For starters, last Sunday, I've had the longest, highest flight to date: a 15 minute flight from the top-launch at Ed Levin park, which is 1750 feet above the landing zone. This was done during some rather inclement weather, but it also meant there was enough appropriate wind to get some ridge lift, so the usual "sled ride" at Ed Levin (the park is ( Read more... )

Several weeks ago I briefly played rock-band at a friends place. I thought "hey, this is pretty fun ( Read more... )

Attached the Flip video camera to the keel of the glider and flew off the 600 foot launch at Ed-Levin park.

Unfortunately, I need to find a better way of mounting the camera... this one rotated slightly during flight.

( Video under the cut )

... oh I'm gliiiiiiding in the rain ( Read more... )

The Goal

Flying at Big Sur in early december.

What I need to get there1. My "hang-3 spots", which are accuracy (spot) landings required as part of the hang-3 certification. I'll work on and get those on my tow-launched flights this coming Sunday. The task requires three consecutive landings, either within 50 feet of a target, or on a 200 foot by ( Read more... )

I've just received one of the new Flip Mino HD video cameras, with the intent on attahing it somewhere to the glider. I'd previously got myself a new Canon point-and-shoot camera for that purpose, And at some point i might try both out, but the Flip has a much better resolution: 1280x720 at 30fps. The quality is outstandingly good ( Read more... )

I'm now a qualified hang-2 hang-glider pilot! woot ( Read more... )

So, since lessons using the tow system aren't going to be happening for a couple more weeks - the instructor is on vacation - time to do some flying at Ed Levin Park, in Milpitas.

The park has several launches, and they all use the same Landing Zone, which makes things a little easier as you progress to higher and higher launches.

Here's a KML ( Read more... )

The tow machine broke, and they didn't get it working again till about noon (lessons starte at 8am).

Still, I got a couple of "getting used to the tow" flights in, and that was good. Fel had a great, productive time with his own lessons too, so all in all a pretty good day!
( Details on how their tow system works )

Woo.. today's a day to be in the air ( Read more... )