Flying in tucson

Benoit · Post by **Benoit** » Thu May 11, 2006 10:00 pm

Hi,

I'm a french pilot and I'll probably be in Tucson during the weekend of May 20-21.
I got my pilot licence 3 years ago, I usually fly in france but my trip to Tucson would be a nice occasion to fly in the US.
I'm looking to borrow or rent some equipment to fly and I seek guidance flying the local site.
My weight is 205 pounds.

Thanks for your help.
Benoit

jlowery · Post by **jlowery** » Sat May 13, 2006 9:57 pm

Hi, Benoit

You didn't mention what type of wing you fly: HG or PG?

The local HG instructor is Eric Smith of Arizona Airfoils. He does have some rental equipment. He monitors this message board, if you're a HG pilot he'd be the guy to talk to.

We don't have a local PG instructor, but the most experienced active local pilot is Gunter Schmidt. I don't honestly know what the PG rental situation is here (I'm a HG pilot) but someone else may be able to suggest something.

Good luck with the trip.

John

Benoit · Post by **Benoit** » Sun May 14, 2006 7:35 pm

John,

I'm a paragliding pilot. So you have a way to follow my request to Gunter Schmidt or if I can get his contact information, it would be great.

Thanks for your help.
Benoit.

Gunter · Post by **Gunter** » Sun May 14, 2006 10:47 pm

Benoit, this is Gunter. I do not know of anyone locally with extra equipment. However, I will get back to you with info on the nearest pg instructors - maybe they have some equipment for rent.
By the way, when will you be here and for how long?
Also, can you please tell us of how many hours and flights you have, especially in thermal conditions.
Thanks
Gunter

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 15, 2006 10:11 am

I have a larger PG I&II wing and harness, you can use it while you are here.

Eric
520-405-3814

morey · Post by **morey** » Mon May 15, 2006 11:45 am

Nice of you Eric.

Benoit- I believe that the wing Eric is referring to is a Nova Pheron, DHV 1- and is nearly brand new. You just got lucky!

Arizona flying is steep, rocky and turbulent in the middle of the day. Depending on weather, we'd recommend either an early morning flight at Miller Canyon, landing before noon, or an evening flight at Box Canyon (which requires a bit of a hike). Oh- the vegetation around here is really mean. Try not to drop Eric's new wing in any of it.

Do you have an IPPA card and rating?
Foreign pilots holding IPPI cards may operate in the US as if they held the equivalent USHPA rating.

Benoit · Post by **Benoit** » Mon May 15, 2006 7:06 pm

Hi,

My trip has been delayed so, I won't be there this weekend, however I will have to come one day or another for the project I'm working on.
So I'm definilty keep in mind all your advices, and Eric I'll definitely contact you to know if your wing is still available. A nova Pheron! I'm lucky!

Gunter-to answer your question, in France I flew in the alpes (French mountains) so I'd say than I flew more than 50h in thermal condition.

Morey- I don't have any card here since I never flew in the US before, I got an insurance that covers me for the paragliding practice all around the world. Should I plan to do some paperwork?

Once again, I thank you very much for your answers guys, I really appreciate you took the time to answer me.
I look forward to my trip to Tucson.

Benoit

Gunter · Post by **Gunter** » Mon May 15, 2006 8:13 pm

Excellent Benoit, looks like things are coming together for you.
My concern was that we get people flying here from all parts of the country and world who are not accustomed in flying under these conditions. Our launches and Lz's are not what one finds in the Alps. Most of them are not forgiving. And it can really kick axx here in the summer. Hopefully your trip will happen soon. We all look forward to flying with you.
Gunter

dustin · Post by **dustin** » Mon May 15, 2006 9:32 pm

there is only one place i have ever flown that is rougher than the french alps....

it was not arizona. by a long shot.

i'd say he's good to go.

diverdriver · Post by **diverdriver** » Tue May 16, 2006 7:36 am

That wouldn't be Valle would it Dustin?
jd

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 16, 2006 8:42 am

I think by rough he meant the surrounding terrain.Our launch sites are much less forgiving than grassy slopes. I assume you are referring to the thermals, being strong. Our landing zones are surrounded by rock lined ravens with cactus and mesquite trees with thorns. Great air though!

Eric

Gunter · Post by **Gunter** » Tue May 16, 2006 9:15 am

Thanks Eric, as you know we've had a number of accidents during launchings and landings.
Gunter

Flying in tucson

Re: Flying in Tucson

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