hang gliding & paragliding vol41/iss01 jan 2011

Hang Gliding & Paragliding | www.USHPA.aero

www.USHPA.aero

JANUARY 2011Volume 41 Issue 1

$6.95

http://www.flyozone.com

MAGAZINE STAFFUSHPA, Publisher: [email protected] Nick Greece, Editor: [email protected]

Greg Gillam, Art Director: [email protected] Palmaz, Advertising: [email protected]

Staff writers: Alex Colby, Chris Galli, Steve Messman, Dennis Pagen, Christina Ammon, Mark “Forger” Stucky, Ryan Voight, Tom Webster, CJ Sturtevant | Staff artist: Jim Tibbs

Staff photographers: John Heiney, Jeff O'Brien, Jeff Shapiro

OFFICE STAFFMartin Palmaz, Interim Executive Director : [email protected]

Robin Jones, Information Services Manager : [email protected] Hollendorfer, Membeship Services Coordinator:

[email protected] Rank, Office Coordinator : [email protected]

USHPA OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEERich Hass, President: [email protected]

Dave Wills, Vice President: [email protected] Bill Bolosky, Secretary: [email protected] Forbes, Treasurer: [email protected]

REGION 1: Rich Hass, Mark Forbes. REGION 2: Dave Wills, Urs Kellenberger, Bill Cuddy. REGION 3: Bill Helliwell, Rob Sporrer, Brad Hall. REGION 4: Mark Gaskill, Ken Grubbs. REGION 5: Lisa Tate. REGION 6: David Glover. REGION 7: Tracy Tillman. REGION 8: Jeff Nicolay. REGION 9: Felipe Amunategui, Hugh McElrath. REGION 10: Bruce Weaver, Steve Kroop, Matt Taber. REGION 11: David Glover. REGION 12: Paul Voight. REGION 13: Tracy Tillman. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Dave Broyles, Leo Bynum, Riss Estes, Mike Haley, Dennis Pagen. EX-OFFICIO DIRECTOR: Art Greenfield (NAA).

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

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

SUBMISSIONS HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING magazine welcomes editorial submissions from our members and readers. All submissions of articles, artwork, photographs and or ideas for articles, artwork and photographs are made pursuant to and are subject to the USHPA Contributor's Agreement, a copy of which can be obtained from the USHPA by emailing the editor at [email protected] or online at www.ushpa.aero. HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING magazine reserves the right to edit all contributions. We are always looking for well written articles and quality artwork. Feature stories generally run anywhere from 1500 to 3000 words. News releases are welcomed, but please do not send brochures, dealer newsletters or other extremely lengthy items. Please edit news releases with our readership in mind, and keep them reasonably short without excessive sales hype. Calendar of events items may be sent via email to [email protected], as may letters to the editor. Please be concise and try to address a single topic in your letter. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. If you have an idea for an article you may discuss your topic with the editor either by email or telephone. Contact: Editor, Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine, [email protected], (516) 816-1333.

ADVERTISING ALL ADVERTISING AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES MUST BE SENT TO USHPA HEADQUARTERS IN COLORADO SPRINGS. All advertising is subject to the USHPA Advertising Policy a copy of which may be obtained from the USHPA by emailing the Publisher at [email protected].

The USHPA is a member-controlled sport organization dedicated to the exploration and promotion of all facets of unpowered ultralight flight, and to the education, training and safety of its membership. Membership is open to anyone interested in this realm of flight. Dues for Rogallo membership are $270. Pilot memberships are $75 ($90 non-U.S.). Dues for Contributing membership and for subscription-only are $52 ($63 non-U.S.). $15 of annual membership dues goes to the publication of Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine. Changes of address should be sent six weeks in advance, including name, USHPA number, previous and new address, and a mailing label from a recent issue. You may also email your request with your member number to: [email protected].

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING (ISSN 1543-5989) (USPS 17970) is published monthly by the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc., 1685 W. Uintah St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904, (719) 632-8300, FAX (719) 632-6417. PERIODICAL postage is paid at Colorado Springs, CO and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER Send change of address to: Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine, P.O. BOX 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330. Canadian Post Publications Mail Agreement #40065056. Canadian Return Address: DP Global Mail, 4960-2 Walker Road, Windsor, ON N9A 6J3

DISCLAIMER The publication of any submissions, articles or advertising in HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the authors, advertisers, products, services, apparatus, processes, theories, ideologies, opinions, advice and/or recommendations presented, nor does it constitute an endorsement of the authors or companies involved. The statements of fact and opinions as well as any product claims in the submissions, articles, advertisments, artwork and photographs appearing in HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING magazine are those of their respective authors, contributors and advertisers and not of the USHPA. The USHPA makes no representation, express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, nor assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, advice, opinion, recommendation, apparatus, product, product claims or process disclosed, in such submissions, articles, advertising, artwork or photographs. All individuals relying upon any materials published herein do so at their own risk. The USHPA is not responsible for any claims made in any submission, article, or advertisement. Advertisers may not, without USHPA's prior written consent, incorporate in subsequent advertising that a product or service has been advertised in a USHPA publication.

COPYRIGHT Copyright (c) 2010 United States Hang Gliding And Paragliding Association, Inc., All Rights Reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the United States Hang Gliding And Paragliding Association, Inc.

On the cover, David Aldrich over Crestline in San Bernardino, California. Meanwhile, launching! | photo by Mel Sessa.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

For change of address or

other USHPA business

call (719) 632-8300, or

email [email protected].

The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, a division of the National Aeronautic Association, is a representative of the Fédération Aeronautique Internationale in the United States.

EDITOR

PILOT BRIEFINGS

ASSOCIATION

SAFETY

CENTERFOLD

TANGENT

DISPATCH

RATINGS

USHPA STORE

PAGE 78

7

8

10

12

40

66

68

74

76

2011JANUARY

by George Sabbioni . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

INFINITY TANDEMWhy go acro on a tandem? Because they can.

GALLERY

54

by Christina Ammon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

by Ricker Goldsborough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

by C .J . Sturtevant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

by Rusin Van Dyke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

by Ricker Goldsborough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

by Tom Galvin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

by Dennis Pagen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

BALLUNAR FESTIVAL

SEIBIN RANCH

FLYING FREE

FLYING LOCAL LIFT LINES

SANTA CRUZ FLATS RACE

USHPA AWARDS 2010

SNOW BIRDS

The crowd gathers for a flying spectacle

Good flying in Montana

She thought she was living the dream...

Get up fast

High over the desert

Celebrating those who go above and beyond

Winter hang gliding happens

LAUNCHING INTO PERFECT CONDITIONS, WITH CLOUD STREETS THAT TOUCH THE HORIZON. TODAY COULD BE THE DAY. THE LAST THING YOU WANT IS YOUR EQUIPMENT HOLDING YOU BACK. BRINGING YOU THE LATEST IN TECHNOLOGY, PAIRING EFFORTLESS HANDLING WITH UNSURPASSED PERFORMANCE. THIS IS THE FLYING EXPERIENCE LIKE NEVER BEFORE. THIS IS A WILLS WING.

500 W Blueridge Ave . Orange, CA 92865 . 1.714.998.6359 . WillsWing.com

http://www.willswing.com

Hang Gliding & Paragliding | www.USHPA.aero6

Hang Gliding & Paragliding | www.USHPA.aero 7

Perhaps aviation began with rocks. Cavemen may have hurled rocks and dreamed of flight, as their

stone projectiles carved the sky. As cre-ative imaginations produced increasingly intricate devices for sailing through the air, the level of freedom associated with the experience expanded. The progres-sion from boomerangs to hot air bal-loons eventually led to gallant attempts by seemingly “possessed” individuals to launch themselves from higher and higher precipices. Intrepid aerial explorers became more adept at their life’s passion, as their window of opportunity and abil-ity to explore the sky increased, and an inner voice declared: “This is Flying. This is Freedom.”

The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association coined this motto in 2010, and it, like our own views of what flight is to each of us, has a plurality of interpretations. In our association we have a wide spectrum of aviators— from first-day students who brim with pride at keeping the wing over their heads while kiting or marvel at being able to stick a two-step landing after a run to a flare, to free-flight pioneers who have been set-ting the bar since the fledgling days in Southern California.

As in the evolution of flight itself, each pilot determines the freedom his flying represents and how he will prog-ress toward his personal interpretation of avian dreams. Recently, I was reminded of the greatness of each and every flight, no matter how long or short. Listening to a new pilot discuss his experiences, I

realized I had forgotten what it was like to take my tenth flight. His enthusiasm for flying personifies USHPA’s new slogan. I relate to his passion: from my first sled ride to my last XC flight or loop, the ride has been full of spectacular moments of freedom, each as savory as the next.

A new section for the 2011 USHPA magazine will feature tales that reflect these statements: This is Flying. This is Freedom. The pages will serve as a campfire environment for members to submit a photo or written documentary of what these words mean to their flying life. Periodically, winners will be chosen whose tales exemplify the Rogallo spirit. Their reward will be gift certificates from the USHPA store—the grand prize being one-hundred dollars to spend on what-ever merchandise suits the winner’s fancy. From the a top to bottom to the most in-tense cross-country or longest retrieve in history—all stories from all levels will be welcomed and celebrated.

The January issue starts the year by honoring those in our organization who have gone above-and-beyond in their contributions to the success of free-flight in the USA. And as we reach year’s end, a new opportunity arises for nominat-ing other pilots in your community who might exemplify the ideals of specific USHPA awards. Please join UHSPA in congratulating and thanking the award winners for 2010!

7

ERRATA In Ryan Voight’s article, “Turn My World Upside Down”, several photos were

incorrectly captioned. Mitch McAleer took the photo on Page 56 at the 2003 Vertigo

Aerobatic contest in Villeneuve, Switzerland on his Talon 154. McAleer also took the

photo on the bottom left of page 58. The yellow/ orange dot bottom UP Axis 15m,

over Telluride in 1988. The sail was McAleer’s design and the fabrication was pat-

terned after Bill Griffith’s Zippy the Pinhead character’s man dress.

Hang Gliding & Paragliding | www.USHPA.aero8 Hang Gliding & Paragliding | www.USHPA.aero8

NEW GRADIENT CLOTHINGThe paragliding manufacturer

Gradient released a new

outdoor vest and shirt. The

vest is made of Windstopper

material. It is windproof and

guarantees you a warm torso

in almost every season. The

sleeveless cut gives you

freedom to move. The new

vest is available in sizes small,

medium, or large. info: www.

gradient.cx. US: www.atlan-

taparagliding.com

WILLS WING 2011 SAIL CLOTHThere are several distinct

attributes associated with

every fabric style, and Steve

Pearson at Wills Wing thinks

it’s important to consider

them independently in order

to make the choice that best

suits your needs.

Appearance and fashion

Structural performance

(strength, stiffness and

weight)

UV stability and longevity

Flight characteristics

Price

Appearance and fashion

often drive the marketplace.

Pilots seem to let those fac-

tors dominate the conversa-

tion simply because it’s easier

to choose “what looks good”

when they don’t have easy

access to technical details.

As an example of why

choosing by “what looks

good” is a bad idea, consider

that white and black poly-

ester fibers look just like the

much stronger Technora and

PEN fibers. Similarly, UV-

modified film is indistinguish-

able from clear polyester film

but lasts more than twice as

long in strong UV environ-

ments. So, not only can’t

you tell from inspection how

well a fabric will perform,

but it often takes 100 or

more hours of airtime for a

superior fabric to show its

advantage.

Wills Wing introduced

fabrics based on high-

strength PEN and Technora

fiber over a year ago. High

strength and stiffness are

essential to control twist

and prevent trailing-edge

flutter, especially as glid-

ers age. PEN and Technora

fabrics offer significant

advantages over the popular

“PX” polyester-based styles.

Their PEN-based fabrics

weigh 180 gms/m^2,

match the structural

performance of PX15T

(270 gms/m^2) and

exceed the common PX10T

style (230 gm/m^2) typically

used on trailing-edge panels.

ODL Technora-based fabrics

are even stronger, with a 20%

weight savings compared to

PEN.

The lighter weight of these

PEN and Technora based

fabrics allow Wills Wing to

make the entire sail body

from high strength fabric,

which is important, because

some of the highest sail loads

are in the interior panels at

VG tight. In years past they

were constrained to using

the stronger but heavier

PX10T/PX15T fabrics in rela-

tively narrow trailing- edge

panels because of the weight

and handling penalties.

The loads are high

throughout the sail body

For most of this year we

offered two PEN styles (PE10

and UVMPE10 white) and

ODL04 Technora. PE10 has

a grey polyester film, and

UVMPE10 is structurally

identical, except for UV

film and bright-

white pig-

ment

replacing the grey film. The

performance of these fabrics

has been extraordinary and

we now unconditionally

recommend them over PX10T

for every application. The

only disadvantage of these

fabrics is higher price, but

the price is easily justified by

their other attributes.

The performance of sail-

cloth depends on the direc-

tion that you apply the load.

Most fabrics used on hang

gliders are stronger on the

warp (long axis) than across

the fill (width) or the bias

(diagonal). Pearson reports

that he tries to orient the sail

panels to take advantage

properties of the fabric by

aligning the warp with the

highest expected sail loads

whenever possible. The

orientation is not critical in

lightly loaded panels

or when a

fabric

PilotBRIEFINGSNew | Improved | Buzzworthy

http://www.gradient.cx

http://www.gradient.cx

http://www.atlantaparagliding.com

http://www.atlantaparagliding.com


type is relatively balanced

in strength on the warp, fill

and bias. High-performance

sails are subject to high loads

from several directions, and

it’s especially important to

have high strength in the

bias and “off-axis” direction.

Off-axis strength is provided

by the polyester film and the

X-ply yarns, if the X-angle is

wide enough.

Earlier this year, Wills

Wing reconfigured their

custom-UV-PEN styles by

substituting Technora fiber

on the diagonal X-ply and

increasing the X-angle to im-

prove off-axis performance.

These new PEN-Technora

hybrids are now in-stock and

available with UV film in both

grey and white. These new

styles replace UVPE10 White.

They consider these fabrics

to be the all-round best

choice for T2s and T2Cs.

[LEFT IMAGE] New UVPT10

White and UVPT10 Grey as

seen from UV film side.

Note the black Technora

X-ply

Wills Wing will continue

to offer PE10 (with grey

standard film) as a lower

cost option on T2s and

U2s configured with Mylar

sails. Although PE10 is more

expensive than PX styles,

the fabric performance is

so much better that we are

discontinuing PX05T/PX10T

option for these models.

[MIDDLE IMAGE] PE10 grey with

standard film

Wills Wing also offer

ODL06 as an extra-price

option for T2Cs. ODL06 has

Technora on the warp, fill and

bias for unequaled structural

performance. We don’t offer

ODL06 with UV film, and

we still consider the new

UV-PEN-Technora styles the

best option for most pilots

because they are somewhat

more durable.

[RIGHT IMAGE] ODL06

The UVPT fabrics are

highly recommended if you

live in an area with high-

UV intensity. In northern

latitudes, the standard film

will last for years and is less

expensive. The new UVPT

fabrics are included in the

price of T2Cs.

Altogether, Pearson from

Wills Wing ranks the fabric

attributes in the following

order:

Ranked in order of structural

performance (strength, stiff-

ness and weight):

1. ODL06

2. UVPT10 (New PEN-

Technora hybrids)

3. PE10

4. PX10T

5. Woven sails

(V170/205MT/Hydranet)

Ranked in order of higher UV

stability and longevity:

1. UVPT10, Woven sails.

2. PE10, ODL06

3. PX10T

Ranked in order of nicer

flight characteristics:

1. UVPT10

2. PE10

3. ODL06 are equivalent

4. Woven sails

5. PX10T

http://thermaltracker.com

http://www.ascensolibre.mx


NOTICE TO MEMBERS USHPA occasionally makes important changes to the Association’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other documents, especially documents used in the rating system . This column appears in the magazine to notify the members when important changes are made . Please review the latest documents in the Members Only section of the USHPA web site . If you have any questions about these changes, please contact your regional director .

ALL USHPA MEMBERS:Observers as well as Instructors can now re-instate expired ratings. The Observer or Instructor must be qualified to issue the rating.

A new High Altitude (HA) launch skill has been added for hang gliding, equiva-lent to the existing paragliding skill.

Hang gliding Instructors and Observers will be able to issue the HA skill to them-selves and others until December 31st 2011.

A new student rating (H-0 & P-0) has been added and is required as the mini-mum rating for passengers of T-2 tandem pilots.

EXAMINERS:Observers must now hold an Intermediate rating for a minimum of one year prior to appointment as an Observer. Candidates who do not meet this requirement will be rejected by the office.

INSTRUCTOR ADMINISTRATORS AND TANDEM ADMINISTRATORS:The Instructor Administrator and Tandem Administrator appointments are for a period of 3 years, at which time they expire automatically in March. If you have been an Administrator for 3 or more years, intend to remain active, and would like to be re-appointed, contact the Chair of the Safety & Training Committee if you are an Instructor Administrator, or the Chair of the Tandem Committee if you are a Tandem Administrator. This can easily be done by email, voice or U.S. mail. All Instructor Administrators and Tandem Administrators with appointments issued on or before March 31st, 2008 will expire on March 31st, 2011, unless re-appointed.

Every year on February 1st, USHPA will send renewal notices for all Administrators expiring in March of that year.

Before Administrators can appoint pilots from outside the region, they must consult with a Regional Director from the pilot’s region.

USHPA Directors can no longer re-appoint Advanced Instructors. This task must now be done by Instructor Administrators.

Instructor Administrators must now comply with the 3-step Instructor train-ing program, which includes an Instructor training seminar, apprentice program, and Instructor evaluation.

Tandem Administrators must now hold a Tandem Instructor certification.

In order to meet the new SOP require-ments, Instructor Administrators and Tandem Administrators must now use the new Instructor Appointment Acceptance form for all new instructor appointments and the new Instructor Renewal form for all renewing instructor appointments.

All tandem pilots must be at least 18 years of age.

ALL BASIC, ADVANCED, AND TANDEM INSTRUCTORS:A new student rating (H-0 & P-0) has been added and is required as the mini-mum rating for passengers of T-2 tandem pilots.

The language for first-aid training has been simplified to make it easier to fulfill this requirement.

All Instructors can now be re-appoint-ed only by an Administrator. Regional Directors can no longer re-appoint Advanced Instructors. This task must now be done by Instructor Administrators.

Advanced Instructors and Tandem Instructors must submit documentation to an Administrator for re-appointment. This includes proof of 5 lessons taught per year, a current first aid training certificate, and a signed application.

The causes for revocation of an Instructor certification have been clarified and expanded.

ALL TANDEM PILOTS:Participants in a tandem flight at USHPA-

insured sites must remain in the vehicle for the entirety of the flight. Bungee jumping, parachuting, wing suiting, base jumping, or any other activities where a participant disconnects from the vehicle are not permitted.

The administrative and rating require-ments for all tandem ratings have been clarified.

The causes for revocation of a tandem certification or rating have been clarified and expanded.

ALL TOW PILOTS:All tow appointments are now for a period of 3 years, at which time they expire auto-matically in March. If you have held any of these appointments for 3 or more years, intend to remain active, and would like to be re-appointed, contact the appropriate person, as follows:

Towing Supervisor (ground based) •or Aerotow Supervisor: Chair of the Towing CommitteeTowing Administrator (ground based) •or Aerotow Administrator: Towing SupervisorParagliding Tow Equipment Operator: •Towing Supervisor or Towing AdministratorAeroTug Pilot: Aerotow Supervisor•

This can easily be done by email, voice or U.S. mail. All tow appointments issued on or before March 31st, 2008 will expire on March 31st, 2011, unless re-appointed. Every year on February 1st, USHPA will send renewal notices for all tow appoint-ments expiring in March of that year.

The USHPA has added the requirement for a spotter to have radio contact with the tow operator whenever the pilot is more than 300’ from the tow operator.

RELEVANT SOPS:Please refer to the relevant SOP for the changes listed above. The relevant SOPs:

SOP 12-02, Pilot Proficiency Program•SOP 12-05, Directors/Examiners/•Observers/InstructorsSOP 12-07, Policy on Revocation •and Reinstatement of Ratings, Certifications, and AppointmentsSOP 12-10, Towing/Aerotowing •Administration

Membership | Policy | Involvement

TheASSOCIATION

Shop the SuperFly Online Store (1-801-255-9595) visit the SuperFly Retail Store or find a reseller www.superf lyinc.com

HelmetsCerti� ed and � t for � ying and skiing. Extreme comfort and stylish protection.

Open Face $149

Full Face $225Two helmets in one! Removable chinguard gives you open face or full face. The best of both worlds!

Learn more

GIN YetiThe new GIN Yeti rescue parachute — ultra-light and ultra-compact, like its competitors,but with 40% more surface area. $750

Learn more

Mexico!Join us in the magical land of

warm, smooth, easy � ying,

cold beer and fun that is

Valle de Bravo.

Dec. 12-19,

January 2-9

January 9-16

Learn more

Call, Click or Swing by…

info@super� yinc.com

www.super� yinc.com

1-801-255-9595

for � ying and skiing.

and stylish protection.

Two helmets in one! Removable chinguard gives you open face or

Nova Mentor 2!

The highest performing 1-2, EN B glider ever! Veri� ed by independent testing!

Sports car like handling combined with excellent safety.

On speed, it out performs many 2-3 gliders.

Fun. Way fun! $4,100

Beamer 2

Opens 50% faster than traditional round reserves

Sink rate of only 3.8m/s fully loaded!

Steerable

Lightweight

Available now! $995

Buy from the best 1–801–255–9595 www.superflyinc.com [email protected]

Mentor Features Design Altitude Distance Gallery Guided Tour Tech Specs

http://www.superflyinc.com


HANG GLIDING

SUMMER / EVENING MOUNTAIN SITE IN TEXAS26-YEAR OLD, NOVICE RATED PILOTSINGLE SURFACE TRAINER; FULL FACE HELMETConditions on the south-facing launch were SSE to SE about 5 to 10 mph and smooth .

A novice pilot launched from a slope launch under smooth, slightly cross but soarable conditions. Several

seconds after launching, he entered a left turn, which continued until he was flying toward the launch ramp. The glider began to correct to the right in an apparent effort to avoid the terrain, but then pitched up and stalled into the hill below launch level. The pilot died soon after impact.

CONDITIONSPrevailing winds on launch were reported to be SSE to SE at 10-15 mph, representing a slight left cross. Conditions were reported to be smooth and soarable.

LOGBOOkThe accident pilot held a Novice rating granted in December of 2009, with the fol-lowing special skills signoffs: FL. Detailed logbook information was not available, but the accident pilot was estimated to have performed approximately ten flights from the accident launch—including one 20-minute soaring flight—and was being actively mentored by several experienced pilots as he learned to fly from this site.

MEDICALNo known medical conditions affecting safety of flight were noted.

SYNOPSISThe accident pilot stated his intention to fly on the 23rd after work, along with two other pilots. He rode to the site with a third pilot from whom he was receiving mentoring as he gained experience flying in the mountains. The accident pilot as-sembled his glider, hooked in, and moved to launch without requiring assistance. His harness was thoroughly inspected and one

discrepancy (involving a missing parachute bungie) was corrected. After this, a com-prehensive hang check was completed, and the accident pilot moved out to the end of the launch ramp.

The accident pilot spent several min-utes getting comfortable with the feel of the glider near the edge of the ramp while under soarable wind conditions. He was reportedly still uncomfortable with the

“ramp suck” effect often felt under certain conditions at some launch sites. After about five minutes, he yelled “clear” and execut-ed a somewhat nose-high but successful launch and smoothly flew away from the hill, while transitioning to the prone posi-tion. No pitch or roll problems were noted as he continued to fly straight out away from the hill at trim speed and kicked his feet into the harness.

Once the accident pilot had his feet in the harness, and approximately 4-5 seconds after launching, he began a gentle turn to the left (east). At this point the glider was approximately 150-200 feet away from the hill, flying in about 30 degrees of bank. The glider continued the turn, with no significant change in bank angle, until it had reversed course 180 degrees and was

Analysis | Preparedness | Incidents

SafetyBULLETIN by

http://www.ushgf.org


flying back toward the ramp. At this point the glider flattened out of the turn and ap-peared to begin turning back toward the right. The glider was then observed to stall, with no real altitude gain, and pitched steeply nose-down, diving into the brush and rocks below. The glider impacted the hill about 50 feet south and 30 feet below the launch ramp.

The pilots at launch immediately began making their way down the hill, while call-ing to the accident pilot to see if he was con-scious. One witness was instructed to call 911 and request a helicopter rescue response. The accident pilot was attended to within 45 seconds, when it was observed that the glider had landed between a couple of short trees or tall shrubs, nose down, tail up and into the wind, and about 45 degrees from level. The pilot was found head down and fully supported by his hang straps. Above his head, and to the right, was a small out-cropping of rocks. The glider down tubes and base tube were intact and appeared undamaged. There was no movement nor any sign of life. CPR was performed for 40 minutes until the paramedics arrived and, after consultation with a doctor, ceased medical rescue activities.

AIRFRAMEThe hang glider frame was minimally dam-aged. Upon close inspection, the left down tube was found slightly bent. The leading edge of the glider showed contact points from trees scuffing the fabric and was torn from contact with branches in a few of places. The nose plate was slightly nicked, likely due to contact with a rock, but was otherwise undamaged. It is possible that some of this damage occurred post-ac-cident, as a result of downwash from the rescue helicopter.

ANALYSISNo electronically recorded flight informa-tion (GPS or barograph) was available for analysis in this accident. The lack of damage to the glider frame, coupled with the inju-ries suffered by the pilot, suggest that he impacted the rocks while positioned ahead of the base tube, so that the glider absorbed very little of the impact energy. Injury to the pilot was consistent with impact in a head down / feet up position. There was no apparent damage to the helmet and no indication that the helmet had struck any-

thing during the accident sequence.The accident pilot rode to the site with

a more experienced local pilot. Along the way, the accident pilot was quizzed on right-of-way rules for the ridge and led through a discussion of various flying sce-narios, including what to do if he found himself heading toward the ridge. He was led through a discussion concerning stalls, including the differences in glider response to a shallow stall versus a steep stall. He was also assisted in making a thorough safety check of his harness and wing before moving his glider to the launch area. Finally, a comprehensive hang check was performed, and the pilot’s clearance over the bar was ensured at all bar positions before readying for launch. By all accounts, the accident pilot was well prepared for this flight.

The flight seemed to proceed well, until the accident pilot initiated his first turn very soon after launching. Since he was still very new to flying in the prone position, it is possible that he was cross-controlling during the turn. Because his altitude was near eye-level for the witnesses, it was dif-ficult to judge his body position during the turn. By the time the accident pilot had leveled out the glider, he was on a head-ing directly back towards the launch ramp. Given the prevailing tailwind he was now experiencing, the distance between his glider and the ramp probably closed much more quickly than he expected. Even though the accident pilot had been told numerous times to pull in and continue the turn, if he ever found himself heading toward the hill, it would appear that in-stinct took over. He was observed pushing out hard on the base tube, and a full stall resulted. The glider then pitched forward and dove into the hill. It was estimated that the accident pilot fell about 50 to 75 ft prior to ground impact.

PROBABLE CAUSEFailure to maintain aircraft control and suitable spacing from obstacles while ma-neuvering close to the terrain.

DISCUSSIONThere is no indication that conditions were thermic or turbulent enough to compro-mise the accident pilot’s ability to control the glider. Nevertheless, the skills required to precisely control a weight-shift aircraft,

even under ideal conditions, require a great deal of time to develop. A degree of athleti-cism is required, involving precise utiliza-tion of the pilot’s entire body; it’s not nearly as simple as learning how much pressure to apply to a 2-axis joystick. In addition, these skills are most critical when flying close to the terrain, which is, unfortunately, the first maneuver a new pilot is tasked to perform when launching from the moun-tains.

RECOMMENDATIONSMaintain ample—perhaps even seem-ingly excessive—clearance from the terrain whenever learning to master a new skill. Continue with this policy until the maneu-ver becomes ingrained, second nature.

Experienced pilots are capable of per-forming maneuvers from muscle memory without conscious thought.

Indeed, this is key to the ability to multiple-task. But such multiple-tasking behaviors are (at least in part) learned abilities. A new pilot must invest a great deal more of his or her frontal lobe until they attain the ex-perience required to perform these critical maneuvers as second nature. It is extremely tempting to rush this process. Flying close to the ridge is a high-risk maneuver. New pilots are strongly advised to fly extremely conservatively—even at the risk of initially having many short early flights—until they have developed the library of experience re-quired to effortlessly perform the maneuver in question.

“A comprehensive

hang check was

performed, and the

pilot’s clearance over

the bar was ensured at

all bar positions before

readying for launch.

By all accounts, the

accident pilot was well

prepared for this flight.”


by Tom Galvin

Most people assume hang glid-ing is a summertime sport and, for the most part, that’s true.

However, for many pilots in Ellenville, New York, hang gliding is a year round pastime. While certain considerations need to be made regarding temperature or snow-covered terrain, the basics of flying remain the same. That said: let’s dig into what you need to know to fly safely and enjoyably in winter.

You have to be prepared with the right gear for cold weather. Wearing layers of silk, wool or synthetics that wick, with the outermost layer being windproof, is vital for staying warm. Cotton is a poor

insulator when wet, so should not be worn. You should also invest in a bala-clava or neck gaiter and good windproof gloves, to provide maximum protection for your most exposed areas. Bar mitts are almost a necessity in the depths of winter in northern latitudes. A pod har-ness is hard to beat for blocking the wind, but if you fly a cocoon, strongly consider a full-body snow/flight suit. Ski goggles or a full-face helmet with visor will keep your eyes protected. Cat Crap, found in any ski shop, applied to the goggles or visor will prevent fogging. Hand and foot warmers, also found in ski shops, will keep your extremities warm. The key is to be miserly with your body heat and vigilant about minimizing its loss.

Hypothermia and frostbite are very real dangers that will strike the unprepared quickly. To complete your wardrobe, invest in a good pair of waterproof boots with a material on the sole that grips, like Vibram.

Winter air is denser, so you need less velocity to soar. Accordingly, your maxi-mum launch wind-speed should also be reduced. A pleasant 12-15MPH at launch in summer can provide a few grey hairs during a January flight. The effects of turbulence tend to be more pronounced with cold, dry air. One common mis-conception is that there are no thermals in winter. It is not the temperature that produces lift, but rather the temperature difference between a parcel of air and the

Snow Birds


air around it. A blacktop parking lot sur-rounded by snow fields will provide that difference nicely. In winter, thermals can be every bit as strong as in summer, but edges tend to be sharper, and the climb may snake more. The main dif-ference is that days with good thermal lift are generally less frequent with lower ceilings.

Preparation is key. Allow extra time for the setup of your glider. Assume you will have to clear your launch of snow and ice. Arrive with shovels, scrapers and ice-melt, if applicable. An old carpet secure-ly fastened can provide sure footing over otherwise unusable icy launches. Wear one set of clothes for setup and leave a set of dry flying clothes in a warm car to change into just before launching. If at any point in your flight you start to feel cold in any part of your body, begin your descent immediately and land as soon as possible. It can take some time to get down. A slight chill can turn into full-blown frostbite or hypothermia in the 10-15 minutes it takes you to reach the

LZ if you are high, or the lift is strong.You may know your home LZ like

the back of your hand in summer, but winter can turn a grassy lawn into a skat-ing rink, an icy slush pool, or a waist-deep crunchy pit of albino crème brulee. I advise walking the LZ each flight. On many days no-step landing skills are practically required. Finally, stage a ve-hicle with good heat in the LZ to act as a mobile warming hut. Stock it with a thermos of hot chocolate or soup for a welcomed end to a winter flight.

Some of my most memorable mo-ments in hang gliding are from winter flights. Once I found myself soaring thousands of feet above the ridge after an ice storm that provided a surreal view of a crystal forest stretching to the horizon, dazzling bright, on a sunny day. Snow flurries can envelop you in a sparkling dance of ten thousand prisms.

A little forethought can open up a whole new world of flying for those of you who venture into the winter skies. With this guide I hope I have provided some insights, but my advice cannot re-place the guidance you should get from a local with experience flying in winter. Join us and become a snowbird too.

[left] Frozen LZ / breakdown area in Ellenville, New York. [below]Justin LaMarche guard rail jumping at Ellenville. Photos by Paul Voight.

http://www.kittyhawkkites.com


by Ricker Goldsborough

One day, shortly after returning home from a competition, I re-ceived an email from Mr. Mark

DeMarino, inviting me and a few others to participate in an event just outside of Houston, TX. After further com-munication with Mark , this event, The Ballunar Liftoff, sounded as if it would

be a great opportunity to promote the sport and the Cloudbase Foundation. The Festival was held Oct. 29, 30,31, 2010 ,at the NASA Johnson Space Center on NASA Road 1 in Seabrook, Texas.

Little did I know that for the past 18 years the Ballunar Festival has been held to celebrate powered and other forms of flight. It’s sponsored by Re/Max and the

NASA Johnson Space Center, a facility that houses many of our country’s re-tired space vehicles and is a monument to space flight.

Live music, food, drinks, balloon flight contests, hang gliding, skydiving, powered paragliders, model rockets and remote-controlled airplanes, as well as a demonstration by the US Coast Guard, were just of few of the major attractions.

BallunarFestival


The facility also included a number of cool carnival rides for the children, mostly centered around space travel.

Each discipline of flight had a sched-uled time each day to strut their stuff and hang gliding was no exception.

Upon arriving, we promptly offload-ed our towing gear, and a small group of us began setting up our wings. We then paraded in front of thousands of spectators to the other side of the facil-ity, where we were to aerotow behind a trike that was flown by Mick Howard and Gred Ludwig.

I am not excited about showing off and crowds scare me. Why? Because each time I have tried to show off in front of a crowd, something goes wrong, and I end up with grass stains, skinned knees, a broken down tube or something similar.

However, this venue was going to be different. Zack Castle, Bill Misiaszek,

“B” Asher, Mick Howard, Dave Susko and I each took a turn towing up to the allowed height of 2000’ agl., pinned off and did our best to display skills for the crowds of people watching from below. We had a breathtaking view of the bay,

the town and the Space Center facility. Everyone who flew that day was a rock star. Taking off and landing right in front of so many people allowed us to demonstrate that our sport is fun and

safe and that the performance has come a long way. Of course, when you fly just after the sky divers, it’s not hard to beat their 2-to-1 glide ratio. We really put on a show for them, and the crowd’s

[left] Crowd at the event patiently waiting for the action to start. [below] Mick, Bob, Al, Pam, Art and Zack in the front.

Dealers Wanted!US & Canada

Options:

• Internal Fuel Tank

• Dual-start Engine

• Folding Prop

High Performance Exhaust now Standard

Pilot: Paul Farina Photo: Greg Dewenter

Mosquito Power Harness

Dealers across America & Canadawww.mosquitoamerica.com

Traverse City Hang Gliders/ParaglidersBill Fifer • Traverse City, MI

231-922-2844 phone/fax • [email protected]

http://mosquitoamerica.com


Love Canopy Flight?Come Play with Us!

How big was it?

[left] Powered paraglider trike and balloons. [opposite] Al Saylor and Ricker Goldsborough.

reaction said it all. “Awwwwww…. Ohhhhhhhh….Wooooow….” was heard constantly.

The announcer shouted out over the PA system:“The Cloudbase Foundation helps children where they fly,” followed by more specific information. My skin began to get goosebumps and the hair on my neck stood up. I looked up and saw that I had landed within 100’ of everyone and was soon stage center. I heard more words about the foundation and how hang gliding has come a long way and, not realizing what I was doing, threw my hands in the air as if to say,

“See, it’s easy!”I could then hear the crowd cheering

and people clapping. I walked towards the crowd and the announcer asked me questions about the foundation. After a short conversation, I picked up my wing, waived to the crowd and walked over to where we were towing from, only to

http://www.uspa.org


United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

2011

United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association2011

2011

$15.00

CALENDARSON SALE NOW!

www.USHPA.aero/storeEPIC IMAGES!

be met by my flying buddies. Everyone had similar experiences; the crowd was totally impressed. We did well to safely demonstrate our sport during this event.

The Houston Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, as well as the Hang Glide Texas Club, did a spectacu-lar job! Mark DeMarino and his merry band of people have done this event in the past and should be acknowledged for their safety processes and doing what they can to educate the public about our wonderful sport. They also brought with them a hang gliding flight simulator for others to try and handed out a number of USHPA magazines.

Why was this such a cool event? Just think about it: flying around a full-sized rocket, balloons, skydivers and other flying people. That many different types of flying at one event is something to celebrate! Although I am partial to hang gliding and paragliding,I have a bond with my other flying family members.

Thank you, Mr. Al Saylor, Re/Max Ballunar Festival Coordinator, for al-lowing us to share this with you.

http://www.ushpa.aero/store


SeibenRanch

by RusinVAN DYKE


So I was tidying up after a relaxing short flight…

It was the first time I had flown at the Seiben Ranch, north of Helena, Montana—almost 1200 feet of ver-

tical with thousands of acres of grassland for landing. The access road had been closed but I had been given permission to fly. Leaving work a little early, I was able to make the hike up in about 50 minutes and proceeded to setup in the subsid-ing sun of an early November afternoon. Probably won’t be much more than a sled-ride, I thought, but I should be able to land next to the car and have an easy time gathering up and heading home.

After a smooth launch, I was able to traverse the hill for five laps, before head-ing out and assessing my landing options. A large field directly adjacent to the hill provided the closest opportunity, but since I had good altitude, I turned over the tree-line to setup for landing next to the car. Some sink, as I flew over the tree-line and creek with the sun settling lower against the western hills, pulled

me into a great short final approach, as I turned from paralleling the trees into the very slight prevailing ground wind and touched down 80 feet from the car. Getting up to launch was work, but after not having flown for three weeks, I was feeling quite satisfied. Good preparation, a nice, clean flight, and a convenient landing; some easy cleanup, and I would be on my way home.

Being a bit picky about tidying up after a flight, I was taking my time to spread the canopy and look things over. I didn’t think much of the cow bellowing in the distance—even the snorting and huffing seemed mostly entertaining, since I have been approached by horses at another flying site. I looked up a couple of times as the snorting and bellowing got closer, but saw nothing in the field beyond. After puttering another minute or two with getting the glider laid out and the lines stretched and cleared, I glanced up again to see the cow ambling over the rise about 100 yards away. “Gosh, she sure looks animated,” I thought. As I watched, the cow began picking up the pace,

seemingly eager to get over to the action. Montana is “big sky” country where one cow gets swallowed up, but that was no cow! That was a bull! A big bull! And he was picking up steam and heading right at me. I looked at the glider and lines and imagined the devastation he could cause. Alarmed and beginning to panic, I decided the best course of action for me was to stay calm. Not wanting to turn my back, I continued packing at a leisurely pace, hoping to pacify the bull. “He just thinks I am spreading hay,”I thought out loud. “I’ll just talk nice to him and think good thoughts.”

By then he was close enough for me to see mucous draining from his nose and his pendulous scrotum swaying as he rambled toward me, head down and bellowing his dominance and apparent displeasure. I stepped to the top of the glider as he idled to within 30 feet, before stopping and putting on a display of head nodding, snorting, pawing, and raucous bellowing. In a barely audible voice I said, “I just want to get packed up and go home, fellow. I would appreciate your

Seiben


not trampling through my stuff.” As he stood his ground, he was not calm-ing down; when he lowered his head, mucous drained profusely, and he pawed the ground again, I decided to back up and get in the car. My moving seemed to calm him, so I started the car and slowly positioned it between him and my glider and harness. A few toots of the horn and the moving car persuaded him to back up two or three paces, but he seemed to be getting more aggravated.

Stepping from the car, I discovered why. The bellowing was echoing from several directions: another bull was headed our way. And then, two more were approaching, each from a different direction and each announcing his prow-ess and intention of being in charge.

Within minutes, eight bulls were

pawing the turf within 20 feet of the car. Much to my relief, they eventually lost in-terest in me and my gear and began per-forming for each other. Even the biggest boy who first approached was drawn into the ground-pawing, liquid-spewing, bel-lowing, head-butting—who’s the biggest, baddest, meanest—competition. It was like being part of a zombies’ movie; they all seemingly came from nowhere, clos-ing-in first on me, then on each other.

I slowly made my way to the car-hatch and opened it, while the lead bull took note and took his final couple of steps towards me. I became less interesting as I moved behind the car, so he strutted towards the group of seven to assert his dominance. He was obviously the alpha bull. While the posturing escalated, I slowly backed to the harness and was able

to put it into the back seat. I then slowly mushroomed the glider, placed it into the hatch, and spoke softly to the lead bull when this movement caught his atten-tion. “It’s not hay; you can’t eat it!”

As I drove off, I thought about how lucky I had been to get away with no damage to myself or equipment. The playback of the relaxing and successful flight I had just completed could now be mentally reviewed. As I pictured myself on final, taking a wrap and touching down lightly, I thought, “Nah, I am a paraglider pilot; it wasn’t luck, it was skill!”

Rusin Van Dyke, Helena, [email protected]

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Introducing the new USHPA custom Visa Platinum Rewards Card.

The card with Flare.No annual fe• e.

$50 donation by the bank, to USHPA• , whenyoufirstusethecard.*

Ongoi• ngcontributionsmadewhenyoucontinueusingyourcard.

Low • IntroductoryAPRonpurchasesandnobalancetransferfeefor6months.**

Enha• ncedVisaPlatinumbenefits,including24/7EmergencyCustomerService,100%FraudProtection,AutoRentalandTravelAccidentInsuranceandmuchmore.

Earnpo• intsathundredsofparticipatingonlineretailersredeemableforname-brandmerchandise,eventtickets,giftcardsortravelrewardoptions.

Apply today at: http://www.cardpartner.com/app/ushpa

Submit your own image or choose one of these custom

USHPA Platinum Rewards Cards.

TheUSHPAVisacardprogramisoperatedbyUMBBank,N.A.AllapplicationsforUSHPAVisacardaccountswillbesubjecttoUMBBankN.A.'sapproval,atitsabsolutediscretion.Pleasevisitwww.cardpartner.comforfutherdetailsoftermsandconditionswhichapplytotheUSHPAVisacardprogram.Donationmadewhencardisusedoncewithin90daysofissuance.AfterthisperiodalowvariableAPRwillapply.

Powered by CardPartner.

The #1 provider of affinity credit card programs.

Use your own photo.

Hang Gliding & Paragliding | www.USHPA.aero24 Hang Gliding & Paragliding | www.USHPA.aero24

I was pretty sure I was living The Dream. Then I went flying in Malaysia.

In many respects, pilots are the same the world over: friendly, high-on-life, eager to share their local site and pas-

sionate about flying. The same could be said about Yati and Nafi, our site guides in Malaysia. The couple gets out to their hill every weekend, always eyeing the clouds. But one fact sets them apart from the tribe of the semi-nomadic pilots I hang around: Nafi and Yati have five children. One, Two, Three, Four, Five. Fortunately, like most Malay families, their family is close-knit, so they have a lot of support

in getting out to fly. Grandma, who lives nearby, is happy to watch their kids— along with Nafi’s brother’s five kids.

I had a hard time reconciling this care-free, daring couple with my ideas about parenthood. Shouldn’t they be a little more uptight and frazzled? At 31, Yati still looks like she just got off the school bus. I marveled as she loaded three bal-lasts in her harness to keep her tiny body in the hemisphere. I’ve honestly never met anyone like her.

We were at Seremban, a ridge-soaring hill that rises above the palm plantations of western Malaysia. The October day turned out to be a bit of a struggle for me; it was the hottest flying I’ve ever endured, and the only time I heard my vario beep

was when I stood up after going to the bathroom. However, we were in great company. The flying club from Borneo was visiting the site, and, come evening, they joined us for a post-flying dinner.

Nasser, a local pilot, had the backyard grill on full flame, churning out an end-less feast of lamb chops, chicken wings, and fish fillets. We nibbled on meaty bones and gathered around a laptop to watch a slideshow of the day’s flights.

Like everywhere I’ve ever flown, the pilots were welcoming and happy to speak English with us. The night wore on, and the party grew larger, as an extended family of friends and relatives arrived. Children ran around the lawn as babies were passed from person to person. Soon,

Flying Free by ChristinaAMMON


the balmy night was filled with the me-lodic sounds of the Malay language. My companion, Andy, and I sauntered away from the table and reclined on the lawn.

“This is the only time of year I get homesick,” Andy said. “Today is bonfire night back in England.” He reminisced about his neighborhood, the cool nights, the fireworks. Having organized over fif-teen vehicle expeditions across Africa and throughout the world, he’s spent the ma-jority of his adult life on the road. He’s had cinematic adventures, met lots of characters, and flown a ton of sites. But great as it’s been, all the vagabonding can take a toll. He spent one Christmas on an airplane between San Francisco and Sydney. Birthdays can be a letdown, too.

“…people always forget, and it’s a remind-er that in some ways I’m sort of a loner.”

That’s a feeling I can relate to. For three years I’ve avoided the expense of main-taining a home in order to chase para-

gliding, writing assignments, and whims. The adventures I’ve had are unsurpassed, yet there are moments when my peripa-tetic life feels starkly empty. And as time goes by, I return to my home in Ashland, Oregon, less and less. My friendships adhere with the feeble glue of Facebook status updates and infrequent emails.

To have a real home you need to return to the places you departed from and stay a while. You have to cultivate history, mem-ories, and connections. But these days, my life is starting to resemble less the ancient circle of coming and going and more a line— a somewhat solitary one at that—disappearing into the future.

Nasser’s party turned-off around 11:00, and we climbed into the car with Nafi and Yati. It was late and they needed to pick up their children from Grandma’s house. As Nafi steered the glider-stuffed car down the dark highway, Yati turned around and peered at me with curious eyes, her face framed by her red hijab:

“Christina. You are 35. Why not mar-ried?”

I wanted to give her some well-con-sidered philosophic explanation. But the

truth is my single status has never really felt like a decision. For a long time I thought I was too young to be married; I needed to have one more adventure before settling down. But one more adventure has turned into a lifestyle, and at age 35 that excuse is out of steam.

I struggled to find reasons. I explained that many young adults in America stay single into their 30’s and that through a process of social-selection, I’m surround-ed by a set of friends who live as I do, making my state seem “normal.” I didn’t bother telling her the other complicated reasons— the legacy of divorce my family had given me, making me wary of the entire institution and my determination to avoid the suburban afflictions of quiet desperation.

“Maybe these Americans are more ‘into’ themselves.” Yati suggested.

Yati made a good point, but I hated to think of us in that light. Most of my friends lead really active, meaningful lives, I explained. They have a passion for flying or for travel. And many have taken up terrific causes—working on behalf of others, restoring wetlands and/ or assist-

[left] Local pilots, the visiting Borneo flying club, Christina Ammon and Andy Pag pose for a photo on Bukit Sendayan launch in Seremban, Malaysia. [below] Bukit Sendayan launch | photo by Andy Pag.


ing in disaster relief.But there is no denying, I suppose,

that there is a selfish aspect to not settling. Like many pilots, I enjoy my freedom. I love the novelty of new places. I love being able to re-invent myself again and again. With no children, my mornings are serene; my mind is my own. If the flying is good, I get up and go. In some ways, it seems like the ideal life.

Yati was trying to understand, but seemed confused.

“But we need someone to take care of, and to take care of us, no?”

I knew she was right. But my friends and I do form our own family of sorts. And in the flying community, pilots form their adrenaline-bonds and have their own particular way of looking after each other. Romantically, I’ve had a few rela-tionships, and we took care of each other for the time we were together. Of course,

when our paths started to diverge, we were quick to call it a day

“Is it ego?” She asked.“Probably,” I admitted. No doubt I was living out the

Westernized ideal that it is our birthright to uncover and express who we are. My destiny, I was taught, is entirely my own, and I should never compromise it for anyone. As a result, there are some things I’m unable to do—like stick with a job I hate or move to Texas for love.

Nafi and Yati dropped us off at the bus we’d been traveling and living in for months. Andy stashed away our wings in the back and expressed his admira-tion for Nafi and Yati’s close-knit family, concluding with, “…if we’re not here for each other, we might as well not be here.” As much as I espouse the benefits of the free and easy nomadic lifestyle, I couldn’t help but agree.

Before we left town, Nafi and Yati in-vited us for dinner. Grandma prepared a feast of boiled greens, chicken curry, and oxtail soup, and the house was so crowd-ed we had to eat in shifts: Nafi, Yati, Andy

and I, the ten grandchildren and all the aunties and uncles. As usual, Nafi and Yati made sure we were well fed. Malaysian hospitality is often overwhelming.

“This might be the last time we see you,” Yati explained, “so this is our only opportunity to treat you.” It was true. They had firm roots here and five kids to care for. As for us, the likelihood of our returning was slim.

By the time we left that night, the chil-dren were wrestling in a pile on the floor, and the house was so noisy and chaotic it was hard to have a clear thought. But, more important, the house was full of love.

Andy and I said goodbye and walked out the door into a peaceful night and big open world. We’d soon discover our next friends, the next flying site. It was just us and the big world with lots of space to move around in. Lots and lots of space.

Contact Christina at flyinghobogirl@gmail .com

[left, top] Andy Pag and Christina Ammon pose with Yati and Nafi’s children and extended family. [bottom] Prepping gear on launch Bukit Sendayan launch in Seremban, Malaysia | photo by Andy Pag.

http://www.skywings.org.uk


Long lift lines at a ski area might be good cause to take up knitting. Long lift lines at a flying site are

a good cause for rejoicing. Lift lines in flight are linear areas of upwelling air that are gratifying to fly for gravity is postponed. When we refer to “local” lift lines we mean that they occur at and around a flying site, as opposed to along a cross-country route. As we shall see, there is a difference.

Lift lines are important to you as a pilot if you care about getting high and stay-ing high—isn’t that the point? Lift line skills are almost as important to effective flying as are thermaling skills. But before we describe why and how, lets look at what they are.

THE WHATLift lines are strings of lift that are gen-erally lined up into the prevailing wind.

They can be caused by convergence or thermals (or a combination). Generally, we aren’t concerned with waves here be-cause they are oriented across the wind direction. Although they can provide lines of lift, they aren’t a regular feature at most sites. Convergence can occur in gaps in mountains or ridges, or in larger flows that come together, however, they are less common, less predictable and less reliable than thermals, so we will ignore

FlyingLocal Lift Lines

by DennisPAGEN


them as well, unless someone objects.So our main problem is to figure out

what causes thermals to exhibit linear be-havior. Why can they stretch out to be more than a circle in cross section? The key ingredient is the wind. When wind is added to thermal formation and flow, the thermal can lift off in an amorphous or spread-out shape rather than the ideal singular circular form we often envi-sion. As figure 1 shows, the thermal is stretched out along the wind direction. There may be several hot cores in this stretch thermal along with areas of less lift. Note also the side-to-side boundar-ies of the thermal in the top view, as well as the limits upwind and downwind.

We can get some idea of the formation of thermal lift lines and their anatomy by viewing smoke from a smokestack in wind. As figure 2 shows, a hefty dis-charge in unstable conditions and wind lays the smoke out so that it’s rise creates a linear area of lift (smoke is warm and rises like a thermal).

From my extensive experience flying in ridge lift with soarable wind, I find the weaker the thermals and the stronger the wind, the longer the lift lines. Essentially, the slower the vertical movement and

stronger the horizontal movement of the thermal, the longer the lift area extends. We should note a point here. If the wind is too strong, it tends to break the ther-mal up and also create smaller thermals because air doesn’t sit at the surface in large pools. However, in more stable con-ditions a large wind gradient can exist so surface winds are less. Such conditions will result in weak thermals, but lift lines will be more prevalent (and longer), so they are even more important in these conditions.

Other factors that affect lift line length are the amount of surface air that can be recruited to join the rising ther-mal, and how the terrain helps a ther-mal to rise at a singular point. If a lot of warm air has formed at the surface and it is not blocked from joining the thermal by terrain features, the thermal will flow upward for a longer period of time. This factor allows the thermal to spread out more in the wind affect. If multiple ter-rain undulations exist, the thermal may lift off in several points at once, which results in a more spread out thermal. Usually this spread will be in the direc-tion of the wind flow.

WHERE TO FIND THEMBefore we see why you, Joe or Jill Pilot, need lift lines (more than they need you), lets form a plan for finding them. The simple answer to finding lift lines is to find a thermal. Then, assuming you caught and wrestled with the core, ride it to the bitter end (that is, it dies out or you have drifted back far enough for safety), head away from the thermal directly into the wind (more on this below).

Generally, expect every thermal in wind to be formed in a line. However, an area that produces longer-lived thermals will be more likely to produce longer lift lines. House thermals are good, mainly because they arise from areas that are keen to create, promote and engender thermals. In plain English, they are known as house thermals because they are a reliable thermal hot spot, and usu-ally produce longer duration thermals. So they are good for line production.

Where I fly, we are blessed (for the flying benefits) and cursed (for the ugly environmental scars) with three quarries ranging from right in front of launch to along the ridge a bit. They like to harbor hot air in their bowels and expel it in large eructations. They seem to affect the

http://www.lazerlink.com/~pagenbks


surrounding air a bit for they often have a relatively long-term feed. Many times we have compared pilots’ success when working (hanging out) downwind from a quarry or elsewhere down the ridge away from a quarry. There are almost always lift lines near these quarries and better thermals. (Note: that we fly this site ex-clusively in wind since it is only 1000 feet high and we need to ridge soar for a good chance at finding thermals).

In general, when lift lines are around they also help organize the air so lift is promoted in the area. For example, on a recent flight in about 15 mph wind and weak lift, we could linger about ten or fifteen minutes in the lift line before it petered out and sent us sinking and hunting. Just like when you’re fishing, where you find one lunker, expect to find another. Sometimes, they just keep on biting.

HOW TO FLYI won’t be so presumptuous to tell you how to fly, but here’s how to do it if you want to be the contender for the high-human-at-the-hill informal contest. The first principle is thermal well and effi-ciently. After thermaling to the top, the most important matter is to leave the thermal and stay in the lift line. The reason for this rule is that it will almost always place you higher when the next patch of lift is found, and more often than not, the next thermal will be along this line.

In general, we will be flying upwind in lift lines because the flight pattern at a local site is to drift back in thermals, then plow forward to the front of the

hill/ridge/mountain to find another gift of lift. This process is entirely different than when flying cross-country because we don’t frequently fly XC into the wind. Moreover, in XC flying we tend to be in a hurry and not take thermals to the point they peter out. Lift lines are extremely important in XC flying, but we use them differently by making strategic diversions to areas of expected lift lines and future thermals. Downwind from an individual thermal is less likely to exhibit lift lines, so lift lines in XC flying is more likely to be due to convergence, thermal conglom-erations and streeting action.

We repeat for emphasis: using lift lines is extremely important to your local hill flying success. You can stay hun-dreds of feet higher by using lift lines compared to when you don’t use them. Make that thousands of feet if you find a lucky thermal that is missed by lower pilots. Furthermore, lift line exploitation can make the difference in staying up or going down when conditions are cycling. If you ever wonder why some pilots get and remain higher than the rest of the pack, let the light shine in your brain on the thought: lift lines.

Now here’s the formula: anticipate, aim, experiment and fly efficiently. Whenever you are flying in wind, expect the lift to be strung out at least a little bit in the direction of the wind. Once you find a thermal, top it out then explore directly up wind. Try to find how much the lift extends away from the main core of the thermal. Are there other cores or hot spots—areas of better lift—upwind? How weak does it get between hot spots? Even if lift stops, are you sinking less than your glider’s still air sink rate, or perhaps less than the sink rate you were getting before between thermals? Explore at least three thermals in this manner before you can conclude that lift lines either aren’t there that day or they are and what their extent is. Experiment, both to scope out the nature of the day’s lift (and lines) and to train yourself to quickly figure out the nature of the day’s lift distribution and behavior.

Once you have determined that lift lines exist that day, each time you enter one, go a little further to see how far they can extend. Rarely do I find a single ther-mal lift line stretching out more than a

quarter mile, but I have had a rare one up to a half mile. Remember, we are heading mostly into the wind and the thermal is drifting toward us, which virtually short-ens their apparent length. Any lift lines longer than this are generally related to continuously pumping thermal sources, streets or some other organized form of lift (convergence, waves), not single ther-mals. Cloud or blue streets are common enough, and when they occur they can result in long lift lines. Exploit them in the same manner described above and don’t forget to smile. Remember, ther-mals are often organized in groups, so when you find a grouping, stay with it until it fizzles.

Using lift lines is especially important in conditions where the wind is somewhat cross on the ridge. The reason is, there is a tendency to fly to the front in the short-est path, which is not directly upwind. If you do not fly directly upwind when lift lines exist, you will most often end up at the front face of the ridge with much less altitude—sometimes hundreds of feet—than had you followed the lift line. I have seen this altitude difference occur over and over again. Moreover, it’s not just the sink difference that makes a difference, but often another thermal is encountered along the lift line, so a double bonus ensues and accrues to he who heeds the word to the wise.

Because the lift along a line is rarely steady, I like to use a varied speed ap-proach, almost like dolphin flying. I’ll speed up a bit on the weaker parts and push out in the shots of more lift. This approach is especially useful if the lift is a bit ragged or there are enough good spots to warrant frequent turning to remain in them. The little extra speed helps me turn more immediately and precisely.

I recently had a flight in lift lines. We took off relatively late and had weak ther-mals carrying us to about 600 feet over. Gradually the thermals diminished, but the areas of general lift were there and so were the lift lines. Eventually we quit thermaling and simply ran forward and back in the lift lines. When one of us ex-plored elsewhere or simply blundered out of the lift line, the difference was obvious to the tune of a couple hundred feet.

The above point brings up another tip: constantly monitor the status of other

“You can stay hundreds

of feet higher by using lift

lines compared to when

you don’t use them.

Make that thousands of

feet if you find a lucky

thermal that is missed by

lower pilots.”


pilots. You can scope out a lot more 3-D sky by watching others than you can just blundering around on your own, espe-cially since the sky changes. If you are following another pilot in a lift line, and see the glider suddenly sink, perhaps you want to alter your course. But more times than not, they are just transitioning a soft patch and the lift returns further ahead. The more observant you are, the more experience you gain in lift lines and the more time you spend in them on a given flight helps you make judgments and ex-ploit the day’s conditions to the fullest.

Often, once you have regained your position in front you will be heading for another climb marked by pilots, birds or clouds, or entering a search pattern for a thermal. If you haven’t found it by flying the line, you at least have the most possible altitude to search. Even when a good climb is indicated it is usually most efficient to follow the lift line forward to some extent before veering off to join the thermal. The most effective distance between two points isn’t necessarily a straight line when flying.

Here’s one last matter to consider:

When thermals die out or get very weak but lift lines still exist (a very common experience), the technique for staying high or simply prolonging the inevitable (landing) is to run the lines forward and back. This procedure requires at least two turns—one at the downwind point, and one at the upwind point. Since the lift usually varies a bit as you venture along the line, I try to turn back in a hot spot—an area of better lift—rather than wait until the lift peters out. I find this plan keeps me highest. My turn will be as flat as possible, while remaining in the confines of the weak lift. Recognize that a turn requires some side-to-side dis-tance, so if I had just flown forward in what I guess to be the very center of the lift line, I must reestablish myself in that center by performing a bit more than a 180, then turn back the other way a slight amount. Figure 3 shows this procedure from the top view.

At the downwind end of the lift lines, the procedure is very similar. Usually, the lift doesn’t extend much past the front of the ridge face, especially when thermal cores have disappeared or are very weak.

Often you can’t find a hot spot to turn around at this downwind end. In that case, make your efficient turn and beat back into the wind, using all your spatial sense to remain on the line. Generally, you’ll find less lift when tracking back downwind than you will when flying upwind. But the key to success is to

“hold that line,” as any footballer will tell you.

Lift line use is not taught in our schools or even very much at the hill. Most pilots don’t know how

to use them judging by observations. But awareness of their importance, and a bit of practice will get you tuned into them and enhance your flying skills. The game at a local site is usually getting high and staying there. So remember, when you work hard to gain your alti-tude, don’t squander it by blundering off into a morass of sink. I have used lift lines to good effect in the flatlands from Wisconsin to Florida, as well as the mountains throughout the East. They are ubiquitous, prevalent and persistent. They are there for the taking.

[email protected]

www.northwing.com

ULTRALIGHT TRIKES & WINGSHANG GLIDERS

1st place, Sporting Class - 2009 King Mountain Nationals

1st - 2nd - 3rd place - 2010 Texas Single Surface Shoot-Out

available with Full Race options and custom sail

The NEW high performance, single-surface glider!

150 170 190Freedom

ATF Soaring Trike - climb to cloudbase and soar!

T2 TANDEM - the best tandem glider available

HORIZON ET - hang 2, double surface with VG

Visit NorthWing.com for more fun aircraft

http://www.northwing.com


words by GiorgioSABBIONI

images by OlivierLAGUERO

One of the dreams of most acro pilots is to perform hot maneuvers with a tandem paraglider.

One could question the necessity of doing this.

Tandem Infinity


In the past when pilots performed tricks with a passenger, the performances were relatively successful because of the limited agility of the

wings used. Nobody did successful tandem acro tricks on an acro wing, because there was no acro wing suitable for that use.

Nevertheless, some of the top acro actors investi-gated the practical problems of performing a “true tandem acro lap” with a true acro wing. It quickly became evident that the effort needed to steer the glider was limited by pilot strength, and the stress for the canopy was so high that that there were prob-ably no acro paragliders in the world capable of with-standing the high G-load.

But… for a keen acro pilot, a challenge is a way of life; they believe that even something impossible might be feasible—with just a bit more application, courage and… fantasy. And a tandem acro wing can become a new step towards improving the teaching techniques for beginners.

Pal Takats decided to explore the possibilities.

He said to me, “We are going to perform the infin-ity tumble with a tandem glider; would you like to come here for a photo session?” I thought this was an occasion not to be missed, especially when he added,

“It’s still a secret, so please do not divulge it.”Maintaining this secret for more than a month

was the hardest duty for me. Picture yourself having a discussion with other acro junkies who perform the latest and hottest acro maneuvers without reveal-ing anything. Imagine the satisfaction of saying: “It’s coming: the Infinity T!” Their confusion: “Infinity what????” Your response: “Infinity Tandem… guys… the ultimate acro trick, the dream of every acro pilot: the infinity tumble performed on a tandem glider.” But this satisfaction was forbidden to me as it was still a "hush-hush" project.

On that August morning when I met Pal Takats and Gabor Kezi, they were looking incredibly cool and relaxed. Pal, how can you be so cool…it’s not human; tell me the truth… you already did it…

Pal did not hesitate to tell me everything: “Yes,

[previous] Paul Takats and Gabor Kezi launching to

complete the first tandem infinity tumble. [above] Paul and Gabor jumping

rope together. [opposite] Preparing through careful

training, and specific calisthenics.


we already did some tests to set the problems; the main one was how to steer the glider. The energy is so high that the strength of a single pilot is not enough to steer it into the maneuver. So we set a double command system. Gabor will help me, pull-ing the brakes to enter into infinity coming from a spiral-tumbling, but mainly to stall it for the exit, as the total effort needed for that can be estimated at 122 pounds of pressure.”

Don’t you do it starting from the rhythmic sat? “No, the strength needed to steer the glider into the rhythmic is so high that it takes a lot of altitude to gain the right energy and is then difficult to reach the infinity.”

Since you need to be helped by your passenger, can you still consider him a passenger? “Gabor will not be a passenger but a second pilot; it would not be possible to perform the infinity without him. We both are able to do it, and we both are quite good pilots, so we have the right feeling to properly steer the glider and to provide the right timing for the weight shift in a double command maneuver.”

What about your previous attempts; were they successful? “Not properly. We did a couple of suc-cessful attempts in Oludeniz of about ten turns each during the first flight, but during the second one, just after the third turn into infinity, our already strengthened glider blasted—breaking all the upper galleries of the A-B-C lines. Gabor reacted immedi-ately by throwing the rescue, and we landed safely. Later we phoned the designer, Ernst Strobl, telling

him that the new toy was already broken, and we would need something even stronger, and that was even harder than to throw the rescue. Now we have this new one and I’m confident we’ll succeed with it.”

What glider is it? “It is a specially tailored 31 m (flat) U-Turn Thriller, it has been calculated on our weight for a total of roughly 190-200 kg in-flight. It has a special inner structure and a line plan strong enough to sustain a truck; it’s probably the stron-gest paraglider ever built. The wing has a reinforced inner structure and extra thick lines. The combined strength of the upper line cascades was calculated to be able to withstand a max. load of 8.2 tons and the

“We did a couple of successful

attempts in Oludeniz of about ten

turns each during the first flight,

but during the second one, just

after the third turn into infinity, our

already strengthened glider blast-

ed—breaking all the upper galleries

of the A-B-C lines.”


main lines of 5.2 tons.” When the helicopter dropped us on the Chäserugg

takeoff, 1800 meters above the Walensee waters, the excitement began to grow among all the team, even the coolest of the group: the passenger, Gabor Kezi, was looking a bit more energized. Conditions were not the best: the takeoff was almost flat with some rocky steps, and it ended in an extremely steep slope, making the takeoff run with a 31 sqm tandem glider tricky, like a hot acro maneuver. There was also a weak thermic wind creating a rotor at the spot where Pal and Gabor opened their glider.

Pal had a Vonblon Papillon steerable tandem rescue in his Sup’air harness; Gabor had a second Sup’air tandem rescue fixed on the chest strap. They started to run, but the glider hung back because of the rotor created by the wind coming from the steep slope, forcing them to stop the run a few steps from the slope. They waited for better conditions, and the tension escalated, because the takeoff condi-tions were quite difficult. Then the wind improved. Run, run, run! Gabor’s body was projected toward the slope, the run was quite long and takeoff of the overloaded wing was not immediate.

For some minutes, they flew, even thermalling near the steep rocky mountain’s wall. Then they headed toward the lake. The rescue boat was a little white point right in the middle of the Walensee, almost 1400 meters below them. From the helicop-ter we saw them lighting the smoke bomb, setting the double brake and entering into a suddenly steep spiral.

At this point we witnessed the ultimate trick—one of the dreams of the acro paragliding world became a reality: the two pilots started to turn into infinity. Their arms were upward, hanging onto the brakes; the rotation was not fast, but amazingly con-

stant and tidy. Ten, eleven… twenty… we lost count. I heard the helicopter pilot’s voice in the headphone:

“How many turns are they doing?” We did not know; they were simply rotating like a white-blue merry-go- round—but vertically to the ground. Then, after an endless and breathless time, we saw the glider stall-ing at the top of a turn and then starting to fly nor-mally. Meanwhile, the two pilots were screaming so clearly that we heard it even from the helicopter: 45 turns, we counted later on the video. Was it the end of the exhibition? Not at all: wingovers, sat, tumbles and helico completed the show, just like top level full program acro performances. But, it is a tandem wing, isn’t it? Yes, it’s difficult to believe. There were two persons hanging below it, but they were two-of-the-ten best pilots in the world, and the glider behavior was even better than the behavior of a well-tuned acro wing.

How can an acro glider be suitable for tandem use? Ernst Strobl, the designer, is the right one to give the answer: “Since I had this maneuver in mind when we conceived our new acro wing, the Thriller, it is basically a Thriller wing with a much more rein-forced structure: self stick tapes on the ribs as well as other solutions.”

How long will it last? “I can say that now it has the strength to last like a normally used acro glider: 6-8 months of heavy duty use.”

What are the main differences between the G-force and the Thriller? “The Thriller has a totally different construction; we doubled the attachment points on the canopy to better distribute the load on the profile—this is one of the main improvements we got from the tandem project, just because we had this performance in mind. The thriller is also less violent and aggressive, and, for this reason, it is more suitable for this usage. I have had the tandem Thriller in my mind for at least three years. It’s been in exis-tence for eight months, but it took a lot of time for Pal and Gabor to get familiar with it. They were very cautious in their first flight, since they were not sure of being able to stop the infinity rotation.”

On the landing I met Gabor: What were you thinking? “First of all, I fully concentrated on the takeoff. I was not worried about the maneuver, but the takeoff conditions were very difficult. After the start I enjoyed the landscape, since it’s not normal to fly in such beautiful conditions; then I concentrated on the maneuver. I talked with Pal about what to do, the altitude, if there were gliders below us—safety was our priority. I worked to get the right timing and to properly steer the glider until it came time to stop the glider. Then we pulled the brake and everything finished; we did it! Now we’ll go up for a second run and, finally, I will have time to enjoy the flight and the maneuver.”

Pal, what’s the practical return for everyday

[opposite] Paul Takats and Gabor Kezi get it going.


paragliding from this performance? “In the be-ginning we were just aiming to make a new trick by experimenting what would be the technical limits of the paraglider. But with this flight I’ve seen a practical application. Such a glider would be perfect for a personal SIV and acro training; I can use it to teach pilots the timing, steering and weight shift needed to perform the main acro tricks, at least up to the rhythmic sat. I think I will use it in Oludeniz, Turkey for this purpose.”

After this performance, are you planning some new maneuvers? “I wasn’t going to talk about it… but… OK I will reveal it: I’d like to perform what Raul Rodriguez named the Global SAT. The maneu-ver starts in Sat, then rhythmic sat, then infinity and then exit in anti-rhythmic.”

Are you close to succeeding? “I would say that I’m not too far.”

See you soon in a new performance? “It’s not sure yet.”

What about a third tandem flight today? “No, for today two flights are enough. Let me enjoy this moment; tomorrow we’ll see…”

[above] Paul Takats and Gabor Kezi making sure

their camera is mounted correctly.


Sp

ee

d fl

yin

g F

ran

ce |

ph

oto

by J

ero

me M

au

po

int.


GRAND MESA, ARIZONA This year’s Santa Cruz Flats Race (SCFR) Hang Gliding Competition was full of surprises, les-sons, successes and the blessing of some very good weather. We flew every day, with most days offering us 10k MSL start circles. How much more do you want? OK, how about a great turnout of over 40 pilots, 80k+ tasks, long final glides, birds, outstanding views and a

cold drink at the end of each day? Oh, and did I mention clouds on course line over the mountains? What a treat.

The task committee did a wonder-ful job of reading the weather forecast and setting the course for each day. The racing was close, gaggles were tight, and there were no real issues. Well, that’s not true. I vaguely remember something about Glen Volk and a new “wannabe”

comp pilot sharing the same airspace in a gaggle and a remark at the pilots’ meet-ing at the end of the day about some-one’s being pushed out of a thermal over and over again. Everyone who was there knows what I am talking about, but for those who were not, here is a short ex-planation.

There I was…. racing, struggling to make goal, having a hard time finding

Santa Cruz Flats Raceby RickerGoldsborough


the better lift in one of the last climbs of the day, when I accidentally cut in front of Volk. The bad part is: I was not the only one, and it was not the only time that I did this to Volk. I laugh when I think about the situation now, because I remember working a climb and find-ing myself again and again with him. I remember saying out loud, “Crap, not again. He is going to kill me! I just can’t get away from him.” It seemed all in good fun, but because I, the new guy, was getting in over my head and in Volk’s way, over and over again, he had a right to be irritated. However, he remained patient, I apologized, and we shared a handshake and a hug at the end of the day.

You might ask how this happens. I think this problem occurs when a new pilot flies well, but has less experience than the other pilots around him. It is very important that the newbie not try to out-climb everyone; he needs to blend in with the other pilots and work with them. (Of course, because of traffic in the gaggle, this is not always possible.) At this event, several of us were in the wrong a few times.

It’s very important to keep perspec-tive, not only when you are flying but also while you are on the ground. Glen was a true gentleman during the entire competition, and I learned a new lesson, thanks to him and Jeff Shapiro. Jeff and I have had issues in the sky at other times; he schooled me with loving care then and again this time. But I have no idea what a shaking fist followed by blasting off to another thermal means!?

And then there is the story about the day I beat Jonny Durrand. Short-lived and not worthy of further mention— other than it hurt, and I won’t do it again. On the other hand, it would be nice to think that we could all be so tal-ented. Jonny is just not human.

As you can see, this competition has lots to offer. Experiment, ask questions and pay attention to what the better pilots are doing. They will help you out if you play nice. (If not, they will leave you in the dust, where you won’t have

[left] Launch line with hotel in backround. [bottom left] Ricker ready to fly. [bottom right] Pilot on tow. [right] The Moyes Boys – Jonny, Kraig, Carl and Ricker.


a clue, or they will eat your food when you’re not looking!) Actually, the pilots at this competition are one big, happy family where everyone is very accepting of each other’s faults. Smile, have fun, play nice and do your best to learn from your mistakes. It works for me.

The top winners of this year’s event were Kraig Coomber, 1st place, Jonny Durand, 2nd place, and Carl Wallbank,

3rd place. All three pilots were flying a Moyes RS3.5 wing. Way to go “Moyes boys.”

If you have not attended this very cost-effective event, I urge you to do so next year. The sunsets and sunrises are breathtaking, the accommodations are superb, the food is wonderful, the staff at the hotel/restaurant is great, and the weather is perfect, including the flying

conditions. But, most important, the efforts that go into making these events happen are extraordinary. Jamie Sheldon and her crew are to thank for guarantee-ing the success of this event. They all deserve praise and appreciation!

It is so nice to count on this competi-tion each year. Make your plans now because the hotel fills up fast. Be sure to thank Dustin Martin for starting this event and for his hard work on the new runways that we tow from. I think the accommodations at the Santa Cruz site are the best in the USA. The hotel is part of a golf course resort that includes a swimming pool, hot tub, bar and res-taurant. Our hang gliders are assembled below hotel balconies on lush green grass. Also, if the task brings you back to the resort, you land at that spot—green golf course grass and all.

Once again, please be sure to thank all supporters of both paragliding and hang gliding competitions. They do so much to help the growth and develop-ment of our sports.

[top] Start gaggle with resort in view. [left] Oops.


CLOUDBASE FOUNDATION

During this event the Cloudbase Foundation wanted to

raise some money for our approved projects. To assist in

these fundraising efforts Jeff Shapiro, USA World Team

member, donated some KEEN shoes to be sold. Terry

Cruthirds spent many weeks making jewelry to be auc-

tioned off during the event and then there was Blueye –

USA who donated three pair of sunglasses that were to be

given out to anyone donating $500.00 or more. However,

the big surprise was when Terry Cruthirds decided to put

together a Calcutta event allowing all in attendance to bid

on teams with the understanding that 50% of the money

raised would go to the Cloudbase Foundation. This was a

huge success and after everything was said and done, the

foundation raised over $2,000.00 during SCFR.

Please visit the CBF website at www.thecbf.org and let us

know how you wish to help. Thank you for your support.

http://www.thecbf.org


by C. J. Sturtevant

Those of us who serve on USHPA’s Awards committee arguably have the lion’s share of fun at the annual

fall BOD meeting. Our meeting agenda includes leisurely viewing of videos that showcase hang gliding and paragliding and reading nomination forms that are bursting with the enthusiasm of pilots doing their best to convince us that their flying buddies are worthy of national rec-ognition. Being selected for an award is clearly an honor—one recipient, when I contacted him for a photo for this article, said he’d look for one as soon as “I get my

head out of the clouds.” As you read about this year’s winners,

please give some thought to who in your community is doing equally commend-able work. You can submit a nomination at any time by going to http://ushpa.aero/emailaward.asp and filling out the online form. Thanks to everyone who participat-ed in the process of identifying candidates for the 2010 awards.

Presidential CitatiOn

BILL HELLIWELL

San Diego pilot Bill Helliwell has been flying hang gliders since 1974 and became actively involved in the San Diego Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association in 1990. He’s held numerous club offices, brought the club newsletter into the digi-tal age, and watched the club member-ship evolve from all hang pilots to mainly paraglider pilots. In the course of this evolution Bill has developed, in the words of a nominator, an “unbiased superior un-derstanding of the symbiotic nature of the two sports.”

Bill possesses talents that every club with sites to manage covets: diplomacy, respect for everyone he works with, in-tegrity, and the ability to communicate clearly with landowners. He’s also patient. When the San Diego site, Big Black, was shut down by the Forest Service in 1999, Bill kept in touch with the district super-visor, just in case. In 2004, a new recre-ation officer took over the management of that area. Bill immediately began work-ing with this new supervisor, and within a year he’d negotiated a permit that allowed flying to resume at Big Black.

Bill was not only instrumental in re-gaining access to a site that was lost for five years, he also took the initiative to contact local landowners at a launch site recently pioneered by SDHGPA in the Palomar mountain range, introducing hang gliding and paragliding to them in a positive light to help them feel comfort-able with pilots using their property. In addition, he’s worked tirelessly with state parks, Forest Service, BLM and California Fish and Game to secure landing options along a 75-mile XC route from the Laguna Mountains to the Palm Desert.

2010U

SH

PA

AWA

RD

S

http://ushpa.aero/emailaward.asp



Keeping our flying sites open and ac-cessible is an ongoing challenge every-where, these days. Bill’s many successes are solid proof that, with the right com-bination of people skills, tenacity and pa-tience, it’s possible to do more than just hold the line on our access to launches and LZs. The many hundreds of pilots who fly in southern California—locals and visitors alike—are benefiting from Bill’s outstanding contributions. USHPA is proud to present Bill Helliwell with its highest award, the Presidential Citation.

exCePtiOnal serviCe

MARTIN PALMAZ

Martin’s nominations came from an amazingly wide range of sources, from co-workers to regional directors to pilots who’ve contacted the office for infor-mation or assistance. One nominator sums ups Martin’s qualities quite nicely:

“USHPA’s office would fall into chaos without Martin. He has bridged the gap between executive directors and attends to all the details of the organization daily and without fail. He is always looking for

new ways to increase revenue, lower costs and stay focused on the mission. His even temper and calm approach to the myriad problems that assail the organization daily keep the ship on a steady keel. It’s hard to find people like Martin, people with un-daunted integrity. However, he does have one critical flaw: Martin has no clue as to how to promote himself and his accom-plishments. But make no mistake: Martin is mission critical, utterly dependable and truly deserving of this award.” Another colleague points out: “Martin is a man of high integrity and is deserving of recog-nition beyond a paycheck.” The Awards committee concurs. Congratulations, Martin, on being selected for USHPA’s 2010 Exceptional Service award.

instruCtOrs Of the Year

When it comes to the Instructor of the Year awards, no one can better enumerate the special qualifications of an instructor than the students . The accolades for these two gentlemen—coincidentally, both from New York State—come directly from the nomina-tion forms submitted mainly by those they’ve taught . Read and be impressed!

HANG GLIDING | BRYON ESTES

Bryon was nominated for this award by students, fellow instructors, and pilots who’ve observed him interacting with his students. One nominator, who knows this young instructor extremely well, provides some background: “Bryon Estes, age 25, has been flying for 11 years (almost half his life!) and instructing for the past two seasons. After the first season, he quit his fulltime job to put more effort into teach-ing. In his second year he has taught over 130 first-time students, tripling the previ-ous year. He follows his students through all aspects of training, taking them on tandems before they fly off the moun-tain and directing them toward buying the appropriate equipment. He has taken it upon himself to get trained in scooter towing and now that he has access to a system, he will be able to teach in more locations and conditions than before. Bryon has decided to dedicate his life to the advancement of hang gliding, and he follows through with this commitment by flying in all seasons and at every location that he can. He is out with students every flyable day, from early morning until the sun sets. His students like and understand him and are encouraged to follow his lead. You would be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated instructor!”

Other nominators build on that theme: “Bryon consistently brings well-prepared students to the mountain for their first mountain flight and thoroughly coaches them through their H2 phase of training. His emphasis on safety is uncompromis-ing, and he often advises patience to new pilots when other instructors are launch-ing students under less-than-ideal circum-stances. Not only is Bryon constantly in Teach Mode for the newest pilots, he is also constantly in Learn Mode for himself. I have flown with him countless times over the last few years and watched as he learned and taught me on every single flight. His performance at the last few Tennessee Team Challenge meets is an ex-cellent example of this. We have competed together multiple times in this event, and he has improved on every single competi-tion flight, freely sharing his experiences and newfound knowledge with the entire pilot community.”

“I’ve only had one hang gliding instruc-


tor (Bryon Estes), but I believe I’m lucky enough to have had the BEST one. I start-ed my training in August of 2008, and before I knew it, summer was over. Since flying has always been my dream, I had no patience for waiting until the weather got warm again, so I asked Bryon to continue training and my brother and me through-out our very cold winter. Some people said we were crazy and our instructor was crazi-er. They were right: I am crazy about hang gliding and Bryon is crazy about teaching people to fly. Thanks to his teaching skills and his patience, I am an H3 now, and I fly every chance I get. I may not have been the best student, but Bryon has been the greatest instructor. Thanks, Bryon, for being a good teacher, a good friend and for giving me the best gift of all times.”

Several of Bryon’s nominations came from pilots who’ve been hang gliding since dinosaurs roamed the earth. An old-time pilot with a 4-digit USHPA # who’s known Bryon since he was a little kid says: “Bryon has become a fantas-tic flight instructor. This last spring and summer I have seen him bring new pilots up to Ellenville for their first high moun-tain flights. His manner and enthusiasm,

along with his skills as an instructor, are a credit to Fly High Hang Gliding School and the sport of hang gliding in general. We need more dedicated instructors like Bryon swelling the ranks of new hang glider pilots for the sport to thrive and survive.”

Another “dinosaur” whose 5-digit USHPA # begins with 1 reports, “I have observed Bryon on the training hill teach-ing my younger son Paul and a mixed assortment of other students, young, old, some with limited English. The students respond well to his instructions and his enthusiasm for the sport. During a time of declining participation and growth, Bryon has been able to increase his number of students and has taken many of them through to their H2 ratings and beyond and their first flights off the mountain.”

This nominator sums it up well: “Bryon is the consummate, caring, safety- conscious instructor. His work ethic and dedication to his students 24/7 is unbe-lievable. He takes time to address all his students’ needs, questions and concerns... at the expense of his own airtime, often. This award was created to recognize in-structors of this quality. I can’t think of a

better candidate this season!”Neither could the Awards committee.

Congratulations, Bryon, on being named the Hang Gliding Instructor of the Year.

PARAGLIDING | BENOIT BRUNEAU

One of Benoit’s students points out that, like all good instructors, Benoit has a greater-than-average share of effective techniques, commitment to safety, knowl-edge of the sport, skill in reading and in-terpreting the sky and weather, passion for flying, patience, contributions to the posi-tive image and growth of the sport, sense of humor and attention to detail. So what elevates Benoit above the crowd? From the many anecdotes highlighting this instruc-tor’s skills and style, I’ve excerpted four:

One nominator suggests that, at least in part, it’s “…his thick French accent, with all the inflection, intonation and pronun-ciation of a French mountaineer sipping red wine and eating cheese along the trail to the top of Mount Blanc in the French Alps. I vividly remember my first day kiting in the humid heat of a northeastern summer, with sun blazing, cicadas buzz-ing, and sweat dripping down my face. At


one point I had flung my helmet to the ground in frustration and Benoit came up beside me, put a hand on my shoulder, handed me some water and said, ‘Zeee heat is a killllaaairrrr. Don’t geeve up yet. Zeee reward will be sweet.’ …Sometimes a little laughter is needed to lighten the mood, while at other times, an intense se-riousness is required. Benoit’s instinct in these moments is uncanny.”

Another suggests, “Imagine someone with the knowledge of, say, Dennis Pagen, the intensity and zeal of a committed ath-lete, the passion and adventurous spirit of a big mountain climber, the subtle lightheartedness of a good friend, and an accent like Jean-Paul Sartre or Jacque Chirac—then you begin to get a picture of Benoit: a dedicated, knowledgeable, wise and safety-minded paragliding in-structor.”

An interesting metaphor: “Unlike, say, salsa dancing, paragliding is not an activi-ty where you can get by with a second-rate instructor. Benoit is exactly the person you’d want as a teacher: knowledgeable about technique, meticulous about safety, and encouraging when the going gets tough.”

And beyond teaching, “Another thing that elevates Benoit to a status deserving recognition is his effort to create a com-munity around the school. Like many New Yorkers, I don’t have a car. For many years, this was one of the things that kept me from trying the sport. Benoit goes out of his way to coordinate rides, pick up people from the train, and generally make sure that anyone who wants to come up to fly can find a way. Recently, he’s created a web forum to coordinate rides, review gear, and connect people who fly at our club.”

Benoit’s website, http://www.letsgoparagliding.com/, includes extensive information on just about everything paragliding-related in New York. To ex-perience his French accent firsthand, call the number listed on the website and add your congratulations to ours for his 2010 Paragliding Instructor of the Year award.

Best PrOmO videO

SOARING TORREY PINESLAJOLLA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Back in the 1930s, when Lindberg was a national hero and young people ev-erywhere dreamed of being airborne, there were dozens of gliderports along the California coastline.

http://www.letsgoparagliding.com/




Today, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is the only one still in operation and recently it, too, almost became history. The San Diego Parks and Rec staff, tasked by the mayor to come up with a long-term de-velopmental plan for the gliderport, as-sembled a citizens’ advisory committee that represented a wide range of interests, including a few pilots. When it became clear that the committee was considering repurposing the gliderport for non-avia-tion-related recreation (e.g. soccer fields), the pilot members of the committee took action.

Realizing that local citizens—includ-ing most pilots—had little understand-ing of the rich history or importance of the gliderport, local aviation historian Gary Fogel put together a presentation on the history of Torrey Pines Gliderport. Somebody suggested that to be effective in convincing city planners to retain Torrey Pines as an aviation site, the message and history needed to be carried to a wider au-dience. Bill Liscomb (who won USHPA’s Video of the Year award in 2008 for his hang gliding documentary, Big Blue Sky) wrote and directed a 12-minute video his-tory of soaring at Torrey Pines. Produced for the general public, this beautifully choreographed narrative moves smoothly through nearly a century of motorless flying and surely influenced the planning committee to recommend that Torrey Pines Gliderport remain an aviation park. The plan goes to the City Council for ap-proval in the near future.

To obtain a copy of this professional-quality piece of aviation history, go to http://www.lajollahistory.org/ and click on the Torrey Pines Gliderport Project link.

WeBsite Of the Year

ARIZONA HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDINGADAM BELL

What makes a flying-related website award-worthy? Check out the Arizona Hang Gliding & Paragliding site, http://www.azhpa.org, for an example of a web-site that has it all: great photos, an up-to-date calendar of events, lots of links to the essentials (where to learn, local weather, club contacts, site information, member discussion forums, flying-related Smart

Phone apps and much more). AZHPA was founded as AHGA in 1975; the website proudly states: “We are now known as the Arizona Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, same mission, same passion, same dedicated members and officers that work hard to ensure the health and well being of free flight in Arizona for years to come.”

AZHPA’s website clearly reflects this vibrant community’s passion and dedi-cation. Congratulations to “web slinger” Adam Bell and to all the Arizona pilots who contribute toward make azhpa.org so deserving of the USHPA 2010 Website of the Year award.

ChaPter Of the Year

ABLE PILOT

The ABLE Pilot chapter, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, was formed with a specific purpose, as defined in their mis-sion statement: To help people with dis-abilities (spinal cord injuries, amputations, and neuromuscular disease) to safely ex-perience the freedom, joys and sense of

accomplishment of free flight that para-gliding offers. One nominator, who works at a high school in Salt Lake, offered the following as proof that this USHPA chap-ter has made a profound impact on one teenage boy and his family: “Aaron has multiple disabilities, severely limiting the use of all limbs. After seeing ABLE Pilot in action, I arranged for him to have a flight. This was an amazing experience for him. His family was overwhelmed with joy at the opportunity ABLE Pilot gave Aaron to just be involved in some-thing he enjoyed and was actually able to do, as many things are inaccessible to him. Aaron would want you to view this video that was created about his experience: http://vimeo.com/14631072.”

Aaron’s video is inspirational and up-lifting, and his obvious delight will leave you grinning. Last month’s HG&PG magazine included an article with specif-ics on who’s involved with ABLE Pilot and how the group is progressing towards ful-filling its stated mission. ABLE Pilot has taken on an incredibly challenging task and seems to be making steady progress towards making free flight possible for

http://www.lajollahistory.org/

http://www.azhpa.org

http://www.azhpa.org

http://vimeo.com/14631072


those whose options for outdoor recreation are severely limited. When working at a difficult, time-consuming task, it’s help-ful to know that others share your vision that your goal is worth pursuing. USHPA recognizes the value of ABLE Pilot’s mis-sion and is pleased to name ABLE Pilot the 2010 Chapter of the Year.

COmmendatiOn

EVES TALL CHIEF

There’s a good chance you’ve seen Chief fea-tured in numerous photos and articles in the USHPA magazine over the past several de-cades, most of them related to his steward-ship, and his flying, at Yosemite. Chief has donated uncountable hours to the Yosemite flying site, serving as a site monitor almost since hang gliding was first permitted at Yosemite and training the monitors who carry on the services to the site. Chief also served as president of the Yosemite Hang Gliding Association and was instrumental in getting videos produced that showcase hang gliding in Yosemite Valley. This com-mendation expresses USHPA’s recognition

and appreciation of the selfless service Chief has given to the flying community, especially to keeping Yosemite open to hang gliding.

If you’re an H-4 pilot and haven’t yet flown at Yosemite, thanks to Chief and the rest of the site monitors, you can put it on your California dreamin’ wish list for 2011.

COmmendatiOn

JOHN HEINEY

Here’s another pilot who’s familiar to most everyone who reads—or at least looks at the pictures in—this magazine. John has been recognized for many over-the-top contributions to hang gliding through the years; his most recent award-worthy contribution was at the King Mountain (Idaho) Hang Gliding Nationals this past summer. Meet organizer Lisa Tate had negotiated with Sports Illustrated maga-zine to do a photo shoot during the meet, and she needed a competent and knowl-edgeable media liaison who could assist the SI photographers with their project. John worked with the SI team the entire

time they were at King; the result was an extremely positive experience for the SI photographers and world-class cover-age of hang gliding in Sports Illustrated. The link to Sports Illustrated’s gallery of photos from this event is on the ushpa.aero home page.

COmmendatiOn

WAYNE NECkLES

Wayne was nominated for this award for two unrelated contributions. First, he is recognized as a “knight in shining armor” who rescued a damsel in distress: She and her hang glider were hung up in “the tall-est tree in Ellenville” (N.Y.), and Wayne was the principle orchestrator for that nine-hour rescue that stretched into the wee hours of a very cold morning. Then, two weeks later, Wayne and a local tree expert extracted the hang glider “so skill-fully that the glider was retrieved with only the single small tear in the undersur-face that it had gotten when I first landed in the branches!” reports the damsel.

All of that alone is worthy of commen-dation, but there’s more. Wayne has been

“an energetic driving force in the improve-ment of two launch sites, with a result-ing positive impact on the growth of the sport and the integration of hang glider and paraglider pilots in an airsports com-munity.” The two sites benefiting from Wayne’s attention, both in New York State, are North Knob in Ellenville and Brace Mountain in Millerton. Wayne was instrumental in both the paperwork—e.g., obtaining permits and defining right-of-way access—and the heavy work. He owns and operates the equipment that was used (at no cost to the flying community) to remove stumps, trees and boulders; lay gravel; and build the bridges that “im-proved driving access and enhanced the interest of the local flying community” at North Knob. Now that hang glider pilots have drive-up access, one nominator notes that this “has already resulted in an ex-panded and co-mingled paragliding/hang gliding community” at Brace Mountain.

The level of commitment and dedica-tion exhibited by Wayne Neckles is what keeps our sports healthy and growing, and USHPA is proud to commend this


outstanding pilot for his many and varied contributions.

COmmendatiOn

DARREL WOOD

It was 74-year-old Darrel Wood’s deter-mination to retain access to his favorite flying site that led to the formation of the Soboba Soaring Club, a USHPA chap-ter that currently boasts more than 100 members who are actively involved in preserving and maintaining their home site. In Darrel’s words, “When the bank foreclosed on the previous owners of the Soboba site and told us we could not fly there anymore, eight pilots pulled money out of their retirement funds and saving accounts and bought the land. All of these owners have pledged that this land’s pri-mary purpose will always be dedicated to foot-launch flying. Because of them, you and I and the rest of the flying community will always have a place to fly at Soboba.” Darrel adds, “It was timing. It was just in the nick of time.” He stresses that buying the property was only the first step in de-veloping this amazing “free-flight national treasure.”

One of SSC’s top priorities is obtain-ing road access through Native American and government-owned land so hang glider pilots can get their wings up to launch; other projects in the works in-clude building a campground and obtain-ing non-profit status for the club. There’s an excellent article showcasing the recent action at Soboba in USHPA’s October email newsletter, The Landing Zone; you can find the article on USHPA’s website at http://www.ushpa.aero/newsletter_ar-

ticle_01.asp. For indisputable evidence that the Soboba flying site is, indeed, a treasure, watch Adam Bell’s video of the 2010 Soboba fly-in at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BUadsYcGhM.

In appreciation for his leadership in saving this incredible site, USHPA awards Darrel Wood a 2010 Commendation.

COmmendatiOn

GREG BLACk

The pilot who was perched in the “tall-est tree in the Catskills” was Greg’s stu-dent, and it was Greg who provided the technical expertise to the rescue crew as well as the calming reassurance that kept the perched pilot from panicking during the cold, arduous ordeal. “My ability to endure the consequences of my bad deci-sion-making so long (nine hours!) and so calmly was totally owing to the supreme confidence I had in Greg to get me down safely,” said the student. Anyone who’s had a tree landing and required assistance in getting self or wing extracted can relate to the importance, and the reassurance factor, of having a trusted assistant orches-trating the technical aspects of the rescue. In recognition of Greg’s support of his student in this time of distress, USHPA awards him a 2010 Commendation.

naa safetY aWard

DRAGON FLY SOARING CLUB

Those who nominated the Dragon Fly Soaring Club (DFSC) for this award of-fered an impressive list of above-the-norm safety-related practices followed by this

club. Just a few examples:DFSC does not charge for hang glid-

ing instruction; membership dues and fees cover operational costs.

Several DFSC instructors are profes-sional educators who have developed (and deliver) a strong curriculum that has pro-duced competent and confident student pilots over the years.

DFSC has built more reliable and high-er-powered Dragonfly tugs that get pilots away from the ground quickly, thus reduc-ing the chances of incident from a weak link or release failure or a lockout.

Recently DFSC has initiated a Safety Mentor program to focus attention on pilots who consistently display best safety and flying practices, help other pilots, and exhibit good overall judgment. With most of the club members being Safety Mentors, newbies are looking up to pilots who are safety-minded, rather than to overly-macho pilots who tend to take safety shortcuts.

DFSC’s focus on safe practices has re-sulted in an excellent safety record for the club and has built a community of confi-dent, active and happy club members who fly frequently and stay in the sport as they get older.

The NAA approved USHPA’s nomina-tion of the Dragon Fly Soaring Club for the 2010 Safety Award. Congratulations to all the instructors, tug pilots, hang glider pilots and students whose ongoing empha-sis on safe practices has merited this honor for the DFSC. The club’s web address is http://www.dfscinc.org/; its physical loca-tion is in Webberville, Michigan.

sPeCial COmmendatiOn

BRIAN kETTERER

Special Commendations are awarded to non-USHPA members for service to the flying community .

Brian’s work with the California State Parks and the San Diego City lifeguards has helped ensure continued flying at the Torrey Pines Gliderport. Although not a pilot, Brian recognized the need for a designated LZ on state beach property to accommodate students launching from the gliderport. One nominator points out,

“Along with being a responsible manager of the Torrey Pines State Parks, Brian has

http://www.ushpa.aero/newsletter_article_01.asp

http://www.ushpa.aero/newsletter_article_01.asp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BUadsYcGhM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BUadsYcGhM

http://www.dfscinc.org/


been a true friend in helping to promote hang gliding and paragliding at the site.” USHPA presents Brian Ketterer with a Special Commendation award in appreci-ation for his ongoing support of our sports at Torrey Pines.

sPeCial COmmendatiOn

GREGORY WOODELL

As chief planner for the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, Mr. Woodell was responsible for the design and construction of the first of-ficially recognized hang gliding training park (at Dockweiler State Beach) within the county of Los Angeles. Officially dedicated in 1999, the Dockweiler site ap-peals to both spectators and participants alike, and has become known as one of the finest hang gliding training sites in the United States. To date, more than 25,000 people have been introduced to hang glid-ing at Dockweiler Beach, thanks to Mr. Woodell, who is retiring from his county position at the end of 2010. USHPA is pleased to honor Gregory Woodell with a Special Commendation for his much ap-preciated contribution to hang gliding.

Bettina GraY (PhOtOGraPhY)

NICk GREECE

Lots of us open our monthly issue of the magazine and, even if we’ve no time to read the articles, we flip through and enjoy the photos. Editor Nick Greece’s sparkling images of paragliding adven-tures across the country and around the world have provided us with eye candy for years; it’s about time he received offi-cial “applause” for his contributions! This month’s gallery is his selection of his fa-vorites. Congratulations, Nick!

You probably know someone who deserves to be included in next year’s awards announcement. A description of all the awards is online at: http://ushpa.aero/award_nominations.htm. Submitting a nomination is easy to do using the online form at http://ushpa.aero/emailaward.asp. Go ahead: take the initiative and make somebody’s day!

ABOUT THIS YEAR'S AWARDSPRESIDENTIAL CITATION - This is the USHPA's highest award, and is award-

ed to a member or non-member who has made significant contributions to

the sport. The contributions need not have been made during the previous

year. This special award may only be awarded to a single person once.

USHPA EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD - This award recognizes outstand-

ing service to the Association during the year by any member or non-member.

THE INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD - The Instructor of the Year Award

recognizes the importance of our certified hang gliding and paragliding

instructors in promoting safe flying practices and contributing to the positive

image and growth of our sport. Nominations should include letters of sup-

port from three students and the local Regional Director. Considerations will

include effectiveness as a teacher, being a safety role-model, and other fac-

tors that the nom inating parties deem worthy of recognition. One award per

sport per year will be given.

BEST PROMOTIONAL FILM - This award recognizes the videographer, whose

work is judged best by the committee in consideration of aesthetics, original-

ity, and a positive portrayal of hang gliding or paragliding. One award will be

given each year.

CHAPTER OF THE YEAR - This award recognizes the USHPA Chapter/club

that has conducted successful programs that reflect positively upon the

Chapter and the sport. Activities include, but are not limited to: site procure-

ment, develop ment and retention, safety, membership development, and

beginner and novice programs.

COMMENDATIONS - Commendations are awards to any number of USHPA

members who have contributed to hang gliding and/or paragliding on a

volunteer basis in any areas including site development and retention, com-

petition organization, public relations, heroic rescue efforts, and/or basically

getting off their duffs and doing something for some one else's enjoyment of

flying and the pro motion of the sport.

SPECIAL COMMENDATIONS - Special Commendations are awarded to any

number of non-members and organizations who have done exceptional vol-

unteer work that has significantly enhanced and promoted our sports in the

U.S. The Special Commendation is a way for our organiza tion to recognize

landowners, drivers, restaurant owners, government officials and any others

who have contributed in a non-member capacity during the year.

NAA SAFETY AWARD - The NAA Safety Award is given to an individual who

has contributed to safety promotion in some significant way that should be

recognized.

BETTINA GRAY AWARD - The Bettina Gray Award was created to honor the

woman who contributed so much to our sport through her photography. This

award is issued to the photographer (male or female) whose work (three ex-

amples needed for review) is judged best by the committee in consideration

of aesthetics, originality, and a positive portrayal of hang gliding or paraglid-

ing. One award will be given each year.

http://ushpa.aero/award_nominations.htm

http://ushpa.aero/award_nominations.htm



54

[above] TJ Baugman banks a turn at the 2010 Kitty Hawk Spectacular.

GALLERY | Nick Greece

The 2010 Ghana Paragliding Festival [top] Kids gather in the LZ to welcome pilots. [above] A drumming welcome for the tandem pilots and a blessing by village elders before the festival can begin. [right] Over Nkawkaw, Ghana. [opposite] Sabrina Krewin posing with a local vulture.

[opposite, top] Kitty Hawk training. [left] Jamie Messenger on his Ozone 10.2 in Germany. [bottom] Paul Voight on his way to help his team win the 2010 Spectacular. [above, top to bottom] Germany. One of the first photos I captured in the Aravis, France in 2005. This shot inspired me to keep shooting. Toma Cocanea finishing the Redbull X-Alps by landing on a floating barge off the coast of Monaco, France.

[opposite, top] A Paragliding World Cup start gaggle in Drama, Greece. [far left] Parahawking in Nepal. [left] World Cup Superfinal Launch. Pamukkale, Turkey. [above] Matt Beechinor turning his glider over Valle de Bravo, Mexico.


[opposite, top] Jon Hunt over the golf

course at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort,

Wyoming.[bottom] Driving from King

Mountain, Idaho to Jackson, Wyoming.

[above] The Blue Mosque in Istanbul,

Turkey. On the way to the PWC Superfinal in 2010, Josh Cohn and I

stopped in Istanbul for a few days to take some

culture. [right] Matt Combs sand-dragging in the Ica, Peru with a

dune buggy retrieve.


[above] Taco Dani.[left] Gaggle in Greece. [right] Matt Combs kiting in Panahajel, Guatemala. Lake Atitlan in the background. We went there to teach a safety course for eight Guatemalan students.

Mark Vanderwerf and Loren Cox over Point of the Mountain, Draper, Utah.

WHAT's THE POINT?


DON’T MISS OUT.BE SURE TO RENEW.

Be sure to renew your USHPA

membership before it expires to

take advantage of online renewals

and participate in the USHPA Green

Initiative. Online renewal is only

available to current members. Expired

members will not have access to

online renewal.

Interested in joining USHPA?

Download an application at

www.ushpa.aero/forms

or call 1-800-616-6888

nO lOnGer flYinG?Become a

Contributing MemberParticipate in elections!

Receive the monthly magazine!

Application at

www.ushpa.aero/formsor call

1-800-616-6888

Ascenso Libre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Costa Rica Paragliding . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Flytec - Blueeyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Flytec - 6020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Flytec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Foundation for Free Flight . . . . . . . . . . 12

Kitty Hawk Kites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Lookout Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

North Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Ozone Paragliders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Parasupply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Sky Wings Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Soaring Society of America . . . . . . . . . 73

Sport Aviation Publications . . . . . . . . . 29

Superfly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Thermal Tracker Paragliding . . . . . . . . . . 9

Torrey Pines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Traverse City HG & PG . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

US Parachuting Association . . . . . . . . . 18

Wills Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

USHPA | 2011 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . 19

USHPA | Visa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

ADVERTISERS


MEETINGS

MARCH 3-5 USHPA Spring Board of Directors Meeting. Crowne Plaza, 2886 South Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO Tel: 719-576-5900 / 888-233-9527. Group discount code: USHPA. Check USHPA web site for schedule and additional info.

NON SANCTIONED COMPETITION

APRIL 24-29 La Belle, Florida. 5th Annual Spring Fling.This is a fun trainer comp designed for new-er pilots who want to improve their thermal and x-c skills and learn the basic skills needed to compete in sanctioned competition. Daily clinics with top pi-lots covering everything from GPS to flat land flying skills,towing safety and much more! This event will also be a warm up event for pilots to prepare for the 2011 US national championships in Hearne, Texas. Limit of 30 pilots. More information: David Prentice 505-720-5436, [email protected].

SANCTIONED COMPETITION

APRIL 30 - MAy 6 Florida Ridge, Clewiston, FL. 3rd Annual Rob Kells Memorial Competition. XC race to goal. H4 or foreign equivalent aerotow rat-ing, xc & turbulence sign-offs, extensive experience on glider to be flown in comp. 3D GPS. Trophies & day prizes awarded. $250 registration fee plus $375 tow fee. Practice date, 4/29. More informa-tion: James Tindle [email protected], or www.thefloridaridge.com.

MAy 1-7 Florida Ridge Flight Park, Clewiston, FL. Requirements: P3 with tow sign-off, tow bridle. Ten percent of entry fees go to the top three overall pi-lots. Entry Fee: $250 plus $150 tow fee. More infor-mation: David Prentice at [email protected], or www.earthcog.com.

MAy 8-14 Various airfields from Florida to Geor-gia starting at Quest Air. Flytec Race and Rally. XC race to goal, rally format. Requirements: H4 or for-eign equivalent, aerotow rating, xc & turbulence sign-offs. Extensive experience on glider to be flown in comp. 3D GPS, maximum 50 entrants. Trophies, day prizes and prize money TBA. Entry Fee: $250, towing fee TBA. More Information: Jamie Shelden 831-261-5444, [email protected], or www.flytecraceandrally.wordpress.com.

MAy 17 - 21 Enjoy Field, Chebanse, IL. Let’s pro-mote HG sport in the midwest. All tasks “Race to Goal”. Requirements: H3/H4, aerotow. Kingpost/Topless/Rigid, GPS w/trcklogs. Nice trophies and prize money. Entry Fee: $260 Rain dates 6/12 - 6/18. More Information: Krzysztof Grzyb 312-656-4403, [email protected], or www.mid-westhgcomp.org.

MAy 23-28 Carter Memorial Airport, Luling, TX. Texas Single-Surface Shoot-Out. Race to goal via single surface gliders. Requirements: H3 w/at sign-off. Meet specific rules. Single surface glider, hel-met, gps, parachute, aerotow release harness. En-try Fee: $200. More information: Joel Froehlich at 210-381-5193, [email protected], or www.jo-elfroehlich.wordpress.com.

June 5-11 Highland Aerosports Flight Park, Rid-gely, MD. East Coast HG Championship. Race to goal. Requirements: Advanced H4, (H3) with meet director approval XC, turbulence, AT ratings, previ-ously flown in a USHPA aerotow comp or have writ-ten approval (before registering) from meet direc-tor, GPS. Prize money awarded based on number of competitors. EntryFee: Class 1/5 $450 early, $500 after 4/15. Sport class $375 early, $425 after 4/15. More Information: Highland Aerosports, Inc 410-634-2700, [email protected], or www.aerosports.net.

June 19-25 Woodrat Mt, Ruch, OR. The Rat Race. Race to Goal. P3 minimum requirement, USHPA membership, helmet, reserve, radio capa-ble to transmit & receive on USHPA frequency. Race trophies for top three open, serial, sport & women. Sprint trophies for top three serial, sport & women. Entry Fee: $395 postmark 4/15; $495 4/15 - 6/19. More Information: Gail Haley - MPH Sports [email protected], or www.mphsports.com.

JuLy 24-30 Monroe Peak, Ritchfield, UT. 2011 Paragliding US Nationals. Race to goal. Require-ments: P3 w/turbulence sign-off, reserve & back protection. Trohpies. Entry Fee: $325 before 5/1, $375 after. More information: Stacy Whitmore 435-979-0225, [email protected], or [email protected].

August 14-20 Big Spring Airport, Big Spring, TX. Big Spring US Nationals. Safe, Fair & Fun Race to Goal. Requirements: H3, aerotow, current experi-ence. Trohpies. Entry Fee: $350 by 6/1 More infor-mation: David Glover 405-830-6420, [email protected], or www.endlessthermal.com.

August 14-20 Hearne Municipal Airport, Hearne, TX. Lone Star Nationals PG. A natioal level flatland race to test the potential of hosting a large scale national tow event in the USA. Requirements: P3, tow sign-off, tow bridle. 10% of all entry fees go to prize money. Top three overall & top female. En-try Fee: $250 before 7/1, $350 after 7/1. $150 tow fee. More Information: David Prentice [email protected], or www.earthcog.com.

sePteMBeR 11-17 Francisco Grande Golf Resort & Hotel, Casa Grande, AZ. Santa Cruz Flats Race. XC race to goal. Requirements: H4 or foreign equiv-alent, aerotow rating, xc & turbulence sign-offs, ex-tensive experience on glider to be flown in comp. 3D GPS. Max 60 entrants. Trophies and day prizes. Entry Fee: $275, tow fees TBA. More Information: Jamie Shelden 831-261-5444 [email protected], or santacruzflatsrace.blogspot.com.

sePteMBeR 4-10 Inspiration Point (Squaw Peak Lookout) UT Location: Inspiration Point (Squaw Peak Lookout), UT. 1st US Open Distance Sanc-tioned Competition. Open distance as per USHPA OD scoring system. Requirements: P3 w/turbulence sign-off, reserve & back protection. Trophies Entry Fee: $325 before 6/1 $375 after. More information: Ken Hudonjorgensen, 801-572-3414, [email protected], or [email protected].

C A L E N D A R & C L A S S I F I E DDISPATCH



http://www.thefloridaridge.com

http://www.thefloridaridge.com


http://www.earthcog.com


http://www.flytecraceandrally.wordpress.com


http://www.midwesthgcomp.org

http://www.midwesthgcomp.org


http://www.joelfroehlich.wordpress.com

http://www.joelfroehlich.wordpress.com


http://www.aerosports.net

http://www.aerosports.net



http://www.mphsports.com





http://www.endlessthermal.com



http://www.earthcog.com







CLINICS & TOURS

noveMBeR 13- APRIL 9 Valle de Bravo, Mexico. Yet again we offer week-long packages for all levels of HG and PG pilot. Winter flying fun and excitement with the longest running tour operator in Valle de Bravo. We’ve helped pave the way for the others but our knowledge can’t be beat. More Information: Jef-frey Hunt 512-656-5052, [email protected], or www.flymexico.com

DeCeMBeR - APRIL Yelapa, Mexico. Come TOW in paradise. We are offereing siv/acro clinics during the winter months in beautiful Yelapa. We have a great line-up of world class instructors, and state of the art equipment. Also a great place for non-flyers. More Information: Les Snyder, +52 322 209 5174, [email protected], or www. ascensolibre.mx.

DeCeMBeR 11 - JAnuRAy 31 Valle de Bravo, Mexico. Fly south this winter! Improve your thermal and x-c skills with U.S.foot launch record holder Da-vid Prentice,celebrating our 10th year guiding in Valle 6 to 14 day tours. special return client rate transportation,lodging,guiding,we got you covered. For more info call or email David Prentice (505)720-5436, [email protected]

DeCeMBeR 12-13 Thermal and XC Clinic with Rob Sporrer of Eagle Paragliding in Santa Barbara, California. This two-day clinic is open to pilots of all levels. The clinic includes ground school, and ground-to-air radio coaching in our local mountains. Visit www.paragliding.com , or call 805-968-0980 for more information.

DeCeMBeR 12 - JAnuARy 30 Valle de Bravo, Mexico. Fly south this winter! Improve your thermal and x-c skills with U.S. record holder David Prentice. Seven to fourteen day trips flying one of the most consistent flying sites in the world. Airport pick-up/drop off, lodging, transportation, guiding, x-c retriev-als included. To sign up or for more info [email protected], or call (505)720-5436

DeCeMBeR 15 - feBRuARy 28 San Juan Cosala, Mexico. FlyBC’s Mexico Winter Tours start in Gua-dalajara and surrounding sites. Weekly tour pack-ages for Beginner though to Advanced PG Pilots. Train to become a Novice/P2 pilot in sunny Mexico on your vacation with an Advanced USHPA Instruc-tor with 15 years experience. On alternating weeks we provide Guiding and Intermediate to Advanced Instruction at some of the most beautiful sites in Mexico. More info: www.flybc.org/tours.htm, or call Jim at 604-618-5467.

DeCeMBeR 19 - 31 AnD JAnuARy 1 - 15 Cape-town, South Africa. Join Charles Kirsten and Craig Papworth on safari in South Africa, flying the legend-ary sites of Cape Town, The Wilderness, and Graaff Reinet. 14 days and 13 nights. All accommodation with breakfast, ground transport, retrieves, airport pick up and guiding. Pilots $1990 and $1550 non pilots. Contact Charles at [email protected] or Craig at [email protected] or www.para-worth.com.

JAnuARy 1 - APRIL 7 Costa Rica. Come para-glide in Costa Rica with Advanced Instructor and veteran guide Nick Crane. Week long tours run from January to early April. Small groups, great fly-ing More Information: Nick Crane 541-840-8587, [email protected], or www.costaricaparaglid-ing.com.

JAnuARy 2-9 Manzanillo, Mexico. P3 pilots join us for thermal flying, ridge soaring and beach landings. Great place to bring the family as they can enjoy the beach while you fly in shorts and t-shirts. Airport pickup, private hotel room, breakfast, and guiding & coaching during 6 days of flying for $1,500. Details at http://www.parasoftparagliding.com/travel/iguala%20 _ mexico.php

JAnuARy 5 - 15 Governador Valadares, Brazil. One of the best known world class flying sites. Fly GoVal for 999$ for ten days. All your flying needs pro-vided by Bi Wingual and Bi Lingual Adventure Sports Tours. Master rated advanced instructors make your trip worthwhile. Whatever your goals from novice to competition, it’s available. Best times to fly are Jan-May. The 5th through the 15th of each month we will have tours. GV is a fun, flying friendly town with all the conveniences. Accommodations to suit your in-dividual lifestyles are also available. For specific info, dates, times and group rates contact: Ray Leonard at [email protected].

JAnuARy 9-16 Yelapa, Mexico. Week long SIV clinics in tropical paradise, Yelapa, with Brad Gunnuscio. Join us for a week of fun and learning towing over the bay of Banderas. Complete packages available with lodging. Great place to bring a non flying partner or family also. More info: [email protected] or [email protected] More Information: Les Snyder 011 52 322 209 5174 [email protected].

JAnuARy 9-16 & 16-23 Valle de Bravo, Mexico. Come join adventure paragliding for an unforgettable week long trip in Valle de Bravo, Mexico. We will focus on xc and thermal skills for beginner to advanced pilots. 1600 dollars includes airport transport, breakfast and dinner, accommodation in a very luxurious lake house with pool, transport between sites, and instruction. We have 12 years of flying expierience in Valle. Please contact Pine at 970-274-1619, or visit www.adventureparagliding.com.

JAnuARy 15-29 Valle De Bravo, Mexico. Our annual Valle Tours offer up a unique experience. New pilots and XC veterans will find this trip to be quite addicting. Visit www.paragliding.com, or call 805.968.0980 for more information.

feBRuARy 1-7 Yelapa, Mexico. Week long SIV clinics in tropical paradise, Yelapa, with Brad Gunnuscio. Join us for a week of fun and learning towing over the bay of Banderas. Complete packages available with lodging. Great place to bring a non flying partner or family also. More info: [email protected] or [email protected] More Information: Les Snyder 011 52 322 209 5174 [email protected].

6020


http://www.paragliding.com

http://www.flytec.com

http://hanglide.com

http://www.parasupply.com


feBRuARy 14-16, 18-20, 22-24 & 26-28 Yelapa, Mexico. Week long SIV clinics in tropical paradise, Yelapa, with Brad Gunnuscio. Join us for a week of fun and learning towing over the bay of Banderas. Complete packages available with lodging. Great place to bring a non flying partner or family also. More info: [email protected] or [email protected]. More Information: Les Snyder 011 52 322 209 5174 [email protected].

feBRuARy 26 - MARCH 20 Brazil. Come enjoy the best flying Brazil has to offer! Improve your thermal and x-c skills with US foot launch record holder David Prentice. We’ll fly multiple flying sites across Brazil including: G.V., Bixou Guandu, Pancas, Alfredo Chavez and the infamous Peidra Bontio above Copacabana beach. 14 days. Contact David Prentice at [email protected], or call 505-720-5436.

APRIL 1-3, 8-10, 15-17 & MAy 13-15 Sebring, Florida Spring training! Thee day over the water(SIV)maneuvers training courses: Personalized progres-sion from basic to advanced. Come enjoy one of the best SIV venues the US has to offer. Limited space. Contact: David Prentice [email protected] or call 505-720-5436.

APRIL 22-24 Owens Valley, CA. Thermal and Cross Country Clinic with Eagle Paragliding. Many pilots are sure to get personal bests. View photos and videos from our last clinic at www.paragliding.com, or call 805.968.0980 for more information.

MAy 12-17 Over-the-water Maneuvers Clinics in Northern California with Eagle Paragliding. Ameri-ca’s top all-around acro and competition pilot Brad Gunnuscio will be coaching with our state of the art towing set up. Visit www.paragliding.com , or call 805.968.0980 for more information.

MAy 20-23 Santa Barbara, CA. Instructor Certi-fication Clinic with Rob Sporrer of Eagle Paragliding in Santa Barbara, California. This three-day clinic is open to Basic and Advanced Paragliding Instructor candidates, and those needing recertification. Vis-it www.paragliding.com, or call 805.968.0980 for more information.

MAy 23-24 Santa Barbara, CA. Tandem Para-gliding Clinic with Rob Sporrer of Eagle Paragliding in Santa Barbara, California. Classroom and prac-tical training at our world class training hill. Vis-it www.paragliding.com, or call 805.968.0980 for more information.

June 9-14 Northern California with Eagle Para-gliding. America’s top all-around acro and compe-tition pilot Brad Gunnuscio will be coaching with our state of the art towing set up. Visit www.paragliding.com , or call 805.968.0980 for more information.

August 4-9 Over-the-water Maneuvers Clin-ics in Northern California with Eagle Paragliding. America’s top all-around acro and competition pilot Brad Gunnuscio will be coaching with our state of the art towing set up. Visit www.paragliding.com , or call 805.968.0980 for more information.

sePteMBeR 1-6 Over-the-water Maneuvers Clinics in Northern California with Eagle Paraglid-ing. America’s top all-around acro and competition pilot Brad Gunnuscio will be coaching with our state of the art towing set up. Visit www.paragliding.com , or call 805.968.0980 for more information.

sePteMBeR 29 - oCtoBeR 4 Over-the-water Maneuvers Clinics in Northern California with Ea-gle Paragliding. America’s top all-around acro and competition pilot Brad Gunnuscio will be coaching with our state of the art towing set up. Visit www.paragliding.com , or call 805.968.0980 for more in-formation.

oCtoBeR 7-9 Owens Valley, CA. Thermal and Cross Country Clinic with Eagle Paragliding. Many pilots are sure to get personal bests. View photos and videos from our last clinic at www.paragliding.com, or call 805.968.0980 for more information.

noveMBeR 4-6 Santa Barbara, CA. Instructor Certification Clinic with Rob Sporrer of Eagle Para-gliding in Santa Barbara, California. This three-day clinic is open to basic and advanced Para-gliding Instructor candidates, and those needing recertification. Visit www.paragliding.com, or call 805.968.0980 for more information.

noveMBeR 7-8 Santa Barbara, CA. Tandem Paragliding Clinic with Rob Sporrer of Eagle Para-gliding in Santa Barbara, California. Classroom and practical training at our world class training hill. Visit www.paragliding.com, or call 805.968.0980 for more information.

FLEX WINGS

A GREAT SELECTION OF HG&PG GLIDERS (ss, ds, pg) -HARNESSES (trainer, cocoon, pod) -PARA-CHUTES (hg&pg) -WHEELS (new & used). Phone for latest inventory 262-473-8800, www.hangglid-ing.com

WANTED: MOyES XS 169 OR WW 225 FALCON, Call David at 828-758-7590, North Carolina

WILLS WING SPORT AT 167 - Harness, etc... Best offer, [email protected], 352-481-3322

BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT

INSTRuCTORS NEEDED - Full or part time basic/advanced hang glider instructors. Lodging available. Please contact Greg at Mountain Wings in Ellenville, NY 845-647-3377 [email protected]

LIFE INSuRANCE FOR PILOTS - Inexpensive life insurance is indeed available to U.S. Residents that will protect your loved ones with complete coverage, Term or permanent life. Includes coverage while Hanggliding or Paragliding without exclusion. Call 619-721-3684 or email [email protected] for more information. Ca. ins lic 0b18364

feBRuARy 2-7 Southern Cal. flying trip. Join ken Hudonjorgensen on a trip to thaw out your bones and get your flying brain cells activated and ready for the new flying season. Phone (801) 572-3414, or email [email protected]. More info: www.twocanfly.com.

feBRuARy 7-9 Atlanta, GA Basic and Advanced instructor training held at our towing facilities near Commerce, led by Luis Rosenkjer. Re-certification participants are also welcome. More Information: Luis Rosenkjer 404-931-3793 [email protected], or [email protected].

feBRuARy 10-11 Atlanta, GA T-2 and T-3 clinic held at our towing facilities near Commerce, led by Luis Rosenkjer. Tandem Surface Tow skill certification also possible. More Information: Luis Rosenkjer 404-931-3793 [email protected], or [email protected].

Costa Rica Paragliding ToursParaglide Costa Rica, the Ultimate Canopy Tour!

"If you love to fly, book a trip to Costa Rica, take a tour with Nick Crane"

(advice from the locals!)

Week long tours from Jan-March 2011small groups, great flying

www.costaricaparagliding.com



















http://www.costaricaparagliding.com


SCHOOLS & DEALERS

ALABAMA

LOOKOuT MOuNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - The best facilities, largest inventory, camping, swimming, volleyball, more. Wide range of accommodations. hanglide.com, 877-HANGLIDE, 877-426-4543, hanglide.com.

CALIFORNIA

AIRJuNKIES PARAGLIDING - Year-round excellent instruction, Southern California & Baja. Powered paragliding, clinics, tours, tandem, towing. Ken Baier 760-753-2664, airjunkies.com.

EAGLE PARAGLIDING - SANTA BARBARA offers the best year round flying in the nation. Award-winning instruction, excellent mountain and ridge sites. www.flysantabarbara.com, 805-968-0980

FLy ABOVE ALL - Year-round instruction in beautiful Santa Barbara! USHPA Novice through Advanced certification. Thermaling to competition training. Visit www.flyaboveall.com 805-965-3733.

FLy AWAy HANG GLIDING - Santa Barbara. Best hill/equipment, glider shuttles up hill, tandems, sales, service, 20 years experience, Instructor Administrator Tammy Burcar. 805-403-8487, www.flyawayhanggliding.com.

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

MISSION SOARING CENTER LLC - Largest hang gliding center in the West! Our deluxe retail shop showcases the latest equipment: Wills Wing, Moyes, AIR, High Energy, Flytec, Aeros, Northwing, Hero wide angle video camera. A.I.R. Atos rigid wings- demo the VQ-45' span, 85 Lbs! Parts in stock. We stock new and used equipment. Trade-ins welcome. Complete lesson program. Best training park in the west, located just south of the San Francisco Bay Area. Pitman Hydraulic Winch System for Hang 1s and above. Launch and landing clinics for Hang 3s and Hang 4s. Wills Wing Falcons of all sizes and custom training harnesses. 1116 Wrigley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035. 408-262-1055, Fax 408-262-1388, [email protected], Mission Soaring Center LLC, leading the way since 1973. www.hang-gliding.com

TORREy PINES GLIDERPORT - This historic site, established in 1928, offers all of the services you need. We provide USHPA certified instruction, advanced training, equipment sales, tandem flight instruction, paramotor instruction, SIV clinics, cross country clinics, tandem instructor clinics, paragliding instructor clinics, and a fully staffed cafe. We also have an extensive glider sport shop offering parachute repacks and full-service repairs. We are importers for Paratech, Ozone, Skywalk, Independence gliders and are dealers for all brands! We also carry an extensive certified used inventory of gliders and harnesses. We are the primary Ki2Fly dealer, and also carry AustriAlpin, Crispi, Black Hawk Paramotors, and too much more to list! Check us out online at: www.flytorrey.com, or give us a ring at 1-858-452-9858.

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

COLORADO

GuNNISON GLIDERS – Serving the western slope. Instruction, sales, service, sewing, accessories. Site information, ratings. 1549 County Road 17, Gunnison CO 81230.Call (970) 641-9315, or (866)238-2305.

FLORIDA

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

GRAyBIRD AIRSPORTS — Paraglider & hang glider towing & training, Dragonfly aerotow training, XC, thermaling, instruction, equipment. Dunnellon Airport 352-245-8263, email [email protected], www.graybirdairsports.com.

LOOKOuT MOuNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - Nearest mountain training center to Orlando. Two training hills, novice mountain launch, aerotowing, great accommodations. hanglide.com, 877-HANGLIDE, 877-426-4543.

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

QuEST AIR HANG GLIDING - We offer the best instruction, friendliest staff, beautiful grounds with swimming pool, private lake and clubhouse, lodging, plus soaring in our super-famous, soft, Sunshine State thermals. Come fly with us! 352- 429- 0213, Groveland, FL, questairforce.com

WALLABy RANCH – The original Aerotow flight park. Best tandem instruction worldwide,7-days a week , 6 tugs, and equipment rental. Call:1-800-WALLABY wallaby.com 1805 Deen Still Road, Disney Area FL 33897

GEORGIA

LOOKOuT MOuNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - Discover why 5 times as many pilots earn their wings at LMFP. Enjoy our 110 acre mountain resort. www.hanglide.com, 1-877-HANGLIDE, 1-877-426-4543.

HAWAII

PROFLyGHT PARAGLIDING - Call Dexter for friendly information about flying on Maui. Full-service school offering beginner to advanced instruction every day, year round. 808-874-5433, paraglidehawaii.com.

INDIANA

CLOuD 9 SPORT AVIATION - See Cloud 9 in Michigan

MARYLAND

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

MICHIGAN

CLOuD 9 SPORT AVIATION (hang gliding equipment), North American Soaring (Alatus ultralight sailplane and e-drive systems), Dragon Fly Soaring Club (hang gliding instruction), at Cloud 9 Field, Webberville, MI.More info: (517) 223-8683, [email protected], www.DFSCinc.org.

TRAVERSE CITy HANG GLIDERS/PARAGLIDERS Put your knees in our breeze and soar our 450’ sand dunes. Full-time shop. Certified instruction, beginner to advanced. Sales, service, accessories for ALL major brands. Visa/MasterCard. 1509 E 8th, Traverse City MI 49684. Offering powered paragliding. Call Bill at 231-922-2844, [email protected]. Your USA & Canada Mosquito distributor. www.mosquitoamerica.com.

NEW JERSEY

PENNSyLVANIA PARAGLIDING - Best paragliding instruction in the NE. 1.5 hours from NYC and Philadelphia. Training hill and towing. 17 Years of combined experience. www.pennsylvaniaparagliding.com( 610)392-0050.

NEW YORK

AAA MOuNTAIN WINGS INC. - New location at 77 Hang Glider Road in Ellenville next to the LZ. We service all brands featuring AEROS and North Wing. Contact 845-647-3377, [email protected], www.mtnwings.com,

FLy HIGH, INC. - Serving New York, Jersey, and Connecticut areas. Area’s exclusive Wills Wing dealer. Also all other brands, accessories. Area’s most INEXPENSIVE prices! Certified instruction/service since 1979. Excellent secondary instruction! Taken some lessons? Advance to mountain flying! www.flyhighhg.com, 845-744-3317.

LET'S GO PARAGLIDING LLC - Paragliding flight school offering USHPA-certified instruction for all levels, tandem lessons, tours, and equipment sales. www.letsgoparagliding.com, 917-359-6449.



PLANET PARAGLIDING - New York City area's finest instruction. Come fly with us. Beginner through advanced instruction. Best prices on new gear. Bill 203-881-9419, 203-206-3896, www.planetparaglidingtours.com.

SuSQuEHANNA FLIGHT PARK COOPERSTOWN, NY. 160' training hill with rides up. Mountain site. Bunk house. Camping. Contact info: home (315) 866-6153 cell (315) 867-8011. [email protected], www.cooperstownhanggliding.com.

NORTH CAROLINA

KITTy HAWK KITES - FREE Hang 1 training with purchase of equipment! The largest hang gliding school in the world. Teaching since 1974. Learn to fly over the East coast’s largest sand dune. Year round instruction, foot launch and tandem aerotow. Dealer for all major manufacturers. Ultralight instruction and tours. 252-441-2426, 1-877-FLY-THIS, www.kittyhawk.com

OHIO

CLOuD 9 SPORT AVIATION - See Cloud 9 in Michigan

PENNSYLVANIA


PUERTO RICO

FLy PuERTO RICO WITH TEAM SPIRIT HG! - Flying tours, rentals, tandems, HG and PG classes, H-2 and P-2 intensive Novice courses, full sales. 787-850-0508, [email protected].

TENNESSEE

LOOKOuT MOuNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - Just outside Chattanooga. Become a complete pilot -foot launch, aerotow, mountain launch, ridge soar, thermal soar. hanglide.com, 1-877-HANGLIDE, 877-426-4543.

TEXAS

FLyTEXAS / JEFF HuNT - training pilots in Central Texas for 25 years. Hangar facilities near Packsaddle Mountain, and Lake LBJ. More info: www.flytexas.com, (512)467-2529

UTAH

CLOuD 9 PARAGLIDING - Come visit us and check out our huge selection of paragliding gear, traction kites, extreme toys, and any other fun things you can think of. If you aren’t near the Point of the Mountain, then head to http://www.paragliders.com for a full list of products and services. We are Utah’s only full time shop and repair facility, Give us a ring at 801-576-6460 if you have any questions.

SuPER FLy PARAGLIDING – Come to world famous Point of the Mountain and learn to fly from one of our distinguished instructors. We teach year round and offer some of the best paragliding equipment available. Get your P2 certification, advanced ratings or tandem ratings here. We have a full shop to assist you with any of your free flight needs. 801-255-9595, [email protected] , www.superflyinc.com.

WINGS OVER WASATCH HANG GLIDING - Salt Lake / region 4 area. Certified HANG GLIDING instruction, sales, service. World class training hill! Tours of Utah’s awesome mountains for visiting pilots. DISCOUNT glider/equipment prices. Glider rentals. Tandem flights. Ryan Voight, 801-599-2555, www.wingsoverwasatch.com.

VIRGINIA

BLuE SKy - Full-time HG instruction. Daily lessons, scooter, and platform towing. AT towing part time. Custom sewing, powered harnesses, Aeros PG , Flylight and Airborne trikes. More info: (804)241-4324, or www.blueskyhg.com

WASHINGTON

AERIAL PARAGLIDING SCHOOL AND FLIGHT PARK - Award winning instructors at a world class training facility. Contact Doug Stroop at 509-782-5543 or visit www.paragliding.us

INTERNATIONAL

BAJA MEXICO - La Salina: PG, HG, PPG www.FLYLASALINA.com. by www.BAJABRENT.com, He’ll hook you up! site intros, tours, & rooms [email protected], 760-203-2658

COSTA RICA - Grampa Ninja's Paragliders' B&B. Rooms, and/or guide service and transportation. Lessons available from USHPA certified instructors. USA: 908-454-3242. Costa Rica: (Country code, 011) House: 506-2664-6833, Cell: 506-8950-8676, www.paraglidecostarica.com<http://www.paraglidecostarica.com>

MEXICO - VALLE DE BRAVO and beyond for hang gliding and paragliding. Year round availability and special tours. Gear, guiding, instruction, transportation, lodging - all varieties for your needs. www.flymexico.com 1-800-861-7198 USA

PARTS & ACCESSORIES

ALL HG GLIDERBAGS, harness packs, harness zippers and zipper stocks. Instrument mounts and replacement bands. Mitts, straps, fabric parts, windsocks, radios. Gunnison Gliders. Contact at (866)238-2305

FOR ALL yOuR FLyING NEEDS - Check out the Aviation Depot at www.mojosgear.com featuring over 1000 items for foot-launched and powered paragliding, hang gliding, stunt and power kiting, and powered parachutes. 24/7 secure online shopping. Books, videos, KITES, gifts, engine parts, harness accessories, electronics, clothing, safety equipment, complete powered paragliding units with training from Hill Country Paragliding Inc. www.hillcountryparagliding.com 1-800-664-1160 for orders only. Office 325-379-1567.

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

HALL WIND METER – Simple. Reliable. Accurate. Mounting brackets, control-bar wheels. Hall Brothers, PO Box 1010, Morgan, Utah 84050. (801) 829-3232, www.hallwindmeter.com.

OXyGEN SySTEMS – MH-XCR-180 operates to 18,000 ft., weighs only 4 lbs. System includes cylinder, harness, regulator, cannula, and remote on/off flowmeter. $450.00. 1-800-468-8185

SPECIALTy WHEELS for airfoil basetubes, round basetubes, or tandem landing gear.(262)473-8800, www.hanggliding.com.

PUBLICATIONS / ORGANIZATIONS

SOARING - Monthly magazine of The Soaring Society of America Inc. Covers all aspects of soaring flight. Full membership $64. SSA, PO Box 2100, Hobbs NM 88241. 505-392-1177, ssa.org.

SERVICE

CLOuD 9 REPAIR DEPARTMENT - We staff and maintain a full service repair shop within Cloud 9 Paragliding; offering annual inspections, line replacement, sail repair of any kind (kites too!), harness repairs and reserve repacks. Our repair technicians are factory trained and certified to work on almost any paraglider or kite. Call today for an estimate 801-576-6460 or visit www.paragliders.com for more information.

GET yOuR ANNuAL INSPECTION, repair or reserve repack done quickly and professionally. Super Fly does more inspections, repairs and repacks than any service center in North America. Call or email for details and more information. 801-255-9595, [email protected].


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

WANTED

WANTED - Used variometers, harnesses, parachutes, helmets, etc. Trade or cash. (262) 473-8800, www.hanggliding.com.

WANTED - New or used apparel with old USHGA logo / artwork. Size L. Please contact Theodore at (530) 222-2447

STOLEN WINGS & THINGS

STOLEN 9/18/10 - DRAPER, uT. Gradient Aspen PG, Black harness, white helmet and Flytec vario. Please call: Chris: 209-267-5090 , or Aaron: 916-471-9695.

STOLEN - Dual Tow System - Stolen from my home (Tuscon, AZ) in May, system was mounted on a trailer. Scooter tow system is powered by a 150 Honda engine, removed from the original scooter, mounted in a two inch square tubular frame. Fair lead is mounted on three feet of 2” square tubing and is removable. Handle bars are removable they mount on a plate and tubing standoff. Platform tow system has an aluminum hub, belt drive electric rewind motor, flexible hydraulic line to pressure gauge/release, mounted on a plate. Both systems have purple spectra line on them. If you need more info give me a call , I have pics. Vehicle seen leaving the area silver/gray Ford expedition. Trailer was recovered systems were not. Any help finding my Tow System would be greatly appreciated. Eric 520-405-3814

http://www.ssa.org


PARAGLIDINGRTNG REGN NAME CITy STATE RATING OFFICIAL

P-1 1 Rick Koetje Mount Vernon WA Douglas StroopP-1 1 Mitch Prater Portland OR Douglas StroopP-1 1 Robert Oxborrow Kent WA Bob HannahP-1 1 Ben Cochran Ashland OR Kevin LeeP-1 1 Andrey Kochergin Everett WA Lawrence WallmanP-1 1 Tony Van Gerpen Sunriver OR Steve RotiP-1 1 Michael Goude Issaquah WA Marc ChiricoP-1 1 Tony Rabino Everett WA Nick NearyP-1 1 James Arnold White Salmon WA Jon MalmbergP-1 1 Nate Weander Anchorage AK Peter GautreauP-1 1 Justin Bramlette Spokane Valley WA Douglas StroopP-1 1 Brandon Elley Ellensburg WA Douglas StroopP-1 1 Larry Haffner Corbett OR Douglas StroopP-1 1 Laura Gesslein Williams OR Kevin LeeP-1 1 Liam Neeley-brown Corvallis OR Maren LudwigP-1 1 Tara Vaughn Beaverton OR Brad HillP-1 1 Daniel Vaughn Beaverton OR Brad HillP-1 1 Ron May Chewelah WA Douglas StroopP-1 1 Erik Browning Seattle WA Marc ChiricoP-1 1 Allex Smith Wenatchee WA Denise ReedP-1 1 Jason Laughlin Oregon City OR Scott HarrisP-1 2 Ron Carmel San Francisco CA Wallace AndersonP-1 2 Damon Cokenias San Francisco CA Wallace AndersonP-1 2 Timothy Barber San Jose CA Jeffrey GreenbaumP-1 2 Kenneth Winjum Squaw Valley CA Bruce KirkP-1 2 Janice Winjum Squaw Valley CA Bruce KirkP-1 2 Jacob Gilliam Redding CA Nick CraneP-1 2 James Patterson San Francisco CA Jeffrey GreenbaumP-1 2 John Rosa San Ramon CA Wallace AndersonP-1 2 Norman Macleod Walnut Creek CA Lan ChiricoP-1 2 David Sanchez Santa Maria CA Bruce KirkP-1 3 Dana Higgins Corona CA Jonathan JefferiesP-1 3 Mike Branger San Diego CA Max MarienP-1 3 Laura Rice Los Angeles CA Aaron PriceP-1 3 Jonathan Sepp Tehachapi CA Robin MarienP-1 3 Leo Parshukov Santa Monica CA Bruce KirkP-1 3 Greg Mills San Diego CA Max MarienP-1 3 Gavin Hookway San Diego CA Bradley GearyP-1 3 Troy Hartman Carlsbad CA Bruce KirkP-1 3 Kirk Sellinger Alpine CA Gabriel JebbP-1 3 Christopher White Castro Valley CA Klaus SchlueterP-1 4 Mark Dorobiala Draper UT Jonathan JefferiesP-1 4 Mark Simpson Telluride CO Andy MacraeP-1 4 Don Lamm Paradise Valley AZ Carlos MadureiraP-1 4 Brendan Wills Avon CO Thomas KeoughP-1 4 Bruce Perkins Rocky Ford CO Kevin HintzeP-1 4 Rene Wayand Draper UT Patrick JohnsonP-1 4 William Stevens Colorado Springs CO Granger BanksP-1 4 John Lee Draper UT Stephen MayerP-1 4 Elizabeth Shepherd Evergreen CO Mike SteenP-1 4 Mark Kirschenbaum Chandler AZ Kevin HintzeP-1 4 Aabir Malik Salt Lake City UT Ivo SalomonP-1 4 Michael Navarre Draper UT Patrick JohnsonP-1 4 Justin Stowers Draper UT David HanningP-1 4 Jeff Peo Draper UT Jonathan JefferiesP-1 4 Raul Quintanilla Frisco CO Andy MacraeP-1 4 Sean Pummill Salida CO David ChampaignP-1 5 Jason Bruni Jackson WY Scott HarrisP-1 5 Joseph Peterson Kamiah ID Andy MacraeP-1 6 Bradford Wilson Conway AR Christopher GranthamP-1 6 Larry Tanner Shawnee OK Jonathan JefferiesP-1 8 John Breen Keene NH Benoit BruneauP-1 8 Arthur Milliken Concord MA Heath WoodsP-1 8 Sergio Dutra Lopes Framingham MA Heath WoodsP-1 8 Cleidimilson Lopes Framingham MA Heath WoodsP-1 8 Ismar De Paula Alves Woburn MA Heath WoodsP-1 10 Marcus Jakob North Charleston SC Luis RosenkjerP-1 10 Michael Ward Atlanta GA Luis RosenkjerP-1 10 Catherine Phan Atlanta GA Luis RosenkjerP-1 10 Kolla Kolbeinsdottir Deland FL David Hanning

RTNG REGN NAME CITy STATE RATING OFFICIAL

H-1 1 Robert Werth Leavenworth WA Jonathan LeggH-1 2 Brad James Wilton CA George HamiltonH-1 2 Steven Murphy Castro Valley CA Patrick DenevanH-1 2 Dylan Murphy Castro Valley CA David YountH-1 2 Jerry Martin Granite Bay CA George HamiltonH-1 2 Todd Martin Granite Bay CA George HamiltonH-1 3 Karl Schackmann La Jolla CA John HeineyH-1 4 Dan Garland Holloday UT Ryan VoightH-1 4 Michael Collins Parker AZ Greg DewolfH-1 5 Don Lange Hamilton MT Jeff ShapiroH-1 7 Ruan Du Plessis Livonia MI Tracy TillmanH-1 7 Jordan Bruce Linden IN John AldenH-1 8 Mark Kelley South Jordan VT Kevin KoonceH-1 8 Peter Cassidy Putney VT Steven PrepostH-1 8 Dean Gores Manchester NH Steven PrepostH-1 9 Brad Barkley Frostburg MD Steve WendtH-1 9 Milko Videv Doylestown PA Paul VeneskyH-1 9 Matthew Philips Granville OH John AldenH-1 10 Juan Saa Boca Raton FL James TindleH-1 10 Ry Glover Chattanooga TN Gordon CayceH-1 10 Bill Harper Tallahassee FL Gordon CayceH-1 10 Andy Thompson Kill Devil Hills NC Douglas JohnsonH-1 10 James Zainaldin Atlanta GA Gordon CayceH-1 12 Ralph Bass Brooklyn NY Zack MarzecH-1 13 Garnet Specht Millet, Alb Joe GrebloH-2 2 Brad James Wilton CA George HamiltonH-2 2 John Passyka Albion CA Harold JohnsonH-2 2 Alan Jones Las Vegas NV Greg BergerH-2 2 Frank Gallagher Carmel CA David YountH-2 3 Karl Schackmann La Jolla CA John HeineyH-2 3 Michael Bastan Los Angeles CA Greg DewolfH-2 4 Dan Garland Holloday UT Ryan VoightH-2 4 Michael Collins Parker AZ Greg DewolfH-2 5 Don Lange Hamilton MT Jeff ShapiroH-2 7 Ruan Du Plessis Livonia MI Tracy TillmanH-2 7 Jordan Bruce Linden IN John AldenH-2 8 Boyd Hehn Northampton MA Steven PrepostH-2 8 David Wadleigh Essex Jct VT Eric WilliamsH-2 9 Zachary Behney Lebanon PA Eric WilliamsH-2 9 Jonithan Brantley Fairfax VA Daniel ZinkH-2 9 Sarah Silvia Richmond VA Christopher BodinH-2 9 Matthew Philips Granville OH John AldenH-2 10 Douglas Frank High Point NC Steve WendtH-2 10 Juan Saa Boca Raton FL James TindleH-2 10 Ry Glover Chattanooga TN Gordon CayceH-2 10 Bill Harper Tallahassee FL Gordon CayceH-2 10 James Zainaldin Atlanta GA Gordon CayceH-2 12 Timm Phillips Elma NY Eric WilliamsH-2 13 Garnet Specht Millet, Alb Joe GrebloH-3 1 Stephan Forslund Portland OR Raymond BergerH-3 2 George Aoyama Castro Valley CA Michael JeffersonH-3 2 Jonathan Hollander San Francisco CA Harold JohnsonH-3 2 Aaron Kirschen Santa Cruz CA Michael JeffersonH-3 4 Dan Garland Holloday UT Ryan VoightH-3 6 Harlan Block Carthage MO Philip MorganH-3 8 Daniel Smith Jericho VT Steven PrepostH-3 9 Charles Okeeffe Iii Winchester VA Steve WendtH-3 10 Paul Edwards Decatur TN Daniel ZinkH-4 4 Calvin Hadley North Ogden UT Ryan VoightH-4 10 Clifford Rice St Petersburg FL Paul TjadenH-4 10 Edgardo Morales Rodriguez San Lorenzo PR Robert Hastings

HANG GLIDING


S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 0 RATINGSRTNG REGN NAME CITy STATE RATING OFFICIAL RTNG REGN NAME CITy STATE RATING OFFICIAL

P-1 10 Ward Hessig Ocoee FL Kevin HintzeP-1 10 Nick Grillet Deland FL Kevin HintzeP-1 11 Chris Page Pearland TX (anthony) Bud WruckP-1 11 Jesse (keith) Cockrum Goldthwaite TX Christopher GranthamP-1 12 Morten Bilet Medford NY Benoit BruneauP-1 12 Ian Curry Brooklyn NY Benoit BruneauP-1 12 Douglas Goral Clifton Park NY Benoit BruneauP-1 12 Lee Haigwood Hopewell NJ Terry BonoP-1 13 Marc Sommer Cologne Jeremy BishopP-1 13 Daniel Baker Borough Green, Kent Rob SporrerP-1 13 Steven Taylor Herne Bay, Kent Rob SporrerP-1 13 Valery Tzvanov Sofia Sami FindikliP-1 13 Volodymyr Kozlianinov Kiev Murat TuzerP-2 1 Rick Koetje Mount Vernon WA Douglas StroopP-2 1 Mitch Prater Portland OR Douglas StroopP-2 1 Robert Oxborrow Kent WA Bob HannahP-2 1 Ben Cochran Ashland OR Kevin LeeP-2 1 Andrey Kochergin Everett WA Lawrence WallmanP-2 1 Tony Van Gerpen Sunriver OR Steve RotiP-2 1 Michael Goude Issaquah WA Marc ChiricoP-2 1 Tony Rabino Everett WA Nick NearyP-2 1 James Arnold White Salmon WA Jon MalmbergP-2 1 Nate Weander Anchorage AK Peter GautreauP-2 1 Justin Bramlette Spokane Valley WA Douglas StroopP-2 1 Brandon Elley Ellensburg WA Douglas StroopP-2 1 Larry Haffner Corbett OR Douglas StroopP-2 1 Laura Gesslein Williams OR Kevin LeeP-2 1 Ron May Chewelah WA Douglas StroopP-2 1 Erik Browning Seattle WA Marc ChiricoP-2 1 Allex Smith Wenatchee WA Denise ReedP-2 1 Jason Laughlin Oregon City OR Scott HarrisP-2 2 Ron Carmel San Francisco CA Wallace AndersonP-2 2 Kenneth Winjum Squaw Valley CA Bruce KirkP-2 2 Janice Winjum Squaw Valley CA Bruce KirkP-2 2 Jacob Gilliam Redding CA Nick CraneP-2 2 Norman Macleod Walnut Creek CA Lan ChiricoP-2 2 David Sanchez Santa Maria CA Bruce KirkP-2 3 Dana Higgins Corona CA Jonathan JefferiesP-2 3 Mike Branger San Diego CA Max MarienP-2 3 Laura Rice Los Angeles CA Aaron PriceP-2 3 Sergei Ryazanov San Diego CA Jeremy BishopP-2 3 Mark Meyers San Diego CA Max MarienP-2 3 Jonathan Sepp Tehachapi CA Robin MarienP-2 3 Leo Parshukov Santa Monica CA Bruce KirkP-2 3 Troy Hartman Carlsbad CA Bruce KirkP-2 3 Kirk Sellinger Alpine CA Gabriel JebbP-2 4 Mark Dorobiala Draper UT Jonathan JefferiesP-2 4 Mark Simpson Telluride CO Andy MacraeP-2 4 Brendan Wills Avon CO Thomas KeoughP-2 4 Bruce Perkins Rocky Ford CO Kevin HintzeP-2 4 Rene Wayand Draper UT Patrick JohnsonP-2 4 John Lee Draper UT Stephen MayerP-2 4 Elizabeth Shepherd Evergreen CO Mike SteenP-2 4 Mark Kirschenbaum Chandler AZ Kevin HintzeP-2 4 Aabir Malik Salt Lake City UT Ivo SalomonP-2 4 Michael Navarre Draper UT Patrick JohnsonP-2 4 Justin Stowers Draper UT David HanningP-2 4 Jeff Peo Draper UT Jonathan JefferiesP-2 4 Raul Quintanilla Frisco CO Andy MacraeP-2 4 Sean Pummill Salida CO David ChampaignP-2 5 Jason Bruni Jackson WY Scott HarrisP-2 5 Brian Hackmann Jackson WY Scott HarrisP-2 5 Joseph Peterson Kamiah ID Andy MacraeP-2 6 Bradford Wilson Conway AR Christopher GranthamP-2 6 Larry Tanner Shawnee OK Jonathan JefferiesP-2 8 John Breen Keene NH Benoit BruneauP-2 8 Arthur Milliken Concord MA Heath WoodsP-2 8 Daniel Chisholm New Bedford MA Heath WoodsP-2 10 Lisa Tripp Eden GA Luis RosenkjerP-2 10 Nancy Gormally Hoschton GA Luis Rosenkjer

P-2 10 Marcus Jakob North Charleston SC Luis RosenkjerP-2 10 Michael Ward Atlanta GA Luis RosenkjerP-2 10 Kolla Kolbeinsdottir Deland FL David HanningP-2 10 Ward Hessig Ocoee FL Kevin HintzeP-2 10 Nick Grillet Deland FL Kevin HintzeP-2 11 Chris Page Pearland TX (anthony) Bud WruckP-2 11 Jesse (keith) Cockrum Goldthwaite TX Christopher GranthamP-2 12 Morten Bilet Medford NY Benoit BruneauP-2 12 Ian Curry Brooklyn NY Benoit BruneauP-2 12 Douglas Goral Clifton Park NY Benoit BruneauP-2 13 Marc Sommer Cologne Jeremy BishopP-2 13 Daniel Baker Borough Green, Kent Rob SporrerP-2 13 Steven Taylor Herne Bay, Kent Rob SporrerP-2 13 Valery Tzvanov Sofia Sami FindikliP-2 13 Volodymyr Kozlianinov Kiev Murat TuzerP-3 1 Andrey Kochergin Everett WA Lawrence WallmanP-3 1 Jason Laughlin Oregon City OR Scott HarrisP-3 2 Eric Blum Richmond CA Jeffrey GreenbaumP-3 2 Chris Ellison Sausalito CA Jeffrey GreenbaumP-3 3 Jordan Rock Torrance CA Robin MarienP-3 3 Brent Hawkins San Diego CA Rob SporrerP-3 3 Jonathan Sepp Tehachapi CA Robin MarienP-3 3 Kirk Sellinger Alpine CA Gabriel JebbP-3 4 Marcus Scarth Aspen CO Alejandro PalmazP-3 4 Myron Cook Salt Lake City UT Kevin HintzeP-3 4 Mike Benzie Wheat Ridge CO Layne SelfP-3 4 Mark Simpson Telluride CO Andy MacraeP-3 4 Virgil Davis Salt Lake City UT Mike SteenP-3 4 Marek Kozlowski Littleton CO Scott HarrisP-3 4 Robert Kittila Boulder CO Scott HarrisP-3 5 Chris Brady Jackson WY Josh RiggsP-3 9 Kevin Ayers Tunkhannock PA William UmstattdP-3 10 George Morgan Greensboro NC Charles SmithP-3 13 Evan Cohen Toronto, Ont James ReichP-3 13 Valery Tzvanov Sofia Sami FindikliP-4 2 Rick Cavallaro Sunnyvale CA David SondergeldP-4 2 Michael Zanger Mt Shasta CA Kevin LeeP-4 2 Adam Berger San Jose CA Denise ReedP-4 2 Craig Addleman Pacifica CA Jeffrey GreenbaumP-4 2 Sati Shah Kensington CA Klaus SchlueterP-4 2 Melody Shah Kensington CA Klaus SchlueterP-4 2 Stephan Haase Stateline NV Jonathan JefferiesP-4 3 Mark Crispino San Diego CA Gabriel JebbP-4 3 Andres Elias Coronado CA Gabriel JebbP-4 3 George Williams Thousand Oaks CA Rob SporrerP-4 3 Kirk Sellinger Alpine CA Gabriel JebbP-4 4 Mark Denzel Lakewood CO Layne SelfP-4 4 Russell Obrien Sandy UT Chris SantacroceP-4 4 Clay Sharpe Albuquerque NM David PrenticeP-4 4 Mitchell Riley Crested Butte CO Jonathan JefferiesP-4 4 David Malin Ridgway CO Chris SantacroceP-4 4 Mark Simpson Telluride CO Andy MacraeP-4 7 Dariusz Kozuch Round Lake IL Ken HudonjorgensenP-4 7 Rafal Jakubek Riverwoods IL Ken HudonjorgensenP-4 13 Barbara (yates) Summerhawk Tokyo Kevin LeeP-4 13 Leung Chiu Leung 2a Mount Davis Rd Jeffrey GreenbaumP-4 13 Adrian Witcomb Sale Heath WoodsP-4 13 Valery Tzvanov Sofia Sami Findikli

1971 - 1973 Low & Slow1972 - 1976 Ground Skimmer1976 - 2003 Hang Gliding1993 - 2003 Paragliding2003 - 2008 Hang Gliding & Paragliding

CompleteMAGAZINE

COLLECTION

1971-2008

You hold the history of our sport, from the earliest days of bamboo and plastic to the present. Within these pages you’ll fi nd the evolution

of foot-launched fl ight from the fi rst days of bamboo dune-skimmers to the modern variety of hang gliders, paragliders and rigid wings. Each PDF fi le is one complete magazine, just

as originally published. Pages with color have produced as color scans,

the rest scanned as black and white images. Blemishes or imperfections are present in the original source magazines, some of which were the only known copies remaining.

MA

GA

ZIN

E C

OL

LE

CT

ION

19

71-

20

08

Future issues will be available on an update disk. Compilation copyright. 1974-2008, US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association. All rights reserved. Other material republished by permission of copyright holders. Please don’t dupli-cate or reproduce this work without permission. For limited reprint permission (club newsletters, etc.) contact the USHPA offi ce at 1-800-616-6888 or E-mail: [email protected] Pages scanned and indexed by Scandoc, Inc. of Aracata, CA. www.scandoc.com. Cover design by Gregory Gillam, [email protected].

Each disk includes Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 7 for Windows, Macintosh and Linux systems.

1972 - 1976 Ground Skimmer

2003 - 2008 Hang Gliding & Paragliding

1971-20081971-20081971-2008

FLEECE JACKET | $35.00 - 45.00

DENIM BRUISER | $30.00

HG & PG MAGAZINE ARCHIVES ON DVD | $30.00 PLAY GRAVITY DVD | $41.95

FLEECE VEST | $35.00

CAPS $20 | OUTBACK HATS $24

So you just made 10K

and sent it over the

back. No retreive? Why

let that stop you? Be

prepared for a chilly

hike out. In Zero Viz

Black.

Big air taking you for

a rodeo ride? Get a

bruiser.You know what

this is, because your dad

wears one. Keep it real.

In High Pressure Blue

denim.

38 great years of free flight fun

are packed into these digital

archives. Watch technique and

technology evolve. Learn how

sites have opened and closed.

Get to know the old school.

Recently updated to 2008.

Big Blue Sky is a feature length documentary about hang

gliding, the first extreme sport, and how it started. Big

Blue Sky is the story of the Lost Frontier of flight, tracing

the origins of hang gliding from the 1880s thru today,

focusing on the golden years of this exciting sport, the

1970s. The story is told by the pioneers of the sport, and

their stories are illustrated by exciting never-before-seen

vintage movie clips and still images. They describe their

part in history, and the profound effect hang gliding had

on their lives.

Your mama told you to in-

sulate your core. But if you

want the top of the stack

to know you're IN the core,

send them an odiferous

message by setting your

pits free. In Zero Viz Black.

Our sky blue Baseball Cap

is made with sueded twill

and brandishes the logo.

At $24, our Outback Hat

is a real steal. Solid

construction and snap

up bill! Crikey!

Speedflying, paragliding,

BASE jumping. A plethora

of multi-sport action packs

this slickly produced DVD

with more great moments

than a Mariah Carey holiday

special.

B O O K S | F I L M S | A P P A R E LUSHPA STORE

CAP now $18!

APRES-VOL CLUB POLO | $30.00

Now you can wear the

same polo shirt

we wear to

the country

club. Where we

work our second

jobs. In Navy & White.

BIG BLUE SKY DVD | $29.95FOR SALE IN THE US ONLY.

Buy a Spot Messenger and get a Bonus Adventure Kit that includes a floatation case, micro LED flashlight, safety whistle, lanyard, carabi-ner keychain and safety tips bandana.

Choose a 10-pack of either HG or PG on luxurious metallic card stock with matching 4x9 inch envelopes. Front reads "This is Flying. This is Freedom." Inside is blank.

2011 HG & PG CALENDARS | $15.00

NEW! HG or PG GREETING CARDS | $16.00

NEW! SPOT MESSENGER | $149.95



Purchase a SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger and score a Bonus Adventure Kit including a 15% Service DiScount coDe.

For a limited time only. While supplies last. See store associate for details.

the perfect gift for anyone heaDing to the outDoorS!

findmeSpot.com

micro LED FLashLight

saFEtyWhistLE

saFEty tipsbanDana

FLotation casE

15% sErvicE Discount coDE

carabinErKEychain

LanyarD

http://www.ushpa.aero/store

PUBLICATIONS

2011 CALENDARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15.00ACROBATICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41.95AND THE WORLD COULD FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32.95ART OF SKY SAILING - A RISK MGMT MANUAL . . . . . $14.95ART OF SKY SAILING - A RISK MGMT MANUAL & DVD . . $55.00 AVIATION WEATHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.95BIRDFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19.95CONDOR TRAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.95CLOUDSUCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17.95FLY THE WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.95FUNDAMENTALS/INSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.95HANG GLIDING TRAIN. MANUAL . . . . . . . . . . . $29.95INSTR. MANUAL (HG or PG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15.00THE ART OF PARAGLIDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34.95TOWING ALOFT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.95PG-PILOTS TRAIN. MANUAL & DVD . . . . . . . . . . $39.95PERFORMANCE FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.95SECRETS OF CHAMPIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.95SLOVENIA: GUIDE BOOK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31.95THERMAL FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $52.95UNDERSTANDING THE SKY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.95FLIGHT LOG BOOK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.95

DVD

BIG BLUE SKY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.95BORN TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34.95BROKEN TOE ACRO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $44.95DARE DEVIL FLYERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.95FLIGHT CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35.95FLYING OVER EVEREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41.95FRESH AIR RIDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22.95FROM NOWHERE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41.95GROUND HANDLING & THE ART OF KITING . . . . . . . $36.95HANG GLIDING EXTREME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34.95INSTABILITY II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41.95LIFT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19.95LIFTING AIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.95MAGAZINE ARCHIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30.00NEVER ENDING THERMAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41.95PARAHAWKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35.95PARAGLIDING:LEARN TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . $44.95PARAGLIDING: GROUND HANDLING TECHNIQUES . . . $35.95PARAGLIDER TOWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.95PARTY/CLOUDBASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.95PERFORMANCE FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $42.95PLAY GRAVITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41.95RED BULL X-ALPS 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41.95RED BULL X-ALPS 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.95RED BULL X-ALPS 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $42.95PURA VIDA FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.95RISK & REWARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.95THE PERFECT MTN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $36.95SPEED TO FLY/SECURITY IN FLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . $48.95SPEED GLIDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.95STARTING PARAGLIDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.95STARTING HANG GLIDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.95STARTING POWER PARAGLIDING . . . . . . . . . . . $36.95TEMPLE OF CLOUDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31.95THREE FLIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37.95TO FLY: HANG GLIDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.00TO FLY: PARAGLIDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.00WEATHER TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.95

ACCESSORIES

IPPI CARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00GREETING CARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16.00LICENSE PLATE FRAME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.50MAGAZINE BACK ISSUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.95MUG - STAINLESS STEEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,00ORNAMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.00RATING CERTIFICATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00USHGA / USHPA STICKERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.00

PARAGLIDING - PILOT'S TRAINING MANUAL | $39.95

UNDERSTANDING THE SKY | $24.95THERMAL FLYING | $52.95

RED BULL X-ALPS 2009 DVD | $42.95LIFTING AIR | $39.95

RED BULL X-ALPS 2007 DVD | $45.95WEATHER TO FLY DVD | $39.95

PERFORMANCE FLYING DVD | $42.95

THE ART OF PARAGLIDING | $34.95 !

Excellent illustrations and a

companion DVD make this

paragliding tome a must-

have in any pilot's library.

As an introduction or a

refresher reference you'll

find what you're looking for.

You'll read Dennis Pagen's

ultimate weather book again

and again as your brain at-

tempts to wrap itself around

one of the most complex

topics in the history of

topics. A must have–period.

Thermal Flying is a compre-

hensive guide to the art of

thermaling and XC flying. This

260 page book is packed with

clear diagrams, photos and the

knowledge you need to make

the most of each flying day.

It's here! The latest edition

has cool extras including

athlete profiles and a Team

Camera featurette. You

can't live without this DVD.

This DVD features great footage

of soaring flight over the rolling

hills of Washington. Dixon White

talks you through climbing and

taking that first cross country

leap. An excellent refresher or

introduction.

Americans Nate Scales and

Honza Rejmanek tested

themselves at last year's

edition of the Alpine torture

device known as X-Alps.

Epic flights. Monster hikes.

Determination. Inspiration.

Dixon White left a powerful

legacy and this is part of

it. He explains weather

concepts in an approach-

able way. If you take your

weather seriously, you'll

want a copy of this DVD.

Join Jocky Sanderson

for one of the best master

classes out there. Learn to

thermal smarter, have more

fun and sample French

wingovers. "Light in zee

seat, heavy in zee brake..."

This thorough guide by Dennis

Pagen is a must have for any

paraglider's library. Get started,

keep flying, or go back and

review. An excellent reference.

B O O K S | F I L M S | A P P A R E L Call 1-800-616-6888 or order online at www.USHPA.aero/store

ReduCed shiPPing ChARges when oRdeRing online!

BROKEN TOE ACRO DVD | $44.95

Join Enleau O'Connor and

friends as they examine the

ins and outs of SIV and acro.

Get out your airsick bag and

call the attendant because

you're in for a ride. A full 2

hours and 20 minutes!

Personal Bests78 |


by Steve Messman

I used to believe my life was a long list of personal bests, but I was wrong—sort of. I used to believe that I handled

life’s challenges fairly well, but not quite so anymore. I came to these conclusions after considering the topic of “personal bests” as it relates to flying. As a pilot, I discovered that I have a whole list of those things we all call personal bests. In life I also have one of those lists, but I treat it so very differently.

Not so long ago, I had a really nice flight. I launched from a cliff that was all of 275 feet high. The site itself is about a tenth of a mile long, and the launch area is, maybe, 50 feet long and as wide as a wing. I normally just practice launches and top landings here. But this day was different. This day I got a ton of lift. Soon after launching, I was 400, then 800, then 1000 feet over launch. I began to actively search for larger and more consistent ther-mals. Before long, I was almost 2500 feet over launch and headed downwind. I only flew four miles on this little XC, and it wasn’t the best altitude gain I ever had, but because of the circumstances and characteristics of the site, I put this flight on my list of personal bests.

I found myself wondering: What is a personal best? Every pilot has them. We read about them all the time. Blogs and emails are full of them, usually friends bragging about their buddy’s flying es-capades. So and so flew a personal best today—flew 5 hours. So and so had a per-sonal best today—flew 80 miles. Personal bests are so common that, unless it is also a world record, it is very easy to forget—unless it’s yours.

So, to help discover the importance of a personal best, I began to consider the list of my own, none of which come even close to an eighty mile flight, or for that matter, thirty. My list of personal bests began small, actually. First flight. First soaring flight. First cross country flight. First top landing (ouch!). First 1000 foot gain. Then, I realized that my list was in

a state of change. Now it contains things like my longest cross country flight. Best (painless) top landing. First altitude gain of more than a mile. Even the great pilots,

“the best of the best,” had to begin their flying careers with a similar series of small, seemingly insignificant, personal bests. Even the greats took a first flight. Even they had to have a first thermal flight and a first cross country flight that were, but probably are no longer, on their lists of personal bests.

I recognized three distinct conclusions taking shape. First, everyone’s list of per-sonal bests is indeed personal. The one-hour flight of a pilot who normally flies for a few minutes is a feat to be proud of. Secondly, every pilot’s list is in a constant state of change. One great feat is soon re-placed by another. One hour is replaced by two. A five mile flight is soon replaced by a six mile flight. Every pilot’s list grows smaller to larger, good to better. The thought wedged itself in my brain that a personal best is actually a “first,” and firsts are destined to become seconds. Personal bests are merely stepping stones to some-thing bigger and better. They are feats

destined to be challenged and ordained to be bested.

That leads directly to my third con-clusion. A personal best doubles as a per-sonal challenge, and the challenge is what drives us all to climb higher, to go farther, to become better. As pilots, we take a look at what we have accomplished, and then we try to do it again, but better, farther, faster, greater.

I began by saying that there was a dif-ference in how I treat my list of personal bests from flying and from life. In flying, that personal best list is the challenge that helps me improve: to fly higher, better, farther, safer. In life, for me, not so. My life’s list is simply a list. What would it be like to treat life’s accomplishments like I do my pilot’s list of personal bests? What would it be like to perform each of life’s little “bests” a little better the next time? What if I woke up each day wondering how to do better today than I did yester-day? This morning I made coffee for my wife. I went for a run. I studied another language. I visited one of my sons and his family. How can I make tomorrow even better?

Ph

oto

by C

hri

s K

uro

wsk

i

http://flytorrey.com

hang gliding & paragliding vol41/iss01 jan 2011

Documents