Big Ears Blog.

Barry Mapham

2009-07-30T19:04:00.000+10:00

Blog location at www.paraglide.com.au

2009-05-06T09:36:00.001+10:00

Hi all,
Thanks for following my blog. The blog is now hosted at our website at www.paraglide.com.au
Regards, Peter

On our way home!

2009-02-01T14:17:00.002+11:00

It's finally come, the end of our Nepalese adventure. We're having our last brekkie in Kathmandu and saying goodbye to our new friends who have made us so welcome during our stay. We stopover briefly in Singapore on the way home. The challenge of updating the blog from here was much more of a challenge than expected mostly due to the 16hr powercuts each day and incredibly slow Internet at the best of times. We look forward to getting home soon. Pete

Friday 23rd flying report.

2009-01-24T00:45:00.003+11:00

Hi all,
Well just about all I have to say is that Pokhara seems to get better the longer we stay. Flying everyday consistently over spectacular countryside with smooth large thermals. I can't stop thinking about our Parahawking experience the other day and now it looks like we will have one more opportunity to fly with Kevin the Vulture before we leave. It really was incredible!
We've also been mountainbiking, canoeing and riding motorbikes around the countryside exploring in the afternoons after our flying. The motorbike rides have been a blast especially with Partyboy choosing to ride a motorised scooter up tracks you really need a serious trailbike. He hasn't ridden a motorbike much before and the riding here is very challenging especially in the traffic. He's been doing really well and both Mike and myself have sore stomach muscles from all the laughing we've been doing on our rides.
We leave on another flying expedition tomorrow to Korchon a 7 hour trek all uphill to one of the highest launches in the region right beside and below the 7000 metre Peak of Machapucchure (spelling of mountain name may not be correct), we then camp the night rolled up in our gliders and sleeping bags and fly XC early the next day. We can't wait to go as the weather at altitude the other day delayed our departure. The forecast looks great the next few days. We just had a huge feed of Chicken Masala with dessert of course, yes the food is also very good. Our trip just seems to get better! I will post some news on our return from Korchon, we will be away from phone and internet the next 2-3 days. I hope the flying's been good at home.
Stay tuned! Regards, Pete
PS We spotted some wild Mongoose running around looking for a feed while riding motorbikes this afternoon and also watched about 15-20 Griffen Vultures catch a thermal over the golfcourse beside the Seti River gorge. I really wish the internet here was better so I could post some piccies. I sit here in the internet cafe with a noisy generator running to power the computer. The power is only on for two 4 hour blocks each day making hot showers a well timed luxury.

(No subject header)

2009-01-20T16:43:00.001+11:00

Another great day in paradise with Nepal's Pokhara providing
more than 2 hours XC each day over some jaw dropping
scenery, yesterday provided us with the chance of a lifetime
flying and feeding with the Egyptian vulture. Scott from
Parahawking delivered an awesome experience with not only
the first time operating 3 tandems while hawking but later
I'm the day Pete Craig and myself all climbed in the same
house thermal, wing tip to wing tip while Kevin and Bob our
newly acquired Egyptian friends answered our whistles to
land on our hand whenever we called. An experience you gotta
get.

19th flying report

2009-01-19T23:52:00.002+11:00

Hi all,
The three of us had an incredible day today, incredible!!
We did Parahawking all day with an Egyptian Vulture called Kevin and his mate Bob.
Conditions were absolutely perfect and the day could not have been any better. We first started with tandem flights as passengers and learnt how to thermal with and feed the birds on the wing, did I mention it was incredible!!! unbelievable!
To fly with and have birds of prey or Vultures fly with and land on your arm on demand was, well it was incredible!
After our tandem session and a great lunch Lakeside, with a sweet dessert of course, we headed back up to the takeoff for our first solo Parahawking session in the glass off. The whole day was an absolute blast and finishing of the day with the four of us including Scott Mason the founder of Parahawking gliding over the Lake with a setting sun and snow capped peaks was, well it was as perfect as it gets.
Another incredible day in Nepal.
We've flown everyday and tomorrow of course we fly again. Then we head off on another expedition to Korchon one of the highest take offs in the region with an overnight trip with porters to get to launch. Can't wait, stay tuned!
PS, I would love to have posted some piccies and we also have some incredible video footage but you will have to wait for our return as the internet here is poor at the best of times. I hope you've been getting lots of safe flying at home. Regards, Pete

17th January flying report

2009-01-17T21:39:00.004+11:00

In brief, another brilliant day!
The weather didn't look good and we considered hiring motorbikes and doing the tourist thing. No, don't give up on the day for flying, after all we've already been flying everyday since we arrived. We decided on Dicki Danda as we hadn't flown there yet and it was another site to bag on our list. We arranged our driver and taxi after having said goodbye to our Aussie Sherpa Onchuu and his brother Narayang who were off to Kathmandu after having looked after us for a few days.
Anyway, we arrived on launch after 1 1/2 hour ride in a taxi on a rough dirt road. It was on of course, it always is!
We took off and climbed in a thermal right away and dropped onto the Green Wall and thermalled the length of the bowl with incredible views of the Annapurna Range and thermals averaging 1-2 metres but very buoyant. We based out at 2200 metres and just made the glide to goal back at Pokhara at the Parahawking base of Frontiers in time to see Kevin the Egyptian Vulture arrive from one of his "jobs" a tandem flight spotting thermals and being fed on the wing by clients. We are all Parahawking next week and can't wait!
Pokhara is everything we expected and then some. Roll on tomorrow!
We have three flying expeditions in the next 2 weeks to new sites high in the Himalaya. Stay tuned! We have already taken heaps of video and still images and not one shot or any footage does this place justice.
Must go its time for a beer to celebrate our days flying and to plan tomorrows.
Regards, Pete, Mike, and Craig.

FLYING NEWS FROM POKHARA

2009-01-15T02:46:00.002+11:00

Hi all,
Finally I have some news posted! We've been having troubles with internet access and power outs since we arrived.
So far our trip has been nothing short of amazing. We had a great time in Kathmandu with Onchuu and his brother showing us all around the city. Kathmandu is an amazing place but absolute kaos on the roads. Once in Nepal we were all very keen to get in the air as soon as possible for some XC and had the option of catching a bus or flying into Pokhara by STOL aircraft and getting settled. Of course we took the flight option and the flight itself was just amazing. We had great views of Mt Everest and the surrounding 8000 metre peaks, pictures or video would not have done the view justice, it was a sight I have wanted to see my whole life,to see mountains way above you in an aircraft when you are cruising at 13000ft is mind blowing. We've been flying the last 2 days and have racked up 6 hours XC in some of the most amazing mountain country I have ever seen.
The mountains here are simply spectacular. Cloudbase today was 2100 metres and climbs up to 4-5 metres. Today we flew and thermalled with a large gaggle of Griffon Vultures and crossed the valley toward Korchon and had a fantastic XC retrieve adventure. I am about to go to bed soon as we have an early start on an Expedition tomorrow morning and will fly from a launch called Sirkot after a long jeep ride. We plan to fly a new route back to Pokhara and are all very excited about tomorrows adventure. I will post some news when we get back along with some photos. Stay tuned! Pete

Flying updates from Nepal!

2009-01-10T22:11:00.004+11:00

Hi all,
Thanks for your following and interest in our blog and flying adventures. We will try to update with news whenever we get a chance and a reliable internet connection.
Stay tuned, fly safely!
Regards, Pete

Flying fix video footage, must see! Nepal 6800m asl!!!

2008-08-21T21:21:00.002+10:00

The Way Back from Brad Sander on Vimeo.

Wednesday 20th August flying report

2008-08-20T08:01:00.003+10:00

We managed two flights yesterday at Spring Hill. AM and PM. The morning flight was very nice and the afternoon flight was windy, up to 30mph! Mike was flying his Magic5 and I was playing with my Groundhog on the lower west launch. The forecast for today is for light to moderate winds but the obs are already very high. We'll see!

A reminder to some of the newer pilots that our Springtime conditions are starting already and if you want a fly it will mostly be early morning to late afternoon's from now. When you fly in the mornings watch for the wind increasing quite quickly, and remember the higher you are the further in front of the hill you fly. The piccie attached is of Mike having taken off from the lower launch area at Spring Hill staying well in front.

Have a great day! Pete

APC Pilot Night this friday night.

2008-08-19T14:50:00.003+10:00

Hi again, For all clients of APC we are having a Pilot Night this friday night at Intructor Mike Bradys place at 7pm till approx 9pm. We will be screening a couple of DVD'S of Mike and Warren's recent European flying adventure throughout Italy,France,Switzerland, and Austria. Some of the inflight video footage of flying around the Alps will blow you away and get your flying addiction to levels you never thought possible.

We will also be discussing some strategies for the upcoming Canungra comp in QLD as we have a very good team from Canberra attending again. We won this comp both overall (Craig Donnell) and as a team last year so a bit of prior planning will help ensure we do our best for another great result this year.

What to bring? Your Compeo or Garmin GPS and BYO drinks. Where is Mike's place? Go to Queanbeyan, follow the Old Cooma Rd toward Googong Dam, turn right just past the Dam turnoff toward (into) Fernleight Park follow Fernleigh Drive and take 3rd right onto Swan Drive, follow toward botton of the hill and Mike's house has "Bradys" sign on the fence. Number 140. His phone number is 0412 229 499 or home 62994770.

Please call me if you intend to asap on 0412 486 114 so we have an idea of numbers. We'll have a warm fire and Pool table for some challenges afterward. Piccie above is from one of Mike's flights over the Austrian Alps near Innsbruck.

Regards, Pete

Tuesday 19th August flying report. Magic5 first flight!

2008-08-19T13:45:00.003+10:00

Hi all,

Three of us had a nice fly this morning at Spring Hill. Nice thermals coming through and easy to stay up. Eventually it started to get strong and we landed but had a great time bagging some climbs. I test flew the new Airwave Magic5 (2-3) and was very impressed with the glider overall and can see why Mike Brady loves it so much. Very easy to pilot and even better than the Magic4 which I loved. Speed is improved and also notable is the light brake travel and better pitch control. The glider is still very nice to thermal with and it feels more efficient when climbing in weak lift yet I've had no comparisons yet. I'm looking forward to put some more time on this glider that's for sure. It looks like it will be on again later this afternoon.

Regards, Pete

Monday 18th August report.

2008-08-18T18:52:00.002+10:00

Hi all,

Tomorrows looking like a nice day on the forecast. I'll be heading out to Spring Hill as soon as it comes "on", see you there. Regards, Pete

14th August report. Another Groundhog day!

2008-08-14T10:03:00.002+10:00

The good news is that all of this wind we've been having is dryong out the Lake bed at Lake George and if it keeps up with no rain we'll be getting in some towing soon. We have a nice big high pressure coming around mid next week. The last two weeks there has been very little flying pretty much Australia wide so we're not suffering alone.

We'll be in for some decent flying next week! Pete

Get those Groundhogs out!!

13th August "lack of" flying report & Paramotoring update!

2008-08-13T18:02:00.013+10:00

Hi all,

Not much flying this week thats for sure. Its been blowing for days now and no signs of letting up. The weekend coming looks windy as well. Conditions have however been ideal for Ground hogging! If you haven't had a go with one yet, I have a demo that any of my clients are welcome to try. Just call me and book it. No charge! only if you damage it, very hard to do.

Paramotoring:

There's been lots of interest in Paramotoring lately and there are some great new motors out from Fresh Breeze and Synergy. I also have 3 second hand units for sale from $5500

and a low airtime Fly Products Powermax 115 and a "demo" Fresh Breeze "Snap". Call us for more details. We also have new Paramotors available from Fresh Breeze and Synergy. We have an offer currently on a new Synergy "Snap" for only $6900 including your paramotor endorsement or $7500 for the larger 175cc!

The Synergy Paramotors are quite unique and have some great features that many other brands are lacking. Synergy Paramotors come with:

*175cc engine with plenty of power and cruise control.

*Snap model also comes with a centrifugal clutch.

*Airbag harness with quick release buckles suitable for free flight as well as motorised flying.

*Integrated fuel tank into the strongest frame on the market made from aircraft quality alloys. The designer/manufacturer reckons you will never break a propellor. In itself this feature alone can potentially save you a lot of money.

*Safer and easier to use unique thumb throttle.

*Integrated wheels in the frame for easier transport and handling.

*Low hang point for easier and more user friendly take offs and flying. More like a paraglider and easier to learn.

*2 hours duration or up to 5 hours with additional tank.

If you're interested in a Synergy call us! We also have a Paramotor Clinic and Fly Inn to be scheduled in the near future. Stay tuned!

8th August update!

2008-08-08T20:34:00.002+10:00

Hi all,

Yes, the blog reports have been quiet lately mostly due to my computer problems having to take over one week to fix. I finally made the move and got myself a "Mac", anyone I spoke to all gave the same advice to me, get a MAC! So far I'm loving it!

In regards to flying we've still been getting some flights between the rain showers and windy days. The weekend forecast doesn't look that good but we might get a fly tomorrow morning before it gets strong. We'll see!

I was hoping to also get some towing happening soon out at the lake but the rain we've been having is certainly putting a damper on that. Hang in there!

The piccie I have attached above is of Chris Agustin from Bathurst practicing his launch while the fog slowly clears at the Collector launch.

Stay tuned and warm, Pete

Newly updated Kortel and Airwave websites!

2008-07-26T10:39:00.001+10:00

*Check out the latest Kortel flying gear on their new website at http://www.korteldesign.com

*Airwave has also just released a new website worth checking out at:

http://www.airwave-gliders.com

Pete

Saturday 26th July flying report.

2008-07-26T10:33:00.002+10:00

Fog,Fog,Fog when it lifts we might get a fly in at Spring Hill buts its already very windy on the observations. If it blows out early we might get another crack at a fly in the late afternoon.
We'll just have to wait and see and keep a listen to the windtalker or head out as soon as the fog lifts. Have a great weekend! Pete

Flying report 24-25th July.Tow Clinic update!

2008-07-25T08:14:00.004+10:00

Yesterday it looked like it was going to drop for a fly but it never did. I never ended up heading out to the Lake as the wind recordings at Braidwood and Goulburn were too high. You never can be quite sure though!
Today looks much better with light and variable winds forecast and its probably a good bet that Spring Hill will come on this afternoon. If you're up for it just give me a call.
Tow Clinic update.
Unfortunately due to the amount of rain we've had the last couple of weeks the Tow Clinic's practical component won't be held this weekend. The good news is that we can get all the theory out of the way and the exam. Don't stress its not that hard! As Saturday looks like it might be flyable I have scheduled Sunday as our theory class starting at 9am in a warm APC office with fire blazing. I expect we'll finish around lunchtime. Due to the practical component being cancelled this weekend I have also scheduled another weekend for towing to make up for the lost time. The weekend of 16-17th August and 20-21st September locally at Lake George.
Regards, Pete

Thursday 24th report

2008-07-24T11:16:00.002+10:00

It looks like its on again at the Lake. I'll be checking a bit later and heading out. Cya, Pete

Wednesday 23rd July

2008-07-23T15:59:00.003+10:00

In the end quite a few of us managed a very nice fly out at the Lake. I was initially going towing today until I had reports that the Lake was full of water. It isn't but you certainly can't drive a vehicle on the muddy surface. Anyway, it was on then it was off, I tried to organise some students to go out and kept getting conflicting reports so I decided to head out anyway and give it a go and I cancelled my students to save them some fuel and time, As it happened I arrived and it was perfect so took off straight away with Nic Siefken and we flew along the escarpment to the North Knob and caught thermals to airspace.

I was getting carried away and having a great time except for the cold that was quickly getting to my hands that were in ski gloves and as the minutes ticked by my hands were starting to sting from the cold, I decided to head out and land and yes, you guessed it widespread lift everywhere and I was trying hard to get down. I eventually top landed and after getting blood flowing in my hands once again it was time to head for home.
To those that missed out I'm sorry! But I didn't want to get you out initially as it looked like it was dieing off. Oh well, tomorrow. There were at least 7 gliders along the ridge when I left and some bomb outs on the Lake. Big Chris must have certainly racked up some hours today as he was in the air when I arrived and when I left, again so good to see soo many pilots flying mid week. See you tomorrow!
Regards, Pete

Airwave Magic5 feedback.Mike Brady

2008-07-23T12:07:00.004+10:00

Hi all,
After over thirty hours in the last two weeks of our European Alps trip it’s time to give some feedback on an awesome wing. Coming from the Magic 4, the Magic 5 is a great step forward. The smaller surface area and new cross bracing makes for a glider with even greater stability that translates to greater confidence in piloting. From the first inflation I was very impressed with the increase of ease to pilot the wing but without loss of the famous feedback that Airwave has delivered in other wings. What the magic 4 did, the 5 does even better, feedback, turning, great glide, stability on full speed, and all this within its huge speed range. The Magic 5 is more than a pleasure to fly, it is a wing that is easy to fly to its full potential in all conditions and has the last thirty hours some of the best flying I’ve ever had. Thanks to Airwave for building such a great wing!
Regards, Mike Brady

Wednesday 23rd July flying report.

2008-07-23T11:55:00.002+10:00

Hi all,
Well how do you fill a Lake with water that hasn't been full in over 11 years? Schedule a towing clinic and just before it dumps and fills with water just like a real Lake. Its not exactly full but there is no way we can tow with a car and there isn't enough water for a boat its just boggy, muddy and wet. As you can imagine it puts a real damper on my scheduled Tow Clinic this weekend but I am also looking at a couple of alternative venues. These may also have been effected from the rain but I will report on friday here if we will still run the Clinic. If we can't we can still get the theory and exam out of the way and I will re-schedule another couple of dates. I will post more information soon including meeting times for this weekend.

Flying report for today: There are a few pilots out at the Lake as I write this report and they say its just coming on, I'll wait and maybe head out after I check back with them in about an hour as I know the wind is still a bit light for soaring. If its any good later I'll text my students (for those reading!)
Have a great day! Pete

Tuesday 22nd July flying report

2008-07-22T18:35:00.002+10:00

Hi all,
The weather as perfect for a fly today but unfortunately I was committed doing other jobs. Big Chris and Murray had a fly at Spring Hill and Pig Hill today in very light conditions. I'm off out to the Lake tomorrow for some towing and the forecast looks good. If all goes to plan we'll fly the hills in the afternoon, we'll see how it goes.
Regards, Pete