Dell Schanze is causing causing controversy again after a video was posted anonymously that accuses Schanze of kicking an owl or hawk in flight after a seven minute chase. This time, it resulted in U-Turn paragliders ceasing “business relations with Dell Schanze.”
Sky Paragliders had dropped SuperDell in June of 2012 as the United States importer or so they told Jeff Goin, President of the USPPA. They have continued to do business with him. Dell claims to the the world distributor of the Cima K2 glider which according to Sky’s website they no longer produce.
In a press release, U-Turn explains their decision:
“This decision was triggered by the abhorrent video, which documents unacceptable wrongdoing by a pilot. Eagle Paragliding based in Santa Barbara/California, will be the official importer of U-Turn products in the United States. Eagle Paragliding will provide the high level service they are known for to existing U-Turn customers.”
This is not the first time that Schanze has lost support from the PPG and Paragliding community. In May of 2012, Simonini USA announced that they are no longer supporting Schanze by refusing to supply motors to Flat Top Paramotors. In early 2013, Sky Paragliders revoked Schanze’s US importer status, but still provide him with Cima K2 wings. Many pilots refuse to purchase Sky wings until Sky drops Schanze entirely.
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Source: US Paramotor News