[NeoFlier]

Since beginning my HG training at LMFP, it has just recently occurred to me that wanting to become an HG pilot is a tale of determination.
I received my H1 rating over the weekend and got in 7 launches from the big hill; tinkering with trim speed and making 45 degree turns.
As I looked back at what I had been through, it no longer surprises me that so many noobs start the process but do not stay with it.
The process is demanding, physically, mentally and financially. In my endeavors to this point, more physically so than the
other two. With blown quads, strained/pulled muscles and all the miscellaneous bumps, bruises, cuts, and scrapes that
accompany the training process it is no wonder that many don’t persevere. I was witness to several people who got in a couple of
flights off the small hill and simply made their way back to their vehicles, never to return. One has to really want to become a pilot and
not do it simply for the “cool factor”.

Getting my H1 rating only further inspires my desire to become an accomplished HG pilot. I realize that this is further down the road,
but the first goal has been reached. I am looking forward to returning to LMFP on May 1-4. If all goes as planned I will receive my H2
rating and eventually get in my first mountain flight before summer begins.

A message to all the those about to commence training or just beginning; welcome to a really awesome sport and don’t ever give up your
dream of flying. The dividends are well worth the sacrifice. As a bonus, you’ll get an opportunity to meet some really great people who are
more than willing to help you attain that dream.

Scott

[CHassan]

The best things in life are never easily won!

[Rick M]

Very well said and so true. I'm sure we all have our own stories of perseverance to get our H2 ratings. And it is worth every bit of sweat, strain, and back account drain.

My first lesson was June 4 1993. I earned my H2 on September 4, 1993. Three full months of going to the training hill almost every Saturday and Sunday. Some days we got 5 or 6 flights. Some we got none. I learned in Colorado on a small hill with no shade. There was some small cactus and Yucca plants to avoid. One or two rattlesnakes were seen over the summer. Temps pushing 100 on occasion. No shorts were allowed. As we progressed the flights got harder due to carrying the glider further and higher up the hill. Luckily I was 28 and in shape at the time.

But we made great friends and learned a lot during all that time. It was worth all the effort. The first time you launch from 10,300' and glide 2.5 miles to the main LZ at 8,000' with amazing views of snow covered mountains in the distance, you can't help but forget the effort it took to get there and just get lost in thought of doing something so few people are willing to do.

Here's a view from launch where I did my first mountain flight. Williams Peak upper launch near Heeney, CO.

Enjoy

[knumbknuts]

But the feeling of flying like superman is more easily done than we deserve!

[blindrodie]

Personally I'm glad it's this hard. The sport is just too unforgiving to the half-hearted wannaB's and the current process culls the herd well.

That beind said I wish it was just a "little" easier to get airtime!!

HANG IN THERE!!!

[Windlord]

Congratulations Neoflyer!
Phase #1 out of the way, next, onto phase #2.
With a few that gave up on their dream, it's heart breaking to witness
that, but at least it will provide you with more airspace. If they gave up that easily, then they really didn't want it that bad anyway.
Keep us posted with your progress.

[HangDiver]

Hang in there NeoFlier. The physical part is the hardest while learning. It does get a lot easier as you go on.

Good Luck on getting that H2!

[knumbknuts]

Start blog, neoflier.

And rest assured, SG can change your ID later, so you won't be a permanent n00b.

[mikewrx]

After my first day on the small training hill Saturday I can see why some people might simply walk away. It was more physically demanding than I expected. Thankfully no pulled muscles but definitely very sore.

I agree with the others here that its not for the casual weekender. It will take some effort but I'm commited and for me, failure is really not an option.

[mikewrx]

After my first day on the small training hill Saturday I can see why some people might simply walk away. It was more physically demanding than I expected. Thankfully no pulled muscles but definitely very sore.

I agree with the others here that its not for the casual weekender. It will take some effort but I'm commited and for me, failure is really not an option.

[Zig]

Things that can and will suffer: Hamstrings, quads, bank account, wife, car, the lawn, patience....

At this point I am convinced that people who do this don't just want to do this, they need to fly.

My beginning stages actually went very quickly and were very fun. However, the last 6-8 months have been a tale of frustration on top of frustration. It culminated this weekend with spending the entire day on a mountain and not being able to fly, even though the conditions were perfect when I got there (more on that later). I know these frustrations are not going to go on forever, and having had a couple mountain flights I have an understanding of the payoff. The payoff in this sport far outweighs the frustrations one must endure.

[Mrsposer]

Congrats neoflier!! Oh, how I wish we were on the same schedule so that the Posers could meet up with you one weekend soon!

[NeoFlier]

[AP]

Good on you neoflyer. As everyone else has said it gets a whole lot easier the more airtime and the higher rating you get .

This thread makes a good point and like Zig said,

[TomGalvin]

[blindrodie]

[jimrooney]

It is worth every groan, every bead of sweat, every burn in every muscle.
We all understand. We all cheer for "the new guy".
Yes, it gets easier.
It is so worth it.

Yes, we love to read the stories of the up and coming pilots... it reminds us what it was like to view things as they were new. I don't know anyone that doesn't get excited reading someone else's "first flight" account. It puts things in perspective that we've forgotten.

Charge on and share your tales with us.
Welcome
Jim

[Lobido]

Jim said it well, Neo. When you start, regardless how far advanced other pilots may be, you are the one, Neo.

I couldn't resist.

[Eteamjack]

One should note that not all training experiences today are as physical as they were say 30 yrs ago. Rob at High Adventure Hang Gliding carts the glider back up the training hill after every flight on a small tractor. We had to walk the glider back up the hill in 100-110 degree heat. It took seven months to solo. Reason why instructors were too busy making money elsewhere. Each time I went out it was like starting over. No radios or tandem flights. Lots of perserverance was involved and the rewards have been tremendous. So what I'm saying if you have a love for flying this is the sport to get involved with. Yes, our sport can be demanding
and sometimes frustrating, but thats what makes it so special.

[Windlord]

Well said, ETeamJack!
We had no tandems, no radios, no tows,if you wanted a tow, you had to go
to Cyprus Gardens and watch the water show.
I used my new standard wing to learn on, we didn't have a trainer wing.
I also carried my own wing up the training hill after it was demonstrated to me
once. I more or less ran up the hill to get ready to go again, this was just
too fantastic to wait for.
You will never forget the begining and best thing is , there's no end.