[skydog]

Would like to know if it is possible to communicate with any pilots regarding Bob & Chris Wills, and learn if there is anyone that knew Bobby and the Wills family during 1971 to 1977. I am working on a documentary film about both Bobby, his family, Wills Wing, and the early days of hang gliding. I'd appreciate any information that you and others would want to share. And am hoping to conduct "live" interviews with interested people at the site of the first hang gliding meet that was held in Newport Beach, California on May 23rd, 1971. Which is now a residential area) Please feel free to contact me if you or anyone else is interested in participating.

My sincere thanks,

Jeff Redd
Producer
Video Resources Inc.
1-800-261-7266

[Phoenix]

Wow, 40 years coming up! I look forward to seeing this!

[Bobfly]

I just spoke to a gentleman by the name of Arthur Hicks the other day that says he flew with Bob Wills in the early 70's. I'll ask him if he would like to talk with you.
It sounded like he knew him pretty well.

[trigear19c]

I was at that 1971 Hang glider meet. I remember one of the wills Bros flying down the hill hanging upside down from the bar and his head coming very close to the ground. There all sorts of odd glider there some bi wing that you just hung by your arms from. A friend and I brought our rogallo wing that was visqueen and used a child swing seat and seat-belt to strap in. Very few people wore helmets.

I think the thrill-seeker TV show people were there filming . I don't recall Chuck Connors being there. We normally flew our glider at Norco and Corona

Im sure I talked with one of the Wills Bros. but don't recall much else.

I finally quit in about 1975 as too many people were getting killed at it.

The last time I flew another pilot crashed badly into the hill and tore open both knees as it turned out he was the only guy that new where the hospital was so we put him in my truck found the hospital.

Ill stick to planes with engines now. but it sure was a thril.

Look forward to seeing your documentary.

Del

[Jason]

its a lot safer then it was in 1971......or 1975....

[skydog]

I caught a ride up the hill at Escape Country with Bob Wills and his honey. A very enthusiastic man.
Bob Grant

[SKYROWG]

I flew with Bob at Escape Country, Coyote Hills, and the Guadalupe Sand dunes. I recall him running bare foot at launch at Coyote Hills and landing back on top when I did not know it was possible to do so! He launched a WW Swallowtail at the Guadalupe dunes with four or five persons in (and hanging off of) the same glider in 30+ MPH winds. The leading edges on the glider were deflected up at the tips about two feet from the load on it! I believe it was Bob during one landing at Escape Country, who (intentionally??) planted the end of his leading edge in the ground at the LZ, and then did a perfect 360 degree turn around it!

He was a natural pilot with an almost mystical level of confidence.......... a true living legend during the early days of the sport!

[Richard Saffold]

My brother and I have lots of good Bob Wills adventures from the time period you mention.

Will give you a call.

Rich

[Chris FX]

Hi, Back in the early 1970's when I was about 13 years old, I saw an episode of "Thrill Seekers" featuring Bill Bennett and his hang gliding. They were fixed wing delta designed gliders. I was so facinated I had my father bring me to Bill Bennett's company (Delta Wing Kites) in Van Nuys, Califonia in the Los Angeles area. We met Bill in the lobby of his shop where he went on-and-on about the joys, safety and 'thrills' of hang gliding. I, of course wanted to take lessons and buy one but after Bill's pitch, my dad quickly took me away saying I should choose a safer sport because Bill was in a neck brace.