Ken de Russy <<weflyuniv>>
writes:

Well if you have a passion for hang gliding, the opportunity to
meet John Dickenson and Barry Palmer in person is the rough equivalent of
meeting Wilbur Wright and Glenn Curtis in person. The good news is that they
will be together at my "Hang Gliding Museum" here in Anacortes, Washington in
the USA to speak about their pioneering hang gliding experiments and you are
welcome, encouraged actually, to attend. The bad news is that it will be this
Saturday 27 August. I fully realize that for most of you this short notice
insures that you will be unable to take advantage of this never to be repeated
historic gathering. Many of you are on the far side of the country and others of
you are living in every part of the globe. Although we hope to have a good turn
out it is likely we may only draw a couple of dozen. I did not want to leave you
out in the event you might just be in the area and can adjust your schedule to
participate. This event is free of charge but donations to support my hang
gliding history preservation work are gratefully accepted.

I have had the pleasure to have both of these pioneers in my home in past years.
Hang gliding has been the defining achievement in my life and it is an
unbelievable twist of life to have the opportunity to meet, thank and get to
know the people who were the first to fly hang gliders in the modern era.

As early as December 1961 Barry Palmer designed, built and flew what most hang
glider pilots would regard as the first Rogallo wing hang glider.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sswv4WUi0aY

Just a couple of years later he added a motor and foot launched into powered
hang gliding flight, probably the first to do so. By 1967 Palmer designed, built
and flew a forerunner to the modern trike. He may well have flown over my
unknowing head as he conducted his trike experiments just a few miles from where
I was attending high school. What a shock to discover he lives an hour from
where I live now!

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gIfXh_oDaGGvo2VIPy2RGQ?feat=directlink

John Dickenson in 1963 created the iconic configuration that was purchased by
Bill Moyes and Bill Bennett. After being trained to fly by the experienced
Dickenson the two Bills traveled the world resulting in the pandemic spread of
the Dickenson Wing and creating the modern sport of hang gliding. John visited
me here in October 2008 and we had a gathering of about 25 to hear about his
pioneering work.

http://modelstation.smugmug.com/Hang-Gliding/John-Dickenson/6221329_MUniy

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aIDB6-fA4QacYgfEUtZmZA?feat=directlink

Should it be that you are able to attend please contact me for further details.
I only yesterday confirmed Dickenson's visit and Barry Palmer has graciously
agreed to join us on very short notice. I am still working on the fine points of
this event and will know more in the next day or two. If you can video tape this
event please be sure to let me know. Anyone know what it takes to stream this? I
have no clue. If you have Skype I will be online during the event. You can call
in and ask a question of one of these great pioneers.