[n16ht5]

Hello, I am Chris from WA. I am going to start hang gliding. I am reading Dennis Pagen's Understanding The Sky and Hang Gliding Training Manual. I have a few hrs instruction flying airplanes but decided to get into gliding instead. If anyone has a local instructor or school they can recommend please let me know. I am looking at Inland in Spokane, but that is a ways for me.

Does this look like a good deal? I know it is hard to tell from an ad like this without in person inspection..
seattle.craigslist.org/skc/spo/3118745977 .html

"Wills Wing HP AT 145 $700"

Not much info other than that

I weigh 145lbs

I am not in a rush to get going but would like to learn everything I can in the next few months.

Also if anyone needs a ride up to a launch in the area let me know, I will exchange rides for lessons.

Thank You,
Chris

[Paul H]

No, you shouldn't even be thinking about a glider like that one at this point.
To find a local instructor, go to the website www.ushpa.aero and click on the learn to fly tab.

[flybop]

Take lessons before you buy a wing. Then with the help and advice of your instructor you can begin to look for a wing, Your instructor will have all the gear you will need to start.

There are several Wa. pilots here. I am sure you will here from them. Good luck on this amazing journey!

[klh]

"HP AT" stood for "High Performance, Advanced Technology" back in the early 1990's when this line of gliders was in production. A great glider for its time, the HP AT was very demanding of pilot skill, especially in landing. I owned and flew an HP AT 158 for a number of years in the late 90's and loved it, but I had been flying since 1985. You don't want this glider. Period.

There are much easier to fly modern gliders that outperform the HP AT, but you won't start with one of those either.

As others have said, your instructor will provide gear to learn with; any damage you do to the training gear will come out of his pocket. Along the way you'll learn what makes different wings suitable for different pilots. Take things slowly and you'll have the greatest likelihood of long term success.

[Dan Harding]

Hi Cris, I live about 30 miles north of you,,, close to Skagit Speedway. There is a couple of clubs on this side of the Cascades, Cloudbase Country Club, and the North Cascades soaring club. There is also a Certified instructor by the name of Jeff Beck , that lives up here by me. PM me if you want more info.

[n16ht5]

Thanks for the tips guys. Jeff is not currently taking any more students right now I heard, going to try North Cascades to see if I can stir something up. Ill wait till next winter/spring to get a glider after I get some instruction.

[WingedGringo]

Go over to Paraphernalia on the east side of the Arlington airport and look for Jimmy. He flies the local sites and needs drivers.

[ChattaroyMan]