Hang Gliding - FAQ - What's needed?
The animal kingdom and flying: Personally, I have always enjoyed the possibility (and now the reality) of flying in the company of eagles, or with any soaring birds. It is an image or idea that even the most Earth-bound person often can appreciate.
Eagles can be the greatest co-conspirators with you, in the defeat of gravity. If an eagle is circling, you can bet that soaring ace is in good lift. You can circle in the same place, and climb at the same rate. Never forget, though, eagles (and other raptors as well) are wild animals, and they have their own agendas and prerogatives. They can be angered to attack if you intrude too close to their nests, and they may feel threatened if you approach straight at them. In particular, the time of day can make a real difference in the attitudes of eagles. During the mid-day and early afternoon, they are busy hunting. They have kids to feed, and they may have little patience with what could be a large competitor for the available food.
In the late afternoon and evenings, though, these same eagles have eaten well, all of the kids are fed, and now they are just out for nice evening cruise. They will have the time and the curiosity to fly with a glider. I never fly straight at them, but I take a veering approach instead, and then fly parallel to them at a reasonable distance at first. When I have their attention, I let go with both hands and show them two empty hands, fingers together (not clawed), as if to say "Look, no guns." Usually, they will veer closer to me, once they see I am not a threat. This "hands-off" move seems to help, and sometimes they will even fly in formation with a glider for a while. For me, this "personal flying" lifestyle is THE ONE where the best of flying dreams can come true.
The new HG pilot may be pleasantly surprised to see deer, elk, and other wild animals going about their lives, undisturbed by the silent flight of a human being, not far above them. I have seen specimens of most of the larger wild animals living on my continent, from the air.
A note of caution and kindness is in order, here. If you allow your glider shadow to cross over them, many animals can be startled into making a terrified escape dash. These animals may come to grief in their attempt to flee. When you see animals foraging below you, then you should monitor the position of your glider shadow as you fly above them. Take a flight path which keeps your shadow away from them, if you want them to remain in peace.
Note: You may be approached by hunters when you are on the ground, asking you to spot game animals for them from the air. This would be very easy to do, but this endeavor is illegal in every state of the USA. Given the tales I have heard about Game Wardens lately, I would not be too surprised to find that the "hunter" asking for such help is really a state official looking to make an easy arrest. In my state, any arrest for violations of hunting laws will include the confiscation of any and all equipment used in the violation. That means the loss of all of your flying gear, and the motor vehicle involved. Please check your local hunting ordinances before doing something rash - just a word to the wise.
Logbooks are a great idea. If you ever had air under your feet, it is NOT too early
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