Dan Johnson, Author at ByDanJohnson.com

Product Lines – November 1993

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

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Even as fall colors dominate the landscape in much of America, hang gliding businesses are working hard on various new products. I've a few to pass along... ••• Bob Trampenau announced a novel concept for hang gliders, at least the flex wing, Class 1 variety. Though most rigid wing entries in production (Swift) or development (Apex, Stealth II) use controllable surfaces, they haven't found acceptance on rag wings. True, other experiments have employed similar ideas before. Bob says his latest notion was tried by both Eric Raymond and Roy Haggard. Now, Trampenau has announced flaps for his Sensors. He says he'll generate an article for the magazine on this subject so here you'll merely get a sneak preview. Trampenau voiced his opinion that wing loadings will continue to increase on modern flex wings. After years of hovering around 1.5 lbs/ft2, he feels designs are now moving toward 2.0 lbs/ft2. This is good, he says. It permits faster speeds, can aid handling, and of course produces smaller, lighter gliders which therefore are easier to carry and ground handle. They may be more difficult to launch and land though, as more speed is required to produce the same lift (versus a larger wing carrying the same weight). Flaps are used on most aircraft to lower takeoff and landing speeds as well as to permit steeper approaches without speed buildup. Trampenau says his flaps can do likewise. He further claims protoypes have revealed a 25 fpm improvement in sink rate. Bob can tell the details of how it works later. He estimates that the new feature could be on line in two or three months. FMI: 805/968-7070. ••• Betty Pfeiffer, proprietor of High Energy Sports, announced her company's new line of emergency parachutes called the Quantum Series (QS330 for solo; QS550 for tandem). They're very excited about the performance as the new pulled-apex 'chutes exceeded their descent rate expectations. Designed by skydiving guru Bill Gargano, the new canopies have completed an intense TSO-type test program. Betty says she expects to have them in production and on the shelves as you read this. ••• HES has been busy. They're also ready to announce their new Ace harness. What's new? The big improvement is an automatic bomb-bay door for your legs. Yup! No more frantic zipper pulling as you begin your approach. On the Ace, the door is linked to your shoulder lines. When you prone out, the door closes. When you rotate back up for landing, the door opens. This certainly sounds like a worthy idea; you can keep both hands on the bar and your concentration on a good landing. FMI on the Quantum Series or the Ace harness: 714/972-8186. Also look for company announcements elsewhere in the magazine. ••• Go south for the winter... was the advice followed by former Sequatchie Valley Soaring (SVS) boss, Rick Jacob. He and companion Lois Breden departed the Tennessee shop for Costa Rica where Jacob will plan activities for a new resort being developed by businessman, Huber Matos. Jacob will research hang gliding sites as well as locations for such sports as hiking, white water rafting, SCUBA diving, mountain biking and more. He'll assemble tour packages plus arrange accommodations and guide services for visiting pilots (and other sports folks). Additionally, Jacob will use his design and construction background to help in building the resort complex. After many years in the sport, Jacob should do well establishing fun flying vacations for Yankees looking to escape wintertime blues. ••• Meanwhile, back at Henson Gap, Jacob's former partner, Cliff Whitney, will take over operation of the hang gliding business. Whitney's got a long history himself, dating back to the late '70s when he established Whitney Glider Supply. Matter of fact, he's the one who started SVS at Henson. Over the years this well-known shop has served the sport, he's taken on several partners, but is now the sole owner once again. Whitney indicated he plans to keep all aspects of SVS humming along, to include the established contest events. The fall Team Challenge will go on as usual as will the season-opener, big-point-meet East Coast Championships. Whitney also plans to continue and increase Sequatchie Valley Soaring's importating of helmets, flight suits, and other gear which they sell through their widely-distributed catalog. (They also sell these imported goods to other dealerships.) Of course, SVS will continue with glider sales and instruction and they'll still operate the nearby Mountain Condo rental units that are used by visiting pilots who want to fly the famed radial ramp and the Sequathcie Valley. For info on either SVS or to connect with Rick Jacob in Costa Rica, call 615/949-2301. ••• Outta room again... next month: ideas for hang gliding Christmas gifts. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or msg: 612.450-0939. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Even as fall colors dominate the landscape in much of America, hang gliding businesses are working hard on various new products. I’ve a few to pass along… ••• Bob Trampenau announced a novel concept for hang gliders, at least the flex wing, Class 1 variety. Though most rigid wing entries in production (Swift) or development (Apex, Stealth II) use controllable surfaces, they haven’t found acceptance on rag wings. True, other experiments have employed similar ideas before. Bob says his latest notion was tried by both Eric Raymond and Roy Haggard. Now, Trampenau has announced flaps for his Sensors. He says he’ll generate an article for the magazine on this subject so here you’ll merely get a sneak preview. Trampenau voiced his opinion that wing loadings will continue to increase on modern flex wings. After years of hovering around 1.5 lbs/ft2, he feels designs are now moving toward 2.0 lbs/ft2.

Product Lines – October 1993

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

ST. PAUL, MINN -- World Team fever is finally slowing, though most hang glider pilots I've spoken to feel good about TEAM USA's achievement. We now turn to the fall season, a great time for soaring at many sites around the country. ••• One of the possibilities might be had when you and the family travel to Disney World in Florida. No, they won't let you fly right at the big theme park; but only a scant seven miles south, a brand new site has opened. It's also opened its arms to pilots (unlike Disney). Welcome to Dragonfly Park! Steven Speilberg has nothing to do with this park. I've been there and I'm excited to have a warm destination for wintertime flying as chill permeates the air way up here in Minnesota. Bill Moyes and Orlando-resident Malcolm Jones have formed a partnership to purchase a 50-acre farm which they've converted to an Air Park. Since getting on the property earlier this year, numerous improvements have been made. They carted off many truckloads of junk and debris. They buried power lines that crossed one otherwise ideal runway. And they've made accommodations at the site for a couple full-time residents, both of whom are connected to the Dragonfly ultralight tug. (Get the park's name now?) ••• One is Bobby Bailey, the unique plane's designer. He and wife Connie are living in an elevated "farm house" that was present. A trailer home is occupied by tug driver and local diver, Russ Brown, plus another trailer home will house a visitor or two. The group will use an open barn and other space for Bailey's construction of aircraft. The purchase included a big ole tractor to knock down the grass on three different air strips. ••• Says part owner Moyes, "The park is a good thermal area and there have been many long flights. Towing and tuition (AussieSpeak for lessons) are available everyday." Co-owner Jones added, "The park has proven to have plenty of lift. We've had 35 pilots on a weekend. Many of them specked out." ••• In addition to the Dragonfly that you all know, Bailey has nearly completed his Tempest ultralight sailplane. The new soaring machine debuted at the company's booth at Oshkosh '93. This is the third generation of Bailey's effort to produce such a bird (the first being the Sierra I and II). I'll have more on this development later. ••• The Tempest isn't a rigid wing (or is it?), but it reminds me to pass on the Rigid Wing Reader's new address: Chuck McGill, P.O. Box 464, Olympia WA 98507. ••• In recent columns, a couple small product mentions were passed over. New Englander Scott Wise recently returned home from an extended stay at Henson's Gap, Tennessee. This talented pilot has developed a camera-pod system. With it you can attach a radio-controlled camera to various locations on your glider. I've examined the system and find it has many well-thought-out features. Maybe you can become famous-for-a-month in HG mag. Wise can supply you the whole works: 35 mm camera, mount bracket, a padded protective composite pod, a remote trigger or fancy radio trigger. Prices run from the low $100's to something over $300 for the deluxe system. However, as prices change on these goodies you should contact Wise's Feather Free Flight Accessories at 113 Perkins Place, Bath NY 14810. You can call 607/776-2534. ••• A new windsock outfit has emerged under the direction of Judy Bitton of Washington state. Her Air Gear Manufacturing also makes LZ targets and turnpoint markers... items you can't find at your local WalMart. For info on her goods, contact her at P.O. Box 1101, Vera Dale WA 99037 ••• To close, some preliminary info on a very exciting development. You've heard a few things about the Air Sports Council, a conglomeration of five associations serving sailplane pilots, balloon pilots, ultralight pilots, sky divers, and hang divers. Many believe the ASC offers tremendous potential for cooperation among the fly-for-fun crowd. Together the ASC represents over 60,000 aviators in the USA and this many check signers and voters implies real clout with various organizations. Governmental agencies, insurance companies, magazine printers... well, the list could go on, but the point is that the ASC may help true sport aviators get more site access, better insurance rates, and the like. The whole gang plans a joint convention during SSA's annual gathering next February in Chicago. I'll be there; will you? Interested in more poop? Ask your very own Yoo-shga! ••• That's it fer now, diver fans. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax/Msg to: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN — World Team fever is finally slowing, though most hang glider pilots I’ve spoken to feel good about TEAM USA’s achievement. We now turn to the fall season, a great time for soaring at many sites around the country. ••• One of the possibilities might be had when you and the family travel to Disney World in Florida. No, they won’t let you fly right at the big theme park; but only a scant seven miles south, a brand new site has opened. It’s also opened its arms to pilots (unlike Disney). Welcome to Dragonfly Park! Steven Speilberg has nothing to do with this park. I’ve been there and I’m excited to have a warm destination for wintertime flying as chill permeates the air way up here in Minnesota. Bill Moyes and Orlando-resident Malcolm Jones have formed a partnership to purchase a 50-acre farm which they’ve converted to an Air Park.

Product Lines – September 1993

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

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- The 1993 Worlds is history and Team USA brought home the gold for the first time ever. Hearty congratulations to the Team and all support members. ••• A number of calls or faxes arrived after the mention last month of new rigid wing developments. While rigids have yet to make a measurable impact in the market, interest in these "alternative" hang gliders remains keen. After observing this segment of our sport for nearly two decades, I see more interest and activity today than at any time prior. ••• First, let me pass along contact information (most requests directed to me ask for this info). • Want more on the Swift? Contact Bright Star at 707/576-7627. By the way, I may have sharply understated the cost of the Swift. Obtain pricing from the factory. • If interested in Don Mitchell's last design, the Stealth II, contact Tim Morley and Jeff Harlan at 209/523-6652 or 209/632-6684. • If interested in Danny Howell's Apex, call Glider Sport International at 909/696-0887. All are located in California, so plan your call time accordingly. ••• If you're just investigating rigid wings, you should be reading Chuck McGill's Rigid-Wing Reader. I continue to be impressed with McGill's effort to disseminate information. In each issue I've seen so far he hits the high points of several projects, while looking at one of them in greater detail. His editorializing is lucid as he argues for the need for new aircraft to aid the growth/development of hang gliding. So far it's free, though McGill has announced he'll tap you for a subscription at some point. FMI: P.O. Box 304, Mercer Island WA 98040. Issues consist of four sheets of legal-sized paper packed nearly solid with text and some line art. ••• A familiar name is behind the "new" Stealth II: Tim Morley. Many of you recognize Tim from his days as one of Wills Wing's road warriors, traveling the country rep'ing gliders. Others will associate his name with "that guy who put a control bar on a Mitchell Wing." Flying that machine, he made of the cover of my Whole Air magazine back in May of 1984. Unfortunately, not long after, Morley suffered a tandem accident that sharply curtailed his flying ambitions. Now, showing remarkable determination, he and partner Jeff Harlan will take the last Mitchell to new heights (and in some configuration that Tim can fly, I'd expect). ••• Don Mitchell's longtime associate, Richard Avalon, will break up the business and sell parts to selected buyers who can go forward with the designs in a commercial sense. Avalon sold Morley and Harlan the rights to all unpowered applications of the B-10 and Stealth II designs. Avalon himself will retain right to power these same aircraft (kind of the old powered hang glider concept). Obviously, he'll work closely with Morley and Harlan. Finally, he'll sell the powered ultralight versions of the U-2 and Victory Wing. The latter deal was still in negotiation as of the end of June. ••• Morley and Harlan have set up space to finish the Stealth II design and hope to fly in 1993. You see, talented Don Mitchell was one of those old timers who designed by building. He'd work out the details and then create drawings and plans. Avalon remembers, "This is the same way he designed the Victory Wing. On its very first flight, the aircraft was in perfect trim... virtually nothing needed to be corrected. Don was that caliber of designer." Since he was unable to finish the Stealth II before his death, Morley, Harlan, and Avalon will proceed from completed sections, lots of pictures, and a fundamental understanding of Mitchell designs. Though they'll have gaps to fill, Morley is confident they'll complete the project. Both he and Avalon say, "We want to keep it strictly Don Mitchell." They promise to keep us informed. ••• Though Danny Howell's Apex project has been out-of-sight, out-of-mind for many months, he claims they're definitely progressing. "We will be producing a rigid wing," assures Howell. Presently, work is focused on earning certification. As some rigid enthusiasts feel HGMA is oriented to rag wings, certifying the Apex may take time. Howell has enlisted good help, engaging Tom Price and Mark West for the effort. Howell added, "The wing is flying very well." It was out in trials in early July. ••• To close, an amplification: In my excitement to describe details of Wills Wing's new RamAir technology, I overlooked a significant point. Wills is proud of and their customers respect a policy of fully completing a design prior to releasing it for sale. I believe most readers are aware of this. However, such a policy means WW may work to refine ideas for a long time before any announcement. Releasing a new and certified glider is risky and expensive. I'm pleased quality builders like WW are willing to take the gamble. ••• Also failed to give proper credit to the chief architect of the new model. Steve Pearson is one of those behind-the-scenes innovators not always singled out when a new product is announced. In spite of my oversights in reporting, customers are clear in their reaction to the new model... the company had a deluge of orders placed without seeing a RamAir. What loyalty! ••• So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax/V-mail to: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — The 1993 Worlds is history and Team USA brought home the gold for the first time ever. Hearty congratulations to the Team and all support members. ••• A number of calls or faxes arrived after the mention last month of new rigid wing developments. While rigids have yet to make a measurable impact in the market, interest in these "alternative" hang gliders remains keen. After observing this segment of our sport for nearly two decades, I see more interest and activity today than at any time prior. ••• First, let me pass along contact information (most requests directed to me ask for this info). • Want more on the Swift? Contact Bright Star at 707/576-7627. By the way, I may have sharply understated the cost of the Swift. Obtain pricing from the factory. • If interested in Don Mitchell’s last design, the Stealth II, contact Tim Morley and Jeff Harlan at 209/523-6652 or 209/632-6684.

Product Lines – August 1993

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

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Unusually, we've got lots of glider news this month. Also, lots of action in rigid wings, with recent developments on the Tim Morley/Jeff Harlan acquisition of Don Mitchell's final design, the Stealth II, plus certification work on Glider Sports' Apex by Danny Howell. A few accessory items also remain in the news basket, but this month the focus is on gliders. ••• You probably read Dennis Pagen's entertaining intro to his flight report on the Enterprise Desire. He certainly hit the bullseye in reckoning a barrage of glider releases has a direct connection to the Mother of All Meets ('93 Owens Valley Worlds). ••• Fascinating to see the emergence of new technologies. With two companies pursuing them, the most significant development is shear ribs (term compliments of Bob Trampenau; Wills calls them fabric ribs). A close second is the internal deflexor of the Desire. Behind that are more mundane evolutionary steps like greater use of 7075 tubing and new sizes of previous models. Let's have a closer look. ••• Carl Braden has been associated with Enterprise for a long time. That recently changed, when he "left the company over a dispute in design," says USA rep, Nelson Howe. However, his brainchild, the internal deflexor, gives the Desire a uniqueness (for now... we'll see who else copies this clever idea). Howe credits the rest of the Desire to Mark Newland, an Enterprise associate for the last three years. You may recall he won the 1990 DinoNats on a Combat. The company planned to show their new 138 Desire at the Worlds. Though USHGA's 1992 survey didn't specifically list Enterprise (grouping them in the "other" category), it appears this other down-under brand has earned a niche in the American market. They've also penetrated Europe which has helped them attract Canadian ace, Randy Haney, who "terminated his relationship with Wills Wing Europe," according to Howe. ••• With typical verve, Wills made a splash with their new RamAir 154. The newest WW model uses air pressurization, via a ram scoop, to separate upper and lower surface, neatly eliminating the "dimple" formed by the lower sail pressing on the crossbar. In combination with fabric ribs, this "defines the bottom surface profile" reports a recent Wills Dealer Bulletin. Though "at low speeds the bottom surface prints lightly on the crossbar..." at higher speeds, "inlet pressure increases and the airfoil inflates to the limits of the fabric ribs." Wills says, "Over the last year, we have evaluated hundreds of variations of rib shape, inlet design," and other aspects of the RamAir. Another benefit is found in assembly time which is "approximately 30% less... than an HP." The results? Wills maintains that "by 35 [mph], the RamAir consistently beats HPs by 25 to 50 feet per minute." Will pilots buy it at the intro price of $4,395? The question is already answered, resoundingly, as 100 orders arrive within the first week of release, and "no one has seen one yet," says WW prez, Rob Kells. ••• Particularly interesting is that Seedwings is right in the forefront of this new idea. Bob Trampenau's latest 610s will feature what he calls shear ribs. The internal fabric ribs are like aircraft ribs in that they work to form both upper and lower surface, a far more precise method than the lower-battens-and-V-strap method used on previous Sensors. "Shear ribs," reports Trampenau, "add to the level of technology" seen in his gliders. None of you sky gods should be surprised. Bob has long set a pace for our industry with many innovative technical developments. He says his work on this rib system dates back three years while he was still making the 510E. After computer analysis, he "discovered an optimum lower surface shape." Bob sought a way to keep the surfaces from blowing apart. The internal fabric rib system was the answer. It also permits elimination of half the lower ribs (from 4 to 2) and saves a pound while still letting a 610 hit 86-87 mph on the test vehicle! He uses the remaining lower ribs to reduce twist by retaining an element of longitudinal rigidity... that is, the undersurface ribs linked to the shear ribs. ••• Bill Moyes sent a newsletter which reports two sizes of the XS3 "have been lightened with Swiss tubing," whereas the XS2 used American 6061 tubing. The new XS3 release is available in 142 and 155 models. In addition, he says the XR "has completed Certification testing and is being well accepted." The XR is aimed at advanced intermediate pilots. The 149 square foot model works for pilots 130 to 220 pounds. On a related note, Moyes will begin introducing the Moyes/Bailey Dragonfly towplane to Europe this summer. Their Tempest ultralight sailplane should debut at Oshkosh, says Florida contact, Malcolm Jones. Diverse company... Moyes. ••• Not to be left out, Pacific Airwave is promoting their K-series. In a reverse order, the larger the K#, the smaller the diver, it seems (K3 163, K4 155, and K5 148). The company sought to inform dealers to advise customers about the importance of wing loading. Though tiny gliders may be all the rage, "a pilot at the top of a weight range will wash the tips out more and actually degrade the handling." They have a fix: rotate the tips down about an eighth inch. ••• As I write this, the '93 Worlds should be producing a champion. Stay tuned to see how these exciting new gliders faired in the big meet! ••• In closing, a brief tribute. I've long had a keen interest in the promotion of our sport. I've felt we need to reach folks beyond these pages. One man shared this interest and worked hard and successfully to do something about it. Rod Hauser created a place for hang gliding at the Oshkosh and Sun 'n Fun airshows. No one else had ever accomplished such a penetration of the airshow good-ole-boy network. I salute Rod and will remember him. Rod left a bit of himself to forever thermal over the crowds of these huge aviation events, showing them the type of flying he dearly loved. I hope we can keep his energy going. ••• So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax/msg: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Unusually, we’ve got lots of glider news this month. Also, lots of action in rigid wings, with recent developments on the Tim Morley/Jeff Harlan acquisition of Don Mitchell’s final design, the Stealth II, plus certification work on Glider Sports’ Apex by Danny Howell. A few accessory items also remain in the news basket, but this month the focus is on gliders. ••• You probably read Dennis Pagen’s entertaining intro to his flight report on the Enterprise Desire. He certainly hit the bullseye in reckoning a barrage of glider releases has a direct connection to the Mother of All Meets (’93 Owens Valley Worlds). ••• Fascinating to see the emergence of new technologies. With two companies pursuing them, the most significant development is shear ribs (term compliments of Bob Trampenau; Wills calls them fabric ribs). A close second is the internal deflexor of the Desire. Behind that are more mundane evolutionary steps like greater use of 7075 tubing and new sizes of previous models.

Product Lines – July 1993

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

ST. PAUL -- The ole "PL" news basket is overflowing again, so let's get right into the fun stuff... Some accessory items were left over from last month. More will appear next month. ••• Chris Smith's Cloudbase company has a new harness. A modern design called the Flex, it differentiates itself with a multiple-part rigid support system. Instead of the usual pair of tubes that run front to rear, Smith has engineered a three-piece system. The forward two supports are welded chrome moly steel... small, light, strong. The leg frame is more conventional aluminum. These parts permit the pilot to "bunch up" (for high speed flying). It also means the Flex will fold more neatly into your carrybag. Another variation from competing brands is that CG is adjusted at the middle-back support location. Most contemporary bag harnesses "adjust their CG at the shoulder lines," which, according to Chris, "can be quite uncomfortable." Yet another distinguishing feature is the "use of continuous webbing construction, rather than depending on the strength of ballistic cloth," explains Smith. The webbing approach allows Cloudbase to sew the Flex by placing the leg straps in line with the main suspension. Chris feels this is stronger in the event of a 'chute deployment. Another unique feature is the more easily-replaced main suspension webbing. "The main interfaces directly with the steel supports, which doesn't happen with standard construction," detailed Smith. This can help "size" the Flex to your glider plus offers far easier maintenance when the time comes to replace exposed main support webbing. The Flex is priced near the Z3. FMI: 706/398-3964. ••• Mr. Prolific, Dennis Pagen, has just released his most ambitious book production to date. "Performance Flying" is a large (8.5 x 11) volume with 350 pages, 70 photos, and 334 illustrations by Pagen. Color cover photography was supplied by John Heiney, Nelson Howe, and Wills Wing. Thirteen chapters cover all the topics you'd expect but the graphic and organizational style is Pagen's slickest effort to date. Further setting it apart -- besides the Big Book format -- are tips from experts. These tidbits of "margin wisdom" include quotes and anecdotes from competition masters. Says the author, "It's as big as a Kalamazoo phone book and a lot more fun to read." This information has been announced to shops, so you should begin to see "PF" near your flying site. Mark Bennett is credited as "editor." It sells for $29.95 plus $2.50 S&H. FMI: Box 101, Mingoville PA 16856. ••• Switch-the-Chuck's-Dept: The new Rigid Wing Reader is out, now produced by Chuck McGill, taking over from innovator Chuck Rhodes. The publishing effort is timely, with renewed activity in rigid wing hang gliders being propelled by the Swift (see below). In issue #1, McGill jam packed eight legal-sized sheets with an eclectic combination of announcements, editorials, news, and history. The contents include an potent argument for rigid wing certification, a futuristic scenario where only by homebuilding will hang gliding continue, and updates on various rigid wing projects. I found it interesting and well written. McGill will send you a copy or two for free, then asking a subscription. Unless you're confined to "mainstream hang gliding" you ought to read RWR. Drop McGill a line at P.O. Box 304, Mercer Island WA 98040. ••• Swift builders are trying to go more swiftly as orders pile up. Brightstar's Brian Robbins confirmed 34 USA orders plus another 29 already arrived at their recently-licensed European builder. At nearly $10 Grand a pop, this represents one of the most successful surges for any rigid wing production that I can recall. Workers at Brightstar are more concerned about getting production geared up than soliciting new orders. It's an exciting start and I congratulate them. ••• Late-breaking news compliments of USHGA's Jerry Bruning... The Sandia Classic ended a contest with seven of eight days flyable. From a field of 45-50 pilots, the high-points meet was won by high-flying Kari Castle. She was trailed by Nelson Howe, Larry Tudor, Mark Bennett, and Pete Lehmann. Though Kari's abilities are unquestionably strong, it's interesting to see her beat the big boys. This should accelerate her rise to prominence. Castle was recently featured in a large editorial by Europe's Drachenflieger magazine. The German publication looked at the person as well as her ability in a complimentary story. Congrats, Kari! Keep on climbin'! ••• In closing, I'd like to invite you to pick up a copy of the August '93 Kitplanes. The issue contains a story on Wills Wing written by yours truly (he writes, somewhat immodestly). 'Course you sky god will know it all. Merely my attempt to pass the good word about how neat hang gliding is. The magazine is seen by 150,000 readers who are interested in "alternative aviation." You'll find this Kitplanes issue on most newsstands right now. Watch for other hang gliding stories in this publication in successive months. ••• Got news or opinions? Send 'em to 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax/msg: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL — The ole "PL" news basket is overflowing again, so let’s get right into the fun stuff… Some accessory items were left over from last month. More will appear next month. ••• Chris Smith’s Cloudbase company has a new harness. A modern design called the Flex, it differentiates itself with a multiple-part rigid support system. Instead of the usual pair of tubes that run front to rear, Smith has engineered a three-piece system. The forward two supports are welded chrome moly steel… small, light, strong. The leg frame is more conventional aluminum. These parts permit the pilot to "bunch up" (for high speed flying). It also means the Flex will fold more neatly into your carrybag. Another variation from competing brands is that CG is adjusted at the middle-back support location. Most contemporary bag harnesses "adjust their CG at the shoulder lines," which, according to Chris, "can be quite uncomfortable." Yet another distinguishing feature is the "use of continuous webbing construction, rather than depending on the strength of ballistic cloth," explains Smith.

Product Lines – June 1993

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

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Having just returned from the scene of the East Coast Championships (ECC), I feel safe in declaring the cross country season "Open." The ECC, hosted each year by Sequatchie Valley Soaring Supply in Dunlap, Tennessee, was a success with four solid rounds. The 450-point meet was won by Butch Peachy in his UP-TRX. Behind Peachy were #2 Brad Koji (Wills Wing); #3 Ken Brown (Pac Air); #4 Zoar Dog (AKA Jerry Braswell on a Wills); and #5 Eric Kaye (Wills Wing). ••• In addition to the main contest another grueling match earned keen competitor interest. Yep, the Fat Boys Glide Off brought new meaning to the phrase, Leisure Class. Tim Donovan won the FBGO in his Sensor. The event was popular enough to bring plans for the '94 event, though you'll have to fit a Lifestyle Formula to see if you can qualify. Good humor from organizers Rick Jacob and Cliff Whitney, co-proprietors of SVS. ••• This was a unusual meet, communication-wise. Computer hacker, Cliff Whitney ground out the "Daily News" each morning including real news of the previous day as well as fun comments. Almost every day, Elvis sitings were reported. Whitney had also produced a color meet program on his Macintosh ••• No doubt a good thing for some competitors, Paul "Mr. Whack" Voight was not present. He might have gotten some prime footage for Whack, Too. In actuality, Voight's Whack Tape is no doubt sufficiently exciting already. Paul says, "After three years of procrastinating, I decided to update and make publicly available my 'whack tape' which is simply a collage of embarrassing moments culled from about 70 private and commercial videos." Voight added some music to smoothen transitions. It's definitely fun, a hang gliding "insiders" delight. Is it valid for training? "Well," says Paul, "it offers, coincidentally, an interesting study in landing technique." Kind of a how-not-to video... gotta see it? Call 914/744-3317. ••• You saw Just Fly's second ad in HG magazine. You didn't? Well, you might want to find it in this issue. Kind of a different idea for pilots proud of our magnificent sport. Just Fly from GW Meadows offers you numerous ways to tell the world of your hang gliding interest. Says GeeDub, "We're just putting an aviator's touch on fun items, all high quality stuff with an unconditional money back guarantee." Yep, he's not trying to compete with catalogs like those mailed earlier this year by Sequatchie Valley Soaring or Golden Wings. Just Fly sells no hang gliding equipment and they aren't aimed at becoming a shop. The operation is run full-time by HG writer GW Meadows who entered the biz in January 1993 after establishing a partnership with Windsports shop owner, Joe Greblo. Using their own screen printing equipment, Just Fly boasts a wide line of clothing emblazoned with HG and PG graphics; auto shades, plate frames, and tire covers for your vehicle; wallets, hats, and gloves for your body; plus ...(huh?), a toilet seat. Well, I guess you'll just have to be sure you get your free catalog, due out as I write this in early May. Call 919/480-3552. ••• After mentioning the above gear catalogs back in the 2/93 issue of HG, Kentuckiana Soaring faxed to remind me they, too, have been mail order selling HG stuff since 1990. Jim Kelley's focus is decidedly electronic (though doesn't include the new wave of electronic vario/altimeters/etc). Kentuckiana specializes in radios, representing a half dozen brands including ham radio gear. Kelley recently added GPS navigation gear. Prices look quite aggressive: an ICOM A-21 air band transceiver is sale priced at $485; a Trimble FlightMate GPS is priced at $800. Both figures are less than I've seen in ads for big mail order houses in general aviation magazines. Call 812/288-7111. ••• Concluding, I'm personally pleased to report USHGA's representation at Sun 'n Fun. The Lakeland, Florida airshow has become one of the aviation world's true heavyweights. Attendance will approach 400,000 for '93! USHGA wasn't just present... the organization looked good. Housed in their own blue and yellow striped tent (thanks to bargaining by Rod Hauser), USHGA staffers and local club members presented our sport in its best light ever at one of these mainstream aviation events. In addition, hard work by Hauser and Bill Bryden regularly kept hang gliders in the air in front of crowds. Help for this time consuming effort came from too many names to mention here. Hopefully a short article will provide additional details. I've done a bit of investigation to find certain indications that new HG pilots enter the sport because of these promotional efforts. ••• That's all, diver fans. Got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or msg: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Having just returned from the scene of the East Coast Championships (ECC), I feel safe in declaring the cross country season "Open." The ECC, hosted each year by Sequatchie Valley Soaring Supply in Dunlap, Tennessee, was a success with four solid rounds. The 450-point meet was won by Butch Peachy in his UP-TRX. Behind Peachy were #2 Brad Koji (Wills Wing); #3 Ken Brown (Pac Air); #4 Zoar Dog (AKA Jerry Braswell on a Wills); and #5 Eric Kaye (Wills Wing). ••• In addition to the main contest another grueling match earned keen competitor interest. Yep, the Fat Boys Glide Off brought new meaning to the phrase, Leisure Class. Tim Donovan won the FBGO in his Sensor. The event was popular enough to bring plans for the ’94 event, though you’ll have to fit a Lifestyle Formula to see if you can qualify. Good humor from organizers Rick Jacob and Cliff Whitney, co-proprietors of SVS.

Product Lines – May 1993

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

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- May is always a special time of year for me. You see, each May I start another year in the "Product Lines" logbook. I appreciate your loyal readership as I conclude 14 years and begin No. 15 of writing this lil' ole column. My "THANKS!" at the end of each column couldn't be more sincere. I'll work hard to keep your readership as another year passes. Well, on with the show... ••• Lots of well-deserved hoopla for Wills Wing's 20th Anniversary. I visited the factory just before all the action (for a story that will appear on Wills Wing in the July '93 issue of Kitplanes... look on newsstands everywhere in late May). WW Prez Kells gave me a thorough tour -- well, that is, after they hid any new goodies they might have so you don't read about 'em prematurely in this column. The tour ended in the design offices of Steve Pearson. I was pleased to see an old friend assisting Steve at one of the CAD computers: Roy Haggard. Roy's been involved in the aerospace design community for a few years. Good to see him using the same creative talents that once brought us the Comet. ••• Meanwhile another manufacturer has reached a twenty-year point. Though Seedwings's Bob Trampenau has not been manufacturing that long, he has been designing and constructing since January, 1973. Back then his focus was on something he called the Petrel, a foam and fiberglass foot-launchable wing that was featured in a 1974 issue of Soaring magazine. Interestingly, Bob conferred about this design with Erwin Rodger, another east coast enthusiast who would later design the Cloud Dancer ultralight motorglider. After the Petrel, Trampenau chose to stray from "conventional" materials; he turned to tubing and Dacron. His Sunseed followed in '74 and was popularized by Eric Raymond though it never went into production. That transition machine led to the first Sensor in 1975. Most of you know the history from then to now. The Sensors are in their sixth generation and have lost quite a few squares in the passage of time. ••• Now Bob reports building what he calls "small batches," meaning 30 units at a time. His line includes the 610-152 and 144 which he says, "work out very well for batch production." Seedwings continues to attract those pilots looking for something special and most of their customers are fiercely loyal. As is his manner, Trampenau looks for continual refinements. His latest involves new crossbar pull-back hardware that cuts the loads in half while simultaneously reducing the hardware volume by half. ••• Our sport got some excellent coverage in the AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Ass'n) magazine, Pilot. This in-house magazine goes out to the 265,000 members of AOPA making it what I believe is the second-largest circulated flying magazine on the planet. The author is a familiar name: former HG writer, Eric Fair. Spanning nine pages and earning a mention on the cover, Fair's piece, "The Flyingest Flying There Is" presents our favorite way to fly in an excellent light. Most meaningful was a sidebar called "Taking the Plunge" by AOPA editor, Mark Twombly. Except for mentioning that he saw "more than a few" pilots who "had trouble" landing, his view was positive (he also complimented his tandem instructor, Rob McKenzie). Photos were credited to Jeff Elgart of the USHGA offices. ••• Speaking of McKenzie... this enterprising tandem pilot has helped orchestrate a huge new field for those flying Crestline. At the recent board of directors meeting in Colorado Springs, McKenzie told me the whole story. It's great! Kind of a bad news/good news thing, the LZ was first lost for hang gliding. New federal owners took over and that brought activity to a temporary halt. McKenzie and others got to work right away. They enlisted an L.A. pilot with lots of experience at dealing with the bureaucratic mind: guru Joe Greblo (owner of Windsports). McKenzie says Joe did a superlative job assembling and presenting a convincing package. Rob also gives credit to the site's founder, Andy Jackson, who, by establishing an airpark many years ago, created a situation that ultimately resulted in taxpayer money being used to build a proper LZ. The total State of California budget will exceed $500,000 to make the field right. Part of this massive expenditure is for 200,000 20-yard truckloads of earth to level the field! The new LZ will open by fall of this year. Hearty congratulations to Rob, Joe, and the San Bernardino members who helped. ••• In closing... you'll read more about the Air Sports Council, a conglomeration of five groups representing hang gliders, sailplanes, ultralights, sky divers, and balloons. The G5 boasts over 60,000 members and this gives the ASC some real Washington D.C.-style clout. The USHGA directors voted to ratify the accord at the end of March '93. As USHGA was the last to approve the pact, the ASC can now go forward with its mission. More on this later. ••• Next time, info on Just Fly's new goodies line, and Paul Voight's witty whack wideo. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or msg to: 612/450-0930 THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — May is always a special time of year for me. You see, each May I start another year in the "Product Lines" logbook. I appreciate your loyal readership as I conclude 14 years and begin No. 15 of writing this lil’ ole column. My "THANKS!" at the end of each column couldn’t be more sincere. I’ll work hard to keep your readership as another year passes. Well, on with the show… ••• Lots of well-deserved hoopla for Wills Wing’s 20th Anniversary. I visited the factory just before all the action (for a story that will appear on Wills Wing in the July ’93 issue of Kitplanes… look on newsstands everywhere in late May). WW Prez Kells gave me a thorough tour — well, that is, after they hid any new goodies they might have so you don’t read about ’em prematurely in this column. The tour ended in the design offices of Steve Pearson.

Product Lines – April 1993

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

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- April means spring flying just about anywhere in the USA! In this year of the American-hosted World Meet, let's pray the weather gods see fit to send us abundant thermals. ••• As we enter THE SEASON our attention turns from the new gliders and other major equipment to accessories and other goodies. This month we've a interesting selection ...but first, a couple international stories that should catch your attention. ••• The big Israeli company, APCO, announced a new world record flight. No, not in one of their hang gliders. Instead two pilots flew 281.50 and 278 kilometers in Apco Astra 30 paragliders. Even when you convert these flights to 176 and 174 miles, this accomplishment deserves attention. The paragliding 200 mile barrier may be broken before long. Alex Louw and Andrew Smith performed these flights at the end of '92 in South Africa. The flights were documented and FAI filing has been done. Bravo, fellow aviators! ••• Perhaps more amazing is APCO's reward. The company had offered a $10,000 cash prize. When's the last time you heard of that kind of money for a single flight? ••• Up in merry old England, the properly stuffy bureaucrats in the British equivalent of the FAA have finally chosen to evaluate aerotowing. While most other countries have been moving for years, the Brits don't want to be accused of a knee-jerk response, I guess. This should provide some, ah, stimulus (in ClintonSpeak) to aerotug designers. The CAA already certifies British trikes... to some VERY demanding standards. Since they'll force this certification on the tugs that companies like Solar Wings are preparing, two things will follow: (1) the aircraft will be strong, airworthy vehicles that could break new ground technologically, however, (2) we ordinary humans may not be able to afford them except maybe as clubs. The expense of meeting such government-mandated certification is quite high. Nonetheless, I applaud their entry to the development of this form of towing. ••• Back in the USA, our FAA is stepping up enforcement against so-called illegal ultralights. (Actually, the FAA says, they aren't illegal ultralights; they're really "illegal airplanes.") Failure to have the proper credentials could cost you a bundle. Some powered ultralight pilots have already been fined. So much for our "kinder and gentler" FAA, huh? If you're operating an aerotug, get legal or fly it at some risk. Executive Director Bruning and Dennis Pagen drafted a good petition that may fix the problem, but these government things take time. ••• Goodies time... Southwind HG announces development of a new full race helmet. A Kevlar/carbon laminate with PVC foam liner, the helmet weighs just two pounds. Periphery vision is said to be superior among full-face helmets. A hang gliding-specific design, the original "Brain Bucket" has logged a couple years airtime with positive feedback from owners. "They like the cush fit, light weight, and quality," says proprietor Bob Schick, operator of the SLC-UT outfit. They report working with the Snell Foundation to establish a specific standard for hang/para gliding helmets. Info should be ready for presentation to HGMA/USHGA by June. Both the Brain Bucket and BB Full Race are available in S-M-L with colors and customizations. Call 801/359-6036. ••• Sail Wing HG out of Little Rock, AR (you know where that's at now, huh?) offers custom camouflage-colored glider bags. I suppose they'll hide well in the woods while you secure a ride back... hope you can find your glider later. Oh, they have "regular" colors as well. All bags feature a full-length zipper with reinforced ends. But true long-distance flyers will opt for their X-C bag, a water-repellent, four-ounce Nylon bag for $70 (which includes the shipping). You can get their standard bag for $80 (also post-paid). It's made from a water-repellent eight-ounce Nylon. Since these are custom bags, get your measurements and call 501/663-3166. ••• When you've landed, a fresh T-shirt may help get a ride back. A couple creative Canadian guys in the desktop publishing biz have prepared some new HG/PG designs. They're sharp, different, big designs on both front and back. And somehow, they claim to be "one size fits all." Hmmm? Clever stuff you haven't seen before. Good sense of humor, too. Call 416/770-8293 (test the U.S/Canada free-trade pact). ••• Last, a bit more serious, a British instructor has written IBM-compatible software to provide an HG Ground School course. Using an ordinary PC, except with a mouse, the program looks complete and simple to use. It might offer a modern way to learn the bookwork end of hang gliding. If interested, dial the following: 011-44-202-483-847 (remember, they're about 6 hours ahead). ••• Outta space. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Msg/Fax to: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — April means spring flying just about anywhere in the USA! In this year of the American-hosted World Meet, let’s pray the weather gods see fit to send us abundant thermals. ••• As we enter THE SEASON our attention turns from the new gliders and other major equipment to accessories and other goodies. This month we’ve a interesting selection …but first, a couple international stories that should catch your attention. ••• The big Israeli company, APCO, announced a new world record flight. No, not in one of their hang gliders. Instead two pilots flew 281.50 and 278 kilometers in Apco Astra 30 paragliders. Even when you convert these flights to 176 and 174 miles, this accomplishment deserves attention. The paragliding 200 mile barrier may be broken before long. Alex Louw and Andrew Smith performed these flights at the end of ’92 in South Africa. The flights were documented and FAI filing has been done.

Product Lines – March 1993

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

ST. PAUL, MINN -- For those concerned about the outcome of the 1993 World Meet, the first one ever in the USA... oh, you didn't know it was in trouble? After Tom Kreyche's surprising last-minute withdrawal as the meet organizer, this important biannual international event was in jeopardy. (Not exactly a fitting way for America to enter sponsorship of the Mother of all Hang Gliding Meets, eh?) Kreyche wrote that "for health and sanity reasons," he would "permanently retire" from running meets. The meet requires approval of the local organizer (by FAI in Paris), so the late pullout threatened the Owens event. ••• "Mr. Green Team" to the rescue... Jim Zeiset has accepted responsibility for the '93 Worlds. Within a couple weeks of Kreyche's stunning announcement, Zeiset had proposed taking over. I'll leave details to those interested in competition trivia, but it appears TEAM USA will keep the chance to host the meet (possibly removing some of the egg from our collective faces). ••• The 1993 World Meet will start on June 24. Closing ceremonies will be held July 11. If you'd like more information, you can write Zeiset at 13154 County Road 140; Salida CO 81201. Or you can call/fax to 719/539-3900. ••• USHGA's annual survey report in last month's HG mag left out some detail in a closely-watched area: market share of glider builders. Not surprising to anyone, Wills continued its solid dominance of the U.S. market. However, they slid a point to 40.9% (from 43.1% in 1991). The small changes in share appear to show that no builder offered a glider that particularly caught the fascination of Yankee pilots (like the TRX did in '91). • PacAir convincingly held onto second place at 26.9%, up a shade from 25.3% in 1991. They've been fairly steady at that percentage since 1989. • UP Int'l slipped only a tenth (10.5% from 10.6%) in spite of their company restructuring discussed here in the 1/93 issue. • Moyes finally took over fourth place; they've been close before but some brand always eclipsed them. Now the Down Under company upped their piece of the action almost 25% more than 1991, finishing 1992 with 6.3%. • Seedwings had been rock steady at about 5.5% since the '80s. However, during 1991, they slipped to only 3.3%, a result of their focus on setting up new European operations, says boss Bob Trampenau. • Delta Wing, now closed for over a year, nonetheless held on tenaciously to sixth place, losing only a couple tenths to finish at 4.9%. Delta Wing sold their line to Air Sports Int'l and it's possible glider owners listed their brand as Delta Wing (ASI didn't show up under its own name). • Finally, La Mouette fell by half from their already-low position (to 0.6% from 1.2% in '91). • Brands listed as "other" had 5.4%, suggesting USHGA needs to specify these brands that collectively tie for 5th place. • Wills Wing, though off slightly (down a minor 6% from their '91 share), has clearly found a new leadership plateau, solidly over 40%, up from about a third of the market in the late 1980s. ••• The L/D harness, announced last month, is the work of former Fly America aerial voyagers, Cindy Drozda and Ian Huss. They made a plan and chose to assure (1) in-air comfort, (2) easy landing capabilities, (3) storage space for X-C gear, and (4) easy to fold with light weight. Cindy admits, "R&D actually turned out to be much more complicated and difficult that we were expecting." She says they learned a lot while researching how to build what they wanted. After a dozen prototypes, they feel they're ready to enter production. "I've got a lot of respect for the 'high prices' of harnesses these days," said Cindy, adding, "They're a lot of work and the materials are expensive." To help encourage early buyers, L/D is offering $100 in cash for the first photo of their harness on the cover of this rag. ••• The Ian side of the L/D equation is now involved with building platform-type winches. Equipped with auto rewind, the "Mobile Mountain" winches weigh in at 70 pounds. Ian expects to retail them for $2,500. Want more poop on either product line? Write 5000 Butte #183; Boulder CO 80301. Or call 303/440-3579. ••• To close this month, boss Ken Brown expressed his satisfaction with the response to PacAir's factory-sponsored seminars. They had to add "two additional seminars ...to accommodate the overflow," said Brown. Based on a high level of excitement, PacAir will schedule more. Brown added, "This kind of sellout is an indication [of] a real need out in the flying community... for activities that go beyond the standard factory demo days." For more info: 408/482-2299. ••• Whoa, diver fans! We're outta room again. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset; St. Paul MN 55118. Msg/fax to: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN — For those concerned about the outcome of the 1993 World Meet, the first one ever in the USA… oh, you didn’t know it was in trouble? After Tom Kreyche’s surprising last-minute withdrawal as the meet organizer, this important biannual international event was in jeopardy. (Not exactly a fitting way for America to enter sponsorship of the Mother of all Hang Gliding Meets, eh?) Kreyche wrote that "for health and sanity reasons," he would "permanently retire" from running meets. The meet requires approval of the local organizer (by FAI in Paris), so the late pullout threatened the Owens event. ••• "Mr. Green Team" to the rescue… Jim Zeiset has accepted responsibility for the ’93 Worlds. Within a couple weeks of Kreyche’s stunning announcement, Zeiset had proposed taking over. I’ll leave details to those interested in competition trivia, but it appears TEAM USA will keep the chance to host the meet (possibly removing some of the egg from our collective faces).

Product Lines – February 1993

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

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Mail-order Mania... as two U.S. shops branch out into hang gliding mail order sales. The first one out is a slickly-produced booklet with color accents mailed recently by Tennessee's Sequatchie Valley Soaring Supply (or more simply: SVS). Their 16-page catalog is professionally laid out and uses professionally-shot photos for a top-notch appearance. The catalog is full of accessory items from Thermitts and gloves to a broad helmet line to instruments plus many smaller accessories. The service does not duplicate your local shop in that some items are SVS-designed while others are exclusively imported by SVS. If you didn't get a copy (their premier mailing was widely distributed), call their toll-free line and request one: 1-800/34-GLIDE (or 344-5433). It looks as good as a lot of those catalogs that fill your mailbox and has much more interesting stuff in it. ••• The second entry ironically came out just on the heels of the SVS catalog. This one is from Colorado's Golden Wings. While not as slick as the SVS edition, Golden's catalog -- a series of stapled pages -- has several items not featured in the SVS booklet. For example, the Golden catalog has paraswivels, more hardware items, oxygen gear, and a few air toys. Golden also prominently promotes the new L/D harness (see "PL" next month). You'll probably want both catalogs. Golden also offers toll-free dialing: 1-800/677-4449. ••• Interesting to note that both outfits stay miles away from selling gliders via the mail. A strength of the HG community is that most everyone is aware of the dangers if gliders are sold to untrained pilots. This offers a sharp contrast to kit-built airplanes which are usually sold to customers the factory never meets. Good for our sport! ••• Seedwings is nearing completion on their newest Sensor 610-152 model, "a direct replacement for the 510-160," says proprietor Bob Trampenau. The 152 features more span with eight less square feet (than the 510-160) yet doesn't increase the stall speed. Vne is also up, from 46 on the older 510 model to 62 mph on the 610 bird, an impressive 35% gain. Bob reports, "It uses a unique semi-cantilevered cross tube," where the side wires connect to the cross tube well inboard of the X-bar/LE junction. He claims this reduces flying wire drag while "substantially increasing cross tube strength," perhaps verified by load testing to 86 mph! Flight characteristics are said to include better turn coordination and Bob adds, "ease of landing is extraordinarily good." Trampenau feels strongly that the industry trend toward 150 ft2 or smaller gliders will replace all larger wing sizes. The prime motivator? Speed! ...for cross country. ••• Sales of the 152 and other 610 sizes have been aided by good resale values on Seedwings' 510C model. "Typically a 510C pilots sells his wing so he can buy the 610, and he finds a ready market for his older glider," reports Trampenau. ••• Ken Brown concluded the first of his seminars announced earlier. "Response was tremendous," he says. "[This has] prompted us to hold two additional seminars for towing and tandem." Both workshops filled within days of their announcement. The towing clinic is just over, while the tandem clinic may be happening as you read this. Call PacAir for more in this popular series: 408/422-2299. ••• PacAir is also delighted to announce that record holder Kevin Christoferson will return to their team. After his 287-mile flight in '89, PacAir feels Kevin could succeed in his effort to break Tudor's 303 mile, tow-launched record. He'll be flying a large K3-160 to help in lighter air. ••• The O2 man, Mountain High's Pat McLaughlin, reports their electronic oxygen delivery system (EDS) has extended a cylinder's service time by 10-12 times in tests they've conducted. The clever system makes use of the fact that we humans exhale during two thirds of our breathing cycle. The EDS delivers the gas when needed, then shuts off while the pilot breathes out. It can automatically detect when you stop inhaling. Called an "inhalation pulsing technique," precious O2 supplies are not wasted. The device can also sense altitude and accordingly provides more oxygen at higher altitudes. In the event of a system failure, you can throw an emergency switch and have a fixed flow. An audible ("No-Flow") alarm signals you that you've switched off or have exhausted the supply. Pretty high-tech sounding, you'll want their literature for a fuller explanation. Call 801/364-4171. ••• Late-breaking news includes a "crack-down on aerotowing," specifically the tow vehicle's description. Details are still sketchy, but if you're involved in this activity, I recommend you contact USHGA boss Jerry Bruning for further advice. ••• Outta room again. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or Msg: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Mail-order Mania… as two U.S. shops branch out into hang gliding mail order sales. The first one out is a slickly-produced booklet with color accents mailed recently by Tennessee’s Sequatchie Valley Soaring Supply (or more simply: SVS). Their 16-page catalog is professionally laid out and uses professionally-shot photos for a top-notch appearance. The catalog is full of accessory items from Thermitts and gloves to a broad helmet line to instruments plus many smaller accessories. The service does not duplicate your local shop in that some items are SVS-designed while others are exclusively imported by SVS. If you didn’t get a copy (their premier mailing was widely distributed), call their toll-free line and request one: 1-800/34-GLIDE (or 344-5433). It looks as good as a lot of those catalogs that fill your mailbox and has much more interesting stuff in it. ••• The second entry ironically came out just on the heels of the SVS catalog.

Product Lines – January 1993

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

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Well, now that you've reached the "back of the book," what do you think of the new changes editor Gil Dodgen has made (with help from Tim Rinker)? The board of directors approved a graphic makeover in the interest of maintaining contemporary looks for HGM, one of the most popular benefits of USHGA membership. Several years have passed since the last redesign. ••• An irony in timing, Britain's Skywings magazine just implemented cosmetic changes as well. At the same time -- though the reasons are unrelated -- Editor Tim Williams resigned after eight years in the post. As were the Brits with Tim, we're fortunate to have a talented and longtime editor in Gil Dodgen. He's won awards for your magazine. He does all the layouts and edits all the articles and letters. Like Tim, Gil is basically a one-man band though he's logged twice as much time as editor. If memory serves correctly, Gil is entering his sixteenth year. Of course, he's supported by the USHGA office staff in several important functions (ad billings, classified ads, Jeff Elgart's slick photography, etc.). Nonetheless, most of the crankin' and bankin' to produce HG mag is done solo by the Gilster. ••• Another point of simultaneous irony comes as the Brits amalgamated their hang gliding association (BHGA) and their paragliding association (BAPC) into the BHPA (British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association). With USHGA taking over office operations from the defunct APA, some may wonder if such a "merger" will take place in America (unlikely!). We wish Tim, Skywings II, and the new BHPA all the best. ••• Interesting to ponder the message of UP's new ad in HG magazine. Late last summer, after the departure of main men Mike Haley and GW Meadows, the rumor mill was grinding away. Some had UP out of business, their money source evaporated. Others spoke of "acts of desperation," meaning factory direct selling to consumers. Big dealers were reportedly dropping the UP line. As with most rumors, some truth was buried behind the whispered stories. Says former Torrey Rat, now a UP production test pilot, Bill Hall, "We decided that we didn't want the high profile, high expenditure ways of the past. We took a more team approach within the company ...staff meetings, everyone involved with decision making." He admits sales have slowed with all the changes, but is convinced things are on a better track. ••• As a sidebar, he also reports they do the majority of their routine test flying after tows from UP's Dragonfly tug ultralight. "It works incredibly well [for this purpose]," he says. ••• On the road in Dunlap, Tennesse (at Sequatchie Valley Soaring), Vice President Monte Bell adds, "The XTC series introduces the auto X-bar tensioning system for ultra-quick set up." As the company is German Güteseigel approved and with their UP-Europe operation finding success, they needed to offer lay-flat gliders. The feature is important to European pilots. Bell further stated, "The '93 quick set up will be added to the entire line of gliders, to include a folding base tube, auto X-bar, and constant VG attachment. And yes, this will be retro available." Further, he reports work on a new tandem glider. Finally, they've signed on highly-ranked competition pilot Tony Barton to provide additional info on UP products. Just dial 800/COME-2-UP. ••• Even such promising news won't quash all the rumors. If you have doubts or concerns, the old way may work the best: ask them yourself. If the response satisfies you, fine. After all, with the 800 number, it's their dime. ••• Late breaking news includes a new size Vision Pulse from PacAir. The 9 meter model has 29 feet of span, weighs only 48 pounds, and will handle pilots 100-165 pounds. Company prez, Ken Brown, says a small pilot "can lift the base tube 6-8" off the ground." Pilots 65" tall will find they won't have such a reach to insert the nose rib. Crossbar tensioning is also easier thanks to a two-point attachment. ••• More news arrived from Bruce Hawk in Tennessee. You may know him best through his Windsok™ product. Yoo-shga and many dealers have sold them for years. Now Hawk says, "Our robot is up and running. Using it we can cut anything from fabric (Nylon or Dacron). If we can draw it, we can cut it. Wow, computers!" Hmmm, sounds like Wills' new factory, with microchips helping to manage equipment. Has hang gliding gone totally high tech? The man who built his own training hill, Bruce lost his lease. Undeterred, he found a new site. "The best one yet, it's located just across the highway from our new shop." Suitable for complete Hang One ratings, he reports the PacAir Pulses and Wills Spectrums that he deals "love the site." ••• We're outta room. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax/Msg: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Well, now that you’ve reached the "back of the book," what do you think of the new changes editor Gil Dodgen has made (with help from Tim Rinker)? The board of directors approved a graphic makeover in the interest of maintaining contemporary looks for HGM, one of the most popular benefits of USHGA membership. Several years have passed since the last redesign. ••• An irony in timing, Britain’s Skywings magazine just implemented cosmetic changes as well. At the same time — though the reasons are unrelated — Editor Tim Williams resigned after eight years in the post. As were the Brits with Tim, we’re fortunate to have a talented and longtime editor in Gil Dodgen. He’s won awards for your magazine. He does all the layouts and edits all the articles and letters. Like Tim, Gil is basically a one-man band though he’s logged twice as much time as editor.

Product Lines – December 1992

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

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Another British invasion? The approach is different (than Airwave) but the idea is the same. The UK's "other" glider company, Solar Wings, is testing the waters by working with Tennessee's Hawk Air Sports to import their Rumour glider line. They'll start with the Fever model, a 12 square meter (≈ 130 ft2) machine. The first one has arrived and will soon be in Dennis Pagen's hands for a review in HG mag. No other details yet. However, Bruce Hawk -- one of those guys who literally built his own training hill near the tourism mecca of Gatlinburg, TN -- has just established a new training site. He flew the Fever briefly at this facility and says "It is fast, rolls nice, and lands sweet." He adds, "The sail is different from anything here in the States." Gotta have one? Drop a note to PO Box 9056, Knoxville TN 37940. ••• A French invasion may follow as La Mouette attempts to penetrate the U.S. market, again... only this time with wings for powered trikes: specifically, their Ghost model. While the French giant has had mixed success with their free-flight gliders, they qualify as one of the world's largest ultralight makers through good success with their trikes. For hang glider pilots, this could mean renewed interest in their aerotug. La Mouette (or Cosmos, as their powered company is called) was arguably the very first to offer aero towing equipment. ••• After many years in what Bill Bennett once derided as their "rabbit warren" factory, Wills Wing has moved into a new building! A timely change of quarters, Wills is also planning a celebration of their 20th anniversary. Besides a "birthday party" on Feb 27th, Wills plans a ten-day period of events, including ICPs for both hang gliding and paragliding plus dealer seminars for each. The festivities are topped off with -- yes, believe it! -- a golf tourney. Most of these are clearly aimed at their dealers, but if you live close enough or are traveling, call Wills for activities that may be open to all pilots. Their new number is 714/998-6359. If you're old enough to enjoy golf, you probably can't remember numbers anymore, so they've created a mnemonic (memory aid): 714/WW-TO-FLY. ••• In a move that surprised just about everyone, the board of directors of the American Paragliding Ass'n resolved to cease accepting new memberships. They've further asked USHGA to provide their APA members with USHGA paragliding memberships. If USHGA accepts, the APA will dissolve. The paragliding group has recognized that Yoo-shga has more experience to offer and has genuinely tried to assist the fledgling organization. APA is experiencing financial difficulties that threaten its future. The decision will be passed on to the USHGA board of directors by a written ballot on the subject. Watch HG magazine for further details on this development. ••• In a four-page newsletter that closes with the confident statement "References proudly provided," John Olson of Safari Sky Tours describes his varied trips south of the border. Safari is celebrating their fifth year. Olson changed how these tours were marketed by providing the glider. He formed a working relationship with PacAir whose gliders he supplies exclusively. To get your copy of the mailer, contact his agency, Welcome Aboard Travel (ask for Kim). Call 702/828-4000. Six pilots a week fills the available slots, so act soon to get the time you want. They can help with airfares, too. ••• Want to learn how to take better pictures while hang gliding? Think you'd like to have as many photos published as John Heiney? Maybe you can. Air Time San Francisco will host a Heiney HG photo seminar on February 13-14. Topics will include mounting, exposure, film, and more. Owner Jeff Greenbaum wanted to offer such a service and feels it might result in even better photos in the magazine. Get your pix tix from Jeff: $75 for the two-day, classroom and hands-on seminar (415/759-1177). ••• A couple positive mentions to close. Center of Gravity proprietor, Jay Gianforte reports his harness sales doubled in '92 compared to '91. "More pilots are going to the pod style of harness (CG 1000 and CG 2000)," says the New York harness builder. Jay also indicated a high percentage of pilots are asking for his BRS rocket parachute option and he's installed many of them. He's expecting the trend to continue for 1993. ••• Sport Soaring Center in Minneapolis/St. Paul reports an increase of interest in hang gliding from EAA clubs following this year's Oshkosh air show. "This year's flight demonstrations and the repeat presence of a USHGA booth are bringing genuine results," explains co-owner Pat Caulfield. The Twin Cities shop is a dealer and flight school that specializes in platform towing. ••• Outta room. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax/Msg to: 612/450-0930. Good lift in your New Year... THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Another British invasion? The approach is different (than Airwave) but the idea is the same. The UK’s "other" glider company, Solar Wings, is testing the waters by working with Tennessee’s Hawk Air Sports to import their Rumour glider line. They’ll start with the Fever model, a 12 square meter (≈ 130 ft2) machine. The first one has arrived and will soon be in Dennis Pagen’s hands for a review in HG mag. No other details yet. However, Bruce Hawk — one of those guys who literally built his own training hill near the tourism mecca of Gatlinburg, TN — has just established a new training site. He flew the Fever briefly at this facility and says "It is fast, rolls nice, and lands sweet." He adds, "The sail is different from anything here in the States." Gotta have one? Drop a note to PO Box 9056, Knoxville TN 37940.

Product Lines – November 1992

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

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Thinking small may be the reason designer Bob Trampenau's Sensors often find themselves at the top of the stack. Long renown for beautifully shaped gliders which are meticulously built, Trampenau is also well regarded for innovative ideas. Some of these are modest when looked at individually, yet add up to overall polish. He's been working on an improved kingpost hang system. The goal was to maintain light forces for roll or pitch up, while keeping feedback in the system when you pull in deeply. He also predicted he could do this without complicated mechanisms, seeking to produce 15-20 pounds of bar pressure when at the 55 mph Vne of his 610 model. By assembling the primary loop spreader bar behind the backup strap, Bob found his solution. This way, the backup strap has some tension while the bar is pulled in. Otherwise the very high hang point of the 610 ("one of the highest in hang gliding," says Bob), keeps the pressures light. "Such a method will work on other glider brands," adds Trampenau. It is important, however, that the backup strap be the right length... one to two inches longer than the primary. Warning: Do not make changes to your glider without consulting the manufacturer! Another change is a new tip cord arrangement, making the Sensor's stiff, curved wingtip easier to set up. By using multiple purchases (think of a "purchase" as a pulley system without the wheels), Bob claims to have cut the effort in half. This will no doubt be a welcome change to those who have struggled with the highly-tensioned Sensor tip. Last, Seedwings has gone to an internal kingpost reflex bridle compensator using an aircraft pulley at the top. However, the Sensors will have a 4:1 ratio (others have 2:1), and owners will not have to go inside the double surface to hook up the compensator as it stays attached. ••• Another small manufacturer, Air Sports Int'l, reports growing sales. ASI acquired the rights to the Delta Wing line, including their popular Dream series. Boss Kamron Blevins says a small staff is working hard to keep up with Dream orders, leaving little time to work on their Vector advanced glider. Selling Dreams at the rate of about 100 a year, Blevins claims they're in the black. The former proprietor of Northwing in Washington state wants to evolve his former Merger glider into the Vector. He reports pursing HGMA certification efforts, and has enlisted Mitch MacAleer for the in-air video tasks. They've flown a 141 ft2 model. "It's doing very well even with pilot Woody Woodruff hooking in at 230 pounds," boasts Blevins. ••• Back east, a veteran sail maker (mainly specializing in replacement sails for ultralights), Gunnar Graubaum has been manufacturing the Mountaineer Trike. This fall, he's introduced an aerotug version that he says is performing the task beautifully. A midwest pilot gathering including the "aerotow king of Ohio," John Leek, used the Mountaineer Tug apparently with great satisfaction. Leek was reportedly very pleased with the tug's slow speed capability -- best for hang glider towing -- and the machine's strong climb capability. The Moyes/Bailey Dragonfly may be getting lots of media attention, but trikes are also succeeding as aerotugs. For more information, contact Graubaum at 518/789-6550. ••• Following the success of USHGA's calendar, a European version will be available for 1993. The large format "Drachenfliegen" calendar (bigger than the USHGA version) is being distributed in the United States by Airtime San Francisco. The production is superb and the European flying scenes are well chosen. This calendar has been produced for several years and has sold well in Europe. For information, contact Jeff Greenbaum at 415/759-1177. ••• In closing... another closing. The heavily-advertised Walt Disney World hang gliding (and powered parachute) aerial act has flown its last exhbition at the Epcot resort. The show, with Malcolm Jones as its coordinator, performed "without incident one," he says. "Basically, the show was discontinued because it served its purpose promoting Disney World's 20th anniversary." Disney will retain the hang gliding gear and may use it in some future show. The cessation had nothing to do with any problems. "It's show business," added Jones, "and shows are changed frequently to maintain viewer interest." The Surprise in the Skies spectacle ran about a year and employed several hang glider pilots from the Orlando, Florida area. ••• Room's gone again. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or message: 612/459-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Thinking small may be the reason designer Bob Trampenau’s Sensors often find themselves at the top of the stack. Long renown for beautifully shaped gliders which are meticulously built, Trampenau is also well regarded for innovative ideas. Some of these are modest when looked at individually, yet add up to overall polish. He’s been working on an improved kingpost hang system. The goal was to maintain light forces for roll or pitch up, while keeping feedback in the system when you pull in deeply. He also predicted he could do this without complicated mechanisms, seeking to produce 15-20 pounds of bar pressure when at the 55 mph Vne of his 610 model. By assembling the primary loop spreader bar behind the backup strap, Bob found his solution. This way, the backup strap has some tension while the bar is pulled in. Otherwise the very high hang point of the 610 ("one of the highest in hang gliding," says Bob), keeps the pressures light.

Product Lines – October 1992

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

ST. PAUL, MINN. -- Pacific Airwave is using an old but proven promotion (as the Electra Flyer company once did). They plan a "class contest," a concept used in several sports. Such meets require a large number of the same model and PacAir's Vision qualifies. Boss Ken Brown notes, "Recognizing the success of fleet racing that sailing has made so popular, we are beginning a fun event... the Vision Classic." He adds that many of their dealers have suggested and support this plan. Details are still being finalized, but dates have been set: Oct 17-18 in Ellenville, NY (host: Mountain Wings); Oct 24-25 in Chattanooga (Lookout Mountain); Oct 31-Nov 1 at Nags Head (Kitty Hawk); a date in February in San Diego (Hang Gliding Center); and Mar 6-7 at Milpitas (Mission Soaring & Airtime). The contest is aimed at those who generally don't compete, with tasks being duration, spot landings, and possibly a pylon course. They'll also offer tuning and safety seminars. PacAir will host a barbecue at each location. To get the latest on this fun flying program, call PacAir at 408/422-2299 or call any of the dealerships mentioned. ••• A Hang Glider Dealers Meeting is scheduled at Mission Soaring on October 7th, a timely event near the fall meeting of the USHGA board of directors (which should allow some eastern dealers to participate). The Bay area shop will be busy that month, with an Instructor's course held a few days earlier. Contact Mission at 408/262-1055. ••• Wills Wing has achieved noteworthy success at telling the general aviation world about paragliding and hang gliding. They've managed two stories in the AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Ass'n) magazine, AOPA Pilot. The journal is only circulated to members of AOPA; you can't buy it any other way. But nearly 300,000 members will see the story in the aviation world's second largest magazine (Flying has about 15% greater circulation). Famous writer, Richard Bach, flew a paraglider and wrote a story for the AOPA magazine that consumed a generous nine pages in full color. Next, Eric Fair will prepare a hang gliding story for the magazine with a short piece from a magazine editor who went tandem with Rob McKenzie. Attaboy, Wills! ••• Now convincingly the largest of U.S. manufacturers, Wills is preparing to celebrate its 20-year anniversary in February '93. Only one other builder ever reached this mark (Delta Wing, which closed soon after). ••• Acting a distributor for Free Flight Enterprises, Wills offers a new size PDA emergency 'chute, a 24 gore, tested at 450 pounds. This new, tandem-capable canopy is part of the FFE line that includes a 20, 22, and 24 gore PDA (retail: $480, $500, and $545). The 'chute maker has dropped their 18 gore model because they feel "too many pilots are making the choice of size based on cost and weight, as opposed to safety." This concern is echoed by most parachute builders. ••• Interest continues to grow slowly but surely for various electronic gizmos that aim to help you find the ever-elusive thermal. Doctor Dave promotes his Thermal Rider in a descriptive piece of literature. The "black box" appears to be a sophisticated instrument performing a simple task. Succinctly stated, "[it] detects minute differences in air temperature across the wingspan, helping you to identify lift and sink, beyond the ability of human perception or a variometer." By audio and a small visual display the Thermal Rider identifies the air temperature trend you have encountered over a 20-second period, providing a general steer from cooler to warmer air. Another indicator gets more specific and, by comparing air at each tip, helps you decide which way you must turn to enter a region of warmer air (hopefully thermal lift). The $399 device (intro priced at $220) can be ordered by calling 301/474-3095 or fax 474-0805. Ask for their leaflet. ••• A couple relocations as we close. Bob and Gayle Schutte (Schutte Sails) have left Seedwings and Moyes, respectively. Bob will take, "a good position in a family business... I could not refuse." He will continue with his sailmaking in a loft he plans to construct. Meanwhile Gayle is vacating her role as office manager of Moyes California. "[I'm] sad to leave and will miss everyone," says Gayle. "Working with Moyes was fun and rewarding. I wish Moyes California good luck." The two also represent France's Cross Country magazine and sell the Swiss Swing paraglider line. ••• After a notable eight years with Kitty Hawk Kites, Steve Wendt plans to open his own hang gliding shop in central Virginia, near the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Wendt will call it Blue Sky and will feature tandem towing instruction. Steve brings his experience at KHK and will offer a full schedule of events throughout the year. FMI: 703/432-6557. Outta room. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or message to 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Pacific Airwave is using an old but proven promotion (as the Electra Flyer company once did). They plan a "class contest," a concept used in several sports. Such meets require a large number of the same model and PacAir’s Vision qualifies. Boss Ken Brown notes, "Recognizing the success of fleet racing that sailing has made so popular, we are beginning a fun event… the Vision Classic." He adds that many of their dealers have suggested and support this plan. Details are still being finalized, but dates have been set: Oct 17-18 in Ellenville, NY (host: Mountain Wings); Oct 24-25 in Chattanooga (Lookout Mountain); Oct 31-Nov 1 at Nags Head (Kitty Hawk); a date in February in San Diego (Hang Gliding Center); and Mar 6-7 at Milpitas (Mission Soaring & Airtime). The contest is aimed at those who generally don’t compete, with tasks being duration, spot landings, and possibly a pylon course.

Product Lines – September 1992

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

ST. PAUL, MN -- As fall arrives, equipment news tends to decrease. Sales may slow in the fall yet we see increased use of the equipment bought earlier in the flying season. ••• One site showing unusual amounts of hang gliding activity was Oshkosh '92, the 40th Annual EAA Convention. Surprised? We can identify three different facets to the story: the Association's booth space, participation in demonstration flying, and the appearance of the Moyes/Bailey aerotug. ••• For the past couple years, USHGA has exhibited at several airshows in a combined sport aviation association booth under the masthead of NAA. By sharing the space, the costs can be justified for associations which typically struggle to fund such promotions. Within the NAA tent, each organization sold merchandise. After four of these events, USHGA appeared to be doing well moving tee-shirts, caps, calendars, and the like. Regularly throughout the week at this year's Oshkosh, I saw these items being worn by some of the hundreds of thousands of visitors. ••• Executive Director, Jerry Bruning, and Jeff Elgart of the Colorado office manned the booth all week, aided by volunteers from nearby hang gliding clubs. Besides the merchandise, membership materials were distributed and a static hang gliding simulator allowed hundreds of passers by to "feel" hang gliding. Great exposure on a budget, Oshkosh attracts nearly one million spectators qualifying as the largest air show in the world. ••• Tho not the first appearance of hang gliding or aerotowing, the '92 efforts took hang gliding participation to a higher and more professional level. Such positive results are thanks to the persuasive and persistent tactics of USHGA Director Rod Hauser (who just relocated from Wisconsin to Arizona). Getting a slot to fly the main runway at Oshkosh involves massive amount of politics. This is easier to comprehend when you consider how many commercial exhibitors pay thousands to display at the convention. All want their piece of flying time. Five-minute flight windows to show your wares have become more precious as the airshow grows in size and stature. ••• Super looper John Heiney was towed aloft on the main runway to perform his aerobatics for huge crowds. Both he and Bill Bryden of Indiana flew the main runway as well as the separate ultralight runway on several occasions. One excellent demo involved both Heiney and Bryden maintaining in thermal lift for several moments while limited to a 300 foot AGL ceiling. The area normally buzzes with the many noises of powered aircraft. Yet for a few minutes, hang gliding had stage center with an impressive silent exhibition. The announcer followed the action in a soft voice similar to a golf narrator. ••• Bill & Molly Moyes and Bobby & Connie Bailey were accompanied by other tug operators Phil Proctor (Sequatchie Valley Soaring) and Jay Darling (Great Lakes HG). This group coordinated nicely with the towed pilots to show the potential of hang gliding in the flat lands. As they see opportunities for further participation in the '93 event, Moyes and Bailey plan to purchase display space to market their tug and their soon-ready Tempest ultralight sailplane. ••• All those involved are to be commended for giving hang gliding the best forum yet at this major gathering. ••• Given all the positive media for the aerotug, Cosmos trike aerotugger, Jon Leak, and his group in the Cleveland, Ohio area called to say that reports seem biased against trike towing. In fact Leak reports logging over 1,000 hours aerotowing with the French trike. Maybe they'll provide an article to the magazine? ••• With fall here and winter not far away, tour operators are revving up. Mr. Mexico, John Olson of Safari Sky Tours, plans "to work all the sites from my past itineraries." These will include Colim/Tapalpa in December, Valle de Bravo in January, Lake Atitlan in February and March, and a new tour to Gmanajuato, Mexico. Olson's tours have won praise in years past. Now he can also tickle your interest with a video. See his ads for more info. ••• Achim Hageman of Santa Barbara is planning his third New Zealand Expedition to fly from Mount Cook, the down-under country's highest summit. Departure is set for January 15th from Los Angeles. Call 805/962-8999 for more info. ••• To close, Tom Sandage has announced his Geometry Adjusting Suspension System (GASS?). Sandage says the simple device, "mechanically couples pilot control movements to complimentary frame geometry movements." In such a system, "the X-Bars no longer float freely, but are inversely slaved by pilot position and the relatively high leverage ratio of the suspension system." Initial tests claim increased roll rates with a more stable feel (less wobbling than loosely-set VG system gliders). Sandage says he's filed for a utility patent and hopes to sell the concept to glider manufacturers and individuals. Both new and existing gliders could be fitted with the device. He also feels a glider's HGMA certification will not be affected, tho this isn't official. Interested in hearing more? Call 816/254-4708 or 314/796-4399. ••• That's all! So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Call/fax 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MN — As fall arrives, equipment news tends to decrease. Sales may slow in the fall yet we see increased use of the equipment bought earlier in the flying season. ••• One site showing unusual amounts of hang gliding activity was Oshkosh ’92, the 40th Annual EAA Convention. Surprised? We can identify three different facets to the story: the Association’s booth space, participation in demonstration flying, and the appearance of the Moyes/Bailey aerotug. ••• For the past couple years, USHGA has exhibited at several airshows in a combined sport aviation association booth under the masthead of NAA. By sharing the space, the costs can be justified for associations which typically struggle to fund such promotions. Within the NAA tent, each organization sold merchandise. After four of these events, USHGA appeared to be doing well moving tee-shirts, caps, calendars, and the like. Regularly throughout the week at this year’s Oshkosh, I saw these items being worn by some of the hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Product Lines – August 1992

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

ST. PAUL, MINN -- Whaddyano? Many not only read this column; they act. Wills Wing received "a lot of inquiries" asking about a new glider mentioned here (5/92 issue). Surely they enjoy the way you like their gliders, but WW diver fans, you gotta let 'em finish it first. If you're callin' all the time, they won't get much work done. By July they hadn't selected a basic format, so no preproduction prototypes are flying. The company advises that average development time for a new glider can be 6-18 months after they've settled on a prototype. Wills indicates, "It is unlikely we will be able to begin delivery of any new high performance glider until the fall of 1993, after the 1993 World Championships." ••• Vigorous summer sales have kept their attention on glider production. Prez Rob Kells estimates they'll surpass the 1,000 gliders per year barrier. Reaching "four figures" of glider production assures a slot among the Int'l Big Four. ••• NIFTY-WIDGET DEP'T: After several pilots -- even some genuine sky-god types -- have managed to launch with a control bar connection not connected, Wills developed a no-disconnect base tube. Employing a compact hardware arrangement, the control bar neatly folds in two, employing a sturdy hinge hidden in flight by a sleeve held fast with bullet snaps. Appears it'd be much handier to pack in your coverbag, too. ••• Launching with your glider intact might be more certain if you used a checklist. Every airline pilot uses 'em. So do most other pilots. Now you can, too. Just order the Hang Check, a plastic-laminated checklist and preflight guide that can hang from lower rigging. Condensed print keeps the comprehensive checklist small yet close at hand. Developed by Kevin Kratina, the Hang Check can be purchased for five bucks and an SASE. He'll make your customized list for $10. Make a suggestion to him that he uses in future versions and he'll send you a freebie. A single saved launch would make it worthwhile. Write 115 Woolbright #710, Boynton Beach FL 33435. ••• Pacific Airwave reports the multi-national company's new K4 has established its winning ways early. UK star John Pendry took his fourth-in-a-row European Champs. Another K4 (Mark Chick's) won the Japan Classic in another early-summer meet. Prez Ken Brown says this has allowed the American division to concentrate on development and marketing of the Vision Pulse. The company received HGMA certification for the K4 in June. ••• Brown says, "After looking at the statistics, it is obvious that... our membership is growing older and little effort is being put forward... to promote growth." Though he's a bit biased, Ken feels, "A strong Pulse is what the industry needs." PacAir has long prided itself on supporting schools in their work to bring in new students. ••• Mal Gross is at it again! Yep, the NAA's writin' letters. The good news is, these letters are trying to preserve hang gliding in the San Bernardino mountains. NAA has a letterhead that boasts a long list of the "Right People." Under President Gross, the National Aero Club has used its prestigious name and broad connections to assist several sites. Many pilots recall the older NAA which seemed to have interests quite distant from hang gliding. Gross and his deputy, Art Greenfield, have gone the extra mile to win back support. Surely the Crestline Soaring Society welcomes help as they work to retain their popular launch and landing site. ••• Back East, the Tennessee Tree Toppers also had promising site news. The club bought its own launch several years ago, but leased a landing area. When it went up for sale last spring, club officials got nervous. A 260-acre parcel, which includes the LZ, listed at $300,000 firm, a lot for any organization, but especially for a hang gliding club. However, a deal was struck with a local land owner who will buy half the total. The club will retain a large landing zone (≈ 50 acres) by reselling 13 five-acre homesites as a means to fund their share. Papers were "at the lawyer's office" in early July, reported club board member, Cliff Whitney. Interested in one of these desirable lots? Call the local shop (Sequatchie Valley Soaring) at 615/949-2301. ••• Here's an event reminder as time runs short. The Grandaddy of HG Fly-ins is coming again. Easily qualifying as the nation's largest assemblage of pilots, Telluride '92 also incorporates this year's Nationals at the sky-high site. Nats: September 5-12; with the 19th Annual Telluride Hang Gliding Festival following the next week. Need info? Write Nick Kennedy at PO Box 1026, Telluride CO 81435. You may also call 303/728-3905 (evenings). The Nats offers 125 pilot slots. Call soon! Need lodging? Call Telluride Accommodations at 800/728-9292. ••• Outta room! So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or messages: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN — Whaddyano? Many not only read this column; they act. Wills Wing received "a lot of inquiries" asking about a new glider mentioned here (5/92 issue). Surely they enjoy the way you like their gliders, but WW diver fans, you gotta let ’em finish it first. If you’re callin’ all the time, they won’t get much work done. By July they hadn’t selected a basic format, so no preproduction prototypes are flying. The company advises that average development time for a new glider can be 6-18 months after they’ve settled on a prototype. Wills indicates, "It is unlikely we will be able to begin delivery of any new high performance glider until the fall of 1993, after the 1993 World Championships." ••• Vigorous summer sales have kept their attention on glider production. Prez Rob Kells estimates they’ll surpass the 1,000 gliders per year barrier. Reaching "four figures" of glider production assures a slot among the Int’l Big Four.

Product Lines – July 1992

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

ST. PAUL, MINN -- After a period of relative quiet, Seedwings is communicating more vigorously. This is a good sign for (as Wills Wing put it) ...America's only other wholly U.S.-owned glider manufacturer. For the last two years, boss Bob Trampenau has been focusing his attention on Sensor-Europe. This company has a license agreement with Seedwings and is operated by Austrian Andreas Bangheri. Bob observes that output of the two companies is slightly different; Seedwings-USA does not build any component parts for the EuroSensors. ••• While consulting Bangheri, the U.S.-based business (still 100% Bob's) slipped in market presence from its peak a few years back. However, when combining both operations, production has increased so Seedwings can legitimately claim business is better than ever. The growth comes even though they offer only high performance gliders, no intermediates. ••• Now Trampenau reports U.S. sales are accelerating, fueled by favorable response to their 610-144. Industry-wide changes appearing on '90s gliders have squeezed more performance out of ever-smaller wings at the same time other subtle improvements have been made. In the Sensor 144's case, the kingpost hang system -- postioned "two and half times higher than anyone else's," says Trampenau -- has given the new glider very responsive handling to accompany its performance. "It may even be 'too light' for some recreational pilots," notes Bob. Seedwings feels their KP hang system simulates a double french connection so well that they plan a simple way to increase bar pressure when diving. "We'll keep it light in roll and when you flare, forces will be light. When you dive, bar feedback will increase as many pilots prefer," explained Trampenau. ••• Seedwings will offer a 152 model this summer. In fact they've declared the 610-152 "on sale" now, with deliveries following two months after certification is earned. In early June both the 144 and 152 were pursuing HGMA approval. ••• Speaking of the HGMA, the certification organization has new officers. Former PacAir prez, Jean-Michel Bernsaconi, is now prez of the HGMA. He'll be assisted by VP Mark West, who represented Moyes at the early May meeting. The industry design gurus also reviewed new applications. Moyes requested name changes (XS Easy 155 to X-C 155 and XS Easy 165 to X-T 165). Hard-charging UP Int'l obtained approval for their XTC 170 SS and DS models. Attending the meeting were: Bright Star, Moyes, Pacific Airwave, Seedwings, UP, and Wills Wing. ••• UP reported that the newly certified models will retail for the "low" price of $2,995. Of course, buyers can increase the value by choosing from an options list. In support of their just-begun retail shops, UP plans to add glider accessories, apparel, and harnesses. ••• A chance arose to examine the new UP harness compliments of UP-America veep, GW Meadows. As UP obtains the product from an established harness loft, it boasts professional craftsmanship in the modern layout (front opening, complete enclosure). However, the UP pod has an exceptionally workable hang pivot system that seemed to permit a lower flare posture than other pods sampled. If interested call: 800/COME-2UP (or 266-3287). ••• An Arizona outfit announced the Aero-Floats to facilitate boat-tow launching from water. The 35-pound floats have a shape that provides about the same drag profile as a slender pilot in a pod harness. A video tape verified the Aero-Floats are very successful at permitting fully-proned-out launches even from deep water. While I can't imagine many solo pilots accepting the drag from these large floats, they should offer controlled takeoffs for tandem/training operations. Tri-Systems owner, Nick Till, will send you a tape for $20, or sell you the floats for $795 which includes bridles and releases plus the tape. Call 602/680-9797. ••• In closing, I want to commend HG editor, Gil Dodgen, and the USHGA office staff for their efforts to produce the second edition of the "Special New Pilot Issue" of Hang Gliding. You're probably already a sky god, but you ought to have at least one copy to show to interested non-pilots. It's jam packed with good info for a beginner and Gil did his most masterful job yet in creative layout. The issue is used by USHGA HQ for student memberships and other promotional purposes. To get your copy, call: 719/632-8300. ••• That's it! So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Or... call/fax: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN — After a period of relative quiet, Seedwings is communicating more vigorously. This is a good sign for (as Wills Wing put it) …America’s only other wholly U.S.-owned glider manufacturer. For the last two years, boss Bob Trampenau has been focusing his attention on Sensor-Europe. This company has a license agreement with Seedwings and is operated by Austrian Andreas Bangheri. Bob observes that output of the two companies is slightly different; Seedwings-USA does not build any component parts for the EuroSensors. ••• While consulting Bangheri, the U.S.-based business (still 100% Bob’s) slipped in market presence from its peak a few years back. However, when combining both operations, production has increased so Seedwings can legitimately claim business is better than ever. The growth comes even though they offer only high performance gliders, no intermediates. ••• Now Trampenau reports U.S. sales are accelerating, fueled by favorable response to their 610-144.

Product Lines – June 1992

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

ST. PAUL, MINN -- The season is hot... or at least heating up, what with the 4th ECC92 (East Coast Champs) now over. Other news and There-I-Was stories will tell the tales. Here we'll do our review of glider brands flown in competition. ••• As expected Wills had the majority at 34% of the field, up a point from ECC91. In a solid 2nd was UP at 28%, up seven points from last year, influenced by five Green Team pilots all flying TRXs (tho even without these, UP still held 2nd with 17%). A rather distant 3rd, Moyes had 13%, all-in-all a respectable finish for an import brand. Another Aussie brand, Enterprise, came in 4th with 12%, while Pacific Airwave -- usually a strong contender -- managed only 5th with a mere 9% of the field. Only six brands competed; Seedwings (4%) trailed the pack. ••• Some of the reason for Moyes to be showing well may relate to a blur of activity. This resurgence appears to coincide with the company's co-development of the Dragonfly aerotug. The old master himself, Bill Moyes, will direct western U.S. tug clinics as the summer begins. Next, he plans to do the tug flying for Tomas Suchanek and son Steve as they try for some out-and-return records prior to the Owens meet. Finally, he'll head to Europe. In discussing these promotion and travel plans for the tug Bill says, "I haven't had so much fun since I was a fair ground performer!!" The tow planes are proliferating, with over a dozen now sold (a high figure for such a specialty aircraft). And soon we may begin seeing the sailplane they have been [in-air] testing. More info? Call 818/887-3361. ••• Apex composite rigid wing designer, Danny Howell, called to say his project -- though greatly delayed by the Washington to California move -- is still alive. In fact, he has recently attracted longtime HG design guru, Tom Price, to his development team. "The big challenge is reducing the empty weight below 100 pounds," says Howell. More info? Call 714/696-0887. ••• Howell may be onto something if the recent Popular Science coverage of Eric Beckman's Swift is any indication. The March '92 issue gave six full pages of glorious color coverage, including graphic portrayals and excellent photos. The text had a dramatic slant (somewhat anti-ragwing), but by and large Beckman and crew should be smilin' widely. ••• UP America, UP Int'l's U.S. marketing arm -- run by new VP, GW Meadows -- just opened its first retail store, in San Diego. Plans are underway for #2 in Salt Lake City. More are also planned as part of a comprehensive new approach to selling gliders (and lessons) in America. UP Int'l also has marketing subsidiaries in Japan and Europe. Info: 801/876-2211. ••• Being the old veteran, my attention is not often held by books about our sport. Contrarily, Dennis Pagen's newest opus, "Understanding The Sky" is one I believe I'll actually do cover-to-cover. Few books offer all sport flying enthusiasts such a comprehensive and understandable view of weather and flying in the medium. Peter Cheney's training book is in the same pro league, being graphically more lavish. Yet it's for beginners. "Understanding the Sky" is for beginners and know-it-alls. Pagen's book is a worthy purchase offering 280 pages of solid information; no space is wasted. Dennis' presentation of micrometeorology may be the finest in the industry. Combined with his own effective style of artwork and more professional graphics, "U-T-S" is a slick book that should be on all dealers' shelves and in all pilots' flight libraries. Also, Dennis, congrats for a fine #2 finish in the ECC92 (behind -- who else? -- Larry Tudor). ••• Nearly done, so a brief review of Pork's "Torrey Pines Pilots" video. Anyone who knows the unique, inimitable W. A. "Pork" Roecker will appreciate his droll sense of humor in watching this 56 minute, $29.95 tape. You'll hafta love him... the tape is simply no match for the more professionally edited videos presented here recently. Fun it is. A good look at Torrey Tricks it also is. Great videography it isn't. But who cares? To order, write Flyin' Pig Productions, Box 586149, Oceanside CA 92058. ••• Got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Call or fax via 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN — The season is hot… or at least heating up, what with the 4th ECC92 (East Coast Champs) now over. Other news and There-I-Was stories will tell the tales. Here we’ll do our review of glider brands flown in competition. ••• As expected Wills had the majority at 34% of the field, up a point from ECC91. In a solid 2nd was UP at 28%, up seven points from last year, influenced by five Green Team pilots all flying TRXs (tho even without these, UP still held 2nd with 17%). A rather distant 3rd, Moyes had 13%, all-in-all a respectable finish for an import brand. Another Aussie brand, Enterprise, came in 4th with 12%, while Pacific Airwave — usually a strong contender — managed only 5th with a mere 9% of the field. Only six brands competed; Seedwings (4%) trailed the pack. ••• Some of the reason for Moyes to be showing well may relate to a blur of activity.

Product Lines – May 1992

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

ST. PAUL, MINN -- With a bit of pride showing through, please note that with this column, "Product Lines" enters its 14th year giving continuous coverage of product-related news in hang gliding. Beginning way back in 1978, your readership made it last; thanks to all of you! ••• On with the show... in a rather unusual announcement, Wills Wing has told dealers they are working on a new competition glider, intended to give an edge to those U.S. pilots flying the WW brand for Team America in the '93 Owens World Meet. Naturally, they're still hush-hush; partly because the glider is far from determined yet and also to keep the competition from adapting their newest ideas. They have "several prototypes flying, but do not envision a new release in this category until at least the fall of the year." They did confirm the airframe will be 7075-based, continuing their satisfaction with this material (even though it must be imported, a difficult procurement task given long lead times, quality control checks, and long-distance shipping). ••• In other Wills news, prices rose $100 on March 2nd, making the top of the line HP AT $3,995, Super Sports $3,695, and fully-equipped Spectrums $3,495. Wills is starting a regular dealer survey effort, currently trying to help determine what kind of advertising best attracts students. Finally, after a lengthy period of backlog, the company has stock of some of their popular Z-3 harnesses. ••• The Dream is back! After UP reformed (again) to become the current UP Int'l, their licensed production of the Dream was ceased, stranding this popular training and tandem design. Though Bill Bennett is not re-entering manufacture, he has agreed to sell the design to Kamron Blevins, formerly of Washington state. Blevins once produced custom-made gliders under the brand name Northwing. Now he's formed Air Sports International. ASI has "acquired the Delta Wing product line with the rights to produce any and all products" of the former company. "For now, we have concentrated on the Dream line, especially the 220 tandem glider," says Blevins. He adds, "We are also doing testing at this time on a new glider line." ••• ASI plans a full line, and is presently building the X'Stremair harness, designed by Italian Vanni Accattoli. A backframe harness, the X'Stremair has single suspension point that moves for in-flight adjustment and for landing ease. It uses adjustable leg and shoulder straps for a personalized fit. Price is set at $625 with numerous options available. Blevins has written to all prior Delta Wing dealerships hoping to reactivate them. ASI can be reached by calling 619/457-4454 or writing to 10343 Roselle St #9, San Diego CA 92121 (only 5 min from Torrey Pines). ••• The Dream may be back, but former right-hand man Briggs Christie is leaving Pacific Airwave. Says prez Ken Brown, "...these will be some major shoes to fill, but I will do it." At least initially, this will cause Brown's road trips to be of shorter duration and his participation in competitions will decrease. He'll be seeking new competition talents; if you're one, he says, "Send your résumé in now!" The company has also seen several employees rise within the ranks, so Brown and PacAir continue to have a good infrastructure. PacAir's business remains strong and their March Dealer Newsletter encouraged slot booking (a PacAir business trademark) to assure timely deliveries. ••• PacAir has received certification on their 11 Meter Pulse, complementing the 10 Meter announced earlier. The 11 Meter ship has a 33.5 foot span, 189 squares, weighs 58 pounds, and fits pilots of 160-250 pounds. The are hard at work on a 9 Meter size and expect a spring release. Brown says, "After five successful years of the Vision Mk IV... we had a difficult time topping it." But response back from early recipients on the "new Vision" has been very positive. ••• To wrap up, a worthy mention involves the USHGA Instructor, a newsletter aimed at information sharing and standardization. The 16-page first issue is out, edited by the very talented Greg Shaw. It features articles by such HG luminaries as Dennis Pagen, Mike Robertson, Ken de Russy, Jerry Forburger, and several other of our sport's important names. Longtime school operator, Pat Denevan is Forum Coordinator ••• Outta room. Got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Call or fax: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN — With a bit of pride showing through, please note that with this column, "Product Lines" enters its 14th year giving continuous coverage of product-related news in hang gliding. Beginning way back in 1978, your readership made it last; thanks to all of you! ••• On with the show… in a rather unusual announcement, Wills Wing has told dealers they are working on a new competition glider, intended to give an edge to those U.S. pilots flying the WW brand for Team America in the ’93 Owens World Meet. Naturally, they’re still hush-hush; partly because the glider is far from determined yet and also to keep the competition from adapting their newest ideas. They have "several prototypes flying, but do not envision a new release in this category until at least the fall of the year." They did confirm the airframe will be 7075-based, continuing their satisfaction with this material (even though it must be imported, a difficult procurement task given long lead times, quality control checks, and long-distance shipping).

Product Lines – April 1992

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

ST. PAUL, MINN -- Lots of news as another soaring season begins to take shape. Interestingly, even as the mainstream news media microanalyzes the country's recession, the hang gliding industry doesn't seem to be suffering badly. Pockets of sluggishness are countered by areas with early, brisk activity. • Notable perhaps, is Wills Wing's expression of gratitude to its dealers and customers. "We feel very fortunate to have such high sales in spite of the current economy," reports their newest bulletin to dealers. Indeed! Increasing sales is a long-term thing for the Santa Ana company, illustrated effectively by their use of market share graphics in their two-page ad. In the last year alone, their piece of the U.S. pie is up 16% or 6 points from 37% to 43%. In another important area, WW has done very well with their Z3 harness, but such products aren't surveyed. • Where is Wills finding those extra sales? We're all pretty sure it isn't the tidal wave of new student buyers. Truth is, those sales have come from every other Yankee manufacturer. After increasing market share every year since Jean-Michel founded the company, Pacific Airwave slumped 9% (or 2.6 points) according to '90 and '91 figures generated from USHGA's annual survey. Nonetheless, PacAir remains very solidly the #2 American builder (at 25%), well ahead of #3 UP (at 10%). • Those leaping on the "Buy American" bandwagon may take comfort in WW's success, given their statement, "[We are] the only wholly U.S. owned manufacturer," besides Seedwings. It's true. Other builders PacAir and UP have majority foreign ownership. Ironically though, everybody's sail cloth comes from non-American sources. • In spite of remarkable reception to their TRX offering last year, UP slipped slightly (6% down). While the company has enjoyed great publicity, sales still don't match WW or PacAir. • Seedwings plummeted 39% (to 3.3%), and of course Delta Wing dropped sharply (26%) when they ceased manufacture (but see below). • Curiously, two gainers are non-American manufacturers. Moyes increased their share by 11% (to 5.1%, for 4th place) and La Mouette inched upward to 1.2% of the U.S. market. Enterprise Wings wasn't counted separately though they have shown well at several competitions. • PacAir won't sit still under new management by Ken Brown and Briggs Christie. They began the year by collecting the company's top ten dealers in Salinas. At this meeting they revealed prototypes of their subsequently-named Vision Pulse, which replaces the Vision Mk IV after many successful years. • Features of the new intermediate offering include a light 52 pound weight, a lower aspect ratio (6) and superior low speed capabilities and handling. "We currently have a 10 meter and 11 meter size. An 8 or 9 meter size is coming soon," reveals prez Brown. The 10 meter model has 164 ft2 and fits pilots weighing 120-195 pounds. • Neither will UP be sitting still, recently hiring GW Meadows to head UP America, a new U.S. marketing arm of UP Int'l (they also have a UP Europe and UP Japan). More on this later. • Next month, we'll also tell you more about the reemergence of Delta Wing's Dream under the direction of Kamron Blevins (former owner/manager/designer of Northwing, a custom glider builder from Washington state). And we'll give you an update on Danny Howell's Apex rigid wing development. • This month, we'll review the Windsong Video Helicopter Hang Gliding at Lake Berryessa. This $29.95 tape runs about 55 minutes. Opening with an interesting graphic effect similar to posterization (if it was print media), the tape is backdropped with original, synthesized music written just for the video. HHG offers a glimpse of 20 pilots pursuing a unique experience: site exploring via chopper. The goal is intriguing, but the tape drags at numerous places. The music is pleasant, though ethereal. It doesn't detract; neither does it excite. Some interesting video effects spark the tape, but only spottily. While HHG should satisfy other pilots, you probably won't want to show it to that new girlfriend or boyfriend you've been trying to impress. Though it lacks the slicker production, faster pace, and glorious color wrapper of last month's HG Extreme, most pilots will find the Helicopter Hang Gliding worth viewing. Next month, we'll look at Pork's Torrey Pilots tape. • As you read this, you've only a few days to call in sick, pack your gear, and head to the annual East Coast Championships at Henson Gap in Tennessee (April 11-18). The event has not only become the season-opener contest, it draws widely, offers many CPS points, and occurs during a beautiful time of year in Chattanooga. Call Rick Jacob at Sequatchie Valley Soaring at 615/949-2301 for info. • Room's gone. So, got news or opinions? Send 'em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Or call/fax: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

ST. PAUL, MINN — Lots of news as another soaring season begins to take shape. Interestingly, even as the mainstream news media microanalyzes the country’s recession, the hang gliding industry doesn’t seem to be suffering badly. Pockets of sluggishness are countered by areas with early, brisk activity. • Notable perhaps, is Wills Wing’s expression of gratitude to its dealers and customers. "We feel very fortunate to have such high sales in spite of the current economy," reports their newest bulletin to dealers. Indeed! Increasing sales is a long-term thing for the Santa Ana company, illustrated effectively by their use of market share graphics in their two-page ad. In the last year alone, their piece of the U.S. pie is up 16% or 6 points from 37% to 43%. In another important area, WW has done very well with their Z3 harness, but such products aren’t surveyed. • Where is Wills finding those extra sales?