HGFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 5 March | April 2019 A world-class inland flying destination, Manilla is internationally renowned as a premier paragliding site, with four large launches to suit all weather conditions. In a fun, three-day event, novice through to experienced pilots will take to the skies over Mt Borah, building valuable flying experience while supporting each other in a fantastic competition setting – a positive promotion of skills and safety. Originally established in 1996 to give novice pilots valuable competition experience in a safe, supportive environment, the Paragliding State of Origin event now brings together the entire paragliding community where the experienced act as mentors for those pilots just finding their wings. “Newcastle Paragliding Club is hosting this exciting event for the very first time under the mentorship of James Thompson, the previous coordinator. It can be very intimidating for novice pilots who haven’t flown much inland, to be in a competition setting,” said Peter Beamish, President of the Newcastle Paragliding Club. “It’s a fun, social event with great, friendly state rivalry. I love this event, the support pilots are given and the camaraderie – it’s about building valuable experience and insights into cross-country flying. We take the pressure off our novice pilots and let them experience the thrills of a paragliding competition in a relaxed, fun setting.” Peter explained that although the competition will see QLD and NSW pilots go head-to-head, the competition will also include a ‘Barbarians’ category, open to other states and international pilots. Held over three days, the competition is open distance and direction. Pilots will be awarded points based on the kilometres they fly in a straight line from take off to landing. The competition handicapping is as follows: ➲➲ Funster – pilots up to PG4 and between three to 50 hours airtime have their distance covered in kilometres multiplied by three to give their point score. ➲➲ Sportster – pilots up to PG5 and between 51 to 150 hours cross-country receive a multiple by two score per kilometre. ➲➲ Ace – pilots with over 150 hours cross-country are scored one point per kilometre. The State of Origin team day score is the average of each team’s top 30 pilots, or the average of all pilots scores if less than 30 are in the team. The State’s score for each day will be added together to give the final score for that State. A State team is made up of 15 pilots or more. Pilots form coaching crews of five, made up of one ‘Ace’ pilot and a minimum of two novice pilots. Register for the best Novice competition in Australia by completing this form here [https:// tinyurl.com/stateoforigin2019 ]. Final registration and waiver to be completed at HQ Friday, 19 April, along with full payment of comp fees. Register before 5 April to receive the early bird discount. All pre-registrations must be received before 9am on 18 April 2019. For more information, contact Peter Beamish at <peterjbeamish@gmail.com> or on 0416 031793. Photos: Andrew Kalkman