 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
La Mouette
and
Demo the |
|
What an awesome opportunity to fly with two of the most respected Hang Glider Pilots in the world; Mike Barber and Mark "Gibbo" Gibson. And what a great program, the World Team Academy. Every day started early with a classroom session and ended late with a long ride back to the Wallaby Ranch. I had no XC experience before my involvement in the World Team Academy program, and like many intermediate pilots had many concerns about making this big step. These pilots are two of the best, they took me under their wing and showed me the way. Let's
go XC!
Here is my view from tow, behind Kerry Lloyd. That 's Mike Barber, in front being towed by Carlos Bessa. Cloudbase was awesome this day, with base at 5,200 feet. The tow pilots at the Wallaby Ranch are very professional, consistent and a pleasure to tow behind. They help make your trip to cloudbase very enjoyable. Mike, Gibbo and I were in constant communication over our radios. They observed my flying technique and made suggestions to improve my thermaling and gliding skills. We also discussed conditions and tactics while flying. This information really "gels" together and speeds the learning process. Having a true expert at your side is the best way to safely learn XC flying. And it's so much FUN!
Here is Mike on glide from cloudbase. We made 4 climbs to base on this flight with a final glide of 8 miles. We landed after a 29 mile journey in a lovely pasture. This was my personal best XC flight ever. The flying was unbelievable for late November. During my week at the Ranch every day was soarable, Wallaby Ranch offers pilots great opportunities to rack up hours of soaring time and plenty of easy XC miles. Malcolm Jones, owner of the Ranch is a great host. The Wallaby Ranch is one of the best places in the world to fly hang gliders.
Here is Gibbo landing out in one of the many perfect LZs. His landing technique is very dramatic, he reminds me of "spiderman". At the end of every flight we had multiple landing field choices. There are few worry's flying XC in Florida.
Here I am with Mike Barber, congratulating me are after my last day of flying. A week I will never forget. So much fun, if I could only extend my vacation! My totals for the week were 16 hours of soaring time and my first 57 miles XC. I learned so much during my stay at the Ranch and made many new friends too. If you are interested in taking the next step into XC flying or improving your thermaling and XC skills there is only one choice, World Team Academy. GO XC, GO WORLD TEAM ACADEMY!
I hope you enjoyed my story, Dean Funk November 24, 1998 © 1998 World Team Academy. All Rights Reserved. Site by deanfunkdesigns.
|
