Wills Wing
Flytec

Oz Report

Volume 7, Number 64
8 pm, Saturday, March 8 2003

https://OzReport.com
"Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."

Will fly for subscriptions

Sat, Mar 8 2003, 8:00:00 pm GMT

Simon Kay

Oz Report readers who have helped out on Saturday: Simon Kay (pledge).

Does it hurt or help to encourage folks to subscribe to the Oz Report to name those who indeed send in $10 or more?  Is it a good idea to put the monetary amount next to the subscriber’s name?  Does that people feel bad, at the expense of other people feeling good?  Does it look so bad when only one person pledges (after a long running fund raising effort)?

Scare and John Cory are being very helpful with work and ideas about how to improve the Oz Report.  Their work is donated to the Oz Report and I really appreciate the help.  I hope that you can look to them if you need top notch web work.  See below.

You can see how to send in $10 for a yearly subscription to the Oz Report below.

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to Table of Contentsto next topic USHGA BOD non news

Sat, Mar 8 2003, 8:00:01 pm GMT

USHGA BOD

Well as your editor isn’t there to act as a reporter, he has to rely on people whose first instinct is not to get the news out, but to wait until it is “official.” The BOD as a whole votes tomorrow on the issues that were tackled by the committees on Friday and Saturday.  The only thing I’ve been able to get out of Ron Gleason, competition committee chairman, is

The 2003 rulebook is now on the USHGA Web site and can be found at: http://www.ushga.org/comprule.asp. All competitors should review the rule book and make sure they understand the changes.

Just a note.  I am the chairman of the subcommittee in charge of the 2004 Competition Rulebook.  I have already gone through the 2003 Rulebook and noticed a number of minor errors that might confuse pilots.  I therefore suggest caution when reading.  I’ve fixed up these errors (and hopefully not introduced to many others.)

I have already edited this rulebook and have a proposed new version for 2004, which has already gone out to the members of my subcommittee.  This version includes the fixes.

I didn’t make it to the BOD meeting.  When I heard (and I indeed did ask) whether the meetings rooms had wireless access, and found out it would be hard to find a phone line, I knew I couldn’t leave here.

Discuss "USHGA BOD non news" at the Oz Report forum   link»

to Table of Contentsto next topic USHGA – not ingesting USUA

Sat, Mar 8 2003, 8:00:02 pm GMT

USHGA|Mark Forbes

Mark G. Forbes «mgforbes» at Buffalo Lodge Motel, Colorado Springs writes:

Wow, talk about rumors making the rounds in a hurry!  As of the moment you were sending the Oz Report (yesterdays’ issue – DS) out, we were still sitting in a meeting room discussing the pros and cons of powered harnesses, and our relationships with the FAA, other airsports organizations and the un-met needs of various pilot factions.

No, we're not ingesting USUA.  We're not ingesting anybody.  We're talking about offering training and special skill ratings for powered hang glider harnesses and powered paraglider harnesses.  We're also talking about minor changes to the articles of incorporation, as they haven't been changed since USHGA was founded in 1973. Since that time we've added things like ground based towing, aerotowing and powered harnesses.

None of that is going to happen without a membership vote.  We're working out the details of how and when, as well as how to explain what's proposed and why we think it's a good idea, as well as what the potential drawbacks are.  You'll have a chance to register your opinion, by sending in the proxy card listing your preference.  Should happen in the next four months or so.

There will be more news coming.  Right now, the Oz Report is so up-to-the-minute, we'll have to wire up a Net connection in the meeting room so we know how we're going to vote on the next topic!

I think JZ may have been muddled when he said FAA requires us to have a magazine.  It's actually the USHGA bylaws, and California nonprofit law that requires us to have a way to communicate with the members, and the magazine is the dedicated vehicle for that.  I'm not an FAA rules-lawyer, so I could be all wrong, but that's how I understand it.

Discuss "USHGA – not ingesting USUA" at the Oz Report forum   link»

to Table of Contentsto next topic USHGA President re article on ED’s writing style

Sat, Mar 8 2003, 8:00:03 pm GMT

Bill Bolosky|USHGA

Bill Bolosky «bolosky» writes:

I'm pretty sure that (most) members of the board don't "think of (you) as an enemy." Even when you get on our nerves, we still love you.

Discuss "USHGA President re article on ED’s writing style" at the Oz Report forum   link»

to Table of Contentsto next topic Oz Report world wide hang gliding discussion forum

Sat, Mar 8 2003, 8:00:04 pm GMT

Oz Report

Three of us have put together a little on-line forum that might be helpful when you want to discuss hang gliding issues, and only hang gliding issues.  It’s supported by the subscribers of the Oz Report and is free of all advertisements (well, people can write in and offer their gliders, etc.  for sale). It’s good looking (you can have your own avatar, or choose from among hundreds that Scare has made up). It will send you an e-mail notice when someone responds to your topic (a thread), if you want.

We’ve had it up for about a week now, and we’re just learning to use it. There are a few posts of some substance up on it. You are invited to post anything you like as long as it is hang glider related.  Off topic posts will be pulled.  Keep the language clean.

I’ve started putting late breaking news on the forum so you can do there to find it before it gets out in the Oz Report.

You’ll find it at: forum/. You can follow the instructions for registering your name and password below.

If you find an issue in the Oz Report that you want to respond to, but not necessarily have published in the Oz Report (and thereby avoid my “heavy” editing for an e-zine), please post in this forum.

We hope to integrate the Oz Report and the forum so that you can respond immediately to any article you read and start a discussion.  Just click on the link at the bottom of the article and go to the thread about the article.  Well, one step at a time.  John Corry in Maui is working on that.  (See the links to these helpful web guys below.)

We would appreciate any feedback.  We want this to be a world wide hang gliding community resource.

Discuss "Oz Report world wide hang gliding discussion forum" at the Oz Report forum   link»

to Table of Contentsto next topic Maps as colorful backgrounds for track logs

Sat, Mar 8 2003, 8:00:05 pm GMT

CompeGPS|maps|Mark Poustinchian|NASA

OzReport.com/7.22

Mark Poustinchian «mpousti2000» wrote in the Oz Report (see URL above) about downloading satellite graphics/data files from NASA that you can use in conjunction with your tracklogs to display and analyze your flight.  Let’s go into a little more depth on how to do this.

The satellite graphics/data are found at NASA’ Earth Science Directorate at https://zulu.ssc.nasa.gov/mrsid/. There you will find a world map with lots of little squares on it.

Click right in the area that you are interested in, assuming that you aren’t ready to download the whole world.  On the bottom of the now blown up map set the values as shown here:

Click the area that you want again.  You’ll see something like this.  Change the values in the boxes to match shown here (if you have a DSL connection).

Click “Download Mr SID Image,” click Save, and save the compressed (in TAR format) image file in a folder on your computer where you normally save downloaded files.  You’ll need WinZip (www.winzip.com) or a similar program (or built in Windows XP feature) to decompress the graphics/data file and store it in a location that you will want to keep these files.

You’ll need a viewed to display these graphics/data files.  You can download a free one from http://www.lizardtech.com/. Click the download button on the left hand side.  Click the MRSID Geoviewer.  You’ll have to give a little information, but after that it is a free download.

Run the executable file that you downloaded from lizardtech and setup the Geoviewer program.  Run it, click the file open icon in the tool bat on your left, and navigate to the MrSID files that you downloaded from NASA.  View to your hearts content.

If you want to combine your flight with the map, then you’ll want to get CompeGPS, a program that reds and displays tracklogs and can combine them with background maps in 2 D and 3 D. www.compegps.com

CompeGPS is actually supposed to be able to download these maps for you automatically, but it doesn’t. There is a problem with it handling secure sites, like the NASA site.  So at the moment you have to download these maps following the steps above.

Once you have downloaded the maps, open up a flight in CompeGPS that is contained within the map that you have downloaded.  Click Maps, Open a Map, and navigate to the NASA map that you downloaded.  For example:

OzReport.com/7.62

Discuss "Maps as colorful backgrounds for track logs" at the Oz Report forum   link»

to Table of Contentsto next topic Curved tip Single Surface Hang Glider

Sat, Mar 8 2003, 8:00:06 pm GMT

Icaro 2000|Paola Cubillos

http://www.Icaro2000.com/Products/Hang%20gliders/Relax/Relax%20Pictures.htm

Paola Cubillos «p.cubillos» writes:

The curved tipped single surface glider already exists.  It’s called the RelaX and it’s made by Icaro 2000 (Check the Icaro website).

Discuss "Curved tip Single Surface Hang Glider" at the Oz Report forum   link»

to Table of Contentsto next topic eTrex

Sat, Mar 8 2003, 8:00:07 pm GMT

Dave Goto|GPS|Peter Gray|Simon Kay|Stewart Midwinter|eTrex

Stewart Midwinter «stewart» writes:

(Peter Gray)

I strongly recommend against the eTrex for flying.  For pilots on a budget, the good old reliable 12 is a much better choice.  For those willing to spend $300 or so, the Garmin III is very nice, although its shape makes it a little harder to mount, and it has a breakaway antenna.

No, no, no! The 12 was a great GPS in its day, but it, and the III, both suffer from what is today a huge defect.  They don't record altitude in the tracklog.  That means you can't use them in the World OnLine Contest (OLC), and you won't be able to use them for FAI badges and record claims (AnyDayNow).

A much better choice for a basic GPS from Garmin is the GPS 72 or the GPS76, which are large enough to be usable by pilots wearing gloves, and they also use the old round connectors rather than the flaky mini-connectors of the eTrex series.  Or the Legend, which has settable recording intervals, if you still must have an eTrex-format unit.

(Peter Gray)

Another one to consider is the latest MLR model (I forget the number)

It's the SP24 XC (see http://www.mlrelec.com/doc/sp24.htm)

Peter Gray «peter» writes:

Right you are, Stewart.  I meant to mention the altitude-encoding capability of the eTrex series, and neglected to. Yes, for record-setting, that can be essential.

I don't find the eTrex cable connector to be a serious problem, but I have noticed that people using the GPS76 have almost as many operator errors as the eTrex folks.  It's a matter of taste, but I find the user interface on the 76 to be overly complicated.  It takes too many steps just to get to the full waypoint list, change settings, etc.  I don't know anything firsthand about the 72 other than the company info.  Sounds like it could be a good one, though.

(editor’s note: I’m sorry to hear that these guys have given up on 2D GPSes as a possible alternative for the OLC and for hopeful inclusion, yet a long ways off, in validations of world records.  First, the 2D GPS can very adequately replace the camera for record purposes.  Second, the OLC should allow 2D GPSes as they have in the past.  I guess they feel that there are a bunch of cheaters out there – just where?  Third, the 2D GPS and the Brauninger vario can be combined.  Also, I and others are trying to get the Flytec and the 2D GPS combined in one IGC file.

Please.  One step at a time.  Let 2D GPSes be used for these purposes, and then over the next few years move to 3D GPSes.)

Simon Kay «simon.kay» writes:

Peter Gray's comments got too much for me, as an eTrex Vista owner for a year now.  I had a 12 before that - the Vista is way, way better.  With the improvements made since last summer (flight data) and the track memory now at 10,000 points, the instrument is as sophisticated as it can get without being a Galileo or whatever.  I would have dumped my normal vario in favour of my helmet mounted Sonic except that I usually rely on a 10-second averaged reading from the vario display - and the eTrex jumps too fast.

Since Peter hasn't tried the joystick in flight, he won't know if it is possible to use it (it is). I have a PG friend who indeed sold his and bought the 76S - nice, but more expensive, bigger: A bit of of the Rolls Royce I'd say.  My Vista sits tight on my base bar near my left hand, I just reach up with my thumb and do what it takes with the joy stick (a bit of practice is required, but then it was with the 12 too). My only grumble with the interface is that the Goto sequence is nowhere near as direct as the 12 (takes about 6 clicks on the joystick). Otherwise it's fine in flight.  I like it. Each to his own taste.

BTW there was some exchange a few months ago re: GPS accuracy.  You can find (too much) information here: http://www.nstb.tc.faa.gov/reports/latestpan.pdf, page 19 table 5-1 is probably the most interesting.  Remember that most instrument manufacturers quote CEP, which is the median fix, usually (half the fixes more incorrect, half better, than the figure they give), or RMSE, which is the 67% level.

A good reason for not going for a 12 or similar is WAAS (here in Europe EGNOS) capability.  If you got to table 2-2 on page 9 here http://www.nstb.tc.faa.gov/reports/latestwaas.pdf you'll see that - when WAAS works OK - you get down from the 5 or 6m horizontal and 10 to 12 m vertical (95% of the time) positions to well under 2m in both horizontal and vertical.  Maybe not essential on a HG, but great for other uses for your GPS.

ESA has announced that from 1st April the EGNOS signal will become compatible with that processed by receivers like Garmin's (which currently work with WAAS but not EGNOS). Let's hope they keep their promise (it's the 3rd they've made as such).

Discuss "eTrex" at the Oz Report forum   link»

to Table of Contentsto next topic Richard’s ATOS-C

Sat, Mar 8 2003, 8:00:08 pm GMT

A.I.R. ATOS C|Richard Christen

A pilot paraphrases Richard Christen’s comments about the ATOS-C that he got after the Chelan Worlds (OzReport.com/6.144):

Four pilots who’ve broken ATOSes in the air: (Tryg Hoff, Davis Straub, Guenther Tschurnig, and Richard Christen.)

He's flying a C-model with a tail and loves it-sort of. He has nothing but good things to say about the flight characteristics, and very little good to say about the mechanics of the C-model.  Let’s see.

Tail in flight-much more solid in turbulence, better pitch feedback (bar position and pressure is more consistent), tracks better in thermals, is more efficient in thermals because it avoids high-siding which is just wasting energy because the outside spoiler is constantly deployed.

Tail on the ground-Pain in the ass to assemble, adds quite a bit of time to setup.

(editor’s note: Richard has an old version of the tail, and it is much improved.)

C-mods plus tail on the ground-significantly longer to set up than his old ATOS-A. Setup time for the A-model was on par with other flexwing pilots, C-model takes 10 minutes or so longer to set up.

(editor’s note: With the new tail, it takes just about as long as before.)

Carbon control frame-Fragile, easy to take out the base tube along with the upright because there is no play between the two, expensive ($350 for an upright), but he's never broken one (25 hours on the glider), carries around little carpet remnants to place between rocks and his base tube.

(editor’s note: Built in weaklinks prevent damage to the uprights.)

C-Mods in the air-better glide, better handling, better thermalling.  Much better all-around than his A-model.

Tail in the air-makes the glider tail heavy, improves landing (hasn't nosed over yet even in a couple of downwind/downhill landings), better flight characteristics (see above)

(editor’s note: The ATOS-C with the tail is a joy to land.)

C-mod design-It does have rear wires.  Control wires double as front load-bearing wires for control, it's actually one continuous wire that runs through a pulley assembly up in the sail.  Ground handling is more difficult because the front wire mod allows the whole wing to yaw relative to the control frame as much as 10 to 15° either way.  Rick thought it disconcerting though he hasn't heard others complain.

Rick says that this is only really noticeable when the base tube is on the ground (anchored) in switchy winds.  This may even be a good thing in that the wing on the slightly up wind side will yaw away from the wind thus preventing that wing from trying to rise up.

(editor’s note: I don’t know what he is talking about here, and I haven’t experienced it.)

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to Table of Contentsto next topic Using Netscape mail on a Mac?

Sat, Mar 8 2003, 8:00:09 pm GMT

software

Martyn writes:

Can't see the binding graphic?  I use Communicator 4.75 on Macintosh running System 9.1 The 'Enable JavaScript for Mail and News' is unchecked by default.  Not sure about System X.

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to Table of Contentsto next topic Getting towed up in Kansas

Sat, Mar 8 2003, 8:00:10 pm GMT

James Gaar|Len Smith|Doug Dubois|Norman Gaar|Ron Kenney

http://www.AdventureAirSports.com

James Gaar «blindrodie» writes:

The season is shaping up well.  Warm weather is soon to be here, like tomorrow!  Well, it's Kansas.  Wait 15 minutes and the weather will change.

Adventure AirSports Flight Park would like to announce that Manager James Gaar is now a Wills Wing AND High Energy Sports DEALER!!! Details are being worked out but you can look forward to a lot of "First Season" discounts to help kick things off.  More details later…

Our own Doug Dubois is soon to leave for Florida were he will acquire his BFI, along with his ATP rating.  Good job Doug!  And future Tug Pilot Norman Gaar will be getting his required time and experience completed to enhance our ATP ranks.  And hey, we need to give Doug some air time too!

Len Smith (Director, Reg.  6) will be completing his tandem rating with the likes of long time SkyGod Ron Kenney AI, ATI and in addition Ron will be bring along another tandem student to help swell the ranks of available instructors in the Midwest.  Ron will also be training for us until Len gets his T3.

Discuss "Getting towed up in Kansas" at the Oz Report forum   link»

to Table of Contentsto next topic Bad necks – perhaps not a hang gliding problem

Sat, Mar 8 2003, 8:00:11 pm GMT

Mike Frey

Mike Frey (HP-Roseville,ex1) «mike.frey» writes:

I had been having severe muscle spasms in my neck for a couple of weeks at a time, a couple of times a year for several years.  The last few times against my better judgment I went to a chiropractor.  On the last occasion he ended up causing a nerve issue - tingling/numbness in my left thumb and adjacent two fingers of my left hand.

The real doctors were able to get rid of the muscle spasms with medication, but the nerve issue did not go away.  The neurosurgeon ordered an MRI, which very clearly shows "C6-C7 disk herniation with root compression", or in English, a ruptured disk in my neck which presses on the nerve that runs to those fingers.  If I'm under a lot of stress or if I overexert myself, my neck muscles start to hurt and I hit the anti-inflammatories, and I can head off worse issues.  I haven't had the debilitating spasm attacks now for two years, though I continue to fly.

Original cause?  I don't know.  The attacks didn't correlate with my flying at all - they correlated fairly well with dentist appointments!

Discuss "Bad necks – perhaps not a hang gliding problem" at the Oz Report forum   link»

The Oz Report, a near-daily, world wide hang gliding news ezine, with reports on competitions, pilot rankings, political issues, fly-ins, the latest technology, ultralight sailplanes, reader feedback and anything else from within the global HG community worthy of coverage. Hang gliding, paragliding, hang gliders, paragliders, aerotowing, hang glide, paraglide, platform towing, competitions, fly-ins. Hang gliding and paragliding news from around the world, by Davis Straub.

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