US Hawks Hang Gliding Association

Here's a link to the full news story:

https://www.ksl.com/article/46571629/ma ... icials-say

Here's the overview (posted - Jun 11th, 2019):

SALT LAKE CITY — A 59-year-old man has died after a hang glider crash at Point of the Mountain Flight Park, authorities say.

Crews responded to the park about 10:30 a.m., according to Utah County Sheriff’s Sgt. Spencer Cannon. It occurred on the south side of the flight park, 121100 N. East Frontage Road in Lehi, he said.

Authorities later identified the man as Ron Holder of Rupert, Idaho.

Witnesses at the scene told emergency responders that as the man was flying, the wind changed, and he turned to drop into the wind, Cannon said. However, as he turned, the man dropped straight down about 50 feet, Cannon said.

Bob Kuczewski wrote:Here's a link to the full news story:

https://www.ksl.com/article/46571629/ma ... icials-say

Here's the overview (posted - Jun 11th, 2019):

SALT LAKE CITY — A 59-year-old man has died after a hang glider crash at Point of the Mountain Flight Park, authorities say.

Crews responded to the park about 10:30 a.m., according to Utah County Sheriff’s Sgt. Spencer Cannon. It occurred on the south side of the flight park, 121100 N. East Frontage Road in Lehi, he said.

Authorities later identified the man as Ron Holder of Rupert, Idaho.

Witnesses at the scene told emergency responders that as the man was flying, the wind changed, and he turned to drop into the wind, Cannon said. However, as he turned, the man dropped straight down about 50 feet, Cannon said.

Turned to drop into the wind. With 41 years of HG under my belt why is it that I'm not familiar with the phrase, "Turned to drop into the wind?" What experience level must one have to come up with a descriptive phrase like that?
How would I go about turning to drop into the wind to compensate for a wind change. How would I go about dropping into the wind properly or improperly?

Right on Bill. Sounds like a WUFFO comment.

First solo flight. ??? First solo footlaunch? That usually happens on a bunny hill ??

Condolence's to Ron's family and friends.
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Is this the same Ron Holder? Maybe not.Not sure. ?????
One from the vault - Bill Bennett's Delta Wing Kites


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Noted in our HG literature are some distinct downsides to starting people with tandem imprints.
The upsides may not win over the downsides. Passenger riding is not solo hang gliding.
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Note: the discussed wuffo phrase was voiced by some observer, not Ron and not the instructor involved (I hope).
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Gradualism in solo training might be examined more closely. Commercialized "training" may need to look at matters more closely.
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Sober reminder:

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Faust at OzR wrote:Yes, see speculation for what it is; derive positive values from speculation; speculation is one tool of critical thinking.
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Tandem training has its upsides and its downsides.
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Even after tandem flying instruction, first solos may best enter through low-bunny-hill gradualism training.

Joe, Here's the obit for Ron Holder.

< https://www.eckersellfuneralhome.com/ob ... ald-holder >

He looks very much like the fellow in the YouTube video. And in the video he's at the same flying site (Point of the Mountain). The video was produced by Wings Over Wasatch and they do tandem and solo instruction near Salt Lake, UT. If I'm right Ryan Voight started this company but sold it and moved back to NY State. The name connected with it now is Pat McGuinness.

I would add my own condolences to those who were close to Ron.

JoeF wrote:Condolence's to Ron's family and friends.
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Is this the same Ron Holder? Maybe not.Not sure. ?????
One from the vault - Bill Bennett's Delta Wing Kites


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https://www.facebook.com/ron.holder.14



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In February of 2018, Ron commented on a video of another person's flight; the video was via Ron's camera from the ground of the other person. Here is Ron's comment about himself:

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Instructor Pat M. in his estimation: site is a H2 site.

So, what about Ron?

What rating did Ron have?

I am Rons widow, not much of the news article was even correct. He had been soloing for about a year. He was on the bunny hill trying to get his Hang 2. No wind change, fell 20 feet not 50. My guess he blacked out due to A Fib , he had a lot of problems with that the day before , and i think he just pushed himself to try to get his certificate. He was a wonderful man and loved gliding. Pat Mc guiness is awesome. And yes that video is of my sweetie.

Dear Joan,

I think I speak for everyone in the sport that we are very sorry for your loss.

I think I also speak for everyone that we appreciate you taking the time to clarify the facts.

The Utah hang gliding community is very strong with lots of good people like "Red" and the Worsencroft family and many others. The same is true for Idaho with people like John Kangas and Lisa Tate. The sport of hang gliding is tiny and we are all brothers and sisters in our love of flight. Please call on us any time if we can be of help.

Best wishes,
Bob Kuczewski