Alula glider - Hawk attack

Both ground and in-air video of my Dream-Flight "Alula" RC glider being attacked by a hawk in the lovely mountains of northern Utah. Every time I fly this particular slope the local hawk shows up and tries to knock my "hawk like" plane out of the sky. So I decided to film it. This was a somewhat blustery yet incredibly beautiful spring day! Perfect winds for slope soaring this light model. I taped a cheap chewing gum pack shaped micro camera onto the Alula's back to get the in-air attack footage, and held the same camera in my left hand while operating the radio and flying with my right for the ground shots. Sorry if it makes you a little dizzy while watching. It's hard to hold steady and do all this at the same time! This was also my very first attempt ever at editing a video, so still learning the software. Did some full-speed, slow motion, and freeze frames of the most interesting parts. Enjoy!

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Alula
• slope
• soaring
• RC
• r/c
• glider
• hawk
• sailplane

[like2fly01]

Your 4.5oz camera is WAY to heavy for the Alula! I used a small clamshell "keychain" camera that weighs about 15 grams (slightly over 1/2 oz). You can find them on ebay for around $10. If you get it centered directly over the CG then you won't notice much change in flight characteristics, especially if you are sloping it with good lift in a decent breeze.

[like2fly01]

The nearest lake is about 10 miles away. I have received other messages informing me it is a "Swainson's Hawk". I'm no raptor expert, so I don't know.

[tsirtalis]

I am an active birder in Northern Utah and I agree it's a Swainson's Hawk.

[Common2012Sense]

Great footage!! But, guess who is going to win if you make moves that look aggressive or just plain silly to a raptor. Turn into the wind gracefuily, the hawk should identify you as a friend. It might even lead you into thermals.Ive been frightened but never attacked.Yes I fly like a girl: Try it next time you see a raptor nearby. Keep your inertia, diving or aerobatics are aggressive to birds and shortens your flight anyway even if the raptor does not tear up your plane, Cheers. Nice Film.

[HGlider1]

Yes it is a Swainson's Hawk. good call

[pxjanders]

Thanks for posting this great video. Can you share some additional details regarding the video camera? I haven't flown an Alula but I know it's very light. It seems that any additional weight would be detrimental to its fight characteristics. I have a Flip Ultra HD camera that weighs 4.5 oz. Would that camera be too heavy for the Alula?

BTW, you have an absolutely beautiful place to fly.

Thanks again for taking the time to edit and post this video.

[SailplaneStut]

I think it may have been an Osprey, based on the coloration. Is there any open water nearby? They feed on fish a lot.

Perry

[dreamsfgh]

Thats one hell of a jealous bird!

[corneliouscarrot]

i dont think the bird was impressed...