#216 Tom Peghiny and Taking the First Leaps into the Unknown

Tom flying the Peregrine“In comparison [to the flying scene] the rest of my life has been a disappointment.” –Tom Peghiny. This quote came into my inbox a few months ago from Hugh Miller at Cross Country magazine with the words “you’ve got to interview Tom!” If you’ve seen the incredible film “Big Blue Sky” which documents the early days of hang gliding you’ll recognize Tom Peghiny (if you haven’t- watch it, it’s awesome). Tom started flying hang gliders at the age of 13 in 1969. He was the youngest person to compete in the first US Nationals at Sylmar, CA in 1973. He was the youngest person at the first World’s in Kossen, Austria in 1975. And Tom says he’s even more passionate about flying now in his 60’s than he’s ever been. In this episode Tom discusses his early days in hang gliding, the progression of the sport, the influence of RC flying on his understanding of air, the need for safety and regulations, his experience at the World Championships in Kossen, and the design of the Peregrine, Kestrel, and Merlin wings. Tom shares his experiences flying on Mount Washington and other memorable moments in hang gliding and being a test pilot; and the wonderful and rather incredible history of flight that has absorbed his life, and the transition to paragliding in the past few years which has stoked his passion further. Enjoy this chat with a one of the godfathers of the sport!





Takeaways* Early hang glider designs were crude but conceptually advanced, and they influenced the growth of the sport.

* The first World Championships in hang gliding showcased the sport’s potential and led to the establishment of safety measures.

* Tom Peghiny played a significant role in the development of hang gliding, both as a designer and a test pilot.

* Hang gliding competitions and the camaraderie among pilots contributed to the growth and popularity of the sport.

* The transition from hang gliding to paragliding brought new challenges and opportunities for Tom. Paragliding can be a lifelong passion, with individuals getting hooked on the sport and continuing to fly even in retirement.

* Triangle flying is a challenging goal for many paragliders, as it requires stable conditions and low wind speeds.

* Memorable flights and competitions can create lasting memories and connections within the paragliding community.

* Financial stability in paragliding can come from various sources, such as sponsorships, involvement in related industries, and diversifying income streams.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:00 Early Days of Hang Gliding08:03 Progression of Hang Gliding11:51 RC Flying and Understanding Air19:08 First World Championships in Cosen25:03 Tasks and Performance at the Worlds25:59 Designing the Peregrine Wing27:41 Early Hang Glider Designs and European Influence28:30 The First World Championships and Safety Concerns31:14 The Hang Glider Manufacturers Association and Safety Measures32:33 Tom Peghiny’s Background and Role in Hang Gliding34:20 Thermal Flying and Advances in Hang Glider Design36:33 Flying on Mount Washington and Other Memorable Experiences41:13 Competitions and the Growth of Hang Gliding42:45 The Impact of Hang Gliding on Tom Peghiny...