Lineu Vitale Lineu Vitale from Brazil, early US HG visitor
in 1974 visited US. He obtained an international certificate from Self-Soar Association (to be shown soon).
In his recent letter that shows he is working in Florida:
Hi Joe,
I hope you still remember 1974, when you welcomed me warmly into your home in Venice. Not a day goes by that I don't appreciate all what you have done for me. I do not forgive myself for not having thanking you before.
The years that followed my trip to California were the 12 happiest years of my life. I became a hang glider pilot and a flying instructor, flew all over the world, founded the
Brazilian Hang Gliding Association, and was the first hang glider manufacturer in Brazil. I keep awesome memories of that time.
When I first learned in an article of
Popular Mechanics that a man could fly, I dropped everything I was doing, sold my Jeep to make some money and flew to California. I was hoping to find that young man who was one of the pioneers in that sport.
Then, an incredible coincidence happened, difficult to understand even today. When I was leaving the LAX heading to Santa Monica to find a hotel, I saw a van on the road with a hang glider on top. It was you, the young man I was going to look for the next day. What are the odds of that? I followed your van until you stopped somewhere and the rest is history.
Now, on my sixties, living in Miami, I still remember that day and I am extremely grateful for everything you have done. I am also sorry for never having told you that. I hope it’s not too late. Thank you sincerely. Here are some photos that I cherish.
[[To be shown soon in this topic thread.]] If you can, please write. I wonder how you’re doing and what you’re up to.
Please accept my apology for not thanking you enough before and my continued appreciation for you.
Lineu Vitale(...) Miami, FL 33137
[[Lineu's story will follow in this topic thread.
A current link to Associação Brasileiro de Vôo Livre
http://www.abvl.com.br/ gives some flavor of the 40-or-so year development. From the site: "founded on December 6, 1976." A new folder will receive content over time:
http://www.energykitesystems.net/HangGl ... index.html ]]
family after their day of hang gliding efforts ...late in the evening camping at the meet; Joanne and Joe would fly at the meet.