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A legend returns
A giant of the golden age of hang gliding returned to the skies again in March.
Back In 1987 Colin Rider, once one of Dales club's best pilots and prominent in the XC league, achieved a height of 13,600ft in wave from Wether Fell. Colin had not been seen in flying circles for some years but turned up at a recent Dales Club meeting, and within a very short time his return to the air was agreed.
On March 25th Colin was sent aloft from Tailbridge Hill on a borrowed Wills Wing Eagle by a team of well-wishers. His first flight for nearly 30 years was followed by a perfect landing. Colin is reported to be planning to upgrade to an Airwave K4 and get his lapsed flying credentials in order. A number of Dales pilots (Andy Lumb and Tony Fillingham for example) have recently returned to the one true religion and there are others in the pipeline.
Colin's 1987 flight, on a Solar Wings Ace RX and recorded on a Diplex altimeter, was accepted as a UK record; it has never been exceeded by any free flier in this country - not even Judy Leden on her 1989 cross-channel balloon drop!
Posted: 11 May 2016
By: Paul Dancey
Paramotor champs - volunteers wanted
The FAI World Paramotor Championships take place at Popham, Hants from August 20th - 27th. Volunteer marshals are needed to make help the competition run smoothly and efficiently.
In return for their enthusiasm marshals are entitled to free onsite camping and other benefits. Marshalling is a great experience - you get to see the action from the front row, learn all about competition flying and develop your own skills as a pilot; many of those who help in this way find themselves competing soon afterwards.
For more information, a Q&A forum and a marshal registration form go to the WMPC 2016 website or contact Barney Townsend.
Posted: 11 May 2016
By: Paul Dancey
Nova 'testival'
Active Edge are hosting a Nova testival in the Peak District on the weekend of the June 11th - 12th.
The team, including test pilot Toni Bender and a van full of gliders for pilots to try out, will meet at the Derby & Lancs gliding club on Bradwell Edge at 9.30am each day (check Facebook for the actual destination on the day).
Toni will also be doing a Q&A session at the gliding club on the Saturday evening. Camping and food are available at the gliding club; everyone will be welcome.
Posted: 11 May 2016
By: Paul Dancey
Otto animation
German researcher Johannes Hogebrink has been allowed access to the Otto Lilienthal Museum's archive of 145 photographs to produce a short animation of of the world's first hang glider pilot flying from his artificial hill near Berlin between 1893 and 1896.
You can also view Otto Lilienthal's First Film from Johannes Hogebrink on the Vimeo website.
Thanks to Tony Prentice for the steer.
Posted: 9 April 2016
By: Paul Dancey
The end of the pier show
No more Worthing Birdman - the local council have decided against organising any further Worthing Birdman competitions 'for the time being'.
Apparently costs have been escalating and they have no major sponsor; according to the organisers "... it's time to stop injecting money and resources into the event." A shame after Ron Freeman scooped the £10,000 jackpot in 2014 with a 159m flight and Tony Hughes following with 106m last year.
The end of the 'pier show' will disappoint a number of determined hangies and experimenters; Ron has competed at Worthing, and Bognor before that, since the early 2000s and won at least 25 events.
Posted: 9 April 2016
By: Paul Dancey
Lakes XC prizes
Lakes pilot Chris Scammell is offering two prizes of his company's HD Lake District relief map to the first paraglider pilots to complete either of the following challenges this year.
The first is to fly a closed circuit that visits all four of England's 3,000ft summits (Skiddaw, Helvellyn, Scafell and Scafell Pike); the second is to fly a route - no closed circuit necessary - taking in the same four summits on an intermediate wing of aspect ratio 5.3:1 or less. Turnpoint cylinder radii are 100m; proof should be by IGC file sent to chris@mapsculpture.co.uk.
The Lakes HD relief map is realised in perfect detail by a blend of computer technology and old-fashioned artisan skill. It retails at £119. For further details please visit the Map Sculpture website.
Posted: 9 April 2016
By: Paul Dancey
Parafest
A reminder that Parafest returns for its second year at a new easy-to-find location near Prestatyn in North Wales. Just a mile from the A55 and close to the coast, the site offers smooth sea breezes for the paramotors and the area's many paragliding sites within easy driving distance.
The UK Accuracy Squad will have a winch on site and will demonstrate how an accuracy comp works; experienced accuracy pilots will offer an introduction and coaching to any interested tow-rated pilots. A dozen bands of all genres are booked to play, and a varied selection of caterers and a bar with real ales, cocktails, etc, will be open all weekend.
For further details and online ticket sales please visit the Parafest website.
Posted: 9 April 2016
By: Paul Dancey
Consultation on increasing fines
The Department for Transport is consulting on proposals to increase the fines for pilots infringing the Rules of the Air.
For offences relating to communicating with ATC, flight plans and position-reporting the DfT seeks to increase the maximum fine in England and Wales from £2,500 to unlimited. In Scotland and Northern Ireland the maximum fines would increase to £5,000.
The consultation closes on April 22nd; for further details and how to respond please visit the UK government website.
Posted: 9 April 2016
By: Paul Dancey
Skywings news last updated: 19 July 2020 at 12:03:28 PM
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