Affordable Aviation

ST. PAUL, MINN — Lots of news as another soaring season begins to take shape. Interestingly, even as the mainstream news media microanalyzes the country’s recession, the hang gliding industry doesn’t seem to be suffering badly. Pockets of sluggishness are countered by areas with early, brisk activity. • Notable perhaps, is Wills Wing’s expression of […]

ST. PAUL, MINN — When the wind howls and the snow blows over vast, frozen lakes here in the lovely Midwest, what better to do than load up a hang gliding video tape and dream about the speedy approach of spring. ••• Since reviewing Rob Reiter’s Hawaiian Flyin! video tour, several other interesting tapes have […]

ST. PAUL, MINN — Continuing to ride the crest of a wave of popularity begun by the positive reaction to their TRX high performance model, UP is now preparing to introduce yet another new variation on the TRX planform. Last month it was was reported here that UP announced their XTR intermediate glider. Now the […]

ST. PAUL, MINN — A new year of soaring begins and we can wonder what new records may fall (well, Larry?). What new designs will emerge? In the ’90s decade, UP and their TRX have enjoyed the limelight though sales still trail industry leaders Wills and PacAir. ••• Now UP offers an intermediate model using […]

ST. PAUL, MINN — The fall board of directors meeting in beautiful Salt Lake City focused on paragliding. Here’s a few figures picked from several conversations… • APA membership is up to 800 nationally, close to APA Prez Peter Zimmerli’s projections of a year ago, but still a far cry from Europe’s alleged three to […]

ST. PAUL, MINN — The story within a story for the ’91 U.S. Nationals involves the gliders that 125 registered pilots flew. Of these, approximately 15% were foreign pilots, some of whom used American brands. While the selection of competing pilots may not mirror the choices of recreational pilots, the survey is of significant size […]

ST. PAUL, MINN — A few places in the country are beginning to look like fall, as tree colors mark the close of another soaring season. ••• The much-debated Owens Nationals is history. Getting right to the point… Tony Barton was the victor, flying his TRX, a fact that must be making the year-old UP […]

ST. PAUL, MINN — A few things of interest again this month, as (trumpets blare!) our old faithful Hang Gliding magazine turns twentysomething. Yipes, can ya believe it? ••• Its summertime and the action is plentiful. Been doing some traveling; visited several hang gliding and ultralight dealerships (my job you know). Excitement surrounds the UP […]

ST. PAUL, MINN — Some times hang gliding news comes from right around home. This is one of those times and the news involves BRS. ••• The rocket-deployed parachute maker has issued a recall on certain hang gliding units delivered between 7/89 and 9/90 (though not all models are affected). It seems an aluminum supplier […]

St. Paul, MINN — Lots of deserving stuff came in for this month’s "Product Lines." While I’m delighted at the response to the column, I can’t use everything that arrives… not enough room. But keep sending your material; who knows? ••• As you know from the ads and editor Gil’s write up, Wills Wing has […]