Dockweiler RHG Diary

[Bob Kuczewski]

Here are some pictures from November 20th, 2017 that Frank just forwarded from Doug Morgan (cropped and resized to fit):

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Great photos Doug!!!

[JoeF]

Nov. 27 and 28, 2017

Epic day at Dockweiler recreational hang gliding!

The Colver->Faust Alpha 210 was the wing for the day. Over twenty flights each by JoeF and BobK; some first happened.

1. JoeF kited BobK over flat-level sand by just pulling the two front flying lines by hand.
2. Flying while feet were on the ground was robust.
3. Half-step backwards launch to smooth vertical zenithal climb to about 30 ft AGL.
4. Saturated control practice sessions.
5. Launch from lower 25% of mini-slope into firm ridge soaring higher.
6. Excellent cross-slope wind practice.

No crashes or incidents.

Cleared some debris and glass from the site.

Great ocean-wave white-cap day. Windbreakers were worn.

Met Mark (pilot since 1984) and his friend Valerie from Arizona; she is doing some website webmaster work for the local HG concession in trade for Dockweiler HG lessons.

Enjoyed splitting a huge burrito at an El Segundo place. Yum!

We are sharpening some ideas on what could be the future revision of Dockweiler's concession agreement.

Next day we spoke again at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors regarding big thanks as well as a need to positively revise the future of recreational hang gliding at Dockweiler bluffs. There are and will be weekday workers who need recreational hang gliding on weekends; no just concession should prevent such use.

A HG rack by JoeF for his new used HG truck was given a high sign of approval by engineers Frank Colver and Bob Kuczewski. The Alpha 210 in transport is cushioned evenly along its full length without breaks in supportive cushion.

Synergy with Bob and Frank has been spelling good changes in Joe's ways.

We had a tour of Frank's wonder shop: RC center, rafting center, hang glider center, motorcycle center, extensive machine shop for manufacturing things, office, quiet room, flute making, and more. Many neat dimensions to Frank at Colver Engineering! Thanks, Frank, for the tour, sharing, and trusted transfer of the Alpha 210. Frank gave me a CD holding sounds he has formed, collected, and edited. I will be listening and sharing
his art. Thank you, Frank!

The fine ripples in the sand indicated wind direction.
The bikeway became about 50% covered with sand.
BobK gave extensive answerings to a inquisitve walker.

Detail hang glider design items came from the days; such will be
shared soon.

Memorable two days regarding Dockweiler recreational hang gliding!
BobK captured some of the day via camera in cell phone.

[Bob Kuczewski]

It was a super day of flying!!

It started off with Joe picking up his new Alpha from Frank:

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Joe enjoyed getting to know the Alpha starting from flat ground and moving to the Student Area:

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Then it was on to the soaring ridge for both of us:

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Bob_Soaring_Public_Area.png (236.49 KiB) Viewed 7930 times

Several times we were able to launch near the bottom and take the "elevator" up. Here's Joe demonstrating the technique:

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Did I mention that it was a super day?

[Frank Colver]

If I had been there I might have done my first soaring flight at Dockweiler.

In my ancient past of hang gliding I had soared other bigger sites but never the little 25' ridge at Dockweiler.

Glad that Joe initiated my former Alpha 210 this way, on his first day as the new owner. I wonder how my Condor 225 would have done that day? It has a higher aspect ratio than the Alpha so it might have been harder for roll control. It would have been good to compare.

If one were to design a glider specifically for this type of soaring, then a low aspect ratio, medium large surface area, high cambered airfoil, to get low sink rate with quick roll response but giving up L/D. Such a glider could be a lot of fun at the beach on a windy day. Perhaps a "flying plank" type profile in a flex wing. Poor for distance but great for ridge soaring, hovering, etc.

Frank

[wingspan33]

Looks like you guys had a GREAT! day (or two days?) at Dockweiler!

I wish I could have been there! . . . . . .

.
.

[Bob Kuczewski]

Thanks Scott!!!

It was a GREAT! day!!!

[Bob Kuczewski]

If I had been there I might have done my first soaring flight at Dockweiler.

I think you're right. It might have reminded you of your ballooning days ... up, up, and away!

It might have been too strong for the Condor early in the day, but it would have been perfect later as the wind settled down.

I was happy to see the NWS forecast being accuate!!

[JoeF]

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Flight father to many:
Greg De Wolf

[wingspan33]

I wonder how many people can say Greg helped teach them to hang glide?

And he also taught a number of us HOW to teach our OWN students to fly. There's a magnifying effect there.

An unforgettable person!

[JoeF]

Greg had influences over today's flights
Tues., De. 12, 2017.
Here is one of today's flights:
https://youtu.be/0FqZL8zs170
Bob Kuczewski and Joe Faust flew the Alpha 219 in wind of 1 to 4 mph.
It was a special pleasure to land on footprints of seagulls.