Friday, August 24, 2007

Paragliders... Don't ever stop flying them!

Ok, perhaps not change the world but... what the heck. The other day (Aug 23rd) I was flying our little local site (actually big site for Coastal stuff), Bridal fFalls on the Paraglider. I'm still a rookie and "wet behind the ears". For the bag, I'm flying a Gin Zulu. Its my first PG and even tho its a 1-2, it's treating me very well.

Well, as long as I don't get too stupid.....

I've done a few top landings and I had talked on the radio with an expert local (Allan D,) and he convinced me it would be a good day to give it a go.

Well hovering in an area I like to call the parking area (just a little to the NW of the launch) neither in or out of the lift I was trying to set up my approach height. I was focusing on my approach height and not my brake positions.... focusing so much that I failed to notice that I was progressively deepening my brakes (in a effort to avoid creeping forward into the lift band). At the same time I was controlling my height with minor wing overs.... to much brake at the wrong time, a gust of lift and then... you guessed it I stalled.

I felt it comming, I snapped my hands up, then hammered the "check".

With dumb luck and a very good glider I managed a very quick lucky recovery and sorted things out, but it sure made me appreciate the fact you must be intuitive flying these stupid flexible contraptions!

As it turned out my top landing was OK. A little short and a little firm (PLF). Allan assured my it looked ok.

Live and learn... on a Paraglider, never stop "active flying" !

The Video is of my first top landing, Guided in by Nicole and Alex (thanks for the help)

Monday, July 16, 2007

Oh, yah.... I can see this changing the world!

Martin