Sign in, say "hi", ... and be welcomed.

Re: Hello US Hawks!!

Postby wingspan33 » Mon Aug 19, 2019 3:35 pm

Glad you're joining us Mike! ! !

If you're ever in the south central NYS area (about 80 miles south of Rochester) let me know. I've got a couple spare gliders + harnesses and a couple flying sites that aren't "managed" by USHPA.

The local sites that are controlled by a USHPA Chapter charge you for using their sites. Some wouldn't even let a Novice/H2 pilot fly without knowing you. This is where one of my sites would be great since it's training hill sized. And, FYI, back in the late 1980s and early 1990s I was a USHGA certified Instructor and could get you in the air easily (for no money) at least at my small hill (which faces SW).

It's always good to have one more site (in one more State) in your log book! :thumbup: . . . :thumbup: . . . :thumbup:

Scott
wingspan33
User avatar
Contributor
Contributor
 
Posts: 1150
Joined: Fri Aug 13, 2010 8:24 pm

Re: Hello US Hawks!!

Postby spydermike » Mon Aug 19, 2019 8:02 pm

Thank you Joe, Bob and Scott!

I printed out the Dockweiler Waiver and will look it over. Do they have instruction/equipment available for rent there? That is a good hour to 2 from my house through LA (traffic being the big factor). Andy Jackson looks to be the same as does Torrey frmo my location. Any other sites in the So Call area?

Scott, I just might take you up on your offer. I am also and ex-gyrocopter pilot and am looking at a few new designs. One is in Quebec and the other in Long Island. I was thinking of making a trip back there next year and driving around a bit.

Cheers,
Mike
spydermike
User avatar
Contributor
Contributor
 
Posts: 29
Joined: Sun Aug 18, 2019 6:25 pm

Re: Hello US Hawks!!

Postby wingspan33 » Mon Aug 19, 2019 8:38 pm

spydermike wrote:Thank you Joe, Bob and Scott!

I printed out the Dockweiler Waiver and will look it over. Do they have instruction/equipment available for rent there? That is a good hour to 2 from my house through LA (traffic being the big factor). Andy Jackson looks to be the same as does Torrey frmo my location. Any other sites in the So Call area?

Scott, I just might take you up on your offer. I am also and ex-gyrocopter pilot and am looking at a few new designs. One is in Quebec and the other in Long Island. I was thinking of making a trip back there next year and driving around a bit.

Cheers,
Mike


:thumbup: Sounds good! As little as a week or two lead time would be fine. Flying HGs always requires favorable weather. ;)

Considering Quebec's location it'd be best to fly into Rochester. Unless you're going to drive all the way from the left coast the the right coast. :wtf: :)
wingspan33
User avatar
Contributor
Contributor
 
Posts: 1150
Joined: Fri Aug 13, 2010 8:24 pm

Re: Hello US Hawks!!

Postby Bob Kuczewski » Mon Aug 19, 2019 8:54 pm

spydermike wrote:Thank you Joe, Bob and Scott!

You're welcome ... as in ... Welcome!!

spydermike wrote:Do they have instruction/equipment available for rent there?

The business (windsports.com) operates Wednesday through Sunday, and they have gliders, harnesses, and helmets available. They are a very good school and I've brought many first-timers there. When we fly under the County waiver on Mondays and Tuesdays, we bring our own equipment. We will often share gliders, so it's fine if you can just get a helmet and a harness.

There's an active topic in the "Friends of Dockweiler" club forum titled "Dockweiler RHG Diary" where "RHG" stands for "Recreational Hang Gliding". It gives you a nice look at the site over many years.
Join a National Hang Gliding Organization: US Hawks at ushawks.org
View my rating at: US Hang Gliding Rating System
Every human at every point in history has an opportunity to choose courage over cowardice. Look around and you will find that opportunity in your own time.
Bob Kuczewski
User avatar
Contributor
Contributor
 
Posts: 8373
Joined: Fri Aug 13, 2010 2:40 pm
Location: San Diego, CA

Re: Hello US Hawks!!

Postby Bill Cummings » Mon Aug 19, 2019 10:35 pm

SpiderMike,
I live to the south of your possible road trip to the east
coast ( along interstate ten) but I can offer a room
here in Las Cruces New Mexico if your horse needs a
rest. We have indoor toilets now.
Bill Cummings
User avatar
Contributor
Contributor
 
Posts: 3359
Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2011 6:20 pm
Location: Las Cruces NM 88005 (Region 4)

Re: Hello US Hawks!!

Postby spydermike » Tue Aug 20, 2019 5:11 pm

Thanks again! My trip back east will be via commercial airline and then by rental car most likely. I really do appreciate the offers of hospitality!

I have no problem renting gear - looks like I need to consider Dockweiler and Andy Jackson as they are closest to the southern home.

Still reviewing Suprone setups. I like the Fenison bar and look forward to his harness solution.

The Colver one looks to be a one-off, no? I would want a reserve chute on it where I would fly.

There is the Cloud9Morph as well. It looks interesting to me as well.

Are there any others?
spydermike
User avatar
Contributor
Contributor
 
Posts: 29
Joined: Sun Aug 18, 2019 6:25 pm

Re: Hello US Hawks!!

Postby Bob Kuczewski » Wed Aug 21, 2019 1:01 am

You're right. I forgot about the Cloud9Morph. I'm familiar with Jim's FlyBar and Frank's seated because I know them both. I haven't tried Jim's FlyBar yet, but I've flown various evolutions of Frank's harness at both Dockweiler and Point of the Mountain Utah. I believe Frank's harness is currently the only prototype, but I'm pretty sure he has plans to go into production (if not in production already).

If you're really interested, send Frank a PM or let me know since I talk to him fairly regularly.
Join a National Hang Gliding Organization: US Hawks at ushawks.org
View my rating at: US Hang Gliding Rating System
Every human at every point in history has an opportunity to choose courage over cowardice. Look around and you will find that opportunity in your own time.
Bob Kuczewski
User avatar
Contributor
Contributor
 
Posts: 8373
Joined: Fri Aug 13, 2010 2:40 pm
Location: San Diego, CA

Re: Hello US Hawks!!

Postby spydermike » Wed Aug 21, 2019 1:28 pm

I am interested - please let him (or both of them) know. I also can visit HES next time I am down south if that is where it/they is/are produced. Thanks!

I wouldn't mind using a Colver design for low level flying...like our training hill at Emigrant Lake or a place like Dockweiler. I want the option of a reserve for places like Woodrat.

The Cloud9Morph looks interesting, but I am more curious to see the Fenison solution first.

Mike
spydermike
User avatar
Contributor
Contributor
 
Posts: 29
Joined: Sun Aug 18, 2019 6:25 pm

Re: Hello US Hawks!!

Postby Frank Colver » Thu Aug 22, 2019 12:52 pm

Hi Spydermike,

HES has produced three production prototypes of my seat harness design. They are also going to add a rescue chute attachment to the design. I have one of the prototypes and Jerry Katz has one (which he hasn't flown yet) and one is still for sale. HES price is $225 for the harness, as it is currently designed. Jerry has indicated that he wants some changes made but he hasn't yet told anyone what those are.

I currently possess the one that is available but I could get it to HES if you were going there or otherwise get it to you. The entire $225 goes to HES as I don't retain any monetary interest in the design.

The control bar adapter is currently being done by me and I have a working model but I am still exploring different approaches to that function. Jerry was already flying a swing seat so his bar was rigged for seated already. I like the idea of adapters (like the Flybar and mine, etc.) which leave the glider's bar in the prone rigged position because it allows for pulling forward farther before the base tube stops you. I haven't yet tried my seat with Jim's Flybar but hope to sometime.

If you do get to SoCal to fly, we can try to get together for you to check out the seated harness, adapter bar, etc., at Dockweiler.

Frank
Frank Colver
User avatar
Contributor
Contributor
 
Posts: 1292
Joined: Tue May 24, 2011 11:21 am

Re: Hello US Hawks!!

Postby spydermike » Fri Aug 23, 2019 1:26 pm

Thank you for the offer Frank. I am interested. I will continue this discussion on your swing seat thread to ask few questions. I think I have taken too much space away for the intent of this particular thread.

Mike
spydermike
User avatar
Contributor
Contributor
 
Posts: 29
Joined: Sun Aug 18, 2019 6:25 pm

PreviousNext
Forum Statistics

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: flymore12, JoeF and 52 guests

Options

Return to Hang Gliding General