PARAWING

Andrew (writing this) has never seen a Parawing first hand, much less
tried one out, do this description is based entirely on second-hand
experience as the only documentation that we have on the Parawing is
in German.  Anyone like to give a first hand review or do some translating?

The Parawing is a large (huge!) medium-to-high aspect ratio parafoil, it
is rectangular in profile, and unusual in that it is controlled directly
from the bridle.  This move represents a calculated tradeoff.
We would expect these advantages:

 - All line drag is removed (because there is no line)

 - canopy control becomes more direct and
   responsive (more of the control mechanism later)

 - A larger canopy can be used, without overpower being too much of a problem.
   (you can fly it quickly to the edge of the window)

 - The large sail quickly assumes the powerful, steady-state sailing position.

 - Quick setup.

 - Convenient re-launch.

 - Less trouble with tangling with other pilots, trees, power lines, etc.

However, I would also expect drawbacks:

 - Room for recovery is lost - if you mess things up, the ground is never far
   away.

 - The sail cannot be flown through large arks of sky to gain power from
   apparent wind.  (The ``over-powering'' issue cuts both ways)