You are absolutely correct. I just found and joined the sport 2 years ago. I am 100% confident hang gliding will be just fine. Free flight soaring is absolutely magical and hang gliding is the absolute best way to access it. I have flown sailplanes and paragliders and hang gliders are way more fun (and safer than paragliders). Hang gliding went through a lull due to lack of marketing. People just don't know that you can fly for 5 hours in a hang glider by harnessing the natural power of thermals. They think hang gliding is a 5 minute experience. The age of social media will get the information out there.
Thank you so much for this comment. I try very hard to focus this video project on beginners and aspiring pilots. Sometimes, when we are really experienced with things, we forget how beginners might perceive it. Obviously, I have known about thermaling and long flights for decades, and I just assume everyone else knows that too. Thank you for reminding me, people who are new to the sport might not know about thermaling and long flights. That's a very good point.
Eric, I appreciate your work which provides aspiring pilots opportunities to get involved in the sport. I live in Missoula, MT and have recently retired. I’m looking forward to a great flying season headed my way this year. One thing I believe that’s important for old and new pilots is to stay in good physical shape year round. A good workout routine that includes weight trading will help keep you from getting injured or spraining something. Additionally, adding new flying sights is imperative to keeping the sport alive. The more there are in your area, the more opportunities you will have to fly them in different weather conditions.
Thank you for your comment. I agree. Keeping in shape is important, whether you are a pilot or not. Using resources like Google Earth is a great way to scout potential sites, as you can get a good idea of terrain before you go visit the site in person. I actually found a decent training hill that way. Although once there in person, I discovered the field has some rattlesnakes. Not an ideal place to land!
Thank you for all the work you are doing to promote the sport. Your enthusiasm is very encouraging. When I looked into hang gliding some ~15? years ago as it turned out the only training hill close to me (close to Boston, MA) had just shut down due to the death of the owner (not related to flying, Morningside in NH). The next closest was 4 hours away (Ellenville, NY). I took one lesson, but realized that I was not going to be able to learn with an 8 hour round trip. I waited several years and looked into it again. As it turns out Morningside had only been shutdown for one year, the year I happened to be looking into it. I eventually resumed my training (about 5 years ago) at Morningside, eventually becoming a half-decent pilot. I did notice that there was quite a gap after one obtained an H2 (at least here in New England). Few people seemed interested in helping a new pilot take the next step and actually fly at a mountain site. Eventually I found some mentors that helped me move to the next phase of my flying, but I will say it was not straight forward. Much of the time I felt like I was just annoying people, asking if they would help me learn a new site, etc. I've tried myself since that time to help grow the sport and mentor (at least to my ability) a few pilots in the New England area. My one additional comment is that I think the sport would be greatly improved if we could get the manufacturers to innovate and create some lighter weight aircraft that were easier to transport and potentially short pack to a point that they would be able to easily go into the baggage when one is flying overseas.
Thank you for your comment. As I mentioned in the video, this is part of a series, and some of the planned videos will address some of the things you mention. Simply acknowledging frustrating elements of the sport can help encourage those who may be struggling.
Greg, your comments are right on the mark. As for myself, I plan to abandon my dignity and annoy the hell out of some local pilots I've met, if that's what it takes to move forward in my development. Hell, I'm 69 years old and don't have decades left to learn this. BTW back about '76 I flew my old rogallo on dunes at N.Truro out on the Cape. Guess that's not open anymore? Just wondering.
@@VTSifuSteve We fly at Wellfleet (aka White Crest Beach) in the winter on the cape. It's good fun, but usually cold and grey when we fly. Also, somewhat unpredictable for actual flying weather.
We are discussing this very issue in the UK. Whilst I agree HG is not dying, it is in a perilous state with much reduced intake. Perhaps the USA has better weather to help sustain numbers? . In the UK it looks like below: . As at 2022 in the UK, we had approx 100 active pilots (flying once a month), and 200 less active pilots. Average pilot age is over 60; a succession plan is essential Prior to 2020, we had been acquiring around 15 new/qualified pilots a year. The last few years has seen the new pilot number drop to 5 per annum, mostly as a result of especially poor UK weather. This is nothing new; suitable weather to sustain training has been a commercial headache for many decades. . I firmly believe we need to do something to help our schools change that 5 PA to at least 30 PA.....even just 30 PA gives 300 new pilots over a decade, which (from hindsight) will give us 100 active pilots going forward. . There is something going on in the background to try and help this (TBA), but useful seeing this discussed here....
English weather is unquestionably problematic. Many folks don't realize, the southernmost point of England is further north than the northernmost point of the United States. The northern border of the continental USA is at the 49th parallel while the southern tip of England is close to the 50th parallel. Hang gliding is seasonal in northern parts of the USA, but in southern places like California, Texas and Florida, flying can be done all year.
Eric, there aren't so many active schools as your map suggests. But mostly, as a new pilot, I agree that the Hang Gliding community and USHPA are too secretive. Not only are they not open enough with the public, but even as a member, I can't access a lot of info. and they really don't seem to be oriented towards promoting and publicizing the sport. I live in Arizona and we are down to just one hang gliding school, and that's only open during the winter months. The good news is that it's a great school. The bad news is that come spring, when the close, I better have my H2 and my own wing, 'cause I'm on my own then. Probably have to drive over to Cali to continue with proper training.
So long as schools/clubs have active websites, they will be included on my map. All sports are seasonal, unless you live in a climate where that sport can be done all year. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks Eric, I have rejoined the Hanggliding Community after retiring. I live here in Mexico and know of 3 schools. This has been discussed by myself my instructors and just pilots. My local site is a four hour drive (Valle de Bravo). There are several qualified instructors but Ive been told USHPA will no longer allow them to sign of on training and licenses. So in order to reinstate my licenses I have to wait for an instructor to come down have a look at my logbook and talk with my instructor and I think do some obvservation of my flying. When I was an active pilot 30 years ago I felt USHGA did nothing for me but sent me a nice glossy magazine each month. However the mag was a wealth of information. I can tell you just from my limited 4 month re intry into the sport that Paragliding seems to be taking over. I sure don't enjoy gaggle flying with 30 or 40 paragliders. Seems they feel they now control the airspace at the site. Now that's my feeling. However I just had a pretty bad crash on landing because I made a mistake judging my landing setup, because the LZ was full of 30 paragliders. Which by the way cost me 1300 in damage to my brand new Falcon 4 race. I'm certainly not against paragliders. But it sure seems here in Mexico its pushing hangliding out of the way. I would also agree that there needs to be better advertising of schools and instructors. Along with a hangglider model like the Airwave Pulse which I know is back in production. Great glider and my first after completing my training years ago. There's not in the way of a glider between a Falcon and a Sport 3 as an example. Maybe I'm wrong. Anyway I appreciate your work and the videos. Many thanks, Keith
Paraglider pilots are the absolute best allies and the most promising demographic of people from which to recruit more hang glider pilots. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences and if I have missed any of the Mexico schools on my map, just met me know.
You are absolutely correct. I just found and joined the sport 2 years ago. I am 100% confident hang gliding will be just fine. Free flight soaring is absolutely magical and hang gliding is the absolute best way to access it. I have flown sailplanes and paragliders and hang gliders are way more fun (and safer than paragliders).
Hang gliding went through a lull due to lack of marketing. People just don't know that you can fly for 5 hours in a hang glider by harnessing the natural power of thermals. They think hang gliding is a 5 minute experience.
The age of social media will get the information out there.
Thank you so much for this comment.
I try very hard to focus this video project on beginners and aspiring pilots.
Sometimes, when we are really experienced with things, we forget how beginners might perceive it.
Obviously, I have known about thermaling and long flights for decades, and I just assume everyone else knows that too.
Thank you for reminding me, people who are new to the sport might not know about thermaling and long flights. That's a very good point.
Eric, I appreciate your work which provides aspiring pilots opportunities to get involved in the sport. I live in Missoula, MT and have recently retired. I’m looking forward to a great flying season headed my way this year. One thing I believe that’s important for old and new pilots is to stay in good physical shape year round. A good workout routine that includes weight trading will help keep you from getting injured or spraining something. Additionally, adding new flying sights is imperative to keeping the sport alive. The more there are in your area, the more opportunities you will have to fly them in different weather conditions.
Thank you for your comment.
I agree. Keeping in shape is important, whether you are a pilot or not.
Using resources like Google Earth is a great way to scout potential sites, as you can get a good idea of terrain before you go visit the site in person. I actually found a decent training hill that way.
Although once there in person, I discovered the field has some rattlesnakes. Not an ideal place to land!
Thank you for all the work you are doing to promote the sport. Your enthusiasm is very encouraging. When I looked into hang gliding some
~15? years ago as it turned out the only training hill close to me (close to Boston, MA) had just shut down due to the death of the owner (not related to flying, Morningside in NH). The next closest was 4 hours away (Ellenville, NY). I took one lesson, but realized that I was not going to be able to learn with an 8 hour round trip. I waited several years and looked into it again. As it turns out Morningside had only been shutdown for one year, the year I happened to be looking into it. I eventually resumed my training (about 5 years ago) at Morningside, eventually becoming a half-decent pilot. I did notice that there was quite a gap after one obtained an H2 (at least here in New England). Few people seemed interested in helping a new pilot take the next step and actually fly at a mountain site. Eventually I found some mentors that helped me move to the next phase of my flying, but I will say it was not straight forward. Much of the time I felt like I was just annoying people, asking if they would help me learn a new site, etc. I've tried myself since that time to help grow the sport and mentor (at least to my ability) a few pilots in the New England area. My one additional comment is that I think the sport would be greatly improved if we could get the manufacturers to innovate and create some lighter weight aircraft that were easier to transport and potentially short pack to a point that they would be able to easily go into the baggage when one is flying overseas.
Thank you for your comment. As I mentioned in the video, this is part of a series, and some of the planned videos will address some of the things you mention.
Simply acknowledging frustrating elements of the sport can help encourage those who may be struggling.
Greg, your comments are right on the mark. As for myself, I plan to abandon my dignity and annoy the hell out of some local pilots I've met, if that's what it takes to move forward in my development. Hell, I'm 69 years old and don't have decades left to learn this. BTW back about '76 I flew my old rogallo on dunes at N.Truro out on the Cape. Guess that's not open anymore? Just wondering.
@@VTSifuSteve We fly at Wellfleet (aka White Crest Beach) in the winter on the cape. It's good fun, but usually cold and grey when we fly. Also, somewhat unpredictable for actual flying weather.
Thanks for that. All good points, n even better to hear someone speaking in support of the sport!
You are most welcome. Thank you for watching and leaving a supportive comment.
Thanks for sharing and encouraging folks to join the sport!
You're welcome. Thank you for taking the time to leave a nice comment.
We are discussing this very issue in the UK. Whilst I agree HG is not dying, it is in a perilous state with much reduced intake. Perhaps the USA has better weather to help sustain numbers?
.
In the UK it looks like below:
.
As at 2022 in the UK, we had approx 100 active pilots (flying once a month), and 200 less active pilots.
Average pilot age is over 60; a succession plan is essential
Prior to 2020, we had been acquiring around 15 new/qualified pilots a year.
The last few years has seen the new pilot number drop to 5 per annum, mostly as a result of especially poor UK weather.
This is nothing new; suitable weather to sustain training has been a commercial headache for many decades.
.
I firmly believe we need to do something to help our schools change that 5 PA to at least 30 PA.....even just 30 PA gives 300 new pilots over a decade, which (from hindsight) will give us 100 active pilots going forward.
.
There is something going on in the background to try and help this (TBA), but useful seeing this discussed here....
English weather is unquestionably problematic.
Many folks don't realize, the southernmost point of England is further north than the northernmost point of the United States. The northern border of the continental USA is at the 49th parallel while the southern tip of England is close to the 50th parallel.
Hang gliding is seasonal in northern parts of the USA, but in southern places like California, Texas and Florida, flying can be done all year.
Eric, there aren't so many active schools as your map suggests. But mostly, as a new pilot, I agree that the Hang Gliding community and USHPA are too secretive. Not only are they not open enough with the public, but even as a member, I can't access a lot of info. and they really don't seem to be oriented towards promoting and publicizing the sport. I live in Arizona and we are down to just one hang gliding school, and that's only open during the winter months. The good news is that it's a great school. The bad news is that come spring, when the close, I better have my H2 and my own wing, 'cause I'm on my own then. Probably have to drive over to Cali to continue with proper training.
So long as schools/clubs have active websites, they will be included on my map.
All sports are seasonal, unless you live in a climate where that sport can be done all year.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
That's a lot of work done. Good for you.
Thank you, sir. The quantity of work is always taken for granted, so I truly appreciate your acknowledgement.
Brilliant message I totally agree with
I'm glad you found it agreeable and I thank you for the compliment.
Thanks Eric, I have rejoined the Hanggliding Community after retiring. I live here in Mexico and know of 3 schools. This has been discussed by myself my instructors and just pilots. My local site is a four hour drive (Valle de Bravo). There are several qualified instructors but Ive been told USHPA will no longer allow them to sign of on training and licenses. So in order to reinstate my licenses I have to wait for an instructor to come down have a look at my logbook and talk with my instructor and I think do some obvservation of my flying. When I was an active pilot 30 years ago I felt USHGA did nothing for me but sent me a nice glossy magazine each month. However the mag was a wealth of information. I can tell you just from my limited 4 month re intry into the sport that Paragliding seems to be taking over. I sure don't enjoy gaggle flying with 30 or 40 paragliders. Seems they feel they now control the airspace at the site. Now that's my feeling. However I just had a pretty bad crash on landing because I made a mistake judging my landing setup, because the LZ was full of 30 paragliders. Which by the way cost me 1300 in damage to my brand new Falcon 4 race. I'm certainly not against paragliders. But it sure seems here in Mexico its pushing hangliding out of the way. I would also agree that there needs to be better advertising of schools and instructors. Along with a hangglider model like the Airwave Pulse which I know is back in production. Great glider and my first after completing my training years ago. There's not in the way of a glider between a Falcon and a Sport 3 as an example. Maybe I'm wrong. Anyway I appreciate your work and the videos. Many thanks, Keith
Paraglider pilots are the absolute best allies and the most promising demographic of people from which to recruit more hang glider pilots.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences and if I have missed any of the Mexico schools on my map, just met me know.
It is ironic that your brand new Northwing EZY2 isn't even mentioned on Northwing's webpage.
It's like ordering off a secret menu at a fancy restaurant.