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kmh454
Joined: 28 Feb 2010
Posts: 52
Location: mobile,alabama
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 Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 10:12 am Post subject: Lookout mountain tips! |
 #1 |
Hey, I am going to Lookout Mountain April third to start my hg training. I bought Hang Gliding for beginner pilots, and have been reading/watching everything I can
about Hang Gliding. Any tips or advice? Or maybe a way to speed me through the
next 30 days so I can hurry up and start!!! |
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Avnav8r
3 thumbs up
Joined: 06 Jan 2008
Posts: 994
Location: Trenton, Georgia
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 10:44 am Post subject: |
#2 |
Hey,
Start stretching and walking/jogging. Inject yourself with some bird DNA to heighten your flying senses and remember, every one learns differently.
I am sure some of the more recent students will chime in here to help you. Welcome to our world!
John Stokes
www.osceolabaldeagle.com
_________________
To err is human. To blame it on someone else, shows management potential. |
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iSoar
3 thumbs up
Joined: 01 Jan 2009
Posts: 319
Location: Ringgold, GA
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:18 am Post subject: |
#3 |
Welcome!!!
I did my training last year in April. Its a great time of year to start.
John's advice is right on with walking/jogging. I might add that if you can find a small hill jog/run down it 10 - 15 times every other day. Plenty of people are in good shape when they begin training but it doesn't take long to figure out that its not the distance that we're running that gets to you, its the running down hill that your muscles aren't used to.
Other advice would be to look at other things in the area to do when you aren't training since most of your training will be before noon. There should be plenty of other people around on launch and at the LZ if the weather is good so get out, mingle, and ask questions. Most importantly just enjoy it and HAVE FUN!!!
-Brandon- |
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HangDog
3 thumbs up
Joined: 08 Aug 2008
Posts: 1485
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:20 am Post subject: |
#4 |
| Avnav8r wrote: |
Hey,
Start stretching and walking/jogging. Inject yourself with some bird DNA to heighten your flying senses and remember, every one learns differently.
I am sure some of the more recent students will chime in here to help you. Welcome to our world!
John Stokes
www.osceolabaldeagle.com |
Yes I can certainly agree with this. Please by all means start jogging or using a treadmill. Exercise and stretch. Start now don't wait. Video's and your imagination about training do no justice. When you actually start training your gonna think back how glad you are that you started preparing for it ahead of time. If you don't then plan on plenty of pain pills, liquor and the worst part,... giving up. We don't allow people on here who give up  j/k lol but seriously start training now mentally and physically.
I prepped myself too and during training I had a bad landing and my left leg got twisted behind me. Well It felt fine the rest of the day but the next morning I was in serious pain. So what did I do? I kept going and finished all my training in pain but If I didn't prepare ahead of time I would not have been able to continue.
Also, whatever you do, each and everyday take your own water. I stopped off and got a 12 pack of water for everyday and you know what? I drink all of it!. You'll need it. They have water coolers but when I was there sometimes they forgot to fill the jugs and there was no water. they just get really busy sometimes so things naturally get forgotten about sometimes. We're just human.
Good luck in your ventures on the hills... and when you finally make it to the ramp for your first mountain launch after you land take some tissues cause when you accomplish this feat, I would be willing to bet you might just shed a bit of a tear because of you accomplishments!. I did.
So if you prepare then you won't have to give up due to an injury or an overdose from pain pills.
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MightyMouse
Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 28
Location: LMFP
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:30 am Post subject: |
#5 |
Even if you have your own glider, start with theirs. There is no reason to bang up your glider on the hills. Save yours till you are off the mountain a few times.
Ringo |
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Derakon
2 thumbs up
Joined: 03 Feb 2010
Posts: 135
Location: California
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:40 am Post subject: |
#6 |
Bring water! When I go free-flying at Hollister (~5 hours out on the hill) I take a gallon with me and drink most of it. Sunscreen's also a good idea -- you'll only spend so much time each day shaded by your wing.
My personal experience with sled runs is that the hard bit as far as exertion is concerned is pushing the glider back up the hill. I suppose this will depend on your training location -- the steepness of the hill and the smoothness of the ground have a big impact on how much effort you expend here.
It seems to me that the most likely way to get injured in sled runs is to take a bad landing. I'm not really certain what the best way is to prepare for this, though. You're going to screw up a bunch of landings just as a fact of learning, but most of 'em will just involve you on your knees getting pulled along the ground a short ways -- no problem so long as your LZ doesn't have cacti or big rocks, and you don't mind getting your clothes dirty. Speaking of which, HG training is a great time to use up any pairs of jeans that are too ratty to wear in social occasions but not bad enough to throw away. 
I had two landings that hurt a bit while I was getting my H1: in one, I flared way too early, causing the glider to go up several feet, stall, and unceremoniously drop me back down. I landed hard on my feet, which gave a shock to them and my hip. Nothing serious but they did hurt for a couple days or so. I guess the answer here would be to remember to bend and roll if you fall from any significant height, and wear good shoes with plenty of support. The other bad landing occurred when I flared (again, a bit early) without having balanced the glider first, so it slewed off to one side, dropping me down sideways. I took the impact on the muscle in my right shin, which was tender for about a week afterwards but wasn't otherwise damaged. Dunno what you'd do about this one.
_________________
A.k.a. Chris W
Got my H1 in Feb 2010! |
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pjwings
3 thumbs up
Joined: 20 Aug 2009
Posts: 2005
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:41 am Post subject: |
#7 |
If you're not there already, prepare to become obsessed. If you are there already, prepare to become even more obsessed!
You're going to have to be patient. It always takes longer to get things going than you want to. For example it took me 3 weekends to complete my 'weekend' package just because of the weather and my schedule. On that note if you can keep your training regular you'll go faster than if you space it out. It is hard work so planning on training every day for a week or more would be pretty tough (unless you're in exceptionally good shape). In an ideal world I'd plan on doing 3 or 4 days a week for maximum effectiveness. At least go out every weekend until you reach H2 to really cement in those lessons! If you can't you can't. I couldn't and it took me 2 months from my first lesson to my first mountain solo. Some folks take longer, some less. Don't rush it... it's all great fun!
A fun thing to do would be to go through this forum and watch every 'First Mountain Launch' video and read the threads. There are a lot of good people on this site that have dispensed a lot of good advice. The combination of the videos and the commentary will help you learn a lot.
Are you married? Have a girlfriend? If so, start working on a plan to build up some kitchen pass points Do all the dishes from now until you start... maybe a foot massage every couple of days... you get the idea.
Also, get yourself 3-4k $$ ready because as soon as you get those first few mountain launches in you're going to be wanting to purchase a glider. Rather, you're going to NEED to purchase a glider
The training is definitley the most physically demanding part of a hang gliding career... mostly got me in the legs (quads) and overall endurance. Whatever you can do to build stamina in the next few weeks will help.
To make the time go faster and to learn a bunch go to hang gliding sites near you. Hang around on launch and at the LZ. Tell everyone you're planning on becoming a pilot or better yet, offer them a ride! I've learned a TON of great stuff just chatting and listening in this way.
Welcome to the addiction!!! May the wind rise to meet you
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pipefuser
2 thumbs up
Joined: 02 Mar 2010
Posts: 51
Location: Douglasville Ga
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 1:14 pm Post subject: |
#8 |
Read and re-read the first few chapters of the book. Relax.  |
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slimchance
3 thumbs up
Joined: 05 Jul 2009
Posts: 817
Location: Las Vegas
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 1:36 pm Post subject: |
#9 |
one tip on sun screen...DO NOT PUT IT ON YOUR FOREHEAD!!!!!!!
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I have a fever…And the only prescription… is more Cowbell!!
If you want to pick a government to trust....why not this one! |
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gasdive
2 thumbs up
Joined: 12 Aug 2009
Posts: 1161
Location: port macquarie australia
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 2:11 pm Post subject: |
#10 |
| pjwings wrote: |
Are you married? Have a girlfriend? If so, start working on a plan to build up some kitchen pass points :) Do all the dishes from now until you start... maybe a foot massage every couple of days... you get the idea.
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A little known factoid.
Kitchen points (aka Brownie points, Leave Pass points) have a very short half life. As little as 3 days after acquiring them, they're half gone even if you haven't used them. I took mine for a week at the gold coast (Fancy hotels, swimming pools, beaches, yuk...) followed by a week in Manilla NSW. Almost all the points had expired even before we arrived at Manilla. Even as we tried to sleep in the campground, swatting mosquitoes, points were being consumed. After just 3 hours in 50 degree heat, standing in the sun waiting for a cycle to come up the face they'd almost all been used up. Then just driving back down the 35 degree slope that is the "road" we ran out completely. (I thought she'd love to learn to drive the 4WD for the retrieves to come). The drive into town down the dusty road in the open car put me into debt from which I've never recovered. Sure we looked like we'd been in a flour fight, but the dust washed off eventually.
I do know some people run a debit system, use the points on credit and then earn them *after* the event. Sounds great, till you find out that debits are charged at 30% per day interest.
Cheers Jason =:)
_________________
Jason Rogers,
http://zerods.blogspot.com/
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Lock a diver in an empty room for an hour with three ball bearings. On your return, one will be lost, one will be broken and one will be stolen. |
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Bobfly
3 thumbs up
Joined: 13 Nov 2009
Posts: 3699
Location: San Diego, Ca.
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 2:14 pm Post subject: |
#11 |
| gasdive wrote: |
| pjwings wrote: |
Are you married? Have a girlfriend? If so, start working on a plan to build up some kitchen pass points Do all the dishes from now until you start... maybe a foot massage every couple of days... you get the idea.
|
A little known factoid.
Kitchen points (aka Brownie points, Leave Pass points) have a very short half life. As little as 3 days after acquiring them, they're half gone even if you haven't used them. I took mine for a week at the gold coast (Fancy hotels, swimming pools, beaches, yuk...) followed by a week in Manilla NSW. Almost all the points had expired even before we arrived at Manilla. Even as we tried to sleep in the campground, swatting mosquitoes, points were being consumed. After just 3 hours in 50 degree heat, standing in the sun waiting for a cycle to come up the face they'd almost all been used up. Then just driving back down the 35 degree slope that is the "road" we ran out completely. (I thought she'd love to learn to drive the 4WD for the retrieves to come). The drive into town down the dusty road in the open car put me into debt from which I've never recovered. Sure we looked like we'd been in a flour fight, but the dust washed off eventually.
I do know some people run a debit system, use the points on credit and then earn them *after* the event. Sounds great, till you find out that debits are charged at 30% per day interest.
Cheers Jason = |
Truer words have never been spoken. Remember, women have the right to change their minds!
_________________
Freedom 170 FR |
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kmh454
Joined: 28 Feb 2010
Posts: 52
Location: mobile,alabama
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 3:12 pm Post subject: |
#12 |
Hmmm I think i have plenty of points saved up. My wife ad son are going with me. We are going to stay for nine days,and plan on doing kid stuff in the afternoon. My wife and son are going on tandem flights, hopefully they will catch fever also  |
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kmh454
Joined: 28 Feb 2010
Posts: 52
Location: mobile,alabama
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 3:52 pm Post subject: |
#13 |
[quote="pjwings"]If you're not there already, prepare to become obsessed. If you are there already, prepare to become even more obsessed!
To make the time go faster and to learn a bunch go to hang gliding sites near you. Hang around on launch and at the LZ. Tell everyone you're planning on becoming a pilot or better yet, offer them a ride! I've learned a TON of great stuff just chatting and listening in this way.
I have been wanting to try this since 1999 we were at lookout and happened to see a sign about hang gliding, so i went for a tandem ride. The only bad thing is I live in mobile, Al as far as I know there is no good place to hg near me. Anyone ever been to cheaha mountain? Its around 2400 ft above sea level.
Kevin |
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SkyPilot
3 thumbs up
Joined: 18 Nov 2009
Posts: 767
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 5:40 pm Post subject: |
#14 |
| Bobfly wrote: |
| gasdive wrote: |
| pjwings wrote: |
Are you married? Have a girlfriend? If so, start working on a plan to build up some kitchen pass points Do all the dishes from now until you start... maybe a foot massage every couple of days... you get the idea.
|
A little known factoid.
Kitchen points (aka Brownie points, Leave Pass points) have a very short half life. As little as 3 days after acquiring them, they're half gone even if you haven't used them. I took mine for a week at the gold coast (Fancy hotels, swimming pools, beaches, yuk...) followed by a week in Manilla NSW. Almost all the points had expired even before we arrived at Manilla. Even as we tried to sleep in the campground, swatting mosquitoes, points were being consumed. After just 3 hours in 50 degree heat, standing in the sun waiting for a cycle to come up the face they'd almost all been used up. Then just driving back down the 35 degree slope that is the "road" we ran out completely. (I thought she'd love to learn to drive the 4WD for the retrieves to come). The drive into town down the dusty road in the open car put me into debt from which I've never recovered. Sure we looked like we'd been in a flour fight, but the dust washed off eventually.
I do know some people run a debit system, use the points on credit and then earn them *after* the event. Sounds great, till you find out that debits are charged at 30% per day interest.
Cheers Jason = |
Truer words have never been spoken. Remember, women have the right to change their minds!
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You guys are too funny
_________________
Wingless
H2 - FL CL FSL
Torrey Hawks
I DO NOT endorse the products below - UNLESS I WILL BE PAID A COMMISSION - in which case I WHOLE-HEARTEDLY ENDORSE these products. |
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Bobfly
3 thumbs up
Joined: 13 Nov 2009
Posts: 3699
Location: San Diego, Ca.
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 6:30 pm Post subject: |
#15 |
Kmh, I may be there at the same time doing the same thing.  'Course, it may take me a bit longer to get back up the hill. I think I'll take my own ATV and trailer.
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Freedom 170 FR |
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blindrodie
3 thumbs up
Joined: 06 Dec 2006
Posts: 3758
Location: Roeland Park, KS
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 10:23 pm Post subject: ...and not while you are driving! |
#16 |
Watch the sky and study the birds constantly. See how they do what they do every day. Dream....... 
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Holger
2 thumbs up
Joined: 03 Sep 2008
Posts: 851
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 10:30 pm Post subject: |
#17 |
| gasdive wrote: |
| pjwings wrote: |
Are you married? Have a girlfriend? If so, start working on a plan to build up some kitchen pass points Do all the dishes from now until you start... maybe a foot massage every couple of days... you get the idea.
|
A little known factoid.
Kitchen points (aka Brownie points, Leave Pass points) have a very short half life. As little as 3 days after acquiring them, they're half gone even if you haven't used them. I took mine for a week at the gold coast (Fancy hotels, swimming pools, beaches, yuk...) followed by a week in Manilla NSW. Almost all the points had expired even before we arrived at Manilla. Even as we tried to sleep in the campground, swatting mosquitoes, points were being consumed. After just 3 hours in 50 degree heat, standing in the sun waiting for a cycle to come up the face they'd almost all been used up. Then just driving back down the 35 degree slope that is the "road" we ran out completely. (I thought she'd love to learn to drive the 4WD for the retrieves to come). The drive into town down the dusty road in the open car put me into debt from which I've never recovered. Sure we looked like we'd been in a flour fight, but the dust washed off eventually.
I do know some people run a debit system, use the points on credit and then earn them *after* the event. Sounds great, till you find out that debits are charged at 30% per day interest.
Cheers Jason = |
This posting should be in the Hall of Fame corner of the wiki. |
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pjwings
3 thumbs up
Joined: 20 Aug 2009
Posts: 2005
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:34 am Post subject: |
#18 |
Truer words were never spoken my friend! The worst part is, no matter the crappy half-life or exchange rate, I'm always willing to put in the extra because I love to fly soo much. I'm pretty sure she's figured this out. Darn smart women!
| gasdive wrote: |
| pjwings wrote: |
Are you married? Have a girlfriend? If so, start working on a plan to build up some kitchen pass points Do all the dishes from now until you start... maybe a foot massage every couple of days... you get the idea.
|
A little known factoid.
Kitchen points (aka Brownie points, Leave Pass points) have a very short half life. As little as 3 days after acquiring them, they're half gone even if you haven't used them. I took mine for a week at the gold coast (Fancy hotels, swimming pools, beaches, yuk...) followed by a week in Manilla NSW. Almost all the points had expired even before we arrived at Manilla. Even as we tried to sleep in the campground, swatting mosquitoes, points were being consumed. After just 3 hours in 50 degree heat, standing in the sun waiting for a cycle to come up the face they'd almost all been used up. Then just driving back down the 35 degree slope that is the "road" we ran out completely. (I thought she'd love to learn to drive the 4WD for the retrieves to come). The drive into town down the dusty road in the open car put me into debt from which I've never recovered. Sure we looked like we'd been in a flour fight, but the dust washed off eventually.
I do know some people run a debit system, use the points on credit and then earn them *after* the event. Sounds great, till you find out that debits are charged at 30% per day interest.
Cheers Jason = |
_________________
http://pjwings.blogspot.com/ |
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Sky_Walker
3 thumbs up
Joined: 03 Nov 2007
Posts: 763
Location: Trenton, Ga
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| Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 12:25 pm Post subject: |
#19 |
I've heard that if you bribe the local pilots they divulge the "Real" secrets !!!
I walked to the training hills at lookout from my house for exercise all winter. Can't wait to see a new batch off pilots out there.
_________________
Jaime Perry
H3 FL CL AWCL FSL
WW Sport 2 155 |
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Holger
2 thumbs up
Joined: 03 Sep 2008
Posts: 851
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 12:46 pm Post subject: |
#20 |
| Created a page to the wiki: Forum Posts Hall of Fame and added gasdrive's post. Wiki admins: please feel free to rearrange and move the link on the front page. The new page should also contain a link to Rob's postings actually. |
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