Glider transport to Kitty Hawk Spectacular

Paul Tjaden · Post by **Paul Tjaden** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 10:16 am

Lauren and I have wanted to join in the fun at Kitty Hawk for several years but could never make it work. Well, this year we're finally going to attend.
Problem is, our Litespeeds and T2's don't work very well at the beach so we're looking for other wings to fly. Jim Rooney has graciously offered his Mark IV for Lauren but I am still looking for something bigger for my fat butt. An 11 meter Pulse or something similar would be great. If any of you know of something that would work, please let me know. I would consider renting or purchasing if it's not too expensive.

We also are going to need glider transport for Jim's glider from Highland Aerosports to KH (and maybe one for me) so if any of you are heading that way, drop me a note or call me at 703-727-3423.

Thanks,

Paul

Post by **mcelrah** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 9:40 pm

What size are the "club" gliders? - Hugh

Post by **hang_pilot** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 10:57 pm

Mark IV 17 & 19. Either would work for Paul at the beach. Dave B. has the 17 and I believe that Dan T's friend might have picked up the 19 from John M.

~Daniel

Paul Tjaden · Post by **Paul Tjaden** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 8:09 am

Thanks Guys,

Dave Proctor called and told me about his old Mark IV 19 that is now one of the club gliders and the smaller 17 woud be perfect for Lauren. If the club would consider loaning them to us that would be great.

Of course, the next hurdle would be getting them rounded up and finding transport to KH. I've been told that Steve Wendt is planning on attending The Spectacular so if they could somehow get to Blue Sky, Steve would probably take care of the rest. We had hoped to go directly to KH from FL so it would dramatically lengthen our trip to come to DC first. After The Spectacular, we're going to be spending a couple of weeks in the DC area trying to mooch lodging off of some of you guys before going to Ridgely for the ECC.

If anyone can help out with any of these logistics, please let us know. Of course, we would be happy to help out with fuel and hassle expenses for anyone helping out.

BTW, don't take the gliders to Blue Sky without checking with me first. I need to confirm that Steve is indeed going and can help us out.

Thanks,

Paul

Flying Lobster · Post by **Flying Lobster** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 9:33 am

What you want is a glider that is responsive enough to turn on a dime close in the dune but still have enough of a glide to fly out from the hill and make a good spot landing. Efficient turns are necessary to make all the close-in pylons--and pilots who are proficient at ground skimming on final proned out before flaring have a big advantage when it comes to nailing the spot. What fun! I wish I could make it...

marc

Flying Lobster · Post by **Flying Lobster** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 9:42 am

Ohhh--make sure you get a good pair of sandals/footware--you'll be fire-walking if there's any sun.

And make sure you're up on cross-wind launching technique, too.

marc

mikecosner · Post by **mikecosner** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 9:44 pm

glad to see all the excitement about this years spectacular. We have put in alot of hours around the school preparing for this years event. I think this is going to be one of the biggest hang gliding parties in many years, in a great place. Lets just pray for good weather....

If yall don't know me, I'm a lead instructor down at KHK and this will be my 4th year down there. I'm also known to terrorize quest each spring helping out during flytecs.

Some tips....

Someone hit it dead on with the glider. You want easy turning with some glide. Pulses, Sonics, Mark IV's are perfect. Don't bring U2, discuses, topless anything. Falcons will work, but you'll come up short alot.

Also, glider sharing is doable, but can make logistics annoying if there are too many people on one glider. 3 or 4 max is good.

Launching...come on old guys. Watch the young guys. Pull In and RUN. i
saw several h4 and h5's pile in and turtle their launch last year. know how to run with your glider! practice on flat ground beforehand.

dune flying is HARD WORK. ground handling in 15+ is a skill lots of you aren't current in. help each other out carrying gliders, take your time once you are clear of lz. dunes are dry, hot, and sunny. prepare acc.

i will probably be able to bring 2 gliders from quest to KHK after flytecs.

Coz

Flying Lobster · Post by **Flying Lobster** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 3:26 am

Hey coz--how are sport 2's doing on the dune? I've soared them a couple of times on training hills but they seem to be needing to move fast.

marc

Post by **silverwings** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:56 am

Paul, I have the Club's Mark IV-19 which was donated by Dave Proctor. It has been sitting in my garage for several years with no use! If you want to call me at my work please do (202)406-1103.

mikecosner · Post by **mikecosner** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 12:10 pm

lobster,
I have never seen nor do I think a Sport 2 has ever been on the dunes. Come to think of it, I've never seen a curved tip glider out there. I would be a little hesitant since that is such a nice glider and I don't know if sand in the vg system could cause problems down the road.

but i bet it would fly great.
coz

Post by **silverwings** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 3:00 pm

Paul, the MK IV-19 is available and David Bodner said he believe Chris Donahue can take it to Blue Sky, so we are waiting to hear when he will be going there. One caveat is that you need to join CHGPA to use it.

Paul Tjaden · Post by **Paul Tjaden** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 5:20 pm

Thanks, John.

We'll be glad to re-up. Have all the logistics been arranged to get the glider to Chris or do I need to speak with David? Someone else?

Paul