Instinct Windsports
Instinct Windsports
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Tugger Tim's first Time Towing
Not much to see....the way it should be!
It is great to see our hang gliding club GROWING. HG pilots and tow pilots.
www.sogaclub.net
Переглядів: 320

Відео

Training a new tug pilot
Переглядів 642День тому
A few notes - these are the tug pilot's first tows - surprised me with how rough the air was despite the early morning forecast - tug pilot was fine with the conditions - tug pilot stayed on runway longer than veteran tugger (not a fault, just a part of learning) - that required me to skim the runway for a lot longer than normal, rather uncomfortable for me - glad I chose to put pneumatic wheel...
Aerotowing Lockout
Переглядів 586День тому
it can happen so fast. When you least expect it! I haven't locked out since 2007! And this is on a late morning tow training a new tug pilot. It was on tow #3 of the day and the first thermal I detected. It starts mellow and quickly gets away on you. We were in a gradual left turn. The bubble hits my right wing. I am a bit slow to react and then you see me REALLY try to get my weight over to th...
Vortex-4 - the mini!
Переглядів 78Місяць тому
First day of towing with the new mini-Vortex4. Mark flew the Alpha 235 in 5k winds and was even getting 720fpm climbs with it. This Vortex is geared towards towing solo PGs and to HG schools for low-and-slow tows only. It isn't built for or capable of the higher speeds and higher tow pressures intermediate HGers need. It has the same power as a Honda 250cc scooter tow winch. The winch module we...
Uploading to XContest
Переглядів 26Місяць тому
a screen capture I did back in 2020 about how to use XContest and some of its benefits of uploading ALL of your tracklogs on the service. It's all about sharing and learning
Nina!
Переглядів 399 місяців тому
Nina!
Nina's tandem step-tow
Переглядів 789 місяців тому
The camera filled up mid-tow so I didn't capture the rest. We did 4 steps in a light cross wind up to 2500'agl and even caught some light lift under the mostly cloudy September skies. A rave review from her: "This was an amazing experience of a lifetime that I never imagined possible prior to meeting Mark. One sees such adventures on TV or in the movies, but never think about it becoming a pers...
climbing up El Peñon
Переглядів 81Рік тому
climbing up El Peñon
Vortex Electric Smart Winch Hang Gliding StepTow
Переглядів 828Рік тому
We are getting SOOOO close to the final version of the Vortex! Here is a video showing off it's capabilities. Winds were 15kmh on the ground and more like 30kmh at the top of the tow. Flying a Falcon4-170 and a WoodyValley Cabrio trainer harness (so as low tech as you can get!). The airstrip is about 2100' and I towed to just shy of 3600' after the two step tows. I am reluctant to promote step-...
VortexVidyoze
Переглядів 50Рік тому
VortexVidyoze
Mark Baluk taking the first PG tow on a Vortex
Переглядів 318Рік тому
Mark Baluk taking the first PG tow on a Vortex
John's dawn session
Переглядів 111Рік тому
9 flights and all done by 9:15. his first circuits
Lambert Vortex'ing to 800'+
Переглядів 1292 роки тому
Lambert Vortex'ing to 800'
Noam hang gliding before heading to school
Переглядів 1062 роки тому
After Noam hasn't flown in 10 months, he came out this morning since he had a double spare before heading to his first class. Not bad for a 17 year old!! I loved his comment before his last flight saying he would normally just be rolling out of bed right now.
2021 Tandems - Kinzie
Переглядів 1142 роки тому
2021 Tandems - Kinzie
Step Towing a hang glider
Переглядів 8 тис.2 роки тому
Step Towing a hang glider
LoriAnn Tandem
Переглядів 2243 роки тому
LoriAnn Tandem
SOGA 2010
Переглядів 1063 роки тому
SOGA 2010
XContest Airbuddies & Ayvri
Переглядів 6303 роки тому
XContest Airbuddies & Ayvri
Victor's 4th step-tow flight of the day
Переглядів 2173 роки тому
Victor's 4th step-tow flight of the day
Victor's first day of step-towing
Переглядів 1,1 тис.3 роки тому
Victor's first day of step-towing
Step towing
Переглядів 4153 роки тому
Step towing
Step Towing 360
Переглядів 1083 роки тому
Step Towing 360
Vish enjoying the sunset
Переглядів 3313 роки тому
Vish enjoying the sunset
360 video with new keel mounted invisible camera boom
Переглядів 1023 роки тому
360 video with new keel mounted invisible camera boom
Ryan on the WillsWing Alpha 210
Переглядів 6403 роки тому
Ryan on the WillsWing Alpha 210
Victor
Переглядів 2173 роки тому
Victor
Keaton's first tandem
Переглядів 424 роки тому
Keaton's first tandem
Keaton's first tandem
Переглядів 614 роки тому
Keaton's first tandem
Hang Gliding Training - Scooter Towing
Переглядів 4154 роки тому
Hang Gliding Training - Scooter Towing

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @LegendsRacer37
    @LegendsRacer37 8 днів тому

    I've been in the same situation, fortunately I had no problem reaching my downtube-mounted bike-handle-brake release. That said, I do like the type of release you have.

  • @rsibley
    @rsibley 10 днів тому

    🤯 I can't believe how quickly that happened. I also can't believe how fast your reaction was to release! Amazing.

    • @Goflyxc
      @Goflyxc 9 днів тому

      I have no tolerance for that...not worth it! Just land and try again. :)

  • @tench745
    @tench745 Місяць тому

    What harness are you using?

  • @aerocutter2049
    @aerocutter2049 2 місяці тому

    What kind of helmet is that?

  • @benthurber5363
    @benthurber5363 5 місяців тому

    I get the principles and motivation... but I think you'd be better off with microlift gliders and perhaps studying thermals in your area. Like, fly a drone around at different times of day to study where the thermals are. (Nice, dry cereals would be the best bet.) You'd need something with altitude hold and a readout on motor output, but. I think that's actually more important than an exceptionally risky towing method. If you can't figure out when and where thermals are happening, then you're still walking back. Or not. Death comes for us all eventually. It just arrives a lot sooner for the complacent.

  • @scottkrieman8108
    @scottkrieman8108 8 місяців тому

    I started hang gliding in 1978 and did some of the most crazy tows at crazy places by crazy things that towed me but I would NEVER try step towing ever! Who ever thought of this must be nuts.

    • @ericoschmitt
      @ericoschmitt 29 днів тому

      I heard it's very common in the Netherlands, one big club there has a small field and no hills. I see no problem as long as the scooter operator is also a pilot and they both know what they are doing, with two release options for the pilot flying and a quick way to cut the cable at the bottom too

  • @fly1327
    @fly1327 9 місяців тому

    Hundreds of hours, some in really shitty cndx, looked controlled and fine to me!

  • @dudul69003
    @dudul69003 10 місяців тому

    Rien de nouveau......on faisait ça il y a 50 ans......

  • @anthonyburtis2951
    @anthonyburtis2951 10 місяців тому

    Wow, that happens really fast, I've towed with a cart, that's not your first rodeo, good job!!!

  • @peterlang515
    @peterlang515 Рік тому

    Crazy ❤

  • @aquaman1
    @aquaman1 Рік тому

    This is my weak link reference video. Very helpful. Thanks for posting

  • @embededfabrication4482
    @embededfabrication4482 Рік тому

    why don't you like amsteel blue, I've got a whole bunch of it right now to use. have you seen the ronstan D splicer needle? is there a reason you're doing this stitching method rather than end to end splice?

  • @robertchisholm5133
    @robertchisholm5133 Рік тому

    This is very interesting. Being new to the sport of hang gliding, and having seen the term "step towing" elsewhere many times, I had no idea what this even IS - until I watched this video. Brilliantly simple idea, making tows possible to heights far in excess of what the field length available for laying out the tow line would suggest, prior to commencing the launch. Like everything else, obviously requires knowledge and practice to do it safely and get the best results. I'm used to flying "classical" sailplanes which are much bigger, heavier and generally have much higher glide ratios than hang gliders. To my knowledge, this method has never been attempted with "classical" sailplanes.

  • @timward4301
    @timward4301 Рік тому

    I've done this, a long time ago, using a truck winch rather than stationary winch. But honestly, if you've got 1000 meters out, that's likely enough to get up on a decent day. Not at all sure the additional gain is worth the additional risk. Which is why it was a long time ago.

  • @u171098atgmail
    @u171098atgmail Рік тому

    nice, I want one..

    • @instinctwindsports
      @instinctwindsports Рік тому

      A tow like that or a winch?! :)

    • @u171098atgmail
      @u171098atgmail Рік тому

      @@instinctwindsports problem is we're in socal (san diego) and the concept of a gi-normous field is very foreign to us. no plans to buy a farm in Iowa either, it's just the wx has gotten sideways here.. :(

  • @emoe_atlas
    @emoe_atlas Рік тому

    and now a remote control.....

  • @williampain5750
    @williampain5750 Рік тому

    Looks awesome. As someone who has been involved in the industry since 1976 this is the way forward for teaching hang gliding.

  • @christophergagliano2051
    @christophergagliano2051 Рік тому

    B******* please nobody tried this b******* I towed for years behind boats trucks toe planes but this is b******* don't try this at all too many people have died doing this b******* do a straight toe and release and lift anything above 500 and you're going to find the thermal and climb away

  • @davelowinger7056
    @davelowinger7056 Рік тому

    I always thought Landing the hand glider was easy😟

  • @aerobatty1
    @aerobatty1 Рік тому

    Looks dangerous AF. What happened near the end there? Where he got yanked back right before he was able to release?

    • @instinctwindsports
      @instinctwindsports Рік тому

      Rope snag so he released. It is why we only use Koch releases

    • @aerobatty1
      @aerobatty1 Рік тому

      @@instinctwindsports I gather that he's towing the rope back to the start, and winching up again. Is he unwinding the rope from the winch? How easily does it unspool? Ever had any incidents of the pilot getting yanked backwards? When I first watched this and saw the rope going the wrong way, I thought he was going to die. Took a while to figure out what was going on. There was no towing of any kind when I used to hang glide. I'm flying powered paraglider now. Much less hiking involved. There is an airport not too far away that does "ultralight" tows. I'll probably give that a try one of these days.

  • @rlowle1228
    @rlowle1228 Рік тому

    Smoooth

  • @Nashy76
    @Nashy76 2 роки тому

    What are the height gains over standard tow same sight

  • @Chuchoelloco
    @Chuchoelloco 2 роки тому

    Bravo!!!

  • @davekohanski7411
    @davekohanski7411 2 роки тому

    Beautiful Video! How did you get that camera angle? Where was the camera attached? Thank you

  • @evgeniianufriev279
    @evgeniianufriev279 2 роки тому

    What type of winch do you use? Is it hydraulic? Self-made or bought?

    • @instinctwindsports
      @instinctwindsports 2 роки тому

      The one in this video is a self-made hydraulic winch. But we are now making a portable electric winch capable of doing the same as you see in this video. www.instinct.pro/vortex

    • @evgeniianufriev279
      @evgeniianufriev279 2 роки тому

      @@instinctwindsports thank you. Is there an emergency way to disconnect the tow line if the release will jam?

  • @fly1327
    @fly1327 2 роки тому

    After flying hang gliders (and sailplanes) for years, must admit that looked a bit sketchy. Then again, I'm pretty sure no wind cliff launches look that way as well - Always hated 'em, but they do get your attention!

    • @aerobatty1
      @aerobatty1 Рік тому

      As long as you’re clear to dive and you get your tail past the edge, no wind cliff launches are probably 2 or 3 thousand times safer than this. 👍

  • @------country-boy-------
    @------country-boy------- 2 роки тому

    I'm surprised that yank at the end didn't pop the weak link ..... or do you even use one lol. 😂

    • @instinctwindsports
      @instinctwindsports 2 роки тому

      We do use a weak-link. There is an endless controversy over their use, especially with a pressure-regulated winch like ours. It was a rare drum snag. I debated to post this video because of it but it is a reminder what CAN happen. We have a low tolerance for any sort of resistance on the downwind. This snag worked itself out right away but it is always a good move to release as the pilot did.

  • @hpcanon
    @hpcanon 2 роки тому

    how long is your tow road.

    • @instinctwindsports
      @instinctwindsports 2 роки тому

      1km. But with step towing, we really only need half of that

  • @marcoantoniovento6347
    @marcoantoniovento6347 2 роки тому

    Where are you located? Got your video from our towing group in Spain.

  • @titanvr8372
    @titanvr8372 2 роки тому

    Hello, I love your 360º videos, you can upload some more, they are spectacular with the VR viewers. You can place the camera in a passenger position, for tandem flight. greetings and thanks for sharing.

  • @Mike-01234
    @Mike-01234 2 роки тому

    Are you being pulled by a vehicle or is that a winch?

  • @EricFroehlich
    @EricFroehlich 2 роки тому

    Inherently a very dangerous method of towing, ripe with generating a lockout. The type of description of pilots that hit sound like- “crushed chest cavity”,…. there are better safer ways to get air.

    • @instinctwindsports
      @instinctwindsports 2 роки тому

      ALL forms of launching are dangerous. Proper training and progression is key. Can you explain your "crushed chest cavity" remark? After at least 15,000 tows like this, we have never had a single bruised rib...

    • @flyingscotsman1923
      @flyingscotsman1923 2 роки тому

      @@instinctwindsports Well said I.W.

  • @lolocar74
    @lolocar74 2 роки тому

    Vous avez eu un problème pour déconnecter le câble ?

    • @instinctwindsports
      @instinctwindsports 2 роки тому

      Zero problems disconnection. There was a slight snag at the drum on his downwind (a big hazzard with step-towing). That is why we only use Koch-style releases as the release is always at the same location and a fast release gets you free of the rope. Never step-tow without a release like that. Trying to find a release string takes too long and is not nearly as reliable.

  • @TomFly
    @TomFly 2 роки тому

    What is the target hight? How much do you feel the cable while flying back?

    • @instinctwindsports
      @instinctwindsports 2 роки тому

      Target height....as high as possible??! :) as long as we can stay above 500' on the steps as a safety measure, we are happy trying more steps. Depends on the winch for the back pressure on the downwind. You can't attempt step towing without the Koch style release. If something goes wrong, you wouldn't have time to release with any other type of release. The winch design and operator is key for step-towing. It is an art for sure. You have to be in-sync with the operator. Communication is key

  • @MichaelStrother
    @MichaelStrother 2 роки тому

    Is it my imagination or did that tow go to full tension very rapidly?

  • @yoshidragonaga
    @yoshidragonaga 2 роки тому

    What's step towing??? What's towing you?

    • @instinctwindsports
      @instinctwindsports 2 роки тому

      A high powered stationary winch. You tow until you are above the winch and then you fly away from the winch and pull the rope back off the winch as you fly downwind. Face the winch again and then you get pulled in again and get higher each step!

    • @yoshidragonaga
      @yoshidragonaga 2 роки тому

      @@instinctwindsports thank you for the explanation. How ingenious!

    • @instinctwindsports
      @instinctwindsports 2 роки тому

      It isn't a new thing... it has been around for 39+ years. Popular in the Nordic countries and here in Ontario Canada.

    • @yoshidragonaga
      @yoshidragonaga 2 роки тому

      @@instinctwindsports I see! I'm brand new to hang gliding. I started at the end of June of this year (at Lookout Mountain Flight Park in GA, USA), so I have a lot to learn!

  • @fredericgauvin
    @fredericgauvin 2 роки тому

    Hang gliding is soooo fun !!! Thanks for sharing this nice video, I have not been flying for a while, that was a good substitute... Question, how high did you get at the end of the 2nd tow? you were climbing for 7 min !!!

  • @RobbieStJean
    @RobbieStJean 3 роки тому

    sound off

  • @gliderrider
    @gliderrider 3 роки тому

    Well yeah, you make it look easy. Lol!

  • @Navigator777777
    @Navigator777777 3 роки тому

    I get drum tangle and the threat but I don't understand towing downwind. What are the circumstances where this would be done?

  • @JonMcG
    @JonMcG 3 роки тому

    For what its worth , i too keep on my base bar as long as i can , better set up , more control in ground effect , gives me more confidence . There is absolutely nothing wrong with what you did here , great landing , only an idiot would say otherwise .

  • @cloudstreets1396
    @cloudstreets1396 3 роки тому

    Forget the landing. Where on earth is that perfectly groomed grass field??

    • @instinctwindsports
      @instinctwindsports 3 роки тому

      Yeah....we operated on that sod/turf farm for 8yrs. It was heaven

    • @cloudstreets1396
      @cloudstreets1396 3 роки тому

      @@instinctwindsports - you could curl up and take a nap on it.

    • @instinctwindsports
      @instinctwindsports 3 роки тому

      Actually....I have. I did doze off in-between tandems on day in my harness while waiting for a winch repair!

  • @sotirpopov3937
    @sotirpopov3937 3 роки тому

    ...seems to be you Mark have a nice HG hub on the East...

    • @instinctwindsports
      @instinctwindsports 3 роки тому

      We do! The only club-owned Dragonfly operation in the World (that i am aware of). They have had a Dragonfly for 25yrs straight now

  • @scottkrieman8108
    @scottkrieman8108 3 роки тому

    That’s crazy ! I thought there would be more time of towing after tow vehicle changed directions?

  • @SVSky
    @SVSky 3 роки тому

    I love being able to gather the weather at a glance.

  • @garrykennedy5484
    @garrykennedy5484 3 роки тому

    Interesting idea. Not sure I care for it though. What if there's a snag while heading out for the next step? I know you have a weak link, but wow.

    • @instinctwindsports
      @instinctwindsports 3 роки тому

      Yup, we know the risks. As with any form of towing there are risks. We have a quick release on the pilot and a cutter at the winch. Pilots are trained to release if any concerns. Step towing hang gliders isn't new but hasn't caught on in the US. We do thousands of flights here in Canada a year and Europe is popular too

  • @instinctwindsports
    @instinctwindsports 3 роки тому

    Staying on the basetube longer does have its advantages of having better control, especially in windier/turbulent conditions.

    • @BariFPV
      @BariFPV 2 роки тому

      That was beautiful. My S3 is just as nimble. I have a Malibu 2 which I think is better than a Falcon so when I had to choose between a gecko and s3, I only got the s3 cause getting it's parts in the US is a lot easier but now WW has shifted to Mexico and still in a fix.

    • @BariFPV
      @BariFPV 2 роки тому

      Yes, that's how I land too. I don't get on the uprights until glider doesn't go neutral :) I uploaded my landing compilation too.

  • @MVW54
    @MVW54 3 роки тому

    Sir, at your finals , , , You got out of your harness much too late (coming straight up to the uprights BEFORE !!! your final entry). Why? Your mistake at 0:38 The speed was good. 👍 ** This pilots uprights mistake during/BEFORE the final approach doesn't seem to get out of our Hang gliding world! **

    • @alexmarkelov7339
      @alexmarkelov7339 3 роки тому

      His landing was grate. Why get on your uprights early? Asking for trouble in a mid day conditions.

    • @JonMcG
      @JonMcG 3 роки тому

      Sigh , there’s always One 😒

    • @MVW54
      @MVW54 3 роки тому

      @@JonMcG Sir, Hang gliding over 3K hours and 40 years later, most of the accidents I've seen happening at the landings were due getting straight to the up-raisers too late ! 🙏 nanna maste.

    • @JonMcG
      @JonMcG 3 роки тому

      @@MVW54 a simple “google search “ will prove your theory wrong , it’s a culmination of errors that have caused accidents over the years , ranging from equipment in the early years to over confidence and pilot error . Believe it or not , majority of accidents are due to pilot forgetting to strap themselves to the HG. The 2 most common causes are weather and equipment failure ( again google search )

    • @MVW54
      @MVW54 3 роки тому

      ​@@JonMcG I have not written about the most common, but the most common at the landings. That's a big difference. I only describe what I have personally seen in all those years... once again... especially only on landings !

  • @YouLoveMrFriendly
    @YouLoveMrFriendly 3 роки тому

    Beautiful video and flying. Could you tell me the name of the song playing?

  • @NonSleeper_Occasional_Thinker
    @NonSleeper_Occasional_Thinker 3 роки тому

    nice job pilot, awesome views too, love the camera!