Hangies.co.uk

Steve W Sorry to hear your selling your gear, anything we can do do help you change your mind? Learning to fly is hard, time consuming, expensive and sometimes painful. In my first year I did two keels, several uprights and a leading edge. It's all worth it in the end!
9 months ago

badger thanks Steve, the community is amazing! been learning with John at South Downs, great team, got a bit spooked by my first high CP flight at DDyke, no drama just didnt really feel in control, bent an upright etc. If you had asked me there and then I would have gone straight up and done it again, by the time I had repacked and gone back up I was petrified. Since then sort of decided (whilst waiting for wind to go N on a day I could make) that it was all a bit intense and have other hobbies, old cars, bikes, kids etc. Every time I run on the downs ( a lot) I stand and imagine flying top down to a clear field or zooming along the ridge still. Strange one, somehow I feel I should just relax and stick to stuff that is more immediately satisfying, not just something where I feel relief! Long answer I know but thank you for even asking. Hangies certainly are a tribe. Took me ages to even write to JB and he probably gets plenty like me. Captain Cautious over and out
9 months ago

Led Barron Hi Badger. I have no doubt that John has done his best to help. I have read that if you feel like that then you should just go back and do a few more training flights. It is a shock when you get high but then it's also great. Personaly my first flight of the day is always a bit of a challenge but I had some great flights in the winter in less bouncy air and you just need one good day with 3 or 4 nice flights at somewhere like Swanborough without crowds of PG's or masses of people and you will love it.
9 months ago

Steve W I disagree, more bunny hops are not the answer. On my first high flight on the Sting I was scared shitless and not in a good way. When I landed I thought I had made a big mistake. I got through it BUT there is an easier way. Just one tandem flight with Stewart at Flylight at this stage would have been very beneficial to me. You get the equivalent airtime of 10+ Dyke top to bottoms. Don't get me wrong, I think Hill training is much better than aerotow and JB and Matt are brilliant but that extra airtime on a Tandem allows you the opportunity to gain confidence and skill in contolling the glider very quickly and safely.
9 months ago

badger Thanks guys, considering all options, have to agree Matt & JB are nothing short of fantastic coaches.
9 months ago

NickL hi, I'm not a frequent poster here but I'm sorry that you've been spooked. You'll know what you feel most comfortable with but it sounds like you still want to fly. I trained on aerotow and I agree with Steve, having a tandem could really set you at ease. I can hardly imagine what it would be like doing your first high flight, and having to figure out how to get down! Flying with an instructor would take care of the safety anxiety and let you get used to the 'space'. It might be a bit pricey but if it gets you through I'm sure it would be worth it. Maybe John B could take you up? Anyway, all the best :)
9 months ago

psuguru Bob! Don't quit just yet. This summer has been pants for flying the Downs and Devil's Dyke is challenging in the bottom field. When the summer comes to an end and there is less thermal activity, ridge flying is smoother and more predictable altogether.
9 months ago

Rocket Badge don't sell up mate, give it a while. That day at the Dyke I having never been there also stood thinking looks a bit daunting. I was lucky all my previous high flights were Swanborough the landing field was as big as you can get and you could just fly straight, felt a bigger site somehow, lots more space and no one in it. Have a go there from half way up if possible and I am sure that you will be hooked again. Your low flights were always smooth and in control with more air time it all fall in place. Good luck Rob
9 months ago