Last weekend's hang gliding clinic at Rylstone, NSW, was filled with MUD (after Friday's rain), ICE (early morning frosts), and AIR (70+ tows).

Above: A fun flight in the Moyes Malibu demo glider

The new Cloudstreet Winch, with hydraulic tension regulation, provided some smooth tows, as the Toyota Hilux drove along the grass airstrip.

Eight of our hang gliding students learn to aerotow and then converge on the thermals at Forbes, NSW, in April.

As winter now sets in, it is quite dreamy reflecting back, and down, to the hot dry paddock below from which my student-pilots were teleported thousands of feet deep into Earth’s troposphere. These guys not only learned to aerotow hang gliders safely, but they also tapped into an unfamiliar energy form: thermals.

Above:  Student Andrew Phillip towing up behind Steve McCarthy at our Forbes Aerotow Clinic.  Photo by Andrew

Recently the CASA has a new requirement for ALL aircraft that are within 10km of any registered airport must carry a VHF.
This has surprised most HGFA members from a combination of a distracted HGFA administration and a weak advertising campaign by CASA. I recently searched the CASA website, and found no evidence of a recent rule change in place. In fact, several CASA members were not aware of this when asked by tug pilot Steve McCarthy, who's been working on the problem.

Occasionally some hang glider pilots tell me that they're interested in becoming a tandem pilot and want share the passion of free-flight. I understand the feeling, and can help.

Above: Living the dream, flying high above some big surf at Stanwell Park

Today, my USA flying buddy, Jeff Shapiro, sent me news and photos of his new Covert Hang Gliding harness.

Photo: Jeff Shapiro, in his slick "Covert" harness, above orange groves in Florida last month.

I've been following his progress from the early days, and it looks like he's closing-in on his production debut. 

NEWS FROM WINGTECH and AIRBORNE:

This weekend, Alby Daniel (aka Wingtech & sailmaker extraordinaire) along with the Newcastle Hang Gliding Club and Airborne Windsports are holding the second annual Stingfest!

What is it? It's a (very relaxed and informal) hang gliding meet aimed at all HGFA members with aerotow experience. Pilots who fly Stings will get special privileges but ALL pilots and ALL wings are very welcome.

Where is it? At Denman in the Hunter Valley (it's one of the prettiest places I've ever flown).

When? From Saturday 9am.

I've just returned from the Easter Tumut Fly-in. It was a "feel-good" event with a packed campground, and local flying sites buZZing with hang gliding (and some paragliding) activity.

Above:  Novice pilot, Drewe Waller, launches from Honeysuckle on Day 1 in his Moyes Sonic 165.

Here's how to install the High Energy Quantum 330 (QS 330) Parachute into a Moyes Contour Harness with an internal side pocket (awesome harness for novice pilots up to advanced pilots).

Warren Windsports is throwing a GOODBYE PARTY for Rudy! 

We're really going to miss our amigo, Rudy, when he goes back to his "other" family and hang gliding school in Mexico.

FOOD: Burritos, chips & salsa, and margaritas will be provided. 

WHEN: Monday March 8th, 7-10pm

Hang gliding, paragliding, and microlighting pilots will be converging again on Tumut, NSW for the Annual National Fly-In.

When: Easter, Friday 02 April 2010 to Monday 05 April 2010

Where: Tumut, NSW Australia

• Great free-flying with friends

Besides flying, there's always a chance for a kayak derby in the river if there's too much wind or rain

• Free Thermaling and XC Assistance

I'll be there helping out overtime for pilots (hang gliding & paragliding) looking to improve their in-land soaring skills.  If conditions permit, I hope to even offer some air-to-air assistance on the radio.  I'll be bringing my hang glider and maybe my paraglider, too.  Overall, the loose agenda is going to be getting some FUN and safe.

-Conrad Loten, from Newcastle, has signed UP to help with the event.  Conrad recently placed a tight second place at the NSW Hang Gliding State Titles in Manilla.  He's an amazing man, and we're very fortunate to have him on board assisting the hang gliding and paragliding pilots looking to learn more about flying in thermals and XC.