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Another hang glider pilot, and another Eagle of the Month - this time, for August 2011.

Congratulations to Roger Winger, for a brilliant return to flying after 14 years away.

(And what a perfect name for a pilot, no!!)



Read a bit about Roger below, and say Hello at launch next time you're there!

How long have you been flying?

I bought my first hang glider in 1981. Self taught on a rogallo wing in Whitecourt Alberta. I flew off and on over the years just ground skimming and having fun, and after a 14 year break I couldn't take it anymore. I started really flying again last year with a Moyes Mars I picked up from Peter (Pecofly). On August 8, 2010 Jon Orders helped me with my first high flight in a long time and kept me safe until he signed me off. Since then I''ve had 63 flights mostly at Mount Woodside, but I've also flown Hedley, Savona, Golden and Point of the Mountain in Utah.

What wing do you fly (model, colours)?

I fly 2 gliders. Both are red, white and blue. One is the Northwing EZY 195 and one is a Wills Wing Ultrasport 147

What West Coast flying site is your favourite?

Woodside is only 1/2 hour from my house and very convenient for me. I'd call it my favorite, but I must get up to Pemberton next year.

Do you have an overall favourite site (anywhere in the world) or somewhere you're looking forward to flying in the future?

There's a whole wish list of places I'd like to go. Mexico in January with Jim Reich, Easter at Savona, the Miles in May event in Alberta, Chelan, Golden and Pemberton.

Tell us about your flight that earned you Eagle of the Month.

Going back to Golden and flying in the Willi was a very big moment for me. My last flight 14 years ago was at Golden. My other first high flight with training help from John Jansen. Willi had just died and another fellow flew into the mountain that day. He was ok but shaken up pretty good. Helicopter rescue, the whole bit! Thats when I stopped flying due to family. So to go back where I had left off years ago was pretty special. Unfortunately, the weather this summer was pretty bad as we all know. I had hopes of getting big air at Golden but it didn't happen for me. I managed 5 flights at Golden and landed on my feet for the extra bonus points. This put me in the lead over the other novices.

Hang gliding has given me an incredible year. The people, the sights, the moments have all been amazing. Thank you very much for the Eagle of the month award. It is very much appreciated.

Thanks, and congratulations, Roger!