Monday, August 26, 2024

Why Launches & Landings Are So Important

To see a well executed launch and / or a landing in hang gliding is, well...you know it when you see it.

A pilot's skillset is on display during the launch and landing phase of a flight - and, interestingly enough, both phases are critical toward achieving a successful flight - most people are injured during a poorly executed launch and / or landing - this includes towing, too, I should add.

I remember early in my flying career watching fellow students landing their gliders at the local flying site. They'd be outside of the harness at 300+ feet AGL in a duck-like pose, hands on the down tubes somewhat ineffectively controlling the glider - and coming in for a very slow downwind - base - and final.

I thought that was the way to land a hang glider - then I visited McClure, the flying site just outside Coulterville, CA overlooking Lake McClure.

It was at McClure that I saw my first truly amazing landing by Tom "Rain Man" Eckardt.

Tom came in with such speed and control, it was amazing - literally flying his glider in a beautifully arching downwind - base - and final into ground effect - and STAYING in ground effect for what seemed an eternity. Then, while in ground effect, transitioned from base tube to down tubes to a flare - all in one fluid motion - most of the time.

Sure there were times when Tom pounded in, but we all do at some time in our flying careers. Tom, though, was the first pilot I saw that truly influenced my flying style. There were others, as well: Ken Muscio, Shannon Raby, Jay Bass, and a few others - but, more about them maybe at a later time.

So, thank you "Rain Man" for being my first mentor in the sport of hang gliding. There are a few others who saw you fly McClure that same day and they, too, were influenced, also.