No. 365 SEPTEMBER 2019 The magazine of the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association2 SKYWINGS SEPTEMBER 2019 THE BHPA LTD 8 Merus Court, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1RJ. Tel: 0116 289 4316. Skywings magazine is published monthly by the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association Ltd to inform, educate and entertain those in the sports of Paragliding and Hang Gliding. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, their Council, Officers or Editor. The Editor and publisher accept no responsibility for any supposed defects in the goods, services and practices represented or advertised in this magazine. The Editor reserves the right to edit contributions. ISSN 0951-5712 SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DELIVERY ENQUIRIES Tel: 0116 289 4316, THE EDITOR Joe Schofield, 39 London Road, Harleston, Norfolk IP20 9BH. Tel: 01379 855021. COVER PHOTO Aerocycle 3 on the Lasham runway at 04:43 during the Icarus Cup in July Photo: Alec Proudfoot THIS PAGE James Smith and BGD Base – evening flight at Kimmeridge in late July Photo: Robin Wallace DESIGN & PRODUCTION Fargher Design Ltd. Killane House, Ballaugh, Isle of Man, IM7 5BD. PRINT & DISTRIBUTION Newman Thomson Ltd, One Jubilee Rd, Victoria Ind. Est, Burgess Hill, RH15 9TL. ADVERTISING Tel: 07624 413737 SKYWINGS ONLINE Go For the September issue enter the username Sep_2019 and the case-sensitive password WnP%b+Y8 For the October issue enter the username Oct_2019 and the case- sensitive password rfHC*2tA DEADLINES News items and event/competition reports for the November 2019 issue must be submitted to the Skywings office by Monday September 30th. Letters for the October Airmail pages should arrive no later than Monday September 16th. Advertisement bookings for the October edition must arrive by Tuesday September 10th. Copy and classified bookings no later than Tuesday September 17th. regulars reviews reviews features attitude 4 SKYWINGS SEPTEMBER 2019 My instructor walked over with a big grin. ‘You’re free!’ he shouted. I had done it; I had passed my CP. My imagination filled with future vol-biv adventures, XC flights and my first trip to cloudbase. My objectives were clear: higher, further, longer. I began my first solo flights, confident and determined to learn. I had heard rumours and read statistics of huge numbers of new pilots dropping out of the sport within the first year, but I discounted these with a wave of my hand. Not me – having had so much fun during training, it seemed incomprehensible that anyone would not want to continue flying. Then it happened. During those first flights I was getting higher and further from the hill, but I was also getting far less confident. The sky I was familiar with during my training seemed bigger, the turbulence stronger and my sense of unease far greater. I was now asking myself, ‘Should I be up here right now?’ At present I have no real feeling for what bad conditions are. Sure, I have an anemometer and I know what windspeeds I can take off in, whilst keeping the risk of looking like an idiot to an acceptable level. I have read numerous books and browsed enough site guides to have a rough idea of what conditions are probably hazardous to my continued existence. What I don’t have is the breadth of experience in the air to allow me to judge what is normal and what isn’t. For example, what constitutes ‘rough air’, when anything but the lightest thermal tickle sends my pulse rate into triple digits? I rationalise that conditions can’t be that bad if the glider is still above my head and inflated, but this benchmark leaves a lot of territory unexplored. My rule of thumb doesn’t tell me if the bumps I’m feeling should put me on my guard. Flying can be quite stressful, and not much fun, if every small bump makes you glance up at your wing in expectation of a 50% asymmetric. I need somebody who can roughly predict the air conditions before I even get off the ground – someone who is familiar with the site and has a wealth of experience and humorous anecdotes to share. I think I need a coach. A metaphorical cliff edge lies at the boundary between CP training and your first few hours of club flying. It’s the time when you must make your own decisions, based on your assessment of conditions and appraisal of your skills. If things get hairy, there’s no calming voice crackling on your radio telling you everything will be all right. In an attempt to smooth this transition, the BHPA has developed a foundation program to guide new pilots through the first ten hours of club flying. In my opinion it’s a very good program that expands and develops skills already learned during training and sets you up nicely for skill development to Pilot level if so desired. It is designed, in part, to be coached in a club environment: a friendly club coach guides you through the program, offers advice and signs off the individual activities. And you get to fix a big red ribbon to your glider to warn other flyers to give you space, as you’re probably one weightshift away from doing something stupid. All going well, within ten hours airtime this program should generate a reasonably competent pilot who can fly at the busy club sites without terrifying everybody in the air and on the ground. This sounds like a simple, straightforward and logical thing to do. However, for the system to work it requires enthusiastic club coaches to meet up and maintain contact with eager learners. This can sometimes be difficult or impossible to achieve due to the significant variation in coach numbers and availability at club level. This is not a universal problem, but the consensus among my fellow early fliers suggests it’s a significant issue. This lack of communication from both club and coaches, in combination with the idiosyncrasies of the British weather, can leave a red-ribboneer either not flying, or going it alone with little support. We are all aware that club coaches are taking time out of their day, and sacrificing potential fun in the air, for little or no recompense other than an occasional beer and a thankyou. I, and many others, feel awkward about asking them for help and arranging hill meet-ups. I suspect there is a cultural element to this: we British don’t like to think we are putting people out – asking for help is a bit ‘Continental’. Some clubs, aware of the issue, try to get around this awkwardness using mobile messenger apps to coordinate novice meet- ups on the hill. I’m told these are hugely successful in terms of pilot development, club atmosphere and social participation. There are also individuals who coach regionally across multiple club sites, using the same mobile technology to answer questions, suggest meet-ups and provide invaluable feedback. Unfortunately, and even given this tireless effort by some, I frequently hear of certain clubs underperforming: unanswered emails, impenetrable club cliques and novice flyers unable to find anybody to help them. The minority of clubs simply not providing enough support will almost certainly be responsible for a number of individuals leaving the sport after the first year. An argument could be made that recreational paragliding clubs are not there to teach or train their members. It’s a valid argument, but misses out on the potential benefits of retaining and increasing membership at local club level and nationally. If more people fly on a regular basis, the BHPA has far more clout when protecting airspace and far more negotiating power dealing with insurance. Greater membership of local clubs gives them more cash to secure and negotiate existing and new site access. More importantly, the first ten hours of flying will reinforce habits, good or bad, that will stick with the pilot for their flying career. These habits and skills will ultimately dictate how safely, competently and courteously he or she flies. This is important, as we all have to share the sky and the relatively small number of club sites. I don’t need to reiterate how many good sites have been endangered or lost by the discourteous actions of a few pilots, and I’m sure most pilots have been placed in hazardous situations by similar lousy piloting. In the longer term, if clubs fail to encourage new blood the UK flying community runs the risk of terminal decline as people retire from the sport. There is safety in numbers, and a healthy and growing number of pilots can help resist the increasing demands for space both on land and in the air. So, to the experienced flyers and club coaches: don’t ignore the hesitant pilot, nervously looking at the sky with a red streamer poking out the back of their glider. Don’t ignore the gormless look or the dubious reverse launches. Everybody has to start somewhere, and you could help shape the first few tentative steps of a true sky god. Or, at the very least, make them grateful enough to pick you up after a 50k XC. I can remember the moment quite clearly, a rather intense afternoon of big ears, slope landings and speed bar. Coming in for a top landing, my feet kissed the ground with unnatural grace and I spun around and quickly deflated the wing with a tug on the C-lines. However, any onlookers would have been mistaken in thinking that I knew what I was doing. Post-CP blues JAMES HAUGHS, IMPROVING PARAGLIDER PILOT Photo: T on y MargiocchiWhy buy your reserve parachute from me? I’ve been selling reserves for over 40 years, and have had a successful real-life deployment, too. I am UK distributor for reserves from Charly, Skyman and Independence. My brands have sold tens of thousands, and have hundreds of successful deployments to their credit. Not everyone can afford new reserves, so I also try to keep a representative stock of second hand ones, too. My deployment came while paragliding in Switzerland, and proves the wisdom of always flying with a reserve installed in your harness! If you aren’t already convinced, read the full account on my website or, if you have a free half hour, just ask me about Independence Cornetto, from £585 The new Independence Cornetto is available for both paragliders and hang gliders, and brings us a square reserve at the price of a round! It’s light, too, starting at around 1.5kg. All our reserves can be supplied with Rotor swivels at extra cost. Independence Annular Evo, from £580 Charly Second Chance from £460 Charly Clou2 from £620 Charly Diamond Cross, from £699 Skyman Ultra Cross, from 1kg and £825 August 12th found me swooping around above Woolacombe on my lovely Malibu (still not for sale). Thirty years previously (to the day) you would have found me and my Airwave Kiss at Braishfield, Hampshire. I’d set a new XC record for Condors sites at just over 80 miles, and it still stands today! Good thing, really, because I couldn’t fly that well now! Please note that I’m away for two weeks in September – dates on the website. These days I keep busy by wheeling and dealing – a skill I seem to have retained over the years. This tasty Ozone Buzz Z ML came in recently, and will make somebody very happy at I like to stock unusual kit, like this hang glider supine set-up. If you have always wanted to try supine, this is your chance. Harness, splitter bar and reserve are all included. New price is about £1400, but I’d accept half that! £695 I might be tempted to sell my gorgeous Moyes Litespeed RX 3.5. I haven’t flown it this year, but feel sorely tempted. You could make my mind up for me… Did I mention that I’m away for two weeks in September – dates on the website? This month I’m trying to convey that I sell almost everything for the free- flyer, both new and secondhand. For instance, I have four or five paraglider rucksacks, priced from £45. New ones, too, from BGD and Skyman. Quite a lot of hang glider pilots dream of dune- gooning, so I usually have one or two Stirrup harnesses. Prices start at about £55. I also have STOCK brand new knee- hangers! You guessed it! I have harnesses for paragliding, too. This Supp-air reversible harness/rucksack is a gem, but I have a choice of others, as well as new harnesses – Skyman lightweights. Before you rush down to buy them, don’t forget that I’m away for two weeks in September – dates on the website: Talking of light weight, how about trying this lovely medium Ozone Geo? It is a snip, as are most of the gliders in my used stock. I can also sell you the new glider of your choice, and have some Skyman gliders in stock. Wow! A second hand Suppair front-mounted container and reserve. It is in great condition, and can be sold with or without a harness If you are still reading, then I admire your perseverance! I keep a range of kit specifically for practising the black art of ground handling – such an important element in safe paragliding. Harnesses from about £65 and wings from £110. Must get them listed on the website…. Would you believe I’m away for two weeks in September? Check dates on the website tel: 01404 891685 Turfhouse, Luppitt, Honiton, Devon, EX14 4SA RUN AWAY WITH THE FLYING CIRCUS! How Time Flies !New Reserves!6 SKYWINGS SEPTEMBER 2019 news Paramotor survey Cranfield University is undertaking research into conventional powered paraglider design. Researchers are asking for input from paraglider and powered paraglider pilots to help them identify and explore possible improvements. In particular they wish to establish benchmarks for performance and safety, identify areas in which these can be improved, and discover whether such improvements would encourage pilots to buy upgraded equipment or switch from unpowered to powered flying. To assist in this research, complete the online survey at N. Cranfield, which began life in 1946 as the College of Aeronautics, is now a world- leading postgraduate and research university specialising in science and engineering. The survey closes on September 30th. RAeC bursaries announced 35 bursaries were awarded in July by the Royal Aero Club Trust, enabling young air sports enthusiasts to advance their existing qualifications. In recent years the number of awards has increased following a decision to widen the eligible age range and the introduction of follow-on bursaries. This year’s recipients included two light aircraft pilots, ten glider pilots and ten skydivers ... but only one paraglider pilot – Oliver McCourty of Green Dragons. Any young flier or would-be flier reading this should take note: these bursaries represent free money for young pilots to progress their flying. The awards are of up to £1,000, the age range is from 14 to 21, and the closing date for next year’s applications is March 31st. Recent BHPA recipients include Theo Warden, now reigning European Paragliding Champion, and Jack Pimblett, recently high finisher at the Acro World Tour final. Last year Isabel Mackintosh of the SE Wales club received financial assistance to help her train to CP, and John Delves of Green Dragons had help towards a paramotor conversion. Full details of the rules and application forms can be found at must be submitted through a sponsoring organisation (eg the BHPA). New rules for Dolomites Last year the rules for flying in the Dolomites were updated to include the requirement to carry a separate PMR radio tuned to channel 8-16. This year the rules have been further expanded to include the compulsory carriage of a red smoke bomb, available from the sports shop in Canazei. Recommended, but not compulsory, is installing the free ‘112 Where ARE U’ app on your phone (Android and OS available). The smoke bomb is to be activated in case of accident; if you see red smoke when flying, leave the area so as not to impede helicopter access. Download the details, in English at information, as usual, reached us via the FIVL in August – how very Italian! And does anyone else have reservations about flying with smoke bombs? New-look Novas In its 30th anniversary year Nova is updating the visual design of their paragliders and the colour palette of the cloths used. Graphic designer and Nova team pilot Werner Luidolt has orchestrated the changes: ‘The central design element is the sweep, inspired by a bird’s wing which visually emphasises the aspect ratio, complemented by different-coloured banderoles on the outer wing.’ Nova R&D head Pipo Medicus says, ‘It was important that the new design was functional too. The front seam of the sweep also serves as a 3D-shaping seam. The updated look will be revealed on all new models, the first of which is imminent (see page 22); existing gliders will retain the usual design. Nova is also planning to launch a new line of harnesses; details are at Farnborough airspace judgement At the end of July Mrs Justice Thornton delivered her judgement on the CAA’s 2018 grant of airspace to TAG Farnborough following a Judicial Review, actioned by Lasham Gliding Society and roundly supported by the wider GA community including the BHPA. In the light of Lasham’s arguments – adverse impact on safety, consequential inefficient use of airspace, potential detrimental operational and financial impacts on Lasham gliding, etc – the Judge did not find sufficient grounds to overturn the CAA’s approval. She concluded that the CAA had acted within its powers and the limits of its discretion. Thus it is expected that the new Farnborough airspace will come into effect by early 2020, impacting on all aviation activity in central southern England. The ruling is a bitter blow to Lasham and the wider GA community. It follows several years of intense opposition to what is widely thought to be an unjustified and ill-considered move by TAG Farnborough to secure a large swathe of controlled airspace. Lasham has reviewed the judgement carefully, and in August reluctantly decided against seeking leave to appeal. The case has focused attention on the CAA’s policies and decision-making, against a wider background debate between the government and aviation stakeholders as to how UK airspace changes are arrived at. It is abundantly clear that pressure to compel the DfT and CAA to implement proper reform of the airspace change process must continue. news 8 SKYWINGS SEPTEMBER 2019 In brief Fly Sussex break-in. On Sunday August 4th Fly Sussex Paragliding suffered a break- in at their shop near Lewes. Among the items taken were a green 2019 Ozone Mojo paraglider (#MJ5S-U-24B-014), three Ozone Angel 95 reserves (#AN95-28E-019/020/021), an Advance Companion 120 reserve (#Y01635), two SupAir Evo Lite harnesses, a SupAir Minimax passenger harness and a Rab jacket. We ask that everyone keeps an eye out for any of this kit and reports any sightings to Sussex Police (Crime Ref 32305082019), or 01273 858170. Summer speed flying in France. In July 2019 Sunsoar Paragliding ran a guided speed flying trip to Morzine in the French Alps, believed to be a first for a BHPA school. Over the course of a week all their pilots developed skills in proximity flying over multiple incident-free runs, and three of them completed a paragliding-to-speed- flying conversion course. The next step is to add skis and run a speed riding trip next winter. Keep your eye on Free distance triangle. On June 24th Germany’s Brigitte Kurbel set a new mark for the World and European female paragliding free-distance triangle records at 269.1km. Brigitte flew her Ozone Zeno from Italy’s Grente-Alm via Austria’s Grossglockner and the Falzarego Pass. The existing holder of both records is Austria’s Michaela Brandstätter who flew 221.2km in May 2016. Skywings online. The online version of this issue can be found at and the case-sensitive password WnP%b+Y8. For the October issue enter the username Oct_2019 and the case-sensitive password rfHC*2tA. Magazines with a cover date over six months old can be viewed online or downloaded without the need to log in. BHPA 500 Club WIN CASH PRIZES AND HELP THE ASSOCIATION! July winners Gustav Fischnaller £133.60 Robert Sutherland £66.80 Derek Pavey £33.40 Andrew Beere £20.04 Neil Richards £16.70 Tony Martin £16.70 Rob Schwab £13.36 Henry Hookings £13.36 John Taylor £10.02 Simon Hornsby £10.02 BHPA £334.00 If by the time you read this you have not received your cheque, please contact me on 07802 525099. Marc Asquith Ten years later Jocky Sanderson brought the event back to life. The arena was expanded to include all 214 Wainwrights; the goal was to bag as many as you could, by foot and air, and get back to Keswick by 4pm on Sunday. The key to success lay in balancing the forecast weather with your own flying and running abilities – as much about brain as brawn. The 2018 event delivered beautiful skies but unrelenting winds. Only Andy Smith chose to carry flying gear; local vet Rod Welford travelled light and drew on his fell-running experience to pound out a win, collecting 39 summits in over 70 miles of hard slog. This year new rules made route selection even more critical over the May weekend. Peaks within the three Wainwright regions closest to Jocky’s Keswick Flight Park yielded ten points each; those further afield counted for 15 or even 25. Bonus points were added for the distance between the two most distant peaks collected. A one-day race was also planned, more accessible to those who didn’t feel up to two days of slogging, but entrants arrived on the Friday evening determined to spend as much of the the weekend on the fells and in the air as possible. Spanish duo Mathias and David had flown over for the weekend to compete on their Advance Pi Bi tandem! Saturday’s briefing revealed better conditions than expected. At the start the group split up, Rod Welford, Andy Smith and John Westall following the north- westerly route Rod had used in 2018. Their plan was to use the lower, steep-sided peaks north of Whinlatter to gradually gain height, then traverse towards the high ridge line west of Buttermere and Crummock Water. John was first to launch but had insufficient height to grab Kirk Fell. Rod stayed high before gliding across to the Lorton Valley. Andy headed south to Swinside but landed on the wrong side of the river Cocker. Meanwhile the rest of the field divided again. Ben Abell and Paul Summers marched through Keswick and along the east shore of Derwent Water before climbing the west side of the central fells, travelling south towards Watendlath. The rest pounded straight up the higher peaks west of Braithwaite. Italy’s Francesco Cordisco and the Spanish pair climbed to the summit of Grasmoor, at 852m the highest peak in the western fells. Andy Read and Flybubble’s Greg Hamerton converted height from the lower fells into distance, gliding south early to reach the higher-scoring southern fells. As Rod landed at Loweswater after his second flight he could see the Spanish pair gliding fast towards Mellbreak. Francesco, on a similar line, managed one of the first thermic flights of the day at the southern end of the Buttermere valley, reaching cloudbase over Grey Knotts. Flying down the centre of Seathwaite valley, he missed a few lucrative peaks, before landing again at the Jaws of Borrowdale. It turned out he was in dire need of food and water and had The X-Lakes 2019 Gordy Oliver’s inaugural X-Lakes competition in 2008 was a race to the summit of Skiddaw and Scafell, using the paraglider for rapid descents. It was won by the late Steve Nash, rapidly reaching his own peak as a top- class endurance mountain athlete. Spain’s Mathias Vane leads out on Saturday morning while Andy Smith, Greg Hamerton, Rod Welford, Francesco Cordisco and David Polo keep paceNext >