I just quit my job on Friday and have a week off before starting my new one. I'm going to take advantage of the free time and take hang gliding lessons at BlueSky.
It doesn't look like a great week to fly XC, but should be good enough for some towing in the mornings at least.
Thursday looks like it may be a good XC day at Woodstock after the cold front passes. I have my PG with me and will be watching what the weather gods bring us.
Unsettled weather
Moderator: CHGPA BOD
Re: Unsettled weather
BlueSky was nice today. Hang gliding in the morning. Then PG in the afternoon.
The hang gliding was on an Alpha 210 that was too big for me but easy in no wind. Launches were pretty good. Had 10 flights and some issues with cross control, but had some good landing so didn't forget all of the 7 lessons I took over two years ago. Gonna try the Alpha 170 tomorrow.
Came back around 2:30 for some PG towing. Did 3 tows. Best was 1000 ft. Had a 20 min flight in light lift - tshirt flyin'!
Hoping for more of both tomorrow.
The hang gliding was on an Alpha 210 that was too big for me but easy in no wind. Launches were pretty good. Had 10 flights and some issues with cross control, but had some good landing so didn't forget all of the 7 lessons I took over two years ago. Gonna try the Alpha 170 tomorrow.
Came back around 2:30 for some PG towing. Did 3 tows. Best was 1000 ft. Had a 20 min flight in light lift - tshirt flyin'!
Hoping for more of both tomorrow.
Cross controlling and towing a PG
Matt,
Steve is a great instructor and if he saw you cross controlling the HG he probably reminded you that a way to avoid doing that is to lead the turn with your feet, much like we do with weight shifting the PGs.
I'd very much like to hear exactly how he tows you on the PG, including the equipment and the bridal. Hopefully some of the other PG pilots would like to know as well.
I hope it goes good for you today.
Dan
Steve is a great instructor and if he saw you cross controlling the HG he probably reminded you that a way to avoid doing that is to lead the turn with your feet, much like we do with weight shifting the PGs.
I'd very much like to hear exactly how he tows you on the PG, including the equipment and the bridal. Hopefully some of the other PG pilots would like to know as well.
I hope it goes good for you today.
Dan
Re: Unsettled weather
After buying two different paragliding tow releases from Tow Me Up-- both of which sucked-- I made my own release. One of the releases I bought had a big metal shackle that is used for cross ties in stables-- it hit me in the face shattering my goggles when releasing from tow.
To make the release, get the shorter piece of the V bridal from an aertow release and two secondary barrel releases. Take a piece of paracord and attach it to one of the barrels. I simply put a knot on the end and then taped the cord to the barrel. The V-bridal and two barrel releases attach to your harness. Run the paracord through one of the biners and make a loop in the cord to put in your hand. You will have to experiment with the length of cord. To activate the release, you push the hand holding the cord up. This pulls the barrel and releases you from tow. You don't have to let go of the brakes. Running the cord through the biner makes sure that the direction of pull is in line with the barrel.
It's lightweight and cheap. You just have to experiment a little to get the right length of cord. And if something goes wrong, you can always pull on one of the two barrels to release.
Matthew
To make the release, get the shorter piece of the V bridal from an aertow release and two secondary barrel releases. Take a piece of paracord and attach it to one of the barrels. I simply put a knot on the end and then taped the cord to the barrel. The V-bridal and two barrel releases attach to your harness. Run the paracord through one of the biners and make a loop in the cord to put in your hand. You will have to experiment with the length of cord. To activate the release, you push the hand holding the cord up. This pulls the barrel and releases you from tow. You don't have to let go of the brakes. Running the cord through the biner makes sure that the direction of pull is in line with the barrel.
It's lightweight and cheap. You just have to experiment a little to get the right length of cord. And if something goes wrong, you can always pull on one of the two barrels to release.
Matthew