1976 Grand Canyon Hang Gliding Test

Hang gliding through the Grand Canyon? It only happened once in history. In 1976, Grand Canyon National Park permitted a NPS approved Hang Gliding Feasibility Test - May 9, 1976.

Been trying to locate the guys who shot this video footage, R.Osterman and D.Sechrist.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• hangglide
• glider
• grandcanyon
• flying
• aircraft

[kirtokosseamrica]

that aint 1976

thats a modern day hang glider design

[coldfusion1111]

I was there. Rick, Sargon and the gang ...will never forget it. I was a student of Rick's at the time helping the Park service... -V

[windcsky1]

I was the fourth pilot to take off that day. Phil Richards was first, followed by

Lloyd Pack, then Gary Waugh or myself, can't remember. The final pilot of the day was Jimmy Vaughn. He is the last one seen flying in this video. The first flyer in the video is Phil Richards. It was truly magnificent to be able to fly into the Grand Canyon by foot launching off the edge., I am very lucky to have had this opportunity in my life.

Still dreaming of canyon soaring,

.

Chuck Rhodes

[windcsky1]

test

[GCHiker1]

Chueffer Yes,Bill Moyes did fly the Canyon and he was true pioneer in the sport. A difference was that Bill's flight was unathorized and a "tow" launch. This flight was a feasibility flight for the park but with very a difficult cliff launch.The pilots had only 3 steps to launch with one pilot flying seated. With regard to what they had to prove? Nothing! We simply had that once in a lifetime opportunity to fly The Grandest of Canyons. I hope that gives you a bit of insight. I was pilot 1 Phil R

[chueffer]

I don't get it.Bill Moyes flew the Grand Canyon years before 1976.Maybe they had something to prove,but I don't know what it is .Anoyher version of the vidieo with sound would be nice .

[NMERider]

Great footage! Thanks for posting this.

[zappr5]

KOOL!! Thanks for posting! I was flying bamboo and plastic back then.

[willietriker]

I was there on that great event and it was very spiratual seeing these guys take that leap of faith with a slight wind at their backs. Gary Waugh was one of the fliers. He is the last person on the vidio. There was a great 16mm film made of the flights but I can't remember who shot it.

[damunchiman]

I was born in 1976. Are any of them still flying today? Inspring.