERI D GE ,

ORANGE ,

CA

LU~ 9 2865 , U S A

VISIT US ON TH E W EB AT :

PHONE

ND ( 7 I 4 ) 998 - 6359 FA X ( 7 I 4 ) 998-064 7

WWW.WILL S WING . C O M