Vlog 27: Assembling & Installing Rhino Rack’s Vortex 2500 roof rack for transporting a hang glider

Looking back I really relied on Steve Wendt, my hang gliding instructor from Blue Sky Flight Park, a lot during my early flying journey. With Steve’s passing, I have to learn to move on to my next chapter.
Only way for me to continue flying is by becoming an independent pilot: own all gears, become familiar with local sites and fly there. Right now I will still need instructors with me especially if I continue to endeavor different methods of flying. I need my own glider and I need to be able to transport it. My car had no roof rack system so I decided to work on that.
I got Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 system for my Toyota Prius C. With the two cross bars I plan on mounting a ladder to strap a hang glider on. Yes baby steps, but every step forward gives me hope. So far I’m happy with the purchase and and the product!
A Link to Rhino Rack’s products in this video:
www.rhinorack.com/en-us/fit-m...
Music: Splice Loyalty-Free music, “The Bright Lights” in intro and “Flying Flowers” during outro.
#hanggliding #roofrack #rhinorack #vortex2500

[@erikajklein]

You’re the first person I know of to add a HG roof rack before getting a hang glider and I love it haha 😍❤

[@nanoraflyz]

Omg Erika!🤣🤣🤣 well let’s be real, it’s pretty sad and frustrating situation to be honest. But there is a reason why I installed this thing on now..Nothing is confirmed so I can’t share the details here yet. I’ll DM you my situation. I can’t afford a nice brand new glider. But finding a good condition used single surface glider for my size is also tricky. I’m in touch with some people, something might get worked out. Thank you for popping in😚

[@douglas.turner]

Your car looked good with the doors open! And better with the rack installed. It will be so exciting when you load up whichever glider you get. Cheers!

[@nanoraflyz]

Thank you so much! I miss flying. Meanwhile I figure out way to get back in the air, this much I can work on. I appreciate you always cheering me on!

[@SVSky]

Very well done vid!

[@nanoraflyz]

Thank you sir! Video editing itself has become my hobby😊

[@DumfriesDik]

You continue to amaze and impress us. Best wishes from Scotland!

[@nanoraflyz]

Thank you so much😊

[@frostyfrost4094]

Love you This has made my weeeeek take your time with your wings steel borrow and make sure your happy with your choice ..... Not all bargains are wot they seem

[@nanoraflyz]

Thank you so much😁

[@donindri]

You need to look into getting a bull bar or brush guard for your front bumper. Just the roof rack won’t be enough to carry a glider. You can add a front rack on the bull bar and then you will have 3 point support. Thanks for posting

[@nanoraflyz]

Ya my plan is to put a ladder on it. I’m copying my pilot friend’s rack system. Super secure! Once I have the full glider transporting system I’ll share that here too😉

[@Hugh_Franklin]

Great job. I used to carry my Seahawk 190 on a 1978 Fiat 131 sedan with two homemade bolt-on bumper racks. The control bar doesn't break down on those gliders which makes them a bit awkward. You may want to consider a good used glider and save some $$.

[@nanoraflyz]

Yep that’s my plan, to get a used glider for my size and flight skill level. Actively looking.

[@raygilbertflies]

Nano, check with Billy and Jonny at KHK about available falcons. The Moyes Malibu is very comparable to the falcon as well. You could even get some aero tow training while you are down there. The Cotton Gin is an amazing place to fly.

[@nanoraflyz]

Funny you say that because I’ve been in touch with Jonny and that’s what I might be doing soon. I had a weird AT tandem experience a little over a year ago so I want to overcome that fear. He said they can take the training as slow as I wish to so I really appreciate his understanding and flexibility. He has a wing that might work for me too but he needs to keep one for training reason so we plan on discussing my option when I go there.

[@b7gwap]

Looks great. Will you need to support the front or rear of the glider or are your two crossbars spaced far enough apart where you won’t need to? What glider are you shopping for? Falcon 3 or 4 maybe? Look in your area for a local RC glider club, a lot of those guys are old timers who used to fly HG and might have some delicious barn finds for sale.

[@nanoraflyz]

I’ll be mounting a ladder on the roof racks and then strapping a glider on it. I’m looking for a used Falcon 140. Probably can’t afford anything really new so I have to be open to which model. Thank you so much for your advice to reach out to local RC glider club. I’ll look into it!

[@b7gwap]

No problem, it’s also a fun side hobby when the weather is less flyable. 😊

[@gentleflyerhg]

@@nanoraflyz It seems that used Falcon 145 are rare compared to other sized gliders. I guess one size bigger is ideal for most pilots. I hope you find a good one that suits you. ☺ If I get into this sport, I'll need a smaller one too.

[@SVSky]

@@gentleflyerhg There are a few -145s around. I know of two out here on the West Coast.

[@gentleflyerhg]

@@SVSky Thanks, Takeo - That's hopeful!