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Archive for the ‘hang gliding’ Category

Although the poplular view is that hang gliding was invented in the early 70’s it was in fact invented by John Dickenson of Australia in 1963. However, on 23rd May 1971, the Otto Lilienthal Anniversary Hang Glider meet was held in Southern California. The event attracted enthusiasts from all over the area, about 50 pilots, and really caught the public‘s imagination. It is regarded by many as the starting point of hang gliding as we know it today and as shown here by DeltaGerard.

As an extreme sport, hang gliding has been affected by adverse publicity as, since its inception, it has been considered an unsafe sport. The inherent danger of gliding at the mercy of thermal and wind currents has resulted in numerous fatal accidents and serious injuries over the years – even to experienced pilots.

However, this is misleading in these more modern times. The accident rate from hang glider flying has been dramatically decreased by pilot training. Early hang glider pilots learned their sport through trial and error whereas nowadays, training programs have been developed for today’s pilot, with emphasis on flight within safe limits, as well as the discipline to cease flying when weather conditions are unfavourable, such as excess wind or risk cloud suck.

Which brings me to the essence of this article. How do you learn how to read the winds and thermals?

A glider is continuously descending through nearby air, yet glider pilots can stay airborne for hours by flying in areas of rising air. Once this skill has been mastered, pilots can glide long distances to fly cross country.

There are 4 main types of wind that a hang glider pilot will be looking for: thermals, ridge lift, mountain waves and convergence. Understanding the  presence of wind, the  lift and sink over various types of terrain, is of paramount importance for all pupils.

Wind direction,  wind velocity, terrain shape and obstructions are all obstacles that need to be taken into consideration when making a flight plan.

The most commonly used source of lift are the Thermals. Pilots quickly become aware of land features which can generate thermals and become familiar with visual indications of thermals such as soaring birds, cumulus clouds, cloud streets, dust devils, and haze domes.  Well formed cumulus clouds, with darker bases, suggest active thermals and light winds and in the case of a cloud street pilots learn that they can use a cloud street to fly long straight-line distances by remaining in the row of rising air.

Ridge lift occurs when the wind meets an obstruction such as a mountain, cliff or hill. The air is deflected up the windward face of the mountain, causing lift which gliders can use to gain height by flying along the feature.

The third main type of lift is mountain waves where the pilot uses the lee waves that occur near mountains. The obstruction to the airflow can generate standing waves with alternating areas of lift and sink.

Convergence is, of course, a form of lift which results from the convergence of air masses, such as a sea-breeze front.

It is also important to understand how different wind conditions at the site will affect each and every flight and for this reason it is necessary to lern how to read the windspeed in the air and on the ground. These differing conditions will affect the flight.

Understanding the effects of a crosswind on the ground track will ensure that a pilot will be able to ‘crab’ his glider towards his goal. He must also understand the implications of turning out of the wind and the  relationship between increased bank angle and increased sink rate of the glider.

There’s a lot to learn, but nearly every glider nowadays contains an instrument known as a variometer (a very sensitive vertical speed indicator). That comes back to what we were saying at the beginning of this article – modern technology has made the sport of hang gliding far more safe than it used to be…

A variometer indicates climb rate or sink rate with audio signals (beeps) and/or a visual display. These units are generally electronic, vary in sophistication, and often include an altimeter and an airspeed indicator. The main purpose of a variometer is in helping a pilot find and stay in the ‘core’ of a thermal to maximize height gain, and conversely indicating when he or she is in sinking air and needs to find rising air. Some electronic variometers make the calculations automatically, after allowing for factors such as the glider’s theoretical performance (glide ratio), altitude, hook in weight and wind direction.

As with all things, it is not enough to reply on an instrument. It is absolutely imperative that you, as the pilot, can ‘read’ the wind incase your variometer is faulty. All equipment must always be checked. Wear and tear happens to the best stuff – it’s not worth taking chances…

We normally keep a close eye on the Nissan Extreme Games, but were obviously so busy writing on other things that Interlaken 2009 slipped by with no comment from us for which we apologise. However, it’s never too late to make up for past omissions and show you the high quality of both competitors and film producers… following this teaser from OutdoorGamesTV.

Nissan have been innovative in the extreme sports world and were the first to realise that an original event concept was needed in this growing sector of the market.

Because extreme sports have become more and more fashionable over the past few years, the event organisers came up with a concept like no other - 5 teams, 5 sports and a 5-minute film.

The task for the five teams is challenging: to produce a five-minute short film in seven days including five outdoor sports in the Interlaken region.

Rather than pushing the limits in outdoor sports, the Nissan Outdoor Games again reveals that certain subjects can be addressed within a sports film. The themes represented in the 2009 films go from the meaning of life and death, profound feelings as well as harmony with nature.

Extreme sports challenges have been taking place in Interlaken now for 5 years. The Games are an important event for adventure sports and film making. For a week, the best kayakers, mountain-bikers, climbers, paragliders and base jumpers combine with film makers and photographers to share their adventure in the mountains and to battle it out for prize money of Swiss Francs 70,000.

Jean-Pierre Diernaz, General Manager of Nissan’s Marketing Communications in Europe, says “The Nissan Outdoor Games allow athletes to express themselves in the most awe-inspiring way, whilst thrilling the public by capturing their exploits in a five minute film. Nissan is once again proud to be supporting the Outdoor Games and together we are working to increase participation in an active outdoor lifestyle and a sustainable engagement with the natural environment.“

Enjoy these incredible hang gliding sequences filmed by Austrian film team ‘Argon’ (orleyflo)

Marvel at Anthony Green’s 10-second death defying misting by the falls (acrotwinz).

Enjoy Swiss Team, NBFlyer’s, film for which they received the Jury’s Special Award as well as the Best Sports Sequence for its climbing scene with Cyril Albasini. (OutdoorGamesTV)

And we end with the winning film from Team Golgoht of Finland who received the Golden Peak Award.

The Finn, Petri Kovalainen from the Golgoht team, won the Best Photographer award as well as the Game of Light Award by Julbo.

We are now ready for take off and again we have turned to expertvillage.com for their excellent instructional videos. As you will appreciate if you have been looking at our blog over the last couple of days these videos are posted mainly for daredevil actor Nicholas Cage who is threatening to strut his stuff in the air rather than on the stage so we hope they are appreciated.

Launching or take off is all about getting the nose of the hang glider at the right angle combined with speed of air over the wing so you are literally pulled into the air as expertvillage demonstrates.

And here expertvillage talk about launching in a light wind, stalling and diving.

Ok so we are now in the air and although we published the video below from expertvillage in our first blog about how to fly a hang glider a couple of days ago we have included it again – just in case you have forgotten about turning, stalling, increasing speed – its all about the centre of gravity and what your body position will mean to the centre of gravity and therefore how it will affect the flight of the hang glider.

Landing – oh yes an important element – speed, angle, approch – you’d better get it right but this expertvillage video should help.

And to finish off this series of blogs on hang gliding we have posted another video from expertvillage on what you might need to take with you – the hang glider, harness, helmet, warm clothing and of course to start with, your instructor.

Thats about it for the time being – we are very grateful to expertvillage for their videos and if you want to learn more can we suggest you visit their website – the link for which follows – www.expertvillage.com

We hope you have fun and Nick, if you are still there, we would love to hear how you get on in Switzerland.

OK so your hang glider is ready to fly – the next lesson from expertvillage demonstrates where the centre of gravity is and what this means when you shift your weight from right to left and therefore what it does to the angle or flight direction of the hang glider. We are still not in the air in this video but it is important to understand the theory.

Right now for control of the hang glider before take off – again from expertvillage – and don’t think you can skip out on this lesson – as we are told until you can demonstarte control of the hang glider which is supported on your shoulders whilst standing, walking, jogging and finally running, without looking at the ground and without tripping over, being blown over and losing you balance you ain’t going nowhere.

We think that is enough to absorb for one day Nick as we presume you have some lines to learn and dare we say it – you are not really Superman!!

With news that adrenaline junkie Nicolas Cage is planning to take a break from acting to become a hang gliding pilot we thought he might like a few tips. Cage who is currently in London whilst filming is desperate to get his wings and has discovered it takes just two weeks to get a licence in the Swiss Alps.

Nicholas Cage as Superman

Well we thought we would provide a helping hand with the video below from rbonvent which is the United States’ Hang Gliding Association production of how to fly a hang glider. Cage has apparently hit a snag – he can’t get insurance to cover the high-risk sport – but we suggest with the proper instruction this need not be the high risk sport that many would have you believe.

Watch the USHGA’s instructional video below – it will give you some confidence.

Cage is no stranger to adrenaline-fuelled activities in the air. He starred in airborne drama Con Air and then played a helicopter pilot in Fire Birds. The actor is also said to be obsessed with Superman, and even gave his son Kal-El the superhero’s birth name on Krypton. After the premiere of Superman Returns, he said: “Each night I have dreams that I’m flying. I’m a real good floater in my sleep.”

Thats OK Nick but this will be the real thing – you simply cannot afford to make a mistake – take lessons from properly qualified instructors and as we have said on numerous occasions about every different kind of extreme sport – you must take your time in learning the art of what you are doing – please don’t rush Nick and remember this is the real thing – you are no more than Clark Kent!

We were very sorry this morning to hear of the hang gliding tragedy that resulted in the deaths of two men in a tandem hang glider which crashed near Queenstown earlier today. But it is the danger of this sport which sits along side the beauty of flying a hang glider which is the paradox of this (and we suggest many) extreme sports. Our thanks to Will Hine and Clio Francis of stuff.co.nz for bringing us this story.

‘The fatal flight took off from an area known as The Knoll on the Remarkables this morning and was piloted by an Argentinian Gerardo Bean who was working for the adventure company Skytrek. The passenger was named by police as Andrew Michael Scotland, a volunteer firefighter from Waipu, 41km southeast of Whangarei.

Mr Scotland had been in Queenstown at a fire safety officers’ conference, he had stayed behind in the tourist town after the conference, along with four others, specifically to take part in the morning’s flight. At about 10.15am the hang glider crashed in Kelvin Heights, a southern suburb of Queenstown. Mr Bean died on impact along with his passenger, Mr Scotland.

Skytrek specialises in guided hang-gliding, allowing tourists to fly with an experienced pilot. According to Skytrek’s website, the company was established in 1992 and has flown more than 39,000 customers. A Civil Aviation Authority investigator was on his way to Queenstown to investigate. There were five witnesses to the crash.

CRASH SITE: Police and firefighters prepare to remove the bodies of two people who died in a hang glider crash near Queenstown this morning.

Compare this tragic scene with the fabulous experience demonstrated in the video from Airadventures which shows a promotional video for www.riohanggliding.com of hang gliding at Sao Conrado in Rio de Janeiro which is probably the world’s most beautiful place for hang gliding and has some of the best atmospheric conditions all year round. The take off area is the “Pedra Bonita” (The Pretty Rock), at a height of 1,700 feet (520 meters). The route flies you over a tropical forest called the Tijuca National Park and over the mansions of Rio’s rich and famous before landing on the sand at Sao Conrado’s “Pepino” Beach.

This juxtaposition of the beauty and fear – the paradox – is what seemingly is the great attraction of extreme sports – both for participants who actually experience the adrenaline rush and for spectators who, not surprisingly are watching, waiting and maybe even hoping to see something spectacular. A somewhat macabre thought about the human psyche.

Our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of both Gerardo Bean and Andrew Scotland.

The second edition of the Nissan Outdoor Extreme Winter Games are happening right now in Chamonix.

5 international teams of extreme sporting professionals have, this week, been climbing, freeriding, BASE jumping, wingsuit flying and paragliding their way around the valley in an attempt to make the most impressive extreme sports short film.

Do you know what the Nissan Outdoor Games is all about? Here’s a quick video from OutdoorGamesTV to remind you…

The films will combine the skills of the individual athletes as well as the creative talents of the film crew that they work with.

Chamonix, the death-sport capital of the world as it has been described in the past, is the perfect backdrop for Nissan’s second games . This quote, from someone who lived in and loved Chamonix many many years ago, personifies Nissan’s quest:

“The great object of life is sensation, to feel that we exist, even though in pain; it is this craving void which drives us…” Lord Byron

The results will be displayed on a giant screen in the Outdoor Games Village in the Tourist Office square today, Friday 20th, and Saturday 21st February, and prizes will be awarded for Best Sport’s Sequence, Best Photography and Jury’s Special Award.

There will also be an opportunity to talk to the experts themselves or try your hand at ice climbing, slack-rope walking and the climbing wall.

On Saturday there will also be two air shows combining BASE jumping, wingsuit flying, speed flying, acro-paragliding and hang gliding. The first one will take place at mid-day on the Aiguille du Midi and the second will be above the Grands Montets ski area at 3pm.

Cham will be at her best – difficult when lovers of Chamonix say she is ALWAYS at her best, but Cham has it all this weekend, and with the fantastic snow conditions that Europe has had this season, this year’s films should capture some amazing images of the valley and surrounding regions.

This was the Ride The Planets winner last year, again thanks to OutdoorGamesTV for posting it:

Peru is gaining in popularity as the place to go for indulging in your chosen extreme sport. Whether it be paragliding, surfing, wind surfing, kite surfing or mountain climbing Peru offers some great venues in unrivalled settings and no doubt at a price more reasonable than bak home.

One of the most popular of these sports is paragliding. Peru’s beautiful mountainous terrain and vast unspoilt landscape provide scenic views that make it an unforgettable location for paragliding. What’s more, low-turbulence laminar winds make Peru an ideal location for practicing those difficult paragliding manoeuvres that most weather conditions would not permit.

The video below comes from leontienkragten and shows his paragliding holiday in Peru where all the best paragliding venues were visited – great action.

As well as continuing to grow in popularity as a paragliding location, Peru has also developed a reputation as a surfing destination, particularly amongst spring break students. Peru’s enviable position on the Pacific Ocean means Peru can offer surfers some of the longest waves that are to be found anywhere in the world. In fact, such waves – which often stretch for several kilometres – combined with its reliable weather and relatively unspoilt beaches make Peru an ideal location for a surfing holiday.

Probably the most famous of all Peru’s surfing locations is Chicama; with waves that can stretch more than 4kms, Chicama is the professional surfer’s dream come to true. In addition, 60km up the coast lies another of Peru’s most popular surfing destinations, Pacasmayo; whilst the waves don’t tend to be as long, they can still reach around 500 metres in length.

The video from altubo below is a great representation of the length of the waves to be found at Chicama.

Although popular with surfers, over the past few years the area has also begun to attract a large number of kite and wind surfers. With wind-speeds averaging around 14 knots, the area is perfect for such water spots, the Peruvian coast providing a beautiful backdrop for an unforgettable surfing holiday. This video from kiteclub shows excellent kite surfing action and a brief glimpse of wind surfers in action.

While Peru’s warm seas and long waves have made it a haven for surfers, its rugged mountains and high peaks make it a mecca for mountain climbers. One of the most popular climbing spots is the Cordillera Blanca mountain area near Huaraz.

Although the mountainous region offers various peaks for climbers to enjoy, Huascaran – Peru’s highest peak – always proves to be the most popular. Sitting high above the Rio Santa valley, Huascaran offers unforgettable views of the Peruvian countryside and a challenging climb to mountaineers of all levels. The video from grillbiller shows a successful Danih expedition to summit Huascaran in 2008

The annual hang gliding fest at the Forbes Flatlands aerodrome (NSW, Australia) kicks off on January 3rd 2009 – there are four separate classes and should you require further information may we suggest you click on the following link to reach their website http://www.moyes.com.au/Forbes2009/Default.aspx

In 2009 there will be four levels of competion to help cater for all levels of pilots and fun.

1. Open Class Category (aimed at pilots who are looking to get on their national teams, or close to it. The top twenty on any national ladder.)

2. A Class Category � For pilots that have never been in the top 100 WPRS (CIVL world ranking system). Same tasks at the Open Class. Scored together with the Open class, but singled out for recognition

3. Sport Class � Shortened Task – GPS required – Open to kingpost gliders (For less competition experienced pilots who want to learn more and stretch themselves with less than herculean tasks. Launching a bit later than Open and A Classes to get the better part of the day for the shorter task.)

4. Club Class – Duration and spot landing � Open to all gliders (For pilots who want to learn to aerotow, would like some extra attention and help, want to practice their thermaling and landing skills and hang with the big dogs. Launching after Sport Class. Must land before sunset.)

An aerotow endorsement course or aerotow training will also be available every morning starting at 9am.

EVENT ORGANISER: Sydney Hang Gliding Club

EVENT MANAGER: Vicki Cain

WHEN: 3rd-11th January 2009

WHERE: Forbes Airport, Forbes NSW Australia (5kms from town)

METHOD OF LAUNCH: Aerotow Only

CONTEST SANCTIONING: HGFA AAA and FAI WPRS

REGISTRATION & PRACTICE DAY: 2nd January, 2009

Entry fees are AU$200 and the aerotow fee, for unlimited tows including the practice day, is AU$350. Its going to be a cracking event and with reliable weather you are sure to find some great thermals – don’t miss out on all the fun.

Thanks to jacarandafilms for this video from the 2007 event

A big shout goes out to all extreme sports enthusiasts to attend the 2009 Nissan Outdoor Games which will be held at Chamonix, France from Saturday 14th February to Friday 29th February.

The concept is to create a 5-minute film uniting 5 outdoor sports activities: Mountaineering, Snowboarding, Paragliding & Hang gliding, Skiing, BASE Jumping & Wingsuit flying. The world’s best specialists in each discipline utilize their creativity and sense of adaptation to present their sport and their level of performance to enrich a scenario.

The teams will have 7 days (from Saturday February 14th to Friday February 20th, 6pm) to film and edit a short 5-minute film: a definite challenge. All teams will be working on the same playground, the massive Mont Blanc mountain range.

It will be a lot of fun as can be seen from the video of the 2008 event which can be seen below – thanks anton9393 – so why don’t you get your boney butts down there.