Newsletter – August 2024

The Launch | August 2024

Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association of Canada (HPAC)

From the Admin’s Desk

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer. It’s been fantastic to see all the new ratings coming in as we grow our membership across the country.

First up – the Festival of Flight in PEI is coming up again from August 30-Sept 2nd! More information below. If you are a tandem pilot (HG or PG) who would like to attend to offer flights at the festival and possibly administer some exams or review ratings, please email me here at the office. HPAC can cover some of your costs through our fund that assists in sending instructors to areas with no active schools.

Instructors – if you have any recertification courses coming up we can announce them here and on our Facebook page.

Members – if you have any events or stories you’d like to include in the newsletter or info to share about a local site that would benefit visiting pilots, please feel free to send in a blurb to include in the next newsletter.

The most common question coming into the office is about renewals so I’ll keep this info here:

  • After signing the waiver, please make sure you have sent back the email confirmation. You may need to check your spam folder.
  • Return to the HPAC/ACVL page and refresh your browser. If that doesn’t prompt the payment page, please navigate to the “profile” tab on the HPAC/ACVL site and look at the top for this message and click on the word “renew”.
  • Also – please ensure you are using the same email address for the waiver that you do for your HPAC account so your profile can automatically “read” that you have signed.

Martina Lang, Editor
admin@hpac.ca

Festival of Flight 2024

The Hang Gliding Paragliding Association of Atlantic Canada (HPAAC) and the local pilots of Prince Edward Island would like to invite you to the 2024 HPAAC Festival of Flight.

The event will be held on Prince Edward Island. Join local pilots and fellow Atlantic pilots for a fun-filled long weekend of flying, socializing and chasing the winds. All pilots, friends and family are welcome. PG, HG, PPG, PPC, Speedwing pilots, Ultralight….

Free flight, motor flight, tow flights, heck, if you can flap your arms and fly we would love to have you join us!

For more details see the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HPAC.ACVL.MEMBERS/

Revy Fly Fest: Soaring Towards a Brighter Future
Aug 30th – Sept 2nd

In the breathtaking landscape of Revelstoke, where the mountains touch the sky and the spirit of adventure thrives, a unique opportunity has emerged that can transform the future of paragliding in this world-renowned destination. This summer, we invite you to be a part of something truly special: Revy Fly Fest, a fundraising event that will not only celebrate the thrill of flight but also secure the future of free flight in Revelstoke.

A New Beginning: The North Meadow Launch
For years, paragliders have shared the majestic slopes of Mount McKenzie with skiers and snowboarders, but this shared space has not been without its challenges. The chairlift, a symbol of winter sport, has also been a source of conflict, creating friction between our community of pilots and the ski hill operators. Now, we have a chance to change that.

We have been presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to relocate the primary launch site to the North Meadow, away from the chairlift, ensuring a safer and more harmonious environment for everyone. This is not just a simple move; it’s a strategic investment in the future of paragliding in Revelstoke.

Why Now? The Perfect Window of Opportunity
Opportunities like this don’t come often, and this one is truly exceptional. One of our pilots, working with a local geotechnical company, has made a remarkable offer. Their company has a spider excavator on-site this summer, working on a nearby project at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. They have generously agreed to cover most of the costs associated with using this machine for our project, a cost that would otherwise be prohibitive.

This is our one chance to build a new launch site that will serve the paragliding community for years to come. It’s a chance to invest in the infrastructure that will support the growing potential of Revelstoke as a premier destination for free flight.

A Secure Investment in Our Future
You might be wondering: Is this a safe investment? The answer is a resounding yes. Paragliding is grandfathered into Mount McKenzie through a unique agreement. When Revelstoke Mountain Resort signed the lease for the tenure, one of our pilots registered as a land user, securing our access rights. This means that the province legally obligates the resort to maintain access for paragliders, ensuring that our community will always have a place in these mountains. Revelstoke Mountain Resort can never deny us access, making this the only partnership of its kind in the province.

How You Can Help: Making It Happen
While we have a significant portion of the costs covered through BCHPA, local pilots and the community, we need to raise the remaining funds to make this project a reality. Your support at Revy Fly Fest will directly contribute to this cause. By participating, donating, or simply spreading the word, you are helping to secure the future of paragliding in Revelstoke.

This is more than just an event; it’s a special moment in time to preserve the spirit of free flight in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Together, we can ensure that the sky above Revelstoke remains open and accessible to all who dare to dream of flight.

Join us at Revy Fly Fest
https://www.facebook.com/events/2143947649312261

What’sApp Group for Women Pilots

Paraglider pilot Susan Rowbottom from BC has started a What’s App chat group called “Parawoman” and invites female pilots from across the country to join at:

Her main focus for starting this group is to encourage the following:

1. **Community and Support:**
   – Foster a supportive environment where women can give and receive advice, share their experiences, and build connections. It’s a space where your passion for paragliding is understood and celebrated.

2. **Buy and Sell Gear:**
   – Need new equipment or looking to sell some gear? Members can buy and sell paragliding gear easily and in the sizes we need. Connect with other women in the community to find the perfect gear to suit your needs.

3. **Find Flying Buddies:**
   – Parawoman makes it easy to find flying buddies who share your passion. Whether you’re planning a casual weekend flight or a more adventurous paragliding trip, you may find like-minded women to join you.

4. **Organize and Join Events:**
   – From local meetups to larger events, Parawoman is the place for organizing and participating in paragliding activities. Share your event ideas, get involved in planning, and enjoy the camaraderie of flying with other women.

HAGAR / Transport Canada News

Effective immediately, clients needing to book an aviation exam to be invigilated at a Transport Canada Center can conveniently utilize the Civil Aviation Online Exam Booking Tool.