SlatonAirSports

Patience is a virtue... CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)

In response to Skymonkey's question about the PST. The PST will stay the "Pro" arena for the professional swooping world. Info on the PST and the new competition circuit will come out later this year. Until then...Jim CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)

At the moment, the smallest region is a state but some of the larger states like California will have multiple district organizers running the local comps. If you have any ideas or recomendations please E-mail me at [email protected] Now is a good time. Thanks...Jim CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)

Slow down Jedi knight...this is what you have been waiting for. It will be a few more weeks before the press release and structure of the new circuit comes out but you should know I have been thinking about it since 1999 and working on it since last year. There is a difference between knowing the way and walking it. I'm here for guys...Jim CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)

I am finishing up a large project to put together my newest competition circuit in the US. It will envolve state/region districts that will run local competitions and generate new pilots with a circuit championships at the end of the year. If you are dedicated to canopy piloting, have organizational skills and are intrested in running a district of the circuit in your state please contact me. You need to be dedicated to the core. See ya...Jim Slaton CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)

News from www.canopypiloting.com O.K. here are a few details... -The VX 39 is the smallest canopy landed (in public) -The VX 46 was the smallest prototype used prior to the VX 39 -There are many factory prototypes being tested all the time (cannot disclose what types/sizes). These prototypes are not flown in public until the manufactuer wants people to see them. There are several prototypes smaller than the 39 but they are not being landed. The purpose behind landing such small canopies is for R&D, not just to see who can land the smallest parachute. If it were a race I'm sure Luigi (or someone else) would have landed something smaller than the VX 39 already. -Mike Stevens does regularly fly his Xaos 58 -Brunno does regularly fly a VX 55 but has just upsized and purchased a early production model JVX 86. HP canopies will become more specialized and smaller HP canopies will become harder to get without the proper credentials. The new line of HP canopies from Icarus NZ will be sold to people we know. Otherwise you might have to fill out an application & order form... CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)

www.canopypiloting.com The short answer would simply be both...but you probably want a better answer so here you go. First if you have the experience you can launch and fly what you want as long as you have the correct slope angle, wind and landing area. Also, it depends on what type of flying you want to do after the launch. There a three basic types of flying we do these days when ground launching. We do what we call S.O.A.R. where we launch and try to ridge fly and hover for as long possible. We do Bladerunning where we launch and traverse the slope back and fourth to the bottom. We also conduct parabatics where we launch and try to get as much altitude as possible to perform manuvers before landing. With an 1.3 to 1.4 loading you have a slightly easier time and learn MUCH faster. You can do a little of it all with the lower loading where a higher loading restricts you to mostly Bladerunning. In the camps/GL school you have to show proficency before moving on to more complicated manuvers where injury is more likely. Besides, when you climb 6,000 feet a day you want the flight to be a little longer sometimes. Hope this helps...Jim CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)

News from www.canopypiloting.com: Ground Launch Camp #1 is full, below is the info on camp #2... GROUND LAUNCH CAMP #2 The Ground Launch Center® in California is organizing ground launch camp #2. The camp will offer pilots the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of launching and negotiate level I, II, III and IIII launch sites. The Ground Launch Center® will issue a GLC certification for successful completion of the camp. The certification can be used for entry into future GLX Expeditions® and BladeRunning® competitions. The camp will be lead by Jim Slaton and other GLC staff. CAMP DATES & PRICE Feb 17-20, 2005 (Thursday thru Sunday) The package price for this four day camp is $500. Package includes ground training, daily one on one coaching, video, transportation between Bakersfield airport & GLC, ground transportation at the GLC and any necessary gear rental from the GLC. WHERE IS THE GROUND LAUNCH CENTER The Ground Launch Center® is located in Lake Isabella, California in the incredible Sequoia National Forest. It is the gateway to the giant Redwood trees, Red Rock Canyon, King Canyon and Yosemite National Park. WHAT IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO THE GLC Bakersfield Municipal Airport (BFL)-Most major airlines fly into Bakersfield and its only 30 minute drive from the Ground Launch Center®. WHAT CAN I EXPECT You will get initial ground instruction and watch video footage of launching & flying techniques. You will then go to "Storm" hill to get some hands on "kiting" instruction and then over to "Pioneer" hill to practice some basic level I launches. Next day you will move to level II launches and learn how to set up/launch from a static position. On day three we will move on and learn high wind kiting techniques and ridge soaring. Some pilots will get the opportunity to try some basic BladeRunning® on this day. On the final day everyone is taken to a level IIII launch site where pilots get to choose their flights based on their experience and comfort level. WHAT KIND OF GEAR WILL I NEED It is possible to use a normal skydiving rig and harness but not ideal. You will not need to pack but just stuff the canopy in a container for your next launch. Some pilots get by with using B.A.S.E. rigs with external stuff sacks to carry up the mountain. Here at the GLC we use Ground Launch Harnesses designed for the sport. These harnesses have packs on the back to stuff the canopy so you just have to pull it out at the launch site and you’re ready to go...no pins, velcro or external flaps. The Ground Launch Center® keeps a few harnesses available for use by clients on a first come, first serve basis. You will need a canopy that you can fly at about 1.2-1.5 loading. Those pilots currently skydiving with non-high performance canopies will enjoy launching canopies like a Safire, Sabre or Spectra. Pilots currently skydiving with high performance canopies will enjoy starting out with canopies like a Crossfire, Stilleto, Kantana or Rage. Our average pilot at the GLC weighs about 175lbs and uses canopies between 104-140sqf. The canopies most used at the center are GLX 130, GLX 104, VX 111, FX 135, Crossfire 119, Space 130, Safire 129 and Sabre 135. You will need a hard helmet and good tennis shoes or hiking boots. Also recommended...digital altimeter with clock, sunglasses, camelback (or similar hydration system), front pack and small two way radio (wal-mart brand O.K.). WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE The weather is almost perfect 365 days a year at the GLC. The average high temperature in November is 70° F and the low at night can reach 38° F. The annual rainfall in Lake Isabella, Ca is less than eight inches! Nestled in the mountains at only 2,600 feet above sea level, Lake Isabella has very mild winters for a mountainous area. There is rarely snow in the valley. Dry, clear and invigorating, Lake Isabella combines the cool breezes of the mountains with the no-humidity environment of the high desert. ACCOMINDATIONS There are some free slots available at the base camp house for the first 5-6 pilots who register for the camp. In addition, Lake Isabella has alot of affordable hotels/motels local to the GLC. Contact us for more info. WHO CAN JOIN Pilots must have at least 500 ram-air parachutes jumps or 300 ram-air parachute jumps with paragliding experience. Pilots must be in reasonable condition and able to climb a variety of hills ranging from 300ft to 1,700ft (2,000 to 6,000ft MSL). Pilots must be motivated and ready to have some serious fun! Would you like to join the camp? Click on www.canopypiloting.com/GLCcampform.htm and fill out an online registration form. For more information on the camp please contact us CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)

Yes... CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)

NEWS RELEASE FROM www.canopypiloting.com: "Gravity Pilots" ( A new breed of thrill seekers) DVD trailer is set to debut at the FlyBoyz Film Festival Nov 6th 2004. The Video includes the evolution of the parachute from Da Vinci's first parachute sketch in 1495 to modern day. The DVD includes the history of the Tri-cell elliptical, swoop competitions, ground launching and canopy piloting expeditions. Gravity Pilots is due for release in 2005.. CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)

Here is the current list of pilots accepted for Ground Launch Camp # 1 this November. There are still a few slots left for the camp but they are going fast. For info on the camp go to www.canopypiloting.com Steve Armstrong- Boulder, Colorado-Crossfire2 119 and a Spectre 150 Gerard Burnside- Paris, France- Sabre2 - 150 and 120 Bundy Taylor- Hawaii- stiletto 135,Xaos 108 Troy Keys- Mammoth Lakes, CA-Stiletto 120 Steve Schieberl- Portland, OR- Katana 97, Sabre2 107, and possibly a Sabre 150 Ryan Arnold- Davis, California-Stiletto 135 Collin Scott- Huntington Beach, California -Saber 150 Here is a friendly reminder of recommended items to bring with you: 1) Sleeping Bag 2) Helmet 3) Good shoes or hiking boots 4) Plastic water container or Camelback (or similar hydration system) 5) Sunglasses 6) Small 2-way radio (cheap Wal-mart unit O.K.) 7) Stuff sack to carry launch equipment 8) Small camera helmet O.K. Also, remember to take sliders off all canopies that will be used for launching Ground Launch Center CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)

Perris Valley said this function would be operational on Monday. See Ya... CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)

The schedule of events for the US Nationals of Canopy Piloting/PST Freestyle is now posted to the home page at www.canopypiloting.com Also, registration info & pricing... CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)

Information on qualifing for the PST can be found on the PST website at: www.canopypiloting.com/pstrules.htm If you cannot attend a scheduled qualifier (also on the website) you might be able to schedule a seperate qualifier by contacting the chief judge at: [email protected] Sorry I couldn't make the links clicky right now. Thanks...Jim CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)

GLX Expedition one is underway in the Extreme Sports Capital of the World...Queenstown, New Zealand. The Expedition consists of all ground launching with no skydiving included. The GLX team will take on the best of the southern Alps in New Zealand. This includes "Cornet Peak", "Treble Cone" and "The Remarkables". If weather permits the team will also set out to conduct the first series of Heli-launching runs ever. Highlights from this expedition and more will be on a new DVD due to be released in early 2005. Daily reports on the GLX expedition will be posted to the forums at www.canopypiloting.com CanopyPiloting.com (W/Forum)