“We woke at 5.30am. About 30 minutes later our group set off: four flying Swiss, two flying Nepalis and six porters. Our hike took us through the barren, treeless, bizarrely eroded landscape up to a ridge at 3,520 metres. “Here we laid out our gliders, watching for sharp stones that were a danger to the […] …read more
The Journey Inside: By Kinga Masztalerz
“A minute later I’m turning in consistent 3m/s lift up to cloudbase, and I know that I’m coming back from a deep and dark journey. “I take my time to enjoy it, slowly drifting north and then crossing toward End Peak. I look at the lake and the mountains. I’m high, happy, calm. “I feel […] …read more
A is for Accessible: The new EN A class
Smaller inlets, three riser technology, 3D panel shaping, plastic rods and mini-ribs… yes we’re talking EN A technology. Pat Dower researches how trickle-down technology has revolutionised the school glider class. See what’s in Issue 169 …read more
Niviuk Ikuma (EN B) on review
“It has been suggested that the Ikuma doesn’t have very good climbing ability. I couldn’t disagree more. After flying the wing for over ten hours in the thermals of the south of France I found it a delight. “Flying the wing smack bang in the middle of the weight range I had no problem keeping […] …read more
Cross Country 169, May 2016: Editor’s letter
There’s a definite Mind, Body, Spirit vibe in the magazine this issue. It wasn’t planned like that, it’s just the way the stars aligned. We have articles on flying and the mind, on how yoga can help you fly better, and, in Kinga Masztalerz’s account of flying in New Zealand, an example of the need […] …read more
Jeff Goin: Respecting the difference
“The best pilots realise that they don’t know everything, that every discipline takes just that – discipline, and decent training. Life is worth that.” Jeff Goin explores the humility involved in learning a new flying discipline. See what’s in Issue 169 …read more
Pal Takats: On risk and reward
The biggest hairdo in flying is now the main display pilot for the Red Bull Air Race series. In Cross Country issue 169, May 2016, Ed Ewing talks to Pal Takats about the risks and rewards in paragliding and paramotoring. As someone who has given almost everything to the sport he knows what he’s talking […] …read more
The Head Game: The psychology behind the sport
“Always fly your own flight. For sure, be aware of the others, where they are and what they’re up to, but fly do your own thing. “It will make for some painful lows along your journey, when your brilliant idea leads to an early landing instead of endless glory, but it will teach you to […] …read more
Naked Pilot: Randi Eriksen
“Pilots are going to have to get used to reading the report and not just looking at the letter”, says Randi Eriksen from test house Air Turquoise. “Now, if a glider uses folding lines to make a collapse then it automatically gets a D. But the results in the manouvres may be B or C. […] …read more
Cross Country 169: May 2016
Cross Country 169, May 2016 is out now. Here’s what’s in the issue – from delving deep into the successful pilot’s mindset to journeying to the very fringes of our sport…. The Head Game: “Always fly your own flight. For sure, be aware of the others, where they are and what they’re up to, but […] …read more