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Displaying page 5 out of 56
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During a recent inspection of the inside trim system on a Woody Valley Tenax 3 hang-gliding harness, it was discovered that one of the bolts that attach the posts to the backplate had become loose by some 4 turns allowing considerable movement of the post. The BHPA has therefore issued a safety Advisory Notice regarding this issue.
By experiment, a loosening the bolt by 2 more turns allowed sufficient movement of the post to allow the rod to detach completely. It was also noted that the grub screw that is threaded into the post to lock the rod to the post was missing.
Pilots who fly using either a Woody Valley Tenax 3 (with Inside Trim), or a Tenax 4, harness should therefore not fly with them until they have inspected their harness to ensure that the post mounting bolts are tight, and the grub screws are present and secure, at both ends of the rod attached to the back plate.
For further information please read the full Advisory Notice for Woody Valley Tenax 3 & Tenax 4 harnesses, which is available on the Safety Advisories page of our website.
Posted: 15 September 2024
By: Paul Dancey
Following recent reports that in some cases the threaded sleeve-nut on a paraglider maillon/quick link could be easily wound by hand beyond the top of the upper screw thread to fully expose the lower screw thread, the BHPA has issued a safety Advisory Notice about this issue.
For a maillon to function as a load carrying connector, the long, threaded sleeve nut must bridge the 'gate' (the short open portion). Maillons have been known to unscrew over time, so they should be regularly checked and tightened appropriately (being careful not to over-tighten).
If no manufacturer's guidance is available on the correct tightening torque, the BHPA Pilot Handbook recommends nipping up the nut to be finger-tight, and then giving a further one-eighth turn with a small spanner.
For further information please read the full Advisory Notice for paraglider maillon/quick link connectors, which is available on the Safety Advisories page of our website.
Posted: 15 September 2024
By: Paul Dancey
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
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 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
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
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
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
last updated: 24 March 2026
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