ST
ST. PAUL,
MINN. — Since last month’s column, I’ve been to the USHGA board
of directors meeting
in Salt Lake City, Utah. As usual, the large group of directors spent many
hours — all unpaid, volunteer work and they pay most of their expenses to do so! If you want
more details, ask your regional director or read articles elsewhere in this
magazine. ••• However, my focus at these meetings is as chair
of the Publications Committee. Often, this committee’s work is obscure
but this time, the committee recommended and the full board blessed an idea
that will affect everyone in Yooshga, including both hang gliding and paragliding pilots.
The committee recommended and the board approved a plan to combine our two
magazines into one.
• Now, before I go off and make someone angry, let me stress that you
will see articles in both magazines surrounding this change AND members will be given a chance to
provide their thoughts. The controversy over the waiver some years ago taught
the board a lesson (see, democracy can work) so members will be asked to
comment. • Of
course, this already occurred once in the combined test issue a couple years
back. Members were solicited for their opinion then, too. However, that was
then and this is now, so when you are asked, please respond to the inquiries.
It’s YOUR magazine and the most visible member benefit. Speak up! • My own thoughts are
that the combination of magazines makes lots of sense. It can also help USHGA
market hang gliding and paragliding to newcomers, something needed throughout
aviation. I encourage you to read the explanatory articles and to state your
feelings. But I hope you’ll give this idea a chance. We could always undo
what we’ve done; nothing is forever. My committee debated this over our
longest session since I became the committee chairperson oh-too long ago. We
think we did the right thing. Now, we ask your thoughts but also your
cooperation. ••• Altair is back! Of course, you knew this as it has
been reported earlier. But recent words from proprietor Steve Schuster confirmed the new developments. He
wrote in late October, “We are the new reps and the builders at this
time. John [Heiney] is here at this time teaching me all he know s about
building them and servicing them.” He goes on to say, “We are
planning to continue building the same great gliders… and hoping to add
a larger Saturn and a single
surface [glider] next
year, and after that, a light topless.” Sounds like things are happening and that the
Schusters are excited about their venture. Altair info: Birdy0959@aol.com.
••• Icaro has news of a new glider. Pilot extraordinare Manfred Ruhmer has
“slightly modified the sail of the MRX 2001” and the company is
proud to introduce a “new model for the year 2002 called MR700 & MRX700 World Record Edition.” They note the new derivations
were temporarily called the MRN2 and MRX2. MR700 is called their “basic
version,” while the MRX700 is “the competition version with
Bainbridge cloth.” Each is available in two sizes, 13 and 14 square
meter (140 and 150 square feet).
• Icaro also notes that, “from January onwards… the Laminar
12ST will be replaced by the Laminar 12MR.” All newly developed hardware on the MR700 will be
applied to this new model as well. The company also boasted that “all our
hang glider models are entirely made out of the best tubes available, produced
in 7075 aluminum alloy by Alumenziken,” a well respected Swiss factory.
“We are convinced that this alloy is the best material for our
product,” says Icaro. Of course, 7075 is also widely used on U.S.-based
designs. With the new models percolating through their production line, they
state, “Starting from now, the MR and MRX 2001 models will not be
produced anymore.” However, they will continue supplying spare parts and
all related services. ••• Flytec, the instrument — and accessories —
company, has some cures for your wintertime blues. Specifically, they have some
new Blueye Goggles
that are no goofy-looking windscreens. These look more like totally-hip
sunglasses that happen to fit snugly and use an elastic band in lieu of the
usual sunglasses construction. Boss Steve Kroop writes, “Their refined contours
combine the innovative ‘vac-u-air flow system’ with sensational
form to deliver an exceptional sporting accessory …and they look cool,
too!” He continued explaining, “The frames are made from soft
Santoprene which provides a rugged and comfortable fit. The lenses are made of
impact resistant polycarbonate treated with FX2 anti-fog coating providing
excellent eye safety, fog-free vision, and 100% UVA and UVB protection.”
They come with a second pair of lenses and you can change them quickly and easily.
Colors include Rose, which Steve says is optimal for cross country flying
thanks to their cloud clarifying ability, or you can have Yellow, Blue/Clear,
Mirror, or traditional Smoke colors. He says you can put on a full face helmet
over the Blueyes — as they form fit to your face — and that they’re
quite durable so long as you don’t go dragging them around on the ground.
They sell for $80; dealers may inquire. • Flytec also has a second
generation racing pod
for instruments. The company reports, “The two most noticeable
differences will be the cost and the instrument installation. Retail is
expected to be around $150, down about $100 from most of the pods currently
available.” The other big change is that when you want to install the
Flytec 4000 series instrument it will be removed from its standard housing,
“thereby making the package sleeker, lighter and more aerodynamic.”
• Finally Flytec is trying to help top pilots Bo Hagewood and Paris Williams attend the Australian contests this
winter. He’s selling a Flytec shirt for $15 and putting all the proceeds
toward their travel costs. A worthy cause, Flytec wants to help “two most
affable, financially challenged hang gliding waifs” stay tuned up for the
2002 contest season. Of course, they’re both Flytec-sponsored pilots.
However, as demonstrated by their sponsorship of the World Record Encampment
and the springtime contest at Quest Air, Flytec has stepped up to the plate
with significant sponsorships for all who attend, regardless of their sponsor. • All in
all, Flytec has some goodies just in time for Christmas. Info: 800-662-2449 or info @flytec.com.
••• So, got news or opinions? Send ‘em to: 8 Dorset,
St. Paul MN 55118. Messages or fax to 651-450-0930; please note my new e-mail
address of News@ByDanJohnson.com… but you can still use CumulusMan@aol.com for the
foreseeable future. • All “Product Lines” columns will be
available later this year at www.ByDanJohnson.com. THANKS!
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