The chuck glider, freeflight HLG, is a conundrum. In principle, it is basic, yet in practice it is complex. Building one is a scientific, engineering endeavour, yet it is artistic. Flying can be frustrating, yet satisfying and fun. When one flies away out of sight (OOS), it is sad, but also deeply rewarding. Yes, it is a puzzle and one that is strangely attractive. This video from PaperBush captures some beautiful things:
- Various forms of launch: discus style (DLG), then from 2:03 traditional javelin style, and some side arm launches (SAL) 3:30, and even some discus launching of smaller models.
- Some beautiful transitions from launch to glide in slow motion - fantastic.
- People having fun together!
- Some super music.
- A great ending!
Apologies to all my readers and followers for the inactivity on this blog site. The only model stuff I've done in the last year or so is the odd RC flight. My life has been way too busy with births, deaths, work and other things. But the attraction of the chuck glider is still there, strong as anything. Lately, I've felt a really strong desire to build a new one, and to throw it into the sky. And it needs to be a javelin style throw, not discus.
I don't know why.
It's like the chuck glider pulls at some primeval force inside. Like archery resonates with some prehistoric need and desire, or cycling connects with a feeling of freedom, exploration and transport under one's own steam. The chuck glider puzzle includes the air, the sky, the wind, throwing hard, ripples in the grass, the hair on your legs, dandelion fluff floating around and parachuting upwards, a puff of smoke in the distance, a streamer trailing in the sky, and thermalling like a bird of prey.
