The Thrill of Rotor Hang Gliding Harness: A Soaring Adventure

Hang gliding is an exhilarating experience that combines the thrill of flying with the beauty of soaring through the skies. One of the most memorable and challenging aspects of hang gliding is navigating the rotor, a type of wind current that can lift pilots up to great heights or send them plummeting back down to earth. In this article, we'll explore the world of rotor hang gliding harnesses and what it takes to navigate these powerful winds.

Aolus Hang Glider: A Rotor Legend

One legendary hang glider is the Aolus, designed by Carlos Miralles, a brilliant aviation major from Cal Poly SLO. This single-surface hang glider was known for its massive frame, smooth leading edges, and reflexed tail, which gave pilots a sense of security when flying through violent thermals or turbulent air. I had the privilege of owning an Aolus, which I learned to fly off Cuesta Ridge in San Luis Obispo, California, with John Reisig from Spectra Aircraft.

Flying the Owens Valley Sierra Wave

The Owens Valley is renowned for its towering wave clouds that can lift pilots up to 12,000 feet or more. However, these powerful winds also pose a significant risk to hang gliders who are not experienced in navigating them. In 1979, I had the opportunity to fly with Rick Masters, an experienced hang glider pilot, beneath one of these massive wave clouds.

Rick's warning before we took off was stark: 'Nobody flies the wave.' But I was determined to experience this thrilling adventure, and Rick agreed to guide me through it. As we launched from the slope, Tim, our driver, gave us a scary wire launch, and Rick expertly navigated the turbulent air, keeping his nose pointed into the wind.

The Sierra Wave: A Thrill like No Other

Flying beneath the Owens Valley wave was an experience I'll never forget. The winds were strong, but Rick's expertise kept us safe as we soared through the clouds, feeling weightless and free. We flew over the Whites south to Bishop and back, with a golden eagle soaring alongside us.

After our thrilling flight, Rick shared his concerns about flying in these powerful winds: 'You should have just flown West, out of the lift band.' But I was too caught up in the thrill of the experience to worry about the risks. As we landed, I realized how lucky I was to have survived such an intense adventure.

Rotor hang gliding harnesses like the Aolus offer pilots a unique and exhilarating way to experience the thrill of flying. While navigating powerful winds can be challenging, it's also a vital part of the sport that requires skill, knowledge, and bravery. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just starting out, the world of rotor hang gliding harnesses is sure to captivate and inspire you.