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If you're looking for news stories published before January 2016, please visit the Skywings News Archive.
Skywings news stories published in 2017 are displayed below.
News stories published in the years listed above can also be searched by post date or headline (title).
To search by post date, please enter the month and year numerically as mm-yyyy (eg. 03-2016).
There are 52 news stories for 2017 in our database.
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From the 1st August 2017, the submission of a stand-alone pilots declaration uncertified wing form has been superceded by a new declaration included in the membership renewal form.
When pilots flying any wing that is uncertified join the BHPA or renew their BHPA membership, they will now have to declare that they understand and accept the additional risks of flying an uncertified wing with no acceptable independent verification of airworthiness. Pilots who entered the old system will automatically be transferred to the new system on their next renewal. Anyone who wants to START flying an uncertified wing who was not on the old system and who has not renewed since 1 August 2017 will need to speak to a Technical Officer.
For further information about certification and flying an uncertified wing, please download a copy of the BHPA Certification Fact Sheet which is available in the documents section of our website.
Posted: 14 September 2017
By: Paul Dancey
Pennine Soaring Club will hold its annual Penninefest on the Chipping Showground on September 8th - 10th.
A marquee will be in position with bar, pumps and a selection of local beers. Eric's marvellous barbecue will be available from Friday until Sunday. Saturday night is pizza night at the Sun Inn Pizza Oven restaurant close by in the centre of Chipping - you need to book early. Camping is available on the showground for a small nightly cost, with electric available on a first-come basis.
There'll be a task-based competition set by Chris Williams of High Sierras, and a reserve repack and a guest speaker on the Saturday. For updates see the Pennine flight club Facebook page and PSC website. Contact Graham Jones for pizza and repack bookings.
Posted: 7 September 2017
By: Paul Dancey
In May 1975, at the 5th annual Otto Lilienthal Hang Glider Meet at Pismo Beach in California, a dayglo-orange WW2-surplus amphibious vehicle was used to ferry pilots and gliders over a mile to the 450ft Guadalupe Dune flying site.
Hang gliding history buff and avid modeller Everard Cunion has recreated the event in miniature using scratch-built model gliders and a 1/76th-scale Airfix kit of the DUKW amphibian. The DUKW is 12.5cm in length and the hang gliders - made of toothpicks, tissue paper, wire and thread - are just 8cm long. Those interested in how Everard achieved this feat of miniaturisation should visit Everard's wordpress website.
Posted: 7 September 2017
By: Paul Dancey
On Sunday 30th July, two months after having his Bailey V4 paramotor stolen, John Richardson went down to the local recreation ground to walk his dogs and fly RC gliders. His partner noticed a silver BMW convertible with a paramotor and wing in the back, and said it looked like his.
Walking over for a sneaky look while the two guys set up the wing in the middle of the field, John immediately recognised it as his and called the Police.
The micreants were arrested and John has his paramotor back. When the Police visited the thieves' house they found 28 stolen paraglider wings, equipment, etc. If you have had equipment stolen contact PCs Sarah Warren or Simon Wright at Beeston (Nottingham) - phone 101, extension 318 9987. The Crime Reference Number is 17000224163.
Posted: 7 September 2017
By: Paul Dancey
The GA Alliance (GAA) are seeking an Airspace Support Consultant to provide contracted, paid project support to member organisations through the GAA airspace team.
The job involves proactive awareness, research and analysis of strategic and local airspace issues, and developing, with others, potential solutions and guidance to member associations.
The successful applicant will have a well-developed understanding of UK airspace operations and good knowledge of airspace developments and the relevant legislative framework.
They must be flexible and committed, with strong verbal and written communication skills, and able to prepare high-quality submissions. Applications, marked 'GAA Airspace Contractor', should go to Pete Stratten, Secretary, GAA, 8 Merus Court, Leicester LE19 1RJ by September 9th 2017.
For details please visit the BGA website.
The GAA was formed in 2004 to provide a co-ordinated response to UK regulatory issues, working on behalf of the 72,000-odd members of the BBAC, BGA, BHPA, BMAA, BPA, HCGB, LAA and the RAeC.
Posted: 7 September 2017
By: Paul Dancey
Some readers may remember the YouTube footage of a paramotor pilot, flying at extremely low altitude, along the Brighton shoreline on the day of the Brighton Marathon in April.
The CAA had been already been alerted as it appeared he had taken off from within the Shoreham ATZ. The pilot in question (not a BHPA member) was later tracked down by the BHPA and local paramotor pilots and interviewed under caution by the CAA's Enforcement Branch.
Taken aback by the volume of evidence presented, the pilot is said to have apologised to all concerned and, with a view to furthering his airmanship, has since requested further training. Respect is due to all in the paramotor community involved in engineering this positive outcome from a potential PR disaster.
Posted: 7 September 2017
By: Paul Dancey
The 2017 British Open took place in the very scenic Surrey Hills, at the Green Dragons Flying Centre.
It was a small turnout, probably due to the pessimistic weather forecast, but we enjoyed guests from Poland, Turkey and Sweden.
Despite the prevailing strong wind, rain and low cloud over the 4-day event, Barney Townsend, the excellent Meet Director, managed to run 7 excellent tasks to validate the Championship.
Dylan Marsh won the fuel economy task and Mark Morgan won the navigation task but it was the landing accuracy tasks that ultimately provided the tie break, with Michel Carnet winning the British Paramotor Champion Trophy for a record 13th time!
Michel was flying with the same equipment that he had been flying for the last 6 years, a Nirvana Instinct 200 and a Nirvana Nucleon WRC31, and he was hoping that reliable and proven equipment would prevail over untested or unsafe gear.
Sadly, the air ambulance was called to rescue the young Dylan Marsh, who stalled his wing on a target landing approach. A disappointing way to end the competition for the promising young pilot who is now back home recovering from his injuries.
Many thanks to Andy Shaw from Green Dragons, and to all the marshals and volunteers.
Posted: 21 August 2017
By: Paul Dancey
The GA Alliance (GAA) are seeking an Airspace Support Consultant to provide contracted, paid project support to member organisations through the GAA airspace team.
The job involves proactive awareness, research and analysis of strategic and local airspace issues, and developing, with others, potential solutions and guidance to member organisations.
The successful applicant will have a well-developed understanding of UK airspace operations, and good knowledge of airspace developments and the relevant legislative framework.
They must be flexible and committed, with strong verbal and written communication skills and able to prepare high-quality submissions. Applications, marked 'GAA Airspace Contractor' should be submitted to Pete Stratten, Secretary, GA Alliance, 8 Merus Court, Leicester LE19 1RJ by September 9th 2017. For details please visit the BGA website.
Posted: 1 August 2017
By: Paul Dancey
last updated: 10 March 2025
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Further information about the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association and skywings magazine can be found on the about the BHPA and Skywings magazine pages on this website.
