[JoeF]

When tandem or tow is first HG experience
as compared to first experience as solo FL HG pilot
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That is the topic. Whenever one has a thought about this topic, welcome.
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Once a message is heard, it seems impossible to go to the status where one did not hear the message.

This topic is not about possible tandems after non-tow FL solo; tandems after FL solo is another topic.
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[Bob Kuczewski]

I hope my post doesn't violate the spirit of this topic.

I got to enter the sport of hang gliding twice in my life. First In 1978 and again in 2004.

In 1978 it was all solo following the normal progression: running with a glider on flat ground, shallow slope skimming, and then "cliff" launch flights from the ridge above the Cape Kiwanda beach. Wow!!

Around that time I finished up my Private Pilot's license and went on to get a Seaplane rating and a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Other aspects of living consumed me, but I never forgot about hang gliding.

In 2004 I came back to the sport through the Windports program at Dockweiler and Sylmar. I enjoyed the beach flying and I was looking forward to high solo flying. But Joe Greblo's program at Windsports required tandem flights first. I didn't feel I needed tandem flights, and I really didn't want them. However, Joe Greblo wasn't offering any alternatives, and I made my first tandem flight at Avenue S with Joe himself in early 2004.

While I enjoy learning things through my own experimentation, I have to say that tandem flying can advance skills dramatically in a very short time. Rather than gradually creeping up on skills very cautiously (the wise solo approach), you can jump right into coordinated 360's at 45 degrees of bank with an instructor right there to help. If you lose altitude, just turn the glider over to the instructor who can thermal (what's that?) back up for more practice. Tandem can greatly accelerate the learning rate ... without any doubt.

Which is better? I think it depends on what you want. If you want to become a competent hang gliding pilot as soon as possible, then it's hard to beat the tandem approach. If you want to learn gradually through cautious exploration, then the solo approach will be very satisfying. You might start by asking yourself if you're the kind of person who more enjoys the journey or the destination. Either way, seek competent advisement as you progress.

[SamKellner]

Hawks,

Spreading the word!

I was glad to have Ben Stembridge as student. Earliest tows were in Allen, Tx. under the supervision of Dave Browles. After relocating to San Antonio, Ben has visited me at Real Co. Airpark, as often as possible. We are in our second season. Although already flying the Falcon, I started Ben on the Condor 330. He has now purchased a Falcon 195 and making spot landings from ~600' scooter tows. We have > 100 tows.

I will encourage Ben to have his experience recorded with USHGRS.

Ben is a real asset to SWTHG, purchasing a E-Z-Go golf cart to chase the tow line and verify pulley/tow line after each tow.

Many of the ~2min. flights can be viewed here:

https://www.google.com/search?q=ben+sti ... irefox-b-1

Ben is ready for some altitude foot launch or tandems. Go-pro don't lie.

[Bill Cummings]

When tandem or tow is first HG experience
as compared to first experience as solo FL HG pilot
==============================================================
That is the topic. Whenever one has a thought about this topic, welcome.
==============================================================

Once a message is heard, it seems impossible to go to the status where one did not hear the message.

This topic is not about possible tandems after non-tow FL solo; tandems after FL solo is another topic.
=======================================================================================
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When tandem or tow is first HG experience
as compared to first experience as solo FL HG pilot
I’m a c level HG pilot.
I’m a d level when talking about my reading comprehension.
Without looking ahead at reply posts’ that may bias any response, here is my reply.

I’m obviously not understanding the question.

My first HG experience was by means of towing starting deep water with trick skis.

To compare the two first HG experiences I would need to undergo amnesia just after the tow experience then start from scratch having my first HG experience by foot launching. Then healing from my amnesia I would be able to compare the two, “first HG experience”(s) as independent experiences unbiased one from the other of the two first HG experiences. (I hope that made sense.)

Since I must be making this more difficult than it is I’m going to assume my task is to compare my learning to tow to my learning to foot launch while keeping in mind that water towing augmented safely learning to fly over hard ground.

Over water I learned to taxi on the surface of the lake upwind, downwind, and crosswind.
Doing this successfully proves that one understands how to control the wing without leaving the surface. Otherwise one will dip a wingtip into the water, need to be released from the boat, and then upset the glider.

Next the boat goes faster so that the glider is 30 feet above the water.

Next you learn to release from tow, free fly, and to flare with your toes almost touching the surface of the water. When you have learned to flare, stop all forward motion, and sink straight down into the lake
you have proven that you are ready to land on the beach.

Next you are ready for the training hill to learn how to safely foot launch having no concern about safely flying or landing since you have already acquired those skills.

Depending on what training hills are available there can come a time where foot launching and not already knowing how to fly and land may not work well for pilots and equipment.