An Brief Overview Of Hang Gliding North Carolina

By Stephen Watson


When it comes to extreme recreation or sports, sky diving is often the first which comes to mind. While this is the case, hang gliding is a recreation and sport that has been around much longer than the first airplane or sky diver. For, the Chinese had began to build kites at the end of the sixth century A. D. The gliders of that time were aerodynamic and strong enough to hold a person of average size with most flights taking place in China or France. Currently, Hang Gliding North Carolina offers some of the best opportunities whether gliding for recreation or sport in the United States.

The first individual who removed the strings to the kite simply to see what would happen took a bold step. For, most early pioneers of these gliders could not ensure a safe flight. In most cases, the delay in a safety guarantee was due to a lack of understanding as to how the wings of a bird works to create flight

Gliders which allowed control by the flyer were first built in the 1890s by Otto Lillenthal. These early gliders allowed Otto to take flight off small hills, cliffs and ridges. After which, Otto recorded the designs and work involved to build various models and flight history. As a result, Lillenthal became one of the most well known figures in aviation by past and present aeronautic enthusiasts.

Later, in 1904, Jan Lavezzari became the first to experience double sail gliding. While this is the case, Jan had to use much stiffer and more flexible wings. One of the most historic flights for Lavezzari was to fly a double lateen sail glider off Berck, France.

The biplane is the most popular of all the gliders. For, it was the first model to be publicized in a number of newspapers and magazines. After which, Octave Chante demonstrated the gliders in a live show and popularity grew even more. In 1904, Charles S. Bates wrote an article on builders of the gliders and different models from past to present including instructions for building the popular VJ-11 model.

When it comes to modern day models, there are two types of material used on gliders. These include one made of woven polyester fabrics and one made of laminate based mixed materials as well as woven fabrics. Before taking flight, it is important to always check the sailcloths to assure there has been no damage to the material such as rips, holes or tears.

Laminated materials which also use polyester film often achieve the best performance by using material which is better at maintaining the shape of a sail. Whereas, woven polyester sailcloth consist of a tightly woven weave of small polyester fibers which have been stabilized by the process of impregnating the weave with a polyester resin.

Ultimately, like sky diving, hang gliding is often considered a recreation or sport. While this is the case, due to the feel of flying freely through the air like a bird, more individuals tend to participate in hang gliding than sky diving. In either case, those participating in these events need to know and understand the equipment as well as all safety guidelines, rules and regulations before jumping out of an airplane or taking flight.




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