Visited George Hamilton and Michael Johnson at Sacramento Hang Gliding on 11/15/21 to inspect/observe and help with their testing of a Wills Wing Alpha 235 being set up for Quad-tow instruction (See: • QUAD Tow Promo Video for further information). We gathered at George's storage unit then headed to their grass strip. It was a beautiful day for towing - zip for wind and especially later in the afternoon when we were ready for towing (we arrived at the grass strip around 1 PM).
This system uses a taller main wheel configuration that helps position the pilot further from the ground. The harness used is a Woody Valley tow training harness. We towed from SHG's tow unit - not the Quad. Quad testing may begin by George and Michael later in November.
I was able to make 3 flights - my first towing flights ever. For an experienced pilot under the tutelage of George and Michael, plus the perfect conditions, it was pretty darn easy. You can see me flying with outstretched arms (hands off) in my first flight. The glider was in excellent trim. I've yet to fly my own Alpha 235 so I cannot compare the towed 235 against non-towing. I hope to fly my 235 @ Inkler's this coming Tuesday.
All in all I was VERY impressed with the easy of flight being towed as an instructor would tow a student. Transition from ground to air was seamless. My only minor control inputs were to keep the glider centered on the strip and to grease my landings with a bit of a push. I felt no oscillations of any kind.
We only used the Quad to tow the glider back to the beginning of the strip. With 2 ground based pulleys and use of the Quad for towing we would have been able to tow in both directions. This is the goal for George & Michael. Right now they are doing thorough testing of their Alpha's Quad-tow configuration.
I learned quite a bit from George & Micheal. Also thanks to Phillip Neumann's many emails where we've discussed Quad-tow instruction. I personally feel it will be a 'game changer' in getting hang gliding students familiar with flight before they begin more traditional foot launched instruction (and to introduce any adventuresome person to the sport). I'll be working through the winter to get my Alpha 235 supplied and configured for Quad-towing :)
3 июл 2024
