12.3 Mb	Julian and Chris
	9.3 Mb	More pilots walking past near the turn for the South Lochearnhead Road
	8.8 Mb	Andy McGregor and Mark Leyland
	25.3 Mb	Long distance parawalkers
	6.8 Mb	and more
	4.8 Mb	Ian +Gordon
	24.5 Mb	Dave H
	8.8 Mb	DH into distance
	30 Mb	Bicycle Reflectors play at headquarters
	7.5 Mb	Non Competitor landing
	12 Mb	Non Competitor landing+ Dorita
	6.8 Mb	Gound handling practice
	68.5 Mb	S Durkin spiral and landing
	105 Mb	Quentins son landing
	61 Mb	Quentin landing
	9 Mb	Dave Thomson Killin evening day 1
	36.8 Mb	Dave Thomson Killin evening day 1 - talking through his day and events
	27.3 Mb	Status report of competitors as of the first evening by C Smith
	56.9 Mb	At control - paragliding stories?.
	19.8 Mb	Steve Nash arriving as winner - all dark so mainly sound
	8.3 Mb	Paul Myerscough arriving a couple of minutes later ..similarly dark
	40.54 Mb	and Paul Myerscough a few minutes later
	92 Mb	Interview / talk by Paul Myerscough

Labels: 2008, May, paragliding event 2008 scotland, SHPF, videos, x-scotia

X-Scotia - 10th + 11th May 2008 Videos Part 1

Below you will find the first of a series of a tables containing links to numerous videos and their respective sizes ... Please right click and save as to view. I hope that you enjoy and all comments gratefully received.

	16 Mb	X-Scotia 2008 Campsite at The Lochearnhead Watersports Centre the night before the event
	33 Mb	The X-Scotia competitors signed check
	15 Mb	The X-Scotia Tracking board
	3.7 Mb	X-Scotia - sign to fly sheet
	18 Mb	X-Scotia campsite again on morning of race start
	247 Mb	X-Scotia - fun pilot and pack weigh in
	0.5 Mb	and continued
	46 Mb	and continued
	4.3 Mb	and continued again.
	28.8 Mb	Just before the start of X-Scotia at 07:30 on Saturday 10th May
	27.8 Mb	The start of X-Scotia 2008, 07:30 Saturday 10th May
	2.5 Mb	Steve Nash briefly visible in the distance dashing past
	12.3 Mb	Julian and Chris
	9.3 Mb	More pilots walking past near the turn for the South Lochearnhead Road

Labels: 2008, events, May, paragliding, SHPF, videos, x-scotia

At about 23:20 this evening Steve Nash arrived at the finish line and between 1 and 2 minutes later Paul Myerscough also arrived . There was a little consternation when Paul arrived as race control hadnt realised that he had completed all the turnpoints on a different route to Steve a stunning achievement from them both. They professed to be tired but my opinion would be that they looked amazingly good. After the welcome and the deserved congratulations some of the stories are becoming out, 2 short examples....
Steve only just managed to get a flight in from the Tarmachan with what sounds like the very last chance before the weather closed in...
Paul it seems may have had the longest flight of the competition .. all to be confirmed with the GPS / picture data tomorrow...

Labels: 2008, competition, paraglider, paragliding, Paul Myerscough, SHPF, Steve Nash, winner, x-scotia

X-Scotia 2008 Weekend of 10th + 11th May 2008 Status - GREEN

Labels: 2008, events, green, paragliding, scotland, SHPF, status, x-scotia

Rik kindly prepared a video from the recent paragliding and hang-gliding reserve deployment excercise held at Ratho near Edinburgh.

Here are links to each quarter of that film, each of which is very large at ~269MB so I strongly suggest that you right click and save as .... just clicking will probably cause things to seize up!

• Part 1


• Part 2


• Part 3


• Part 4

Labels: hang-gliding, paragliding, Ratho, reserve, scotland, SHPF, throw, video

Chucking your reserve is planned for Friday evening (14th March) from 5pm - 9.45pm at Ratho.

Repacking with guidance (for those that need it and subject to availability
of repacking help) on Saturday (15th March) at the Tinto hotel, plus SHPF AGM and some flying at Tinto if conditions allow.

Para-phrasing Dave Thomson :-

a )The booking for the Ballroom for the day (£100 ) has been confirmed and they have been advised that everyone "will do their own thing" re meals - They have a tour in so the restauraunt will be quite busy. Bar meals should be OK, although they would still like an idea of numbers.

b) It is obviously crucial that we get some folk along who have some packing experience. Has someone been approached to take the lead in getting a team together to help folk who have not done it before ? The entire success of this day depends on getting enough folk to help. Volunteers contact Dave, Mike or Al.

c) Mike J and I were discussing how successful the format of last years event was. Clearly, of we are packing all day, there is less time, but we felt that the Day would be a lot more enjoyable (and attract more folk to the AGM ) if we put something on for the early evening/ Since X Scotia is the main SHPF Event coming up, we are proposing a series of short chats on Fly Walking ;- eg Equipment; Tactics; Nutrition (10 minutes each ) then a Discussion Forum ? Then show the 2007 X Alps film (either the official one or the BBC one about Ruth abd Ulric )

d) I've got (almost) all the Trophies sorted. Does anyone know anything about the whereabouts of the SHPF longest Flight Trophy ?

Unless there are any better suggestions, Dave will make the arrangements re item (c), but really doesn`t want to be left with (b) - As stated above if you are volunteering please contact Dave , Mike or Al - or anyone really.

David

Register your interest with Alistair Bowman at:

Email :- ambowman43@aol.com

Please give an indication of what time you plan to be at Ratho in the evening.

Cost £20 per person.

Mike Jardine

Information for attending pilots
Your covering email/letter will give you a registration number. This number determines approximately when you will be using the zipwire. If you do not turn up for your allocated slot, you will be included as soon as possible.
1. Programme (may be subject to change)
Friday 14 March
4.30pm onwards Registration Location to be confirmed
This is primarily for the first group of names but anyone is welcome to come along at any time.
However, use of the zipwire will be dictated by registration number. If you do not turn up when you are
due to use the zipwire, you will be slotted in as soon as possible.
Follow signs for SHPF repack. Bring all your kit but no resonsibility will be accepted for lost or
damaged items.
5.00pm - 9.45pm Reserve deployment SkyRide level 5+
The fun starts. The number of pilots allowed in the take-off area at any one time will be 5. This gives
you the chance to watch how the system works before your flight and to provide moral support or
give marks out of 10 to those in front of you. Each pilot will be called forward by number, briefed and
attached to the zipwire. Two screwlock caribiners will be used to attach the pulley system to the hang
points on your harness. When you are ready and happy with the arrangements - yehahhhhhhhh -
remembering to deploy reserve as quickly as possible.
When you come to a halt you will still be suspended some 15" above the floor so wait until you
are lowered. Someone will then help you to detach yourself from the pulley. Bundle up reserve and remember to collect the deployment bag.
You then have the option of taking your reserve home for un-assisted repacking (if you are confident of what to do) or bringing it to the Saturday repack.
NB. This is the ideal opportunity to re-pack your reserve at home BEFORE the deployment, to
test your reserve re-packing skills.

Saturday 15 March
10.00am onwards Reserve repacking Tinto Hotel, Symington
The Tinto Hotel have provided their Ballroom for mass re-packing. We hope that SHPF coaches will be
on hand to offer some assistance but it is your responsibility to carry out your own repack.
Flying?
If it?s flyable, you can head off to Tinto once you?ve packed away your reserve.

AGM Tinto Hotel
The time for the AGM will be based on the flying conditions. If a non-flying day, the AGM will be around 1.00pm, if flyable expect a 5.00pm start (or later).
Notes:
1. The programme times may be adjusted depending on numbers - priority will be given to those who have pre-registered.
2. The amount of repack supervision may also depend on total numbers, but priority will be given to those who are new to reserve repacking.
3. Please bring:
Full harness and reserve
Helmet and gloves
Reserve manual (if you have)
Warm clothing (it can be cold in Ratho)
Radio tuned to 143.675 (if you have)

Important
The zipwire will be installed and supervised at all times by Adventure Centre staff. All persons using the zipwire must follow the directions of Adventure Centre staff and take full responsibility for proper adjustment of their own harness.

Food and Drink
Coffees, drinks, snacks, bar snacks and full meals are available at the Ledge Cafe (Ledge in
Climbing Hall) and Stone Room Bar/Restaurant (Level 5).

Labels: 2008, AGM, hang-gliding, paragliding, Ratho, repack, reserve, SHPF

The minutes from the recent committe meeting of The Scottish Hang-gliding and Paragliding Federation (SHPF) can now be found by clicking on the above title.

Labels: federation, hang-gliding, meeting, minutes, paragliding, Scottish, SHPF

Hello,
I have recently been sending some invitations to people in the Scottish free flying community to contribute directly to this blog. If you haven't received this and you have anything that you would like to post then send an email to me using bob@shpf.co.uk and I shall send you an invitation asap thereafter.

Thankyou in advance.

Bob Veitch

Labels: blog, SHPF

Hi just a quick post to say that I have spent quite some time this evening updating both the weather links and all the free flight clubs outside of Scotland on the links page.
If you know of any ommissions or corrections please contact me asap.
Thankyou in advance.

Labels: clubs, link, links, SHPF, weather

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

SCOTTISH HANG-GLIDING AND PARAGLIDING FEDERATION

SATURDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 2007

TINTO HOTEL, SYMINGTON

PRESENT. Shown Below

INTRODUCTION
Alistair Bowman opened the meeting by welcoming members.

MINUTES AND OUTSTANDING ACTIONS FROM LAST AGM (25TH FEBRUARY 2006 ? Alistair Bowman
There was intention to run a Club Coach Course last October and although this did not happen, a course is scheduled for 24th/25th March. This has been organised by Sean Figgitt through the LLSC Club and Alistair encouraged member to participate.

Website ? This has now been set up by Bob Veitch

New Airspace around Edinburgh ? There are no issues known at this stage and all seems to be working well on both sides.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF 2006 AGM
Proposed: George McGhee
Seconded: Bob Veitch

CHAIRMAN?S REPORT ? Alistair Bowman
Alistair was pleased to say that there had been some more excellent flying in 2006, with SHPF members taking 6th, 7th and 15th places in the BHPA XC League, and various new records being set including longest flight and height gain in the UK. He congratulated Chris Canata, Dave Thomson and Bob Gair.

21 Pilots logged flights with well over 3000kms recorded. There were other excellent flights which weren?t recorded, so overall a successful year, especially with no major accidents or injuries that he was aware of.

Alistair advised the meeting that membership had largely stabilised after last year?s sharp fall and is just below the 200 mark.

Ratho Repack was run successfully last February. Alistair was aware of one real deployment this year of a reserve which was packed at the event and so this made it all the more worthwhile.

Alistair again brought the SHPF website to the attention of the meeting advising it could be found at www.shpf.co.uk. Bob has set up a googlegroup for the whole of Scotland. The Site Guide as it stands can be found here although at the moment only Hillend is featured and Cliff Smith is currently working on it. Members were encouraged to use the googlegroup and to view the web page regularly.

The grant from Sportscotland was received at the same level as last year £1000 and a report sent to them. There is a new system this year and unless events are run this grant may be jeopardised. Alistair encouraged clubs to run their events through the Treasurer so that it would show in our accounting.

The Broughton windtalker was set up and has been very useful. Members were encouraged to use this facility. With a £10 subscription there is unlimited access to the windtalker?s readings and 30 phone calls.

Transponders ? The CAA are looking to impose on all flying machines to have a transponder. The cost could be £1000, it would be heavy, poor batteries and no safety benefits etc etc. CAA now realise that they have got it very wrong with paragliders and our way of flying. E-petitions are out and Alistair asked members to act now and sign up against the transponders.

Future - Alistair asked members to make suggestions on any events or activities that they thought should be run other than those done in the past. He said that the SHPF only has any purpose if it brings about results which might be beyond the scope of any individual pilot or club. He asked for ideas and thoughts on where there were gaps in what we do.

Alistair told the meeting that he was happy to stand down to a new Chairman who might take the SHPF in a new or different direction.

TREASURER?S REPORT ? Alistair Bowman
Income exceeded expenditure. Not much was spent on coaching & training and we need to perhaps look at more local events rather than SHPF national events.
The bank balance sits at £4209.58. A copy of the accounts were attached to the Agenda. Brian Steele suggested that Tim Bridle might be approached to audit the accounts.
Clubs were encouraged to organise local coaching and reserve packing but to finance these through the Treasurer.
The accounts were proposed by Sean Figgit and seconded by Brian Steele.

SITES AND SAFETY REPORT ? Cliff Smith
The Scottish Land Reform was bedding in nicely. There was a general trend of landowners now being much more aware of responsibilities and access was easier with less conflict.

Sites ? Sites will be included on the new website only after liaison between Cliff and clubs. Clubs must approve their sites going on the guide.

Safety - The only known incident was Willie Barron?s reserve deployment at Tinto after suffering a cravat low to the ground. Willie noted that he was using an unfamiliar harness and this may have contributed to his decision to throw his reserve early. He landed safely and was out flying a couple of days later.

Bishop ? Cliff advised the meeting that the pub in the village had bought a strip of the field just in front of the pub where pilots were encouraged to land.

Hillend ? There are now few pilots who are unaware of the new restrictions. There was the exception of the visiting pilot who had a wee flight off Arthur Seat. Its worth noting any infringements were not by BHPA pilots but by visitors and this only strengthened the argument for a sites guide.

Scottish Mountain Safety Forum ? The Mountain Weather Forecast saga is ongoing. After extensive consultation, research, tendering and analysis the SMSF recommended to the Scottish Office that the contract should be awarded to Geoff Monk?s Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS). It would appear that someone at the Executive asked why the Met Office had not tendered and as a result everything went back to square one. To date there has been no conclusion to this issue. At present both MWIS and the Met Office are offering a free mountain weather forecast to the public. The Scottish Office has not stated what its long term intentions are.

Tommy Bryson viewed his concerns to the meeting about site information going on the web. He thought it was only right that landowners were made aware that this was happening and he didn?t know that it would receive positive reactions. Discussion took place on site contacts and it was agreed to carry this over to the next committee meeting.

Sean Figgitt said he thought that sites within ATC airspace are the most important sites that need to be on the website.

SPORTSCOTLAND AND SCOTTISH SPORTS ASSOCIATION REPORT
SSA annual membership payable. Dave Thompson attended one meeting this year but generally meetings are not of much relevance to SHPF.

COMMUNICATIONS
Flying Scot. Bob Veitch is now posting articles on the SHPF website in lieu of the electronic magazine. Cliff voiced that Sportscotland will be bringing out an Equality policy which may become an issue in the future. After discussion it was generally agreed that the SHPF should ensure all communications are sent to clubs and it was their responsibility to ensure this is passed on/received by their members in whatever form necessary.

PROGRAMME FOR 2007
Club Coach Course ? Sean Figgitt has organised an official BHPA run Club Coach Course. This is running the weekend of 24th/25th March. Members encouraged to join up for this. Huge experience not necessary. 10hrs and BHPA membership. All experience necessary. This event is subsidised by the SHPF.

Paragliding National Series - George McGhee has kindly agreed to be in charge again. All help welcome. It was thought to be a good idea to have more structured coaching during this event. A discussion took place on the expenses of running these events and it was agreed to have a £100 cap on each of the 6 events. In an effort and in view of a 30% drop in members it was suggested that each event be notified to local papers to increase interest. George agreed to do this.

Ratho Repack - Cliff advised the meeting that the centre was currently closed. It should be fully open probably by August. He would keep the Committee informed who would then be able to discuss whether to run a repack event Oct/Nov this year or early 2008. Clubs were reminded that there are funds to assist with hall hire etc should they wish to run a local event. They were again reminded to organise this through the Treasurer.

SUBSCRIPTIONS
Funds are good. Subs are presently £3. Tommy proposed an increase of £2. Cliff seconded this. A long debate took place and it was carried. Subs to be set at £5.

Cliff proposed that for LLSC only, that £2 per LLSC member be given as a one-off contribution to the Tinto Liability Fund. Gordon seconded this. After discussion the vote was carried.

ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairman: Alistair Bowman
Proposed: Cliff Smith
Seconded: Bob Veitch

Secretary: Dorita Orr
Proposed: Alistair Bowman
Seconded: George McGhee

Treasurer: Gordon Smyth
Proposed: Cliff Smith
Seconded: George McGhee

Sites and Safety Officer and rep. for Scottish Mountain Safety Forum:
Cliff Smith
Proposed: Dorita Orr
Seconded: Alistair Bowman

Communications
Officer: Bob Veitch
Proposed: Alistair Bowman
Seconded: Dorita Orr

PG Comp
Series Coordinator: George McGhee
Proposed: Alistair Bowman
Seconded: Gordon Smyth

HG Comp
Series Coordinator: Sergey Kataev
Alistair Bowman
Dorita Orr

XC League
Co-ordinator: David Thomson
Proposed: Alistair Bowman
Seconded: George McGhee

SportScotland Rep: Alistair Bowman
Proposed: Dorita Orr
Seconded: Cliff Smith

Website Co-ord: Bob Veitch
Proposed: Alistair Bowman
Seconded: Gordon Smyth


AOCB
The BPC and Scottish Open will be based at the Tinto Hotel, 25th ? 28th May. Pilot rating.



PRESENTATIONS
HG XC League Trophy - Mike Armstrong
PG XC League Trophy - Chris Canata
PG Nationals Series - Kenny Cooper
PG Nationals Series Club Trophy LLSC
HG Federation Trophy - Mike Armstrong
PG Federation Trophy - Dave Thomson
Club XC League Greatest Distance - LLSC
Club XC League Greatest Number of Flights- LLSC
SHPF Longest Distance Flight- Chris Canata


Planned date for next AGM: February 2008

AGM - ATTENDANCE RECORD
NAME CLUB
Andy McGregor LLSC
George McGhee LLSC
Brian Steele SMPC
Alistair Bowman SMPC
Dorita Orr SMPC/LLSC
Bob Veitch SMPC
David Thomson LLSC
Robert Sarneck
Sergey Kataev LLSC
Cliff Smith SMPC
Gordon Smyth LLSC
Sean Figgitt LLSC
Dave Lyal Wingbeat
Tommy Bryson Wingbeat
Gordon MacGregor LLSC
Ian Kennedy SMPC
Danny Wilks LLSC
Rik McHarg LLSC
Zeno Kerr SMPC
Tina Wood LLSC
Mark Robson
Dominic Job
Steve Scott
Jitka Polechova

Minutes prepared by Dorita Orr.

Labels: 2007, AGM, minutes, SHPF

AGENDA

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

10TH FEBRUARY 2007

TINTO HOTEL, SYMINGTON

1 Introductions

2. Apologies for absence

3. Minutes and Outstanding Actions from last AGM (26th February 2005)

4. Chairman's Report

5. Treasurer's Report

6. Sites and Safety Report

7. SportScotland and Scottish Sports Association Report

8. Communications

9. Programme for 2006

10. Subscriptions

11. Election of Executive Committee

12. AOCB

13. Presentation of Awards

Labels: 2007, AGM, federation, hang-gliding, paragliding, Scottish, SHPF

"Here is the finalised programme of activities for the SHPF Free Flying
Weekend. Remember it's a flexible weekend and things can change but as a
rough guide this is what you can expect to happen.

Saturday 10th February
If it is flyable.
10.00 am Meet at Tinto Hotel Symington (near Biggar). Weather briefing, open
discussion on coaching requirements then travel to closest flyable site.
Here we will attempt to provide a day of personalised coaching in a fun and
supportive environment. There is no set agenda; whoever turns up will
dictate what we do.

If it's not flyable.
12.00 noon Meet at Tinto Hotel Symington (near Biggar). We will then try to
deliver an afternoon of paragliding and hang-gliding related activities.
Again it will depend on who turns up and what they want to do. We have
received a number of offers from people to lead sessions as follows. GPS and
map reading, XC Flying Weather, Scottish Access Situation, Scottish
National's Slide Show. In addition there has been a request for the
following peer group session to be run. Harness and speed bar set up. Other
ad hoc sessions could take place again depending on who turns up.

The emphasis on the afternoon is to enjoy the company of fellow pilots and
to share knowledge and experience. We plan to build in plenty of time for
the social element of the day to be enjoyed.

5.30pm SHPF AGM at Tinto Hotel Symington. This will include the presentation
of various trophies etc won by pilots/clubs throughout the year.

6.30pm An illustrated talk from Steve Etherington. Lakes based PWC pilot and
good bloke.

7.30pm Meal and socializing. Final details of catering are still be
finalised with the hotel. Very few people signed up for the meal so we are
trying to negotiate with the hotel over a buffet or just access to their bar
meal menu.

If you want to stay at the hotel please contact them direct and make your
own arrangements. Mention that you are part of the SHPF weekend event.

Sunday 11th February

David Thomson is organising a Club Pilot and Pilot Exam. This will involve a
revision and preparation session followed by the exam itself.
Contact David direct for full details of the programme and what you need to
bring.

If it is flyable.
10.00 am Meet at Tinto Hotel Symington (near Biggar). Weather briefing, open
discussion on coaching requirements then travel to closest flyable site. A
similar plan of attack to Saturday again tailored to the needs of those who
turn up.

If it's not flyable.
Help David with the exam day, have a nice bar lunch, sink a couple of pints
and go home happy having taken part in a great event.

Labels: AGM, hang-gliding, paragliding, SHPF

Free Flying Social Weekend being planned. In this long, dark, wet and windy times we need something to cheer ourselves up.

Ratho is shut so no chuck?n?pack event so how about trying to get as many
pilots together to fly or talk about flying?

Tommy Bryson is the main organiser with help from David Thomson, Cliff Smith
and other members of the SHPF committee.

Rough details are as follows

Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th February

Tinto Hotel at Symington

Saturday, Daytime

If flyable we plan to run a coaching day at Tinto/Broughton or nearest
flyable site.

Coaching will be targeted at what you want to learn so let us know what you
want to do. We might even set some simple but achievable tasks. Ideas
include ground handling, the perfect take off, flying in company, the art of
top landing, how to fly 100km??.

If its not flyable we aim to offer a range of flying related sessions mixed
in with some social time to catch up with all the free flyers who turn up.

Session topics are flexible but could include GPS, flying weather, Harness
setup, DVD shows, slide shows, photo competition, bring and buy sale etc. If
there is anything else you?d like to see please let us know.

5.00pm (ish) the SHPF AGM and annual prize giving.

6.00pm (ish) Meal in the Hotel £15.95 for a 3 course meal or cheaper bar
meal options.

7.30pm Slide show and talk by Steve Etherington. Topic TBC but will focus on
Steve?s paragliding exploits home and abroad. For those that don?t know him
Steve is one of the UK?s few PWC pilots who according to Tommy has a few
right guid tales t?tell.

Once Steve shuts up you can socialize for as long as you want.

B&B is available at the Tinto Hotel for those that want to stay over.

Sunday

If flyable a similar plan to Saturday.

If not flyable a similar plan to Sauturday.

PLUS David Thomson and LLSC are planning on running a CP and P exam. Further
details from DT to follow.

The main thrust of the weekend is to try and get pilots together, have some
fun, get some flying done if we can, share experiences, have some fun, get
some coaching, have some fun, watch the rain pish against the Hotel windaes,
did I mention have some fun???..

So over to you.

At this stage we don?t need any firm commitments but the following would be
helpful

Do you think the idea is a good one?

Do you plan to attend ? helpful for us to know rough numbers so we can alert
the hotel

What coaching would you like?

Volunteer coaches

Volunteers to run a session

That?s it for now. Further details to follow once we get some feedback.
Please feel free to circulate this initial information.

Now for the deal clincher this event is FREE and if that don?t get the
Adeerdonians down nothing will??????.

Cliff Smith for and on behalf of Tommy Bryson

Labels: AGM, hang-gliding, paragliding, Scottish, SHPF