[wingspan33]

Hello All,

This last Friday I picked up a (new to me) 2003 WW Talon 140. It's in great shape and was previously owned by a good friend - who I hadn't seen for many years.

I was hoping to fly it for the first time today, but I needed to slap together a good HG rack for my vehicle. Well, the slapping took longer than I figured mainly due to it raining lightly here until 3 pm, then the sun only starting to come out around 4 pm.

Well the delays dampened my enthusiasm about flying but I was able to visit the local LZ and put up a fresh wind indicator and take down some small saplings that could interfere with landing/ground handling. I also wanted to talk with the launch land owner to get the latest info on launch site details. However, it was Sunday and about 6 pm when that might have happened. So, I figured it would be best to instead make contact on a week day at an earlier time. Result - No flying today. But another good day will come along soon!

Below is a picture of the glider set up, yesterday, in my crowded back yard. I understand it has 2 points of glide better than my Fusion SP so I can't wait to get it in the air. Will it ever come down ? ! ? ! ?

WW Talon 140 4-27-19 sm.jpg (100.68 KiB) Viewed 3246 times

[Bob Kuczewski]

Very cool Scott!!

You can find a Talon manual here:

    https://willswing.com/wp-content/uploads/manuals/Talon_3rd_June_2004.pdf

A minimum USHGA Advanced (IV) level of pilot proficiency is required to fly the Talon safely. Pilots are advised that the optimum proficiency level for the Talon is higher than the minimum recommended. Operation of the glider by unqualified or under qualified pilots may be dangerous.

Remember (1) that you haven't been flying regularly for a while, and (2) that you're not 25 years old any more.   

Have fun, but be safe!!!

[wingspan33]

Thanks Bob! The first owner had the original manual so I've already got that. But thanks for the link.

As to your other observations, . . . Having started flying in 1975 and having flown about 15 different hang gliders for over 3,000 hours air time I am modestly confident that I will be able to handle the Talon. I've also flown at 50+ different sites around the country in various wind/weather conditions. And as you know, as a one time U$hPa member, I held a Master rating (issued around 1990 - 29 years ago).

Additionally, I'm in the mid range of pilot weight on the 140 so I won't tend to fly too slow or too fast. My prior glider was the Wills Wing Fusion SP 141 also a topless design. When I got that, I hadn't flown anything but a large modified Delta Wings Streak and hadn't even flown that for a few years either. So it was quite a "jump" to the Fusion SP, but I was mainly surprised by how quick I left the ground after starting my launch run.

I'm not going to be afraid of the Talon. But I invented a term for students back when I was instructing. That was "Cautious Anticipation". Considering my new glider, it involves anticipating that things may be different and being ready to deal with the differences in a cool headed way. Fear is not good while hang gliding. A clear head always deals with the unfamiliar in the best, most rational, way.

Oh, I'd like to mention the age thing. The Fusion SP 141 was unexpectedly heavy when I got that back in 2006. The Talon 140 seems about as heavy but I haven't been lifting a 75 lb glider in a while. Well, I created a portable cart for longer walk in sites 10 years ago. I think I'll be using that while moving the glider to help save my back, for at least a while. I've got to work at restoring those glider clean and jerk muscles over the next few months.
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[wingspan33]

In the last few days I have been finishing up a new "professional" glider rack for my Toyota Matrix (and my new glider). It's functional but still about 10% from being finished. I've got some original ideas on how to mount a plastic support section so the glider doesn't sit on my roof rack's basic (semi) cushioned 1" tubes. The plastic support is like a 4 foot tray that will eliminate the pressure points of the roof rack tubing.

I haven't got a good photo of the overall lay out yet but I should have one soon. Stay tuned!

[wingspan33]

Here are a couple photos of the new HG rack that I've put together on my Toyota Matrix. The picts don't include the support that spans the roof rack tubes.

BTW - I make racks that can be removed from the vehicle without any sign they were ever there.

Matrix with Rack 5-7-19 sm.jpg (96.5 KiB) Viewed 3148 times

Matrix with Rack2 5-7-19 sm.jpg (144.01 KiB) Viewed 3148 times

[Bob Kuczewski]

That's some nice work Scott!!

I tried to zoom in to see the details of the joint fittings, but they're still a little fuzzy. Can you go into more detail on the construction and maybe post close-up photos of the fittings?