Hello all, I'm a hangglider pilot of old and haven't flown in over 20 years. Im in the uk.
Now the kids are all grown up I'm considering getting back into the sport. Imnot really up for the weight,cost and skill level required for a topless hotship so what I'm interested in is for those who remember the sport back from 1980 to 1990 is how the current intermediate type gliders compare to what I used to fly. Most of my hoursu were flown on an airwave magic 4 166 if anybody remembers those. What I've noticed from surfing around is:
- gliders seem to have got smaller in both wing span and weight in relation to pilot clip in weight
- no keel pockets
Pretty much everything else in this class of glider seems to have stood still since 1985, I really don't see much change or advance at all, or maybe there's other stuff going on? Do they handle any different now, perform better, I don't see why they would?
Thanks to anybody with memories stretching back that I would really appreciate your input.
Go for it old chap.
I had a 23 year ‘rest’ and am now enjoying it more than I ever did in the ‘70s & ‘80s (if that’s possible).
I can tell you exactly what it’s like going from old to new next week, when my new Discus arrives!!!!
Having said that I can say I’ve been more than happy with my 20 year old Kiss and have always been able to keep up with other flyers. I will be sad to retire this glider.
I did have a year on a docile Calypso in order to get my flying legs back.
You will see many changes, mostly paper work stuff, but all in all most things (not all) are safer now.
You would not do too bad on a Magic 4 even now. I know someone who has a good one for sale.
Many of our club members have older wings, often as a second glider, and I haven’t seen too many fall out of the sky or sink out (too much) more than new stuff.
The new stuff is, of course, crisper cleaner and wholly more desirable but don’t expect big lumps of improvement, just a bit better in every department, as you would expect form 20+ years of evolution. _________________ Skyhook BogRog built from plans
Own design and built experiment
Skyhook Sunspot
Skyhook Sabre (CFX)
23 year rest…
Airwave Calypso
Airwave Kiss
Discus (super colour, hand picked you know)
Hello all, I'm a hangglider pilot of old and haven't flown in over 20 years. Im in the uk.
Now the kids are all grown up I'm considering getting back into the sport. Imnot really up for the weight,cost and skill level required for a topless hotship so what I'm interested in is for those who remember the sport back from 1980 to 1990 is how the current intermediate type gliders compare to what I used to fly. Most of my hoursu were flown on an airwave magic 4 166 if anybody remembers those.
Thanks to anybody with memories stretching back that I would really appreciate your input.
Reddog,
I flew a Magic 4 177, back then. I still fly HG.
if you will have light flying conditions there, I would recommend a docile single-surface ship, maybe a bit on the large size, for your weight. If conditions there are usually strong, you may consider an entry-level double-surface glider, but you'd be better off to avoid the strong air instead. In stronger air though, you want to get the size where you are at the middle or near the top of the weight range of the glider. You may not keep this "first" glider very long, so pick something there which holds a good re-sale value over time. If you buy a good used glider, you may even sell it later for little or no loss.
Once you are back in the air, then you can shop around and test-fly the more advanced gliders (which are generally harder to land well). We agree here; I do not recommend buying any hot ship, to start your flying again. I do recommend the advice of a good HG instructor at first, to get your launches and landings into fine form again.
Hello all, I'm a hangglider pilot of old and haven't flown in over 20 years. Im in the uk.
Now the kids are all grown up I'm considering getting back into the sport. Imnot really up for the weight,cost and skill level required for a topless hotship so what I'm interested in is for those who remember the sport back from 1980 to 1990 is how the current intermediate type gliders compare to what I used to fly. Most of my hoursu were flown on an airwave magic 4 166 if anybody remembers those. What I've noticed from surfing around is:
- gliders seem to have got smaller in both wing span and weight in relation to pilot clip in weight
- no keel pockets
Pretty much everything else in this class of glider seems to have stood still since 1985, I really don't see much change or advance at all, or maybe there's other stuff going on? Do they handle any different now, perform better, I don't see why they would?
Thanks to anybody with memories stretching back that I would really appreciate your input.
Reddog --- I started in the early 80's and never stopped. The modern intermediate gliders are sweet. As a class of gliders, they have got much better. The handling is light, the glide is improved over the 80's and they land nicely. Come to think of it, I should have one! I'm flying a magic variant, the WW Ultra Sport. I consider it an evolutionary dead end.
I like to compare my 1986 sport to my 2003 sport 2.Both excellent
intermediate gliders but very different.The old sport 167 vs the new 155
The smaller wing is more efficient and will carry the same weight. The
new sport has vg, curved tips , sprogs,and only 2 luff lines.Probably
better glide. Noticed improvement in landing, more forgiving, better
feedback and flair window. The new sport is more complex and a bit
more hassle to set up. it is less stiff in turbulence due to the vg. _________________ MK4,eurosport 167,enterprise combat 152,
laminar st 14. H2.
Hello all, I'm a hangglider pilot of old and haven't flown in over 20 years. Im in the uk.
Now the kids are all grown up I'm considering getting back into the sport..
Reddog,
Sounds like a mirror story to mine, and according to a conversation with Steve Pearson of Wills Wing there are a very significant number of us returning to the sport after being away many years. For me I was an H4 and quit 28 years ago (lowered the risks) to raise a family then started the road back with an instructor and discovered scooter towing, where, using the instructor's glider I got to do multiple launches and landings per day - what a great way to get skills back and I would suggest the same for you if towing is available in your area. I had a friend still flying after all those years and he loaned me an old yellow Falcon 1 that I then flew for a several weeks until I bought a U2 6 months ago. XC was the passion years ago and I found it still is, so felt comfortable with the purchase of a used T2C just a couple of weeks ago. Now there is an amazing glide! I felt like Rip Van Winkle after the 28 year hiatus - the technology advances to me were astounding - especially in the U2 and T2.
I would suggest scooter towing or a training hill where you can have several quick turnarounds per day and get launch and landing skills solidified. I think you will find it's like riding a bicycle and it comes back very quickly. Have to tell you though, my very first flight was a tandem tow with Dustin Martin. At altitude he then gave me the bar and said, "Ok, let's pick up some speed", and I pushed OUT on the bar!! So don't be surprised if you falter on the bike that first time.
After many scooter tows I headed to a local ridge for the first ridge launch since returning. I'll never forget that feeling standing there. I was so stoked and made myself slow down and follow protocol. It was windy and the first inclination was wanting all my new friends on the wires to get out of the way so I could launch!!
I spent 28 years trying to find something that could substitute for the satisfaction (don't know how else to describe it) that comes from hang gliding. Dirt bikes, rappelling, sport bikes, drowning victim recovery diving... nothing came close. It was sure great to get back home to hang gliding.
All the best to you. PM me if you wanna talk. Here is a video of that first ridge launch that maybe you will enjoy. (Funny how things turn out, in the video from the air I mention Dustin 2nd in line on launch in his T2C , and at the end of the video the wing is the first in the group seen in the LZ... which turned out to be the wing I just bought a couple of weeks ago.. probly just amusing to me!)
Hello all, I'm a hangglider pilot of old and haven't flown in over 20 years. Im in the uk.
Now the kids are all grown up I'm considering getting back into the sport. Imnot really up for the weight,cost and skill level required for a topless hotship so what I'm interested in is for those who remember the sport back from 1980 to 1990 is how the current intermediate type gliders compare to what I used to fly. Most of my hoursu were flown on an airwave magic 4 166 if anybody remembers those. What I've noticed from surfing around is:
- gliders seem to have got smaller in both wing span and weight in relation to pilot clip in weight
- no keel pockets
Pretty much everything else in this class of glider seems to have stood still since 1985, I really don't see much change or advance at all, or maybe there's other stuff going on? Do they handle any different now, perform better, I don't see why they would?
Thanks to anybody with memories stretching back that I would really appreciate your input.
Hi Reddog,
Sounds like exactly what I went thru 2 years ago. I am 59 and had been away from HG for 24 years. When I felt the urge to return a couple of years ago I decided to have a days training with Graham Phipps down at Perranporth. He put me on a tether just to ensure that i hadn't been BS'ing him. Then the rain set in so we sat in the back of his van and sat the BHPA Club Pilot exam. Then when the rain cleared I was sent off for a soaring flight on a Calypso. It really was like I had never been away - and Perranporth is not the easiest place to top land.
The last glider I flew before quitting to bring up the kids was a Hiway Demon 175. I decided to buy a single surface glider to begin with and found a very nice Seedwings Europe Funky 17. Nice looking glider and specifically designed with newly qualified pilots, or for those returning after a long layoff. I haven't regretted it. However, I now feel ready to move on to something with a greater speed range and flatter glide at speed - say a WW U2 160 or an Airborne Sting 3 168 - or maybe even a 2nd hand Atos - now there is a very tasty wing. Or if the lottery ticket comes up trumps how about an Aeriane Swift?
There are a lot of 50 somethings returning to HG - we were all there in the early days, gave up to ensure we survived to see the kids grow up - and now find that "once an air junkie - always an air junkie". _________________ Regards, Roger
I was out for 29 years. Loving every minute of it. Flew a Falcon for a year or so while I also flew a Sport 2. Now just flying the Sport 2. Takes a little while to build skills back. Feels OH SO GOOD to be back at it! Don't hesitate. Fly anyhting that is known for good handling - then determine what sort of flying you want to do and go from there on what glider to get to fill your flying 'character'.
Have Fun! _________________ U2 160 • Chattaroy, WA - USA
Having said that I can say I’ve ..... always been able to keep up with other flyers.
A likely story!
@reddog
Basically it's as "Pud" writes: Think of a parameter and newer gliders do it a bit better.
Combine that with modern helmets, harnesses and instruments and you'll have a higher quality flying experience than 20 years ago.
"All" HG sails are computer cut and the stitch lines drawn with plotters, so the sails now are magnificent. _________________ "We should all have our heads examined"
"That's Rule Number 4"
CP Hill, CP Tow. Moyes Malibu 188.
Oie!! Watch it you or I'll steal your Malibu for a day. _________________ Skyhook BogRog built from plans
Own design and built experiment
Skyhook Sunspot
Skyhook Sabre (CFX)
23 year rest…
Airwave Calypso
Airwave Kiss
Discus (super colour, hand picked you know)
Thanks to all you guys that responded to my initial post, I really appreciate you taking the time and the feedback and the encouragement. It sounds like you are all having great time back in the air. One other question I was going to ask about modern flying is the preponderance of paragliders. When I left the sport it was already getting a little crowded out there on some of the sites in the air, I'd be interested to know how that situation has evolved over the last 20 years. All the best to you all.
Can't help you with that one old chap.
I fly with a HG only club at HG only sites.
What are a 'Paraglider?
I've heard of these floaty things that apparently look like Thunderbird puppets with interestingly coloured sunshades but I’ve never seen one. _________________ Skyhook BogRog built from plans
Own design and built experiment
Skyhook Sunspot
Skyhook Sabre (CFX)
23 year rest…
Airwave Calypso
Airwave Kiss
Discus (super colour, hand picked you know)
When I left the sport it was already getting a little crowded out there on some of the sites in the air, I'd be interested to know how that situation has evolved over the last 20 years. All the best to you all.
there are many more paragliders than hang gliders, because it's easier to learn, cheaper to do, and easier to transport, travel, hike to get to launches. It's very possible to coexist with them, many of my HG instructors are also PG instructors and I lfy together with them all the time. The only nuisance is when they are kiting up in the LZ.. _________________ glider: 2001 Aeros Target 18
harness: WW Z3 with Quantum 330
my ambition:
- to get a fensterwalder and do long hikes and fly down
- to get a mosquito NRG and be independent
Thanks to all you guys that responded to my initial post, I really appreciate you taking the time and the feedback and the encouragement. It sounds like you are all having great time back in the air. One other question I was going to ask about modern flying is the preponderance of paragliders. When I left the sport it was already getting a little crowded out there on some of the sites in the air, I'd be interested to know how that situation has evolved over the last 20 years. All the best to you all.
Sometime they are pylons: (Also Conrads 1st flight in 25 years)
Mike _________________ Everyone who lives dies, yet not everyone who dies, has lived.
We take these risks not to escape life, but to prevent life escaping us.
One other question I was going to ask about modern flying is the preponderance of paragliders.
It depends on where you fly.
The South Downs are just infested with the things.
2nd day of my CP course, there were over 40 paragliders airborne at the same time (I counted 43 in one picture) at Devil's Dyke.
If you tow, in Suffolk, you'll never ever see one.
Most hangies in Sussex tend to favour the higher wind days so that the PG's are grounded and there is one HG-only private site available to some SHGC pilots. _________________ "We should all have our heads examined"
"That's Rule Number 4"
CP Hill, CP Tow. Moyes Malibu 188.
PG's are everywhere in the UK. From my limited time on the hill, It is literally in the region of 20-30 paragliders for every hang glider. Expect traffic, and remember they have a much bigger vertical aspect.
However, its great when it gets a little windy.. as it seems they all land, but the hangies launch _________________ The best 'thermals' are to be found over poorly maintained helium factories.
Oh yeah, us ol'farts are just waiting to get rid of the kids and get back to the way things were, in a simpler time.
With age comes more caution, but it is there for you once again. _________________ H-4 (1976) UP Saturn 147 & UP Axis 13
The Cloudbase Foundation
Learn to fly hang gliders (click here}
Torrey Hawks #208
Just got back into it after a 35 year layoff. You will not have any problems on todays gliders. The last one I owned in 1976 was a cumulus 5b and cumulus 10 made by eipperformance. Aero tow tandem and get rechecked out. Went from a falcon 3 to a double surface horizon in 12 flights with no problem just in ground effect these new gliders just go and go. Land on the wheel and you will have no issues.
Reddog wrote:
Hello all, I'm a hangglider pilot of old and haven't flown in over 20 years. Im in the uk.
Now the kids are all grown up I'm considering getting back into the sport. Imnot really up for the weight,cost and skill level required for a topless hotship so what I'm interested in is for those who remember the sport back from 1980 to 1990 is how the current intermediate type gliders compare to what I used to fly. Most of my hoursu were flown on an airwave magic 4 166 if anybody remembers those. What I've noticed from surfing around is:
- gliders seem to have got smaller in both wing span and weight in relation to pilot clip in weight
- no keel pockets
Pretty much everything else in this class of glider seems to have stood still since 1985, I really don't see much change or advance at all, or maybe there's other stuff going on? Do they handle any different now, perform better, I don't see why they would?
Thanks to anybody with memories stretching back that I would really appreciate your input.
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