USHPA Hang Gliding & Paragliding Vol36/Iss10 October 2006

Volume 36 Issue 10 October 2006 $4.95

A Publication of the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc.

Lisa Tate, President: lisa@soaringdreamsart.com Felipe Amunategui, Vice President: dr.amunategui@att.net Elizabeth Sharp, Secretary: Elizabeth.Sharp@heii.com Mark Forbes, Treasurer: mgforbes@mindspring.com REGION 1: Bill Bolosky, Mark Forbes. REGION 2: Jim Macklow, Urs Kellenberger, Paul Gazis. REGION 3: David Jebb, John Greynald, Tad Hurst. REGION 4: Steve Mayer, Jim Zeiset. REGION 5: Lisa Tate. REGION 7: Tracy Tillman.

REGION 8: Gary Trudeau. REGION 9: Felipe Amunategui.

REGION 10: Steve Kroop, Matt Taber. REGION 11: Gregg Ludwig. REGION 12: Paul Voight. REGION 13: Dick Heckman. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Russ Locke, Elizabeth Sharp, Dennis Pagen, Bruce Weaver, Riss Estes.

HONORARY DIRECTORS: Bob Hannah, Steve Roti, Connie Locke, Ed Pitman, Jennifer Beach, Dutcher Sterling, Len Smith, Bill Bryden, Randy Leggett, John Harris, Jan Johnson. EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS: Art Greenfield (NAA).

The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association Inc. is an air sports organization affiliated with the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), which is the official representative of the Fédération Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), of the world governing body for sport aviation. The NAA, which represents the United States at FAI meetings, has delegated to the USHPA supervision of FAI-related hang gliding and paragliding activities such as record attempts and competition sanctions.

The material presented here is published as part of an information dissemination service for USHPA members.

The USHPA makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability concerning the validity of any advice, opinion or recommendation expressed in the material. All individuals relying upon the material do so at their own risk.

Copyright © 2006 Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine.

Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine welcomes editorial submissions from our members and readers. We are always looking for well written articles and quality artwork.

Feature stories generally run anywhere from 1500 to 3000 words. If your topic demands more or less than this, you should discuss options with the editor. News releases are welcomed, but please do not send brochures, dealer newsletters or other extremely lengthy items. Please edit news releases with our readership in mind, and keep them reasonably short without excessive sales hype. You are welcome to submit photo attachments, preferably jpeg files smaller than a megabyte.

Calendar of events items may be sent via email to editor@ ushpa.aero, as may letters to the editor. Please be concise and try to address a single topic in your letter.

Your contributions are greatly appreciated. If you have an idea for an article you may discuss your topic with the editor either by email or telephone.

Contact: Editor, Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine, editor@ushpa.aero, (425) 888-3856.

For change of address or other USHPA business, call (719) 632-8300, or email info@ushpa.aero.

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The USHPA is a member-controlled sport organization dedicated to the exploration and promotion of all facets of unpowered ultralight flight, and to the education, training and safety of its membership. Membership is open to anyone interested in this realm of flight. Dues for Rogallo membership are $69.00 per year (of which $15 goes to the publication of Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine), ($90 non-U.S.); subscription rates only are $52.00 ($63 non-U.S.). Changes of address should be sent six weeks in advance, including name, USHPA number, previous and new address, and a mailing label from a recent issue. You may also email your request with your member number to: info@ushpa.aero.

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HANG GLIDING & 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. HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING editorial offices email: editor@ushpa.aero.

ALL ADVERTISING AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES MUST BE SENT TO USHPA HEADQUARTERS IN COLORADO SPRINGS.

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

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES IN PUBLICATIONS:

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USHPA Officers and Executive Committee:

Canadian Post Publications Mail Agreement #40065056.

Canadian Return Address: DP Global Mail, 4960-2 Walker Road, Windsor, ON N9A 6J3

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Jayne DePanfilis, Executive Director: jayne@ushpa.aero Rick Butler, Information Services Director: rick@ushpa.aero Martin Palmaz, Business Manager: martin@ushpa.aero Erin Russell, Office Manager: erin@ushpa.aero Michelle Burtis, Member/Instructor Services Administrator: michelle@ushpa.aero

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine, P.O. BOX 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330.

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Office Staff:

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING (ISSN 1543-5989) is published monthly by the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc., 1685 W. Uintah St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904, (719) 632-8300, FAX (719) 6326417. PERIODICAL postage is paid at Colorado Springs, CO and at additional mailing offices.

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Jayne DePanfilis, Publisher: jayne@ushpa.aero C. J. Sturtevant, Editor: editor@ushpa.aero Joe Hartman, Art Director: jhartman@brandingironmedia.com Martin Palmaz, Advertising: martin@ushpa.aero Thayer Hughes, Contributing Editor: thayer@ushpa.aero Staff writers: Jon Goldberg-Hiller, Thayer Hughes, Dennis Pagen Staff artist: Harry Martin

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The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, a division of the National Aeronautic Association,

is a representative of the Fédération Aeronautique Internationale in the United States.

Howard Hall after launch at Big Black Mountain, near San Diego, California Photo: Michele Hall

Flight Report: First Time Thermal Soaring . . .6

DEPARTMENTS Editor’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Pilot Briefings: News and Events . . . . . . . . . . 8 Air Mail: Readers Write In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

AIR FARCE ONE: A FLUGTAG ADVENTURE A Red Bull Flugtag event, held last spring in Arizona, allowed a couple of old-time hang glider pilots to live their motto: Never grow up!

USHPA: Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Name Change/Logo Contest . . . . . . . . . . 14 Elections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Master’s Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 PG Accident Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Travel: Living Large on Day of the Dead . . . . 32 Travel: Another Day in Paradise . . . . . . . . . . 45 Review: Jocky Sanderson’s Performance Flying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Flight Report: The Carioca Five-Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Pilot Profile: Howard Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Comp Corner: TTTotal Mayhem . . . . . . . . . . 62 Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

By Bill Foreman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

THE TRIKOSOARUS™ As pilots get older and creakier, they either get out of the sport or get creative about finding ways to maximize comfortable airtime. A long-time pilot’s invention has eliminated some of the causes of discomfort and restored the fun in his flying.

By Bob Corbo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

TURBULENCE ONEOH!-OH!-TWO Dennis concludes his two-part discussion of rowdy air with a close examination of turbulence caused by thermals and by shear.

New Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Croak and Cluck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

ALL IN THE FAMILY OF FREE FLIGHT

Index to Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Last spring an American paraglider pilot now living in Japan invited her former instructor (from Oregon) to join her and her new Japanese flying “family” for some Asian airtime and culture.

Volume 36 Issue 10 October 2006 $4.95

Photo: Howard Hall/John Heiney

A Publication of the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association

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By Dennis Pagen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Blue skies and mansions frame Howard Hall above Torrey Pines, California.

By Barbara Summerhawk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

In a few hours, it will all be recollection.

In between, it's why you fly.

Why settle for anything less than everything the experience has to offer?

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It's all about the flying.

WWW.WILLSWING.COM 500 WEST BLUERIDGE AVE. ORANGE. CA 92865 TEL: 714-998-6359 FAX: 714-998-0647

BETWEEN MOUNTAINS AND SKY A trip to Kyrgyzstan involves driving long miles on rough roads, major language challenges, changeable weather – and awesome flights from spectacular mountains among incredibly friendly people.

By Jeff Cristol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

RISK MANAGEMENT IN PARAGLIDING There’s no denying that getting airborne in our small, flimsy craft is a risky venture. Managing risk realistically and intelligently can help pilots make better, safer decisions.

By Irene Revenko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Gallery. . .65

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Photo: Vince Barry

Have you seen the IMAX fi lm, Deep Sea 3D? What’s up with the USHPA.AERO on the cover, looking like the title of your magazine? Not The fi lmmaker for this movie, and for several to worry, we haven’t changed the title – but we other IMAX underwater fi lms, is long-time hang have changed the association’s Web site URL and glider pilot Howard Hall, who’s our “cover guy” we want to make sure you know about it (even if this issue. John Heiney’s interview of Howard is you don’t read the USHPA news). We’ll be back in this month’s Profi le section. If you know pilots to the familiar Hang Gliding & Paragliding on who have fascinating “other lives” that would be of interest to the rest of us, please let me know – if February’s cover.

This issue is chock-full of association-related you don’t want to write the article, one of my staff news. The dust cover doubles as the ballot for writers would be glad to do a Profi le on a newsregional director elections – several regions have worthy pilot.

C.J. Sturtevant As always, we have several safety-or skillcontested positions, and the bios for all candidates are in the USHPA pages. Even if your region’s development-related articles to help us all improve This October issue candidate is running uncontested, please vote – our piloting. Our accident reporters – as well as these guys are volunteers who will be devoting far our readers – are grateful to everyone who sends comes to you on schedule more time and money than most of us can afford, in a report on an accident or incident in hopes that thanks to Chuck Smith, proprietor of FlySunValley to represent our interests and keep the organiza- the rest of us can avoid repeating errors. Whether and meet organizer of the tion on target in these changing times. Knowing your accident/incident is due to inexperience, mis- paragliding nationals. His that the pilots in their regions support them helps reading conditions, equipment issues, or, as one wireless connection has keep the investment-to-reward balance of direc- pilot put it, RDF (really dumb flying), please fi ll kept the files moving back out the online report. You’ll receive a $5 coupon and forth between me torship on the positive side.

Last spring, the membership vote resulted that you can use on membership renewal or items and the rest of the editorial team as I proof the layin a change in the association’s name, which from the USHPA store, but more importantly outs before and after the means we need to update our familiar “orange you’ll know that you’ve raised awareness of a situ- day’s flying in Sun Valley. ball” logo. Like the name change, the new logo ation that the rest of us will be happy to avoid. The Thanks, Chuck! design should also come from the membership – if online accident form is here: http://ushpa.aero/ you have an idea for an updated logo, you’ll find emailacc.asp.

Robb Milley points details and deadlines for the logo design contest in Also on the safety theme, Dennis Pagen conout that the photo of him the USHPA pages. tinues his analysis of turbulent air and how to deal and Josh Cohn on p. 60 in Enough business! For many of us, fall is the with it, Irene Revenko provides some guidelines the May 2005 issue, and time to start planning our winter escape from air- for managing the risks associated with paraglid- the one of John Clor at Ojai time deprivation. John Christof suggests Puerto ing (but her comments are relevant to hang glid- on p. 44 in the June 2006 issue, were taken by him.

Rico as a destination for both hang and para pilots, ing risks as well), and Thayer Hughes reviews My apologies to Robb for and Donato Fitch recommends a paragliding trip Jocky Sanderson’s Performance Flying DVD. Bob not properly crediting him to Tapalpa, Mexico. If you want the amenities of Corbo presents his remedy for those hang glidingfor his images. a guided trip, check out articles in the Travel sec- related aches and pains that Superman never Please be certain to tion, or look in the Calendar of Events to find a seems to suffer, even though we model our flying credit the photographer for listing of this winter’s tours. position on his. Since we don’t have Superman’s any images that you submit Lots of pilots have clearly been enjoying this “faster than a speeding bullet” option and seem to for our use. Robb’s photos were sent by another pilot, flying season to the max! Bill Foreman writes of crave those hours of airtime, Bob may be on to to accompany a feature his off-the-wall (well, off-the-ramp), politically something with his TrikosaurusTM. article in the May 2005 incorrect hang gliding experience in the Red Bull In the “just for fun” department, Tennessee mag. We can’t always use Flugtag in Arizona. Barbara Summerhawk, who Tree Topper Dan Shell has a Comp Corner report every photo that’s submitlearned to paraglide in Oregon but lives for most on last spring’s TTTotal Mayhem event, and a ted with an article, even if of the year in Japan, invited her Oregon instruc- tandem hang gliding student introduces us to they’re all really cool shots tor to visit her in Japan last spring. Her photos the Carioca Five-Step. Our concluding page this – but it would be a waste and article reinforce my impression that Japan month has poor Croak once again flaming out to just discard the excellent photos that won’t fit is a scenic and flyer-friendly destination in Asia. – perhaps in response to cartoonist Harry Martin’s into that particular layout, Another Asian traveler, Jeff Cristol, concluded too-close-for-comfort encounter with the forest so we archive them for his paragliding exploits with a tour of Kyrgyzstan, fires in Wyoming this summer. Enjoy! future use. In this case, and while his tales of extreme flying conditions Fun is what this flying thing is all about – but Robb’s image worked well certainly don’t entice me to follow his footsteps, it’s no fun when someone gets hurt! Please fly to illustrate an article that surely some of you young, adventurous pilots will safely, enjoy your adventures, and share your tales appeared more than a be inspired by his words and photos to take the with the rest of us. You can reach me at editor@ year after we received his photo. Thanks, Robb, both path less traveled. If you go, please send me your ushpa.aero. for the excellent photo and stories and photos! for bringing the credit error to my attention.

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and other local dishes as well as baguette sandwiches.

Accommodations at the lakeside LZ have been upgraded as well. The casita has four rooms, a kitchen, a living room area to watch your video of the day and more. Wireless Internet service at both the casita and the adjacent BogaBoga add convenience and access to the world.

Alex’s efforts creating the Peñon LZ Learn Spanish While Getting Some and grooming the launches, along with South-of-the-border Airtime FlyMexico’s windsocks, are reflected in – FlyMexico! pilots’ satisfaction of their Valle flying

By Jeff Hunt, photo by Darren Darsey experience. Safety, accessibility, and constant improvements keep Valle de Bravo attracting paragliding and hang gliding pilots from all over the world.

For more information about flying in Valle De Bravo, contact Jeff Hunt at www pilots find that the 6907 performs all the .flymexico.com, 1-800-861-7198. tricks perfectly and with relative ease.

The Mantra R, Ozone’s new Open Class Competition wing, is now availNews From Ozone able to select pilots. The Mantra R is a Photos courtesy Ozone modern race wing with a super low-drag With over 15 years operating in Valle Contest Winner Selects His New Glider de Bravo, Mexico, FlyMexico announces Ozone once again congratulates line plan, 84 cells and an aspect ratio of its newly improved facilities by the lake, Gordon Bishop of the UK, winner of the 7.2. upgrades on the popular sites Torre and “Spot the Addict” competition! Gordon El Peñon, and professional Spanish lan- chose the GEO, Ozone’s lightweight guage instruction.

DHV 1-2 wing, as his prize after he Every year for the last 12 years, managed to most accurately pinpoint the American, Norwegian, German, location of the Addict pilot in the photo.

Canadian, English, Swiss, Italian, Ozone sends thanks to all of the thouFrench and Finnish pilots have come to sands of pilots who participated in the Valle for a renewal of their flying pas- competition. sion over winter and throughout the year.

Many are still unaware that the flying is good in Valle all year round! Jeff Hunt Ozone is also regularly releasing new and Alex Olazabal have been introducaccessories, including two new T-shirts, a ing pilots around the world to the advanhelmet bag, beach fleece, new tow bridle tages of the local weather and friendly system, and more. To see all Ozone has culture that make Valle one of the best to offer, check out the www.flyozone flying sites available today. .com news page.

Last year FlyMexico began offering pilots the opportunity to learn the Gordon receiving his new wing from Chris Dawes, local language, Spanish, through a Italian Cornizzolo Cup a Great Success!

Ozone’s UK importer series of short courses that blend easily Giorgio Sabbioni reports that this with a flying vacation. Norwegian and New Wings and Accessories seven-day paragliding competition (July American pilots have taken advantage of Ozone’s Element has received the 23-29) included valid tasks flown every this opportunity to add this extra to their CEN A certification in sizes S and M. day – 500 km of fl ights with distances flying vacation.

The Element is one of the fi rst gliders from 43 to 106 kilometers, always in The lakeside LZ in Valle now boasts of certified CEN A, the most restrictive highly safe conditions thanks to an outthe FlyMexico BogaBoga club, bar and and difficult category. The Element is standing meteo (weather) forecast service restaurant. Other amenities at the lake- also certified DHV 1. and despite the frequent late-afternoon side LZ include paraglider lockers, hang Ozone has also released their new thunderstorms. glider racks, and kids who will pack your competition acro wing, the 6907, meant The Cornizzolo Cup 2006 Open gear for a few pesos while you grab a beer for top acro pilots. With 16m 2 projected Italian Championship FAI 2 had 130 or blended beverage. Enjoy chili rellenos area and a dynamic acro profi le, Ozone competitors, 40 of which were foreigners.

Photo: courtesy Ozone

Safe Pilot Award for Colorado Pilot The USHPA congratulates Alejandro Palmaz of Aspen, Colorado, on his achievement of logging 3000 consecutive safe fl ights, earning him the 3rd Diamond Safe Pilot Award. Alex has also recently received his Master (P-5) rating.

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October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

details. The Yeti tandem is made by hand, with each unit assembled by one person, and requires many hours in manufacturing.”

More information on the Yeti tandem, along with additional lightweight gear options for mountain pilots, can be found on the GIN Web site, gingliders.com.

Photo: Damiano Zanocco

Saqqara Footlaunchable Sailplane Makes First U.S. Appearance

Gliding above Lecco to reach the Valcava turnpoint

fidence to take off and land easily and safely in all conditions. [The Yeti tandem] is so stable in turbulent air, you fly better and feel less stressed, so are able to concentrate on other matters, and enjoy your fl ight much more.”

D i lor en According to GIN’s designers, “The Sa i lpla ne’s Yeti tandem is the result of blending the first prototype lightest materials and perfecting the of its Saqqara fl ight characteristics. We searched for foot-launchable new materials and concentrated on small sailplane was in its final stages of construction as this magazine went to press in late August. All the molds and Lexan plastic windshields had been completed, and the team was awaiting the imminent arrival from Europe of the specially developed all-carbon fabric for this project. Meanwhile work continued on the three-axis controls and the cabin ergoGIN Offers Ultra-lightweight Option for nomic details, with their entire producTandem Pilots tion schedule focused on finishing this Building on the success of their lightfirst prototype for presentation at the weight, user-friendly Yeti mountain September 22-24 “Coupe Icare” event in glider, GIN introduces the Yeti tandem.

France.

The famous alpinist Erhard Loretan This unique sailplane is expected to (one of only a handful of mountaineers make its first U.S. appearance at the 30th anniversary of Lookout Mountain who have climbed the world’s 14 sumFlight Park in Georgia, October 25-29, mits higher than 8000 meters – about followed by a visit to Torrey Pines Flight 25,000 feet) has flown the solo version of Park in California, November 9-12. the Yeti for years, and now uses the Yeti More information is available at www tandem for his dual fl ights. He finds it .diloren.com or from Raul Di Lorenzo, “…easy, light and super-reliable; you can +58-281-286.82.59, Fax +58-281be confident under the Yeti tandem! In 287.15.54, cell +58-414-380.91.44. the high mountains it is very important to trust your equipment, especially when The Yeti Tandem in the French Alps you have a passenger. You need the conPhoto courtesy GIN Gliders

Czech Republic pilot Radek Vacera won the competition, and the new Italian champion is Christian Biasi. First in the female category was the Swiss Karin Appenzeller, and the new female Italian champion is the Swiss-Italian Caroll Licini.

Cornizzolo’s standard high-level organization also included a big acro show in Lecco City on July 30 with guest stars including Küng, Gallon, Montant, Boisselier and others. The Cornizzolo Organization, the FIVL (Italian Free Flight Federation) and the Italian Aero Club are officially proposing to the FAI the Cornizzolo location for the Paragliding World Championship of 2009.

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and the resultant civil strife as the empire collapsed at the end of WWI. (Actual evidence suggests more Turks than Armenians were killed). There is plenty of documentation supporting this that I suggest others read (unbiased, meaning not produced by Armenians). I don’t mean to turn our publication into a political arena, but any time a group tries to re-write history, the truth must be championed, and Dan and the USHPA magazine have become unsuspecting tools of unfortunate (and unrelenting) Armenian propaganda.

Andy Rhude, USHPA #69553 (email, 8/11)

The opinions expressed in the letters published in this column are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect opinions of the magazine staff or USHPA officials. While every effort is made to verify facts stated in letters, readers are urged to check the accuracy of any statement before taking action or forming an opinion based on the contents of a letter.

Old-timer and Newcomer, Bags and Bones Sharing Some California Air (email, 7/12)

Here are images of a long-time member and new member of USHPA sharing some lift at Table Bluff, near Eureka, California, on June 6th. The hang glider pilot is Rob McCaff rey, USHPA #103.

I’m the paraglider pilot. Bob Smith took the photos.

Don Andrews, USHPA #83533

USHPA Mag: Better Than Airline Movies! (email, 7/16)

For nearly 10 months now, I’ve received my copy of the Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine. Usually, I’d fl ip through it, read an article or two, and

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I have with pleasure received HG&PG magazine’s July issue (volume 36) but I was shocked when I read the article then put the gallery or centerfold picture “View From the Other Side” by Dan up in my office cube.

Retz. In his article, Dan stated, “After I’m writing to you today because for the Armenian genocide in 1915, where the past nine hours on my (commercial) the Turks killed 1.5 million Armenians, fl ight back from Italy, I had the oppor- most Armenians have been taught to tunity to read an issue from cover to hate anything Turkish” (page 33). cover. WOW! I had no idea how much I can understand Dan’s mind-set high-quality work in articles, columns easily; he can believe whatever he has and features was being delivered monthly been told without analyzing the history through my USHPA membership. Thank or having any idea about what happened you to you and your staff for putting to- during those days in the eastern part of gether a publication of such value. My Turkey. But how dare you publish such only regret is that it took me this long to an unacceptable and completely wrong appreciate it. statement as an editor of a sport magaAshley Guberman, USHPA #84127 zine?

Didn’t a human tragedy take place Additional Views From the Other Side there in the eastern part of Turkey? Of (email, 7/18) course it did, but that human tragedy vicDan Retz’s article on flying Mount timized all peoples of the area, without Ararat (July issue) was excellent. I too discriminating them on the basis of ethhave seen the mountain from both sides nicity, nationality, language, or religion.

(Armenia and Turkey) and I wish I could Why cherry-pick the Armenian suffering do what Dan accomplished. However, he and losses from the lot and totally ignore makes a comment at the end of his arti- or dismiss the much larger Turk suffercle that must be addressed. He mentions ing and losses? Is this what genocide is the “Armenian genocide” as a historical meant to be, a selective morality?

I cannot reach Dan Retz but can you fact. I’m sure Dan doesn’t realize he has been very much influenced by his time please simply ask him whether he has any spent in Armenia. I have spent time in idea about how many Turks were killed both countries, worked closely with each, in Erzurum/Turkey by Armenian insurand respect both cultures. But the fact gents? I may give you detailed informais that the so-called genocide is a myth tion if you would like, as Erzurum is my perpetuated by Armenians. There were home city and also my grandfather and many killed at that time, both Turks and several other relatives were victims of a Armenians, by each other, the result of brutal Armenian attack to our village…

It has been proven that most of a struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire by ethnic Armenians the Ottoman-Armenians were brutal October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

insurgents, armed to the teeth by the Western allies during WWI, all of whom were intent on destroying the Ottoman Empire, and the OttomanArmenians did cause the deaths of more than 500,000 of their Muslim neighbors, mostly Turks (like my grandfather), between 1914 and 1923. As you can easily see if you check the archives, the baseless charges of genocide would be turned on its end and Armenians would be proven to be the victims of a nonexistent genocide.

In short, Ottomans wanted to temporarily re-settle those OttomanArmenians who took up arms against their own government, resorted to insurgency, terrorism, and treason at a time of war of survival. That’s what it is all about…

By the way, the entire OttomanArmenian population, according to the official Ottoman government sources, was around 1,300,000 at that time. How can more people than the entire population die? Did some die twice?

I love your magazine but please keep it as a sport magazine and limited to paragliding and hang gliding issues and please don’t touch such sensitive historical issues and upset us…

Last but not least I would like to invite you to Turkey, to our famous paragliding spot, Oludeniz/Fethiye, to explore the beauties of my country. If you would like to check some of my Oludeniz paragliding pictures, please visit my Web site, http://www.takkok.smugmug.com/ gallery/1546322.

Public Access at the Hat Creek Rim Two recent Air Mail letters, one appearing in the April 2006 issue, written

by Roger Jackson and the other appearing in the August 2006 issue, written by Todd DeGrandmont, illustrate a need to get the word out regarding Forest Service policy at Hat Creek Rim. The flying site at Hat Creek Rim sits entirely on public land (the Lassen National Forest). In 1996, Hat Creek Rim began operating under a recreational (non-commercial) United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USDAFS) Special Use Permit.

That use permit has very specific and binding terms that govern recreational flying there.

In particular, the special use permit is very clear regarding other users’ access to our permit areas. It states: “The Forest Service reserves the right to use or allow others to use any part of the permit area, including roads, for any purpose, provided such use does not materially interfere with the holder’s authorized use. A final determination of confl icting uses is reserved to the Forest Service.”

It is so important that pilots using Hat Creek Rim understand this critical clause in the site’s use permit. We may not like having a family picnicking in the middle of “our” LZ or hearing some noisy form of recreation, but the use permit gives us absolutely no authority to hassle or restrict other users at the site. Only the Forest Service will make the final determination of confl icting uses.

The suggested recourse (for the shortTugrul Akkok, USHPA #82728 term solution) is to respectfully request they relocate (and hope they do) or plan Thank you for your comments, Andy and your landing in another LZ or in another Tugrul. Every war is a tragedy, and al- part of the affected LZ if that can be though the perspective differs depending on done safely.

For the long-term solution the correct which side one is on, everyone whose life is touched by war is a victim. I appreciate that protocol, and the one that most benefits all three of you – that includes Dan – have the longevity of the site, is to report issues given thought to the history and culture of to the Hat Creek Committee and let our the areas in which we enjoy the freedom of process of mediation take its course.

The Hat Creek Committee is comour wonderful sports. I suspect that I am not the only one whose understanding of a part prised of three members each from the of the world I’ve not yet visited has been en- Redding Paragliding Club and the hanced. Thanks for the invitation to come fly Shasta Sky Sailors Club. We are the auin Turkey, Tugrul – the photos on your Web thorized liaison between the flying community and the Forest Service. The Forest site are very enticing!

Service would seek comment from us before they’d ever make a final determiOc tober 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

nation regarding a confl icting use in the permit area. The goal of the committee is to resolve any issue expeditiously and amicably at the user level, as was successfully done with the powered paragliders.

One thing is for certain at Hat Creek Rim: If individual pilots take it upon themselves to act harshly towards other users, it compromises a positive outcome and unduly jeopardizes the future of flying at the site.

The Forest Service will not tolerate the flying community dictating how the land they manage will be used. If the Forest Service were to receive complaints about members of the flying community conducting themselves in a manner that could in any way be construed as harassing, endangering and/or limiting other users’ rights (even if you believe the other use to be inappropriate), we will be rocking the very foundation that flying sits on at the Rim. Please be a “friend of the Rim.” Through cooperation and tolerance we all do our part to ensure that Hat Creek Rim will continue to live on and thrive for decades beyond its next 31 years!

2006 Hat Creek Committee members: Jeff Wade (jtwade01@comcast.net), USHPA #7447 Brian Bokkin (flyingbrian17@hotmail .com), USHPA #56749 Mike Hunter (530-925-2514), not currently a USHPA member Contact information for the committee can also be found at www.hatcreek .info and on the current site guides.

Deadly Spiral Dives! (email, 8/6)

Spiral dives in a paraglider can be deadly. There have been two fatal ones in our area in the last year. Pilots entered them intentionally or accidentally and before they knew it, they were locked in descending at a high speed. Only awareness of what was happening and aggressive action could have saved them.

A spiral dive is the strongest tool that a pilot possesses to descend quickly.

Sink rates of over 4000 feet per minute (fpm) can be reached in tight spiral dives.

However, with these tight spirals comes strong g-forces; the body’s blood can leave the brain and unconsciousness can result. Furthermore if a glider becomes

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spiral stable, it will continue diving towards the ground with no pilot input needed to continue this death spiral. Actively flying pilots need much altitude to exit a tight spiral dive.

If you need to descend quickly, there are several safer options.

Here is a hierarchy for descending with a paraglider. Use the safer techniques first and reserve the more powerful ones only for dire situations: 1) Fly away from the lifting air: 200 fpm.

2) Big ears: 400 fpm.

3) Big ears + speedbar: 600 fpm. First pull ears, then engage the speedbar. Engaging the speedbar first then adding ears could cause a frontal.

4) B-line stall: 1700 fpm. If the lift is extreme, do a B-line stall with care, since you are stalling the wing and giving up immediate control.

5) Asymmetric spirals: 2000 fpm. Enter and leave spirals before great g-forces can build up.

6) Spiral dive: up to 4000 fpm. This is a last, desperate option – loss of control is possible as you fly towards the ground above 40 mph!

All of these descent tools should be practiced the first time under the close guidance of an instructor. The last three (B-line stalls, asymmetric spirals and spiral dives) should be practiced at a safety clinic over water with an instructor. When you upgrade your wing to one of higher rating, you should practice these descent techniques again.

If you are wondering how your wing typically exits from spirals, look at the DHV’s web site at http://www.dhv.de. The DHV test pilots have found that, in exiting a spiral, higher performance wings typically continue turning through 180 to 360 degrees even if you do everything correctly!

Granger Banks, a USHPA advanced tandem instructor (USHPA #57235), has been offering safety clinics since 1992. Contact him at granger@parasoftparagliding.com.

Single-Surface Hang Pilots Loving the New Comp Format! (email, 8/15)

We just wanted to thank [Davis Straub] and David Glover for letting us participate in this year’s Big Spring hang gliding competition. Having the single-surface and sport-class division is a great way to learn about competition without getting blown out of the air by the best pilots in our first competition.

Thank you for letting us participate in the daily checking of the weather and picking our own tasks. You really made us feel like we belonged. The daily updates of our small accomplishments from the day before and the applause from all the pilots was very cool.

In the end we learned about GAP scoring and got more familiar with our GPSs and how to use them. We were also happily surprised at how friendly and approachable all the pilots were in the various divisions.

We would love to come back and enter other competitions. I think next time we want to enter the sport class division.

Thanks again for all your effort and support.

Tony de Groot, USHPA #72168, and Anne-Odile Thomas, USHPA #58176 Santa Barbara, California

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October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

NAA Provides Benefits to All Air Sports, Including Hang Gliding and Paragliding

By Dustin Gouker, contributing writer, NAA’s AERO magazine

The National Aeronautic Association and facing the best in the world helps make benefits members from all segments of them better.

NAA membership even provides a way aviation, including individuals, aerospace corporations, aero clubs, and air sport or- for those who cannot participate in comganizations. These benefits are extended to petitions abroad to still be ranked against USHPA through their participation as an their foreign counterparts. All pilots with a sporting license (issued in the United States air sport organization member.

NAA represents the interests of all U.S. by NAA) competing in an FAI-sanctioned air sport organizations to the governing event are then entered into the World Pilot body for international sport aviation – the Ranking System (WPRS). Th is internaFédération Aéronautique Internationale. tional list compares all hang gliding and “As a member of FAI, we have a place at paragliding pilots by the various classes of the table where they are discussing inter- gliders and types of competition.

NAA also administers a variety of national rules for things like competition and record setting,” said Art Greenfield, awards, including aviation’s oldest and most director of contest & records for NAA, prestigious award, the Robert J. Collier and ex-officio board member of USHPA. Trophy, given each year to the greatest “There is also strength in numbers, nation- achievement in aviation. Another NAA ally. When we speak with a collective voice, award – the Katharine Wright Award it makes all of our air sport members more – was presented to Gertrude Rogallo in 2004. Mrs. Rogallo, with her husband effective.”

NAA represents more than 225,000 Francis, helped invent the rogallo wing. pilots and members of air sport organi- NAA holds two general awards ceremonies zations when all membership numbers each year in the spring and fall where air are added together, including USHPA’s sport individuals are recognized for various 10,000 members. There are approximately awards and records.

There are other international awards one million people practicing air sports throughout the world who are represented reserved exclusively for hang glider and in FAI. Being a part of NAA promotes paraglider pilots. Th rough NAA, USHPA travel and camaraderie with these interna- can nominate individuals for the Pepe tional air sport people and creates a spirit Lopes Medal and the FAI Hang Gliding Diploma. The Lopes Medal, named after of community.

“On issues expressly related to hang the 1981 world champion, is awarded for gliding and paragliding, the United States outstanding contributions to sportsmanis represented at FAI’s Hang Gliding and ship or international understanding in the Paragliding Commission by Jim Zeiset and sport of hang gliding and paragliding. The Dennis Pagen. We are really fortunate to FAI Hang Gliding Diploma is awarded have two guys with so much experience to to an individual who is considered to have help direct the many aspects of the sport, made an outstanding contribution to the such as safety, competition, and personal development of hang gliding by his or achievement,” said Greenfield. her initiative, work or leadership in fl ight Being a part of NAA gives USHPA and achievement. its members the ability to set national and There is also the NAA Safety Award, world records and participate in interna- which was established in 1990 to recognize tional competition. Of course, this doesn’t the safety-related contributions of NAA’s directly affect every member of every air affi liated air sport organizations and their sport, just as it doesn’t have a direct impact members. Among its recent winners are on every member of USHPA. But interna- USHPA members Peter Birren (2005), tional competition is still important for the Malcolm Jones (2003), and Peter Reagan group as a whole – it provides visibility for (2000). hang gliding and paragliding that it might There are many other intangible benefits not otherwise receive. The top hang glider for USHPA being a part of NAA. NAA and paraglider pilots help advance the sport allows for a member of USHPA on NAA’s – from new techniques to new technology, board of directors, meaning hang glider Oc tober 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

and paraglider pilots have representation in helping to guide the oldest national aviation association in the United States.

An annual meeting for all air sport organizations is hosted by NAA to provide networking opportunities and to promote a sense of unity throughout American aviation. In the past NAA has set up meetings with the FAA administrator, giving air sport organizations a rare chance to address their concerns directly to aviation’s top official. NAA also invited an association planning expert to a recent meeting, giving USHPA’s leaders and the other air sport organizations a chance to learn about new ways of recruiting and retaining members.

NAA promotes hang gliding and paragliding by providing a presence for USHPA on its Web site (www.naa.aero), with a description of the sport and a link to USHPA’s site. NAA frequently posts news items related to the sport, and will post items provided by USHPA. There’s also an events calendar that USHPA contributes to, as well as a records database that includes all hang gliding and paragliding records.

USHPA also has a presence in NAA’s bi-monthly magazine, AERO. NAA offers a free full-page color ad to USHPA. The magazine frequently features the accomplishments of air sport organization members, and each issue contains a list of all recently claimed records, which includes hang gliding and paragliding records.

NAA has cooperated with USHPA many times over the years with site preservation issues. One example is when, in the past, California’s Ed Levin County Park was threatened with closure, and NAA lent its support in the campaign to keep it open.

In this way, NAA helps make sure hang glider and paraglider pilots can continue to enjoy the sport for years to come.

It’s in NAA’s best interest for all air sport organizations to succeed. NAA needs the support and membership of USHPA to be effective – just as USHPA needs NAA to be its voice internationally and to provide services and promotion it could not find elsewhere.

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USHPA: The Name Change Begets Other Changes

By Peter Birren, Chairman, USHPA Internal Marketing subcommittee

Magazine Cover

Logo Design Contest

Perhaps you noticed the different name on the magazine cover this month: USHPA.AERO. This is not a permanent change, but is merely being used to promote our new Web site domain name as we move progressively away from the old and into the new. The new domain name will be used on the cover of four issues of our magazine, and then the title on the cover will revert back to Hang Gliding & Paragliding – unless you come up with a better suggestion in the meantime.

We aren’t actively soliciting a new name for the magazine because some things should remain familiar and comfortable, but if a great suggestion should pop up, it will be given every consideration by the Internal Marketing subcommittee, the board and the executive committee. If you have an idea for a new title for our magazine, please send it to peter@birrendesign.com.

This month is the kickoff of a logo design competition brought on by the new association name that was voted in earlier this year. Our venerable old logo – the “sun” or orange ball – features only hang glider images. It was designed more than 25 years ago and, while familiar to us, has lived a very useful life but now it’s time for a new look to go with our new name.

The following article presents a design contest, open to members and non-members alike, to search out that perfect logo, a mark that could last another 25 years or more, an image that epitomizes the freedom of gliding fl ight while respecting the wings we fly.

Please show us your thoughts and ideas as finished and print-ready as possible. Give it lots of thought and consideration. Your design(s) will be judged by professionals in the design field and given every chance at success.

We hope you like these changes. Though some changes are difficult, it’s an exciting time for the association with many wide-open possibilities for the future as we all move forward.

Web Site Domain Name

USHPA.AERO completely replaces USHGA.ORG as a functional Web address, but it’s not the only change you’ll see on the Web as other things progress and improve (as time permits).

United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association Logo Design Competition

By Peter Birren (peter@birrendesign.com), Chairman, USHPA Internal Marketing subcommittee E D S TAT

Welcome to the USHPA Logo Design Compet it ion.

We have a brand new G & IN name and are D PA RAGLI looking for a new visual mark to identify our organization. All interested parties are invited to submit designs for consideration by a panel of experienced professionals and USHPA personnel.

USHPA’s purpose is to guard the dream of free fl ight. We are a not-forprofit sporting organization to protect and promote foot-launched aviation – the one and only way a person can truly soar like a bird. It is difficult to describe in words what it’s like to fly wingtip-towingtip with a red-tailed hawk, but as an image, the logo should be able to evoke N

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the freedom and exhilaration of unpowered fl ight while representing our values of living with passion and with responsibility, knowledge of self-limits, self-trust and of daring to see the world from a different perspective.

The new logo design will present the association to the public and government entities. It will be widely featured in all USHPA material including the Web site, stationery, apparel, decals, magazine and whatever else we can find to put it on.

Deadline for entries is Friday, December 29, 2006.

Read the rules carefully and prepare your best finished art. Impress the jury: Margo Chase, Warren Schirtzinger, David Glover, Martin Palmaz and Peter Birren – all pilots, professional designers and marketers. USHPA members will advise on the final designs.

We look forward with great interest to receiving your proposals. Contact me, or Martin Palmaz at USHPA headquarters (martin@ushpa.aero), if you have any questions.

Design Brief

The current USHGA logo can be viewed at http://www.ushpa.aero/logo contest.asp.

THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED WITH THE CURRENT IDENTITY:

• Features the old USHGA name; now it’s USHPA, the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association.

• Features only stylized hang glider wings; paraglider pilots now constitute nearly half the membership.

October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

THEMES FOR THE NEW IDENTITY MAY INCLUDE:

Rules and Submission Requirements

• Hang gliding and paragliding with equal emphasis?

• A design based on the letter-forms of the organization name (USHPA)?

• Mascot? Clouds? Birds?

• Revision of current logo?

1. FORM OF THE COMPETITION:

SIMILAR-TYPE ORGANIZATION IDENTITIES CAN BE SEEN AT:

http://www.eaa.org/ http://www.aopa.org http://www.usua.org/ http://www.usppa.org/ http://www.bmfa.org/ http://www.sailingsource.com/sailfd/ http://www.modelaircraft.org/ Judgment criteria THE NEW LOGO IS TO MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

• The organization name (USHPA and/or United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) should be included in the final design.

• The logo should be immediately identifiable.

• If abstract, the logo should be simple and clear in concept.

• We’d like it to convey the traditional goals and spirit of the USHGA past while looking toward the USHPA future.

• It must be distinctive in the quality and originality of its visual image and naturally not offend any national, cultural or religious sensitivity.

• The concept must be relevant to the organization (USHPA).

• It must adapt well to electronic media, printed media, reduction to small sizes, in one-color and fullcolor, both in positive and negative form (used on light or dark backgrounds.

• Must be the original work of the submitter.

• Must be free of any copyright or other intellectual property claims.

• Must be received no later than midnight MST, Friday, December 29, 2006.

The above information is not meant to limit creativity in any way. We are open to a wide range of creative solutions.

Open logo

design.

2. PARTICIPATION: The competition is open to all designers, both professional and nonprofessional, members and non-members alike. Jury members are excluded from submitting design concepts.

3. OBJECT OF THE COMPETITION: A) To create a visual emblem for the

6. DEADLINE:

• The designs must be received by midnight MST on Friday, December 29, 2006, at which time the upload site will close and no more submissions will be accepted.

• USHPA disclaims any liability for material submitted.

7. SELECTING THE WINNERS:

The final selection of designs will take several stages: A) PREVIEW: if the jury requests some artwork revisions, previous artwork will 4. NUMBER OF DESIGNS AND PRESENTATION DATA: be deleted until the revised artwork is reA maximum of three designs may be ceived. There will be no extensions to the submitted per member. Designs shall be deadline so submit early and often (three submitted in their final form as finished maximum per designer). artwork (no rough sketches).

B) PRE-SELECTION: During the month of 5. FORMAT AND TRANSMISSION OF ARTWORK: January, USHPA members will have an A) Judging will be done electronically opportunity to express their preferences due to geographic separation of the jury. through an online survey, for the jury’s Therefore, we request that all artwork be consideration. submitted as Adobe Illustrator files with C) FINAL SELECTION: The jury will confer no “placed” fi les or images. Fonts must via email to select the winners by March be converted to outlines prior to submis- 1, 2007. Two final designs will be subsion. mitted to the board of directors for their B) Each design submitted should con- selection during the March BOD meettain five separate fi les: ing.

B1) .ai in color (original) D) If submitted designs do not meet B2) .ai in black and white (original) the criteria or are deemed by the judges B3) .jpg, .gif or .png color (Web use) not to achieve our goals, we reserve the 100dpi x 4” in the longest dimension right to continue the search for a new B4) .jpg, .gif or .png b/w (Web use) design by continuing this competition or 100dpi @ 4” by other means.

B5) A text-only fi le with complete 8. COPYRIGHT, RIGHT OF USE: contact information for the designer, deUpon completion of the competition scription or explanation of the design and and payment of the awards, USHPA anything else we will need to know such acquires full ownership of the winning as specific ink colors or typeface names. logos by assignment of copyright, and C) Submissions will be accepted be- the winning designer will disclaim any ginning 8:00 a.m. MST on October 16, trademarks and without limitation all 2006 at this upload link: ftp://ftp://www other rights related to the design. .ushpaonline.net.

9. EXPLOITATION OF THE COMPETITION RESULTS USERNAME: logocontest FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS PURPOSES: PASSWORD: logos By submitting their designs, all parD) Should the jury determine that no ticipants authorize USHPA to use their design meets the qualifications, we re- designs for public relations purposes serve the right to continue seeking design without compensation, for instance by concepts through an extension of the publishing the competition results in competition or by other means. broadcasts and in written or electronic media or both – with a mention of the creators’ names – and to display or publish all or some of the submitted designs anywhere in the world.

U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association.

B) To replace the logo currently in use.

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10. RETURN OF DESIGNS:

Participants are advised to retain personal records of their designs, as neither the designs submitted nor the electronic media will be returned.

11. VALIDITY OF THE RULES:

Participants unreservedly accept these rules.

12. AWARDS:

1st place - $500* 2nd place - $150** 3rd place - $100** *plus recognition on the USHPA Web site (a page-one article for two months, followed by a page-one link for two years, followed by a hidden page forever, so the designer will always have a link from his or her own site); *plus a national press release put out by USHPA proclaiming the designer’s name and/or firm’s name, and PDF copies of same for your own promotional use; **no usage restrictions on the work for your own self-promotion.

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USHPA LOGO CONTEST Do You Have a Better Idea?

By Thayer Hughes

As most members are aware, with the exchange of a single letter USHGA has now become USHPA. Wasn’t that easy?

To go along with the new name, USHPA is calling for a new logo design and, as detailed by Peter Birren in this article, is offering cash prizes of up to $500 for the top three placing entries. Unfortunately for most of us, the contest rules specify that all submissions must be in Adobe Illustrator .ai format. So unless you are prepared to purchase an expensive graphics design package and learn how to use it, or find someone who already has, your bright idea for our next logo isn’t going to see the light of day.

Fortunately, in order to give everyone an opportunity to enter and win, ThinAir Designs is offering to transform your vision into their vision.

Entries forwarded to ThinAir Designs may be in nearly any popular drawing format fi le; image formats including .jpg, .gif, .tiff, etc; pencil on paper; oil on canvas; crayon on napkin; ...even a tattoo on your girlfriend. Any format that clearly expresses your idea can be converted into the fi les and format required by the logo judging committee. So now you also have a chance to win!

Wasn’t that easy?

Details at http://ushga.dyndns.org/ logo.

October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

USHPA Annual Regional Director Elections: Candidate Statements for structure, beyond training. This missing structure might be Region 1: Rich Hass (nominee) Let me tell you a bit about myself. I’ve provided by instructors, or mentors, or programs, but it seems been flying paragliders the past dozen likely that clubs like ours, with their modest sites, will be afyears or so here in the Northwest, and fected, somehow. We see new pilots at a meeting or two, then have a P-4 rating. I joined USHGA the most vanish. We see a few out at sites. I believe these areas day I bought my first glider. I am a member – How can we keep new pilots? Where can they fly? – are imof both Northwest Paragliding Club and portant.

I have no particular agenda, except sites. Most other clubs, Cloudbase Country Club, and have served on the board for NWPC a couple of times. and many other individuals, work on sites. I’m sure sites, and Along with many others, I volunteer as a access to them, will affect the future of USHPA, somehow. site guide for Baldy Butte in Eastern Washington. My wife This is the area where my interest lies, and where I hope to be Barb and my two sons (Jamie and Tyler) provide “ground- able to contribute something.

Thank you for your consideration. support” on the home front.

When I’m not flying, I work for an investment advisory firm in Seattle that acquires and manages commercial real estate Region 2: Dave Wills (nominee) throughout the U.S. My 25+ years in commercial real estate This year I begin my 20th year of hang may prove helpful in working through site access and related gliding. After almost two decades, I still issues. have the desire to fly and to work hard We’ve been fortunate to have some very capable directors to preserve hang gliding and paragliding. represent our region. I know I have my work cut out for me to For those who don’t know me, I’ve been raise the bar! I approach this position with a strong desire to active in the San Francisco Bay Area in support hang gliding and paragliding pilots with equal enthukeeping our Observer program strong. I siasm, and am willing to listen and work hard to achieve our have been an Observer for about 15 years, common goals. Thanks in advance for your support. an Examiner for about a dozen years and was an Instructor for six years. In the past dozen years, I’ve Region 2: Jon James (nominee) been the primary person responsible for giving the hang glidThank you for this nomination. I’ve ing Observer and Instructor clinics Wings Of Rogallo requires. never wanted to be a regional director I am the author of the “USHGA Hang Gliding Observer before because it seemed like a thank- Reference Manual” which was also used as the template for the less job. However, hang gliding is a good “USHGA Paragliding Observer Reference Manual.” cause which may (or may not) need help, For the past few years, the number of USHPA hang gliding and maybe I should try, instead of sitting members has been falling. Recently, the number of paragliding around complaining. members leveled off and has started to fall. The USHPA and My focus has always been site acquisi- the pilot community cannot afford to lose any more members. tion and maintenance. Some of our sites With a shrinking membership, we will have fewer options to are modest, but a site is a site, and, without sites, we don’t fly. purchase equipment, our equipment will become more expenSince 1982, I’ve signed about 50 use permits with mostly state, sive and more importantly, our collective voice will be weaker a couple federal, and private landowners. Some of our sites can when the time comes to fight for our flying sites. Whatever the reason, we need to reinvigorate the USHPA, end the erosion of still be flown by Hang 2s.

It takes many people, and a lot of effort, to open and main- our pilot population and bring in new hang gliding and paratain sites. Our club, Sonoma Wings, has many pilots who give gliding members to join us in soaring fl ight.

Last fall, I represented Region 2 at the board meeting in many hours – visiting landowners, attending general plan meetings, moving mountains, cooking, calling. The contribu- Colorado Springs as a stand-in for Urs Kellenberger. I attended tions of others exceed my own. We do this together. I have been every committee meeting I could and contributed to many imtouched, and moved, by visiting and getting to know landown- portant discussions and decisions. Because I’ve been a pilot for so long, I had previously met many of the current board members, ers, more than I ever expected.

It’s good that USHPA recognizes a need for membership committee chairs and USHPA officers. I’ve known and worked enhancement. But, I believe, USHPA can’t do it alone. With with some of them occasionally for the past 15 years. I’ve also some good instructors, some Condors, and some scooters, we been in frequent contact with Urs and Paul Gazis regarding safety and other important issues for pilots and USHPA. hope to attract more students.

During my time as an Examiner, I’ve taken on hard jobs Retaining these students is already an issue. There’s a need Oc tober 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

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All similar sports such as sky diving, scuba, ballooning and sailplanes offer insurance for their instructors, providing security and professionalism. This coverage will cost very little and will be a great thing for our sports’ future.

On another front, site procurement and preservation are the most important issues facing pilots in the USA. I have been active in preserving and now “saving” the Point of the Mountain.

I have learned a ton and feel that there is a system we need to implement to save the sites we have and obtain new flying sites across the USA. Regardless of my getting re-elected or not, I will pursue this with a passion for the sport that has provided a living for my family and a life-long love for myself.

Please take the time to vote for someone, anyone. Without your participation, USHPA is ineffective. In years past the vote counts for regional directors across the country are dismal – some regions had single digits behind the vote for the winning Region 3: David Jebb (incumbent) I wish to thank Region 3 pilots for their director! Let’s show that Region 4 cares. support over the past four years as their USHPA Region 3 director. I have enjoyed Region 4: Tim Meehan (nominee) participating on the board on behalf of My membership number is 58950. I’ve our membership. I think it is important been a PG pilot since the days of the old to have a member on the board who is an APA. Like you, I’ve seen the sport and the active pilot, dedicated to promoting the organization change significantly since safety and enjoyment of paragliding and then. hang gliding. Our organization is in the Over the years I’ve served as our local process of metamorphosis and I am proud to be a small part of chapter president, initiated community that change. I wish to remain your regional director and hope outreach programs like rescue workshops that I can count on your support. for local fire departments and trade show appearances, and even helped open some high-profi le sites in Region 4: Steve Mayer (incumbent) our region. I know that the best way to effect positive change in For those in Region 4 who don’t know our environment is to work within the system. Start the process me, I have been flying paragliders since of positive change from within. THIS is why I need your vote 1993 and have dabbled in hang gliding. to become your next regional director.

In 1995 I started Cloud 9 and have since Of all the pilots I’ve known over the years, almost all have become the largest paragliding center in shared the following concerns about the USHPA: This orgathe country for the past decade. That is all nization must be more RESPONSIVE to its members. This I do every day, sun up till sun down! Since organization must be ACCOUNTABLE for its actions. This flying is my life, becoming your regional organization must RESPECT the dues-paying, fl ight-loving director just seemed like a logical post to members (that make the organization possible). The organizafi ll. The issues USHPA faces are the issues I face on a daily basis tion must STEP UP and DO THE RIGHT THING for its and knowing so many of you in the region makes it an easy and membership.

Now, tell me what you want. As your Region 4 representafun (did I really say that?) honor.

Last year I told my wife that if someone good ran against tive my job is to present your concerns and work with you (and me, I would hang it up as regional director. It is a HUGE time for you) to make the organization everything it should be. An and financial commitment reading the emails and attending organization for which you can again be proud to say you’re a the meetings twice a year, let alone serving on committees and member.

Email me anytime. My address is: meehan.tim@gmail.com. doing the tasks required/requested of the regional directors.

Well, there is more than one great candidate running this time Tell me the improvements YOU want to see in your USHPA. who can do an excellent job serving our region. The reason I have not pulled my name from the hat is that after three terms Region 4: JC Brown (nominee) I finally feel like I am making a difference. I know the board, I’d like to be a USHPA regional direcknow the system and have some unfinished goals that are gettor because I feel I should do penance for ting close that I feel are CRITICAL to the growth of our all the fun I’ve had flying foot-launched sport. gliders.

Specifically we are getting closer to attaining reasonably I’ve been a Region 4 USHPA member priced insurance for our instructors. This is a must to be “legitifor around 30 years. These days I’m a paramate” and to lure more professionals into the teaching business. glider pilot, but I have tried hang gliding such as reducing a pilot rating to prevent accidents. Nobody likes to reduce a rating, including me. But the hard jobs have to get done. Being a Regional Director is another hard job I am willing to tackle. Those who know me know I won’t take this job lightly and I’ll work hard to improve our organization. In order to retain our freedom to fly, we need to build the USHPA membership. We need to make sure the USHPA is not an organization pilots must belong to in order to enjoy free fl ight, but is an organization pilots want to join because they see the benefits of membership.

If you have any concerns about our organization or think there are ways the USHPA can be improved, I ask for your comments, your support and your vote to allow me to represent you.

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with these powered harnesses and the like, interested pilots need consistent approved training methods, just as we have in all other forms of launching. Any time a pilot is safely launched into the air and is accumulating airtime it is a good thing. Also, increased exposure to hang gliding is a benefit, with pilots visiting many small airports, meeting aviation-minded people Region 7: Paul Olson (nominee) Long after the dreams of flying that across the country.

My goal as Region 7 representative would be to grow the every child has, I finally responded to a small classified ad in the Chicago Tribune sport through increased exposure so that more people can live placed by Brad Kushner for hang gliding their dreams of flying. We cannot predict the future but we can lessons. So there I was, 36 years old, final- prepare our organization to be adaptable and flexible, which is ly taking my first step to live those flying key to survival in this age of constant change. dreams. Brad had training hill agreements with several farmers in the southeastern Region 7: Tracy Tillman (Incumbent) Wisconsin area. With an early morning I have served one term as Region 7 phone call, we’d find out which hill to meet at, depending on director, and would be happy to serve for the wind direction du jour. That was 17 years ago. another term if elected to do so by the Before aerotowing, the only way to get any real altitude was USHPA membership in Region 7. Over to hop into John Fritsche’s VW bus and drive the 12 hours the last two years, I have participated on to Henson’s Gap (which we did in groups), where we camped and completed projects for the Safety and and patiently waited for perfect beginner conditions. Brad inTraining committee, Tandem committee, stalled a radio on the harness and talked us down to the LZ and Towing committee. Since towing is called “The Bowl,” the perfect training LZ because you could the predominant method for launching never overshoot it. Once the aerotow operation was set up in hang gliders and paragliders in our region, I have been primarWhitewater in 1992, I rarely went down to Tennessee any more. ily involved with towing-related USHPA committee work, inToday I have 410 lifetime fl ights with 150 total hours. cluding the renewal of our aerotowing exemption with the FAA, When I saw the press release in the USHGA magazine for standardization of towing training curriculum, adoption of the the Swedish AeroSports Mosquito Harness in 1997 I was in- new FAA Sport Pilot regulations for aerotowing and instrucstantly hooked, purchasing the second one Bill Fifer imported. tion, and revision of the H-2 and P-2 (novice) written exams.

What motivated me was the luxury of searching for lift on my I learned to hang glide in 1977, and started Cloud 9 Sport own schedule, to be able to fly out of a small airport five min- Aviation in Minnesota in the late ‘70s, flying and teaching utes from my house and to explore new areas. Being a pioneer flying in an Icarus II and Easy Risers at that time. Now (after did not come easy to my wallet, due to a steep learning curve grad school and a career in engineering and management) I am perfecting the proper launching technique. In a battle between a college professor at Eastern Michigan University, a commera grass runway and the spinning prop hitting it, the prop always cial and instrument-rated airplane pilot, a commercial-rated loses. sailplane pilot, a sailplane tug pilot, and a safety counselor Fast forward to 2006, with a wealth of information in the for the Detroit FAA FSDO area – and I am a very active adform of Web sites, forums, articles and online movies on the vanced/tandem hang gliding instructor and aerotow pilot. For Internet covering every aspect of launching, flying, landing the past ten years I have operated Cloud 9 Sport Aviation and and maintaining the powered harness. So far this year I have the Draachen Fliegen Soaring Club (DFSC) with the help of coached the fi rst fl ights of three pilots who purchased used pow- my wife, Lisa Colletti, at Cloud 9 Field in Michigan. ered harnesses and, to my credit, they all have their props in one As an active instructor, knowledgeable pilot and FAA safety piece. In 2004 I became a Mosquito dealer for Wisconsin. counselor, I believe that I can provide good representation for Thanks to the Yahoo group flphg (foot launched powered all of the pilots in our region to the USHPA, help our organizahang gliding), I learned of a bi-annual trip to France a group of tion deal with many of the challenges that face our sport, and British pilots take, led by Ben Ashman, designer of the supine help to provide a good interface for us with the FAA. harness called the Doodle Bug. I was the fi rst American to participate in 2005, renting a Doodle Bug and an Aeros Target. Region 8: Gary Trudeau (incumbent) We covered 285 miles in 10 days of flying with my only comI have been your Region 8 director for plaint being the warm beer. Th is wonderful bivouac expedition the past four years. Along the way I’ve inspired the next phase in my hang gliding life – to replicate served as an officer in the MHGA for the experience but use weekends for shorter local expeditions. five years, the VHGA for three years and I have a Blog dedicated to my efforts: weekendsoaringtours produced the VHGA newsletter for three .blogspot.com. years.

I am well aware of the problem some members of the hang When I first started as your regional gliding community have with including the powered harness director, I thought I knew the concerns pilot in the USHPA. As launch methods expand in the future of our region’s pilots. As soon as I started and loved it. To me, the type of glider you choose to foot launch is unimportant.

I think I’d be a good director because I know the history of our sport and I have an open mind about its future.

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attending the meeting of all the clubs in the region, I realized that I only knew what was important to the pilots that I flew with on a regular basis.

I realized then that we have a real communication problem.

Very few pilots knew what was happening with the national organization or with the other clubs. To help solve this problem for us, I have tried to attend at least one meeting of every club in our region every year. I also send out at least three emails every year, and an email after every national meeting updating our region’s pilots on what happened at the meeting. Another email is sent in the spring updating everybody of what is happening with the clubs, schools, and clinics. Flying both hang gliders and paragliders, attending club meetings, and flying many different sites has given me a chance to talk to many different pilots and has given me a better understanding of what is important to them.

Through these conversations, I’ve found that our region’s members feel they have no say in the future of our sport and our national organization. To address this I have suggested to the BOD to have more membership surveys and votes on major issues affecting pilots everywhere. I feel that this is the only way the BOD will every truly know what the members want.

In my tenure as regional director, I have formed a regional committee to assist me in making the decisions that affect the region. The regional committee has two hang glider pilots, two paragliding pilots, and two bi-wingual pilots. Every decision that the RD makes is brought to this committee for discussion.

We discuss all the pros and cons before making any decision on what is best for the region.

Since becoming RD I have developed an emergency procedure guide that the BOD has accepted and adopted as the standard for the national organization. To promote, preserve and protect our sports, I have made public appearances and a donation of two GPS units to a local fire department in appreciation for their assistance in the rescue of one of our pilots.

Our region now has tandem administrators for both hang gliding and paragliding. We also have an aerotow administrator and lots of very active observers willing to assist our less experienced pilots.

I wrote the grant application that got the VHGA funds to help them purchase the launch at West Rutland. I have worked numerous work parties to fi x the West Rutland launch access road. I even spearheaded the work party to add vinyl siding on the LZ property owner’s garage at West Rutland. Many pilots assisted with this job to help the club secure this important LZ for many years to come. I’ve also assisted the ranger at Mt. Ascutney with the foot and bike races.

I have always tried to lead by example. I assist our local clubs however I can. I have always tried to be a very active observer.

Working with and mentoring our less experienced pilots gives me a great sense of gratification. These efforts may lead to these pilots staying in our sport and growing to become mentors for new pilots we haven’t met yet.

For the future, I have a few more projects that I am working on with some of the pilots in our region. The first is a formal mentoring program for our region. Another is a regional Web site where the regional director can communicate directly with

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the pilots in the region. This will be a great source of information for visiting pilots who need information and links to our local clubs.

I have always been a strong advocate of the “lead by example” school of thought and have always tried to do so as a pilot, observer and your regional director. I would like your vote and the opportunity to continue as your regional director.

Thank you for your support in the past. I appreciate it. I look forward to your support in the future.

Region 8: Dennis Cavagnaro (nominee) My name is Dennis Cavagnaro and I have been a pilot in our region for over 32 years. It has simply been one of the loves of my life and during our flying season I still watch the weather daily and can’t wait for my next launch.

We are all participants in the greatest sport ever conceived of. The very idea of flying thousands of feet in the air and traveling miles across the land on a wing using the pure forces of nature is just an outstanding concept. Just think how you feel on that Monday after a great flying weekend when you see your work mates standing by the proverbial coffee machine discussing some golf game or family barbecue as they ask…”What was your weekend like?

Well this wonderful sport has an infrastructure (Flying sites and parks, training, RD, manufacturing etc.) that relies on a critical mass of participants. This critical mass has been in decline for years in both class 1 and now class 3. We have an organization that was started for the express purpose to serve and help sustain Hang Gliding and the classes of wings (1-5) it represents. It is failing miserably in its assignment. The numbers keep dropping and the organization has turned to recruiting other forms of aviation and wasting valuable time and resources on non-essential issues. There is plenty of blame to go around and some of it begins with us. We have become very comfortable and myopic over the years and ignored the clear signs of danger. The pioneer pilots who cut the launches and secured the LZ’s years ago are slowly leaving the sport. I have been around since the early days and have witnessed most of my contemporaries move on. We in Region 8 have many local issues that are critical for us to address if we want to continue to fly as we do, but on a national scale we need our organization to focus on the essential activities that will produce growth and sustain our niche of aviation.

USHGA needs to rededicate itself to hang gliding, (all classes), and NOT to involve itself with divisive issues that simply turn its long standing members off and use up valuable time and resources that can better be used for development purposes.

The real challenges of positive national branding, increasing the availability of instructors and training, recruitment of new pilots and maintaining our flying sites should command all its attention if we are going to have any success in growing the numbers of Hang Gliding “Pilots”. I am not interested in the member numbers of USHGA, as that is secondary to its real purpose and USHGA needs to be reminded of that. Yes there October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

are many issues that would be “nice” to address but we have no time to fiddle around while our “Rome” is on fire! First and only efforts are about getting more people into Hang Gliding!

I am and have been for many years a weekend, “garage”, hang gliding pilot. My professional expertise is marketing and I have a past career in understanding what motivates people to do the activities that they do. I am not nor have any intentions of being a USHGA insider, but would be willing to act as a change agent to help redirect the ineffective leadership and misuse of resources we are experiencing today and address the urgent concerns we all share about tomorrow. I think it was Albert Einstein that said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” If you think it’s time to change our direction, I would appreciate your vote.

I do not accept USHPA travel reimbursement). In short, I am dedicated to the USHPA and the survival and long-term health of hang gliding and paragliding in the U.S. and would like to continue to represent Region 10.

Region 12: Paul Voight (Incumbent) For those of you who don’t know me, I’m your current regional director.

Just in case someone runs against me, I’ll campaign for why you should vote for me.

First off, I’d go to the board meetings regardless of being a director – just to try and make sure nothing wacky gets voted in. On occasion, transient “specific agenda” Region 9: Felipe Amunátegui (incumbent) types show up at meetings, and I live to make sure we don’t It is election time again, and I am asking make rash decisions based on their rantings. for your vote once more for the Region 9 There are a number of directors from all over the country director slot. I fly for fun only, but I recog- who, like myself, have been at it awhile, and we therefore have nize and support all aspects of our sport. some continuity from meeting to meeting. I enjoy working with I stay involved in the operations of the them, and would like to continue.

USHPA by attending our semi-annual My “stats” are: Master HG pilot and advanced PG pilot; cermeetings, serving in the executive com- tified instructor in both; instructor program administrator for mittee, and participating in our monthly both; chairman of the USHPA Tandem committee for about teleconferences. I believe that my most eight years. I also chair the Financial Redistribution commitsignificant contributions to the organization are in the area of tee, which can be a very taxing endeavor.

I own and operate Fly High, Inc., a hang gliding and paraorganizational development and human relations.

In addition, I believe that we have taken significant strides gliding school and retail shop, since 1984 – and I look forward toward making our organization professional, efficient, and to getting fi lthy rich in this pursuit, eventually.

My main objective in going to board meetings is to miniresponsive to our membership and to the ongoing challenges that threaten to take away our ability to self-regulate. If elected, mize the making of new rules and regulations. I was never a big I will continue to keep an active level of participation in the fan of said evils. Along with Steve Kroop (Florida), we make management and administration of our organization, and I will sure the board doesn’t fi x things that aren’t broken. We also are helpful in being a memory/reference resource for the office, as continue to work in the development of our organization. we are often called on to clarify/explain program changes, etc. made at board meetings.

Region 10: Steve Kroop (incumbent) And that’s about all I can think of for now. In conclusion, I have served the USHPA in various capacities for more than twelve years. I have my standing election offer is (as always): If you vote for me, I’ll chaired the Towing committee for the past buy you a beer. seven years, am a member of the Safety and Training, Tandem and Competition committees, all of which address issues that are important to Region 10 and the overall health of hang gliding and paragliding in the U.S. Recently the USHPA formally recognized the need to grow hang gliding and paragliding for the sake of the association, the members and the health of the sport. I believe that this is the single most important issue facing the USHPA and as regional director I want to do whatever I can to help achieve this growth.

Because of my business, Flytec USA, and my association with Quest Air, I am able to routinely speak with many Region 10 pilots on the phone, in person and via email. I have a long history of working closely with and assisting the USHPA office staff and executive director in administering USHPA programs.

I have not missed a single BOD meeting in twelve years (and Flying tandem on the Gin Yeti at the Grands Montets, France Oc tober 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

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Biwingual Courtesies

Article and photos by C.J. and George Sturtevant

Back in the early ‘90s we had the opportunity to make a flying trip to the Alps – C.J. to compete with her hang glider, and George, a H-4 and newlyfledged parapilot, bringing only his easy-traveling paraglider. Paragliding was still a relatively new sport, even in Europe, and at most of the sites we flew, paragliders were greatly outnumbered by hang gliders.

Last July we returned to the Alps, this time with only our paragliders, and spent two weeks flying in Switzerland and France. We were surprised and dismayed to find no hang gliders at any of the launches we flew this trip, even the ones we’d shared back in ’91 and ‘92.

Thankfully, that’s not the case at most of the sites we fly here in Washington State!

Over the years, we’ve noticed that as sites go “biwingual,” friction can develop between hang and para pilots, simply through lack of understanding regarding what the “other side” needs or wants for safe and convenient fl ight. Quite often, just a small adjustment in behavior can make a huge improvement in the “atmosphere” at a site that’s shared by both hang glider and paraglider pilots. Here are some tips that we’ve picked up in our travels.

On Launch: Paraglider pilots:

Neunerkopfle launch, Tannheim, Austria, 1991

you’re finished flying.

• On a day when you’re not going to launch right away, after laying out and clearing your lines, bundle up your wing so it doesn’t take up space someone else might need for setting up.

• Learn how to provide a good hang check (that’s a pretty simple safety check). The next level of assistance to hang pilots might be to help with guarding side wires or front wires when conditions are gnarly on launch. You’ll definitely want to ask the hang pilot what he or she expects from a wire-person before latching onto a wire!

• Lay out your glider and clear your lines in the setup area, never on launch unless you’re the only one there.

• If you’re on launch but conditions seem too strong for you and there are hang pilots in line, invite them Hang glider pilots: to move ahead of you – chances are • Before setting up, check with local they’ll be off and away in moments. paraglider pilots to be certain your • Check site protocol before toplandchosen set-up area is not their toping at an unfamiliar site (at our local landing area. site, toplanding is prohibited if there • At a site where there’s a hike-toare horses on launch). launch option, offer to drive para• If lots of hang rigs are on top withglider wings to the top if you have out drivers, and toplanding is a rearoom in your vehicle – lots of para sonable option, consider offering to pilots enjoy the hike considerably drive a rig down to the LZ when more if they’re not carrying a 40-

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pound pack!

• On a day where everyone is waiting around for conditions to improve, invite paraglider pilots to share the benefits of hanging out under your big “umbrella.”

In the Air: All pilots:

Keep in mind the difference in flying speed between hang gliders and paragliders, and be extra vigilant in clearing turns and observing rules of the ridge and thermaling.

Landing: Paraglider pilots:

• Don’t kite your wing in the LZ after landing – hang pilots come in faster and need more room than paraglider pilots, and having to dodge your pylon may be a recipe for a whack.

• Stay vigilant throughout your setup and approach. A faster-moving hang glider may suddenly appear in your pattern.

• Be clear about your landing intentions – a hang glider coming in behind you will need to know on which side there will be room to pass

October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

All pilots:

• Ignore the landing “spot” on busy days – there’s no glory in going for the spot and thereby being the cause of an accident, yours or anyone else’s!

• If someone is coming in to the LZ right after you’ve landed, it may be better to stay still and let them fly over or past you, rather than trying to run off the field with your wing.

Tegelberg, Germany, 1991

you on final glide.

• Check for hang glider traffic before crossing the LZ on foot, and keep in mind that hangs come in fast and cannot easily or safely swerve to avoid a moving obstacle.

C.J. (H-5, P-5) and George (H-4, P-4) have been flying hang gliders since 1982 and paragliders since 1991. They’ve launched from more than 150 sites across the country and around the world, both in competition and recreationally. It was at Tegelberg, Germany, in 1991 that they first witnessed an amazingly organized biwingual launch routine, and began paying attention to the courtesies used at the sites they visited. Their home sites, including Tiger Mt. and Chelan Hang glider pilots: Be sure paraglider pilots – especially Butte in Washington State, rank reasonably at a site with student pilots – are aware high on pilot courtesies and low on friction that you are coming in to land in syn- between the two flying groups. chrony with them.

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Paragliding Accident Report

By Jon Goldberg-Hiller

An experienced tandem instructor and his student were killed near launch in an inland mountain site this past July. The tandem instructor was reported to be piloting his second tandem fl ight of the day. The launch consists of a flat area where the pilot inflated his wing, and an adjacent slope where he and his student began to accelerate for flight. Witnesses report seeing the instructor suspended by only one of his spreader bars (there is discrepancy due to witness orientation, but it is likely that he was hanging from the left); the student appeared to be properly hooked into both of his attachment

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points. Hanging only from one side left the instructor oriented at an acute angle and significantly below his student. It appeared to witnesses that he could not control the glider, likely because the brake on his unattached side was overly extended due to his angle of suspension. The glider quickly began a descending turn to the left, then appeared to spin before instructor and student crashed into a rocky area near launch. The glider was airborne for less than 15 seconds. The instructor died on impact and his student was airlifted to a hospital where he died a short time later.

There were numerous witnesses to this crash and there is some discrepancy in official and informal reports that makes the cause of this accident uncertain. Some observers reported that the instructor seemed to be partially unhooked immediately as the full weight of the duo was experienced by the flying glider; others suggest that there was an equipment failure such as the destruction of one of the spreader bars after weight came on.

Rescue attempts destroyed much of the equipment and a full analysis that might resolve this speculation has not reached any conclusion at the time of this writing.

In each alternative scenario, this tandem fatality suggests two cautions

that would both be useful to guide personal safety habits. One is to review hook-in procedures. Often thought of as a concern only affecting hang gliders, failures to fully hook in, or failures to hook in neatly without twists, also theoretically affect paragliders – especially for tandems, where six carabiners as well as two sets of harness buckles need to be secured. Many tandem instructors do not remove spreader bars from their own harnesses in order to simplify hooking in, but this precaution may be its own liability: How many times are the attachments examined and verified if they are assumed to be a permanent part of the instructor’s harness? Assuming in this case that one of the attachments was not secure, the consequences for not verifying can be perilous.

A second lesson from this accident gleaned from the alternative scenario of equipment failure is that equipment must be inspected regularly by people capable of making informed judgments about its integrity. There have been recent reported incidents of harness failures, especially in extreme maneuvers. It is likely that these failures resulted from material fatigue. Spreader bars are an obvious set of equipment that is both vital to tandem safety, and complex enough to be particularly vulnerable to fatigue. Because of the

Often thought of as a concern only affecting hang gliders, failures to fully hook in, or failures to hook in neatly without twists, also theoretically affect paragliders – especially for tandems, where six carabiners as well as two sets of harness buckles need to be secured.

0049-8042 2355

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October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

ethical responsibility to do all possible to the launch, injuring his leg and arm. He protect the safety of students who cannot arrived at the site at 6:30 p.m. in late July, fully comprehend the risks they under- and noticed another pilot scratching at take, and because the consequences of launch level. He hiked to launch to find an accident such as this radiate outward that this pilot had landed and others who to the flying community and beyond, it had been waiting at launch had all hiked may be critical to adopt a policy of early down in the diminishing conditions. and regular replacement. Spreader bars He found the wind to be 5-8 mph into are usually sold with new tandem wings a secondary launch that was positioned in order to encourage this cycle of re- against a cliff, and decided to set up. The placement. Perhaps we should begin to pilot inflated the glider and brought it double this cycle, replacing spreader bars overhead, but it then began to drift to the and carabiners as frequently as once per side. The pilot attempted to center himself under the wing but could not move season.

A second fatality was reported in the sufficiently far due to his proximity to the media at the end of July in an inland cliff edge. The pilot reports: “When the mountain site – USHPA has not received glider reached the edge of the cliff it was an official witness report at the time of about 45 degrees up, was caught in a gust this writing. According to witnesses and went further over the side pulling me quoted in these news articles, an inter- with it. At that point, I started to slide mediate pilot who flew regularly was over and fall so I let go and tucked and seen entering a steep spiral over the rolled. I tumbled about 50 feet down the landing zone. He did not exit the spiral cliff and came to a stop when the glider dive before he crashed into the ground. hooked on a stunted cedar tree.”

The pilot started to pull himself up The weather was reported to be calm and clear and the accident occurred at ap- the cliff and disproximately 9:30 a.m. The pilot was re- covered that his ported to be flying a relatively new wing. left hand was This is the second fatality in the past broken and that year at the same location that seems to his leg was injured have followed a similar pattern of a steep in several places. spiral without exit above the landing Despite the difzone. I have had to write about several ficulty, he manother accidents that have followed low aged to gain the spirals in the past year. It is essential to summit and then impress upon the safety-conscious pilot hike down the the danger of this intentional maneuver other side to his near the ground and the necessity of a car where another thorough understanding of how to exit pilot was waiting this maneuver at the first sign of its re- for him. The pilot sistance to normal or passive methods shared his lessons: (please consult my last column and your “I understood that instructor). Seen in the light of similar I made a poor depast accidents, this latest fatality perhaps cision to launch: makes an even stronger point that steep cross wind, mespirals can be an exceptional and deadly chanical turburisk near the ground and should be dis- lence, short cliff couraged as a socially inappropriate way launch…[I] knew to approach a landing zone and avoided the weather/wind as a means of expressing one’s joy stem- was supposed to ming from the nearly finished fl ight. The turn (and it did)… tragic potential lurking in this final thrill Other pilots had has become too apparent to ignore. (See walked down.

Granger Banks’s letter in this month’s Air Also, I did not Mail column.) spend the time (at A P-3 pilot flying a DHV 1-2 glider at least 30 minutes an inland mountain site tumbled from to one hour) I usuOc tober 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

ally do on launch, resting from the walk, waiting and watching the air activity. I also expected the fl ight would be short anyway, but expected that I could pull it off. All in all, a very poor decision because I had gone all the way there to fly, and did not want to not fly.”

The intention to commit aviation can be a fierce antagonist to good judgment, and this pilot recognizes this very well in retrospect. I would like to add to his list of lessons one more: The risks of a late evening fl ight when one is the last on the hill magnify the consequences of any error. This pilot’s tumble was unseen and had he not had the ability or fortitude to continue climbing with these injuries, he may have had a long night prior to rescue.

A P-4 pilot flying at a popular inland mountain site flew for several minutes when he spotted a hang glider far above him. “Ego demanded that I try to reach him and I started searching for lift… on the lee side of the ridge.” With ego

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fi xated on the pilot above, the pilot dove for a flock of swallows chasing bugs in a thermal.

He followed them close to and above the ridge as close as 150 feet over some trees. He found strong turbulence near the birds and then hit what he believes was the rotor coming over the ridge top. The glider experienced a frontal collapse and lost 75 feet of altitude. Skimming the forest canopy, the pilot elected to throw his reserve hoping it would catch in the trees. The reserve missed but the canopy snagged and the pilot ended up hanging 50 feet from the ground. He used a self-rescue kit to lower himself the rest of the way. Again, I will let the pilot

FAA-imposed ceiling at this site, which I follow strictly. A self-imposed floor, above the terrain and within the working range of my reserve, could work.”

One additional lesson that this incident reveals is the powerful distraction of home sites. It is easier to fi xate on egotistical flying goals when we think we know all there is to know about regularly flown terrain. Flying different sites regularly may help to disabuse us divulge his own lessons from the school of this false comfort; treating even familof hard knocks: “Grow up. Pay attention iar places with the remembered caution to my own piece of sky and quit trying to of first fl ights might be a key ingredient top or better anyone else. Widen my at- to making safe decisions. tention and apply all that I have learned about flying sensibly rather than fi xating on a particular goal, thermal, or desire.

Set and follow terrain limits. We have an

Seen in the light of similar past accidents, this latest fatality perhaps makes an even stronger point that steep spirals can be an exceptional and deadly risk near the ground and should be discouraged as a socially inappropriate way to approach a landing zone and avoided as a means of expressing one’s joy stemming from the nearly finished flight.

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Air Farce One

AIR FARCE ONE:

Photo: ©Christian Pondella/www.redbull-photofiles.com

A Flugtag Adventure

By Bill Foreman

Our aircraft was an old Easy Riser, Warning: This article contains mate- Arizona. Dave had called the right guy. rial that may be deemed politically incor- I didn’t hesitate and agreed to embark on the bare bones of which Dave had been hauling all over the country for several the Flugtag adventure. rect. Read at your own risk!

Red Bull builds a deck 100 feet long years. For those of you not old enough to It was 1975, and I had just started and about 30 feet above a body of water remember, the Easy Riser was designed working at Yellowstone National Park as and people try to fly off the darn thing. by Taras Kiceniuk about 30 years ago. a park ranger. There was a knock on the There’s more to it than that, of course. It’s a rigid, flying-wing bi-plane made door, and a tall, goofy-looking teenager Teams must fi rst submit an application of aluminum and covered with polyester was asking me if it was true that I had a and be selected to participate. There were – the kind you buy at a fabric store. We hang glider. Word gets around fast in the over 200 applications for April’s event, took it down off its nails on the backsmall town of Gardiner, Montana! It was and ours was one of the 30 that were yard fence and proceeded to assemble it. true, I had an Eipperformance Flexifl ier, selected. The application consisted of a Dave still had the plans from the one he and Dave Chapman, his family and I drawing of our aircraft and a narrative of had constructed as a teenager in the ‘70s, have been flying buddies and friends ever our planned performance. Each team of and everything went rather smoothly. It since. up to five members has about two min- helped that Dave has a degree in aeroSeveral weeks ago, Dave called on utes to perform some sort of skit, then nautical engineering from the Air Force me again and asked if I was interested attempt to fly as far as possible off the Academy, and I’d worked as an airplane in competing in the Red Bull Flugtag end of the fl ight deck. We were a little mechanic for several years in Alaska.

We had decided to build our skit (which is German for “flying day”). concerned about how our skit would be The first Flugtag was held in 1991 in viewed by the folks reviewing the appli- along the lines of the Colbert Report, a Austria and was sponsored by Red Bull, cations, since it could be considered criti- TV show that is a super patriotic spoof the energy drink made in that country. cal of the current administration. Not to of some of the current conservative talk Flugtags have been occurring all over worry. They seemed to think it was as shows. The fabric work for the wings fell the world ever since. This one was sched- good as we thought it was, and we were to me, and I spent many hours cutting and sewing red, white and blue polyester uled for Saturday, April 29, in Tempe, selected.

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Need for Speed Photo: ©Robert Brown/www.redbull-photofiles.com

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that move.” We hadn’t thought of those obvious little details. We ended up looking pretty good.

I haven’t talked to anyone yet who didn’t see George W. Bush on the aircraft carrier Independence giving his speech with the “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED” banner in the background. You may have seen him land on the carrier, but (L to R) Dave Chapman, Sarah Chapman (22), Bill you never saw him leave. We planned to Foreman, Barb Zinn, and Sam Chapman (16) show what happened as he left the carrier.

There was a terrorist attack. We needed costumes. Mine was simple. Since I was verely discouraged during the event, esthe smallest of the team, I was privileged pecially on the day of the event. A team to be the pilot and impersonate Mr. Bush. of bartenders was disqualified on the All I needed was one of Dave’s old Air flying day for drinking before their perForce fl ight suits. He’s a foot taller than formance. Too bad. They’d been warned.

The day of the event, spectators were I am, so the fl ight suit fit just right for our purposes. The sleeves and legs had to allowed to walk through the hangar area be rolled up significantly. Dave, Sam and and talk to the teams. We spent a lot of Sarah were the terrorists attacking Mr. time schmoosing for folks and posing Bush on the fl ight deck. Dave and Sam for cameras. We were even taped for the had big, fake scimitars and were wearing Canadian Discovery Channel. what was supposed to pass for some sort We had chosen “Air Farce One” as our of terrorist attire: robes and head scarves. team name, since any Air Force airplane Sarah was shrouded in a black burqa. My carrying the president is referred to as wife, Barb, was “Air Force One.” I thought Air Farce One kind of in the was a rather unique play on the original Mosquito Power Harness background wear- phrase. However, Google it and you’ll ing red, white and find LOTS of others have thought of it blue shorts and for various reasons. shirt. Oh, and we The first team launched off the fl ight had to wear hel- deck and crashed into the water at about mets and life jack- 1:00 p.m. We were eighth in line, so we ets provided by didn’t have to wait too long for our turn.

Red Bull. This de- We walked onto the fl ight deck and the tracted somewhat crowd started cheering. Without thinkfrom our costumes, ing about it, I marched out on the deck but the helmet was and started waving my arms up and down perfect for taping to elicit even more. I heard somebody yell on a pair of large, behind me and realized it was Dave letrubber, George ting me know that our music had started.

Bush ears.

Oh. Right. I’m the president now. I went We showed into my routine. up a day ahead of At this point, it was my task to wave time to assemble presidentially to the crowd while “Hail to Pilot: Paul Mitchell our aircraft with the Chief ” was playing over the monster all the rest of the sound system. (There were also two huge Two New Options Available teams.

It didn’t TV screens about 25 feet square so the • Internal Fuel Tank take long since audience could see everything that went • High Performance the Easy Riser on. There were cameras all over the place.)

Exhaust with Silencer New tank pictured above was designed to A few seconds into the routine, there was Dealers across America and Canada go together easily. a voice-over that I pantomimed, “I’m www.mosquitoamerica.com We spent a lot of George W. Bush. I approved this perTraverse City Hang Gliders/Paragliders time eating and formance, and I think it’s awesome.” A Bill Fifer • Traverse City, MI drinking Red Bull. little more music, and another voice-over 231-922-2844 phone/fax • tchanglider@chartermi.net Alcohol was se- in W’s own voice: “This is an impressive

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Photo: Martha Chapman

to cover the wings. Dave did most of the rigging. We glued the fabric on the wings and stenciled big white stars on the blue part. To get the thing rolling, we built a cart of conduit and bicycle wheels. The cart was not attached to the wing and was expected to drop away as soon as the aircraft left the fl ight deck: less weight and less drag.

I spent quite a few weekends traveling from Nevada to Salt Lake City to build our aircraft and to get the costumes ready – and to practice our performance.

Dave’s son, Sam, and his daughter, Sarah, were involved in the show. Sarah just happened to have a college friend, Josh, who is in the dance department at the University of Utah. Dave had made up a CD with music and voice-over to accompany our show, and Josh was our choreographer. We’d already come up with a few moves and dance steps, but we didn’t really know what we were doing. Josh refined the heck out of our routine and made it professional with suggestions like, “Face the audience when you make

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Photo: Dave Chapman, pilot247@gmail.com Photo: Brandon Johnson,ephemeralight@gmail.com

ots. I did some dance moves that should gathered more points in the creativity never be performed by a 60-year-old in category. We never did quite figure out public, and Sarah approached the presi- how that part was judged, but their airdent in a rather suggestive manner. More craft was cool and looked remarkably like voice-over: “Well, my new friends, let’s a miniature F-14. Their score was 133 to test our wings.” (More pandering, since our 130. What the heck. We still won Red Bull’s motto is, “Red Bull gives you $3000. And they gave us all the free Red wings.”) I ran back and hooked in to the Bull we could stand, along with a robe, a Easy Riser, and Dave and Sam pushed few meals, free ice cream, a place to stay me off the fl ight deck. They followed me and a free party with live music (with 24 Air Farce One into the water. I “flew” 33 feet. What do feet of “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED” you expect with a tail wind? Barb and as the backdrop for the band).

Flugtag was a huge amount of work for crowd.” More waving and interacting Sarah remained on deck to raise a 24 x with the crowd and judges, then I slowly 4-foot red, white and blue “MISSION about a two-minute show. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Would we do it again? realized that I was being attacked by the ACCOMPLISHED” banner.

We were extricated from the water by Yes, probably next year. Flugtag was an terrorists. “Holy s#%t! Evildoers!!” Dave, Sam and Sarah were approaching men- guys on jet skis. After we climbed back opportunity for people like us with very acingly with their weapons. Dave and onto dry land and were given terry cloth little talent to perform before a crowd of Sam with their scimitars. Sarah had a robes with “AIR FARCE ONE” em- 50,000 to 70,000 people (depending on basketball painted black to look like a broidered on the back, we were told the who’s counting) and actually have most cartoon bomb with a piece of rope as a judges had given us four tens and a nine of those folks cheer us on. It was also a fuse. I whipped out one of those laundry – almost as good as Mary Lou Retton. chance for us to live one of my mottos: containers that can be collapsed to just a We were in fi rst place.

“Never grow up.”

We held that position for a while, then couple of inches. When it sprang open, it looked like a three-foot-tall can of Red Need for Speed put on their show. As we Bull. This was shameless pandering to watched their performance, I mentioned the judges and sponsors. “Terrorists, have that we might be in trouble. I was a taste of freedom. Let patriotism pour.” right. They put on a flawless performance and ended up beating us by And each male terrorist got a drink.

That was the trigger to cause Dave three points. They were a great bunch and Sam to take off their terrorist attire of people and they had put a lot of and reveal red, white and blue shorts and work into their gig, so we weren’t hushirts. Sarah was still in her black burqa. miliated.

The judging was done on three (Hear Austin Powers music at this point.)

My next job was to dance over to Sarah criteria: distance, performance and and remove the burqa with a grand flour- creativity or originality. Since we ish revealing her wearing a tiny red, white beat Need for Speed by three feet on and blue bikini. All those terrorists were distance and they were awarded five now converted to good American patri- tens by the judges, they must have

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Living Large on Day of the Dead Article and photos by Donald (“Donato”) Fitch

Gert, Rasa, Nick and Bruce en route to Tapalpa

Faced with the end of flying season and the imminent arrival of autumn rains, a group of pilots from the Rogue Valley Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (RVHPA) headed for Mexico late last October. Once in Jalisco, they joined paragliding expert and tour operator, David Prentice, for two weeks of flying near Tapalpa. Knowing a special Mexican holiday takes place in early November, the southern Oregon pilots also prepared for the Day of the Dead.

El Día de los Muertos actually covers two days, November 1 (All Saints’ Day) and 2 (All Souls’ Day). Derived from ancient Indian tradition, it celebrates the departed returning to earth for festivities.

Graves are decorated with flowers and candles and in the town square shrines are erected with photographs and mementos of lives both long and short. Sweets and pastries with ghoulish, skeleton themes

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are conjured up in kitchens. (Th is unique holiday is practiced more in some places of Mexico than others; the festivities in Tapalpa were fairly minor. To read about some more elaborate Mexican celebrations of the holiday check http://www .mexonline.com/daydead.htm.)

There are few better locations for paragliding and hang gliding in Mexico than Tapalpa. The main launch is a few miles from the beautiful old village itself, on the crest surrounding a giant, ancient lakebed a half-mile below. Three hundred centuries ago a vast lake covered everything. Today most of the water is gone, replaced with colossal thermals of warm rising air.

Headquarters of the PWC in 2002, the launch facilities are magnificent.

Bathrooms, showers, kitchen, storage, map room and nice hammocks for hanging out offer visiting pilots a great base.

The launch is broad and gently sloping with surface nearly like a lawn. The surrounding areas provide good opportunities for top landing.

The vast aerial playground out front stretches north towards Guadalajara and south towards Volcano Colima. This currently most active of Mexican volcanoes regularly puffed out ash when we were in the air, but from a safe 30 miles away.

Hoped-for trips to the volcano with perhaps flying opportunities from the inactive peak did not materialize.

Back behind the 7300’ launch the road leads to Tapalpa. Although the area had received less moisture than normal and high pressure dominated much of the time, still large and powerful thermals allowed all of us to explore new heights and achieve personal flying firsts.

Apart from these soaring fl ights, though, several obstacles separate the

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A local in the foreground, Volcano Colima in the distance

Doug Lester captures a photo of Volcano Colima erupting, from the Tapalpa LZ

grassy launch from the main LZ in the alfalfa fields nearly 2700 feet below. The first was a considerable rise in the land in front of launch, the source of some anxious, tree-skimming moments. Next came the sink that usually lurks close by. When too much time was spent in sink searching for thermals, arrival at the LZ was not always possible. Before the alfalfa LZ lie significant hazards, parallel rows of power lines among them. Acres of natural punji sticks awaited below – large bluish agave fields with enormous spiky plants that will one day become tequila. Orchards of treetop-tall cactus exclude large areas as possible LZs. Fields of milo looked friendly from above, but were in fact laced with hideous goathead burrs eager to coat unwary gringos and their wings.

Bruce Comstock became adept at landing on a tiny road next to such a field, but on one occasion a thermal sucked the air from the field over which he was skimming and lowered him down into the burry mess. He reports, “You could not even see my pants, they were so covered with burrs.” Bruce learned an important new use of a credit card: scraping burrs from one’s wing and pants.

The same scratching for lift that left Bruce burry also took him on the longest cross-country fl ight of anyone on the trip.

Alone, the peripatetic pilot headed north along the massive ridge that overlooks the valley. He got to over 10,000 feet and flew in excess of 16 miles, passing the toothy rock called El Diente and landing in a village just off the lakebed far to the north. The van trip to retrieve Bruce seemed long, but was soon shortened by radioed GPS coordinates, and then the eager pointing of Mexican children.

Rena Scott achieved the longest fl ight down the other Oc tober 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

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Do not land on either of these!

direction. She not only flew south to the town of Sayula with David Prentice but also made it farther east, thereby christening yet another Rena’s LZ alfalfa field.

“I kept thinking I would have to land,

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Nick Crane on Tapalpa launch

but then I would catch another thermal and could go onward. And there were so many good places to land,” she said later, sipping from an earthenware cup of the local brew ponche, a wonderful blend of pomegranate juice and mescal.

This town of Sayula at the south end of the valley became a popular crosscountry destination, and offered a variety of landing zones. Ron Scott’s preferred Sayula LZ was into a Felliniesqe scene near a brickyard. The industrial scene into which he descended strangely featured a gigantic (think Sumo) bather with a swimming pool out in the open, next to the brick factory. Near the end of the trip, when high pressure was replaced by growling c u mu lon i mbu s

clouds, Ron and Nick bailed out to the brick factory, finding sink where they could, searching for blue holes, lest the ever darker, growing clouds suck them up.

Donato also flew cross county to Sayula and chose a soccer field for landing. Making a nearly vertical descent to the centerline, he was quickly surrounded by smiling kids, to the extent that the recovery van could not see him even after they arrived on site. After thermaling up over launch, Donato’s fl ight south to Sayula took place primarily over foothills.

The best lift on the way wafted up from a large blue agave plantation.

Nick Crane, RVHPA’s 2006 president, chose to laugh at death and to honor the observance of the Day of the Dead by flying in skeleton costume. After experimenting with the skull mask, he decided to fly without it, lest perhaps death would laugh at him if the mask should cover his eyes. A Mexican pilot also showed up with and flew in a black costume covered and painted with skeleton bones. Both had good fl ights, but too bad some of the local vultures did not circle in thermals with them! Nick offers his own paragliding tours farther down the continent, in Costa Rica. Check out ParaCrane.com.

A week later, Nick, Bruce and David thermaled back over launch and flew to Tapalpa itself, getting a birds-eye view of the beautiful city and finally descending down out of the sky near a school south

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of town. Other pilots landed out in one of the many friendly fields along the highway between launch and the city of Tapalpa.

An especially exciting fl ight was from a near-cliff launch on the San Marcos Rim far north of Tapalpa. After an arduous drive to the remote launch, pilots including Gert Pokorny, John Cummings and Rasa Lila cliff-launched, thermaled, ridge-soared along massive cliffs and finally landed at an ultralight field below.

David Prentice a.k.a. el cuervo (the crow), actually was seen flying with crows. He did a great job of keeping track of pilots in all parts of the sky, both from on the ground and then from high above, shooting around rapidly under his highperformance Gradient. Rasa Lila, ND, provided flying inspiration, therapeutic massage and curative potions.

The trip was not entirely about flying; it was about Mexico in general and Tapalpa in particular. In contrast to the gray of Oregon autumn, flowers such as bougainvillea and roses bloomed in the perpetual spring. Vibrant tints extended to the painting of buildings and even to the brilliance of colored pastries. We walked the streets of this old colonial city on the long night of the Day of the Dead. Aside from the shrines in the public square, we did not find too much observance. A few kids wore Halloween-like costumes. Ron and Rena Scott and Donato even took a dark walk to the cemetery across town.

Again, it seemed as if los gringos were a day late and a peso short. Still, it was a wonderful walk in a beautiful location, even if absent the expected apparitions.

The next day, strangely, death came stalking Donato, swooping down when he dared to turn his back on the downwind devil. Not liking my position for a landing, coming down faster than expected, and not having room to turn left into the wind, I began a 270-degree right around turn. Apparently, I pulled too much brake and provided too little weight shift. In the downwind turn and entering base at about 25 feet AGL, the right side stalled and folded and the wing began to spin. The part of the wing remaining open provided some lift and drag, but still I dropped down pretty hard on my right side. Thanks to softness of the LZ and good protective padding of my har-

Rena Scott launching from Tapalpa

ness, this gringo in a Gingo suffered only minor damage, just a grotesquely colored and swollen arm for a few weeks. Had I stalled and spun my wing just a few feet higher it could have been deadly or at least broken me up. Moral: Don’t turn low over the LZ, and take care turning your back on the downwind devil.

On the last evening of the trip, under a nearly full moon, fly-by-nighter David Prentice, along with Nick Crane and Doug Lester, made a daringly dark fl ight.

Returning to the launch site by night, the adventurous aviators waited for several hours for the wind to cease coming over the back. Finally, in dead calm, they made vigorous forward launches off into the inky void. Nick reports the night air was buoyant and calm. Visual perception was pretty good in the bright moon – he could easily see the LZ and even see his shadow as he did gentle spirals down.

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Flare and landing were no problem.

Once again the Oregon days shorten and the rains of autumn threaten; perhaps it is again time to head south and live large on Day of the Dead. One link that might be helpful is the Web site of tour guide and fearless leader, David Prentice: http://www.earthcog.com/index.html.

The page has links to Tapalpa and other Mexican paragliding trips.

Donald Fitch (a.k.a. Donato) P-3, USHPA #71618, has been paragliding since 1996. He is past president (2000-2001) of RVHPA. LZ Donato in Talent, Oregon, is 10 miles due east of Woodrat Mountain and serves as a frequent Rat Race goal.

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The Trikosoarus™

Saving an Aging Hang Pilot Population From Extinction

By Bob Corbo

Wow! Reading all the stuff in the January 2006 Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine about alternative launch methods, and the different reasons for using them, sure hit home with me, although a lack of flying sites close by or working too much to be able to devote a whole day to flying aren’t the problems that I deal with.

My issues stem from being an aging hang glider pilot. I’ve been flying hang gliders more than 25 years now, and I’m pushing 50. A good day of flying off the mountain leaves me sore for a week. That’s the problem I’m up against. Our local mountain has a half-hour walk to launch, and even if I went towing, just flying prone for a few hours gets me all ginked up. So in the spring of 1999 I decided to find a way to alleviate all these problems and

Trikosoarus™ bones: the main frame

boost my sagging air time. The following is a quick run-down on my solution.

Although first conceived in 1999, it wasn’t until the spring of 2000 that the first Trikosoarus™ got airborne. In one form, it is a rigid supine harness with a tricycle landing gear and a rigid connection to a hang glider, designed to be aerotowed or roll launched. In its other form it’s the most fun powered microlight trike you could ever fly. It’s capable of both super-slow powered fl ight (18 mph indicated airspeed with a 160pound pilot) and engine-off soaring with electric restart. And the really neat thing

Converting from soaring to power requires about 10 minutes.

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about these two very different flying machines is that it only takes 10 minutes to convert from one to the other.

I started the design process by working on the main frame. It had to be super strong and super light. I was looking for a trike that was both easy to transport and easy to set up, so I followed the modified KISS principle: Keep it simple and small. The main frame is an overbuilt single-masted truss that is super strong, has only one moving part, and weighs a mere 20 pounds. After five years of setting up, flying, breaking down and transporting the original frame I built, it is still in perfect flying shape.

Comfort was one of my design priorities, so I spent a lot of time on the seat design. The final product is a well-padded wooden frame seat that is integrated into the main frame of the trike and is fully adjustable. This design is far superior to any cloth or plastic seat, both in comfort and crash protection.

Once the trike body was all put together, it was time for the first test tows.

These happened in the spring of 2000 at Morningside Flight Park. As far as I

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Photo: Rhett Radfordt

Towing up behind Rhett

Trikosoarus™ getting airborne: on tow

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Soaring power off

know, no one has done any extensive testing on unpowered soaring trikes, so I had no previous knowledge to fall back on. I worked out tow points by towing behind an ATV with 100’ of towline. This rig allowed me to reach takeoff speed at a very smooth and steady rate. Takeoff can be achieved at 18 mph and at that speed, I was able to follow the ATV the whole length of the runway flying two feet off the ground. (This could be a great training technique for trike pilots.)

Once tow points were figured out, it was time to tow up behind the Dragonfly.

All the work that went into getting everything correct while towing behind the ATV paid off – no changes or adjustments had to be made to the setup. It actually made towing a pleasant experience, and it was a lot simpler than using a dolly.

The next several summers saw the addition of a small motor for self-launching with a quick-disconnect mount system so

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the trike could be converted from a powered unit to an unpowered unit in minutes. The addition of a partially enclosed pod with a skin that zips up to the waist made it comfortable to fly well into the cold season, and the addition of an extension bar made it very comfortable to soar power-off, without the need to push all the way out to my fingertips to get close to stall and that magic minimum sink speed.

By 2004, the trike had been tow launched, roll launched from the cliff at Mont St-Pierre in Québec and from the short ramp at Morningside, soared with the power unit attached, and even used as a blow cart with a traction kite!

In the winter of 2004, I worked on getting two units up and running so I could head down to Florida in the spring of ’05 for a little personal flying and get some real feedback from the flying community on whether I should proceed with

the project as an actual business venture.

I had several pilots, including Rob Kells and Steve Pearson from Wills Wing, make their first-ever unpowered trike tows from behind the tugs at Wallaby Ranch. The response I got was overwhelming: By the end of my stay, the little Trikosoarus™ had impressed every pilot who flew it, even the guy who tried to crash it. Fortunately, neither he nor the trike was injured.

It’s now spring of 2006, and I’ve been flying the Trikosoarus™ for six years. A fun day of flying goes like this: Get up early and out to the airport for some glassy smooth morning air to do a little low-and-slow flying. Then, motor on over across the Connecticut River to the fl ight park, maybe snag a few thermals and shut off the engine on the way. Land and pop off the motor, clip on the towline and up we go behind the Dragonfly for some afternoon hang gliding. When things die

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Trikosoarus™ off tow, sharing the air with the Dragonfly

out, I come back down, pop on the motor and sky out to do some evening smoothies and catch the sunset as I fly back to my home airport.

The challenge of designing and building the Trikosoarus™ has certainly been a fun-fi lled project for me but it doesn’t come close to what I experience when I’m up playing around in the sky, in lawn-chair comfort at my leisure. No more hurting for a week after a fl ight, and I get as much air time as I want. And who knows, maybe I can help other aging pilots get it up once again. Their air time, that is…

For more information and additional pictures, visit www .ravensoaringtrikes.com.

Hanging ten

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A Sport 2 pilot spiraling down over Monaco Photo: Bruce Goldsmith

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TURBULENCE ONE-OH!-OH!-TWO

smoke rings. You will see some of the smoke not remaining in the ring, wafting around in swirls that gradually get less organized and dissipate. These swirls Text and artwork copyright ©2006 by Dennis Pagen may be felt in the air as hard turbulence, but they can also be just a gentle roughness. In fact they often are clues to the Time fl ies when you’re flying. So the proximity of a thermal. follow-up piece to Turbulence One-Oh!In addition, when we enter the close Oh!-One, which appeared in the June confines of the thermal we encounter the issue, was delayed while I gyrated in overall mass bulling its way upward with some local thermals, crossed some disa rolling motion as shown at B. Here we tant terrain, floundered in some meets may feel the rush of air rolling, pitching and otherwise paid homage to Lord or yawing us, or any combination of the Zephyr. But the benefit was that I got to three. These effects may be very slight spend time thinking about the matter of – indeed, the transition into a thermal turbulence and experiencing some intermay be as smooth as cream on days exesting aspects of the types of turbulence hibiting light, wide thermals – or quite we are covering here, to wit: thermal and heart-stopping when the thermals are shear turbulence. booming.

Now, imagine the two effects: the pure THERMAL THRASHING thermal turbulence and rolling action Let us begin by dissecting thermal combined with the mechanical blockturbulence. In our first article we ading of the wind. The results are shown in dressed mechanical turbulence – that figure 3. Normally, we would expect the form of rowdy air created by solid obturbulence to be a bit more virulent and jects blocking the wind’s smooth flow. extend farthest on the downwind side of A thermal can also act somewhat like the thermal. But flow in the free air has a solid object, and disrupt the air’s flow. its own mind to do whatever it pleases To see how this happens, look at figure and we can only say generally this is the 1. Here we present a thermal rising into case. We draw pretty pictures to help us a wind which increases in speed as we visualize nature, but in truth there are go higher. The thermal mass does not complexities that vary the effects to keep have the same speed over the ground as us guessing. Surely that is part of the fun does the wind. So, the thermal is always moving slower than the surrounding air or other column-like object was deflect- of flying which sets it apart from, say, as it rises. The result is that the moving ing the wind. Turbulence results as the bowling. We long-time thermal pilots air must flow around or over the thermal. air flow changes direction relatively sud- have personally been shaken like a rat in a This effect is the same as if a huge tree denly so eddies or swirls must form to fi ll terrier’s maw in some thermal transitions. in the space behind the disrupting solid. But we’ve also eased into them like step“Whoa,” you say, “a thermal isn’t solid.” ping into a modern elevator with barely “But,” I say, “it has mass and a momen- a g-force to addle our grip. Uninitiated tum of its own and these properties mean or little experienced pilots should not be it requires quite a bit of outside force to overly fearful of this type of turbulence, change the thermal’s trajectory.” The as long as they maintain good control wind tries to deliver this force, but in the (and inflation speed) as well as good end gets pushed around itself into either clearance from the terrain. Indeed, some a mass of swirls, or a swirling mass. thermal turbulence can wrest control of But now let’s look at a thermal rising our gliders and ball us up, but in general into a windless sky. When the wind isn’t this only occurs in the strongest condiblowing, a thermal disturbs the peace tions. The high desert in peak conditions much like a stone dropped into a quiet is notorious for having glider-thrashing pond. But instead of ripples, the thermal thermals, but then, only the most experiproduces swirls shed from the continu- enced pilots who know the techniques of ously inverting rising mass as shown in defensive flying should be encountering figure 2 at A. To visualize this process these conditions. clearly, find an expert stogie-smoking acquaintance and have him blow a few

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October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

SHEAR SHAKING

The final type of turbulence we’ll look at is shear turbulence. (There is a fourth source of turbulence known as wing tip vortices produced by other aircraft. We will not cover it here, but this subject as well as all forms of turbulence is given rigorous treatment in Understanding the Sky as well as in our training manuals.) The word shear used in this context means a tearing action. In the sky, when two masses of air move against one another, there is friction between the two flows and a “tearing” action.

Please turn your attention to figure 4. There you will see two layers of air moving with different speeds and/or flow directions. The interface between these layers experiences a good deal of friction and as a result, a layer of swirling air sets up between the two. This is the shear layer and it may be likened to the layer of choppy waves at the top of a body of water when the wind blows over it.

The most common occurrence of shear layers in the free air is when a warm air mass moves in and rides up over a cooler mass on the ground. On the large scale, this happens when a warm front approaches. You can often see the effects of this shearing in the clouds when rippled cirrus or billowing alto-cumulus form. Occasionally you can see shortwavelength rows of wave clouds formed in the shear layer, just as the waves on

water surface form.

But generally these layers are very high (above 15,000 feet) and out of our flying reach.

The most common way we powerless pilots encounter shear turbulence is when we reach an inversion layer.

Inversion layers are by definition layers in the air that contain a relatively abrupt temperature change. Often this effect is due to the presence of a denser layer below and a less dense layer above. The wind may be blowing very differently above and below the inversion layer since the less dense air may have a different pressure gradient in it.

Recently we were flying an eastern ridge and climbed up in the ridge lift. As we reached 300 feet above the mountain top, we encountered hard wide-spread chop. This rude greeting was presented to all pilots every time we climbed up.

We found we couldn’t climb above this layer until later in the day when the inversion layer broke down or went below launch. Then we got high and turbulence was that normal for thermals. How do we know it was shear turbulence and not

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thermal rastiness? By the fact that it was everywhere very similar and consisted mostly of rattling chops, not the more organized bumps of thermals.

However, there is a common effect that all thermal pilots should recognize. Often, thermals rise up to and are stopped by an inversion layer. As a result they expend their energy in the inversion layer in the form of swirls as well as a mixing of any excess heat. (Thermals stopping in an inversion layer can intensify the inversion if they carry extra warmth, since an inversion is a warmer layer of air.) The energy contributed by the thermals arrested by the inversion can add to and worsen the effect of shear turbulence.

Sometimes you may be climbing blithely in a friendly thermal only to have it turn mean and nasty all of a sudden as it reaches the inversion level. If this happens more than once in your daily climb, expect the presence of an inversion and a shear layer. When thermals do reach a layer of shearing air, they are often torn apart, even if the layer is not an inversion.

The combo of thermal and shear turbulence can be very heavy handed, indeed, but usually it is just an exasperating tossing that makes it hard to stay in any residual lifting part of the thermal.

In truth, all turbulence is due to shearing action. For example, in mechanical turbulence, the solid objects slow a portion of the air’s flow which in turn shears against the remaining flow to result in swirls. Around a thermal the upward moving air shears against the

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surrounding air to produce swirls. But we distinguish the three types of turbulence we have discussed—mechanical, thermal and shear—so we can better envision and understand the varmints.

Some of my most dramatic oh! oh! moments have been in combination turbulence where all I was doing was surviving on instinct and gut reaction based on years of practice. I had no time to decide which type of turbulence was assaulting me. But you can bet after I was safely on the ground and the sweat dried I was analyzing the conditions and telling war stories. When you say, “I’m doing this,” and the air says, “Yo mamma!” there is no time to do anything but react as you’ve been trained to find equilibrium, then go find a kinder patch of sky unless you are a glutton for punishment.

And so goes the process of learning how to deal with and understand the complex effects in the seething sky. We read, listen, learn, fly, experience, discuss, learn, envision, learn, fly and learn, learn, learn – from the beginning of our flight experience. Would we want it any other way?

MECHANICAL TURBULENCE UPDATE A reader sent in a very good question relating to the previous article on mechanical turbulence. The reader asks: “…Can turbulence exist upwind of the solid object blocking the air’s flow?”

To answer this, let’s use our old standby, the flow of water. Imagine a log or large rock on a fast-moving stream. Downstream, we see the swirls and rotors as expected. But what do we see upstream? Usually small ripples or waves that emanate outward and angle back from the leading edge of the object disrupting the flow.

Similar waves may occur in the air stream with longer wavelengths since the air is so light and fluid. These waves may be hard to detect or exploit with craft having a sink rate on the order of ours, except in rare cases (in a forthcoming article we will show a dramatic example of such lift). Certainly birds use such small-scale lift variations. As far as turbulence goes – eddies or swirls – I know of no mechanism for them to be propagated upwind.

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October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

Another Day in P aradise

By John Christof Photos by Clay Humphrey

and along the surf as waves washed in.

Several islands and rocky outcrops added to the scenery as man-o’-war birds showed me how to really soar in the warm evening air. Keishya had a great collection of classic CDs; after dinner I found myself listening to the music on a float mat in the pool and counting stars.

The next day we set up in conditions similar to the day before. We timed good cycles and joined the hawks to search for lift and spin circles in the warm tropical breeze. I began to relax and enjoyed the view of the Caribbean Sea a few miles in front of launch.

Cubuy is on the boundary of El Yunque, the only tropical rain forest in the national park system. A constant cloud seemed to settle over El Yunque peak, and over Pilot about to launch in Cubuy the back we could see the Atlantic Ocean.

It sounded like a good plan: Leave The next day we loaded up our gear We danced with the thermals for another Monteagle, Tennessee, with five inches and drove to Cubuy, the best flying site hour and a half before being flushed to of new snow and go to a tropical para- on the island. Cubuy has a large mani- the valley. dise for a winter flying tour. This was a cured grass set-up area and the most no-brainer! perfect grassy slope launch you could I called Bob and Keishya at Team imagine. It’s a thermal site with ridge lift Spirit Hang Gliding in Puerto Rico and and often sets up a convergence. The prischeduled five days. They picked me up mary LZ is a flat 10-acre grassy field only at the airport in San Juan and we drove about a 5:1 glide from launch with plenty to their home in Humacao. They have a of other fields down the valley for XC. perfect location in a gated community We set up as thermals cycled up the on the beach. For less than the cost of mountain and the wind blew straight in a motel room I got free run of their big at launch. The cycles were strong; Bob house including master bedroom, private and I timed our launches in lighter air as bath, full kitchen, TV, stereo, and swim- new cycles began to build. Soon we were ming pool. I also rented a glider from working hard to stay up. We enjoyed pethem. riods of rough but generous lift followed by flush cycles that forced us to scratch and cling to every bubble. We hung on for an hour and a half and then landed.

The hot sun in the LZ was a joy – I could hardly believe I had been scraping ice and snow the day before.

When we arrived back at home base, I continued to learn more about this tropical paradise. We were a one-minute walk from a beautiful beach on the Caribbean Sea. I hiked three miles down the beach Local pilots soaring above Cubuy Bob and Keishya’s house and pool through a grassy park, past more homes Oc tober 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

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Day three was forecast too cross to fly, so I rented a car and spent the day exploring El Yunque and the Caribbean National Forest. I walked up the cloudcovered El Yunque peak that we had viewed from the air the day before. The park was incredible with trails leading through tunnels of jungle vegetation.

Flowers bloomed everywhere as waterfalls, bamboo thickets and an endless variety of never-seen-before (by me) trees and ferns kept me gazing and smiling.

I soon adopted a routine of walking on the beach at sunrise, then breakfast by the pool before driving to the mountain to fly. Day four was a potential convergence day. We launched as early as we thought it was soarable. Bob and Keishya explained that it was best to be in the air early since the wind often crossed at launch as the convergence set up. We tried as best we could but were

Just off launch at Cubuy

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grounded by a flush cycle with no saving thermal.

Keishya picked us up for a relight trip to the mountain. The air was still blowing in when we arrived at launch so we got a second helping. This time it was good. We played easily in good lift and I gazed at neighboring El Yunque peak with vivid images of yesterday’s hike.

Soon Bob flew close and yelled, “Follow me!” A shower was moving our way so I chased Bob downwind to escape the rain.

We outran the shower until the sink monster had us setting up approaches over the “zebra field.” Bob said a petting zoo with zebras used to operate across the road from our LZ and so the name. A mix of light mist and sun cooled the evening air as we broke down. Suddenly, we viewed

Keishya and her dogs at the beach near their house

a perfect double rainbow arching in the sky with the closest end appearing to touch the ground directly across the road from us. It seemed perfectly fitting that a fl ight across the beautiful mountains and

valleys of Puerto Rico be topped off by the intense spectrum of a double rainbow.

Life is good.

That evening we took surf kayaks to the beach. Bob paddled along the beach as Keishya walked her dogs at the edge of the surf. I paddled out to the breakers and rode waves back to shore until daylight faded. Then I celebrated the tropical evening in the pool as Eric Clapton sang the good stuff on the CD player.

The next day we watched for signs of a convergence as we set up. Clouds in the valley were inviting us to soar.

Unfortunately, the sky in front of launch was blue. A cloudstreet was forming upwind and we pa-

tiently waited as it moved our way. Soon the street fi lled in and we knew the convergence was happening.

I launched and immediately found a thermal to 800’ over launch. Bob joined me and led a guided tour of the sky.

Finally, we had won the lift lottery and our varios sang a happy song. Under the convergence clouds it was a matter of managing cloud suck: Fly up as high as comfort allowed, then move out to the edge. At 1900’ above launch I felt safer moving out to the sunny valley to escape the sucking clouds. Bob’s experience told him to move toward the mountains, where he reported gaining 1000 feet more.

Eventually a party crasher arrived in the form of an overdeveloped sky. Under the dark clouds we were flying in showers. The showers became more widespread and heavier, sending us out to land. The light rain moved

over the LZ before we could break down.

However, rain in Puerto Rico is generally short-lived, and in no time the sun was back and life was once again good.

It is always exciting to take a bite out of a cloud, and this final fl ight made for a satisfying farewell to Cubuy.

I said my goodbyes to Bob and Keishya, hoping the warmth of our new friendship and tropical flying memories would help me deal with the return to Tennessee and a weather report of more snow and temperatures forecast at 12° F. Just another day in paradise!

For more information on hang gliding or paragliding in Puerto Rico contact Bob Hastings or Keishya Salko at Team Spirit Hang Gliding, (787) 850-0508 or tshg@coqui.net or www.hangglidepuer torico.com. With them as your guides, life will be good!

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DVD Review:

Jocky Sanderson’s Performance Flying

By Thayer Hughes, staff writer Imagine hanging out with a few of DVD, whether it be cross-country tips, your buds after a day’s flying, sharing S.I.V. facts, or even (with the obligatory some cold brews, and swapping insight warnings) basic introduction into many of on various para-related experiences and today’s hot acro moves. This isn’t simply techniques. How to go up, how to go far, a video about wing handling and helmet how to go round and round and upside buckling – rather, it delves into the finer down. This would be the talk if your buds points of flying and how to improve your happened to be Jocky Sanderson, Sandy skills enough to leave the other pilots Cochepain (former World, European behind.

You may already know Jocky as one and French champion), Russell Ogden (British champion and PWC pilot), and of the world’s most celebrated advanced other Team Ozone pilots. To soak up as paragliding instructors. You also may much good info from them as possible be familiar with the quality and subyou’d probably keep buying the rounds stance of his earlier fi lms, Security in Flight and Speed to Fly. Now after more just to keep them talking.

The next best thing to hanging out than a year of flying and fi lming, editing with Jocky personally would be to pick and translating, with the talents of cinup his latest DVD, Performance Flying, ematographer Niels Dachler and Ozone kick back and start soaking up over 70 team pilots, Jocky’s superb direction has minutes of expert advice from, well, the produced one even better. Hailed by one experts. There are few pilots out there reviewer as “the most professionally prowho won’t learn something from this duced educational paragliding DVD ever made,” the footage leaves no doubt in the viewer’s mind exactly what is being explained. (Check out some of the trailers

available online.)

One reason I enjoyed this DVD was that I found the tone very matter-of-fact and “personal.” Not like the typical “inyour-face” instruction video, but more “face-to-face,” as though these pilots were explaining things to me during a tandem fl ight. And there is a lot of explaining throughout the video, including tips on properly adjusting your harness; stall, twist and spin recovery; scratching and thermaling; properly using your speed bar; route planning and what you should be considering when approaching cloud ! base; inversions; flatland flying and much " # $% &' ! more. ( ) * + ,- !.) (,''* ,& - !.)

Then, after due warning, you are / 0 ( ) * '' -!&' given a front-row seat for acro maneu1 &&,23 4 5 vers beginning with proper wingovers and asymmetric 360s, leading into loops,

progressive and dynamic SATs, even helicopters and tumbles. I really have to

underscore that this is NOT a “here-is the-secret, go-out-and-try-this” video.

Even the experts have maneuvers go bad,

as this video shows. So if you really want

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to learn to do a pirouette over your wing, first get proper instruction. If you want to watch superb footage of someone else doing it, get this DVD. The acro moves are well explained in advance and then demonstrated in split-frame, synchronized video footage from both the acro pilot’s view and that of the nearby advanced high-speed/slow-mo, air-to-air observer camera. This footage will either get you hot to go find your personal acro guru, or totally sate any curiosity you may be harboring about participating in this silliness.

So, rather than putting your money on the table to buy the next round for Jocky and friends, I’d suggest using it to buy Performance Flying. After watching these experts a few times you’ll have lots more valuable insights to offer your local flying pals – and you may find them offering to buy the beers to keep you talking! Of course, you needn’t feel obligated to divulge just how you got to be such a hot pilot all of a sudden.

Performance Flying is available from your local Ozone dealer, or from multiple sources online including www.escapexc .com and www.flyozone.com.

October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

The Carioca Five-Step

By Craig Parker Photos by Jerry Gillard

Tandem pilot Alan Chuculate doing the U.S. version of the Five-Step with an unidentified student at Torrey Pines, California

In today’s challenging, contemporary society, so much of humanity is described in terms of distance and time. For instance, life is a journey. Take the road less traveled. Walk in your adversary’s shoes.

This process-approach has spawned a whole solar system of self-help suggestions, guides, and advice around numerically positioning ourselves toward a better future: seven steps to a successful diet, ten steps to financial security, twelve steps to sobriety.

These programs are all well and good, but there is one approach to curing life’s ills that is seldom seen, little heard, and even less understood: the Carioca FiveStep.

As can be surmised from its adjective, this physical move comes from Rio de Janeiro (that’s in Brazil). Before the reader jumps to conclusions and confuses the term as a dance move comparable to the Austrian Waltz or the Ethiopian Shim-Sham, please be advised: The Carioca Five-Step entails running

as fast as you can off a rooftop that is 500 through sequence. Suspended amid the panoramic ether of Rio, that which exists meters above the ground.

This is how hang gliding is begun, and is only visual and thermodynamic. The it is definitely a strange sensation. In my hang glider may actually rise in altitude. life, I have run from the police, run off This is caused by a condition known as a my friends, and run a business into the “thermal,” where hot air rises in a funnel ground. But – until yesterday – I had from terra firma. A thermal occurs for one of two reasons: 1) the sol quente (hot never deliberately run off a rooftop.

Surprisingly enough, when it comes sun) bakes the earth, releasing hot air; or to this extreme sport, the risk is slight 2) a group of politicians is on the ground and the rewards are great. Performed by discussing where to eat pizza.

Around, over, and through the air a legion of licensed pilots, tandem hang gliding is less precarious than hanging moves the hang glider, dipping every so holiday lights – and a lot more enjoyable. often to remind you that fl ight does not After the rooftop run and upon achiev- come naturally to Da Vinci’s Vitruvian ing fl ight, what struck me first was the si- Man. Gazing to my left, I saw a landmark lence – so sweet and interminable that all near and dear to every coração (heart) de other sensations immediately subsided. Carioca. I recalled the prophetically writThis serenity was quickly overcome and ten words that, in one’s lifetime, one will replaced by a vibrant, visual feast un- come into contact with someone who is equaled by any Ansel Adams photograph, closer than a brother. There, with my arm National Geographic documentary, or around the right shoulder of pilot Pedro Beltrão, I weighed the import of these Penthouse pictorial.

The first thing that becomes appar- words – all under the patient and watchent when hang gliding is this: There is ful gaze of Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers).

Hang gliding in Rio has enjoyed a no first. No longer does life function

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long and colorful history. It began in this could be seen the Rocinha favela and, on from my hang glide: I was aware that I area of San Conrado back in the mid- the other side, the Vidigal favela. In a had just enjoyed a seminal experience, 1970s, when Luiz Cláudio Matos and city as beautiful as Rio de Janeiro, favelas and I felt I was a little closer to underhis cohorts made the leap of faith from serve as a constant reminder of the fail- standing what it means to be a “carioca.”

If this description sounds good to Pedra de Aguinilda (Eel Rock). In those ure of 21st-century society. As one hang nascent days, friends would push Matos glider pilot put it, when she sees a favela, you – if you want to soar like a pterodactyl, float like a kite, and maneuver like a off the cliff (as friends are wont to do). she sees a cancer.

And it should be acknowledged: The butterfly – then here are your marching On this particular occasion, however, an orders: Take a taxi to the San Conrado onrushing gust of wind grabbed Matos’s cancer is growing.

But let us not dwell on the unendur- neighborhood, grab a dune buggy up the hang glider and fl ipped him in the air up over the astonished heads of his friends able. For the hang glider descends and Tijuca Forest mountain to Pedra Bonita, and down the other side of the mountain! there is still much to describe. There is don a helmet and jumpsuit, get a twoThere he lay amid the broken tree limbs Pedra de Gávea, 842 meters of pure geo- minute training, get into the queue line, and bushes, his ego bruised but grateful logical perfection. There is the Ilhas das stand still as a sphinx and be watchful as to be alive. After that, the group began Cagarras, a stunning archipelago of seven an owl.

Then, when you are on the rooftop, to jump from Pedra Bonita (Beautiful islands just south of Rio’s picturesque beaches. And there is the Floresta da wait until your pilot sweetly whispers Rock), where the wind was better.

On this day, my day, the wind was per- Tijuca (Tijuca Forest), the world’s larg- into your ear: “When I say ‘1-2-3-run’ fect and the sky an enticing azure. This is est urban forest. Pedro and I could have – RUN!” Upon hearing these words, you’ll not always the case. On some days, it is stayed suspended in the air indefinitely cloudy but the wind is good; on others, – the wind was that good – but he had to know what to do next: the sky is perfect but there is no wind. make a living and my 15 minutes was up.

The Carioca Five-Step.

You just can’t tell what Nature will pro- So he turned the hang glider to the right vide on a daily basis. One thing, however, and we corkscrewed down toward the Craig Parker lives in São Paulo. He is is as consistent as a São Paulo afternoon breathtaking Atlantic Ocean. Pedro ex- married, is learning the language, and is the thundershower: Quando o vento está bom, pertly drove the hang glider, bending the author of Football’s Blackest Hole, a book on eles voan. When the wind is good, they wind to his will as a chef flips a soufflé. the Oakland Raiders. His article was origiThen, just as easily, he pulled out of the nally published on Gringoes.com Web site, fly.

And fly we did, although not every- dive and we floated in to a perfect run- and is reprinted here with permission. thing is perfect from this overhead van- ning landing along Pepino Beach. After tage point. For instance, on one side we landed, I was of a two-track opinion

Five-Step instructor David Beardslee and an unidentified student at Torrey Pines, above the Pacific Ocean

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October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

All In the Family of Free Flight

By Barbara Summerhawk Photos by Madeline Honing ford

Barbara preparing to launch at Asagiri

Last April, my American instructor, Kevin Lee of Oregon, came to visit me in Japan, where I live – and fly – most of the year. What’s it like for the ordinary pilot in a typical Japanese school, and what’s it like for the visitor? Kevin wondered.

I have been living in Japan for 28 years and speak and read the language. Having begun paragliding in Oregon with Kevin, I searched for a school on the other side of the Pacific. I called and wrote several places, but the Komachi Paragliding School was the friendliest in its answers and was convenient to my location as well.

The Saitama branch is only about an hour from my house by car, the Ibaragi branch a little farther.

When I first went out to the school, I was warmly welcomed by instructors Masayuki Miyatake and Seiji Mochitsuki.

The training hill and the higher launches are all in the same area, making it easy for people to move along. There’s no need to make special arrangements to go to another launch for more advanced training; and since there are always two instructors, students can get coaching every day of the year when there are good flying conditions.

On the weekends the hillside at Komachi is covered with colorful gliders, of people kiting, and of pilots dropping

from the sky off the “Love 2” mid-launch and “Love 3” top launch. Upwards of 70 people may be kiting or flying on the weekends, but during the week there is a more reasonable six to 10 people.

The Saitama Komachi Paragliding School was founded 18 years ago by Yoshiro Kawasoe, a veteran of the skies who has been flying for 22 years. The Niihari branch of the school in Ibaragi Prefecture northeast of Tokyo began its operations nine years ago and currently has a membership of over 100, while its Saitama site has over 150 fl iers. In both locations there are full-time staff, and the interested beginner can take an “experience the feeling” course for about $60, an all-day introduction to kiting and, if conditions permit, a short hop off the training hill for a 30-second fl ight!

Safety is foremost at Komachi. Mr. Kawasoe emphasizes safety by having a three-step safety check for all pilots before take-off. We first do our own check of leg straps, chest, carabiners, helmet strap, reserve, and radio. Then we ask for cross-check and a buddy or instructor checks, calling out, “Leg straps, OK. Chest, OK,” and so on; then we check again. Everyone must fly with a radio and wear long pants and a longsleeved shirt. Before each fl ight, we call

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the instructor on the ground, say our name, the course we are in (basic pilot, primary pilot, pilot, expert pilot), the number of fl ights we have had, and what we want to practice. The instructor on the ground then supervises our moves, if necessary. Each take-off, then, becomes a mini-maneuvers clinic.

Mr. Kawasoe recalls that many years ago, when he first started flying in Japan, there were many injuries and even fatalities. He helped to found and serve as director of the Japan Paragliding Association, and after its creation, the number of injuries dropped 80%.

Through the association, standards were set for advancement and safety. Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of special courses and workshops as well as formal training of instructors.

The LZ at Asagiri

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A Mr. Klaus from Germany comes once a year to head up one of the trainings that introduces advances in the technology.

At Komachi there are three full-time instructors and several part-time assistants. Mr. Mochitsuki has been flying for five years and a full-time instructor for two years. He met his wife on the paragliding slopes, and she is in training to be an instructor, too. (About one-fourth of Komachi’s members are women.) Mr. Akira Miyasawa is always working at the Saitama site while Mr. Kanayma joins Mr. Mochitsuki in Niihari.

“I think of Komachi as my family,” Mr. Kawasoe said. Indefatigable, he is there every day working with members and instructors to improve our skills and the general level of safety in the sport.

Twice a year, he leads tours abroad, to Taiwan, Bali, or Europe. He and others at Komachi welcome visitors from other countries as well.

After Kevin’s arrival, he and I first went to the Niihari site, where the LZ is located among the rice paddies. Mr. Kawasoe graciously lent Kevin a glider big enough for his 210 pounds, and a radio. We headed up to launch, where Mr. Mochitsuki was helping several members take off. Kevin laid out the glider, hooked in, and off he went for an hour’s leisurely glide. The line of low mountains and rice fields usually provide plenty of thermal

With the “family” in Niihari clubhouse: Kneeling in the front row are club director Mr. Yamasoe, Kevin Lee, Barbara Summerhawk. Instructor Mr. Mochitsuki is standing at the far right.

activity for the experienced pilot. I followed Kevin, and there I was in the air with my American instructor while my Japanese instructors looked on from the ground. What a rush!

“That was a high point of the trip,” Kevin later commented. After we finished flying for the day, Mr. Kawasoe took Kevin and me to a teahouse built of all different kinds of wood. The couple who run it are retired and enjoy working with the wood. They also kindly showed us their house where, if you reserve ahead, you can enjoy a traditional Japanese meal.

We returned to the Niihari Clubhouse for Komachi’s traditional rehash of the day’s flying and a round of picture-taking.

Komachi ends every day with a mini-party.

After the comments by Mr. Mochitsuki

Kevin (left) and Barbara (tandem, in dark blue) sharing the air near Mt. Fuji

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October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

Landing at Niihari

and Mr. Kawasoe on the day’s fl ights, the members had many questions for Kevin as well. It was a pleasant cross-cultural exchange.

The next day, we visited Saitama Komachi, but it was too windy to fly. We chatted in the clubhouse, where visitors can stay for $5 a night. It has futons and a little kitchen stocked with a lot of instant ramen.

Kevin was curious why Japan, with half the population of the U.S., has three times the number of pilots (around 15,000). Mr. Kawasoe suggested that it is due to the passion and energy of the various clubs. As for the future of the sport, Mr. Kawasoe pointed out that there are two types of Japanese when it comes to sports. One kind likes to take it easy and enjoy something that is simple to do, while the other kind likes to take on the challenge of a special sport or activity. From Mr. Kawasoe’s point of view, it doesn’t matter if the numbers increase, as long as the people who take up the sport stay focused and everyone fl ies safely.

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Surely, with the energy and generosity of spirit we experienced at Komachi, the number of pilots will increase!

Kevin and his family and I then drove to the Asagiri area near Mount Fuji and stayed at a hot spring. The next morning dawned bright and clear, with Japan’s sacred mountain awing everyone.

There are many schools in this region, and we dropped in on Sky Asagiri, a laid-back place that put us on launch in full view of Mount Fuji. The wind was strong, and both Kevin and I enjoyed short fl ights – enough to get the picture.

(See photo on p. 52.) Mr. Saito also arranged for a tandem fl ight for a friend with us. It was a glorious day, and with our Komachi friends and the Mount Fuji experience, it was a memorable week.

We have invited Mr. Kawasoe and Komachi members to join us in flying Woodrat and other sites in America. We are all in the family of free fl ight.

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Howard Hall:

IMAX Filmmaker, Deep Sea Diver, Hang Diver Pilot

By John Heiney Photos by Michele Hall

Howard Hall is a wildlife fi lmmaker who specializes in underwater documentary fi lms. During the past 30 years he and his wife, Michele, have made numerous underwater fi lms for television. In recent years, however, they have become best known for their IMAX fi lms. Their giant-screen titles include Into the Deep, Island of the Sharks, and most recently Deep Sea 3D, which is currently showing in IMAX theaters around the country. In 2003 Howard and Michele were profi led in the MacGillivray Freeman IMAX movie Coral Reef Adventure (which includes a short sequence of Howard hang gliding in the Owens Valley).

Howard is a long-time hang glider pilot. He took time from his busy schedule to answer my questions.

JH: How long have you been flying hang gliders?

HH: I started hang gliding in 1973 after purchasing a Chandelle Standard hang glider. I received a “masters” rating in 1985 and have logged hang gliding hours every year since.

started jumping off Torrey Pines I didn’t know it was possible to soar there. I was completely thrilled to make a 60-second fl ight to the beach. In the years that followed I logged over 200 hours at Torrey.

But by the late 1970s I had become an avid cross-country mountain pilot.

JH: Who was your instructor?

HH: I took a lesson from the Chandelle people I purchased my glider from. It consisted of little more than JH: Do you fly any other aircraft?

HH: I recently earned my sport pilot “run and jump.” The lesson did not adlicense with a weight-shift control en- dress wind direction. They taught me dorsement. I’ve been flying ultralight to put my harness on incorrectly, which trikes for several years and have an ultra- became a serious issue on my fi rst highlight instructors rating. We have used ul- altitude fl ight. It was a seated harness tralights as camera platforms for several and they were teaching students to wear the suspension straps behind the shoulof our fi lms. ders, which left you in a perpetual pushup against the base tube. It was fine for JH: Where did you first fly hang gliders?

HH: I learned the basics in the hills a short training hop, but became almost around San Diego, California. But within impossible to sustain after being airborne a few days I was diving to the beach off more than three or four minutes. the Torrey Pines cliffs. My idea was to get JH: What is your personal best XC as far away from Mother Earth as possible so that I could have a few moments to flight?

HH: My best was 74 miles from learn how to control the glider before hitting the ground. Ironically, when I first Mount Laguna in San Diego to just north of Palm Springs. I’ve made numerous fl ights longer than 50 miles in the Owens Valley, Lakeview (Oregon), Reno (Nevada), and in San Diego. But I never managed to catch that perfect 100-mile day partly because I refuse to fly beyond reach of good landing areas.

Michele and Howard

JH: Do you know how many hours you have on hang gliders?

HH: If I hadn’t actually logged every single hang gliding hour, I might tell you that I have about 3000 or so hours. But since I did log every fl ight, I can report that I actually have just less than 800 hours. Most years I logged only 30 hours or so. One of my best years was 2003 when I logged over 50 hours.

Howard wielding the 1300-pound IMAX 3D underwater camera system during filming of the IMAX feature, Deep Sea 3D

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Lakeview because I’ve had so many wonderful cross-country fl ights there.

JH: If you could change anything in your life, what would you change?

HH: Only my lifespan.

Howard on landing approach near Pine Valley, California

JH: What is your philosophy of life?

HH: I’m not a thrill-seeker. I’m a competent and conservative hang glider pilot, a competent and conservative ultralight pilot, a poor surfer, and a professional diver. I love the beauty of wilderness and try to experience it on foot, by air, and beneath the ocean’s surface. I try very hard to live in the moment.

JH: Do you have a most memorable flight?

HH: Certainly, there is no single fl ight that is most memorable. But if I have to pick one, it might be the first time I hooked a thermal and rose above the mountaintops circling in that rising column of warm air.

JH: Do you have a favorite flying site?

HH: I have three. I love Mount Laguna because it’s home. I love Walt’s Point in the Owens because it is so spectacular. And I love Sugar Hill near

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JH: What does hang gliding mean to you?

HH: Hang gliding is the fulfi llment of that childhood dream to fly like a bird.

Only hang glider pilots understand how close we have come to the real thing.

JH: What is your favorite sporting activity, scuba diving or flying – or is there something else?

HH: I love flying. And in recent years I have really come to love the simplicity and predictability of flying my ultralight.

But diving has been and continues to be my life.

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Between Mountains and Sky The Celestial Tian Shan of Kyrgyzstan

By Jeff Cristol Photos by Jeff and Ursula Cristol

Flying in front of launch at Suusamyr

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Sometimes all the superlatives – super, beautiful, spectacular, amazing – just fall short. A whirlwind month of making friends, finding roads up to launches, driving thousands of kilometers and gazing endlessly at snowy summits left us finally fulfi lled. At the end of a fourmonth trip through China, Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, we felt we had found what we were searching for, deep in the central ranges of the Tian Shan mountains.

At the beginning of August 2005 my wife Ursula and I picked up our passports in neighboring Almaty, Kazakhstan, with new Kyrgyz visas stamped inside.

We’d left the U.S. three months earlier without paperwork because the consulate in Washington wouldn’t issue visas during a small revolution back in March.

(With clear suggestions of classic U.S. involvement in other countries’ affairs, when the previous Kyrgyz president suggested closing the local U.S. military base he was soon deposed in a revolution that included rioting and looting, leaving the country years behind economically.)

Just a few hours north of Almaty, I flew the local Kazakh hill, Ush Kumur, during a hang gliding competition. The stories proved true as I struggled through the infamous inversion with painfully slow climbs to cloudbase. South toward Kyrgyzstan, icy mountain faces shimmered in the summer heat and called us into the hills and further adventures. We rented a tiny Russian 4x4 Niva and drove the few hours into the Chuay Valley, home to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital.

Stringing together connections and contacts, in Kazakhstan we hung out with delta pilots we’d met at a Russian competition the month before. These hang pilots introduced us to two Bishkek paraglider pilots. Oleg spoke no English, so our fi rst phone conversation was in Russian and short: “Flying tomorrow?”

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We camped next to a clear stream below a ridge-soaring site. In a roadside café we found the best manty (steamed dumplings, called buuz in Mongolia and Russia) and bought liter bottles of kumys, the fermented mare’s milk I had grown to love in Mongolia earlier in the trip.

After some mixed weather and overdevelopment I understood why I’d been Horse packing to launch in central Tian Shan told, “Be ready to fly when an opportunity range comes, and don’t give up just because it’s raining and snowing.” This proved true When and where were beyond my the whole trip through Kyrgyzstan, with limited vocabulary so we found a help- every day flyable at some point, but usuful local to act as interpreter. After get- ally some rain and snow both before and ting our directions he joined us in the after the “flyable window.” The weather taxi ride across town to make sure we alone makes Kyrgyzstan a serious parafound our way. We already felt welcome gliding destination. Weather also may that first day in Bishkek, but were soon explain why so many local pilots have completely taken in by the small, tight crashed with serious injuries; that and flying community. Local pilot Vitaly and the checkered history of instruction and his wife Irina wouldn’t let us rent a hotel the local perspective of paragliding as an or camp outside the city, and instead put extreme sport (where helmets were conup with us as house guests whenever we sidered uncool and reserves unneeded).

Ken and I caught one of those “wincame through town. Vitaly even lent us a mobile phone for retrieves and commu- dows of opportunity” after sitting for an hour in rain, grappel and hail. I climbed nication while we were in the country.

The first Kyrgyz site we visited was the to base first and decided to fly away from local “training” hill, called Two Hundred the snowstorms hammering the mounMeters, where climbs to cloudbase are tains. Hopping from cloud to cloud, I normal on good days. Thousand Meters crossed the 20-kilometer-wide Suusamyr is a higher launch in the hills behind Valley. Ken, a fearless police officer from this, where of course there is less chance Auckland, decided the lift would be of sinking out. As the locals explained, “With sites this good at home, you see why we haven’t traveled very much to fly.”

Indeed, most of the country consists of high mountains – with 94 percent mountainous and 40 percent of the mountains over 3000 meters, (almost ten thousand feet), the potential for soaring the fascinating topography is endless.

We left on our first tour in the country and drove three hours west, then over a high pass and into the Suusamyr Valley.

We joined two locals and a young local American expat, John Atwood, and New Zealander Ken Jackson for this mission. They already had some great crosscountry fl ights here and had “researched” the retrieve potential when they discovered which bridges were out and how far the road went. A week earlier they’d spent a night out and a second day walking back, so we had a better idea how far to fly and which side of the river to stay View into central Tian Shan range on.

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Locals on the way to cut grass in Suusamyr

better along the squall line and flew the standard cross-country route along the jagged snowy peaks. I turned back and followed since he was directing the retrieve; besides, the canyon I had crossed to was winding into high peaks, hiding both river and road.

After chasing Ken through a snowstorm, I landed close to him just short of 60 kilometers, near the fi rst broken-down bridge. Spirits were high as we packed into the Niva, thankful that Ursula and John had found us.

Though tempted to spend more time flying the Suusamyr Valley, the object of our journey was exploration. (Actually, I had first agreed to accompany a British paragliding tour to the Tian Shan to produce a video of their tour. After the March revolution the trip was canceled, but Ursula and I decided to include it

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Flying in Sary Kamysh Range

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in our summer travels anyway. We’d found Mongolia too challenging for a paragliding tour destination, but realized that Kyrgyzstan offered the adventure and potential we were looking for. I have since purchased the domain name paraglidekyrgyzstan.com in hopes of offering tours here in the future).

So, with zero site information, we drove deep into Kyrgyzstan. There we found high peaks, steep switchback roads, grassy launches and perfect flying conditions. We completed several loops through the Sary Kamysh, Kyrgyz Alatau and Kara Katta ranges, visiting small towns, lakes and high passes, sometimes being turned back by closed roads and many full days of driving.

Our exhaustion from driving, and the stinky gas fumes the Niva spewed on the steep bumpy roads, combined to poison us both. We took a much-needed break in Bishkek where we repaired the rental car and wandered huge open bazaars that compare favorably to any in the world for their color, intensity and danger. We fi lled ourselves with our favorite local foods: shashlyk, or shish kabobs, and the wonderful crusty bread known all over Asia as nan. We scored another set of Kazakh visas for our return trip to Almaty, then left for the tourist destination of Issyk-Kul. The 170-kilometer-long Issyk-Kul

Lake is surrounded on all sides by glaciated mountains. The biggest city along the lake is historic Karakol. The ranges above the lake are affected by the moderating effect of the large body of water and are therefore even wetter. Cumulus clouds usually formed in long lines above the peaks by mid-morning. Again we found a complex and varied weather pattern that seemed to cycle between clear sunny skies to dark rain clouds every four hours. This meant the darkest, wettest morning might turn beautiful by noon.

It also meant, don’t wait to launch until it’s raining.

We explored some potential sites in the nearby Terskey Alatau range and again decided that horses generally work better than 4x4s in the mountains. We visited the national park outside of Karakol and camped on top of the local ski hill. This site has everything: a road up, a convergence ridge with abundant thermals and a hefty park entrance fee. I got off the hill and found lots of lift, but was forced to land by threatening weather. Again, the weather proved changeable as the rain began before my wing was even folded.

The ski hill is the established soaring site above Karakol, but the potential for more discoveries pushed us on to further explorations. We maxed out the four-wheel-drive capabilities of our Niva, turning back for the fi rst time on the

John on Thousand Meter launch Oc tober 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

Wood work on an old Russian church in Karakol

trip, when the road turned into a boulder field. We also discovered a magical land of high, glaciated peaks in the nearby Central Tian Shan.

These mountains border China to the east and Kazakhstan to the north. Before we left home we arranged border permits to visit these restricted areas. This area is considered safe for tourism, but the border with Tajikistan to the south is infamously dangerous. Th is is where, several years ago, American climbers Tommy Caldwell and Beth Rodden were taken hostage by Islamic separatists (then escaped by pushing their guards off a cliff ).

This region is still considered off-limits by the U.S. Consulate as well as by most foreign visitors.

We lost a day waiting for a truck to get pulled out of a rockslide that blocked the road. Still higher in the mountains we arranged horses up a side valley that took us

Jeff launching from Thousand Meter launch

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Launching above glaciers, central Tian Shan range

to a pass 5000 feet above the main valley.

My journal entry from August 29th gives a sense of my excitement: “Amazing fl ight from the pass… 4750 feet of relief and lift everywhere, huge birds and all around a hundred truly classic alpine peaks – each with its own glacier and steep ice face. The most spectacular fl ight I’ve ever had…”

Again the weather gods smiled on us just long enough to squeeze a fl ight in. I flew above peaks and glaciers out of a fantasy, fairytale land. This was truly the Shangri La of high mountains and paragliding that fulfi lled our quest of the last four months. We had traveled across Mongolia, through Russia and Kazakhstan, searched the length of the Andes, the Himalayas of Nepal and India and the Sierras and Rockies of home. Finally I’d discovered the most spectacular, scenic and adventurous paragliding, here in the heart of the Tian Shan mountains.

The next day we searched for road access to a launch that “serviced” the same high peaks. We found our road, but this time the weather didn’t cooperate. I launched in a snowstorm and found no lift on the 4000-foot descent.

Ecstatic with our heady accomplishment, we left the mountains, crossing high snow-covered passes in a driving blizzard.

The same afternoon, back in Karakol, the skies cleared. Ursula proved her endurance once again as we explored new roads and high passes to the north. I took a short fl ight overlooking the lake and pondered where another hour hike or horse ride could take my glider and me. The cloudstreet over the range looked as continuous and well formed as ever. It was painful to leave this flying paradise.

With our Beijing departure approaching, and having a desire to get another glimpse of China, we headed back to friends in Bishkek. We’d completed several huge loops through Kyrgyzstan and pioneered several sites, flown cross-country at others and discovered through the people we met the true solid heart of the country. Everywhere we went people talked with us, not worried by the language barrier; they opened their homes and welcomed us into their lives.

This was the end of a four-month trip through Central Asia. We found several of the most spectacular flying areas I’ve yet encountered and some of the friendliest people I’ve met anywhere. The trip ended with a day soaring over the Great Wall near Beijing, rounding out 49 days of flying, 60 hours in the air, more sites than I can count and of course a lifetime of memories.

Photo on p. 61: Jeff flying from Two Hundred Meter

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TTTotal Mayhem:

Rocks, Wings, Bikes, Canoes, and a Party!

By Dan Shell

This year the annual Tennessee launch a canoe, and paddle to Canoe the Tree Toppers Mayhem celebration of Sequatchie at Highway 127.

The fields next to the river were in tall Memorial Day weekend was themed “Sequatchie: Earth & Sky!” and offered hay Memorial Day weekend, so Steve experiences of our beautiful valley from Jones sent teammate Ginette Hermoso a variety of perspectives. The day began to the horse farm near the intersecwith a geological tour of the Sequatchie tion of East Valley Road and Old York Valley, featuring a five-quiche breakfast Highway before launching at 1:21 p.m.

by Tree Topper Kathy Lee, a fruit salad James Anderson followed close behind

by John Lawton, and delicious cinnamon at 1:22, but selected the manicured rolls from Patty Cakes, all served in the grass of the TTT LZ and a bit longer TTT LZ. After breakfast, participants bike ride for him and his partner, Dylan discussed the fascinating geological Harper. Cayce Harper launched at 1:23 origins of our unique topography, then and also headed for the LZ, from where hiked a little way up Henson Gap Creek he and his brother Bryson rode for the to find brachiopod and crinoid fossils, river. Steve and Kathy Lee launched at evidence of the valley’s early days under 1:40 and 1:42 respectively, but were distracted from the course by excessive althe sea some 450 million years ago.

As soon as we could get out of the titude gains, and literally hung on until creek and up the mountain, we began it thundered. I launched last and wasted slamming battens for the next event of time on course entertained by the same the day, the Mayhem Flyathlon. Hang sirens before abandoning the thermal to gliding competitors predicted where they claw my way down through lift to the would land, then sent the other half of field. Cindy had the bikes in the LZ, and their team to their chosen destination we too made the long ride from the short with bicycles. From this landing point, grass. Adding one to our team at the river, teams would pedal to the Cherry Street/ our son Jackson joined the canoe crew.

Flavius Barker of Canoe the Old York Highway/Humpback Bridge,

Sequatchie remained available the entire time to launch all the competitors with a smile and a steady hand, even when the time stretched as the “Flyathletes” moved somewhat unathletically. The ride down the river was as pleasant as always.

A great blue heron kept flying along ahead of us, landing just out of sight then taking off again as we approached. We intended to take our time in this phase even though it was “technically” a race, but those plans changed abruptly – the same crack of thunder that chased the remaining pilots to the ground hastened us downstream. We arrived at Canoe the Sequatchie just as the bottom dropped out and, of course, proprietors Scott and Ernestine Pilkington were standing by to get us into the dry quickly and efficiently.

The Mayhem celebration concluded with the evening party and awards ceremony, which revealed the triumphant Flyathletes. James Anderson and Dylan Harper won third place with a total time on course of 1 hour and 17 minutes.

Bryson and Cayce Harper completed the course in 58 minutes to win second place. The Flyathlon champions for 2006 were Steve Jones and Ginette Hermoso, with a total time on course of 51 minutes.

According to Steve in his acceptance speech, their success was attributable to good team effort and Ginette’s expert use of a paddle.

Although the usual bonfire was squelched by the afternoon toadsoaker, we enjoyed excellent refreshments and warmed up to the wonderful music of Hickory Wind, a favorite band of the Tree Toppers from whom we hope to hear again at future celebrations. The beautiful sounds and a colorful sunset drew a gentle drape on another fun-fi lled TTT Mayhem and a successful celebration of Sequatchie: Earth & Sky!

(L-R) Canoe the Sequatchie crew member Lisa Barker poses with the 2006 TTT Mayhem Flyathlon champs, Steve Jones and Ginette Hermoso.

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RISK MANAGEMENT IN PARAGLIDING

By Irene Revenko Photos by Bo Criss

Risk management is, in my opinion, and like to share their exploits. Marvin one of the most important ground school Zuckerman, a professor of clinical psytopics in paragliding. It is crucial to talk chology at the University of Delaware, about it in order to create safe pilots and describes adventure/sensation seekers to improve the general safety level of the as people who lust after novel, intense sport. It is also probably the most dif- experiences and are willing to take any ficult topic, as it involves fighting some manner of risk (physical, social, legal or human tendencies, accepting our limits, financial) to satisfy their urge. thinking for oneself instead of following the group or trying to attract attention DEFINITION OF RISK and admiration of other pilots and specRisk is a measured quantity. It is the tators. It is all about attitude. product of the probability of something There are rules, and the challenge is happening and the severity of harm when to follow them in a way that even if you it does happen. In other words, “how make a decision that turns out to be a often” multiplied by “how bad.” mistake, you still have a margin of safety.

Probabilities can be divided into five Above Lake Annecy, France When we fly we need to take precau- categories: tions, the pilot and the equipment. The tions to make the risks as low as reason1. frequent other problem is that one fl ight cannot ably practical. It is always a question of 2. probable make you predict what your next one will balance between risks and benefits. The 3. occasional be. In statistics these are referred to as figure below is a simplistic representation 4. remote “independent events.” You can flip a coin of how we take decisions that involve risk 5. improbable in general, not only in paragliding.

Severity can be divided into four 100 times; the next time you still don’t know which way it’s going to turn up.

One of the reason it is difficult for us categories: You can have 100 great fl ights in a row; to follow the rules is because of the type 1. catastrophic you cannot predict what fl ight #101 will of people involved in the sport. I have col2. critical be like. This is probably the main problected some opinions on the Web coming 3. marginal lem: Some pilots take some risks, they from people around the world answer4. negligible ing the question: “Why do people like to (The above information is from have no accident that day, so they think take risks?” The most frequent answers Sport Parachutist’s Safety Journal, V2, #2, it is OK to continue taking the same risk on a regular basis – until the accident were referring to people who appeared 1989.) to be: addicted, extremists, daring, enjoy For example, the risk associated with a happens. Very often, after an accident the thrill, new emotions, love of free- having a wingtip collapse while flying is occurs, we hear comments like, “This is dom, not conservative, ignore the law… “frequent and negligible.” That’s the risk a great pilot,” meaning, “I am wondering Without discussing all of that in details, that pretty much every pilot is ready to what happened – it cannot be the pilot’s it is probably “safe” to say that paragliding accept. The risk associated with a cravat fault, it was bad luck.” pilots are independent people in general, is more like “remote and critical.” All selfish in some ways, who like challenges events in paragliding could be assigned RISK ASSESSMENT/PERCEPTION some risk value Risk assessment is often based on subHigh Risk based on data col- jective perceptions of risk. In an interestlected over many ing article published in Psychology Today Taking this level of risk years, one large set (March-April, 2002, by Farrin Jacobs), Unacceptable cannot be justified of measurements the author reported that the more expeand observations. rience adventure racers have, the more Tolerated if benefit Can be controlled so that The problem is likely they are to take big risks. But they is Sufficient benefits outweigh the risk that it is difficult no longer consider their actions risky. to predict the risk In other words, the more they race, the of having an acci- more their perception of risk changes.

Risks considered so small Generally acceptable dent because there This is of course related to their level of to Individual or society as to not be an issue are too many pa- confidence. But it does lead to accidents rameters involved in paragliding.

Negligible Risk among the condiOc tober 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

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PREVENTION OF RISKS

Now let’s imagine the perfect pilot, flying the perfect site (big launch, big LZ, no obstacles), in the perfect conditions. It is someone who has the complete gear that is in good shape. She (it has to be a woman to be so perfect!) is in a good mood today, her ego in general is not interfering with her decisions, the weather is great and there are already some happy pilots in the sky reporting dream conditions with good lift, no turbulence. So, here is our pilot launching, flying far from the ground. What are the risks that an accident will happen? Very low. An unpredictable turbulent mass of air that the pilot will encounter close to the ground, or a collision with someone flying into her from her back? How often does this happen in reality? This is hard to tell, but probably not very often.

But, what is for sure, is that most of the reported accidents in paragliding have been described as pilot error. It used to make me feel better to know that, because then I would think, “Oh well, I would not have done that, not me.” But after accumulating mistakes myself I’ve had to become more humble. The reality is that we all make mistakes, all the time. So don’t use that as an excuse, it is the worst one. “Oh, she had an accident because she made a mistake.”

The biggest mistake is to think that we won’t make any. We all do.

There is no classification of risks I think, because they are all related to our behavior. The most important fact, by far, French Pilots

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is that the risk of accident can be reduced with the right attitude. The main danger in paragliding is the pilot.

Here are the things that are important to decrease the risks in paragliding: 1) Mental awareness:

-Acknowledge the risks, don’t deny them.

-Be aware of all the types of accidents that can happen, take all the preventions against them and, most importantly, admit that we all make mistakes and that’s why we need to follow some safety rules.

-Listen to more experienced pilots’ advice; pick a good mentor. Chances are that your flying styles will match.

-Assess your mental and physical health.

-Know your limits, i.e. your level.

Always ask yourself, “What kind of pilot am I?” -Question yourself about a series of incidents (forgot your helmet at launch, landed out, disgraceful landing…) and take them as warnings. Make the effort to debrief.

-Listen to your intuition. Get a sense of the site and the conditions for yourself.

When in doubt, don’t fly. I think women are better at that – but I was surprised to see that in France (see table) female pilots have roughly the same percentage of accidents as men (although for some reasons they are less involved in fatal accidents).

The following advice comes from Chris Santacroce: “Be aware that your overall flying enjoyment and success will run through a few cycles; you will have a series of good flights and then some bad fl ights. Stay aware of where you are in this evolution. Adjust your decision-making accordingly.

“The question becomes: What does it take to be in an accident? What are the precursors? It is actually not a mystery.

There are not so many ‘unlucky’ accidents.

St. Hilaire, France

There are warnings! Often a sequence of three (bad landing the day before, forgot to attach your speed bar, didn’t check the wind strength…) will be your indication that you are headed for trouble.

“Cultivate your ‘healthy flying mindset.’ It’s a full-time job.”

2) Practical advice:

-Use the right equipment and check your equipment all the time.

-Know the preventive or corrective action plans. The benefits of attending SIV clinics are obvious here.

-Continuing education can only be beneficial.

-Fly far from the ground. Terrain clearance is a key factor.

-Know the weather.

-Note that the so-called “intermediate syndrome” is not exclusive to intermediate pilots! At all levels we can think we are better pilots than what we are.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge, skills and attitude are key ingredients to make the sport safer. It is about you as an individual. Even though this is a dangerous sport, if you exercise your new skills and avoid allowing your ego to stop you from making rational decisions, you can decrease the risks a lot.

Irene Revenko learned to fly in her native country of France over a dozen years ago, earned her basic USHPA instructor rating in the spring of 2003 and her advanced instructor rating in the spring of 2005. She enjoys thermal and cross-country flying and has competed for the last four years, placing second or third for women at the 2001, 2003 and 2004 U.S. National Paragliding Championships. She has a PhD in bioengineering, and when she’s not flying or competing she works as a physician (clinical pathologist). She has two wonderful children, Tania, age nine, and six-year-old Alexander.

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Gallery

Scott Smith pauses before launch to absorb the view of Mono Lake, California.

Photo: Jan Norman-Smith

Eileen Chaffee, Bruce Tracy and Charles Chaffee take a breather on the Rotihorn in Switzerland as the Eiger appears behind.

Photo: Steve Roti

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Konrad Kurp on launch at Oceanside, Oregon Photo: Darren Darsey

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Glenn Reynolds flying at Ed R. Levin County Park, Milpitas, with the man-made dikes and salt ponds of south San Francisco Bay in background Photo: Mike Kellogg

Chris Santacroce on tow over Horseshoe Lake, Alaska

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

Please include exact information (event, date, contact name and phone number). Items should be received no later than six weeks prior to the event. We request two months lead time for regional and national meets. For more complete information on the events listed, please see our Calendar of Events at www.ushpa.aero.

COMPETITION September 30-October 7: Dunlap, Tennessee. Tennessee Tree

Toppers Team Challenge, an event focused on providing Hang 3 pilots a fun learning experience in safe cross-country flying and beginning competition skills. More information in the September Pilot Briefings column, and at www.treetoppers.org.

October 19-22: Cusco, Peru. Breitling Cusco Paragliding Open.

More information at www.breitlingcuscoopen.com or from Richard Pethigal, richard@cloudwalkerparagliding.com.

December 30-January 1: Bright, Victoria, Australia: Australian

Free Flight Festival 2007. PG/HG landing accuracy and open XC. HQ and registration at the Outdoor Inn, Bright. Up to $3000 is up for grabs (dependent on number of entries) along with barbecues, film nights and parties. Register now online at www.xcflight.com or info@xcflight.com, or call Carol Binder at 0429 403 606.

January 3-10, 2007: Forbes (Australia) Flatlands Hang Glid-

ing Championship. Aerotow-only, HGFA and FAI sanctioned, 72 pilots max, $200 entry fee includes welcome party and awards dinner, $300 aerotow fee includes unlimited tows from January 2-10. More information: Vicki@moyes.com.au.

October 6-8: USHPA fall BOD meeting, in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. Pilot Summit Banquet on Saturday evening, cost $35.

More information at www.ushpa.aero.

October 7-November 4: Tapalpa, Mexico. Improve your ther-

mal and XC skills with world team pilot David Prentice. Week-long tours include, airport pickup/drop off, lodging, transportation, guiding, XC retrieval. Plenty of other fun and adventure for the family. More information: (505) 720-5436, www.earthcog.com.

October 7-8: Utah flying sites. PG mountain flying clinic. For clinic

description and prerequisites go to www.twocanfly.com or contact Ken Hudonjorgensen, (801) 572-3414, twocanfly@gmail.com.

October 16-22: Las Vegas, Nevada. P-2 training: Join Chris Santac-

roce and Jeff Farrell for an intensive training session and look forward to graduating with towing, powered paragliding and foot-launch experience.

Space is limited and only serious candidates will be accepted. Call (801) 255-9595 to reserve your spot.

October 20-22: Point of the Mountain and Utah flying sites. PG

instructor training clinic. For clinic description and prerequisites go to www.twocanfly.com or contact Ken Hudonjorgensen, (801) 572-3414, twocanfly@gmail.com.

October 20-21: Point of the Mountain and Utah flying sites. PG in-

structor re-certification clinic. For clinic description and prerequisites go to www.twocanfly.com or contact Ken Hudonjorgensen, (801) 572-3414, twocanfly@gmail.com.

October 21-28: Chapala/Tapalpa, Mexico (outside Guadalajara).

January 13-20: Mt. Beauty, Victoria, Australia. Bogong Cup Hang

Paragliding and yoga retreat. Cross-country flights land at spa Monte Coxala, offering mineral hot springs, yoga, massage and more for pilots, spouses, and families. Contact Rasa Lila, (505) 363-9748 or skymama@rasaliland.com for more information and to register.

Gliding Championship 2007. AAA sanction. Contact: Carol Binder, info@ xcflight.com or www.xcflight.com.

October 28-29: Point of the Mountain and Utah flying sites. PG

February 10-17: Bright, Victoria, Australia. Australian Open Para-

gliding Championship. AAA sanction. Contact: Carol Binder, info@ xcflight.com or www.xcflight.com.

FLY-INS October 25-29: Lookout Mountain Flight Park, Rising Fawn, Georgia. “Fly Home to Lookout” will celebrate 30 years of flying at LMFP – huge party planned, with fun events for pilots and families. Check out the Diloren Sailplane Saqqara foot-launchable sailplane at its first U.S. appearance. More information on the fly-in at www.FlyHomeToLookout .com, and in the article on p. 34 in the July issue of this magazine.

CLINICS, MEETINGS, TOURS October 1: Deadline for mailing USHPA awards nomination material,

for consideration by the Awards committee at the fall BOD meeting. Mail to USHPA, P.O Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901-1330. Awards nominations may be made online (http://ushpa.aero/emailaward.asp) up until the fall board meeting. Some awards require tangible examples be mailed (newsletters that are not online, non-digital photos, videos) in order for the nomination to be considered. It is recommended that all nominations, mailed or online, be made by the October 1 deadline.

Oc tober 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

tandem (T-2 and T-3) clinic. For clinic description and prerequisites go to www.twocanfly.com or contact Ken Hudonjorgensen, (801) 572-3414, twocanfly@gmail.com.

November 6-12: Las Vegas, Nevada. P-2 training: Join Chris Santacroce and Jeff Farrell for an intensive training session and look forward to graduating with towing, powered paragliding and foot-launch experience. Space is limited and only serious candidates will be accepted. Call (801) 255-9595 to reserve your spot.

November 11-25: Oxaca, Mexico. Improve your thermal and XC skills with world-team pilot David Prentice. Week-long tours include, airport pickup/drop off, lodging, transportation, guiding, XC retrieval. Plenty of other fun and adventure for the family. More information: (505) 7205436, www.earthcog.com. November 12-December 2: Fly Iquique (Chile) and Mendoza (Argentina) this November with Luis Rosenkjer and Todd Weigand. Luis is a multiple Argentinean Champion and owner of Atlanta Paragliding. Todd is a top internationally ranked competition and acro pilot from Oregon who has been seasonally guiding, instructing and perfecting his acro and XC skills in Chile since 2001. Multiple tours available.

Choose your week at www.atlantaparagliding.com. Contact Todd at (541) 475-6935, wallowaparagliding@gmail.com or Luis at (404) 931-3793, info@atlantaparagliding.com.

November 12-19: Phoenix, Arizona. Escape the winter cold – fly three drive-up sites minutes from the airport and more sites around.

Details at http://www.parasoftparagliding.com/travel/phoenix.php.

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November through March: Prime Valle de Bravo season with January 3-14, 2007: Valle de Bravo, Mexico. Thermal and XC FlyMexico. We have over 15 years at this and no one matches our know- instruction tour. For more information and prerequisites go to www how, facilities, or service. Lower priced packages available without air- .twocanfly.com or contact Ken Hudonjorgensen, (801) 572-3414, port transportation or instuctor/guide. Week-long base packages, in and twocanfly@gmail.com. out on a Sunday, $895 PG, $1195 HG (includes glider). Base package includes airport tranpo, lodging, guide and transpo all day wherever you January 7-14: Mexico with Parasoft Paragliding School. We’ve been taking pilots to fly in Mexico since 1991. We have been to Valle de Bravo go. www.flymexico.com, 1-800-861-7198. and Igualla, but Tapalpa is world-class. The P-2 week focuses on long December 3-10: Southern California and the Baja Peninsula. Fly easy flights. Mexico P-2 pilot details at http://www.parasoftparagliding where it is still warm – we pick you up at the airport and handle the rest. .com/travel/tapalpa%20_mexico.php.

Details at http://www.parasoftparagliding.com/travel/Southwest.php.

January 14-21: Mexico P-3 week. We tailor our weeks to your December 9-January 20: Valle de Bravo, Mexico. Improve your pilot level; second week focuses on thermaling. P-3 pilot details at thermal and XC skills with world-team pilot David Prentice. Week-long http://www.parasoftparagliding.com/travel/colima.php. tours include, airport pickup/drop off, lodging, transportation, guiding, XC retrieval. Plenty of other fun and adventure for the family. More infor- January 21-28: Mexico P-4 week. Geared towards flying XC from 4 sites. www.parasoftparagliding.com/travel/iguala%20_mexico.php. mation: (505) 720-5436, www.earthcog.com.

February 10-17: Southern California tour. For more information and December 31-January 7, and January 7-14: Valle de Braprerequisites go to www.twocanfly.com or contact Ken Hudonjorgensen, vo, Mexico. Enjoy consistent, summer-like paragliding with good ther(801) 572-3414, twocanfly@gmail.com. maling and excellent cross-country potential. Conditions are appropri-

ate for a broad variety of skill levels, however a minimum of P-2 rating is recommended unless otherwise discussed with Kay. Includes thermal & XC clinic as well as instruction in active flying. Call Kay Tauscher, (303) 817-0803 or email info@peaktopeakparagliding.com for deposit and fee information.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION, PS Form 3526.

1. Publication Title: USHPA.AERO 2. Publication Number: ISSN 1543-5989 3. Filing Date: August 28, 2006 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 12 6. Annual Subscription Price: $52.00 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 1685 West Uintah, Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado 80904-2969 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 1685 West Uintah, Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado 80904-2969 9. Full Names and Complete mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association, Inc., Jayne DePanfi lis, PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901-1330. Editor & Managing Editor: CJ Sturtevant, 502 Ogle Avenue NE, North Bend WA 98045.

10. Owner: United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association, Inc., 1685 West Uintah, Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado 809042969 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None.

12. Tax Status. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months.

13. Publication Title: USHPA.AERO 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data below: September 2006.

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation 15a. Total Number of Copies: 9,594 Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 months; 9,600 No. copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date.

15b. Paid and/or Requested Circulation.

70

15b1. Paid/Requested Outside County Mail Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: 8,779 ave./issue preceding 12 months; 8,712 for September 2006.

15b2. Paid In-County Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: 0 ave./issue preceding 12 months; 0 for September 2006.

15b3. Sales Th rough Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution: 0 ave./issue preceding 12 months; 0 for September 2006.

15b4. Other Classes Mailed Th rough the USPS: 180 ave./issue preceding 12 months; 180 for September 2006.

15c. Total Paid and /or Requested Circulation: 8,959 ave./issue preceding 12 months; 8,892 for September 2006.

15d. Free Distribution by Mail 15d1. Outside County as Stated on Form 2541: 177 ave./issue preceding 12 months; 177 for September 2006.

15d2. In-County as stated on Form 3541: 0 ave./issue preceding 12 months; 0 for September 2006.

15d3. Other Classes Mailed Th rough the USPS: 180 ave./issue preceding 12 months; 180 for September 2006.

15e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail: 10 ave./issue preceding 12 months; 10 for September 2006.

15f. Total Free Distribution: 367 ave./issue preceding 12 months; 367 for September 2006.

15g. Total Distribution: 9,326 ave./issue preceding 12 months; 9,259 for September 2006.

15h. Copies not Distributed: 200 ave./issue preceding 12 months; 200 for September 2006.

15i. Total: 9,526 ave./issue preceding 12 months; 9,459 for September 2006.

15j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 96.06% ave./issue preceding 12 months; 96.04% for September 2006.

16. Publication of Statement of Ownership will be printed in the October 2006 issue of this publication.

17. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. Martin Palmaz, Business Manager, August 28, 2006.

New Pilot Ratings Ra t i n g s i s s u e d d u r i n g J u n e 2 0 0 6

Paragliding Division Rating Region Name P-1 1 Michael Treacy P-1 1 Kerry Pierce P-1 1 Greg Keating P-1 1 Eli Anderson P-1 1 Sandy Barrett P-1 1 Corey Rennell P-1 1 Kelly Smith P-1 1 Jake Jacobs P-1 1 Colleen Hedeen P-1 2 Matthew Goff P-1 2 Kate Meyer P-1 2 Paul Fracolli P-1 2 Paul Fracolli P-1 2 Jeff Wilder P-1 2 Aaron Bradley P-1 2 Andrew Bradley P-1 2 Rebel Brown P-1 2 Karen Chilina P-1 2 Krzysztof Kuligowski P-1 3 Robby Smith P-1 3 Moku-wai Busch P-1 3 Eugene Hu P-1 3 Alex Harris P-1 3 Gregory Bishop P-1 3 Chris Kelly P-1 4 Todd Nelson P-1 4 Rick Nielsen P-1 4 Jason Beach P-1 4 Jamin Madsen P-1 4 Tracey Bedocs P-1 4 Rachel Brandt P-1 4 Brad Macmonagle P-1 5 Richard Moore P-1 7 William Hollander P-1 8 Dmitri Parfenov P-1 8 James Hobart P-1 9 Michael Bigwood P-1 10 Robert Weber P-1 10 John Lucado P-1 10 Simon Good P-1 11 Hadley Robinson P-1 11 Thomas Henkel P-1 11 Joleen Bishop P-1 11 Andrew Degler P-1 11 Mathew Hoffman P-1 13 Huseyih Ozturk P-1 13 David De Vuyst P-2 1 Michael Treacy P-2 1 Sharon Strobel P-2 1 Travis Leppanen P-2 1 Eli Anderson P-2 1 Andrew Unterschuetz P-2 1 Jake Jacobs P-2 2 Lior Saar P-2 2 David Dudley P-2 2 Stephen Collard P-2 2 Shigeru Harada P-2 2 Roman Itin P-2 2 Thea Kerron P-2 2 Niranjan Vanungare P-2 2 Robert Nunez P-2 2 Michael Pusheck P-2 2 Matthew Goff P-2 2 Kate Meyer P-2 2 Randolph Gresham P-2 2 Jeff Wilder P-2 2 Aaron Bradley P-2 2 Andrew Bradley P-2 2 Rebel Brown P-2 3 Robby Smith P-2 3 Moku-wai Busch P-2 3 Carl Hixon P-2 3 Eugene Hu P-2 3 Justus Brevik

City Issaquah Eugene Hillsboro Seaside Seaside Anchorage Eagle River Sammamish Issaquah San Francisco La Honda Fremont Fremon Healdsburg Menlo Park Menlo Park Santa Cruz Atascadero Campbell Honolulu Kealakekua Redlands Laguna Niguel Los Angeles Lahaina Riverton Salt Lake City Midvale Pc Scottsdale Pleasant View Longmont Hailey Iowa City Wayland Hartsville Oreland Highlands Wesley Chapel Oxford El Paso Houston Houston Austin Edmond Mugla Neigem (ninove) Issaquah Kirkland Jackson Seaside Seattle Sammamish San Francisco Union City Millbrae Pleasanton Santa Clara Camino Santa Clara San Francisco Rocklin San Francisco La Honda Citrus Heights Healdsburg Menlo Park Menlo Park Santa Cruz Honolulu Kealakekua Oceanside Redlands Pasadena

State Rating Official WA Robert Rinker Jr OR Larry Pindar OR Larry Pindar OR Maren Ludwig OR John Kraske AK Peter Gautreau AK Matthew Gaskin WA Ken Hudonjorgensen WA John Kraske CA Jeffrey Greenbaum CA Rob Sporrer CA Jeffrey Greenbaum CA Jeffrey Greenbaum CA Chad Bastian CA Greg Babush CA Greg Babush CA Stephen Mayer CA Patrick Eaves CA Tim Kuenster HI David Binder HI Scott Gee CA Rob Mckenzie CA Gabriel Jebb CA Chad Bastian HI David Binder UT Stephen Mayer UT Stephen Mayer UT Stephen Mayer UT Carson Klein AZ Jim Eskildsen UT Ken Hudonjorgensen CO Granger Banks ID Ken Hudonjorgensen IA Paul Greenwood MA Jeffrey Nicolay MA Nick Crane PA Stephen Mayer NC Luis Rosenkjer FL Scott Harris FL Mike Steen TX Chad Bastian TX Stephen Mayer TX Stephen Mayer TX Stephen Mayer OK Mike Steen Ibrahim Onal Ibrahim Onal WA Robert Rinker Jr WA Lan Do Chirico WA Thomas Bartlett OR Maren Ludwig WA Douglas Stroop WA Ken Hudonjorgensen CA Julie Spiegler CA Jeffrey Greenbaum CA Jeffrey Greenbaum CA Jeffrey Greenbaum CA Gever Tulley CA Jeffrey Greenbaum CA Mondie Beier CA Jeffrey Greenbaum CA Bill Heaner CA Jeffrey Greenbaum CA Rob Sporrer CA Hugh Murphy CA Chad Bastian CA Greg Babush CA Greg Babush CA Stephen Mayer HI David Binder HI Scott Gee CA Bill Armstrong CA Rob Mckenzie CA Bill Armstrong

Rating Region Name P-2 3 Alan Kessler P-2 3 Gregory Bishop P-2 3 Chris Kelly P-2 4 Joe Lambrecht P-2 4 Todd Nelson P-2 4 Rick Nielsen P-2 4 Jason Beach P-2 4 Rachel Brandt P-2 5 Michael Gilpin P-2 5 Lance Pitman P-2 5 Justus Mayer P-2 5 Lizzie Sorrell P-2 5 Jeff Annetts P-2 5 Wade Jefferis P-2 5 Jason Rolfe P-2 5 Richard Moore P-2 7 Rick Davenport P-2 7 Mark Caldwell P-2 7 Bill Zoellmer P-2 8 Reggie Trefts P-2 8 James Hobart P-2 9 Benjamin Tackett P-2 9 Michael Bigwood P-2 10 William Matthews P-2 10 John Melfi P-2 10 Mike Sandberg P-2 10 Simon Good P-2 11 Hadley Robinson P-2 11 Thomas Henkel P-2 11 Andrew Degler P-2 11 Mathew Hoffman P-2 12 Sergio Fernandes P-2 12 Hannah Lindsey P-2 12 Angela Crossman P-2 13 Joel Hettinga P-2 13 Lana Hettinga P-2 13 Huseyih Ozturk P-3 1 Matt Bonney P-3 1 Todd Taylor P-3 1 Gary Biggs P-3 1 Ryan Holtan P-3 1 Evan Schelter P-3 2 Brad Bass P-3 2 Harry Sandoval P-3 3 Peter Fraser P-3 3 Peter Gyulai P-3 4 Neil Mcgarry P-3 4 Kosuke Ozawa P-3 4 Arnaud Boucherat P-3 4 Richard Greenwood P-3 5 Peter Thompson P-3 8 John Kenealy P-3 9 Erin Lally P-3 9 Mark Schlueter P-3 10 Steve Beach P-3 11 Daniel Arndt P-3 11 Mathew Hoffman P-3 12 Fabien Capeilleres P-3 12 John Chen P-3 13 Rory Gilpin P-3 13 Jaco Herbst P-4 1 Peter Gray P-4 1 Jerry Zietz P-4 2 Alec Gordon P-4 3 Michael Estrada P-4 3 Brent Patterson P-4 4 Woodie Beardsley P-4 4 Armin Klotz P-4 5 Chaz Yonce P-4 11 Trey Hackney P-4 12 Matthew Gaskin P-4 13 Jurgen Von Dueszeln P-4 13 Malcolm Vargas

City San Diego Los Angeles Lahaina Glenwood Springs Riverton Salt Lake City Midvale Pleasant View Bozeman Jackson Jackson Jackson Jackson Jackson Jackson Hailey Redford Kendallville Cedar Springs Seboeis Plt Hartsville Allentown Oreland Taylor Tampa Flagler Beach Oxford El Paso Houston Austin Edmond Laurence Harbor Hoboken New York Ab Ab Mugla Eagle River Milwaukie Soldotna Anchorage Bellevue El Sobrabte Pacifica Camarillo Laguna Niguel Park City Yuma Westminster Albuquerque Jackson Randolph Greensburg Yorktown Lawsonville Corpus Christi Edmond Princeton Ridgewood Vernon B.c.

Kaohsiuna Ellensburg Banks Mountain View Lake Elsinore Cardiff By The Sea Salt Lake City Louisville Jackson New Orleans Williston Park Kingston Puli, Nantou County

State CA CA HI CO UT UT UT UT MT WY WY WY WY WY WY ID MI IN MI ME MA PA PA SC FL FL FL TX TX TX OK NJ NJ NY

AK OR AK AK WA CA CA CA CA UT AZ CO NM WY VT PA VA NC TX OK NJ NJ WA OR CA CA CA UT CO WY LA NY

Rating Official Bill Armstrong Chad Bastian David Binder Etienne Pienaar Stephen Mayer Stephen Mayer Stephen Mayer Ken Hudonjorgensen Andy Macrae James Matt Combs James Matt Combs Scott Harris Thomas Bartlett Scott Harris Thomas Bartlett Ken Hudonjorgensen William Fifer William Fifer William Fifer Leslie Sharp Nick Crane Thomas Mccormick Stephen Mayer Luis Rosenkjer Rob Sporrer Andy Macrae Mike Steen Chad Bastian Stephen Mayer Stephen Mayer Mike Steen Christopher Grantham Christopher Grantham Christopher Grantham Greg Gilliam Greg Gilliam Ibrahim Onal Rick Ray Kelly Kellar Rob Sporrer Andy Macrae Marc Chirico Juan Laos Jeffrey Greenbaum Chad Bastian Michael Masterson Ken Hudonjorgensen Kyoung Ki Hong Granger Banks Stephen Mayer Jeff Wishnie Bill Heaner Alejandro Palmaz Granger Banks Chris Bowles Joshua Meyers Mike Steen Jeff Wishnie Robin Marien Leslie Sharp Leslie Sharp J C Brown Kelly Kellar Jeffrey Greenbaum Michael Masterson Hugh Murphy Dale Covington Luis Rosenkjer James Matt Combs Mike Steen Bohan Soifer Rob Mckenzie Gabriel Jebb

Continued to pg. 73

Oc tober 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

71

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Safety Tip E3?7D;5G3 5A? III ?AK7 III ?AK7E 5A? 3

For all service, parts, accessories and after sales support contact your nearest dealer or Central U.S. distributor • Ken Brown, CA Tel - (530) 888 8622 Email - flyamoyes@sbcglobal.net Regional U.S. distributors • Mike Barber, FL Tel - 1800 WALLABY Email - fly@Wallaby.com • Kraig Coomber, SO CAL Cell - (714) 402 7415 Email - moyescal@msn.com

To readily detect the wind at glider level, tie a piece of yarn on your front cable, one-third of the way down from the nose. This indicator is called a telltale, from sailboat jargon.

In very light winds this is the most sensitive indicator.

— Dennis Pagen

Continued from pg. 71

Hang Gliding Division Rating Region Name H-1 3 Carol Gildersleeve H-1 7 Jeremy Cook H-1 8 Timothy Toussaint H-1 8 Herman Willems H-1 8 Rob Renegar H-1 9 Nick Von Ochsen H-1 9 Brandon Thom H-1 9 Adam Holzsager H-1 9 Robert Renegar H-1 10 Bill England H-1 10 Jim Courant H-1 10 Lara Murphy H-1 10 David Borges H-1 10 John Wade H-1 10 Charles Beene H-1 10 Michael Nelms H-1 10 Lyon Fleming H-1 10 Trevor Childress H-1 10 Mark Jones H-1 10 Alan Means H-1 11 M Stroman H-1 11 Steve Hughes H-1 12 Stephen Kraus H-1 12 Scott Hartley H-1 13 Antonio Mendoza, Jr. H-2 2 Adam Gilmore H-2 2 Patrick Aiken H-2 2 Jaroslav Koudela H-2 2 Brenor Brophy H-2 4 Jacob Harris H-2 5 Nicholas Arthur H-2 8 Rob Renegar H-2 9 Alan Ayers H-2 9 Robert Renegar H-2 9 Heather Renihan H-2 10 Thomas Buckner

City Kagel Canyon Ann Arbor Hinsdale Somerville Norwalk Washington Grafton Washington Wallingford Gallatin Tega Cay Nags Head Kill Devil Hills Huntsville Decatur Hillsboro Nashville Rising Fawn Raleigh Plantation Bartlesville Bartlesville Rochester Princeton Zapopan, Jal Redwood City Pacifica Berkeley San Jose Peoria Huson Norwalk Lancaster Wallingford Annapolis Gibsonville

State CA MI NH MA CT DC VA DC PA TN SC NC NC AL AL TN TN GA NC FL OK OK NY NJ CA CA CA CA AZ MT CT PA PA MD NC

Rating Official Paul Thornbury Andy Torrington Steven Prepost Steven Prepost Gordon Cayce Andy Torrington Andy Torrington H Bruce Weaver Iii Gordon Cayce Gordon Cayce Christian Thoreson Andy Torrington Andy Torrington Christian Thoreson Gordon Cayce Gordon Cayce Gordon Cayce Christian Thoreson Matthew Taber Gordon Cayce Chris Price Chris Price Henry Boessl Christian Thoreson Malcolm Jones Patrick Denevan Michael Jefferson Barry Levine Patrick Denevan Greg Berger Jeff Shapiro Gordon Cayce Gordon Cayce Gordon Cayce Paul Venesky Gordon Cayce

Rating Region Name H-2 10 Bill England H-2 10 Jim Courant H-2 10 Douglas Gladden H-2 10 John Wade H-2 10 Charles Beene H-2 10 Michael Nelms H-2 10 Lyon Fleming H-2 10 Trevor Childress H-2 10 Mark Jones H-2 10 Alan Means H-2 11 Mark Sparks H-2 12 Donald Domsic H-2 12 Scott Hartley H-2 13 Antonio Mendoza, Jr. H-2 13 Ben Mamane H-3 2 Jeffrey Hardman H-3 2 Eric Hart H-3 2 Justin Tomola H-3 3 Mark Lalla H-3 4 Brett Pendleton H-3 7 Christopher Thale H-3 8 Alexander Harwood H-3 9 Charles Daus H-3 10 Robert Hedden H-3 11 Pete Craig H-3 13 Antonio Mendoza, Jr. H-3 13 Milko Angulo H-4 2 Greg Free H-4 3 Pete Gifford H-4 4 Jerry Worsencroft H-4 5 Joshua Winstead H-4 9 Shane Moreland H-4 9 Peter Dreher H-4 10 Steve Jones H-4 13 Antonio Mendoza, Jr.

City Gallatin Tega Cay Marion Huntsville Decatur Hillsboro Nashville Rising Fawn Raleigh Plantation Euless Ocean View Princeton Zapopan, Jal Teqoa South Lake Tahoe Minden San Mateo Hacienda Heights Draper Greenwood Bedford Imler Ft. Myers Amarillo Zapopan, Jal Ontario Albany Santa Barbara Erda Missoula Montvale Great Falls Nashville Zapopan, Jal

State TN SC NC AL AL TN TN GA NC FL TX NJ NJ CA NV CA CA UT IN NH PA FL TX CA CA UT MT VA VA TN

Rating Official Gordon Cayce Christian Thoreson Christian Thoreson Christian Thoreson Gordon Cayce Gordon Cayce Gordon Cayce Christian Thoreson Matthew Taber Gordon Cayce Christian Thoreson Paul Venesky Christian Thoreson Malcolm Jones Malcolm Jones George Hamilton Ron Smith Patrick Denevan Rob Mckenzie Bill Heaner Larry Wright Andy Torrington James Rowan James Tindle Mel Glantz Malcolm Jones Michael Robertson Malcolm Jones David Brose Peter Cj Anderson Jeff Shapiro Gregory Mick Robert Lane David Broyles Malcolm Jones

The TrikosaurusTM ready to tow Photo courtesy Bob Corbo

73

HANG GLIDING ADVISORY: Used hang gliders should always be disassembled before flying for the first time and inspected carefully for fatigued, bent or dented downtubes, ruined bushings, bent bolts (especially the heart bolt), re-used Nyloc nuts, loose thimbles, frayed or rusted cables, tangs with non-circular holes, and on flex wings, sails badly torn or torn loose from their anchor points front and back on the keel and leading edges.

NORTH WING DESIGN – is accepting applications for metal shop/wing and trike airframe mechanic. Also accepting applications for sail maker and sewing machine operator. Send application to: 3904 Airport Way, E. Wenatchee, WA 98802 or Fax (509) 886-3435 (www .northwing.com).

PARAGLIDING ADVISORY: Used paragliders should always be thoroughly inspected before flying for the first time. Annual inspections on paragliders should include sailcloth strength tests. Simply performing a porosity check isn’t sufficient. Some gliders pass porosity yet have very weak sailcloth.

HARNESSES – 5’0”-6’5”. Cocoons $125+up. High Energy Cocoons $200+up, Pods $200+up. Inventory, selection changes constantly. Some trades accepted.

(262) 473-8800, info@hanggliding.com, www.hanggliding .com, http://stores.ebay.com/raven-sports.

If in doubt, many hang gliding and paragliding businesses will be happy to give an objective opinion on the condition of equipment you bring them to inspect. BUYERS SHOULD SELECT EQUIPMENT THAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR SKILL LEVEL OR RATING. NEW PILOTS SHOULD SEEK PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION FROM A USHPA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR.

PARAGLIDERS AIRWAVE SPORT 2 – DHV 1-2, medium, blue & purple.

20 hours flight time. Crisp and clean. Sup-air X-Alps harness grey, perfect condition with never thrown reserve. $2100. (808) 757-3713.

FLEX WINGS

TANDEM GLIDER – Edel Prime, 42 squares, white w/ spreaders. Very clean. $1099. ADVANCE Sigma 5, blue, 31, $1000. Turbo Bob, (714) 350-7860.

2003 LAMINAR 700 – 14-meter, mint condition. Red/ purple $3000 OBO. Call Steve Lee (423) 949-2176.

RIGID WINGS

2004 LAMINAR 07 – 13-meter, mint condition. Purple/ green. $3000 OBO. Call Steve Lee (423) 949-2176.

AIR ATOS VR – Excellent condition, orange stripe, navy blue flaps, wheels, tail, 10 flights. No damage. Bend, Oregon, (541) 504-5416, (541) 420-2488.

EVEN-UP TRADES – Looking to move up from your beginner or novice glider, but can’t put up cash? (262) 473-8800, info@hanggliding.com, www.hanggliding .com, http://stores.ebay.com/raven-sports.

EXCELLENT CONDITION! 10-meter Pulse 2 with less than 10 hours flight time. Navy/sky blue/white. $1390 N.C. (910) 264-8847, d3kopczynski@yahoo.com.

FALCONS CLEARANCE SALE – School use, one season. Falcon 1s and 2s. All sizes $1250-$2500. (262) 473-8800, info@hanggliding.com, www.hanggliding .com, http://stores.ebay.com/raven-sports.

FALCON 195 with harness and helmet, all bought new in 2000. Red and gray. EXCELLENT (LIKE NEW) CONDITION – less than 5 hours airtime! Prefer selling together. $2300 for everything, OBO. Glenn (435) 840-2697 or glenn@tvsc.aros.net.

VISION PULSE – 10 meters. 15 hours, flies great. Must sell $2100. (646) 379-7479, located in New York City, Email yuri3342@aol.com.

EMERGENCY PARACHUTES INSPECTED RESERVES – For HG or PG $199+up.

Used Quantum, all sizes $475+up. Some trades accepted. info@hanggliding.com, www.hanggliding.com, http://stores.ebay.com/raven-sports, (262) 473-8800.

EMPLOYMENT LOOKING FOR TANDEM HANG GLIDING PILOTS for our summer season (October 2006-April 2007) in Queenstown, New Zealand. Email: info@tandemhanggliding .com, tel.: +64 (0)21 826336.

74

HARNESSES

MISSION SOARING CENTER – Distributor for AIR Atos, world’s most popular rigid wing. New! Atos VX tandem or powered harness, incredible sink rate with a solo pilot.

(408) 262-1055, www.hang-gliding.com.

ULTRALIGHTS DRAGONFLY AEROTUGS – For up to $10,000 off the price of new ones! Enclosed trailer available for pickup/ delivery. www.hanggliding.com, info@hanggliding.com, http://stores.ebay.com/raven-sports, (262) 473-8800.

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

ARIZONA FLY HIGH PARAGLIDING.COM – over 10 years of experience, offers P-2 certification, tandem flights, towing, new and used equipment, the best weather to fly in USA. (480) 266-6969.

CALIFORNIA AIRJUNKIES PARAGLIDING – Year-round excellent instruction, Southern California & Baja. Powered paragliding, clinics, tours, tandem, towing. Ken Baier, (760) 753-2664, airjunkies@sbcglobal.net, airjunkies.com.

DREAM WEAVER HANG GLIDING – Competitive prices, state-of-the-art equipment. Complete lesson programs.

Northern California Mosquito harness dealer. Ideal training hill. Tandem instruction. USHPA advanced instructor Doug Prather, (209) 556-0469, Modesto, California. drmwvrhg@softcom.net.

EAGLE PARAGLIDING – SANTA BARBARA offers the best year round flying in the nation. Awardwinning instruction, excellent mountain and ridge sites. www.FlySantaBarbara.com, (805) 968-0980.

FLY ABOVE ALL – Year-round instruction in beautiful Santa Barbara! USHPA novice through advanced certification. Thermaling to competition training. Visit www.flyaboveall.com, (805) 965-3733.

THE HANG GLIDING CENTER – PO Box 151542, San Diego CA 92175, (619) 265-5320.

MISSION SOARING CENTER – Largest hang gliding center in the West! Our deluxe retail shop showcases the latest equipment: Wills Wing, Moyes, AIR, High Energy, Flytec, Icaro. West Coast distributor for A.I.R. Atos rigid wings including the all-new VX Tandem Atos. Parts in stock. We stock new and used equipment. Trade-ins welcome. Complete lesson program. Best training park in the West, located just south of the San Francisco Bay Area. Pittman Hydraulic Winch System for Hang 1s and above. Launch and landing clinics for Hang 3s and Hang 4s. Wills Wing Falcons of all sizes and custom training harnesses. 1116 Wrigley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035.

(408) 262-1055, Fax (408) 262-1388, mission@ hang-gliding.com, www.hang-gliding.com, Mission Soaring Center, leading the way since 1973.

O’CONNOR FLIGHT SCHOOL – Specializing in Safety In-Flight Training & Maneuvers Clinics and Aerobatic Instruction. Enhance your knowledge, increase your level of confidence, take your piloting skills to new levels. Overthe-water safety and aerobatics clinics. Enleau and Ann O’Connor, www.oconnorflightschool.com, (530) 2274055 and reserve your clinic.

TORREY PINES GLIDERPORT – Come soar in San Diego! This family-owned and operated flying site offers USHPA certified instruction, advanced training, equipment sales, tandem flight instruction, motorized pg/hg instruction and site tours. We also have an extensive pg/ hg outfitting shop offering parachute repacks and fullservice repairs. Bring your family for our amazing sunsets and dining at the Cliffhanger Cafe. Importers for Para-tech and Independence gliders. We also carry AustriAlpin, Center of Gravity, Crispi and Sup’Air. Check us out online for sales and questions at: www.flytorrey.com, or call toll-free at 1-877-FLY-TEAM (359-8326). Also, tune in to the Internet Paragliding Talk Show at www.worldtalkradio .com every Tuesday 9-11:00 a.m. (PST).

WINDSPORTS – Don’t risk bad weather, bad instruction or dangerous training hills. 350 flyable days each year. Learn foot-launch flying skills safely and quickly. Train with professional CFI’s at world-famous Dockweiler Beach training slopes (5 minutes from LA airport). Fly winter or summer in gentle coastal winds, soft sand and in a thorough program with one of America’s most prestigious schools for over 25 years. (818) 367-2430, www.windsports.com.

October 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

COLORADO AIRTIME ABOVE HANG GLIDING – Full-time lessons, sales, service. Colorado’s most experienced!

Wills Wing, Moyes, Altair, Aeros, High Energy, Ball, Finsterwalder, Flytec, MotoComm and much more. Call (303) 674-2451, Evergreen, Colorado. AirtimeHG@aol.com.

GUNNISON GLIDERS – Serving the western slope.

Instruction, sales, service, sewing, accessories. Site information, ratings. 1549 County Road 17, Gunnison CO 81230. (970) 641-9315, 1-866-238-2305.

PEAK TO PEAK PARAGLIDING LLC – THE Front Range paragliding school, located in Boulder. Offering excellent state-of-the-art instruction. Equipment & tandems.

(303) 817-0803, Info@peaktopeakparagliding.com, www .peaktopeakparagliding.com.

FLORIDA FLORIDA RIDGE AEROTOW PARK – 18265 E State Road 80, Clewiston, Florida, (863) 805-0440, www.thefloridaridge.com.

GRAYBIRD AIRSPORTS – Paraglider & hang glider towing & training, Dragonfly aerotow training, XC, thermaling, instruction, equipment. Dunnellon Airport, (352) 245-8263, email fly@graybirdairsports.com, www.graybirdairsports.com.

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK – Nearest mountain training center to Orlando. Two training hills, novice mountain launch, aerotowing, great accommodations. hanglide.com, 877-hanglide, (877) 426-4543.

MIAMI HANG GLIDING – For year-round training fun in the sun. (305) 285-8978, 2550 S Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133, www.miamihanggliding.com.

Photo: Ursula Cristol

QUEST AIR – FROM 1ST FLIGHT TO 1ST PLACE – From your first tandem to advanced XC racing, fly with the innovators of aerotowing and champion instructors.

No-wait lessons. Higher tows = more airtime. 7 Dragonfly tugs. Safer carts. Huge LZ. Demos. Rentals. Storage. Sales & repair of everything HG. Clubhouse with kitchen, PC, satellite TV, cool toys, kegs, snakeboard races. Pool. Hot tub. Shade. Free wireless. Private lake. Rooms. Bunkhouse.

Tent camping. RV hookups. Indoor/outdoor showers. Laundry. Bobby Bailey sightings. Flytec Championships. 2006 Worlds. Largest U.S. HG record/comp sponsors, helping to keep it all going for YOU. Minutes from Orlando in Groveland, FL. www.questairforce.com, questair@mpinet.com, (352) 429-0213.

WALLABY AEROTOW FLIGHT PARK – Satisfaction Guaranteed. Just 8 miles from Disney World. Year-round soaring, open 7 days a week, six tugs, no waiting, every direction.

50+ nice demos to fly, topless to trainer gliders: Laminar, Moyes, Wills, Airborne, Airwave, Exxtacy, La Mouette, Sensor; also harnesses, varios, etc. Ages 13 to 73 have learned to fly here. No one comes close to our level of experience and success with tandem aerotow instruction. A great scene for family and friends. 10 motels & restaurants within 5 minutes. Camping, hot showers, shade trees, sales, storage, ratings, XC retrievals, great weather, climbing wall, trampoline, DSS TV, ping pong, picnic tables, swimming pool, etc. Flights of over 200 miles and more than 7 hours.

Articles in Hang Gliding, Kitplanes, Skywings, Cross Country and others. Featured on numerous TV shows, including Dateline NBC, The Discovery Channel & ESPN. Visit us on the Web: http://www.wallaby.com. Please call us for references and video. 1805 Dean Still Road, Disney Area, FL 33837 (863) 424-0070, phone & fax, fly@wallaby .com, 1-800-WALLABY. Conservative, reliable, state-ofthe-art. F.H.G. INC., flying Florida since 1974.

GEORGIA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK – Discover why 5 times as many pilots earn their wings at LMFP. Enjoy our 110-acre mountain resort. www.hanglide.com, 877-hanglide, (877) 426-4543.

HAWAII FLY HAWAII – Hawaii’s hang gliding, paragliding/ paramotoring school. Mauna Kea guide service. Big Island Hawaii, Achim Hagemann (808) 895-9772, www.aircotec .net/flyhawaii.htm, flyaglider@yahoo.com.

ISLAND POWERED PARAGLIDING & THERMAL UP PARAGLIDING – The Big Island’s source for USHPA certified instruction. Power or tow from a private 25acre ranch. Guided site and flight tours. Equipment rental, service and sales. Call Yeti, (808) 987-0773, www.IslandPPG.com, www.ThermalUp.com.

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

MICHIGAN CLOUD 9 SPORT AVIATION – Aerotow specialists.

We carry all major brand hang gliders and accessories.

Cloud 9 Field, 11088 Coon Lake Road West, Webberville MI 48892. Cloud9sa@aol.com, http://members.aol .com/cloud9sa. Call for spring tandem lessons and flying appointments with the Draachen Fliegen Soaring Club at Cloud 9 Field. (517) 223-8683, DFSCinc@aol.com, http://members.aol.com/dfscinc.

TRAVERSE CITY HANG GLIDERS/PARAGLIDERS – Put your knees in our breeze and soar our 450’ sand dunes.

Full-time shop. Certified instruction, beginner to advanced. Sales, service, accessories for ALL major brands.

Visa/MasterCard. 1509 E 8th, Traverse City MI 49684.

Offering powered paragliding. Call Bill at (231) 922-2844, tchangglider@chartermi.net. Your USA & Canada Mosquito distributor. www.mosquitoamerica.com.

NEW YORK AAA E-VILLE OUTFITTERS, MOUNTAIN WINGS INC. – Aeros, North Wing (845) 647-3377, mtnwings@verizon .net, www.evilleoutfitters.com, Ellenville, N.Y. FLY HIGH, INC. – Serving New York, Jersey, and Connecticut areas. Area’s exclusive Wills Wing dealer. Also all other brands, accessories. Area’s most INEXPENSIVE prices! Certified instruction/service since 1979. Excellent secondary instruction! Taken some lessons? Advance to mountain flying! www.flyhighhg.com, (845) 744-3317.

PROFLYGHT PARAGLIDING – Call Dexter for friendly information about flying on Maui. Full-service school offering beginner to advanced instruction every day, year round. SUSQUEHANNA FLIGHT PARK COOPERSTOWN (808) 874-5433, paraglidehawaii.com.IDAHO – 160’ training hill with rides up. 600’ ridge – large LZ. Specializing in first mountain flights. Dan Guido, 293 Shoemaker Road, Mohawk NY 13407. (315) 866-6153, IDAHO dguido@dfamilk.com.

KING MOUNTAIN GLIDERS – Alluring site plus shop supplying all your HG/PG needs. Instruction, equipment NORTH CAROLINA sales, tandems, complete accessories. Visit our Web site www.kingmountaingliders.com or (208) 390-0205.

KITTY HAWK KITES – FREE Hang 1 training with purchase of equipment! The largest hang gliding school in the world. Teaching since 1974. Learn to fly over the East INDIANA Coast’s largest sand dune. Year-round instruction, foot CLOUD 9 SPORT AVIATION – See Cloud 9 in Michigan. launch and tandem aerotow. Dealer for all major manufacturers. Ultralight instruction and tours. (252) 441-2426, MAINE 1-877-FLY-THIS, www.kittyhawk.com.

DOWNEAST AIRSPORTS – Paragliding and hang gliding instruction, quality equipment sales.

Extended training/tour packages with lodging available. www.downeastairsports.com, in_a_cloud@hotmail.com, Marc (207) 244-9107.

OHIO CLOUD 9 SPORT AVIATION – See Cloud 9 in Michigan.

Launching from Thousand Meter Launch, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Oc tober 2006: Hang Gliding & Paragliding – w w w.ushpa.aero

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PUERTO RICO

PARTS & ACCESSORIES

PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS

FLY PUERTO RICO WITH TEAM SPIRIT HG! – Flying tours, rentals, tandems, HG and PG classes, H-2 and P-2 intensive novice courses, full sales. (787) 850-0508, tshg@coqui.net.

BIG EARS PTT – $99.95. Includes speaker and microphone, radio connection, sealed finger switch. Choose the full-face or the open-face model. www.bigearsptt.com, (805) 965-3733.

*NEW* AND THE WORLD COULD FLY – And the World Could Fly tells the story of how piloting for the masses became a possibility and then a reality. This is a tale of free flight in every sense of the term. Edited by Stéphane Malbos and Noel Whittall, And the World Could Fly contains contributions from many parts of the world as well as much new writing. Together, the editors have more than fifty years of undiminished enthusiasm for foot-launched flight. And the World Could Fly is produced by the International Hang Gliding and Paragliding Commission (CIVL) to celebrate the centenary of FAI. It is a book which will appeal to anyone with an interest in free flight, whether an old-stager who can remember the early California days or a newcomer who wonders where it all came from. Call USHPA 1-800-616-6888 or order off our Web site, www .ushpa.aero. PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901.

TENNESSEE LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK – Just outside Chattanooga. Become a complete pilot – foot launch, aerotow, mountain launch, ridge soar, thermal soar. hanglide.com, 877-hanglide, (877) 426-4543.

TEXAS GO...HANG GLIDING!!! – Jeff Hunt. Austin ph/fax (512) 467-2529, jeff@flytexas.com, www.flytexas.com.

UTAH CLOUD 9 SOARING CENTER – Once again, we are the closest shop to the Point of the Mountain. Utah’s only full-time PG/HG shop and repair facility. Contact 1-888944-5433 or www.paragliders.com.

VIRGINIA BLUE SKY – Full-time instruction at Blue Sky Flight Park near Richmond. Scooter, platform and aerotowing available. All major brands of equipment, with Mosquitos and Doodlebugs in stock. Steve Wendt (540) 432-6557, (804) 241-4324, www.blueskyhg.com.

SILVER WINGS, INC. – Certified instruction and equipment sales. Arlington, VA. silverwingshanggliding.com, (703) 533-1965

WASHINGTON AERIAL PARAGLIDING SCHOOL AND FLIGHT PARK – Award-winning instructors at a world-class training facility.

Contact Doug Stroop at (509) 782-5543 or visit www.paragliding.us.

WYOMING JACKSON HOLE PARAGLIDING – A perfect flying day: Launch the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram in the morning, tow at the Palisades Reservoir in the afternoon. Contact: scharris@wyoming.com, www.jhparagliding.com, (307) 690-TRAM (8726).

INTERNATIONAL MEXICO – VALLE DE BRAVO and beyond for hang gliding and paragliding. Year-round availability and special tours, winter 05-06. Fly the extinct volcano, vagabond tours for those with wanderlust and more sites in the Valle area. Standard package in and out on a Sunday, $895 PG $1095 HG - includes all transpo, lodging, guiding and HG rental. www.flymexico.com, 1-800-861-7198 USA.

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, gifts, engine parts, harness accessories, electronics, clothing, safety equipment, complete powered paragliding units with training from Hill Country Paragliding Inc. www .hillcountryparagliding.com, 1-800-664-1160 for orders only. Office (325) 379-1567.

GLIDERBAGS – XC $75! Heavy waterproof $125. Accessories, low prices, fast delivery! Gunnison Gliders, 1549 County Road 17, Gunnison CO 81230. (970) 641-9315, orders 1-866-238-2305.

HIKING TO LAUNCH? Traveling by airplane for your next paragliding vacation? Let Critter Mountain Wear and Nervures help you lighten your load and put the fun back into flying with a full line of lightweight paragliders, harnesses and accessories. See the full line of lightweight equipment at www.crittermountainwear.com .

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 warranty. ONLY $169. Mallettec, PO Box 15756, Santa Ana CA 92735. (949) 795-0421, MC/Visa accepted, www.mallettec.com.

OXYGEN SYSTEMS – The world-class XCR-180 operates up to 3 hours @18,000 feet and weighs only 4 lbs. Complete kit with cylinder, harness, regulator, cannula and remote on/off flowmeter, only $400. 1-800-468-8185.

BIRDFLIGHT – Otto Lilienthal’s genius in scientific observations and analysis, documented in this work, became the basis for the experimentation of the early pioneers in aviation. The “hero” of the Wright brothers, Otto is considered to be “The Father of Gliding Flight.” Lilienthal’s definitive book has been out of print for almost a century, but is now available to everyone for a wonderful and absorbing journey into aviation history. 176 pages, 16 photographs, 89 drawings and 14 graphs. $19.95 (+$5 s/h) Call USHPA at 1-800-616-6888 or order off our Web site, www.ushpa.aero. PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901. *NEW* CONDOR TRAIL, PARAGLIDING THE CENTRAL ANDES – the guidebook to paragliding and traveling in the Central Andes. It’s packed with 256 pages of maps, site descriptions, local lore, free-flight contacts and photos, all the information you need to plan your own Andean paragliding adventure. Most of the launch and landing access throughout the Andes is done with cheap public transportation. Condor Trail gives you bus routes to catch, areas to avoid, traveler tips, and contacts for the local flying communities throughout Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Northern Argentina, and Northern Chile. Call USHPA at 1-800-616-6888 or order off our Web site, www .ushpa.aero. PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901.

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

“FLYING BY THE SEAT OF YOUR PANTS: A HANG GLIDER PILOT’S VIEW OF LIFE” is a self-help book written by TANDEM LANDING GEAR – Rascal™ brand by Raven, simply the best. New & used. (262) 473-8800, USHPA member Chris Waugh who started flying in 1974.

She uses hang gliding as a metaphor for how you can www.hanggliding.com, info@hanggliding.com, http:// succeed in a world of change and uncertainty. Full of phostores.ebay.com/raven-sports. tos and inspirational flying quotes, it sells for $14.95 and WHEELS FOR AIRFOIL BASETUBES – WHOOSH! shipping is FREE. Buy it at www.reNvision.com.

Wheels™ (Patent Pending), Moyes/Airborne & Wills Wing compatible. Dealer inquiries invited. (262) 473-8800, FLY THE WING! HOOKING INTO HANG GLIDING –

By Len Holms. This is the perfect book for those curious www.hanggliding.com, info@hanggliding.com, http:// about the sport of hang gliding. Written at a level that will stores.ebay.com/raven-sports. not swamp the reader with a daunting amount of techWINDSOKS FROM HAWK AIRSPORTS INC – 1673 Corbin nical details, you will learn about hang glider wings and Lake Rd, Rutledge, TN 37861, 1-800-826-2719. World- the skills needed to fly them. 84 pages with photos and famous Windsoks, as seen at the Oshkosh & Sun-N-Fun illustrations. $12.95(+$5 s&h). Call USHPA at 1-800EAA Fly-Ins. Hawk@windsok.com, www.windsok.com.

616-6888 or order off our Web site, www.ushpa.aero.

PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901.

SOARING – Monthly magazine of The Soaring Society of America Inc. Covers all aspects of soaring flight. Full membership $64. SSA, PO Box 2100, Hobbs NM 88241.

(505) 392-1177, ssa.org.

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WORLDWIDE INTERNET PARAGLIING TALK SHOW – WWW.WORLDTALKRADIO.COM. Listen live or to the archives! Live Tuesday 9-11:00 a.m. (PST). Call toll-free, 1-888-514-2100 or internationally at (001) 858-2683068. Paraglider pilots and radio hosts David and Gabriel Jebb want to hear about your stories, promotions/events or insight; they also take questions!

VIDEOS & DVDS VIDEOS FROM USHPA – WWW.USHPA.AERO *NEW* DARE DEVIL FLYERS – The 94-minute digital video docupicture covers all thirty years of hang gliding and all seventeen years of paragliding. It begins with the Bob and Chris Wills story – they founded Wills Wing, the only surviving American manufacturer/distributor of hang gliders and paragliders. Two legendary pilots guide the audience through these extreme sports with their narrative. The docupic features competition in the extreme sports of aerobatic hang gliding, speed hang gliding and high-altitude cross-country paragliding. Wingmounted POV cameras provide the docupic with an inthe-air thrill ride from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coast. Narrator Bobby Carradine threads us through the three decades. Call USHPA at 1-800-616-6888 or order off our Web site, www.ushpa.aero. PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES – The rate for classified advertising is $10.00 for 25 words and $1.00 per word after 25. MINIMUM AD CHARGE $10.00. Phone number=2 words. Email or Web address=3 words. AD DEADLINES: All ad copy, instructions, changes, additions & cancellations must be received in writing 2 months preceding the cover date, i.e. March 15th is the deadline for the May issue. ALL CLASSIFIEDS ARE PREPAID. If paying by check, please include the following with your payment: name, address, phone, category, how many months you want the ad to run and the classified ad. Please make checks payable to USHPA, P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330. If paying with credit card, you may email the previous information and classified to info@ushpa.aero. For safety reason, please call your Visa/MC or Amex info to the office. No refunds will be given on ads cancelled that are scheduled to run multiple months. (719) 632-8300.

Fax (719) 632-6417

PURA VIDA FLYING – By GW Meadows. 3 pilots, 3 weeks, 1 jungle, no rules. A trio of competition hang glider and paraglider pilots discover the true meaning of “pura vida” as they enjoy the jungles and beaches of Costa Rica. Hang gliding, paragliding, ultralight towing, kiteboarding and more. Awesome flying. $24.95. Order yours at www.ushpa.aero/store.

RISK & REWARD – By Jeff Goin. This 70-min. DVD exposes the risks and rewards of powered paragliding in a fun, action-packed adventure. You owe yourself this inside look that could easily save your life. Three years in the making, Risk & Reward gathers wisdom from a long list of instructors. Spectacular video from around the world sheds light on essential concepts with clarity and realism. $29.95. Order yours at www.ushpa.aero/store.

Safety Tip

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS ACE SIM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 ANGLE OF ATTACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 CHARLES JOHNSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 CRITTER MOUNTAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 FLY GUATEMALA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 FLY MEXICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 FLYTEC USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 FOUNDATION FOR HG&PG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 HALL BROTHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 HIGH ENERGY SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 JUST FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 NORTH WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 O’CONNOR FLIGHT SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 OZONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 SKY WINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 THERMAL TRACKER PARAGLIDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 TORREY PINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60, 79 TRAVERSE CITY HG & PG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 USHPA CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 USHPA DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 USHPA RENEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 WILLS WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 12

MARKETPLACE ADVENTURE PRODUCTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 CLOUD 9 SOARING CENTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 FLYTEC USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 KITTY HAWK KITES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 MOYES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 OZ REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 THEWINDYPLANET.COM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 USHPA BOOKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 USHPA XC FLIGHT AWARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

If anything does not feel right at the start of a tow, command “abort, abort” and release. Do not say “no” or “whoa” – these sound too much like “go.”

— Bill Bryden

*NEW* USHPA MAGAZINE ARCHIVE 1971-2004 – The DVD set holds the history of our sport, from the earliest days of bamboo and plastic to the present. Within these pages you’ll find the evolution of foot-launched flight from the first days of bamboo dune-skimmers to the modern variety of hang gliders, paragliders and rigid wings. Each PDF file is one complete magazine, just as originally published. Pages with color are produced as color scans, the rest scanned as black and white images. Future issues will be available on an update disk. Each disk includes Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 7 for Windows, Macintosh and Linux systems. $30 for members and $90 for nonmembers. Call USHPA at 1-800-616-6888 or order off our Web site, www.ushpa.aero. PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901.

“AEROBATICS” POSTER – Full color 23”x 31” poster featuring John Heiney doing what he does bestLOOPING! See www.ushpa.aero under store/misc for example. Available through USHPA HQ for just $6.95 (+$5.00 s/h). USHPA, PO Box 1300, Colorado Springs CO 80933. (USA & Canada only. Sorry, posters are NOT AVAILABLE on international orders.)

DVDS-VIDEOS-BOOKS-POSTERS – Check out our Web store at www.ushpa.aero.

Photo courtesy Bob Corbo

MISCELLANEOUS

The TrikosaurusTM over the Connecticut River

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