Axis Para’s Pluto II is an EN B certified glider for beginner and intermediate recreational pilots, which “takes the fun to a new dimension whilst providing a sensation of great security in flight”. Axis say the Pluto II has proven passive safety and excellent performance with the easy and precise handling that is a feature [...]

Organisers of the Coupe Icare have been thinking of ways to reduce its environmental impact. “We want to fly”, says spokesman Marie-Claude Prévitali, “but not under a cloud of carbon monoxide”. So this year, its 36th edition, they are providing free ‘Icarenbuses’ for pilots and visitors to try to reduce the congestion on the roads [...]

There is now a lightweight composite seat plate available for Apco’s chairbag to replace the plywood version, which saves 300 g in weight (200 g vs 500 for the wood). Its ergonomic shape comfortably supports the curves of your behind. It has been tested for strength, and under normal flight conditions it is more than [...]

Gin’s Yeti reserve is ultra light and compact, but Gin say it offers 40 % more surface area than its competitors. It has taken two years of development to achieve this. The medium size  weighs only 1.35 kg, and has a surface area of 35 m2, offering a certified 5 m/s sink rate for weights [...]

The Fusion is an ultralight, wind- and water-proof technical shell from Gin, designed to allow you to climb, ski and fly fast and high. Its small pack size and low weight make it very versatile, equally useful to protect you from summer showers or used as part of a layering system for cold weather activity. [...]

Gradient have a new, high quality stretchy cotton fitted T-shirt, with a Felix Woelk design on the back.

Austrian paragliding manufacturer Nova are now introducing their new softshell trousers which complement the already popular jacket. The trousers are ergonomically cut, 100 % windproof and highly breathable. Developed by pilots for pilots, features include two-way zips for easy pulling on over shoes, instrument attachment loops, taped seams, zip-adjustable leg widths, micro fleece lining and [...]

From September, UP’s Trango X-Light, the wing that Alex Hofer flew to second place in the Red Bull X-Alps this year, will be available for all ambitious cross country and bivouac pilots. Built using tried and tested yet lightweight materials, with Porcher Skytex 36g/m wherever possible and Skytex 40g/m for the high-stress areas, UP say [...]

Florida’s Quest Air flying centre would like to invite pilots, friends and family to the first annual octoberQuest fly-in, in Groveland, Florida on Saturday 17 October 2009. The event will feature a costume contest, discounted tandem discovery rides for your friends or family and informal flying contests (duration, small XC tasks and spot landing). Not [...]

US pilot Dustin Martin has claimed a Speed over a 100 km FAI triangle world record following this year’s World Record Encampment in Zapata, Texas. He clocked an average speed of 49 km/h flying a Wills Wing T2C 144. The WRE was hit by disappointing weather this year and did not produce any big open [...]

Following the success of the ‘back to basics’ style Super Paragliding Testival in Kossen which saw 1,500 paragliders test flown in just four days (XC124, Demo Bonanza) the Paraglider Manufacturers Association wants to expand the concept. They hope to run three SPTs in 2010: one in the northern Alps, one in the Southern Alps (probably [...]

Nasa and Japan’s trade ministry have jointly published the most complete map of the Earth ever created. Covering 99% of the Earth’s surface the data is free to download and use. Elevation has been mapped with each point just 30 m apart. Previous high-resolution maps used points 80 m apart, which meant less accurate results [...]

Apco have launched a new version of their classic trainer: The Prima IV now replaces the Prima III, and has been designed for both free flight and paramotor training. Apco say that in comparison to the first Primas it is much better performing, safer and lighter with nicer handling. The only aspect which has remained [...]

The P45 is Paratech’s new LTF 1-2 / EN B wing, which “provides dynamics and fun, thus allowing for long distance and stress free flights whilst making the wing interesting for a broader group of pilots”. It sits in the middle of the certification category, but the company say it is far more than typical [...]

The P81 was especially developed for performance orientated pilots who are looking for new challenges and want to progress. Paratech say its attributes are “crisp, sharp handling, excellent thermal bite and climbing characteristics, as well as an excellent gliding performance together with the safety of the LTF 2 class”. The P81 is constructed with 3 [...]

Simon Ford gives us the low-down on the third BPCup, at Long Mynd (17 – 20 July) This was the third round in this year’s BPCup events and so far we’d had a task every round. The Mynd round is always a favourite and this year was no exception with over 80 entrants. Due to [...]

Dave Thomson reports on the second round of the BPCup which took place in the Yorkshire Dales on 13 and 14 June. Looking out of the tent on Saturday morning in Hardraw to a heavy sky and light rain, it didn’t look good, but the overnight front was clearing from the South, so after a [...]

Sol’s Origami folding sack enables you to concertina pack your glider to protect the delicate leading edge. It is unique in that it features two foam pads to help fold the bag up, and a protective outer case with external pockets. Air vents allow any dampness an escape route. www.solparagliders.com.br

Altimo, Sol’s French importers, have announced that the Ellus 2 is on sale at the knock down price of 1,890 Euros (original price was 2,700 Euros). See their website for a list of dealers. www.altimo.fr/newsletter/56/solde.htm

Skyline’s new low-end intermediate wing, the Falcon, has been certified EN B (LTF 1-2) in all 4 sizes (24, 26, 27, 29, covering 65 – 125 kg all up weights) with smaller sizes and a lightweight version due for the spring. The innovative leading edge design uses nylon sticks and almost no mylar reinforcements, which [...]