USHGA Paragliding Vol13/Iss6 June 2002 by US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

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PARAGLIDING • JUNE 2002

CALENDAR OF EVJNTS

c~ss1,1&D ADVERTISING

o,~ON'S NOTE$

2001 U.S. PARAGLIDING ACCIDENT SeMMARY byJim Little

FLYING BRAZIL by Dave Verbois

INTRODUCING THE 2002 U.S. PARAGLIDING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

- OwENs VALLEY, CAuFORNIA by Lee Anne Norris and Chad Bastian

D1scoVERING KAs

by Kim Ga/.vin, photos courtesy S. Ayhan Tune/

OISCLAIMER OP WARRANTIES IN PUBUCA.· TIONS: Toe .material pre· se.uted here i8 published as ~ of an ~onniltk>n <lissemin~'1on service for

COVER:Brad Gunnuscio flying at Governador Valadares in Brazil. Photo by Bo Criss. See photo gallery on page 39.

LoNG-RANGE SOARCASTING by Davis Straub

PARAGLIDING PHOTO GALLERY The photo co/Jection ofBrad Gunnuscio

JU N E

2002

USHGA members. The USHGA mllkes no warranties or rcpre5entations and assumts no Jlabillty concetruns the validity of any~e, opinion or recommendation expre8$Cd In the material. All .fndivid~ reJyJng Qpon the material do

Gil Dodgen, Managing Editor/Editor-in-Chief, Gi/Dodgen@aol.com Steve Roti, Contributing Editor Dave Pounds, Art Director Will Gadd, Dennis Pagen Staff Writers Jayne DePanfilis, Executive Director, jayne@ushga.org Jeff Elgart, Advertising, jeff@ushga.org Paul Defr;inco, IT Administrator, paul@ushga.org Sandra ijewitt, Member Services, sandra@ushga.org Natalie Hinsley, Member Services, natalie@ushga.org USHGA Officers and Executive Committee: Jim Zeiset, President, jimzgreen@aol.com Mark Ferguson, Vice President mark@rmparagliding.com Russ Locke, Secretary,russ@lockelectric.com Bill llolosky, Treasurer, bo/osky@microsoft.com

REGION 1: llifi;losky, Mark Forbes. REGION 2: Ray Leonard, John Wilde, Tim West. REGION 3: David Jebb, John Greynald, Alan Chuculate. REGION 4: Mark Ferguson, Jim Zeiset. REGION 5: Frank Gillette. REGION 6: James Gaar. REGION 7: Bill Bryden. REGION 8: Doug Sharpe. REGION 9: Randy Leggett, Felipe Amunategui. REGION 1O: Tiki Mashy, Matt Taber, REGION 11: R.R. Rodriguez. REGION 12: Paul Voight DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Jan Johnson, Dennis Pagen, Russ Locke, Steve Kroop, Chris Santacroce. HONORARY DIRECTORS: Aaron Swepston, J.C. Brown, Ed Pitman, G.W. Meadows, Bob Hannah, John Harris, Larry Sanderson (SSA), Dave Broyles, Gene Matthews, Ken Brown, Rob Kells, Liz Sharp, Dan Johnson, Dixon White. EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS: Art Greenfield (NM). The Uniteci"-Stirt~s Hang Gliding Association Inc. is an air sports organization affiliated with the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) which is the official representative of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), of the world governing body for sport aviation. The NAA, which represents the U.S. at FAI meetings, has delegated to the USHGA supervision of FAJ-related paragliding activities such as record attempts and competition sanctions. PARAGLIDING magazine is published for paragliding sport enthusiasts to create further interest in the sport, and to provide an educational forum to advance paragliding methods and safety. Contributions are welcome. Anyone is invited to contribute articles, photos and illustrations concerning paragliding activities. If the material is to be returned, a stamped, self-addressed return envelope must be enclosed. Notification must be made of submission to other paragliding publications. PARAGLIDING magazine reserves the right to edit contributions where necessary. The Association and publication do not assume responsibility for the material or opinions of contributors. PARAGLIDING editorial offices (articles and photos only): 31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy., Suite A·256, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, phone (949) 888-7363, fax (949) 888-7464, e-mail: Gi1Dodgen@aol.com. ALL ADVERTJSERING AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES MUST BE SENT TO USHGA HEADQUARTERS IN COLORADO SPRINGS. The USHGA is a member-controlled sport organization dedicated to the exploration and promotion of all facets of unpowered ultralight flight, and to the education, training and safety of its membership. Membership is open to anyone intere5ted in this realm offlight. Dues for lull membership are $59.00 per year (of which $15 goes to the publication of Paragliding), ($70 non-U.S.); subscription rates only are $3.5.00 ($46 non-U.S.). Changes of address should be sent six weeks in advance, including name, USHGA number, previous and new address, and a mailing label from a recent issue. PARAGLIDING (ISSN 1089-1846) is published 11 times a year: Jan., Feb., March, April, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec. by the United States Hang Gliding Association, Inc., 219 W. Colorado Ave., Suite 104, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (719) 632-8300. FAX (719) 632-6417. PERIODICAL POSTAGE is paid at Colorado Springs, CO and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: PARAGLIDING, P.O. BOX 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330.

STATIONARY REVERSE GRADIENT Dear Editor, I'm so glad you ran Captain Kram' s article, 'The Stationary Reverse Gradient." It happened to me and no one would believe it! I was at about 11,500' over Slide Mountain and all of a sudden I just stopped! I think I was lucky to catch one so low because it is very hot and dry in northern Nevada. I know that Captain's Rule #7 is not to get out of your harness, but if you just unclip from your risers and float around in your harness, you've got your reserve in case you can't get back in time. I did it. After about 45 minutes of floating around, it started to burble and I got back just in time to fly out. Stu Alderman P.S.: How about USFLAA- United States Foot-Launched Aviation Association?

TOP SECRET Dear Editor, I want to share a secret with the readers of Paragliding magazine: Central Florida has the best soaring conditions for paragliders in North America! On a recent hang gliding trip to Orlando's Wallaby Ranch, a unique set of circumstances allowed a few of us bi-wingual rypes to fly our paragliders. The Ranch is world-famous as the original aerotow flight park, but has no facilities for towing paragliders. As fate would have it, my friend Michael Robertson (the wing and winch wizard of Canada's High Perspective Flight School) happened to be visiting the Ranch at the same time, and he had his awesome hydro-static winch with him. Wallaby Ranch owner Malcolm Jones was kind enough to allow us to tow our paragliders during rare breaks in the hang gliding action. Over the course of a few days we (Peter Gray, Wayne Sayer, Kari Castle, Davey Prentice and I) enjoyed many smooth flights in the Florida air. Davey even got away for some X-C, including a new state paragliding distance record of 65 miles! These paragliding sessions were a very successful experiment, and I suspect that Malcolm will eventually add paragliding to his bag of tricks, but for now the Wallaby Ranch remains a hang gliding-only flight park. While in Florida I also flew my paraglider at Graybird Airsports, which is located at the Dunellon Airport about 75 miles north of

Orlando. Graybird is oriented more toward ultralight instruction and aerotowing hangies, but they have a scooter tow winch and enthusiastically welcome paraglider pilots. I only had one day to spend at Graybird, and the locals said the soaring weather was only average. Despite the "average" conditions, I spent the entire afternoon above the lush Florida landscape, slowly drifting in the warm, light winds for 25 miles while enjoying 300-800 fpm climbs to cloudbase at over 6,000 feet AGL The area around Graybird is ideal for X-C, with plenry of roads and nice landing fields. It's just a matter of time before some hot paraglider pilots fly 150+ miles in Central Florida. By the way, Graybird is currently looking for a tandem instructor to run their paragliding program. It's cheap to fly into Orlando, inexpensive tourist facilities abound, it's a great place to learn hang gliding, and there's plenry for you and your family to do on those rare unflyable days. If you want to check out the sweetest imaginable paragliding air, the secret's out: Fly Florida!

J.C. Brown REHYDRATING Dear Editor, On the subject of rehydrating, I must highly recommend flying with a CamelBak watering system. I just finished riding my motorcycle on a 1,000-mile trek through Death Valley National Park, Mount Whitney, and surrounding valleys over the last three days in record heat conditions. With this gadget on my back I was able to sip icecold water through a flexible tube with a built-in valve chat can be actuated with your mouth while wearing chick gloves. The mouthpiece fit comfortably in my mouth, even while wearing a full-face helmet. While watching my clock, I made every effort to sip water every 10 minutes. This particular model holds two liters of water and would easily work for hang glider or paraglider pilots. Another model holds up to three liters of your favorite beverage. I have heard chat "fizzies" don't work well as a beverage. While some riders wanted to stop at every town to tank up on fluids, the drivers with CamelBaks were able to ride longer and were more alert thanks to the cold water in the blistering heat. Harry Martin Thousand Oaks, CA

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Flying Protocol by Dixon White

s with most activities in life there are loads oflitt!e details that can smooth the way to greater success, and there's a real plus to feeling like your "jazz" is just right. Running into trouble with your flying mates and being the object of scorn isn't a great way to engineer your flying experience, so here are a few ideas. Send me some of yours as well and I'll do another protocol article. You may e-mail me at dixon@paraglide.com. It's not just a matter of being gracious and thoughtful; being too gracious can be really annoying. Don't help unless you're asked. For example, grabbing someone's glider to spread it out without asking isn't a good idea, besides, a gust might catch the glider with the pilot off guard, and it would have been better left in a rosette. On the other hand, helping load gear on or off a truck, picking up trash, showing up with WX info, landing to help a treed or injured pilot, pitching in more than your share of the gas money, riding in the bed of a truck because you're sweaty; or buying your local guides dinner is a great way to make friends. When road tripping, make a call a couple of days ahead of your arrival so the local pilots know you're coming. This isn't necessary everywhere, but it can't hurt. If you ask a local instructor for help, ask what fees you might expect if he or she shows you around the site and watches over you. Show up on time to meet the gang and have all your gear ready to go. Slowing down a group because

you can't find your vario, boots, sunglasses, or some other poop is rude. Don't fly with your car keys. Let everyone know where they're hidden so your car can be used by the group. Stow your wallet and other stuff so the group isn't stuck for hours looking for items that fell out of your pocket. Dogs at a flying site are usually annoying, especially when they run or pee on gliders, snap at pilots' heels or provide non-stop barking. Spending hours looking for a lost dog isn't any fun. Set up your kit away from launch and don't walk below another pilot to set up unless you have permission. Always ask hang glider pilots who are alone if they need help. Hang pilots should be careful about parking their trucks and/or setting up their gliders right behind a paragliding launch area, as paraglider pilots can be easily dragged back across the hill. Yell the word "STOP" if someone should abort a launch; "NO" sounds too much like "GO." Buddy up and check each other for preflight errors, and have contingency plans in the event of changing conditions. Land before you're flying illegally (after sunset) and certainly before someone in the group is late · heading home. Give launching pilots some room to exit the launch area without creating a possible collision. If it's a crowded flying site, land and give someone else a chance to fly. Don't be a ridge hog.

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Don't head out on stupid X-C jaunts when there's no way in hell retrieval will be simple, and will potentially cost the gang loads of time finding you. It's unreasonable to simply say you'll manage your own retrieval, because it's really not cool to blow off a missing pilot. It's not cool to ditch anyone. Always fly with a cell phone, and everyone should know everyone else's number. Know how to call for and where to direct help. Kick dust for pilots who are setting up a landing, or simply lean forward into the wind with a your arms out and a leg up to make a human arrow. After landing, move your glider right away so other fliers know you're okay. While waiting for a retrieve, or on launch to fly, and there's a bunch of rosetted gliders laying on the ground, lay them all on top of each other to keep them from getting extra UV damage. Learn how to use your radio and practice transmitting so you can be clearly understood. Trying to interpret wind noise, static and garbled speech is really annoying. Don't talk on the radio unnecessarily. Listening to stock tips, mindless drivel or blow-by-blow bragging about your flight sucks. Don't even own a voice-activated (VOX) system. Pushto-talk switches (PTT) are famous for creating open mic problems, so be leery of using them as well. Get with the local hang glider pilots and see if there's anything you and your flying buddies can do that would help them enjoy their flying with paraglider pilots. Please be sure to send me more ideas on this thread. 11111

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SUP'AIR EVO-XC HARNESS t-r"'fhe Evo-XC from Sup'A..ir features: quick-release buckles, red safety strap, new light weight buckles, ABS system, ASA system, 30-mm and 43-mm straps, new light buckle shoulder adjustment, dorsal and sear plate trim adjustments, 10-mm dorsal comfort foam, one left side storage pocket, large dorsal storage pocket, dorsal protector compartment, new dorsal/bottom reserve container (right handle) , new speedbar/footrest system, BumpA..ir 17-cm. Color schemes include: blue/black, red/black, rust/black. Sizes: small, medium, large. Weight: 3.6 kg. This harness is suitable for pilots of all skill levels. More derails may be found on the Sup'A..ir-USA website at http://www.supair-usa.com/.

. There are three different compatible communications systems: Icom and similar type configurations with 9.5-cm jack spacing; Kenwood with 9.5-cm jack spacing; Motorola with 7.5-cm jack spacing. Two press-to-talk buttons are installed, one mounted on the ear defender and another as a remote finger, riser- or barmounted button. Options that will be available soon include: black and Oxford blue, visor, integrated radio module, sizes extra-small (53-54 cm) and small (55-57 cm). The retail price is £200 + vat and delivery time is normally up to three days from placement of an order.

INTEGRATED COMMS HELMET AND RAKET PARAMOTOR

perwill has developed a new leisure aviation helmet. It is an integrated, wh..ite, unisize (58-62 cm) leisure aviation helmet, complete with a communications system designed for use with all two-meter radios with standard twin-jack sockets. The system comes complete with helmet, HlO-type ear defenders, coiled lead with jack plug set.

The new Raket 120-R2 from Sperwill Ltd. is a super-tuned, lightweight paramotor designed and manufactured in the UK for the lighter pilot who is looking for that extra takeoff power. Sperwill specializes in two-stoke engine tuning, remanufacture, maintenance and upgrade of foot-launched craft. Sperwill also performs upgrades and repairs on all other popular engines such as rhe Solo 210. Various upgrade products are available. We will also upgrade any existing powered hang glider or paramotor using the Raker 120 engine. Contact: Sperwill, 4 Brixham Road, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 5LQ, United Kingdom, Tel: Ol 1-011 7-953 1850, Fax: Ol 1-011 7-953 1850, riaano@sperwill.com, www.sperwill.com.

PARAGLIDING

minimum of 4,000 jumps under their belt and used years of experience and aerodynamic knowledge to swoop in and command the challenging course. "Every pilot had to be one with their flying and their equipment. They had to have amazingly fast reaction time and know their canopy like a bird knows its wings," said Reg Eascaugh, Competition Director for the event. For more information check out the following websites: www.redbullbladeraid.com, www.redbullusevencs.com, www.para-performance.com, www.redbullairforce.com, www.elkmeadows.com www.redbull-photofiles.com. Photo credit: Francois Portmann.

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eaver, Utah - Progressive skydiving met giant slalom at the first-ever Red Bull Blade Raid. On March 22-23, all 26 professional skydivers hurled themselves out of a helicopter 4,500+ feet above the 10,600-foot peak that served as the lofty entrance ro the event course at Elk Meadow Resort. Amazing skill was apparent in all athletes during practice and several competition runs, but the competition had to be called because of fierce winds. What began as a competitive event turned into a freeform summit of the world's best skydivers and high-performance canopy pilots. Participating athletes and spectators both agreed that the level of flying accomplished was some of the most dynamic to dace. Blade-running first started in the mid1990's and has evolved into one of the most cutting edge forms of skydiving today. Using high-performance canopies with a relatively small surface area ranging between 70 to 100 square feet, pilots jump above a predetermined route and swoop within several feet of the ground between "air blades" or gates, that mark the direction of the course. Pilots are judged on speed and accuracy as they steer-toggle, or navigate, the three-dimensional course. The highest level of expertise is essential for such an impressive undertaking. Only a small faction of skydivers possess the necessary attributes to fly such a challenging course. All Blade Raid participants had a

ixon's Airplay Paragliding has just received the first shipments of the Windtech Syncro. This "soft" DHV 2-3 glider has received brilliant reviews in Europe and spores many innovative designs, SSS, trapezoidal cell openings, closed cells and floating ribs. See reviews at www.paraglide.com.

PARAGLIDING WEBSITE

he website www.midwescernparagliders.com is a new web portal designed to lee all Chicago-area and Midwestern pilots come together to share information. Do you know of a good hill on which to train? Do you tow? Are you looking to find other local pilots to travel with? Do you know a secret launch site that you would like to share? If so, please visit the website and share your info. Powered paraglider and hang glider pilots are also welcome.

FREE OWENS VALLEY MAP lying the Owens Valley big air is hard enough without having to worry about getting lost! On X-C flights, visiting pilots and chase crews frequently won't know where they are, and paragliding place names aren't on most maps. Landing out after a hard flight can turn into a real problem when nobody can find you! After years of flying the Big 0, Hungary Joe's Flying Circus has developed a flying map for the Valley. Popular hang gliding locations are in bold letters, so the map can be carried by both the pilot and

PARAGLIDING

chase crew to improve communication and minimize navigation problems. The map includes lamination instructions for carrying in flight. The free map is available by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Hungary Joe's Flying Circus, 5051 Alton Pkwy. #55, Irvine, CA 92604.

2001 CHAMPUN WOIRLD X·C CHALLENGE !RESULTS ohn Scott w;,h,s to thank th, following sponsors of the 2001 Michael Champlin orld X-C Challenge: Gerald Myers, Ian McArthur, Flight Connections, Inc., Davis Straub, Peter Birren. The 2002 Challenge will run until December 31. There are no entry fees or pre-registration requirements. It is open to paragliders, hang gliders, rigid wings and sailplanes. For more details visit the contest's website at http://www.hanggliding.org, or contact: John Scott, (310) 447-6234, fax (310) 447-6237, brettonwoods@email.msn.com.

200 l Results Place Pilot

Wing Score

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

RW FW FW RW FW PG SP RW RW

* 10 11 12 13 14 15

* 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Mark Poustinchian Scot Huber Pete Lehmann Davis Straub Chris Zimmerman Tom Truax RamyYanetz Herb Seidenberg Dave Brandt Mitch Shipley Russ Brown Bruce Barmakian Rick Niehaus Bill Belcourt Kevin Frost Vincent Endter Pete Lehmann John Scott Deane Williams Tony Deleo Jon James Tom Lanning Dennis Cavagnaro Scott Angel Rita Edris Greg Dinauer Bill Buffam E.J. Steele

JUNE

2002

RW RW FW PG RW RW

FW RW RW FW FW RW FW SP RW FW FW

5272.22 4855 4574 4251 4246 4065.6 4047 3986.41 3774.83 3602 3521.59 3344.28 3327.1 3008 2959 2860.6 2801 2773.07 2534.88 2349.7 2339 2208 2093 1807.74 1382 1350 1231.67 777.03

27 28 29 30 31

Tex Gates Judy Hildebrand Thomas Blan Tom Flynn Tim McIntyre

FW FW FW FW FW

683 515.35 490 368 54

RW = Rigid Wing, FW = Flex Wing, SP = Sailplane, SS = Single Surface, PG = Paraglider * Single surface scores are not official 2001 Weekend Division Place Pilot

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Scot Huber Tom Truax RamyYanetz Herb Seidenberg John Scott Vince Endter Russ Brown Tony Deleo Mark Poustinchian Dave Brandt Bruce Barmakian Jon James Scott Angel Rita Edris Dennis Cavagnaro Bill Belcourt Bill Buffam Deane Williams Pete Lehmann Chris Zimmerman E.J. Steele Davis Straub Kevin Frost Tom Flynn Thomas Blan Tim McIntyre

Wing

Score

FW PG SP RW FW RW RW RW RW RW RW FW FW SP RW PG FW RW FW FW FW RW RW FW FW FW

4855 4065.6 4047 3986.41 2773.7 2567.6 2493 2349.7 2072.22 1754.55 1712.5 1688 1496.93 1251 1245 1241 1231.67 1093.02 851 813.95 777.03 664 647 368 269 26

Submitted Records For 2001 Site

Pilot

Wing Record

Aspen Rd., Pete FW Lehmann WY Caledonia, Dave RW MN Brandt Ellenville Mt., Deane RW NY Williams Garlock, CA Herb RW Seidenberg Hearne, TX Mark RW Poustinchian Hearne, TX Chris FW Zimmerman Hearne, TX Multiple RW Pilots

Hollister, CA Ramy SP Yanetz Hollister, CA Ramy SP Yanetz Mike FW Jacks Mountain, PA Neuman King Mt., ID Scot Huber FW (OR) Laguna Mt., Jerz FW Rossignol CA Matthew PG Marshall/ Crestline, CA Carter Mt. Olympus, Bill PG UT Belcourt Peters Tim FW Mtn,WV Donovan PG Plowshares, Chad CA Bastian Quest Air, FL Mark RW Poustinchian RW Quest Air, FL Mark Poustinchian FW Ridgely, MD Ric Niehaus Squaw Peak, Kevin Frost RW ID St. John, CA Scot Huber FW Walts Point, Tom Truax PG Owens Valley Whitecap, David FW ME Hopkins Winnemucca, Scot Huber FW NV FW Zapata, TX Manfred

330Mi. (OR) 226Mi. 61.5 Mi. 112 Mi. 166Mi. 112 Kms 54Mi. llOMi. 55.5 Mi. 225Mi. 108 Mi. (OR) 76.3Mi. 71.7 Mi. 65.6Mi. 145 Mi. 68Mi. 76.6Mi. 700.80 Kms

New RW Records Set At FW Sites Squaw Peak, Kevin Frost 71.7 Mi. ID 122.1 Mi. Mt. Ascutney, Dennis VT Cavagnaro Morningside Deane Williams 93.7Mi. Tow Park, NH

205 Mi.

129 Mi.

New Records That Qualify Sites For Future Contests Blackhawk, TomTruax PG 61 Mi. CA

120Mi.

T = Triangle, OR= Out-and-Return

51.7 Mi.

242Mi. 215 Mi. 105 Mi. (T)

wenty-nine of the reports (36%) were about incidents. Incidents are broadly defined as any outcome of a flight that was not intended by the pilot but did not result in an injury. Fifty-one of the reports (64%) were about accidents, which are defined as any incident resulting in an injury to the passenger or pilot. Paul Klemond, former USHGA Paragliding Accident Review Committee Chairman, previously had estimated that only one in four accidents are reported to USHGA. It is clear that underreporting continues to be an issue. Accidents that result in serious injury are more likely to be reported than accidents with minor injuries, or incidents in which injury is avoided. Because of this, the annual accident summary likely overestimates the severity of injuries. In medical research this is known as a reporting bias. Pilots who are involved in incidents or minorinjury accidents are encouraged to report these, even if they seem inconsequential, so we can develop more meaningful statistics regarding the types of injuries and their severity. In prior years the phases of flight were limited to kiting, launching, in-flight, or landing. Kiting means that the pilot is clipped in but did not intend to leave the ground. This year, an attempt was made to classify launching accidents by whether they occurred during the takeoffphase (set-up, building a wall, kiting and launching) or departure (from leaving the ground until established in flight). Landing accidents were also classified based on whether they occurred as a result of problems during approach, or problems occurring in the actual LZ. A separate category was also added for accidents occurring during intentional aerobatics. Only

2001 UoS. Paragliding Accident Summary by Jim Little UimLittle@mac.com)

USHGA received 80 reports of incidents and accidents in 2001. This represented a substantial increase ftom the 43 reports received the previous year, which appears to be due to improved reporting by pilots and not an increase in the accident rate.

one report attributed the primary reason for the accident to aerobatics. Several other reports made by witnesses or pilots implied that intentional aerobatics were a contributing factor. The increase in in-flight accidents in 2000 appears to have been spurious, although redefining the categories to include "departure" and "approach" accidents may account for some of this variation. Of the in-flight accidents, at least 19 (83%) happened when a collapse occurred and the pilot was close to the ground. Several of these pilots stated in retrospect that they knew they were flying too close, and felt the collapse would have been

easily recoverable if they had been at a higher altitude. Of accidents occurring on launch, 19 out of 25 (64%) occurred while the pilot was on the ground or immediately after liftoff. The primary cause of75% of the accidents occurring on launch was a poorly inflated canopy. Launching in strong winds or crosswinds are common contributing factors (see the discussion of factors below). Two launch accidents were reported by pilots who stated that lines snagged on leg-mounted varios. Pilots should take precautions to prevent their varios or other equipment from catching lines during launch. Landing accidents account for 38% of all accidents, and are evenly divided between those occurring due to problems during approach or failure to plan the approach, and those occurring on landing PARAGLIDING

in the intended LZ. The most common factors in landing are: collision with obstacles in the LZ; a poorly planned approach; landing outside the intended LZ; turbulence or thermals on approach; and turning low to the ground (see below). NATURE AND SEVERITY OF INJURIES Here is the breakdown of injuries for the past several years: Severity of Injuries Fracture Sprain Laceration Bruise Minor Unknown Dislocation

2001 Qty 33 10 3 11 1 4 3

% 65% 20% 6% 22% 2% 8% 6%

Again, we have tried to add more detail to the statistics this year by specifying more precisely which body part was injured. Totals given for arm and leg injuries exceed the numbers reported for specific parts because some pilots did not specify the exact location of the injury. The severity of reported injuries is likely overestimated due to reporter bias (see discussion above). Many pilots do not report minor injuries such as cuts, bruises and sprains. There were a total of 51 injury accidents reported. Thirty-five pilots (44%) sought care in an emergency department or from their physicians, and 23 accidents resulted in overnight stays in the hospital (29%). It is remarkable that no serious head injuries were reported last year, and 100% of the accident reports stated that the pilot was wearing a helmet. Good work pilots! This is a testimonial to the benefits of using appropriate safety equipment. Paragliding accidents result in an unacceptably high number of severe back injuries. Twelve of the 20 back injuries reported last year resulted in fractures (60%). While most of these spine fractures do not result in permanent neurological damage, they are painful, expensive, and involve long recoveries. Some of these accidents resulted in prolonged hospital stays, neurological damage and longterm disability to the pilots. Pilots, equipment manufacturers and instructors should make reducing back injuries their JUNE

2002

highest priority. Prior studies by equipment manufacturers and the DHV have shown that wearing a foam back protector reduces the frequency and severity of back injuries. One accident report noted that a student in training injured his back using a harness with a rigid back protector. Pilots and instructors should be aware that rigid back protectors have been shown to increase the risk of spinal injury. These back protectors should be replaced with the soft foam type. Leg injuries were the second most common types of injuries. Twelve of the 27 leg injuries reported (44%) were fractures. Fractures of the talus and calcaneus (bones in the heel) and complex tibia/fibula fractures accounted for prolonged recovery for several pilots. These types of fractures may require multiple surgeries and extended time in a wheelchair or crutches to heal. Studies of footwear by military skydivers show that the severity of foot and ankle injuries can be reduced by proper footwear with adequate lateral support. One pilot who fractured his ankle reported that the injury occurred in tennis shoes and may have been avoided with correct footwear. Studies by sport and military skydivers have consistently shown that correct PLF technique can reduce the frequency of back and leg injuries. Several injured pilots reported that they landed with legs extended, and others commented that a correct PLF might have prevented their injuries. One very experienced instructor pilot walked away from an accident on mountainous terrain after a correct PLF. Pilots should be prepared to perform a PLF on every landing, and should practice the technique frequently to ensure that it will be done properly and instinctively when necessary. One resource for information about PLF technique is: http :I I safety. army. mil/ messages/ parachu te_landings. html. FATALITIES There were no paragliding fatalities reported in 2001 resulting from unpowered foot-launched flight. This continues the downward trend since 1998 for paragliding fatalities. Year 2001 2000 1999

# Fatalities 0 1 1

1998 1997 1996

4 4 4

There was one fatality reported to USHGA last year involving a paramotor pilot. Since paramotor accidents have not been previously included in the overall accident statistics, this fatality is not listed in the table above. However, the contributing factors of this accident are worthy of mention. The fatality occurred when the pilot locked into a spiral dive while doing intentional aerobatics at low altitude over water, without a rescue boat or flotation devices. The pilot was unable to escape from his harness after hitting the water and drowned. This pilot had reportedly attended a maneuvers training clinic, and several witnesses who knew the pilot said they had warned him about doing aerobatics at low altitude without proper safety equipment. Aerobatics appear to be growing in popularity among paraglider pilots, and this fatality imparts several important lessons: Aerobatics close to the water or the ground, without attention to proper safety and rescue equipment, can be fatal. Unfortunately, as of April 2002, there has already been one fatal paragliding accident in the United States. Let's do our best to make that the only fatality this year. P2 pilots accounted for a greater overall percentage of the incidents reported this year at 36%. Seventeen percent of incidents involved student pilots, which is a decrease from last year. Twelve incidents (15% of the total) were reported to occur to a student while under instruction. Several instructors are very diligent about reporting incidents involving students, so accidents under instruction may be reported more commonly than accidents among certified pilots. Unfortunately, we have very little reliable denominator data on which to base calculations of accident rates. Ideally, we would be able to calculate the number of accidents per 1,000 flights, or the number of accidents per flight hour. One statistic that is available is the number of active USHGA members holding each rating. Using this as a rough approximation, the number of accidents per 100 pilots with each rating was calculated. This reveals that accident rates are essentially equivalent for each rating from Pl through P4.

The relatively high rate seen for P5 's is not statistically significant since there are so few P5's in the denominator. Or, perhaps the aviation axiom holds true: "There are old P5's, and there are bold P5's, but there are no old, bold P5's"! The average number of flights (when reported) for pilots involved in incidents was 280. The average number of hours of flying time was 139. The average number of years of experience was 3.25. WING RATING For the reports that included information about the wing, here are the DHV ratings for those wings: WingDHV Rating

9 28 16 4 9

11% 35% 20% 5% 11%

1-2 2 2-3 other

Since we don't know how many wings in each category are in use, or how many flight hours these wings experience each year, it is impossible to draw conclusions about the relative rate of accidents in each category. DHV 1-2 wings may be more likely than other types to be involved in accidents, only because they are much more common or are flown more often.

FACTORS Most accidents are the result of several contributing factors. See chart I for a summary of commonly reported factors leading to accidents in 2001. Several factors are common contributors to a large number of accidents. Poorly inflated canopies on takeoff contributed to 20% of the total accidents, and were a major factor in nearly all the accidents that occurred while launching. Strong wind played a role in 20% of accidents, and 9% of accidents occurred when pilots were "blown back" after launching. In nearly all of the strong-wind reports, the pilot or witnesses reported that they "knew conditions were too strong," or "other pilots weren't flying because of the strong conditions." Pilots attributed a few other accidents to causes other than wind speed, but their estimates of wind speed were in excess of 18 mph on the ground at launch. It is likely that high wind was a factor in these accidents, although the pilot may not have recognized that fact. There were seven collisions with power lines and one collision with a chairlift cable last year (10% of total reports). Two pilots were seriously burned and had prolonged hospital stays after colliding with high-voltage lines. Four other pilots sustained less serious injuries. Six of the seven power-line incidents occurred in strong conditions when the pilot was either blown back on launch or misjudged his glide on approach to the LZ. There

have been two fatalities in the U.S. in prior years resulting from power-line accidents. Paraglider pilots don't demonstrate adequate respect for power lines. Power lines are a permanent, immovable hazard that are present at many flying sites. We can safely assume that none of these seven pilots intended to land in a power line when they launched, yet these pilots all failed to provide an adequate margin of safety. Crashing into power lines also puts our sites, the financial security ofUSHGA, and our future as a self-regulated sport in jeopardy. At least three of the power-line incidents were reported prominently on television newscasts and in local newspapers. Most in-flight accidents that result in injuries are the result of turbulence and subsequent deflations that occur when flying too close to the ground. Although several pilots reported encounters with turbulence or deflations occurring at altitude, none of these incidents resulted in an injury. Unintentional deflations, stalls, spins and spirals played a role in 39 incidents and accidents (49%). Avoiding flying close to the ground provides a margin of safety when turbulence is encountered, and decreases your chance of encountering rotor from ground sources. Midair collisions accounted for two reported incidents, but no injuries last year. One of these midair collisions involved a radio-controlled glider collidPARAGLIDING

ing with the lines of a paraglider. Anecdotally, other midair incidents are known to have occurred (including one other involving an RC glider) but were not reported to USHGA. There were two reported incidents that resulted from failure to buckle harness straps. Last year, neither incident resulted in an injury. In previous years, pilots weren't so lucky, and these types of accidents have accounted for several serious injuries and fatalities. One of these pilots reported that the newer "fail-safe" style of harness buckles that connects the leg and chest straps prevented an injury. Seven reports attributed accidents to "stale" skills or lack of pilot currency. In future versions of the accident report form we plan to collect data on the number of flights in the past 90 days to try to evaluate how significant this factor is in contributing to accidents. Statistics from powered aviation suggest that rusty piloting skills are likely a contributing factor in many more accidents. Obstacles on launch or in the LZ accounted for 13 injury accidents (16% of total). U.S. pilots who fly in Europe frequently observe that the launches and LZ's are often larger and have had many more obstacles removed. In the U.S., landowner issues and liability often limit our ability to sanitize our sites when it comes to obstacles. The more we can reduce the number of objects in launch areas and LZ's, the less likely we are to be injured when a poorly inflated takeoff or turbulence results in a collapse near the ground. TANDEM INCIDENTS There were only four reported tandem incidents in 2001, with a total of five injuries to the pilot or passenger. One resulted in a fractured ankle for the student pilot, two resulted in minor cuts and bruises, and one did not result in injury. None of the tandem accidents involved a reserve deployment. PLEASE CONTINUE TO REPORT YOUR INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS! There has been a gratifying increase in the number of reported incidents and accidents this year and last, not because more accidents are happening, but because more pilots are reporting. The JUNE

2002

increased rate of reporting correlates directly with the implementation this year of an online form for accident reporting, now available at: http://www.ushga.org/ emailacc.asp. Sixtyfour of the 80 reports received last year were electronically submitted. Thanks to Steve Roti, the new Paragliding Accident Committee Chair, for his work in developing the online reporting form. Paper accident report forms are still available from USHGA, and are downloadable in pdf format for Adobe Acrobat from the USHGA website. One interesting phenomenon has been noted about accident reports. Pilots often report incidents publicly in various online e-mail discussions or newsgroups. Several pilots claimed they had reported these incidents to USHGA, but no report was ever received. It is as if these pilots felt obliged to state that they had reported their incident. Perhaps they are acknowledging that reporting accidents is the right thing to do, but for some reason they failed to do so. Hopefully, the new online report forms will make it easier for pilots to follow through with their promises to report! Remember, accident reports are confidential. The names of the pilots and reporters are optional, and are removed from the data after it is received. It only takes a few minutes of your time, and may help another pilot avoid the accident that you experienced. To promote voluntary accident reporting, USHGA will give you a five-dollar merchandise coupon for every accident report you submit. Thanks, and have a safe and wonderful year of flying in 2002!

The USHGA Paragliding Accident Committee has been reorganized for 2002. Steve Roti (steveroti@hotmail.com) has taken on the role ofParagliding Accident Committee Chair. Pete Reagan (reaganp@mac.com) continues in his role, writing accident reports for the magazine, assisted by Tim Pfeiffer. Jim Little has taken over the annual statistics collection and reporting UimLittle@mac.com). Jim is a family physician and P3 pilot in Portland, Oregon. Ill

Paragliding by Dave Verbois

"Could I interest you in Brazil?" said the e-mail.from my .friend, john Hamm, who lives in Pittsburgh. Now, I don't exactly have round heels but it took all ofthree seconds to determine, "Yep, snow is still around my cabin, the temperature is in the teens and Brazil will be warm. " y reply, "What do you have in mind?" was in conjunction with expediting my passport ro a visa service in San Francisco. (If you are able ro visit a Brazilian consulate yourself you can pick up a visa for about $45. Otherwise, you can choose a visa service company ro walk your passport over for the necessary stamp. I used Brazil Fiesta Tours in San Francisco, whose $95 fee included the cost of the visa as well as their service.) I flew from Seattle to New York a few days early to visit my daughter and get a jump on the time differential which, during Brazilian daylight savings, is six hours ahead of Pacific rime. Ir changes back ro a five-hour difference in mid-February. John and I rook a red-eye flight from JFK non-stop ro Sao Paulo, continuing ro Belo Horizonte with an arrival there at 2:00 PM. Since the next flight from Belo Horizonre to Governador Valadares was not until 7:00 PM we chose surface transportation. Air-conditioned taxis cost $60

each and rook four and a half hours. There is also bus service available from rhe airport to the bus depot for less than rwo dollars for the approximately onehour ride. From there, one may connect to a bus bound for Governador Valadares and a five-hour ride that will cost you less than $15. Governador Valadares is a non-industrialized rown with a population of 300,000. The food is good and reasonably priced, the coffee is strong, the views are always great, and there is a va riery of hotels from which to choose. Bus transportation is clean , frequent and efficient. Many people commute via bicycle, and consequently numerous bike paths extend throughout the rown and into the suburbs. Two Internet-access providers are located downtown on Avenue Minas Gerais. One is next door to the Realminas Hotel, a very nice accommodation rhar supporrs paragliding acriviry and is frequented by many pilots. I enjoyed both the Realminas and the Hotel Sperms, a

RIGHT Playing with the kids. ABOVE: Launch from cloud base. INSET Scott Northey (Northwest pilot) at base. Photos by Steve Wilson .

PARAGLIDING

new hotel located a short bus ride from the heart of town, where nightly single accommodations, including a great breakfast, costs less than $14. Conveniently, adapters are not required as the electric current in Governador is 110 volts. The designated LZ is situated at the edge of town contiguous to the Rio Doce, a muddy, wide river rushing to the Atlantic. Landing here will place you within hiking distance of most hotels and even closer to food and something cold to drink. The LZ is also close to the only bank in town which displays a Plus logo on two cash machines primed to spit out the requested number of Reals. The Real (singular pronunciation, "Hay Ow" two or more, "Hay Eyes") is the monetary unit of Brazil. The LZ is large, grass covered and exempt from the no-fly zone that extends over town and to the airport (check out the map on launch) but it has one problem: It's on the wrong side of Rio Doce. However, local pilots will gladly point out several bailouts on the launch side of the Rio Doce. I overheard one pilot who is familiar with the area recommend that a pilot be at approximately 1,500' MSL (1,000' AGL) prior to encroaching on the river. I ended up burning off at least 2,000' of altitude each of the two times I landed there. Several strong, rugged, flatbed Mercedes trucks are parked at the square just up from the LZ each morning (weather permitting) in readiness for a one-hour trip to launch. The plangent clanking of their diesel engines signals a 10:00 AM departure during daylight savings time and falls back to 9:00 AM during standard time. Arrive early if you wish to have a seat on one of the wooden planks spanning the width and extending to about midpoint of the flatbed. During competitions the fee for the ride is compliments of the town of Governador Valadares. Pretty nice gesture! Other times, have R$10,00 (less than five dollars) ready for the driver. Once on launch, introduce yourself to the club launch director. He will need to record information from your USHGA card, get your signature and collect a fee of R$20,00 for up to a month of flying. After reviewing the site rules and checking out the no-fly zone map you are set to enjoy the area. And enjoy it you will! The predictable and consistent halcyon ther-

PARAGLIDING

TOP LEFT: john Hamm preparing to launch. Photo by Robin Anthony. ABOVE: Kiting on launch. Photo by Steve Wilson. FAR LEFT: Enthusiastic Brazilian children. Photo by Richard Kocurek. LEFT: Thumbs up - a happy local pilot. Photo by Richard Kocurek. Bc'LOW: The setup area. Photo by Steve Wilson.

JUNE

2002

mals will have you in lotus land almost every time you fly. Cloud base was relatively low while I was there, so flying in a T-shirt and shorts was comfortable. The one day I did reach somewhat cold air at 7,600' (4,300' over launch) turned out to be the only occasion I needed to wear a flight suit. That usually works the other way around, doesn't it? This is a great site for pilots who are just beginning to thermal, as well as for experienced pilots to hone their skills. My friend, John, experienced the thrill of his first brief thermal flight, and later in the week had gained enough experience to go on a wonderful two and a half-hour, ninemile adventure. I laughed as John, with miles behind him during his superb flight, patiently circled upward in his fourth or fifth gentle thermal and radioed, "I feel as ifI'm on auto-pilot." That analogy just about sums up the type of thermals that can be found in Governador Valadares. John racked up a total of six hours with 12 flights while in GV The people of Governador Valadares are extremely warm and friendly. Here

are several examples of the wonderful cultural exchanges in which I was fortunate to take part. • While hiking up from the LZ one afternoon I was approached by a man and his 12-year-old daughter. Both shook my hand while the daughter spoke to me in clear, concise English and said, "Thank you for coming here to fly." • John and I ordered sandwiches-to-go one morning at a local cafe. We requested that the shopkeeper place our sliced tomatoes in a separate bag rather than on the sandwich. Three blocks later, en route to the pickup point, I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was the shopkeeper tracking us down with the bag of sliced tomatoes, which had not been placed in our sack. • AB I landed one afternoon in a narrow pathway of high grass I looked up to see a young boy fast approaching on his bicycle. Skidding to a stop and jumping from his bike, he placed both arms out-

ward mimicking horns and exclaimed, "the bull, the bull," then quickly picked up his bike and hurriedly returned from whence he came. I thought I had distanced myself far enough from one very large Brahma bull, spotted on approach, but now this kid had me thinking quite differently. I quickly released my leg straps, bunched my wing and hustled after him down the path. At the end of the path I met the family, who had witnessed my descent and sent their son to alert me. The father, with gestures and sign language, convinced me that that I had just escaped the pasture of one mean bull. • Another afternoon, as a group of us were making our way back into town, piled about 15 strong in the back of the above-mentioned flatbed, a police officer at a checkpoint advised the driver that he could not transport passengers who were seated in the back of an open truck over a major highway. Our driver apologetically motioned us off the truck, and as we began hiking I realized

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(from a previous landing) chat we were less than a mile from a small, grassy area where one could obtain bus service. Arriving there, our group was greeted with smiles and excitement by three small boys who lived nearby. One nineyear-old, named Gabriel, approached me and asked if I happened to land in chat area, would I choose him to help with my wing. I thought, "Kid, if you have the moxie co ask for business, especially in such a happy and friendly way, then yes, you've got it." Mind you, our conversation and business agreement was conducted mainly with gestures, sign language and a very minimal amount of Portuguese. While waiting for the bus, my many years of coaching and playing soccer soon kicked in and Gabriel and I went two-versus-two against his pals. So what if our ball was an empry plastic 7-Up boccie? The kids had fun and so did I. • Days later I was a few miles south of launch with cloud base low and rain on the horizon. I had the area where

Gabriel lived in sight and wondered if he and his friends were around. I began searching the faces of che kids crowding around as I touched down, when a smiling Gabriel stepped forward and pointed to himself as if to remind me chat he

was che one. His smile grew larger as I pointed to him and exclaimed, "Mi amigo!" It became obvious that Gabriel had never helped fold a wing, and some of the older kids began to tease him. I cold him and the group that it was not a

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JUNE 2002

1111

TOP LEFT: A local boy performs magic tricks for our group. Photo by Steve Wilson. TOP, ABOVE, LEFT: Launch scenes. Photos by john Hamm.

problem and that he was doing a good job. He quickly caught on and soon my gear was packed away. As I unfolded a R$ l ,OO and extended it to Gabriel I could hardly believe his actions as he backed away while waving his hands, palms outward to me, telling me, "No thank you, no thank you." I was quite touched by his behavior and wondered if this reaction was because we had played soccer together, because I had taught him how to fold a wing, or because Gabriel is a neat, happy kid who just wanted to help. 0

The day before I left Governador I took a bus ride to visit Gabriel and his friends. A short walk brought me in

view of him and his two friends who rushed over to greet me, their faces becoming even more bright when they spotted the soccer ball I was carrying. Once again, Gabriel and I teamed up for a brief two-versus-two soccer game. We talked for a while as I explained that I would leave by bus the next day for Belo Horizonte, and from there I would fly back to the U.S. As I turned to go, I placed the soccer ball in Gabriel's hands. Oh the joy, the innocence of youth! Until that moment the kids thought I had brought the ball over just to kick around. "For me?" he asked. "Yes, for you and your friends," I answered. Not since my own two children were of toyland age have I witnessed such surprise

and wonderment on the face of a child. Gabriel reached out with a firm handshake and a maturity far exceeding his young age, looked me in the eyes and said, "Vayas con Dios." The thermals in GV are great! However, new thermals will replace the memory of previous thermals and new low saves will replace the memory of previous low saves, but I suspect the memory of a special little boy in Brazil will not be replaced. Will you have a fun time flying in Governador Valadares? My bet is that you will. You may even have the pleasure of meeting someone like Gabriel. IR

PARAGLIDING

USHGA is issuing its annual call for nominations to the national Board of Directors. Ten positions are open for election in October 2002 for a two-year term beginning January 2003. Candidates must be nominated by at least three current USHGA members residing in the candidates' region. Nominations must be received at the USHGA office by July 20, 2002.

Nominations are needed in the following regions. The current Directors, whose terms are up for reelection in 2003 are:

Current Director Bill Bolosky Ray Leonard David Jebb Mark Ferguson Nominations are not needed in Region 5 for this election. Nominations are not needed in Region 6 for this election. Bill Bryden

Douglas Sharpe

Felipe Amunategui

Tiki Mashy

Nominations are not needed in Region 11 for this election. Paul Voight

Reg# 1 2 3 4

5 6

States within region Alaska, Oregon, Washington Northern California, Nevada Southern California, Hawaii Arizona, Colorado, El Paso TX, New Mexico, Utah Idaho, Montana, Wyoming Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Arkansas Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont Washington DC, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico Texas (excluding El Paso), Louisiana New Jersey, New York

Ballots will be distributed with the October issue of HANG GLIDING and PARAGLIDING magazines. USHGA needs the very best volunteers to help guide the safe development and growth of the sports. Forward candidate material for receipt no later than July 20th to: USHGA, PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901-1330. USHGA members seeking position on the ballot should send to headquarters for receipt no later than August 20, 2002 the following information: name and USHGA number, photo and resume (one page containing the candidate's hang/paragliding activities and viewpoints, written consent to be nominated and that they will serve if elected). The following form is for your convenience. ****************************************************************************************** REGIONAL DIRECTOR ELECTION NOMINATION FORM I hereby nominate__________________________ as a candidate for Regional Director for Region # _ _ _ __

I understand that his/her name will be placed on the Official Ballot for the 2003

Regional Director Election if three nominations are received at the USHGA office by July 20, 2002.

Introducing The 2002 U.S. Paragliding Owens Valley, California, Septe r

ABOVE: Gaggle at Paiute launch, looking south toward Gunter launch. LEFT: Kari Castle and Chad Bastian caught this thermal with a sailplane over Silver Canyon, taking it all the way to 15K !JVSET: Waiting/or stronger cydes at Flynns launch, looking across Bishop at the Sierra Nevada. FAR RIGHT: Following Kari Castle south toward Black Mountain at 14,000 feet.

Youve heard the stories, and you may even have a few ofyour own. They are all about record altitude gains from Paiute or magical glassoffi at Flynns. There are tall tales offlights into Nevada or leaving huge thermals to land next to a hot spring near the foot ofMammoth.

ith years of magical Owens Valley flying memories of their own, Meet Organizers Chad Bastian and Lee Anne Norris couldn't help but believe that the Owens Valley would be the most compelling location for the 2002 U.S. Paragliding National Championships. Encompassing America's deepest valley

PARAGLIDING

National Championships her 20-28, 2002 7::~:.;;:,z::

and two of its highest and wildest mountain ranges, the Owens Valley and its flying represent a mystical combination in every seasoned pilot's mind. Yet, even the most accomplished paraglider pilots must temper their dreams of flying the Owens and setting personal records with the realization chat chis valley will demand their full attention and challenge their every flying skill.

JUNE

2002

Simply put, flying the Owens is amazing and challenging - cross-country flying at its best! Experienced competitors will be looking forward to the thermal conditions and cross-country potential chat is to be expected here. However, if you're newer to competition you may wonder if chis is a competition for you. Stories of gliders fly-

ing in the Owens can seem intense and intimidating to a relatively new paraglider pilot. Such was the case in 1995 for X-C neophyte Chad Bastian. He recalls that while contemplating enrollment in a fall thermaling clinic with Kari Castle, a single question kept coming to mind, "If Owens Valley thermals can tumble a hang glider what could they do to a paraglider?" He broached the subject, and with Kari's explanation he was reassured. "While summer can be ballistic in the Owens Valley, fall is the perfect time to paraglide the Whites. The lift at this time of year is usually fat, smooth and great for getting high and going far." The proof is in the flying. On the first day of that thermaling clinic, Josh Cohn (assistant clinic instructor and wind dummy) and Chad proceeded to work the lift along the range from Flynns to Benton, some 27 X-C miles - not a bad introduction to the Owens and certainly one to set the mood for flights to come. And they have come. Chad has flown the Owens every fall since that first clinic and has shared the experience with dozens of other pilots. Each new season has brought longer flights and new accomplishments. Now it's your turn. The Owens Valley is known for its "big air" and will command a great deal of respect. Still, competition conditions are expected to be appropriate for accomplished P4 pilots ready for their first competition, as well as tested X-C masters. The 2002 U.S. Paragliding Nationals will undoubtedly provide abundant opportunities for pilots to break individual, state and even national paragliding records. While the Owens offers a number of notable launches, only one provides the

PARAGLIDING

lt.;~1:1~et. Organizers hope that pa.·rticipa·t·ih. g..·. tl?. t.s,v.olµn···.·;~·'·e.·•. ~r:s il'I~their T.families Valky and all;1t has<t6 offer;

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How about a hike and pkrtk in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine trees were ancient even in medieval times. They are the oldest r:ei:::o.r,rea uv1n things . qnearth,$ome }1.avig.g,been dated back more Ancient, B.d~tlecone Pirre Visito1tCenter at Schulman Urov<~·fe:at1.;u:e11;e,1tte11st,r1e . . . ~,.,;,,:,11;.l',,,,, d':isplays i:hadelltH.e story of these amazing trees.

walls? Then experience. cllmbJri,g ·uis,;;x>:,'i\Y of Bishop, anqQw,e ••

conditions required to meet the needs of 100 of the U.S. and world's top pilots. Gunter will be the primary launch for this event. Gunter launch (N37oo28.097' Wl 18 00 15.802' at 8,338 feet MSL) is approximately in the middle of the White Mountain Range, allowing tasks to be called both to the north and the south. Transportation to launch will be provided on a set schedule with four-wheel-drive

JUNE

2002

vehicles and buses. (Since this is a difficult, single-lane road, only limited, prearranged access will be available to private 4WD vehicles.) The entire valley, at approximately 4,000 feet MSL, is characterized by flat alluvial fans below the steep, rocky mountain range. Thermal activity is strong and predictable. Almost every knob, rock and ridge will be a reliable lift source, making

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extensive cross-country flights possible. A highway runs from one end of the valley to the other, allowing retrieval to be easily coordinated. Even if a long task is called into Nevada, participants can choose to fly "IFR" (I Follow Roads) for easy retrieval. The meet will provide a number of retrieval vehicles, but competitors are also encouraged to arrange for private chase when possible. Often, fall flying days in the Owens Valley are "blue," that is, without clouds. While cloud streets are helpful, blue days are without the limitation of maintaining cloud clearance, thus allowing pilots to ascend as high as the lift and the legal limit allow them to go. Anticipating such high climbs, oxygen equipment is strongly recommended for this competition. Meet Director J.C. Brown will join the task committee each morning to decide what route is most appropriate for that day's predicted weather. The task for each race-to-goal (with or without turnpoints) will be announced at the morning pilots meeting. Safety Director Mark Axen has a great deal of experience in the Owens Valley, having directed the Paragliding Nationals in 1993 and having flown and trained hang glider pilots in the area for years. His valued judgment will be a great asset. Flight verification and scoring, by Peter Gray, will be computerized, using the Compe-GPS program. GPS receivers com-

patible with Compe-GPS are required equipment for all competitors. All Garmin, MLR and Top Navigator GPS receivers are compatible with Compe-GPS. Pilots not using Garmin GPS receivers must provide their own data-transfer cables. The mapping/scoring system is based on WGS84 Datum and the required format for report-

ing landing position is, for example, N28°15.190' W081 °41.088'. Compatible backup GPS receivers are permitted. If the atmosphere and learning opportunities of this competition are compelling, but you are not yet a P4 pilot or you are not ready to compete, ample volunteer opportunities abound, and all of our vol-

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PARAGLI D ING

unteers will be included in the competition's festivities. It is hard to imagine a better classroom than a chase vehicle that just picked up a top-ranked pilot after a stunning cross-country flight. A,; a retrieval driver you can count on hearing the details that make or break each top-scoring flight, giving you the opportunity to learn from the best. Noc into driving? Whether you are a consummate host(ess) who enjoys coordinating chose last-minute party

details, or cannor chink of anything more awe inspiring than the rainbow gaggle of paragliders that forms above launch, this competition needs your skill and enthusiasm. The 2002 U.S. Paragliding Nationals in the world-renowned Owens Valley will be the most exciting and visual event of the year. With 100 of the top paragliding pilots competing from around the world, here is an opportunity to promote your company and produces to the pilots who sec the trends. Your company can be part

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of this extraordinary event. Sponsors are encouraged to participate in making this event the best ever. Whether you are planning to be a competitor, volunteer or sponsor, now is the time co plan your part in chis year's premier paragliding event. You can find more information at http://www.flyaboveall.com/2002nacs/, e-mail the Meet Organizers at Nars@flyaboveall.com, or

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JUNE

2002

•

• by Kim Galvin, photos courtesy S. Ayhan Tune!

Eat, drink, sleep, paraglide -

repeat daily. That is my prescription for

the perfect vacation. Oludeniz is still my favorite place on earth, but after 80 flights from Babadag over the past five years, Mike Eberle and I

decided that we should check out other flying sites in southwestern Turkey. n September 2001 we learned that two of our good friends from Sky Sports (the premier paragliding company in Oli.ideniz) had set up a shop in Kas (rhymes with posh). Assured of transportation to and from the flying site, and local knowledge of both the flying and the extracurricular activities, we rented a car and drove to Kas. Kas is a charming town in the "Turkish Rivera," lying between the mountains

and the Mediterranean Sea. Unlike Oli.ideniz, a beach resort that is only open during the summer months, Kas has its own economy and is open year round. It has a busy little harbor filled with fishing boats, gullets and yachts. It offers excellent sailing and is famous for its diving. The beaches are all on the outskirts of town, and they tend to be small and pebbly, but there are many fascinating day trips you can make from Kas.

PARAGLIDING

Formerly Antiphellos ("phellos" is the Greek word for stony place), Kas was founded 2,500 years ago, and ancient Lycian rock tombs, sarcophagi and an amphitheater (a great thermal-trigger, by the way) remain. You can meander through the palm-lined streets of Kas, sropping to look at the hisroric houses with their Ottoman wooden balconies and checking out the shops with souvenirs, handicrafts, leather goods, copper and silver items, cotton clothing, spices and, of course, handmade carpets. There are a number of excellent restaurants, specializing in seafood and Turkish cuisine, as well as moderately priced hotels and inexpensive and accommodating pensions (we paid about $11 for a clean and quiet room for two, with a private bath and breakfast). They have a lively nightlife (bars and discos) during the summer tourist season. It takes about an hour and a half to drive from Oliideniz to Kas. The two closest airports are in Dalaman (l 50 kilometers) and Antalya (190 kilometers). Rental cars can be expensive, ranging from $30 to $80 per day, but buses are an inexpensive and convenient alternative to driving. Once you get there, Sky Sports provides rides to launch and from the LZ for less than five dollars. Their trucks go up every couple of hours and the ride takes approximately 40 minutes. It is not difficult to arrange for an inexpensive chase vehicle and driver if you are committed to going cross-country. Although Kas' history goes back to the sixth century B.C., the history of paragliding in Kas has only recently been written. Arif Buhara and Arslan Ozturkmen run the paragliding business there. Originally a skydiver, Arif was on

JUNE

2002

RIGHT- Local pilot Arslan Ozturkmen.

the national skydiving team for two years before discovering paragliding. He has more than 1,000 jumps and over 2,500 paragliding flights. He won first place in the Oliideniz Air Games aerobatics competition in 2000 and he took third place in 2001. Arslan also got his start in skydiving. Like other pioneers of paragliding, Arslan first tried to fly by footlaunching his skydiving parachute. He and a couple of his friends taught themselves to fly paragliders in 1990. Arslan has around 600 jumps and nearly 4,500 paragliding flights (2,500 hours of solo and tandem airtime). The governor

Long-Range Soarcasting by Davis Straub

In my last article I showed you how to answer the question, "Will it be soarable?" Now, we'll look at the question, "Will it be soarable enough to fly for a long distance?" Thus the reference to "long-range," in the title.

he Internet provides hang glider pilots with immense power when it comes to forecasting the weather. Rank amateurs can now abuse weather prediction models that were once available only to professional forecasters. No need for you to forbear. Big distances require big \Veat'1er features. You ca11,t go far if things change halfway through the flight. Hang gliders are pretty darn slow, relative to the normal winds. Therefore, a good wind can be a major component in a hang glider's average speed over the ground. So, the first things you want to look for are the major weather features. There are plenty of places to find large-scale weather maps which show the fronts, the highs and the lows. You'll find forecasts at: http://www.intellicasr.com/LocalWeather/World/UnitedStates/Fore castTomorrow/, http://weather.unisys.com/index.hcml, or http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/94fgif

At the 2001 Flytec World Record Encampment we were looking for a high pressure to dominate the Gulf of Mexico and provide south-southeast winds in southeast Texas. We also wanted to check to see if there was an east-west front that would affect the flight later in the day in the panhandle. Figure 1 shows a high on the eastern side of the Gulf of Mexico, which indicates that there will be clockwise winds and therefore southeast winds in southeast Texas. There is an occluded front in the panhandle that will rum the winds. Also, the low on the northern border indicates a counterclockwise flow that would stop a long flight.

The next step is to look at the prediction for surface winds and winds aloft. We're looking for winds in a consistent direction. We'd also like to have the surface winds and the winds aloft going in the same direction - stacked. This promotes our chances of getting cloud streets. The \.Vindcast is our first choice for surface-wind forecasts. For example, http://www.intellicast.com/Local/USLocalStd.asp?loc=ksat&seg=L ocalWeather&prodgrp= Forecasts&product=WINDcast&prodnav=dO_l 2. Next, we look at the 850 mb (5,000') winds. Go to hrrp://weather.unisys.com/index.html, Unisys Weather, click the "Era Model" under Forecasts on the left, click "850 mb plots" on the right, and then click "24 hour forecast" or any one of the forecasts. You'll go to something like this address: http://weather.unisys.com/ eta/ 60h/ era_8 50_ 60h.html. You need to read the top of the graphic in Figure 3 to figure out what time the forecast is for. In Texas, in the summer, you subtract five hours from Zulu time to get the local time. Fortunately, the Unisys site gives you a navigation bar right on top of the Era model's output graphic, and you can switch to other times, other models, other elevations, etc. It's really a very convenient site, and no ads. The MAP forecast also gives you the winds from the surface up and you can compare them with the forecascs you get the Eta model and windcast from. You'll want to check the winds given in the MAPs model along your proposed course, predicted for the time you expect to be at a given location. Look in the previous article for the MAPs URLs. If you want to fly far, you've got to start early. You'll want to know how early you can get going and still have lift to a certain

Figu.re 2: Windcast. Back up and go to another regi.on using the menu at the top ofthe screen (not shown here).

Figu.re 3: Winds at 5,000'. Notice that the little white arrows are showing good winds straight out ofthe south right up the center of the state ofTexas.

PARAGLIDING

-20

~,riy) model

(Polntl > 100 nm tr~~~ ~m. a,. cadm

Figure 4: The winds are given in the right-hand column.

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minimum altitude, say, 1,500' or 2,000' AGL. You'll want to know if the lift is going to be organized in cloud streets so that you'll increase your chance of staying in lift, and increase your speed over the ground by allowing you to fly straight while staying in lift or at least sinking slowly. Here again, the MAPs predictions are your best bet. You'll want an early-morning forecast like the one shown in Figure 5. Notice that the dew point temperature in Figure 5 (the dark blue line) is very close to the air temperature (dark red line) near the ground. This means that the air near the ground is almost saturated with moisture and with any heating, clouds will form. Notice also that the two lines diverge at higher altitudes. This means that the air is drier aloft. If the dew-point line tracked the air-temperature lines, it would indicate that there was a lot of midlevel moisture all the way up and we could expect the clouds to stay all day. The air is moist near the ground in this forecast for Zapata, Texas because it is coming up from the Gulf of Mexico overnight and that very morning. This chart is for 7:00 AM. The air higher up has been over the desert for a while and has dried out. In most cases, that much moisture near the ground would foretell overdevelopment or fog, but not in a desert area like Zapata. It indicates that there is a possibility of early morning cu's and cloud streets soon after dawn. Notice the pink line on the right, which is the dry adiabatic, and the black horizontal line. This black line indicates cloudbase (at about 2,000') when the ground temperature is about 80 degrees. This chart states that clouds will form when the ground gets to 80 degrees. Now, if the air is very moist, the parcels of air rising from the ground will be moist and will rise not at the rate indicated by the dry adiabatic but by the wet adiabatic. One way to approximate this is to add two to five degrees to the predicted air temperature at ground level. For example, assuming 77 degrees air temperature, use 80 degrees. Click on the FSL interactive plot at 80 degrees and 400' elevation (the elevation at Zapata) to determine cloudbase when the air temperature at ground level is 77 degrees, but the air is moist. Now, if the air is not moist enough to create cu's early in the morning, the black horizontal line would be to the left of the airtemperature line. This would indicate that while the air packets are rising up to the height indicated by the air-temperature line, they won't climb any higher and won't get high enough to form clouds. This exercise has told us whether we will get cu's early in the morning. I have an idea of the early-morning temperatures so I can just use what I know to approximate the 7:00, 8:00, or 9:00 AM ground temperature. Ifl want to use a predicted ground temperature, I can use the three hourly predictions. For example, for Laredo,

JUNE

2002

at: http:/ !weather. uwyo.edu/cgi-bin/mos? type= ngmmos&output= text&msgl =Laredo% 2C+TX&msg2=Laredo %2C+ TX&stid=LRD The MAPS model is not accurate enough to be completely reliable in determining whether there will be lowlevel, early-morning cu's. It is a large-scale model, and using it to target the air mass right over Zapata, for example, will miss any local terrain effects. Still, it is a good indicator the night before about whether there is a reasonable chance of cu's early in the morning. Now that you have your early-morning conditions forecast you've got to check to see how conditions will look later in the day out on your course. You'll want to check MAPS forecasts for sites farther along the course, and you'll want to look at other large-scale forecasts. On June 30, 2001 I flew 289 miles from Zapata and was stopped by a cu-nimb 260 miles out. I had to make a left turn and fly 49 miles to the west to try to get around the cu-nimb. No luck. We actually had a good idea that this might happen, but we ignored the warning. That morning we looked at the 700 mb chart (10,000') athttp://weather.unisys.com/eta/18h/ eta_ 700_18h.html. This gave us the forecast for 1:00 PM. The 700 mb chart shows the forecasted vertical velocities (colors), heights (bold white lines), temperature in Celsius (thin red lines) and wind vectors. The chart indicated that there would be a cu-nimb northeast of Sonora. The cu-nimb is indicated by the high vertical air velocities that are predicted for that area in the afternoon. These air vertical speeds are associated with updrafts inside cu-nimbs. You'd like to know if you have a good chance of having clouds along your course. You can check on the predicted relative humidity to give you an overall look at http://weather.unisys.com/eta/l 8h/ eta_rh_ 18h.html. If you see a pattern of, say, a tongue of similar humidity going along your course line, this would tell you if the earlier winds brought in moist air overnight that will turn to clouds during the day. You can also use the MAPs models to see if winds from the night before carried moist air along your route. You can look at the dew point temperature curves predicted for the early morning and see if they are close to the predicted air-temperature curves at airports along your proposed route. If you see a pattern of moist air near the surface along your route, you can be assured that the winds have indeed put the moist air in place. If you just practice using these models you will quickly get the hang of things. They are very graphical and easy to use. Compare their prediction with what actually happens during the day to get an idea of how to understand what they are saying. Soon you'll have greatly improved your understanding of how to predict soaring conditions. 111111

Calendar of events items WILL NOT be listed if only tentative.

AM at the C h amber HQ. C umulative distance co ntest for

Please include exact information (event, dare, co ntact name and phone number). Items should be received no lacer than six weeks p rior to th e event. W e request rwo mo nths lead time for regional and national meets.

paragl iders. Annual Sugar Hill-Lakeview trophy dash on Saturday for hang gliders. Spot-landing contests Saturday afternoon. Ad ule beverage parry at Jules and Mary's July 4, Chamber barbecue on Saturday at Geyser Hor Springs (fo rmerly Hunter's). Contact:

COMPETITION

Jules, (54 1) 947-3330, freeAi re@ce nturytel.net, or Lake Cmmry Chamber of Commerce, (54 1) 947-6040.

$350. Nine-pilot maximum, $799. AUG. 30-SEPT. 8: St. Andre !es Alpes, St. Vincent Les Forts, a fl ying Mecca. Details to co me. MID-SEPT.: St. Hillaire de Touvet flying carnival Detai ls to co me. OCT.: Festival du Vent Calvi, Co rsica. Derails to com e. NOV. 9-NOV. 17: Hying in thesouthofFranceand over MonteCarlo. Details to come.

THROUGH DEC.: Dixon s Airplay Arizona open all year (near UNTIL NOV 15: 2002 Region Nine Vearlong X-C Comest. The yearlong contest is to honor longest individual flights of the year on any day between February 15 and Nove mber 15. Classes fo r Rookies, Sixty Miles, Open, Rigids and Paragliders. Entry fees $ 10 and $5 respectively. Comacc: Pere Lehmann, lplehmann@aol.com, (41 2) 66 1-3474, 58 11 Elgin St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. UNTIL DEC. 3 1: 7he Michael Chmnplin World X-C Challenge. No entry fees or pre-registration req uirem ents. Open to paraglidcrs, ha ng gliders, rigid wings and sailplanes. For more d eta ils visit the contest's Web site ar http://www.hanggli ding.org or co ntact:

John Scott (3 10) 447-6234, fax (3 10) 447-6237, brettonwoods@email.rnsn.com. JULY 19-2 1: 2002 Texas Open. Hang gliding and paragliding. First-ever Texas NSFC points meer in the beauriful Texas H ill Counrry. Fly near che World Record Encampment (WRE) route in WRE condition s. Open class and Spo rt class pi lot d esignations all ow for pi lots of all levels ro participate in a safe, fu n and chal-

lengi ng enviro nment. $30 entry fee includes a T exas Open T -shirt, NS FC sco ring , barbecue dinner, awards ceremony and

cons of flying, fu n and friends. Skill req uirements: O pen class, AT signoff requ ired plus lmermediare raring with X-C signo /T, or Advanced rating on ly; Spa rr class, AT signoff. Visit http://danbarb.o rg/cxopcn for more details o r concacr: Mee r D irecto r, Dave

Broyles, broydg@arrbi .com, (972) 390-9090. More info: hrrp://danbarb.org/txopen. JULY 19-2 1: Adventure Sports X-C Open 2002. Open Distance, Open Dirccri o n, Open W indow. O pen co aJI pi lots. Pilocs choose their course. T he longest" flights win. Laun ch es will be from either

Slide Mm. or McClellan Peak, bod, in the Was hoe Valley 20 miles south of Reno, NV. Cameras req uired. Sponsored by Adventure Sporrs. Entry $ 100 until July I, $ 125 thereafter. Contact: Box 20066, Carso n C ity, NV 89721 (775) 883-7070,

JULY 6-7: Tomy Pines Paragliding And Hang Gliding Costume Fly-In. California's most extreme, fun costume fly-i n. Dress up your paragl ider and Ay free. Games, contests and prizes for the most o utrageous and o riginal flyin g costumes. All pilots welcome to camp overnigh t on the property. Saturday night cookout and parry for all attendees. Media and fi lming bluffs welcome. Contact: David Jebb, Director of Operations, Torrey Pines Gliderport, Air Californ ia Adventure, Inc., D&M Distributing, LLC, 1-858-ZULU (9858), Toll Free: 1-877-FLY-TEAM (3598326), www. Ayrorrey.com. SEPT. 14-15: /2thAnnualPineMtn. Fly-In, Pine Mm., Bend, O R. Contact: Bill Taylor, (541 ) 408-2408, www.desertairriders.org.

CLINICS, MEETING, TOURS

o pen d is tance, one day race to goal. H ave fu n and fl y wirh your

buddies. Contact: Narc Scales (208) 788-8455.

Wide-open, 360° drive-up launch sires from 20 to 1,200 feet. Limited weekday and weekend space available. Make reservations early. Complete paraglidi ng sto re and service center. Contact:

dixo n@paraglide.com,www.paraglide.com, (928) 526-4579. THURSDAYS: Torrey Pines Gliderport paragliding talk show on In ternet rad io, airing weekly on wsradio, Thursdays fro m 5:00 to

7:00 PM. Hosted by Gabriel and David Jebb, open to a world wide audience. Call in ro ll-free at 1-800-327-006 1 (U.S. and Canada) or 1-760-476-41 11 for the wo rld audience. Surf to www.wsRadio .ws and cl ick under the "live" sectio n. Co ntact: David Jebb , Director of Operations, 2800 Torrey Pines Sceni c

Drive, San Diego, CA 92037, (858) 452-ZULU (9858) , www. flyrorrey.co m

UNTIL OCT. : Two-can Fly Clinics/Competitions, Point ofrhe Mountai n and Utah mountai n sites. JUNE 1-2: Mountain flying,

$200. JUN E 2-8: Lake Powell m1tneuvers clinic (deluxe with houseboat), $ 1500. JUNE 29-JULY I: Aerobatics clinicwich C hris Santacroce. Learn how to prepare your rou tine for an aerobatics co m petition. Learn and p ractice new aerobatics. Find ou r what judges look for when scoring, and much more. $550. JULY 5-7: Thermal $300. AUG. 9- 11 : Three-daymaneuvers (safety) clinic, $550. AUG. 13- 15: Three-day maneuvers (safety) clinic, $550. AUG. 17- 19: Three-day maneuvers (safety) clinic, $550. AUG. 3 1-SEPT. 7: Snowbird Cross-Country Competition, $330. SEPT. 28-29: Mountain flying, $200. OCT. 4-7: lnstn,ctortraining, $400. O CT. 5-6: fnstn,ctor recertification, $200. OCT. 12-13: Tandem (T2 & T 3), $200. OCT. 17- 19: Lake Powell maneuvm camping clinic, $550. OCT. 20-26: Lake Powell maneuvers clinic (deluxe with Houseboat), $ 1500. Co ntact: Twocan Fly Paragl idi ng, 474 East Tonya Dr. , Sandy, UT 84070, phone/fax (80 I) 572-34 14, hudonj@qwesr.net, www.twoca n fl y.co m.

aclvspts@pyramid. nee.

JULY 26-28: Inter-mountain league Meet. Salt L1 ke City, Utah, Jackson, Wyoming. AUG. 9- 11 , 23-25: Inter-mountain league Meet. King Mountain, Idaho. $35 entry for aJJ meets. T wo days

Flagstaff) . Specializing in new pilot instruction. Sca rr our righ t with thoro ugh train ing in m eteorology, ki ting, fligh t dynamics and much more. On ly one o r t\VO new stud ents per instructor.

JUNE: Swiss/French Alps, Chamonix, Mont Blanc/AnnecyNerbier. Fly with Acme Paragliding to the awesome northern French Alps and Swiss Alps. Weck- or rwo week-lo ng tours ro suit require~ ments of the big sites, with al l-inclusive transport in coun try,

rerrieves, lodging/food in classic Alpine chalets, top-quality Aying with a great atmosphere. Introduction to high mo untain fl ying for newer p ilots, WX, th ermal and X-C strategy for more advanced pilots. Day gu idi ng to aJI sites available. Maximum of six pilots per group, th ree instructors plus drivers and local X~C

professionals. Incredible X-C opportunities for pi lots of all skill levels. O ver 45 years co mbined instructio nal experience wi th

USHGNBHPAI FFVL advanced instructors, all residenr in France. Relaxed and informal atmosphere wi th an em phas is on safety and fun. Deals on flights and insurance availab le. Co ntact:

Paul Pearce, Acme Paragliding, (803) 448-7254, www.acmeparagliding.co m.

JUNE 13-AUGUST 28: Paraglide in France, I 0-day to urs, $499. Sites such as Chamonix, Megeve, La C lusaz, Sr. And re and man y

THROUGH OCT.: Dixons Airplay Washington, a.k.a. rhe

more. Details at: www. skyingout.web.worldo nlin e.cdh om e. hrm.

"Ranch " (nea r Wenatchee) will reopen Apri l 20 fo r the summer season through Octobe r. Specializing in new pilot instructio n. Each insrructor wo rks with o nly one or rwo new students. Excellence in instruction wicl1 co mplete trainin g in weather, fligh t dynam ics, ki ring and much more. Lea rn at a private flight park, no crowds , perfect grassy slopes, d rive- up 360° launches from 20

Contact: skying.our@riscali.cz or call Ladio Novotny 0 11 420 606406952.

to 1,800 feet. Limited weekday and weekend space available.

classroom stud ies. Contact: dixon@paraglide.com , (928) 5264579.

AUG 3 1-SEPT. 7: USHGA-sanctioned Snowbird X-C competition. Register ea rly; space is limited. C ontact: Ken Hudonjorgensen, 474 E. Tonya Dr. Sandy, UT 84070, (80 1)

Make reserva tions early. Complete paragli ding sto re and service ce nter. Co ntact:dixo n@paraglide. co m , www.paraglide.com,

572-34 14, khudonj@ qwesr.nec, www.rwoca nA y.com.

(928) 526-4579.

SEPT. 10- 13, SEPT. 14-17: Dixons Airplay T/mmal!XCClinic with Dixon Wh ite and Marty DeVierri in Flagstaff, AZ. Tandem and radio-con tro lled training with co mprehensive weather and

OCT. 20-NOV 3: Tour to northern India. Fly the Himalayas, the sire rhar prod uced th e paragliding wo rld o ut-and-rerurn reco rd

SEPT. 20-28: 2002 U.S. Paragliding Nationals Cros,-Coumry Competition T his I 00-mile-long, 20-mile-wide va lley has a histo-

THROUGH NOV: l'araglider Network and Andre Gupta Alps Tou rs for nov ice and bccrcr p ilots. Non -flyin g co mpanio ns and

ry of provid ing co nd itio ns fo r am az ing alt itude gains and longdistance flights. Many cross-country records achieved by sailplanes, han g glid ers and paragliders have begun in the Owe ns

asp iring p ilors welcome o n some tours. To u rs incl ude overnight accommodatio ns, breakfast and din ner d ai ly, local transportation, lifts to lau nch, retrieval, Ge neva airport pickup and drop-off, and services o f an English- and local language-speaking certifi ed guid e pilot. Introd uctory tandem flight for non-pilot friends. P2, fiveday course, $350. Contact: W\vw.paragli der.net,

Valley! Join che besr paraglider pilots in the world for a week of X-C flying and competitio n in the big air of th e Owe ns Valley!

Contact: Chad Bastian (805) 895-2 133, or Lee Anne No rris, lmp://www. Ayaboveall .com, leeanne@Ayaboveall .com.

FUN FLYING JUNE I: Tiger Mountain Fly-In at Tiger Mountain, Issaq uah, WA. Events include barbecue, raffie, spot-landing and uphi ll race. Area tandem pdocs are offering reduced-price tandem flights fo r the day. A perfect chance to introduce a fr iend or fami ly

member to the sporr of paragliding. Contact: Bob Rinke r,

ments in Bi r and Dhara msala. $ 1,600 includes food, lodgi ng, all transportatio n with in Ind ia and guides. Contacr: Big Sky

Paragliding, www.b igs kyparagliding.co m, 1-800-782-9204, (80 I) 699- 1462.

Gra nd Paradis. Must be in excellent shape and a P3 p,lor. Fivepilor maximum, $749 . JUN E 22-29: High mountain flying, Chamonix Valley and Fiesch, Switzerland. Fly 40 mi les our and back daily. More experienced pilots will fly over the high passes to

OCT 25-27: Fall 2002 USHGA Board of Director s meeting, in the O rlando, Florida area. Contact: www.ushga.o rg, (7 19) 6328300.

Andermarr. Above launch you wi ll be rewarded with a view of Europe's larges t glacie r. P2 pilots with ex peri ence, non -flying

friends welcome. Eight-pi lot maximum, $749. JUNE 29-JULY 7: Lac Annecy and Chamonix. The most beautiful lake in Europe.

JULY 3-7: Lakeview Umpteenth Annual Festival ofFreefligh; L1keview, O regon. Lots offun Aying with your buddies from a

We will also visit the bi rthplace of paragli din g nearby, and visit other nearby sires incl uding C hamo nix. Boar dinner cruise dance, anisanal cheese rour1 vin eyard tou r, and njgh t- timc visit of old-

for the winners. Registration ($ 10) Wed nesday, July 3, Ay July 4-6, awards at I 0:00 AM on the 7th. Pi lot's meeting Ju ly 4, 9:30

Roh rang Pass, 500-year-old castles and Paratrek in the Manali wi ldlife preserve. Brush up on yo ur thermal ing and X-C skill s with Dale Cov ington and local fl yi ng guides. Visit Ti betan settle-

Poss ible summ its include Mo m - Blanc, Domes de M iage, o r

Brinker@roadway.com.

great selection of sires and a few friendly co nrescs with cash prizes

freeAighr@wanadoo.fr, (703) 273-0 123, 9-5 M-F EDT. JUNE 15-22: Introduction to parahiking and paramountaineering.

fo r seven years and hosted che 1984 World Hang Gliding Co mpetit io n. Manali and Bil li ng are renowned for co nsistent alpin e X-C co nd itions. This year has seen 120-km o ur-andrecurns and 60-km fl igh ts with gains co 6,000 meters. Vis it

town Annecy. P2 pilots or better wi ll get unlimi ted airrime. Nonpi lors welcome. O ptional co urse (P2-French equivale nt) for

NOV. 24-DEC 8: Fly Nepal 2002. The mosr stunning and exotic Aying sire imaginable' Fly near three of che highest peaks in the wo rld wirh huge birds. Gen tle and consistent thermal condit io ns ap propriate fo r novice thermal ers with good canopy control. Guidance fro m M aster-rated instructor Dale Covington, logistics

handled by Nepal expedition specialist Kellie Erwin . $ 1,800 for rwo weeks in Ayi ng paradise. Conraci: Big Sky Paragliding, www.bigskyparagliding.com, 1-800-782-9204, (80 I) 699- 1462.

PARAGLIDING

Continued from page 31. and the mayor of the province, along with a few other notables, became interested in setting up a paragliding operation as a tourist attraction in Kas. In October of 2000 they contacted Arif and Arslan, who jumped at the chance to start a business there. Arslan recalls, "Like an arrow just out of the bow ... fast and to the target. It was so important for us to start flying in Kas because of our big love of flying. And it was nice to have one more flying site on the Mediterranean coastline. I am glad we worked for it. Correct people at the correct time." The guys scouted for possible launches and LZ's and began taking test flights. They knew that the site had great potential, but they would need a road to get to launch. The local government not only agreed to build the road, they also cleared the launch area. Arif and Arslan recruited a team of skilled and experienced tandem pilots and, during their first season in the summer of 2001, they made almost 1,000 commercial tandem flights. This year, the government will expand the 1,000-meter launch, build another launch at 600 meters and pave the road. The launch has 180° of cleared and graded terrain at the top of Asaz Mountain, facing south to the sea. From launch you have a magnificent view of the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizon). The tandem pilots land on the jetty in town, making their approach over the tall masts of the moored yachts and dropping onto a landing mat, just short of the concrete seawall. The solo pilot's LZ is a long concrete quay, just past the main part of town. The summers in Kas are hot and dry, and pilots enjoy consistent flying conditions between May and October. With approximately 300 days of sunshine each year, there is the potential for great soaring and X-C flights. Arslan began taking solo pilots to Kas for X-C trips in 1994. Over the years, pilots launching from Kas have reached altitudes of 2,400

JUNE

2002

meters and have had flights that have lasted up to seven hours and 15 5 kilometers in distance. Keep in mind that they have only just begun to develop this site. Arif and Arslan's primary missions are to fly for their own personal enjoyment, but they also enjoy sharing the experience with others and they work hard to advance at the sport. Although they have a successful commercial tandem business, earning money in paragliding is not their principal goal. They believe that paragliding is important to Turkey and they have high hopes for the future of paragliding in their country, but they are experiencing growing pains. Arslan reflects, "Our biggest problem is that we

still don't have a paragliding federation in Turkey. This causes a lot of problems for paragliding professionals." Just like in the early days of paragliding everywhere, they witness inferior instruction, which leads to hazardous flying. "We hope we can find a solution, but it will still take a long time." Arif and Arslan want to visit the U.S. to meet with people from the USHGA (an organization we often take for granted) to get some ideas about how they can set up an official paragliding federation in Turkey. There are more X-C routes still waiting to be discovered from Kas, and there are many other great flying sites to discover elsewhere in Turkey. The Turks are known for their generosity and hospitality, and the locals usually put out the welcome mat for visiting pilots. There is a saying in Turkey, "A guest is God's gift." If you are looking for fun flying, and you want to avoid the crowds, high prices and unreliable weather in Europe, check out Turkey. But beware; your first trip probably won't be your last! 1111

• APCO Aviation Paragliders • FLY Products Powered Paragllders • BRAI.INIGER flight Instruments • CRISP! Boots

PARAGLIDING ADVISORY: Used paragliders should always be thoroughly inspected before flying for the first time. If in doubt, many paragliding businesses will be happy to give an objective opinion on the condition of equipment you bring them to inspect. BUYERS SHOULD SELECT EQUIPMENT THAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR SKILL LEVEL OR RATING. NEW PILOTS SHOULD SEEK PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION FROM A USHGA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR. PARAGLIDERS EDEL ATLAS -- Medium, yellow wired trim, Firebird L/XL harness, RS2 reserve-never deployed, all excellent condition, crispy, 10 hours $2,500. Russ (208) 5789878, tr2bulls@msn.com

Achim Hagemann tofly@excite.mm

GIN BOLERO XL - Perfect! Includes all accessories. 105-125 kg, DHV I. First $1,475 karkl@aol.com or (406) 458-0435. It won't last long. GRADIENT ONYX 24 - Small, DHV 1-2, 65-85kg, 80hrs $1,000 OBO.orlici@hotmail.com PRO DESIGN RELAX-Small (65-90kg) Crispy! Less than 20 hours, includes Pro Design Jam harness w/ side mounted reserve (never thrown), backpack & stuffsack, Kiwi helmet w/ installed radio earpiece and PTT system. Everything in excellent shape-$2,000 for the whole package. Erika (307)734-4450, erikaboggs@yahoo.com SCREAMING DEALS - On Windtech team pilot gliders: New Tucan tandem blue/white $2900; new Serak L DHV 1-2 red/white $2650; used Tucan green/white 25-30 flights $2275; used Quarx M 100 hours $950 see www.windtech.es for pies and http://www.paraglide.com/Equipment.htm for retail prices and descriptions. (808) 222-218 5 cell josh_cohn@hotmail.com,www.pbase.com/josh_cohn UP BLUES - Medium, certified 2002, harness, reserve, stuff bag, helmet $2,000.4005 Flytec, radios, flight deck $500. (361) 960-5358.

USED GLIDERS - Spring cleaning! For more gliders and photos check out www.paragliders.com online store. Contact Cloud 9 at 801-576-6460 or e-mail us at info@paragliders.com SOL Vello M Performace wing like new $1250 SOL Neon L Standard Wing, 1 hr for photo's $1450 Edel Quantum L DHV 1, 5 hours $1350 SOL Unno M Standard, 40 Hrs $900 Edel Quantum S DHV I, 50 hrs, $850 SOL Onyx M Performance, 15 hours $950 UP Kendo M DHV 3, 80 hrs $500 SOL Axion 128, L Performance, 4 hrs, $ll00 Apco Prima 27 M DHV I, 20 hrs, $1200 SOL Quasar L Standard, 2 hrs, $1050 SOL Quasar XL Standard, 70 hrs, $900 Airwave Logic L, D HV 1, 15 Hrs $1800 SOL Jumbo Tandem, 50 Pro Hours $1450 SOL Yaris S Standard, 30 hrs, $1500 SOL Cyclone L Performance 2 hrs $1600 Ozone Electron M DHV 1-2, 60 hrs $1550 Edel Adas L DHV l, 50 hrs $1250 Windteck Serak L DHV 1-2 $1400 Advance Bi-Beta, Tandem lOhrs, $2200 Used harnesses, reserves, and other goodies, call or email for details. POWERED PARAGLIDERS

BANDITS - $1,690. Sigma 4 $1,600. Quarx $1,860. Boomerang 2 $2,100. Omega 5/24 $1,850. Apco Allegra $1,790. Carbon M $1,950. www.aircotec.net/flyhawaii.htm

UP GROOVE - Large, w/Advance harness, red, 15 hours $2,200. Advance Alpha II 24-small, red/white, 5 hours, with harness, flown once $2,200. (954) 3167786, jbogartz@attbi.com

ADVENTURE F-1 - 31 lbs, 27" prop, Solo 210 engine, low hours, spare prop $750. (31 O) 372-3648, taylor@logicalevolution.com

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

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

Number of months: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ SECTION 0 Paragliders 0 Emergency Parachutes 0 Parts & Accessories 0 Business & Employment D Miscellaneous O Powered Paragliders D Videos

0 Towing O Schools & Dealers O Ultralights o Publications & Organizations OWanted O Harnesses

Begin with ________ 2002 issue and run for _____ consecutive issue(s). My Ocheck, D money order is enclosed in the amount of$ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ NAME: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ ADDRESS: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ CITY: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _STATE: _ _ __ PHONE: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Number of words: _______ @$.50 =_____ Number of words: _ _ _ _ _ _ @$1.00 = _ _ _ __

I I I

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

I I

I I I

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PARAGLIDING

f you were co ask what flying meant to me I'd say everything! Ever since I cook that first addicting flight five years ago my life has revolved around it. I eat, sleep, work and travel to fly. There is nothing like getting together with a bunch of friends, hiking up the side of a mountain, and with what looks like a big ball of laundry launching into the sky and meeting at altitude, taking pictures with the most beautiful scenery you can imagine, flying far away, then reaming it all the way down. Now that's living.

PARAPOWER USA - New paramotors and wings. Special motorparagliders, designed with safety and easy handling: Silex & Dudek. Perfect balance between motor, harness and glider. Engines: powerful, quiet, reliable Solo 210. Made in Germany. Great prices. (630) 595-9346, www.parapowerusa.com POWERED PARAGLIDER - Solo 210, 42 inch prop, T-6061 frame, 1.3 gallon tank, tiny tach, dry weight 62lbs. Comes with harness, Space 27m wing and new reserve $1,900 OBO. Call or email me for pictures. Call (802) 877-2486 or email angierfam@surfglobal.net

FlySanta.Barbara..com

Eagle Pa.rag liding

EMERGENCY PARACHUTES

----- --------·-----AUTHORIZED CHUTE REPAIR - And service center for APCO, Elan, Chiron powered parachutes and UP/Perche/Independence paragliders and morel We have a full-time loft available with quick turn around for small to huge repairs and annual inspections. Ship your chute to MoJo's Gear Ltd. Co., 1475 CR 220, Tow, TX 78672 Attn: REPAIR or INSPECTION. Include a note about the service(s) you require as well as a contact phone number and email. We will contact you with an estimate prior ro starting the work. Office: 915-3791567, www.mojosgear.com

EAGLE PARAGLIDING -- We are an Airplay sister school, and teach the same high quality program which has made Dixon's Airplay a top ranked school for years. We specialize in beginner instruction. SANTA BARBARA caters to paraglider pilots of all levels. Our training hill is unparalleled, and offers year round instruction, equipment sales, SERVICE, and support. By appointment only. www.FlySantaBarbara.com (805) 968-0980.

THERMAL DYNAMICS PARAGLIDING - & FlyaGlider.com Visit Southern California's most consistent flying site! Marshal/Crestline! We can arrange complete vacation packages, combining the beauty of mountain living with some of the best paragliding in the country. Beginning and Advanced instruction as well as specialty clinics are available. Our Lead Instructor, Tim Nelson, has flown locally since 1993. Currently, he is a Four Diamond Master Rated Advanced Instructor. With his local experience, we can make your flying vacation one to remember! Go to FlyaGlider.com for more information and to see the new live flycam! Or call us direct at 1-888-310-8998 and (909) 338-4099.

SCHOOLS & DEALERS ARIZONA DIXON'S AIRPLAY PARAGLIDING - Dixon White: USHGA's Instrucror of the Year! Airplay: Top ranked school for years and featured in the best selling videos "Starting Paragliding", "Weather to Fly" and the "Art of Kiting". The perfect beginner training areas at both our Washington and Arizona locations. Arizona's "best" beginner season is September through May. Washington is open May through September. At both locations drive-up ro 360 degree treeless and rockless launches. Land in wide open fields, enjoy many flights each day! Limited access to the Flight Parks reduce traffic and crowding. Excellent individualized instruction with state-of-the-art lesson plans and equipment. Comprehensive ground schooling with an emphasis on micrometeorology. Great new/used inventory, specializing in Windtech Paragliding Gear and M2 Harnesses, repair center, and superb customer service. In ARIZONA or WASHINGTON appointments are required. PO Box 2626 Flagstaff, AZ 86003. (928) 526-4579 www.paraglide.com or dixon@paraglide.com CALIFORNIA AIRJUNKIES PARAGLIDING - Join KEN BAIER for your "Pursuit of Paragliding Excellence" in the land of year-round, excellent paragliding: Southern California and the Baja. Courses for Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Instructor ratings. Powered paragliding, soaring and maneuvers clinics, guided tours, tandem and towing instruction and special events. USHGA certified. Handling the latest equipment. Call (760) 753-2664 for information, airjunkies@worldnet.att.net

FLY ABOVE ALL - Experience year-round paragliding instruction in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA! Our friendly, experienced staff offers hands-on, personalized, radio-controlled lessons. Enjoy soaring the best training hill in the Western US and when you land, shuttles will whisk you back to the top for your next scenic flight. USHGA certified, solo, tandem and powered paragliding instruction, equipment sales and tandem flights. Visit our Website at www.flyaboveall.com or call at (805) 965-3733. OJAI PARAGLIDING - Ojai is Southern California's best kept secret. Year-round, great soaring in this beautiful valley surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest. Near Santa Barbara and Ventura. Great cross-country possibilities. Courses for beginner to advanced pilots. Motorized paragliding, guided tour and tandems. New and used equipment, 12 years in the business! Tel# (805) 646-9660, info@flyojai.com, www.flyojai.com

Your ad is read by more than 4,000 paragliding enthusiasts. Advertise with us today.

TORREY PINES GLIDERPORT - Come soar in San Diego! This family owned and operated flying site offers USHGA certified instruction, equipment sales, tandem flight instruction, motorized pg/hg instruction, parachute repacks, repairs, and site rours. We also have an extensive pg/hg outfitting shop and dining with a view when you eat at our own Cliffhanger Cafe. Importers for ADVANCE, PARATECH, AVA Sport Accessories, Crispi boots, Center of Gravity helmets, Fly Mike flight suits, Gut Stuff gloves, and AustriAlpin carabiners and dealers for most other brands. Check us our online for sales and questions at: www.flytorrey.com, or call toll free at 1-877-FLY-TEAM. Also, tune in to the Internet Paragliding Talk Show at www.wsradio.ws every Thursday 5-7:00 pm (PST). HAWAII MAUI WOW WEE- Proflyght Hawaii, first school in Hawaii, located on Maui, is now under new ownership. The best just got better. When it gets cold in the north, Maui is the place to fly, explore, relax and/or learn to fly. Team Proflyght sports an incredible training facility, wonderful year-round weather, 1,000' training slope, 100' to 7'000 vertical descents off Haleakala Crater (10,023'). Toll Free 877-GO-FLY-HI. Visit our website WWW.PARAGLIDEHAWAII.COM MEXICO MEXICO - Year-round, summer in Monterrey, winter in Valle de Bravo. 1-800-861-7198, www.flymexico.com

JUNE

2002

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY PARAGLIDING INC - I.earn complete pilot skills. Personalized USHGA certified training, ridge soaring, foot & tow launching in central Texas. MOTORIZED PARAGLIDING INSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE. (915) 3791185. 1475 CR 220, Tow TX /8672.

PARTS & ACCESSORIES BRAUNIGER IQ BASIS VARIO - Never used, $300 OBO. Kenwood TH-22AT Radio, like new $200 OBO. Erika or Jeff (.307) 7.H-4450, erikaboggs@yahoo.com FLIGHT CONNECTIONS, INC. PJT II SUMMER SPECIAL $99.95 - Free Express S&H

KITE ENTERPRISES - Slope, stationary winch, payout winch training, sales, rentals and repair. Wills Wing, Fircbird, Gin, Ozone. Dallas, fort Worth and north (9'/2) 390-9090, www.kite-enterprises.com

ERS - Pm your knees in our breeze and soar our 4 50' sand dunes. FULL-TIME SHOP. Certified instruction, beginner to advanced, foot launch and tow. Sales, service, accessories for ALL major brands. VISA/MASTERCARD. 1509 E 8th, Traverse City Ml 49684. Offering POWERED PARAGLIDING. Call Bill at (231) 922-2844, tchangglider@chanermi.net. Visit our paragliding school in Jackson, Wyoming. Call Tracie at (307) 7.39-8620. MONTANA HIGH PLAINS PARAGLIDING - Superior quality paragliding equipment, excellent prices, and friendly service. On the web at: http://hometown.aol.com/hiplainz or phone (406) 458-8636. NEVADA

SUPER FLY PARAGLIDING ACADEMY - The Paragliding Academy is the nation's foremost paragliding center offering comprehensive pilot training programs, powered paragliding instruction, tandem flights, maneuvers training, towing training/certification, and tandem pilot training. The Paragliding Academy is the closest shop to Point of the Mountain, open year round and is supported by the Super Fly, Inc. distribution and service center just tninutes away. Instructors: Ken Hudonjorgensen, Scotty Marion, Kevin Biernacki, Dale Covington, Bo Criss, Ryan Swan, Jeff Farrell and Chris Santacroce. (801) 816-13'12

DIXON'S AIRPLAY PARAGLIDING - Please see our classified ad under Arizona. www.paraglide.com

ADVENTURE SPORTS - Carson City, Sierra tours. tandems, sales. (775) 883-7070 http:! /home. pyramid.netladvspts

AIR SPORTS USA - Lessons, service, equipment. Paragliding, hang gliding, powered paragliding, trikes. Phone (718) 7'77-7000, WWW.FLYFORFUN.NET NORTH CAROLINA

JACKSON HOLE PARAGLIDING - Corne to Paragliding Paradise and enjoy alpine flying at its absolute best. Ten sites in a ten-mile radius including the 4,139' aerial tram. Jackson Hole Paragliding offers scenic tandem flights, beginner through advanced instrucrion, mountain thermal clinics, x-c clinics, maneuvers training, aerobatic de1nonstrarions, scooter, truck, and boat

Powered Paraglidlng•Tuwing•Footlaunch Tandem•EquipmcntGSalesoServicc

SOUTHERN SKIES - MOUNTAIN FLYING and POWERED PARAGLIDING instruction, sales and service with full-time shop, 1 hour north of Charlotte. 7 beautiful flying sites nearby. (828) 632-6000 WWW.SOUTHERNSK!ES.NET

Extra finger switch $19.95 w/purchase. Dealer inquiries welcome. Call (785) 843-1842, mikcdillon@flightconn.com. MC/Visa. Visit our website at www.flightconn.com FOR ALL YOUR FLYING NEEDS - Check out the Aviation Depot at www.mojosgear.com featuring over 1000 items for foot-launched and powered paragliding, hang gliding, stunt and power kiting, and powered parachutes. 24/7 secure online shopping. Books, videos, KITES, gifrs, engine parts, harness accessories, electronics, clothing, safety equipment, complete powered paragliding units with training from Hill Country Paragliding Inc. www.hillcountryparagliding.com 800664-1160 for orders only. Office (915) 379-1567.

NEW YORK

USHGA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTION

• ORDER ONLINE AND SAVE 'Water/Dust Resistant Push Button ' Field Replaceable Finger Switch ' Heavier Gauge Wire/Improved Plugs • Increased Strain Relief at ALL Joints

towing. The Jackson Hole Paragliding team features advanced instructors Scott Harris and Tom Bartlett, x-c masters Jon Hunt and Chip Hildebrand, world class aero-pilots Matt Combs and Ranyon D'Arge, tow tech Randy Alfano, and videographer Demian McConnell. Call to set up a vacation package tailored to improve your flying skills and to build your confidence. (307) 690-TRAM (8726) flyrun@wyoming.com www.jhparagliding.com

HAVE EXTRA EQUIPMENT - That you don't know what to do with. Advertise in the Paragliding classifieds, $.50 per word, $5 minimum. Call USHGA for details (719) 632-8300, ushga@ushga.org or fax your ad with a Visa/MC, fax (719) 632-6417.

FAX your classified ad, membership renewal or merchandise order:

(719) 632-6417. We gladly accept VISA, Amex and MasterCard. - - - - - - - - · - - - -·---- · - - -

PARAGLIDING

*NEW* PARAGLIDING INSTRUCTOR'S MANUAL - By Dennis Pagen, available through USHGA. Covers: Learning to teach/Teaching to learn; school organization; teaching beginners; teaching novice; weather considerations and much more. 140 pages packed with illustrations. $15.00 +$5 s/h. USHGA, PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901. (719) 632· 8300, fax your MC/Visa/Amex to (719) 632-6417, www.ushga.org, ushga@ushga.org

IS IT SOARABLE? - Be sure with a USHGA Windsok. Made of 1.5 oz. ripstop nylon, UV treated, 5 '4" long w/11" throat. Available colors fluorescenr pink/yellow or fluorescent pink/white. $39.95 (+$4.75 S/H). Send to USHGA Windsok, P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330, (719) 632-8300, fax (719) 632-6417. VISA/MC accepted.

MINI VARIO- World's smallest, simplest vario! Clips to helmet or chinstrap. 200 hours on batteries, 0-18,000 ft., fast response and 2 year warrant)·. Great for hang gliding too. ONLY $169. Mallettec, PO Box 15756, Santa Ana CA, 92735. (714) 966-1240, www.mallettec.com MC/Visa accepted. PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS

THE ART OF PARAGLIDING - By Dennis Pagen. HOT OFF THE PRESS!!! Step by step training, ground handling, soaring, avoiding dangers, and much much more. 274 pages, 248 illustrations. The most complete manual about paragliding on the market. $34.95 +$5.00 s/h. USHGA, PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901. (719) 632-8300, fax your MC/Visa/Amex m (719) 632-6417, www.ushga.org, ushga@ushga.org

JUNE

2002

SOARING - Monthly magazine of The Soaring Society of America, Inc. Covers all aspects of soaring flight. Full membership $55. Info. kit with sample copy $3. SSA, P.O. Box 2100, Hobbs, NM 88241. (505)

VIDEOS

*NEW* SPEED TO FLY with Jockey Anderson. A complete video guide to cross country paragliding. Grear air-to-air and in-board footage with Jockey as he takes you around the world, providing flying tips and inter-· viewing the top pilots. Covers thermaling, decision making, competition flying and speed to fly. 70 minutes $39.95 *NEW* A HIGHER CALLING by Dawn Treader Productions. Winner "People's Choice Award" at the Banff Mountain Film Festival 2000. A story of six friends attempting to fly cross country together as a group through western Nepal, where finding launches & landings becomes a daily routine. Become immersed into the Nepal culture upon every landing. Superb editing. 45 minutes $32.95 *NEW* PARAGLIDER GROUND HANDLING & THE ART OF KITING, by Adventure Productions. I.earn techniques and tips for easy ground handling with this instructional program. Get in tune with your glider and improve your flying skills while on the ground. Various wind conditions are covered with the successful and proven industry-standard techniques of Dixon White-Master rated pilot, USHGA Examiner and USHGA's PG Instructor of the Year. This is for the beginner, intermediate & advanced pilot who wants to do some brushing up on his skills. Be a master of your paraglider. 44 minutes $36.95 IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT MOUNTAIN By Advenmre Productions. Searching for the perfect mountain, perfect flight, and the perfect experience that challenges our essence and satisfies our quest for adventure. This paragliding odyssey takes you to St. Anton, Austria; Garmisch-Panenkirchen, Germany; Sun Valley, Idaho; Point of the Mountain, Utah; and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. features in-air footage, aerial maneuvers, and local pilot tours. 44 minutes $36.95. BAU HIGH, by Sea to Sky Productions. A paragliding adventure film. Great flying and a great adventure on

the exotic island of Bali, Indonesia. A result of wild imaginations, weeks of filming and three unsupervised pilots in a land of serious fun. Great flying footage. 38 min $29.95. WEATHER TO FLY, by Adventure Productions. A much needed instructional/educational video on micrometeorology. Dixon White, Master pilot and USHGA Examiner, takes you through a simple step-bystep process showing where to acquire weather data and how to interpret it. For pilots of any aircraft. Learn about regional & local influences and how to determine winds aloft and stability. "Weather To Fly" is an over-all view packed with useful details and includes great cloud footage. A straighr--fmward presentation that is easy to follow. 50 min. $39.95. STARTING PARAGLIDING by Adventure Productions. Covers basic preparations, weather, proper attitude, ground handling & those first exciting launches. 30 min $29.95. FLY HARD: Viking Films newest release. Rob Whittall, Chris Santacroce & a vintage Buick convertible full of paragliders. Outrageous flying at several west coast flying sites. Meet HG acrobatics champion Mitch McAleer along the way. Excellent rock soundtrack, professionally filmed & edited, 35 minutes $35.95. Call or fax USHGA (719) 632-8300, fax (719) 6.32· 6417, please add +$5 domestic s/h for 1-2 videos, add $6 for 3-4 videos (lnt'l orders, email us ar ushga@ushga.org for shipping charges.) Great to impress your friends or for those socked-in days. Order online at www.ushga.org!

FLY WITH BRUCE GOLDSMITH - Come and visit Bruce Goldsmith in his mountain paradise, Greolieres, Southern France. Six excellent PG/HG flying sites within close access. Friendly paragliding school in the village. Self-catering accommodation from $20. Apartment also available. Tel +33 493 599 562, email arnag@wanadoo.fr.www.chateau-de-max.com VIDEOS, BOOKS & APPAREL - Call USHGA for your Merchandise order form (719) 632-8300, fax (719) 632-6417, email:ushga@ushga.org,www.ushga.org DON'T LEAVE YOUR GROUND-BOUND EQUIPMENT SITTING IN THE GARAGE. SELL IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS.

Classified advertising: new life for your equipment and cash in your pocket. What a deal! 45

1 ''1 fN~&~ill!ili:

111 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES The rate for classified advertising is $.50 per word (or group of characters) and $1.00 per word for bold or all caps. Phone number=2 words, PO Box=2 words, weight range i.e. 137-185lbs=2 words, web site or email address=3 words. MINIMUM AD CHARGE $5.00. A fee of $15.00 is charged for each line art logo and $25.00 for each photo. LINEART & PHOTO SIZE NO LARGER THAN 1.75" X 2.25". Please underline words to be in bold print. Special layouts of cabs are $25 .00 per column inch. Please mal<e checl<s payable to USHGA. Send to: PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE, Classified Advertising, P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330 (719) 632-8300 or fax (719) 632-6417, email jef!@ushga.org with your Visa, Amex or MasterCard. DEADLINE FOR THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE IS JUNE 20. STOLEN WINGS & THINGS SOL AXIOM - stolen with Toyota truck in Salt Lake City, Utah in late March 2002. Wing is size small, purple with pink stripe along the underside; also Sol Charly harness (small/medium), grey Leedom helmet, Flytec vario, reserve. All items were packed in a homemade blacl< and green PG backpack. Contact Damion Mitchell, (801) 518-0768 or dzmitchell@hotmail.com GIN BANDIT - Small purple wired stripe and GIN BOLERO, medium white wired stripe STOLEN along with a car SALT LAKE CI1Y, LT around December 31, 2001. Both slightly used. Also blue, medium Woody Valley Express air bag harness, reserve, and black open face Lazer Helmet. Contact Ryan Swan, (801) 255-9595, ryan@4superfly.comwww.4superfly.com ADVANCE EPSILON 3 -- Lost along Hwy 395 just outside VICTORVILLE, CA on August 14, 2001. Has a gold leading edge with a small (3-4 ") patch near the center; also blue SupAir Evo top harness, helmet, vario, etc. Contact Jason Gilbert (530) 318-7288, jgllbert@hotmail.com FIREBIRD IGNITION - Large. Stolen in the BELLINGHAM, WA area in early August 2001. Yellow, with black Edel Hero harness with RS2 reserve; black fullface Edel Helmet. All items were pacl<ed in a black Edel backpack. Contact Matias Rudback (360)647-8485, rudbacm@cc.wwu.edu

THE LONG AWAITED

ARCUS - Large, Stolen/lost in the MARSHALL PEAK/SAN BERNARDINO, CA area in early August, 2001. Blue, serial #0764, w/blue SupAir harness. Contact Matthew Sill (646)528-4569, mwsill@hocmail.com STOLEN WINGS are listed as a service to USHGA members. There is no charge for this service and lost and found wings or equipment may be called in (719) 6328300, faxed in (719) 632-6417, or emailed ushga@ushga.org for inclusion in Paragliding & Hang Gliding magazine. Please call ro cancel the listing when gliders are recovered. Periodically, this listing will be purged.

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Adventure Productions ............................. 6 Aerolight USA ........................................ 37 Aircotec .................................................. 20 Apco ...................................................... 21 Blue Sky Avionics ................................... 34 Critter Mountain Wear .......................... 27 Dixon's Airplay ........................................ 9 Flytec ....................................................... 2 Hall Brothers ........................................... 6 High Plains Paragliding .......................... 14 Independence ......................................... 47 Mojo's Gear ........................................... 29 Skyco Sports .......................................... 28 Sport Aviation Publications .................... 20 Sup'Air ................................................... 29 Super Fly, Inc ........................... Back Cover Torrey Pines Gliderport ........................... 8 USHGA ............................... 5, I 0,25,33,46 Wills Wing ............................................... 7

Plus $5 S/H in the USA.

DON'T MISS OUT ON YOUR MAGAZINE! JR:(@in)~- OR '11'1"1!;,,,...,_,,, lfYour USHGA Membership Expires On 06/30/02 We Need To Receive Your Renewal BY JUNE20th Or you will miss the July Magam,e. If Your USHGA Membership Expires On 07/31/02 We Need To Receive Your Renewal BY JULY 20th Or you will miss the August Magtmne.

RENEW ONUNE WWW.USHGA.ORG

rn£~1NIIN~' T® Tillfo/CH T~£C:HIINCB Tel U,/WIW' ,i @eml@@fJI ®Rill\\AINl~ATlelN ' fMCHIIN@ 13fi!@IINN~Rg * TUCH IMG INC'!VICi" SKll LS ' WEATHHR Cel1N@IC2~R,il;lll@IN&l ' Thi~ WIMG IN THt AIR ' IMH!RMl'!DIA]~ 1'!5 ADV£1Nern INSTRUCTl®IN 0

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Send to: USHGA PO Box 1330 Colorado Springs CO 8090 l

l -800-6 16-6888 www.ushga.org

PARAGLIDING