tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-106799462012-01-26T11:20:57.343ZMy hang gliding blog, learning to hang glide with Tony Web, and then take a 1,000 mile hang glider trip around the UK, from Land's End to John O'Groats in a Doodlebug Powered Harness. <br>I'm a member of the Suffolk Coastal Floaters club<br>Hang Gliding PlansSholahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12817661367159936473noreply@blogger.comBlogger1101100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-38005670912933848042008-09-01T00:00:00.001+01:002009-02-25T17:47:36.662Z

The beginning of my hang gliding adventure.My name is Shola Ogunlokun, I am in my forties, married with 3 children, and I'm about to embark on a hang gliding adventure which is probably going to be the hardest challenge of my lifetime. I was born in London, but left the UK when I was about 7, spending the next 20 years growing up and studying in Nigeria. I returned to London in 1991 and since

Sholanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-56013531600240744492008-08-05T14:06:00.003+01:002008-08-05T14:20:24.873+01:00

Land's End to John O'Groats by ParamotorThis is just a note to wish the 6 paraglider pilots currently attempting to fly across britain in paramotors all the best with their adventure.Tip to Tip 2008 is attempting to raise money for 2 charities The forces children's trust and some regional air ambulances.The 6 motorised paraglider pilots took off on Jul 29 2008 from Land's End, and are currently

Sholanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-91898808846086177652008-06-26T10:23:00.003+01:002008-06-26T19:16:58.487+01:00

Exactly a year ago I had my last hang glider flight, and this last weekend I visited the Suffolk Coastal Floaters Hang Gliding club airfield in Mendlesham to see some hang gliding launches and remind me of the dream of flying across the UK in a doodlebug powered hang glider.I didn't participate in any hang glider flying as I haven't flown for over a year due to the various reasons, I mentioned in

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-84207056012399526452008-01-04T14:51:00.002Z2008-06-26T10:33:14.672+01:00

The year 2007 has come and gone, and I didn't do much as far as my hang gliding flying challenge is concerned.There were many obstacles that I had to overcome in the year, but unfortunately this really meant that I had to put my hang gliding dream on the backburner.The year started off with family commitments stopping me getting out to the airfield, and I only managed to have one day of hang

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-32109944449222210962007-06-03T19:13:00.001+01:002008-05-24T19:18:00.817+01:00

On saturday 2nd June 2007 I had my first hang gliding flight of the year 2007. Due to one reason or the other, I have not been able to make it out to the hang gliding field.I'm still building up experience for my challenge, and it is taking longer than I would like, but I really can't do much about that. Many thanks to all members of the Suffolk coastal floaters hang gliding club for their

Sholanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-58807135301796393652007-03-06T07:34:00.004Z2009-07-08T16:47:48.021+01:00

I'm planning to go to the Ghana hang gliding and paragliding festival next year, and hopefully fly in it! Work commitments prevent me from going this year, and I think another year of hang gliding will mean I'm better prepared to fly in African conditions.Ghana hang gliding festivalIt is a pity that the tourist industry in Nigeria is virtually non existent. I was thinking that when I complete my

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-88045549568366635532007-03-03T12:48:00.001Z2008-05-24T19:45:00.956+01:00

The hang gliding video I submitted sometime ago to Al Gore's Current TV is now airing.http://www.current.com/pods/video/PD05642If you are in the US, and can get the station, then please do watch the hang gliding video, and tell me how it compares to my original, I'm in the UK, so currently can't see it.As for my hang gliding challenge, it is March, so we should soon see some better weather, and

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-61077286033455995672007-02-23T08:50:00.001Z2008-06-16T14:23:45.218+01:00

I haven't flown my hang glider this year yet, so I need to remind myself my flying dream.Hopefully the flying weather will improve, and I'll be able to get back to hang gliding in the air again.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1165703681597529222006-12-09T21:57:00.000Z2006-12-09T22:34:41.656Z

It's been over 6 weeks since I last flew my hang glider, so I wasn't going to give up the chance to fly today when the weather turned out to be flyable.It was cold, but the wind was light, and only slightly off the runway. The only thing that I didn't like was the muddy fields. Rain had fallen overnight and the fields were still water logged, so it meant we had to make sure we landed on the 15m

Sholanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1162855432144656682006-11-06T23:22:00.000Z2006-11-06T23:23:52.160Z

I will be if you help to get my hang gliding video on national US TV by giving it a greenlight.Registration is required, but the details taken are minimal.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1161936691878909842006-10-27T09:08:00.000+01:002006-10-27T09:11:31.890+01:00

My last hang glider flight was on Saturday the 14th October 2006. The forecast for the day was light winds straight down the runway, with clear skies overhead. I was thus looking forward to increasing my number of flights, so far I had 10, 7 from my independance day visit, and 3 from a visit a week later.I also was planning to take some video footage of me flying, so I was bringing along a

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1160090960164810342006-10-06T00:10:00.002+01:002009-07-08T16:55:47.488+01:00

Having had my hang gliding blog for over 18 months, I was disappointed when recently while updating one of my flying blog posts I found out I could no longer update or post to my blog url.Over the last 3 weeks I have been trying to get support@blogger.com to help me, but all to no avail.The last stroke came yesterday when someone finally made a post to my old hang gliding blog url (some of you

Sholanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1157930732155203372006-09-11T00:22:00.002+01:002008-06-12T00:40:17.711+01:00

This is about my first few independent solo hang glider flights at my gliding club the Suffolk Coastal Floaters hang gliding club on Saturday the 9th of September.The weather forecast for the day suggested a moderately strong easterly wind, so it looked like a fair day to get in air, and for the first time totally be pilot in command, no gliding instructor telling me what to do. Obviously the

Sholanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1156414312647339042006-08-24T08:13:00.001+01:002008-06-26T11:47:35.872+01:00

Hang Glider Training in NorfolkTuesday the 22nd saw me going to Norfolk to meet up with my hang gliding instructor Tony Webb who normally returns to the UK in the summer, and trains hang glider pilots from his Norfolk base.I had not flown a hang glider since December 2005 when I got by club pilot hang glider rating, mainly because I didn't have a glider of my own, so the trip was to refresh my

Sholanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1154242708254018872006-07-30T07:36:00.002+01:002009-07-01T16:53:57.248+01:00

Yesterday I picked up my Airwave Calypso hang glider from a member of the Suffolk Coastal Floaters hang gliding club. It is a used glider, but is in very good condition, and I am looking forward to flying it in the Autuum.I had the oppoutunity of rigging up the Airwave hang glider, and Phil one of our club members also checked it out for me, and gave it a thumbs up.I have 2 days booked with my

Sholanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1151956852327792092006-07-03T20:59:00.000+01:002006-07-03T21:00:52.350+01:00

Anyone visiting this blog recently might wonder from the lack of updates, if I had given up on this project! Far from it, the dream is still alive and kicking in my mind, however due to busy family and work commitments I haven't been able to do anything recently.I have purposely refrained from unnecessarily posting on this weblog, as I want it to reflect a true picture of how the project evolves,

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1145816156492873582006-04-23T18:59:00.001+01:002008-06-16T14:40:57.333+01:00

I finally was able to make it down to Suffolk for the first time this year yesterday to see pilots of the Suffolk Coastal Floaters hang gliding club do some flying.Unfortunately I was not able to perticipate myself even though I have my CP hang glider flying rating, I had not done a chest release conversion, did not have my own hang glider, and the conditions were not good for a novice pilot

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1143280915917356402006-03-25T09:40:00.000Z2006-03-25T10:06:46.316Z

I had hoped to visit the Suffolk Coastal Floaters Hang Gliding Club at Mendlesham to see some hang gliding and familiarise myself with the site and learn the flying circuit, but the weather today was not on my side!The wind was not quite co-operating and there were threats of rain later in the day, so nobody was willing to bother coming out, neither was I going to drive almost 2 hours if there

Sholanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1141681383237345302006-03-06T21:08:00.000Z2006-03-06T21:44:58.356Z

A lot of people who know about my challenge seem to think that I'm insane. Nothing could be further from the truth. Hang Gliding is a safe sport, has been around for over 30 years, the aircraft is very safe and reliable, and with proper training can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life including Africans, and there is nothing about tempting fate just because you fly a hang glider.If you

Sholanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1140882864239431172006-02-25T15:53:00.002Z2008-11-05T09:57:36.816Z

Here is a clip of me training to fly a hang glider in Spain.High quality versions are available below:Quicktime users can click hang glider training video.Windows Media Users click hang gliding training video.If you are also thinking of learning to fly a hang glider, I would highly recommend my instructor Tony Webb who operates in Algodonales, Spain.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1138781277707516872006-02-01T07:49:00.000Z2006-02-01T08:07:57.723Z

I have started a major campaign to seek sponsorship for my forthcoming challenge, and now need your help in two ways.If you or your company would be interested in sponsoring my wing or contribute towards the costs of making this dream of mine come true, then please have a look at my sponsorship proposal, investments as little as £100 are welcome, and you will get your logo and a permanent link to

Sholanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1137145825510334462006-01-13T09:31:00.001Z2008-06-16T13:54:22.969+01:00

Hang Glider AdventureIt is one year since I dreamed of flying a hang glider across the UK.When I came up with the idea, I had not physically seen a hang glider before, let alone fly one. Since then I have learnt a lot about the sport of hang gliding, have obtained a flying club pilot rating and flown a glider off the top of a 2,500 feet mountain.While I'm still not ready to take on the hang

Sholanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1133638682478453682006-01-10T23:59:00.000Z2006-02-01T07:49:31.676Z

Due to an administrative error on my part, I accidentally deleted all subscriptions to this blog, so if you subscribed in the past, could you please re-subscribe by entering your email address in the field provided on the right.If you have not subscribed, and would like email notification when this blog is updated, then you can also subscribe using the form.Please note that I don't personally

Sholanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1136300816124944932006-01-03T15:04:00.001Z2008-06-16T13:58:57.100+01:00

Having now qualified as a hang glider pilot, the next objective is to get as much flying experience as I can and then do my powered hang glider training, but there is one main obstacle in the way, lack of equipment!So the first goal now is to gain sponsorship for my hang glider challenge. I will now be approaching the companies I had in mind to see if I can get someone interested in the project.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1135947218578806382005-12-30T12:46:00.000Z2005-12-30T12:53:38.590Z

Yesterday saw the addition of a baby girl to the family, I am now a father of 4 children.This will not in any way impact my hang gliding challenge apart from a renewed goal to stay safe and not make any rash decisions when out flying.I shall be sharing my 2006 plans with regard to my hang gliding challenge in the next couple of days.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1135350412862410082005-12-23T14:47:00.001Z2008-06-16T14:37:13.590+01:00

I will be posting my hang gliding photos from my recent trip to Spain in my Hang Gliding Photos blog over the Christmas period, so have a look.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1135109584252422022005-12-20T20:02:00.002Z2008-06-16T14:46:34.070+01:00

Hang Glider Training HarnessHere is a full report of my hang gliding trip to Algodonales, Spain. Sunday 11th Dec Sunday's Report Monday 12 Dec After breakfast I met Tony Webb at his workshop where Rona finished off the paperwork for my hang glider training, and we loaded the van with the gliders and the necessary equipment (training harness) to enable us to go tow launching today. Tow launching

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1134915635975911362005-12-18T14:20:00.000Z2005-12-18T14:20:36.013Z

I am back Originally uploaded by shola Ogunlokun.Got back from my trip to Spain early this morning, will give a full report later in the week when I've recovered.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1134586729416912342005-12-14T18:49:00.000Z2005-12-14T19:06:48.210Z

My hang glider training is going well, and it looks like I will get my pilot rating by Saturday.The forecasted rain did turn up today, but not before I had been to the hang glider towing field where I managed to do 8 complete circuits and spot landings, so I wasn´t affected too much by the bad weather.I have now completed all my tow based training, I just need to fly off a hill to do some tasks

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1134501683885777202005-12-13T19:21:00.001Z2008-11-05T13:05:31.019Z

Hang Glider audio blogA training report from the field during my trip to spain to learn how to fly a hang glider during the early days of my adventure.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1134326919391144642005-12-11T18:32:00.000Z2005-12-11T18:48:39.403Z

Well it´s Sunday, so didn´t get out of bed still 10:00am local time, made a quick phone call home and spoke to me youngest daughter.Had a shower, got out of the apartment and had breakfast a local cafe. It was a nice day, and the Spanish know how to enjoy it, they just sit and drink in the cafes and bars. For a while I joined it, sitting and watching the world go by, I suddenly realised I was

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1134325913347116332005-12-11T18:27:00.000Z2005-12-11T18:31:53.363Z

It looks like there is no GPRS network in the villlage (Algodonales) that I´m staying in, so can´t send emails from mobile phone. Well I can send using standard wap, but with costs at 60p a minute, it will cost a fortune, so will only post when I can access the internet from a cafe.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1134240566495872002005-12-10T18:49:00.000Z2005-12-10T18:49:27.156Z

Ola Originally uploaded by shola Ogunlokun.Wish you were here?Sunny and mild, unfortunately not here on holiday, but suits me fine.Hope it stays like this for the whole week so i can get my training done.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1134194952980635372005-12-10T06:09:00.000Z2005-12-10T06:09:13.023Z

On the move Originally uploaded by shola Ogunlokun.I'm on the way to Spain.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1134113980873627082005-12-09T07:28:00.000Z2005-12-09T07:39:40.893Z

In less than 24 hours I'll be leaving for Spain to further my hang gliding challenge, and I'm already anxious about the whole trip.I really hope that this time I return with the Club Pilot rating that will allow me to start flying a hang glider and gain enough experience to move onto powered hang gliders.I'm also going to miss my family, and deep inside I feel a little guilty leaving them behind.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1133562798921530682005-12-02T22:33:00.001Z2009-12-25T13:58:30.609Z

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1133518416556575382005-12-02T10:13:00.000Z2005-12-02T10:19:27.230Z

Moblog test Originally uploaded by shola Ogunlokun.Test post to check things are working via the mobile phone.I hope the weather is better over there.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1133425373883917092005-12-01T08:12:00.001Z2008-06-16T14:06:55.577+01:00

There was a programme on BBC last night about a hang glider pilot who wanted to fly with Condors in the Andes.The programme was more about the Condor birds than hang gliding, but the few clips of Judy Lenden (the glider pilot) flying in a hang glider rekindled my interest in wanting to be able to join in the sport of free flight, and have my own adventure.It's just 9 more days before I go to

Sholanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1128791774942801162005-10-08T18:11:00.001+01:002008-06-16T14:17:30.645+01:00

I will now be going to Spain on the 10th of December to continue my hang glider training with Lejair Hang Gliding School.I haven't completed all arrangments yet, but have at least got the time off work. The plan is that this time I will be able to complete my hang glider training and get all the paperwork necessary for me to join a local flying club here in the UK and gain experience required to

Sholanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1127155133063620822005-09-19T19:37:00.001+01:002008-06-16T14:28:51.911+01:00

Just a quick flying update, as nothing much is happening at the moment with my hang glider training program. I've decided that I'm going to have to take another trip to Spain in order to continue with my goal of achieving a hang glider club pilot rating.I have made an initial enquiry with Lejair School of Hang Gliding and am just waiting for confirmation of dates, so I can make the travel

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1126131043361865862005-09-07T22:44:00.000+01:002005-09-07T23:10:43.370+01:00

Now I know why my hang glider publicity drive was not picked up by more media outlets.I had originally sent a press release to the Press Association, and a reporter called me for further details, so I was sure that I would get a good write up.Well today I came across this release! No wonder the major news outlets never published it. Compared to my press release, this is a joke! and that is what

Sholanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1125952736213432012005-09-05T21:35:00.000+01:002005-09-05T21:38:56.220+01:00

My challenge has had some more publicity at The Colourful Network and Black Online.The initial response is not what I wanted, but is typical of what to be expected from this community.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1125616047551840582005-09-01T22:58:00.001+01:002008-06-16T14:19:39.331+01:00

As part of the publicity drive for my hang glider challenge, I today appeared on BBC London Sports Show, and had an oppourtunity to share my flying dream with London listeners.Another flying article also appeared in the Edingburgh Evening News.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1125522140585373242005-08-31T22:00:00.000+01:002005-08-31T22:02:20.593+01:00

Tomorrow signifies the beginning of a publicity campaign to generate awareness for my hang glider challenge. One of the aims of my challenge is to encourage people to pursue their dreams, in particular people from an Afro-Caribbean background.I'm also looking to get so publicity so that I can tempt potential sponsors, and possibly get a TV documentary made of the challenge.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1125427869028186532005-08-30T19:49:00.001+01:002009-07-01T17:00:25.553+01:00

I had so much been looking forward getting some hang glider training done during the week beginning August 22, 2005, as the weather hadn't been too bad the last couple of days, and with 5 days booked off work at least I should be able to have 3 days of free flying and I had the Bank holiday weekend from which I could steal a day or two if needed to complete my hang glider club pilot rating. Well

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1124961117654031232005-08-24T21:21:00.000+01:002005-08-25T10:11:57.666+01:00

Haven't I been here before? I've been looking forward to a day of flying, the weather forecast the previous day had been looking good, and I went to bed dreaming of me flying high in the sky.I wake up and after having a shower, check the weather forecast and it does not look good. I get a call from Rona who advises that it's raining in Norfolk and the forecast doesn't look good for the rest of

Sholanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1124802524025907262005-08-23T14:05:00.000+01:002005-08-23T14:08:44.030+01:00

Yesterday's cancellation was a blessing in disguise, as the weather turned out later in the day to be unsuitable, and I would have had to do a 4hr round trip all for nothing.Today is good, and the forecast for the rest of the week is also looking favourable so I'm looking forward to getting back in the air.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1124707080545868812005-08-22T11:31:00.000+01:002005-08-22T11:38:00.553+01:00

Due to some problems at Lejair, I will not be joining them for training today. I have an appointment at the hospital tomorrow Tuesday, so training starts in earnest on Wednesday. I've got 3 days to see what can be achieved, with the Saturday set aside as a contingency day.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1123879426304026382005-08-12T21:38:00.000+01:002005-08-12T21:46:45.770+01:00

Well here is some good hang gliding news, unfortunately it's not about me. I recently heard from the two people that were on the hang gliding training course with me in Spain. Tony who got his CP while I was there, has now had about 6 hours of post CP flying experience in the UK and is loving every moment of it, he has invited me down to his neck of the woods for a flight from a site well suited

Sholanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1122905922988260392005-08-01T15:16:00.001+01:002008-06-16T14:58:20.341+01:00

There will be a short delay in updates to my hang glider diary, as I don't have anything scheduled until my visit to Lejair School of Hang Gliding on Monday 22nd August.In the meantime I will be revising my theory knowledge by going through the Hang Glider Pilot's Handbook published by the BHPA.If you have any questions leave a comment or email me via my hang glider website.Don't forget you can

Sholanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1122654567361466042005-07-29T17:22:00.000+01:002005-07-29T17:29:27.370+01:00

Is it all doom and gloom?I have had an email from a prominent and well respected member of the UK free flying community who has mentioned that a few people have contacted him expressing their concerns that entries in my training diary seems to paint a negative picture of the sport and I'd like to clear up a few issues.First and foremost my diary relates specifically to my personal circumstances

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1122386942527228252005-07-26T15:08:00.000+01:002005-07-26T15:09:02.543+01:00

Following the lack of progress with my hang glider training since my return from Spain in march of this year, I have decided to take a week off work and visit Tony Webb of Lejair while they are in the UK during the month of August this year.Now I know there is no guarantee that I will get good weather during the week that I have booked off, but there is a good chance that there will be a few days

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1122379943693325582005-07-26T08:10:00.000+01:002005-07-26T13:17:26.583+01:00

Another day of un-settled weather, and all hang gliding training has been cancelled by Green Dragons.I will not be booking any further hang gliding training sessions with them this month or next.I recently added a few new photos to my galley, check them out.My Hang Gliding Photo Gallery

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1121693514442784052005-07-18T14:31:00.000+01:002005-07-18T14:31:54.450+01:00

No not me!Having looked at the weather forecast, which looked good 10mph westerly wind, no showers, I called the Green Dragons flight line to be told sorry the designated Hang gliding instructor is suffering from Sun Stroke, so no hang gliding today!I called the office in the afternoon to re-book my appointment and was then told that the weathermen had also got it wrong, as the winds were too

Sholanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1121292161525629162005-07-13T23:02:00.000+01:002005-07-13T23:02:41.536+01:00

Due to work and personal commitments, I am not visiting Green Dragons for any Hang Gliding training this week. Training resumes next week, with a date booked for Monday 18th July, hopefully the weather will be fine and I'll be able to cover some tasks for my hang gliding club pilot rating.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1120639968331597152005-07-06T07:51:00.000+01:002005-07-06T09:52:48.336+01:00

Hang glider training was cancelled today due to bad weather (strong winds), so I've got to book another training session and another day off work.Will he ever get there? (Theme song from Cock Crow at Dawn). The hang gliding challenge continues.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1120071186610278272005-06-29T07:52:00.000+01:002005-06-29T19:53:06.613+01:00

The recent week of hot weather came to an end with violent thunderstorms last night, so I didn't have any high hopes of being able to fly today.Call up the Green Dragons flight line to be told that the forecast had the showers on and off for most of the day, so hang gliding was off.I'll see if I can get next Wednesday booked, as I continue on my quest to get a Club Pilot hang glider rating.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1119990777683211222005-06-28T21:30:00.000+01:002005-06-28T21:32:57.686+01:00

An article appeared yesterday in a local newspaper (New Nation) about my hang gliding challenge, the reporter got everything right apart from the minor detail about me flying the hang glider at 25,000 ft instead of 2,500ft.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1119627727775668112005-06-24T16:33:00.000+01:002005-06-24T16:42:07.780+01:00

I've scheduled Wednesday 29th June for some more hang glider training, and I'm staying positive that I would actually be able to fly this time and complete some of the tasks required to achieve my Club Pilot rating.On a different note, members of my hang glider club (Suffolk Coastal Floaters) are looking forward to a good weekend of flying judging by the forecast for this weekend!

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1119394412770094472005-06-20T19:52:00.000+01:002005-06-21T23:53:32.776+01:00

The weather over the weekend had been hot, but good, and the forecast for today was light westerly winds, so I wasn't surprised when I called Green Dragons' flight line at 07:00 and was told yes we will be flying today.The journey on the M25 motorway was troublesome as usual, with some showers on the way, and I was wondering if someone had got it wrong at the Metrology office. After almost 2

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1118053866917957392005-06-06T08:29:00.000+01:002005-06-06T11:31:06.920+01:00

Missed a good day of flying weather yesterday.Woke up this morning and checked the answering machine as someone had called while we were still in bed, and found out that I had missed a call from Green Dragons hang gliding school yesterday afternoon, the conditions were good and they would be flying till loss of light. I had been out yesterday till 19:00hrs as we were having a picnic at church,

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1117645756257302572005-06-01T08:05:00.000+01:002005-06-01T18:09:16.266+01:00

I was scheduled to have a day of hang glider training today, so woke up early, got my packed lunch ready and at 07:00 called the Green Dragons flight line.At first the line was busy, I waited a few minutes and got through to Andy Shaw who said the morning was not looking good, but it might be flyable in the afternoon, and I should call back at 12:00 for an update.Since I had to make a decision on

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1117538897084521732005-05-28T23:35:00.000+01:002005-05-31T12:28:17.090+01:00

I made another visit today to the Suffolk Coastal Floaters hang gliding airfield, I have formally joined the club as a non flying member till I get my hang glider Club Pilot rating.They were having their AGM today, I though I'd get there early to see a bit of flying before we retire to the local public house for the meeting.Unfortunately the weather was not on my side again, the sky was perfect,

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1116866154003227342005-05-23T17:29:00.000+01:002005-05-23T17:35:54.006+01:00

As forecast by the weather masters, the wind was too strong for any hang gliding training today, so I wasn't surprised when I called the Green Dragons flight line and was told it was off.I've booked Wednesday 1st June for my next hang gliding training.I need to get my head round weather forecasting so I can better predict which days will be more likely to be flyable as I need to book my days off

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1116785596332955262005-05-22T19:08:00.000+01:002005-05-22T19:13:16.336+01:00

Looking at the weather forecast, it doesn't look likely that I'll be able to have a hang gliding lesson tomorrow, the winds look very strong.Being the UK, nothing is cast in stone, so we'll see in the morning.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1116450552439717722005-05-18T22:06:00.000+01:002005-05-20T12:25:35.596+01:00

Nothing to do with Bruce Lee, this is all about hang gliding.Having had to endure 4 lesson cancellations over almost as many weeks, the British weather finally decided to give me a break.Having called the flight line and confirmed that the weather conditions were suitable, I set off on the 1.5 hour journey to the training site via the M25 motorway.On arrival I was welcomed by Andy Shaw the Chief

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1115712843161642722005-05-10T09:13:00.000+01:002005-05-10T12:00:28.206+01:00

I woke up this morning to a nice sunny day, clear skies with some scattered clouds. The UK metrology office website had forecasted scattered showers in the south eastern part of the UK where I would be training, but looking out of the window, I thought they had got it wrong.Made my preparations, (lunch box, fly kit etc), and waited for 07:00 hrs to give the Green Dragons flight line a call.At 07

Sholanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1115391486322006182005-05-06T15:50:00.000+01:002005-05-08T09:30:27.303+01:00

With the weather making it unpredictable when my next training flight would be, why not subscribe to keep updated of my progress.Your address will not be used for any purpose other than to send you an email when my diary is updated.The service is provided by Bloglet, and you can remove your self at any time.Enter your address in the box provided on the right.Shola

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1115210551542285612005-05-03T13:30:00.000+01:002005-05-04T13:45:05.100+01:00

The weekend beginning Friday April 29th heralded 3 days of good weather, and while I was not able to go visit the Suffolk Coastal Floaters due to family commitments, I was constantly looking up to the sky and checking out those nice cumulus clouds thinking someone in a hang glider or paraglider will be having fun out there.In the meantime I'm trying to keep myself motivated by reading about other

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1114605915417463782005-04-27T13:43:00.001+01:002008-05-24T21:10:48.594+01:00

My next hang glider training date is Tuesday 10th May, and it is booked with Green Dragons hang gliding school.I'm hoping that the weather is now stable enough for something to be done, as I really want to get things moving again, not just reading about someone else's hang gliding activities.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1114606482687341672005-04-26T18:45:00.000+01:002005-04-29T22:40:47.466+01:00

I got an email today from Paul one of my fellow students at Lejair in Spain.He was in Spain last week, and managed to complete his CP (tow) and also got a hill endorsement as well during his one week trip to Lejair.Paul was slightly ahead of me with his training, but didn't manage to finish just like I didn't when we were there. I only wish I could go back and finish off my training with Tony

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1114502205209684902005-04-26T08:56:00.000+01:002005-04-29T22:40:22.950+01:00

It's April, and for the third time in a row, the British weather has done what its best at doing. Threats of light showers has made it too unstable for any hang gliding today.I've been wondering how hang gliding and paragliding instructors can actually make a living in this country with so many days being lost due to unstable conditions?Anyway looking on the bright side, May is round the corner,

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1114502690087349142005-04-25T18:03:00.000+01:002005-07-13T23:13:35.980+01:00

I took my six year old daughter to the RAF Museum in Hendon today, and introduced her to the aviation industry.A nice surprise was a Hang Glider on display, I managed to persuade her to have a 'go', hoping that I could have an ally to back me up at home.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1114168676612255952005-04-20T12:12:00.000+01:002005-04-29T22:39:19.110+01:00

My next hang glider training is scheduled for Tuesday 26th April 2005. I decided to try a Tuesday having suffered bad weather on the last two Wednesdays, a change is in order me thinks.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1113984976067860112005-04-20T09:15:00.000+01:002005-04-29T22:38:28.526+01:00

The forecast yesterday looked good to me (but what do I know), so I had high hopes that today would be on.I called the Green Dragons flight line at 07:00 and got the dreaded message "weather conditions are unstable, and all training flights have been cancelled …"The British weather has another one up, and it is now over a month since I had my last training flight.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1113386213388403612005-04-13T07:08:00.000+01:002005-04-29T22:37:55.280+01:00

I got my first taste of the British weather ruining my flying today, when my assessment day at Green Dragons was cancelled.Why do the weather men always get it right when they forecast bad weather?I now have to book another day, this is not very good for my morale!I have now booked next Wednesday 20th April, I'm hoping the weather is on my side this time.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1113062883740536602005-04-09T17:05:00.000+01:002005-11-25T17:50:40.540Z

I have created a picture blog for all my hang gliding adventures.It is at http://hangglidingphotos.blogspot.com

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1112550725997198532005-04-02T18:39:00.001+01:002008-05-24T21:14:24.515+01:00

I was able to pay the Suffolk Coastal Floaters Hang Gliding Club a visit today, as the weather was very good and there were quite a few hang glider pilots out flying.The setup was very impressive, and hearing those famous words "All Out" brought back memories from my hang glider training, and made me more determined to get my CP so I could join in on the funFor some reason I had imagined Richard

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1112551242846320232005-04-01T18:54:00.000+01:002005-04-29T22:35:59.480+01:00

I booked a training day with Andy Shaw at Green Dragons for April 13th, to continue my quest for the CP hang glider rating.I've received photocopies of my student task book from Lejair, so I should be able to continue from where I left off in Spain.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1112186155145472332005-03-30T13:35:00.000+01:002005-04-29T22:35:23.273+01:00

Read this article about launching a powered harness, on page 2 there is some advice on the correct way for a beginner to fly on a tow system. The information on being very relaxed both in your arms and legs would help you make good progress on your first day. If I had read this, it would have saved me at least a day of training.The ArticleIncase the link becomes broken in the future, it is by

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1111954884226435232005-03-27T20:57:00.000+01:002005-04-29T22:34:47.616+01:00

Its a fortnight since I returned from Spain, and here's an update on what's going on.I've decided that I'm going to complete my CP (Tow) at Green Dragons, I've called them, and got a quote, so I know roughly how much it's going to cost.I've contacted Rona at Lejair to send me a copy of my student taskbook, so I can provide Green Dragons with evidence of what I've already done.I won't be able to

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1111406954580699612005-03-18T12:02:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:34:01.136+01:00

VinceG a moderator at The International Forum for Hang Gliding/Paragliding made contact expressing an interest in joining me on the challenge! Vince is already a CP pilot (Dec 2004) and has a Aeros Target hang glider, so he is more advanced than me, but still a low airtime pilot. I'd be happy to have him along for company, but it is still early days, and as yet don't have a date for when I'll be

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1111077015678553052005-03-14T20:29:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:33:27.216+01:00

Wake up in the morning, with the Monday morning blues, aches and pains in my body, I don't really feel like going to work.I think I need a holiday to recover from the last 2 weeks."How was your holiday?" ask my colleagues at work. "Good, I managed to fly off a 2000ft mountain" is all I say, as I've just been informed I have to move desks!

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110920081585131582005-03-13T20:47:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:32:47.686+01:00

I wake up early to drive back to Jerez where I catch my return flight back to the UK.As usual, the weather is not at its best, 4 degrees and overcast with clouds.I arrive home where my children are happy to see me, and my 7 month old son seems to have changed. It's good to be back, though I wish I had achieved my CP hang gliding rating.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110915141297845402005-03-12T20:30:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:31:44.533+01:00

The plan today is to have flights off Lejar mountain on the Target, converting to the prone position, slow flight appreciation with a possible stall.After breakfast we meet at the workshop, where I get stirrups fitted to my harness, and try the prone position on the simulator. We load up and head for the top, where we rig the gliders. By the time we finish our inspections, the wind has picked up

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110907060117855592005-03-11T20:16:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:30:53.890+01:00

It's drizzling when we wake up, we have breakfast and set off for Seville.We arrive with the sky overcast, but it is dry and the winds are light.We are converting to 4th generation hang gliders today (Aeros Target), so we have to learn a new rigging process.My first tow is a familiarisation hop (2 flights to make it across the field), and I'm surprised at how far out the trim position is!By the

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110906102214251492005-03-10T20:01:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:30:11.233+01:00

We are back at Lejar mountain, I haven't had enough as I rig and get ready for another 12 minute top to bottom flight.The launch is very uneventful, I do some 180s with hands on the base bar, admire the view and then land, this time on my feet having remembered to transfer my hands back to the uprights.We have lunch, go back to the top, but the wind has changed direction, so we head off to Teba

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110996015750483822005-03-09T20:58:00.001Z2009-07-09T21:25:15.504+01:00

With Tony Webb's last words from yesterday still fresh in my head, we meet at 09:30 to see if we can get that mountain hang glider flight, the weather looks good.At breakfast, Tony decides it is too windy, so we'll meet at 14:00 and then go up to the top of the mountain. We (the 2 other students and I) decide to take a sight seeing trip to a village not too far away called Zahara where we visit

Sholanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110899972240933472005-03-08T20:18:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:23:14.020+01:00

Its an early start today as Tony Webb would like to see if Antonio who is more advanced in his training can have a hill flight off 2000ft Lejar mountain (this would count towards his CP (hill) conversion). It takes us 33mins to drive to the top, only to find it is very cold and too windy so no go for launch, however we do have a look around the 2 launch sites and down towards the landing field,

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110898229944805922005-03-07T20:49:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:20:36.606+01:00

The weather is holding up, and it now feels like we are in Spain. After our usual breakfast at a local café, we head for Seville airfield.Its very windy on arrival as the scatter cumulus skies confirm the termic conditions, so we rig our gliders and waiting, pass the time by going over some theory and listening to some hang gliding stories from Tony our instructor.We start flying at 17:00, and

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110896901538814812005-03-06T20:27:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:20:06.020+01:00

It’s a lazy start to the day (we are now feeling aches and pains from the running and pushing the gliders 400yards across the field), the weather is good with blue skies and scattered clouds.We leave Algondanales at 12:30pm and arrive at the Seville airfield about 2hrs later. It is very termic when we arrive, so we rig the gliders and wait. To make good use of the time, we take our exams (Paul

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110895583611084502005-03-05T20:51:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:19:26.196+01:00

Today is a perfect day for flying, blue skies and light winds.We go to the Seville airfield, rig up and continue with straight and level flights.My first flight is perfect, weight shift problems sorted, however another problem rears it head, I can't land properly on a consistent basis.In total I have 9 flights, with one bad launch.Shola takes to the air 

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110819815789342222005-03-04T20:03:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:18:32.913+01:00

Wake to find its raining again. forecast says it is going to be all day, meet with our instructor for breakfast who decides we should take the day off as there is no prospect for flying.We go back to our apartment where we watch some videos, sleep most of the afternoon (none of us realise how tired we are from all the travelling and training), in the evening we do some studying go out for a meal

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110819150375140722005-03-03T20:51:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:17:32.760+01:00

It’s a warm start to the day, with the sky overcast, but no rain. There is no pain in my ankle, and I am able to walk properly.After breakfast Morten joins me, first we go to the local pharmacy for some paracetamol and anti-inflammatory cream, we then go searching for some boots with good ankle support as I had been wearing trainers when I sustained the injury yesterday. At the second shop we

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110817224696073332005-03-02T20:19:00.001Z2009-07-09T21:28:48.487+01:00

Woke to blue skies, sunshine with scattered clouds. Forecast for Seville airfield is 13 degrees, sunshine with some clouds. Looks like it is going to be a lovely day for hang glider training!By the time we have breakfast and set off, its cold again and overcast, as we get closer to Seville it gets more windy and at a point Tony (our HG instructor) even contemplates turning back.We arrive at the

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110811657110406302005-03-01T20:46:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:15:36.630+01:00

Still raining, meet at Lejair workshop and watch a few training video clips on hang glider towing.We head for Seville, hoping weather would improve by the time we get there, so we can do some towing.1hr and 30mins later we arrive in Seville, with a light drizzle/wind, so we decide to rig. The Seville location is a dis-used old airfield with a 2KM long runway. As the wind is only slightly off

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110809919024197082005-02-28T20:18:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:14:28.306+01:00

Woke to find it was still raining, since we had some paperwork to do, we went to Lejair's workshop to get this out of the way.I was introduced to the hang simulator, put my training harness and helmet and learnt the basis of weight shift and pitch control.As it was still raining, Tony took us to his microlight hangar in Villa Martin where I learnt how to rig a Stubby hang glider, and perform a

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1110806878853047962005-02-27T13:25:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:13:53.316+01:00

Our plane took off on time, and we had a good flight to Jerez. On final approach as we descended through the clouds, you would have thought the Captain had merely been circling round the UK, as it was overcast and just as we taxied to the terminal, the heavens opened and it started to rain! It rained all the way through the drive to Algondanales, where we (Antonio, another student and I) meet

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1109880969140165442005-02-26T23:00:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:13:19.340+01:00

Left home at 11:00pm today for stansted airport.My flight is 07:00am tomorrow with a checkin time of 05:00am.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679946.post-1109142286105636332005-02-22T10:51:00.000Z2005-04-29T22:12:50.476+01:00

I got a surprise call today from Andy Phillips who was the first person to fly a paramotor from Land's End to John O'GroatsHe was very supportive, and I look forward to learning first hand from him useful tips for my trip.

Sholanoreply@blogger.com2