Zipping up my harness 

 

 

 

more about the author

These pics were taken in 1985. I'm proud to say that I was a member of 1 Parachute Battalion. Note the old "pumpkin" canopies. Non steerables. You landed the way you came down. Later they (army) made holes (a T-shape) in the canopy and you could at least turn the thing. That meant you could at least turned it into the wind or turn to your favorite landing leg (roll to the left or to the right) . I sure do not miss these suckers. Landing with kit weighing close to 100 pounds oscilating underneath you, was not my idea of fun. Joining the Battalion was a way to over come my fear of heights... (and a few other things mind you)

Matthias after a long flight. Nothing like a cold Heineken after the action.  

and another one of my fans! ;-)

Saichia's launch as seen from the LZ

one of the pretty girls (Tracey Lo) from up north.

on my way to launch

the launch from 1000m. Sai Chia in Ping Tung County

That is the landing zone in the top left hand corner. I'd guess 1100meter agl

Weighing in at the competion where I was the wind dummy ;-) 

The Man...GIN SEOK SONG. Name dropping? We had a great time last year at the Taiwan Paragliding Open where I was "officially" appointed by no one else but THE MAN next to me, as the comp's wind dummy

My other instructor, David Lo

My instructor...Er Ge 

Yep...that's me!

more local pilots

The locals

Some of the local pilots

and why is Matthias so big? 

Meet the pilots

The mid week flyers. f.l.t.r Rory, Gabe, Matthias, myself and Les. Lovely Danielle next to me. Two Americans, a Swiss, a South-African, a Canadian and an Englishman. Can you spot the Canadian? A clue...he is wearing sun glasses.

My home site landing zone or LZ

My Atlas is very old. 20 years I'd reckon. Lot of flying still left in her.

Landing in a restricted field. Note the powerlines. I told Les I will not land here again and would rather opt for the river.

Landing in Liukwei. 30km cross country flight with my GIN Bolero Plus. Les landed before me and took the picture.

You have to crawl before you walk. The Fiat Tringo was much too short, so I made a plan. I had a chat with my bank manager. With his English and my Chinese we struck a deal.