Hang Gliding

[andyzee]

This is from a thread that was addressed to new users, don't want to be accused of hijacking, so I'm moving it here.

For me the time consuming part was the training. My ex brought a package of lessons, forget how many there were, think it may have been 3. Well, we had to go up at least 7 times or three lessons. A lot of time was spent in the cow fields on little hills just waiting for winds to die down. I did really want to get into it though, looked like a blast. So what is level 2? How long did it take you to reach this status? How much are lessons nowa days? Which school are you going with? I need details!

I was going to Ellenville last summer. Got up to USHGA Level 2 certification. I will be starting mountain launches soon. I hope to buy a glider and get Level 3 this summer. As for time consuming, you could say the same thing about skiing Except that I am only 45 minutes from Ellenville. My ride for skiing is at least twice that.

 

[YardSaleDad]

A lot of time was spent in the cow fields on little hills just waiting for winds to die down. I did really want to get into it though, looked like a blast.

There is a lot of waiting involved, even when you advance to mountain flights or aerotows. Comes with the sport. Patience is key to safety. Several of the guys just treat it as a camping trip and pitch their tent at the hill. Light a campfire at night and have a few brews after a day of flying. Wake up and do it all over again the next day. I lived close enough to sleep in my own bed, unless I was having some brews. :razz: Good days I would get about 15 training flights in. Some days it rained and I stayed home.

So what is level 2? How long did it take you to reach this status?

Basically I can take off and land in control consistently on small hills, and have basic knowledge of winds, weather, and flight mechanics. I went from complete newbie to level II during May to September. If I had started a month earlier and went every weekend then I would have probably gotten my Level III rating in the Fall. Most sites require Level III to fly without a certified Instructor present. Some Coastal sites like Kill Devil Hills in the Outer Banks of North Carolina will let Level II pilots rent a glider and fly on their own.

How much are lessons nowa days? Which school are you going with? I need details!

$1300 bucks for the 1 year course. Doesn't make sense to do anything else, if you have already tried it out. Either you are hooked or you are not.

Old Site: http://www.mtnwings.com/
New Site:http://www.evilleoutfitters.com/

If you do decide to take it up again you will find the regulars a good group of folks.

 

[andyzee]

Yeah, I believe I went with Mountain Wings. I was very much into it, it's just like I said, time consuming. So how long before you jump off the moutain. Used to be they just jumped off on the side of the road there, forget the name. Last time I went up though, they changed the launch area to private land higher up. I remember the one thing that was great about Ellenville, was the updraft they used to get on that mountain, you see people jump off and just go straight up and just be hanging there, circling around.

 

[Marc]

I think I'd rather do paragliding.

Ever do any of that YSD?

 

[YardSaleDad]

I think I'd rather do paragliding.

Ever do any of that YSD?

They also teach that there. I never did it. The nice thing is you can hike your gear in to just about any launch site. Carrying a glider/harness/parachute up a mountain is a little bit more awkward. Other than that I think hang gliders have the advantage.

 

[YardSaleDad]

I ended up working Saturday and Sunday, but was able to salvage the holiday weekend with a great Monday. Through out the day paragliders and Hang Gliders were constantly flying high above the valley riding the ridge lift and catching thermals all day and staying up for hours. I got in 9 flights on the training hill, and watched some of my fellow students making early morning and late evening mountain launches. The picture Gallery of the day is at http://www.tirnalong.com/photos/MemorialDayEllenville2006/index.html

 

[andyzee]

You in any of those pics, that sure don't look like a training hill.

 

[YardSaleDad]

You in any of those pics, that sure don't look like a training hill.

I was the cameraman that day, just like any other day The white specks on the grassy field below are gliders near the training hill. The training hill is blocked in the pic above by the rock near the end of the wooden launch platform. When I go off the mountain launch later this summer, I will get someone to take a picture.

 

[andyzee]

I was the cameraman that day, just like any other day The white specks on the grassy field below are gliders near the training hill. The training hill is blocked in the pic above by the rock near the end of the wooden launch platform. When I go off the mountain launch later this summer, I will get someone to take a picture.

OK, that's what I thought. Bet you can't wait to go off that launch!

 

[BeanoNYC]

Here's a T-Shirt for you two.

 

[YardSaleDad]

Here's a T-Shirt for you two.

That shirt will have to wait a little while. I just bought my glider this past weekend, and I still have to buy a chute and harness. Sorry for the blurry frame grab. Only had the camcorder last weekend. I'll post another photo when I have a good mountain shot

Tom & his Airwave Pulse 11 Meter

 

[andyzee]

That shirt will have to wait a little while. I just bought my glider this past weekend, and I still have to buy a chute and harness. Sorry for the blurry frame grab. Only had the camcorder last weekend. I'll post another photo when I have a good mountain shot

Tom & his Airwave Pulse 11 Meter

So how about some details on the glider, new or used?

 

[YardSaleDad]

So how about some details on the glider, new or used?

It's a used 1994 Pacific Airwave Pulse that was flown by a little old lady to go to church on Sunday's during summer vacation. It's in great shape, and the price was right. The sail is bright and crisp, the hardware has practically no wear. It's a double surface glider so it has a nice 8::1 glide ratio. Overall I am a very happy camper. Or least I will be if it ever stops raining.

If you are a glutton for punishment, you can peruse the manual for all the specs.
http://delta.plane.free.fr/manuels/pulse.pdf