Oz Report

ProTow

Here is the bridle that I (and many others) use to aerotow.  My weaklink would normally be tied to one end of the spectra.  Both ends (one spectra end and the barrel release end) would be looped to loops at my shoulders on my harness.

Notice how thick the spectra is. This is to keep it from whipping around the carabineer or ring at the end of the tow line after you release.  You can see a bigger version of this bridle just by clicking the picture above.

Quest also sells a thinner version of the barrel release.  The thick spectra is from them also.  http://questairforce.com

Discuss bridles at the Oz Report forum

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New Motocomm finger button

Bob Lane|Quest Air|Ron Gleason

Ron Gleason «xcflying» writes:

Motocomm has released a new PTT button for their popular headsets.  The new buttons are available only as an accessory, you need to have an existing headset.  The new button plugs directly into existing headset.  Velcro backed.  Is smaller.  The feel is very good.  I have flown with it the for six weeks and in many cases it will fit inside your glove if you desire.

Compared to the older button:

Pricing

Headset is $59.95
Button is $25.00
Headset and button - $84.95.

Quest Air has the buttons in stock, Contact Bob Lane at «QuestAir» to order.

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Maps

Google Maps

Go to the URL above, type "Zapata, Texas" in the "Go to a location" field and click Search.  When you can see the city map of Zapata, type "hang gliding" in the search window.  See what you get.

Try the same thing with Groveland Florida, but type "Oz Report" instead of "hang gliding," and then click on the first link (which is to the Oz Report) and see what it links to (the address).

Discuss hang gliding at the Oz Report forum

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Brauniger and Flytec release V2.18 for 5030/Compeo

Bräuniger Compeo|Flytec 5030

You'll find it here. On the Flytec site here, and on the Flytec USA site here.

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Slovakia

Peter Gasparovic

Kinsley Sykes « kisykes@comcast.net» writes:

I am an American pilot who has had the pleasure of working in Slovakia for the last six months.  I also attended the Slovak National Championships held at the same site that is proposed for the Worlds, unfortunately as a spectator, not a competitor.

My experience here has been wonderful.  The country is blossoming as a result of the collapse of communism and the rise of a more market oriented economy.  Several US manufacturing companies have major manufacturing operations here that support their business in the EU, which Slovakia joined last year.  The people are extremely friendly to foreign visitors.

I also met Peter Gasparovic (whose letter you published a couple of days ago) here in Kosice, Eastern Slovakia where the Hang Gliding Club of Kosice has its headquarters in one of the numerous local pubs.  He offered to hook me up with their local site and found someone willing to rent me a glider.  Unfortunately, the work I needed to do here took over and I was not able to fly with them.

The site they are proposing is situated in the low Tatra's, a mountain range that runs through the middle of the countries.  There are large valleys with numerous landing options throughout the valleys.  There is also good road access to the sites.  The headquarters is a college dorm, so there is plenty of room available for all.

Peter's letter in the last issue may have given some people the wrong impression.  The mafia is a shadow of its former self, and I can't imagine any circumstance where that would be an issue relative to a hang gliding competition.  The comment that was made regarding an altercation in a disco I can't respond to other than I have never felt the slightest bit threatened anywhere.  (As a side point, I would guess that if a bunch of grubby pilots came in and started dancing with the local womenfolk, the local boys might take some exception to that whether you are in Slovakia or Texas).

I am not a comp pilot, so I don't really have a stake in this.  Just want to make sure that there is a "fair and balanced" view of the choices.

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Flytec XC Clinic half full

Andrew "Drew" Harris|Curt Warren|weather

Curt Warren « curt@warrenwindsports.com» writes:

We're up to almost 50% full with nine folks almost committed.  My folks, Chuck and Gayle, have offered to help out with the gig.  Drew Harris has also offered his services as a driver.  Davis said he'd help with weather, talks, and/or flying if needed.  That's great.  I'd love to sit in on some weather 101. I've asked Bo to get involved in any way he wants.  Hope he's up for it.

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CIVL Plenary Session

CIVL|CIVL Plenary 2005|Stewart Midwinter|Worlds

Stewart Midwinter «stewart.midwinter» writes:

As you are writing about the CIVL plenary meeting, and providing information from bid organisers that delegates might be interested in, your readers should know that there is good internet access here.  There are numerous internet cafés providing access at about $1 US per hour; some even have wireless access.

I don't know if all of the delegates that are here are reading your report, or would admit to it, but at least they have the opportunity to.

Many of us are taking advantage of the fact that we are in a great flying location to actually go out and fly.  Imagine that - free-flight delegates that actually fly!

So far I've flown with French, Rumanian, Danish, Austrian and Australian delegates, not to mention a number of local pilots, with Lithuanian and American ones standing by waiting for their waylaid gliders to show up. I can't recall the last time we actually got to fly at one of these meetings (no, wait, we got some ridge soaring in the Portugal meeting in 1998). If this keeps up, detractors will have to switch from calling us the CIVL Travel Club to CIVL Flying Club.

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