Les King

[Danny Brotto]

I just found out that Les King passed on December 11. Most here didn't know Les but he was instrumental in the early days of the HG movement in the DC area. He had a full time shop in Gaithersburg from the mid 70's through the early 80's. He was an avid pilot, inventor, philosopher, and instructor. He collaborated with the famous Paul MacCready at AeroVironment. I know that I will miss him.

"Les King of Tehachapi is survived by his wife Marilyn. Les was an avid fan of all things flying, from footlaunched full-size to hand-launched models to microlite kit built possibilities, and always had something on his drawing board. Les was a contributor across decades to the Experimental Soaring Assn. from its SHA inception. More recently he filed patent rights on wind energy technology, and enjoyed the camaraderie of friends and builders on the Mountain Valley Airport. Passed December 11, in Bakersfield, CA."

Danny Brotto

[Ward Odenwald]

Les’ excitement and generosity made his shop the focal point of DC area Hang Gliding during the 70s. Before setting out to fly we'd called Les to findout who was going where and when it wasn’t flyable, most of us would stop by the shop to talk-up our last flight and learn about new glider developments. No matter what your skill level, Les was there to help. When several of us advanced to tree landings, he organized a repelling class and many of us had our first experience repelling from the rafters of his shop. Our community began with his smile, his stories and his remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome!

[RichH]

This news hits me hard and was unexpected..Les was a true friend and truely one of the founders of Hang Gliding in the D.C. area..I remember walking into his shop Sport Flight in Gaithersburg, Md in 1977. Les was a joyous man who's excitement for aviation was infectious..I loved just hanging around the shop and discussing his latest flying project.. I had many flying trips with Les and each time I would learn something new about me as a pilot, my glider or the site and/or weather conditions..Les was extremely knowledgeable man but had a generous way of imparting information even at times tough to hear assessments that he always gave in a way to make you safer and better pilot..I will never forget visiting him and Marylin in LA shortly after they arrived out west..I showed up on the doorstep with out much announcement and they took me in and showed me around introducing me to Paul MacCready and his work at AeroViroment ..Then we stopped by the UP shop and met all of the top pilots.For a 21 year old kid it was something special..I am at least glad I was able to reconnect with him two summers ago and spend a few minutes together again jamming about our latest projects..just like the old days!! Ill miss you Les...RH

[stevek]

My first instructor. Lily Pons and Taylor Hill. Late 70s. Long long time ago.