Affordable Aviation

ST. PAUL, MINN — New-age harnesses have arrived. They feature several innovations, but perhaps the most salient is the integral BRS rocket (to deploy the ‘chute of course). Don Quackenbush of Sylmar produces the Mantis harness, a beautiful example of the harness-maker’s art. The rocket is almost entirely tucked inside the harness with only a […]

ST PAUL, MINN — Several recent calls and letters referred to rigid wings presented here. Are we experiencing an upsurge of real interest? Or just another bubble of enthusiasm that will burst with the announcement of some new hotter-than-ever rag wing? No one knows. ||| Meanwhile in response to several inquiries, you can contact the […]

ST. PAUL, MINN — With this issue, “Product Lines” begins its twelfth year. I thank each of you for your loyal readership. Every year, “Product Lines” sets a new record for a continuous run of any hang gliding column… it literally couldn’t have been done without your interest. ||| Let’s look south to the new, […]

ST. PAUL, MINN — As you read this, the spring board of directors meeting is history. Prior to the assembly of regional leaders, a storm of information was mailed by our new, more businesslike headquarters. In the deluge were stats on our sport: the results of the fall director ballot and its member survey. Of […]

ST. PAUL, MINN — Easily the biggest news in American hang gliding is Bill Bennett leaving glider manufacturing. After Delta Wing celebrated their 20th Anniversary last year this would come as a shock! But, “It’s nonsense!” replies Bill. True, UP International will now be building Uncle Bill’s successful Dream series. Also true, he stopped his […]

ST. PAUL, MN — Used to writing “1990” on your checks and letters yet? A new decade begins to unfold… against a backdrop of the most astounding political changes of modern history. The effects of the so-called “democratization” of eastern Europe may have profound influence even on lil’ ol’ hang gliding. USHGA Boss Jerry Bruning […]

ST. PAUL, MINN — Hey! Welcome to the ’90s… beginning of the third full decade for our sport. Oh god: “thirtysomething!” The final leg of the century (and millennia). Glad to have you along for the read. Thanks for a continuing stream of notes or calls. Y-O-U help write this column! ||| First, in the […]

How do we evaluate light-sport aircraft? The FAA’s proposed SportPlanes™ /light-sport aircraft (LSA) rule is being discussed in hangars across America. But it is also being discussed at airports all over Europe—more than you may think. The global reach of this initiative is visible by the large number of European suppliers aiming their sights on […]

Admirers of aviation and music convene at this annual Florida event. Naturally, pilots have interests besides airplanes. I’d bet all fliers enjoy one kind or another of music. Hang glider pilots occasionally fly with a portable CD player at sites such as Torrey Pines near San Diego. The California glider port shared jointly by sailplanes, […]

Not all light aircraft will fit the light-sport aircraft mold. In light aviation, excitement appears focused on FAA’s proposed Sport Pilot/light-sport aircraft proposal. The proposed rule may hold great promise, but it won’t consume all of light aviation, not by a wide margin. Near and dear to KITPLANES® readers’ hearts is the so-called 51% rule. The […]