Product Lines – December 1995

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Up here (too) near the arctic circle, it’s clear that winter is just ahead. It didn’t appear that way in Orlando, Florida at the end of October when You-shga’s board of directors got together for another of their twice-a-year meetings. In addition to the business of the association, many directors took flights at one of the two airparks near Orlando. For some of these leaders, the operations provided their first chance to see aero towing happening in an enthusiastic way. For others it was their first chance to be aerotowed. ••• The Quest Air bunch at Groveland Airport (just west of Orlando) hosted the Thursday night "Ice Breaker" party that forms the first assembly of the board. Many directors arrived early enough to tow from behind three Dragonfly tugs present. (One is operated by Quest Air, and the airport is the new home of Bobby Bailey’s Dragonfly building enterprise.) After sundown, Quest Air and friends put out a superb Mexican Buffet and served beverages in their newly remodeled clubhouse. Everyone enjoyed this great way to end a day of flying. ••• On Saturday, Wallaby Ranch hosted a second party for the directors and Ranch pilots. A band entertained while everyone present scooped up free catered food and beverages. Earlier in the day, those directors whose committee work was done were able to take a few flights. During the party, everyone enjoyed the "body suit show…" ask your director for an explanation. ••• In a different use of the Ranch, Wills Wing president, Rob Kells, held a demo days opportunity to fly the company’s line of gliders. It been years since I recall Rob touring around demoing divers, but he certainly hasn’t forgotten how to do a smooth and professional job. He was enthused by the sheer volume of demos flights he was able to offer, thanks to the continuous tug operation at Wallaby. "We had well over 40 demo flights in a weekend. In the past it’s taken three weekends to get that much done," reported Rob. Ranch hands also noted that Kells only needed to do one setup of each glider. Pilots flew the Cross Country in several sizes and many sky gods even took enjoyable flights in WW’s Falcon series. (Heck, managed to get a couple hours myself in the single surface model; reminded me why I enjoyed "the old days.") ••• The towing wasn’t all aero towing. Jim Zeiset and Robert Combs (and Jim’s son, Zack) brought Pendulum Sports’ specially-built towing boat. Done in Zeiset’s usual first-class style the boat and system worked well, giving tandem flights to a number of directors and others. Tows to better than 2,000 feet went quite smoothly and the slick deck system in back makes retrieving the glider very easy. ••• Towing is a tool to one group that wasn’t in Florida. The Blue Sky Gang in Salt Lake City uses a Dragonfly tug for design work and test flights (a technique other builders might contemplate …it allows work away from the prying eyes of customers and competitors). Blue Sky didn’t attend the Orlando gathering as production is beginning for their new Predator. This latest entry has been a long time in development, but "it was time well spent," says John Heiney, Blue Sky consulting engineer. ••• The new glider boasts several new features and I won’t comment on all of them. Blue Sky has a lengthy, detailed description I’m sure they’ll send if you call: 801-876-3003. My focus was on three things. • First, the glider has a speedy setup system that is genuinely exciting early buyers. Blue Sky calls it an "industry first," referring to a system that eliminates the need to connect any top rigging. Even the king post erects when the glider is tensioned and control bar corner hardware is said to "forever eliminate the possibility of a kinked side wire." • Second, the Predator uses vortex generators, "small angled strips just aft of the leading edge near the tip, that create small vortices that keep the airflow ‘attached’ through a higher angle of attack." This may sound like Star Trek double-talk, but in fact it is a common practice within general aviation. Although used on much higher speed aircraft than hang gliders, the technique is widely accepted as a means of keeping the separation point further aft. This brings a lower stall speed. • Third, the Predator offers an upgrade path (to borrow computer terminology) for TRX owners. Since the Predator uses the same carbon fiber airframe as the older model, owners can convert their TRXs to the Predator for an undisclosed sum. Regardless of the cost, this is the first such offer I’m aware of in hang gliding and fulfills a promise to TRX buyers (that their airframes would last beyond the sail). Designers are pleased with performance and handling of the Predator and some customers have proclaimed them right. To date several dozen pilots have flown the glider. Glowing reviews appeared on the Internet. One of these is from Heiner Biesel, who ended his upbeat report with "I’m not involved with Blue Sky Aircraft in any way, and paid for the glider out of my own pocket." Testimonials like that don’t hurt a bit. ••• With the passing of UP International USA, I’m pleased to see the Utah team staying in the game. Associating with Heiney are well-known master sail maker, Dick Cheney; highly ranked competition pilot and shop operator, Dave Sharp; and 21-year veteran HG pilot and airline pilot, Dave Chapman. ••• Outta room again. So, got news or opinions? Send ’em to 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Fax or V-mail to 612/450-0930, or send E-mail to: CumulusMan@aol.com THANKS!
mulusMan@aol.com THANKS!