No. 377 SEPTEMBER 2020 The magazine of the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association2 SKYWINGS SEPTEMBER 2020 attitude Having already having planned to be in the Hayle area of Cornwall for the PMC weekend, myself and three friends decided to do our own thing and go anyway – our own mini-PMC (ParaMotoring Cornwall). We contacted local pilot and all-round nice guy Daniel Gough for local area knowledge. Booked in at a nearby campsite outside Redruth, we set off with a favourable weather forecast. I’m pleased we followed through with the plan because we had three terrific days. We are from the Worcester area and a coastal flight is something unusual for us. The flights we had over Hayle inlet, Penzance Bay, St Michael’s Mount, Gwithian Beach and up the stunning, rocky coastline with its little coves and bays all the way to Perranporth, are images I’ll always remember. This is where the paramotor comes into its own, and why I think this side of our sport will grow well beyond paragliding and hang gliding numbers in the future. The ability to set up a portable aircraft and fly from areas that are not possible for hang gliders or paragliders, because of either landscape or weather, gives us a different perspective. The two-hour early morning flight from a flat farm field, landing back at the car and returning to the campsite for breakfast; the ability to pick a destination and fly there and back without worrying about wind direction or strength (within reason); and to be able hitch free rides at times in ridge or thermal lift, give a huge all-around experience. I started out paragliding in the Peak District – my schooling was with Paul Allmark, an ace pilot – but, for many different reasons, parawaiting turned me to the Dark Side. I know some hooligans and rogue pilots get into paramotoring and spoil the image for the good guys with their low flying and other antics that cause 999 calls, but I’d like to stick up for the good guys – which is most of us. We are all BHPA members in our group. Most paramotor pilots are very aware that we make a noise and can be annoying if we hang around in the same spot, and we try our best to limit exposure for ground dwellers as much as possible. In Cornwall we all flew high so as not to impact the locals, and we contacted the appropriate airfields and military each day with our intended plans – and everyone at operations was very grateful for the calls. We all have the same interest in flight at heart, and in our sport and our freedom to be able to do it. Times are changing fast ... let’s all do the right thing and preserve the privileges we have, not only for ourselves but for future generations. We are incredibly lucky! [John’s video of his trip can be found by searching for Doing the right thing … and enjoying it! JOHN LING, PARAMOTOR PILOT As most things this year have postponed or cancelled, it was disappointing to get news at the last minute that the Paramotor Club’s summer fly-in had also come under the axe. Many paramotor pilots had been looking forward to this one, hoping that restrictions would have been loosened enough by the end of July. This was not the case; clearly the future is going to be hard to predict.4 SKYWINGS SEPTEMBER 2020 regulars reviews features SEPTEMBER 2020 SKYWINGS 5 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 The unstoppable Carl Wallbank, who set a new FAI UK Class 1 declared and undeclared triangle records in July Photo: Richard Sheppard THIS PAGE State of the art: Grant Oseland, Ozone Enzo 3 and Advance Impress 4 harness at Ringstead. Photo: Alex Coltman 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 Email: SKYWINGS ONLINE Go For the September issue enter the username Sep_2020 and the case-sensitive password 7H(emD%dN For the October issue enter the username Oct_2020 and the case-sensitive password FVi4bG$9 DEADLINES News items and event/competition reports for the November issue must be submitted to the Skywings office by Monday September 28th. Letters for the October Airmail pages should arrive no later than Friday September 18th. Advertisement bookings for the October edition must arrive by Friday September 11th. Copy and classified bookings no later than Friday September 18th.6 SKYWINGS SEPTEMBER 2020 news BHPA soldiers on Thanks to superhuman efforts from the BHPA’s non-furloughed staff, the Association has been able to keep a straight course through choppy waters in the last few months. Working from home, Michelle and Steph have been putting in long shifts and making great sacrifices keeping the BHPA office functioning; the Leicester office is now open again and Carla has led the phased return of other office staff. Mark Shaw, now wearing at least a dozen hats as the only non- furloughed member of the technical staff, has put in many, many hours beyond the call of duty, single-handedly keeping the complex tech side of the BHPA’s operations running. Dave and Ian remain furloughed at present. The ordinary flying member is in debt to all of the above. Associations like the BHPA run on people power; it is our good fortune to have some of the best. British Paragliding Open is off The Paragliding Competitions Panel has reluctantly decided, in the light of the ongoing uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, that there will be no British Championship Open in 2020. The June event at Grand Bornand was cancelled but there were hopes of organising something later this summer. But with general concern over renewed outbreaks, and the potential for further travel disruption, the Panel couldn’t be 100% sure of holding a fair and sporting competition. Plans are in place for the British Winter Open, to be held again at Roldanillo in Colombia, in January 2021. ‘It would be great to repeat last year’s epic event with the legendary racing conditions of the Cauca valley,’ says Panel Chair Guy Anderson. ‘Local organiser Lucho Jimenez has exciting plans to take us on a mini tour of the valley to include Piedechinche and Anselmo Nuevo. Obviously all will depend on the Covid-19 situation, so fingers crossed. We hope to have positive news for you later in the year.’ Jack Pimblett teams up with Fly Products 'Acro' Jack Pimblett, lately an exponent of paramotoring as well as paragliding, has joined up with Italian manufacturer Fly Products as a brand ambassador. Fly Products build the successful Rider and Eclipse units and a wide range of trikes. 'I have been very careful in selecting which brand I partner with as I look to develop these relationships over the long term,' Jack writes. 'Having visited a few companies and their factories, I immediately felt like I was a part of the team at Fly Products. They have a proven track record and the quality is great – it was a no-brainer. My Atom 80- powered Eclipse has been an absolute blast. At 18.5kg, it changes the game for me!' In fact Jack first flew a paramotor at 16 but was put off by the heavy machines of the era. He says the aim of the new partnership is to show paraglider pilots the beauty of paramotoring and the advantages of being involved in both disciplines. European Championships postponed The Paragliding XC European Championship, due to start at Nis, Serbia on August 23rd, was postponed until 2022. The organisers and the FAI tried hard to make the event work but it was agreed that Covid-19 travel restrictions had not improved enough to hold the competition. An FAI press release issued on August 4th said, ‘Positive thinking, and having all medical measures ready, have not been enough to insure a safe, fair and satisfying event. See you in Nis in 2022!’ Back in the air! Pilots across the country have been emerging from the lockdown with enthusiasm born of long-pent-up energy. Safe distancing rules are largely being observed and several epic flights have been made. Many UK and overseas schools are training successfully under exacting BHPA guidelines for safe distancing; there is some evidence of pent-up demand for training. Under the heading of ‘epic flights’, note Carl Wallbank’s recapture of the UK flexwing hang glider triangle record at 142km, only eight days after Andy Hollidge had reset it to 126km (see page 16); Alex Coltman’s 232km by paraglider from Frocester, followed by 215km from Selsley Common only five days later; and Pete Logan’s 170km by paraglider from Carlton Bank, in the company of Jake Herbert (pictured above by Pete Darwood) and Chris Fountain, that may turn out to be a site record Whatever we note here will be out of date by the time you read it; suffice to say that UK flying was underway big-time in August, fuelled by the reopening of the XC leagues in late July. Although the Hang Gliding Nationals, Round 3 of the BOS, the postponed British Paragliding Open and the FAI Europeans (see below) had to be cancelled, hats off to those involved in running the successful UK Paramotor Open in August. Pilots are urged to keep abreast of the current (and sometimes fast-changing) rules for the part of the UK they fly in, and any countries they may be thinking of travelling to. Pilots should also make a point of updating themselves on general or specific site rules issued by the clubs who manage the sites they intend to fly. Above all, please apply common sense and discretion while getting the hours in.After only 43 years in the industry, I really don’t know why some things don’t sell as quickly as they should. This gorgeous XS Niviuk Koyot 2 is a perfect first glider for a new pilot fitting the 45-65kg weight range. It should have whistled away a year ago, but is still here…. Equally, I had a mind-blowing flight on this as-new Avian Evo, then waited for the inevitable buyer. I’m still waiting… A friend asked me to sell his EN B Nova Ion 4 S (80-100kg). It is almost new, and they are renowned gliders, so where is the next owner? He or she hasn’t turned up yet, but when they do they will get a bargain. Don’t even mention the Moyes Litespeed RS 3.5 with which Jeremy Soper has been criss-crossing the country on XCs. Being Jeremy, he has plotted the performance of this glider against others, and has proven it is streets ahead of other wings he has flown. He can’t believe I haven’t sold it from under him. I must try harder! Hair today - gone tomorrow! This is me post-lockdown. Next month I will show you the post-chemo version – sans hair! But I’m not going anywhere just yet - open for Ian Anderson has hair. He bought a Calypso from me, and loves it. I have another Calypso due to arrive soon, as well as other intermediate gliders for new pilots from This Sky System 90 reserve has been here for ages – but should be VERY saleable as a small reserve (max 86kg certified). I’ll drop the price… … £199 to clear. Coming soon is this Solar Edge harness for a pilot around 6’3”. Just been fully overhauled, so should be sold in no time. But will it be?? To be honest lots of things do sell really easily. This Moyes XT intermediate hang glider arrived one day and sold the next! Interestingly, I have another XT due to arrive soon….. check out those Flying suits? I have a selection of new and used flying suits – and they are all reduced! Prices from £15 upwards. Hair today, gone tomorrow (2) This old photo must have come from a time when I had a partner – I’d never normally have such short hair if left to my own devices! We were winch towing - retrieving lines and swapping winch men, I should think. Happy days Here Today, Gone Tomorrow!Charly Helmets The aerodynamic Charly NO Limits is available as an open - or a full-face helmet. The pressure-formed aerodynamic Kevlar- reinforced fibreglass shells are renowned for their quietness, and come in four colours and four sizes, starting at £225. A clear visor comes as standard with optional Tinted visors available. The Charly Insider is probably the top-selling free flight helmet of all time. The Kevlar-reinforced fibreglass shell is fully-lined, and I stock eleven colours and six sizes from XS to XXL! Prices start at £158, and weight is only 660gm! The stylish Charly Loop costs £120, weighs around 505gm and comes with a helmet bag included. There are three sizes and six colours: Gloss White, Matt Blue, Matt Black, Matt Red, Matt Orange and Nova Silver – see them all on my website: The Charly Ace has a polycarbonate shell and comes in four sizes, with a choice of Gloss White, Matt Red, Matt Black or Carbon-look. Weight is around 560gm, and prices start at £84. The Charly Breeze has a swoopy polycarbonate shell, comes in four sizes in either White or Matt Black - with contrasting removable ear covers to suit different seasons. There is also a version in two adjustable sizes for commercial operators schools and tandem. It weighs about 480gm, and costs £87. I stock all the Charly helmets optional accessories, too! The Ace, Breeze and Loop will all accept the optional visor, available in Grey, Yellow, Orange and Mirror finishes. Prices start at £28 per visor, with the fixing screw set costing another Simon Murphy’s Flying Circus Luppitt, Honiton, Devon, EX14 4SA tel: 01404 891685 news Snake special offer A recent move to Skye (see February Skywings) has made David Broom unable to continue with the free training for Snake microlight purchasers which has proved effective at maintaining Snake pilots’ 100% safety record. Airplay have now announced a new offer for every UK purchaser of a complete Snake aircraft. A customer can either take three hours free two-seat flexwing training with Mark Allan at Sutton Meadows, or free delivery of their new Snake to their home or favourite flying site. The handover will include a full demonstration of rigging/derigging and basic maintenance, and a briefing on the Snake’s flight characteristic. Mark is a CAA-qualified instructor and any training will count towards a microlight NPPL. Both existing and lapsed pilots should find the new offer useful in getting current before flying their new Snake offers run until further notice; David hopes be able to provide free training throughout the UK soon. Contact him at Advanced adventures The third annual edition of house magazine Advanced Adventures has appeared – 68 pages of remarkable experiences covering the entire spectrum of paragliding and paramotoring. Each article reflects the spirit – and the outer limits – of our sport, enhanced by spectacular photography. Advanced Adventures is available free from Advance dealers or online at In brief World and European record. On July 19th Belgian hangie Jochen Zeischka broke Tomas Suchanek’s world 25km triangle speed record that has stood for 20 years. Flying from Laragne, Jochen and his Moyes Litespeed RX5 Pro got round at 65km/h, handsomely beating Tomas’s mark of 50,81km/h set in Australia on a Litespeed 4 in December 2000. Jochen is also claiming the previously unset European record. X-Alps 2021 recruiting now! The next Red Bull X-Alps – tenth edition of the ‘world’s toughest race’ – will start on June 20th 2021 with new pilots and new route ... and some very wily, very hard mountain men. If you have the experience, ability and physical and mental strength, go to announced on October 14th Bigger bag for Rise 4. In last month’s Rise 4 review we reported that Air Design’s standard bag might be a bit tight for a standard harness and helmet. It turns out that there are three sizes of bag; we can report that the largest (160- litre) size will swallow a glider, normal harness and helmet with ease. Skywings online. The online version of this issue can be found at username Sep_2019 and the case-sensitive password 7H(emD%dN. For the October issue enter the username Oct_2019 and the case-sensitive password FVi4bG$9. 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! June winners Nigel Brayn £127.80 Beverley Reardon £63.90 Gordon Moore £31.95 Gerald Nolan £19.17 Tom Hardie £15.98 Henry Hookings £15.98 Colin Bamber £12.78 Frank Ribbons £12.78 Malin Lobb £9.59 Dave Sheppard £9.59 BHPA £319.48 July winners John Casson £128.00 Ann Matterson £64.00 John Gibb £32.00 Dave Ward £19.20 Tim Coldfield £16.00 Simon Hornsby £16.00 Stephen Flint £12.80 Leslie Weidman £12.80 Malcolm Morrison £9.60 Stephen Formoso £9.60 BHPA £320.00 If by the time you read this you have not received your cheque, please contact me on 07802 525099. Marc AsquithSEPTEMBER 2020 SKYWINGS 9 Photo: Adv ance/Felix W oelk • Start by making an overall visual check, looking for signs of wear and damage. • Check all accessible webbing, especially where it passes through buckles or touches the seat board. Look for frays, cuts, wear and any other damage to the webbing and stitching. Don’t forget to check areas of webbing concealed by carabiners, buckles and other parts of the harness structure, or where it comes into contact with moving parts such as opening carabiner gates, sliders, etc. • Seat board (if present) – take it out and check it for fractures and cracks. Inspect the edges where they touch fabric or webbing and look for any rough spots – these should be covered by protective edging. The point of maximum wear is often the lip on the front of the board. • Zips – many reversible harnesses rely on zips to turn the paraglider bag into the harness, and vice versa. If a zip has broken teeth, or requires force to move the slider, it may need to be replaced. This is particularly important if the zip is necessary for the integrity of the harness airbag. • Speed system – perform a visual inspection of the system. The structural core of the lines connecting the accelerator bar to the attachment points on the risers is usually covered by a protective outer sheath. If this looks frayed and the strands of the core can be seen, the line should be replaced with the type specified for the purpose by the harness manufacturer. Do not be tempted to substitute an alternative line – the correct diameter must be used so that it runs cleanly through the pulleys. • Perform a function check of the speed system – ensure the system works smoothly, the pulleys are not twisted and any knots connecting the lines to the bar do not foul the eyelets on the harness through which the lines pass. Brummel hooks should cleanly engage with their counterparts on the riser end, without a gap sufficient to get a suspension line through. • Speed system set up – for this check you need to have your risers attached. At full leg extension you should be able to get to maximum acceleration. On many makes of glider, this is when the speed system safety matters Paragliding harnesses are exposed to wear and tear and require regular checking. Moisture, dirt, exposure to sunlight, heavy landings, being sat on whilst parawaiting and being crammed into glider bags can all cause damage and accelerate the ageing process. The following is a list of points to look at when performing routine checks of your harness. Care and maintenance of paragliding harnesses TH E B ES T PLA CE TO BUY ALL YO U R K IT ! We give your flying a liftWe give your flying a lift Our great team offers you a unique buying service. We match you with the perfect gear solution. We seek out proven products with great value from the leading range of brands. Get the best freeflight gear, with top service, wide knowledge, great stock and fair pricing. Dealer checks and fitting included. 01273 812 442 For expert advice on a wide range of free-flying gear Learn more ... For expert advice on a wide range of free-flying gear Our great team offers you a unique buying service. We match you with the perfect gear solution. We seek out proven products with great value from the leading range of brands. Get the best freeflight gear, with top service, wide knowledge, great stock and fair pricing. Dealer checks and fitting included. Next >