Skywings news stories are available for the following publication years:
If you're looking for news stories published before January 2016, please visit the Skywings News Archive.
Skywings news stories published in all non archived years are displayed below.
News stories published in the years listed above can also be searched by post date or headline (title).
To search by post date, please enter the month and year numerically as mm-yyyy (eg. 03-2016).
There are 421 news stories for all non archived years in our database.
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The relaxation of planning restrictions to encourage wind and solar farms has led to an increase in applications, particularly in Scotland.
The need to transfer this energy from source to user has led to a Cross-Border Connection proposal - an 80km power line between Scotland and England.
Under pressure, SP Energy Networks have revised their preferred route to take these pylons away from Witchie Knowe, the most important flying site in the central Borders.
The new route goes further west, meaning that flying at Witchie Knowe would not be affected and the site would be safe for future generations. This is fantastic news. A massive and heartfelt thankyou to everyone who has made their views known so far.
However the plan to put 60m pylons through this beautiful wild country is still going ahead, impacting sites at Cacra Bank and Mount Benger. The Wingbeat club are looking to keep the pressure on SPEN to do their job properly and not wreck the land permanently, just to save a few quid today.
They are pushing for alternative, less sensitive routes and burial underground where possible. There is a new and further consultation now open until the 2nd May.
You can view the proposed development here . You can let SPEN know your views directly by emailing them.
And you can sign the petition.
Posted: 28 March 2025
By: Joe Schofield
The BHPA has issued a Safety Advisory for the Finsterwalder Paralock 3 Carabiner. A copy of this advisory can be found on our Safety Advisory page in the safety section of this website.
Following reports of unintentional releases, apparently due to incorrect operation, Charly Finsterwalder issued a safety notice urging pilots to take great care that the device was correctly locked.
The German association (DHV) conducted some tests and noted that the device was suitable if properly used, but it emerged the lines from foot-operated speed systems could potentially interfere with the locking lever. There was fatality in Italy that appears to have been caused by an accidental release.
"Charly Finsterwalder will shortly be offering a retro-fit 'line shield' device that prevents this issue, and which will allow the use of a Paralock 3 by solo pilots. However, the Paralock 3 (whether modified or not) must not be used for any dual flying."
Any pilot who has bought the Paralock 3 for dual use, can return them and claim a refund from the dealer they purchased it from. The factory will refund customers who purchased directly from them.
This notice applies only to the Paralock 3. Earlier devices are not affected.
If you intend to continue to use the Paralock 3 for solo flying, you are urged to consult the advice and updated operating instructions available on the Charly Finsterwalder website.
Posted: 19 March 2025
By: Paul Dancey
DHV have published safety advice for the Niviuk Arrow, Niviuk Arrow P paragliding harnesses.
They are concerned that some reserve parachutes are not sufficiently fixed in the very spacious harness container. These can move, twist with the connection line or open.
This can make it difficult or impossible to deploy the reserve parachute.
Users of these harnesses should open the harness container and check the position of the reserve parachute container. If the reserve parachute container is inadequately secured and can change its position in the harness container (rotate, tilt, swing back and forth), there is a safety problem.
The harness should not be used in this configuration and users are advised to contact Niviuk for a technical solution (https://niviuk.com/en/contact).
A full copy of the DHV Safety Advice is available on the Importer & Manufacturer Safety Notices page of our website.
Posted: 10 March 2025
By: Paul Dancey
A final reminder that the BHPA 2025 AGM will will be held at 8 Merus Court, Meridian Business Park, Leicester, LE19 1RJ on Saturday 1st March 2025 at 11.00 am.
An updated BHPA 2025 AGM pack, which includes officer reports to be presented at the meeting, is available in the Documents Area of this website.
For those who are unable to attend the AGM in person, there will be an opportunity to observe the meeting and participate in discussions by joining the meeting using your computer, tablet or smartphone:
Join the BHPA 2025 AGM On-line
But voting can only be in person, or by completing the proxy voting form in the AGM pack and posting it to the BHPA Office or emailing a scanned copy to office@bhpa.co.uk, to be received by 11am on Thursday 27th February 2025.
Posted: 24 February 2025
By: Paul Dancey
Groundbreaking work by the NZHGPA has led to an excellent safety-themed web resource under the title "Fly Like a Bird - Think like a Pilot".
Covering the flying environment, equipment and flight planning, it gathers in one place pretty much all known safety advice and wisdom, while linking to further internal and external sources.
It's aimed at pilots of all levels from beginners upwards. Although New Zealand-focused, a great deal of its information and links translate perfectly to the UK environment.
The NZHGPA are to be commended for generating a thoroughly useful and authoritative resource. It's available on the NZHGPA website, and via a link in the Safety section of this website.
Posted: 19 February 2025
By: Paul Dancey
Magic Bash dates. The South-East Wales club are pleased to announce the dates for this year's Magic Bash at the Glanusk Estate in Crickhowell: the weekend of 11th-13th July.
Similar to last year, the event will have live music, festival-style food and a licenced bar, and all attendees will have access to the glorious sites of South East Wales.
Alternative activities will be organised for non-flyers/non-flying days. Tickets will be on sale soon via Webcollect (members), or by contacting the club (non-members).
Posted: 31 January 2025
By: J. Schofield
The BHPA 2025 AGM will will be held at 8 Merus Court, Meridian Business Park, Leicester, LE19 1RJ on Saturday 1st March 2025 at 11.00 am.
BHPA Exec members Marc Asquith, Martin Baxter, Bill Bell, Jennifer Buck, Paul Dancey, and Angus Langford are standing for re-election this year.
An updated BHPA 2025 AGM pack is available in the documents area of our web site. The pack includes the official notice of the meeting, details of the business to be conducted, background information about the members standing for re-election, and officer reports. A proxy voting form for members unable to attend the AGM is also be included in the pack.
Completed proxy voting forms can either be posted to the Office, or scanned and emailed to office@bhpa.co.uk , and must be received by 11.00am on Thursday 27th February 2025.
This year's AGM will be available to watch via a web meeting link to allow members to put questions should they wish to, and the link will be posted on our website and Facebook page closer to the event.
Posted: 6 January 2025
By: Paul Dancey
Film maker Emily Cooney is looking for a UK paraglider pilot with Type 1 diabetes to feature in an awareness-raising film.
Her documentary aims to break limitations and raise awareness by sharing fun experiences and stories of success in remote outdoor sports.
The idea is to encourage those with diabetes to access natural landscapes and strengthen the self-belief and independence they teach. 'We aim to highlight the challenges such environments pose for people with Type 1 diabetes and show how they can be overcome.'
If you are interested in taking part, contact Emily here.
Posted: 6 January 2025
By: J. Schofield
last updated: 29 March 2025
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