Background: Hang gliders from as far away as France and Australia are in southern California this week for an international meeting ... the first to be held under new safety regulations laid down by the United States Hang Gliding Association. Following a series of fatal accidents recently the Association decided that all hang gliders taking part should meet their safety requirements and all pilots prove their efficiency.
The even was held at a sprawling ranch in the Estate region of California.
Competitors had to cover a 500 ft (150 metre) course. Judges gave points for style, manoeuvrability and ability. At the end of their run the pilots had to land as near as possible to a small target.