Scott Barrett Of Newcastle, Australia Sets A New One Day Distance Record For Hang Gliding

Fixed-wing flight got its start with hang gliding. However, the lack of understanding the aerodynamics of weight shift control in the early days led the Wright Brothers to believe there had to be a better way to control a winged airplane. But with the introduction of the Rogallo wing type hang glider in the 1960s, hang gliding came back to life in a big way.

It’s been reported on the Australian Broadcasting Company news website that hang gliding is not only a recreational sport for local flying, but that long distance flying is also possible. Scott Barrett has shown just how far that concept can be taken by traveling a remarkable 354 miles in one flight. This is a new world record that shattered the previous record by 118 miles. Barrett flight time was 9 hours 20 minutes.

While it is common for hang glider pilots to launch off of high terrain, the report indicates that Barrett’s departure point was not suited for that type of launch. He began his flight by being towed aloft by a small aircraft and then released for his journey to begin. Typical of any long distance sailplane flight, he used the technique of flying from one area of lift to another to achieve the record distance.

In the ABC report Barrett is quoted as saying, "It's like a 3D yacht race and the views are better by far. There are wonderful adventures to be had. Hang gliders have become a very safe and fun aircraft, it takes a week to achieve a pilot certificate and you can participate in it from flatlands, from mountains, coastal hills or sand dunes, it is all great fun."

Barrett mentions obtaining a pilot certificate for his hang gliding activities, but in the United States hang gliding can, in many cases, be performed under the ultralight regulations which do not require pilot certification.

Hang gliding has got to be high on the list of recreational flying that is fun and affordable. ANN congratulates Scott Barrett on his achievement.

(Image from ushpa; not Barrett’s glider)

FMI: www.ushpa.aero