ByDanJohnson.com

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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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ST. PAUL, MINN — When the wind howls and the snow blows over vast, frozen lakes here in the lovely Midwest, what better to do than load up a hang gliding video tape and dream about the speedy approach of spring. ••• Since reviewing Rob Reiter’s Hawaiian Flyin! video tour, several other interesting tapes have found their way to a pile growing beside my VCR. I’d be pleased to review them here and now except I haven’t found the hours to watch them all. We’ll spread them out. Who knows? Maybe you ought to send for the entire lot. Support hang gliding businessman… buy American, and all that. ••• This month we’ll look at Cloudbase III: "Hang Gliding Extreme," the slickest package yet from experienced videographer, Paul Hamilton. The entire genre of these tapes won’t reach the general public particularly well. They’re too long, have too much jargon and detail, and have too many talking heads, especially of people the general public doesn’t know. If you’re a hang glider pilot, though, these tapes offer enjoyable entertainment and several desirable attributes. ••• HG Extreme is a reasonable western site guide. Hamilton visits a few major sites and provides a visual tour far better than "There I was…" stories from your buddy’s visit. The 50 minute tape also covers a few events, in particular the Torrey Wind Sprints. As it offered close-in viewing for spectators, the picture frame is always filled with color and action. Naturally, some views are on-board flight shots. HG Extreme keeps a good pace and sprinkles the tape liberally with that perennial favorite, the landing phase. Some are gracefully achieved, but no hang gliding tape would be complete without a dose of "whacks," complete with background audio to record the abuse given by those who just whacked to those about to whack. Overall Hamilton’s production values seemed top notch to a layman like myself. The clarity of the picture was good, the copy clean. Nice pieces of music were used. The backdrops to the flying glider views are pleasing. Lots of camera angles were used. Clips were short with the vantage point varying. And overall, the pace was reasonably brisk with enough action to keep your eyes moving. The tape comes in a plastic case wrapped with a beautiful full-color cover. Call for price and availability: 702/972-3518. ••• Jay Gianforte, builder of the successful CG 1000 harness (over 700 sold), has introduced his newest: the CG 2000. This new product is not custom fit, rather being made as a harness dealers can stock. Over the years, Gianforte has discovered, "There really is an average guy. The CG 2000 is made in a couple sizes that will fit the majority of all pilots." New features include more storage area, lighter weight, less rigid foam, simplified zipper lines, and a change to plastic seat belt buckles for the main closure. Price is expected to be about $500, somwhat less than the CG 1000, which is still available for the pilot who wants a custom fit. ••• Be a better birdman! You’ve heard of the the Thermal Snooper, now consider the Thermal Rider. A computer fixer named Dave Green has used his skills to make a heatseeking instrument that he claims will "detect thermals long before a vario…" to help "find the true center in drifting or broken thermals." The unit employs miniature sensors wired to the wing tips and control frame. A blinking display directs you to warmer air. It’ll also track the air just flown through for 2-20 seconds (user adjustable). Thus "it can direct your flying from cooler air to a warmer thermal boundary." Priced at $249, Computer Doctors is selling the Thermal Rider for $199 till May 1st. Contact 301/474-3095. ••• Tom Kreyche is announcing the 1992 Cross Country Classic (or pre-"Worlds," as all the international boys call it). This will be the final tuneup before the long-awaited 1993 World Meet in the U • of A. The event will emphasize national team competition. Though many spaces are reserved for international world teams, some independent team slots are available. Contact Kreyche at 415/965-8608 for more info. ••• Finally, after years of starts and stops, the USHGA office under a persistent Jerry Bruning, has earned non-profit status! Being exempt from fed tax is fine. But as the organization isn’t focused on profits anyway, the primary benefit could be an ability to gain sponsors. For example, a legally deductible donation might inspire some corporate sponsor to help finance costs for future World Teams. Competition for the big business bucks is still fierce — especially in recessionary times. However, it’ll help and puts USHGA in a better position to make winning proposals. If you have ideas on this, contact the office at 719/632-8300. ••• All for now, diver fans… Got news or opinions? Send ’em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Call or fax to: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

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ST. PAUL, MINN — Continuing to ride the crest of a wave of popularity begun by the positive reaction to their TRX high performance model, UP is now preparing to introduce yet another new variation on the TRX planform. Last month it was was reported here that UP announced their XTR intermediate glider. Now the Salt Lake City area-based company is in the final stages of R&D on their XTC, an entry level glider. When completed, UP will have introduced three new gliders in a year! ••• The XTR, UP confirmed, is for Hang III pilots. Certification was underway as this was written. Price has been set at $3,795, or $3,495 without a VG system. The company says production was begun in December and that response has been satisfying. ••• The XTC is "an aluminum glider with a truncated planform, like the TRX and XTR, which has been designed to meet the needs of the entry level pilot." UP dealers will soon have a full line from the newly re-emerged glider builder. If interested, contact them at 800/COME-2UP (another manufacturer using a toll-free telephone). ••• A new rigid wing is causing some excitement in California’s Bay Area, and it’s another Swift. Different from the now-defunct Owens Composites Swift, this one emerges from Bright Star Gliders and principal, Eric Beckman. Another all-composite design, Swift #4 is flying with molded spars and skins mated to a chrome-moly hang cage, cutting the weight to 100 pounds. Bright Star claims L/D max on the 39 foot span glider should be 25:1 with the optional pilot fairing (a front and rear streamlining effort with open underbelly area to allow foot launching and landing). The company says "initial performance polars have revealed an L/D of over 20:1 even without the pilot fairing attached." With a lean 11.5 aspect ratio, inboard flaps are employed to allow heavier pilots to launch the 135 ft2 Swift in light conditions. The flaps can be deployed to 40¡, useful for landing approaches. Full-flying winglets do not have movable surfaces; instead the Swift relies on elevons and the flaps for controls. The pilot flies supine and uses a sidearm control stick to move the elevons while a rope & camcleat arrangement operates the flaps. No weight shift is involved. Though the stall characteristics are described as "docile," and the design spin-reluctant, the Swift uses "extended ‘training’ landing gear for transitioning pilots." The $9,500 ready-to-fly price tag includes a standard Second Chantz rocket parachute. Options include the pilot fairing ($300) and a carpeted cartop transport box ($500). Will this be the combination that finally ignites widespread interest in rigid wings? The company hopes so, planning on 2-3 gliders a month after HGMA certification. ••• Tellurider, Nick Kennedy, has announced the 1992 Nationals in his mountainous city, site of the country’s highest-drawing pilot gathering each year. In a communiqué sent in late December, Kennedy claims Telluride will have a "permanent soaring box that extends all the way to 25,000 feet." He continues, saying, "Negotiation with the FAA went very smoothly," and adds that the unrestricted airspace surrounding the area was valuable as was the lack of conflicts arising from two previous Manufacturer League Meets. If interested in preliminary info, contact Meet Director Kennedy at P.O. Box 1026; Telluride, CO 81435. ••• To conclude this month, Arizonan, Brad Lindsay, has introduced his Smartow winch system. The arrangement differs from the typical truck-based winch in that the whole system is mounted on a pivot arm which pulls against an adjustable spring so line tension is displayed (in addition to hydraulic pressure). The feature is said to be useful in crosswind conditions, allowing the reel to follow the glider. A thin profile hub (1.25 in) needs "no rewind mechanism… making the unit very reliable as there is only one moving part," reports Lindsay. The 23 inch reel can hold 5,000 feet of 900 pound Kevlar or Spectra line. It can be bumper mounted on autos or placed in a truck bed or on a trailer. Base price is $2,850 with 3,000 feet of Kevlar Fineline. For more info, call 602/863-9909. ••• Outta room! So, got news or opinions? Send ’em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Phone/fax: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

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ST. PAUL, MINN — A new year of soaring begins and we can wonder what new records may fall (well, Larry?). What new designs will emerge? In the ’90s decade, UP and their TRX have enjoyed the limelight though sales still trail industry leaders Wills and PacAir. ••• Now UP offers an intermediate model using the successful TRX planform but with aluminum spars (it saves a few bucks). The XTR — once codenamed the TRX L — extends UP’s model line, cleverly employing the remarkable reception to the composite-framed competition model. The Utah-based builder is accepting orders while the glider completes HGMA certification. Selected dealers have flown the XTR and are reportedly excited. ••• Near the end of ’91, National Champ’ Tony Barton and aerobatic guru John Heiney returned from an eastern road tour promoting UP. A western tour is planned next. Contact the factory to be included in these plans. ••• UP has geared up both parts and glider production to keep delays short. Parts are now going out the next day, while gliders carry a 3-4 week lag. ••• PacAir made a small change on their Double Vision tandem glider: a longer crosstube pullback cable that allows further loosening of the static VG system. Otherwise they continue to experience good feedback from the tandem users. ••• To better provide technical service, PacAir has instituted an unusual step in hang gliding: an 800 telephone number. Intended for use by their dealers, the free-call service allows order placing and technical questions. Rare throughout sport aviation, the 800 number shows PacAir’s determination to offer high quality service. ••• Sail loft manager Jeff Williamson has left the Salinas factory. He’ll be replaced by Jose Gonzales with help from Sue Christie and old veteran sailmaker, John LaTorre (whose work dates back to Vision 18 serial #1). ••• APCO, the large Israeli manufacturer of hang gliders and paragliders, is again attempting to penetrate the big USA market. Their new distributor, Ramy Yanetz, headquartered in the San Francisco area, is promoting the APCO Santana SRC 155 high performance model for a remarkably low $2,195. The glider features an electric VG option that provides push-button tuning for $300 extra, an affordable option given the SRC’s low intro price. If the SRC’s price still seems steep, Yanetz will sell you the APCO Nimbus "entry-level glider" for a mere $1,395. Both gliders boast both British and Swiss certification. The distributor also offers an APCO pod harness plus APCO emergency canopies. For demos or info contact Ramy at 415/964-8326. ••• Another importer, Karl Myrenne, is pushing Europe’s popular Flytec altimeter/variometer. The instrument offers a large display with "dome" switches that permit operation even by a gloved hand. Dual digital altimeters provide both absolute and relative altitude, a nice touch, especially as the latter can be reset in flight. The vario uses a large analog display, often thought to be superior over a digital vario display (you can identify trends quicker than with a digital readout). In addition the Flytec features adjustable audio, a wind speed sensor, a real-time clock, plus 10-hour stop watch. Perhaps even more significant is the unit’s memory for the last 20 flights including: max altitude (absolute), max climb rate, flight duration, and flight date. Two batteries last 60 hours each; a warning shows low battery and the unit has an auto-power-down capability. If interested, call Dodeca in California at 510/490-4385. ••• Sail Wings of Little Rock, Arkansas has announced lightweight UV protective covers for today’s $4,000 gliders. These are full glider covers, intended for use when your glider sits in the sun, fully set up, waiting on conditions. Sail Wings also offers a transport bag made from the same material as well as a parachute inner bag (diaper). The material is a silver metallic-coated ripstop Nylon said to offer significant resistance to the sun’s damaging rays. Full covers start at $125, storage bags from $80, and ‘chute diapers from $20. Call Sail Wings at 501/227-4920. ••• To close, Austin Air Sports is creating a full-service flight park somewhat like Bill Fulton’s Kaaawa Valley in Hawaii. Besides offering hang glider training in Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, they’ve opened the Austin Air Park at Windemere. Nearly every way to fly in Sport Aviation will eventually be offered including ultralights. As water is close at hand, water-based sports are also on the planning agenda. AAS presently occupies the field, so ground-based towing is currently offered. Gliders can stay fully built inside a hangar. For further info on this exciting facility, call AAS at 512/474-1669. Once again, room is gone. So, got news or opinions? Send ’em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Call or fax to: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

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ST. PAUL, MINN — The fall board of directors meeting in beautiful Salt Lake City focused on paragliding. Here’s a few figures picked from several conversations… • APA membership is up to 800 nationally, close to APA Prez Peter Zimmerli’s projections of a year ago, but still a far cry from Europe’s alleged three to five times their hang gliding population. • USHGA membership climbed modestly but steadily to over 8,000 in recent months; 364 are paragliding-division members, "most of whom are HG pilots also doing PG," says E. D. Jerry Bruning. • Paul Voight’s survey of 105 USHGA Chapters brought 63 replies (60%). Forty percent were "Pro paragliding at site but against merger." In a separate question, a plurality (64%) said the Chapter was against any merger. Ironically, a majority (54%) have paragliding members in their Chapter, and 78% of those responding did allow paragliding at feasible sites. However, a third indicated other specific bad experiences with paragliding activities at their sites. • Last, both USHGA office staff and editor recently report 70-75% not in favor of an HG/PG merger. The ballot/survey just mailed is contributing information. • Reminiscent of the ultralight issue a decade back, be advised no plans for any merger are in board discussions. ••• Seedwings’ Bob Trampenau called to correct last month’s mention of his 610 model. In fact, some are flying now! He observes his company has a "three month backlog of twenty units" at this time. Bob was very pleased with the test rig performance of the 144. The wing boasts the right new features: rear set up, non-removable VG cord, and enclosed wing tips plus it sprouts the distinctive Sensor tailfin. Call Trampenau at 805/968-7070 for further information. ••• Wills plans to run an ad promoting their dealers who maintain demo gliders for customers. Showing good coordination between factory and dealer, the customer has a wide opportunity to fly-before-you-buy. The hang gliding industry leads sport aviation by offering demos and factory- plus dealer-test-flown aircraft. Ultralights and kitplanes are overwhelmingly sold as kits, mostly to people who have not yet flown the aircraft. Surprised? Hang gliding’s done proud! ••• Knowing each dealer can’t afford to have all seven current models, Wills will send their demo team on the road. They’re at work on a ’92 schedule. Orders are strong, with deliveries quoted at 10 weeks (some inventory is available). In recent dealer communications, Wills clearly specified, "Hang gliding is still the main part of our business, and we are still committed to doing the best job possible in hang gliding." ••• Continued effort by Bobby Bailey and great close-in support from the Draggin’ Flyers (Orlando, FL) have spawned two aerotowing offspring. Both Chattanooga, Tennessee shops will offer aerotowing. Lookout Mountain is already operating from their 22-acre landing area where they hosted a successful clinic from Moyes/Bailey and the Dragonfly tug. Many solo tows were liberally sprinkled with tandem flights, all drawing rave reviews. Sequatchie Valley Soaring hosted an earlier clinic a valley away and expects their tug in December or January. Each business is offering membership deals. Contact Lookout at 404/398-3433; reach SVS at 615/949-2301. Call the Draggin Flyers at 904/775-3252 (Steve & Barb Flynn) or 407/657-1699 (prez Campbell Bowen). ••• Wrapping up with three aftermarket products… • Rob Reiter’s newest video deserves applause. Just because hang gliding "works" in front a video camera doesn’t mean all productions are created equal. Professional technique means a better tape. Hawaiian Flyin’ is smoothly done, moody with soft views of our exciting way to fly. Rob’s mellow style befits Hawaii and its pastoral yet thrilling soaring adventures. Other video tapes show scenes of interest to pilots; HF will appeal to anyone (though some won’t last for all 45 minutes of running time). See Rob’s ad for further info. • Christmas gifts for pilots with everything? How about a carbon/Kevlar lightweight full-face helmet from Bieffe of Italy. Promotions Unlimited is selling the MX helmet for $207 ($220 with graphics), postpaid. The helmet is certified exceeding basic DOT standards. Call 619/229-0048. • You can pick up a custom-made, polyfilled Ultrex flight suit, highly recommended by Jim Reynolds. Call Stewart of Oregon at 503/475-7650. Price is $100-150. • Maybe a flying trip to warmer climes sounds good? John Olson is headed south of the border again, including Guatemala. John guides tours through the winter season, so contact Welcome Aboard Travel at 703/828-4000 for costs and availability. Olson’s tours have earned good reviews from pilots. ••• Outta room. So, got news or opinions? Send ’em to 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Call or fax: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

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ST. PAUL, MINN — The story within a story for the ’91 U.S. Nationals involves the gliders that 125 registered pilots flew. Of these, approximately 15% were foreign pilots, some of whom used American brands. While the selection of competing pilots may not mirror the choices of recreational pilots, the survey is of significant size and timely enough to warrant a recap. ••• Wills Wing was predictably the dominant brand, with a 29% share of the 123 flyers whose glider was identified in Tom Kreyche’s final results package. In the no. 2 slot with their hot new glider is UP, thermaling up to a 19% share. One of the international Big Four, Moyes came in third with 18%, fruits of their effort in North American sales. Showing a rather soft fourth place finish for the likely world leader of glider building, we find Airwave (UK & CA represented) at 14% of the field. Continuing to show surprising strength, Enterprise’s Foil consisted of 11% of the field. The other down under outfit is the first serious challenger to the Moyes monarchy. ••• These five companies held a stunning 91% of the total field. Far below were the "other British company," Solar Wings with their popular Rumour (3%); a three-way tie for seventh place with La Mouette, another French builder, Tecma, and the USA’s own Sensor at 2% of the field; trailed by two single entries for the Fledge III and something called the Blitz. ••• In my three analyses of glider brands this year (East Coast Champs, Brazilian World Meet, and Owens Nats), Seedwings has counted low, a distinct change from earlier years. The company is preparing its Sensor 610, but no news has been released on the model. Owner Bob Trampenau is an old veteran; the quietness is surely just a phase. But when news is sparse people begin to speculate (often incorrectly). ••• "Rumors are rampant," says General Manager, Mike Haley, about three instances of a rear leading edge breaking on TRXs. "All were Team Green aircraft, and were early production gliders." All events happened on landings. Seems that hard whacks can have a detrimental effect (oh really, Dan?!) on either aluminum or graphite. Haley explains, "Graphite can bend further out of column than aluminum without problems. With simultaneous multiple loads such as compression, twist, and column, graphite can be less tolerant of ground impacts." By implementing slight changes in the production process, UP has improved "whack resistance" without loss of graphite’s inherent advantages of light weight, strength, and flexibility. After the early incidents, UP retired the questionable RLEs. Newer spars "appear to have resolved these problems," says the company. "Over the last several months, no more reports have been received, even though I’ve seen some incredible ‘whacks’ during demo days," Haley indicated. Inspections per the owners manual are recommended after whacks or transport stresses. ••• The TRX continues to wow hang gliding experts for its reportedly superb handling and landing characteristics. Performance has also received kudos and the recent glide angle contest at New Hampshire’s Morningside air park added to the momentum. Center of Gravity harness maker Jay Gianforte won the event while flying a Mountain Wings-sponsored TRX. MW owner, Greg Black says, "Jay flew a completely stock TRX!" ••• Seems worth observing the reorganization of Pacific Airwave. Since founding the company in ’82 and after accepting a majority partner (Airwave UK), Jean-Michel Bernasconi has managed the firm in concert with his wife, Natalie. Now JMB will stepped aside yielding the reins to Ken Brown, the new prez, backed up by Briggs Christie, each longtime members of the PacAir team. Brown will have more time to stay in the factory. His road tour duties have been freed up, "…thanks in part to the fantastic success of John Olson’s skills on the demo trail," reports PacAir. Jean-Michel will have more time to design, they say. We wonder what this can bring: More glider designs? Or pursuit of other disciplines, such as paragliders? Or will it lead to things non-aeronautical such as windsurfing sails? ••• To close, Sky Com products has introduced their Sky Talker II antenna. The installation rolls up inside the sail and need never be removed. Intended to cover the entire 2-meter band, their tests have shown it to outperform rubber duck and telescoping antennae. Cost is $33 postpaid. If interested, write Barry Palmatier at PO Box 530268, San Diego CA 92153. ••• Got news or opinions? Send ’em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Call or fax to 612/450-0930. THANKS!

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ST. PAUL, MINN — A few places in the country are beginning to look like fall, as tree colors mark the close of another soaring season. ••• The much-debated Owens Nationals is history. Getting right to the point… Tony Barton was the victor, flying his TRX, a fact that must be making the year-old UP International smiling widely. In second was Thomas Suchanek (Moyes XS) followed by Jim Lee (HP AT 145) in third. In the top ten only five were Americans, what with the contest being widely attended by pilots from at least fifteen countries, beginning their two-year preparation for the 1993 World Meet in the Owens, the first ever in the USA. Some 126 pilots registered in what Bruce Case (12th) called, "hands down, the toughest Nationals ever." Fortunately, tough didn’t mean it was cruel (as some labeled the Dinosaur Nats). Six rounds were flown in good conditions and no one was injured, though a few "There I was…" stories were told about pilots finding themselves sinking out in an Owens’ canyon. Tom Kreyche got kudos for running a good meet. Other Americans in the top ten included Chris Arai, Nelson Howe, and Dave Sharp. ••• Using the recently popular "tarp start," the contest brings some new features worthy of note by those who don’t compete. The tarp start involved a large hunk of material spread out roughly four miles in front of launch. Pilots launched whenever ready, working to accumulate altitude. When the tarp was unfurled, pilots rushed in from all quarters… kind of a Gentlemen-start-your-engines beginning. It put everyone on the course during the same conditions. The best pilots end up flying with one another as they took lead of the pack. It also makes the ending very exciting, as pilots pulled in for final glide, one behind the other. The Owens seems especially well suited for tarp starting. ••• In a related product story, Bruce Case flew his wild looking composite pod "harness." He’ll go back to the drawing board on a couple small points but seems quite pleased with the results, claiming he’ll "definitely keep flying with it!" The revised Jim Lee fiberglass-shell pod attracted much attention. It weighs about 40 pounds when you include instruments and all; "about 10 pounds more than a comparable fabric pod," says Case. He continued, "In fact, weight wasn’t a problem at all; in the Owens Nats, pilots like Ted Boyse were flying with 65 pounds of sand ballast." Case has plans to continue refinements on the clear nose cone, attempting to improve ergonomic performance on long glides ("two mile course glides were common; some were ten miles!"). The cone slides forward for thermalling allowing good head-up vision, but when slid back for max glide, Bruce reports his visibility above the horizon was too limited. Case is preparing an article on the composite marvel for a later issue of Hang Gliding, where photos will amplify his description. ••• The safety of the Owens Nats seems to subdue criticism voiced at the April 1991 FAI meeting held in Lucerne, Switzerland. When the international delegates gathered, France’s Gérard Thevenot (boss of La Mouette) expressed concern that, "a Championship in the Owens Valley would be excessively severe and no fun for the pilots." Perhaps use of August versus June or July was wise, but this contest seemed not to bring the dangers which worried Thevenot. ••• Oxygen use was a factor at the lofty Owens meet, a fact that is probably music to the ears of Mountain High, makers of the newly announced XCR systems. The latest model from the O2 supplier uses the Oxymizer® (oxygen conserving) nasal cannula, a nose fitting that eliminates the more cumbersome mask. The composite fiber wound cylinders are small and light, yet — with the cannula — provide a stunning 4 or 8 hours of a flow rate good to 18,000 feet (and you shouldn’t legally be going higher, we all know). Looks good. If it interests you, see their ad in this issue. ••• To close, a bit of legal humor… R.V. Wills, a name any old veteran will recognize (father of the famed Wills bros.) has penned a new book since he retired from the legal profession. Called "Lawyer’s Are Killing America," it throws darts at the lawyers who have proliferated the legal liability environment which has been so hard on aviation. While L.A.K.A. isn’t an aviation book, you might find it of interest. The lessons of liability haven’t been lost on his sons’ organization. When Wills Wing hosts a flying seminar, you’ll have to sign the usual document prompting the slogan, "Where There’s A Wills, There’s A Waiver." Good chuckle!. Outta room. So… got news or opinions? Send ’em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Or call/fax to: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

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ST. PAUL, MINN — A few things of interest again this month, as (trumpets blare!) our old faithful Hang Gliding magazine turns twentysomething. Yipes, can ya believe it? ••• Its summertime and the action is plentiful. Been doing some traveling; visited several hang gliding and ultralight dealerships (my job you know). Excitement surrounds the UP Int’l TRX. In the ’70s each new glider was heads above the rest. Those days passed into technical advances and fine craftsmanship in the ’80s. Raw leaps of performance gradually metamorphosed into professionally engineered refinements. I thought I’d heard the last of comments like, "No, really, this glider is a huge step over previous state-of-the-art. Flies better, lands easier, is lighter… blah, blah." You should judge for yourself, of course, but the TRX has earned wide praise from old timers. ••• In August, UP was out testing the TRX 140 or 145 (final sail measurements are still pending). They hope for certification by the end of September. If these rave reviews I’ve heard are substantial and not just "first blush," the TRX seems destined to earn a firm niche in American hang gliding. Whatever the final judgment, I’m pleased as punch to see the old UP solidly back in the action. ••• In non-American companies, Moyes seems more determined than ever to hold onto their part of the big U.S. market. As I write, Bill Moyes, Bobby Bailey, and crew are touring the east with their slick aerotug, and playing to impressed Yankee pilots. ••• Moyes also reports for son Steve that the California Moyes operation has stepped up efficiencies by retaining Juan Corrall who will assemble airframes and spare parts in SoCal. Office response to customers is improved by the addition of Gayle Schutte, who answers the phones and fax plus handling the bookwork. If you’ve been concerned over the quick availability of parts, try ’em again. Bill assures me things are being smoothly managed. ••• Having mentioned the aerotug, I should note their very first outing produced a sale. Yep, Sequatchie Valley Soaring, at famed Henson’s Gap near Chattanooga, Tennessee, expects to receive the remarkable machine later this fall. They plan a membership deal to fund the rig, an airstrip, hangarage, and other operational costs. Limited member slots are filling up. If interested in this exciting concept at a top soaring spot, contact Rick Jacob at 615/949-2301. ••• Jacob also reported that the Mountain Condo lodge at the well-known site is now open and booking space. He’s reportedly full already for next April’s East Coast Championship. The Condo offers three small apartments plus a kind of bunkhouse for individual pilots. ••• Another bit of Moyes-oriented news is the inclusion in that company’s gliders into a new proposed show at galaxy-famous Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Malcolm Jones has been retained by Disney as a consultant to coordinate logistics of the boat-towed hang gliding portion of the show. Four Moyes gliders have been received for use, and all aircraft will be equipped with special BRS rocket parachutes. The show will also include some ultralight action. This is all still tentative pending Disney big wigs’ final approval, but it appears the mammoth entertainment complex will again present ultralight flight to (get this!) 10-12 million annual visitors. Jones has promised to keep me informed. ••• Rich Pfeiffer is back at High Energy Sports and working hard on new projects. Ready at this time is his and Betty’s newest harness, the Tracer. The front-entry pod features an easy-up linkage allowing the pilot to de-prone easier ("like a cocoon," says Rich). It also has more storage areas, uses continuous webbing, plus it sells for $399 which qualifies as a bargain in these days of pricey high-tech harnesses. Call HES at 714/972-8186. ••• Mitch MacAleer (former Gen. Mgr. of UP) informed me that the failed Dream rigging reported last month was a Delta Wing unit. UP built a continuous cable that could not pull through the aluminum, as occurred on the failed craft. Seems DW made the wires as separate using a nico stop to secure the cable. That stop was retained at the top of the reinforced kingpost, and evidently under significant force the wire could be yanked out. Check yours! Make a correction if needed. ••• Got news or opinions? Send ’em to: 8 Dorset; St. Paul MN 55118. Phone or fax: 612/450-0930. THANKS!

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