Info on Electra Flyer hang glider

I recently purchased an Electra Flyer hang glider used for $100.00. I am trying to find any information on this model that I can. I am about to take it to a dealer here to have it inspected and repaired if needed. Lessons are also in the works for me. I am wanting to know if this model would be good for a beginner or intermediate flyer, what kind of track record it had and it's performance characteristics. Email me please.

Electra Flyer hang gliders were manufactured in Albuquerque New Mexico by Larry Newman, President of Electra Flyer, from 1975 to the early 80's I believe. There were a number of models from the early 'Pathfinders' , Cirrus 1 - 5 models, Olympus and several others. For their day they were outstanding gliders that allowed those of us who lived in the hot and windy desert south west to have a glider that could not only soar well, but could handle the typical high winds that we flew in. Many pilots of the New Mexico, Arizona , and other regions came to experience their first real cross country , and high altitude flights on these gliders. I personally flew many of them and even flew a Cirrus III into the Grand Canyon in 1976. I know of a pilot from Flagstaff Arizona that flew his Olympus 180 over 70 miles cross country in 77 and that was a long way for that time. The problem however is that todays gliders are far better designed to offer not only greatly improved performance but safety as well. I would not personally trust a 20 year old aluminum frame glider as a lot of corrossion in the tubes, the cables and weakening of the sail cloth can occur over that time span. Unless this glider you bought was kept in immaculate condition and stored out of the weather and the elements I would think twice before flying it. There are so many other much more modern, well designed, and airworthy used hang gliders available today for from $500.00 & up that will allow you to get into the sport, learn and enjoy it safely. I would think about talking to your local dealer/instructor about getting you into one of those instead. Good luck and fly safe.......

Chuck Rhodes Hang IV # 214 1975

Electra Flyer was the manufacture name. What is the model name?

Avron Tal

The Glider you have purchased is a prehistoric glider.(Iam not being fecesious) .You need to buy something up to date. Get on the web and contact the hanggliding association or any reputable dealer. If you take the glider to a dealer they will talk you into using it as a meuseum piece

David - I have a Cirrus 5A, made by Electra Flyer. I'm looking for a museum to donate it to, because it's totaly obsolete. I used it as a trainer for a while, but it is so tail heavy when you lift it, it's almost impossible to keep the nose down for your takeoff run. Sorry, but you'ld be much better off with another more modern used glider. Don't be discouraged, tho. Every legitamate HG school will provide you with all equipment necassary for training as part of your lesson fee. Good luck!

Angelo Mantas Former hang gliding instructor Angelo Mantas

Some general Principles

If you paid a $100 for it it is probably good for scrap and nothing else, - try and get some more money and go for a newer intermediate, they will be easier to fly, handle better (and closer to your next glider - am important consideration when upgrading). Good examples in the UK (God knows where you are) are the Ariel Arts Clubman (about 10 years old but with an excellent record) or Airwave Calypso (newer, higher performance, more money).

I assume that for a $100 the glider you have bought is seriously old - if it is, don't waste any more money - chuck in the bin - it will undoubtedly fly like a pile of old shit and will probably kill you at some point or other.

There have been great developments in the last few years - Take advantage of them !!!

Good flying,

Colin (Flying HGs 13 years)