HANGGLIDING - Learning aerotow - pulled into the sky!

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  • Опубліковано 14 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 115

  • @andymccann2716
    @andymccann2716 3 роки тому +4

    Another cracking vid from my favourite channel

  • @terryrose6208
    @terryrose6208 3 роки тому

    Must be the best of adrenaline rushes to do what you do. I can tell you love it very much. And from watching many of your videos, you are one of the best I've seen at thermaling.

  • @raygilbertflies
    @raygilbertflies 3 роки тому

    Awesome Darren! Your videos are a great inspiration to me. I am currently H1 doing scooter towing with Steve Wendt at Blue Sky Hang Gliding in Richmond (Manquin), VA I will be going to Kitty Hawk Kites in N.C. in April to get my H2, doing tandem Aero Tows with an instructor. I have wated to do this since I was a kid. At 51 y.o. I am finally able to realize my lifelong dream.

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      That's great! I wish you all the best of luck with your training - believe me, you won't regret it!

  • @para578
    @para578 3 роки тому +2

    These videos have been fantastic and very fun to watch! Coming from someone who doesn't even fly and found your videos based on curiosity and want to possibly hang glide in the future. Thank you!

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks Andy! You really need to try it... be careful though - it's more addictive than cocaine!

    • @para578
      @para578 3 роки тому

      @@MooSurfer Possibly I will try this summer. Question for you (and possibly a good topic for a new video); how do you travel with your glider? Not too much out there on this topic in my opinion. Would be nice to see how the process of going to a competition works. I'm in the USA and would likely have to travel to good spots. (Lived in Newcastle for a year, btw. Just wanted to throw that out there from an honorary Geordie :) )

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      @@para578 The glider goes on the roof of my car. Perhaps I should show it in a video... I think I have done in one or two. The process of going to a competition - what do you mean? The logistics of getting there etc?

    • @para578
      @para578 3 роки тому

      @@MooSurfer Oh, I was thinking of what it takes to put a hang-glider on an airplane to go to places. Explaining rules and regulations etc of competitions might be a good topic too!

  • @edwardc6618
    @edwardc6618 3 роки тому +1

    Great vid and 3 spot on landings. Well done bud. Aerotowing is just awesome!

  • @danialadelta
    @danialadelta 3 роки тому +2

    Yes, I too was very scared the first time and even today I still go through it.

  • @BMHGC73
    @BMHGC73 3 роки тому +1

    Love your videos Darren, keep em coming, especially to down under

  • @foesfly3047
    @foesfly3047 3 роки тому

    As a former avid hang glider pilot who transitioned to Light Sport (US Microlight equivalent) aircraft, I enjoy flying along with you in these excellent videos. My current situation makes soaring flight too inconvenient but I'll tell anyone, flying hang gliders, cross country and aerobatic is the most exciting form of aviation extant.

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому +1

      Thank you, I'm very glad you like my videos! I agree with you - it is also the most satisfying thing, whooshing through the sky and watching the countryside drift below you knowing you're using only the power of the sun.

  • @elpeluca06
    @elpeluca06 3 роки тому +1

    Espectacular ...Darren!!🤩💪

  • @cloudbotherer7835
    @cloudbotherer7835 3 роки тому +1

    Great vid as always Darren…keep ‘em coming!

  • @nicucrainic8106
    @nicucrainic8106 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks! This is a quite good lesson! Well done!!!

  • @PetrPolach
    @PetrPolach 3 роки тому +3

    Darren this is a nice video, especially the part when you scream "I am still alive" :DD What a feeling when you leave the cart for the first time, isnt it? How is your aerotowing going on?
    I might have one tip to make your aerotow safer, I have seen that your bar almost went off the wood guides and you left the cart probably little early.
    First - the rope should be little more tight (shorter) to not to allow the speedbar to escape out of the guides, when you hold on it.
    Second - What I also do is that I am staying on the cart, as I speed up I wait till I lift the cart like 5-10cm THEN I release. Thats how you know you have enought lift = enought speed. This is a must if you start with a backwind OR sidewind. Its always better to OVERSPEED on the cart.
    Also be super carerfull about that VG rope. Getting it entangled into the cart is very common reason for towing accidents. Maybe put a elastic band on the upright and put the rope behind in a compact and safe way so it doesnt looose itself even when the ride on the cart is hars.

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Thanks Petr - excellent advice and Gordon gave me the same tip about the cart. I'll definitely make sure that rope is tight and also try your elastic band idea. I finished my lessons and am now qualified. I really enjoyed doing it and also it gave me plenty of practice of my light wind landings. Hopefully this year I can do a lot of aerotow so I can get confident with it.

    • @PetrPolach
      @PetrPolach 3 роки тому +1

      @@MooSurfer With so many paragliders on most common start places I tend to think towing and aerotowing is the only future for our sport. Aerotow also opens new possibilites to fly in areas with bad or non existing starts and therefore explore new routes! WIth current population of hg pilots getting older (sorry to say that but its a fact, very few young pilots join our ranks) its also even maybe safer and definitelly more comformtable!
      While its also sad, hill start is a thrilling way to start a flight... a classical way! I remember one day from last year, it was a potentialy 190km day for PGs and possibly 230km triangle day for us hangies. I chose a start, narrow place in the forest, just for one hangglider. Sadly there were 60! paraglider pilots on the same start place and I was barely able to build the glider. I started 3 hours later than I planned and in the meantime I had to run to the car for spare upright because starting paraglider crashed to my glider during start and broke it. Crazy! If only I took the aerotow that day...
      Fly safe :) see you soon! Hope you will be visiting EU this year :D

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      @@PetrPolach speak for yourself... I am only a young 23 year old ;-) That really sucks about so many paragliders - I bet you were hopping mad when he crashed into your glider!! You fly safe too mate - and yes I hope to come to the EU a LOT this year. I will have a lot more time available and am hoping all the comps will be starting up again.

  • @Hangglide
    @Hangglide 3 роки тому +1

    Nice aero tow!

  • @tonyfillingham9286
    @tonyfillingham9286 3 роки тому +1

    Hi Darren, Another great video! Can you share your 3 polar values please?

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому +1

      I guess I can Tony - though being disorganised I haven't even downloaded that flight from my vario yet. I'll do it in the next few days if I get chance.

    • @tonyfillingham9286
      @tonyfillingham9286 3 роки тому

      @@MooSurfer No worries, I`ve put some into the Digifly for WW Talon, only figures I could find and being a Dales flyer don`t get to fly in still evening air much.

  • @richardhunt1557
    @richardhunt1557 3 роки тому +2

    Your best video yet ;-)

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      It's certainly got some of the best looking people in it...

  • @MikeMcCartney
    @MikeMcCartney 3 роки тому +1

    I finally made it onto one of your videos :-) Great vid as always!

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому +1

      You made the video complete Mike!!

  • @donatopuca2737
    @donatopuca2737 3 роки тому

    Ciao Darren, grande... bravo.Hai entusiasmo e passione che brillano !! FROM ITALY

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому +1

      Ciao Donato, sono contento che il video ti sia piaciuto ... spero di tornare in Italia anche quest'anno - le Dolomiti mi chiamano ... anche Meduno ...

  • @DunderFilip
    @DunderFilip 3 роки тому +1

    Well done Darren! Haha that is scary indeed, the super focused look on your face the entire ride though! :D

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      It's my take off face! Just a little extended...

  • @timmusic7674
    @timmusic7674 3 роки тому +1

    Great video mate. I remember years ago learning to Aerotow in a glider trying to keep it level with the aircraft in front . Lots of sweaty hands I can tell you lol

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Funnily enough I had a bit of sweaty palm syndrome too!

  • @PlaneDelta
    @PlaneDelta 3 роки тому +1

    Awesome Darren, great to watch during the depths of winter and lockdown... roll on spring and summer. Ciao darling honey chicken 😂

  • @chrsfrwll
    @chrsfrwll 3 роки тому

    Great stuff, as always. Had sympathetic adrenaline rush during your take offs. Way back when I got my tow endorsement we didn't have aero or dollies; just a winch and run like crazy hoping you didn't face plant. The yank after giving "all out" was fearsome, so same scared at the start.

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Static winch IS slightly different from aerotow. I have done that too - and that is always from running. I've also done aerotow foot launched - that is part of the qualification, you must do at least one. Also when I first started aerotow 20 years ago, most of my flights were foot launched and I actually preferred it. Not now though... dolly every time!

  • @flexmaniac
    @flexmaniac 3 роки тому

    Good fun on the tug end too.. great to see the picture from your end :-)

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому +1

      Cheers Andy.... more to come!

    • @flexmaniac
      @flexmaniac 3 роки тому

      @@MooSurfer I noticed the filming session on Sunday!

  • @Highrockman
    @Highrockman 3 роки тому

    I have to get some aero tows in as well ..been a few years as well but looking forward to getting some in hopefully in Florida

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Florida is a nice place for it.. I need to get back there sometime

  • @danialadelta
    @danialadelta 3 роки тому +1

    Well done Darren!!

  • @SVSky
    @SVSky 3 роки тому

    Aerotow is a blast, but down low gotta be spring loaded to release if anything goes wrong.

  • @sotirpopov3533
    @sotirpopov3533 3 роки тому

    Happy new 2021 Year Darren, wish you Health, Luck and many enjoyable flights. Nice Aerotowing, Cheers,

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks Sotir - Happy New 2021 to you too!! Hopefully we'll all get a lot more flying in this year...

  • @SVSky
    @SVSky 3 роки тому

    One little tip: You can adjust how much bar pressure you have by relative position with the tug in the turn. If you're slightly inside you'll have less, outside, more (makes sense right, because of the difference in the radius of the circle). If you want to get tug lower in your field of view without letting the bar out, you can lag the turn a bit, higher, lead it a little. Overall nice! Very smooth

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Thanks for the tips! Much appreciated - especially the lowering the tug tip.. I can't wait to get in the air again and get some more of this!

  • @franksmallwood680
    @franksmallwood680 3 роки тому

    Great video. Really enjoy your stuff.
    Here in South Africa around Johannesburg most of the hang gliding is aerotowing but we have very few pilots. Really a dying sport here which is really sad.
    I have probably done 150+ aerotows now and still get really wound up before launch if I haven't narrowed for a couple of months.
    Keep up the good videos.

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Thanks Frank - hanggliding is smaller than it was generally, but nevertheless still has a strong backbone

  • @djokicmetamora
    @djokicmetamora 3 роки тому +1

    Nice job! it took me 20 flights with an instructor to get to that point.

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Thanks Steve. You probably learned on tow though - I've been flying a while so should have picked it up quicker.

  • @skyjockbill
    @skyjockbill 3 роки тому

    You are greasing those landings Darren!

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      I had to get some right at some point! ;-)

  • @paulmartin8051
    @paulmartin8051 2 роки тому

    my 2P as I am also on my aerotow journey. If you could have the camera pointed in such a way that you have a pilot's eye view of the tug then we would see your corrections not only left and right corrections but also pitch changes to keep tug in the correct relative position.

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  2 роки тому

      Yep - I do try to make it so I can see the tug AND me, but I'll try to get better angles in future.

  • @craigp969
    @craigp969 3 роки тому +1

    Well done buddy!

  • @chrisbradshaw7273
    @chrisbradshaw7273 3 роки тому

    Just found your channel and I'm watching (learning and enjoying) loads of your vids. I'd be interested to hear your opinion of paragliding as a more accessible way into free flight vs hang gliding. Thank you!

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Thanks Chris - I'm glad you're enjoying it :-) Paragliding has it's own pros and cons - it's definitely easier to get into and learn and more portable too. However a hang-glider goes better in the air, is more efficient, faster and FEELS more like flying like a bird. Also I know of a number of paragliders who have hurt themselves purely through bad luck whereas if a hang-glider hurts themselves it's through bad judgement. A hang-glider can't collapse. In short - paragliders are better on the ground, but hang-gliders are better in the air. Ask anyone who does both which they prefer - I think they will generally say hanggliding. But might paraglide more purely because it's more convenient.

    • @chrisbradshaw7273
      @chrisbradshaw7273 3 роки тому

      @@MooSurfer Thank you for taking the time to write such a thorough answer, I made the mistake of watching a 'paragliding fails' video last night and can see exactly what you mean! My only experience with 'flight' is model aeroplanes and I'd love to take it up several notches and try some sort of gliding. I live in Bury near Manchester, so not far from you and it looks like there are plenty of opportunities locally. Cheers and all the best

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому +1

      @@chrisbradshaw7273 there certainly ARE opportunities locally - and you are really quite close the hills I usually fly on in Derbyshire. You should get yourself out to the hope valley on a nice flying day - come and chat with us...

  • @ecclesheat
    @ecclesheat 3 роки тому

    Tugged off in Cambridge nice! Makes for the best flights but man its scary.

  • @GolfFoxtrot22
    @GolfFoxtrot22 3 роки тому

    I can't believe I missed this one. I've seen it at Devon and Somerset Condors at Upottery and they seem to get some really good distances. Thanks Darren. Edit..still the Darren launch face..haha :)

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому +1

      I'm working on that launch face... though you should see the vid I did two days ago of my first flight on my new glider. The flight lasted 1min 30 seconds and I had that face on all the way DOWN!! ;-)

    • @GolfFoxtrot22
      @GolfFoxtrot22 3 роки тому

      @@MooSurfer I'll be keeping a eye, put for it

  • @garrykennedy5484
    @garrykennedy5484 3 роки тому

    IT's always scary until you get up at least 50ft AGL. I learned to hang glide aerotowing. I've had weak links break as low as 10 Ft. Always get as much ground speed as you can before letting the trolly go. Just in case of wind sheer or weird air. We were forced into lockouts as well in our training. Great thing to do while tandem training. Looks like you did great!!! Congrats. Not sure if you zipped up during tow or not, but it's better to not in case you have a low release you can get your landing gear out quickly. Looks like you're still a tad low. I keep the wheels of the tug on the horizon.

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks Garry - good advice. Yes I kept my harness unzipped until after releasing from the tug. And yes I was low on all those flights - my next session I got it better I think and also switched to a shorter line. The other thing I completely forgot in my first session was turning left after the tug release. It just went completely out of my head!

    • @garrykennedy5484
      @garrykennedy5484 3 роки тому

      @@MooSurfer There's some things I forget too. Like not turning right after release to avoid the prop wash. Then my bridle needs to be wound back up and stuffed in my harness. Checking for wind changes before giving the signal to go go go. It all comes together if you keep it up enough. I haven't flown since Mid last April, so I'll be starting early when it's calm to get the dust off my wings. LOL

  • @elaeroplano
    @elaeroplano 3 роки тому

    Darren, in our club we take 2,-€/100 m. Whats the price there in Cambridge for towing? Would like to compare here in Germany and UK.

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Good question... I was so busy concentrating on the flying I forgot the price. I think they charge around £12 for 2000ft but I'm not sure. There is also the cost of being in the club - around £200 a year I think. But they did not charge me anything for the training - which is excellent!!!

    • @elaeroplano
      @elaeroplano 3 роки тому

      @@MooSurfer In our Club you would be welcome as well and on the first day you would fly for free. :)

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      @@elaeroplano that's great, thank you! Maybe I should come.... I'll travel hundreds of miles for a free flight ;-) Where are you based anyway?!

    • @elaeroplano
      @elaeroplano 3 роки тому

      @@MooSurfer oh, I just calculated. The price is nearly exactly the same as we take. Our membership is 120 €/year. So thats a fair price i guess.

    • @elaeroplano
      @elaeroplano 3 роки тому

      @@MooSurfer Darren, I live in Hamburg. But the Airfield is 112 km east of Hamburg. The Airfield is called Neustadt Glewe. We only do aero towing at weekend and mostly when I work with my students on the tandem to teach them our wonderful sport. As you know we have the same weather conditions likes 🇬🇧. Planning is not a good idea. I decide on wensday to go or not going for flights. For sure it depends on weather And first I have to get the confirmation of the tug pilot that he has time to come out.
      You see we don't have constant activities in our club and on great field. So if your way brings you close to me, ask for activities to me. Mostly it is spontaneously.
      You know: "You have to fly if it is possible!" And if you really come, we also can make a tandem flight. Mostly it is very interesting which style the veterans are showing in flight 😄. Best regards from Germany, Olaf Barthodzie

  • @skyridersean
    @skyridersean 3 роки тому

    Nice one . Did you get some custom made raked tips ? Best transition and landing I have seen you do at the end 👍

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Good observation! Andy Hollidge lent me his custom made raked tips for my first two flights - he said it would make me fly straighter. Don't tell him, but I couldn't tell any difference ;-) Probably my lack of skill rather than the tips...

  • @subsupercruiser
    @subsupercruiser 3 роки тому

    weak link?

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Yep there is one - apart from me.

  • @paulkazjack
    @paulkazjack 3 роки тому

    Do you need insurance/ license to do this?

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      You can actually fly a hang-glider without insurance or a licence. But... you would likely die. To be insured you need a licence yes. And the British Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) provides 3rd party insurance.

    • @paulkazjack
      @paulkazjack 3 роки тому

      @@MooSurfer ok thanks.

  • @wightwalker2453
    @wightwalker2453 3 роки тому

    This seems less scary than stepping off a cliff to my eyes.

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому +1

      It's a matter of perspective... stepping off a cliff I am in full control. Here I am being pulled along at 30 mph close 5 ft off the ground...

  • @blue_beepblue_beep6358
    @blue_beepblue_beep6358 3 роки тому

    Hay Darren, I see with covid and winter you have not much flying. I have some clips of me flying in Australia, lake George, including a wedge tailed eagle attack on me (2.8m wingspan). You may not be able to use any due to quality but might be interesting for you anyway. If you want a look send me a send location?

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Hey BLUE_beep - yes that would be great! I'd love to see. Do you have a file sharing account somewhere? Or want to put them on UA-cam?

  • @michalo158
    @michalo158 3 роки тому

    Congratulations your new skill.
    I see You fly lower than the trike, I think it's better when hanglider is a feew meters over trike. Trike must be bellow horizon but not too much.
    In strong thermals it is safer as you will be flying above the propeller's turbulence.

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Thanks Michalo, you are correct of course, I was too low and I knew it. With that particular trike the advice I was given was to keep the wheels on the horizon, but still I was low.

    • @michalo158
      @michalo158 3 роки тому

      @@MooSurfer I often watch your very good movies. I have one question.
      How do you connected microphone to the camera? Do you have microphone Wifi or bluetooth? What a camera do you use?

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      I don't have a microphone attached but use the microphone that is built into the camera. This video was filmed with a GoPro hero 8. I have a foam cover on it to muffle the noise.

    • @michalo158
      @michalo158 3 роки тому

      Thanks alot

  • @Hobi_gambar
    @Hobi_gambar 3 роки тому +1

    Hallo my superman

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Hello!

    • @Hobi_gambar
      @Hobi_gambar 3 роки тому

      Thanks for your answer my posted coment, i like your experience verry much

    • @Hobi_gambar
      @Hobi_gambar 3 роки тому

      You are a real superman righ now

  • @tanyano9
    @tanyano9 3 роки тому

    Twitchy bum time, can this method of Aerotow be used to actually learn to HG rather than using a hill, I can imagine the learning curve is although steeper faster to get qualified...... Ta..

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому +1

      Yes absolutely!! In fact someone has put a comment on this video to say that is EXACTLY how they learned, in Florida.

  • @onthemoney7237
    @onthemoney7237 3 роки тому

    Sorry but that’s insanity hang Gliding looks fun but hooking a rope to your body big ??? Great vid fun to watch 👍

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому +1

      It IS scary... but not quite insanity. But then, all us insane people would say that wouldn't we ;-) Glad you liked it anyway :-)

    • @onthemoney7237
      @onthemoney7237 3 роки тому

      @@MooSurfer I have to like it nobody expresses that living to the max as well as you do keep those vids coming thank you 👍

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      @@onthemoney7237 Thank you... I'll do my best!

    • @SVSky
      @SVSky 3 роки тому

      Wait till you see surface tow.

  • @frankmoore993
    @frankmoore993 3 роки тому

    "Real Men" foot launch behind the tug...

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      I guess I'm just a wuss!

  • @MrMoyesboy
    @MrMoyesboy 3 роки тому

    I'm not sure I see you lift the dolly wheels in any of those launches Daz.
    Please, please, release the dolly only after you lifted the wheels just off the ground.
    Then you will never ever come out of the dolly too slow.
    Without getting into that habit you will eventually become blase and lift off too slow which can really hurt.
    Fundamental rule in aviation, don't dispense with the undercarriage before you are definitely flying!

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      Good advice, thanks Gordon!

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  3 роки тому

      @@Cappiuk I guess that's the fear with foot launching - that you can't get enough airspeed in your legs to take off. That's why it's best with a little headwind.

  • @skyjockbill
    @skyjockbill Рік тому

    I'm losing count of hg pilots who are surprised that it gets cold when you get high! Why?!

    • @MooSurfer
      @MooSurfer  Рік тому

      We know it gets cold... but sometimes just HOW cold can be a shock!