Hang Gliding & Paragliding Vol47-Iss2 Mar-Apr 2017

MARCH/APRIL 2017 Volume 47 Issue 2 $6.95

For change of address or other USHPA business:

+1 (719) 632-8300 info@ushpa.aero

Martin Palmaz, Executive Director executivedirector@ushpa.aero Beth Van Eaton, Operations Manager office@ushpa.aero Galen Anderson, Membership Coordinator membership@ushpa.aero Julie Spiegler, Program Manager programs@ushpa.aero

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

REGION 1: Rich Hass, Mark Forbes. REGION 2: Jugdeep Aggarwal, Josh Cohn, Jon James. REGION 3: Ken Andrews, Dan DeWeese, Alan Crouse. REGION 4: Bill Belcourt, Ken Grubbs. REGION 5: Josh Pierce.

REGION 6: Tiki Mashy. REGION 7: Paul Olson. REGION 8: Michael Holmes. REGION 9: Dan Lukaszewicz, Larry Dennis. REGION 10: Bruce Weaver, Steve Kroop, Matt Taber. REGION 11: Tiki Mashy. REGION 12: Paul Voight. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Paul Murdoch, Steve Rodrigues, Greg Kelley, Jamie Shelden, Mitch Shipley. EX-OFFICIO DIRECTOR: Art Greenfield (NAA).

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

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.

COVER SHOT BY

DAVID ALDRICH Friendly get together over Crestline, California.

WARNING

Hang gliding and paragliding are INHERENTLY DANGEROUS activities. USHPA recommends pilots complete a pilot training program under the direct supervision of a USHPA-certified instructor, using safe equipment suitable for your level of experience.

Many of the articles and photographs in the magazine depict advanced maneuvers being performed by experienced, or expert, pilots. These maneuvers should not be attempted without the prerequisite instruction and experience.

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USA

2017 FLY SMART

5 LIVE WELL 5 GO FAR

MARCH/APRIL

18 28

Finding the right lift and taking the big leap

by JEFF SHAPIRO

ISRAEL Flying in a complicated country

by DENNIS PAGEN

36 44

CUTTING THE CORD

FORBES FLATLANDS Is it really all that and a bag of crisps?

by VICKI CAIN & NIKI LONGSHORE

QUIXADA Crazy days chasing 400 km

by JAMES "KIWI" JOHNSTON

54

LA SALINA Baja's best airsports site hosts the Aerothlon

by BAJA BRENT PATTERSON

16

22

32

52

CLOUDBASE MAYHEM

USHPA'S SUPERHEROES OF 2016

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA LEAGUE RESULTS

MUSCLE CRAMPS

And the award goes to...

The numbers are in.

Sage advice from the guests of Gavin's free-flight podcast.

GAVIN McCLURG

C.J. STURTEVANT

JUGDEEP AGGARWAL

What to do when your muscles grow a mind of their own

STEPHEN MORRIS

8 12 60 62 63

BRIEFINGS ASSOCIATION RATINGS CALENDAR CLASSIFIED

HANG GLIDING

PARAGLIDING &

W

Martin Palmaz, Publisher executivedirector@ushpa.aero

e are at a pivotal point in our country and all of our lives have been altered through a general shake-up in the status quo. Many are challenged to deal with our new norm and struggle to find

peace with the other half of the population that disagrees with fundamental beliefs of “opposing” sides. One of the main reasons we fly is the true peace and tranquility that results from the constant focus and concentration required to keep an aircraft aloft without an engine. The literal and figurative leaving the earth behind and dedicating all the time in the saddle to enjoying flight is a transformative experience for many of us, and as the season ramps up I implore you to remember why we fly hang gliders and paragliders, and to consider what state of mind serves a pilot best. Discourse about current events, and our state of affairs is an important part of living in a democracy, but I hope that we can all agree that keeping our sacred places sacred is just as important. Flying in a happy state of mind, free of angst, turmoil, or conflict is by far the best way to progress in our sport. This year, make an effort to follow the golden rule of all Thanksgiving dinners when meeting up with your fellow free-flight enthusiast by leaving politics, religion, and the Yankees out of your pre-flight rituals. Celebrate the small amount of time we get to spend with each other chasing thermals in one of the world’s most insanely fun and esoteric games by forgetting about the state of affairs in the real world, and cherish the surreal one we get to enjoy with each other during the flying season.

The March/April issue kicks off with a fantastic capture from David Aldrich who takes photography and film-making to the next level. Gavin McClurg checks in from with a few words highlighting his favorite lessons from hosting the wildly successful Cloudbase Mayhem podcast. Jeff Shapiro reports on the what it takes to cut the cord and head out from the designated landing zone to new lines. C.J. Sturtevant sends in the who’s who for the USHPA awards winners for 2016. Check out this article and think about who in your communities deserves an award next year.

Dennis Pagen reports on the hang gliding community in Israel, and Jug Aggarwal sends in the results to the famous Northern California Cross Country League.

Vicki Cain and Niki Longshore break down the 2017 Forbes Flatlands Hang Gliding Championship, which attracted 76 pilots from 17 countries, and James “Kiwi” Johnston reports back from the wilds of the Ceara outback in Brazil.

Baja Brent sent in a roundup of last year’s La Salina Fly-In and Aerothlon and Dennis Pagen wraps the magazine up with a request from the Foundation for Free Flight to help them stay ahead of the curve to protect free flight for generations to come.

It has been a tumultuous off season for many, but hope is in sight. The flying season is about to kick off and all of us at the USHPA magazine wish you a safe and extremely rewarding 2017 season!

Nick Greece, Editor editor@ushpa.aero Greg Gillam, Art Director art.director@ushpa.aero C.J. Sturtevant, Copy Editor copy@ushpa.aero Kristjan Morgan, Advertising advertising@ushpa.aero Staff Writers Annette O'Neil Dennis Pagen Jeff Shapiro C.J. Sturtevant

Photographers John Heiney Jeff Shapiro

SUBMISSIONS HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING welcomes editorial submissions from our members and readers. All submissions of articles, artwork, photographs and or ideas for articles, artwork and photographs are made pursuant to and are subject to the USHPA Contributor's Agreement, a copy of which can be obtained from the USHPA by emailing the editor at editor@ushpa.aero or online at www.ushpa.aero.

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

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

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

POSTMASTER Send change of address to: USPA, P.O. BOX 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330.

Canadian Post Publications Mail Agreement #40065056.

Canadian Return Address: DP Global Mail, 4960-2 Walker Road, Windsor, ON N9A 6J3 COPYRIGHT ©2016 United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc., All Rights Reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc. HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

7

PILOT BRIEFINGS

NEWS + PRODUCTS + ANNOUNCEMENTS

Flymaster Deltapod

Trango X-Race

tures including improvements in top

Flymaster USA is pleased to announce

UP Paraglider’s new Trango X-Race

speed, glide and stability, as well as

the availability of the DeltaPod. This

is a wing tailored for the Red Bull

weighing around 450g less. UP states

fiberglass pod fits any of the Flymaster

X-Alps, but equally relevant for just

that the Trango X-Race was created for

instruments (including the B1 Nav) to

about anyone wanting to fly a high-

Sport Class competition, XC hounds,

give a sleek and aerodynamic mount.

performance paraglider. When the

expedition freaks crossing remote

Two different brackets are available

previous version, the Trango XC3, was

mountain ranges on foot or in the air, or

for Wills Wing’s base tubes: carbon

introduced, it completely changed how

anyone who loves the feel of freedom a

fiber and aluminum. More details can

people saw the EN C class. The new

high-performance glider can offer. The

be found at www.flymasterusa.com/

glider follows closely in that Trango’s

Trango X-Race is now available. Contact

deltapod.

footsteps, but adds a number of fea-

Eagle Paragliding for more details.

GEAR recycled wing

HEADGEAR

T-SHIRTS

JACKETS

UNITED STATES HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING ASSOCIATION

UNITED STATES HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING ASSOCIATION

2017

TECHNICAL

2017

books + videos + calendars + cards 8

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

PACKS KEEN

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charms

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SEE THE ENTIRE LINEUP @ ushpastore.com

JEFF SHAPIRO CODY TUTTLE

USHPA NATIONAL LEAGUE

flight, flat triangle, and FAI triangle.

counted in the US League. However,

USHPA is pleased to announce a new

Any flight that doesn’t qualify as a

flights in other countries can be en-

national competition open to USHPA

triangle will be scored as free flight,

tered in the World XContest and will

pilots, starting in 2017: a season-long

where the distance is optimized

contribute to the ranking of nations,

cross-country league that will use

through three waypoints. Free-flight

which use the aggregate scores of the

XContest online scoring. Rankings

tracks award 1 point per kilometer.

top five pilots per country. To keep

are to be based on each pilot’s six

Any triangle that does not conform

the scores current throughout the

highest-scoring flights in the United

to the FAI specification will earn

season, tracklogs must be uploaded

States. The rules and scoring param-

1.2 points per kilometer. Triangles

within 14 days of the flight. Logs must

eters will match this season’s world

in which no leg is shorter than 28%

be uploaded in IGC format with a

XContest, with the exception of the

of the total distance count as FAI

valid G record.

start date. Flights made between

triangles and earn 1.4 points per

March 1 and September 30, 2017, will

kilometer. The XContest software will

in accordance with applicable air

be the ones counted for this year.

automatically optimize your tracklog

law. Any found to be in violation of

In the future, the season will run

and choose the flight type resulting in

airspace, including Class A, will be

throughout the entire year, begin-

the highest score.

disqualified. Foot-launch, towing, and

ning on October 1 and ending on

USHPA will pay the entry fee for

All flights must be conducted

aerotowing (hang gliders only) are

September 30, using the same calen-

the first 50 paraglider pilots and the

permitted. For tow-launch flights, the

dar as the World XContest as well as

first 50 hang glider pilots who sign up

maximum release altitude is 3280 feet

other national leagues.

for the league, to encourage partici-

(1 km) AGL.

The winners will be designated by

pation. In order to participate, you

More details can be found on the

category, based on glider class, like

first need to register for an account

USHPA website: http://www.ushpa.

the National Champion categories.

on XContest and then register for the

org/page/us-league. Refer to the

Paragliding will have Competition,

US League under National XContests.

World XContest rules for more detail

C Class, B Class, and Women, while

Also, you will be required to provide

at: http://www.xcontest.org/world/

hang gliding will have Open Class 1,

your USHPA number and continue to

en/rules/. Please direct any additional

Sport Class 1, and Class 2 categories.

be a current member for the duration

questions to Reavis Sutphin-Gray,

of the season.

who will be administering the league

Three types of flights will be possible, with different multipliers: free

Only flights in the USA will be

this year: reavis@sutphin-gray.com.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

9

ASSOCIATION Open Letter to USHPA's Instructors

by USHPA President PAUL MURDOCH This letter was sent to all USHPA instructors in January 2017. It is reprinted here for the information of all USHPA members.

Randy Leggett, director and lead for

We have already used the comments

customer outreach for Recreation

received to reduce the duplication of

RRG. He has provided this update:

information on the application forms,

2

first (not quite) full flying season.

renewal cycle. We continue to appre-

016 was an historic year. This

We—the insurance company and the

ciate the constructive criticism from

last year and a half we have

insureds—have worked hard together

you, our instructors.

rallied as a community and

to exceed all expectations in partici-

which you will notice in your next

3. SLD Logging: We know this is

built a unique entity in the world of

pation (number of insureds) and in re-

an administrative burden. We have

sport. Our Recreation Risk Retention

ducing claims. The credit for reducing

ideas and are working to simplify the

Group (Recreation RRG) will manage

claims goes to the USHPA members,

process. It is extremely important

the insurance needs of our sports

chapters, instructors and schools who

to note that the primary reason for

and shareholders—USHPA, PASA,

supported Recreation RRG, developed

the SLD logging is our proof to the

Foundation for Free Flight and flight

and implemented Risk Mitigation pro-

Insurance Regulators of the ratio of

schools—providing liability protec-

grams and followed them. Thank you!

incidents (accident reports—the nu-

tion for our member pilots, instruc-

Without your dedication, none of this

merator) and the number of SLDs (the

tors, schools, chapters, and sites. This

would have been possible. We may

denominator). We need a really small

letter will inform you on where we

also have had a dose of good luck with

top number and a big bottom number.

are now, what we need to do next and

reduced potential claims to kick this

We would love to see a ratio of zero:

how we will deal with our next series

program off. We’ll take it! Working

0/40,000!

of challenges.

closely with instructors and schools

The transition from an unsustainable, USHPA-subsidized insurance program to owning and running

4. Cost of Premiums: Last year,

from across the country, we have

when we first got started, the actuar-

identified four primary concerns:

ies indicated that it would likely be

1. Cost of 30-Day Memberships:

five (5) years before we could consider

our own RRRG has been especially

Recreation RRG and USHPA listened

lower rates. However, we may not

difficult for you, USHPA’s instructors.

and USHPA lowered the cost of the

have to wait that long!

Thank you for all of your help, pa-

30-Day Memberships from $8.00

tience, and work as a part of this mas-

to $6.00, then to $2.00 including

with the conservative assumption

sive change. Your world was turned

the $4.00 rebate for PASA-certified

that the only schools that would

upside down and we all pitched in to

schools.

purchase the insurance were those

right the ship. How USHPA and our in-

2. PASA Certification:

We built the Recreation RRG model

nine schools that, together with

structors navigate the next few years

Unfortunately this critical com-

USHPA, had lost existing insurance

will literally determine the future of

ponent is a requirement of both

when Lloyd’s cancelled their insur-

our sport.

the Insurance regulators and our

ance program. Our promise to those

Lloyd’s re-insurer. PASA, USHPA and

nine schools was that if they all

Recreation RRG are working on pos-

joined Recreation RRG, they would

sible ways to streamline the process.

all be able to obtain insurance at no

Recreation RRG Update I have been working closely with

10

Recreation RRG has had a solid

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

increase in premium. Unfortunately,

ance programs please consider the

Injury.” All other specifically EXCLUDE

one of those schools decided not to

following:

“Personal Injury” coverage;

participate. This might have had a

* Recreation RRG is owned by

o Unambiguously provides cover-

serious negative financial impact on

USHPA and the schools that it pro-

age for hang gliding and paragliding

Recreation RRG. However, the level

vides insurance to, and answers to

operations. All others specifically

of participation by other schools has

them, rather than to a profit-hungry

EXCLUDE injuries “based on or arising

more than made up the loss of this

company with no affinity for the sport

out of ownership, selection, charter-

one school.

that we love.

ing, use, operation, rental service,

* The primary goal of Recreation

maintenance, entrustment to others,

schools, Recreation RRG now has 20

RRG is to provide insurance not only

or loading or unloading of any … air-

member flight schools and provides

today, but for the long term, to allow

craft, or watercraft, including appara-

insurance through the PASA master

us all to enjoy this sport at the lowest

tus attached thereto”;

policy to an additional 29 flight

cost possible.

Instead of insuring just nine flight

schools! That is 49 flight schools—40

* Recreation RRG is the only compa-

o Provides coverage for Tow Devices such as stationary winches, payout

more flight schools than our original

ny that will write a policy for instruc-

winches, and aerotugs. All others spe-

model had anticipated

tion in the sports of hang gliding and

cifically EXCLUDE injuries that arise

paragliding in the US that:

out of the use of trucks for towing,

Recreation RRG “Pledge 100” Program: Here’s the good news

o Is a true “Occurrence” policy. This

boats for towing, other aircraft for

means that no matter how long after

towing, and mechanical devices (such

After Recreation RRG’s last board of

the accident a claim comes in, there

as tow winches);

directors meeting, we were given the

is no “gotcha” for it showing up “too

o Provides coverage both to the

green light for what I am calling our

late.” All others have time limits for

school and to the school’s instruc-

“Pledge 100” program. If we are able to

both notification and the actual claim;

tors for incidents involving a school’s

get all the founding member schools

o Provides coverage for “Personal

instructors, whether those instructors

that were with us from the beginning, plus five new large schools, plus 40 to 50 smaller schools or individual instructors to pledge to participate in the RRG in 2017, we will be able to lower the premium rates between 15% and 30% across the entire group.

Once these new schools get PASAcertified and insured we will have accomplished something that we considered impossible 12 months ago: reduced insurance rates after a single year in operation. To achieve this in our second year, four full years ahead of all previously anticipated projections, would be remarkable. The more participants that join, the more we can drive down the costs.

For all who thought that this was not possible—for us as pilots and instructors to control our own destiny AND see savings in return—think again, and “Pledge” to become part of the Recreation RRG in 2017. For those of you who have chosen to explore other exemptions or competing insur-

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

11

are employees or independent con-

nificantly. No one likes that. It was so

FAA Exemption, must comply with

tractors. Others specifically EXCLUDE

much easier before on all sides. But

the Standard Operation Procedures

coverage where the school’s instruc-

the way we operated before was not

(SOPs). This must be done to support

tors are independent contractors;

sustainable. Our insurance cancella-

the majority of instructors who have

tion was the first shoe to drop, but this

complied with these new standards

by virtue of his or her membership in

circumstance provided us the oppor-

to obtain the protection they expect

USHPA;

tunity to cultivate a new path forward

from these policies.

o Provides coverage to the student

o Is committed to lowering the cost of insurance. * No other insurance company will pass all the benefits of ownership to you.

of these new programs will support

New USHPA Compliance Requirements

our sports for the next 100 years.

For the good of the collective majority,

reduce premiums. The effectiveness

Since USHPA’s policies issued by the

we are moved to take steps around

RRG provide excellent coverage, they

non-compliance with insurance and

ed thousands of hours to insure you

will become potential targets when

exemption requirements. Following

and ensure the future of hang gliding

other policies are insufficient or non-

are the reasons and steps we are

and paragliding.

existent. In order to protect these na-

taking towards compliance.

* No other organization has dedicat-

For more information or to sign

scent policies and associated parties,

* Instructors being compensated

up for the “Pledge 100” program,

all instruction will need to comply

for tandems or lessons must have

contact Randy at randy.leggett@

with USHPA requirements. PASA

sufficient liability coverage if oper-

RecreationRRG.com.

certification and RRRG (or equivalent)

ating at USHPA-insured sites. If a

insurance is required for commercial

tandem instructor does not comply

that the insurance fees and the PASA

instruction at USHPA insured sites.

with USHPA’s insurance and mem-

process change your economics sig-

All tandem instruction, regardless of

bership requirements for tandem

We at USHPA are keenly aware

12

with a sustainable model that can

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Freedom X 13M  14.5M  16M available in 144, 161, and 178 sq. ft.

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HANG GLIDERS



ULTRALIGHT TRIKES

operations, the instructor must either

* Instructors who wish to operate

all of your instructor certifications

suspend or forfeit USHPA Instructor

outside of USHPA’s SOPs have the

to USHPA at membership@ushpa.org.

certifications. This includes not only

option of suspending all of their

Please send that email by January 31,

the tandem certification, but also the

instructor certifications. Following

2017.

basic and advanced instructor certifi-

a voluntary suspension, USHPA will

cations. If an instructor is out of com-

reinstate them on a one-time basis

patience. This was an unwanted

pliance, USHPA will regrettably need

without going through the entire cer-

development for everyone. Most of

to revoke instructor certifications.

tification processes prior to expiration

you are already on board. We all have

date of the certifications.

to make our decisions based on our

* Student passengers must be

I want to thank you all for your

USHPA members. This is a require-

* Instructors not voluntarily sus-

ment of our tandem exemption and

pending their instructor certifications

exploring alternatives. I want to be

it is in our SOPs. It is also a liability

and then failing to comply with all of

sure everyone has the best informa-

issue. Un-waivered students are more

USHPA’s instructor requirements will

tion possible to make those decisions.

prone to filing suit. The rest of the

have their instructor certifications re-

Decisions made on poor information

pilots and instructors who are work-

voked. In these cases, reinstatement

serve no one well, and we need one

ing to make our program work can’t

will require the instructor candidate

another.

afford this. One cannot designate

to go through the entire certification

some tandem flights as conducted

process again.

hope. Successful RRGs show stories

under an alternate exemption and

P

of cost savings and greater control.

some under USHPA’s exemption and still maintain compliance with the SOPs.

own situation. I don’t fault anyone for

Recreation RRG is our last best

lease consider these discus-

Unsuccessful RRGs fail due to lack of

sion points as you determine

participation. I hope I have laid out

how best to go forward. If you

our logic. If you disagree with any-

Compliance Options:

are in compliance I want to thank

thing I’ve said, please let me know.

* If you decided to operate under

you for your efforts. If you wish to

We can discuss it further. We need

the new requirements, no further

operate outside USHPA SOPs, please

this to work. And we are all in this

action is required.

forward your request to suspend

together.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

13

RADIO Cloudbase Mayhem

by Gavin McClurg

W

hile living at sea for 13

most cross-country flights, it’s going

us: THROW hard and throw early!

years, I sought entertain-

to get rowdy. You’re going to get low;

4) Change Gears. Rafael Saladini

ment through books and

you’re going to fly in rotor. Pilots who

was part of the team who just broke

radio during times I couldn’t fly. So,

think about landing, land. When it

the world record in Brazil. In his

two years ago, while I was doing

gets nasty, you can attack and bring

episode, #21, we talk a lot about the

very little other than training for

it, or you can get scared, which brings

importance of knowing when to fly

the X-Alps, I started a podcast, the

me to #2.

“Cloudbase Mayhem,” during my free

fast and when to hit the brakes and stay in the air. This is, for example,

not be done if you are not having fun.

Chrigel’s genius in the X-Alps. And it’s

Fear is good; it keeps us alive. But

also the only way to win competitions

ering the tactics, strategies, and meth-

flying too scared is like flying with

at a high level, as well as the only way

ods the best pilots in the world use to

your brain tied behind your back. You

to fly big distances. The pilots who are

go far. Fortunately, I’ve been privi-

can’t make the right calls. If you’ve

consistently on the podium and at the

leged to sit down with some seriously

had a bad incident or accident and

top of XContests every year are the

talented air junkies and get inside

you’re flying scared, the way back is

most adept at recognizing when one

their heads to learn what makes

different for everyone. (Nearly all of

can fly full bar and skip weak climbs,

them tick. They’ve recounted acci-

my guests have had battles with fear).

versus ratcheting down and surviv-

dents, near-accidents, what they’ve

But if you find yourself flying scared,

ing. How to learn this technique? See

done right, what they’ve done wrong,

the consensus is that you should drop

#5.

time.

I’ve dedicated the podcast to uncov-

thoughts on progression and training

to a much more conservative wing

5) Fly Competitions. I heard “you’ll

and what allows them to spend more

and return to the joy we all experi-

learn more in one competition than

time than most at cloudbase.

enced in our first flights. Take it easy.

you will all year” from a lot of my

Find the fun again; don’t force it.

guests. Competitions allow one to

Lists seem to be all the rage these days, probably because we can’t seem

3) Throw hard, and throw early.

fly with a lot of other great pilots. It allows you to see the air. You see

to concentrate very long, with our

Nearly all of my guests have thrown

screens demanding constant atten-

their reserve—some of them several

what works and what doesn’t and

tion. And lists help us break through

times. (The Acro hounds, of course,

get immediate feedback on your

the noise.

don’t even keep track.) Reserves work,

strengths and weaknesses. You will

but you have to use them. Two very

learn from your experiences. Just as

I found particularly helpful. I hope

serious accidents occurred last year

you do when you bomb out free flying,

they will help you as well.

at US Nationals in the Owens Valley,

when you bomb out at a comp, take

So here we go: 10 takeaways that

14

2) Don’t fly scared. Flying should

1) Bring it. Bill Belcourt (Podcast

California. Both of them happened to

time to assess what you did wrong.

#1) talks a lot about the mental at-

expert pilots. Both went in hard with-

Sometimes it’s bad luck, but usually it

titude needed to fly far. His concept of

out throwing their reserves, while

was caused by a mistake.

6) ACRO! Flying cross-country is

“bringing it” really connects with me.

trying to recover from a low collapse.

To go far, you’ve got to bring it: you’ve

It’s a miracle they both survived and

dangerous; we all know that. Do

got to be confident. At some point in

serves as a good reminder for all of

yourself and your loved ones a favor.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

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emergencY

service, at the highest level.

Questions? Call Cara Reano: 719-239-0578 reserve. In desperation, I threw it, but

Spend time every year doing a lot

Look up, and Nick is there, happily cir-

of ground handling and get some

cling over everyone’s head. Efficient

I wasn’t high enough for it to deploy

acro training and practice. Throw

and fast gliding is no doubt the hard-

and promptly got pounded. I’m built

your reserve; do a few hundred stalls.

est aspect of flying far, but we can’t

like a wombat and the dirt was soft.

Doing a couple of stalls at the end of

glide without climbs, and Nick says

My wing was thankfully in a stable

an SIV course is great, but it’s just the

his way to the top is by sampling a lot

deep stall, and my doing a proper

beginning.

of air on the way up. Explore to find

PLF saved me from little more than

the core.

a bruised ego. Incredibly, I walked

7) If there is a doubt, there is no doubt. This one came from Tom De

10) Don’t get complacent. A common

away unhurt. Most accidents happen

Dorlodot (#9), who has competed in

warning. For this one, I present my

via a series of mistakes (the adept

the last five X-Alps and has also had a

own rather embarrassing story. This

reader will see one after another in

couple of pretty bad accidents. Listen

year, I decided that before my next

this story) and this was no exception.

to that little voice in your head. She’s

X-Alps campaign in 2017, I needed to

Don’t rely on luck, because luck will

smarter than you are.

do a lot more acro training. I got in a

eventually run out.

heap of trouble recently, when I got

As a result of this “accident,” my

I’m about as kilometer-hungry as it

badly twisted up doing a deep stall

team for the 2017 X-Alps has decided

gets, but flying for results or records

too low to the ground and instantly

on the following mandatory checklist:

8) Fly for fun, not results. I’ll admit

will eventually get you in trouble. The

threw my first reserve. Nothing

1. Connect reserve to harness

pilots who are in it for the long game

happened. I looked up and saw my

2. Connect Gavin to harness

back down and return for the better

reserve floating away—unattached

3. Connect Gavin’s brain to head

days. Live to fly another day.

to my harness! I cursed myself, tried

Don’t get complacent. Be safe and

9) Sample a lot of air. Nick Greece (#9) is one of the best climbers I know.

briefly to recover the wing, and

fly far. I hope to see you soon on the

then remembered I had a second

Cloudbase Mayhem podcast.

www.cloudbasemayhem.com

Cutting the Cord

F

wings with “respect and responsibil-

lying cross-country under hang

flight and is still the adventure I’m

gliders or paragliders involves

after every time I fly. Of course, one

ity.” In this article, I will focus on one

a level of unpredictability that,

must be prepared both mentally and

of the most intimidating elements of

in many ways, is an appealing and

physically to experience that adven-

a cross-country flight for a new pilot—

defining reason many of us are drawn

ture. I was told once: “We might not

one that many of my students have

to free flight. We can try to predict the

know what’s around the next corner,

asked about with a nervous curiosity:

day’s weather, set goals, and guess

but it certainly helps to be ready for it.” “Where do I land?”

where we’ll end up, but the beauty

The expression “cutting the cord”

Unless you’re flying in a competi-

refers to the time in our flights we

tion with a defined goal or you have

that we can only “do our best” to keep

not only fling the ropes to the docks

an exact idea of where you hope to be

to our flight plan and reach our goal.

and set sail, but are also leaving the

able to arrive, you essentially will be

Flying cross-country forces us to live

familiar skies over the local hill and

landing out on every cross-country

in the moment and make decisions

venturing into the unknown. This

flight. Let’s face it: When we go as big

within a dynamic environment in

can be the most exhilarating flying

as we can, the unbreakable rule is we

order to react to whatever arises. It’s

experience a pilot can have, but

will have to land somewhere.

as if the flight somehow becomes an

certain conditions should be consid-

inexplicable part of us, until our feet

ered before heading downwind or “on

most important elements to consider

once again greet the ground.

course.”

when “landing out” and categorize

of foot-launched, engineless flight is

That lack of predictability is, for

16

by JEFF SHAPIRO

In the last article of this series, a

With that in mind, list some of the

them by stages or options. You need

me, one of the greatest attractions of

series aimed at free-flight safety

to ask yourself where you have the

cross-country hang gliding and para-

considerations, we discussed the

option of landing in a particular loca-

gliding. It was an adventure I wanted

decision-making process and mind-

tion, what hazards are within your

when I began the chase for human

set involved in an attempt to fly our

chosen field and, finally, the state of

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

LEFT Going XC | photo by Joey Villaflor.

the conditions on the ground.

Let’s start with the most obvious: Where are my landing options? It’s a

to that next primary LZ but, again, ALWAYS leave yourself a way out.

In each of the potential landing

question I have to answer each and

fields, look for obstructions and

every time I establish in a thermal

dangers, like power lines or large

during a cross-country flight and

expanses of trees. Look for clues, such

know I’ll glide “down-course” after

as how an upwind obstacle might

topping out. It’s an important, if not

create turbulence in a particular field.

critical, element in the decision-

Look for the field that presents the

making process, because “where are

most room for error, based on the

my landing options?” needs to be

conditions at the time. After a more

answered even when my intention

careful consideration, you might

is to keep going. Since gravity is the

find that your next “best” LZ actually

only power we can depend on as hang

contains more hazards than you origi-

glider and paraglider pilots, each and

nally observed, making a possible

every glide must start with answering

bailout a better option. It’s important

this question. Here’s an example:

to consider all of the information you

I’m climbing higher in a thermal,

can gather before committing, if pos-

circling and drifting over the top

sible. Only then can you look for an

of my local site. The conditions are

appropriate glide-line to bring you to

looking good for being able to “cut the

the best potential lift source, within

cord,” and I’m feeling as if today might

reach of that “best” field.

be the day for my first cross-country

OK. Now, I have a primary field

flight. The first thing I do at this point

picked out, as well as options for bail-

is try to answer that key question:

outs along the way, have considered

can count on a long flight. Because of

Where are my landing options down

the hazards, and have made a clear

the inevitability that you will, indeed,

courseline? It’s smart not to wait

plan about the direction I want to fly

land somewhere, it would never be a

until I’m on glide to do this. My hang

to look for more lift. I’m confident I

good decision to fly downwind, away

gliding instructor told me: “Flying

will be able to use this new LZ, if I

from your site’s designated landing

is a Plan B sport. Whatever you do,

can’t find that elusive next thermal.

ALWAYS leave yourself a way out.”

The next question you’ll need to

While climbing in that thermal, I

answer is: “Can I make it?” As an ex-

zone, without options that are achievable.

Many sites require climbing in a

look downwind to, first, locate my op-

perienced pilot, I can sometimes take

thermal to above a recommended

tions, and, second, decipher the “best”

for granted the ingrained ability to

height, before committing to a cross-

possible LZ. Once I find what I think

judge my glide angle and the capabili-

country route, relative to the type

will be my best option, I go back again

ties of my equipment, even in the face

of wing you’re flying. That gained altitude could be what’s necessary

to consider the options I would cat-

of changing conditions. But, “Can I

egorize “bailouts.” Before you commit

make it?” is a question that still runs

to safely glide over the back of the

to the glide, know you can make it

through my head more times than I

mountain where the rotor might lie,

“I’m climbing higher in a thermal, circling and drifting over the top of my local site. The conditions are looking good for being able to cut the cord, and I’m feeling as if today might be the day for my first cross-country flight.”

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

17

When I’m high enough to make it

or to glide over obstacles that pres-

line you’re considering, relative to

ent a barrier or danger. An example

altitudes and possible obstacles that

with excess, I go. As I get closer, or

would be Chelan, Washington. While

may lie in wait. When inexperienced,

even go past the new LZ, I can fly

flying the Butte, if the goal is to fly a

it’s always good to have altitude in the

without stress if I have extra altitude

cross-country route toward the east,

bank. So don’t take the suggested alti-

in the bank. I continue my flight by

out and into the flatlands, pilots must

tude as the height from which you’re

looking for the next source of lift, instead of focusing on landing options.

first gain the altitude necessary to

ready to go on glide, but instead, as

make it across the mighty Columbia

the minimum you should see on your

Being relaxed is, for me, the key to a

River and the power lines on the

altimeter before even considering

successful flight, and knowing that

other side. Remember, the goal isn’t

going on glide. Also, remember (as

I’ve made it to a place where it’s pos-

only to “just make it,” but to make it

I pointed out in the last article) that

sible to land safely allows me to relax.

with enough room for error. That is,

you are the pilot in command, and the

you must not only maintain a safety

only one who will suffer the conse-

area where I think there might be

margin but also to be able to continue

quences of your decisions. Listen to

the next “elevator into the sky,” I take

the search for lift.

The best preparation for a good flight is, first, to educate yourself on

Now, while I’m flying toward an

the locals, but look downwind at your

the time, again, to look at the topog-

options, do your best to judge the

raphy and potential hazards in my

glide angle required to get there, and

LZ options. The closer I get, the more details usually present. Again, if I de-

the ground. If possible, it’s a good

be conservative. That way, the lessons

idea to ask experienced local pilots

you learn will stay “inexpensive.” It’s

termine these early, I can store them

for information about the course

your responsibility.

in my mind and focus on finding and climbing in the next thermal. What I want to do is use my time as efficiently as possible.

During the glide toward the next potential thermal source, not only should I be looking for sky-bound or ground-bound clues, i.e., climbing birds, cloud formation, swaying trees, but I also need to take time to look down at my landing options and think about how the terrain will affect the wind direction, what will be the best approach for a safe landing and the location of hazards like trees and power lines.

Spotting power lines is tough, so

ABOVE Joey Villaflor flying in Colorado during the Colorado Fly-Week.

18

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

a good tactic for me is to first look

for roads. Most significant power

titude I will need to get to the primary

tion and velocity. These indicators

lines will be parallel to roads. Then, I

LZ from where I’ll be looking for lift.

will help back up a skill you should

look for structures like buildings or

As a cross-country beginner, I want

be versed in, which is to judge your

houses. Often, power lines will devi-

enough altitude to be able to set up an

airspeed vs. ground track while doing

ate from roads to these structures. So

appropriate approach, while having

360s. Time to plan before committing

by looking between the two, I try to

the time to accurately judge the condi-

to an approach is the goal.

find the power poles that show me the

tions below.

direction the lines cross. (Poles are

Remember, the wind on the ground

much easier to spot than the actual

isn’t at all guaranteed to be doing the

At the point in my flight when I’m committed and am now far from “home,” I can feel good about a few

lines.) Sometimes, when a house or

same thing in terms of velocity or

things: I know where I’m going to look

building is close to a road, power

direction as it was at a higher altitude.

for lift, I know where I can land, and I have backup options if I need them.

lines will complete the span from that

The shape of the valley you’re landing

structure to the road without addi-

in, for instance, can define a wind

I have considered where the haz-

tional poles, so that’s also important

direction 90 degrees or more off what

ards are in my primary LZ and what

to keep in mind.

you might have been experiencing

conditions I will most likely find if I

up high or even on the ground one or

succumb to gravity. It’s a great feeling

If there is a chance that lines will extend past any part of my approach, I assume they’re there and plan ac-

two glides ago.

If you don’t find lift and you commit

to know you’ve made a good chain of decisions that resulted in being over

cordingly. Remember, the key when

to the LZ high enough, even with-

a good landing field with confidence

learning is to take a conservative

out the trusty windsock, you can

about what direction to set up your

approach.

look down at the grass, wind lines

approach.

The last thing I do before putting

on water, smoke from chimneys, or

Now, focus and go find lift! Your

full focus on finding the next thermal

what side of the trees the leaves are

flight's not over till your feet are on

is to establish an awareness of the al-

shaking to determine the wind direc-

the ground.

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AWARDS USHPA's Superheroes of 2016

by C.J. STURTEVANT

L

times to USHPA as we struggled

Exceptional Service Dan Fleming

to maintain the insurance cover-

This award is being presented posthu-

varios, representing the full history

mously; Dan died last fall, apparently

of the sport. More significantly, he

of our flying sites. In recognition of

from a medical condition while flying.

collected friends. “Friendships were

the heroic efforts of those who spear-

His friends and family nominated him

forever with Dan,” said one nominator,

ast year brought some turbulent

age required by landowners at so many

headed the drive to retain our ability to

for this award, pointing out how, in

fly by resolving the insurance situa-

uncountable ways, Dan had been an

who speaks from personal experience.

“His charm was like a magnet, attract-

tion, USHPA’s president, Paul Murdoch,

exceptional advocate for the free-flight

ing good people. Time and distance

has selected the major contributors to

community for decades. “He kept the

didn’t matter; you could pick up your

the formation of our Recreation Risk

sport alive in central California, buying

friendship with Dan from wherever you

Retention Group (RRRG—any resem-

the landing zone and renting the

left off at the last visit.”

blance to pirate-speak may or may not

launch at Dunlap—plus, he was the

Like so many hang gliding pioneers,

be coincidental) as the 2016 recipients

only instructor in the area” says one

Dan learned how to fly by doing it. “I

of the Presidential Citation award.

long-time friend. “Dan knew everything

first met Dan in the air at Tollhouse,

That’d be Bill Bolosky, James Bradley,

that you could possibly think of about

flying side-by-side, both of us on the

Mark Forbes, Tim Herr, Randy Leggett,

hang gliding, and was a weatherman

way to the landing field,” recalls a long-

GW Meadows, Martin Palmaz, and

as well. He had a ‘Let’s forget about all

time flying buddy. “It was Dan’s second

Bruce Weaver. If you’ve been a USHPA

the politics and just fly’ attitude. He will

day ever on a hang glider. The rest of us

member for a while you’ll probably

be missed”—a sentiment echoed by

local pilots had spent months working

recognize all of these names, but you

all those who nominated him for this

up to that 2000-foot mountain, while

may not be familiar with all they’ve

award.

been up to “behind the scenes” in the

Dan had just gone for it! Dan had his own agenda, his own time-table, and

past year or so. There’ll be an article

that was a constant throughout his life.

devoted to these eight amazingly smart,

We called it ‘Dan Time.’ I sometimes

creative and persevering superheroes

rode with him to go flying and was

in a future issue of this magazine.

amazed at the interesting side trips we

Meanwhile, back on the hill and the tow paddock, several USHPA mem-

made: fruit stands, pizza, yard sales, picking up birdseed, checking out a

bers have once again gone above and

possible flying site, running around in

beyond what most of us would consider

circles to chase stray cattle off his train-

reasonable (or, in some cases, even pos-

ing hill, and anything else that caught

sible) to keep hang gliding and paraglid-

his attention. When Dan drove, you

ing safe, accessible and enjoyable to

were always in for a slow, interesting

all who choose to fly free. Here are the

adventure.”

stories of the winners of USHPA’s 2016 awards.

20

Dan was a collector; his garage is filled with hang gliders, harnesses,

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

When the local hang gliding shop went out of business in the early 1980s,

Dan started his own dealership, Hang

flying business and gently questioned

Glider Hangar, and kept the sport alive

their actions if he felt they were endan-

in Fresno, selling equipment and giving

gering themselves or others.

lessons, always on “Dan Time.” If a person wanted to fly and didn’t have

And he loved hang gliding. “As he aged, he found a way to keep himself

the resources, Dan would find a way

flying—on a Wills Wing Falcon,” a

to make it happen—deals on equip-

friend explains. “I would speed over

ment, weekly payments, rewards and

to Delilah Mountain on my T2, only to

trades for work, and just plain gen-

see Dan slowly and steadily heading to-

erosity. “Many of us owe Dan for our

wards me, on his way to join up, leading

introduction into hang gliding and for

a flock of his former students, also on

keeping us in the air,” a friend points

Falcons. We would spend the afternoon

out, adding, “and also for preventing us

floating around together at 7000 or

from making some really bad mistakes.”

8000 feet. At the end of the day, Dan would be miraculously floating over

must also recognize Dianne, his wife

so he’d video his students’ (and others’)

the landing field, back and forth, here

and partner through these endeavors,”

flights and review the video with

and there, 500 feet above the ground,

says one pilot, and all other nomina-

them to help pilots learn from each

just hanging onto the day’s last bits of

tors, when asked for an opinion on

flight. There was no obstacle too big or

lift—5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 min-

that, concurred. Rob and Diane are

challenge too great to keep Dan from

utes…and then, just…a little longer still.”

Dan’s emphasis was always on safety,

introducing free flight to those who

The Fresno-area pilots acknowledge

“truly a ‘power couple’ for our sport,” says Region 3’s director, who provides

were interested in sharing his passion.

that Dan was the center of their hang

some specifics: “Rob has logged over

When training fields became scarce, he

gliding community, and his passing

12,000 solo flights and more than

has left a void that will never be filled.

10,000 tandem flights since 1974. He

purchased property to train on. When an advanced landing field was lost, Dan

“I guess we will just have to enjoy the

has brought uncounted students into

purchased that property to provide a

friendships we have left and value our

our sports of hang gliding and para-

safe field for all to share. If a 4x4 was re-

time together. Friends, flying, and a life-

gliding. His contributions have been

quired to climb a mountain to a launch,

time of adventures—what a great life!

recognized through the 2000 Hang

Dan was there with his Blazer, loaded

What a great friend! Let’s go fly, Dan.”

Gliding Instructor of the Year

up with gliders and people.

Recognizing the exceptional dedica-

award, the Exceptional Service award

The local pilots often depended on

tion and service that Dan has provided

in 2004, a 2006 USHPA Commendation

Dan to talk with landowners and work

to the Fresno-area pilots since the early

for exceptional volunteer efforts; and

out some kind of arrangement so they

days of hang gliding, USHPA names

the 2008 Presidential Citation award.

could fly. Dan bought the Dunlap flight

Dan Fleming the recipient of the 2016

park and, says one nominator, “shared

Exceptional Service award.

it with everyone. The rules were

“Rob and Dianne have been the backbone of the Crestline Soaring Society since its inception in 1983. He’s been

to fly, nobody gets hurt, and if you are a

Rob Kells Memorial Award Rob and Diane McKenzie

good person with a good heart, you had

The Rob Kells award was created to

the very development of the current

Dan as a friend . . . forever . . . like all of

honor a pilot who has been an out-

landing zone. The LZ design and the

simple: Everyone who wants to fly gets

club president and has led innumerable site-improvement projects, including

his hang-gliding stuff . . . stored away in

standing promoter of our sports, inter-

movement of millions of yards of dirt

his garage.”

acting with the pilot communities with

drew heavily on Rob’s knowledge of

passion over a significant period of

both hang gliding and mathematics.

According to the many who knew him well and loved him greatly, Dan

time, spearheading projects that keep

“Rob’s expertise is only matched by

was invariably generous to those he

our sites open, supporting pilots of all

his honesty and humility. He is quiet,

took under his wing. He loved get-

skill levels, doing whatever is needed

unassuming, and eager to share credit with others (or, better yet, give others

togethers and socializing with people.

to keep us in the air. Rob and Diane

He was tolerant and soft-spoken, seeing

McKenzie have been doing all this and

the credit). He is sought out and has

the humor in most situations. He ob-

more for decades. Although Rob alone

participated in multiple USHPA cur-

served people as they went about their

was named in several nominations, “we

riculum- and instructor-development

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

21

efforts. He shares his experience for the

action because it was “the right thing to

benefit of the sport.”

do.” In that spirit, USHPA—recognizing

the landing zone at Ellenville (N.Y.)

that it’s clearly the right thing to do—

Flight Park since forever; as a small

award point out that “Rob’s emphasis

presents Rob and Diane McKenzie with

boy, of course Matt was attracted

on safety has undoubtedly helped save

the 2016 Rob Kells Memorial Award.

Former recipients of the Rob Kells

many pilots from themselves,” and “Rob

to the action and, as soon as he was old enough and weighed enough, he

tion behind the growth, success and

HG Instructor of the Year Matt Hickerson

sustainability of the Crestline Soaring

Reading through the nominations

contagious,” this nominator points out,

Society. He has pioneered new inven-

for Instructor of the Year is always

adding that it wasn’t long before Matt

tions and techniques in tandem flight

an uplifting experience. Enthusiastic

realized a way to harness and share that enthusiasm: through teaching!

has been the driving force for a genera-

demanded a piece of it. “His enthusiasm for hang gliding—and life—is

and individual instruction that have

students point out exactly how their

enhanced the safety and effectiveness

instructor transformed them from a

of these enterprises.”

totally terrestrial being to one who

kick to superhero began several years

can really and truly FLY! Seasoned

back. Working under the tutelage of

Rob cite his passion and professional-

pilots and other instructors typically

many highly skilled and well respected

ism. “Rob has instilled a lifetime pas-

add their accolades, but it’s unusual

hang gliding instructors, Matt absorbed

sion for hang gliding and paragliding

for a candidate to receive glowing

and internalized so many nuances of

in his many students, helping grow the

nominations from three former USHPA

the art of instruction, and with extreme

Instructors who have worked with

Matt’s gradual transition from side-

sports and move them forward,” states

Instructors of the Year. That’s the

professionalism he helps and guides

one instructor. “He is known for demon-

case for Matt Hickerson, though, and

students to build glider-control skills

strating best practices with his peers in

the nominations were so well writ-

and flight knowledge. His nominators

the sport—he is a true hang gliding and

ten (and obviously very convincing)

detail the backstory: Ellenville’s Fly

paragliding professional.”

A pilot who learned to fly from Rob 16 years ago reminisces: “I have witnessed this guy working tirelessly not only

that it seems appropriate to let these

High Hang Gliding has been a highly re-

seasoned instructors tell a good bit of

spected hang gliding training operation

Matt’s story.

in the greater NY metro area for more

“It’s no secret that the sport of hang

than 30 years. But eventually even the most dedicated instructors decide to

instructing, but building, hands-on, our

gliding is in desperate need of HEROS

site from a dirt pile to the jewel in the

right now,” one nominator suggests,

retire and pass the training operations

desert that she is today. Granted, these

emphatically. All of Matt’s many nomi-

off to a younger generation of instruc-

things do not happen single handedly,

nators concur that this young man has

tors. At Fly High the senior instructors

but are born from a community effort.

definitely graduated this past year from

have retired, and one by one these

Rob has held an image of what a flying

faithful sidekick to full-fledged super-

younger instructors are moving away

community is, and has pushed, sug-

hero. Here’s a brief history:

from the total-immersion lifestyle of

gested, but most importantly led by ex-

full-time teaching of hang gliding, some

ample, demonstrating what a member

to raise a family, some out of financial

of a flying community should aspire

desperation and a greater need for

to be. He’s never biased, is always fair

income than hang gliding can provide,

in business dealings and in personal

and some to wherever their personal

conduct. I have never seen this guy lose

siren has lured them. In 2016, Matt

his cool or disrespect anyone. Countless

faced the daunting challenge of taking

times he has directed his efforts toward

on instructing at Fly High mostly alone,

the benefit of the community rather

or moving on, as the others had done.

that self-promoting or self-enriching—

“But,” states a nominator, “although all

so often he has been willing to help

reason, all logic, said he should bail on

anyone, even a competing or emerging

this thing, Matt has dug in, and devoted

instructor, because it is the right thing

himself now more than ever to offering

to do.”

Rob Kells would have supported the McKenzies’ philosophy of taking an

22

Matt’s family has lived adjacent to

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

the best hang gliding instruction he possibly can. He is professional with his clients, he adheres to a detailed

syllabus and follows a very progressive,

been thrilled with the level of instruc-

nominator. The variety of subjects

step-by-step progression into higher

tion and mentoring he’s received from

showcased in Loren’s Instagram gallery

and more challenging tasks. He has

Matt. Dan has his Hang 1 and is now a

reveal the depth of his talent in portray-

also matured a lot, shouldering the

USHPA member himself, and continues

ing this wide world and its inhabitants.

burden and responsibility that comes

to work on the next step. Matt will be a

Check out his gallery at https://www.

with teaching humans to fly.”

lead member of Dan’s ‘first time off the

instagram.com/skivvie/. You’ll also find

mountain’ experience.”

Loren’s photos in several back issues of

As a young, just-starting-out instructor, Matt is not yet able to afford

For all of these reasons, and many

USHPA’s new instructor insurance—or,

more detailed by Matt’s nominators,

as one nominator points out, his stu-

USHPA names Matt Hickerson the 2016

dents couldn’t afford to learn to fly if he

Hang Gliding Instructor of the Year.

purchased the insurance and passed

HG&PG magazine, including the cover shot on the April 2010 issue.

Best Promotional Film David Aldrich, Building Dreams

Bettina Gray Loren Cox

Dave’s 21-minute video showcases the

Loren “excels at capturing vivid land-

cusing on Wills Wing’s principal design

choice Matt made, and while many

scapes behind sky beings, creatively

engineer, Steve Pearson. The interview

others might have made a different one,

using color and texture to compose

portions of the film are interesting and

this is just another great example of

an image that really captures the awe

informative, and the in-air videography

Matt’s self-sacrifice to do all he can for

in the aerial environment,” states one

is excellent.

those costs along. Speaking from personal experience, one instructor states, “This was a very conscious and selfless

his students.”

best of the sport of hang gliding by fo-

One nominator states the obvious:

One instructor-nominator sums

“This film needs NO additional words—

up the opinion of all: “With the cur-

just watch the movie!” You can do that

rent state of USHPA, and hang gliding

by going to https://www.youtube.com/

specifically, no one is more deserving

channel/UCz75_gdqYkUmfL8V9LOB-

of our recognition than the young and

Glw.

energetic professionals who sacrifice

Although this award is based on that

much to carry the torch for the rest of

one specific film, Building Dreams is

us.”

not Dave’s first, or only, award-worthy

It’s not only fellow instructors who

production. Every episode in his

recognize that there’s considerable

Dreaming Awake series would qualify

value to the association and the sport of

for recognition on its own, with, in

hang gliding in naming Matt an official

the words of his nominator, “fantastic

USHPA superhero. A student pilot says,

aesthetics and captivating depictions of

“Despite his young age, Matt has demonstrated tremendous maturity and a genuine desire to share his love of the sport and the community to inspire the same from his students. I strongly urge the Association to name Matt Instructor of the Year, both to recognize his effort and achievements, and to encourage other young pilots to join the instructor rank.”

A parent who learned to hang glide back in the “USHGA” days appreciates Matt’s youthful enthusiasm and joie de vivre in teaching her teen-age son. “I like that Matt is all about safety,” she says. “At the same time, he has made hang gliding a joy for Dan, who has

ABOVE Film making is a collaborative process and I would not have been able to make that film without the help of (left to right) Misa Garcia, Thomas Roberts, David Aldrich, Steve Pearson, Mathew Harwich, Mark Goguen and Stan Garber (front.)

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

23

this thing called hang gliding.” Because

Commendation Chris Valley

continuously volunteers to observe and

hang gliding and paragliding are such

The experience of flying a hang glider

mentor new pilots into the sport year-

visual sports, but in acknowledgement

in Yosemite Valley is on many ad-

round.” In gratitude for Chris’s dedica-

that there’s a greater depth beyond that

vanced pilots’ bucket lists. Currently

tion toward keeping Yosemite open for

visual level, USHPA is grateful to those

Chris is the ambassador who has taken

hang gliding, and for working towards

who portray in a professional manner

on the task of nurturing the highly

maintaining a high standard of safety

all that our sports encompass. In

sensitive relationship between the

and responsibility in his flying commu-

recognition of his contribution to that

Yosemite Hang Gliding Association

nity, USHPA awards Chris Valley a 2016

portrayal, USHPA names Dave Aldrich

and the National Park Service, making

Commendation.

the 2016 Best Promotional Film award

sure the community “represents the

winner for Building Dreams.

most positive aspects of the sport—low

Commendation Jim Donovan

Commendation Aaron La Plante

impact on the environment, safety, and

Jim’s fellow SNYHGPA (say “snig-pa,”

high pilot proficiency within the sport

think southern NY) members consider

“Flying communities around the coun-

itself—to sustain our positive relation-

him a most valuable asset to their

try would be lucky to have a guy like

ship with a national park. Freedom and

flying community— “We’re lucky to

Aaron in their community,” states one

fun in a safe environment!” states one

have him!” exclaims his regional direc-

nominator, and elaborates: “Aaron has

enthusiastic nominator, who provided

tor, and offers a litany of Jim’s signifi-

taken the time to create videos about

this link to an article Chris wrote on

cant contributions over more than 30

paragliding and hang gliding that are

the magic of flying in Yosemite: https://

years: serving as an officer on many

educational and fun, with background

www.flickr.com/photos/gerrypez/

occasions, including currently being

themes aimed at safety, site preserva-

shares/sg98d4.

tion, and self-regulation. His wit and

the president; continuously championing site preservation and enhancement

Chris’s only award-worthy contribu-

projects; being responsible for obtain-

YouTube channel for his newest revela-

tion; he is well known and respected in

ing many donations and grants to help

tion. His videos take mentoring to a

his California flying community for a

the clubs efforts.

higher level by offering information to

variety of reasons. “Chris exhibits excel-

“Jim has been the best president the

humor keep people tuned into his

24

But this ambassadorship is not

pilots of all levels.” Aaron’s videos are

lent judgment while mentoring, observ-

club has had, multiple times (not even

credited with making the skies at his

ing and monitoring students and peers,”

continuous!), making sure the club is

local site safer by giving pilots under-

says one of his flying buddies, adding

active in work parties, outreach and

standing and awareness on flying in

that Chris’s flying skills and judgment

education,” adds another nominator.

the area, which they can take to other

also serve as an excellent example to

flying sites all over the world. “This

everyone in the flying community. “I

is the future of education, and if you

am honored to have flown with him

the Ellenville site, and when it became

haven’t had any Cracka Sauce yet, I sug-

over the last 10 years,” this friend

clear that was not an option, he has

“He has worked with the Foundation for Free Flight (FFF) to try to purchase

gest you change that right now,” pro-

continues, “and have witnessed count-

continued to explore alternatives to

claims a nominator, who provided the

less interactions, both positive and

securing the site.” USHPA realizes

link: https://www.youtube.com/chan-

disciplinary, in regards to peers’ flying

that it’s pilots like Jim who keep our

nel/UCphRVKBfYdbMrQsJd4du7Uw.

behavior and mentoring feedback. He

sites and our communities viable, and

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Commendation.

Know a Great Instructor?

COMMENDATION Kevin Koonce

I HAVE A SWEET SPOT IN MY HEART for the USHPA Instructor of the Year

Last year’s struggle through the insur-

award, because I was responsible for convincing the USHGA to adopt the award.

ance morass left many students, and

It started like this…

is pleased to award Jim with a 2016

their instructors, trying to find ways to

Flashback by Paul Voight

Quite a few years ago, I ran an instructors’ clinic for a group of hang glider

maintain momentum without jeop-

pilots down in the mid Southern US, hosted by the local hang gliding shop. (I’ll

ardizing our legal situation. Several

leave out specifics, as they are not critical.) I spent four or five days there, and we

students credit Kevin with helping

had a fantastic clinic. The group of instructor candidates were all there for the

them stay within the bounds of legality.

right reasons, and eager to learn the details and intricacies of teaching hang glid-

“Lots of ground schools involving different aspects of hang gliding, stressing safety and understanding of the condi-

ing. We were lucky enough to have actual, ongoing “real students” on hand as well, to allow for realistic practice and instruction demonstration.

From day one of the clinic, pilots and students alike often remarked (raved)

tions were coupled with Google Earth

about a current local instructor, who apparently had been dedicating his life to

views and explanations of the various

the pursuit of teaching flying in the area, and doing so with a ton of enthusiasm.

topography and known dangers in each

Comments ran along the lines of: “he was always available to talk on the phone”;

site,” recalls a newly fledged H-2 pilot.

“he carried gliders up the hill for small or tired students“; “he fixed people’s flying

“When I had a question, Kevin would

issues with consideration to individual needs and learning challenges”; “he al-

walk me through safety issues, and

leviated my fear of landing by teaching me to land successfully”; “his pricing was

how to maneuver, until I felt confident.

very fair”; even “he always dressed respectably and had a professional look”; and

I learned how to pack a parachute and

on and on. This fellow was not actually in the clinic, as he had to teach while I was

how to use the applications available

there. But I did get to see him in action, and it was impressive.

on the web to determine site conditions and safety.”

One senior-citizen student cited

I think it was on the flight home that I decided that I would suggest a new award to the USHGA board: “Instructor of the Year.” Seriously. Any instructor member who has that level of positive effect on so many people should be recog-

Kevin’s knowledge, willingness to

nized. And the positively affected people should have a way to nominate those

adapt, obvious love of the sport, and

remarkable instructor examples.

patience in tailoring his teaching to

As a regional director and regular USHGA BOD meeting attendee, I made the

accommodate the challenges faced by

suggestion. There was no resistance to the adoption of the award, and it took off

older students.

well. When paragliding arrived on the scene, of course we added the “Paragliding

USHPA’s future depends on skillful, knowledgeable, patient and passionate

Instructor of the Year“ award to the mix.

Nominations have rolled in each season, and recipients chosen. There is an

pilots who are able to help advancing

awards banquet every spring during the regular BOD meeting, and most recipi-

pilots develop their skills safely. For

ents have showed up in person to accept their award and enjoy their recognition.

being part of the quest for a solid future

The selection process is not easy. There have been years with very competi-

for our sports, USHPA recognizes Kevin

tive nominations, and some with fewer quality nominations to choose from, which

Koonce with a 2016 Commendation.

is also a dilemma. The committee has to look beyond the letters of recommendation, and gather as much intel as possible on each candidate to make certain (as certain as is possible) to only select recipients who are wholesome examples of our organization’s “cream of the crop.” The Instructor of the Year award is not a “who has the tallest stack of nominations” popularity contest, or a self-promotion vehicle.

It is worth mentioning that there are several USHPA Instructors of the Year who did not receive the award on their initial nomination year, but did so in subsequent seasons, after their students and peers re-nominated them!

SO, do you “Know a Great Instructor?” If you do, and you believe they are worthy of national recognition—even if they have been nominated before—please submit a nomination via the website. Great instructors who are bright lights in our organization DESERVE TO BE RECOGNIZED!

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

25

“I rolled into Nazareth, I was feeling ‘bout half past dead…”

W

ell, it wasn’t Nazareth, it was Tel Aviv, but I was

apparently liked what they heard/saw/did. They urged the

half dead from a 10.5-hour flight with little

aeroclub to ship me in, which is a lot cheaper than ship-

fidget room. They picked me up at the airport

ping all of them out. I presented a five-hour talk to about

and set me down in a fine hotel half a block from the

50 hang and para pilots one evening and then we went

beach and half a block from the US Embassy. I had the rest

flying—off and on. The off-and-on factor will be revealed

of the day off for R and R, so I hit the beach. It was crawling

later as the complications unfold.

with beautiful people in adventurous degrees of undress.

Many were running along the promenade while others

GOING UP THE COUNTRY

were playing beach volleyball, paddleball and kite surf-

My first full day in Israel, June 2, we went to a nearby park

ing. The scene reminded me of Venice Beach, but I noticed

where about 20 hangies showed up to do their annual

a high percentage of toned men walking hand in hand.

inspection of gliders and practice some launch runs. This

Turns out I landed in the middle of the national gay pride

park, smack dab in the middle of Tel Aviv, encompasses

parade. Later I got some shots of the parade strutting by

a perfect training hill with a wide-open runout. A senior

the American Embassy and sent them to the governor of

pilot looked over everyone’s equipment for integrity and

North Carolina.

signed a logbook entry. That sure seems like a good idea

But I wasn’t there to make a political statement; I was

26

invited over to do some flying seminars. Three Israeli pilots had attended my XC seminar in Italy last year and

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

to me.

ISRAEL

Flying in a Complicated Country

by DENNIS PAGEN above the plain and it usually has wind and buoyant heat coming up the face. The launch looks west, and the wind tends to start out SW in the morning and clock around to NW, so there is almost always a window of straight-in opportunity. But I also saw quite a few 45-degree crosswind launches. At the bottom of the hill on the right sits the Arab village of Kfar Tavor. On light days, if you can hear the Imams call to prayer from their minarets, it’s time to launch—the thermals are coming up.

On this day the wind was cranking, so only stiffies were present—the softies came on later flying dates. I was told there were about 15 hangers who fly competition and 30 to 40 total in the country. Paraglider pilots are more populous, with an estimate of 200 to 300. I never saw nearly that number of either winged pilots, but like most areas, only the hard-core come out of their burrows frequently.

This day was a competition day. They run their comps as qualifiers for the national team on consecutive weekends in a series that can last all summer. The fact of the matter is they are only allowed to use airspace on weekends and holidays. Digest that. Can you imagine only being able

ABOVE Over the Tabor (Tavor) monastery north of Tel Aviv.

to fly on Saturday and Sunday (Friday and Saturday, the Shabbat, in their more authentic observance)? That’s the

Next it was off to old Jaffa, which is connected to the south side of Tel Aviv. One of the local pilots is a profes-

on and off factor mentioned earlier. We had to schedule our XC seminar around this prohibition.

sional guide for the area and he took us to the old market.

This stricture on flying is due to the use of the entire

It was a cornucopia of Mediterranean cuisine and produce.

country’s airspace by the military. Israel borders Jordan,

He knew every shopkeeper and we had to sample it all.

Syria, Lebanon and Egypt – countries they have had trou-

I presented my talks the next afternoon and then the

bled relationships with to varying degrees. Any formal

following morning we drove north about 80 klicks for

program must follow this official policy, but more than one

our first flying day. The site is Mount Tabor (Tavor in

pilot sidled up to me and whispered about bandito flying

Hebrew phonetics), famous in some circles. A painting

outside the limits. Pilots are pilots everywhere, and I want

of this mountain by Raphael is in prominent display at

everyone who may have ever been closer than 500 feet

the Vatican City and depicts Jesus soaring above it, being

below a cloud to stand up and excuse themselves from the

transfigured. Go figure.

discussion.

Two thousand years later we also soared above its

Israel is shaped like a dagger, with a bite of West Bank

tree-covered slopes. The mountain is shaped like an old

taken out of it. The arid south, being less populated

volcano dome and is nearly surrounded by flat plains (you

and being blessed with some unregulated airspace, has

can Google a photo). The launch is situated about 1300’

yielded the longest cross-country flights. A pilot has flown

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

27

TOP Solid launch with the Arab village below

BOTTOM Ghostbuster above Tabor. Photos by D. Pagen

hard to hitch a ride in Israel.

Once I found my first pilot, my job was to give feedback and help out generally. Most of the time I was hydrating and maintaining my cool. It was a heat wave, and I would best compare the conditions to middle Texas or New Mexico. The climate is semi-arid in the north, but there were lots of trees and greenery. The trees have been planted over the years and the green comes from expert irrigation practices. One of the main crops is wheat and it had been harvested. I am used to countries like Greece, Italy, Spain having smaller land holdings, but surprisingly the fields here were humongous. Kansas-style. You could literally come over a field with 500 feet and fly straight to the ground with no obstructions in many places.

After everyone was retrieved, most went back to Spring Hill (Tel Aviv) while my friend Eli Yakirevich and I headed for the Jordan River. We jumped into a well-known swimming hole with a nearby landing field. It was one of the nicest swimming spots I have ever been in. The water was turquoise, very deep and a perfect temperature. A large tree hung out over the river for jumping, plus a rope swing hung on the other side. What a way to get baptized.

On the way home we stopped in an Arab restaurant specializing in seafood. We had fish and the regular fare, which consisted of about twelve different dishes. I learned that my favorite eating establishments were the Arab places, mainly for the endless variety of food. And every dish is delicious. In nearly every restaurant—Arab and 200km there, heading south. He stopped at Eilat, the city

Jewish alike—one of the main fares is hummus with pita.

on the dagger’s tip, lapped by the waters of the Gulf of

It’s their appetizer, their side dish and their fallback when

Aqaba. If he wanted to go further he would have needed

all else fails. And you’ve never had hummus like the local

Moses to part the waters.

hummus with its fresh ingredients. At least I hadn’t.

FLYING TABOR

in Israel proper. There are also Bedouin villages scattered

After discussion of the Tabor conditions, a task was set

throughout Israel, most commonly in the south. These

and everyone geared up. I filmed launches for critique. I

people were originally nomadic, but seem to be content

wasn’t flying that day because I was still healing from a

to settle in the modern world and farm or work as labor-

neck operation and wanted kinder conditions for my first

ers. And of course, there are Palestinians living separated

flight in eight months. After everyone launched and got on

in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The whole political

track I drove down the mountain and out across the coun-

machinations are complex and require a deep study of

tryside looking for my first pilot. I didn’t have a map or real

history to grasp fully. We’ve been reading for years about

orientation of the place, plus I was driving an unknown

Israel and its neighbors, but I learned a lot more being in-

vehicle with unknown road signs and unknown language

country. Also, a couple long rides with pilots provided an

skills. But I persevered and only got lost twice.

opportunity to learn recent history and viewpoints both

I should note here that having a designated driver was a luxury for the pilots. Normally they leave a car at the bottom and fly devil-may-care style. The truth is, it isn’t

28

The Arabs—many of them Palestinians—live as citizens

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

from the left and right. Those opportunities are part of the rewards of travel with pilots in our tight community.

DOWN COUNTRY

their gentleness to enemies), about 960 (the total number

The next couple days I got to play tourist. Another old

is in dispute) of the rebels committed suicide. The story

friend, Yaron Levin, the only hang gliding instructor in

and events were dramatic (ask Hollywood, you can rent

Israel, took me on an excursion to the south. We headed

the TV miniseries), but equally dramatic was the view to

through the Negev desert to Masada. The Negev is serious

the east, more than a thousand feet above the Dead Sea.

desert—think Nevada to Guadalajara. We passed many Bedouin villages with donkeys, cacti and adobe dwellings.

We headed next for that sea and the obligatory swim in the world’s most naturally dense waters. We jumped into

You would swear you’re in Mexico, except for the occasion-

bath water. It was a little cooler than the air, but you don’t

al camel snuffling through the fields in search of a sprig of

swim in the Dead Sea to refresh, you swim to marvel. I

grass.

normally sink like a coin in water, fresh or salty. But I was

Masada is an old palace of King Herod the Great, high

bobbing like a cork in this saltiest of seas. There are warn-

on a sheer mesa. It was taken over by a Jewish rebel group

ing signs not to duck your head in, but I don’t think I could

when they were being hounded by Roman Legions around

have. I was floating on my back like a sea otter, and found

the year 73 CE. The group held out for months, but the

I could hardly stand up because when I tried to put my feet

Romans built a 375-foot high ramp—still there—up one

down, they were so buoyant that it would flop me back on

side of the fortress plateau and eventually broke into the

my back. Some fun.

Jewish defenses. Apparently, rather than submit to death and slavery at the hands of the Romans (not known for

There is a nearby flying site that is used mainly in the winter when the winds are east. If you get a thermal or

ABOVE The Ol' swimming hole in the Jordan River.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

29

LEFT Typical lunch in an Arab restaurant. RIGHT The author working weak lift above Galilee. Photos by D. Pagen.

two you can land near where those party towns, Sodom and Gomorrah, stood. The Dead Sea is 1300 feet below sea

task and retrieval, we returned to the villa and critiqued

level, so the air density is as thick as molasses. Bet I could

flights, watched videos of takeoff and then I led the way

land on my feet every time.

through some of my XC seminar material.

After enough hot water and hot air we headed north up

At night we sat on the back veranda and watched wild-

the west coast of the Dead Sea, then turned west to climb

life while some smoked. There were gazelles on the brushy

back to sea level and visit the legendary city of Jerusalem.

hillside, and jackals as well. Much to my astonishment, the

On the way we saw the caves of Qumran (Dead Sea Scrolls)

jackals were howling like coyotes. The sound was slightly

and passed through the Wilderness of Judea. We also were

different, but they were singing the same tune. Those

passing through the West Bank. In this area of the country,

three days were filled with good flights, good food, good

I couldn’t tell any difference in the politics or people, al-

camaraderie and Good Lord! experiences.

though there was a security checkpoint when passing into

On the third flying day, the goal was off to the east

the city. Further north there is a wall separating the West

around some turnpoints and a landing on top of the Golan

Bank territory from Israel to the west. Like all walls of it’s

Heights. All these XCs were taking place north of the West

kind, it is an ugly reminder of how civilization too often

Bank cutout. After retrieving some pilots we drove to the

falls prey to fear and hostility.

top of the Golan Heights, overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

Jerusalem was interesting from a cultural and archeo-

On the way up, we passed along a high fence with land

logical point of view. The Wailing Wall (part of the last

mine warnings. That was Jordan on the other side. Israel

temple) was lined with Hasidic Jews in their severe black

has fairly pleasant relations with Jordan, but it is too easy

dress bobbing, praying and sticking their wish papers in

for undesirables to slip across the border without some

the wall. Yaron told me that they clear them out by the

sort of barrier.

thousands every so often. I can’t imagine that they are

When we reached the top we checked out the landing

allowed to be destroyed, so somewhere there must be a

field. It was again huge, level and inviting. All you need

warehouse full of wishes. That’s a lot of work for any deity,

is 300 feet above the plateau and you can land easily. But

let alone one responsible for the whole universe

woe to you if you over-fly and can’t get back—you are in

FLYING THE HEIGHTS After another day of beaching it, we again went north

30

early site, we left for flying about 9 a.m.. After a small XC

Jordan.

Then we went to launch. This site is about 1000 feet above the valley at the south end of the sea. We were here

to Tabor where I presented a three-day seminar. By the

for an annual fly-in and campout. Tents, barbeques and

plan, this was a four-day holiday, allowing free flights. We

much food was being prepared by my former student, Tal

rented a villa for eight pilots with a great view and great

Kravitz. Tal has the enviable job as a goodwill ambassador,

facilities. Also a great cook. Since Tabor tends to be an

traveling the world singing international songs. While

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

he was cooking, the rest of the pilots were setting up. I

thing the pilots showed me: The Orthodox villages follow

was ready to fly, but I only had a Falcon and the winds

strict Shabbat (Sabbath) law whereby they are not allowed

were pushing 30 mph. Not my idea of fun. But eventually

to do any work, carry anything or even walk outside of

about 15 pilots flew into the sunset and got high in wave

their home area on the holy day. But what if they need to

above a roll cloud looking much like the morning glory of

get some medicine or tend to a sick relative? The solution

Northern Australia.

is to have a large area be blessed as their “home.” In fact,

That night we partied till the camels came home with

they erect wires with little scripture flags on poles about

guitar playing, bottles of local brew and other extracur-

as high as telephone poles. These wires border lanes run-

ricular activities. The Syrian border is also right in back

ning from village to village and delineate “home,” so the

of the Golan plateau and sometimes at night you could

pious people can be mobile and still be observant. These

hear the bombs bursting from the conflict. I went to the

wires may pass through XC landing fields, so be aware.

edge of the hill. I could see the beautiful reflected lights of

The reliance on clever solutions and perseverance has

Tiberius, Migdal (home of Mary Magdalene) and Nazareth

given the Israelis their success and identity. It has also

in the distance.

complicated the entire region. No doubt the freedom

The next morning late, I flew. It was my first flight since

they seek as pilots is hemmed in by the realities of their

last fall and I wanted things to be perfect with borrowed

political situation. They (and we) can only hope that things

equipment and questionable strength. I needn’t have wor-

evolve to the better. But this country is the first and oldest

ried; flying is like riding a bike. I worked a weak thermal

settlement outside of Africa. People have been coveting

for about 20 minutes and landed in the valley below.

and contesting the area for tens of thousands of years.

While waiting in the landing field for my ride it was hot and dry, but much to my amazement, I was surrounded by

My trip to Israel was excellent in every way. I’ll probably return next year. There are three other sites I visited and

banana plantations. I thought bananas liked the humid

I’d like to fly them all. Thermals are abundant and the

tropics, but here, with enough engineering and ingenuity,

landings are wide-open spaces. Flying requires a bit of

they can make anything grow. This little observation is

awareness and planning, but nothing a GPS can’t master.

indicative of the whole culture. For example, here is some-

But figuring out the rest—it’s complicated.

Chase Your Dreams HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE 31 W W W. W I L L S W I N G. C O M

COMPETITION Northern California League Results

by JUGDEEP AGGARWAL

T

his was the third year both the

training ground for future XC league

were held at Dunlap as well as at a

XC League and Sprint League

pilots who fly EN-A and EN-B gliders

new site for many—Tollhouse. This

ran a program to assist pilots

with no requirements for SPOT or

year, the Sprint League lasted only

in learning how to fly cross-country.

Some years have been good and some

HAM licenses.

Details can be found at www.santa-

not so good. The 2016 league season

cruzparagliding.com/NCXC/Sprint.

was not so good this year, with many

html.

of the events being skunked by the

Eric Blum’s fantastic promotional

four months, since many of the pilots were cautious about mid-day flying at some of the super dry and hot sites.

The Cross-country League ran parallel to the Sprint League, with

video on the Sprint League, which

both leagues sharing one weekend.

has been used to attract and inform

Weather was not kind to the Cross-

is similar to the Northern California

new pilots, is located at https://vimeo.

country League this year; only six

Cross-country League, it better serves

com/122066463.

weather.

Although the Sprint League’s setup

the lower-airtime pilot who has had

The Sprint League kicked off the

tasks were flown out of a potential 12. Nevertheless, we were able to

limited cross-country experience.

season with an introductory weekend

complete some epic tasks at Dunlap,

The Sprint is designed to fill in the

during which pilots were introduced

Tollhouse, and the Owens Valley.

gap between P-3/P-4 pilots who have

to the use of instruments, informa-

just learned to thermal and those

tion about sites, and the importance of

seasoned pilots who are familiar with

gaggle flying.

cross-country flying. It serves as a

The season progressed well. Tasks

So why are the leagues so successful? Some unquantifiable aspects of the league, such as the mentoring program, the online tutorials and additional web pages are significant sources of satisfaction. And the warm camaraderie maintains a high level of positive energy among the participants. Whatever the source, the format works, and pilots are having a good time while improving their skills.

Our pilot community definitely wants fly-ins to help push pilot skills and explore the local areas of our flying sites. How better to do this than with friends? It seems that once pilots have found the league meets, they continue to return. As stated above, the camaraderie, the flying, the informal learning environment, as well as bettering personal distances, all contrib-

ABOVE

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Sprint-league pilot briefing at Dunlap.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

ute to keeping folks coming. With a

“Competing in the league opened up a new world for me, one that I would certainly have taken much more time to discover...

I’m convinced this has improved my flying overall and thus made me a safer pilot.” -Guido Zavagli goal of “a fly-in with a mission,” these

by Tim O’Neil. This should be given to

league meets also provide a forum for

all pilots when they receive their P-4.

training for larger sanctioned competi-

Aaron Price, who runs the SoCal

tions.

With two different leagues, it is

league, has been working on a software package called Competition

easier to cater to the differing pilot

Manager to help with various aspects

abilities when calling tasks. The Sprint

of the league, including pilot registra-

League constructs more modest tasks,

tion, event signup, scoring, and pilot

with distances of less than 30km, nor-

tracklog submission and verification.

mally around the 20km mark. The XC League devises more demanding tasks, with distances typically of about 60km.

Attendees regularly get into the

I have been running the league for over 10 years. Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of the league is watching the progression of pilots over

swing of things quickly, substantially

the years. The league meets definitely

reducing the task load of the orga-

take over where formalized training

nizer. Waypoints can be downloaded

stops, by providing pilots a chance to

before the weekends from the web-

fly with, and learn from, very skilled

site. Participants sign in and pay each

pilots.

morning, submit their GPS for scoring on Saturday evening, and email track-

I look forward to more leagues being organized around the country. They

logs for Sunday’s task. This proce-

help pilot skills continue to improve

dure has run really well, providing a

and reduce pilot attrition. With the

smoother experience for all. Keeping

2017 season about to kick off, I hope

track of the large number of pilots is

to see new pilots coming out to the

difficult; however, the buddy system

league to learn what they’ve been

has proven to be a success. This allows

missing! Keep it fun and see you in the

pilots to verify the safety of their bud-

air.

dies. The only issue then is retrieval.

The dedicated website containing all information for the league: www. santacruzparagliding.com has proven

CATEGORY 1 Winner: Tyler Bradford

to be a useful resource for keeping

Second Place: Tom Moock

pilots informed throughout the season.

Third Place: Fabian Perez

Several additions to the website— online pilot registration using a Google form, a page directed at “first

CATEGORY 2

timers” about what to expect, and sev-

Winner: Alex Neigher

eral pages on strategies and tips—have

Second Place: Chris Cote

helped everyone (http://www.santa-

Third Place: Steve Young

cruzparagliding.com/NCXC/strategies. html).

One page developed with help from Google Earth shows how to fly the typical tasks, along with altitudes required for transitions. Check out the

SPRINT LEAGUE First Place: Simon Waddington Second Place: Joshua Goldstein Third Place: Dietmar Burkhardt

article on flying competitions written

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

33

USHPA PILOT MAGAZINE

Utah | Loren Cox, USHPA's Bettina Gray Photography Award-winner

36

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

COMPETITION Forbes Flatlands Championships

by VICKI CAIN & NIKI LONGSHORE

T

his year, the 2017 Forbes Flatlands Hang Gliding

No one made goal due to the 25mph

Pro. Sport-class pilots flew 38.9 km

headwind we faced as we turned from

downwind to Eugowra. Chinese pilot

the last turnpoint to goal. With the sun

pilots from 17 countries to compete

Fu Yu Shan not only had his very first

starting to settle towards the horizon,

in one of the world’s best hang glid-

cross-country flight, but made goal

the lift was still surprisingly great.

ing competitions. Forbes is known

and won the day on his Moyes Gecko!

However, climbing meant drifting and

for its big air and big tasks, so it is no

Well done, Fu Yu!

going back even farther than where

Championships attracted 76

wonder the best pilots in the world

Task 2: The task committee warned

we started. It was hopeless. The task

come to Australia to race! Many

us the day would not be easy. With the

was now just a race for distance, and

personal records are set at Forbes. In

intention of making a difficult task,

the best a pilot could hope for was to

fact, last year we set a new record for

they called a 163.1km

land just a bit farther than the rest.

the longest task flown in a competi-

which actually

Mike Jackson won the day landing at

tion! Twenty-six pilots completed the

turned out to

151.4 km, Jonny Durand in second at

368km task after spending roughly six

be impos-

151.1 km, and Andre Wolf in third at

hours in the air. This year we had our

sible.

150.9 km. Very close, indeed!

hopes set for 400 km to set another

triangle,

Sport class had a downwind task to

record. Though we never did get the

Alectown at 58.8 km. Five out of seven

right conditions to set that new record,

made goal with Peter Garrone as the

the classic Forbes racing skies were de-

day winner on the Gecko. He was the

livered and proved us right once again:

only one to make goal both days. What

Forbes is epic.

a great accomplishment!

Task 1: After having Day 1 cancelled

Task 3: Another blue sky was in

due to stormy weather, we were all

order, but, we were more than delight-

eager to get into the air. With a blue

ed to see clouds forming at launch.

sky, considerable amount of wind, and

With the winds coming from the east,

good forecast for lift, the task commit-

goal was directly downwind with

tee planned a 138.9km straight-line,

two waypoints in between to create a

cross-wind task to Wellington. The

zig-zag course. Forty-five pilots made

lift from the start was epic, but for

goal, the last one coming in at 7:30,

whatever reason it weakened about 30

after the sky had completely dried up.

km from goal. As a result, many pilots

It was a very good day, especially for

landed with goal just on the other side

Attila Bertok who won the day and the

of the mountain range. In the end 32 pilots made goal in open class with Tyler Borradaile from Canada as the day winner on his new Moyes RX 3.5

Exciting launch. LEFT Johnny Durand on tow. Photos by Peak Pictures.

OPPOSITE

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

37

famous Molly Moyes cookie.

Sport class, on the other-hand, didn’t

from goal we all found ourselves again

impressive! Jonny Durand won the day

trying to find that last climb before

in 3:54:15. Good on ya, Jonny!

Even more impressive is what Sport

have much success. With no pilots in

going onto final glide. Thirty-eight

goal for their 76.5km task, they came

pilots made goal on our biggest task

class was able to accomplish. Though

home feeling a little bit defeated. The

set so far in a gloomy, grey sky. Quite

no one made goal on their 91.8km task

task committee is starting to get a new reputation as the “Torture Committee.”

We want pilots in goal!

Task 4: With north-easterly winds, goal was set to the west again at 215.5 km to Goolgowi. RASP reported excellent lift, but the view out the window conflicted. Cirrus clouds from the west were encroaching and getting thicker as we set up to launch. Many pilots had concerns about the task being an over-call, but we were all determined to make the most of the day. What started out blue quickly turned into grey as we flew along course. Gears shifted from racing to surviving. That being said, the lift was still very good even over shaded ground. About 15 km

38

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

ABOVE

Morning briefing | photo by Peak Pictures.

48km task. Fu Yu won the day 12 minutes ahead as he watched Emma and Peter come in second and third, respectively.

Task 6: The last day of the competition was by far the best day. We decided to re-schedule the awards presentation for the following morning because the day was too good for a short task. So, at 226.6 km from Forbes to Hillstorm with a waypoint at Monia, this would be the last task and the farthest for this year’s competition. With cloudbase over nine grand, climbs exceeding 1000 fpm up, dust devils everywhere, a sky full of fluffy white clouds, it was the perfect day and a

The Chinese team's Fu Yu launching. ABOVE The green launchline crew. Photos by Peak Pictures.

OPPOSITE

competition pilot’s dream. It was also a great day for a new personal best! Niki Longshore from USA and Derek McKee

to Ungari, Emma Martin smashed a new personal best on her single surface Malibu 188 and flew the farthest

Who won the day? Jonny, of course!

Sport class was much happier today, with three pilots in goal after their

from New Zealand both achieved a new personal best in distance after making the 226.6 km goal. Well done!

at 79.3 km. Congratulations, Emma!

Kenny Tam, on his Airborne Sting, had a very lucky day. Soon after launching, he and tug pilot Bruce encountered a strong thermal over the tow paddock. The Dragonfly pitched up and Kenny tumbled at 1400’AGL not just once, but twice! Unable to release, Bruce gave him the rope. After Kenny’s Airborne Sting righted itself after two rotations, he was able to fly back to the tow paddock and land in front of the hangar. He found that all of his luff lines had been torn from the sail and were dangling in the breeze! Though the glider endured damage, Kenny did not. We are all thankful for our two very lucky pilots.

Task 5: The classic Forbes racing conditions have finally arrived.

Cumulus clouds were popping early, lift was expected to be absolutely fantastic, cloudbase was over eight grand, with light winds from the east. The task committee set a 142.5km course with two waypoints upwind and goal cross-wind. Fifty-one pilots made goal!

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

39

We were excited to welcome to Forbes our very first team from China. One of the new young pilots, Fu Yu Shan, flying a Moyes Gecko, won the first task of 38.9 km on his first-ever cross-country flight! On task 6, Fu Yu arrived at goal and decided to fly 46 km farther, setting himself a new personal best of 156 km. Unfortunately, his GPS failed so he had no track log, resulting in a zero. Fu Yu Shan was awarded the Forbes Council Encouragement Award.

40

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

TOP LEFT Fu Yu receives the Encouragement award | photo by Peak Pictures. TOP RIGHT Look at all those gliders! Our six talented BaileyMoyes Dragonfly tug pilots launched over 500 successful flights for the competition! BOTTOM The Moyes, Nevins, Paton, Van der Klooster, Heaney, and Durand families join together for a photo. In the wonderful world of hang gliding, we are all one big, happy family! Photo by Adventure Flying. RIGHT It’s a wrap!

With 76 entries, it was the biggest roll-up since the Worlds in 2013.

BELOW Photo by Adventure Flying.

As for the top contenders who were battling for a spot on the podium, they could not have asked for a better day. The race for the day-winning cookie and second place between Gerolf Heinrichs and Andre Wolf was intense! A mere five seconds made the difference. Congratulations to Gerolf for winning the treasured Molly Moyes cookie. Overall, 51 pilots made it in.

The day was so good that we completed the 226km task 30 minutes faster than the 215km task. Amazing!

Richard Hughes made Sport-class goal, flying 109.6 km for a new personal best. Way to go, Richard!

In the end, we had over 1000 kilome-

OPEN CLASS

tres tasked over the course of six days.

Many pilots acquired over 30 hours of airtime, set new personal bests, shared good laughs and great memories. Though our hopes for a 400km

1st Jonny Durand

Australia

Moyes RX 3.5 Pro

2nd Gerolf Heinrichs

Austria

Moyes RX 3.5 Pro

3rd Andre Wolf

Brazil

Moyes RX 3.5 Pro

task weren’t fulfilled, everyone left satisfied after experiencing just how good Forbes can be. Even on that overcast day we flew over 200 km! Whether you

WOMEN'S CLASS 1st Alexandra Serebrennikova Russia

are interested in racing, going for big

SPORT CLASS

distances, achieving a new personal best, or simply wanting to get a taste of what it feels like to climb at over 1000 fpm, Forbes has it all. Forbes isn’t just good—it’s epic!

Moyes RX3 Pro

1st Emma Martin

Australia Moyes Malibu 2 188

2nd Richard Hughes

Australia Airborne Sting

3rd Peter Garrone

Australia Moyes Gecko

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

41

“Whether you are interested in racing, going for big distances, achieving a new personal best, or simply wanting to get a taste of what it feels like to climb at over 1000 fpm, Forbes has it all.”

Photo by Gordon Rigg

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43

QU

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HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

UIXADA Agonyand theEcstasy

The

Chasing 400 kilometers at the craziest paragliding site in the world.

by JAMES " KIWI" JOHNSTON

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

45

“They're flying over 400 there today!”

W

Open record flight of 462 km on his new Ozone Zeno. And two days later, as I sat in the rain in my hotel in Rio de

hen Nick Greece’s instant message appeared as I

Janeiro, I watched a Brazilian pilot, Leandro Pauda, break

was checking my equipment in the living room of

the four-year-old site record with a flight of 483 km on his

my house in New Orleans, I flinched involuntari-

Ozone Enzo 2. Then Jose Rebelo (Enzo 2), one of a trio of

ly—the reflex an experienced XC pilot feels when he hears

mileage-hungry Portuguese pilots who had been racking up

that conditions have turned on before he arrives. There, in

numerous long flights over their two-week campaign (over

this case, being arguably the most legendary cross-country

6000 km accumulatively) flew 471 km, breaking Alexander

site on the planet—Quixada, in northern Brazil—the very

Robé’s brief hold on the longest flight by a European pilot.

destination for which I was at that moment packing. “400”

There was no doubt that they were flying “over 400 there” on

meant 400 kilometers, an unusual unit of measurement for

those two days: 11 pilots recorded flights of over 400 km on

a conversation between US-based paraglider pilots, but the

XC Contests during the best three-day period in foot-launch

current standard for bragging rights in big-league XC para-

history. But the main question I had, as I muttered nervous

gliding (unless you’re Brazilian!).

mantras to the dark Weather Gods in Rio, was, would they

Now, thanks to Nick and the marvels of twenty-first century technology—specifically, smart phones, the internet, and live-tracking devices, innovations scarcely imaginable

still be flying over 400 when I finally made it to Quixada?

The potential of the dry flatlands of the State of Ceara in northern Brazil for XC flying was recognized early by

at the birth of paragliding 30 years ago—I was acutely aware

Brazilian pilots who first flew at Sobral and later discovered

that Alexander Robé was in the air setting an Austrian

Quixada, as they searched eastwards for takeoffs from

BELOW Nick Greece waiting at 7 a.m. for the day to turn on above launch | photo by Josh Cohn.

PREVIOUS PAGE Josh Cohn on glide as the day wanes.

46

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

which they could fly farther in the dry sertão—BrazilianPortuguese for “wasteland” or “outback”—before running into the barrier of the Amazon jungle. This same group of pioneering Brazilian pilots was responsible for developing Tacima/Araruna, the notoriously fickle launch even farther east of Quixada. From this launch, they brought the paragliding world record back to Brazil from Australia, with flights of 513 km in 2015 (Brown, Lemos, Prieto), and 564 km (Lemos, Saladini, and Naciemento), which set a new world record a month earlier, in October of 2016.

But Quixada is currently the site to which avid crosscountry pilots from around the world flock each October and November, aiming to fly personal bests of over 300 km and to have a crack at the still exclusive Four-hundred Kilometer club. Thanks to Quixada’s generally consistent conditions, an average of six flights longer than 400 km has occurred each year since 2012, making it statistically the best footlaunch long-distance XC site in the world.

I had been hearing about the flying in Ceara for more than 15 years. The first-hand reports came from an old PWC buddy from the late ‘90s, Phillipe Karam from Mexico, who had put up a number of big flights there in the early 2000s and regaled me with stories of the XC competitions where

LEFT Nick Greece low in the flats. ABOVE Landing can

be consequential as the winds can be strong and the vegetation angry. Photos by Josh Cohn.

they had legendarily retrieved competitors from long flights with a small plane. Since I had struggled mightily on my own long path to my first 100-mile flight, numerous expe-

“Just go to Ceara,” they had said. “It’s easy to fly 100 miles there.”

rienced cross-country pilots had told me that a quick trip

Thus, the idea that Ceara was somewhere you flew far

to Brazil in October or November would put me out of my

was imprinted in my brain early on, and Quixada was a site

misery.

I had long wanted to fly. But logistics that seemed uncertain and daunting and the stories about the wild launch kept me from ever turning that dream into a reality.

The opportunity to go to northern Brazil arose unexpectedly. A couple of weeks earlier, I had learned that three of the United States’s most experienced cross-country pilots—Josh Cohn, Nick Greece, and Jon Hunt—were going to Ceara in early November. And since I knew all three of them well, I was welcome to tag along. Nick organized a trip that included hotel and retrieve for around US$100 a day.

Somewhat unfortunately for us, we arrived on the 4th of November and experienced four days of waning conditions, followed by a week of strong wind unlike anything anyone could remember, challenging our flying to the core. Quixada had no intention of going easy on us.

Having always heard Ceara described as flatland flying, I was unprepared for the raw beauty of the place. The monoliths clearly visible from our hotel reminded me of some areas of the Southwest in the United States or the Linzhou region in China, where the memorable 2010 Paragliding World Cup was held in its strange alien landscape straight out of a spaghetti Western movie. Our guide and retrieve

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47

ABOVE Consistent launch conditions at Quixada.

master, Paulo Rocha, explained to me that Quixada meant “corral” in Brazilian. He said Brazilian New Agers believe the ring of monolith mountains surrounding the town creates a powerful vortex that contributes to UFO sightings. (Paulo encouraged one of the drivers to tell a tale about a soccer game being interrupted by a UFO when he was a child.

“They took one guy from town—you know, the aliens,” Paulo told us, and added “…and when he came back, he was like the ‘village idiot.’”)

The Village Idiot. Something I found myself hoping I would not resemble in a few minutes when I attempted to launch in the already-howling early-morning wind. The pioneering group of Brazilian pilots who developed the flying in Ceara, led by the seven-times world tandem record holders Andre Fleury and Marceleo Prieto, made a paradigmshifting breakthrough in XC flying in 2006. At that time, they recognized they could utilize the adiabatic gradient of the

ABOVE Wherever you land, you are greeted by nice folks

who love selfies.

bone-dry sertão, so they began launching from Quixada at 7 a.m. instead of 10:30 a.m. By flying as a team through the

remember launching in, and they hold the glider down at

talented Brazilian trio of Prieto, Frank Brown, and Rafael

each end and in the center, while the pilot takes position. A

Saladini smashed the world open-distance paragliding

spotter standing above the pilot on the ridge leans out to

record with their flights of 461 km in 2007, bringing Quixada into world-wide prominence.

The Brazilians shifted their efforts to Tacima after 2007,

peer down the mountain while shading his eyes in order to “get a read on” the strength of the wind and the movement of the trees that can act to slow the wind. When he spots a lull

where they continue to fly together all day and land as a

in the wind, he shouts, “Now!” And the pilot pulls the glider

team. Hence, the required 5 a.m. wakeup call, followed by

up, and launches! One of the reasons we chose Via Sertão is

breakfast and a drive up a paved road to launch 15 minutes

because Paulo is the best in the country at reading the wind

later. The launch is perched on a rocky spine below a mon-

on this very technical launch.

astery on one of the distinctive granite, mostly tree-covered

This is hands-down the most exciting launch I have ever

monoliths just outside of town. It consists of a wide, steep

experienced in paragliding; if you get it right, it is relatively

swath cleared off the side of the mountain, covered with a

clean. And once off the ground, it is clear you can penetrate

few pieces of carpet nailed to the ground in the center, with

away from the mountain. But if you get it wrong, things can

the capability of being used by one glider at a time. (They

get ugly quickly; even more nerve-wracking is knowing that

tried to make two launches, side-by-side, but that didn’t

there are 30 or so of the world’s most die-hard cross-country

work well—as you can see on YouTube.)

pilots watching you. (The crowd was actually remarkably

After a pilot waddles down to the carpeted ramp, three Brazilians help pull his glider out into the wind that, at 6:30

48

a.m., is already whipping stronger than anything I ever

difficult barely-thermic conditions of the early hours, the

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

sympathetic; I think everyone there knew it could be them next!)

Adapting immediately to the alien conditions, Nick Greece demonstrated his versatility as a pilot and his experience in the vast and intimidating cross-country landscapes of the USA, from his first flight at Quixada, with a distance of 388 km on his inaugural flight on his new Ozone Zeno after flying 20 km crosswind to land at a hotel for a pizza and a beer. The same day, José Rebelo (PT) put up the only +400 km fight of the day at 406 km on his Enzo 2. Two days later, I had the longest flight of my 25-year flying career—318 km or 198.5 miles—tantalizingly close to the magic 200 miles, after a late start at 8 a.m. I barely got off due to the strengthening wind because I had to return to the (convenient) hotel to replace a Camelback. Although everyone labeled this day less-than-average, with 350 km being the longest flight of the day, the 400 kilometers that had seemed impossible for me to comprehend a few days ago now seemed doable.

Surely, after another week of flying here, we would all see 400 kilometers!

But conditions deteriorated significantly, and the next 400+ km flight in Quixada did not occur for a full week.

Undaunted, the two US pilots, Josh Cohn and Nick Greece, who were using this trip as training for the 2017 spring in Zapata, Texas, continued to press on, with Josh Cohn opening the window each day in strong, gusty conditions that BELOW Nick Greece on the Ozone Zeno.

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49

400 kilometers for the week, even though many talented pilots continued trying.

Josh Cohn, who led out each day and whose vast experience in competition flying perhaps worked slightly against him in the shifty Brazilian conditions, recorded his best personal flight of 360 km the following day on his Ozone Zeno, flying much of the day with the freshly arrived English/ Colombian pilot Juan Sebastian Ospina. (I have a feeling that if conditions line up in Texas next spring, Josh is due a monster flight. Brazil undoubtedly left him wanting more, and I would not be surprised to see the world record return to the USA).

Paragliding in Quixada is utterly unique; it has a repuABOVE Josh Cohn gets a tandem retrieve. BELOW A classic

tation of being an “easy” place to fly distance, but in my

bomb-out in certain parts of Ceara. Bring extra water as one can often be forced to walk for hours to get to a road.

opinion there is nothing easy about it. Quixada is one of

increased up to 30mph. (Several pilots, including me, were

(eager to be early on launch, our group started rising at

blown over the back off launch during these days—my

4:30 a.m., but quickly settled on 5 a.m.) and flying in the

mishap due to a broken speed-bar link.) Persistence finally

super-light conditions produced by the adiabatic gradient of

those rare places where you rip up the rulebook and start to relearn all over again. Launching as early as 6:30 a.m.

50

rewarded Nick Greece again on the third-to-last day of our

the bone-dry sertão for the first 120 kilometers, pilots just

trip, when he became the first American to record a 400km

survive together as a pack as best they can. Going it alone is

flight outside of the USA, with a flight of 420 km on the Zeno

virtual suicide; even within a group, the best can go down.

in difficult conditions—a mere 30 km short of the declared

As you fly west, you step up on a series of plateaus, needing

goal of the town of Amarante. Nick’s was the only flight over

to gain height each time to make a solid transition. By late

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morning, tantalizing cloud streets begin to appear ahead of

improved. Ospina (Ozone Zeno) flew 400.3 km on November

you. However, there is a wicked noon pause, which I have

22nd, the Venezuelan pilot Joanna Di Grigoli (Gin Boom 10)

become acutely aware of since flying in the tropical conver-

flew 400.4 km on November 25th, while the Swiss pilot (and

gence zones. (Colombia experiences the same lull between

current XC Contest leader) Kevin Phillips (Ozone Zeno) broke

11:45 and 12:15 each day.) This pause took out more than

the Swiss Open record with a flight of 414 km on November

one good pilot who thought he was charging on to 400. You

27, after a month’s long campaign.

also have the far-from-simple task of navigating across

In total, there were 18 flights over 400 km this November

enormous distances of inhospitable terrain. I think you need

in Quixada and one in October, compared to the season

to be a fairly experienced XC pilot to even want to come to

average of only six 400+ km flights between 2012 and 2015.

Quixada—one who is used to launching in difficult condi-

After a XC season like this one, Quixada’s reputation can

tions and landing while going backward, who knows how to

only improve as the premier long-distance XC site in the

navigate, and who, probably most important, is organized

world. And the warm hospitality of the people of the sertão—

and well-prepared. But if everything manages to line up for

some of the friendliest people I have ever met anywhere in

you with just an average amount of luck—as it did for me on

the word—is in itself reason enough to return.

one of my 10 days there—you will have the flight of your life, pretty much guaranteed.

Our group left after 10 days, with one flight over 400

Many thanks to Ozone Paragliders for their continuing support, Paulo Rocha (or the Mayor of Quixada, as I like to call him) for his wisdom and guidance, Brett Zaenglein for

km, numerous personal bests, and feeling as if we had not

his invaluable advice, and to all the Via Sertão retrieval driv-

experienced Quixada at anything close to its full potential. I

ers who were putting in 18 hours a day to get us home. See

certainly hope to return.

you all next year—now that I have an idea of what to expect,

Along with being the trip’s correspondent, I picked up an

I will make sure to stay for a month!

unexpected bonus of a New Zealand Open record with my flight of 318 km on my beloved Ozone LM6, on a day I was told was sub-par. The mind boggles at what could be accomplished on a good day. After our group departed, conditions

More on paragliding in Ceara at: https://www.facebook. com/VIA-SERTÃO-Esporte-e-Turismo-de-Aventura1479538755681855/?pnref=lhc .]

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

51

SAFETY Muscle Cramps

by STEPHEN MORRIS

S

aturday morning was perfect

narily would have been only annoy-

Any stick-controlled aircraft re-

weather for riding my dirt bike

ing and painful, was now hijacking

sponds sharply to an unintentional

at the local riding park, so I hit

control of my glider and could end up

yank on the controls, and this could

the trails for a couple of hours of hard

killing me. I wondered how I could

be fatal when near the ground. I

riding. I was feeling pretty good for a

land without using my right arm?

began to wonder how this applied

55-year-old, trying my best to keep up

Would the cramp subside? I pulled my

to hang gliding accidents. Certainly

with my younger riding friends, but

fingers flat and braced them against

someone besides me must have had

mostly trying not to crash. Afterward,

the hang cage and flew cautiously,

a similar muscle-cramp experience.

when I was eating lunch, I checked

until everything returned to normal.

Flying a flexwing uses repeated

the weather at Fort Funston. Since

But just as I let my arm relax, it

muscle motions similar to riding a

the day looked perfectly soarable, I

cramped again, almost as if thinking

dirt bike and, after many hours in the

decided to do my two favorite things

about it had triggered that reaction.

When it hadn’t cramped again five

cramp. Whether flying a flexwing or

them out over the entire weekend as I

minutes later, I carefully and quickly

a paraglider, the pilot’s arms are still

usually do. So I took a break for a few

shot my landing approach, fully

requisite for control, so the danger of

hours after riding and then launched

prepared to abort, while shadowing

a cramp is real in either case.

my glider into a smooth coastal

my right hand with my left for a quick

What is a muscle cramp?

breeze, feeling a little tired but, other-

recovery, if needed. I landed safely

wise, fine.

and quit flying for the day, thankful

I’m not a medical doctor, but since I

Fifteen minutes into my flight,

that something as seemingly incon-

know how to spell “Google,” I’ll sum-

while cruising a few hundred feet

sequential as a muscle cramp hadn’t

marize what I found on the Internet

above the ridge, my glider suddenly

taken me out.

rolled hard away from the hill and

52

air, a tired pilot could certainly get a

on the same day, instead of spreading

relating to muscle cramps. Muscle cramps originate in the nerves con-

pitched up. I found myself in a battle

A cause of aviation accidents?

against my right arm, which was

A few months later, a friend, who had

wiring that send minute electrical sig-

convulsing in pain as it jammed the

assisted the FAA in accident investi-

nals to the muscle to contract or relax.

stick back and towards me. Grabbing

gations, and I were discussing avia-

If a nerve fires in an out-of-control

my malfunctioning arm with my left

tion accidents. In one case, my friend

fashion, the muscle might respond

hand, I ripped it off the control stick

mentioned a possible cause of loss of

by contracting into a painful ball of

while my fingers were being pulled

control being muscle cramps suffered

tissue resulting in an out-of-control

flat against my wrist. Luckily, my

by a pilot who had been flying a long

limb. When the doctor taps your knee

wing remained stable, allowing me

trolling your muscles. Nerves are like

time in hot, dry conditions. When I

with a hammer, the impact tricks your

to continue flying by using the rudder

sprang into my “There I was, thought I

body into sending a signal that travels

pedals to steer and shifting weight

was going to crash” story of my experi-

between the limb and spine to make

with my legs to control pitch.

ence, he said that muscle cramps have

the leg muscle contract. It’s called a

This severe muscle cramp in my

been considered the primary cause in

reflex, because the signals bypass the

right forearm, a condition that ordi-

some aviation accident investigations.

brain (for quick response). But that

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

also means you can’t willfully control

Prevention

control in the air, so get your offend-

the muscle’s motion. Once the nerves

Knowing their causes informs us of

ing arm alongside your body and try

start firing, your limbs respond on

the best way to prevent cramps. Be

to flatten your fingers and press them

their own—as if a hacker has taken

aware of your body’s ability to handle

against the side of your body to relieve

over control of your muscles.

continuous activity, before the point of

the spasms and cramp pain. You must

cramping, and try to stay within those

safely control your glider at all times,

limits. Stay hydrated. Fly with acces-

direct the flight path away from other

ance that affects nerve function, the

sible water and drink steadily, before

people, gliders, and terrain, while you

muscle nerves can malfunction and

you even feel thirsty. Consider eating

plan the safest way to get down. If you

enter a state of hyper-excitability,

foods that supplement your potas-

can afford to do so, wait a few minutes

firing in an uncontrolled manner,

sium, calcium, and magnesium levels,

for the cramp to subside and evaluate

When you over-exercise, become dehydrated, or have a chemical imbal-

turning your muscle into a rock-hard,

like bananas. Practice stretching

whether you can still use your arm to

painful spasmodic knot, while throw-

before and after you exercise so your

control the glider.

ing your limb into a contortion.

muscles can be prepared for use and

What causes them?

proper recovery.

And if you’re an older pilot, con-

Most cramps subside within 15 minutes, but you might experience a new round if you don’t stop the physi-

According to UCSF neurologist Dr.

sider not pushing too hard. What you

cal exertion. In an extreme case, you

Robert Miller, cramps occur at the

easily did 10 years ago might not be

might need to consider using your

place where nerves meet muscle.

safe to do now. Unfortunately, many

parachute if high enough, but a para-

When the brain sends the signal for

people discover this only after they’ve

chute is not guaranteed to work and

the muscle to move, the signal must

pushed too hard. So maybe settle

should only be used as a last resort.

cross through tiny nerve twigs, or

for that 300-mile flight, instead of

nerve terminals. Excessive signal-

the 400-miler you’ve been imagin-

in some situations that are unknown.

I hope this article will alert pilots

In flying we constantly manage risk

ing, excessive irritability—which may

ing. Your flying buddies will be just

result from thinning and weakened

as bored with the retelling of either

to the overlooked hazard of muscle

nerves—seems to be the generator for

story, so think about the risk/reward

cramps, especially as the flying popu-

cramping. The most common direct

proposition.

lation ages and becomes more suscep-

factors for cramping are excessive vigorous activity, dehydration, and

What if it happens to me?

potassium, calcium, or magnesium

What should you do if, despite your

deficiency.

Age is a contributing factor that

best efforts, you find yourself cramping up in flight? First, get that out-

makes muscle cramps more likely to

of-control appendage away from the

occur. I never experienced a cramp

glider. You can’t afford a battle for

of any kind until I was in my late 40s, but now I get them anytime I ride my dirt bike for more than three hours.

tible to health-related hazards.

“Hang gliding with a control stick is fun, until your arm develops a mind of its own.”

Older people are at greater risk for cramps, because nerves just wear out and they control our muscles.

Dr. Miller says, “As we age, there are changes in both nerves and muscles.

Muscles get smaller and weaker. And nerves undergo some decay, with the tissue becoming thin. When that happens, the connections of the nerves to the muscle become less secure.”

Combine this with flying, and we have yet another way that old age can kill.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

53

One thousand five hundred fifty-six!

That’s the number of steps it takes to hike from the LZ up 700 vertical feet to reach the 3000-square-foot AstroTurf launch.

Typically it takes me 15 minutes 54 seconds to cover the one-mile switchback.

The sweat and grunt is worth the prize.

La SALINA

by BAJA BRENT PATTERSON

54

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Baja's best airsports venue.

B

ellowing in

cloudbase. One can soar the 4.5-mile-long ridge, working

the crisp

the ridge lift/thermal synergy for hours.

Pacific

Desert, ocean, surf, whales, dolphins, birds, cows,

Ocean breeze,

horses, burros, coyotes, rattlesnakes, bobcats and of

looking to the sea

course SKY: The wilderness tranquility exhilarates one’s

a half-mile to the

senses.

west, I spy a pod of

All laid out, checking my Mexican flag, I lean back to the

gray whales plowing

ocean, touch the A’s, and up comes “Dyanetta” (my blue

south while blasting

Advance Iota). I check her overhead; disco spin, and with a

geysers of spray as

slight lean forward pop to 200’ in a flash: MAGIC!

they trek their 2000-

After several 360s in the “launch thermal” I’m 800’

mile journey to Baja

above launch (1500’ MSL) and contemplate my options.

Sur.

“Tormento de Casa” is the next house thermal north about

The incoming windline darkens the ocean to the west and is rapidly creeping towards us. I look up as white puffers begin to swirl. IT’S FLY TIME! La Salina, my home site, is internationally renowned

900’. There are two ravens higher than me. Dyanetta and I are off! We climb and overtake them at 2150’.

From “Casa,” north for the next three km, is a series of named house thermals: Sweet Spot, Crosses Thermal, Hawk-sock, Saddle-back, and Mister Nasty. Correctly

for several reasons: It offers year-round flying conditions,

cored, Nasty can take one beyond 2000’, then on the right

onshore coastal ridge lift from the Pacific, and significant

day you can cross the 500-meter-wide Guadalupe River

thermal activity from the desert floor stretching from

valley to the next series of ridges, traveling 15 km north

ocean to the base of the ridge.

parallel the Pacific to Cantamar Dunes.

The onshore coastal breeze pushes thermals up the ridge face creating a lift synergy that can zip you right to

On this day, after working all these thermals, maxing at 1900’, I conclude the northwest wind makes crossing not

LEFT Mitch Riley, 2017 X-Alps participant, flying XC kit. ABOVE Short XC to the beach, La Salina ridge in the background.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

55

ABOVE Flying the ridge

At Puerto Rojo, the farthest-south thermal, I spot a vulture specking out. In my attempt to join him I sink below

worth the risk of sinking into the riverbed. Been there,

500 feet, then BINGO...IT HITS! Rattle and roll, up we go!

done that, not today—Dyanetta is too new for a bath! So

Dyanetta climbs me to cloudbase around 2650’. There we

I turn south, and race downwind 3.5 miles past north

loiter for a while, crowing in chorus with the roosters far

launch to where one of the biggest thermals of La Salina

below.

churns: Tormento Madre!

and forth along the ridge, enjoying the beauty of the land,

Launch thermal, can take one over 3000’. Only a few of

the solitude of the flight, the booming lift of an afternoon

us have been there. One time, XC guru John Pitt climbed

flight. I sing songs of wonder and praise for God’s gift

over three grand and headed east 30 miles into Valle

of flight. The birds come and go, and if in thermal lift, I

Guadalupe wine country. Once there, Pitt was able to fly

follow.

over to the south side and climb above 6000’ along the ridge line known as Sierra Blanca.

Today however, Madre is not pumping, but still bumps

As I cross back over the south gap for the last time, there she is: Helen the Hawk, a giant red-tail. Her majesty shreds thermals as fluently as a swan swims its ballet.

me to 2150’ from where I easily glide across the 900-foot

She is rising steadily at the Sweet Spot, 1.4 miles north of

gap to south ridge.

launch. I hit the bar and Dyanetta speeds to join Helen.

Point of the Mountain (aka Point) thermal is on the

When I finally reach the Sweet Spot, I climb to 1700’.

south ridge’s northern tip. There I climb to 1600’, then far-

Helen has vanished! This is a BIG “uh-oh” at LS. At the end

ther south to Crowmore thermal. Yep, you can hear the

of a day, whenever Helen bolts, the end is near. Failure to

roosters crowing down below at a Mexican cock ranch. I

heed means you’re doomed to the desert LZ rather than

work it to 2350’ or so, and look across the giant emerald-

making the beach.

green mesa that grows onto Valle Guadalupe. There’s wine in those hills!

56

For the next couple of hours we work the thermals back

Tormento Madre, when converged with the North

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Suddenly we begin to sink! “Dyanetta NO, NOT TODAY!” I beg. Two hours and 20 minutes, up to 2650’, and I’m

going to land in the dirt??? Arghhhh! We drop to 900’. We are two miles from my beachfront bed-and-breakfast. I point Dyanetta slightly into the wind looking for some ju-ju. Seems counter-intuitive but I know this trick. The descent slows.

Between Sweet Spot and my place, it’s a diagonal southwest line across open farm/desert. A successful crosscountry includes flying over a couple utility lines and Highway 1 (a freeway). Heading slightly northwest, at 500’ we begin to climb slightly. With a little luck and proper tack we might make it. Halfway to the road I feel the lift begin to weaken. I lean left to set final glide. It’s do or die!

I’m on half bar, laid all the way back, and pleading with Dyanetta to sail me home.

A half-mile from home, parallel to the highway, the power lines are 200’ below. Getting a little bump from the asphalt, I cross the highway and both utility lines. I’m off the bar. Now west of the real dangers, I’m sinking into a no-man’s land, a three-acre vacant weed-infested beach lot. Although no real danger, landing here guarantees becoming enmeshed in numerous Velcro thistle-like

routes nor climbed to 15,000’. I haven’t flown all over the

shrubs. Luckily, I have a tail wind that pushes me over

world, but I do live a magical life full of ocean, beach, and

the lot.

nature. To me, this is heaven, and flying La Salina is the

In the 20 years I have flown over 1300 hours, most of which are here at La Salina. I haven’t gone on 100-mile XC

only reason I stay here. I am blessed to share it with all who come to fly. What else can one ask for?

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

57

Aerothlon: The Flying Triathlete is hatched!

EVER SINCE THE X-ALPS STARTED,

ending with a 20km bike ride. The

paraglider pilots have watched,

length of each leg may change from

taken Aerothlons in Peru, Brazil,

praised, and cheered these paraglid-

venue to venue, due to terrain fea-

Colombia, and Mexico. More than

ing Ironmen as they attack the Alps.

tures, but you get the picture. Most

500 athletes have competed as

The 1000km, 10-day event may be

athletes complete the course in two

thousands of fans have cheered

the most demanding cross-country

to four hours. Any longer and the of-

them on. In 2016 RedBull X-Alps

competition in paragliding, perhaps

ficials sound the gong.

3rd place finisher Paul Guschlbaur

even in any sport. We marvel at the

The event has three basic cat-

participated along with Mitch Riley

X-Alps competitors’ commitment,

egories: male solos (but if there is

(2015 US paragliding champion and

skill, tenacity and cleverness.

an athlete who is not a pilot, he can

2017 X-Alps wild-card recipient).

However, the common P-3 Joe

elect to fly tandem), male relays (one

2016 was the first year the com-

(or Joanne) will never compete in an

guy runs, another flies and a third

petition came close to the USA.

X-Alps. First, the training required

bikes); mixed relays; duo (one pilot

Hosted by Team Fly La Salina, in

would necessitate quitting your kids,

and one runner/biker), and female

conjunction with their 10th annual

significant other and hopefully the

category. Strategy is everything!

Fly-in Fiesta del Cielo. More than 60

day job (if you’re a pilot I think I got

The Aerothlon is the brainchild

athletes and participants came to

the priorities right). Second, even if

of Mexican Pablo Lopez. A chef

compete in the inaugural event. The

you could become physically adept,

by profession, and a passionate

main sponsor, City of Ensenada, Baja

you’d also have to become one

honey-bee farmer, Pablo has been

Mexico, provided 100,000 pesos in

of the world’s premier paraglider

a mountain biker for 16 years and

prize money. Although prize money

pilots—no way to avoid that one.

a paraglider pilot for 11. In 2013 he

was a lure for some, most came

Finally X-Alps only selects 32 com-

opened a mountainside restaurant

to have a great time and enjoy the

petitors. Your odds are better buying

in Malinalco, Mexico, a paragliding

show.

a lottery ticket!

launch near his home. In order to

USHPA winning pilots include:

promote the venue, he came up with

Gavin Fridlund, 1st, men’s relay; Doug

triathlon-style athletic cross-country

the aerothlon concept. The idea was

Poirier, 1st, mixed relay; Mitch Riley,

competition. It begins with a 10km

a hit! He decided to take it to the

3rd, men’s solo; and Vic Enright, 3rd

run, followed by a 10km flight and

world.

in the duo category. Honorable men-

But now there’s Aerothlon, a

ABOVE The first leg of the Aerothlon, launching from La Salina ridge.

58

Three years later he has under-

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

tions go to Brianna Kufa and Nicole Anderson who completed the event, and would have placed but got disqualified on a technicality.

This year Team Fly La Salina will again host the Aerothlon at La Salina, in conjunction with the 11th Annual FlyLaSalina.com Fiesta Del Cielo Full-moon Fly-in. The Fly-in will run April 5-11. Fly-in participants as well as Aerothlon competitors come in as early as Tuesday April 4th.

Fly-in events begin Wednesday. The

tinue to catch fire. It’s a great way

to a life dedicated to walking and

Aerothlon will take place Saturday

for pilots to get in better shape and

flying across the Alps, come to La

morning.

sharpen their flying skills. If you have

Salina Aerothlon, and find out what

X-Alps aspirations but can’t commit

all the fun is about!

Aerothlons look like they will con-

ABOVE Bike riders and runners bring home the race on the beach below the Baja's best soaring.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

59

RATINGS ISSUED OCTOBER 2016 RTG RGN NAME

H-1 H-1 H-1 H-1 H-1 H-1 H-1 H-1 H-1 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-4 H-4 H-4 H-4 H-4 H-4 H-5 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1

60

1 2 2 2 9 11 11 12 12 1 2 2 2 2 3 6 7 8 8 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 12 3 3 5 10 10 11 12 12 1 6 7 7 9 10 10 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 7 8 8 9 9 10 11

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

Andrew Pauli AK Christopher Kuntz CA Michael Harris CA David Ilstrup CA Heather Shank-givens VA David Brooks TX Michael Miller TX Samuel Roldan NY Martin Lutz NY Issa Ahmadi WA Eric Zhevel CA Chi Fai (tony) Wu CA John Cullen CA John Grimisch CA Alison Holguin CA Matthew Meyer KS Dragan Trlin IL Irv Paton NH Samuel Lynn NH Tammy Irvin GA Charles Mcnulty TN Tyler Mills NC Hilary Nichols NC Carl Jacobsen GA Jacob Billings GA M. Alejandra (alex) Ayoroa TX Karl Kerr NY Frank Colver CA Nathan Santee CA Rick Morrison ID Edward Strong GA Matthew Foti FL Larry Mansberger TX James Brindley NJ Paul Shorey NY Stas Zabolotny WA Kazunari Takao Devin Wagner SD Ian Boughton IN Ghassan Shaanon MD Franklyn Ciminnisi GA Dean Funk GA Dmitry Lepikhin CA Pierre Delisle CA Ziv Horesh CA Andrew Salisbury CA Kim Taylor CA Stephen Alessi CA Tyler Burns CO Alexis Foreman CO Martin Krebs UT Robert Garrity MT Abby Margolis ID Majid Asgari Ali Nami Aliabad Reza Bakhtiari Seyed Fathollah Mousavi Yousef Bagherzadeh Farahmand Amir Rezaee Audray Luck MN Jean Machado MA William Bean NH Saba Firouzi VA William Cloonan PA Ken Forbes FL Gabriel Silva TX

Lyndon Thomas Eric Hinrichs Eric Hinrichs Eric Hinrichs Brian Leisenring Jeffrey Hunt Jeffrey Hunt Greg Black Matthew Hickerson Matthew Taber Kurtis Carter Eric Hinrichs Zac Majors Robert Booth Dan Deweese Mark Windsheimer Rik Bouwmeester Joe Bedinghaus Josh Laufer Matthew Taber Theodore Hurley Billy Vaughn Joe Bedinghaus Theodore Hurley Cj Giordano Bart Weghorst Matthew Hickerson Joe Greblo Rob Mckenzie Bill Heaner Matthew Taber James Tindle Matthew Taber Eric Meibos Kevin Koonce Korbet Mceniry Patrick Denevan Joel Froehlich Scott Schneider Rhett Radford Matthew Taber Gordon Cayce Jeffrey Greenbaum Jesse Meyer Jesse Meyer Jordan Neidinger J C Perren Jerome Daoust Jason White Gregory Kelley Jonathan Jefferies Joshua Winstead Blake Pelton Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin David Hanning Joseph Seitz Joseph Seitz Sam Pasha John Dunn David Hanning David Broyles

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P-1 P-1 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2

11 12 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 11 11 11

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

James Clark TX Carlos Rodriguez NY Michael Remillard AK Jacob Stauble AK Philippe Chantreau WA Ryan Johnson OR Petr Gvozd WA Alex Kinnaird WA Temitope Sosanya OR Paul Weiseth WA Jennifer Richmond CA Abigail Crews CA Evan Hoyt CA Shizen Shrestha CA Peter Satitpunwaycha CA David Conger CA Clint Kimbell CA Blaine Harmon CA Polina Smirnova CA Nathan Santee CA James Coleman CA Alina Grayeske CA Katherine Bristow CA David Schirmer CA Adam Lind CA Cherise Tuttle CA Nathaniel Nelson HI Kai Garrott NM Ryan Hackbarth CO Jay Johnson NM Spencer Buck NM Matthew Parkin UT Daken Marcus Tanner UT Zach Hunter UT Larry Fletcher CO Skyler Chamberlain UT Max Seigal CO Tim Taylor UT Corey James CO Chad Smith UT William Ricard CO Martin Krebs UT James Harper CO Lindsay Mcewing UT Casey Rhea CO Chris Chong CO Majid Asgari Ali Nami Aliabad Reza Bakhtiari Seyed Fathollah Mousavi Yousef Bagherzadeh Farahmand Amir Rezaee Ahsan Haider Chun Lung Lee Nathan Lafevers OK Nicolas Prevot VT William Walsh ME Rick Mullins OH Mike Boerschig OH Jake Thomas TN Shannon Tuck TN Lisa Tilstra TN Matthew Brownstein FL Gabriel Silva TX Aaron Lafevers TX Lb Golemon TX

Keith Riemersma Joseph Seitz Jake Schlapfer Jonathan Jefferies Maren Ludwig Kelly Kellar Marc Chirico Blake Pelton Daniel Randall Richard Kennedy Jeffrey Greenbaum Richard Kennedy Jeffrey Greenbaum Jesse Meyer Jesse Meyer Mitchell Neary Samuel Crocker Christopher Grantham Jerome Daoust Stephen Nowak Philip Russman Jordan Neidinger Stephen Nowak Rob Sporrer Rob Sporrer Dave Turner David (dexter) Binder Charles (chuck) Woods Jason White Charles (chuck) Woods Charles (chuck) Woods Jonathan Jefferies Chris Santacroce Chris Santacroce Kevin Mcginley Chris Santacroce Gary Begley Jonathan Jefferies Etienne Pienaar Jonathan Jefferies Jason White Jonathan Jefferies Gary Begley Jonathan Jefferies Christopher Grantham Richard Kennedy Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Brad Sander Yuen Wai Kit David Broyles Rick Sharp Granger Banks David Hanning David Hanning David Hanning David Hanning Kay Tauscher Stacy Whitmore David Broyles David Broyles Blake Pelton

RTG RGN NAME

P-2 P-2 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4

12 12 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 9 10 11 11 12 12 12 1 2 2 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 8 9 10

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

Arben Beqiri NY Adrian Dirusso NY Robert Nunez CA Samuel Hiatt CA Dustin Rice CA Daniel Zaslavsky CA Peter Fisher HI Greg Lasalle CA David Maples CA Logan Maples CA Cody Tuttle CA Arthur Mischke CA Alexander Chiang CA Alexei Smirnov CA Rene Falquier CA Jason Statham UT Mark Tatham UT Christian Clark UT William Pardis UT T. Alex Halstead UT Martin Krebs UT Randall Shane ID Sarah Lacroix WY Majid Asgari Ali Nami Aliabad Reza Bakhtiari Seyed Fathollah Mousavi Yousef Bagherzadeh Farahmand Amir Rezaee Michael Hampton OK Seyed Ali Mousavi Alireza Davoodabadi Daniel Johnston IL Michael Graef IL Dmitry Chirkin WI Aine Friend MA Philip Rossoni MA Zebulon Jakub NH Brian Clew MA Edward Flanagan VT John Dorrance VA Jerry Christopher NC Gabriel Silva TX Christian Moya TX Harshavardhan Gurudev NY Esau Diaz Guerrero NY Greg Ottmar NY Erik Otterholt OR Matthew Richards CA Andres Joandet CA Jeff Powell CA Richard Marsh HI Cody Tuttle CA Brad Hauge MT Majid Asgari Ali Nami Aliabad Reza Bakhtiari Seyed Fathollah Mousavi Yousef Bagherzadeh Farahmand Amir Rezaee Mohammed Yaseen Fathi Seyed Ali Mousavi Alireza Davoodabadi Donna Parssinen RI Randy Weber VA Kelly Myrkle GA

Philippe Renaudin Benoit Bruneau Jeffrey Greenbaum Chris Santacroce Jesse Meyer Jesse Meyer David (dexter) Binder Jason Shapiro Jordan Neidinger Jordan Neidinger Dave Turner Jordan Neidinger Jerome Daoust Jerome Daoust Jordan Neidinger Jonathan Jefferies Jonathan Jefferies Jonathan Jefferies Ron Peck Chris Santacroce Jonathan Jefferies Granger Banks Scott Harris Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Ron Kohn Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Jaro Krupa Jaro Krupa Jaro Krupa Calef Letorney Heath Woods Blake Pelton Calef Letorney Calef Letorney Jerome Daoust Jonathan Jefferies David Broyles Rob Sporrer Howard Tarpey Benoit Bruneau Jason White Kari Castle Juan Laos Miguel Gutierrez Bo Criss Matthew Ingram Dave Turner Andy Macrae Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Murat Tuzer Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Davidson Da Silva Matthew Ingram David Hanning

RATINGS ISSUED NOVEMBER 2016 RTG RGN NAME

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

RTG RGN NAME

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

RTG RGN NAME

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

H-1 H-1 H-1 H-1 H-1 H-1 H-1 H-1

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3

Kevin Foster Shyam Pullela Baradwaj Vigraham Greg Nitzsche Patrick Gagne Samuel Balch Chien-liang Chou John Stuart

CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA

Patrick Denevan Eric Hinrichs Robert Booth Patrick Denevan Michael Jefferson Patrick Denevan Patrick Denevan John Heiney

H-1 H-1 H-1 H-1 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-4 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1

4 8 9 10 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 2 2 9 10 10 7 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 6 6 6

Stephen Remillard Manuel Paradis Shawn Ferguson Doran Grossmman-orr Sean Meyer Bob Garrison Jesse Meyer Ryan Smith Shyam Pullela John Heebner Timo Hanke Michael Chittenden Kacey Loughrie Mike Black Stephanie Giordano Roberth Ibarra Alan Crew Mohsen Mohammadi Ricky Ronig Rich Reinauer Michael Miller Ryan Smith Jessica Koerner Joshua Miller Mark Healey Jennifer Kelly Zeph Gruis Whitney Freya Derek Block Samuel Khan Karl Godden Ricardo Patron Alyssa Macleod Ike Aboubzou Pete Miller Kate Reiter Monir Amidynamin Hoda Laleh Marzieh Najafi

CO CT OH NC AK CA CA CA CA CA CA VA VA FL GA FL FL FL GA TX TX CA CA VA TN FL IA OR CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA

Rusty Whitley Matthew Hickerson John Alden Alex Brewer Lyndon Thomas Zac Majors Mark Lilledahl Robert Booth Eric Hinrichs Patrick Denevan Eric Hinrichs John Middleton Matthew Taber Spencer Kindt Billy Vaughn James Tindle Spencer Kindt James Tindle Billy Vaughn David Broyles Jeffrey Hunt Robert Booth Zac Majors Steve Wendt Clifton Bryan Malcolm Jones Allen Sparks Todd Weigand Jeffrey Greenbaum Jeffrey Greenbaum Jeffrey Greenbaum Jeffrey Greenbaum Jeffrey Greenbaum Jesse Meyer Giuseppe Free Jerome Daoust Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin

P-1 P-1 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2

NH FL WA OR WA WA AK CA CA NV CA CA CA CA CA CA HI CO CO UT CO CO CO CO AZ CO UT UT MT MT MT

P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4

VT VT VA VA VA GA SC FL VI GA NY WA OR CA CA CA CA CA CO UT UT UT CO UT UT ID MT MT MT

8 10 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 8

William Gottling Alexandra Espinoza Jacob Aaronson Elizabeth Weigand Samuel Wick Diogo Denczuk Bruck Bruckman Lisa Lesser Rodin Lyasoff Alan Smith Martin Canabal Scott Newcomer Alan Yu Stephen Alessi Piet Human Gary Miller Marina Galvan Daniel Jones Stephen Henry Benjamin Stern Brennan Nicks Alexis Foreman Jeff Mullen Kevin Bransfield Kurt Haston Paul Cushman Greg Tayler Landon Varible George Milheim Amy Hansen Leland Earls John Moore Axel Lubeck Ka Lok Ng Taylor Holland Chi Wai Koo Siu Kei Wyman Yip Kwong Hei Chan Monir Amidynamin Hoda Laleh Lee Kwok Keung Rico Ho Kin Sun Li Ho Man Ian Ahner Marzieh Najafi Hau Kwok Yuen Jeffrey Rogers

MO

MO

CT

Calef Letorney David Hanning Marc Chirico Todd Weigand Jon Malmberg Marc Chirico Jonathan Jefferies Jesse Meyer Rob Sporrer Fred Morris Rob Sporrer Chris Santacroce Giuseppe Free Jerome Daoust Kari Castle Christopher Grantham Abhay Morrissey David (dexter) Binder Kay Tauscher Robert Black Gregory Kelley Gregory Kelley Jason White Jason White Rob Sporrer Jonathan Jefferies Jonathan Jefferies Jonathan Jefferies Andy Macrae Jon Malmberg Morgan Hollingsworth Christopher Grantham Andy Macrae Tung Ng Marc Radloff Yuen Wai Kit Yuen Wai Kit Tung Ng Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Ma Chiu Kit Ma Chiu Kit Ma Chiu Kit Marc Radloff Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Tung Ng Benoit Bruneau

8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 12 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 6 6 6 8 10 10

Tide Smid Elizabeth Ganz Kelvin Pierce Nerion De Brito Silva Abraham Mcculllough Michael Bradford Robert Fawcett Mark Rickert Wolfgang Bohringer Michael Christian Malachy Oconnor Lukasz Misiuda Ethan Vella Glenn Warren Kurt Colvin Daniel Cortez Louis Serrano Cynthia Currie Simon Hoepfner Jeremy Wilstein Rachelle Mcewen Sarah Whitchurch Kevin Kirch Darren Verploegeen William Bordy Paul Leonard Jr Alan Dayvie Jake Porter Josh Simpfenderfer Monir Amidynamin Hoda Laleh Marzieh Najafi William Hetzel Marco Pontil Christopher Richardson Matt Lawrence Andrew Char Haytham Elmasri Jonathan Leusden Monir Amidynamin Hoda Laleh Marzieh Najafi David Mcnulty Thomas Jaeger Mauricio Fleitas

CA CA HI HI HI CA UT

ME FL FL

Jonathan Jefferies Jonathan Jefferies Peter Van Oevelen Peter Van Oevelen Jason White David Hanning Jonathan Jefferies Nathan (alex) Taylor Robert Hastings Stephen Nowak Benoit Bruneau Steven Wilson Jon Malmberg Jeffrey Greenbaum Justin Boer Jerome Daoust Giuseppe Free Christopher Grantham Granger Banks Brad Gunnuscio Brad Gunnuscio Justin White David Thulin Jason White Stephen Mayer Patrick Johnson Andy Macrae Andy Macrae Andy Macrae Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin David Soltz Jeffrey Greenbaum Pete Michelmore Pete Michelmore Steven Wright Rob Sporrer Stacy Whitmore Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Seyed Alireza Amidi Namin Patrick Johnson David Hanning David Hanning

INJURED? HAD A CLOSE CALL?

Report it on AIRS! airs.ushpa.aero

US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

AIRS

AIRS IS STANDING BY - FILE A REPORT TODAY! All AIRS reports are completely confidential

Take your ratings and expiration date everywhere you fly. Download from the Members Only section of the USHPA website.

Print, trim, and store in your wallet. Great for areas without cell coverage.Always available at www.USHPA.aero Save the PDF on your mobile device for easy reference.

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61

HOW TO USE

CALENDAR & CLASSIFIED CALENDAR, CLINIC & TOUR LISTINGS can

be submitted online at https://www.ushpa. org/page/calendar. A minimum 3-MONTH LEAD TIME is required on all submissions and tentative events will not be published.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES - Rates

start at $10.00 for 200 characters. MINIMUM AD CHARGE $10.00. ALL CLASSIFIEDS ARE PREPAID. No refunds will be given on ads cancelled that are scheduled to run multiple months. For more info, visit www.ushpa. org/page/magazine-classified-advertising 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.

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.

BUYER BEWARE - 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.

CALENDAR clinics & tours THRU APR 16 > Valle De Bravo, Mexico. Week-long

packages, returning client discounts, HG/PG packages, inquire about bronze, silver, gold, platinum rates. 25 years experience. More info: Jeff Hunt, 512-467-2529, jeff@flymexico.com, or flymexico. com.

MAR 5-15 & 19-29 > Thailand. Our tours cater

to all level of pilots. Unprecedented variety of flying options including both Flatland and Mountain XC flying, Ridge Soaring, Arco, SIV and Towing. The tour includes Bangkok transfers, all transport and retrieves, luxury accommodation, scooter hire, cooking classes, snorkeling trip, kite surfing lessons and much more. Our world class guides will ensure you get the most out of every day in paradise. $2450 per person (single occupancy)$2290 per person (twin/double). More info: info@300peaks.com, or 300peaks.com.

MAR 4-10, 11-17 & 18-24 > Costa Rica Paragliding

Tours - Costa Rica Fly with toucans and macaws! February is great for all levels. March is a bit stronger, better for intermediate or advanced pilots. We fly various sites during the week, and we fly every day, soaring and mountain sites. Last year we missed 2 days of flying in 3 months!

Come work on skills, and enjoy the beach and jungle in the off time. Non-flying companions welcome. We always have small groups, so plenty of individual attention. More Info: Nick Crane, 541-840-8587, nick@paracrane.com, www.costaricaparagliding.com

MAR 29 - APR 1, APR 9-12, MAY 18-21 & Jun 8-11 > Lake Berryessa, CA. SIV/Acro Clinic with

Torrey Pines Gliderport. This clinic is the SIV and Acro combination clinic. The clinic is open to first time SIV students, advanced students, and Acro pilots. Every day the clinic will provide lots of throw down time with personalized instruction on each tow, by the SIV coaches. You’ll get several tows per day to practice maneuvers, recovery techniques, and aerobatics for those who want. Join us for the most intense skills training you’ve had to date and watch your learning curve accelerate. . More info at www.flytorrey.com/clinics, info@flytorrey.com, or 858-452-9858.

APR 3-7 > Owens Valley, CA. Owens Valley XC Clin-

ic. Torrey Pines Gliderport is offering advanced XC flying in the Owens Valley, CA. Hosted by Gabriel Jebb and Owens Valley XC Legend, Kari Castle. This clinic will offer 4 days of basic and advanced XC flying. Start the morning with in-depth weather briefings for the Bishop, CA area. Then plan a basic flight route for the day, flying either the Eastern slopes of the Sierras or the Western slopes of the White Mountains. Learn how to use GPS and flight instruments to maximize your distance flying. More info at www. flytorrey.com/clinics, info@flytorrey.com, or 858452-9858.

APR 14-16 & 28-30, MAY 12-14, JUN 2-4, JUL 7-9 & 28-30, AUG 18-20, SEP 8-10, SEP 29 - OCT 1, OCT 13-15 > Napa, CA. Over-the-water SIV Maneuvers Clinics in Northern California with Dilan Benedetti of Eagle Paragliding. Join Dilan for his important safety training and his dedicated SIV training program. More information: www.letflyparagliding.com.

MAY 3-6 >La Jolla, CA. Basic and Advanced In-

structor Clinic - Torrey Pines Gliderport. Join the Torrey Pines Gliderport Instructor Team and Instructor Administrator Gabriel Jebb, to earn your Basic or Advanced Instructor rating. The clinic will include all your pre-requisite requirements to attain your Basic Instructor rating or your Advanced Instructor rating.

Clinic materials will be mailed / emailed, with receipt of deposit or full payment. All equipment and clinic materials will be supplied by the Gliderport.

Just bring yourself, logbook and be ready to learn.

More info: info@flytorrey.com, www.flytorrey.com/ clinics, or 858-452-9858.

JUN 5 > San Diego, CA. Reserve Repack Clinic.

Join Gabriel Jebb and the Torrey Pines Gliderport Team for a Reserve Repacking Clinic. This event will be taking place at the San Diego Circus Center. Gabriel will begin with a lecture and powerpoint presentation on reserve history, reserve types, testing methodologies, deployment techniques and more.

Next, we will hoist the pilots in their harness up 20 feet to simulate a reserve deployment. Finally, we will move to the open space and hard wood floors to conduct the actual repacks. More info at www. flytorrey.com/clinics, info@flytorrey.com, or 858452-9858.

JUN 6-15 > European Spring Tour – Austria, Slovenia, Italy Come fly the most beautiful sites in the Eastern Alps.

We’ll be flexible depending on conditions, but our emphasis is cross country flying for intermediate and advanced pilots. early June is a great time to fly the area, great conditions, strong but not ballistic! Before the crowds of summer tourism. Non-flying companions are welcome if they want to drive retrieve! (just kidding, sort of!) More Info: Nick Crane, 541-840-8587, nick@paracrane.com, www. costaricaparagliding.com JUN 17-24> Rat Race SUPER CLINIC. Kari Castle and Ken Hudongjorgensen will be assisting Mike Haley with Rat Race events, training newer pilots in thermaling, launch-sequence proficiency, and restricted landing approaches. Learn necessary skills for XC and competition. Super Clinic is eight days of instruction held simultaneously along with Rat Race and Rat Race Sprint. Contact mphsports@charter. net More information: www.mphsports.com AUG 13-24 > NE Alps in Switzerland Come with

us to Switzerland and see how easy, scenic and fun paragliding can be. Gondolas and tramways take us high in the Swiss Alps! We walk a few steps and then fly over scenic mountains and land alongside the base of the gondola. Granger has been paragliding in Switzerland since 1989 and will take you to eight nearby flying sites. Go to website to see places we fly: http://parasoftparagliding.com/switzerland/

COMPETITION (NON-SANCTIONED) APR 8 > La Salina, Mexico. OFFICIAL AEROTHLON. Run, Fly and Bike, International Competition embedded in the annual La Salina Fly-in. Team Fly La Salina welcomes back Red Bull and the AEROTHLON 2017. This is a 2-4 hour mini X-Alps triathlete style comp. Run, fly and bike, solo, team, and/or relay.

Come join athletes from all over the Americas and Europe to win prizes, meet legends and have fun!

More info: See FB, La Salina Airsports; or FlyLaSalina.com; contact bajabrent@msn.com; or call 760203-2658.

COMPETITION (SANCTIONED) JUN 4-10 > Midwest 2017 Hang Gliding Competition; Whitewater, WI - Twin Oaks Airport; Air Towing Hang Gliding Competition, FAI CIVL Sanctioned, Class 1 Open & Sport, Class 2 and Class 5. Registration: 12/10/2016 - 04/30/2017. More Info: www. midwest2017.com or email doitkg@gmail.com

JUN 18-24 >June 18-24 Dinosaur 2017 Hang

Gliding Competition; Dinosaur, CO; Dinosaur 2017 brings serious competition back to the big air of western Colorado. We've looked extensively at historical data on weather and determined that late June normally has very little rain or overdevelopment and gives us the best chances for seven tasks! Come join us for a week of big mountain air in this gorgeous landscape. Registration: 12/10/2016 - 05/18/2017.

More Info: www.dinosaur2017.com or email naughtylawyer@gmail.com

JUNE 18-24 > Rat Race/Sprint 2017 Paragliding

Competitions; Ruch, OR - Woodrat Mtn; Fifteenth annual Rat Race/Sprint Paragliding Competition.

Come celebrate 15 consecutive years of competition, education, camaraderie and just plain fun. Part of the National Series. Practice Day June 17th. Come see why Woodrat Mtn is one of the best paragliding sites in the US and is world renowned. Two parties, daily lunches and retrieve. Encourage your noncompetition friends to join the Super Clinic hosted

by Ken Hudonjorgenson and Kari Castle. Join the experience, travel Southern Oregon, bring your family and see why Rat Race is the more than the largest paragliding festival in the US. Registration: 02/15/2017 - 06/17/2017. More Info: www.mphsport.com or email mphsports@charter.net

FLY-INS MAR 31 - APR 1 > Marvel of Flight – Defuniak Springs, FL Join us for two days to celebrate general aviation. Fun for the whole family. Helicopter rides, BBQ cook off, car show, pilot seminars, local vendors, and demonstrations.

Patty Wagstaff: Hall Of Fame Aerobatic Champion, Tiger Flight Formation Flight Team, and Army Aviation Heritage Foundation will all be here. Come out for sun, fun, and comradeship. Just miles from the sugar white beaches of Walton County. More Info: www.marvelofflight.com

APR 5-11 >La Salina, Mexico. 11th ANNUAL Fly-

LaSalina.com Luna Llena Fiesta Del Cielo FLY- IN. La Salina is Baja’s best Airsport venue. Launch from 700’, 1/2 mile east of Pacific Ocean; soar for hours along 7-mile ridge, thermal to 3000+ land on big sandy beach, OR XC into Baja’s world class wine country, Valle Guadalupe. PG, HG, PPG, and trikes.

Int’l AEROTHLON comp held Sat 4/8. Come join the fun! More info: 760-203-2658, bajabrent@msn. com, FB La Salina Flying Community,or FlyLaSalina.com.

JUN 30 - JUL 9 > Buffalo Mtn Flyers July 4th Fly-In – Talihina, OK Yes, we have mountains! The Torrey Pines of the central states! 10 acre roll-off pasture launch. Thanks to FFF we have 5 launches covering all wind directions and all within 30 minutes drive. Launch from 1,000ft 5-mile long ridges, soar for hours, mass gaggle multiwingal 50mi+ XC's, altitudes >6K AGL, easy retrieves, come back for epic evening glass-off flights. Hotels, motels, camp at launch, share the stars with all your flying friends. This is THE place to enjoy air sports to the fullest.

More Info: tinyurl.com/bmf-flyin

CLASSIFIED BUsINESS & EMPLOYMENT

SCHOOLS & INSTRUCTORS 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, hanglide.com.

Fly beyond! with the Oudie

• Touchscreen • Color moving map • Highly customizable • Thermal assistant

www.flying.camp is hiring professional USHPA-

certified Tandem Pilots & Instructors 4 the 2017 season (April thru Oct) Application w/ resume & references required. Salary based on experience. Details? Email Dave info@tnfly.com

Flytec.com • 800.662.2449

CLINICS & TOURS BAJA MEXICO - La Salina Baja's BEST BEACHFRONT

Airsport Venue: PG, HG, PPG: FlyLaSalina.com. by BajaBrent.com, He’ll hook you up! Site intros, tours, & rooms. bajabrent@bajabrent.com, 760-203-2658

FLYMEXICO - VALLE DE BRAVO for Winter and year round flying tours and support. Hang Gliding, Paragliding.

Guiding, gear, instruction, transportation, lodging. www. flymexico.com +1 512-467-2529 Paragliding Tours 2017 with USHPA Advanced Instructor and veteran guide Nick Crane. Jan/Feb/Mar - Costa Rica; Jun/Sep/Oct - Europe; Mar/Dec - Brazil. www.paracrane.com; www.costaricaparagliding.com; nick@paracrane.com

PARTS & ACCESSORIES GUNNISON GLIDERS - X-C, Factory, heavy PVC HG gliderbags $149 Harness packs & zippers. New/used parts, equipment, tubes. 1549 CR 17 Gunnison, CO 81230 970-641-9315

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

63

CALIFORNIA

FLORIDA

EAGLE PARAGLIDING - SANTA BARBARA - the best year-round flying in the USA. Award winning Instruction, excellent mountain and ridge sites. More than one instructor,www.FlySantaBarbara.com, (805) 968-0980

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.

COLORADO

GEORGIA

NORTH CAROLINA

GUNNISON GLIDERS - X-C to heavy waterproof HG

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.

KITTY HAWK KITES - The largest hang gliding school in the world, teaching since 1974. Learn to hang glide and paraglide on the East Coast's largest sand dune. Yearround instruction, foot launch and tandem aerotow. 1902 Wright Glider Experience available. Dealer for all major manufacturers. Learn to fly where the Wright Brothers flew, located at the beach on NC's historic Outer Banks.

Also visit our NH location, Morningside Flight Park. 252441-2426, 1-877-FLY-THIS, www.kittyhawk.com

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

HAWAII PROFLYGHT PARAGLIDING - Call Dexter for friendly information about flying on Maui. Full service school offering beginner to advanced instruction, year round.

808-874-5433 paraglidemaui.com

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

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

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 FLYTEXAS TEAM - training pilots in Central Texas for 25 years. Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Trikes. Hangar facilities Lake LBJ, Luling, Smithville www.flytexas.com 512-4672529

NEW YORK AAA Hang Gliding Teaching since 1977, Three training hills, certified, adv instruction with mtn launch, tandems, towing, pro shop, pilots lounge, camping. We carry North Wing and Moyes, 77 Hang Glider Rd Ellenville, NY www. mtnwings.com 845-647-3377

UTAH Wings Over Wasatch Hang Gliding, LLC - Tandem lessons, solo instruction and equipment sales. Mountain tours and supported XC trips. 603-545-2774 Come fly with us: www.WingsOverWasatch.com

GIVE & GET! Make a $250 donation to the USHPA General Fund today and receive a Free Flight Forever t-shirt as our thank-you gift! Super soft 100% combed-cotton tee that's light and comfortable to move in. Available in Blue or Gray. Make a $1000 donation to the USHPA General Fund today and receive a Free Flight Forever jacket as our thank-you gift! 100% polyester soft shell with bonded fleece interior, light snow and water resistant.

Visit ushpastore.com to purchase yours.

64

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

of towing, Custom sewing/repairs, WW, Icaro, Airborne, Moyes, Woody Valley, HES, AerosPG, Aerolight, Mosquito. 804-241-4324, www.blueskyhg.com

REAL ESTATE Beautiful brow home on Lookout Mountain, GA. 3 BR, 4 bath, 2450sq ft. 3 acres, 2 car garage, 2 miles from Lookout Mountain Flight Park Chattanooga, TN. Move in ready http://www.remax-georgia.com/ Home/5459-Scenic-Hwy-Rising-Fawn-GA-30738/ CHX/1246787/ 2 Acre property at Henson Gap for sale. On site:

water, electricity, septic, driveway, 2 structures. Flat building lot. Short walk to launch. $19,500 or offer.email: HYPERLINK "mailto:mk1st@sbcglobal.net"mk1st@ sbcglobal.net

WINGS & HARNESSES W.W. CG 1000 Harness with Parachute and Flytec 4005 Vario Good Condition $400.00 Bill Scroggins 501-680-0547 Arkansas

UNITED STATES HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING ASSOCIATION

BLUE SKY - Virginia's full time HG/PG school. All forms

2017

UNITED STATES HANG GL IDING & PARA GLIDING ASSOCI ATION

VIRGINIA

2017

Some photographers are talented.

Some are lucky. ant your w e w , th bo or y, ck lu , ed nt le Ta ar. best shots for the 2018 calend

R SEND US YOU HOTOS. CALENDAR P Go to www.ushpa.aero/calendarproject.asp for details.

www.dennispagen.com

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

65

FINAL Preserving Your Future Flying

by Dennis Pagen

T

his may be the most important

and site maintenance costs. It’s a

Foundation for Free Flight, or type in

article you read this year if

downward spiral that only we—you

ushgf.org to see the history of what we

your dreams revolve around

and I—can prevent. Downward spirals

have accomplished since our incep-

flying. Sure, there is a world of events

are rarely a good sign in any flying

tion in 1987. Even if you are aware of

going on out there that may need your

situation. The main mechanism for

the FFF’s work, you’ll be impressed by

attention as well, but if flying is in

keeping us afloat and aloft is the

the reminder as you go through the

your blood and bones, then put all else

Foundation.

on the back burner for the next few

history on the website. If you aren’t aware, be prepared to have your eyes opened like a carafe of espresso.

minutes. This little piece is about the

relatives and loved ones donate to

Foundation for Free Flight (FFF) and

the FFF funds of their choice and this

why it needs your undivided attention.

money is used to do the good these

ing articles covering some of our

Before going on, let me say clearly that

individuals wish to accomplish. There

successes, but right now this little

we aren’t in crisis, so breathe easy. But

are currently four main funds (the

greeting card is our way of saying

precisely because the FFF does stay

General Fund, the Site Preservation

“Hello, we are still here fighting the

In the future, we will be present-

ahead of the eight ball, we are able to

Fund, the Safety and Education Fund

good fight, keeping our nose to the

do work that is extremely valuable to

and Competition Funds), as well as

grindstone, following the straight and

you and your fellow pilots.

four targeted funds (in this article we

narrow and toiling for you.” We, the

The work we do in the main is pre-

are mainly concerned with the Site

trustees of the Foundation, do our job

serve, protect and improve flying sites

Preservation Fund). The FFF takes

on a totally volunteer basis. We fund

across the country. Take a moment to

donated money, invests it wisely and

our own expenses and contribute our

reflect: Population is growing, open

conservatively and then uses this

time because we, like you, love our

land is becoming scarcer, landowners

money to fund projects.

are liability leery, land taxes are rising

The successfully funded projects

flying sports and we wish to see them passed to future generations.

and Corporate America has a new

are many and widespread. They read

And this is where you come in. If

lease on life. All of these factors make

like a who’s who, or rather a where’s

you want to see our sports continue

it harder to find and preserve our

where, of famous sites. Here are a

to thrive, if you wish to assure your

launches and landing zones. While we

few that may have granted your

flying future, consider donating to the

may not be able to affect the bottom

personal wings some airtime: Mingus

FFF. It’s easy to do. Just log into the

line of Corporate America, we can

Mountain, Kirk Ridge, Woodrat,

website and look for the donate button

help combat most of the other factors

Morningside Flight Park, Jackson Hole,

along the top menu line after you have

that threaten our sites.

Lookout Mtn., Mt Sentinel, Equinox,

absorbed some of the impressive pres-

Andy Jackson Flight Park, King Mtn.,

ervation history the website details.

away, our pilot population will dwin-

The Pulpit, Buffalo Mtn., and on and

Any donation you make is worthwhile.

dle as flying becomes less convenient.

on. This brief list is a small fraction

It is tax free and will go directly to

If the population dwindles much more

of the sites that the FFF has impacted

the fund you request. Imagine this:

we will not have a community that

in many states across the USA. Go

If each USHPA member donated only

can support the necessary insurance

to the website by searching for the

$10.00 per year we would have nearly

Make no mistake about it: If sites go

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Here’s how it works: Pilots, friends,

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

$100,000 a year to do the critical work required. What’s 10 dollars? A single movie, a couple beers? What gives you more lasting pleasure, a couple hours of special effects, a fleeting beer buzz or a satisfying thermal flight (with a good landing)?

“Imagine arriving at your favorite site to find the gate locked, the road bulldozed, the No Trespassing! sign hung. It has happened more than a few times.” site to find the gate locked, the road

Here’s an even better way to prove

needs attention or rescue and with

your love: If you feel as strongly about

which the memorialized or honored

bulldozed, the No Trespassing! sign

the need to support our sports as

person has been closely connected.

hung. It has happened more than a

many others do, consider naming

Of course, that individual can be you.

few times. The widespread funk such

the foundation in your will or as the

In that case, you will preserve the

an occurrence causes cannot easily be

designated beneficiary of your retire-

future of the sport you cherish as well

dispelled. You can take definite steps

ment account. Such a donation can be

as your own legacy.

made anonymously or as a dedicated

As the swirl of modern society

to prevent such an unhappy event by supporting the Foundation for Free Flight.

targeted fund. In special cases tar-

spins us around, most pilots need

geted funds are set up to memorialize

to head for the hills or the tow park

I’m not exaggerating. This may be

or honor an individual. Typically, such

to decompress as much as possible.

the most important article you read in

a fund is associated with a site that

But imagine arriving at your favorite

terms of preserving your future.

ABOVE

Canaan Valley launch, West Virginia. With your continued support, this could be the sign of things to come.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

67

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