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Hangola December 18 - 23, 2003

Flight Reports

Paul and I showed up at the Nag's Head, NC, rental house on Monday evening, nestled so close to the beach that you couldn't see land, but only the ocean when you peered out of the upstairs windows. It boasted 6 bedrooms, a pool, a hot tub, a pool table, and a big family room - all of which were stuffed full of people who fly. George and Cindy invited us. They keep their Decathlon and Cessna planes at Ridgely, and have become close friends. We knew Lisa, formerly of Ridgely, and now of Quest, and also Joe, currently living at Quest. Joe told us he learned to fly the tug, and he and Lois are moving to Brazil (in a few days!!), building a couple Dragonfly planes and tandem gliders, and setting up an airpark. I will be disappointed not to see Lois on our Florida trips this year but what an adventure for them!

We didn't know lots of the other pilots, but they all seemed to be famous. (Example, Dorothy C., National Air and Space museum curator, Patty Wagstaff, aerobatic pilot who was honored as one of the 100 most important people in aviation, the list goes on and on ) I asked Cindy about how they knew these folks and she explained that she and Geo were "weasels" - that they had simply weaseled their way into being friends with all the top dogs. I figured that made Paul and I "sub-weasels". We felt too tired and intimidated to party very hard. We crashed in the living room, on the floor.

Tuesday morning Paul and I visited Jockey's Ridge, where Kitty Hawk Kites runs their hang gliding school, the biggest one in the world. I have always wanted to fly the dunes, but the wind was nonexistent. However, the young men teaching the classes were determined to give their students a thrill. Their technique was to sprint down the dune, each holding a side of the glider, while the student enjoyed a "young-buck powered" ride. Met Sunny and Chad's instructor. Very sentimental trip. Enjoyed lunch and nearly crashed the car when we noticed 100 sky divers tumble out of the sky at the same time. One group of 10 formed a pyramid, only separating close to the ground. Cool.

Drove over to meet Cindy and Geo and a few others, at a bar close to Jockey's Ridge. Wandered out to the dunes again and found a couple of California boys setting up a huge Falcon (hang glider), a 195. The wind had kicked into action and they agreed to let me borrow their glider and fly it a couple of times. I could barely get the base tube off the ground, but I tried to wedge the down tubes on my shoulders. I figured though the glider is rated for someone weighing a great deal more than I do, the dunes were pretty safe and the wind, though strong, seemed smooth. First time I sprinted down the hill, the glider tried to drag me sideways. It arced into a slow turn in the air, me hanging off the side, begging it to straighten out. What a truck! Finally got it straight before I landed. I couldn't get it to clear the ground on the way back up the hill but the boys rescued me. I thought I wanted to try and do better, but the Falcon tried to turn in my run again. Hell, it did more than try, it did. When I got prone I cranked in the bar and it would finally listen a bit. It felt easy to land. I decided that it was just too big and that instead of fixing the problem if I launched again, I was liable to end up paying for aluminum. Paul flew it a couple of times, too, so now we can say we both flew the famous site. Huge party at the house Tues night.

Wednesday morning we woke early, to scramble to the big event - the recreation of the Wright brother's flight. Dorothy had an extra ticket she gave us, but we still fell one short. Didn't know we needed tickets, and they had been going on Ebay for something like $500. We hadn't figured out if we could get another somehow, but decided to try.

Turned out they were giving away spare tickets at the gate, and we danced in without a problem. We waited for about an hour to get through security, in pouring, freezing cold rain. Found we couldn't get near the hill with the monument because Bush had showed up unexpectedly. Security had blocked off thousands of people from being able to see. Our little group left the entrance we had struggled for hours to enter, hitched a ride with a bus up the road, and hiked in a mile or two to the second entrance. The rain trickled into my socks, so it was like walking on sponges. My coat began to leak, though my rainpants kept my jeans dry. I was shivering by 9 AM. Finally we got in to a place where we could observe the happenings, though.

Listened to Bush. Actually, the PA system was screwed up so we watched Bush, all nice and cozy dry on the stage, unable to hear a syllable. The 10 AM showing of the flight was cancelled due to weather, but management told us they would try again at 2.

Wandered to the Kitty Hawk tent in the trade show. Watched Josh's film "The Flyingest Flying". Really we rigged up the VCR and played it so people could watch. I saw the tape with Josh's name on it laying there (Josh is a club member who put together this great documentary of hang gliding ). Met a president of the CHGA from 20 years ago , Fred Klein (I was prez for 2003). Met the guy who plays the German Baron at the flying circus in Bealton, used to be CHGPA member. Too many accidents those days, he dropped out of the club and the sport. Met another pilot, William Liscomb, who had incredible footage of hang gliding starting back in the early 60's. He promised to send us a DVD, though it is not finished, so we can show it to the club. Utterly amazing. I also played on a hang glider simulator, which I crashed twice. It doesn't have input like a real glider and you turn it by pulling the bar side to side, what a piece of crap. Since I couldn't fly it well, I let the brats waiting in line behind me take a turn.

Met up with Johnny and Bruce W. from KHK , who we have not seen since this spring. Also met two guys who do powered paragliding in the Lexington area of VA, who said they would come up to the club and show us how to do it, maybe bring a machine to the MGHA meeting. Um. Walter and Noel, I think.

Tried to buy lunch. Was told while waiting in line for the hot dog stand - only 2 stands for 40 THOUSAND people, not great organization - that it would be at least 2 hours wait for a dog. In line, we heard rumor that the pilots would try to launch the Flyer in 20 minutes (about 12:30) instead of 2, as projected. Paul and I raced to the field, where we snagged a spot about 50 feet from the launch spot - literally the best seat in the house. I complained I couldn't see so well, so the man in front of me gave me a chair to stand on. Pretty soon the official announcement was made but Paul and I had beat out almost the whole crowd to a prime spot. The Flyer was carried out, flimsy and beautiful, while gulls milled around her and played in the puddles. Soggy and shivering, feet shriveled like pickled hog's hooves, I nevertheless cried when the engine started after numerous attempts. The plane, made of cloth and wires and sticks trembled in the wind, right where the original had so many years ago. How different life would have been without the airplane. The first thing that came to mind is that Chad and Terry would both be alive except for those bastard Wrights, but then I would never had met them and I wouldn't know how to fly and the whole world would be different. This life has been one worth living, no matter what else.

Of course, it didn't fly. The engine didn't function correctly and the Flyer couldn't find the air to gather under her white wings. She rolled to the side of the track and rested a wing in the mud. We got sucked into waiting until 400 PM, thinking they would try another launch, but all we did was freeze. We listened to stupid speeches and became more sarcastic by the second, but we didn't give up until the management did.

The night wasn't close to over. Our house was the hip spot in town. Patty ordered a case of champagne, though I supped my gin, as usual. We all felt lots more like buddies, having been living like family for a few days. When a man with a big mustache wandered in, Patty told me to bring him a glass and a bottle of champagne. I did, and gave him a kiss. Turns out he was Greg Kohn (I am such a sub-weasel I don't even know how to spell his name). He was the head mechanic for the Wright Flyer, the man who has been involved in the project for 7 years or so, longer than any of the others. He was ecstatic, to have had such a great reception. Cindy and George are amazing weasels, I have to take lessons in sucking up from them. I thought scamming rides in the Decathlon was good. Ha! I am a piker.

Interesting party. All pilots, and all of us had high opinions of ourselves. Ed, the guy who had been sleeping on the couch in the room with Paul and I, confessed that he was not only a Naval aviator and that he worked for a major airlines, but that he owned a Firefly (I probably have the name wrong). Actually, THE Firefly. This is a world war 2 plane, prop driven, with 3000 horse power. It is the only model that is working in the world. It took 9 years and 40 thousand man hours to restore. He says it is scary as hell to fly. It burns hundreds of gallons of fuel an hour, no exaggeration. I kept bringing him drinks until he asked why, and then I confessed I just really wanted to know how many seats his plane had. It has two, and he says he will take me flying when we next visit San Diego. Can you believe it??? Sub Weasels RULE!

I owe Joe the biggest thank you of the night, when he suggested that I have a glass of water instead of another glass of gin. I was getting pretty sloppy but couldn't stand to let the party end. But I had water. As a result, the pilot that first passed out wasn't me, and I wasn't the one that was drawn on with felt pens, that ended up with pens stuck between my toes. I sobered up, slept well, and drove home this morning. Came back to find we didn't miss any work, the arena is frozen hard. If this keeps up, we'll book onto Florida next week, to Quest. Thanks to Cindy and Geo, though, from the weasel-in-training. What a great time. What a great life.

Lauren Tjaden

Woodstock report. Just 4 of us -- Nelson, Tom, Rance and me. Seemed to be blowing pretty strong, trees shaking and some freight train gusts going thru up to 20. Cloud streets to the immediate north and south. I thought we were just seeing a lot of thermal activity. I have been at Woodstock on days where you think "Damn -- its really blowin" but you get out and it is fine -- just and unusually thermally winter day. So I decided to give it a try. Anyway, two steps and I was off and up. But it was really honking -- 35 at least. Going straight up right over the slot. Had to practically stuff it to get out in front. Out front it was maybe 25 at 1000 over. Not bad but thermals all blown apart. Plus, the closer you got to the ridge the stronger it was. Not sure what was going on but you wanted to stay away from it. Gave up after 30 min or so and landed. It calmed down almost immediately IMMMEDIATELY after I landed and Tom launched and had a great flight. Bastard. He was just up there flitting around from cloud to cloud. Only problem was that the sun was going down. Nelson got Rance off but the clock was running out so he had to land after 15 mins or so. Nelson packed it up and hiked back down.

Boy, what a day! Arranged to meet up with Eddie around 11:30A. Got a little later start than normal. When I arrived at 11:45A, combat Zagi was in full session with Sparky, Eddie, and Gary Smith having fun. Bruce Engen arrived later to join in the Zagi fun. Mark Fink was sledding down the hill. John Middleton arrived with a class of 3 students, all near their Hang II rating. Set up the customary 5 windsocks in their respective positions, alongside John's 2 windsocks. The Hall ASI read 12 to 18 MPH at the top. I told Eddie it was gonna get good big time in the afternoon. Set up leisurely, watching the spinner windsock in the middle of the hill. Dave Fink and Jim Rooney arrived from a howling High Rock. Danny Brotto shows as well. I tell Dave and Jim to watch Eddie take his first flight. The wind wasn't strong enough for him to officially "soar", but the couple of passes he got in showed his skill as a pilot. They bolted for High Rock; I struggled to carry the glider up the hill. First flight not too bad. Second flight rowdy as could be. Third flight the charm. Got in a few passes and hit some lift at the foot of the hill. John Middleton had a nice soaring flight while his class waited for the winds to abate some from their 18 to 25 MPH at the top of the hill. I was beat after struggling with the glider each time carrying it up the hill. Don't ever remember it being this difficult before. The air was all over the place. Out of Smithsburg shape big time, so I called it a day as Lauren Tjaden prepared to fly. Later it backed down enough for the students to get in a few more flights, and for Danny to soar the hill in Lauren's Eagle. Matthew, Karen, and Mike Chevalier also showed at some time during the day. After everybody had departed except for John and his students, I visited the men's room across the road. I heard the telltale piercing scream of a hawk close by. Glancing up, I saw a redtail soaring the orchard hill. It screamed its shrill scream at least 5 times while it soared. Must have been a happy bird. After it sounded its pleasure playing in the lift, it tucked its wings and sped away quickly towards the sunset.

Bacil

That's it for the weekend.
Just a bunch of hang driving.
HR was blown out w/ snow squalls yesterday
Lizzy was too light and cross to the south and 501 is crossing to the west. Oh well... I tried.

I have a 5 day weekend next weekend and a 4 day the following. Thinking maybe a 4 day weekend at Lookout may not be too bad. I'm tired of the cold already.

Dave

Lizzy LZ, Straight South Lizzy Launch, South West cross. Launchable in cycles.

501 LZ, Straight West 501 Launch, South West cross. Launchable in cycles.

Neither looked any fun. 90deg difference in the LZs... freakin weird. Bagged it on both.

Lizzy could have been cleared, the ice was thin, but just wasn't worth the effort. (501 is grass). 4x4 or chains required, as mentioned earlier.

Saturday was blown out at HR. All who showed up bagged it. :(
Some joined in the fun down at Smithsburg.

some pictures of the party at Smithsburg on Saturday.

Highlight: Danny Brotto soars Smithsburg on Lauren's Eagle:

http://community.webshots.com/album/105855958QfjdvO

Started off perfect for this site; SW winds, overcast and blowing in a smooth 5mph. Got about 4 flights in. But...by the time the cloud cover dissapated by early afternoon, the winds revved up and we were looking at 10-15mph. Needless to say, we broke down, loaded up the Falcons, and cleaned our shoes of the dreaded doggie doo that resides in the park. Yuk.

Rich Hays

If any of you haven't checked out Ellis' pictures, you should. The captions are hysterical, and some of the photos, particularly the last one of Danny soaring, are beautiful.

I had a blast flying in the strong conditions, and was pleased that I could control the angle of attack on launch well enough to get a good run instead of getting snatched off the hill. I am too chicken**** to soar the hill, though. I am scared to turn close to the ground, and with good reason. Danny and Eddie and John were the only pilots with the kind of experience to manage the feat. Danny mentioned that some kind of disclaimer should be put in with the pictures, about the skill needed and the danger involved.

In fact, on Danny's second flight he hit a spectacular piece of rough air, which shook the snow out of Ginny's wing. Danny got weightless and from a long distance we could see the glider shudder. Eddie's comment was "I'll bet he just **** his pants." Danny was well above the hill and recovered well, though he did speed out to land after that. Though I have flown the hill when it is that strong before I don't think the lift off of it has ever been so fabulous.

I am also glad to have a couple of days away from all you pilot types. I have been quite "over-served" for the last week and a half and needed to return to a healthier lifestyle.

Lauren Tjaden

60 degrees 2 days in a row down here Marc. heh heh.

Dan mtn report. 1 so so day ( Monday), 1 very sweet day ( today). Monday: 45 mins, 600 over. Avg altitude minus 27 ft. Long sinkout. 20 mins over the house on the knoll out front. Very frustrating. Day 2. Good stuff! 1 hr 40. 400 up. 1500 over. Strong air. lift everywhere. worked the mtns to the west. blowing like stink on the ground -- afraid to land. Eventually sank out trying to make Powell Mtn. (wasn't working). Landing was fine -- nothing serious out there despite appearances. PG Fred came by taking some friends on a tour and patrolling for Russians in trees. No russians. russians apparently figured out that the day was not even remotely paraglideable and stayed home.

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This page last updated December 24, 2003