isle of wight
hang gliding &
paragliding club

http://www.beyondextreme.co.uk/nationals2005.html

 

BACK TO CURRENT NEWS

 

Safety

Last weekend (22/5) a large group flew at Chillerton, but there were a couple of minor incidents that could have been major ones.
The first was a pilot misjudging the amount of lift available on a downwind leg. As he approached a tree, he tried converting his forward momentum into lift at the last minute in the hope of "popping" over the obstacle.  Now, this will sometimes work into wind - but generally it's not going to work downwind, so rather than "popping" up, he splatted straight into the tree.  No injury or damage.  The lesson to learn when flying downwind, is to be really aware of your options. Do not fly close to any obstacles - Keep your distance and turn away early !

The second, more serious incident was in the emergency landing field. There are power lines running away from the hill, towards the new housing development, and then along the back edge of the field at right angles.  A visiting pilot approached the field high with Big Ears, but released them whilst still 6 feet, or so, above the ground. As a result, he continued to float along towards the lines at the back of the field. At this point, he turned sharp right - directly at the other set of lines! Luckily, his wing fell to the right, and the upper most tip missed the lines by a few inches!

The point here is firstly to make sure that you join the club ! Then you will get a full site guide which will tell you of the hazards.
The 2nd point, on a site you have never flown, is to get a Full Briefing from a local pilot - go up to someone and ASK for help and advice about the site.
The 3rd and the MOST IMPORTANT -  It is generally accepted that there are two things that a paraglider must avoid AT ALL COST, they are Water Landings (particularly Surf) and POWER CABLES.  These often mean DEATH, and that's not normally considered a good thing.  The Power cables are un-insulated, and each one has around 18,000 volts on it.  So, in the case of the pilot at Chillerton, his options were to turn LEFT, away from the power lines, or STALL the wing and take the hard landing (he was only 6 feet up, so it was unlikely he'd have been hurt). The other point to note is the use of Big Ears to get down. If you are going to use big ears (which is a dubious practice anyway), then remember that the minute you let them out, you will get extra lift...and go UP. Not good in these circumstances. Land first, then let them out...or better still, don't use them at all.

General guidelines for approaching Chillerton bottom field.
1. Top land and walk down, or slope land at the bottom of the main hill, if possible, and do not enter the field with the power lines.
2. If you must land in the field, make sure you bleed any height off before crossing the fence. The field slopes away from you, and you can get stuck on a never ending glide!
3. Do not fly low over the power lines - you might hit a hole in the air !
4. Use gentle S turns, keeping well clear of the power lines, and land heading away from the power lines.
5. Be doubly sure that your wing is nowhere near the power lines before you drop it down.
6. NEVER try landing anywhere near this field if it's a strong wind day. 

Site News & Our Newest Instructor & Re-packer!

Sites: Please note that there are new rules for The White Cliffs because the NT have noticed a Peregrine Falcon nest there. We have agreed the following rules for all pilots -
The Lower Take Off will be closed between 1st March and 15th July
Flying is permitted, from the Top Take off, but (it gets a bit complicated, so pay attention)
Taking the highest point of the white cliffs as a reference, the anywhere to the WEST of this point, pilots must maintain a minimum of 50 feet above the height of the Cliff edge. At no time shall pilots skim the cliff face or edge, as this will disturb the birds, and get the site closed altogether.

New Re-packer: This month Phil Booth attended a re-packers course, and is now fully trained. However, to gain his formal qualification Phil needs to get evidence that he has re-packed a number of wings. If you would like your wing re-packed for free, let Phil know.

Newest Instructor: Phil again! This weekend Phil Booth qualified as our newest instructor - well done ,mate !

Fergus XC talk

This month, Fergus gave a talk on XC flying on the Island.  It was good that so many people attended, and many thanks to Fergus.
For those who missed the talk - and the photo's, you can check them out here...(files are about 150kB each)

http://www.flyinghighs.co.uk/clubslides/index.htm

Big Fat Repack 2005

Four of us went to the big fat re-pack in Reading this year. It was a really good event and included a talk on 1st aid too. As usual there was the occasional shocker.  This year's most notable "error" was someone who had managed to route his reserve bridle through his speed bar lines.  The upshot of which could have had him descending to the ground head first.  Remember - You should be re-packing your reserve at least every six months. If you don't know how, then make sure you send it away to be done.  For those who have never been to the BFR, it is very highly recommended. You get you fling yourself down a Zip Slide and throw your reserve.  If all goes well, your reserve opens behind you.......or, you hear a dull thwack, as a solid block of nylon hits the deck. 

Click here to see what is supposed to happen (111kB file size)

Amazing video clip

This video clip is doing the rounds at the moment. It's a headcam video of a guy flying in Mexico, getting into trouble and throwing his reserve. 
It's a large file, so I recommend broadband download only.   Click to download here (9MB file size)

SkyGod Test

Are you a "SkyGod", or a "skySod"...take our test

AGM and Club Bash Update

This years AGM saw David Hearn, Graham Brading and Clare Court stand down as committee members.  The new committee was elected and the poor unfortunates are listed on the "committee" page.  We still need a Social Secretary, so if you fancy a go, contact one of the committee.

The club bash was great fun, with "Caulkheads" ceilidh band providing the entertainment, and the Bargies providing a great spread.

Those who didn't come, missed a really good evening.

Try the New McDaddy Tandems !!!

Yes! They are here! We have two McDaddy's courtesy of "Awards for All" and Ozone Paragliders, and many more...
If you're a qualified Tandem pilot, get yourself registered with the club and get others flying. Contact Steve Goodier to see how you can get involved and help through 'Challenge and Adventure'.
Follow the link on the left....
Many thanks go to so many people, but specifically Steve and Graham for their hard work getting this gear.