New hill (maybe), new pilot (maybe)

[pnadams]

My girl friend wants to learn to fly, so we have been looking a hills with that hill-lust that new pilots have.
We came across a 55ft south facing hill NW of Beallsville that looked like good. Yesterday afternoon I spent a few hours with a swing blade clearing a launch out of the grass and briars, then I flew off of it a few times. It's a pretty good little hill.
The cordinates are something like 39 11' 29" - 77 24' 55". It is under power lines so I don't think it will work for PGs. It's steep enough so beginners could get launched without heroic effort. There is a NW hill across the valley but the slope is very shallow. There is also a W facing knob but it is only 30 feet and not very steep. The property is Montgomery County Parks and very little used. My plan would be to keep a low profile, keep it clean and be very polite to the equestrians (it's an equestrian park).
When you go there bring a swing blade (Home Depot $16), the launch run I cleared was just enough for me to launch (I have a strong launch). So the launch needs clearing and it will probably need some clearing all summer. My guess is the lower profile of hand tools will be better than a two cycle brush cutter motor.
To get there follow Rt 28 west from Beallsville about a mile, turn right into the Rickman Equestrian Center. Drive back to the parking area. From the parking area walk east about 300 yards, you will be at the foot of the hill. Please resist the urge to drive to the foot of the hill.

After I flew yesterday I spent some time teaching my girl friend to wrestle...I mean, ground handle a 70 lb glider.
Does anybody have an old trainer glider and harness I could borrow (or rent/buy) for a few months. She's around 140lbs so something like a 170 Falcon, 165 Dream, 165 Gemini would be perfect, but an old Seagull, C5A, Eaglet,... would be fine. Thanks.

[silverwings]

On the South facing hill, could it take a SE wind? Regarding looking for a used Dream or Gemini, I have both available. Give me a call at (202) 406-1103 during the day (best time 2:30 - 6:00 PM) and we can discuss them.

[dbodner]

Assuming the park falls under Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (which generally covers Montgomery and PG county parks), here are the rules:

"Airplanes, helium/hot air balloons, hang gliders, parachutes, ultra-light planes, or any other person operated aircraft shall not be flown or launched from any Commission property except in officially designated areas by permit."

On the bright side landings seem permissible. If it's a good site, maybe we can get special permission for a training hill. We might be opposed by the horsey set, though.

[pnadams]

SE will work, SW not so good. There are trees on the west side.

[huddlec]

Not sure how well horses and hang gliders mix. Lauren might know.
Christy