British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (2024)

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Safety Notice - Skywalk Breeze 2 Harness

When installing the reserve system in the Breeze2, two white loops are threaded through the eyelet using a packing loop, then secured with the split-pin system of the reserve handle. It has been reported that, during an initial installation, one of the two loops tore.

The issue has been reproduced in at least one other Breeze2 harness. To eliminate any safety risks, the Breeze2 harness must not be used until both loops have been inspected. Please contact your dealer or importer to have them inspected.

If you know how to install the reserve container into the harness you can check it yourself using a spring balance.

Full details are included in the Skywalk Breeze 2 Harness Safety Notice which is available on the Importer & Manufacturer Safety Notices page of this website.

Posted: 24 August 2024
By: Paul Dancey

Hang Gliding XC Skills Development Weekend!

HG Comps Panel are proposing an autumn weekend to help pilots develop XC skills.

It's aimed at competent hill pilots who haven't yet flown XC, or who lack confidence in XC flying. Classroom sessions and flying work will be focused on instilling confidence and the relevant skills, and may include short tasks.

It is hoped to run the weekend in September or October '24 or early spring '25; numbers will be limited to allow individual support. The Long Mynd area is a possible focus, but is as yet unconfirmed.

Costs will be kept to a minimum. Pilots will be responsible for their own accommodation and transport but a retrieve system will be in place.

If you'd like to start flying XC and/or would welcome support and guidance, complete the Registration of Interest Form here ASAP.

Posted: 10 August 2024
By: J. Schofield

Johnny Car in goal on his 75th birthday!

Johnny is limbering up for the British Championships which follow at Laragne on the 11th, in the company of a host of top British and world-level pilots.

After two tasks the competition was led by Attila Bertok from Mario Alonzi, with Grant Crossingham in 4th place and Steve Penfold 10th. Full results are here.

Also present at the Open was Gerard Thevenot, who in 1979 made the podium with Johnny at the second-ever FAI world championships at St Hilaire. Germany's Josef Guggenmos took the win; the British team were 2nd on that occasion. Photo by Gary Wirdnam.

Posted: 6 August 2024
By: Joe Schofield

Changes at Malvern Beacon

LZ changes at Worcester Beacon (West Side). The old 'hockey pitch' landing field is no longer available. The only official landing option is well to the south-west of take-off, and is marked clearly in orange on the site map on the Malvern Hang Gliding Club website here.

The owners of the fields marked in red on the map have made it very clear that they do not want paragliders landing in their fields. Please have a thorough read of the guide before even considering flying from this site.

Before taking off think carefully about your landing options. If you start to lose height, either slope land quickly or push out and southwards to be able to reach the official landing field with enough height.

The only other available space is immediately beside and on the upslope side of the car park below the take-off, before the road. There is bracken and other growth here and your wing may well get snagged. Check it out before walking up the hill.

Posted: 5 August 2024
By: J. Schofield

Brits take Silver at Class 5 Pre-Worlds

Paul Harvey, Mike Armstrong and Steward Red took 8th, 9th and 10th places, with Tim King 12th, Ricardo Marques Da Costa 19th, Nigel Bray 20th and Neil Atkinson 27th. Apart from Ricardo and Neil's VRs, the Atos VQ was the weapon of choice. Austria's Chris Friedl took the overall win and Germany took Bronze.

In Class 1 the Brits finished 5th overall, led by Gordon Rigg in 21st and Dave Matthews in 24th places. Steve Penfold was 33rd, Soperman 39th, Darren Brown 42nd and Malcolm Brown 49th. Team winners were the Czech Republic ahead of Australia and Italy. Frenchman Mario Alonzi was the overall winner. Full results are here.

Posted: 5 August 2024
By: J. Schofield

Flying at Dune du Pilat, France

Due to the large number of serious accidents that have occurred at Dune of Pilat (Pyla), pilots wishing to fly this site must now complete a online registration form before flying this site.

When completing the form, you will be asked to supply details of your third party insurance cover, and to confirm that you agree to abide by site rules and recommendations. The FFVL have agreed that BHPA members should simply enter 'BHPA' and their BHPA membership number under third party insurance details.

Posted: 24 July 2024
By: Paul Dancey

Marshals needed - World Paramotor Endurance Champs

The 1st FAI World Paramotor Endurance Championship takes place between the 3rd and 10th of August, at Manston airport in Kent, hosted by the Paramotor Competitions Panel of the BHPA.

83 pilots from 17 countries are now expected to attend this historic event, including 10 British pilots.

It is a rare and exciting opportunity to host an FAI Cat. 1 championship on home turf. In order to help manage and keep all these pilots flying safely, the Marshal team would welcome extra support, particularly from BHPA members who are insured and familiar with paramotor deck safety issues.

Marshalling is the best way to see all the action from the front row, and a great way for pilots in training to learn from seeing the top pilots in the world fly. No prior experience necessary, our experienced existing team will provide all the training you need.

Camping on site is free for marshals, 3 meals a day are provided, and a free competition T shirt. No need to commit for the full period either, even 2 or 3 days would be very welcome.

And hopefully you'll get to see the British Paramotor Team with medals in their hands!

If you are interested in helping, please complete the expression of interest form linked below and the chief marshals Simon Pitchford and Lynne Orgovanyi will be in touch.
Marshal Volunteers Expression of Interest

Posted on behalf of Barney Townsend
BHPA Paramotor Competitions Panel Chair
Championship Director

Posted: 18 July 2024
By: Paul Dancey

Safety Notice: Woody Valley X-R7 harnesses

Woody Valley have issued a critical safety notice for their X-R7 harness.

Misconfiguration of the deployment system can result in an accidental parachute deployment. This can be rectified by fitting nylon washers available from your dealer. The Safety Notice, marked 'Critical: inspection mandatory before flying', covers serial numbers from #0001-1838.

A copy of the safety notice is available in the section of this website, and on the DHV website

Posted: 13 July 2024
By: Paul Dancey

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