Bel Alton, MD Hang Gliding

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Bel Alton, MD Hang Gliding on Sportsvite

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Bel Alton, MD Weather Forecast


Current Conditions:
Cloudy, 51 F

Forecast:
Tue - Showers. High: 53 Low: 48
Wed - Showers. High: 57 Low: 43

Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather

(provided by The Weather Channel)

About Hang Gliding

Hang gliding, an air sport, consists of a pilot using a foot launched aircraft called a hang glider to glide through the air.

Hang Gliding History

The first hang gliders were invented in the 1880s. Otto Lilienthal of Germany expanded on the work of his cotemporaries to build the hang glider. He is considered one of the most influential early aviation pioneers. In 1960, Billy Hill Palmer adapted the flexible wing concept of Francis Rogallo and Gertrude Rogallo, to make foot launched hang gliders with four different control arrangements. The most popular hang glider format to date was constructed by John W. Dickenson in 1963. As a result, Dickenson is credited for inventing the modern hang glider. In the early days of the sport, riders were restrict to gliding down small hills. Today, modern technology allows riders to soar for hours and glide cross-country for hundreds of miles.

Hang Gliding Tips

Hang gliding pilots should not fly in inclement weather conditions, such as excess win, or risk of cloud suck. Pilots should talk to locals to get a complete picture of the weather conditions. Before take off pilots need to walk 360 degrees around there glider checking key areas: bolts, ropes, wires, battons, wing tips, etc. Similarly, pilots should make sure harness lines are secure and not twisted. When taking off pilots should make sure the glider wing is properly aligned with the wind. Pilots should always run hard during the launch. They should never land in water, and they should avoid power lines and other flying objects.

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