CanopyPiloting

That is US dollars and yes I will be at the Kiwi Nationals once again!

The Ground Launch Center has some awesome camps scheduled in New Zealand, Ukraine and France during 2006. You can check out info on the camps and register online at http://www.canopypiloting.com

http://www.canopypiloting.com/2006nzcamp.htm The GLC's New Zealand ground launch camp is taking place Feb 9-12, 2006. The camp will take place on the incredible South Island which has level 1-7 launch points! The camp will be run by GLC instructors Jim Slaton & Duane Hall. Everyone participating in the camp will meet up in Queenstown at the International airport no later than 10:00pm Feb 8, 2006 . Most launch points have roads leading to the top allowing the group to use vehicles to shuttle pilots to launch points. Max slots available is 25. Pilots must reserve their slot by paying the $250 non-refundable deposit. Registered pilots will receive additional details about the camp. For more information on the camp please contact jim@canopypiloting.com

GLC CAMP IN UKRAINE June 2-6, 2006 http://www.canopypiloting.com/ukraineglc.htm This camp will take place in the incredible Crimea Mountains which has level 1-10 launch points! The camp will be run by GLC instructors Jim Slaton & Duane Hall. Everyone participating in the camp will meet up at the Borispol international airport in Kiev, Ukraine. The group will then fly from Borispol to Crimea and take vans to the launch points. Lodging and cafe is located right on top of the hills at the level 1 area. Launch points have roads leading to the top allowing the group to use vehicles to shuttle pilots to launch points. To join the camp and confirm your slot you must pay the non-refundable deposit of $250. Max slots available are 25. Here is the cost breakdown... GLC's Russia camp $500 camp $100 airfare transfer fee $30 ground transportation $100 lodging $100 food *pilots must get themselves from their point of origin to the Borispol airport in Kiev, Ukraine. Pilots must arrive at the Borispol airport by 12:00pm on June 1, 2006. Check out the attachment

It happens for several different reason but I will list just a few... -D lines are too long (VX & Xaos especially!) -Brake lines too short -Brake lines too long -High altitude turns at high speeds Also, X bracing does not extend back passed the D lines to the tail so there is less rigidity there. Future canopies will address this issue.

It adds much to the swoop. We teach this body position at the Ground Launch Center. Check out the November photo of the month at www.canopypiloting.com

Canopypiloting.com has created a online news magazine called "Swooper magazine". This publication covers all aspects of swooping and gathers information from the Pro Swooping Tour, Canopy Piloting Circuit, Ground Launch Center, European Swoop Tour and more. Individuals can sign up to recieve the online magazine at www.canopypiloting.com You can view the November issue of "Swooper magazine" at www.canopypiloting.com/magazine1.htm

The Canopy Piloting Circuit and the Pro Swooping Tour will have new rules and procedures for the 2006 season. Please check out the polls on the home page at www.canopypiloting.com

The World Swooping Association is looking to add a event reporter for the 2006 season and beyond. The event reporter must have good writing skills with experience writing both field reports and featured articles for magazine publications. The reporter will report and write featured articles about the PST, CPC, GLC & other major events for the 2006 season. We are also looking for foreign reporters that can write these articles in other languages for publications in foreign magazines. Please send your inquiries to producer@WSAworldtour.com

GLC PILOT PROFICIENCY RATING SYSTEM (camp #1) GL-1 BASIC RATING Required Witnessed Tasks 1. Attends and completes “basic” ground school. 2. Layout and preflight canopy and harness. 3. Demonstrates ability to properly connect to canopy with cleared lines and risers before inflation. 4. Demonstrates canopy handling skills sufficient to launch from training hill with control. 5. Ability to launch unassisted with an aggressive inflation and run, directional control and smooth transition from running to flying avoiding stall or near stall position 6. 5 predetermined flights to show directional control, control input awareness, smooth straight flight and a smooth, safe stand up landing into the wind within 100ft of target 7. Ability to recognize and understand how wind conditions such as wind direction, wind velocity, terrain shape and obstructions will affect their launch and flight. 8. Demonstrates proper post landing procedures such as canopy deflation, immobilization, removal from landing area and disconnection from canopy with cleared lines and risers. 9. Must pass GL-1 “Basic” written exam. RECOMMENDED OPERATING LIMITATIONS FOR GL-1 BASIC PILOTS 1. Slope angle not to exceed 45 degrees. 2. Fly in winds not to exceed 12 mph. 3. Fly sites for appropriate skill level. 4. Fly recommended canopy suitable for beginner pilots. 5. Fly under direct supervision of GL Certified Instructor. LAUNCH POINT LEVELS Level 1- 500ft or less with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 2- 500-1,000ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 3- 1,000-1,500ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 4- 1,500-2,000ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 5- 2,000-2,500ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 6- 2,500-3,000ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 7- 3,000-3,500ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 8- 3,500-4,000ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 9- 4,000-4,500ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 10- 4,500-5,000ft greater with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. *If slope angle is greater than 45 degrees the level increases by one. WIND CHART Calm winds-less than 7 mph Moderate winds- 7-12 mph High winds- greater than 12 mph

GLC LAUNCH POINT LEVELS Level 1- 500ft or less with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 2- 500-1,000ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 3- 1,000-1,500ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 4- 1,500-2,000ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 5- 2,000-2,500ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 6- 2,500-3,000ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 7- 3,000-3,500ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 8- 3,500-4,000ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 9- 4,000-4,500ft with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. Level 10- 4,500-5,000ft greater with a slope angle that does not exceed 45 degrees. *If slope angle is greater than 45 degrees the level increases by one. GLC PILOT PROFICIENCY RATING SYSTEM GL-1 BASIC RATING Required Witnessed Tasks 1. Attends and completes “basic” ground school. 2. Layout and preflight canopy and harness. 3. Demonstrates ability to properly connect to canopy with cleared lines and risers before inflation. 4. Demonstrates canopy handling skills sufficient to launch from training hill with control. 5. Ability to launch unassisted with an aggressive inflation and run, directional control and smooth transition from running to flying avoiding stall or near stall position 6. 5 predetermined flights to show directional control, control input awareness, smooth straight flight and a smooth, safe stand up landing into the wind within 100ft of target 7. Ability to recognize and understand how wind conditions such as wind direction, wind velocity, terrain shape and obstructions will affect their launch and flight. 8. Demonstrates proper post landing procedures such as canopy deflation, immobilization, removal from landing area and disconnection from canopy with cleared lines and risers. 9. Must pass GL-1 “Basic” written exam. RECOMMENDED OPERATING LIMITATIONS FOR GL-1 BASIC PILOTS 1. Slope angle not to exceed 45 degrees. 2. Fly in winds not to exceed 12 mph. 3. Fly sites for appropriate skill level. 4. Fly recommended canopy suitable for beginner pilots. 5. Fly under direct supervision of GL Certified Instructor. GL – 2 INTERMEDIATE RATING Required Witnessed Tasks 1. Attends and completes the “intermediate” ground school. 2. Pilot has logged a minimum of 90 flights from level 1 or 2 launch points (see launch point chart). 3. Must have logged a minimum of 10 flying days. 4. Demonstrates unassisted layout and preflight of canopy and harness with ability to connect with cleared lines and risers before inflation. 5. Must give reliable analysis of general conditions of the site and flight plan including flight path, areas to avoid in relation to wind flow, and obstacles to stay clear of. 6. Demonstrates 5 consecutive unassisted forward inflations with visual check of canopy each time. 7. Demonstrates 5 consecutive unassisted reverse inflations with control. 8. Demonstrates controlled kiting overhead for 2 minutes while in the forward and ready to launch position. 9. Demonstrates 5 consecutive successful, aggressive, confident no wind inflations and launches with smooth transitions from running to flying. Flights with slow, unstable inflations/launches will not be considered adequate for witnessed tasks. 10. Demonstrates 5 consecutive successful, aggressive, confident inflations/launches in winds not to exceed 12 mph. Flights with unstable inflations/launches will not be considered adequate for witness tasks. 11. Demonstrates smooth flight with deliberate, controlled turns not to exceed 90 degrees with control of Pendulum action. 12. Demonstrates smooth flight along a planned flight path with smooth, controlled turns not to exceed 90 degrees with heading control and ending in a safe, standup landing into the wind. 13. Explains the right of way traffic rules. 14. Demonstrates the ability to judge and allow for proper clearance from ridge and other pilots. 15. Demonstrates how to brief and instruct a ground crew and explain when an assisted launch is necessary. 16. Demonstrates 5 high wind inflations/launches with control, in winds not to exceed 15 mph. Flights with unstable inflations/launches will not be considered adequate for witnessed tasks. 17. Demonstrates 10 landings within 50 feet of target, standup and into the wind. 18. Must pass GL-2 “Intermediate” written Exam. Recommended Operating Limitations for GL-2 Intermediate Pilots 1. Slope angle not to exceed 50 degrees. 2. Fly in winds not to exceed 15 mph. 3. Avoid steep turns close to the ground. 4. Turns are not to exceed 90 degrees. 5. Avoid stall or near stall control positions. 6. Fly sites for appropriate skill level. Launch points not to exceed level 2. 7. Fly recommended canopy suitable for skill level. GL-3 ADVANCED RATING Required Witnessed Tasks 1. Attends and completes the “advanced” ground school. 2. Must have held an Intermediate rating for at least 6 months. 3. Must have logged 100 flights from level two launch points or above (see launch point chart). 4. Must have logged a minimum of 60 flying days. 5. Must have made a minimum of 3 flights from level two or higher launch points, 2 flights from level 2 or higher launch points and 1 flight from a level 5 or higher launch point under the supervision of GL certified instructor. 6. Must have flown a minimum of 5 different canopies sizes & types. 7. Demonstrates the ability to successfully launch unassisted at least three times in winds of at least 16 mph but not to exceed 18 mph. 8. Demonstrates the ability to successfully launch unassisted three times on level two or higher launch points with slope angles greater than 45 degrees. 9. Demonstrates the ability to launch with rear risers in winds five mph or greater. 10. Demonstrates the ability to navigate by terrain association and perform a successful route selection. 11. Demonstrate the ability to navigate a series of vertical markers (gates) successfully. 12. Demonstrates 10 landings within 25 feet of target, standup and into the wind. 13. Must convince the instructor that he can fly advanced rated sites without endangering spectators, other pilots or jeopardize the site. 14. Must pass GL-3 “advanced” written Exam. Recommended Operating Limitations for GL-3 Advanced Pilots 1. Fly in winds not to exceed 18 mph 2.Fly canopy appropriate for skill level WIND CHART Calm winds-less than 7 mph Moderate winds- 7-12 mph High winds- greater than 12 mph

Was your Crossfire made by Icarus in "Spain" or Icarus/Daedalus in "New Zealand"? Send me a PM

Look at skymonkey go, you know what's up don't you. If you got time you may want to check out the discussion at the "Canopy Piloting Circuit" forum www.canopypiloting.com

The GLX (Ground Launch Extreme) is a very high performance wing reserved for pilots who already fly cross braced canopies. The GLS (Ground Launch Sport) comes in two different models suited for beginner and intermediate pilots. There is much to learn from ground launching but it should not be taken lightly. A qualified Paraglider is not a skydiver, a qualified skydiver is not a paraglider and ground launching low aspect ratio canopies is neither of those sports. It is possible to teach yourself to launch but it is also more likely you could hurt yourself or not progress in the manner you probably want to. If you are intrested the Ground Launch Center in California offers a complete training program with a pilot proficiency rating system. GLC camps and classes are offered for each level of the program including GL-1. GL-2, GL-3 & GL-4. You could learn things like: Site selection & terrain association -Canopy layout/pre-flight inspection -Forward and reverse launch -Ground handling & kiting -Switching forward to reverse -Calm, light & high wind inflations -Variation cross-hand technique -Varying slope angles & launch tricks -Crosswind launches -Controlling your flying speed -Side hill landings & traversing -Aerodynamics -Venturi effect & the acceleration of airflow -Active piloting -Adiabatic layer & handling low altitude lift -Stalls -Recovery techniques -XC flying You can check out the "Ground Launching" forum at www.canopypiloting.com

The pics of the ledges are posted under the "parachute wings & gear" section of the forum at www.canopypiloting.com

Good topics! I'm glad to see you guys talking about WSA agenda. You guys should consider starting a similar topic on the forums at canopypiloting.com The WSA is developing some exciting new stuff and it will effect the PST, CPC, USPA Canopy Piloting Nationals and more. The committe will not make any final decisions until Jan 2006. You can sign up for the WSA newsletter and cast your vote at www.canopypiloting.com

Classes, not a ban. The issue is current agenda for the World Swooping Association committee and there is live poll for pilots on the home page at www.canopypiloting.com

I have used risers and blocks but my favorite are "ledges" which are retractable blocks. They are mounted on the frontside of the front risers and give you leverage without having to put your hands in and out of loops. It forces you to use more harness with your turn instead of "hanging" on the fronts. Plus, you never have to take your eyes away from the target or worry about pulling your hands out of the loops at the end of the dive. More on this can be found at www.canopypiloting.com

Thanks "Widgeon" for all your help and you know that I know where you are going with this. No need for further development. The WSA (World Swooping Association) will most likely move to make the new test event and training camps next year. Thanks for all your help... www.canopypiloting.com

The PST/CPC will be running competition training camps during the 2006 season at a PST sanctioned Swoop Park. The camps will also allow selected CPC pilots the opportunity to qualify for their "Pro" card. These PST competition camps will include pro coaches, inflatable comp courses, electronic scoring system, lazer sensors, entry gate buzzer, chief judge, training rooms and more. Limited slots will be available for both the amateur and pro ranks. These camps will be listed on the PST's 2006 schedule coming out after the new year.

Check out www.canopypiloting.comand also check for info about the Canopy Piloting School and the Ground Launch Center in California.

The PST has new shows online with interviews from the 2005 CPC Championships at Mile Hi Skydiving in Denver, Colorado. Interviews with Jason Tolliver, Brian McNenney & Mark Shimell. You can download & listen to the radio show online at www.proswoopingtour.tv

Fransisco Neri has just become the 2005 PST Champion and Kaz Sheekey is the runner up making her the highest ranked female swooper of all time. The 2005 PST final standings can be found online at www.proswoopingtour.tv

The 2005 CPC Championships was a HUGE success. The new Swoop Park in Colorado at Mile Hi Skydiving is the biggest and best in the nation. You can expect big things from the CPC and Mile Hi Skydiving in the future. The CPC had over 80 members from eleven districts in the United States during the 2005 season. 30 of the top CPC pilots competed during the 2005 CPC Championships at Mile Hi Skydiving. The weather was good and the entire competition was completed in only one day. At the award ceremony Brian received $2,500, glasss trophy and a pro card for his first place win. Stuart Schoenfeld received $1,500 for his second place win and $1,000 went to Chuck Owen for third place. The results and images are posted online at www.canopypiloting.com

These topics, including weight categories and weight restrictions have been in development for two years and are on the agenda for the committee of the World Swooping Association. The WSA is the organization that will be responsibile for delivering changes to the USPA, IPC and FAI on canopy piloting issues worldwide. The WSA asks for your voice. If you want to add your comments on these topics please E-mail the committee at committee@WSAworldtour.com Hope to hear your feedback...Jim