Dangerous powered hang gliding. "Seconds from death"
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 22 июл 2008
- But apart from that Neil said it was a great flight!
According to one correspondant he was a "second from death for a long 5-6 minutes".
"Who needs a helmet with so much luck"
Darwin Award "honourable mention" nominee. 
Авто/Мото
😎Cool ! When I was a little girl in the early 1970’s, my daddy made his own hang glides ! I used to watch him build them . He is 92 !
He is an MIT Scientific Engineer .
-There was a hill, Blossom Hill, down the road from our house- before they built houses at the bottom- we would wait for windy days and go to the top ! And watch daddy run and jump off ! He would soar a while and always come to a running crash stop ! And have to rebuild it !
- He ended up growing his own bamboo ! ( it grows fast) and built hang gliders out of bamboo ! ( frame) , lightweight.
Watching him when I was small made me know I would get my Pilot License some day !
I got my Private in 2003 !
Great soaring video ! Thank you for sharing !
Don't fly again. You have used 8 of your 9 lives up just in this video.
I would just like to thank all the viewers of this with regards to their amusing comments which I find almost as entertaining as the birdman trying to fly. I was the commentator in this video and am happy to report that Neil has since gone on to get his PPL and part ownership of a small microlight thing which he has not managed to crash yet. I do, however, believe that the doodlebug has not been used much since this video some years ago, which many of you no doubt think is a blessing.
Damn good to hear man. Many many people learn to fly just like this. Buy a Craigslist plane on lunch break,...fly at 5:00
It was shitty gallows commentary. Not funny at all There was somebody perilously close to losing their life
@@dlewix Booo! You suck! Get off the stage!
What a forgiving glider! Let's play, "Count the mushes and stalls!" If there's a God, he truly loves hang glider pilots. Neil, I don't know what to say. I feel like giving you a lecture, but I also feel weirdly inspired by your bravery -- even if it was powered by naiveté and/or foolishness. Thanks for being different -- but stay with us on this Earth for a bit longer, OK?
I had a reply already typed out, then I saw this one which about says it all. That thing is so close to stalling and dropping a wing its just too scary to describe.
😂🤣😂
That was the longest continuous stall in history.
lmao, waving to the camera during a stall, love it
That was the safest part of the flight, when he let go of the controls and let the glider fly its self lol
Ignorance is bliss, they say...
Wow, I just gotta comment. I flew hang gliders for 15 years, tandem instructor for a few, and a DoodleBug for a couple. Believe it or not this is about the scariest HG video I've ever watched!
Laughed so hard, I could bearly see through my tears!!
Flying - 5 stars
Commentary - 5 stars.
(But seriously, have some lessons)
Wonderful! That's commitment! Just couldn't get it stalled no matter how much he tried.
That certainly looked like a disaster waiting to happen. He was basically in and out of a constant stall !
And no helmet.
Y el peso no equilibrado, cuando pica y la intenta estabilizar se precipita hacia adelanre
Yup, what you said
He survived!!!
I loved how he's dressed as if he just came from the office.
That was equal parts terrifying and hilarious.
The commentary really added to it.
Then Neil is just chilled at the end, as if oblivious to how he escaped death no less than 10 times in 2 minutes. I'm not sure if the cameraman appreciated that miracle either, or if he was treating the whole thing as an experiment with Neil the expendable guinea pig.
Brilliant video though - straight onto the Watch Later list.
I hope Neil is still flying.
Right!! Bought the shit on Craigslist at lunch, and at 5,...went flying. Lol
I was the cameraman and I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I am happy to report that Neil is indeed still alive and is part owner of a Jabiru? that he flies regularly. You won’t catch me going up with him though.
I flew a Soar Master many years ago. Some called it the Saw Master because of how close the propeller was to your feet.
" hes still moving about! "
If the Wright brothers first flight had been that sketchy, they would've gone back to building bicycles.
The Wright brothers' first flight was not as good as this one, but they persevered and soon were able to fly confidently for long periods.
Oh my goodness Hilarious and excruciating, like watching a mouse voluntarily riding the head of a death adder and seemingly to enjoy it. I love Neil's dunning kruger obliviousness to technique, aerodynamics, reason and safety and his blithe "yeah I reckon I done well" attitude as if he just driven a dog sled team through a mine field. Great commentary whilst observing the ever imminent yet never achieved demise of your mate.
Neil's commentary has to do with the camera guy videoing him.
"Yep, there he is, there he is - just scoot along here and work my way up a bit and - oh - he's not pointing the camera at me now - probably getting some sky - OI! I'm over here! Point it AT me! Right - still flying . . . "
I had more fun watching this then a Monty Python Episode. The commentary is classic... I will say when you got close to those power lines the hair on my back began to sizzle.. Reminded me of a few early non powered flights of my youth. We need more Brit casual death defying humor like this across the pond.. Cheers mate.
The wright brothers have time travelled and can't believe the progress of their wing.
Neil is in actual fact a top pilot and just flew like a total beginner just to provide some entertainment, he was actually in full control all the time, and had to work hard to make it look so out of order. The commentary was very carefully scripted to provide the perfect backdrop for the aerial clowning. Thank you and may God continue to smile upon you!
I thought the guy was going to eat it shortly after takeoff. I kept waiting for a crash but this lucky guy made it back to the ground intact as well as his aircraft that is amazing no one and nothing was damaged in this flight.
This guy should seriously think about getting lessons or at the very least READ! some books regarding flight and weight balances and what to expect. The wing he was using is very forgiving to say the least. The manufacturer of the wing gets 2 thumbs up for an excellent almost idiot proof design.
the birdman is really quiet , as if he had a coffee at the bar ... I love this guy, very crazy..!
Obviously the camera guy didn't know any more about flying than the "pilot",otherwise the commentary would have sounded more like "What the f*#k is he doing--Oh noooo----Holy s#*t--Get the f*#*k down!!!" etc. etc.
Hahaha abso-bloomin-lutely.
Best video on RUclips, loved the commentary, my wife thinks you sound like James blunt, it reminds me of when I started flying with no instruction back in 1980. Hat off to you for the intrepid flying.
In what were probably tough conditions you did well to land it. But no helmet? That makes you a Darwin Award candidate.
I'd like to see him tackle a Sopwith Camel next, please!
I had no idea color video cameras were available back in 1903. Good job Wilbur! God I love those guys!
flying in a stall the whole time ,omg
OMG, I'm a retired hang Gliding instructor, this vid scared the hell out me just watching. Why push out most of the time, I don't know, get prone quicker, maintain good airspeed 1st, then slowly ease the bar out. Put power controller on base tube. What happens when you get excited, or you tense up, the body clinches your teeth, then if you're heading into the ground after a horrible stall, you will crash at full power. I've seen this happen and the pilot died. Don't fly this again please.
get prone.its a doodlebug you fly seated,
Incredibly good flying!!!!
I can't imagine how he kept that thing airborne in spite of the gusting winds putting him in ridiculously bad attitudes!!!!
Unless it was horrible flying skills... and not the wind
Mr. Bean goes flying! Thanks for posting
The Wright Brothers would be pleased at the great advances in flight.
That looked like hanging in the air between stalls. Thank God you made controlled landing.
The Discovery wing is very stable. I just recovered each stall and went on to the next no problem.
You should take up flying - its great fun!
Are you the Neil in the video? If so I'm not sure whether to whinge about foolish behavior making life difficult for us responsible pilots or praise you for your 'damn the torpedoes' approach to life. Either way I wish you the very best and hope you are still flying.
@@googlesuxballs2435 Why not do both ;)
Yes I'm the "pilot" here. Nowadays I fly a microlight, and take a far more safety-conscious attitude towards flying - even if that risks me being boring!
@@aerialexplorer772 Good to hear. Honestly held my breath a few times watching your video, I thought you were cooked for sure!!!
@@aerialexplorer772 was it a discovery wings?
@@ariffbasri Yes
yikes..i think there are miracles...he actually walked away from that!
What a magnificent punter! Good to see the spirit of NFI but still having a crack is alive. Great series of stalls..
Its a miracle you survived ! Ive been flying for a very long time and never seen anything like this... first where is your helmet ⛑️ it was far too windy and thermic plus the flying site had 60,000 v power cables just behind you.. I am totally amazed your still alive 😳😳😳
Huge CG issues.. Were his legs not supposed to be hung prone in flight? I mean to maintain a controllable Center of Gravity (CG)
cg was fine he's not pulling in to maintain airspeed.
Neil Armstrong would be proud of that circuit....Buzz too! Old school!
Guy should wear one of those Jester costumes with the pointy shoes and funny hat and a double ruffle.
5:20 the power lines in the distance are the icing on the cake
All the negative comments? I think the pilot knew exactly what he was doing and made an amusing video, why so much hate,
I thoroughly enjoyed that! All the while I was watching it I was thinking I can't wait to read the comments!
Low and slow and high angle of attack. Sad...just a matter of time. Hope this fellow takes the engine off and get's some lessons.
If you're crazy you'll have crazy fun.
He was fully committed to climb
Before trying to turn and be drafted, flipped out and slammed to the ground. Thanks for sharing some day I will try to fly but with more horse power.
As I explained in earlier posts I (the pilot) had undertaken 5 days of good hang glider training (EPC) from on of the best instructors in the UK. So your suggestion that I had "no idea" is wide of the mark.
Have another watch of the video and read some of the other comments.
This Doodlebug flight was taken completely independently of my instructors - it was definitely not part of his course lol.
I am now half way through my CPC, progressing fine so far...
Guys, you have just one life, don't mess with it.
I have posted before - Neil has rigged the glider wrong, with the speed bar on backwards - so he could never pull in enough and was doomed to a semi-stalled flight.
So glad you did not get hurt. I was nervous for most of the video. Be safe.
That's one of the best clips on here your brave Neil but mad I'm afraid all the best and make some more clips
Holy shit, that thing looks unstable. Like a powered kite.
ive never seen a foot launched powered hang glider like that
Englishmen can make even the most harrowing emergencies sound like nothing.
wow. nervous the entire time. how many stalls can we count? guy has no idea how lucky he was.
It is kind that he prepared for the flight- by already being dressed for his funeral.
That looked cool but scary. It looked like a runaway child's kite with a broken string.
I dont know whether to laugh or cry I think I will do both
Have you not seen the completely missed placed thrust line, the machine was barely controllable. the prop at times looked like it was within striking distance of the keel tube. His friend was totally oblivious to the danger the pilot was is if it weren't for the fact that the machine had a very forgiving stall speed and the motor did not crap out while the craft was nose high, the recovery of anyone of the nose down departures would likely have ended with the friend shouting, "bloody Hell" as the reality of the situation set in. And scraping up the pilot and machine, and taking both home in a bag. I think I'll watch "Those magnificent men in their flying machines". Bye the way, I thought only people in movies talked like that. get trained, not just flying, but aerodynamics as well just might save your life.
Expert stuff from Neil, hats off to you. Brave, courageous, heroic. You beat my efforts all round, well done and good luck!
This is a testament both to how forgiving the hanglider can be but also the stupidity of man.
This was an ACT. And a very good one, at that. I can condone it because the truly interested will find a proper instructor, most will laugh it off, and the idiots will actually try it, thereby invoking Darwin.
Perfect aerial comedy. Flying with a glider half-stalled in those conditions for 5 minutes without a stall ever walking out to a tip takes quite a bit of skill. I especially like the "roll it in and stand up out of the harness" trick. I don't have that level of skill. Bravo.
wow.."quite entertaining"..."gentle crashing".."thats not bad"...
"hes still moving aboout"...
yea....thats the ticket!
great commentary!!!! Loved it, thanks.
I've seen him in other home built aircraft, hope he is with us still.
I cant believe this guy is alive
If hang gliders weren't so forgiving Neil would have stalled that thing into the ground a number of times. Please get an instructor Neil...
I have never seen someone flying so bad...he is making a stall all the time
You need to brace the wings with aluminum with NACA profile to stabilize the flight. Locate the hang point at the center of gravity.
Scary! Legs adangle, swinging, swooping rollercoastering. And waving too! Crikey ;~)
Unbelievably lucky. It was only the thrust keeping from certain death. If that had gone out he did not have the skills to effect a landing. Love the proximity of the 33,000 volt power lines .
Therefore, it is essential to take a course with the engine, because if the engine is turned off, it is necessary to obtain speed (direct the front of the downward) so that there is no "parachute" mode (falling leaf), loss of buoyancy and very fast falling to the ground. Each pilot prefers to choose a slight angle of climb on a longer trajectory to have this option.
Hehe, Neil just dangling from a kite weed eater motor screaming. Good shit Neil.
Blimey Neil, that could so easily become a Darwin Award. I can only repeat what the others say - get some lessons, otherwise you WILL be killing yourself, I'm amazed you snatched survival from the jaws of death SO MANY times during that clip. I think you were flying from Colmore? If so your nearest school is Green Dragons near London, if you don't mind travelling I can recommend Airways Airsports near Darby which is where my wife and I learnt to fly our Bugs. Paul - Currently living in Brisbane
A new set-up, strong winds and no helmet; usually 3 strikes means that you are out! Luckily you've been spared. Life is too short to begin with,the flying community cares about you and so should you. If the weather isn't favourable or you don't have protective gear, there is always tomorrow.
I'm still here
unbelievably lucky (This Time) !!!
When are you posting your next video ?
I think Niel needs better friends .
Just what you want, an air vehicle with power enough for a climb rate of basically ZERO. It also looks to me like the thrust line might be way off. You would think with the wing in level flight mode at normal flight speed the thrust line should be roughly horizontal or a bit up, looked like it was thrusting toward the ground in that configuration. Did he not think this through, at all? Not at all a good condition to be in. He was RIGHT AT the edge of stall SO many times there. Honestly, if he'd had about 39-50% more power, and had some idea of where the "normal" level flight angle of attack should be, I think he would have been fine...there was very little time in that entire flight where the glider was really FLYING, mostly just between stalls.
Holy Christ, talk about flying at a high AoA at all times. God damn lucky it didn't spin in, I'd go get a lottery ticket if I were him because luck is definitely on his side.
Excellent! So we can both go up and practice mock aerial "doodlebug" combat with each other.
Funny you should mention the king post - it did take a gouge out of the propellor during that flight somehow.
Hope to bump into you again - still more of your training to go?
Neil
That's too funny. Love your flying suite too.
Magnificent man in his flying machine. 'Stirling Effort' 👌
Lol glad he came down safely, perhaps he should check that engine.
Wow that scared me so much I had to keep looking at the time bar to see how close the vid was getting to the crash. Actually he did incredibly well for some one who obviously had no clue how to fly a hang glider. He was so oblivious to the danger he was still smiling when he escaped death. I was quite amazed to see him get off the ground, with no effort to get the wings level before throttle up. As another said what a forgiving wing. Anything else would have fallen out of the air several times. Typical mistake, fly low and slow a be safer .... NOT.
That wing just wants to fly...good for you I guess.
Darwin Award contestant, you get old pilots and bold pilots but no old bold pilots ! , wear a helmet man!
GOD BLESS YOU OL BOY! My heart goes out to anyone that trys to fly.If you made it flying in those winds you will be a great pilot. Be safer and have fun!
It's affectionately known as a toe cutter.
He is The Stall Holder
That's great Nic! Did you enjoy it?
I've been working in Holland recently, and have not had the chance to finish off my hang gliding training because of it (no hills!). But hope to pick it up again soon.
Where are you flying from?
Incredible. I hope he is ok after all these years. It would be interesting hear him when look at this video.
He gotta get lessons cause he was seconds from death in the all flight.
He was stalling all the time. It is lucky he is alive after all and got to thank that engine too
That's balls of steel for you
'Great flight???' Wazzock!
Jesus Christ.. it was like watching a drunken Mr Bean on LSD !! I could have laughed my socks off if it wasn't so damn scarey.. and I was only watching!!! ... If this guy is your friend, PLEASE dismantle his machine and ditch the parts in the sea... then chop one of his legs off... he WILL kill himself shortly if he keeps doing this. He was on the point of stalling all the bloody time and was SO CLOSE to spinning in.. High alpha, low speed.. with turning.. tip stalling... aaarrrggghhhhh !!! A very definite Darwin Award contender. where do we send it to?
That's what we call high alpha.
Magnificent man and his flying (just) machine.
Future Darwin award
Nice one. Interesting how competition, paternalism, cynicism and sadism can affect how people apply themselves to learning. Even more fun if Niel had died, or been just chopped up a bit by the propeller. The court case would have been entertaining -not exactly manslaughter, nor suicide, but to what degree? Thanks for posting this.
Might I ask for your friends blue prints & what was used to make it?
munchchewy0 Search on Wikipedia for: Flylight Doodle Bug But note that it is not being manufactured any more.
Thank you. :)
R.I.P Neil
Hi Neil hows the hang gliding going? have you flowen the bug again?, i flew mine for the first time i decided to go it alone! just watched a few videos then went for it and had a good 2&half hours in the air, who needs training! just rig your glider correctly and have another go the only way to get experiance is to fly. Nic