Quote:
Originally Posted by masraum
...probably a decent breeze going too.
|
As you do with a
hang glider, with this
glider you run or step off a cliff (depending on the strength of the updraft at a given time) like Torrey Pines, or off a high hill (with similar updraft) as in the video.
Hang gliders, ultralights, all fun; but to my mind, they are not in the same class as gliders. What is significant is, here is a plane you don't need a tow plane to launch and once you're airborne...well, you're flying an airplane not a hang glider or ultralight.
This glider appears to have all the control surfaces and airfoils as a full size glider and I'd imagine is as safe to fly (gliders are very safe to fly). Kites, of course, produce no lift and must be kept generally into the wind, not able to soar and glide (per se)- no control surfaces, pilot is pendulum, hanging from and manipulating the kite from below, watching a streamer off the nose.
Looks heavy to land. Wonder if a strongback/keel were incorporated if it couldn't be landed on the keel with the legs held out straight. First hang glider I flew had a swing seat and the first few flights I kept my legs out straight and skidded to a stop on my ass. No big deal. Until after a few flights I didn't want to stall too high and break ankles/legs (common in early days).
Be a kick to fly (the cheap version) .