Louis Tapper now smashes the NZ overseas Triangle Record

The New Zealand overseas triangle record has been broken by Louis Tapper from Queenstown. Louis was been flying in Bir, India in late October. What was 104.1km held by Evan Lamberton, it now stands at 164.5km. Bir Billing has seen some pretty strong early winter flying with some unusually early snow. 
There have been numerous serious incidents and rescues this year, but for Louis a great week with some serious flying on his Ozone Enzo 3.
Louis's track is for view on XContest.
Well done Louis.

Support our Aussie mates on airspace

CASA ( the Aus equivalent of our CAA) are consulting on proposed changes to airspace that could impact severely on hang gliding and paragliding. If you have done, or are considering flying in Australia ( and let's face it who doesn't) please read the associated information and consider making a submission. There is an easy online survey that takes 10 mins to complete. https://www.hgfa.asn.au/news/blog/66-casa-proposal-for-multicom-frequency-usage-below-5000ft-and-expanded-ctaf-s

Another ‘Raging Success’ and Some!

The Southern Regional #2-2017 xc competition recently completed with about 20 pilots flying three tasks over three days in calm and sunny conditions in the spectacular Southern Alps at Wanaka. For pilots that made goal each day about 10 hrs of flying was accumulated over the competition.

By all accounts a fantastic event with challenging and high scoring tasks ably set by Louis Tapper, Grant Middendorf and Abe Laguna. Tasks 1 (60km) & Task 2 (83km) involved going deep up and into the West Matukituki Valley past Raspberry Flats, then back out across to the Buchanans, over to End Peak and beyond and back to TC. The last task (45km), which initially began under grey skies, was a challenging struggle to Mt Niger and back along the range to Mt Roy and finishing in Wanaka.

Louis Tapper took first prize over Tim Brown and Grant Middendorf. Kat west won it for the girls.

It was perhaps the highest scoring Regional task ever in New Zealand. Well done to all those that participated. Thanks to Tim Brown and Louis Tapper for organizing and conducting another ‘raging success’!