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NEW INSTRUCTOR MANUAL After yearsect mostly because it involved so manywhat’s involved, including for part-timeof watching, learning, and spendingpeople, interviews, filming sessions, andinstructors. The focus is on teaching,time with highly competent instructorsearning my paraglider instructor rating.but it has a lot about running a schoolin both free flight and powered flight,I used the apprenticeship as an oppor-and handling larger classes.some unsavory observations emerged.tunity to see and experience as muchBill Heaner and Chris SantacroceNamely, that training is dangerous. Foras I could, including working with realfigure in prominently for the free-flightmotoring, training has proven to bestudents whenever possible, even afterportion, and Eric Dufour for the motors,among the top three causes of fatality,the clinic, to improve my perspective. Itbut I had help from many others.especially since auto-inflating deviceswas rewarding and surprisingly difficulthave all but eliminated drowning. Into do well. I soon learned that becom-With a casual writing style I hopeto make it digestible and even fun. Theing a skilled instructor is muchbook is 400 pages, hardcover, and haslike becoming a skilled pilot—ita complete index. It’s available at thedoesn’t happen in a clinic. AndUSHPA store at www.USHPA.orgit doesn’t happen quickly.Focus was on sharing howNAA APPLICATION PROCESS CHANGESsuccessful instructors succeed,In March 2018, NAA implemented thehow students learn, how theyfollowing changes to the Membershipget hurt, how to minimize risk,and FAI Sporting License applicationwhat it takes to be effective,process:and what it takes to thrive inthe business.This isn’t for students seek-1. All Membership and FAI SportingLicenses applications must be submitted online. Hard copy applications willing a deeper understanding—no longer be accepted. To apply forit’s for those wanting to teach.or renew a Membership and/or FAIThere is a lot of overlap be-Sporting License, go to https://naa.tween free flight and motoringaero/membership/membership-because handling a paragliderapplication.is the same for both (although2. The processing time for all FAIthere are important differ-Sporting License applications hasences). We also cover transitionbeen reduced to five business days.training—how instructors willApplications submitted less than fivefree flight, the risk comes later, after aencounter students of one discipline orbusiness days prior to a record attemptstudent has set out alone. But I also no-flying machine wanting to transition toor competition may not be processedticed that some instructors have betteranother.in time.records for student injuries both duringtraining and afterwards.The last part also includes a highly3. NAA will no longer mail hard-copycondensed version of the FAA’sMembership Cards and/or FAI SportingAviation Instructor’s Handbook, former-Licenses. Instead, upon approval of thesomeone how it’s done and get themly known as the FOI (Fundamentals ofapplication, an email will be sent con-to repeat, right? Then why so manyInstruction). Most examples have beentaining the appropriate credentials at-student injuries? We can do better.converted into something that makestached. Members can then print copiesWe must do better. After two trainingsense for us, with no space wasted onof their credentials as they see fit.fatalities in 2015, a switch flipped in mymechanics or airline cockpits.Instruction looks easy—showhead—it was time to do something. WeThe book is intended to supplementNAA hopes that these changeswill streamline and enhance thedecided to start working on a booka thorough instructor clinic and theMembership and FAI Sporting Licensethat would offer current and aspiringhands-on apprentice work that follows.application process. We look forward toinstructors the breadth of tools andNo clinic can cover everything, andserving you!techniques that have already beenthis book will help fill in some blanks. Itdeveloped. Paraglider and Paramotorprovides tips and techniques from someInstructor was born.of our most experienced and successfulIt became our most ambitious proj-teachers, while offering a glimpse intoUSHPA PILOT MAGAZINE9

INCIDENTSAnalysis byCHRIS SANTACROCETOP LANDINGA P3 pilot flying aconditions. Wait until you havea top landing at a coastal site. Uponseen a few nicely executed onesovershooting, he opted for a second-before trying it yourself. Landing atary top-landing location adjacent tothe bottom is always a great option.the original target. As he proceeded,AIRSAccident/IncidentReporting SystemIf you have had a close call,logged a disastrous flight, orhave been injured whilehang gliding or paragliding,be sure to file a confidentialaccident/incident report.Together we can expand ourknowledge of where, whenand why flights go wrong.File at airs.ushpa.aeroYou could be saving lives.technique specific to the site andB-level paraglider was negotiatinghe was met with rotor and a defla-Land Smarttion, leaving him with a spinal com-country flight spotted a glider in apression injury that did not requiresmall field. He also noticed a largesurgery.The pilot agreed that it wouldhave been advisable for him toA P2 pilot on a cross-field that would be easy to landin. As he landed, he chose to landwith the other pilot. On approach,abandon the approach and tryhe was faced with obstacles onagain or not at all. He also com-all sides and tricky conditions. Hemented that a more studious evalu-over-braked at one point when heation of the wind and terrain wouldwas very low, causing a strong turnhave revealed the rotor areas andtoward the ground, and suffered apotential rotor areas.broken ankle.There is a mantra in aviation:“Go around often and early.” To goaround is to abort the landing andThroughout your flying career,you will be faced with importantchoices. To put this in perspective,come back around for another try. Itthe color of the car you choose toworks for airplane pilots, becausedrive is not a life choice, but thethey can apply power and try again,landing zone you choose on a cross-but it also works for hang gliderscountry flight is.and paragliders in the top-landingenvironment.Some say that a series of “missedIt goes without saying that weneed to choose the largest fieldswith the cleanest airflow and theapproaches” is the best way tofewest obstacles, as they are theo-warm up for an actual top land-retically the safest. Less obvious is“To go around is to abort the landingand come back around for anothertry. It works for airplane pilots,because they can apply power andtry again, but it also works for hanggliders and paragliders in the toplanding environment.”10USHPA PILOT MAGAZINEing, especially at a new location orthe idea that these landing placesin new conditions. Just fly by as ifmight be inconvenient. They mightyou were going to land, and thenbe muddy, away from the mainfly past. Wait until it looks perfect.road, a longer walk out, or dirtier,Having an instructor teach you howand they can sometimes be logis-to top land via radio can be great,tically quite poor. Pilots have tobut we should all study top-landingmake deals with themselves long

in advance of the actual flight. Justsible that previous pilots had flownwants to be caught flying in theas drivers know that driving intothis site in such wind, but this pilotmountains in the face of a stronga ditch is far less disastrous thandrifted into a rotor area where theforecast or real-time winds. Theregetting in a head-on collision, pilotsrotor effect was magnified by theare enough variables in our three-learn things like landing in a bigwindy condition.dimensional navigation, especiallyHe suffered a series of deflationsmuddy field is safer than landingsince there is no pause button. Weand then crashed and suffered adon’t need the conditions to beby power lines. Make a deal withpelvic fracture and high-level con-against us. This same report couldyourself now that you will choosecussion.have hinged on an uber-strongin a small soccer field surroundedBefore the days of the Internet,the muddy field. Land smart, landinconvenient, land safe.Winds Aloftand effect would prevail, and theget winds aloft. Bringing the windslessons would be the same.aloft to the lesson was the student’sA P3 pilot launchedthermal prediction. The same causepilots would call flight service toThere are few tangibles inon a B-level glider from a mountainjob. Winds aloft, along with real-foot-launched flying that can besite into very strong wind. Windtime weather and wind reports, areincluded in the launch/no-launchthroughout the area was reportedstill essential to our launch/ noalgorithm. Lean hard on the fewto be very strong as well. It’s pos-launch decisions. None of us everthat do exist.Call For USHPA Regional Director NominationsDIRECTORS UP FOR RE-ELECTION IN 2018Do you know someone who is passionate about hang gliding and paragliding, has a desire to help with the protectionRegion 1 (1 seat)Region 6/11and growth of free-flight aviation, can both create goals toAK, OR, WAAR, KS, MO, NE, OK, LA, TXachieve their ideas and then follow through on them? ThenRich Hass is retiringInternationalplease nominate them for the Board of Directors at USHPA!from the board.No election this year.Region 2 (1 seat)Region 7 (1 seat)You may also nominate yourself. Please only nominatepeople in your region who are interested in taking on the job.North CA, NVIL, IN, IA, MI, MN, ND, SD, WIJugdeep Aggarwal.Doyle Johnson.Region 3 (1 seat)Region 8 (1 seat)South CA, HINH, CT, ME, MA, RI, VTDan DeWeese is retiringCalef Letorney(You do not need to re-nominate current directors).Regional Directors are the cornerstone of the US HangGliding and Paragliding Association. They are the mouthpiece of the members that they represent and for the sportsRegion 9 (1 seat)Region 4 (1 seat)DC, DE, KY, MD, OH, PA, VA, WVAZ, CO, UT, NMDaniel LukaszewiczRegion 10 (1 seat)AL, FL, GA, MS, NCRegion 5SC, TN, VI, PRID, MT, WY, CanadaSteve Kroopdiscussion forums, and represent members in the region.To become a regional director:1. By August 11 - Nominate yourself (or another) by com2. By September 1 - Submit a bio about yourself for theupcoming election.3. By September 1 - Submit a “VOTE FOR ME” statementfor the November election issue of the magazine.4. Starting November 1 - VOTE! Elections beginNo election this year,two-year terms.to travel to board meetings twice yearly (some expensespleting the online Regional Director Nomination Form.Bill Belcourt is retiringdirectors serveparticipation in this process. Regional Directors must be ablereimbursed), interact with committees, participate in openfrom the board.from the board.of hang gliding & paragliding. The USHPA wants and needsRegion 12 (1 seat)November 1. On December 15th, Regional Director votes willNJ, NYbe tallied via online ballots from active USHPA membersPaul Voightof each region. Election results will be announced on theUSHPA website, www.ushpa.aero.USHPA PILOT MAGAZINE11

ASSOCIATIONKnow Your Member Benefitsby MARTIN PALMAZ, Executive Directora variety of objectives undertaken onhowever, I’m sure it’ll be a welcomethe membership’s behalf, such as ad-surprise.vocacy, IT infrastructure, governance,policy and beyond. But did you knowEquipment Discountsthat some of your USHPA member-First and foremost, there’sship benefits reap discounts that canExpertVoice. Through USHPA’squickly add up to save you the cost ofpartnership with the ExpertVoiceyour membership? If you’re like mostmarketing network, our Intermediate,USHPA members, you probably don’t.Advanced, Master and InstructorWe’re trying to change that bymembership (H3/P3 and above) canincreasing awareness around ouraccess significant savings on outdoormultiple USHPA Member Partnergear across a wide range of categories.Benefits programs. You may have seenThe “pro-deals” knock 30% to 60% offDear Membership: You’re certainlyan email recently listing each of themthe retail prices of the most recogniz-familiar with the obvious benefitsoff. If you’ve gotten curious about theable brands, and cover everythingof USHPA membership — the maga-new website, you may also have comefrom camping equipment to sunglass-zine, the insurance, and the trainingacross them while browsing the newes to bicycles and beyond. You canprogram — and you’re aware thatwebsite.easily save the cost of your member-USHPA’s operational scope includesIf this is new information for you,ship simply through buying the gearGEARnew graphicTEESHEADGEART-SHIRTSJACKETSUNITED STATESHANG GLIDING& PARAGLIDINGASSOCIATIONUNITED STATESHANG GLIDING& PARAGLIDINGASSOCIATION2018TECHNICAL2018books videos calendars cards12 USHPA PILOT MAGAZINEcharmsfor necklacesbracelets& earringsSEE THE ENTIRE LINEUP @ushpastore.com

you would normally buy over theExtraction/Repatriation Serviceshard to develop. That said, these dis-course of a year. My pilot friends andExtraction and repatriation packagescount partnerships represent a clearI use this membership benefit oftencan increase your comfort level travel-value to our members and we want toing and flying abroad—but only afterraise awareness so you can take fullyou’ve figured out which one to pur-advantage of your USHPA membershippartner program with Columbiachase. They require diligent researchbenefits.Sportswear, whereby USHPA mem-and case-specific evaluation.and appreciate the savings.USHPA has worked out a separatebers save 15% off anything purchaseddirectly through Columbia’s website.Travel DiscountsThat said, USHPA members mayWe constantly seek meaningful andbeneficial partnerships to add to thiscurrently access reduced annuallist. When we become aware of newmembership rates for two extraction/opportunities that would directly ben-repatriation services, Medjet Assistefit our membership, we actively workUSHPA members love new adventures,and GEOS Medivac. We’re currentlytoward establishing a relationship thatso we’ve been working to arrangeevaluating the Global Rescue pack-benefits our members. Especially assome useful travel-oriented partnerage for potential inclusion in thewe look forward to a smoother, post-benefits. Active USHPA membersnear future (especially since GEOStransition era, you can expect this listcan now save up to 40% on staysMedivac’s service charges more forto continue to grow — and, lest I forget,at Extended Stay America hotels.policies that include coverage forwe’re always open to suggestions.To access the benefits I’ve described(Example: There’s one just a couplehang gliding or paragliding accidents).of exits away from the Point of theWatch this space for further develop-above, visit -member-benefits.We also have discount partner-These perks may be relatively minorThanks, as always, for your mem-ships with the National and Alamo carin the big-picture framework of whatbership and your support. I’m lookingrental companies. Discounts vary byUSHPA seeks to accomplish. In my nextforward to sharing more behind-the-availability but can be substantial, soarticle, I’ll outline the big stuff thatscenes benefits in my next article.they’re worth checking out for yourwe’re working on — the governance-Enjoy the skies,next trip.and-policy initiatives that our com-Martin PalmazExecutive Director, USHPAmittees and board volunteers work soUSHPA PILOT MAGAZINE13

My Adventurein Hang Glidingby SARA WEAVERHow my brain ever chose tomake me a hang glider pilotI will never understand, butthis is my genesis story. I startedphysically demanding. The typicalwork day is about seven hours long,scrolled the Kitty Hawks Kites Hangmost of which will be spent teachingGliding School website. Apparently,out on the dune. During the summeryoung, a scrawny 19-year-old girlthe school snagged up youngsters whomonths you will be expected to runwrapping up my freshman year ofhave never flown, hooked them intodown the training hill with stu-college in Indiana. Joe Bedinghaus—‘70s style Rogallo wings called Eaglets,dents and carry the glider back up.friend from high school and fellowand flew them off the side of a coastalTemperatures in the summer aver-Dunie—texted me, “Do you want toNorth Carolina sand dune.age in the nineties and the humidityfly hang gliders? You can do it all14I didn’t even know what a hangglider was. I looked up pictures andAs they learned to fly hang glid-is generally high. Remember thatyou are in a teaching situation. Thissummer.” I snapped shut my flipers, these pilots also learned to teach.phone and walked to class, obliviousThe work was supposed to be hard.requires that you always maintainthat my entire life had changed in thatFrom the website: “Dear Hang Glidingyour responsibilities as an instructor,instant.Instructor Applicant, The work isdespite sometimes exhausting condi-USHPA PILOT MAGAZINE

“I saved up money by donating blood plasma and headed to a flightpark in Florida to earn my aerotow solo during spring break.”tions. You will leave here in probablythe best shape of your life.”Curiosity: piqued. I had just dis-But four days later, I was on theI learned what it meant to be partphone with the Kitty Hawk Hangof a community of people whose soleGliding School manager. I hadn’t beenpurpose was to fly. We chased thecovered rock climbing and could seesleeping because I was too excited.hype that everyone was after andthe physical change reflected in thePicking up another adventure sportonly few achieve. We spent night aftermirror. My skinny arms were sprout-suddenly seemed much more interest-night roaming the island and search-ing tiny muscles and I felt strong. Aing than fixing the world’s problems,ing for the next kick ocean kayaking,summer job flying these crazy deltaand I was all in.wings and being in the best shape ofbiking, skateboarding, kiteboarding, surfing. But only until we couldmy life sounded like a win-win situa-Learning to Flytion.That first summer on the Outer Banksto survive, picking up shifts at thefly again. We did what we neededStill, there was one problem: I’mcan never be properly described inschool, snagging second jobs, living ona nerd. It was April, and I was busilywords. It changed everything I wasMountain Dew and psyche.searching for my first summer intern-as a person, it built my foundation asship in the environmental field. I wasa pilot, it destroyed and restored mydunes, we carpooled to CurrituckAirport and took tandem hang glidingWhen we weren’t teaching on theplanning to reverse climate change,body and taught me the definition ofsolve the oil crisis and sustainablyendurance. There I learned to talk toflights with the more experienced in-feed the entire planet. I didn’t havestrangers, to somehow make themstructors. That’s where the bug reallythe time to go hang gliding at thefeel at ease while flying 20 feet abovebit me—2000 feet above the ground.beach.the ground.If there was any question of my everABOVE One of my first tandem training flights at Currituck Airport with Christophe Thevenot in 2013. OPPOSITE Returningto Kitty Hawk Kites for the 2018 Hang Gliding Spectacular after being away for two years photo by Jax Quinn.USHPA PILOT MAGAZINE15

leaving the

touches on the X-Alps GTO Light, and the harness is available through your local Woody Valley dealer and Eagle Paragliding. Josh Cohn gave Woody Valley a laundry list of suggestions for a lightweight race harness, and they followed his suggestions. The harness weighs in at 3kg. There is no seat board, but the stiff foam and batten support