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Hi Bob, I agree. I still marvel at the light weight as I setup and launch. I'm also amazed that Dr. Francis Rogallo's creation is so strong, difficult to overspeed, mushes more than stalls and was made available to the public to enjoy.

I've never flown a Sport 2, but have heard nothing but great things about them. I would probably add a Sport 2 for some cross country ability rather than go to the more demanding U2 at this point.

I learned to fly on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, flew in the Bay area (mostly Fort Funston), a little bit a Sylmar and am looking forward to Funston this spring. I'd love to fly the world famous Lookout Mountain at some point.

I'm still new to cross country, but did get in a couple of good thermal flights Forbes in Australia. We aerotowed behind a Moyes / Bailey Dragonfly and were dropped in a thermal by Steve our intrepid tow pilot (I did get to log two hours in the Dragonfly - fantastic!). When thermalling, I've always had to use other birds, the vario and guess about the shape and drift of the thermal. However, on that day, it was like the Wizard of Oz. Dry seeds(?) that looked like mini tumbleweeds were being picked up and were swirling in the thermal indicating the strength, direction and radius. I kept looking out for monkeys and broomsticks. I topped out at cloudbase and witnessed a cloud street that stretched seemingly to the horizon (a cloud street is line of cumulous clouds that drift downwind and can be used as stepping stones on long distance flights). Over dinner at the field, we were shown on a map the various successful record cross country flights that had been initiated at Forbes. Someday, I'd like to go back.

Sounds like you've had a tremendous flying career in the states. Congratulations on your 40 mile cross country. How was the land out? Any close saves?

Welcome, Jeff! I'm originally from the bay area in Cali, not too far from you. Gotta be some gorgeous flying in Monterey!

Welcome to the club Jeff . You'll want to make sure that Gary wears pants if he delivers your plane. Great pilot, but he's a little challenged in the pants dept.

Welcome to the club Jeff . You'll want to make sure that Gary wears pants if he delivers your plane. Great pilot, but he's a little challenged in the pants dept.

Didn't get the plane. I received a call informing me that the other (first) buyer had just flown away. Thank you to everyone who responded to my request for assistance as well as the welcome messages. An unexpected plus was getting to discuss hang gliding with Bob (hopefully generating enough interest so that others might consider a tandem next time they're near a flight park - it's really cool).

The search continues...

Well, shucks, Jeff. The right one is just around the corner. Don't be a stranger, there are lots of planes out there right now....and some aren't even advertised. Keep beating the bushes....and some members have had success by placing the opposite of a "For Sale" ad... '''Super Nice 150 or 152 Wanted!"

Sometimes when someone is getting ready to sell, they peruse the for sale ads to see what the market climate is like. If they see your ad, and they're ready to sell, it just might be a no pressure kind of thing where not only do you end up buying a nice plane, but you also feel really good about it, too. Nothing worse than buyers remorse at the first annual inspection.

Good luck in your search.

Welcome to the club Jeff. By the way, I think Royson was planning to sell his Aerobat. I don't know him personally, but I think he lives in CA somewhere.

Welcome, Jeff.

You've received some solid advice regarding your search for the plane. These guys really helped me out back in 2006 when I bought mine. Keep your eye's peeled, There are a few out there that will fit your needs just fine. Good luck.

Now, as far as all this HG talk between you and Bob goes,.......I love it!

I spent a few hours one day last fall getting familiar with the sport, and some of the interesting people that are involved.

I watched plenty of inspiring video's and can't wait to do a tandem in the spring. Usually it's all or nothing for me, so when I get hooked after the tandem, the lessons will come fast and furious as I strive to gain a powerless flight, solo.

Hey Bob, was wondering if you've ever considered a flight from your back yard? Looks like you've got some elevation where you live in NW GA.

Thanks for all that information, Bob. I really appreciate your experienced insight, and hope to utilize you as a resource when my training begins.

The one thing that discourages me a bit about HG, is that the conditions really need to be perfect, especially as a beginner to the sport. I'm wondering how many days a year I'll be able to fly here in the northeast.

The gentleman I spoke to in Ellenville, NY did mention the sports dangerous nature. So, I guess he would be a good instructor. It was really cool to slip in under one of the HG and get a feel for the balance required to keep the thing stable. I can't imagine what it would be like balancing it, running full speed, into a launch.

This training center has a couple of small hills, and a static swinging frame for training. In talking to some of the kids there, they we're reminising of the days they did their training and mentioned how after the first day of training, the exhaustion, and soreness that followed the days after. One chap quit smoking, and started running 5 miles a day, to get himself into the shape the sport demanded. He said, his desire to fly HG changed his life for the better, in many ways.

I'm wondering if your selection for your homesite had something to do with a launch site 8 miles away.

Thanks again for all the information.

Holy smokes! Bob.

You are really passionate about the sport. I love it. Thanks again for all the info.

Jeff, Sorry that your thread got highjacked. I've got a feeling, however.......that you don't mind talking about HGing.