“My cross-training programme deliberately develops the mental toughness and resilience that I want to have while flying. “I want to be able to turn up and fly day after day, so I train day in, day out to get used to performing even when I don’t feel like it.” Matt Warren talks to Australian big […] …read more
Author: winguu
Icaristics: Pulley-to-pulley
“Maximum speed on the risers is usually known as ‘pulley-to-pulley’. “This may sound simple, but there are a few tricks that can make a huge difference to the maximum speed achieved”, writes Bruce Goldsmith. In Icaristics, the designer looks at Brummel hooks and the competition modifications pilots can make, and also delves into certification. See […] …read more
Gavin McClurg: Adventure and Alaska
Gavin McClurg is currently in Alaska attempting a pioneering vol biv line with Dave Turner. In his column, he writes of his inner, mental journey preparing for what could be a very dangerous mission. “The quote by Helen Keller comes in handy in these situations,” he writes. “Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing […] …read more
Martin Morlet: Breaking 400km in France
“Now came the most difficult period, the one that makes all the difference in long distance XC flights: the end of the day. “This is where you have to give it all you have. I looked around, thinking about Denis Cortella’s advice a few years back, speaking about ‘blurred vision’, when you force your eyes […] …read more
Mastering Paragliding: The 45-degree rule
“Sometimes pilots are concentrating so hard on flying their wings, they forget to think about vertical separation,” writes flying guide Kelly Farina. “Then, much to their surprise, they disappear into the white room. Not much fun on booming summer days in the Alps.” In this issue, Kelly’s written an eight page guide to cloud development, […] …read more
On Ambition: By Till Gottbrath
“Isn’t it better if we don’t give approval to those who – although brave – stupidly put themselves in danger, but instead give it to those who have the courage to admit that they would prefer to land or not take off in the first place?” Till Gottbrath’s been flying a long time. He takes […] …read more
Triple Seven King (EN D) review
“The King has a calm, quiet temperament. It’s like the unflashy estate car with an absolute beast of an engine under its bonnet”, writes Hugh Miller, who’s been reviewing Triple Seven’s new EN-D over the past four months. “It gives a nice, damped ride… and if you’ve ever flown for eight hours across rocky peaks […] …read more
Honza Rejmanek: The Miso Soup Connection
“Sometimes on final approach it’s possible to find yourself gliding along a really buoyant line low down. The irony is that sometimes strong lift low down can be the result of two descending batches of sinking air hitting the ground and colliding,” writes meteorologist Honza Rejmanek. “This collision boundary is a convergence curtain”. Honza explains […] …read more
Allen Weynberg: Cracking 100km in Australia
After 20 years, Allen Weynberg cracks his first 100 km – the seemingly elusive milestone for so many of us. “I release from the tow-line straight into the fight. You can feel the buoyancy of the morning air, the promise of lively lift, but this day’s not easy. “Turn tighter, and then finally, the glorious […] …read more
Cross Country 171: July 2016
“Always go for a beer with your friends after a long day’s flying,” advises big-distance flyer Mike Cavanagh. It can be so illuminating to learn from other pilots’ thoughts and experiences, which can be wildly different from your own, and Issue 171 is like the most vibrant, detailed post-flight conversation you could ever hope […] …read more