Hang gliding

So as not to pollute the "What did you do to your 5th Gen" thread, I'm creating a new one here with some hang gliding info. The video below is from one of my flights earlier this month.

I've been flying for 18 months or so and have around 90 flights. Most have been from a scooter tow, but I have a bunch of foot launches logged too. A scooter tow is where a motorcycle or scooter is used to pull the pilot aloft. In our case, the bike is an old CB750. The rear wheel has been replaced with a drum containing 8000' of line that is run through a pulley at the end of the field and back to our launch. When the command is given, the bike is put into gear and pulls in the line. The field is approx 80 acres and is at an elevation of around 5200'. Scooter towing is a great way to learn. The operator can cap your altitude at whatever is appropriate from a few feet above the ground to high tows that may get you 800 feet. I'm probably at 600 feet max in the vid.

In the vid, my commands are Clear, Slack, and Tension. Clear means to get out of the way, I'm ready to launch. Slack means the tow operator should take up any slack in the tow line. Tension means launch and a combination of running and the motorcycle are used to pull me in the air. The tow line is connected through a weak link that will disconnect if something goes sideways, or I can release it manually when I want to go off tow (01:13 in the video). I waited a little to launch for a good wind cycle.

After release, I'm free to fly. Since the flights are short, I don't zip up my harness. The glider is a Wills Wing Falcon 2 195. Wing area is 195 sq ft, and the span is a little over 33'.

There are different levels of licensing for hangies and I have my H-2, or Novice. H-3 is required for most mountain launches in Colorado, so I'll be scooter towing a lot this summer! Feel free to message me with questions and I'll answer as quickly as I can.

 

Wow! That’s awesome! You are a far braver man than I. I prefer to get my thrills closer to terra firma!

 

That's really cool!

 

That was really cool- I have always wanted to try it. Realistically, what does it cost? How much have you spent to get where you are now?

 

Ok, background. I've worked in aviation all my professional career, since 1987 or so. My degree is a BS in Aviation Mgt, and I've been a pilot of some sort (non-professionally) since the mid 80s. I've worked for the airlines in flight operations and also at a huge aerospace company who's name begins with the letter "B" for 20 + years. Aviation is my passion and my life blood. I *need* to be in the sky. Weird, I know. My grandfather was a barnstormer back in the day. I've flown airplanes, sailplanes, and I was a skydiver for five years or so. There are water people, and mountain people, and city people, etc. I'm a sky people.

My instructor previously offered a program where he will take you through the H-2 license, unlimited flights, for around $2000. This includes use of his gliders and tows. I'm not sure if this is still in place now. A used harness with a reserve parachute will run around $500 - 800'ish. A used glider will cost between $1000-2500 for one appropriate for my experience. Incidentials like a a helmet, radios, cameras, etc will cost another couple of hundred used. None need to be bought right away, nor new. It's relatively cheap compared to some hobbies. All told, I've spent less than $3000, not counting gas expenses to go fly. That's a lot less money than the Africa Twin I have (I love motorcycles too)! But I can't afford to fly airplanes ($100 - 150 / hour), so this is an inexpensive and fun way to fly. I really like the mental aspect too - you're always watching weather, and working on a plan if something goes pear shaped. And, there's no throttle to push in like an airplane, so it's up to you to stay airborne until you're ready to land. And you only get one chance at landing - no go arounds on these wings.

Hang gliding is probably the closest thing to human flight that's available to those of us without feathers. That's the appeal for me. It's pure flight. Slow, quiet, and just a fantastic way to forget about all the sh*t that's going on around us. Me, my wing, and the sky. Perfect. There's no adrenalin rush like sky diving. There's no noise except the wind and glider noise, and maybe hawks yelling at you. I find it incredibly peaceful and an excellent diversion from everything else.

I really look forward to mountain launches this summer. The first one I'll probably do has launch at nearly 10000 feet, and flights can get to 18000 (regulatory max altitude) if all the marbles stack up. Search for "Villa Grove hang gliding" on YouTube. I love the speed of powered aircraft, the adrenalin and ground rush during free fall in Skydiving, and the mental work of sailplanes. Learning to fly hang gliders isn't particularly difficult, but it is a new subject with new skills. I'm not sure where you're located Deux, but if you (or anyone else) is within farting distance of Colorado, let me know and I'll give you details to visit to the field and check it out.

It's funny - people used to think I had a death wish when I was skydiving, and now this. It's just the opposite for me. I celebrate life through the freedom I get through flight. Thx for indulging one of my greatest passions!

 

I appreciate the information. It seems like a lot of money, but when put into perspective it's not bad (I am a water person and a new rig for windsurfing is an easy $1,000).

 

Nice video and a nice flight,smooth landing

 

Thx, Ironguy! I wish all of my landings were like that!