SAFETY NOTICE - READ THIS FIRST

THE CONTENTS OF THESE ARTICLES DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE BHPA OR OTHER AUTHORITIES. PILOTS MUST DETERMINE FOR THEMSELVES WHETHER OR NOT ANY METHOD OR SUGGESTION IN THEM IS SAFE TO EXECUTE.

REFERENCES TO AIRLAW REFER TO UNITED KINGDOM LAW AND MAY NOT APPLY OUTSIDE THE UK. AIRLAW AND AIRSPACE DESIGNATIONS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND THE INTERPRETATION PRESENTED IN THESE ARTICLES CANNOT BE GUARANTEED. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PILOTS THEMSELVES TO ENSURE THAT THEY COMPLY WITH THE LAW WHEREVER THEY FLY.

The link to the articles follows the introduction below

These articles are the copyright of Nigel Page and must not be reproduced in any way without his permission.

If you wish to reproduce any of this material then please ask. I am unlikely to refuse but do like to know where my articles end up. I may also wish to update or correct the material.

INTRODUCTION

Although I was one of the instigators of coaching in paragliding, one day I realised I had done enough. I was on the hill when a couple of pilots asked me what to do that day and I replied "Don't crash". I later apologised and did my best to summarise the conditions for them but I realised that some frustration or other was not going to allow me to coach properly from then on and I stopped trying to coach actively. Recently I have done more, but pilots who actively coach year in year out have my greatest respect!

I have been writing articles for some time which I hope, in some way, helps to contribute something more than the limited direct coaching I now do. The problem with articles is that once published they quietly rust away in the computer and do nobody any good. When I was actively coaching I assembled a booklet of articles with the intention of using it to help new pilots coming through. I had just about finished it when the first English language paragliding manual 'Touching Cloudbase' was published. Now there are about four or five to choose from.

Another problem with any kind of technical writing is that information may go out of date or even found to be competely incorrect. For example, hard shell back protectors seemed brilliant when they first appeared but are now thought to be dangerous. I occasionally update the articles or even just tweak the grammar a bit. Some information in these articles may not conform to current 'accepted practice' and should be considered as purely for interest but remember that 'accepted practice' is sometimes found to be wrong too! The idea is to make pilots think about what is going on and broaden their outlook. I hope that I am always ready to listen to other people's ideas and will be delighted to hear from readers, even if they tell me I'm wrong. I often am! Constructive comment can only improve any future articles.

The articles were written over a long period of time. I did not keep accurate records of publication dates and some of the quoted dates are estimated. Some articles were written for the Derbyshire and Lancashire Gliding Club based at Camphill and will read appropriately. Sadly, I am not tough enough to fly (or more accurately lift!) hang-gliders but I hope that HG pilots will find some of this material useful.

Remember to use your own brain. If you don't understand it or don't enjoy it then don't do it.

Have fun safely.

Nigel Page

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