2006 National
Powered
Paragliding Convention
Updated
03/27/2006
Whew! What a whirlwind --
heavy on the wind. Fortunately, chilly, windy weather didn't dampen the
thirst for information and there was plenty to see and learn. New motors,
new wings, new gadgets, new faces, old faces (lots of old faces!) and one spectacular
crash with an extremely lucky pilot. If anyone doubts the risk inherent in
wild flying, look no further than the pilot who lost control during a
maneuver and spun into a gear-crunching impact.
Our sport must be growing up, judging from the amount of
new gear out there. There were several manufacturers from Europe showing
off their goodies, too. The USPPA tent was a
steady stream of people which made for a marvelous chance to meet many of
those who have joined us in our quest to preserve and promote the sport.
We added many new members and gave others the chance for an easy renewal.
For the first time we offered the USPPA pin which we sold over half of our
entire stock. As always, thank you so much for your support! Some
business was conducted and we will soon have a far more complete training
program for those wanting to become USPPA instructors. Chris Bowles, Steve
Barrett and Eric Dufour all worked on a new instructor syllabus which will be
made available to those in the instructor program. Plus a text is being
worked out for those aspiring to become teachers of the sport. More
information on this project when it completes. When it's finished, the
material will be made available, free of charge, to existing instructors
upon request and will be sold at cost to instructor applicants. There
was a wedding! Yes, Andy McAvin turned out to be an ordained minister who,
along with a Notary Public, was able to wed the lucky couple right there
on the field. That may be a first - "the Fly-In Wedding." Although
flying did take place on Friday and Saturday, the masses didn't take to
flight until Sunday. The best weather of all came on Sunday evening where
many got nice sunset flights.  
1. One of the newest USPPA pin wearers, worn by Steve
Boser's son.
2. Alex Varv shared
all with forum attendees during his presentation.  
1. There was great interest in the equipment showcase.
Vendors were given 5 minutes to show their wares.
2.
John Magdic puts his PPG simulator to good use.
Just be careful on those hard right turns.  
1. Steve Boser was in charge of the registration tent
which was fortunately a wind-tolerant structure.
2.
When the wind cooperated on Sunday it was mayhem in the morning
as everyone scurried to vent their pent-up need for air.  
1. The wagons win. Hiking gear out to the middle of the field
made these wagons a God-send.
2. We
got a visit from the downwind demon.
The photographer has recovered nicely. |
