 Bob Tedder above launch during the 1999 Festival |
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Bob Tedder above launch during the 1999 Festival |
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The Capital Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association
of Washington DC. |
The Maryland Hang Gliding Association
of Baltimore MD. |
The skies over McConnellsburg in south-central Pennsylvania will come alive with the colors of soaring hang gliders and paragliders on Saturday and Sunday, September 20th and 21st, as the Sixteenth Annual McConnellsburg Hang Gliding and Paragliding Festival gets underway. Launch (aka The Pulpit) is on the ridge east of downtown McConnellsburg. There's something for everyone at the Festival, so plan your weekend around it!
The highlight of our Festival is a Just-For-Fun XC competition in which pilots from the mid-Atlantic area can pit their skills against those of their fellow pilots, and yet enjoy flying in an atmosphere that is free of real competitive pressures. USHGA members with a Hang-II/P2 or higher rating are eligible to enter (Hang-II/P2 pilots must fly under the sponsorship of an Observer). Medals will go to the top three teams, and trophies to the top three in the individual standings.
New pilots will have a chance to learn about aspects of cross-country flight; recreational pilots and XC-beginners will be able to stretch their wings a bit, perhaps trying a few things which are new to them; more advanced pilots can impart their experiences and knowledge to others, and show their friends how to really core a thermal.
The Pulpit handles WSW to WNW winds from its ramps and slope (PG) launch. And given that three alternate sites are within a 30 to 60 minute drive for NE, E, SE, S, and NW winds, your outlook for airtime couldn't be better!
There's fun on the ground too, with our traditional Friday night campfire, the Saturday night cookout and raffle, and Sunday's awards ceremony. So print and then complete the registration form available at The Festival's website and send it in today!
Attention Visiting Pilots! You must sign the Pulpit Waiver before flying. Note that the flying fees normally required for visiting pilots who have not purchased an annual Pulpit sticker are waived if they have registered for the Festival.
Spectators are also welcome at the Festival, where they will be able to watch exciting launches from our ridgetop launch-site above McConnellsburg, precision landing attempts, hang glider demonstrations, and 'bomb-drops' from the air. A hang glider will be on display from 11:00am until 1:30pm on Saturday and Sunday at 'Festival-HQ', located at our launch site, The Pulpit.
Watch hang gliding videos; learn about the equipment used for hang gliding (including parachutes, avionics, and radios); and take home some promotional items from the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association.
The Festival also has an important purpose: proceeds from pilot registration and T-shirt sales will be used to help support the McConnellsburg Rescue Squad. Over $2500 has been contributed to the squad over the past few years. It's great to know that you can have a weekend of fun and flying, and benefit a worthy cause at the same time.
The Festival is a great opportunity to watch or participate in an exciting sport, enjoy the trails and views from the ridges near launch, and explore the friendly town of McConnellsburg. See our Events Calendar for a detailed listing of all the activities at this year's Hang Gliding Festival.
McConnellsburg is only an hour and 45 minutes from the Baltimore/Washington area, in south-central Pennsylvania. See our Maps and Directions for travel information.
Detailed directions and event information can be obtained at the Festival's web site (chgpa.org/HGFest/hgfest.html) or by calling 301-807-5414. Since the Festival is weather-dependent, we suggest calling on the morning of the 20th and 21st to confirm the flying location for the day. Directions to our alternate sites are available on our web site, and will also be available at The Pulpit.
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