HGFA Skysailor Magazine

8 SKY SAILOR March | April 2019 affected by the rotator cuff. Injuries we had in our younger years can present as sudden onset pain and weakness when under stress – such as landing and flaring. Along with this come related shoulder injuries, such as broken collar bones or AC joint ruptures. Even though broken bones mend and AC joints become useable again, there is greater discomfort in lying prone in a harness for any length of time, or keeping our arms elevated above shoulder height – particularly when flying inland in rough and thermic conditions. Eventually, for those of us who have succumbed to degeneration in the rotator cuff and shoulders, we are faced with no other option but to discontinue flying the intermediate and topless gliders because it becomes uncomfortable, unpleasant, hurts too much and has the potential for failed landings. How can we continue enjoying open-cockpit air-in-the-face flight? What I have done has allowed me to still enjoy flying gliders, still get to cloudbase and above, fly all year round, and enjoy cross-country flying without having to search for thermals. I have been flying a Vlite, also called a powered hang glider or nanolite. I have been flying my Airborne Vlite since 2016 and have great pleasure and fun with it. The Vlite is a single-seat powered hang glider. The engine is a Pollini 130cc (two-stroke) single-cylinder motor. It’s not a fast machine. In fact, with no wind my top cruising speed is about 25kt (40 to 50km/h). Officially, it is classed as a powered hang glider and I only needed a powered hang glider endorsement on my licence to fly it. I have flown it cross-country as well just doing circuits around the airfield. I carry it in an 8x5 trailer behind my car and can have it set up and ready to fly in about 30 minutes. Because it is a slow moving aircraft, it is a relaxed style of armchair flying with a view. On the days that I do a cross-country flight, there is enough room in the storage area to fit a spare 10-litre fuel can. I get about two hours and 20 minutes out of 10 litres of fuel, but I land for refuelling at the two hour mark. It is a different form of flying to the free flight of hang gliding (which I really enjoy). The Vlite gives me the freedom to go where I want to go. If there’s something interesting to look at along the way, I can divert and have a look, then go back on track. I love to get up above the inversion layer. I haven’t been able to get there in my hang gliders, but with the Vlite, just a bit of extra throttle and before long the inversion is below me and I enjoy the silky smooth air and crystal clear view above. Allan and Richard at Luskintrye, NSW Allan and Richard on the beach at Diamond Head, NSW Apollo Bay Beach, VIC Selfie at Longreach Flying over 40: MAintaining the Joy