Rohan Holtkamp at dynamic <<dynamic>>
writes:

I recently read with interest and exasperation about the harness
issues hang glider pilots are still having, the same has been occurring around
the world since the early 90's.

I have taught about 1200 trainees to restricted pilot certificate in hang
gliding over the last 21 years. By the time each student leaves my school they
have foot launched, static towed, ridge and thermal soared, had fifty flights
minimum and gained at least three hours of airtime, some six or more. This all
occurs over a nine day block, live-in course.

I used to watch new students progress rapidly and land well with apron harnesses
then start crashing with the use of some enclosed harnesses. Not being able to
land softly, slowly and consistently most often stems from an incorrectly
designed, configured or adjusted harness. For many years I complained about this
to various harness makers and still similar issues arose with each new
alteration.

I was so upset at seeing many of my good new pilots leave the sport I got
together with three other experienced pilots and bought a harness making
business. We applied our minds to testing and evolving Dynamic Flight harnesses.
I have had many of the highest levels of success with our harnesses, not the
least of which we had three in the top four results at the pre-worlds in
Australia 2012.

All four types of Dynamic Flight harness still retain the underlying essential
functions:

1. The pilot must be able to maintain about 45 degrees head-up angle for landing
without pulling on the uprights. (relaxed grip, feeling for trim).

2. The harness chassis or webbing must not restrict the pilots head movement in
the upright position. (so you can look ahead)

3. Be easy to enter and exit prone. (so you can focus on flying)

4. Hold 20 "G" on the main and the back-up load bearing systems. (mega strong
but empty weight is just 6.6kg)

Without these four essential functions a harness can make flying difficult,
injure/discourage the pilot and at worst kill the pilot.

If a harness will not allow the pilot to get the hands about half way up the
uprights in landing position with a gentle grip the problem/s could be;

1. Hanging too low.

2. Load-bearing riser is too close or rear of pilot C.G.

3. Leg-loops are too long.

4. Armpit cut-out too small - tight under the armpits.

Put simply, if your harness cannot be adjusted to effect the four essential
functions, why risk putting up with it?