Flying History at Mission Ridge.
By Steve Rodrigues
Most WOR members know that we have been managing the hang gliding
activities at Mission Ridge since the early 1970's.
What most folks do not know is that a pivotal event in the sport
of hang gliding took place there. A bit of history will help explain
the significance. I've included the basics for those new to our sport.
The delta wing hang glider was invented by Dr. Francis Rogallo, an
aeronautical engineer of the National Aeronautics & Space Administration.
He developed the glider privately in the late 1940's with the
help of his wife Gertrude, and received a patent on the design in 1951.
In the early 60's, the wing was tested by NASA as a possible recovery
vehicle for space capsules, but was ultimately passed over for the
parachute system. Dr. Rogallo's delta wing design was eventually
released to the public, and many people began building and flying
his simple aircraft. Dr. Rogallo generously decided not to protect
his patent, but rather let manufacturers freely produce his invention.
The Rogallo wing became very popular, and was being flown all over
the world, from the United States to Australia. While the gliders
were used for towing and basic gliding, their true potential for
flight was not yet realized. Then, Dave Kilbourne, a founding member
of the Wings of Rogallo, made a significant accomplishment. On
September 6, 1971, after hiking his Rogallo wing to the top of
Mission Ridge, Dave foot launched, and was able to use the abundant
lift of the ridge to soar for over an hour. He became the first person
in the world to do so. His flight proved to everyone the soaring
ability of the Rogallo wing, and provided great inspiration for
future flights. Pilots began flying higher and further each year,
gliders evolved into more sophisticated aircraft, and the sport
grew to what it is today.
