USHGA Hang Gliding September 1994 by US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

On June 29, 19941.arryTudor broke his own \\'Orld open dh;tance record and also set a new record for distance via turnpoint on a RamAir 154 with an incredible 308 mile Oight acros.~ the state or Wyoming and into northeast Colorado. On tl1c same day. from the same launch site. Larry Strom of Spokane, Washington, flew 278 miles on his Ran1Air, m<>re Lhan doubling his previous personal XC record. On June 12. 1994, John Johnson of Phoenix, Arizona set a new Arizona State Dislance Record with a seven and a half hour 219 mile flight from ML Elden on his RamAir 146. On the same day Steve Rathbun of Sandy,

Utah. Oew his 154 RamAir 159 miles from Frisco PPak in Utah. And in the &isl. John Szarek flew 106 miles on his RamAir 146. launching fron1 Ascutney. Vermont, aod

as the most thoroughly tested glider on the marke1. IJJ)da1ed in design to enl1ance stability both within and outside the normal flight envelope, the RamAir 154 and 146

crossing the entire state of Nev.• Ha1npshire.

have been newly tested and re<ertified both to the U.S. HGMA standards. and to the German DHV standards. The RamAirs were the first gliders tested by the DHV lo its ne\v testing protocol. which require the glider to meet stringent stability standards at six different VG settings at each o( the four prescribed testing speeds. If you're looking for World Class Performance in a proven desiiv1. take a look at the new RamAirs from Wills Wing.

After rour and a hair hour$. and with ovPr 6000 (eel o( altitude remaining. John was finally stopped by the Atlantic Ocean. These impressive flights follow 1993 U.S. National Champion Jim Lee's first place finish in the East Coast Championships. the fi rst major U.S. competition of the '94 season. \Vhile the RamAir has been proving itselr in (he CTeld in competition and cross country, it has also been establishing itself

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500 West Blueridge Ave Orange. CA 92665 Phone (714) 99&6359 FAX (714) 99$-0647

(USPS 017 -970-20 - ISSN 0895-433)()

16 Site Reports: Mt. Utsayantha & Susquehanna Flight Park, New York by john Byrne A look at cwo popular New York flying sites.

19 X-C Flying: Landing In Unfamiliar Territory by Roger L. Ritenour Part II in a three-part series. Assessing potential LZ's.

24 The 1994 Women's World Championships by Mark Bennett The U.S. takes a medal (bronze) for the first time ever. Kari Castle takes the individual silver.

35 Flying On A String by Bany "Towhead" Steek Which towline best suits your needs?

40 308 Miles In Wyoming by Larry Tudor Larry Tudor sets a new world record by flying 307.8 miles in a Wills Wmg RamAir.

Columns

Departments

Ask GeeDub, by G.W. Meadows ........... 10

Ainnail .......................................................5

Competition Corner, by Ken Durstine .. 12

Calendar of Events .....................................?

Accident Reports, by Luen Miller .......... 14

Update........................................................8

Product Lines, by Dan Johnson ............ .59

Ratings .....................................................46 Oassified Advertising ..............................51

SEPTEMBER 1994

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At the UP Soaring Center we offer everthing a student pilot needs. Excellent instruction, state-of-the-art equipment, and a training site that provides consistent conditions ideal for learning. This means you get more air-lime, have more fun, and become a better pilot in less time ... You want it? YOU got It! • Smooth grassy ridges "made for soaring". • Soarable conditions up to 300 days a year. • Lesson packages for beginners or for your first l 00 mile X-country. • Tandem hang gliding & paragliding lessons. • Lessons taught daily, year-round. • Pro site guides for 2,000 to 4,000 foot mountain launch sites. • Demos & glider rentals. • Sail & airframe repairs by factory experts. • Full service shop with products from most dealers. • Free Camping at the launch. • ICP's and aerobatic clinics (on request).

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REFLEX HELMET Lightweight, strong, comfmtable. Designed specifically for paragliding and hang gliding, this helmet offers comfmt and full-face protection without restricting peripheral vision. Constructed of polyester polymer and reinforced with chop fiber, it allows the helmet to be strong but lightweight. The "REFLEX" helmet is lined with highimpact foam and brushed polyester fabric for a comfortable fit. Weight 21 oz. Sizes S, M, L XL. Colors: blue, black, white. (Dealer inquiries welcome.)

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SEND TO: USHGA Books PO Box 8300 Colorado Springs CO 80933-8300 (7 79) 632-8300 fax (7 79) 632-64 77

MC/VISA accepted

AIRTEK, 4206 Suite C, Sorrento Valley Blvd., San Diego, CA 92121 (800) 6-AIRTEK, (619) 450-0437 John Yates/Pro Design 2608 Hartnell Ave. #6, Redding, CA 96002 "TOLL FREE" phone/fax (800) YATES-16

Gil Dodgen, Editor/Art Director John Heiney, Gerry Charlebois, Leroy Grannis Photographers Harry Martin, Illustrator Dennis Pagen, Mark Stucky, G.W. Meadows Staff Writers Tim Rinker, Dave Pounds, Design Consultants Office Staff

Phil Bachman, Executive Director Greg Huller, Ratings & ICP's Jeff Elgart, Advertising D. Dean leyerle, Insurance & Membership Services Karen Simon, Member Services Marisa Hatton, Merchandise Services USHGA Officers and Executive Committee:

Gregg Lawless, President Jim Zeise!, Vice President Russ Locke, Secretal)' Bill Bryden, Treasurer REGION 1: Gene Matthews, George Sturtevant. REGION 2: Russ Locke, Ray Leonard, Paul Gazis. REGION 3: Joe Greblo, Sandy King, Gregg Lawless. REGION 4: Glen Nicolet, Jim Zeiset. REGION 6: Ron Kenney. REGION 7: Bill Bryden. REGION 8: Randy Adams. REGION 9: Pete Lehmann, William Bennett. REGION 10: Barbara Flynn, Matt Taber. REGION 11: Jeff Hunt. REGION 12: Paul Voight, Paul Rikert. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Frank Gillette, Dan Johnson, Jan Johnson, Dennis Pagen, Alan Chuculate. HONORARY DIRECTORS: Ed Pitman, Ken Brown, Doug Hildreth, Tom Kreyche, Mike Meier, Rob Kells, Fred Stockwell, Gregg McNamee, Michael Robertson, Dave Broyles, David Sondergeld, Ken Baier, Marcus Salvemini, Fred Moy, Greg DeWolf. EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS: Art Greenfield (NAA). The United States Hang Gliding Association Inc. is an air sports organization affiliated with the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) which is the official representative of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FA!), of the world governing body for sport aviation. The NAA, which represents the U.S. at FA! meetings, has delegated to the USHGA supervision of FAl-related hang gliding activities such as record attempts and competition sanctions. HANG GLIDING magazine is published for hang gliding sport enthusiasts to create fu,ther interest in the sport, and to provide an educational forum to advance hang gliding methods and safety. Contributions are welcome. Anyone is invited to contribute articles, photos, and illustrations concerning hang gliding activities. If the material is to be returned, a stamped, self-addressed return envelope must be enclosed. Notification must be made of submission to other hang gliding publications. HANG GLIDING magazine reserves the right to edit contributions where necessary. The Association and publication do not assume responsibility for the material or opinions of contributors. HANG GLIDING editorial offices: 6950 Aragon Circle, Suite 6, Buena Park, CA 90620 (714) 994-3050. HANG GLIDING (ISSN 0895-433x) is published monthly by the United States Hang Gliding Association, Inc., 559 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 101, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 (719) 632-8300. FAX (719) 632-6417. Second-class postage is paid at Colorado Springs, CO and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: HANG GLIDING, P.O. BOX 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-8300. The USHGA is a member-controlled sport organization dedicated to the exploration and promotion of all facets of ,mpowered ultralight flight, and to the education, training and safety of its memberhip. Membership is open to anyone interested in this realm of flight. Dues for full membership are $54.00 per year (of which $15 goes to the publication of Hang Gliding), ($60 Canada & Mexico, $65 foreign); subscription rates only are $35.00 ($40 Canada & Mexico, $50 foreign). Changes oi address should be sent six weeks in advance, including name, USHGA number, previous and new address, and a mailing label from a recent issue.

SEPTEMBER 1994

VOLUME 24, ISSUE No. 9

Air Mail~ THANKS FOR THE WOMEN'S WORLD MEET Dear Editor, On behalf of the Australian Women's Hang Gliding team I would like to thank the Lake Chelan Flyers for the 1994 Women's World Hang Gliding Championships. This was the best hang gliding competition that I have ever entered. The organization was excellent, the site was safe, the tasks were challenging but still achievable, and the flying conditions were second to none. A large percentage of the pilots made personal best flights, and I am sure everyone came away from Chelan having learned something more about competition flying. The standard of flying surprised everyone including many of the pilots themselves. This competition played an important role in demonstrating the skill and tremendous potential of women pilots. Once again, thank you to the Lake Chelan Flyers, particularly Dan Uchytil, Marilyn Raines and Larry Majchrzak for a memorable event. Sarah Chadwick Australia

TOW LAUNCH DANGERS Dear Editor, I must strongly agree with Barry Morse regarding G.W Meadows statement on towing risks. All types of towing are inherently more dangerous than foot launching. There are many variables which are controlled by one or more people during each tow launch that may cause potentially dangerous problems or situations. I have personally witnessed and been involved in many. It is my opinion that telling a pilot that towing involves fewer risks could lessen his concentration and create a potentially dangerous situation. There is a caveat regarding the Mason release which G.W tested some time ago and gave a high rating. After a weak link

failure under tension such a release can become a dangerous projectile. (A local pilot has permanent eye damage from being hit with 1-1/2" aluminum tow ring after a weak link break.) Also, it is mechanical in nature and must be kept clean, dry and free of abuse. Brad Lindsay Phoenix, AZ

TOW RELEASES Dear Editor, In the April 1994 issue of Hang Gliding, in the "Ask Geedub" column about tow releases, there is a diagram (Figure 2A - Top Side) of a three-rope release. G.W explains how the release reduces the force required to release the pin. Please recognize that this force reduction only occurs when the three ropes loops are folded over such that: 1) the bottom distance of loop 3 is at least 50% of the top distance ofloop 3, and 2) the top distance of loops 1 and 2 are at least 50% of their bottom distances respectively. This is not the case with the short bottom length of loop 3 in the diagram, which is a small percentage of the top distance ofloop 3. The configuration depicted requires considerably more force to release, and can often jam, particularly under low towline tension, because the friction of the ropes becomes significant. I know this from experience. I have made and experimented with homemade releases and had this very problem with a release resembling G.W's diagram. I suspect that G.W simply overlooked this detail in the diagram. I agree with G.W's recommendation in his closing paragraph that you buy a commercially produced release such as the Mason. I fully endorse the Mason release for hang glider towing; it is the best I have seen and used. However, please be advised that it is not suitable for paragliding because of the metal and mass which can "slap back" into the pilot's face if the bridle is attached at the bottom of the risers where it should be. 5

~ Air Mail I totally disagree with G.W's comment in his opening paragraph that "tow launching a hang glider is not any more dangerous than foot launching," because, as he also says, "it requires more components." It also requires more people, since you can't do it alone. History, logic, statistics and experience all verify that the more complex a system (particularly when it comes to mechanical components), the less reliable it is. Signature Missing

GLIDER ABUSE Dear Editor, I feel compelled to respond to Mark Sawyer's letter concerning "punch" turns and glider abuse. He recommended more gentle techniques, such as complimenting your glider and talking sweetly to it, and even occasionally giving it a kiss. Mr. Sawyer claimed to be concerned about the mistreatment of hang gliders. He would have us believe that he gives his glider nothing but love and respect. However, two days ago, I witnessed an event that revealed Mr. Sawyer for the beast that he is. He was flying in his glider, Julie Ann. Conditions were light and Julie Ann was doing her best to stay aloft. Nevertheless, she gradually descended to the LZ. This is when the event occurred. Suddenly, and without provocation, Mr. Sawyer shoved poor Julie Ann's nose into the ground, bending her upright nearly to the point of breaking. I am deeply disturbed at this outrageous abuse of a gentle hang glider. Jim Lersch Tucson, AZ

NEW YORK SITE INFO Dear Editor, The Binghamton and Elmira, New York clubs have enjoyed quality hang gliding close to home for many years

now. Over a dozen sites are maintained by the two clubs, and most of them were established through the tolerance and goodwill of local landowners. Last year several unauthorized flights were made in our area, and this year access roads were damaged by pilots who were probably unaware of local site protocol, which is why I am writing this letter. We have permission to fly our sites only because flying at them is controlled by the clubs, and therefore by people the landowners know and trust. It is therefore imperative that visiting pilots who wish to fly in our area contact a local club member, and not fly any site without doing so. Every violation of this rule jeopardizes our sites, some of which have been flown for almost 20 years now. We welcome visiting pilots, but please play by the rules so we can all enjoy these beautiful sites for years to come. For more information contact the people below.

For Elmira Free Spirit Flight contact: Dave Perry 199 Center Street Apt. GU Waverly, NY 14892 (607) 565-7375

For Binghamton Southern Tier Skysutfers contact: Wayne Utter 1602 Pine Street Endicott, NY 13760 (607) 785-0999

INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTION Dear Editor, John Heiney's aerobatics article in the August issue is a contribution of invaluable proportions to the art and science of hang gliding. I have read, with dismay, the criticisms and condemnations aimed at John's work. His letters, photos and articles are tools of learning, as well as avenues for us all to see the total range of possibilities and limitations in our flying.

We should be encouraging those who push the limits and establish new boundaries, not only for our own knowledge and safety, but for that of future pilots. I have been flying hang gliders for 18 years (most of the time in some inverted form) and have been fortunate to be around flyers who encouraged me and have been open to aerobatics. Even if you never want to get upside down, isn't it nice to know that it can be done? Someday if you are spit out of a thermal and turn upside down wouldn't you be glad that you had read one of John's articles, and knew what to do? My only complaint about John's photos is that he isn't flying a Sensor. Tom Mayer Santa Barbara, CA

SEEKING 1993 BISHOP PILOT Dear Editor, On last July 6, 1993 at the International Hang Gliding Competition in Bishop, California, I had a great chat with a flying enthusiast who sat across the aisle from me in the back of one of the buses going to the top of the mountain. I was the older photographer who shared my World War II experiences flying in a B-17 bomber and my near-death experiences. I would like to make contact with this flying enthusiast who is about 30-40 years old and who I think drove a station wagon. I followed him out to a dusty field to catch the bus up the hill. We both parked there. I believe we shared some engineering discussion as well. Will you please contact me as soon as possible with your phone number so I can call you. Al Sheppard 13610 Valerio St. Van Nuys, CA 91405

HANG GLIDING

Calendar of Events Calendar of events items WILL NOT be listed if only tentative. Please include exact information (event, date, contact name and phone number). Items should be received no later than six weeks prior to the event. We request two months lead time for regional and national meets. Until Sept. 30: Lakeview, OR Lake County Official Flying Season. Monthly $100 cash prizes for longest X-C, $200 for pilot with most cumulative miles flown from a recognized Lakeview site, and $50 per month cash drawing from monthly flight reporcs. $5 entry fee required at Visitors Center before flights count. Come on up and fly among real1y friendly folks who love hang gliding. Contact: Lake County Chamber of Commerce, 513 Center St., Lakeview, OR 97630 (503) 9476040 fax (503) 947-4983 or Jules Gilpatrick (510) 523-0862 fax (510) 523-0863. Until Oct. 15: 1994 Montana Cross Count1y Challenge. Entry $15 includes T-shirt, log book, newsletter and prizes. For application call or write Roger Lockwood, P.O. Box 234, Fort Benton, MT 59442 (406) 622-5677. Until Dec. 1: 1994 Region 9 Yearlong X-C Contest. Recognizes the longest flights flown in the Region between Feb. 1 and Dec. 1. $5 entry fee. Contact: Pete Lehmann (412) 661-3474 (before 9:00 PM), fax 3436. Sept. 3: Parachute Clinic. Learn to deploy/repack your chute. $49. Sept.10: Assisted Windy CliffLaunch Clinic for AWCL Special Skills checkoff. $15. Sept. 17: Glider Tuning & iVfaintenance Clinic. $25. Sept. 24-25: Aero Towing Clinic for AT Special Skills checkoff. Three tows to 3,000 feet (tow release and tow bridle provided). $79 (Aero Tow Club members $49). Contact: Lookout Mountain Flight Park (near Chattanooga), (706) 3983541. Sept. 15-18: 21st Coupe !care and Intemational Hang Gliding Film Festival St. Hilaire du Touvet, France. Contact: Martine Lange, Icare Festival Organization, Office ofTourism, 38720 St. Hilaire du Touvet, France, tel. 76-08-33-99, fax 76-97-20-56.

SEPTEMBER 1994

Sept. 17-18: PineMountainAirRaces. '94 hang gliding and paragliding competition. Join us for the 2nd annual X-C competition at Pine Mountain, California, site of some of Southern California's longest flights. It is a twohour drive from Los Angeles, with camping on site. Two newly improved hang gliding launches and a separate paragliding launch are available. Closed course tasks are planned, with an open distance day if conditions permit. Turn point cameras not necessary. Minimum rating: Intermediate with TUR sign-off (HG), or Class 2 (PG). $30 entry fee includes maps and Tshirt. Sponsored by the Topa Flyers. Contact Ventura Counry Hang Gliding at (805) 492-6342 for info. Oct. 1: Parachute Clinic. Learn co deploy/repack your chute. $49. Oct. 8: Assisted Windy Cliff Launch Clinic for AWCL Special Skills checkoff. $15. Oct. 15: Glider Tuning & Maintenance Clinic. $25. Oct. 15-16: Aiiwave Vision Classic and Pacific Airwave Demo Days. Fun competition, open to all Visionseries gliders (Visions, Eclipses, Mark IV's, Pulses). Oct. 22-23: Aero Towing Clinic for AT Special Skills checkoff. Three cows to 3,000 feet (tow release and tow bridle provided). $79 (Aero Tow Club members $49). Oct. 29: Lookout Mountain Halloween Party. Free catered dinner and key party in LZ. Costume judging 9:00 PM. Prizes. Contact: Lookout Mountain Flight Park (near Chattanooga), (706) 3983541. Oct. 1-2: 8th Annual Gmy Lagrone iVfemoria! Fly-In and fund raiserfor Save The Children, Point of the Mtn., UT. Competition events for both hang glider and paraglider pilots. Class 1 and Hang II pilots welcome. Events include barbecue both Sat. and Sun. afternoons, live band, and awards for first three places in all events. Prizes for all registered pilots. All proceeds go to Save The Children Foundation in mem01y of Gary Lagrone. Registration fee $30, includes long-sleeve shire or sweatshirt. Contact: Valerie Carroll, 11982 S. 700 W., Draper, UT 84020 (801) 572-5869. Oct. 7-9: October's Best Fly-In, sponsored by Sauracown Mountain Hang Gliding Club in North Carolina. This site was

featured in the May '94 site report article. Entry fee is $35 which includes a T-shirt and dinner Friday night. First place cash prizes of $50 in open distance X-C, duration and spot landing competition. Don't miss "June Bug's" Famous Barbecue dinner Saturday night. Contact: Joel Godin (910) 9834253, Jeff Reynolds (910) 994-9575 or Ken Frampton (919) 220-1273. Oct. 8-10: Alabama X-C F61-In at Rocket City Airsports, Keel Mountain, Gurley, Alabama. Prizes for out-and-return, spot landing, longest X-C, etc. $30 entry fee includes games for the family, free camping, cookout, T-shirt, great prizes and fun flying. Contact: Alex Harris (205) 290-8120 or alexh@asgjv.com on the Internet. Oct. 9-15: 1994 South African Nationals, Hartebeespoorc Dam (70 km from Johannesburg). Race-co-goal tasks (triangles and out-and-return). 35-mm camera required. Camping, hotels and chalets. Hang III or better. Contact: Laura Nelson 27-11-609-1678, or Keith Turner 27-11-673-1184 (home) 716-2535 (work). Oct. 15-16: Tut's Mountain Hang Gliding Extravaganza, Clayton, GA. Bring the whole family to our 20th annual event. $1,000/ day prize purse with no entiy fees. Includes free barbecue lunch and limited deluxe accommodations, cooking facilities, pool table and ping-pong. Transportation from the LZ back to launch without breaking your glider down. Prize competition for flight duration, spot landings, most flights and rhe famous "Myste1y Pilot" awards. Event includes Tut's exotic animal preserve, live cultural demonstrations. Contact: Doug Lawton (706) 9473133 or Tut's Mountain (800) 6211768. Nov. 5: Parachute Clinic. Learn to deploy/repack your chute. $49. Nov. 12: Assisted Windy CliffLaunch Clinic for AWCL Special Skills checkoff. $15. Nov. 19-20: Aero Towing Clinic for AT Special Skills checkoff. Three tows to 3,000 feet (cow release and tow bridle provided). $79 (Aero Tow Club members $49). Contact: Lookout Mountain Flight Park (near Chattanooga), (706) 398-3541.

l'le1,;111mng with the November 1994 issue, magazine will adv,mce its publication schedule so as to ship to rhe primer on or befrire the fifrh day of each rnomh. This is in an attempt to helter serve om members, especially those who live in the eastern lJ .S. Minor editorial contributions (such as letters, calendar of events items and news releases) should be received no larcr th:111 the 25th of the monrh, two months prior to the cover date September for the November issue). Advertising materials ,md major editorial contributions shonld be in our bands no later than the 20th of the month. 11rmy; spends two weeks at the printer, and second-class mailing to some parts of the country can take up to IO days.

'T'he three Cummulus varios arc designed with the needs of paraglider pilots in mind, bur can also be used by bang glider pilots. A major difference between the two lines is the size and shape of the instrument. Each comes with a standard mount, but a high-quality stainless steel double ball mount can be purchased separately. The double ball mount enables the pilot to turn the instrument in direction. For the paraglider pilot a speed sensor is offered. Both lines

AFRO USA, a newly formed venmrc between AFRO r:luginstmmcms of West Term:imv wd the New York l.11rv-na,;e<1 Avia1ion, is introducing a foll str1arH()o1<1nf, v;1riomctcrs and accessories for the North American and newly c1e,;1p;11ed gliding instruments for the paragliding marker. All instruments measure in both meters and fi·ct. The variomcrers, based on sailplane technology, use sophisticated m1cn)p1·occs-· sors that make them what the company refers to as "the you can hold in the palm of your hand." AFRO varios include die Micrnpancl and C:ummulus offering pilots a choice of'two instrmnems with look. 1V11crc,panc1 line includes three varios with the needs of hang pilots in mind, and arc upgradable to the more sophisticated varios in the line. to the manufacturer, 1he Micropanel I, Afro's model, offers more features rhan any other mtro<1uc:to1·y vario on the market.

foamre corn put.er accessories. A unique foaturc in "expandability." A beginner pilot can purchase the Micropancl 1, and as his skills grow pm· chase an upgrade to rhc more sophistical· cd Micropancl and 3 models. 'fhc easy-to--read instruments each come with a 32-pagc booklet (in English) explaining their features and how to get the most out of them. Prices arc com para-· ble to domestic and imported variomc· rers. I\ one-year warrantee comes with all models. Dealer inquiries arc invited. For more information contact /\fro USA in New York (TI 8) 777-7000.

Scon: Comeaux sends us news of the recenl Colorado X-C Invitational meet held at Dinosaur, CO. They had 47 competitors (31 hang glider and 16 paraglider pilots). Including free flyers there were 55· 60 pilots attending. The goal was to get low X C-time pilots excited about flying

The SS'f (Super Slick 'T!·ansport) was designed to protect your glider from a hostile car-top environment. You cm now leave your wing on the vehicle and not have to load and unload it, hassle with storage, or worry about thcfr, and you will he to at a moment's notice. The SST will hold as many as four gliders up to 19. 5 feet long. The bottom pan is structural and provides full support. It requires only three m011m points and is srrong enough 10 set on two saw horses for winter stornge with gliders inside. The transport comes in standard white, hur rnstom colors arc available. The basic unit, with hinged nose mount and two bl auk mount bars, has an introductory price of $1,200, 1:og Dayron, Wyoming for a very lirriited time. The price will soon go up to $1,500. Sheridan, WY 8280 I Por more information contact: SST; I~O. Box 6'/2-671 Hi\NC CUDINC

in competitions. They are sure that they accomplished this, since six of the top J0 finishers had never flown more than 20 miles in their careers, and nine of the top IO had their personal best flights. These guys arc hor to do more X-C!

Artist Ron Ruble created a series of hang gliding lithographs in J978 as part of a multi-.facetcd project called "Vespers." Ruble's fascination with flight manifested itself in 16 di/forcnt lithos wbich included hang gliding. The St. Louis-born artist's hang gliding images, "Soaring" and "I-fang Man," come in limited editions of just 125 each. The dusky last light of the day reverberates through the li1hos' grainy texture, enhancing a sense of fantasy. The hang gliders Ruble used as models were older single-surface designs with exposed crossbars. More than 50 museum and university collections permanently display Ruble's art. Tbe unframed four--color lithograph "Soaring" (8· l/2" x 14") and "J lang Man" ( J 0-1 I 4>' x 1 sci l fr)r $300 each plus postage. A framed print of "Soaring" (21 l/4" x l Ci") or "Hang Man" (18" x sells for $370. Contact: David Behr (303) 927-8595.

Brauniger off,:rs their AV Basis SP vario which has the unique foature of a built-in airspeed indicator. Features include: $499 re1ail price ($550 with clamp), manufactured in Germany and imported by Lookout Mtn. Flight Park, LCD analog vario display, digital vario display, two altimeters (up to 16,500' in 5EPTEM13ER 1994

I () .. foot increments), three audio levels, adjustable descent (sink) audio, 4+ 1 peak value memories, airspeed indicator (up to 99 mph in one-mph increments), extrerncly low power consumption (up to 200 hours using two AA l .5--volt alkaline batteries), three different mounting systems for hang gliders and paragliclers (speedbar, arm-ball clamp and leg strap). Contact: Lookout Mm. Flight Park, Rt. 2 Box 21 Rising Pawn, GA 30738 (706) 398-3541, fax (706) 3982906.

The 1994 U.S. National Aerobatic Championships were held June 9-12 at Sandia Peak in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The competition was held in conjunction with the Sandia Classic and was sponsored by the Sandia Classic Organization. Six of the country's best aero pilo1s entered and performed virtually flawless routines during four rounds. John Heiney was declared U.S. Champion, and second place went to Dave Biddle (his first aero contest). Third place wem ro Aaron Swepston, fourth to Royce Anderson, fiftl1 to Ken Minate and sixth to Dino Dinaso. Special thanks to Aaron and Carrie Swepston of the Aerobatic Hang Gliding Association, Leo \!;mdcrbosch, Nick Kennedy, Bob Carlton and Paul Chase. The 1995 U.S. National Aerobatic Championships arc tentatively scheduled fc)r mid-October at Sandia Peak.

Pruit is I 994's winner of $200 in Mountain Wings' "Up the \1;1lley Run" X--C competition in New York This ongoing meet, in its fourth season, offers $100 for the longest flight and $200 for the first pilot to make it to Rheinbeck Aerodrome. Tn addition to the moolah Fuzzy gets his name on a perperual trophy which he will hold until the next winner claims it.

For five years, the science and technology magazine, Discover, has given awards to pioneering inventors who develop technicaily innovative products. Competitors vie in seven categories and the 1994 awards drew nearly 4,000 entries. Ballistic Recovery Systems, Inc., (BRS) made the cut as one of the five finalists in the Aviation I Aerospace category. Discover editors selected from hundreds of entries in the Aviation I Aerospace category. Along with four others, the editors selected the BRS emergency parachute. GARD, an acronym for General Aviation Recovery Device, is intended to save the e111:irc aircraft occupants and all in the event of various kinds of in-air disasters. Says Paul Hoffinan, editor in chief of Discover, "The quality of entries this year was outstanding, making the judging selection process even more difficult." An independent panel of five distinguished judges (several were astronauts in NASA's space ptogram) will choose this year's winner. ln the October 1994 issue, Discover will feature both finalists and winners in a major feature story with an introduction by Vice President Al Gore. BRS has also been receiving tremendous major media coverage for winning 1:AA approval of the GARD. "BRS is experiencing a medi;i bonanza that just won't quit," says CEO Darrel Brandt. "We been foatured on national and local television repeatedly, plus we've had coverage in numerous magazines." In addition to Discowr, Omni magazine said it will have a shon piece in the Septernber 1994 issue.

(I Ask GeeDub finding a used one will be a little more difficult. The best deals in the used entty-level hang glider market are the gliders that have been produced in the last seven years or so, and are no longer in production. I will list some of these gliders and give you my opinion as to what the fair market value ts.

GLIDERS TO CONSIDER

c; I~ I~ I) IJ II How to Buy a Used Entry-Level Hang GI ider © 1994 by G. W Meadows Dear GeeDub, 've almost completed my lessons and fin about to fly offthe mountain. Jin going to have to buy a glider and a new one is out ofthe question. There are so many used hang gliders on the market, how do I determine what to buy for my first glider?

- Name and address withheld by request

OVERVIEW This is a great question and one of the most often asked of me. Buying a used entry-level hang glider is not a really difficult task as long as you follow a few important rules. I'll cover these rules and give you some recommendations in this article.

Of course, buying a new glider is the best option, but we all know that this isn't always possible. Current entty-level gliders on the market are: the Falcon and the Spectrum from Wills Wing, the XTC single- and double-surface models from UP, and the Pulse from Pacific Aitwave. Your best bet is to try to get one of these models since they arc currently in production. Of the gliders listed above, you'll probably have the best luck finding a Spectrum or a Pulse. Both of these models have sold well, which means that there will be a number of them on the used market. These gliders are manufactured with stateof-the-art materials and parts, and are readily available from a local dealer. The Falcon from Wills Wing is brand new, and it's doubtful that you'll find any used ones yet. The XTC is a couple of years old, but has never been a big seller, so

In my opinion, the best used entry-level glider on the market is the Pacific Airwave Mark IV: The Mark IV is the fourth in a series of "Vision-class" gliders (the Pulse is the fifth in the series) manufactured by Pacific Airwave. A reasonably lightweight and extremely simple glider to set up, the Mark IV was produced in two sizes: 17 (square meters) and 19. The 17 is for pilots who hook in between 145 and about 200 pounds. The 19 is for those who are larger. The going rate for Mark IV's in good condition is between $1,200 and $2,000. The other gliders in the Vision series are the Vision, the Esprit and the Eclipse. These are okay entry-level gliders, but not as good as the Mark IV They are a little more difficult to fly than the Mark IV, and parrs are a bit harder to come by. If you do opt for one of these models, expect to pay between $300 and $800. Realistically, the Vision-class gliders (Vision through Pulse) and the Wills Wing Spectrum are the only double-surface gliders that I would recommend as your first glider. Other double-surface gliders that you may find on the market are just a little too difficult to fly for a new pilot. Let's look at the single-surface gliders you're likely to find on the used market. Perhaps one of the most-flown gliders by beginning pilots is the Delta Wing Dream. This glider was produced from the mid-SO's to about 1990 by Delta Wing Kites and Gliders. This company then sold the rights to UP which then sold the rights to ASL The glider is still produced in limited numbers by ASI located in San Diego, California. The Dream is a great entty-level glider and one was built in almost every size imaginable. The Dream was available in 145, 165, HANG GLIDING

AskGeeDub [I 185, 205, 220 and 240 square feet. Of these sizes the 165 was the least desirable because of its launching and landing characteristics. The 220 and the 240 sizes were (and still are) used primarily for tandem flying. The 240 was never certified. It's a good, dependable glider, and parts are still available from ASL If you're looking for a used Dream, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,500. A glider much like the Dream, but that was produced a few years earlier, is the Gemini by UP. This is another good-flying glider but it was noticeably heavier than the Dream. The Gemini hasn't been produced since about 1984, so finding a used one is not very easy. It was produced in three sizes, 134,164 and 184 square feet, and many smaller pilots really liked the 134. Parts are available from UP. Expect to pay between $400 and $900 for a good Gemini. Another good single-surface glider is the Wills Wing Sky Hawk. A good, solid, easy-flying glider, the Sky Hawk was produced up until about 1990 in 168 and 188 square-foot sizes. You should expect to pay between $700 and $1,500 for a used Sky Hawk. Parts are available from Wills Wing. To be honest, the gliders listed above are the only used, entry-level gliders that you should consider. Sure, there were some good gliders produced prior to the ones mentioned, but getting parts and service for them is difficult, and it's not worth the money you'll save.

WHAT TO WOK FOR Now let's consider what to look for when inspecting a glider. First, you'll want to check all the hardware. Rust on the glider is a warning sign of bad maintenance; hardware that shows rust hasn't been taken very good care of. (Note: a few hang glider parts tend to rust easily, and should not be alarming in themselves. These parts include some grommets and split rings that are used as safety rings and to attach reflex bridles.) Check the heart bolt well. On modern gliders the heart bolt is the bolt that holds the downtubes to the keel. On hard landings this is one of the first items to bend. SEPTEMBER 1994

When it comes to buying hang gliding equipment, there's no substitute for the advice of a reputable dealer or instructor. 11

Check to make sure that the corner brackets where the downtube and basetube join are in good shape. Bent brackets are a warning sign of abuse. Next you'll want to examine the wires. Used gliders sometimes have wires that should have been replaced a long time ago. Check for rust on them as well as on the nicos. Make sure that the wires have no kinks and that they exit all nicos straight, with no bends. The area of greatest wire fatigue is at the nico. If there is ANY doubt about the wires, replace them. Be sure to inspect ALL tubing well. Leading edges and crossbars should be examined completely to check for hidden dings and dents as well as bends. Check the keel to make sure it's straight, and don't forget the downtubes. If they're bent, you'll have to replace them. The sail must be inspected for wear and UV damage. Feel the material. If it feels powdery, or if you can hear it give when you tty to put your thumb through it, then the sail has exceeded its useful life. Extreme fading is a warning sign of UV damage. Check for wear points. If they are on the undersurface or on the front half of the sail they can be readily repaired with sail tape. If a wear point or tear is within 18 inches of the trailing edge you'll want to have it repaired by a sailmaker before flying the glider.

CONCLUSION While these are useful guidelines when looking for a used glider they are no doubt incomplete. Your best bet is to get a very experienced pilot to help you examine the glider for defects and wear points, and call a reputable dealer for advice on a

particular make or model. Even high-time hang glider pilots don't always know much about entry-level gliders because they don't fly them anymore. When it comes to buying hang gliding equipment, there's no substitute for the advice of a reputable dealer or instructor. Hopefully these guidelines have been helpful in making a decision about a used glider. A rule of thumb is: the later the model the better. Please remember that there is a limit as to how cheaply you can enter the sport of hang gliding. If you can't afford to spend between $1,500 and $2,000 on all your equipment (glider, harness, helmet and parachute) then you probably should put off your decision to enter the sport. You get what you pay for.

G. W'.r company, Just Fly, has established a glider clearinghouse, and he is compiling a used glider blue book which will appear in a future issue ofHang Gliding. - Ed ~

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11 Competition Corner

The 1994 Region I Regionals by Ken Durstine n the last weekend in June, 56 pilots converged on King Mountain, Idaho, for the first regional competition for the reconfigured USHGA Region 1. The Idaho pilots were the largest single group, however, 34 other pilots from Washington, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming and five other states (plus Germany and Canada) were there to make sure the home boys didn't hog all the fun. Returning pilots noticed several changes on the mountain. Two and a half weeks before the meet the Idaho Hang Gliding Association received a 10-year use permit from the U.S. Forest Service for the launches on King Mountain. In the short time before the meet, the setup area on the upper launch was expanded and a new north launch was logged out. The competition format was open distance along specified corridors. Bonus LZ's were established to entice pilots to land with some reserve energy instead of flying until they dropped. As the designated routes jumped mountain ranges and deserts, the corridors were generally made 20 miles wide to include a highway and facilitate retrieval. The larger-than-expected crowd of pilots was split into three groups, with two groups on the upper launch and the remainder going to the lower launch. Flying the lower launch is normally a handicap, since some dedicated scratching is required to get up on a light day. Launch positions would be rotated each day to give everyone equal time on top. In addition, any relaunches could be

Thirty-four pilots from Washington1 Oregon1 Montana1 Wyoming and five other states (plus Germany and Canada) were there to make sure the home boys didn 1t hog all the fun. 11

made from the upper launch. On Friday, the first day of competition, conditions were unusual. Smooth winds of up to 20 mph were blowing into lower launch without blowing out the upper launch. All pilots on both launches had little trouble making it to the top of the mountain where the fun started. The day's task pointed pilots over the back of the Lost River Range, the Lemhi Range, and along the base of the Continental Divide toward West Yellowstone, Montana. Numerous pilots, including many of the King locals, picked the wrong spot to cross over the back and landed within 15 miles of launch. A Montana pilot, Don Lepinsky, showed the day's potential by flying 113 miles to the bonus LZ at Henry's Lake, and qualifying for a 20mile bonus and the best flight of the day. Gerry Uchytil landed short of the lake at

104.5 miles. Mike Daily took third place with an 81-mile flight to the bonus LZ at Kilgore and collected 15 free miles. The best-placing Idaho pilot, Frank Gillette, made the 59.5-mile flight to the bonus LZ at Dubois Airport and qualified for a 10 point bonus. The top two pilots in the 50-mile class got their first flights over 50 miles. Chris Giardina led at 65.5 miles followed by Andy Long at 52 miles. John Aldrige held third at 29 miles. On Saturday, group two inherited the lower launch, and this time pilots there had to work for their altitude. A change in the winds dictated that a northeast route over the ranges and past the Bitterroots toward Dillon, Montana, be flown. Winds on launch were switchy and there were no early launchers. Finally, Al Whitesell took advantage of the partially finished northwest-facing launch and found the way up. The remaining pilots straggled off the southwest-facing launches as conditions slowly improved. Numerous pilots landed in the LZ and took advantage of relaunch privileges from the upper launch. Washington pilot Mike Daily again showed up the local pilots by flying 108 miles to the bonus LZ at Dillon, Montana, and collecting 20 bonus miles. Don Lepinsky, Wil Wiethorn and Jim Fenison collected 72 miles plus 15 bonus miles by landing at the Dell, Montana, bonus LZ and tied with Ross McEwen, who got 87 miles the hard way. Al Whitesell, who elected to bypass Dell, made 85 miles and had to settle for sixth place with the third-longest flight of the day. Ed Goss, Geny Uchytil and Jeff Bowman strayed north of the route corridor and saw 83.5, 55 and 35.5-mile flights count for zip by landing off course. The 50-mile class again had a good day as John Aldrige led with 39 miles, Jim Grossman got 30 miles, and Chris Giardina and Brian Fry tied at 25 miles. The town of Moore threw a free barbecue for pilots and drivers Saturday night. This gave the numerous pilots in the "leisure class" an opportunity to conduct the usual post-flight interrogations and determine who had the outstanding flight of the day, regardless of any comHANG GLIDING

Competition Corner puterized scorekeeping or witnessed landing form. On Sunday, 25 mph winds gusting to over 30 at the valley floor greeted flyers at the 9:00 AM pilots meeting. Since the forecast was calling for 60 mph winds aloft, meet meister Ken Schreck called the contest to an end. Mike Daily, with 224 points, edged out Don Lepinsky with 220 points for first place. Wil Wiethorn of Ketchum led the Idaho pilots at a distant third place with 140 points. Chris Giardina led the 50-mile class and most of the open class with 95.5 points, followed by John Aldridge with 68 points. Prizes were donated by Wills Wing, Mason's Micro Machining and many of the local merchants. Thanks to Ken Schreck for the thankless job of putting together the meet while simultaneously negotiating the long-term use permit with the USFS. A note of special thanks to Tom Kiester for serving as the launch I safety director.

Final Standings OPEN CLASS

Pilot

Miles

DAILY, MICHAEL LEPINSKY, DON WIETHORN, WIL MCEWEN, ROSS BIRKETT, ARLAN BUNNER, LARRY HAUCHECORNE, J.C. SWANSON, PETER BRAKEFIELD, JOE UCHYTIL, GERRY GILLETTE, FRANK WHITESELL, AL FENISON, JIM WOIWODE, JOHN BEEBE, CHRIS CLARK, DON BOREN, SCOTT HANKS, TOM YOKODA, EIJI KLEISS, MARTIN BASSIS, ANDREW

224 220 140 139.5 130 119 115.5 113 105.5 104.5 98 98 87 84.5 83.5 75 73.5 73 72 70 69.5

LINDBERG, DAVID PACKER, CLAIR VACHSS, FRED SCHRECK, KEN CAVANAUGH, KEN GOSS, ED MASON,MARK PERKINS, BLAINE BOWMAN, JEFF FROST, KEVIN SCALES, NATE KRINER, DAVE WIMBERG, KURT CHAFFIN, RANDY WALLACE, JAY

11 69.5 68.5 61 61 53 52 50.5 49 45 43 32 30 26 13.5 13.5

50-MILE CLASS

Pilot

Miles

GIARDINA, CHRIS ALDRIDGE, JOHN LONG,ANDY FRY, BRIAN GROSSMAN, JIM ALLMON, RONALD PECK, CHRIS

95.5 68 52 30 30 16 14

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II Accident Reports by Luen Miller Pilot: Age: Rating: Experience:

Glider: Location: Injuries: Event:

Greg Lemieux 36 Hang IV "In and out of hang gliding for 20 years," 714 flights, about 100 hours total airtime, 13 hours on his new glider WW Super Sport 143 Henson's Gap, Tennessee Fatal: head, neck Downwind crash on approach to landing

THIRD FATALITY An experienced but inconsistent pilot flying a new, higher performance recreational glider launched into strong winds. He seemed to be flying well, but was unable to do much except park in the wind above launch. He flew toward the landing zone and began his approach by passing downwind of a "sizeable" hill on the upwind edge of the LZ. He may have begun his descent in rotor or turbulence. An eyewitness said, "I looked up and he was half rotated up [to the downtubes] and oscillating from too much speed. He was flying very fast and overcontrolling the glider as if he had not flown it that much at high speeds." While trying to turn from his downwind to his base leg, the glider was seen in a steep, fast, downwind dive. The glider's nose, corner brackets, and the pilot all impacted simultaneously.

ANALYSIS Primary factors in this accident were unfamiliarity with a new glider, an improper landing approach for the direction of the wind, and strong conditions. Greg took the precaution of walking the landing field before flying, observed another pilot's approach and landing, and spoke to pilots regarding proper approaches. He chose to fly although 14

conditions were not great. Several local pilots broke down instead of launching, commenting that "the «ir would be too much work to be fun," while another launched but landed because of turbulence. Conditions over the field for pilots who landed just before Greg were described as reasonable at 600 feet AGL, and "smooth for the last hundred feet." The most important lessons to learn from this tragedy are controlling unwanted oscillations and following your flight plan.

PILOT-INDUCED OSCILLATIONS It appears that although turbulence near the landing field might have been important, the single greatest factor was pilot-induced oscillation. This problem has been responsible for a fatality about every two or three years since 1980. Virtually every pilot who has flown a hang glider has experienced this phenomenon at least once. The problem is most noticeable when transitioning to a higher performance glider, which will almost always flies faster and responds more slowly to input than a less efficient wing. Before he acquired his Super Sport, Greg had been flying an Olympus, an old single-surface high performance design from the late 70's. In this accident it appeared that the pilot may have excessively increased speed in an effort to regain control or avoid a downwind stall, and by doing so made the problem worse. Go to your closet and dig out the November issue of Hang Gliding, which has an excellent article by Mark Stucky on the causes and cures of these oscillations. While Greg flew well in the winds over launch, his last maneuvers closely resembled the example given by Mark, where a small yaw/roll quickly degrades into a series of increasingly steeper and faster turns. Slowing down is the fastest and easiest way to counter oscillations. Besides easing up on the controls, also make sure you aren't leaning on the basetube, which will usually transfer weight forward and further increase your speed. This is very

easy to do when you find yourself in an exciting situation, as you subconsciously try to push yourself into a more natural upright position to get a better look and get the basetube frame away from your face. A way to counter this leaning tendency is to lightly pull the bar up (not in!) to your chest when you have to fly fast. Remember that flying slowly will not always be an option. As Mark says, "If you are not comfortable handling your hang glider at all corners of the approved flight envelope, then you owe it to yourself to practice until you are." Do everything you can to understand your glider's flight characteristics across a range of airspeeds and conditions. You must know its response characteristics well before you find yourself being blown back over a ridge, trying to keep from being sucked down a venturi, or trying to out-race weather.

FLIGHT PLAN The obvious conclusion anyone would make from reading a stack of accident reports is that if you want to blow a landing, blow the approach. For one reason or another, Greg didn't follow his flight plan for his approach to the landing zone. Follow your flight plan. Your flight plan should run from launch until landing. It should include possible flight problems and what your reactions will be. Set your bail-out parameters for acceptable wind speed, ground clearance, glide ratio to LZ, turbulence, etc. Obviously, you will often change your plan during many flights as conditions or your flight status changes, but having an idea of what decisions you want to make will make things easier when you get in a pickle and need to make choices quickly. It is very important to concentrate on positive objectives, but you must always have options in case things start to deteriorate. Keep a sense of perspective about how realistic your initial flight plan is. Don't fixate on your target until the last moment. If you need to change your plan, do it with enough leeway to easily implement your backup plan, and have a HANG GLIDING

Accident Reports lr.ickup For the backup. Small corrections early in an approach arc much easier than big corrections late, because options are increasingly minimized as you approach the ground. Pilots who repeatedly fmd themselves in rroublc are either noc being conservative enough with their original Aight plan paramerers, or are screeching them until it is roo late 10 save themselves. Know \vhat you \vilJ do if a ,ving lifts on launch. or you can't pent'trate, or you have an equipment problem and need co

land. Know your approach co rhe landing wne befocc you launch. Seay with your flight plan unless wisdom dictates otherwise. If you gee popped or rolled on final, don't let the glider decide where you are going. Correct immediately, and do e:veryrhlng you safely can ro achieve your flight plan.

HOOK TN! \Y/e'vc received rwo ne\Y reports of pilots launching wichour hookjng in. The firsi was apparently discracred while doing repeated launches and landings at a coastal sire. He launched from a \.\ indy cliff ramp, realized a, the lase minute he wasn't hooked in, and kt go. He slid down ,he cliff and suffered minor scrapes and bruises. Holding on for a second or so longer would have mcanr a fall of over 1

150 feet. The second pilot was distracted by backing off launch co gee his helmet, which he had forgotten . While doing so he thought of a pilot who launched unhooked at Lookout Mount.tin os •

rt1

need to be suited up e-.uly for competition. [ can't get into ir when it's hooked

in. Dogs rnigh, pee on it. What iflaunch is tricky and I don't have a wire crew?" Am I forgetting any?

resulr of the distraction of retrieving his

helmet. Our pilot then proceeded to launch unhooked. The glider felr mange. He first though, he hod missed his leg loops. then realized he was Oying

FOURTH FATALITY Ai::. ,ve go to press ,ve'vc received pre.. lirninary information on another facaJiry.

unhooked. His immediate reaction was to gee a better grip so he wasn't knocked off. Hooking one arm over the basecube, he enjoyed a ground-skimming dive through a boulder- and stump-strewn slope. The Aight ended in a bush with minor glider and no pilot damage. The pilot felt in recrospe<:< that he should have lee go immediately. In almost aU pa.st events, lerting go has proven to be the correcc reaction. J honesdy find it difficult to criticize wha, someone has done in spJjr-=ond desperation co save his life. Frankly, the siruation shouldn'r come up ac all. You should hook ynur hnness inco your glider and prdlighc it, chen step imo i, when it's time co ffy. Check your leg loops, buc.kles. and that you are hooked in every time you pkk up your glider. Check chat you are hooked in jusr before you fly. If this isn't your routine, change

your roudnc'. "But my harness hangs in the dirt. I

Pilot: Age: Rating: Experience:

Glider. location: Injuries:

John Bemel

36 Hang IV "Excellent pilot" Unknown Two miles west of Adel (Lakeview, OR) Fatal: Head (otherwise unknown)

Event: The pilo, apparently cook off with ocher pilot$ from Black Cap, che launch above Lakeview, OR. The councy sheriff s.ud he was found around noon the next day) on or near the plateau ~oo,•e Adel, about 17 miles do,vnwlnd. The Sheriff reported thac his rocket had fired, ,nd the parachute bad partially extended, but that ic had caught on some wires (luff'lincs?) and had no, fully deployed. We are awaiting further details.

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Oistr1tx11od In North Amet\ca sotely oy u,aros Sport A¥iatlon ( ISA), Malling Add1f$$: 38·11 Ollmats Blvtl • 110. A.$ton.a. NY 11105. lef ?18.777 7000, fax 212.~2. 815$, Vi&h ~ a1 29·31 New.own Ave~ As10,ia, NY ExcluSi\~ deafer$ ol MOYES Hang Gftc!et$. PIU$ Paraghders. Pe.re,nc,10,,. Atrocilutes and MiCt<>ligila

SEPTEMBER 1994

I LFF'J: Transport to the top tit Susquehanna without hreaking down. BH!DV(I: J,aunching at Susquehrmntt. Photos hyjohn Byrne.

It has shallow slopes for beginners that face south, southwest, nonh and northwest. There arc also 40', 120' and 160' launches that face northwest. When a student has mastered these he can move up to a 600' launch. 'This school is unique in that classes arc very small. Normal class size is about three to five students, and with three instructors you can bet you'll get a lot of personal attention. It has been operating since 1982, is still growing, and the instructors have been reaching for more than 15 years. It is open fron1 April 1 to November I, weather permitting.

M1.

Utsayantha?"

'I 'hat's a question a lot of people ask, and a n<Hrnnsense pilot will answer, "Why not? It's a mountain, [ can get my glider there, ir's flyable, and best of all it has duce launches." Launch one faces northwest and overlooks the village of Stamfrml, New York. Pilots soaring the ridges and valleys from this launch are the most visible to the public, and believe me, if the weather is even close to good they arc watching. Even the local talents (turkey vultures and hawks) arc observed for their flying skills. The LZ is located just outside the village on Route Fast. Launch number two faces northeast and is about 200 steps from the northwest launch. The northeast launch is 1hc deepest

of the and the landing zone is visible from this launch. It is located next to State Route The southwest launch is the third and the newest, and is the first launch you will come upon when driving to the top of the mountain. The landing zone is in the township v:dlcy and is visible from this launch. The elevation of Mount Utsayamha is 14 MSL, and its location makes ir a prime candidate for record-setting crosscou n 1ry flying in the East. The word ntha" is American Indian, and means cool deep water (it is also the name of a lake). Within a miles of this site is Susquehanna Flight Park, and i1 is proba bly the best training site in New York State.

H/\NC CUl)INC

New Mt. Utsayantha

LOCATION ALTITUDE RATING RR':;'T1UCTIONS T'his site is not just for students, however, since the 600-foot·, northwest-facing ridge can produce 5,000'-6,000' altirude Visiting pilots frorn all over the world come to fly here. And all of this comes with a three- to flvc-minute turn·· around in a twO··whecJ.drivc vehicle. A bunkhouse is available that has elecrr1ctty and showers, and to the family busy while you arc flying there arc many attractions, the Baseball ]fall of the 'I 'heater, and state parks, all within a 1 ().mile radius. An annual bash is held every foll.

/Jrc•aucea a natum.at r·u,·rp,11"/11 available

john

263-5263.

fin

l?O.

Mt. Uts,iyantha Plyer& Organization c/o Ralph Pruit, President RD J Bmi:89 NY 13788 Starnforcl, NY 1,000' 3,200' MSL 1rm~rm,cctia1te (Hang In) Yes T'he southwest lmtnch ls c:losedatt,er Memorial

umil the hay is

cut:

FEE:c; IAUNCHBS

DIR.EC170N SETUPAREA ROAD CAMPING X-C

EVENTS BEST11ME CONTACTS

NY !3808-0404 Ed.

$20 full"year membersh.ip. There are all of which are located in notches in the trees, On the northwest, din leading up to a wood ramp, with a shallow takeoff. On the northeast, a wood ramp with a steep takeoff. On the southwest the tun:way consists of a shallow earth ramp. For landing zones there are local fanners' fields, ho,we,rer, sion musr. be granted ahead of time, Noi·thwest, Northeast, Southwest: Room for 25 Paidy to the top. The convenient: Susquehanna at Accommodations lnclude a bunkhouse with showers and ctectr1c1, potential the record .is held by miles. None May through October offers the best Hying. Ralph Pnrit (President) (914) 878-4239 Richard Nesbeth (607) 538-9228 Robert Clark (607) 547-2154 Dan Goido (:HS) ""''" "·'""''

(Ralph Pmit) at 50

SlTENJlME LOCAT!ON AL11TUDE RATINGS WAIVER

Yes

RESTRICTIONS

None

PlWS LAUNCHES

None for rated pilots, student rates availabk upon request. Foor shallow hills south, north, northeast. Student launches northwest at of 40', 120' and 160'. A 600' for II and Huge IO-acre easily accessible by

DIRECTION

Soarable

SETUP AREA

Room for I Fairly accessible, 2WD to the top. ::::.m,qu1el1,anr1a Flight Park offers a bunk house at accommodations include a bunkhouse with strn,wers

ROAD

CAMPING

Susquehanna Flight Park, Inc. Cooperstown, NY

600' AGL, 1,900' MSL

All

X-C

State parks available in area with plenty Great potential.

EVBN'.lS

Fall bash.

BE'ST11ME

May through October offer the best

Students arc only

taught on weekends and holidays. CONTACTS

SEPTEMBIR 1994

Robert Clark (607) D:m Guido 5) .,,Arv<.jJ

help you break a fem

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Imaging having this much information at your fingertips: FLYTEC patented analog variometer display with optimum viewing angle. Integral, digital vario combined with sensitive flight acoustics (ASI) for audible signals of the slightest thermal changes. Onscreen data display, plus print-out capabilities for post flight analysis.

Next time you go hang gliding, go high tech w ith FLYTEC. Call 1-800-622-2449 for the dealer nearest you.

FlYTEC :::iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Flying Tips

~a~:L·~

•

••

•• • ••••• ••• • •

t•• •

•

• .~.~ ·'.... -rTrf~· I

Figure 7. Changing Perspective

Landing

•

Unfamiliar Territory

Part II -Assessing Potential LZ's

assess it from the air. The third and final part will put it all together and discuss strategies for managing your landing options to assure a safe landing at the end of your X-C flight.

by Roger L. Ritenour ASSESSING POTENTIAL LZ'S ou have f1own many miles, and although you know where you are, you have never visited this area before. You are stretching those miles out on your final glide, are near 1,000 feet AGL, and there is an area ahead of you that presents several possible LZ's. By noting your thermal drift and spotting several wind indicators, you have a good idea of what the winds in the landing area will be. However, the fields that you are approaching are in rolling terrain, so that most of them are tilted this way or that, presenting the challenge of avoiding a downslope landing.

SEPTEMBER 1994

Furthermore, there are telephone poles located here and there so that difficult-tosee power lines may be strung across several of the fields. At this point you have only a few minutes to choose a field that, in addition to being large enough, will have a favorable slope and be free of hazards. This is the second of a three-part series on landing in unfamiliar terrain. Part I in the August issue discussed reading and assessing wind conditions over a strange LZ. This part will examine what must be known about a potential LZ and how to

Beyond judging the obvious features of a potential LZ, such as size and easy-to-spot obstructions like trees, buildings and fences, there are subtle features that are not as easily assessed but are equally important. Subtle features include the slope of the potential LZ, best directions for approach, and difficult-to-see hazards. Spotting these features is one of the reasons that inspecting the LZ at a new site before flying is so highly recommended. However, in cross-country flying you seldom have such opportunities. It is often difficult to discern the slope and contour of a field when looking down

on it from the air. This is simply due to a limitation of human binocular vision, which does not accurately discern depth beyond a range of a few hundred feet, so humans must rely on other less direct methods of estimating depth at longer ranges. Fields often appear deceptively flat when seen from above, and a slope that is steeper than your glide ratio can easily be concealed. A downhill final approach can easily result in an overshoot with the potential for injury and glider damage. Some indirect methods of estimating contour include interpreting gullies and erosion patterns in the field, shadows and shading patterns, and others that will be discussed in the following paragraphs. When the sun is low in early evening, shadows start to appear behind hills and in depressions. In general, these can be interpreted intuitively to judge the contour and slope of most potential LZ's around you. If you are lucky enough to be landing at the right time to take advantage of this, you have what is probably the most reliable slope indicator. However, you cannot count on landing in the evening to take advantage of this indicator, so you must be prepared to judge contour using other methods.

CHANGING PERSPECTIVE As you approach an area with several possible LZ's, it is often possible to judge

••

I \

•

••

•

Figure 8. Reading LZ Contour

their slope by observing them during your approach. In general, as you fly toward an area, your changing perspective will cause the fields to look different in ways that you can use to estimate their contours. Figure 7 illustrates how this works by way of example. In this example, presuming that your final glide is downwind, the longer field to the pilot's right is the obvious choice. It provides both more room and an uphill

Hazardous~

o,m~ Safe

Hazardous

Safe

Figure 9. Pond

••• •

landing, even though this field appeared no larger than the field to the pilot's left at a greater distance.

READING LZ CONTOUR You can thus use changing perspective to indirectly judge depth and discern the contour of a field. You can start doing this during your approach to a general area of fields as in Figure 7, but your judgments can be considerably refined by observing the fields while circling around them as shown in Figure 8. Understandably, one may not have much altitude to do this, especially when competing in open distance X-C where any surplus altitude will likely be used to reach the next field. However, the point here is to look at the potential field from as many angles as your altitude will permit, even if it is only from within your landing pattern after you are already committed. The information may still help you decide which part of the field is the best to set down in. A little planning can help here. Choose a landing pattern that will keep several options open for as long as possible, and use the changing perspective observations to make your choices. For example, you might fly between two possible LZ's on your downwind leg while judging contour. You then make your choice and commit yourself to one field or the other when it is time to turn on base leg. HANG GLIDING

that it would have been a perfectly acceptable LZ and would likely have provided much smoother landing winds .

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a a

,,a 'a

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RIVERS

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. ' ,~, ' '· ' ' '

Figure 10. River Bend

LAKES AND PONDS Terrain features and geography can often provide clues to the contour of a potential LZ while you are high and far away, and still have plenty landing options from which to choose. A lake or pond located alongside or in the field provides valuable contour information, since water will always collect in the lowest places. This means that a landing away from the water will generally be uphill. Figure 9 illustrates an LZ with a pond and shows potential final approach paths. Often, as in Figure 9, the pond is created by a dam which indicates the general tilt of the land and marks potentially hazardous final approach directions. Dams are usually easy to discern except for sometimes small, grass-covered earthen dams. Even these will usually have a straight or smoothly curved shoreline that looks manmade. In addition, a pond or reservoir will usually have water inlets and outlets that can be spotted. One potential difficulty associated with ponds and lakes in and around LZ's is that they often are located in depressions and protected areas that can produce tricky landing conditions if the winds are strong. I once approached nvo candidate LZ's gliding downwind. One was on a small hilltop and the other had a pond created by a dam oriented in a favorable direction. I flew benveen them on a downwind leg to keep both options open. I wanted to go for the SEPTEMBER 1994

hilltop and the cleaner airflow, but was unable to determine with certainty if it had enough upslope and level area for a safe landing. At the last instant I opted for the pond, and although I had a safe landing, I experienced considerable turbulence on final because it turned out to be situated in the wind shadow of higher terrain immediately upwind. Upon examination of the other option after landing, it turned out

Rivers, especially old and slow rivers, can be associated with good LZ options (this does not include young, fast-flowing rivers in canyons that have no reasonable landing areas). Through the process of a river's formation and shifting of its channels, flood plains are often created along the river's banks, especially inside river bends and meanders. These often make very flat and reliable LZ's, even in terrain that is otherwise very hilly. Figure 10 illustrates typical terrain layout around a river bend. Inside the bend is the flood plain that offers a predictably flat LZ with the best approach options marked. If this field has any significant contour, it will slope upward toward the center and left, away from the river. The fields on the river's other side, outside the river bend, often have steep banks down to the river's edge. These can offer good landing conditions with the final approach set up in the direction shown in Figure 10. Because of the sometimes steep banks over which you may approach, allowances for terrain-induced sink or a rotor must be made if the winds are strong.

Figure 11. Agricultural Patterns

AGRICULTURAL PATTERNS Agricultural practices will sometimes offer clues about the contour of the land. On significantly contoured fields, farmers usually plow furrows, harvest crops and cut hay in patterns sideways to the slope for soil erosion control. The furrows or tractor paths will often take on the appearance of contour lines on a map. The trouble with this indicator is that it doesn't tell you which way is upslope. A series of east-west furrows may indicate a hillside, but not whether it faces north or south. Sometimes there are exceptions as shown in Figure 11. The contours indicated by the furrows suggest that the center of the field is either a hilltop or a depression. Since depressions usually fill with water, it is probably the former. So, this field can be approached from any direction with the only consideration being not to overshoot the center. If, by some circumstance, the center turns out to be a depression that has not collected water, treating it as if it were a hilltop will be of no consequence. The glider will likely overfly the depression for a safe landing on the upslope of the opposite side. Sometimes, crop patterns are just laid out for convenience on a virtually flat field. But should this be the case, using these patterns as a contour indicator will not hurt, since it only means a landing on a nearly flat field. (However, allowing a little extra room may be desirable since landing on flat fields requires more room than landing upslope.)

Figure 12. Landing on Alluvial Fans

LANDING ON ALLUVIAL FANS Surrounding geology can give a lot of clues as to the slope of landing areas. Alluvial fans are a common geological feature throughout the mountains on which pilots must occasionally land. Alluvial fans are generally collections of erosion debris at the base of a mountain, usually at an outlet of a mountain brook or at the mouth of a canyon. They generally have a shallow to

upslope pattern (avoid)

;

; DENDRITE DRAINAGE

Hazardous

; downslope pattern (preferred)

•

Safe

j •

;

Figure 13. LZ in Dendrite Drainage

moderate slope away from the mountain, and are often fan- or cone-shaped with the apex at the outlet of the canyon or mountain stream. An example of an alluvial fan is illustrated in Figure 12 with the best approach options marked. Landing on alluvial fans toward the apex at the mouth of the canyon is relatively easy and straightforward, and is the safest option. Landing sideslope, one may encounter gullies that can make the landing much more difficult and potentially hazardous. Furthermore, alluvial fans often have loose, rocky soil that can make landing and footing treacherous.

;

Also common throughout hilly and mountainous regions is terrain with dendrite drainage patterns. These patterns exist on the shallow slopes near the bases of mountains or in any place where a large area of land surface is tilted. The patterns of dendrite drainage are distinct and easily spotted from the air, as illustrated in Figure 13. This type of terrain owes its appearance to a series of branching gullies carrying drainage water downhill that clearly mark the general slope of the land. Figure 13 shows an LZ located in dendrite terrain with the potential approaches illustrated. Approaches that are generally upslope to the whole area are usually the safest; however, it is often possible to set up an approach

HANG GLIDING

-0T Line Connecting Trnnsiormer to Building

Figure 14. Powerline Hazards

sideslope to the general land tilt, and land using the upslope above the gullies. These approaches are not always available because of slight variations, like the sides of the gully being too shear or subtle variations in the way the gullies are oriented. A large proportion of regular flying sites have their designated LZ's on dendritic terrain of the kind described here. The reason for this is that in order to locate the LZ as near as possible to launch, it is often necessary to locate it on the gently sloping base of the mountain which has this dendritic pattern.

APPROACH HAZARDS There are approach pattern hazards in addition to downslope landings that the cross-country pilot needs to be concerned about when selecting an LZ. If the LZ is situated in hilly terrain, potential approach corridors can be obstructed by the surrounding terrain. Terrain does not have to stick right up into your approach pattern to be a significant obstruction. As an example, consider one of the "possible" approaches to the dendrite terrain LZ of Figure 13. Consider the downwind leg upslope of the LZ. Even though the terrain rises gradually with no abrupt outcroppings, the correct pattern altitude for this LZ would put the glider too near treetop level to maneuver safely; hence, that particular approach pat-

tern is effectively obstructed. In this example, the downwind legs for the "possible" approaches would be limited to the downslope side of the LZ, and the approaches labeled "safe" may be limited to either a very short or no downwind leg at all. As a general rule, approach patterns are best executed over the lowest parts of an LZ and surrounding terrain. There are other subtle landing hazards that are either difficult to spot or just easy to overlook. During winter months, small leafless saplings are easy to overlook and can easily snag a wing tip or side wire. Tall grass, crops and thistles are hazards that also fall into this category. Some crops like corn, sorghum, vegetables, etc., are easily recognizable from the air, while others such as hay and some cereal crops are not. A large, lush-looking field could turn out to have chest-high uncut hay, which can be tricky to land in although not impossible. In one experience, I committed to a large, deep green field that was on a river flood plain. It seemed perfect in every way until I was on downwind final and realized how tall the grass was. It was too late to duck into another field, so I was committed. I managed to get down okay, but it proved an ordeal wading out of the field through chest-high uncut hay. In retrospect, there were no cows or cow dung in this field, which suggests a possible way of avoiding such fields in the future. The presence of livestock may be a good indicator

that there is no overly tall grass, since the animals will graze and generally prevent the grass from getting too tall. Power lines are probably the most dangerous hazard with which the cross-country pilot will have to deal. The presence of telephone poles in or near a candidate LZ makes it immediately suspect for power line hazards. The problem is that under a lot of ambient light conditions, the wires may be almost impossible to see at reasonable distances. So, which way are the lines strung on those poles around the LZ? There are ways to locate the wires and minimize the danger they present, but I still experience a lot of apprehension when landing in a strange field surrounded by poles, even when all my techniques for spotting wire hazards indicate that there are none. One of the first things to do is to locate as many of the poles as possible. If they all line up in a straight line or follow a road, you can bet that they have lines strung between them. Any other patterns in their arrangement with respect to houses and other buildings can indicate where the power lines go. A tree with its top cut off in the vicinity of a pole indicates where the power company had to cut for line clearance. Figure 14 illustrates additional considerations. AT-bar on top of the pole is an easyto-spot indicator as to which direction the wires are strung. However, there may be side wires leading off in other directions or to buildings and houses; the presence of a transformer may indicate this. The insulators on the pole itself can sometimes be seen when the wires cannot; they can give clues to where the wires are by their arrangement. The pole in Figure 14 illustrates some of the possibilities. There are a lot of ways to string wires, so it may be helpful for the cross-country pilot to become familiar with the possibilities by just looking at a lot of power lines. A sometimes helpful trick in spotting wires is to note the angle of the sun, and position yourself during the approach so as to capture the sun's glint off the wires. If you can get on the side of the LZ opposite the sun, and fly a sweeping pattern past the landing area, you will have a good chance of spotting any wires crossing it by noting the sunlight reflecting off them. The sun's glint from power lines will often make them visible from several miles away, so there is a possibility that this technique can be applied early to map out power lines in a general area while still a considerable distance out. continued on page 47

SEPTEMBER 1994

•

World Championships

The 1994 Women's World by Mark Bennett THE END Kari Castle could not believe her eyes. Annelise Muller, the Swiss pilot who alone stood between Castle and a world title, was about to make perhaps the most monumental mistake in the history of hang gliding competition. Castle had heroically blazed into goal all alone, well ahead of the field, in a final, desperate attempt to gain the nearly 300 points necessary to displace Muller. Realistically, the only way the difference 24

could be made up would be if either most of the pilots made goal with Castle very quickly, and Muller very slowly (which from all the reports from numerous downed pilots was not going to happen) , or if the same bad luck which struck Castle on the first day put Muller on the ground s9ort of goal. As the minutes ticked by at goal, with no sight of Muller, the U.S. team and media gathered around Castle, who was trying to contain her building hopes with pragmatic realism: Muller was a remarkably

steady pilot who had flown nearly flawlessly, and she would likely appear. Yet 30 minutes had gone by since Castle had crossed the finish line, and her nemesis was not in sight. Ten additional minutes slowly passed, as more gliders appeared out of the east from underneath the matted gray of overdeveloping cumuli which were beginning to drop virga from their swollen girths. The wind began building to significant strength from the north. "She's here," stated Castle flatly. "Oh well."

HANG GLIDING

OPPOSITE· Ab(Jf)( Chelan Butt,, lfftllhingwn. looking easr across tht staging area. Columbia River Gorge and theflatlands beyond ,uhm the tasks wm fla,un. Photo by Mark Bmnett.

LEFT: Left ro right- US. Jea,n 111nnbers Smrt

80,uman, Claire Pagm, K,uhy hx-\'(!il/ir11ns, Barbara Kram,:r, Kari Castk and Sanumtha Moore. In ftomU.S. uam kadm Randy

Adams 11ndJim Bo,uman. PhoM by Samamh,, Moore. BELOW: Sam &wma11 lau11Chrs fom Chelan Butte. Photo by Samantha Moon:.

Undemandably. Muller had come imo goal with over 3,000 feer ro spare; typically she v.'ould have con1c in "''ith the bar stuffed well underneath the I ,000' AGL needed ro cross the line and stop the dock. She began a steep spiral ro lose ,he excess aJricude. relieved chat it ,vas all over and char rhe victory was likely hers. But she

needed ro gee down and cross the line quickly, just in case time ,,ra.i; indeed a sign ificanr scoring faetor. She knew from radio cransmissions that usdc had been first to goal. T he Swiss ream leader's relief at seeing Muller's arrival rurned lO horror, chcn panic, as he saw his leading pilot spiral down

Championships

too lov.•, too fir do,vn,vind of the finish line to con,forcablv reach the finish line. The building gus; front had apparently caught her unaware as she focu.sed on get-

ting her craft IO\\'er, not heeding the severity of the increasingly mong wind. Along wi<h ,hose watching the unlikely drama unfold, Casde looked co the sou,h, mouth agape in complete disbelief, as she realized what a blundel' had been committed. Gusts of wind from the north buffered Muller's gLidcr as she muggled to find the correct speed ,o fly to maintain a glide slope ,o the finish line. "She's no, going ro make ii!" "She might, she just gained a bit!" "Oh no! She's really low now!" Hearts wei:e pounding, bre2ths ,ve.re being held, and prayers were offered, as the mixed audience silently pulling for or againsl Muller srared in arnaumcnc ar her desperate struggle against the final few hundred meters against ,he wind played on in slo\v motion. The sun had disappeared unnoticed behind the broadening clouds, whose virga walls deepened and turned into rain in the distance. Thunder rumbled and roared deeply within ,he darkening cloud mass. The final scene of ,he final day of the 1994 Women's World Championships rook on a surreal quality. "Un ... be... licvable ... • uncred Castle, "I don't think shc·s going co make ic," as

smcc feet would probably have been a the series, n1en's and women's, began m 1979. Larry Majchrzak and Marilyn Raines event organizers and local pilots living in Chelan for many years put all of the pieces together over the long winter work· ing under the guidance of Mollison. They arranged a plethora of things, like advance information to team leaders, local permits, public and pilot transportation up the butte, competition stafflng, media coordin,nion, site improvements, concessions, and all of the other components of a big international event. Serving as Meet Director, Dan Uchytil unabashedly used his authority to keep up the momcnmm the event. Daily team leader were concise, productive and often humorous. Pilot were handled quite briskly, yet were effectively thorough. Fairness and a steady hand were Uchytil's contribmion to the event. Launch Dircc10r Scott Rutledge and Chief Scorekeeper Lionel formed the task selection trio along with Uchytil. They strived to achieve a completion rate of 2()(J1J-50CJ11, bm the fickle whims of the sky made over- or under-calling the coud irions more the norm than they had hoped for. Tc.l their credit, both straighrline and out-,md-back I 00-mile goals were called to challenge the women, as were interesting triangles on rhrce of the eight days.

Pagen and her mt7eltttzc•af?te smile were a constant source Photo hy Marl, Bennett.

an ish l inc.

hclow I 00 feet, still at about glide downwind of the fin···

Chelan Butte in central Washington State is the springboard to the that propels hungry X-C pilots up and across the Columbia River, which cradles the burte on its eastern and somhern sides. 'fo the and lake of Chelan, the north is the latter which stretches for nearly 60 miles to the west into the visual delight of the majestic r,rngc. The top of the butte is at only 3,900 feet, which is not rnuch higher than the flatlands to the cast, hirrhplace of the booming thermals that rise off of the sunbaked grain (kids. Chelan Butte serves well, however, to get the pilots high enough to cross the river gorge and begin rheir trek to the cast, and the delights which abound in chasing clo11ds and dust devils across the benign farmland which stretches across the state into Idaho. As the sire of two U.S. Nationals in 1985 and 1986, due primarily to irs consistcn t weather and x.c conditions, Chelan Butrc can said tions. Before the competitions demonstrated a class act Lo a audience, travel to a U.S. Nationals was a gamble one did

and supportfi1r the team.

not know whether or not the meet would

be worthy of its title. The ChcLrn Classic, a popular local competition, has been held annually for more than a and with little fanfare ir regularly attracts a lot of pilots who come to fly nor just regular 100-milc flights, but more significantly, out-and-back and triangle rnsks. Instead of having to drive for three or four hours afrer as many in the air, competition pilots can often terminate their flights at the Chelan airport, break down their gliders on a cool green lawn, and be back 10 the lakc-·side resort town to relax and enjoy the warm summer

r:AI World Championships arc unlike other competitions. An international stew· ard, cnrrendy Paul Mollison of Australia, works beforehand with local organizers to insure continuity of structure and form for these prestigiotls events. In addition, he is required to be present during the competition to oversee the officiating along with a panel of three international judges. Thornas Bousard of Switzerland, Thomas Machtcl Liechtenstein, and Noel Whittall of England were flown in to observe and serve as a jury in case of any official protests. These four witnessed an almost flawless competition, which if per·

l~orty-·six pilots from 11 nations pared in the championships, with arguably the tightest, most competitive reams (in rerms of their advance reputations) being the Swiss and the French. Franc,:oise Dicuzcide, the reigning French champion from the 1993 World's in Japan, came with tightly-knit team members who practiced together regularly in their country back home. Similarly, the Swiss had the advantage of developing team cohesion by flying regularly in their srnall alpine nation, and boasted probably the strongest trio of any of the teams: Isabelle Piaget, Diane Fcocur and Annelise Muller, who finished third, fourth and seventh respectively in Japan. Visibly hungry fc1r a win, and driven by their intense team Ramond Rud, it was no surprise that the Swiss had a strong showing. Hi\NC GIIDINC

Judy was an obvious missing member of the British team; apparently paragliding con1petitions in E11rope were a higher priority for her. In fact, the Brits only sent four pilots for six allocated slots. Niky Hamilton was an interesting pilot to follow; she is a rising star and has only been fly-· ing for a little more than two years. She finished seventh among all pilots at the most recent British League meet, and knocked off a quick hundred-miler during prac· tice on her second flight from Chelan Butte. Australia, c;ermany and Japan sent full teams, with Hungary, Canada, Mexico and Belgium arriving with only three or fewer pilots each. Neither Russia nor any of her former republics showed, probably because of the travel expense.

Due to the number of short flights overall, the validity factor in the scoring devalued the day from its potential of [ ,000 points to only 630 for rhc winner. 'T'his was fornmate for the Americans, who did not place well. Castle, trying to shake loose the Swiss and r:rench leaders, unadvisedly beaded out on course in the lead, only to land after 7. km. ·rwo members of the team bombed out, and poor Claire Pagen, who made goal for her best finish ever, eventually had her photos disallowed for being in the wrong turnpoint sector, going "from hero to zero" as she put iL Fox Williams turned on her tenacity and hung on to score the highest for the team, placing eighth overall for the day.

2 fvzri Castle, individual silver medallist; pushed her limits as a world· clttss pilot and defined anew what sportsmanship is all about. Photo by The second day appeared as misMark Bennett; erably stable as the first, and there For the first time, 1993 saw a was the added component of a woman outperform all the men in strong west wind for the following a major competition. Kari Castle won the her. Displacing Castle as the tallest pilot on round. Struggling with the almost nonSandia sending notice to the world the team, Samantha Moore brought with existent thermals out on the flats, most that perhaps the gender gap might soon be her a keen intuition for quickly figuring pilots went down early, and the task from Sims Corner back to Chelan was dearly closed in hang gliding. Having placed secout advanced tactics, and a no--foar ond at the World's in Japan the previous unmakeable. approach to piloting her glider. year, she was cager to have another shot at Even though the day ended up being the gold, and dearly deserved the attention invalid, Piaget underscored her determinagiven her by the media and the internation to dominaJe the early competition by tional field. flying farther than anyone, diligently stayLike Castle, Sarah Bowman had been to In addition to sufforing from opening ing with the weak and broken lift all the all previous World Meets, and her seasonjitters, the pilots bad to deal with weak way to the turnpoint. ing and experience were assets to the rela·· conditions. And in order to be in the best Frustrated after being put on the tively young ream. Claire Pagen coninitial position it was necessary to struggle ground while flying with Piaget, Castle tributed in the same fashion; her steady rise made a major tactical change that evening with a large, low gaggle while waiting for in the competition circuit vouched for her the tarp ro come out signaling the start of after reviewing the reasons for her poor heightening skills. the race. performance on the first two days. "Isabelle Three newcomers ro the team demon·· A short task was called to match tbe psyched me, complained Castle, "we left strated both enthusiasm and a surprising conditions, but the 59-kilometer triangle together and then she circled one more amount of cohesion. With minimal adjustwas too far for most of the pilots. Only five time and rode my keel. I should have pre.. ment necessary, the group simultaneously made goal at the Chelan airport, with the tended she was not there. I was mad." allowed for individual needs and shared as 'fhc Aussie team leader reported at remainder of the field either strung out on a team. Barbara Kramer was an endless headquarters that his team had made a course or bombed out at the base of the source of encouragement and good cheer, total of l 0,478 circles, propcr.ly right .. butte. Isabelle Piaget and Annelise Muller set and although she was not a fast pilot 011 handed on this, an even--numbered day, but: course, she reliably and steadily pushed on. the tone for the rest of the competition by not having gotten away from t:he butte Having won the U.S. Women's coming in together at goal, winning the they were looking forward ro the next day! Championships the previous year, and day for the Swiss team. French pilot Katia being the only pilot from the area, Kathy Schmitt finished as well, and her team l 1ox Williams had both her rising perforearned a score that was a dose second to mance and a home site advautage going for that of the Swiss. SEPTEMBER I 994

DAY3 Chelan Butte and her glorious flatlands finally turned on. Still smarting from two poor days in a row with few finishers, and nervous about getting a good, solid round in, the task committee undercalled the day with a straight race to the Coulee City airport, only 58 km downwind to the eastsoutheast at the foot of Banks Lake. The winners used only four thermals to get there, and averaged 41 km/hr. Just as the goalkeepers were watching Castle, who appeared to be the first incoming pilot on course, a shout from the Swiss crew on the ground pointed out Muller high overhead, who came from out of nowhere. Muller began spiraling down to get below the finish gate ceiling. Castle was the day's winner, however, growling with pent-up frustration as she crawled over her bar to dive through the abundant lifting air above the lake just shy of goal. Chaos ensued at the goal, as droves of pilots crossed the line in large groups. The inexperience of many of the pilots at low goal finishing, coupled with unexpected lift over Banks Lake, contributed to the confusion as pilots crossed and recrossed the finish line at descending elevations, desperately trying to stop the clock. And they had reason to be concerned about each second; with 78% of the field finishing, each minute was worth as much as 20 points. Piaget finished third behind Muller, staying solidly in first place overall. But the surprise of the day was the Australian team, which finished with four in the top 10, with Toni Noud leading their group into goal. The Aussies as a team moved into third place, behind the Swiss and French.

DAY4 Not wanting to undercall another fabulous-looking day, Dan Uchytil gleefully announced a 100-mile task to the pilots: due east to Reardon. That was further than most of the field had ever flown before. A soft buzz of excitement built as the women finalized their preparations. Perfectly formed cumuli and central Washington's famous towering dust devils defined the course for the women, as over half of the field finished the task. Variopegging monster thermals greeted the pilots, and reports of topping out at 12,000' and higher were not uncommon. However, the fastest pilots stayed lower, 28

utilizing only the best climb rates between 7,000' and 10,000'. Amazing the group of team leaders and officials at goal with her dominant performance, Piaget dove in first at goal a full five minutes ahead of the next finisher, Dieuzeide of France. But her wing man Muller was not with her· as usual; she finished 23 minutes later. Castle led the Americans by placing third and moved up to sixth overall, but was still a bit frustrated by her inability to surpass Piaget's brilliant flying. Yet there was cause for joy on her team: with five finishers, including a stunning four in the top seven, the U.S. team for the first time ever was making a bid for a medal position. Moore pushed hard crossing fourth, after Castle. Pagen chose her thermals well, and finished right behind Fox Williams who was not feeling well. The good news for the Americans was tempered by the unfortunate fate of Fox Williams, who suffered a severe landing from the fatigue of valiantly pushing on, despite feelings of pain and nausea from some unknown physical ailment. A precautionary trip to the hospital revealed nothing broken or damaged, and she was taken back to Chelan for a good night's rest to recuperate and continue on.

DAYS With the women undaunted by a big task the previous day, Uchytil wanted to challenge the competitors with an out-andback race of 100 kilometers, providing an official opportunity to set a new world speed record for such a course. The course was due east to just beyond Sims Corner, then back to the base of Chelan Butte. Nobody made it back into the building westerlies, despite booming conditions out on the flats early on. As the afternoon winds increased, the thermals got weaker and more angular, making progress upwind a monumental struggle. With an aggressive, don't-look-back attitude, Castle separated herself from the field, and became the only pilot to make it off the flats and across the Columbia River. She was just 1. 5 km short of beating the existing speed record by an impressive 20 minutes, but winning the day was better than a failed record attempt, and she moved into third place. The biggest shock of the day was the news that Piaget had inexplicably gone

down after crossing the river gorge outbound; she never found a thermal to get up and on course out on the flats. As a consequence, she dropped from first to 10th overall. With a second-place distance for the day, her teammate Muller was now the leader.

DAY6 Again reacting to an overcalled task the day before, a short triangle of only 59 km (the same as Day 1) was called: Withrow, Mansfield, and back to the Chelan airport. At first it appeared as though this was the correct call, as the wind dummies were struggling to stay up. Just after the start window opened, however, the sky opened up as well. A popcorn sky developed, with a cloud appearing over the butte, unusual for Chelan, which drew the women up to its base at 12,000'. Visions of completing the course with only two thermals passed through many heads, and although that wasn't accomplished, there was a 74% completion rate. The final leg of the triangle had a headwind component, and being a bit nervous from the previous day, everyone held back on the flats before committing to approaching the rim of the gorge and its associated thermal-destroying stronger wind. Those conditions did not exist, but it was impossible for the team leaders to evaluate that from the ground. The Swiss team leader found himself in the position of having a lot of his pilots gaggling high, cautiously approaching the rim. Needing to get Muller in quickly (in order not to allow Castle the opportunity to challenge her position), he made a brilliant move by ordering his lowest-placed team member, Barbara Dawson, to go on final glide for the river gorge and goal. Dawson, to her delight, discovered minimal sink and headwind on her long glide, and radioed back for her team to follow. Rewarded with winning the day, Dawson finished so far in front of the field that second place only received 894 points out of 1,000. Castle had no such advantage, and flew the last part of the final leg lower and temporarily out in front, underneath the highgliding Dawson. Muller finished a slower eighth, but the scores were compressed because of her teammate's fast time, so Castle gained only 51 points of the 300 she HANG GLIDING

needed. She did move into second place, however, surpassing Katia Schmitt who struggled to come in later in 21st position. The Americans had another strong finish, the only time during the meet that all six pilots made it to goal, and they had displaced the Australians for third overall. Champagne and strawberries at goal? Absolutely! Moore earned a third-place finish by pulling past a number of floundering pilots who were unsure of final glide calculations, stuffing the bar over the river and punctuating her flight with rwo quick spirals and a dive across the goal line - a finish with style. This was in sharp contrast to the countless other pilots who still hadn't figured out how to speed in underneath the required 1,000' goal ceiling.

DAY7 After alternating berween too aggressive to too conservative, the perfect task call was finally made: a 100-mile out-andreturn flight to Almira and back to Chelan. This was the day to see what the pilots were truly made of, as the finish times were berween 5:05 and 6:12, with 22% of the women making goal. It was not a great day for the U.S. Team. They did not fly poorly; the Swiss and Australians simply flew better. Muller and Piaget were back in form as a formidable pair, finishing one-rwo, and the Aussies displaced the Americans for the third-place team position. With one day remaining, Castle had only the slimmest chance of winning as an individual. The team, if they pulled together, could realistically still win a medal.

THE REST OF THE END So there was Annelise Muller, less than a minute away from the ground, precariously perched on an uncertain glide to the nearest windsock which defined the end of the goal line. Everyone was certain that she would fly right through the windsock to finish if necessary. It was an unbelievable turn of events, yet it was to become even more bizarre. Before concluding this tale, a few unforgettable moments in sports histo1y involving interference with the playing field come to mind. In a raging blizzard during the closing moments of an NFL game, SEPTEMBER 1 994

Afterthoughts s a competition pilot for more than 15 years, sometimes at the world level, it was interesting to be an observer instead of a participant. Hang gliding can indeed be an exciting spectator sport, especially on the international level. Imagine being at goal, hearing crew trucks screeching into the parking lot, with team leaders pouring out of the doors, radios in hand, anxiously getting information to their incoming pilots. The activity gets quite exciting, as dots on the horizon grown into glider shapes, then colors, and finally verifiable competitors. Fast and low finishes raise goose bumps, especially when one thinks about what those pilots had to go through to swoop down so seemingly effortlessly at the finish line. Without question, the special relationships which can develop among the members are the most gratifying part of being involved with your country's team. Our women this year were lucky to have the remarkably generous and competent Randy Adams and Jim Bowman as team leaders. Their endless energy, enthusiasm, gentle direction and support helped the team to achieve something that no previous U.S. women's team had. Not only did they win a medal, but more importantly, they won the respect of other nations as a team worthy of the term "world class." Our class act was largely due to Randy Adams, a man with a heart big enough for the whole country, and Jim Bowman, a selfless soul whose absurdly funny sense of humor kept things from getting heavy when they probably would have otherwise. One story needs to be told about Adams and Bowman. (They owe me a beer for not telling the truly embarrassing one.) While out on course underneath a couple of American pilots who were getting uncomfortably low, they did what was apparently normal team procedure to help the women find a thermal and get back up. Up drives British team leader Jim Bowyer, who had just left Canadian team leader Mark Tullock a mile back, incredulous that the silly Cannuck thought that madly spinning his truck in circles would break loose a thermal for his low pilot. Bowyer wanted to share this anecdote with his counterparts from the colonies. The Americans, however, were busy demonstrating a more subtle method of connecting with the energy of the universe. Adams was chanting a neo-Sioux medicine song while waving both arms in big circles and dancing in a slow rhythm. Bowman, with his face to the sun, was humming a mantra while slowly waving a magic crystal stick in the air (in synchronization with the universe), willing the earth to let loose the heat of her bosom. With eyes the size of the fists he was rubbing them with, Bowyer thought better of stopping to chat, rolled up his window and sped away from the madness. In addition to having the opportunity to see firsthand what an incredibly talented bunch of pilots these women are, I got to experience the chauvinistic attitude they have had to put up with over the years. Imagine the bruise to my ego when, one day while standing at goal looking at the horizon for gliders, a local walks up to me and asks, "So, which one of the pilots are you here with?" ~

their only hope of winning being a field goal, the New England Patriots pulled from behind with a kick that was assisted by an unsolicited and unauthorized grounds keeper, who fired up his tractor to scrape off a clean kicking surface for the home team. Then there was the big CalStanford college football game, which Stanford won with time expiring, as their marching band (in a hurry to leave the stadium because of what they thought was a

sure loss), became an obstacle that worked to the advantage of a heroic kick return specialist. Now imagine, at a World Cup soccer match played in the U.S., an American rushes out onto the field and moves the goal cage to allow the ball to pass freely in to score. But he does it to allow the Brazilian team to win! Unbelievable. Impossible. There 1s no way someone would do that. 29

It happen Championships.

at the 19

World

Carl

a visiting U.S. pilot en

route to

was obviously unaware

that FAT rules clearly stale what the finish line is defined by. Perhaps thinking thar he was being heroic preventing a lesser· skilled pilot from injuring herself (on, of course, what was a completely avoidable obstacle), he rushed over pnllcd down the support lines and lowered rhc windsock. It happened so fast that no one had time to think about the irnplications, or to stop him. Unimpeded the 1 wind· sock, Muller flew her glider into the ground, crashing in a billowing d11st cloud just barely at the of the goal Iinc. UnfcJrtunately, instead of a tidy finish to a good there erupted a fern• cious debate. Although the dust has settled on that, bad feelings still linger.

the flnish that the judges had to confor with other ro develop a consensus. gave the finish. Protests ensued abom whether Muller

had actually crossc(l the line, and about how the meet offkials had allowed for the flnish line to be altered. Videotapes were witnesses were imcrviewcd, and great unease and debate abounded well into the night and rbe following morning. One brief moment had changed the atmosphere of the competition from benign to decidedly quite unpleasant.

l n the absence of adequate videotape footage that would clearly prove otherwise, the jmy had no choice but to go with the initial call that she had indeed crossed. In addition, they felt that it would be more unfair to disallow a finish because of the actions of a third party, than it would be to simply accept, with deep regret, lack of perfection ar the finish Iinc. There was, afrer all, no way to ever know what the outcome of her finish attempt would have been if' a crazed spectator had not intcrfored. Muller had won.

Por two years in a row Kari has won the individual silver medal. With the impressive showing of a number of other strong pilots, she knows that her continued on page 38

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The 11ttthor with a typim! hang gliding tow

I r

ang glider pilots have been towing since days of bamboo and plastic kites. Gliders have changed quite a bit in 20 years, and so have towlines; high-tech kevlar and spectra lines join the old ski rope and steel cable towlines of yesteryear. In addition, refinements in polyethylene, polypropylene and dacron lines help complicate our selection. is no perfect line. You need to consider each line's and think about your application and ments. Herc are some considerations:

SEPTEMBIR '1994

Consider also: " Weight Diameter Tensile strength

Abrasion resistance Self-abrasion resistance " UV resistance " Twisted or braided we,ivc "

" "

'" "

Desired line length Drum's physical capacity Nearby obstrnctions

" Water, grass or gravel road Recovery parachute Your budget

Splicing techniques Estimated life Float versus sink Cost Most of us tow with weak links up to about 300 pounds. Your towline must have

at least twice the strength of your weak link. For a given line material, the greater the initial strength, the longer it will last. The manufacturer's stated initial strengths can vary depending on measurement techniques. How long your towline lasts primarily depends on how you handle it.

WEIGHT AND DIAMETER The towline adds parasitic drag to your glider even though it is somewhat offset by the tow force, and the larger the line diameter the greater this parasitic drag. You can see the parasitic drag as sag in the towline. This sag causes the towline to leave the glider with as much as a 15-degree lower angle. This gives the glider less forward movement and greater effective wing loading, yielding an overall lower tow. In addition, some lines can add 30 pounds of static load at full tow. Tests at Miami Hang Gliding showed that the smaller, lighter lines provided consistently higher tows. Sag can cause other problems when a lot of line is out, such as pitch/speed oscillations. The tow pressure will seem to "surge," as if you were attached to a rubber band. The weak link will eventually break if you can't dampen this tow pressure oscillation.

DESIRED LENGTH This leads to more questions. How long is the tow road? How high do you want to get? How much line will your winch hold? How much can you afford? We've regularly towed to 3,300' using 4,000' of .075 spectra on a seven-mile lake. If you have a 2,500-foot runway and lots of local thermals, use 2,000' -3000'. Some of the newer winches have smaller drums, and must use smaller lines. The accompanying table shows the capacity of a hypothetical winch. The winch has a 13"-diameter, 8"-wide drum with the line wrapped 2" deep.

WEAVE STYLE Rope mills either braid or twist their lines. Assuming the same material and diameter, twisted lines are stronger than braided lines. The strength of braided lines also depends on the number of braids per in ch. Making the braid more dense improves abrasion resistance but weakens 1

The towline adds parasitic drag to your glider even though it is somewhat offset by the tow force, and the larger the line diameter the greater this parasitic drag.'' 11

our water ski lines. Operators at general aviation airports know their towlines can't fall across parked aircraft, and we all can imagine the damage a towline could do to a spectator, so a recovery parachute system is the best solution for these applications. The recovery parachute tries to hold the released towline in the air until you rewind it, protecting your line investment and improving safety.

RECOVERY PARACHUTES the line. Too tight a braid makes splicing difficult, while too loose a braid lets splices slip apart. Double braids and cored braids are hard to splice and are rarely used in towing.

SPLICING Your line will break. Whether it gets snagged in a tree or pulled by a passing boat, it will happen, and the sooner you get your line back in, the better off you'll be. Keep in mind that knots can reduce a line's strength by as much as 60%, but in an emergency you may need to tie a knot to quickly get your line in. Afterwards, be sure to splice the line before you fly again. Hollow braided lines are much easier to splice than twisted lines: you just lap the two loose ends within the other lines by about six inches, and it takes only seconds. Bad spots in the line can be strengthened by running some good line within the bad. If you are using twisted line, you'll need to practice your splicing techniques at home before you start towing. Twisted lines aren't difficult to splice, but it is a learned art. Always ask about splicing and fids when you buy a new line.

DRAGGING THE LINE Some people rewind after their towlines drop to the ground. This technique can be safe if you have enough space. Victor Toce regularly drags his Ultraline down a gravel road, and he says he gets about 200 tows before having to replace the inexpensive line. His cost works out to about $.SO per tow. Even when boat towing there are restrictions. We've had a boat drag our towline across the lake, and another cut across

All recovery chute systems try to keep the parachute out of the way until the pilot releases the tow line (or the weak link breaks), then the chute automatically deploys to keep the end of the line up. How well it does its job depends on several factors: parachute size/type, line weight, wind, rewind speed and any delay between release and the rewinding operation. It stands to reason that the lighter the tow line, the smaller the chute required. Keep in mind that an inattentive operator can destroy the chute by sucking it into the winch. Be wary of chutes that oscillate or spin at high rewind speeds.

A LOOK AT LINE TYPES POLYPROPYLENE (ski rope) - This line is inexpensive, floats and resists most chemicals and mildew. Polypropylene is one of the weaker lines commonly used, and requires a winch with a very large drum. The line is available braided or twisted. Six months of sunlight can break down its monofilament strands, and the sun gradually fades its color with its strength. This line's stretch is such a problem that the American Water Ski Association rigidly specifies construction and stretch in its competition ropes. If you must drag your rope and don't need to get real high on tow, this line is cheap enough. ULTRALINE - This is a cousin of ski rope with additional UV inhibitors. This twisted line creates a fuzzy wear layer on the outside while keeping stronger filaments inside for strength. This line will usually wear out from drag/retrieval before UV takes its toll. This is the least expensive of all the lines. POLYESTER- Most sailors know this line as Dupont's Dacron. Dacron ropes are composed of many hair-like fibers. These fibers will pull together if they are bonded

HANG GLIDING

together with a wax or syn the tic cm1Lt111g. The coating also reduces snags and helps the line keep its over ti me. Dacron is substantially stronger than polypropylene and stretches less. In addition, it is miaf fccted by sunlight and most chemicals, and is rnore abrasion resistant than ski rope. Because it sinks, it might avoid boat pro·· pcllers. Priced berween ski rope and spectra, it is a good choice for the occasional draggers. Cost··Sensitive opera10rs with chutes will also find its size and price ,lltractivc. Glidcrports arc beginning to use dacron. SPECTRA This is Allied Piber's uhra-high-·molccular polyethylene. This is the smallest, lightest, strongest towline available today. It is also the most expensive. has hair-like fibers, like dacron, which must be bound together. Colored lines simply use a colored bonding agent. is unaffected by sunlight and most icals EXCFPT BLEACH. Chlorine bleach will break down spectra. You need 10 use a line guide to rewind spectra. Without the guide, flat line will pile up unevenly on your chum, and because of its small diameter it has a tencle11cv to pull itself into the drum. T'hc line can lodge itself down and between inner layers during pay.. out, and in a worst case you could flnd yourself hovering 50' above the tow vehicle with release as your only option. 'This will also lead ro hours of cutting and splicing ro recover your line. Either rewinding with high line tension or amr.rc;;s1v·cly rnoving your rewind guide will avoid this problem. The line should tr:1vcrsc the drum ar least a half inch for each drum rotation. You should use a retrieval parachute to protect yom line investment. KEVLAR a few tow operators used this line once, but we all found that it wears itself om from the inside; simply moving this line causes i1 to wear. fr produces substantially worse burns when touched than spectra or dacron. Kevlar/dacron mix still self-abrades but doesn't show until it fr1ils. We don't recom·· mend kevlar. STEEL Wire is a relic of the old ft is heavy electrically con· ductive. The tow operator and driver could be electrocuted i it falls on power Ii nes. We don't recommend wire rope.

Determine your rcqmrements, then seek

SEl'TEMflER 1g94

(Sorted by tensile strength

Material

7j,pe

Kevlar Dacron Spectra Dacron Polypro Steel

Polypro Spectra

Dacron

Tensile (Lb.f.)

Diameter (Inches)

650 678 730 900 940 1000 1200 1300 1500 1500

0.100 0.133 0.075 0.157 0.188 0.094

2200

K 1,000 feet) Cost ($!!()

$100 $80 $140 $90

Weight Weave Drum (Lbs,/R) Style Capacity n/a

Bl'aid

6594

Braid

1.5 7.5 7.0 17.0

Braid

lll96

Bra.id

2532 1798

O· I o9 0.250 0.125 0.200

$30 $140 $160 $60 $170 $100

12.0

Braid

988 5150 1727

0.180

$170

5.0

Bra.id

2070

Twist Twist Braid

12.0

Braid Braid

Tbwline varieties: SPCB-1500 (vertical right), SPCH-730 (vertical lefi), DCCJJ..900.RED (horizrmtal top), DCCB-500 (horizont1ll bottom).

a knowledgeable vendor. There arc hundreds of companies that produce rope, but fow of them understand our needs. Most won't sell a fow thousand foet and many arc afraid of' the liability associated with flying. Advertisers in Hang Gliding magazine, your local hang gliding shop and other tow operators may be able to relate to your needs.

The ciuthor mt1y be contacted tit (803) 8850919. Sorne vendors to contact include: David Bradley, 8raided Products Division 822· I 968; Victor Toce, Cajun !Itmg Gliding Club 18) 981-8372; jarncs Gliding (305) 285Tindle, Miami 8978. Ed.

continued from page 30

quest for the gold will be most challenging two years from now. Due in part to a number of Aussies who were flushed off the butte and zeroed, and a strong final day by rookie Samantha Moore supporting Castle's daily win, the U.S. team for the first time in history finished in a medal position, taking home the bronze. The Swiss and French finished the meet with their teams in the positions in which they started, taking the gold and silver respectively. The United States Womens Hang Gliding World Team would like to thank all our sponsors, collectively and individually. They all contributed in different ways and made it possible for us attend the event and do a good job. Just Fly Aviation Gear provided the uniforms for all the team members. Thank you G. W. - very good taste on the clothing and the colors! The uniforms were very comfortable. We think that we were the best dressed pilots in the whole meet! Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing and Airtime of San Francisco helped individual pilots with different levels of sponsorship. The manufacturers also sent representatives for support of the team. Thanks, guys! Last, but not least, our gratitude goes to Jeri Dowel. This wonderful lady opened the doors ofher home and her heart to our team. The comfortable and beautifully decorated mansion on the road to launch, overlooking Lake Chelan, with a great kitchen where the whole team cooked great Mexican and ~ Italian meals was the ideal retreat. ~

Team Standings Place Country

Points

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)

17,704 17,491 16,217 16,189 15,572 15,214 12,553 6,266 5,560 4,118 2,463

Switzerland France United States Australia United Kingdom Germany Japan 8) Hungary 9) Canada 10) Mexico 11) Belgium

Individual Standings Place Pilot 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 1I) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25) 26) 27) 28) 29) 30) 31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36) 37) 38) 39) 40) 41) 42) 43) 44) 45) 46)

Count1y

Switzerland Annelise Muller United States Kari Castle Katia Schmitt France Switzerland Isabelle Piaget United Kingdom Kathleen Rigg Switzerland Barbara Bachman Fabienne Lemaire France France Franc;:oise Mocellin United Kingdom Paula Bowyer Rosmarie Brams Germany United States Samantha Moore Australia Neva Bull Australia Helen Ross Germany Anja Kohlrausch United Kingdom Nikky Hamilton Australia Toni Noud France Marie Jo Ruffat France Franc;:oise Dieuzeide Masumi Goda Japan Isabelle Le Tellier France Australia Jennifer An Ganderton Corinna Schwiegershausen Germany Mexico Monica Cejudo Australia Sarach Chadwick United States Kathy Fox-Williams Barbara Kramer United States Mariko Shimada Japan Hungary Eva Menyhart Barbara Dawson Switzerland United States Claire Pagen Manuela Y. Schneider Germany Mikiko Kamata Japan United Kingdom Pam Sykes United States Sarah Bowman Germany Hedy Hechel Mia Schokker Canada Rita Rozsahegyi Hungary Du Mon Danielle Belgium Gudrun Maier Germany Switzerland Marina Von Arx Shoko Hori Japan Maryse Perron Canada Hiraki Tomita Japan Australia Susan Hansen Etsuko Murata Japan Canada Jacinthe Dupuis

Points 6151 6032 5756 5641 5262 5193 5152 5113 5089 5076 4998 4981 4944 4899 4874 4713 4668 4577 4450 4416 4382 4254 4118 4111 4024 3829 3823 3745 3580 3555 3462 3235 3075 3006 2952 2781 2521 2463 2444 2375 2188 1844 1775 1425 1293 935

Glider Laminar 13 Ram Air 154 Bautek Milan Laminar 13 Laminar 13 Xtralite 137 Laminar 13 Fl 130 Klassic 14 Bullet Cut 127 Klassic 155 Blade 132 Xtralite 137 Xtralite 137 Klassic 13 Xtralite 137 Xtralite 137 Xtralite 137 HP AT 145 ' Fl 130 Blade 132 Xtralite 137 XS3 142 XS3 HPAT 145 HP AT 145 Blade 132 Xtralite 137 Xtralite 137 Klassic 144 Reflex 12.7 Super Sport 143 Fever 12.2 TRX 140 Bullet Desire 141 XS Merlin 133 Bullet SPII Blade 141 Blade 132 K2 145 Blitz 137 Xtralite 137 Super Sport 143 Formula 144

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Larry Tudor Flies 307.8 Miles In Wyoming InAWills Wing RamAir by Lany Tudor

HANG Guo,NC

OPPOSITE: The author over Rtd DeJerr, tf5~ming.

RIGHT: Larry 011 tow before his stunning world-recordflight. BELO\'(!; Larry Sll'Qm, who fkw 278 miks the same day, doubling his pcrrona/ best. Photos by Larry Tudor

from the Sandia Classic in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Larry Suom and his arcrac.. tivc girlfriend Diane Bares arrived from

Spokane. Washington. Larry Strom had found us lodging at Red Desert. We s<ayed in hunter's bungalows s•ndwiched between Interstate 80 and lines of the Union Pacific the main R:ulroad. Their room was the "Deer" room and oucs was the "Jackalopc" room. Red Desert is not 1nuch more than an exic on rhe highway with a gas starion. Juanita and Marvin Killian are the sole inhabiranrs of

'"ii

Red Deserl and own the entire: to,vn. It is

his: cross~country campajgn had irs

origins one year earlier. In 1993t afttr three ,veeks of unsuccessful distance attempts in Hobbs. NC'\v Mexico,

I rdocated co Wyoming co tow with Mark Malle, and Brian Dal~ - "Tho Mark and Brian Team.• \X'ith five pilo,s cowing off the same winch ir was diffoculr to launch early enough in the day. Just gerring everyone out co chc CO\\' road al a reasonable hou r ,vas impossible. Oa t\'/O separate

flights l made 60 miles in about an hour, bul got nervous because there ,vas light overdevc:Jopment ;ind virga, an <:xtrcmc

WHY WYOMJNG? Alchough I gor longer Oighrs in Hobbs or \'(Iese Texas ,vich less scress, ic ,vas obvious char wich 65 mph ground speeds on my GPS and 1.600 fpm on my '""io averager that Wyoming had more pocencial. Central Wyoming is che lowesr spo, in ,he Rocky Mountains, and rhe ,vind blows hard almosr every day. The :ur here is also very dry, cloud base is usually very high and ovcrde,·dopmenr is less likely. The drawback 10 Wyoming is the lack of good retrieval roads.

lack of roads lO follow, and the driver> were still back at the cow road pulling up pilot>. Being ouc of radio range in these conditions ,vas nol in my comforl rangi: for safe flying. I rcrurned co California \Vith n1y 1aj( between rny leg.s.

SEPTEMBER I 994

PREPARATION \V/e met at l{td Deserl, Wyoming on che evening of Jur~e 1S. Retrieval expert Tracy Scogner and I had ,raveled direcdy

equally far from Rawlins and Rock Springs. le was a 120-milc round trip if we wanred anything in town. The day after ,ve arri\red \Vas spenc organizing and moving in our equipment for a month-long sray. 11,e ATOL winch had to be moved from the tl'3iler co the front of rhe truck and the hydraulics serviced. We made a crip to town co gee provisions and

make copies of the record forms. Larry Stron1. broughc dO\VO t"''O oxygcn tanks filled to 2,500 psi so we could refill our sysrcn1s. Diane dran1atically irnprovcd the

qualicy of our stay by providing a refrigerator and micro\vavc oven, and conrributed her culinary skills and good humor. Our ground ccc,Y, Tracy Stogner, is from Hobbs, New Mexico, and he had chased for me the previous year in Hobbs. He is a sailplane p,lor whose father and grandfather also fly. His understanding of soaring condicions and ability with a GPS allowed him to stay under us ;it all times. le 41

SOUTH DAKOTA

WYOMING

-----

' 1-25 (

START

NEBRASKA

GREAT DIVIDE BASIN

LARRY STROM'S LANDING

UTAH

COLORADO

was very important to have a competent crew that we could trust when flying over areas as desolate as the deserts of Wyoming.

through roads it would stop all but the most crazed cross-country pilot.

THE DAY THE WAITING GAME The first day after we arrived looked perfect, although we could not know what was 200 or 300 miles downwind. It looked like a record-making day, but there was no possibility to fly because of all the organizing we had to do. \X!ith conditions like this on the first day we were very confident we would make many long flights. Weather conditions deteriorated over the next week. Strong pre-frontal winds raked across the desert. Then came three days of rain. Winds after the storm were north for two more days, and north was the only direction we could not use for distance. Sixty miles to the south is Dinosaur National Monument, and it is dinosaur country in more ways than one. Since Dinosaur is very rugged and has no

The weather forecast for Thursday, June 30, looked promising. Wind direction was 270 to 290 degrees. Winds were strong with 38 mph at 18,000, but more importantly the forecast for surface winds was finally below 50 mph. The lenticular clouds of the past week were gone and now there were only a few cumulus to the south over the Uinta Mountains.

LOCATION AND CONDITIONS With the possibility of a north component to the wind we chose a new tow road north of the interstate highway. We discovered this spot during an Indian arrowhead hunting trip. The name of the road is 14 Mile Road, so named because it is exactly

14 miles north of Rock Springs. This was the first time we had flown here, and we arrived later than normal because it was a 90-minute drive from Red Desert. Winds were westerly and calm to light, and the sky looked very stable. It did not have the feel of a big day.

PREPARATION We quickly assembled our gliders. The road had no traffic so we could set up right in the center. Both of us were flying Wills Wing RamAir 154's. Our harnesses were laid out on blankets to protect them from the moon dust and sun. We then began the lengthy process of packing our cross-country gear and arranging our record forms. Oxygen was loaded and switched on. Twoliter water bottles were velcroed to the side of the harness, and t\vo-meter radios and push-to-talk headsets were mounted on shoulder straps. A kit with all the things you might need for a night or t\Vo in the

HANG GLIDING

desert was stowed in the harness. Crosscountry cover bags and tie-downs were also folded into the harness. With all of the extra gear the harness weighed more than 30 pounds. Since we had lots of film and declaration sheets, we went ahead and completed a declaration and photographed it with a sealed camera loaded with film initialized by the official observer. My declaration was for distance with a declared turnpoint, referred to as "Dogleg Distance." The start point called for a photo from the west of 14 Mile Road and the power line crossing. The declared turnpoint was Table Rock, Wyoming. It is a subdivision for oil exploration crews and not much more than a freeway exit, but it was a very easy turnpoint to recognize from the air and would keep us near the best retrieval road.

FLIGHTPATH Larry Strom was the first to launch. He wanted to photograph the pipeline crossing three miles ahead, so he had a very long tow. He found a thermal soon after release and climbed away quickly. Tracy towed me next and I released at 1,250 feet AGL. I dropped to 900 feet before finding lift, then climbed in 500 fpm until I reached about 10,000 feet MSL. The thermal sheared off when it met the strong winds above. It was very turbulent in this layer and I was turned 18 0 degrees back to the west twice. Larry Strom confirmed he had encountered the same turbulence. After a couple of more thermals Larry Strom and I met and continued across the Leucite Hills together. Once into the Baxter Valley I left Larry in weak lift to explore some good looking clouds developing over the next hills. At I-80 and the south end of the Baxter Valley I dropped to 500 feet for the ritual low save. The thermal I found increased to 1,000 feet per minute and I climbed to 9000'. I moved deeper into the hills and found another thermal to 11,000'. I needed more altitude to cross the hills and reach a retrieval road. At the high point of the ridge I found lift to 15,400'. Now I could comfortably reach any road. Gliding east I saw a massive dust devil spring up from a large coal strip mine. I considered detouring around it, but changed my mind because I did not want to land in the desert at two in the afterSEPTEMBER 1994

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noon. I found lift over the mine and it quickly increased to 1,800 fpm, my strongest thermal of the day. This boosted me to 17,000' and allowed plenty of altitude to photograph the turnpoint, Table Rock. Larry Strom struggled across on the north side of the highway in weaker lift and at lower altitudes. After Table Rock and before Red Desert he plummeted to about 100 feet above the ground and made a low save with the help of a hawk.

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to us. The Pathfinder had a Wyoming Atlas and Gazetteer with 15-minute topographic maps, and roads of the entire state. We were also prepared with all of the twometer repeater frequencies if we landed out of radio range. Larry and I had an understanding that we would land near a good road to avoid nightmare retrievals. From Red Desert past Rawlins and Elk Mountain was relatively easy. Most of the flight was spent between 15,000 and close to 18,000 feet. Cloud base looked over 20,000', but we kept hitting the Federal Airspace inversion at 18,000 feet.

NAVIGATION At Red Desert Tracy exchanged the tow vehicle for my Pathfinder. Marvin got to see both of us pass overhead at 17,000 feet. A long train loaded with tanks and artillery headed west. The Red Desert is part of the Great Divide Basin, and here the Continental Divide splits in two. We were able to cross the Continental Divide twice in one flight! With the Trimble GPS in the chase vehicle Tracy was able to track us even though he could not see us. We had the trip meters reset in all the GPS units at the tow road and would relay our range and bearing to him. For example, I would radio my location as 100 miles and 85 degrees. If Tracy was at 95 miles and 90 degrees, he would easily know that my location was five miles ahead and five degrees to the left. He could also keep a course line going on the map and anticipate which roads to use. We would radio exact longitude and latitude before landing so he could drive right

IN-FLIGHT WEATHER During the course of the day the sky looked very stable with only a few clouds, but 60 miles to the south in Colorado the conditions appeared much better. To the north it was blue sky, but the dust devils coming off the desert showed that there were still thermals. The wind at altitude must have been strong, because Larry and I had inter-thermal ground speeds greater than 80 mph on our GPS's. I made a wide detour around Elk Mountain because I expected strong sink on the lee side. Even so, while passing over the green grasslands toward the Laramie Mountains I dropped to 9,900'. In survival mode I took the next thermal which was weak but consistent. I drifted over the Laramie Mountains, amazed at how wide and pristine they were. On the lee side lift improved and I climbed over 17,000' again.

Between thermals I tried to edge south to reconnect with the highway. East of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Tracy again had me on visual. Thermal drift was much more from the north now. Tracy had told me there was a strong east wind on the ground but I ignored him because I thought he was mistaken. The east wind was from a stationary front over the prairie, and was cutting under us and moving west quickly.

THE 500-KILOMETER BARRIER I was now off my map but had a good idea where I was because of the GPS and the nearby airports and VOR's. The wheat fields gave way to the vast prairie of the Pawnee National Grassland. It was easy to imagine a time when the Plains Indians lived here. Cheyenne, Arapahoe, Pawnee and some Sioux Indians all hunted buffalo and antelope here. Seeing 300 miles on my GPS seemed unreal. There was still 200-300 fpm lift and I was looking forward to a long final glide near sunset, but at 303 miles I blundered into the east wind. The clouds under which I was searching for lift were from the stationary front. I had been thinking that all the turbulence must indicate that a thermal was nearby, but it was only the two air masses colliding. From 13,000' to landing at 4,500' I only made it about five more miles; even the RamAir could not make much progress against the strong sink and headwind. I landed at the Cheney Ranch north of Stoneham, Colorado. At 307. 8 miles my flight was just long enough to break the existing Open Distance record and surpassed the previous Dogleg record of 256.3 miles set by Mark Gibson in an HP AT 158. Larry Strom hit the same east wind, with the same result. He landed just short of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, near the Nebraska border. His distance was 278 miles which doubled his personal best. Finding Larry was easy. He was waiting next to the Interstate Highway and had given us a "GPS Mile Marker." At first we were disappointed because our goals had been higher, but as we drove home to Red Desert it sank in that we were very fortunate to have made the longest flights in the last four years. We are looking forward to next year and even longer flights.

EQUIPMENT LIST Glider: Wills Wing RamAir 154 Boots: Hanwag Fly 2000 Backup parachute: Free Flight Enterprises hand-deploy 20-gore Baladava: Patagonia Cross-Country Bag Cutaway knife Eyeglass retention (chums) Flight suit: Dimension Volo Glider tie-downs for the vehicle Global Positioning System (GPS): Trimble Flightmate Pro Gloves: Black Diamond Ice climbing gloves Harness: Wills Wing Zl Helmet: Bob Schick Kevlar Brain Bucket In-flight pilot relief system Landing forms and pen Map: Cheyenne flight sectional Neckerchief Oversleeves: Patagonia Oxygen: Mountain High Sunglasses: Revo Turnpoint camera: Yashica Two-meter radio with push-to-talk headset: Yaesu 411 Vario, altimeter, barograph, airspeed: Flytec X-C kit (sky candy, waterproof matches or all weather lighter, signal mirror, space blanket, bug juice, food, water, tie-down straps, sunscreen and lip stuff, hot rod antennae, swiss army knife, backup battery pack, power bar or foods)

SERIOUS PILOTS

lwA~TEEI To Represent:

A!RCOTEC

-. --. ---... .ez \

Variometers I Altimeters

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ReseJVes I Accessories

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Join the team: (303) 278-9566

BELL~ 11•1.1111?1

Paragliders I Helmets

~wW

FOR THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT A History of the Aero Club of America and the National Aeronautic Association Bilf Robie Foreword by Chuck Yeager

For the Greatest Achievement chronicles the history of the Aero Club of America and the National Aeronautic Association-and thus the history of aviation in America - from the first balloon flights, the initial controversy over what transpired at Kitty Hawk, and the barnstorming of the "Gypsy" stunt fliers, to the buildup of America's air forces through the two world wars, the race into space, and the explosion of new aviation technologies on the eve of the 21st century. Includes almost I0,000 names of early pilots never before published. Chuck Yeager writes, "This is a story that deserves to be told because it is the story of the development of American aviation."

As a member of

USHGA

you qualify for NAA's 45% discountl Order your copy now by phone, fax, or mail for only $19.75 plus $3.75 shipping and handling (regular retail price is $35) from the National Aeronautic Association, 1815 N. Ft. Myer Drive, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209. Phone: 703/527-0226. Fax: 703/527-0229. VISA/MC accepted.

Published with Smithsonian Institution Press HANG GLIDING

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

ADDRESS

UNITED TATES HANG GLIDING AsSN. ZIP _ _ _ _ _PHONE(_) _ __

OTHER OPTIONAL MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS: 1ST CLASS MAIL SERVICE: ($24.00-U.S., Canada, & Mexico only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ _ _ _ _ __ AIR MAIL SERVICE: ($30.00-Westem Hemisphere, $44.00-Europe, $57.00-All Others) ..............................$_ _ _ _ __ NAA MEMBERSHIP: ($10.00 annual dues) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $_ _ _ _ __ FAI SPORTING LICENCE: ($18.00 annual fee) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $_ _ _ _ __

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INSURANCE INFORMATION The cost of the insurance is included in the full membership fees with the member as additional insured. USHGA provides a Combined Single Limit Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Master Policy in the amount of $1,000,000 per claim which covers all recreational flying. USHGA's insurance is valid ONLY while flying in the U.S., U.S. Properties, Canada, and overseas while on USHGA approved business.

*Foreign payments must be in U.S. FUNDS drawn on a U.S. BANK USHGA, PO BOX 8300, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80933 (719) 632-8300 FAX (719) 632-6417

(11/93)

Ill Ratings SAFE PILOT AWARDS BRONZE SANDRA JEAN CARMICHAEL DAVID NUTTER

LILIENTHAL AWARDS BRONZE COLIN LEUTHOLD SLASH MANN SILVER KEVIN McCARTY

X-C FLIGHT AWARDS 50MILES ANDREW BEEM JOHN FENNER JOEY FRESQUEZ GYTIS TAMULAITIS 300MILES LARRY TUDOR (307.7 miles)

BEGINNER RATINGS PILOT: City, State; Instructor/School Region 1 GLYDER, HAN: Portland, OR; J. Asher/Endless Thermal JENSEN, GREGG: Anacortes, WA; J. Asher/HG PG School OR LUNDQUIST, DAVID: Lostine, OR; W. Roberts/So Oregon HG PARMENTIER, VERNON: Medford, OR; W. Roberts/So Oregon HG ROSE, FRANCIS: Lostine, OR; W. Roberts/So Oregon HG ROWSE, SCOTT: Richland, WA; B. Morgan/Rattlesnake MT S2YMANSKI, MIKE: Bellevue, WA; C. Blackwell/Payallup HG WEISS, WOOD: Anacortes, WA; J. Asher/HG PG School OR Region 2 DAVIS, WILLIAM: Reno, NV; W. Harrison/Adventure Sports DUNTON, YVONNE: San Francisco, CA; A. Whithill/Chandelle GODWIN, JUDITH: Marina, CA; P. Godwin/Western HG JOHNSON, MICHAEL: Sacramento, CA; G. Hamilton/Sacramento HG JONES, GREGORY: Sunnyvale, CA; T. Cadora/Mission Soaring KELLEY, MELINDA: Sonoma, CA; P. Godwin/Western HG SULLIVAN, MICHAEL: Ch1ystal Bay, NV; W. Harrison/Adventure Spons Region 3 BJORCK, JEFF: Arcadia, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flight ELLETT, GAYLE: Topanga, CA; A. Beem/Windsports Int'! ELLETT, EMILY: Topanga, CA; A. Beem/Windsports Int'! GOLE, ABHIJEET: MOR, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flight HENRY, ED: Westlake Village, CA; R. McKenzie/High Adventure HERMANS, TIAGO: Westlake Village, CA; A. Beem/Windsports Im'l

RUSS, WILLIAM: Los Angeles, CA; A. Beem/Windsports Im'! WEINTRE, JAMES: Temple City, CA; R. McKenzie/High Adventure Region4 CLEMENTS, LEN: Phoenix, AZ; R. deStephens/Zonie HG CROWLEY, BOB: Tucson, AZ; E. Smith/Arizona Airfoils DOUGHERTY, MICHAEL: Scottsdale, AZ; R. dcStephens/Zonie HG GEHRKE, GEORGIA: Salida, CO;]. Zeiser/Pendulum Sports HASKELL, KEVIN: Phoenix, AZ; R. deStephens/Zonie HG MARKMAN, BILL: Draper, UT; S. Kelly/Sky's Edge PERELMAN, KEVIN: Boulder, CO; M. Windsheimer/Golden Wings PRITCHETT, TINA: Holladay, UT; G. Pollock/Wasatch Wings THEISEN, GARY: Lafayette, CO; M. Windsheimer/Golden Wings WAHLBRINK, K WADE: Glenwood Spgs, CO; M. Windsheimer/Golden Wings WEXLER, MICHAEL: Boulder, CO; M. Windsheimer/Golden Wings Region 7 CORDEVANT, LAURIE: New Athens, IL; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mtn FP KOENIGSEDER, HANS: Whitewater, WI; B. Kushner/Raven Sky Spons ROLIECKI, MARY: Mpls, MN; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mtn FP SEEFRIED, MICHAEL: Ray, MI; J. Hooks/Lookout Mm FP Region 8 LARKIN, PHILIP: Springfield, VT; J. Nicolay/Morningside FP SALTER, GERRY: North Adams, MA; D. Baxter/Morningside FP Region 9 DAVIS, SCOTT: Odenton, MD; G. Thornton/Kitty Hawk Kites CANTOS, PAUL: Columbia, MD; G. Thornton/Kitty Hawk Kites HELLINGS, DULCINEA: Chalfont, PA; G. Thornton/Kitty Hawk Kites KREIDER, JASON: Hershey, PA; J. Tindel/Miami HG McGOWAN, TOM: Annondale, VA; J. Middleton/Silver Wings THOMPSON, HOWARD: Abington, PA; B. Umstattd/Sky High WAKEFIELD, DOUG: Wahington, DC; R. Hays/Maryland School HG WILLEY III, JOSHUA: Middletown, DE; B. Weaver/Kitty Hawk Kites WOLF, MICHAEL: Baltimore, MD; G. Thornton/Kitty Hawk Kites WOOD, STUART: Port Republic, VA; S. Comer/Kitty Hawk Kites Region 10 BURKE, DEE: Tampa, FL; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mtn FP DAVIES, ROBERT: Winter Haven, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG DICKERSON, BRADLEY: Naples, FL; B. Weaver/Kitty Hawk Kites DICKERSON, JASON: Naples, FL; S. Comer/Kitty Hawk Kites HOOPER, F DENNIS: Percy, GA; G. Thornton/Kitty Hawk Kites HOWARD, LEE: Jesup, GA; B. Weaver/Kitty Hawk Kites KIRKSEY, KEITH; Huntsville, AL; R. Patterson/Rocket City Airsports MOEHREN, ULRICH: Herndon, VA; B. Hagewood/Kitty Hawk Kites TEW, BENJAMIN: Dothan, AL; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mtn FP TUCKER, DAVID: Wilington, NC; B. Weaver/Kitty Hawk Kites TUCKER, TIFFANY: Wilmington, NC; B. Weaver/Kitty Hawk Kites WING, DAVID: Lawrenceville, GA; G. Thornton/Kitty Hawk Kites Region 11 KORESKO, CHRIS: Austin, TX; S. Burns/Austin Air Sports MITCHELL, BILL: Shreveport, LA; J. Asher/Endless Thermal Region 12 DEUR, STEPHEN: Astoria, NY; K. Goodspeed/Fly High HG FANGHANEL, KARL: Honeoye Falls, NY; B. Lyon/Rochester Area Flyers FIENBERG, MARC; Bowling Green, NY; A. Bloodworth/Lookout Mtn FP HANG GLIDING

continued from page 23

In one situation I encountered a particularly. scary power wire strung directly across the field. I failed to spot it until after I landed, and avoided the area only because of a suspicious pattern in the way the hay was cut that suggested the presence of a fence crossing the field that I could not see. It turned out to be wire of the type used in electric fences for restraining livestock, and it was strung from a farmhouse to a small outbuilding directly across the field. There were no telephone poles to warn of its presence, and only a flim~y, improvised support in the middle of the field that I had overlooked from the air. The line was only about eight feet above the ground, which probably explained the one warning clue that I did heed. The farmer avoided driving his tractor underneath the wire while cutting hay, and this produced the mowing patterns that suggested the presence of the fence that was not there.

This, and the previous part of this series, covered a lot of indicators that the cross-countty pilot may use to execute a safe landing. There are probably many other potential clues in addition to those covered here, and it may seem like an overwhelming amount of knowledge to memorize and act upon. This is especially true in the final few minutes of your flight, when you are tired and your level of anxiety is probably already high. The key is planning, strategy, and above all, situation awareness. Situation awareness is maintaining the big picture of everything around you, which allows you to focus on those factors that are important while ignoring those that are not. This will be the topic for the third and final part of this series. ~

[+)

PANORAMIC

AV c:.. BASIS.;... SP The best - just got better!

+ speed-indication for gliders and paragliders + 200 hours on battery Standard features are: Memory for 5 flights absolute and reference altitude digital overage vario 4 different clamps available

+ + + +

+ ASI acoustics + adjustable sink audio

AV CLASSIC/COMPETITION New features from July '94

+ 25 flight memory and direct printout now on the AV-CLASSIC for: O dote 0 peak altitude

+ automatic changeover between net-vario

O peak lift O flight duration

(during sink) and average vario (during lift)

+ flight stop-watch + max. sink rate available in Memory + nominal speed indication (speed to fly vario)

+ printout of all instrument settings

This mr friendly instrument, easily prints out directly on EPSON/IBM or HP-printers via serial or parallel ports. The CLASSIC/COMPETITION supports the pilot with the maximum flight information available today!

•• • • • • • • • •• • •• •••• • •••• ••• • • • -

THE # I HELMET SOLD IN THE USA JUST GOT BETTER /

NEW DEALERS WELCOME

$149

For your nearest dealer or to order :

IHC,lt@' (303) 278-9566 OR FAX: (303) 750-3226

- -

SEPTEMBER 1994

TREKKING USA, LTD, a dw1s1on of NAS D1stnbutmg, Inc.

/1 BRAUNIGE_R

The PANORAMIC meets tough NAS distributing standards. It is the 1st helmet designed specifically for hang gliding and paragliding and unlike other helmets is built with all smooth trim to reduce drag and prevent wire and line snags. Don't settle for a copy, get the original PANORAMIC, high impact, light weight full face helmet today/ ~

FLUGELECTRONIC Distributors: USA:

Lookout Mountain Flight Park & Training Center Box 215-H Rising Fawn GA 30738 PH. 706-398-3541 FX. 706-398-2906

Canada: Airborne Conoda Wind sports 1764 Cedar Hill Cross Road Victoria BC V8P 2R3 PH/FX. 604-477-2461

II Ratings FISKE, BARTON: Fairport, NY; P. Fournia/Rochester Area Flyers GRITZKE, ROY: Buffalo, NY; B. Lyon/Rochester Area Flyers HERBERT, JAMES: Fairport, NY; P. Fournia/Rochester Area Flyers KRASOWSKI, ROBERT: RichmondHill, NY; D. Baxter/Morningside FP MOSSBROOK, DOUG: Canandaigua, NY; P. Fournia/Rochester Asea Flyers PERRIN, DAVID: Canandaigua, NY; B. Lyon/Rochester Area Flyers

NOVICE RATINGS PILOT: City, State; Instructor/School Region 1 HARNER, DERYCK: Mancesana, WA; J. Reynolds/Capital City HG LUNDQUIST, DAVID: Lostine, OR; W. Roberts/So Oregon HG ROSE, FRANCIS: Lostine, OR; W. Roberts/So Oregon HG WORKMAN, FRANK: Tacoma, WA; C. Blackwell/Puyallup HG Region 2 DAVIS, WILLIAM: Reno, NV; W. Harrison/Adventure Sports DEBUSSCHERE, DEREK: Orinda, CA; G. Hamilton/Sacramento HG DWYER, FRED: Larkspur, CA; A. Whitehill/Chandelle HALL, REED: Mc.Shasta, CA; P. Sergent/HG Connection PRATT, CLAYTON: Reno, NV; R. Leonard/Adventure Sports SPERRY, CAROL: Capitola, CA; P. Godwin/Western HG SWISSA, ASHER: Santa Barbara, CA; P. Phillips/Lake Elsinore Sports WILSON, JEFF: Carmichael, CA; G. Hamilton/Sacramento HG Region 3 BRIANT, WALTER: Koloa, HI; P. Phillips/Lake Elsinore Sports DOGGETT, RON: Norwalk, CA; P. Phillips/Lake Elsinore Sports HARRIS, SCOTT: Sylmar, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flight HENRY, ED: Westlake Village, CA; R. McKenzie/High Advneture JOHNSTON, PAUL: Temecula, CA; P. Phillips/Lake Elsinore Sports KRIES, STEVEN: San Diego, CA; P. Thornbury/Torrey Pines RUSS, WILLIAM: Los Angeles, CA; G. Reeves/Windsports Inc'! WEINTRE, JAMES: Temple City, CA; R. McKenzie/High Adventure YUMEZ, OCTAVIO: El Monte, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flight Region 4 BATY, DAVID: Denver, CO; B. Guderian/Golden Wings CALESA, JEFF: Aspen, CO; G. Pollock/Wasatch Wings DRACHE, JOERG: Colorado Spirngs, CO; R. Kenney/Prairie HG FOREMAN, BILL: Green River, UT; G. Pollock/Wasatch Wings HASKELL, KEVIN: Phoenix, AZ; R. deStephens/Zonie HG MARKMAN, BILL: Draper, UT; S. Kelly/Sky's Edge PETRING, MICHAEL: Fe.Collins, CO; B. Faris/Front Range HG RANDEL, BRAD: Aspen, CO; G. Pollock/Wasatch Wings SUTHERLAND, LEE: Ft.Collins, CO; B. Faris/Front Range HG WOLSEY, BRANDON: Salt Lake City, UT; D. Sharp/UP Soaring Region 6 JOHNSON, TIM: Pottsville, AR; T. Middleton/Soaring Wings

KRAMER, TERRY: Ft.Atkinson, WI; B. Kushner/Raven Sky Sports KORN, BRUCE: Mindoro, WI; B. Kushner/Raven Sky Sports Region 8 CONNORS, BRETT: Pleaseanc Valley, CT; B. Faris/Ft Range HG Region 9 CREWS, KENNETH: Lynchburg, VA; S. Wendt/Blue Sky CROZIEK, STEVE: Powells Pt, NC; S. Kelly/Sky's Edge GRAHAM, MATTHEW: Takoma Park, MD; B. Smnmers/Lookout Mm FP HULL, STEPHEN: Woodbridge, VA; B. Hagewood/Kitty Hawk Kites KALDENBACHJR, KENNETH: Woodbridge, VA; B. Hightower/Kitty Hawk KREIDER, JASON: Hershey, PA; J. Tindel/Miami HG LUTON, SCOTT: Burke, VA; J. Middleton/Silver Wings NAKPIL, TITO: Erie, PA; G. Pollock/Wasatch Wings Region 10 BALIN, BRENDON: Ft.Rucker, AL; R. Lisle/Lookout Mm FP BARTON, CHARLES: Winter Haven, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG CHADWICK, MARK: Orlando, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG COUGHLIN, ROBERT: Athens, GA; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mm FP FLANDRO, TERRILL: Tullahoma, TN; R. Lisle/Lookout Mm FP GALLOWAY, SAM: Pell City, AL; R. Lisle/Lookout Mm FP GAUGER, CARL: Rockledge, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG HIKADE, MATTHEW: Memphis, TN; R. Lisle/Lookout Mm FP KELLER, JERRY: Bradenton, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG KENWORTHY, XAVIER: Ocoee, TN; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mm FP KIRKSEY, KEITH: Huntsville, AL; R. Patterson/Rocket City Airsporrs KLEINRICHERT, MIKE: Lake Worth, FL; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mm FP McKIBBON, STEVE: Gainsville, GA; C. Thoreson/Lookout Mm FP McLEAN, JOHN: Nags Head, NC; D. Glover/Flying Humans MITCHELL, LEANA: Huntsville, AL; J. Cook/Rocket City Airsports OBREMSKI, JOHN: Orlando, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG PASTOR, BRIAN: Atlanta, GA; R. Lisle/Lookout Mtn FP SACCOCCIA, STEVEN: Clarkston, GA; R. Lisle/Lookout Mtn FP TREDIK, WILLIAM: Ormond Beach, FL; R. Lisle/Lookout Mm FP TREDIK, ROBERT: Tallahassee, FL; R. Lisle/Lookout Mm FP VENESKY, PAUL: Kill Devil Hills, NC; D. Glover/Flying Humans Region 12 BITZARAKIS, EMMNUEL: Brooklyn, NY; D. Meyers/Mountain Wings DEUR, STEVEN: Astoria, NY; P. Voight/Fly High HG FIENBERG, MARC: Bowling Green, NY; D. Jones/Lookout Mm FP KOHOUT, JOSEPH: Stamford, CT; P. Voight/Fly High HG MOSSBROOK, DOUG: Canandaigua, NY; B. Lyon/Rochester Area Flyers NOZZA, STEPHEN: Edison, NJ; D. Glover/Flying Humans OLIVEIRA, JOAD: Bronx, NY; D. Meyers/Mountain Wings SMILLIE, ROBERT: Rochester, NY; B. Lyon/Rochester Area Flyers TAFT, WELD UN: Lyons, NY; B. Lyon/Rochester Area Flyers

INTERMEDIATE RATINGS PILOT: City, State; Instructor/School

Region 7 SEEFREID, MIKE: Ray, MI; R. Lisle/Lookout Mm FP ROLBIECKI, MARY: Mpls, MN; D. Jones/Lookout Mm FP BRADY, SUSAN: Kalamazoo, MI; R. Lisle/Lookout Mm FP KOENIGSEDER, HANS: Whitewater, WI; B. Kushner/Raven Sky Sports

Region 1 CLAY, ARCHIE: Grants Pass, OR; W. Roberts/So Oregon HG LUEDERS, JAMES: Missoula, MT; P. Swansen/Spores Exchange POSCH, JOHANN: Mercer Island, WA; R. Gelfan/Dreamflights

HANG GLIDING

Ratings

Region2 CLAY, DARRIN: Penngrove, CA; W. Roberts/So Oregon HG COOK, ERIC: San Francisco, CA; R. Frey/Airtime SF HULETTE, LOREN: Montery, CA; P. Godwin/Western HG PERKINS, JONATHAN: Daly City, CA; G. Greenbaum/Airtime SF

Region 4 NELSON, TOM: Littleton, CO; C. Eatherton/Colorado Wind Park PERKINS, TYLER: Boulder, CO; J. Yocom STILES, DOUG: Phoenix, AZ;]. Reynolds/Phoenix Aerosporrs SUTHERLAND, PAUL: Crested Butte, CO; T. Brown/Crested Butte HG

Region 3 KUHLIN, TRACEY: Glendale, CA; M. Spinelli MONG, BILL: Simi Valley, CA; A. Beem/Windsports Int'! THEROUX, GREG: Saugus, CA; D. Quackenbush/True Flight

Region 7 FRITSCHE, JOHN: Franksville, WI; B. Kushner/Raven Sky Sports

Region 4 ALLEY, PAUL: Flagstaff, AZ; S. Mish/Bandito Action Sports DOOSE, GREG: Albuquerque, NM; C. Woods/Up Over NM ROBSON, DAVE: Littleton, CO;]. Yocom Region 7 AGUERREVERE, FRANCISCO: Minneapolis, MN; P. Caulfield/Sport Soaring HALLUM, ROGER: Lisle, IL; A. Mantas/Spectrum HG NIELSEN, JEFFREY: Warrenville, IL; B. Kushner/Raven Sky Sports SCHANTZ, DON: Madison, WI; B. Kushner/Raven Sky Sports Region 8 FLYNN, MICHAEL: Claremont, NH; R. Hastings/Morningside FP HEDAYAT, KAYNAM: Chestnut Hill, MA; R. Hastings/Morningside FP NOLAN, LARRY: Lowell, MA; R. Hastings/Morningside FP RICHARDSON, JAMES: Brunswick, ME; R. Mitchell/Eagles Wings HG Region 9 HALTENHOFF, KEN: Bluemont, VA; E. Logan/Penn-Aerie HG MILLER, CHRIS: Annandale, VA; E. Logan/Penn-Aerie HG MUMFORD, GEOFF: Baltimore, MD; N. Stammers/Maryland HG

Region 9 DelSIGNORE, MIKE: Cleveland, OH; G. Nicolet KELLY, SEAN: Wilmington, DE; T. Webster/Sky's Edge Region 11 FLEGAL, ROBERT: Austin, TX;]. Hunt/Red River Aircraft GARCIA, JUAN: Houston, TX; C. Boddie Region 12 GOODSPEED, KEVIN: Springs Glen, NY; T. Covelli/Ellenville Mt FP JEWELL, D SCOTT: Binghamton, NY; D. Walter/Free Spirit

FOREIGN RATINGS BEGINNER

HARMAN, RICHARD: Agana Heights, Guam; R. McKenzie/High Adventure PAUL, RUPERT: Neubeuern, Germany; T. Webster/UP Soaring SAMPSON, HENRY: Sc. Croix, VI; S. Makrinos/Ikaros HG SAVARD, MYRIAM: Longueuil, Quebec; J. Nicolay/Morningside FP TAFT, DAN: Kingston, Ontario; G. Thorton/Kitty Hawk Kites NOVICE

Region 10 CRAMBLIT, ERIC: Brownsboro, AL; R. Patterson/Rocket City GOHLKE, KIRK: Fayetteville, NC; M. Taber/Lookout Mm FP IRBY, ROGER: Boone, NC; B. Goodman/Blue Ridge HG WILSON, CHARLES: Odessa, FL; M. Jones/Florida HG Region 12 SHERMAN, JAMES: New York, NY; P. Voight/Fly High HG

HARMAN, RICHARD: Agana Heights, Guam; R. McKenzie/High Adventure PAUL, RUPERT: Neubeuern, Germany; T. \Vebster/UP Soaring SIMON, BENJAMIN: Ainslie, Australia; B. Hagewood/Kitty Hawk Kites STRATEMAN JR, HOWARD: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; D. Glover/Flying Humans INTERMEDIATE WIEGAND, ANDREAS: Bergheim, Germany; D. Broyles/Kite Ent ADVANCED CROOME, MARTIN: Grenoble, France; P. Denevan/Mission Soaring

ADVANCED RATINGS PILOT: City, Stare; Instructor/School

TANDEM ONE RATINGS Region 2 BARNETT, BLAIR: Hayward, CA; R. Canham BROWN, DANIEL: Oakland, CA; C. Chen RUST, THOMAS: Oakland, CA; J. Greenbaum/Airtime SF STIVER, SHAWN: Novato, CA; P. Phillips/Lake Elsinore Sports

MARK GIBSON

TANDEM INSTRUCTOR Region 3 JENRETTE, FRED: Long Beach, CA; R. Pelletier/Flight Systems

SEPTEMBER 1994

CRAIG PIRAZZI DAVID THOMPSON BILL UMSTATTD

h$" t h,~Tm.aZ

$i5 eacf, Me,l;om l,,rqe Xl.orqo

+$3 o/h (h3 sh;,./,) ·S4.50 (4• .hirls)

USA & Canada ·fnl'I will va,y. Fo, .,.1

Classifieds ~~ 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 msted cables, tangs with non-circular holes, and on Rogallos, sails badly torn or torn loose from their anchor points front and back on the keel and leading edges. If in doubt, many hang gliding 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 USHGACERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR. ROGALLOS AAA MOYES GLIDERS - New. All brands used. Harnesses, parachutes, helmets. Brauniger Basis $435. Flytec 3005 $455. GPS, radios, Yaesu FT416 $325. Merchandise, more. (212) 567-2150. AIRBORNE BLADE 153 - Brand new, 10 hours airtime. Top-of-the-line glider, perfect condition. Paid $4,300 asking $2,700. (702) 359- 7943 Reno. AIRWAVE GENESIS 138 - Perfect double surface glider for small pilot. Great condition, 25 hours, shipping possible. $995 OBO. Lorena (805) 682-9986. AXIS 15 - Great shape, low hours, heavy-duty towing keel. Screaming deal $900. Keith (602) 843-3037. COMET 165 - New bag, BRS rocket, parachute, UP cocoon harness, snap on wheels, bar protector wheels, tow bridle, old vario, airspeed indicator, two brackets. First $1,000 takes all. (501) 758-3185. DESIRE 151 - Excellent shape, 40 hours, excellent glide $2,650. (801) 254-6141. DOUBLE VISION - New in '94. Factory sent wrong color-you $ave. $3,000. (414) 473-2003.

DREAM 165 - Rainbow sail, excellent condition, new downtubes $975. (617) 893-5939.

HPAT 158 - Custom sail, <40 hours, absolutely like new $2,000 OBO. Mike (805) 238-3317.

DREAM 185 - Excellent condition, including helmet, chute, harness, wheels $1,500. (213) 874-6958.

K2 145 - (flawless), <4 hours, beautiful crisp sail + extras $2,900. Avsac black, medium harness $250. 20g PDA $275. Kevlar full-face helmet $100. Flytec 3010 $300. (216) 229-1878.

DREAMS IN STOCK (414) 473-2003.

All sizes, Raven Sky Sports

K2 155 EXCEL 160 - Fresh annual, custom bag, photos $500. Too hot for this Hang 2. (505) 824-0550. FORMULA 154 - <15 hours, like new, custom sail $2,200. (408) 754- 0438 days. GEMINI 134 - Great condition, wheels incl. $600. (303) 349-6590. GLIDER BAGS - Custom made. UV $70, XC $75, standard $85. Sail Wings (501) 663-3166 phone/fax. HP! - 100 hours, great condition, giveaway price $350. (717) 476- 6645. HPAT 145 - 70 hours, w/XC bag & extras $2,200. CG 1000 w/BRS, parachute, swivel, MHo2 system, size medium $1,200. Two Yaesu FT411E w/many extras $600. Flytec 3010 $300. $4,100 takes everything, references available. Please call Robert at (503) 548- 0289. HPAT 145 - 80 hours! Crisp, doesn't tumble $2,550. (415) 621-2199. HPAT 145 - Like new, great colors $2,500. (407) 894-5715 evenings. HPAT 158 - Regional winner, sweet flyer $1,100. (707) 875-2633. HPAT 158 - Reinforced airframe, fast, low hours $1,500. (818) 841- 8834.

100 hours $1,995 OBO. (615) 933-9296.

KS NEW - Two hours airtime. Looks great! Grey and magenta, with white leading edge. Must sell because of injury. $3,200. (408) 649- 3755. KLASSIC 144 - Sandia Classic winner, great climber $2,500. (801) 254-6141. KLASSIC 155 2856.

Low hours $3,600. (219) 845-

MAGIC IV 166 - Great condition, speedbar, aerofoil rubes $800 OBO. (505) 897-4044. MOYES GTR W/B 151 - New Tracer harness, both $900 OBO. (305) 892-6797 Miami FL. MOYES GTR 162VG - W/Cloudbase spaghetti harness, great condition $900. (512) 321-1089 eves. MOYES XS2 155 - <15 flights. Must sell $3,400 or best offer-will ship. 1-800-993-8767. MOYES WORLD BEATER 162 - With kingposr hang and XS tips $575. (909) 391-2812. NEAR NEW BALL 651 (801) 254-6141.

Ball Ml9E, Ball M22.

PACAIR MKIV 17 - Excellent condition, speedbar, cocoon harness with parachute, Ball vario, helmet, Yaesu radio $1,500. (901) 757- 5168.

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

Number of words: _ _ _ _ _ @ .50 = Number of words: _ _ _ _ _ @ 1.00 =

Number of Months: _ _ __ Wanted Towing Section (please circle) Videos Schools and Dealers Rogallos Emergency Chutes Ultralights Rigid Wings Parts & Accessories Publications & Organizations Business & Employment Paragliders Miscellaneous Begin with 19_ _ issue and run for consecutive issue(s). My check 0, money order 0, is enclosed in the amount of

$ _ _ _ _ __ NAME: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ ADDRESS: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~

I USHGA, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933 (719) 632-8300

L--------------------------------------~ SEPTEMBER 1994

~~ Classifieds SENSOR 5IOE - European, full race, 10 hours, excellent condition $1,800. SENSOR 610 144 European, full race, 20 hours, excellent condition $2,200. (716) 492-4576, (716) 492-1892. SPECTRUM 144 1347.

Brand new $2,600. (612) 631-

SPECTRUM 165 - <50 hours, immaculate condition, many upgrades $2,000. (602) 924-6132, (310) 908-9434. SPECTRUM PLUS 165 - Loaded, wheels, harness, only 8 hours, excellent condition $2,700. (505) 9824246. SPECTRUM 165 - All white, faired rubes, wheels, bar mires $1,400 pick-up Inyokern CA. (619) 3775942. SPECTRUMS & VISIONS - Bought-Sold-Traded. Raven Sky Sports (414) 473-2003. SPORT AT 167 (31 O) 475-6868.

New condition, pink and grey.

SPORT 167 AMERICAN - Good condition, flies great $950 OBO. (704) 658-9401. SPORT 167 EURO - <25 hours airtime $1,200. Ball 651 vario, harnesses, chutes-offer. (619) 7534599. SPORT EURO 167 - Very good condition, <50 hours, crisp sail $900. (714) 528-0260. SUPER SPORT 163 - Tight sail, excellent condition, pink/black/magenta, 30 hours $2,350. Call (916) 344-2900 anytime. TRADE YOUR GLIDER! - We need clean used gliders! Immediate delivery new Ram Airs, Klassics, Super Sports, Pulses, Spectrums. Call Matt, Lookout Mountain Flight Park, (800) 688-LMFP, (706) 3983541. VISION 17 - Excellent, lower wires brand new $1,200. Parachute $200. (805) 239-3483. VISION MKIV 17 - Very low hours, crisp sail, comfort bar, etc $1,350. High Energy harness $200. Parachute $150. New Uvex helmet $150. (608) 2312420. VISION MKIV 17 (413) 567-1382.

CG harness $2,000 for both.

VISION MKIV 19 - Pod, extra downtube, parachute, swivel, helmet $1,500 OBO. (312) 262-1296. VISION MKIV - Low hours $1,400. Pod harness $350. Helmet $75. Parachute $250. Vario $150. (408) 725-0608.

VISION PULSE I IM 278-9566.

Brand new $2,800. (303)

VISION V-20 - Good condition, speedbar, spare downtubes, training wheels & harness, plus shipping tube $1,500. (617) 547-2775. VISIONS & SPECTRUMS - Bought-Sold-Traded. Raven Sky Sports (414) 473-2003. WILLS WING HPAT 145 - $1,200. "Test flown by Rob McKenzie". Call Flight Systems by (714) 6397777.

EMERGENCY PARACHUTES A BEST BUY! - $265, never deployed, new bridle, bag (PDA's $300). Inspected and repacked, all sizes. Fully Guaranteed! Colorado Hang Gliding (303) 2789566. ALL BRANDS - Bought, sold, and repacked. Inspection and repack $25- $35. Parachutes, bridles, inspected and replaced, paraswivels installed. AIRTIME OF SAN FRANCISCO, 3620 Wawona, San Francisco, CA 94116. (415) SKY-1177. PARAGLIDERS

WW HARRIER II 187 - Low hours, great glider for larger novice pilot (up to 265lbs). Recently tuned, ready to fly $695. (408) 272- 7559. COLORADO HANG GLIDING "Celebrating Over 20 Years of Sales and Support!" REGION IVS OLDEST, LARGEST FULL-TIME STORE. RESERVE CHUTES, (All Sizes) never used, inspected, repacked w/new bridle and bag ................ $265 VARIOS/ALT.. ......... (Uscd, All Brands) ....... $150+ NEW, USED PARAGLIDERS ..................... $500+ NEW D.O.T. HELMETS ............................ $49+ NEW PARASAILS ........... (Large size) ........... $1,175 LT DREAi'v! 220, 145 ...... dO HOURS ........ $1,950 SPORT EURO 150 F.R .. d5 HOURS ........ $1,435 LT DREAM 185 .............. <50 HOURS ........ $1,050 LT MYSTIC 155 ............. <50 HOURS ........ $950 HP II 170 ......................... <35 HOURS ........ $700 DUCK 160 ...................... <40 HOURS ........ $550 COMET 165, 185 ........... d60 HOURS ...... $450ea. PRODAWN, PROSTARII 160 ......................................... <25 HOURS ........ $450ea. Equipment 100% Guaranteed. Since 1972. (303) 278-9566. GOLDEN WINGS 1103 Washington Avenue, Golden, CO 80401 ORDER PHONE 1-800-677-4449 Mystic 177 VG ...... Great for towing .... $800 Sport Americans & Euro Sports ........... $1,400-$1,800 Several Visions ..................................... $800-$1,700 New Spectrums in stock ...................... $Call Call for a complete listing of other gliders. LAKE ELSINORE SPORTS 31401 Riverside Drive Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 (909) 674-2453 DOUBLE VISION ................. $2,000 SUPER DREAM .................... $800 COMET II 165 ...................... $1,200 HP 1.5 .................................... $400 HP II ...................................... $500 lv!AGIC 166 ........................... $900 MYSTIC 177 .......................... $800

ALL NEW/USED - $500+. Instruction, tandems. California (909) 654- 8559. NEW AND USED - Paragliders, most brands $500-$3,000. Colorado Paragliding (303) 278-9566. NEW DEALERS CONSIDERED ucts/Trekking pg's. (303) 278- 9566.

NAS prod-

NEW PARAGLIDING RESERVES - Brand new 20ft PDA Skyangel PG reserves $385. (303) 2789566. ULTRALIGHTS BUILD/FLY - Your own BACKPACK POWERED PARACHUTE for fun/profir. Takes off from level ground unassisted. Safe, simple, inexpensive. Detailed book with sources, now only $19.95. EASYUP, 617G Anderson, Talent OR 97540. JEFFERSON AERO SPORTS - Trikes and wings. Sales, accessories and training. Info pak $12. 15120 Skelton Rd, Jefferson OR 97352. (503) 327-1730 . WANTED NORTH & SOUTH DAKOTA - Where are your flying sites? (303) 824-2454 leave message. WANTED - Old issues of Hang Gliding and Ground Skimmer magazines. (518) 398- l 069 Tom. WANTED - Used hang gliding equipment. Gliders, instruments, harnesses and parachutes. Airtime of San Francisco, 3620 Wawona, San Francisco, CA 94116. (415) SKY-1177. SCHOOLS & DEALERS ALABAMA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK ad under Georgia. (800) 688- LMFP.

See

ROCKET CITY AlRSPORTS - Sales, rentals, service and certified instruction at Keel Mountain, Gurley, Alabama. For information send SASE and $1 to 301-A Franklin Street, Huntsville AL 8801. We buy used equipment. (205) 880-8512, (205) 6514422.

HANG GLIDING

Classifieds ARIZONA ADVENTURE SPORTS TOURS - Certified instruction utilizing the world's first man-made training hill plus other sites which all face every wind direction. Dealer for Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing, Ball and High Energy, 1327 E. Bell De Mar Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283 (602) 897-7121. ARIZONA HANG GLIDING CENTER INC. The only full time shop in the state! Dealer for all major brands. Certified training program utilizing extensive tandem instruction. We can teach you more in less time, see what a difference full service makes. (602) 772- 4114. DESERT HANG GLIDERS - USHGA certified instruction. Supine specialists. 4319 W. Larkspur, Glendale, AZ 85304. (602) 938-9550. ZONIE HG - Tandem specialist. USHGA, FAA certified instruction, CFII/MEI ATP. 4326 W. Mariposa Grande, Glendale 85310. (602) 582- 4471. ARKANSAS

COMPACT WINGS PARAGLIDING - Tandem, Class III certified instructor. All major brands. Yearround flying. Best Southern California site. (909) 654-8559. FLIGHT SYSTEMS - New location. Dealer for the BIG THREE, WILLS WING, PACIFIC AIRWAVE and MOYES. All kinds of accessories. I understand the existing pilots need to get a sweet deal! I need trade-ins. Call me last. "I'll ear a bug." DAN SKADAL@ FLIGHT SYSTEMS, 1915B E. Karella, Orange CA 92667. 714-(new)639-7777. HANG GLIDER EMPORIUM - Best training hill in the wesr! Full service hang gliding/paragliding shop, established 1974. PO Box 41339, Santa Barbara CA 93140-1339, (805) 965-3733. THE HANG GLIDING CENTER - Located in beautiful San Diego. USHGA instruction, equipment rentals, local flying tours. Spend your winter vacation flying with us. We proudly offer Wills Wing, Pacific Airwave, High Energy, Ball and we need your used equipment. PO Box 1049, Lakeside CA 92040, (619) 561-1009.

OZARK MOUNTAIN HANG GLIDERS - Sales, service and instruction. 160 Johnston Rd, Searcy AR 72143. (50 I) 279-2480.

ACTION SOARING CENTER - In Lodi near Stockton. Personalized USHGA certified instruction, sales and service. Emphasis on special skills, techniques, launching & landing. Demo's. Ask about cow clinic. (209) 368-9665. AIRTIME OF SAN FRANCISCO - HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING. Complete, safe & fun, USHGA certified training program. Mountain clinics & ground schools. ALL MAJOR BRANDS. Quality airframe and sewing by factory trained repair technicians. Parachute services. Large selection of 2nd hand gear (buy & sell). Rentals available. Next to Fort Funston. The only full service shop in San Francisco! 3620 Wawona, San Francisco CA 94116. (415) 7591177. CHANDELLE SAN FRANCISCO, INC. Complete hang gliding and paragliding sales, service and instruction since 1973. Northern California's most complete repair facility. New and used equipment and demo's, lesson packages, clinics and tandem lessons. 1595 E Francisco Blvd Ste F, San Rafael CA 94901, (415)-GLIDING.

MISSION SOARING CENTER - Serving the flying community since 1973. Complete pilot training program with special attention to take-off and landing skills. Custom superlite training gliders. Comfortable training harnesses! Deluxe retail shop. \'(fills, PacAir, UP, demos, new gliders in stock! Best trade-in prices. Try all the new harnesses in our simulator. Large selection of specialized equipment, beginner to XC. 1116 Wrigley Way, Milpitas (near San Jose) CA 95035. (408) 262-1055. TOP FLITE HANG GLIDING - USHGA certified instruction. Hang gliders & supplies. Servicing Merced, Modesto & Stockton areas. (209) 874- 1795. TRUE FLIGHT HANG GLIDING & SOARING SCHOOL - The only shop at world famous Kagel mountain in Los Angeles. We offer USHGA certified instruction and sales of most all major brands of hang gliding equipment. Our shop is fully stocked with parts and accessories, rental gear and all cross country gear. '11Ve have a sewing shop in- house rhar makes the MANTIS harnesses. \'(le are the most complete full service shop in the Los Angeles area and we have been training quality hang glider pilots for over fifteen years. We are located at 13525 Eldridge Avenue, Sylmar, California 91342. 1-800-894-5433, fax (818) 367-0419. WINDSPORTS - LA's largest since 1974. Fifteen minutes from LAX. Central to Sylmar, Crestline, Elsinore and training sites. Vacarion training, flying and glider sales packages including lodging and rentals. The most popular gliders and equipment, new and used in srock. Trade in your old equipment. 325 sunny days each year. Come fly with us! 16145 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys CA 91406. (818) 9880111, Fax (818) 988-1862.

CALIFORNlA A BEAUTIFUL SOARING EXPERIENCE Awaits you at Torrey Pines Glider Port, a full service USHGA certified hang gliding & paragliding school located on rhe most soarable coastal cliffs in the nation. On-site training hill and tandem instruction using the new dual purpose, lightweight carbon fiber XTC 205 for both (fly tandem on rhe same glider you use on the training hill). New/used gliders, equipment in stock. Buy/trade used gliders/gear, rentals, glider repair. Get UP. 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla CA 92037. (619) 452-3202.

HIGH ADVENTURE - Hang gliding, paragliding school. Equipment sales, service, rentals at Southern California's mile high site, Crestline. USHGA Instructor Rob McKenzie. By appointment year round. (909) 883-8488.

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tff'NCi GLIDING obol3ICYCLING Pf'Rf'GLIDING FULL SERVICE SHOP - Located at the base of the mountain on Hwy 74. Dealers of Moyes, UP, PacAir, Flyrec, Ball, High Energy, Avocer & more. Call for free area info pack. Open daily 9-6. Rentals available. Visa & Mastercharge accepted.

WRIGHT BROTHERS WINGS - Friendly USHGA certified instruction in the Modesto area. UP, Pacific Airwave, Ball, BRS, High Energy and more. (209) 586-6012 Sonora CA. COLORADO GOLDEN WINGS - Lessons, sales & service. USHGA certified instruction. 1103 Washington Avenue, Golden CO 80401. (303) 278- 7181. LID ENTERPRISES - Sail and harness repair Equipment manufacturing - Towing supplies - 5000 Burce #183, Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 440- 3579. TELLURIDE AIR SPORTS - Moyes, Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing, Flytec & Ball. PO Box 2076, Telluride CO 81435. (303) 728-9525. CONNECTICUT MOUNTAIN 'Xf!NGS- Look under New York. FLORIDA

LAKE ELSINORE WINDGYPSY - Airwave, Moyes. Call for site information. (909) 679-8994.

CENTRAL FLORIDA FLYERS - Teaching hang gliding in Florida for 14 years. Complete hang gliding training, offering certified tandem boat tow and aerorow instruction. Sales and service for all major glider and equipment manufacturers. Call (407) 894-5715 evenings.

SEPTEMBER 1994

~~ Classifieds FLORIDA HANG GLIDING INC. FLYING FLORIDA SINCE 1974 AEROTOW AT THE WALLABY RANCH YEAR ROUND SOARING 7 DAYS A WEEK 8 MILES FROM DISNEY/ORLANDO Certified tandem instruction. Demo all the latest Moyes flying machines. Rentals, sales, storage, ratings, xc retrieval. Camping, swimming pool, picnic, family scene. Call (813) 424-0070 ranch phone/fax, (407) 896-7311 evenings. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK Nearest hang gliding mountain training center to Florida. See ad under Georgia.

NO MORE BUNNY... THE HILL WITH IT!

KANSAS

NEW YORK

PRAIRIE HANG GLIDERS - Bed & breakfast. Full service school & dealer. Great towing & XC packages. (316) 697-2577.

AAA SOARING CENTER - MOUNTAIN WINGS INC. at the base of the ELLENVILLE MOUNTAIN. FuH time professional, certified hang gliding and paragliding insrrucrion. We have been the largest, most complete hang gliding center in the NE for the past 14 years. Dealer for Pacific Airwave, UP, Seedwings, Enterprise Wings. We are the only dealer in the ease for Bright Stars "Swift". We also offer Edel, High Energy, CG, Second Chantz, Ball, Flytec, Cloudbase, Litek, Alinco, Maxon, Brauniger, Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu, GPS systems, Wheels, Uvex, Reflex, Trek, Air. We stock full face helmets, books, varios, hand fairings, tubing, speed bars, parachutes, camelbaks, liquipacs, clothing, gloves and more. We offer expert repairs, inspections, sewing, harness modifications, repacks, towing, tandems, seminars and ICP clinics. We specialize in first mountain flights with three way radios. Info on flying Ellenville Mountain and other nearby sites. Demos in stock. YOUR ONE STOP HANG GLIDER SHOP. 150 CANAL STREET, ELLENVILLE NY 12428. (914) 647-3377 OR 1-800-525-7850. Visa, MC, Discover. Catalog available. Same day UPS on mail orders. Give us a chance to beat any legit price.

MICHIGAN PRO HANG GLIDERS - Michigan's most experienced USHGA certified school. Teaching 17 years. Impeccable safety record, zero injuries. PG. FULL TIME, FULL SERVICE facility. Stationary winch step towing ro 2,000'. Congratulations Jimmy-altitude record 9,200'. Also Frank, Michael, Shane & Norm for early summer XC flights. Please lee me serve you. Call Norm Lesnow (810) 399-9433. Advanced Instructor, Examiner, Tow Administrator. TRAVERSE CITY HANG GLIDERS/PARAGLIDERS - FULL-TIME shop. Certified instruction, foot launch and tow. Sales, service, accessories for ALL major brands. VISA/MASTERCARD. Come soar our 450' dunes! 1509 E 8th, Traverse City MI 49684. Call Bill at (616) 922-2844. MINNESOTA

WE HAVE - The most advanced training program known to hang gliding, teaching you in half the time it takes on the training-BUNNY HILL, and with more in-flight air time. YES, WE CAN TEACH YOU FASTER AND SAFER. For year-round training fun in the sun, call or write Miami Hang Gliding (305) 285-8978. 2640 S Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133.

SPORT SOARING CENTER/MINNEAPOLIS Instruction, equipment dealers for Wills Wing, Pacific Airwave & Edel. (612) 557-0044. NEVADA ADVENTURE SPORTS - Sierra tours our specialty - USHGA certified school and ratings. Dealers for Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing, UP, Enterprise Wings. Fly the Sierras with a full-service shop. 3650 Research Way, Carson City, NV 89706 (702) 883-7070.

IKAROS HANG GLIDING - NYC's only certified school. Exclusive MOYES dealer. (212) 567-2150.

GEORGIA NEW JERSEY LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK America's #1 hang gliding school, since 1978. Find out why four times as many pilots earn their mountain wings ac Lookout! Complete certified trainingfirst day to mountain soaring, best facilities in USA. We wrote USHGA's Official Flight Training Manual! Our specialty customer satisfaction. Lesson packages, racings, glider rentals. Largest inventory new/used hang gliders, equipment. Complete sail/airframe repairs. Camping, swimming pool. Send $2 for information. Route 2, Box 215-H, Rising Fawn GA 30738 (20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee) (800) 688- LMFP, (706) 398-3541. ILLINOIS RAVEN SKY SPORTS - (312) 360-0700 or (708) 360-0700. Please see our ad under WISCONSIN.

Look under New York.

NEW MEXICO

VP OVER NEW MEXICO - Instruction, sales, service. Sandia Mountain guides. Wills, Pacific Airwave. Albuquerque, NM (505) 821-8544.

JJ MITCHELL -

TANDEM. UP, PacAir dealer. 6741 Columbia Ave., Hammond, IN 46324 (219) 845-2856. See ad under parts.

FLIGHT PARK SUSQUEHANNA Cooperstown, NY. Certified Instruction, Sales and Service for all major manufacturers. 40 acre park, 5 training hills, jeep rides, bunk house, camping, hot showers, 600' NW ridge. We have the best facilities in N. New York state to teach you how to fly. RD 2, Box 348A, Cooperstown, NY 13326, (315) 8666153. NORTH CAROLINA

FAX your classified ad, membership renewal or merchandise order:

(719) 632-6417. We

INDIANA

KENTUCKIANA SOARING -

MOUNTAIN WINGS -

FLY HIGH HANG GLIDING, INC. - Serving S. New York, Connecticut, Jersey areas (Ellenville Mtn.). Area's EXCLUSIVE Wills Wing dealer/specialise. Also all other major brands, accessories. Certified school/instruction. Teaching since 1979. Area's most INEXPENSIVE prices/repairs. ExceHenc secondary instruction ... if you've finished a program and wish to continue. Fly the mountain! ATOL towing! Tandem flights! Contact Paul Voight, 5163 Searsville Rd, Pine Bush, NY 12566, (914) 744-3317.

gladly accept VISA and MasterCard.

COROLLA FLIGHT -America's most experienced tandem flight instructor, teaches utilizing ATOL and Double Vision. Call or write for information Greg DeWolf, Corolla Flight, PO Box 1021, Kitty Hawk NC 27949. (919) 261-6166 KITTY HA\VK KITES, INC. - P.O. Box 1839, Nags Head, NC 27959 (919) 441-4124. Learn to hang glide on Jockey's Ridge, the largest sand dune on the east coast, just south of where the Wright Brothers' first flight cook place, Beginner and advanced lesson packages and camps offered. Advanced tandem tow instruction, 1500 fc. plus up. Dealer for all major brand gliders, complete invento1y of new and used gliders, accessories and parts.

RAVEN SKY SPORTS - (414) 473-2003. Please see our ad under WISCONSIN.

HANG GLIDING

Classifieds OHIO MARIO MANZO - SW Ohio foot launched instruction and glider repair. (513) 848-3520 weekday eves.

TOTAL AIR SPORTS - Area's OLDEST Wills Wing dealer. Certified instruction available. "I only DEAL with WILLS". 6354 Limestone, Houston TX 77092. (713) 956-6147.

PARTS &ACCESSORIES

UTAH NORTH COAST HANG GLIDING - Certified Instruction. New & used gliders. Specializing in Pacific Airwave gliders. Mike Del Signore, 1916 W. 75th St., Cleveland, OH. 44102 (216) 631-1144. OREGON AIRTIME OREGON - Hang gliding sales, repairs & certified instruction. Emphasizing safety=progress. Dealer for \Y/W, PacAir, Moyes, UP, ASU, Airtek & Edel paragliders, Center of Gravity, BRS, HES, Second Chanez, Raymond, NAS & more. Call Tom (503) 998-1220. SOUTHERN OREGON HANG GLIDING Certified instruction, ATV retrieval. Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing, UP. (503) 479-5823. PENNSYLVANIA MOUNTAIN TOP RECREATION - Certified instruction, Pittsburgh. (412) 697-4477. C'MON OUT AND PLAY! MOUNTAIN WINGS -

REBEL \Xf!NGS HANG GLIDING - USHGA certified instruction. Operations conducted at Bauer Ridge and Jedi Jump. Dealer for UP, PacAir, High Energy, Ball. Mountain tours, service & repairs. (801) 882-7042. SOUTHWIND HANG GLIDING INC. - USHGA certified, tandem instruction. Beginner-advanced, yearound soaring, XC clinics. Dealer for: UP, PacAir, Airborne, High Energy, Ball, Brain Bucket. Call Bob Schick at (801) 359-6036. UP SOARING CENTER - Full service hang gliding & paragliding school. USHGA certified instruction (year-round) at the nation's most consisrenrly soarable sire (minutes away). New/used gliders, equipment in stock. Buy/trade used gear. Airframe/sail repairs performed at facto1y. Mountain clinics, tandem, ratings, ICP's, rentals, seminars, pilots lounge/videos, near-by camping/morels. 12665 S. rvlinureman Dr., Draper UT 84042 (20 minutes from Salt Lake City). (80 I) 576-6460, fax (80 I) 576-6482. lv[C/Visa accepted.

Look under New York. VULTURE GLIDERS - Superior USHGA instruction at Point of ]\fountain. Sales, service shop 10 minutes from Point. Charles (801) 254-6141.

TENNESSEE ALPINE LODGE - Ar Raccoon Mountain, formerly Crystal Air Sport Morel. Private rooms, bunkhouse, jacuzzi, pool. Work program. (615) 821-2546 Chattanooga, Chuck or Shari. HAWK AIRSPORTS INC - P.O. Box 9056, Knoxville, TN 37940-0056, (615) 933-9296. Hang Gliding and Windsoks. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK ad under Georgia.

See

WASATCH WINGS- USHGA certified hang gliding school, dealers for Wills Wing, Moyes and Pacific Airwave. Flight operations at Point of the Mountain. Call Gordon (80 I) 277-1042.

Business Week's Product of the Year

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VIRGINIA BLUE SKY - Quality instruction, custom sewing, repairs, rowing. PacAir, \Y/\Y/, HES, Ball. (703) 4326557. KITTY HAWK KITES -

TEXAS

ALL NEW ULTRA-LIGHT LAMBIE LID - The lightest, most comfortable hang glider helmet. Aerodynamic, low turbulence, low drag shape. Hightech look. Finish is clear resin over rhe gold/black weave of the super-strong carbon/kevlar outer shell. Open face, only 12 oz., price $175. Integral full face version, only 17 oz. $235 includes headset installation. Measure around head and from bottom of earlobe over top to bottom of earlobe for custom fit. From the designer, Jack Lambie, 8160 Woodboro, Anaheim CA 92807. Phone and fax (714) 779-1877.

See North Carolina.

CUP.KUH .',',AX t,'IG

,\LTITUDE

A.A.S. AUSTIN AIR SPORTS -

Certified instruc-

tion, sales and service for rnost rnajor tnanufaccurers.

Tandem instruction available. Tow- launched training programs for Hang I-Hang IV pilots. Mountain flying in Mexico year round. Write to Steve Burns at 1712 Waterson, Austin TX 78703 or call Austin (512) 4741669, Housron (713) 471- 1488, or San Antonio (210) 824-1803. K[TE ENTERPRISES - Instruction, sales, repairs, rowing and foot launch. Dallas & North Texas area. 21 I Ellis, Allen TX 75002. (214) 390-9090 anytime. Dealer, Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing. RED RIVER AIRCRAFT - AUSTIN (512) 4672529. FT. WORTH (817) 921- 6957. Quality instruction, tours/guides/rowing/glider service. Texas' leading PacAir and Wills dealer. 4811 Red River, Austin, TX 78751 *"3108 Frazier, Fr. Worth TX 76110.

SEPTEMBER 1994

SILVER \Xf!NGS, INC. - Certified hg/pg instruction and equipment sales. Proudly representing Pacific Airwave, Wills Wing, Seedwings & UP. (703) 5331965 Arlington VA. WISCONSIN RAVEN SKY SPORTS HANG GLIDING AND PARAGLIDING - Largest and most popular in the Midwest. Traditional curriculum, ridge soaring, mountain clinics, Dragonfly aerorowing & tandems by Brad Kushner. Sales/service/accessories for all major brands. PO Box 101, Whitewater WI 53190 (414) 473-2003.

NEW! Pilot version now available. Highly accurate temperature compensated altimeter to 60,000 feet in 10 foot increments. Records your highest alrirude and best climb. Displays temperature, barometric pressure and trends. Fully adjustable wristband can be worn over your flight suit for quick access and easy viewing. The only light aviation instrument that can record total vertical feet. All functions in Imperial or metric. Only $120 includes U.S. continental shipping within 24 hours. Visa/MC accepted. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! 30 DAY MONEY BACK, 2 YEAR REPLACEMENT WARRANTY. Call Owens Valley Soaring (619) 387-2673.

~~ Classifieds

ALTIMETER/VARIOMETER ghl8000 - Ultraquick response rate, accurate, small and lightweight, 100 hour battery life, 2-year warranty $279. Cloudbase Instruments, 2464 El Camino Real, Suite 220, Santa Clara CA 95051. (408) 243-6021.

CLOUDBASE HARNESSES - Great harnesses at a great price. Factory direct saves you money. Pods, spaghetti's, cocoons, knee-hangers, training harnesses, custom designs and repairs. Quality harnesses since 1972. Cloudbase/Chris Smith, RR 1 Box 660, Rising Fawn GA 30738. (706) 398-3964.

BALL M50 - With everything $600 OBO. New oxygen systems with oxymizer $150 each. (717) 476-6645.

HIGH PERSPECTIVE WHEELS-REAL LIFE SAVERS! - 12", light, tough. Fits all gliders. Send $37 + $3.95 shipping per pair to Sport Aviation, PO Box 101, Mingoville PA 16856. Ask about our dealer prices.

BALL VARIO - $250. High Energy pod w/chute and bag, for 6'-6'1" pilot $450. Curt (602) 636-9084.

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CAMERA REMOTE - Easy, versatile, fits most cameras. No special receptacle required. INTRODUCTORY OFFER $45 (ask about our $10 rebate). Tek Flight Products, Colebrook Stage, Winsted CT 06098. (203) 379-1668. (Camera not included.) JUST FLY DINGLEBALLS 3596.

$9.95. 1-800-546-

BEST 12" WHEELS AVAILABLE - Super tough, lightweight, a must for training, tandem flying. Builtin bushings. Only USA-built 12" wheel. $42.95, quantity discounts. Immediate delivery. Lookout Mountain, (800) 688-LMFP.

HANG GLIDER CAMERA MOUNT - Shown on 2-1 /2" cube, $39.50 includes shipping. TEK FLIGHT PRODUCTS, Colebrook Stage, Winsted CT 06098. (203) 379-1668 (Camera not included).

BOLT-ON WHEELS - Best removable intermediate/advanced wheels. Sturdy, tough, 6" diameter. \Von't pop off basetube like snap-on's. Separate hub has hole for VG string though it, remains on basetube. Removable wheel halves screw together using thumb screws. $99/set, quantity discounts. Immediate delivery. Lookout Mountain Flight Park, (800) 688LMFP, (706) 398-3541.

Your ad is read by more than 10,000 hang gliding enthusiasts. Advertise with us today.

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maxon

sP-2CXXJ Series

10-CHANNEL PROGRAMMABLE MAXON SP 2550 - 5 watt two-way radio with charger. Three USHGA, three weather, four programmable frequencies. Durable, rugged, easy to use. Nicad battery (typical 10 hour). Pilots #1 choice! Special $349. Additional options available. Lookout Mountain Flight Park, (800) 688-LMFP, (706) 398-3541.

HANG GLIDING

Classifieds

OXYGEN SYSTEMS From Mountain High E&S CO. 516 12th Avenue, Salt lake City UT 84103 USA. 1-800-468-8185, local (801) 364-4171, fax (801) 364-6207. Major credit cards.

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NAS RADIO AIRMICS - System eliminates all need for microphone. Virtual hands free operation allows ymt to talk and hear through a special patented ear plug. Transmission and reception is crystal clear

QUICK RELEASE CARABINER - $49.95. Extra ball lock pin, $29.00. 10,000 lbs., dealers welcome, patent pending. Thermal 19431-41 Business Center Drive, Northridge, CA 91324. (818) 701-7983.

because there is no wind noise. Satisfaction guaran-

teed. Complete with custom ear fit system. lv!oumable in ANY helmet. $ l 70ea. (303) 278-9566. -~-'----

EDS-70 31b competition system (with TR-55), or EDS-180, both Owen's Valley proven, either system $799.95.

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RALv! AIR T-SHIRTS - Logo on back of white cotton. Short sleeve $15 +$3 s/h ea. Specify size. Send to: Bruce Barmakian, 10909 Rollins Ct., Alta Loma CA 9170 I.

Full-face helmet headset

XCR-180, with remote on/off valve and NELSON flow conrrol regulator & oximizer only $349.95.

MINI VARIO - World's smallest, simples, variol Clips to helmet or chinsrrap. 200 hours on batteries, 0-18,000 ft., fast response and 2 year warranty. Grear for paragliding too. ONLY $169. Mallettec, PO Box 15756, Sanra Ana CA, 92705. (714) 966-1240.

SEPTEMBER 1994

ALWAYS JUST A TOUCH AWAY ... EVEN IF YOU TUMBLE Pilots prefer the PTT FingerSwitch radio headset because it offers handsfree radio operation. It features a quality low profile PTT switch worn on the index finger leaving your hands totally free. You get a complete package including speaker, microphone, all connections and instructions. Two headset styles are available: the standard headset for open-faced helmets and the full-face style headset designed for full-face helmets. Boch are available for most Alinco, !com, Kenwood, Maxon, Yaesu and other radios. List price: $ 105. Please write or call now for more info. PCC Co., PO Box 7031, Tacoma \Y/A 98407-0031. (206) 272-4243.

SKYBOX MAXX - If you take your fun seriously, get the best. Learn more by reviewing every second of every flight. This vario/barograph has it all, at a great price. Get more information instantly by fax-see Polling in your fax manual. Imported by Above All, 3797 NW Wisteria Way, Corvallis OR 97330. (503) 752-6947, fax (503) 752-8449.

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

~~ Classifieds KENTUCKIANA SOARING

microphone w/earpiece $75. New PTT finger switch radio headset, standard $72., full face $86. Our new motto: "YOU SHOW US YOURS AND WE'LL SHOW YOU OURS" best price. Kentuckiana Soaring, 425 Taggart Ave., Clarksville IN 47129. Phone (812) 288-7111, fax (812) 2844115. Send SASE for current sale flyer.

NEW PRO MODEL Iii

$759

{l'l'EHH

T-50

PERFORMANCE

VHF

- 5 watts - 4 channels

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$249

SPECIALIZING IN ELECTRONICS, COMMUNICATION, GPS NAVIGATION AND FLIGHT DECKS - Allow a fellow pilot and licensed ham help you decide on a system that fits your needs. Radio prices fluctuate, call for the current price and specials. Yaesu FT411 $299., Yaesu FT416 $275., Yaesu FTl lR $299., Icom P2 $339., Alinco DJ180t $229., Alinco DJ180H $259., Kenwood TH28A $329.95, New Kenwood TH22 $289.95. Mobile radio's 50w from $329. All ham radio models available. MARS/CAP MODS available with warranty intact. Antennas: 5/8 wave gain ducks $17.95, 5/8 wave telescopic $20.95, 1/4 gain duck $14.95, 5/8 wave 6" mag-mount $38.95, special antenna mounts available. Tow rope 1/4" poly $35 per LOOO', Mason releases $47. Special hook knives $14.95 the good ones! New Flightmate Pro GPS $759.95 includes accessory package. Avocet Flight \'v'atch $call, VMitts $26.

Free airspeed indICator with Avocet purchase

"301 miles ... no tendinitis!" - Larry Tudor, World XC Champion Conquer turbulence in comfort and confidence wearing SkyLife XC gloves featuring soft-d1ying deerskin and textured neoprene grip strips for safer launches and more relaxed handling. S,M,L,XL $49.95, XXL $52.95, XXXL $54.95. NJ residents add 6% tax. Shipping $2.50. SkyLife, 331 Park Ave., Suite 31, Nutley NJ 07110. Tel (201) 667-0390. SPECIAL PURCHASE Maxon lw or Tekk 2w, I USHGA channel $150 Uvex aramid full-face helmet llb 5 oz $300. Optional visor, headset. Smoke bombs, as low as $4.50. Signal mirror $8. Jack-The-Ripper cutaway knife $15. Silva compass with basetube mount $99. Camelbak $35. Oxygen systems $150-$250. Electronic pulse system $450. Inflatable Aerofloats & hardware to fir your glider $995. PENDULUM AEROSPORTS, INC. 1-800-WE FLYXC

TOW PILOTS FIRST CHOICE - All radios ship complete with nicad battery, antenna and wall type charger. Priced with working crystals on one channel. For pricing on complete product line and accessories, call The Shipping Depot and ask for Joe. (708) 887991 l. Visa, MIC, Discover, A/E accepted.

UGLY! - What's ugly? The Litek E model variometer? Yeah, it is probably the ugliest thing you'd want on your glider, bm it is the fastest responding, most indestructible, faithful, longest living friend in the air. 16 year old Lirek varios are still flying. Includes free speed meter and mount while supplies last $239. Litek (503) 479-6633.

V - Flxtec

A - Ball

R -Aircotec I - Davron 0-Tangent S - More

Free airspeed indicator with vario purchase

Vario's vario's and more vario's from most mfg's. Ball M-19 demo $374., Aircotec Piccolo demo $354., Flyrec $call. New Davron $call. New Tangent Flight Computer $call. If you're in the market for a vario, give us a call. We are either the best price or we'll try to make it that way. \'v'e represent most manufacturers: Ball, Aircotec, Flytec, Brauniger, NAS products from helmets, parachutes, paragliders. High Energy harnesses, New Quantum parachutes, helmets from Panoramic and Reflex. Ballistic parachutes from BRS and Second Chanez. Genesys Model T-05 throat

TEK 6" WHEELS - $25 per pair, plus $3 S/H. Tek Flight Products, Colebrook Stage, Winsted CT 06098. (203) 379-1668.

Sell your unused equipment here.

UVEX HELMETS - Ultra lightweight (one pound), most popular hang gliding helmet, full-face protection, using world's strongest fiber. $299. quantity discounts. (800) 688-LMFP, (706) 398-3541.

HANG GLIDING

Classifieds USHGA instructor Tom Sapienza, of Airtime Oregon says, "I've tested and recommend Wind Advisory!" Dependable. Built to last. No batteries required.

Z3 HARNESS - Medium plus with 20 gore PDA $600. Large full face kevlar helmet with audio and finger switch $165. (619) 377-5942.

~~~GOtlE

WIND ADVl5DRY

BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

fLYiHG

AtR/WtND SPEED INDICATORS

HELP You LAUNCH &fly SAFE!

FULL AND PART TIME -

USHGA certified

instructors. Innovative equipment, the latest training

methods. Soaring Safaris. Send resume Mission Soaring Center, 1116 \'ilrigley Way, Milpitas CA 95035. (408) 262-1055. HANG GLIDING SCHOOL FOR SALE - Well established year round hang gliding schools in world class California resort town/beach location, excellent growth potential. 1-800-424-1983.

WIND ADVISORY With MOUNTING BRACKET only $24.50, includes s/h. You save $2.50. Sold separately-Indicator only $15 +S2 s/h; Mounting bracket $8 +$2 s/h. Specify short or long bracket with your order. Foreign orders add $2 per item purchased. Send check or MO to Pacific Res0t1rces, PO Box 9064, San Diego CA 92 l 69. (6 l 9) 270-9462. Satisfaction Guaranteed!

DON'T GET CAUGHT LANDING DOWNWIND! - 1.5 oz. ripstop nylon, UV treated, 5'4" long w/11" throat. Available colors fluorescenr pink/yellow or fluorescent pink/white. $39.95 (+$4.00 S/H). Send to USHGA Windsok, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-8300, (7 l 9) 632-8300, FA,'C (719) 632-6417. VISA/MC accepted.

THE IMPROVED '\\TJNDTALKER IV - Uses an upgraded outdoor sensor, surge protection and heavy construction. Many new features. Still only $895. Lirek (503) 479-6633.

SEPTEMBER 1994

PARAGLJDING ADVANCED CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR WANTED - High pay, benefits. Colorado Paragliding (303) 278-9566. PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS

HANG GLIDING CARTOONS - Over a hundred pages of laffs. Buy one for your driver too. I wanna buy a new glider! Firsr 1,000 receive bonus pages from next book (corning soon). Cheap $9.95 +$2 s/h (CA add 82<t tax). Bob Lafay, 11431 Caern Ave., Tujunga CA 91042. Dealer Inquiries.

DOWNWIND

A True Hang Gliding Story b1,1

HANG GLIDING FOR BEGINNER PILOTS by Pete Cheney. The Official USHGA Training Manual, NOW IN ITS SECOND EDITION. Over 260 pages, with more than 160 easy-to-understand illustrations and photos. Your library starts with this book! $29.95 (plus $4.00 s/h) Colorado residents add 3% tax. SEND/FAX/PHONE TO USHGA BOOKS, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-8300, FAX (719) 632-6417, PHONE (719) 632-8300. VISA/MC accepted.

LARRY FLEMING DOWNWIND - From the early days of the ?O's, to the big-time air of Owen's Valley, DOWNWIND is packed with thrill and exhilaration of cross country adventure. The perfect gift for both pilots and nonpilots. SHARE THE EXPERIENCE. A true story, well told. Available from USHGA Headquarters for only $10.95 (+$2 s/h). PO Box 8300, Colorado Springs CO 80933.

Can't afford new equipment? Find great bargains in our classified ad department.

".if·

l,-f

MAIV\lYS WILLS

anciCttrlsWill, HIGHER THAN EAGLES - by Maralys & Chris Wills. The life & rimes of BOBBY WILLS, hang gliding legend. Experience the triumphs and tragedies of the Wills family and the evolution of \vills Wing. $19.95 hardcover (+$4.00 S/H), see preceding classified for USHGA BOOKS ordering info.

~~ Classifieds HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE'S - Special New Pilot Edition is now available through USHGA Headquarters. $4.95 each +$1.50 s/h. Informative articles and lot's of color throughout. OFFICIAL FAA SECTIONAL - And VFR Terminal Area Charts. All areas, current (up co date New Airspace Classifications). Sectional maps $7 each, VFR Terminal Arca Charts $4 each. Add shipping and (Cal. residents only) tax. Dealer prices. Airtime ofS.F. (415) 759-1177, fax (415) 759-1182.

More than 1Q,000 hang gliding enthusiasts read our magazine every month. That's more than 20,000 eyes seeing your ad.

lfJERFORMANCE Tr LYING b:,- nEN,'/lS Pit.GEN

TOWLINES SPECTRA-Hollow Braided Cold Stretched 2000' or 3000' I Reel Part# ......................... Price ............... Weight SPCB-730 .................. 14¢/ft ............. <2#/M SPCB-950 .................. 16<t/ft ............. 2#/M SPCB-1500 ................ l 7<t/ft ............. <4#/M SPCB-2200 ................ l 7<t/ft ............. 5#/M DACRON-Hollow Braided Heat Sec & Stretched 1500' I Reel DCCB-650 ................ M/ft ............... <5#/M DCCB-900 ................ 9<t/ft ............... <8#/M DCCB-1500 .............. 1M/ft ............. 12#/M DCCB-2000 .............. 12¢/ft ............. 17#/M Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery, fax orders to David F. Bradley, Braided Products Division, PO Box 95, Hilltown PA 18927. (215) 822-1968, fax (215) 822-5852. VIDEOS & FILMS

BAG IT! - If you don't have your copy of Dennis Pagen's PERFORMANCE FLYING yet, available through USHGA Headquarters $29.95 (+$4 s&h). SOARING - Monthly magazine of The Soaring Society of America, Inc. Covers all aspects of soaring flight. Full membership $45. Info. kit with sample copy $3. SSA, P.O. Box E, Hobbs, NM 88241. (505) 392-1177. TOWING

PRICE BUSTER WINCH - Compact pay-out winch with high speed rewind for only $1,295. Instant pressure set/dump with precise adjustment. Holds up to 8000' of Spectra. 1 year parts warramy. One person operation as shown in Jan. '94 HG magazine. Plans available. PARAFOIL RECOVERY 'CHUTE SYSTEi'vl won't accidently deploy when step rowing. 100% deployment and drogue 'chute minimizes oscillations $59.95. Barry Steele, Appropriate Engineering, 971 Fisherman's Cove, Seneca SC 29678. (803) 8850949. UL TRALINE - 3/16" 960# breaking strength, 7#/1000'. 3000' $90 + ship. The original Ultraline Source-Cajun Hang Gliding Club, 110 Kent Circle, Lafayette LA 70508. (318) 981-8372.

This is the one I I

By Golden Wings

HANG GLIDING EXTREME & BORN TO FLY - By Adventure Video and available through USHGA Headquarters, $34.95 each +$4 s/h. Great to impress your friends or for chose socked-in days. Perfect gift for the launch potato turned couch potato.

PARAGLIDE The Movie

World class paragliding at the famous Owens Valley. Probably more paragliding action than you can handle in this 40 minute video. Send $39.95 (+$4 s&h) co USHGA Videos, PO Box 8300, Colorado Springs co 80933. (719) 632-8300. SANDIA CLASSIC 1994- HQ video of aerobatics, launches, landings, 45min. tape. Also, soaring over Grant and Alamogordo NM on video cape. Send check or money order for $24.95 +$4 s/h co: Dana Melendez, PO Box 35944, Albuquerque NM 871765944. Indicate which 45min. tape you would like.

THE "MASON" TOW RELEASE - Send $47 to Mark Mason, 1239 Corrine, Idaho Falls ID 83402. (208) 529-2106.

Our advertisers appreciate your support and patronage. Tell them you saw their ad in hang gliding. 60

Tow line recovery System Nothing attached to pilot or bridle. UNLIKE OTHER SYSTEMS - No deployment mechanism required. $85 +$5 S/H. High quality Maxon helmets, only $55 +S/H. Golden Wings, Golden CO. 1-800-677-4449

Can't afford new equipment? Find great bargains in our classified ad department.

YARNALL DESIGN STATIONARY WINCH Completely overhauled, in excellent condition $1,900. (519) 882-2656, (519) 637-1215.

HANG GLIDING

Classifieds MISCELLANEOUS

FAX your classified ad, membership renewal or merchandise order:

(719) 632-6417. We gladly accept VISA and MasterCard. "AEROBATICS" - Full color 23"x 31" poster feamring John Heiney doing what he does best-LOOPING! Available through USHGA HQ for just $6.95 (+$3.50 s/h). Fill that void on your wall! Send to USHGA Aerobatics Poster, PO Box 8300, Colorado Springs CO 80933. (USA & Canada only. Sorry, posters are NOT AVAILABLE on international orders.) SPECIAL-Aerobatics poster & Eric Raymond poster-BOTH FOR $10 (+$3.50 s/h). FL\1NG 1v1USIC - Fellow pilot Tom Palmer's new album includes-THE BIRDS \VITH NO FEATHERS. Experience flying Big Sur CA in words & music. CD's $10, Cass. $6. (+$! S/H). Send ro: Palmer Enterprises, 4614 Greenvalley Rd, Suisun CA 94585. (707) 864-2611. FREE INFOR1v!ATION - Allow the Government to finance your sma!l business. Loans/grant ro $687,900. Call 24 hour, free recorded message (313) 825-6700 ext 1385.

VIDEOS BOOKS POSTERS APPAREL - Call USHGA for your Merchandise order form (719) 6328300. DON'T LEAVE YOUR GROUND-BOUND EQUIPMENT SITTING IN THE GARAGE. SELL IT IN THE HANG GLIDING CLASSIFIEDS. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES The rate for classified advertising is $.50 per word (or group of characters) and $1.00 per word for bold or all caps. MINIMUM AD CHARGE $5.00. A fee of $15.00 is charged for each line arr logo and $25.00 for each photo. Please underline words ro be in bold print. Special layouts of tabs $25.00 per column inch. AD DEADLINES All ad copy, instructions, changes, additions and cancellations must be received in writing I 1/2 months preceding the cover date, i.e. October 20 for the December issue. Please make checks payable to USHGA Classified Advertising Dept. HANG GLIDING MAGAZINE, P.O. Box 8300, Colorado Springs, CO 80933 (719) 632-8300 or FAX_ (719) 632-6417. STOLEN \VINGS & THINGS W\V RAM AIR 154 - Stolen from SILVER SPRING, NV along Hwy 50, on June 17th, 1994. Pro red & bright yellow undersurface, with RamAir logo. Call Pat Bowen (415) 693-6311.

JUST RELEASED! - Blue/white/purple, moon shadow artwork on black, pre-shrunk Beef),-T. Logo on back. Specif), S,M,L,XL,)(XL. Short sleeye $15, long sleeve $17, add $2.50 shipping. Send check or money order to: Sky Wear, PO Box 544, Signal iviounrain TN 37377. (615) 886-7093.

November classifieds deadline: September 20

SEPTEMBER 1994

TWO CANNONS - "2 liter caliber", stolen from HYNER Penn. LZ on July 2nd, 1994, between 4:307AM. WARNING: Requires ·'boom 4" ro operate. Call Dave Haughtwout (717) 667-3673. FOUND VARIOUS HANG GLIDING STUFF In YARNELL AZ. Call Dave to claim (602) 4451793. FLYTEC 3020 VARIO - Stolen from SYLMAR CA LZ, on r,,farch 16th, 1994. Serial #292183511. Call August Keefer (714) 535-7143. EURO SPORT 167 - Stolen along with "missile" shipping mbe from CAlvf PB ELL CA, during late December 1993. Blue & white, missing two outer leading edges. Call Dan Harris, (408) 377-8809.

TRX 160 - Stolen from NAGS HEAD NC, during Sept. 1993. Purple LE, purple/black/purple colors. Dayglow "UP" on right wing. Contact Bruce \Veaver, (919) 441-4124 Kitty Hawk Kites. HANG GLIDING EQUIPMENT - Srolen along with car, WILLOW SPRING IL, on Ocrober 5th, 1993. Custom Airwear harness, black wired outside, flour. pink inside. flight design parachute, Litek Hummingbird vario (blue/gold), orange Bell helmet, 40 channel radio, tow rope, bridle ... Call John Ruhulessin (708) 839-0441. VISION MK IV 17 - Serial #VM6620. Taken from parking lot of Red Lion Hotel in MODESTO CA on Sept. 12/13, 1993. Glider was srolen without a nose cone. Blue LE, rainbow undersurface. One of the leading edges has a flat anodized finish. Three small glue patches on LE. Brand new blue bag wired ends. Please contact Jens Evling, PO Box 1187, Monterey CA 93942-1187. Phone (408) 649-3755, fax (408) 655-1538. STOLEN WINGS arc listed as a service to USHGA members. Newest entries are in bold. There is no charge for this service and lost and found wings or equipment may be called in (719) 632-8300 or fax ir in (719) 632-6417 for inclusion in Hang Gliding magazine. Please call ro cancel the listing when gliders are recovered. Periodically, this lisring will be purged.

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Adventure Video ............................. 34 AFRO USA ..................................... 15 Arai Design ..................................... 39 Aircotec ........................................... 31 Ball Varios ....................................... 34 Brauniger ........................................ 47 Davron ............................................ 31 Flytec .............................................. 18 Hall Bros ......................................... 31 High Energy Sports ......................... 34 Inflatable Boat ................................. 11 Just Fly ............................................ 39 Lookout Mt. Flight Park ................. 39 NAA ............................................... 44 NAS Distributing ....................... 31,44 Pacific Airwave .................. Back Cover Pro Design ........................................ 4 Sport Aviation Publications ............. 13 SST ................................................... 4 Trekking USA ................................. 47 UP Sports .......................................... 4 USHGA ............................ .4,45,50,62 Wills Wing ........................................ 2

1994 USHGA MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM TOTAL

QI'(

1995 USHGA Calendar- Better than ever, buy one for a friend. Available in September. 10x13 full color .................................. $9.95 OTHER USHGA CALENDARS SPECIFY YEAR: 1994 1991 1990 1989 Excellent Photography-collect them all! .............. @ $1.50 **NEW'* USHGA BARBARIAN RUGBY JERSEYS super heavyweight 100% cotton embroidered bold 4" ash/navy/purple/forest green striped, traditional collar or mock turtle neck. SIZES M L XL (XXL $45.95) ................................ $39.95 COLLEGIATE SWEATPANTS Side pockets, 50/50, elastic waistband w/ drawstring. Sizes: Med. Large XL ................................. $29.95 COLLEGIATE SWEATSHIRT Super heavyweight 11 oz. fleece - 95% cotton, cross-weave w/ side gusset, 3 colors on ash. SPECIFY SIZE: MEDIUM LARGE XL (sweatshirt/sweatpants combo $60.00) .................................................... $34.95 "FREESTYLE" SWEATSHIRT 9 oz. set-in fleece - 50/50 heavyweight, beautiful multi-color design on white. SIZE: M L XL ........ $24.95 ALSO FREESTYLE T-SHIRT 100% preshrunk cotton Med. Large XL ......................................................................................... $14.95 "LOOP" SWEATSHIRT 9 oz. set-in fleece - 50/50 heavyweight, red and white on navy. SIZE: M L XL ..................................... $19.95 USHGA Golf Shirt 100% combed cotton. Colorfully embroidered. Colors: White Red Navy Yellow Jade Black SIZES: Medium Large X-Large XXL (in white, navy & jade only) ..................................................................................................... $24.95 USHGA MTN. GLIDER T-SHIRT 100% cotton. Our most popular shirt. SPECIFY SIZE: M L XL COLOR white ash ............ $12.95 USHGA YOUTH MTN. GLIDER T-SHIRT For those up and coming pilots. SPECIFY SIZE: 8(6-8) M (10-12) L(14-16) .................. $9.95 USHGA MTN. GLIDER CAP Embroidered SPECIFY COLOR: NAVY WHITE PURPLE RED ..................................................... $9.95

$ $

PERFORMANCE FLYING by Dennis Pagen. Covers just about everything for the Intermediate & Advanced pilot ............................. $29.95 "SPECIAL NEW PILOT EDITION" magaz'1ne. Specify hang gliding or paragliding (circle) .............................................................. $4.95 DOWNWIND by Larry Fleming. Share the experience of over 20 years of hang gliding flight-a true story, well told ....................... $10.95 Higher Than Eagles by Maralys & Chris Wills. The story of early hang gliding and Bob Wills. Hardcover ............................................. $19.95 UNDERSTANDING THE SKY by Dennis Pagen Micrometeorology for pilots. Almost 300 pages, 260 photos & illustrations ............... $19.95 USHGA INSTRUCTOR'S MANUAL by Dennis Pagen. Over 100 pages, plenty of illustrations .............................................................. $10.00 THE ART OF SKYSAILING by Michael Robertson. Covers material used in ICPs, including Charts of Reliability................................... $9.95 PARAGLIDING· A PILOT'S TRAINING MANUAL Produced by Wills Wing. Everything you wanted to know about paragliding ......... $19.95 HANG GLIDING FOR BEGINNER PILOTS by Pete Cheney The Official USHGA Training Manual. Over 200 pages ........................ $29.95 ALPHA FLIGHT by Mark Wright Covering all aspects of paragliding, complete with illustrations ......................................................... $19.95 PARAGLIDING FLIGHT-Walking on Air by Dennis Pagen Covering all aspects of Paragliding. Over 140 illustrations ................... $19.95 HANG GLIDING FLYING SKILLS by Dennis Pagen Our most popular book. For the beginner to intermediate pilot. ......................... $9.95 RIGHT STUFF FOR NEW HANG GLIDER PILOTS by Erik Fair Overview, humor, techniques and personalities ................................. $8.95 FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS Federal Regulations covering ALL types of aviation .................................................................. $8.95 RECORD ATIEMPT KIT All forms needed for national and world record attempts ................................................................................ $15.00 USHGA DELUXE LOG BOOK 72 pages. Covering pilot ID, ratings, rules, maintenance, inspection, terminology ... and more .............. $4.95 USHGA X-C LOG BOOK 64 pages. Very clean! For those who like to document their flight. ............................................................... $3.95 USHGA FLIGHT LOG BOOK 40 pages. The official USHGA flight log book ........................................................................................... $2.95 USHGA Certification Booklets. Document your skill level sign-off. Specify hang gliding or paragliding ................................................. $1.95

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

USHGA STADIUM CUSHION Comfortably protects your assets .............................................................................................................. $5.95 OFFICIAL USHGA WINDSOKT11 Pink/yellow or pink/white ................................................................................................................... $39.95 USHGA LAPEL PIN Beautiful multi-colored Mtn. Glider design. Custom shaped pin w/ military clutch and epoxy dome ...................... $3.95 USHGA MTN. GLIDER SEW-ON EMBLEM The most beautiful patch you'll ever own. 12 different colors used ................................... $3.95 USHGA MTN. GLIDER DECAL Full color 6" diameter vinyl decal. Guaranteed to last! .......................................................................... $1.50 USHGA KEY CHAIN "Soft Feel" Plastic. Custom Min. Glider shaped. Screened white on red .............................................................. $1.50 USHGA SEW-ON EMBLEM Our original logo, in its original colors on this 3" circular emblem ............................................................... $1.50 USHGA EMBLEM DECAL Our original logo, in its original colors on this 3" circular sticker ..................................................................... $ .50 USHGA LICENSE PLATE FRAME "I'd Rather Be Hang Gliding" or "I'd Rather Be Paragliding" Chrome plated .................................. $6.50 'BORN TO FLY Great flying action, meet Larry Tudor, The Green Team ... Fly Owens, Sandia ... you name it (50 min.) ..................... $34.95 'PARAGLIDE: The Movie Owen's Valley world competition. More action than you can probably handle. 40 min ................................ $39.95 'FLAMENCO DUNE - Special Version Extreme paragliding in Namibia. Superb editing, original sound track. (20 min.) ................... $19.95 'DAREDEVIL FLYERS Ill - THE PARAGLIDING VIDEO The Wills Wing gang paraglides at Telluride, CO (50 min.) .......................... $24.95 *HAWAIIAN FLYIN' video. Hang gliding and paragliding in paradise! Awesome scenery! (46 min.) ...................................................... $33.00 *HANG GLIDING EXTREME video. Let's you see some of the most spectacular sites in the U.S., hot pilot profiles. (50 min.) ............. $34.95 MAGAZINE COLLECTOR BINDER Brown vinyl binder w/ gold lettering. Hang gliding or paragliding (circle one) .......................... $9.00 '*USHGA ERIC RAYMOND POSTER 24" X 37" Eric doing oxygen at 17,000 MSL over the Sierra Nevada Range .............................. $5.95 **USHGA AEROBATIC POSTER 23" X 31" Colorful keel shot of John Heiney looping skyward ............................................................ $6.95 "Posters are NOT AVAILABLE on International Orders-SORRY! SPECIAL- BOTH POSTERS FOR ......... $10.00 ' All videos are in USA/VHS NTSC format.

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

PAYMENT must be included wilb vom order FOREIGN orders m11st be in lJ s FlJNDS drawn on alls BANKI

CHARGE MY CREDIT CARD VISA or MASTERCARD (circle one) acct#________exp . _ __ Signature_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

SHIPPING .01 - 9.99 ADD $3.50 10.00-19.99 ADD $4.00 20. - 34.99 ADD $5.00 35. - 49.99 ADD $6.00 50. + ADD $7.50 Canada &Mexico add $1.50 extra lnt'I surface add $5.00 extra lnt'I air add $15.00 extra

SUBTOTAL

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COLORADO RESIDENTS add 3% TAX

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SHIPPING (see chart)

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TOTAL ENCLOSED

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SHIP TO: (Street address if possible) NAME_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ USHGA#_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ CITY/STATE/ZIP_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ UNITED STATES HANG GLIDING ASSN. P.O. BOX 8300 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80933-8300 (719) 632-8300

FAX (719) 632-6417

~ Product Lines © 1994 by Dan Johnson ST. PAUL, MINN. - Flyin' high over Telluride. Early reports trumpeted spectacular flying at the mile-high site of the largest hang gliding event in the nation (world?). Reminded me of those altimeter ads from more than a decade ago when one advertiser teased pilots who had not yet equipped themselves. The ad featured a geeky-looking pilot saying, "I gained ... er, ... gobs of altitude." Remember? It was funny and meant to goad us into buying their wrist altimeter so we'd actually know the altitude we gained. Now, I compare that to modern reports of great flying days. No one wants to state any number of MSL feet above 17,999. Anyway, suffice it to say, Telluriders gained, er... gobs of altitude. Thanks to Gerry Charlebois. Speaking of getting high, Moyes announced new prices for their gliders. Many businessmen would agree that when sales are good is the proper time to raise prices and indeed Moyes has said sales were never better. The top-of-the-line Xtralite with Scrim now lists for $4,850. You can increase this with Mylar to five bucks short of five grand. Phew! But look at whatcha get. This is a very well built, successful machine of the mid-'90s. To keep things in perspective, the company has a trainer (the XL series) that starts at $2,795. , • , Moyes has used their success with the Xtralite and Tom Suchanek in a new video tape production done for them by Czech Television (what a multinational type outfit, Moyes). The 15-minute feature is done very differently than most HG company promo tapes. It shows nothing of the factory or glider detail, instead chronicling a winning period for the Xtralite. You' 11 see lots of great flying scenes from Australian beach sites to the mighty Owens Valley at the '93 Worlds. Very watchable indeed. Nothing is perfect, and one part of the tape drove me nuts. A voiceover murmurs "Moyes" in a man-from-Mars echo sound. Once or twice wouldn't be so bad, but the noise repeats throughout the tape in some attempt to carry a theme. On whole though, this tape is a must-see. Call Moyes California at 818/8873361 or fax to 702-0612. •••While doing some video review, I also watched the Wills tape. A very short three-minute production by HG video impresario, Paul Hamilton, the WW edition is a thorough, methodical review of Wills, the company and its people. You tour the factory, see the employees and dealers, and watch a flying machine company in action. Wills is hugely staffed with talent and experience, so the 100% dialogue-free effort still tells a powerful story of professionalism and success. Short enough to show non-flyers. Call SEPTEMBER 1994

any dealer to see it. • • • At the Sun 'n Fun '94 airshow, I had the distinct pleasure to fly the powered Swift. These days, such flying tends to be about all I can fit in, but at the Florida airshow, I get to do a lot of flying. The Sunshine State was wildly soarable everyday ... except the day I flew the Swift. What a shame. Nonetheless, I know what to do with a motorglider. I shut off the electric-start engine every chance I could. In an hour and a half, I managed about 45 minutes of gliding with a few teeny bumps, but those minutes were excellent! What a neat aircraft! I expected a very pitch sensitive machine with sluggish roll rate. I got neither. Pitch was quite easy to control and roll was reasonably brisk. Even more important in places like the Owens is the control authority which is very positive. For landings, flaps pull on by a string like hang glider VGs. It feels odd to an ultralight pilot but hang glider pilots will quickly comprehend. HG pilots will also accept the anhedral look that is uncommon on powered aircraft. Here's the best news for HG pilots considering the Swift: it switches between powered and unpowered in 30 minutes, so you can have it your way. I'm told it foot launches quite well in winds above five mph. Yeah, it's pricey, but consider that it will last for many years and with solid 24:1 performance, you won't need to buy another wing for a long time. My one complaint: lateral visibility is poor with your head between the flaps. The unpowered hang cage looks better in this area. Brightstar also has a Swift video. I suggest your club get a copy. Call 707/576-7627. Ballistic 'chute system maker, BRS, is a finalist in the 1994 Discover magazine Technical Innovations Awards. Reps from company will be brought to Disney World in Florida for a grand ceremony presentation of the winners in each of seven categories. BRS is one of five finalists in the Aviation/Aerospace category (out of 4,000 total entries!) . The opportunity will provide exposure in the magazine following an introduction written by VP Al Gore. The Disney Channel will have extensive coverage; EPCOT has a summer exhibit titled, "Innoventions," specifically highlighting the achievements of the 35 finalists. CBS gave event and product coverage on their news show, CBS This Morning. The opportunity came after BRS won FAA approval for rocket 'chute systems on certified aircraft and the saving of 78 lives to-date. • • • Next time: an update on that unusual testbed hang glider, the Climax. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail to 612/450-0930. THANKS!