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Bob Sienkiewics about to launch from Labrador Hollow.
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Condor Hang gliding club of CNY
by george13090 (Subscribe)
Posted on: May 4, 2008 at 9:02 AM EST
Channel: Local Sports
Location: Labrador Hollow
As we move into the warm months here in central N.Y. the members of the Condor Hang gliding club take to the air and leave the bounds of gravity, heading skyward towards cloudbase on foot launched aircraft. These light gliders can climb in thermals at a rate of over 1000 feet per minute and a typical flight may last from just a few minutes to over eight hours, reaching altitudes from 5000 to 7000 feet above sea level.
Most Hang gliders cruise at 25 mph but can easily fly between 50 to 60 mph and during professional aerobatic manuvers they have been clocked at 100 mph while performing loops.
About 20,000 americans enjoy this sport on a regular basis and its actually quite safe even compared to general aviation. Its 100 times more dangerous to drive a car than to fly a hang glider, especially because I know of no pilots who ever drinks and flies. Each pilot must take a course which may be as long as a summer of weekends and its an inexpensive way to fly. Lessons may only cost $500. to $700. depending on how quickly you learn. We all have an emergency parachute but I have not known anyone who ever had to deploy one.
Just a couple of weeks ago a pilot in Ellenville flew 177 miles to the coast of New Jersey, setting a new record for this state.
This will be my 30th year in the sport and I still enjoy every flight. It seems that once you have taken to the skies on a glider something changes you inside and you will never view the world the same again. Humans were never born with wings but with todays technology we can safely soar with the hawks.
I know of pilots as young as 14, many women and some in their 70's, so it doesn't take alot of physical strength to enjoy this sport. A typical glider weight from 50 to 70 lbs. and during a typical launch there is nearly no weight to hold up because the wind is lifting it as you take a few quick steps and become air born. Gliders can also be launched by being towed by a special ultralight powered plane which is a great way to learn because your instuctor is right beside you doing most of the flying.
The Condor club is a non profit organization and anyone is welcome to join or just come out to watch these colorful Hang gliders take to the air. Just call Bob at 682-0586 or if you want to learn Dan Guido at 315-866-6153. We are always looking for new members and to meet new friends. George Adams of Liverpool.
John Morse says ...
On Friday, Nov 14 at 8:17 PM
RE: Condor Hang Gliding Club. Thank you for this story!! Note my Youtube video; search on JWM239. -John Morse, Manlius resident 1965-1984. e-mail jmmvy62@verizon.net