Billy Floyd Flys Again

[Spark]

Last week, I took a trip to southern California (via Las Vegas) to escape winter and swap gliders. I now have one less Northwing Horizon and a new (to me) Falcon 2 225. This is glider number 41 for me.

Besides the glider swap, the trip was also an opportunity to visit with people I hadn't seen in years and to do some flying with my good friend Bill Floyd.

For those who may not know Bill, he has been flying hang gliders since the '70s. In October 2008, he launched his glider unhooked and sustained injuries that eventually required amputation of both legs below the knees.

After a year in a wheel chair, he began walking on prosethic legs. Bill is a very determined and tenacious individual. During his self-rehabilitation, he broke one prosthetic leg while rock climbing and another one kite boarding. He used his design and fabrication expertise to repair and improve his prosthetic legs.

This video includes portions of Bill's first hang gliding flights since that accident.

[mcelrah]

Truly inspiring! Especially in my current, minor, temporarily disabled condition. Is Gary interested in paragliding? - Hugh

[markc]

Wow! Words just don't cut it. Many thanks for posting the video of Bill's amazing come-back, Spark,
and obviously for your efforts putting it together. What a story, unbelievable!

MarkC