Newcastle Hang Gliding Club

STINGFEST

WHAT is it?
Stingfest is an event for Sting pilots.
The primary objectives are ...

• To get a whole bunch of Sting pilots together for some friendly competition
• To refine and improve aerotowing and flying skills
• To get some airtime, learn some things, socialise and have fun.
• To do all this safely and without drama or stress.

There will be information sessions, tasks to fly, spot landing, and a chance to be crowned … THE STING KING!

WHEN is it?

• 4th and 5th of April 2009.
• Back-up days 18th and 19th April 2009.
• Watch the Newcastle HG Club site for last minute confirmation if the weather is dodgy..

WHERE is it?
Pete & Christine Marhiene’s place at Yarrawa.
S 32 23.670’
E 150 35.025’

WHO should come along?
All Sting pilots who are HGFA members and preferably aerotow endorsed.

WHY should I go?

• You will fly heaps, in a fantastic area, being towed all weekend by some of the best in the business, for the less than the cost of a tank of fuel.
• You will learn heaps
• You will share a laugh with all the other Sting pilots around.
• You will get thirsty and quench that thirst.

OK. So what’s it cost?
Entry fee is $60.
This gets you all your tows, a sausage sizzle dinner on Saturday night and cooked breakfast on Sunday morning. We’re hoping for at least 6 tows per pilot so its great value for the towing alone. If your tastes lean to more exotic foods, then bring something along for the barbie. Vegos will be catered for – just let us know ASAP.
The cost is low mainly due to the generosity of the good folk at Airborne. They are supplying a tug and pilots free of charge. Stuie Coad will be there as instructor at large and is also donating his time.

Now I'm keen - do I register? How?
Yes please. Send an email to
wingtech at idl.com.au (replace “at” with @).
This will help with catering and stuff.
We’d like to know…

• Who you are etc
• Have you aerotowed before?
• Carnivore or vego
• Any suggestions on things to include at THE FEST.

We'll send you more info and the waypoints to get you started

WHAT should I bring?
Essential – Usual stuff - HGFA membership proof, tow release, weak link material, 4 spare tow rings (25mm x 4mm or 5mm steel), UHF Radio tuneable to ch24/100 , parachute and an airworthy Sting.
Helpful Stuff – Tow endorsement and tow experience. GPS, map of Denman and surrounds, Base bar wheels, Folding chair, Mug, Tent and sleeping gear (or book accommodation in town).

HOW can I win?

• Turn up
• Enjoy yourself
• Fly heaps
• Be ready to go when it’s your turn to tow and be prepared with your gear.

CAN I get an unfair advantage?
You bet!

• Read HGFA towing Manual at http://www.hgfa.asn.au/resources/TowManualSep05.pdf
• Have really good flying & tow gear that you know how to use. (including spare rings and weaklink)
• Get your chute repacked if not done in the last 6 months.
• Check out the area on Google Earth (mainly the Yarrawa Valley)
• Practice spot landings

ANYTHING else?

• It is basic accom only at the strip. Stay in town if you want comfort or a shower.
• You will be on private property owned by the Marhienes, Pete and Christine. Treat their hospitality with the

respect it deserves.

• Stay below 5km/h everywhere on the property – there are kids and animals.

Come along and see just how good hang gliding can be!