Brian Porter clarifies the classes....

05-20-02

Airsports Net recently asked Brian Porter about the Swift gliders and for an explanation of how gliders fit into the new categories. Brian is the USA importer of the Swift glider.

Are there any other gliders other than the Swift that fits into the
class II category?

Class II is an Open class which would included almost any rigid wing ever built. Swift, Millennium, Fledges, and all floppy bar rigids (like the
Atos). Floppy bar Rigids have the possibility to fly in Class II. For the
purposes of the "World Meets" countries are first required to "fill" their
class 5 team first. Any additional FBR's (Floppy Bar Rigids) are allowed
to fill any empty spots on a countries class II World Team. The addition of any fairing ( on pilot or airframe) or the addition of a non control bar
actuating control system would disqualify any FBR as a class 5
glider........it would now be reclassified as an Open class glider.

With last year's domination of the Swifts in US competitions that lead
to the creation of this new class 5, do you believe that the lack of competitors in class 2 will eventually cause it's downfall?

If is very difficult to know the direction which Competitive Hang Gliding
(and all it classes) may go. Class II which is an "open" rigid wing class,
is the only class where significant innovation is allowed (for rigids).
Performance, control, and safety advantages in gliders typically flying in
class II have lead to an increased interest, in resent months.

What is the difference in learning to fly a Swift in comparison to
learning to fly a floppy bar rigid (FBR) wing?

The difference in learning between FBR and caged glider starts with pilot
position. A pilot not accustom to flying heads up, feet first must
practice and acclimate to this pilot position (10 hours minimum). Additionally, a stick may be now part of the control system, and time in the air with this system is needed. Pilots with "no stick" familiarity, should get it via computer flight simulator and or by duel time in the air with conventional gliders and aircraft.

Approximately how many Swift gliders are there in the US?

The exact number of Swifts in the USA is unknown to me. Bright Star
Produced around 60 Swifts over a two year period. Many of these Swifts were shipped to Europe. On the other hand Aeriane also has produced even a greater numbers of Swifts, some of which have been shipped to the USA. Twelve Swifts alone are also expected to be shipped into the country to participate in the up coming World meet in Chelan.

Do you have anything to say to those who lobbied to get a new class apart from the Swifts gliders?

My position is that hang gliding, so far as competition is concerned, should promote design diversity. The self-serving ambitions of any one pilot or designer should not be protected. Saving the cage itself was not my intent in pursuing class definitions. My interests were and are primarily in saving design innovation and endeavoring to broaden the horizons of Hang Gliding design and not limit it. I feel this belief (sometimes) stands in contrast to those of "a few" well know detractors, who shall remain nameless.