Dan Johnson, Author at ByDanJohnson.com

Product Lines – July 1995

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- The season is hot and the flying is sizzling... even here in Minnesota, where at the beginning of May Gerry Uchytil got nearly 100 miles in his quest for 200 in the state. About the feat fellow pilot Bruce Bolles says, "Oh, he'll do it; he's obsessed... and good." Way south, Wallaby Ranch reports many 50-mile flights and a 100-miler. I've got more news of active shops, but first some glider updates. ••• The Ram Air is gone and the XC is... back. Back!? Well, only in that the sail underside reads, "XC." Many of you can remember Bob Wills and his XC, a glider many of us flew quite successfully. Wills endured the last year as a "tough one for us all," and has now released their new bird, the Cross Country, complete with numerous enhancements. Their dealer bulletin also says, "This is the first time we have ever had a glider without a scoop that beat the Ram Air at gliding speeds." Certified with and without winglets -- still being evaluated by master designer, Steve Pearson -- Wills says the Cross Country had a measurable gliding advantage at 25 [mph], and a slight advantage the rest of the way through the speed range, all the way to 65 mph!" The new top-of-the-line Wills sells for $4,700. ••• In other Wills Wing notes, their ProLine (accessory division) has lowered the price on the Digifly vario VL-100 to only $475, quite a bargain. Call ProLine at 714/998-0647. ••• Air-Sports International (ASI) has reorganized and changed names. Now called AirSports Inc., the company will continue to produce the Dream series, formerly of Bennett's Delta Wing. Their services include parts for all products once sold by Delta Wing. In addition AirSports says it will produce the Vector line of "high performance recreational flex wings," and will continue to supply wings for powered trike ultralight builders. ••• In restructuring, AirSports set up a new division -- U.S. AirSports -- run by veteran Paul Burns. Operating from his home area of Lake Elsinore, Burns will conduct the manufacturing of AirSports gliders. President Teddy Mack and AirSports, Inc., are based in Cloverdale, California. Call 1-800/444-4359 for a dealer in your area. For technical questions, call Burns at 909/678-5075. ••• Longtime sailmaker, Dick Cheney, has announced the formation of a new glider company, called Blue Sky Aircraft. With right-hand man, John Heiney, the two plan to offer an entire new line of gliders. Blue Sky will operate from Mountain Green airport in Morgan, Utah where UP replacement parts can be obtained. Cheney is well known for his sailwork, dating back to and before the Fledgling. He also makes sail sets for many ultralight aircraft, and is the principal of Wind Walker Aircraft, the redesigner and manufacturer of the SuperFloater, sold through U.S. Aviation. Blue Sky did not announce details, prices, or descriptions of their gliders, but this information will be released in a reasonable time frame, says Cheney. An experienced manufacturing staff is employed by the company at this time. Most pilots are familiar with the Blue Sky team members and are invited to call 801/876-3003 during normal business hours. ••• Several shops are gearing up for good seasons. In June's "PL," I covered a number of Florida operations. This month, we range wider. Let's start way west in the Hawaiian Islands. ••• Well-known photographer, Gerry Charlebois, announced the opening of his Birds of Paradise Airpark in mid-April. He'll use an Airborne Edge Trike as a tug from his 750-foot airstrip. I've flown the excellent Edge and it should snatch a glider from the field easily enough. Charlebois will tow you to the main range, above 5,500 foot Mt. Waialeale. He says, "You can soar the beautiful cascading waterfalls filmed in Jurassic Park. Birds of Paradise is located on the island of Kauai where he can boast 300-days-per-year tradewinds. If they aren't cooperating, "a 14,000 foot aerotow will make for a helluva sled ride!" With gliders for rent and an on-site Bed & Breakfast, you'll want to call 808/822-5309 or 639-1067. ••• Back on the mainland, competition pilot, Dave Sharp is running The Soaring Center. Made months ago, the decision to drop the UP from their name proved foresighted. Based at the foot of Utah's famous Point of the Mountain site, The Soaring Center was founded in 1991. Since last fall, Sharp has been the store's manager and he's not only brought in other hang glider brands, but added paragliders, and recently, the SuperFloater. TSC offers lessons for both hang gliding and paragliding as well as sales for all types of equipment. Though he laments his air time has been cut -- a situation any shop owner understands -- Sharp is excited about the potential he sees for TSC. Call 801/576-6460. ••• Mountain Wings in New York has jumped into paragliding, adding dimension to their active hang gliding operation at the Ellenville site. Proprietors Greg and Judy Black have linked up with Lars Linde to provide paragliding services. A highly experienced instructor from Sweden, Linde has teaching credentials from three countries. With the Blacks he formed the Eastcoast Paragliding Center (EPC). Linde's experience includes over 10,000 tows of paragliders, "...the only way they did it over there," says Greg Black. Mountain Wings distributes the Swift and new SuperFloater, and the shop offers several glider lines, recently adding Wills Wing intermediate models to the list. On top of this activity, Black has secured approval to run a tow operation at the local airport in Ellenville. Call 914/647-3377 for more info. ••• Saying he will be "the only aerotowing facility in Canada," Armand Accttione bought a Dragonfly tug in the fall of 1993. Accttione serves as H.P.A.C. liaison to Transport Canada. For this season he's started a hang gliding school called The Hang Gliding Shop. Open every day from May 1 to October 23, the HGS will offer tandem instruction, towing, and glider sales. Accttione hopes that because of the weaker Canadian dollar, U.S. pilots may want to come north and fly the Toronto, Ontario area. Fax to 905/833-3547 or call Armand's cellular at 416/518-0111. ••• In closing, an error correction. I stated the price of the Ball M19e electronic flight deck to be $495. The correct retail is $450. Hopefully my error didn't inconvenience anyone. ••• So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Leave a message at, or fax to: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — The season is hot and the flying is sizzling… even here in Minnesota, where at the beginning of May Gerry Uchytil got nearly 100 miles in his quest for 200 in the state. About the feat fellow pilot Bruce Bolles says, "Oh, he’ll do it; he’s obsessed… and good." Way south, Wallaby Ranch reports many 50-mile flights and a 100-miler. I’ve got more news of active shops, but first some glider updates. ••• The Ram Air is gone and the XC is… back. Back!? Well, only in that the sail underside reads, "XC." Many of you can remember Bob Wills and his XC, a glider many of us flew quite successfully. Wills endured the last year as a "tough one for us all," and has now released their new bird, the Cross Country, complete with numerous enhancements. Their dealer bulletin also says, "This is the first time we have ever had a glider without a scoop that beat the Ram Air at gliding speeds." Certified with and without winglets — still being evaluated by master designer, Steve Pearson — Wills says the Cross Country had a measurable gliding advantage at 25 [mph], and a slight advantage the rest of the way through the speed range, all the way to 65 mph!" The new top-of-the-line Wills sells for $4,700.

Product Lines – June 1995

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 1 Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- In April, USHGA continued what is now something of a tradition by having a strong presence at the massive Sun 'n Fun airshow, one of the ways we can reach out to other potential new members. The Florida extravaganza has been closing on the world's largest airshow -- Oshkosh -- and in 1995 nearly tied the big Wisconsin event for attendance. These conventions are the largest gatherings of pilots in the world, and I think it's terrific hang gliding is represented. Even if you're one of those who don't desire growth, we need to be recognized among the greater community of pilots, if for no other reason than having some clout and contacts when one of our flying sites is threatened. ••• As if to show the effort is paying off, UNpowered ultralights were recognized in several significant ways this year. • A window was created daily to allow one hour of solely unpowered flying. The sky filled up with hang gliders, Swifts, and the new SuperFloater. Four trike brands did tug chores: Air Creation (French), Airborne (Australian), Cosmos (French), and Mountaineer (American). They were joined by a couple Dragonfly tugs and Steve Flynn's new Arrow Tug. • New USHGA prez' Bill Bryden and yours truly got the announcer's microphone for this hour and promoted hang gliding and ultralight soaring till we became hoarse. • USHGA had a prominent location for its big tent, which housed a display for GW Meadows' Just Fly. Right at the main entrance to Sun 'n Fun, the ultralight area has nearly 100 exhibitors plus nearly continuous flying, so it draws a good percentage of the 750,000 visitors to Sun 'n Fun. Where else can you replicate that kind of outreach? • Finally, for the second year running, an UNpowered ultralight won the Outstanding New Design award. Last year it was the beautiful Swift. This year it was US Aviation's SuperFloater. Look for their new ad in this issue. In a field packed with motorheads, it raised some eyebrows that a glider won again. Congratulations to the development team at Wind Walker, builders of the 1995 SuperFloater. ••• Hang gliding's own Bruce Hawk -- the Windsok Man -- increased his presence, running a booth at each end of the big show. He's selling those hang gliding wind indicators to spam can drivers... Go Bruce! ••• Ken Brown represented his hang gliding company at Sun 'n Fun since two exhibiting trike builders use his wings for their aircraft. It was neat to see the Airwave name in big letters in a few places in the display area. ••• As if all the action at Sun 'n Fun wasn't enough, I stayed a few extra days and toured around the Sunshine State. Florida is some kinda aviation heaven. In truth, I never ventured out of central Florida and in two weeks I ran out of time to see it all. ••• Besides Sun 'n Fun, you can find several hang gliding aero tow operations, some of the world's largest sky diving drop zones, several kitplane, ultralight, and general aviation manufacturers. Airports and residential airparks dot the countryside regularly. Disney often hires hang glider and ultralight pilots for shows to entertain their guests. Now, millionaire aviation enthusiast, Kermit Weeks, is preparing to open Fantasy of Flight, billed as "Florida's Premier Aviation Themed Attraction." (...more on that below). ••• The busiest diver park is Wallaby Ranch, which though attracting lots of pilots and tandem students, is tightly run for safety and fun. On my visit, proprietor Malcolm Jones bought his fourth (yep, count 'em!) aerotowing tug, this one a trike. One evening, working with only one tug, you had to watch yourself or you'd be in the way of a couple dozen tandem aero launches. The pace was brisk, the action exciting, all safely and smoothly performed. Earlier in the day, two tugs snatched pilots as fast as they wanted to be launched. Early starters hung it up after a couple tows to hit the pool and refreshments. They've got a fun newsletter to send that'll tell more. Call 813/424-0070. ••• Wallaby's success has helped spawn other aero tow operations. I visited Russell Brown and Campbell Bowen at their Groveland, Florida operation. Operating off a longtime grass airport, the duo resurrected a nearly-defunct facility and begun renewing it. Twenty miles northwest of Wallaby, it's a great little place with cross runways and their three-cylinder, 90-horsepower Dragonfly tug which can deliver a very swift lift to altitude. Call 904/429-0213 or leave a message at 407/644-2151. ••• Gregg McNamee and his wife Diane have also entered the business, under the name Gray Bird Airsports. Gregg bought the original Bobby Bailey Dragonfly tug and went over it in detail. As he's a Tandem Instructor, Gregg will be doing training as well as towing. Fifty miles north of Wallaby, in Summerfield Florida, call the McNamees for more info at 904/245-8263. ••• Finally, a fourth operation is that of Steve & Barb Flynn, a USHGA Regional Director. Steve recently completed his Arrow Tug. Although essentially a Dragonfly, Steve has added his own refinements. Meanwhile Barb has taken three axis training so she can fly at either end of the rope. The Flynns run Central Florida Flyers and operate at several area sites. Call them at 407/894-5715. ••• Orlando is the site of the next USHGA board meeting. One of the places directors may want to visit is Fantasy of Flight... a dazzling and sophisticated project executed professionally enough to compete with the big Orlando attractions like Disney. Three theme areas will artfully showcase many of Week's 300(!) vintage aircraft. His collection is the largest such in the world and I could hardly believe either the sheer amount of aviation gear or the enormous investment involved. Thanks to Richard Johnson, a private tour of FoF brought eight of us to sensory overload, so extensive is Weeks' accumulation of aviation memorabilia. Be sure: he's spending big and it's gonna be great when it opens this summer. Among all the vintage planes are new ultralights... Weeks likes flying them, too. Call for info: 941/984-3500. ••• We're outta room again. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Voice mail or fax to: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — In April, USHGA continued what is now something of a tradition by having a strong presence at the massive Sun ‘n Fun airshow, one of the ways we can reach out to other potential new members. The Florida extravaganza has been closing on the world’s largest airshow — Oshkosh — and in 1995 nearly tied the big Wisconsin event for attendance. These conventions are the largest gatherings of pilots in the world, and I think it’s terrific hang gliding is represented. Even if you’re one of those who don’t desire growth, we need to be recognized among the greater community of pilots, if for no other reason than having some clout and contacts when one of our flying sites is threatened. ••• As if to show the effort is paying off, UNpowered ultralights were recognized in several significant ways this year. • A window was created daily to allow one hour of solely unpowered flying.

Product Lines – May 1995

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- With this issue of Hang Gliding, "Product Lines" celebrates its 16th birthday and enters year no. 17! Thinking back to its start in May of 1979, I can scarcely believe this column has endured so long. Thanks for your loyal readership! ••• This also happens to be column number 150. The first seven years of "Product Lines," were found in Whole Air which published bimonthly. By 1986 it appeared monthly... since 1989 in Hang Gliding magazine. ••• Thanks again to Bill Allen, whose back-of-the-book "Flying Bull" column inspired "Product Lines." In his unique, entertaining way, Allen developed a strong interest in a folksy, gossipy style of reporting. My twist on the theme is to stick with product-related news and info, hence the column's name (admittedly, I stray from that mission once in a while). When Allen decided to quit the column, he called for replacements. Since none came forward, I adapted the idea for Whole Air. So, thanks, Bill! Well, enough of this... on with product news. ••• I promised news on Ball Vario's tiny M19e electronic flight deck. Little did I know Ball staffers would attend an open house at USHGA's offices during the spring board of directors meeting. While I'm still awaiting a loaner for further reporting here, Mark gave me a brief review of the instrument. Sure, I know a number of these gizmos are on the market, and most appear to be slick, worthy replacements for such as my Ball 652 flight deck. Once state-of-the-art but now growing obsolete, my trusty 652 is bulkier, heavier, costlier, and less durable than the new devices. I've used the Flytec and toyed with the Afro and Davron decks. With the similar Brauniger and Picolo, pilots have a luscious number of choices and that's good. They may seem awfully similar, but here's a distinction: Ball is made in the USA. Ball Vario's Mark expressed frustration at being hampered in European sales due to prohibitive tariffs imposed. The U.S. does not penalize its citizens when they (you!) select a European-made deck, so the playing field isn't level. Those naughty European tariffs make the Ball more expensive that it ought to be. ••• Fortunately, you can buy any brand you want without our government artificially boosting the price. And here at home, the M19e can keep up with the best. Priced at only $495, it is highly competitive if not lots cheaper than the imported boxes. When you buy a Ball, you're not only buying Yankee -- if you care about such things -- but you're buying a quality device from a company that has long served American soaring pilots with respected gear. ••• A subsequent "PL" will you more about the M19e and how it faired in my evaluation. ••• In a related story, Ball will soon release yet another terribly cool example of technology at work for hang glider and paraglider pilots. A total info source, their new not-yet-released unit has what's called a GPS interface, meaning that you link it to a GPS unit and it gives you more airborne info to monitor a cross country flight than you ever imagined. Ball is just preparing info, so you'll hear more about it soon. ••• In the meantime, you might consider equipping your diver today with a most attractively priced GPS made available by GW Meadow's Just Fly enterprise. GW again shows a creative streak by snapping up the American distribution rights to the Garmin GPS 40. The tiny hand-held model 40 distinguishes itself in two major ways: (1) it has a moving map display, and (2) GW has aggressively priced it at only $375, a bargain and a half. I paid more than twice that for my Trimble Flightmate and except for the Trimble's aviation database, the Garmin 40 does more... lots more. GW's promised a loaner, so when you read about the Ball M19e, you'll probably also hear my thoughts on the Garmin. ••• The price alone should convince you but it can't hurt to know it features three main screens: (1) the "position page" which shows, among other things, your compass heading, track in degrees, speed, coordinate location, altitude, the temperature and time; (2) the "moving map page" which records your movements as a tack plot while displaying nearby waypoints that you can program; and (3) the "navigation page" which provides steering guidance to your destination on a graphic highway. ••• With 250 user-marked waypoints, you can designate turn points, goals, and many other features in permanent storage. The Garmin 40 will also permit up to 30 points along your route to accurately guide your path. Add to all that a battery life of 20 hours (my Trimble can barely make 6 hours), and I can't figure why you're not calling Just Fly already. More on this wonderful toy in a future "PL." ••• Dennis Pagen can help assure you can efficiently use your M19e or Garmin 40 if you buy his latest book, called the "Hang Gliding Training Manual." Sure, you're already a sky god, but if you think you can't learn any more, watch out! Pagen's lucid style can surely help you become even better, and his knowledge is deeply respected by top pilots all over the world. ••• Finally, I want to give you a bit of news about Green Team pilot and talented photographer, Gerry Charlebois's new Hawaiian flight park. Based on towed flight, Gerry will offer tows to impossible beautiful sites that can't be reached any other way as well as tandem flight experiences for those hordes of Hawaiian tourists. Now you've got a way to do so without the hassles of bringing your own glider and hiking up some mountain you've never flown. ••• Wow! Outta room for the 150th time. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset Rd, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail to 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — With this issue of Hang Gliding, "Product Lines" celebrates its 16th birthday and enters year no. 17! Thinking back to its start in May of 1979, I can scarcely believe this column has endured so long. Thanks for your loyal readership! ••• This also happens to be column number 150. The first seven years of "Product Lines," were found in Whole Air which published bimonthly. By 1986 it appeared monthly… since 1989 in Hang Gliding magazine. ••• Thanks again to Bill Allen, whose back-of-the-book "Flying Bull" column inspired "Product Lines." In his unique, entertaining way, Allen developed a strong interest in a folksy, gossipy style of reporting. My twist on the theme is to stick with product-related news and info, hence the column’s name (admittedly, I stray from that mission once in a while). When Allen decided to quit the column, he called for replacements. Since none came forward, I adapted the idea for Whole Air.

Product Lines – April 1995

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- As happens every fall, you filled out Director ballots and survey forms in '94. Office staffer, Greg Huller, laboriously went through 1,509 forms -- a LOT of work, I know -- compiling your responses to many questions. His review appears in the "USHGA Reports" section of this issue. However, I usually examine the numbers for product related info and this year is no exception. So, here we go... ••• The main topic of interest is glider brand market share. These days such analysis must include paragliders as well, though their brands are largely not American made. ••• In hang gliding, Wills Wing continues their dominance of the field, with 42.7%, up a skootch from 1993 (42.0%). Wills peaked in 1991 (at 43.1%) but is very solidly the number one producer. • PacAir jumped two points in the last year, up to 29.6% from 27.6% of the market. In the six years of my tracking of these numbers, this is a peak for PacAir and I cannot explain the spurt. (Congrats, PacAir'ers!) • In third place, UP slipped from 10.7% to 7.3% (possibly because new gliders have been in development for a long time... we'll watch next year's numbers closely). • Moyes continued a slow but steady climb to 7.1%, up from 6.3% last year, which was up from the year previous. • Seedwings dropped again, though modestly, from 3.7% to 3.6%. Recent resumption of advertising may help boost their share. • Delta Wing held tenaciously to 3.7%, actually up two tenths of a point from 1993 (possibly due to ASI's manufacture of the Dream for tandem or towing; for 1995, this may change). • The "other" brands category held very steady (at 5.5% or a few over 500 gliders nationally) as it has for the last six years. Evidently some pilots will always choose "something different." ••• Regional market share differences are also interesting to note. National leader, Wills, has strength which has a distinctive western slant (WW is #1 in Regions 1-8) while PacAir is very strong in the east, winning regions 9-13 by solid margins. UP does their best in Regions 4, 7, 9, and 11. It might be called home-turf advantage, except for PacAir's eastern strength. ••• We don't know how all the above statistics will be affected by changing demographics of USHGA. With paragliding now well past 20% of the membership at large -- defying earlier predictions -- the mix is changing. ••• In the paragliding market share, Edel has become the clear leader, up almost two points from last year (22.9% of the market from 21.0%). • Pro Design, a sure second, slipped to 16.6% from 19.0% in 1993. • Wills-branded paragliders were in a solid third, but slipped from 11.0% in 1993 to 8.9% last year. • Another American, UP, also slipped a bit from 5.0% to 4.6% to tie in the 8th spot. Paragliders are served by more brands which probably explains why several top brands can all drop share points; more choices have arrived. ••• I make it a regular practice to examine statistics from other aviation activities. Such reviews tell me that paragliding is alone with sailplanes in American aviation where more imported than domestic aircraft are bought. American brands overwhelmingly dominate all other categories, both at home and abroad. ••• Hand-deploy parachutes took back some market share lost earlier to ballistic systems. Added complexity of ballistic units which leads to potential installation errors may have contributed to the decline. Cost is surely another factor. • Parachute repacking remained at about 60%, leaving me to wonder why 40% don't follow the recommendations of their manufacturer. • Only one in eight had their ballistic system serviced. Most such devices don't require annual service so 12.5% may not be low. However, since the longest service life is six years, the likelihood is many pilots are ignoring the manufacturer's advice. The number obtaining service dropped 25% from a sixth to an eighth of reporting members. ••• Towing holds steady at a little over 20% of all launches, with ultralight tugs of various kinds increasing their share of total tow launches (23.5%, up from 18% in '93). Platform launching from ground vehicles is still the most common, at 54% being more than double aero tow launches. ••• Concluding my review of Yoo-shga statistics, over a quarter of you say you'll buy a different glider in 1995 with about a sixth of all pilots saying they'll buy new and about one in ten choosing used. • The "new" purchase estimate is down from last year. Last year I calculated about 2,000 new glider sales. This 1994 survey suggests under 1,600 gliders may be bought new meaning industry sales could drop to $8 million from $10 million. Please be advised these are only rough forecasts which may have significant error. • The number of gliders owned by each member inched up 6% to 1.8 per member from 1.7 last year. ••• USHGA Regions continue to resize slowly. Region 2, including Central California and the Bay Area, remains largest at 17% of all members. Somewhat surprising, though, is the third largest Region 10 (Tennessee, Florida, etc.). Contrary to popular belief, the SE U.S. is only half a percentage point behind Southern California. ••• Well, nearly outta room again. Next month I'll have news on Gerry Charlebois's tandem/towing airpark in Hawaii; Dennis Pagen's new book, "Hang Gliding Training Manual;" Ball's 1995 version of the inexpensive M19e flight deck; and more. ••• So, diver fans, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail to 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — As happens every fall, you filled out Director ballots and survey forms in ’94. Office staffer, Greg Huller, laboriously went through 1,509 forms — a LOT of work, I know — compiling your responses to many questions. His review appears in the "USHGA Reports" section of this issue. However, I usually examine the numbers for product related info and this year is no exception. So, here we go… ••• The main topic of interest is glider brand market share. These days such analysis must include paragliders as well, though their brands are largely not American made. ••• In hang gliding, Wills Wing continues their dominance of the field, with 42.7%, up a skootch from 1993 (42.0%). Wills peaked in 1991 (at 43.1%) but is very solidly the number one producer. • PacAir jumped two points in the last year, up to 29.6% from 27.6% of the market.

Product Lines – March 1995

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Does hang gliding need to reach out for new enthusiasts? The question raises bothersome issues about declining and aging memberships, but is nonetheless a valid concern. ••• Industry leader, Wills Wing, is doing something about it by starting a new "division." They call it ProLine and its their vehicle to sell certain accessory items. Nothing new about this, you say? True, but Wills expects to do more than sell varios to their WW-brand customers. "It is our intention to use ProLine to develop products that can be marketed OUTSIDE the hang gliding industry", says a recent statement in their dealer newsletter. Naturally, they expect to raise their revenues but they further hope to increase hang gliding exposure to the public. They plan to advertise "in high circulation action sports pubications" once they have a "well developed product line." Each ProLine shipment will eventually have the USHGA color flier as well as the name of the closest WW dealer school. Good luck, Wills! I believe we need this type of outreach. ••• In other WW news, the company recently bought the patent to the Paraswivel from designer, Kurt Rohr. The glider maker will become the sole supplier of the popular device once current distributor Golden West sells their inventory. Wills plans to lower the retail to $69.50. Most parachute makers support the product, and several bridle wind-up incidents have propelled more and more pilots to add the item. ••• In a buying mood, evidently, Wills also purchased Mark West's computer test gear for their certification work. They say the digital equipment -- which will replace their analog rig -- will "help to bring new gliders to market more quickly." ••• Some changes afoot with Aussie AirBorne's Edge trike tug. In response to requests, the Down-Under builder made several refinements to the aircraft: improved handling of the wing; decreased the load on the nosewheel by changing trike geometry; offered Rotax's new electric start system; and made the seat more comfortable as well as adjustable (fore and aft). For those attending the huge Florida airshow, Sun 'n Fun, the Edge will be on display in the ultralight area known as "Paradise City." ••• As AirBorne continues work to establish a U.S. hang gliding market presence, the Aussie builder has restructured... Kevin Kernohan has ceased being the distributor. That job now falls to Scott Johnson, who formerly sold only the Edge trike. He says, "I'll have hang gliders in stock to be sent out on request to dealers and pilots in the U.S. I will also have spare parts for the AirBorne products." Johnson has enlisted Tony Barton to handle Blade hang glider sales in the southwest U.S. and Tony Covelli will handle the New York area. ••• In addition to attending Sun 'n Fun, Johnson's business, AirEscape, will be touring this summer to show their equipment. Since AirEscape relocated away from the Owens Valley to southeastern Washington state, interested pilots should call 509/243-4988, or fax to 509/243-4935. ••• Something old has returned... in all-new form. Remember Klaus Hill's SuperFloater? It's back! Manufacturer of the soon-ready Cumulus ultralight motorglider, US Aviation, says it is now accepting delivery position orders for the 1995 remake of the early 1970s SuperFloater. The aircraft has been completely redesigned by original co-designer, Larry Hall, and by Dick Cheney with help from Kent Anderson, among others. You may recognize these names and associate them with UP hang gliders. Although related, the SuperFloater venture is organized under the name Wind Walker Aircraft Co., Inc., with US Aviation holding the worldwide marketing rights to the new aircraft. ••• Critical specs: 38 foot span; area 168 squares; aspect 8.44:1; Vne 60; stall 23; weight 179 pounds (making it Part 103 legal with its BRS rocket 'chute); useful load 220 pounds. Perhaps best of all is the reasonable price tag of $5,995 fully built and test flown. The 'chute is sold for the BRS factory-direct price of only $1,095. ••• The SuperFloater is said to offer a 180 fpm sink rate, though early flight trials have demonstrated calm-air sink rates of 120 fpm. Recently Dave Chapman took the SuperFloater prototype up to 12,500 MSL in wave lift north of Salt Lake City (where Wind Walker and UP are located). Glide is listed at 15:1 -- a 20-25% margin over top flex-wings -- but Cheney says, "The SuperFloater isn't a competition aircraft; it's for fun soaring." For that, superior sink rate, easy handling, and good glide may be just what the market wants, says US Aviation. The company believes some hang glider pilots will find the the SuperFloater a good alternative. The glider should begin manufacturing by April. For literature, write 265 Echo Ln., South St. Paul MN 55075 or dial 612/450-0930 and leave an address. ••• Our last new "product" this month is Aloft, a new bimonthly paragliding magazine. Publisher Steve Roti mailed his premier issue in January 1995. He has also approached the USHGA about bidding for the contract to supply a PG mag for those members of Yoo-shga. The 32-page first edition isn't as colorful as PG the Mag, but from my former publisher's viewpoint, it's a very good first effort. Articles are packed top to bottom with information and the book ends with a page that looks almost exactly like this one. (I guess I'm flattered.) If you fly PGs, you'll want to look at a copy and since the issue has no subscription price nor order form, I'll bet they'll send you one for a look-see. Contact Roti and Aloft at P.O. Box 8989, Portland OR 97207. Call 503/284-0998. ••• Outta space... So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail to: 612/450-0930 THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Does hang gliding need to reach out for new enthusiasts? The question raises bothersome issues about declining and aging memberships, but is nonetheless a valid concern. ••• Industry leader, Wills Wing, is doing something about it by starting a new "division." They call it ProLine and its their vehicle to sell certain accessory items. Nothing new about this, you say? True, but Wills expects to do more than sell varios to their WW-brand customers. "It is our intention to use ProLine to develop products that can be marketed OUTSIDE the hang gliding industry", says a recent statement in their dealer newsletter. Naturally, they expect to raise their revenues but they further hope to increase hang gliding exposure to the public. They plan to advertise "in high circulation action sports pubications" once they have a "well developed product line." Each ProLine shipment will eventually have the USHGA color flier as well as the name of the closest WW dealer school.

Product Lines – February 1995

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Though winter is far from over here in the north country, spring is beginning to happen in more moderate climates. As I contemplate shoveling snow, it warms me to think of the soaring season soon approaching. ••• To help get their dealership network all tuned up for the new season, Pacific Airwave will host a national Dealer Meeting in early April (no foolin'). The company reports, "We will be introducing new products, new reference manuals, and new sales programs at this meeting." Good support for their dealers should translate to better service to end customers. ••• No doubt they'll also promote their relativey new FLY2 tandem-purpose glider. Says the factory, "The sink rate performance has been proven to exceed that of the Double Vision while the handling characteristics and coordination make it an ideal instructional tool." However, they go on with an important addition regarding landing characteristics, "The flare window has been increased to provide the tandem instructor the highest probability of nailing their landings, everytime." Given the widespread apprehension over landing today's gliders, this should be a welcome development for the increasing number of operations using tandem instruction as a premier method of training. Get more info from your local PacAir dealer or call 408/422-2299. ••• Training appears to be getting more respect these days... Wills Wing reports their Falcon sales are doing well. At the end of '94, they introduced a new Falcon 170 model (complimenting the 195 already out). The 170 weighs a mere 45 pounds, a number I don't recall hearing for... well, years. Pilot weights covered are 130-200 with your harness and gear. Price is a moderate $2,695. ••• Going both ways with Falcon development, WW designer, Steve Pearson, has been flying a Falcon 215 with his wife. However, "Handling was so light and responsive" that he's shelved the 215 and begun work on a 225 model. For their Japanese market, Pearson is also considering a 140 Falcon. ••• To blunt the usual questions this time of year, Wills admits, "We are always working on something new." They go on to say, "We'll have a new gider when the prototype development turns up a noticeable improvement in handling, performance, or both." That's sufficiently vague that WW fans will still be wondering, however, they add, "It will not be based on a graphite airframe, and will not look like a Swift." Guess that narrows it a bit... we'll see. ••• Spring may be coming, but it ain't here yet, so keep those hands warm with totally new hand fairings from Chris Smith's Cloudbase company. The longtime Tennessee-based harness maker has prepared some interesting prototypes. Using that miracle insulation, Thinsulate, Smith's Ultra Mitts also employ Polartec fleece (the warm stuff inside many sweatshirts). They're used selectively to give the greatest protection -- like Thinsulate around the grip of your cold aluminum basetube. The list of features goes on... amazing for what seems such a simple product. Smith also has a zippered port to allow you to vent too-warm hands, rather than taking them out hot and sweaty only to get supercooled. The zipper is a form of thermostat. A see-thru map pocket can be added to the upper side and finally Ultra Mitts will have a removable wrist cuff to prevent heat loss during the coldest weather. Get all the options and they'll cost about $65. If you don't need all the tricks, the basic mitts start at $35. Get the latest poop by calling 706/398-3964. ••• In other novel ideas, HG art gallery owner, Terry Ferrer, is offering original "SkyRiders" movie posters. The 1976 movie showed hang gliding as a central subject with flying by Bob Wills among others. Now, you can buy a piece of movie history by grabbing one of several sizes of twenty year old posters that were used by movie theaters. Ferrer took special pains to professionally flatten folded posters, after which he rated their condition according to industry standards. The "SkyRiders" posters sell for $40-300 depending on size and quality. One will hang prominently in my den; how about you? Call West Wings Gallery at 510/527-5895. ••• HG Video Czar, Paul Hamilton has yet another video in his growing collection. Number 5 in his Cloudbase series covers the Women's World Contest in Chelan last year. The 30-minute tape is just the right length for your club meeting or HG party. His coverage of the 46 worldwide competitors is engaging and the Washington state site affords a beautiful setting. Priced at $34.95, it's a worthy addition to any pilot's video library. Call/fax: 702/849-9672. ••• I'll close this month with some fun news from Charlie Baughman (nicknamed the "human vario" for his uncanny thermal sensing ability). Baughman flew his Desire for an series of ads to promote ESPN II. This new cable channel is devoted to "wilder" sports such as mountain biking, sky surfing, and hang gliding, among other so-called thrill sports. If you read Sports Illustrated, check the 12/26/94 or later issues for a view of Baughman launching at sunrise from Dead Horse Point. ••• Outta room once again... So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail to 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Though winter is far from over here in the north country, spring is beginning to happen in more moderate climates. As I contemplate shoveling snow, it warms me to think of the soaring season soon approaching. ••• To help get their dealership network all tuned up for the new season, Pacific Airwave will host a national Dealer Meeting in early April (no foolin’). The company reports, "We will be introducing new products, new reference manuals, and new sales programs at this meeting." Good support for their dealers should translate to better service to end customers. ••• No doubt they’ll also promote their relativey new FLY2 tandem-purpose glider. Says the factory, "The sink rate performance has been proven to exceed that of the Double Vision while the handling characteristics and coordination make it an ideal instructional tool." However, they go on with an important addition regarding landing characteristics, "The flare window has been increased to provide the tandem instructor the highest probability of nailing their landings, everytime." Given the widespread apprehension over landing today’s gliders, this should be a welcome development for the increasing number of operations using tandem instruction as a premier method of training.

Product Lines – January 1995

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- In what indeed seems like the dead of winter (at least up here in the southern Tundra), goin' flyin' is something more to talk about than do. Hopefully YOU live in some sunny area where you're still soarin'... if so, enjoy. Hang Talkin' might be aided by this column, in which I'm going to focus on some hang gliding trends and information. The data come from three sources: our reader survey card stapled in the October '94 issue; from the USHGA office review of their member records; and from a couple outside sources. Information is power. Here we go. ••• According to USHGA offices, paragliding continues a slow but steady climb in the ratio of total association members. As of September 30th last year, 73% of all members were hang gliding pilots, 21% were paragliding pilots, and 5% carry dual memberships. Executive Director, Phil Bachman, told the board of directors, "We're gaining an average of 40 paragliding members a month and losing 10 hang gliding members a month, when you review the last four years." ••• This change may be identified in results coming from the Hang Gliding Reader Survey of last October. The last question on that survey card asked you, "Which do you believe appeals more to the non-flying public?" The choices included hang gliders (20%); paragliders (29%); ultralights (17%); and conventional aircraft (31%). Paragliders not only soundly beat hang gliding, but many wrote comments in the margin, often pointing to one of two reasons why. "Paragliders are seen as safer, friendlier," and "They look easier to learn." ••• Another survey card question dealt with your interest in soaring aircraft other than hang gliders, with the Swift being given as one example. The results surprised me not so much for the direction of responses but in their vigor. Rating your interest on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the strongest interest, 31% said "Strong Interest" for the Swift and its relatives. Another 20% wrote in "4," so that 51% of magazine readers say they are "Very" or "Strongly Interested" in these machines. "Not At All Interested" responses totaled 16%. Even when added to the "Not-too Interested" response, less than a third (31%) answered as hang gliding or paragliding purists. I have little trend information, so don't know which way this interest is going. However, interest in "rigid wings," while always steady, was a much smaller share so I presume more pilots are examining alternative soaring choices. ••• Earlier surveys have shown that hang glider pilots do fly other types of aircraft, and this trend continues though at a modestly slowing pace. Half of you now say you fly sailplanes, conventional aircraft, or ultralights, with "Conventional" accounting for 44% of these pilots or 15% of all hang glider pilots. About 10% of all members also fly ultralights and 9% sailplanes. Perhaps those with other inclinations account for the strong "Swift response" of the previous question. ••• Members were somewhat ambivalent about competition. Asked about your strength of interest either as a competitor or for the benefits you feel it brings, 30% voted the middle choice. A slim majority (37%) voted in the two more positive choices about competition while a third (33%) voted in the two more negative choices. While hardly a mandate for competition support among members, it certainly indicates a strong overall faith in the value of contest flying. ••• Let's stray away from the nest a bit and see how we compare to the "outside." Business people in hang gliding recognize that they compete with other aviation segments but to a far greater degree with all the other choices consumers can make. A German polling company asked Europeans about the trendiest sport in the summer of '94. That high-brow research magazine, Playboy, reported the results. Mountain biking was first (30%), followed by beach volleyball (9%), and paragliding (6%), followed by body surfing and rollerblading. As my source, UK's BHPA Skywings magazine, said, "Hang gliding, it appears, is not considered glamorous." ••• Since we've entered yet another new year, this last item seems timely. In the last USHGA survey/ballot (run in the fall of '93; new results will be released soon), we found that the average age of hang glider pilots has climbed to 38.6. By now, it's not unreasonable to believe it passed 39. Rejoice that it's still not fortysomething. However, a recent Wall Street Journal story indicated that the average age of golfers has now dropped to 39. Omigod! Hang glider pilots -- on average -- may be older than the average golfer. Are we becoming a bunch of cliff-jumpin' duffers? Makes you think, eh? Makes me laugh, too. ••• ...Welcome to 1995! Let's make it a great year for our favorite way to fly. So... Got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail to 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — In what indeed seems like the dead of winter (at least up here in the southern Tundra), goin’ flyin’ is something more to talk about than do. Hopefully YOU live in some sunny area where you’re still soarin’… if so, enjoy. Hang Talkin’ might be aided by this column, in which I’m going to focus on some hang gliding trends and information. The data come from three sources: our reader survey card stapled in the October ’94 issue; from the USHGA office review of their member records; and from a couple outside sources. Information is power. Here we go. ••• According to USHGA offices, paragliding continues a slow but steady climb in the ratio of total association members. As of September 30th last year, 73% of all members were hang gliding pilots, 21% were paragliding pilots, and 5% carry dual memberships. Executive Director, Phil Bachman, told the board of directors, "We’re gaining an average of 40 paragliding members a month and losing 10 hang gliding members a month, when you review the last four years." ••• This change may be identified in results coming from the Hang Gliding Reader Survey of last October.

Product Lines – December 1994

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- About now, the Holidays are demanding lots of time. To help, this "Product Lines" focuses on gifts. ••• At the board meeting in Lake Tahoe, directors got a preview of USHGA's 1995 calendar. It's a beaut'. Slightly wider than last year, a right column text area gives details about the photo, including camera equipment used. Learn from this and next year one of the stunning pictures of hang gliding/paragliding could be yours. See the color ad in this issue and order a few. We all know hang gliding "shows well," so you can buy these calendars for friends or family who don't fly. ••• HG entrepreneur, GW Meadows and his Just Fly organization have a whole bunch of nifty Christmas notions. GW's got something else, too: a promise to ship items as late as December 23rd (a Friday), so you can get them in time for Sunday gift opening. With that and a toll-free number, how can you go wrong? Listen to this partial list of fun low-priced gifts: T-shirts (unique designs), polo shirts (excellent quality), hats (sharp colors), HG mugs, license plate frames ("My other vehicle is a... HG or PG"), bumperstickers, dingle balls (el-cheapo strobe light... a cool idea), and all kinds of stuff with the Just Fly logo. Items start at a paltry $4.95. Get some things for yourself and get some more for gifts. GW has exhibited at Sun 'n Fun and Oshkosh to find great sales potential, so his stuff makes for welcome gifts. I know this because my wife, Randee, helped examine the items Just Fly sent. She quickly grabbed a tee shirt with a hand-drawn eagle. (In truth, she's also a pilot, but looks at gifts with more of a "normal" shopper's eye.) Call Just Fly at 800/546-3596. ••• Speaking of shirts, Sky Wear, Inc., sent one called "Moon Shadow." A striking looking design, it features a purple and blue Earth with a silhouetted shadow of a hang glider. When I tried it out at work, several of my associates remarked what a nice design it was. Produced by Mary Clor of fly-town, Chattanooga (nearby Signal Mtn., actually), her new Sky Wear company promotes the "Null-G Sports" logo. Available in short or long sleeves ($15 or $17), the black shirts are a heavy cloth that should last. Call 615/886-7093. ••• With over 400 sold and three years of experience, Mallettec is enjoying a good response to their Mini Vario. Weighing only 1.6 ounces and measuring less than two inches square and an inch deep, this may be the smallest vario you can buy. Mallettec suggests you mount the vario near the pilot's ear. A tiny audio-only vario, the Mini secures to your helmet, an unobtrusive mount. A "heavy duty clip attaches to anything." Getting it off the control bar may save instrument damage as well. With a 200-hour battery life, the fact that it can zero itself in-flight (in case you forgot at launch), and a price tag of only $169, the Mini seems a good investment. Call 714/541-2625. ••• For those wishing to spend a few dollars less, try the Hall Bros., Mini-Wheels for your control bar. These aren't the same clunky old wheels you had as a student. They're '90s-style wheels complete with a VG line pass-thru hole and priced in the gift range at only $20. Since many pilots feel their new glider can be challenging to land, installing inconspicuous wheels may reduce the whack-factor. Call Hall at 801/829-3232. ••• But if whacks are what make your life worth living, then you'll need Paul Voigt's Whack Tape. A compendium of whack after whack, you'll have to act quickly to obtain one of the last available. I've seen it; it's a chuckler. The best news? The price is reduced to clear the inventory, just $20. Call Voigt'er at 914/744-3317. ••• Today, most pilots at least experiment with cross country. Whenever you head out, you know you might land out. Carrying your heavy factory bag adds weight, so many pilots also own an XC bag. Gunnison Gliders makes a light one (200 denier fabric) with the zipper on the side. This makes it foldable. Indeed the sample Rusty sent rolled up to 12 inches long by four inches in diameter. Postpaid the XC bag sells for $65. If you want a matching harness bag, add $25. Gunnison has other choices, too, with good ideas like multiple-fabric bags to keep moisture out and to prevent zipper rash while on the rack. Write 1549 County Road 17, Gunnison CO 81230. ••• In the same price range, expatriated Aussie David Adams is promoting Ezy-Eye flight sun glasses. Bragging a high-tech lens to improve vision in bright conditions, the Ezy Eye glasses have a durable frame with rubber hinges. Called, "thermal seeking" and "bulletproof," maybe it's no surprise the Aussie HG team uses them exclusively. Call 213/243-5363. ••• Let's go way into Giftland with a couple closing items. First is a small collection of hang gliding ceramics. These are hand made items that can be finished as a pin, ornament, or magnet. The stylized artwork can be personalized to reflect your hang glider's actual colors. Your name and likeness (e.g., hair color) can be added as well. For $15 and another two bucks for personalization, your driver or eternally-patient spouse might like to have one. Call 310/377-6435. ••• At the end of a day of soaring, many pilots like to tell tales over a brew. If this means you, try Cumulus Cream Ale, the "first in a series of home brew kits for the sky minded from BevArt Inc." Designed by a pilot for pilots, you make your own batch of five gallons of "medium-bodied, full-flavored ale with a long lasting frothy head." Other blends are coming, to be named Blown-Out Stout, Wonder Wind Wheat, and Cliff Launch Lager. Two kits sell for $27 or $68 postpaid. One is ingredients only; the other includes everything except the bottles and a boiling pot. Interested? Get a free catalog by calling 312/BEER-579. Ask for Greg. ••• That's it for '94. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to 8 Dorset Rd., St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail to 612/450-0930. Happy Holidays To All! THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — About now, the Holidays are demanding lots of time. To help, this "Product Lines" focuses on gifts. ••• At the board meeting in Lake Tahoe, directors got a preview of USHGA’s 1995 calendar. It’s a beaut’. Slightly wider than last year, a right column text area gives details about the photo, including camera equipment used. Learn from this and next year one of the stunning pictures of hang gliding/paragliding could be yours. See the color ad in this issue and order a few. We all know hang gliding "shows well," so you can buy these calendars for friends or family who don’t fly. ••• HG entrepreneur, GW Meadows and his Just Fly organization have a whole bunch of nifty Christmas notions. GW’s got something else, too: a promise to ship items as late as December 23rd (a Friday), so you can get them in time for Sunday gift opening.

Product Lines – November 1994

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Ready or not, another holiday season is upon us. We'll look at some gift ideas... which means you should be sure those who buy gifts for YOU know about the nifty things you want. Face it. Many spouses feel hang glider pilots are hard to buy for; they only want expensive stuff. In the next couple issues of "Product Lines," I'll try to highlight some more gift-priced items. But first... ••• Some results have been tabulated from the survey card that came in your October issue. Over 300 cards arrived in a short period, a large enough sample to get reliable information. • Asked if you believe hang gliding has a growth period ahead, a split response resulted. Slightly more than half (54%) feel it can grow, but 46% apparently see obstacles. • When asked if you desire to see hang gliding grow, an overwhelming 86% answered yes, with 14% not inviting growth. This is an unmistakable indication that most pilots are pro-growth and may be a strong enough answer to suggest some pilots could become growth activists. • The question about glider prices invited some to express frustration over gliders approaching the $5,000 mark. However, a very solid 69% said they believed gliders are priced right for the value you receive. Just under a third (31%) say prices are too high. Many feeling this way added notes in the margins. • Finally, when consulted about whether you believe hang glider design can make performance leaps, 61% said yes, while a large group of 39% said no. A few notes indicated that some considered aircraft like the Swift a leap of design for hang gliders. At best this question brought an uncertain answer, yet designers should take heart that well over half the community still believes they can achieve great new things with hang glider design. I'll have more from this survey in future columns. Now, to some gift ideas. ••• From Tek Flight Products comes a very lightweight camera mount and remote shutter. While you can buy fancy rigs from the camera companies, you'll spend a lot and gain unneeded weight. Tek Flight's system is simple, weighs barely a pound, and costs only $39 which includes shipping. You don't need to buy a remote-capable camera, because Tek Flight also has a simple remote shutter that should work on most 35 mm cameras (an auto winder is required, but these are common). All components are very basic items but it appears to be an effective mount for the smaller cameras. Call for info and delivery at 203/379-1668. ••• Jim Lee is one of our best-known competition pilots. Yet not everyone knows he makes and sells a composite rescue toboggan called the Jetsled. Used for over-the-snow transport of injured skiers, it's given his company -- Wingover Composites -- experience in making light, strong structures from exotic materials. Wingover has introduced a HG helmet line that Jim says will pass the rigid DOT motorcycle standards even while weighing only 1.5 pounds. Their Arc model features a well-considered movable chin guard that works like a full-face helmet. However, by a clever design, Wingover's chin protector can be swiveled up to create better vision and communication for the pilot during preflight. In flight, you can cool off a bit by raising the chin guard. Testing employed such rude-sounding devices as an anvil and a pointed, weighted striker which Lee says resulted in "various [prototype] helmets lying around here with holes punched through them." After several changes of the plys of carbon and Kevlar, Wingover is ready to be DOT tested. Prices run $300 for the Arc. Wingover will also sell their ZD-7 carbon harness, though Lee admits, "Most pilots don't like the $3,000 price tag." Call 505/758-0526 for more info on these and other products from Wingover. ••• Though our choices here are getting expensive, I'm intrigued with the SST or super-slick transport. Made from what the company calls "space-age materials," the glider transport will comfortably protect two or more gliders plus gear in a ready-to-use, roof-mounted container. A low-drag shape is standard along with a key lock system and rear entry loading. The SST intro price of $1,500 (a $300 savings) isn't cheap but it should last through several gliders. Options include custom paint, side doors, insulation, and mounting racks. Call 307/672-6715. ••• To get additional choices at more affordable prices, get a copy of Mojo's Gear catalog, kind of a Sharper Image for flyers. Done in full color, the 32-page catalog features hundreds of products for pilots. Produced by Hill Country Paragliding of Austin, Texas, Mojo's Gear catalog lists many items hang glider pilots would like to own. I was impressed with the broad range of items as well as a professional layout. Many items are priced $20-50. You can also find a few deals like the FlightMate Pro GPS for $785. Call or fax toll-free at 800/664-1160 or 800/261-MOJO (fax). ••• If you sell items of a gift nature, let me know soon! So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail to 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Ready or not, another holiday season is upon us. We’ll look at some gift ideas… which means you should be sure those who buy gifts for YOU know about the nifty things you want. Face it. Many spouses feel hang glider pilots are hard to buy for; they only want expensive stuff. In the next couple issues of "Product Lines," I’ll try to highlight some more gift-priced items. But first… ••• Some results have been tabulated from the survey card that came in your October issue. Over 300 cards arrived in a short period, a large enough sample to get reliable information. • Asked if you believe hang gliding has a growth period ahead, a split response resulted. Slightly more than half (54%) feel it can grow, but 46% apparently see obstacles. • When asked if you desire to see hang gliding grow, an overwhelming 86% answered yes, with 14% not inviting growth.

Product Lines – October 1994

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Told you last month I had new info on Dick Boone's unusual Climax experimental design. I say "experimental" as that seems appropriate, it being a test bed. Nobody is planning to produce it yet, but perhaps Climax ideas will appear elsewhere or on a new hybrid design from Boone. After all, Dick has something a reputation for contributing notable achievements to hang glider design. ••• His work is continuing. Some expert pilots who've taken a flight on the Climax said they felt completely out of control, partly owing to its joystick linkage and lack of centering mechanism. The net effect apparently was that virtually every control input became an overcontrol. A cable controlling the twist -- attached to the rear spar, where you'd expect to find the crossbar -- runs through the control bar base tube. As Boone acknowledges, "If the cable is centered the glider will fly straight. If the cable is off centered, either to the right or left, the glider will turn to the side that is creating the most twist... there is no aerodynamic force keeping this cable centered." You had to use some force to return the joystick control to center. Dick adds, "Very small amounts of input were needed to put the glider into a turn but a great amount was needed to pull the glider out of the same turn. The cable never wanted to be in the middle position." ••• Eureka! Boone has installed a new system. He explains, "It is a very simple device that has two opposite cams (one for each wire) that creates additional cable tension on the side to which the glider is turning. This change gives the glider a roll stability. Boone has spent time releasing the stick and flying via weight shift. "All seems to be going well," he said, indicating some hardware is being changed to facilitate the new idea. I'll keep you posted as best I can. ••• Back to what you can buy today... Wills Wing announced a new size of their Falcon, the 195 model for pilots hooking in at 150 to 275 pounds. Though they've upgraded the airframe and added larger wires, they've still kept the weight down to only 50 pounds. It's priced at $2,695 which sounds pretty reasonable. Certification was earned in August and production has started. ••• One speculative benefit of the Climax is reduced glider price, a worthy goal. Reviewing Will Wing's latest price schedule reminds me of the way autos are sold. Falcons, for example, sell for a "base price" ($2,695) but you can add options, many of which you probably think you can't fly without. If you add all the good stuff -- choice of colors, streamlined legs, and folding speed bar -- you'll ramp the price up 23% to $3315. Similarly equipped Spectrums go from $2,995 to $3,615. Super Sports and RamAirs are sold as fully equipped ($3,895 and $4,495 respectively). ••• Wills Wing is increasing its presence in accessory items. WW's Pro Line has become the U.S. Distributor for the Avocet pilot watch (introduced to HG pilots by Owens Valley Soaring). In addition to supporting their dealer network, Pro Line will also sell direct at retail prices. Such direct-sale products are limited to T-shirts, videos, books, and instruments. Gliders, harnesses, and parts will be sold only through dealers. Besides the Avocet, Wills is also distributing the Digifly VL-100 vario. I've looked over Digifly's powered ultralight instrument and found it laden with features (enough so that you'll have to read the manual to learn it all). The VL-100 is a vario with three altimeters, three audio levels, a timer, and a thermal averager which runs 200 hours on 2 AA batteries. With a one year warranty, it retails for $575. Pro Line will also sell the Flightmate Pro GPS unit for $995. I use one of these and they're just great. When the day's flying is over you can carry it around with you and pretend you're Jordi from Star Trek holding a tri-corder. ••• Putting flight gear prices into perspective, one only need look at Drachenflieger magazine from Germany. Their comprehensive annual market review lists gliders from 28 hang glider manufacturers and 32 paraglider builders. Consumers can choose from over 300 different brands, models, and sizes of paragliders with fewer choices on the hang glider end. And... you think Yankee prices are high? In Europe the RamAir tops the list at the equivalent of $6,175, followed by the TRX at $5,700 and the Klassic at $5,600. Be glad you live in the US of A. The cheapest glider was the VK 3 Rebel from Wujasin for a mere $2,195. Never heard of it? Neither had I, but the German DHV certified it under their rigorous program. ••• Outta room this month. In November, I'll have some more statistics for you and I'll begin looking at goodies suitable for Christmas giving. If you sell something that fits, let me hear from you. Better yet, just send your literature and a sample if appropriate (evaluation items are only returned if requested). So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail to 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Told you last month I had new info on Dick Boone’s unusual Climax experimental design. I say "experimental" as that seems appropriate, it being a test bed. Nobody is planning to produce it yet, but perhaps Climax ideas will appear elsewhere or on a new hybrid design from Boone. After all, Dick has something a reputation for contributing notable achievements to hang glider design. ••• His work is continuing. Some expert pilots who’ve taken a flight on the Climax said they felt completely out of control, partly owing to its joystick linkage and lack of centering mechanism. The net effect apparently was that virtually every control input became an overcontrol. A cable controlling the twist — attached to the rear spar, where you’d expect to find the crossbar — runs through the control bar base tube. As Boone acknowledges, "If the cable is centered the glider will fly straight.

Product Lines – September 1994

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Flyin' high over Telluride. Early reports trumpeted spectacular flying at the mile-high site of the largest hang gliding event in the nation (world?). Reminded me of those altimeter ads from more than a decade ago when one advertiser teased pilots who had not yet equipped themselves. The ad featured a geeky-looking pilot saying, "I gained... er, ...gobs of altitude." Remember? It was funny and meant to goad us into buying their wrist altimeter so we'd actually know the altitude we gained. Now, I compare that to modern reports of great flying days. No one wants to state any number of MSL feet above 17,999. Anyway, suffice it to say, Telluriders gained, er... gobs of altitude. Thanks to Gerry Charlebois. ••• Speaking of getting high, Moyes announced new prices for their gliders. Many businessmen would agree that when sales are good is the proper time to raise prices and indeed Moyes has said sales were never better. The top-of-the-line Xtralite with Scrim now lists for $4,850. You can increase this with Mylar to five bucks short of five grand. Phew! But look at whatcha get. This is a very well built, successful machine of the mid-'90s. To keep things in perspective, the company has a trainer (the XL series) that starts at $2,795. ••• Moyes has used their success with the Xtralite and Tom Suchanek in a new video tape production done for them by Czech Television (what a multinational type outfit, Moyes). The 15-minute feature is done very differently than most HG company promo tapes. It shows nothing of the factory or glider detail, instead chronicling a winning period for the Xtralite. You'll see lots of great flying scenes from Australian beach sites to the mighty Owens Valley at the '93 Worlds. Very watchable indeed. Nothing is perfect, and one part of the tape drove me nuts. A voiceover murmurs "Moyes" in a man-from-Mars echo sound. Once or twice wouldn't be so bad, but the noise repeats throughout the tape in some attempt to carry a theme. On whole though, this tape is a must-see. Call Moyes California at 818/887-3361 or fax to 702-0612. ••• While doing some video review, I also watched the Wills tape. A very short three-minute production by HG video impresario, Paul Hamilton, the WW edition is a thorough, methodical review of Wills, the company and its people. You tour the factory, see the employees and dealers, and watch a flying machine company in action. Wills is hugely staffed with talent and experience, so the 100% diologue-free effort still tells a powerful story of professionalism and success. Short enough to show non-flyers. Call any dealer to see it. ••• At the Sun 'n Fun '94 airshow, I had the distinct pleasure to fly the powered Swift. These days, such flying tends to be about all I can fit in, but at the Florida airshow, I get to do a lot of flying. The Sunshine State was wildly soarable everyday... except the day I flew the Swift. What a shame. Nonetheless, I know what to do with a motorglider. I shut off the electric-start engine every chance I could. In an hour and a half, I managed about 45 minutes of gliding with a few teeny bumps, but those minutes were excellent! What a neat aircraft! I expected a very pitch sensitive machine with sluggish roll rate. I got neither. Pitch was quite easy to control and roll was reasonably brisk. Even more important in places like the Owens is the control authority which is very positive. For landings, flaps pull on by a string like hang glider VGs. It feels odd to an ultralight pilot but hang glider pilots will quickly comprehend. HG pilots will also accept the anhedral look that is uncommon on powered aircraft. Here's the best news for HG pilots considering the Swift: it switches between powered and unpowered in 30 minutes, so you can have it your way. I'm told it foot launches quite well in winds above five mph. Yeah, it's pricey, but consider that it will last for many years and with solid 24:1 performance, you won't need to buy another wing for a long time. My one complaint: lateral visibility is poor with your head between the flaps. The unpowered hang cage looks better in this area. Brightstar also has a Swift video. I suggest your club get a copy. Call 707/576-7627. ••• Ballistic 'chute system maker, BRS, is a finalist in the 1994 Discover magazine Technical Innovations Awards. Reps from company will be brought to Disney World in Florida for a grand ceremony presentation of the winners in each of seven categories. BRS is one of five finalists in the Aviation/Aerospace category (out of 4,000 total entries!). The opportunity will provide exposure in the magazine following an introduction written by VP Al Gore. The Disney Channel will have extensive coverage; EPCOT has a summer exhibit titled, "Innoventions," specifically highlighting the achievements of the 35 finalists. CBS gave event and product coverage on their news show, CBS This Morning. The opportunity came after BRS won FAA approval for rocket 'chute systems on certified aircraft and the saving of 78 lives to-date. ••• Next time: an update on that unusual test-bed hang glider, the Climax. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail to 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Flyin’ high over Telluride. Early reports trumpeted spectacular flying at the mile-high site of the largest hang gliding event in the nation (world?). Reminded me of those altimeter ads from more than a decade ago when one advertiser teased pilots who had not yet equipped themselves. The ad featured a geeky-looking pilot saying, "I gained… er, …gobs of altitude." Remember? It was funny and meant to goad us into buying their wrist altimeter so we’d actually know the altitude we gained. Now, I compare that to modern reports of great flying days. No one wants to state any number of MSL feet above 17,999. Anyway, suffice it to say, Telluriders gained, er… gobs of altitude. Thanks to Gerry Charlebois. ••• Speaking of getting high, Moyes announced new prices for their gliders. Many businessmen would agree that when sales are good is the proper time to raise prices and indeed Moyes has said sales were never better.

Product Lines – August 1994

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- The issue is growth in hang gliding (or the lack of same). This month's edition of "Product Lines" looks at a few ideas that may affect the future of hang gliding. ••• In my April '94 column, I referenced a Dennis Pagen report from FAI. That international aerosport organization sees a worldwide decline in hang gliding. Pagen was quick to add that America did not seem to be experiencing decline as was Europe. ••• Recently, however, new USHGA Executive Director, Phil Bachman, sent all directors a set of graphs depicting member trends over the last 15 months. Today's USHGA serves a blend of hang gliding and paragliding members, a subject that a few years ago caused considerable anxiety among many HG members. Some predicted that PG pilots would overwhelm HG pilots in a couple years. That didn't happen, but some interesting changes have occurred since that risky forecast was made. ••• Compared to April '93, HG membership is indeed down. The decline is extremely modest, a mere 50 HG members (0.6%). In the same period, however, PG pilots have increased by 44%. The current ratio is 79% HG pilots to 21% PG pilots. Raw numbers are 7,974 HG pilots to 2,141 PG pilots (as of June '94). Except for a very gentle increase in the spring of '94, HG member numbers have slid slowly but steadily from a peak in September '93, while paragliding has added 30-50 members every month. ••• Based on these trends, Bachman has speculated that PG pilots will equal HG pilots in 2005. It doesn't matter whether this delights or disturbs you. It is the trend. Of course, 15 months is too short a time to make sweeping judgments but the movements are worth watching. ••• So, how to make HG grow? (...assuming you want growth.) ••• Wills Wing has a plan. They've embellished a long term policy which aims to "support those dealers that are teaching new pilots how to fly, and thus helping the sport grow." Earlier this year, Wills bravely canceled 21 dealerships "to focus our support on active schools who are promoting growth in our sport." With that move, they also built a creative discount structure strongly rewarding sales of their beginner gliders (Spectrum or Falcon). Wills is further encouraging all dealerships to get involved with teaching. They say, "There are a number of qualified instructors out there that would love to make their living in the sport of hang gliding. ...if you don't teach ...consider hiring an instructor." A worthy plan. ••• The long awaited official USHGA National Site Guide is available. This mainly helps current pilots find new places to fly, but more soaring activity leads to more public interest which leads to new pilots and members. USHGA calls the new release "the only complete site guide on the market." A thick volume (250 pages), it carries a hefty price ($48.50 delivered). Sold with a promise of regular updates, the cost is justifiable. The guide covers 150 sites in the new NAFTA territory from Alaska to Mexico. Buy it and fly often. Your enjoyment may bring someone into hang gliding. ••• A unique promo idea comes from Murray Rose of England: Speed Gliding! Former Solar Wings director Rose aims to create a Grand Prix-style series of downhill racing competitions with heavy media coverage and substantial prize money. Rose's company, Airsport Associates, has already found some $40,000 of prize money ($15,000 to the winning pilot). Though only qualified pilots should enter due to the nature of the flying, BHGA is establishing safety standards for this type of competition. "Such a new event will raise the profile of hang gliding with the general public and the media in a spectacular and positive manner," says Britain's Skywings magazine. Offering "the promise of white-knuckle action," this idea may have real merit as a spectator event -- and one that TV crews can expect to cover in a professional manner. Rose says, in a Skywings interview, "We are under threat from other excellent activity sports. Ultimately, they may not offer the total experience we can but they are much more accessible and, what is more the point, they market themselves professionally." Rose has come up with Speed Gliding as a way to break into more media. "The format has been designed to take place in a defined area in order to allow extensive camera coverage at a cost affordable by TV production companies," explains Rose. "If we can get a large audience then we can get more people wanting to participate." He compares it to downhill ski racing. Analysis: more newcomers means more sales, which will give manufacturers more capital to generate even better gear for the rest of us to buy and fly. ••• In closing this theme column, I'd like to make an observation. Given the burden of legal liability in this country paired with the difficulty of making it financially in the HG business, we pilots are very fortunate to be able to buy such well-designed gliders (and gear) ...at any price and with any level of customer service. Suppliers in this sport deserve your appreciation and support. ••• Next month: flying Brightstar's Swift... and other fun stuff. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail to: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — The issue is growth in hang gliding (or the lack of same). This month’s edition of "Product Lines" looks at a few ideas that may affect the future of hang gliding. ••• In my April ’94 column, I referenced a Dennis Pagen report from FAI. That international aerosport organization sees a worldwide decline in hang gliding. Pagen was quick to add that America did not seem to be experiencing decline as was Europe. ••• Recently, however, new USHGA Executive Director, Phil Bachman, sent all directors a set of graphs depicting member trends over the last 15 months. Today’s USHGA serves a blend of hang gliding and paragliding members, a subject that a few years ago caused considerable anxiety among many HG members. Some predicted that PG pilots would overwhelm HG pilots in a couple years. That didn’t happen, but some interesting changes have occurred since that risky forecast was made.

Product Lines – July 1994

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- On the Political Front: ARAC Committeeperson, Dennis Pagen reports some improved news from the May 23 meeting. He cautions that FAA is squirrely to pin down -- you're surprised!? -- but that it appears the agency will not certify pilots under Part 103 (great!), or issue aircraft airworthiness (we're doin' fine already), or mandate training (we have this pretty well in hand also) [comments mine]. Even better than the above, FAA has apparently decided that separating unpowered ultralights (us) from powered ultralights is reasonable. FAA may also give the U.S. Ultralight Association a weight increase for single-seat ultralights. This will allow the Dragonfly ultralight tug to legally aerotow, assuming it has a ballistic 'chute installed... (24 pounds of extra weight is allowed when such devices are permanently mounted). Several trike tugs should also benefit. Pagen also indicated that the tandem exemption may be written into Part 103. All three -- separation, tugs, and tandem -- are "plums" that we hoped to get. We'll see. Stuff happens. ••• Before we get into some accessory product news this month, I want to say thanks for the effort and goodbye to the Rigid Wing Reader. Tireless publisher and writer, Chuck McGill, has chosen to cease publishing. McGill reached his 12th issue -- a prearranged decision point -- and was still "hoping for a larger response than that which materialized." Ironically McGill had just announced the formation of the U.S. Ultralight Sailplane Association (USUSA) for which RWR might have become the association newsletter, ...not that McGill was angling for such duty, though. With the Swift out and selling reasonably well, with Danny Howell's Apex coming on the market for sale, and with Bobby Bailey's Tempest available for sale now, those seeking "alternative soaring" have a few choices. More projects, like a modernized version of Klaus Hill's Super Floater, are also coming. However, enthusiasts will have to obtain their info from sources other than RWR. I'll be watching the field as I have for years and will report here and in my Kitplanes magazine column called "The Light Stuff." See ya, Chuck. THANKS! ••• FlyStuff Time: Mike Klettke sent a sample of his MDK Prolite Sports Shield eyewear. You wouldn't call them sunglasses, but they work where sunglasses suffer... in windy environments such as flying hang gliders. The polarized wrap-around lens is shatterproof and scratch resistant. MDK claims it blocks 100% of UVa and UVb light. Prolites truly are very light (just over 1 oz.), colorful, have a stretchy, adjustable band, and they float. I found them comfortable and my wife thought they were cool looking. Get more info by calling 503/653-3778. ••• Believe it or not, the ballistic 'chute field for hang gliders is getting crowded. In addition to mainstays BRS and Second Chantz, another company is selling air-powered rockets, and a fourth is selling solid fuel rockets. A second air-rocket from Air Thrust turned up in the just-released Paragliding The Magazine New Pilot Special Edition. And Gunnison Gliders of Colorado sent a testamonial emphasizing satisfaction with Recovery Concepts Int'l (RCI) who makes a solid fuel rocket like the one BRS sells. Neither company has a presence in HG mag, but Gunnison's Rusty Whitley gave me RCI's number: 916/661-7243. I have no info for Air Thrust. ••• Gunnison, by the way, is a shop offering lessons and sales for HG and PG. Plus they make various sewn goods (harnesses and bags). In view of summertime water towing and efforts like the Zeiset/Combs tow boat project, Gunnison's Flotation Harness may find a market. "Built similar to a type 5 life jacket," says Whitley, the harness comes with back and head flotation plus a rescue handle. The stirrup style harness comes in three sizes from $135-165. Dealer pricing is available. Call 303/641-9315. ••• Sail Wings has a new material for use in making glider bags. The Mylar UV material "will show creases with use but is very tough stuff," says proprietor Larry Haney. The sample he sent was indeed nearly impossible to tear even after starting with a scissors. Sail Wings says they make all bags on a custom basis, with "no generic bags to flap in the wind." Call 501/663-3166. ••• HG Writer GW Meadows has a new aspect of his Just Fly catalog operation: a Glider Clearinghouse. For $5, GeeDub will list any of your hang gliding gear, and send a printout to those who call his 800-number. He can computer organize the info so buyers can focus on specific stuff they want to buy. "Subscribers" pay $10 which covers fax or mailing of the list. It's a neat idea to move stuff with much more timeliness than the classified ads in HG and if enough people participate, the service could become quite useful. Call 800/546-3596. ••• Think you've seen it all? Bet you missed "Cliff Notes," a funky little booklet for those of you too burned out to answer one more wuffo question. You can either, (A) record your own voice on a tape recorder and play it to the wuffs or, (B) buy a stack of David Miller's books to hand out before you "jump." The artwork is stick figures and the text is hard to read but for $4.70 ppd, it may keep some blabbermouth from driving you nuts. Write 3121 Skyland Dr., Chamblee GA 30341. ••• For those who cannot soar another thermal till their HG video collection is 100% complete, better not leave out the aptly-named "E-Team Raw" video, dedicated to those who popularized the derisive landing call that Paul Voight attempted to immortalize in his Whack tapes. To order for $18, call 909/678-2437. ••• So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — On the Political Front: ARAC Committeeperson, Dennis Pagen reports some improved news from the May 23 meeting. He cautions that FAA is squirrely to pin down — you’re surprised!? — but that it appears the agency will not certify pilots under Part 103 (great!), or issue aircraft airworthiness (we’re doin’ fine already), or mandate training (we have this pretty well in hand also) [comments mine]. Even better than the above, FAA has apparently decided that separating unpowered ultralights (us) from powered ultralights is reasonable. FAA may also give the U.S. Ultralight Association a weight increase for single-seat ultralights. This will allow the Dragonfly ultralight tug to legally aerotow, assuming it has a ballistic ‘chute installed… (24 pounds of extra weight is allowed when such devices are permanently mounted). Several trike tugs should also benefit. Pagen also indicated that the tandem exemption may be written into Part 103.

Product Lines – June 1994

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- The season is hot and the thermals are poppin'! ••• Moyes has been having one heckuva year. Says boss Bill, "Glider sales have never been so good and we are producing 30 a week" (an annualized rate of over 1,500 gliders). Further, Moyes Microlights is "having a run on Dragonflys" thanks to good publicity and a very workable tug machine. On a roll, Moyes is enjoying good airpark activity with their financial and other interest in Malcolm Jones' Wallaby Ranch in central Florida. ••• Recently Moyes California sent out their spring newsletter (late April). Besides telling a short story of surviving the Northridge Quake -- only two miles away from their Canoga Park shop... whew! -- they also identified the U.S. operation in more detail. "Almost every one of the Moyes gliders sold in America are built in Australia. Moyes California serves as a distributor for Moyes hang gliders in North America." That's a change. The bulletin continued, "Until this year, most of the gliders sold in America and Mexico were built here in California. However, we found that quality control was better and costs were actually lowered by having the gliders built in Australia." Moyes California test flies in the USA, and customers pay only for getting the gliders from California to the Moyes dealer. Delivery from Australia is about five weeks; add two weeks for the gliders to clear U.S. customs and be available in America. Spare parts are still made in California. The current Moyes glider line is composed of the XL entry level ship; the XT intermediate glider; XS3 intermediate/advanced glider, and the Xtralite, their top glider which they boast is "blazing a trail through the competitions." The Xtralite is currently available in 137 and 147 sizes (for pilots of 130-240 and 160-270 pounds respectively). Soon they'll release a 164 size. ••• Bill Moyes recently underwent surgery to have two Titanium knee joints installed. Complications arose slowing his recovery. Nonetheless he says, "I'll be traveling as soon as I can hobble!" Heal well, Bill! ••• UP road guru, John Heiney, will leave on an ambitious demo schedule that will see him away from home for the next 4-5 months except for a couple one week periods when he'll get back home to Salt Lake City. News of his tour appears elsewhere in this issue. John told me about some interesting flying for an IMAX photo crew shooting material for the new curved-screen theater to open in Zion National Park (the movie will tour other IMAX screens as well). The cool part is the ten tows John took to make the footage... behind a helicopter. Yup! Towed by chopper. Sound scary? John actually said it went well, though he said he wasn't the first to do this type of towing. Several years ago Ed Ceasar and Ken Bird did the flying for the award winning short film, "UP" (having nothing to do with UP, the company), mostly towing behind a helicopter. For those aerobuffs who are interested, John towed behind a Bell JetRanger. ••• Remember Dick Boone? You should. He was a most influential designer for years before plugging into the mainstream engineering world. According to reports posted on the Internet, Dick's been working on a new hang glider design concept for several years, and of course, it's got the expected innovations for which he's known. The on-line report describes a glider called the Climax that extends Boone's longtime goal of reducing tension on the sail. It goes far beyond his early effort with the Progressive Aircraft Dawn. Dick feels that current designs depend too heavily on making the sail flat by stretching it via the airframe. Such tension demands high strength frames and exotic sailcloths each of which are much more expensive. Gliders priced well over $4,000 may confirm the cost part of this theory. The Climax uses a spar (rather than a crossbar) with a compression strut and a sweep wire. Explained Boone, "This setup controls all twist for both performance and stability. It eliminates 85% of the sail loading onto the leading edge." The whole glider is made of small diameter tubing (1.75 in.) and requires only standard colored sail cloth. Dick continued, "A side wire going to the rear spar moves through the base tube as part of the control system." An earlier linkage hooked to the pilot's harness though the latest iteration features a five inch tall stick mounted on the base tube. Weight shift still controls pitch, and Boone indicates he launches with pure weight shift, then switches to the joystick for "effortless control." You might prefer to think of it as a rigid wing, rather than a flex wing, though with its sail, ribs, kingpost, and cable structure, it looks like a ragwing. Folds like one, too. Other U.S. manufacturers won't be surprised by the Climax ideas. One prototype was built at the old Bennett factory, another at Wills, and two are currently flying that were made at Pacific Airwave. While sink rate performance is said to be excellent, it's still too early for any production plans. I find this an intriguing development and hope to have more news in coming months. ••• At press time, attendance figures had just been announced for Sun 'n Fun 1994 where USHGA had a big presence in an excellent location. After exploding in size last year, this year took another large leap: 742,000 people attended the event. Lookout, Oshkosh! ••• That's all. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail to 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — The season is hot and the thermals are poppin’! ••• Moyes has been having one heckuva year. Says boss Bill, "Glider sales have never been so good and we are producing 30 a week" (an annualized rate of over 1,500 gliders). Further, Moyes Microlights is "having a run on Dragonflys" thanks to good publicity and a very workable tug machine. On a roll, Moyes is enjoying good airpark activity with their financial and other interest in Malcolm Jones’ Wallaby Ranch in central Florida. ••• Recently Moyes California sent out their spring newsletter (late April). Besides telling a short story of surviving the Northridge Quake — only two miles away from their Canoga Park shop… whew! — they also identified the U.S. operation in more detail. "Almost every one of the Moyes gliders sold in America are built in Australia. Moyes California serves as a distributor for Moyes hang gliders in North America." That’s a change.

Product Lines – May 1994

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Last month, I delivered some "disturbing talk" about an alleged "hang gliding decline" (according to the FAI). I also mentioned doubt for FAA changes desired by USHGA. ••• I remind you that FAI/CIVL rep,' Dennis Pagen, indicated the so-called decline doesn't seem to include the USA. Sure enough, at the recent association board of directors meeting, those manufacturers present were very upbeat. USHGA's Planning Committee also continued their meetings. (The PlanComm is a forward-looking group within the board whose task it is to help forecast the future and aid USHGA in preparing for same.) This bunch of leaders debated methods of accommodating FAA's resistance to earlier requests. It appears now that regardless of agency actions, USHGA has alternative plans. Among these discussions were moves to distance hang gliders from ultralights -- which are grouped together under Part 103. The goal is to keep hang gliding less regulated while in fact, ultralights may get more regulation. Though the outcome remains uncertain, the good news is... once again, USHGA appears to be a well-run outfit. Committee members deserve appreciation. ••• Now back to products... I misunderstood one detail of the Zeiset/Combs boat project reported last month. It turns out this is a platform-style launch. The photos didn't show the hydraulically-lifted platform (which dips down into the water to retrieve glider and flyers). The component still wasn't done as of the end of March, but will soon be completed, predicted Zeiset. The description of the large floats was correct, however, they are used only for landings. Jim promised to update me when the deluxe setup becomes operational. ••• SPRING GOODIES... A few items that you may find useful in a new soaring season. ••• First is a wee Hall Meter. RamAir buyers know what I'm talking about as proprietor Larry Hall has cut a deal with Wills Wing to supply each new buyer with a half-size version of his popular wind meter. Says a report in Cross Country magazine, "All RamAirs come with a Hall Brothers air speed indicator custom calibrated for the RamAir. It reads from 0-70 mph." Though glider manufacturers rarely supply instrumentation (the opposite of powered airframe builders), this step by Wills shows a clear interest in having pilots observe speed limits like Vne. Hall's long successful meters are calibrated to standards traceable to the government's Institute of Standards. FMI: P.O. Box 1010, Morgan UT 84050-1010, or call 801/829-3232. ••• High Energy has a new option for their very popular Tracer harness. Developed by Mountain Wing's Greg Black, two curved internal spreader bars eliminate the need for one support rope and gives the harness a cleaner appearance. Every Tracer owner I've met has mentioned their satisfaction with the harness, which is priced below some high-end models. FMI: 714/972-8186. ••• Peter DeBellis of Eggler's Headset is offering an accessory item I feel is overlooked: a radio headset for your helmet. With his clever P-T-T button, you can stay hands-on during turbulence while still talking to your ground crew. The button velcroes to your index finger and is positioned next to your thumb so all you do is press thumb to index. Said to work with popular HG radios, the Swiss-made headset can be purchased with a special 36 inch co-axial antenna which mounts in your harness eliminating wire clutter on your glider. A slightly different setup also works with full-face helmets. FMI: 713/271-2829. ••• With an excess of U-V exposure, many glider bags begin looking pretty shabby after a long soaring season. If you need a new one you can go to the factory or go aftermarket. One such supplier is C&S Engineering (for operators Chris and Sara, I imagine). A difference that could make you choose C&S bags over factory is the custom fit (versus assembly line production). Another is rack-side padding. They offer a sharp silver fabric that looks like it would reflect a lot of sunshine. Expect to pay a little more... as the "Silver ballistics exterior" model sells for $195, but they have choices down to $75 (and one higher). C&S has some other neat stuff as well. Ask for their literature and they'll include measuring instructions. Dial 206/659-6413 or (a new idea I hadn't heard of) fax toll-free to 800/657-1197. ••• Capitalism at work: the Price Buster Winch lowers the cost of pay-out winches to $1,295, a fraction of predecessors. The low-priced winch features an "instant pressure dump control as well as precise pressure adjustment." It also has an extra-wide drum which developer Barry Steele says will extend your line life. Sounds logical. You can buy direct or from Miami Hang Gliding, who obviously uses it in their active boat towing operation. FMI: 803/885-0949. ••• After 17 years (!), the Telluride Hang Gliding Festival -- arguably the largest gathering of hang gliding pilots in the USA -- is changing dates. The 21st Annual Festival will be July 18-23 and the World Aerobatic Championships July 21-23. "Booming mid-day summer conditions" will make for lively flying. Get more info at 303/728-3905. ••• Outta room once again. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Last month, I delivered some "disturbing talk" about an alleged "hang gliding decline" (according to the FAI). I also mentioned doubt for FAA changes desired by USHGA. ••• I remind you that FAI/CIVL rep,’ Dennis Pagen, indicated the so-called decline doesn’t seem to include the USA. Sure enough, at the recent association board of directors meeting, those manufacturers present were very upbeat. USHGA’s Planning Committee also continued their meetings. (The PlanComm is a forward-looking group within the board whose task it is to help forecast the future and aid USHGA in preparing for same.) This bunch of leaders debated methods of accommodating FAA’s resistance to earlier requests. It appears now that regardless of agency actions, USHGA has alternative plans. Among these discussions were moves to distance hang gliders from ultralights — which are grouped together under Part 103. The goal is to keep hang gliding less regulated while in fact, ultralights may get more regulation.

Product Lines – April 1994

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Ahh... April, when the living gets easier up here in the long-frozen tundra. All over America, trees are sprouting leaves and the thermals are poppin'. Let's see what's news. ••• From the end of last year, Dennis Pagen -- USHGA's rep to the CIVL of FAI -- reports that the international organization is concerned about the "decline of hang gliding." Dennis clarifies, "While the sport appears healthy [in America], such a statement [by CIVL] should not come as a surprise for it has been well reported that hang gliding is disappearing in many countries of Europe. Paragliding has superseded it because of the ease of access to airtime paragliders afford. Even if the same process does not occur in our country, the disappearance of hang gliding elsewhere will hurt our pilots as manufacturers sell less, fewer products become available and hang gliding receives less media attention." ••• Disturbing talk. On top of which, in the rarefied atmosphere of Washington DC, FAA has thrown cold water all over what looked like promising regulatory changes. USHGA reps to the FAA meetings of late thought possible changes to Part 103 might make hang gliding a little freer. Not! ••• In related news, USHGA's Planning Committee met to discuss future trends and how the association should respond. Hang gliding has indeed gotten tougher to enter (schools hard to find; glider prices up; skill requirements high) so perhaps Pagen is right to encourage our review of ideas to aid hang gliding growth... assuming we want it to grow. Not everyone agrees with this goal. But enough political babble; let's get back to products. ••• BRS is combating high prices with a superb deal on emergency canopies. Long a product priced above $400 at retail, the rocket maker has offered a hand deployable canopy for only $295. The "HD" series is also rocket launchable, either by BRS pyrotechnic rocket or Second Chantz's A.I.R. For a spec sheet, call BRS at 612/457-7491. ••• On the other end of the price spectrum but with potential to increase new HG students... is the Zeiset/Combs Magic 250 Legend Aerosports Boat. A boat?! Yep! Pendulum Sports owner, Jim Zeiset, has been pursuing a water-based towing package that he could sell as a ready-to-use training system. Recently Pendulum sent out info packets full of most of the details. The Magic 250 system is intended for commercial operators who seek to give training in a very user-friendly manner and the packet illustrates a strong effort toward that goal. A catamaran, twin hull boat with 385 horses promises to deliver powerful yet smooth experiences to six students per outing. Unusual for hang gliding, Pendulum has attempted to put all the necessary ingredients together for a successful towing operation. The boat accomplishes the task of towing, but perhaps differently from what you'd expect. The Magic 250 is not a platform towing system. Instead the tandem glider is fitted with large pontoons so instructor and student launch from the water. The 12-foot long floats attach to an extended control bar base tube and to the rear of the keel in what appears to be a very stable design. The Double Vision glider used by Pendulum also has an inflatable nose bladder in the unlikely event of a nose over. In this set up, the student flies above the instructor in a separate harness that supports the student well above the instructor. It should be comfortable -- and nearly dry! -- for the student, yet the instructor should be able to fly with little "interference." FMI: 800/933-5992. ••• At a completely different towing site, Florida's Dragonfly Park has changed its name to Wallaby Ranch. It seems a Japanese garden in the Miami area already owned the other name. Old or new name, the place is jumpin'. Proprietor Malcolm Jones has expanded the 52-acre site to be more than a home for the Dragonfly Tug ultralight. His Florida Hang Gliding, Inc., is now offering certified tandem instruction, rentals, sales, storage, ratings, X-C retrieval, camping, swimming, picnicking... well, you get the idea. Open seven days a week only eight miles south of Walt Disney World, Wallaby Ranch is wonderfully located for whole family outings. Days, call 813/424-0070 (also fax); evenings, call 407/896-7311. Watch for FHG ads soon, says Jones. ••• The site is also well located for the airshow season's grand opener, Sun 'n Fun, based at the Lakeland, FL airport only 50 miles to the south. USHGA will be represented again at the April 10-16 blockbuster event which is now challenging that 800-pound gorilla of airshows: Oshkosh. Listen up! For years Sun 'n Fun has been gaining attendance. The growth has been substantial and steady. But last year, the airshow just exploded from 360,000 attendees in '92 to nearly 650,000 in 1993! Many aviation experts are speculating that the popular Florida event could eclipse Oshkosh in a few more years. That's quite an accomplishment as Oshkosh is accepted as THE largest aviation event in the world. The satisfying part is that hang gliding participation in both events has become a regular feature and more folks are discovering our dandy sport at one of these monster events. ••• Outta room. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail to: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Ahh… April, when the living gets easier up here in the long-frozen tundra. All over America, trees are sprouting leaves and the thermals are poppin’. Let’s see what’s news. ••• From the end of last year, Dennis Pagen — USHGA’s rep to the CIVL of FAI — reports that the international organization is concerned about the "decline of hang gliding." Dennis clarifies, "While the sport appears healthy [in America], such a statement [by CIVL] should not come as a surprise for it has been well reported that hang gliding is disappearing in many countries of Europe. Paragliding has superseded it because of the ease of access to airtime paragliders afford. Even if the same process does not occur in our country, the disappearance of hang gliding elsewhere will hurt our pilots as manufacturers sell less, fewer products become available and hang gliding receives less media attention." ••• Disturbing talk.

Product Lines – March 1994

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Spring has nearly arrived marking the start of a new season. ••• Last time I mentioned a new gizmo from Japan competition-bound Chris Arai... in the Orient on assignment for Wills Wing. Named the Tangent Flight Computer, Arai calls it a "radical departure" from standard instruments, coming closer to what sailplane pilots have on board. After three years of development Arai flew with the TFC in the '93 Owens Worlds. Since he came in Second, you might imagine it augmented his skills. The Tangent includes all the regular vario/deck features such as airspeed, altitude, rate of climb, and barograph. However, its specialty is implementing speed-to-fly theory (which mystifies many of us). Using audio tones -- instead of clumsy speed rings -- the pilot is told to speed up or slow down (no need to look at a dial). You won't need math theory to run the Tangent. It automatically calculates desirable speeds based on head/tail winds, expected next climb rate, and the glider's performance. It can even tell you about final glide and if coupled to a GPS unit, the info will be very precise. Using a display like the Trimble's handheld GPS, its alphanumeric readout can provide "unlimited amounts of information," protecting the pilot's investment in technology. Pricing of the Tangent hasn't been set, but will be offered at about the price of the top Flytec. It should be available next month. FMI: 510/531-2261 (phone or fax). ••• John Heiney writes the UP Dealer Newsletter these days and discusses '94 for their reps. He reports brisk sales of the TRX RACE model, even during the slower cold season. UP wants to observe that their investment in composite airframes may pay a rare benefit: outlasting the sail. After three years of experience with the carbon fiber materials (also used to make strategic bombers you know), UP is finding that the airframe, "holds the promise of outlasting two, three, maybe several sails with no loss in structural integrity or flex characteristics." • Boss Dick Cheney, "is using his rigid wing design experience to create a new weight-shift controlled flex wing that incorporates some rigid wing technology. " He's searching for a noticeable improvement in performance, hoping to leap frog the industry's incremental gains of recent history. Though this will take time, a prototype already exists, employing Monte Bell's experience with the Klingberg Wing (with its semi-symmetrical airfoil). They'll let me know more; I'll pass it along. • The high season will find "Looper" Heiney hitting the road on demo tours. A schedule is being assembled and will be Published in Hang Gliding MagazineHG mag. • UP is now up and running at Torrey Pines, so the "political situation there has been defused." Bell is the site manager. UP's Soaring Center at Point of the Mountain taught all winter in spite of "massive snowfall." Dave Sharp is the HG instructor and Chris Santacroce is the PG instructor. • As you know, UP has a presence in paragliders and plans "an all new line for '94 including three sizes of the competition wing, two sizes of the high performance wing, and new intermediate and entry level paragliders." Like others, UP has European designers for their paraglider line. ••• Pacific Airwave is also in the news, capturing Mark "Gibo" Gibson to fly a K4+ 155. He'll fly for PacAir in all three 450-point meets as well as some international contests. He'll join such names as Mark Bennett; east coaster, Greg Wenowski; and that "X-C giant," Kevin Christopherson (who still holds the title of the longest cross country flight... from foot launch). Mexican champ,' Miguel Guterieze also flies PacAir. ••• A minor takeover is underway. New York's Mountain Wings is buying out Air Wear's V-Mitt line. Says co-owner, Greg Black, "We've bought the stock, material inventory, accounts, rights to the name, and sewing machines from founder, Larry Capp." Airwear also makes a harness line, but this was not described as part of the deal. Reportedly, Capp is leaving the business for personal health reasons. FMI on V-mitts: 914/647-3377. ••• A clarification on Airborne's invasion of the USA. AirEscape WindSports's Scott Johnson said that his business is only handling Airborne's trike tug. Former competition jock, Kevin Kernohan, will represent the company's hang glider line. Tug FMI: 619/934-5403. Glider FMI: 818/366-0852. ••• To close, some contact info on the Swift. Several have written asking for this, so I repeat their phone (707/576-7627). They've been busy building and not promoting. However, their east coast dealer, Greg Black, assures me new info is headed my way. If it's hot stuff, you'll have it! ••• So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. V-mail/fax: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Spring has nearly arrived marking the start of a new season. ••• Last time I mentioned a new gizmo from Japan competition-bound Chris Arai… in the Orient on assignment for Wills Wing. Named the Tangent Flight Computer, Arai calls it a "radical departure" from standard instruments, coming closer to what sailplane pilots have on board. After three years of development Arai flew with the TFC in the ’93 Owens Worlds. Since he came in Second, you might imagine it augmented his skills. The Tangent includes all the regular vario/deck features such as airspeed, altitude, rate of climb, and barograph. However, its specialty is implementing speed-to-fly theory (which mystifies many of us). Using audio tones — instead of clumsy speed rings — the pilot is told to speed up or slow down (no need to look at a dial). You won’t need math theory to run the Tangent.

Product Lines – February 1994

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- As we look to a new season of hang gliding, I have one last gift item that deserves mention. ••• Even up here in snow country, one video might actually get your heart pumping! Most HG videos tend to be mellow productions, featuring delicate and colorful gliders moving gracefully and silently against sweeping panoramas. In sharp contrast, Tom Sanders' "Over the Edge" is a splash of cold water in your face. Imagine a wake up call that involves sky diving off a city building, with only, as screen text clearly states, 5 Seconds to Impact. Opposite of my common reaction to flying videos, I found "O-T-E" fun and easy to watch to the end. Slickly produced, it boasts a wide variety of beautiful settings for fast-paced action scenes. The tape has only a short section on hang gliding, being mostly a sky diving effort. Any action-sport lover will enjoy the tape from Aerial Focus. FMI: 805/962-9911, or write 8 Camino Verde, Santa Barbara CA 93103. ••• This time, "PL" offers SPECIAL COVERAGE with a product-focused highlight of USHGA survey statistics recently divined from 1,725 forms. ••• The important brand market share shows remarkable stability. Wills continues to lead with 42.0%. This has been consistent for three years (1992 was 40.9%; 1991 was 43.1%). PacAir edged up ever so slightly while holding onto Second with 27.6% of the market. PW had 26.9% and 25.3% in '92 and '91. UP has also had an even performance with 10.7% this year versus 10.5% and 10.6% in past years. Finally, Moyes appears solid in Fourth for the second year at 6.3%, the same as last year and 25% higher than in 1991. Below Fourth, the positions are less certain due to lower responses. Seedwings had 3.7% in '93, Delta Wing held 3.5% and "Other" climbed to 6.2% from 5.4% last year. Nationally, 600 pilots fly "Other" brands, indicating a need to collect more detailed information to see what new brands may be up and coming. ••• Neither does the mix of gliders brings any big surprises. Flex wings rule, though not as convincingly as some might think, with 77% of the survey. Paragliders (Class III) have 27% in a show of strength among USHGA's membership. Rigid wings continue to skim low at less than 5% of the survey. Nonetheless, this still reverse calculates to over 400 rigid wing pilots nationally, a figure large enough to motivate several small manufacturers. ••• The survey also documented paraglider market share. Edel leads with 21%, followed by Pro Design at 19%, "Other" at 17%, and in Fourth, Wills with 11%. The only other U.S. entrant, UP, came in Eighth with 5% of the market. UP says they're stronger overseas, and of course, most pilots are aware Wills sells lots of hang gliders in Europe. Both companies give Team America a significant export presence. ••• I calculate that, based on this survey, American pilots will buy about 2,000 new hang gliders in 1994 worth nearly $10 million in retail dollars! This should add slightly to the 1.7 gliders every USHGA member already owns because only half as many used glider sales are forecast (though student purchases are a variable we cannot count accurately). ••• Ballistic parachute ownership has stabilized at about a quarter of the population. Hand deployment has just over 70%, but what's surprising these days is the survey info showing nearly 600 American pilots who fly without a 'chute of any kind. ••• Fortunately, the stats also show that at least 60% of you repacked your chute in '93 (it should be 100%) and that a sixth of you serviced your rocket (about right since the newest units only require service every six years). ••• Finally, towing. Aero-based towing continues to proliferate though not as fast as some predicted. The method accounts for 18% of all launches. Auto-based platform style still dominates, but at 60% it could be overtaken as other technologies advance. Boat towing still launches about 15% and equipment like stationary winches get some 5% of tow pilots aloft. Overwhelmingly, the auto winches are the pay-out type with over 80% of the systems. ••• To close the survey review, three non-product points of interest: Average age is 38.6. Yipes! Almost fortysomething. Average income is mid-to-high $40,000s. And -- whaddyaknow? -- of the survey respondents, 9.9% are female. That suggests nearly a thousand American hang diving women, up strongly from only half that a few years back. ••• Next time... news on UP Int'l and on a new gizmo from Chris Arai (who is presently competing in Japan for WW). So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — As we look to a new season of hang gliding, I have one last gift item that deserves mention. ••• Even up here in snow country, one video might actually get your heart pumping! Most HG videos tend to be mellow productions, featuring delicate and colorful gliders moving gracefully and silently against sweeping panoramas. In sharp contrast, Tom Sanders’ "Over the Edge" is a splash of cold water in your face. Imagine a wake up call that involves sky diving off a city building, with only, as screen text clearly states, 5 Seconds to Impact. Opposite of my common reaction to flying videos, I found "O-T-E" fun and easy to watch to the end. Slickly produced, it boasts a wide variety of beautiful settings for fast-paced action scenes. The tape has only a short section on hang gliding, being mostly a sky diving effort. Any action-sport lover will enjoy the tape from Aerial Focus.

Product Lines – January 1994

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Welcome to a new year! Let's hope 1994 brings abundant soaring. Did you make your flight resolutions yet? ••• A comment was promised in last month's Christmas goodies list. The Avocet watch and I did some flying; it is indeed a handy gizmo. While it won't substitute for a "proper" vario, it offers an inexpensive alternative. It shows altitude in ten foot increments, which is almost enough to work as a low-end vario by itself. However, it also has a rate of climb indicator. The response is slow compared to the varios you're used to and it only reports 50 foot changes. However, on a good day, it will confirm the lift your body senses and may therefore be a useful flight tool. For a mere $110 from Owens Valley Soaring (619/387-2673), it also makes a cool looking wrist timepiece. One drawback: altitude is displayed in several "windows," (as is temperature) but the rate of climb and altitude don't appear together. The manufacturer says they're working on this. ••• Too late for last month's "Christmas gifts-to-buy" column, Sail Wings sent an announcement of their camouflage glider bag. They've named it the "Glider Hider," as it is used for "covering and hiding your glider after that long XC." It's made of 1.9-oz ripstop nylon so it folds up small and weighs little. Not recommended for regular glider transport, it sells for $50. FMI: 501/663-3166 (also fax). ••• Way up there in chilly Canada, Mike Robertson's High Perspective school is using a stationary winch to perform step towing. The spectra line, Toyota-powered winch was used successfully with hang gliders and paragliders. Step towing -- the "art" of pulling out tow line while flying away from the winch, then turning back so the winch can pull you higher -- has been used to see 4,000 foot altitude gains on towline. Robertson will train all comers (and he's open all winter for you hardy types). FMI: 416/294-2536. ••• Yet another Aussie outfit, Airborne Windsports, is making an initial sales push into the USA. Run by the successful competition pilot brothers, Russ and Rick Duncan, the down-under outfit has enlisted Scott Johnson of Mammoth Lakes, California. Johnson will also sell the Airborne trikes, one model of which has demonstrated its abilities as a glider tug. Glider info was reported enroute as this was written. FMI: Air Escape Windsports 619/934-5403. ••• Far from standing still, that original Aussie, Moyes, is enjoying some good results from their Xtralite glider. It did well in the Morningside glide-angle contest. Of course we all know of Tomas Suchanek's wonderful performances on this wing (he's now won a couple European contests on it as well). The glider is available in two modern (i.e., small) sizes: 137 and 147 ft2. A new airfoil shape is said to deliver improved glide and sink. A changed leading edge construction brings improved handling says Moyes. A European reviewer writes, "With an aspect ratio of 7.5, nose 130¡, 29 battens, and the usual Moyes fiberglass wing tips, this machine is said to be very fast." • In a related item, the Moyes/Bailey Dragonfly tug is currently undergoing the very tough British "S" certification. This standard is accepted by the U.S. allowing the Dragonfly to apply under the new F.A.A. Sportplane certification system. ••• Wills Wing has announced the release of the 146 size of their new RamAir. Says a Dealer Bulletin, "We expect to certify it at an HGMA meeting sometime in December." Delivery is already being quoted at 8-10 weeks and the price was set at $4,495. Wills reports the RamAir 146, "...is easier to fly than the RamAir 154. It has a more progressive pitch feel and a faster roll rate." Weighing 70 pounds, they add, "...it's easier to ground handle as well." Finally, the Bulletin offers this: "We feel that with the smaller size, and somewhat tamer, more straightforward flying characteristics, this glider will be accessible to a broader spectrum of the pilot population than the 154." ••• To close, some update on the Swift. The company has enlisted at least two dealers. One, announced for England, is that country's large Sky Systems company. Two are reported headed for the UK; both are American built, though the company has licensed a European builder, Aériane of Belgium. Sky Systems intends to bring in five Swifts. • Mountain Wings has also won a dealership. Greg Black expects his first Swift soon. The most successful of the modern batch of rigid wing entries, wide scale acceptance is still tentative. While working hard to produce current orders, the company appears to have assumed a low media profile. ••• That's all, diver fans. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. V-mail or Fax: 612-450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Welcome to a new year! Let’s hope 1994 brings abundant soaring. Did you make your flight resolutions yet? ••• A comment was promised in last month’s Christmas goodies list. The Avocet watch and I did some flying; it is indeed a handy gizmo. While it won’t substitute for a "proper" vario, it offers an inexpensive alternative. It shows altitude in ten foot increments, which is almost enough to work as a low-end vario by itself. However, it also has a rate of climb indicator. The response is slow compared to the varios you’re used to and it only reports 50 foot changes. However, on a good day, it will confirm the lift your body senses and may therefore be a useful flight tool. For a mere $110 from Owens Valley Soaring (619/387-2673), it also makes a cool looking wrist timepiece. One drawback: altitude is displayed in several "windows," (as is temperature) but the rate of climb and altitude don’t appear together.

Product Lines – December 1993

By Dan Johnson || February 28, 2005 Leave a Comment (Edit)

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Since you're reading this in early December, the holiday season is soon upon us. Because we all end up doing that gift thing, I thought I'd present a number of smaller, flight-oriented items that you might consider. If you like 'em, you might show this column to those buying for you (this gift thing is a two-way street, y'know). ••• But before we start, I want to pass along the correct phone number for Dragonfly Park in central Florida. You recall this is where Bobby Bailey and troupe are building Dragonfly hang glider tugs and where lots of pilots are getting some air... warmer air, it's worth adding. That number is 813/424-0070. The address is 1805 Dean's Still Rd., Davenport, FL 33837. • By the way, that's not the only spot where towing takes place in the area. The Draggin' Flyers club is also preparing a tug. I'll have more info later, but meantime, try contacting Steve and Barb Flynn at 407/894-5715. ••• If you make it to Florida, you'll fly behind aerotugs. However, lots of water-based towing still occurs. So you may want to purchase a set of David Kincheloe's Safe Floats. He makes them in 6, 7, and 8 inch sizes for calm water, for more flotation, and for tandem use, respectively. Two floats attach to the side wires so they don't protrude in front of the control bar. Therefore they won't conflict with tow lines. A set sells for $69. FMI: 919/376-9602. ••• If you're not lucky enough to escape winter's chill by heading to Florida, perhaps you need good old reliable bar mitts. You may want to check out Caldera Air Sports' Heatseekers. These $80 mitts are made from sheepskin with "very dense pile and a thick durable hide," sewn with seams you can't feel from the inside, says Robin Conners, proprietor. For another $12-15, you can add a nylon mitt cover that provides both mitt protection from wind and dirt plus a clear vinyl map cover. FMI: 619/934-2125. ••• Maybe you want to protect more than your hands. Among the best in brain buckets is available from Sequatchie Valley Soaring. See their color ad for details, but the argument for full-face protection is serious. SVS has several choices so you'll want to call them (it's a free 800 call). With prices starting under $100, you shouldn't ignore the safety message. These helmets sold over 3,000 pieces in Europe last year alone! They meet DIN standards. To order: 800/34-GLIDE. FMI: 615/949-2301; dealers may also inquire. ••• What goes up must come down... regrettably. When you get to terra firma, it's important to know what Mother Nature offers in the way of winds. A proven windsock system is available from longtime producer, Hawk Airsports. These high quality wind indicators start at around $100 for a whole setup in a portable, breakdown-style configuration. If your club or business wants to help show the wind and do some advertising, boss Bruce Hawk just announced his Windsok XXL, meaning extra, extra large. The giant 30 inch by nearly 12 foot Windsok XXL retails for $235 and uses heavy-duty 1.75 inch tubing to stand a proud 15 feet tall. Hawk Airsports also has a fancy computer graphics techno-gizmo that can do a great job on logos and words. To order: 800/826-2719. FMI: 615/933-9296. ••• Next, a wrist watch. What's an ordinary watch doing among these flight items? Well, this one's got enough features that I asked for a demo. More after the checkout, but listen to the specs: The Avocet watch from Owens Valley Soaring is "a combination vario, barometer, timer, thermometer, alarm clock, averager, and trender." The watch can read in metric or feet, and altitude reads in 10-foot increments. It'll record your highest altitude and best climb throughout the day, week, or year. Plus it's made in the USA. Now the price. Ready? How about only $110 which includes the shipping. FMI: 619/387-2673 (voice or fax). ••• From products to art... Last year, Jeff Greenbaum of Airtime San Francisco imported the beautiful Drachenflieger HG/PG calendar from Europe. It was so well received, he's repeating the effort, and at the same price: $19.95 plus shipping. Dealers may also inquire. The calendars are larger than USHGA's and feature international scenery. Many pilots will want both of course. For the Euro-calendar, call 415/759-1177 or fax 759-1182. For the USHGA calendar, call 719/632-8300 or fax 632-6417. USHGA also has a dealer program and this year's calendar is one of the best. ••• To close, an old friend, Terry Ferrer, has opened his West Wings Aviation Art Gallery. San Francisco area pilots know Terry's professional artwork. Now, you can all tap his talent for various kinds of air-art. Terry has some special posters that he's highlighting. In 1976 the only Hollywood production to feature hang gliders was "Sky Riders." The movie bills are 27 by 41 inches and will impress anyone. As only a few remain, they represent a piece of history. You can have one for the special price of $75 plus $5 postage and handling. FMI: 510/527-5895. ••• Some of these items ought to get your holiday shopping into gear, eh? So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. V-mail/Fax to: 612/450-0930. Merry Christmas from "Product Lines." THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Since you’re reading this in early December, the holiday season is soon upon us. Because we all end up doing that gift thing, I thought I’d present a number of smaller, flight-oriented items that you might consider. If you like ’em, you might show this column to those buying for you (this gift thing is a two-way street, y’know). ••• But before we start, I want to pass along the correct phone number for Dragonfly Park in central Florida. You recall this is where Bobby Bailey and troupe are building Dragonfly hang glider tugs and where lots of pilots are getting some air… warmer air, it’s worth adding. That number is 813/424-0070. The address is 1805 Dean’s Still Rd., Davenport, FL 33837. • By the way, that’s not the only spot where towing takes place in the area. The Draggin’ Flyers club is also preparing a tug.