On-line Incident Report System
The work to upgrade the on-line incident reporting system to match the new web design has now been successfully completed, and the system should be fully operational.
A few minor improvements have een made to the form layout and the information displayed, and a link has been included on the final screen to allow further submissions in the same browser session.
If you do find any bugs, please send an email to Paul Dancey giving as much information as you can to enable the error to be reproduced and fixed.
Posted: 1 May 2013
BHPA website gets a face lift
The BHPA website has been given a "spring clean" and a "fresh coat of paint". This is an interim measure whilst discusions continue about developing a brand new website.
The main focus of this work has been to give the existing website a fresher look and to make it easier to find information by providing a more logical structure, and multiple navigation routes.
The new structure has been extensivly tested, but when making a major change like this it's almost impossible to check every single combination and permutation. If you do find any bugs or broken links, please send an email to Paul Dancey giving as much information as you can to enable the error to be reproduced and fixed.
Posted: 28 April 2013
Castrol Product Recall Notice
Castrol has just been alerted to a problem with several batches of its two-stroke (2T) product sold in Europe from 3rd September 2012. They believe some of the batches have been contaminated with water and as a result could cause engine seizure.
Whilst Castrol 2T products have never been specifically approved for use in two stroke engines used for recreational flight, such as paramotors and powered hang gliders, they have become aware that some customers have purchased this product for that use.
Paramotor and powered hang glider pilots are therefore strongly advised to download a copy of the Castrol Recall Notice to check if they use this particular product, and if they do take the necessary action as soon as possible.
Posted: 25 April 2013
Gin backs the Wide Open
The organisers of the Wide Open competition have just announced a five-year partnership with Gin Gliders. Gin have agreed to donate prizes worth more than 5,000 euros including a paraglider, harness and emergency parachute.
Passion Paragliding, xTc, Flymaster, XC mag and others are also sponsoring the event with prizes including flying holidays, and Flymaster are providing live tracking hardware too. The Gin Wide Open kicks off at Meduno in Italy on May 18th for a week of fun competition, barbecues, parties and lectures by experienced pilots including Pat Dower and Gin teamsters.
The Wide Open promises to be one of the defining paragliding events of 2013; Meduno's huge grassy launch, reliable conditions and plentiful land-out options make it an ideal venue for a fun-centred event. If there are any places left you'll find them at www.flywideopen.org.
Posted: 28 April 2013
Paragliding Accuracy Nationals
The Paragliding Accuracy Nationals will be held on June 1st - 2nd on Beyond Extreme, Long Mynd and North Wales sites.
Transport to take-off will be provided. The competition is open to all pilots rated CP (H) and above. Non CP rated pilots can compete in the Novice competition if accompanied and supervised by their own instructor.
Competition HQ will be at Beyond Extreme's Big Bear Lodge at Melverley, about six miles west of Shrewsbury (www.bigbearlodge.co.uk). The campsite there will be open from 2pm on the Friday. Entry will cost £35 if received by Friday May 24th or £45 thereafter; there is a reduced fee for students. Entries must be received by Friday May 31st and will not be accepted on the day.
For an entry form go to www.beyondextremeparagliding.co.uk. Numbers are limited to 60 pilots, so get your entry in early. It is also advisable to book B&Bs, camping or caravan pitches as early as possible.
Posted: 28 April 2013
Lilienthal replica
German enthusiast Norman Bernscheider has built a full-size replica of Otto Lilienthal's 1891 "Derwitzer" glider.
Norman has enlisted the services of hang glider pilot Lukas Bader to fly the machine and some inconclusive hops have already been achieved.
A TV channel owned by Red Bull is interested in filming a flying contest between a number of pioneer flying machines including those of Lilienthal, Berblinger (1811), Chanute (1896), Pilcher (1897) and the Wright brothers (1901).
Posted: 28 April 2013
Pennine Parafest update
Arrangements for this summer's Pennine Parafest on on June 28th - 29th are well advanced. Attraction include a parachute repack session and a presentation by Pat Dower.
Tickets for this two-day gathering are now on sale at £10, which covers camping, entry to a fun comp and all social events. "If you are not yet familiar with this part of England, this is the weekend to visit." says organiser Billy Maxwell.
For more information and to reserve a ticket, contact him on 07548126499 or go to www.penninesoaringclub.org.uk.
Posted: 28 April 2013
For further information about the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association and skywings magazine, please visit our about the BHPA and Skywings magazine pages on this website.
