To my paragliding brethren
Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 6:02 pmHi,
I think you are right to expect a good explanation for why we should have special access to the Funston ridge.
On light crowded days, it is not prudent to fly my Swift because it flies faster than many flex wings. There simply isn't enough skill in the world to make this safe when it is crowded and the lift band is small.
We can accommodate a lot more gliders if we're all going approximately the same speed when the lift band gets small.
There are already days that those still flying are the ones who accept the crowds. People come from all over with their new intermediate ratings, and they are often among those ready to accept the risk. We still muster enough hang glider pilots to fill this ridge.
When the air is big, there is room for all.
I understand that paragliding becomes more appeaalling to aging hang glider pilots. Hang gliders are cumbersome. I also believe that in the future most hang glider pilots willl begin as para glider pilots hungry for more glide and handling.
None of us own the land we fly from.
Our future depends on one another.
Darrel
I think you are right to expect a good explanation for why we should have special access to the Funston ridge.
On light crowded days, it is not prudent to fly my Swift because it flies faster than many flex wings. There simply isn't enough skill in the world to make this safe when it is crowded and the lift band is small.
We can accommodate a lot more gliders if we're all going approximately the same speed when the lift band gets small.
There are already days that those still flying are the ones who accept the crowds. People come from all over with their new intermediate ratings, and they are often among those ready to accept the risk. We still muster enough hang glider pilots to fill this ridge.
When the air is big, there is room for all.
I understand that paragliding becomes more appeaalling to aging hang glider pilots. Hang gliders are cumbersome. I also believe that in the future most hang glider pilots willl begin as para glider pilots hungry for more glide and handling.
None of us own the land we fly from.
Our future depends on one another.
Darrel