Sylmar Hang Gliding Association

Malibu pilot pulls off a difficult approach. Pilot was flying an Aeros Combat from around 2001, and the rumor is that it may have been his first time on the glider. The Aeros Combat is notoriously the most difficult to fly topless glider ever made. Joey has two of them, wont fly them anymore. It appears that the pilot finds himself high on his cross to final, attempts to pull in to bring the glider down, and finds himself in an exaggerated PIO. The pilot's correct reaction is to release bar pressure and go wings level, re-gaining control of the glider and accepting a landing in the wash. Pilot landed with a broken down tube and some other minor damage to the glider, but not much else. In other words, he pulled it off.

Lessons: Know your glider, its handling characteristics, and your capabilities. Stay calm, and stay ahead of the aircraft.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro5LS46mxdo[/youtube]

Looks like a jet thermal hit his wing tip at 7 seconds and another one on his nose at 11 seconds, the old "one two punch"(I've had it that happen to me as well). Some of those 2003, pre 2006 designs seemed less controlled than very recent wings. On youtube you can slow it to quarter speed by clicking the "gear" on lower right screen. If it keeps wobbling put a tail on it.

Doug