Archive for January, 2010

A test of paragliding patience

Monday, January 25th, 2010

A quick trip down to Laurieton on the NSW mid north coast was a bit uneventful this weekend. The trip was to be a catchup with friends and of course an excuse to go paragliding. The latter was not to be as a big high pressure system sat directly over the flying site, creating unusual northerly conditions. That meant only a few sleddies for some tandem passengers as little or no lift was produced by the mountain, and takeoff was a little tricky due to rotor off the adjacent trees.
No flying for me this weekend. That fits squarely into the Parawaiting category. Bugger!

Icarro Cyber 2 paraglider wing

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

This is not a very common brand of wing(icarro are more famous for their hang gliders), but Ive had some good experiences with it.  It is squarely a beginners paraglider of 2005 vintage. It handles very well on the ground. A real ground handling gem. It likes a stronger breeze making the wing easy to hold overhead. It has a very slight tendency to overshoot on inflation in a stiff breeze, but thats easily controlled with a tug on the C’s or D’s. Check  the overshoot with a touch of brakes if you stumble or touch and go your takeoffs.

It the air, its a slightly active wing. Not a sportscar, but not a bus either. Great for practicing active flying techniques. It is very resistant to any form of collapse. So far Ive only ever had a 20% assymetric which popped out again almost instantaneously. The glider tracked perfectly straight as it happened. Glide ratio is typical for  DHV 1. Ive had some great thermaling experiences. Lands beautifully(very responsive to flare input), and even manages light downwinds with a firm hand on flare.

Hello Parapilots!

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Welcome to Hot air. Its a spot to share paragliding stories and experiences.

Some simple rules. Be nice, we are all part of the same family. Add as many comments or stories as you like.

Till next time, fly high.