Dan's Gliders....
Another first… Dan’s air show glider and motorized wing are the only two aircraft of their type in North America to carry “N numbers” and airworthiness certificates. Both aircraft are registered with the FAA and certified as experimental aircraft rather than undocumented ultra-lights. Hang gliding has come a long way since the perilous “build-your-own” 70’s. Dan’s factory built aircraft are rigorously engineered, stress tested and instruction is mandatory. He is also a FAA Commercial Glider pilot, enjoying sailplane aerobatics and giving glider rides at Minden, Nevada and San Diego, CA when not on the Airshow tour.
HOW DOES DAN CLIMB TO ALTITUDE?
Dan launches his glider with a custom designed winch system and rolling launch trailer that he designed and constructed specifically for Airshow take-offs. Lifting off the towed trailer at an air speed of about 30 mph, while talking live over the P.A., he quickly tow-climbs to an altitude of 1,200-1,800’ while the vehicle drives down the runway. The winch on the launch vehicle, operated by an experienced and trained crewmember, spins out up to 3,000’ of tow-line against applied brake pressure during his ascent.
Dan also has the tow vehicle make two U-turns on the runway and performs two challenging “aerial water-ski turns” as the towline comes tight again in the opposite direction, allowing him to “stair-step” to desired altitude and remain in a 3,000-5,000’ show center area . Timing is everything during these maneuvers!
When he releases from the tow-line a small ram air parachute is automatically deployed and the line is rapidly rewound back onto the winch without the line ever falling to the ground..
