Thursday, November 05, 2015

Ultimate freedom


Leonardo da Vinci would be proud of this Swiss foot-launched glider; the only other way to get airborne as easily is via a para-glider or para-motor also both foot launched but more open to the elements and also probably slightly more difficult to fly. Back in 1997 (pre-kids!) I did a para-motor course in the French Alps (Tallard) and it was fantastic other than the fact that the engine that was strapped to your back weighed in at around 25 kg and you had to run to take off whilst balancing an inflated canopy above your head and revving the engine at the same time. It was extremely tiring and a bit like trying to rub your stomach and pat your head at the same time. This glider on the other hand looks much easier, and although it weighs around 50kg you don't seem to have to run more than a couple of steps before you're airborne.

Landing seems to be straightforward too, either on grass or tarmac and I see that there's an electric version with a propeller as well; what will they think of next?

2 comments:

A Heron's View said...

That would be ideal for Chairman Bill now that he has plenty of spare time on his hands.

Steve Borthwick said...

HV, can you imagine... he'd go and get himself lost over the railway tracks I bet :)