[SamKellner]

Welcome Eddie Paul


.

[Rick Masters]

Hi Eddie,
You probably don't remember but I gave you a call in the 90s when I ran the historic old fleet at UC White Mountain Research Station. We had a long conversation about vehicles, I think. Glad to see you here!
Rick Masters

[SamKellner]

newest member AndrewVanis

Welcome Andrew

Welcome to U S Hawks

[wingspan33]

Hello Eddie Paul and Andrew Vanis! I'm glad you've joined us.

[DukeB]

In planning a move within Arizona to a place near Mingus Mountain, I stumbled upon a couple launches at 7800' elevation (4,000 vertical) and was "wowed". My aviation background includes zero Hang Gliding experience, but peering off those launches left me feeling like I could smell new freedom of flight calling loudly!

I've been poring over videos of flights from Mingus and quickly realized that is rightly aways off, on my bucket list.

For now, I'm searching for a good instructor & a place with ample good days for a noob. For some reason(s) I'd druther begin without tows, on foot. I'm open to Arizona's offerings. Also scoping out nearby Southern Cali ( San Diego, Soboda, Crestline) & neighboring Utah's Point of the Mountain- where it looks like consistent flying conditions allow great exposure to get lots of reps.

Any inputs/suggestions are welcomed!

So, I found this forum while drooling over vids from New Mexico's Sandia experience. Another bucket listing. See y'all are holding a May 23rd Otto Lilienthal birthday event @Dockweiler...I plan to attend and hope to meet some of you there!

Duke

[Rick Masters]

I hope you like the taste of sand, noob.

[JoeF]

Welcome Duke,
Look for a table with Angela or Joe .... at Dockweiler on May 23, 2015. Mention "5" to Joe and I'll present an Otto gift pack for you; it will help you cover the parking fee.
Joe

[Bill Cummings]

In planning a move within Arizona to a place near Mingus Mountain, I stumbled upon a couple launches at 7800' elevation (4,000 vertical) and was "wowed". My aviation background includes zero Hang Gliding experience, but peering off those launches left me feeling like I could smell new freedom of flight calling loudly!

I've been poring over videos of flights from Mingus and quickly realized that is rightly aways off, on my bucket list.

For now, I'm searching for a good instructor & a place with ample good days for a noob. For some reason(s) I'd druther begin without tows, on foot. I'm open to Arizona's offerings. Also scoping out nearby Southern Cali ( San Diego, Soboda, Crestline) & neighboring Utah's Point of the Mountain- where it looks like consistent flying conditions allow great exposure to get lots of reps.

Any inputs/suggestions are welcomed!

So, I found this forum while drooling over vids from New Mexico's Sandia experience. Another bucket listing. See y'all are holding a May 23rd Otto Lilienthal birthday event @Dockweiler...I plan to attend and hope to meet some of you there!

Duke

DukeB
Mingus Mountain is a unique place. Joining the local HG/PG club there puts you in a nice campground behind the launch that is set aside for pilots only (and guests).
While camping you will need to provide your own shower and all the water you will need but a great camping spot.
There is a cell tower nearby that I get full bars of signal on my Verizon plan.

[wingspan33]

Hey Duke! I'm glad you found us. If hang gliding was on my "bucket list" I would have been able to "check it off" a few thousand times - starting in 1975.

For me I'd guess it would be better to describe the sport as being on my "life list"!

Whatever gets you in the door (or launch window) is a GOOD thing.

Hope to see you at Dockweiler.

PS - Foot launching teaches you 90% of the basics that you need to know about flying a hang glider. I've dealt with people (as an instructor) who'd been trained starting only with tandem tow ups. Many of them had little to no skill at ground handling. They almost had to start at day one with flat ground running then move up to gentle hill launch runs. I'd say it's best to begin with foot launch training for sure. A method called Scooter Towing can also be a good compromise. You can see video(s) about it at the Wings Wing web site. Or here - https://vimeo.com/116997302

And depending on which school you decide to go with, don't let them talk you into flying collapsible canopies (paragliders). For more info on why, check out "The Superiority of Hang Gliders" thread here on the site.

[SamKellner]

Welcome Duke,

May 23rd Otto Lilienthal birthday event @Dockweiler

Headed in the right direction, looks like.