Looking for a Tandem Paraglider Pilot

[jpcecil]

I'm a P-3 new to the area and still learning sites & people. I have a friend at work who is itching to fly but needs to do so soon before she leaves for school.

Are there any tandem pilots out there who would be able to fly this weekend? We are in southern MD (PAX NAS). Someplace not too far (3 hrs or so) would be great. Please give me a call or reply here.

What's the going rate for a tandem flight around here?

Thanks!
Jim Cecil
425-417-1257

[mcelrah]

Hi Jim,

The short answer is that there aren't really any tandem PG pilots around here at present. Perhaps your friend could settle for coming along and watching while you fly? Best people to contact for PG flying are Ellis Kim or Tom Ceunen (try a private message through this forum). I'll be around Saturday but not Sunday.

Hugh McElrath

[davidtheamazing1]

Also, instead of tandem PG, tandem HG is pretty similar... try Highland Aerosports or BlueSky flight park.

[mcelrah]

Ya, I'm training for foot-launch HG tandem - still have to fly with rated pilots before inflicting myself on the general public. - Hugh

[mcelrah]

Jim, looks like some PGers are looking at Woodstock early (11 AM launch) Friday. - Hugh

[jpcecil]

Thanks for all the feedback.
We ended up doing tandem hang flights at Highland on Saturday. It was late afternoon (~4:00), no lift, but still very fun!
And, just as I feared- I'm hooked! Looking into hang lessons. Trying to decide between starting with foot launch or aero tow, understanding I will likely end up with both, just trying to decide which to start with.
Any thoughts?

[mcelrah]

Aerotow in the summer till Highland closes in November. Then foot-launch in cooler temp (you will be hauling the glider back up the training hill) when crop does not close certain sites. Welcome to the dark side! - Hugh

[markc]

Well shoot, I was at Highland on Sat, but didn't run into you Jim. Wish I had,
would have been fun to hear about your flights, and to pass along some info
about HG instruction in the area. A combo approach (tandems + foot-launch)
can really serve you well if the idea of HG mtn flying is calling you.... Feel free
to ask questions in the forum or via PMs. Cheers!

MarkC