May 16th-19th 2024 marked the 52nd Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular! Close to 50 pilots from around the world in both the novice and advanced classes gathered for Kitty Hawk Kites’ Annual Competition and Air Games, the longest running of its kind in the world!
Close to 50 pilots gathered for the 52nd Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular
The weekend kicked off with our annual Aerotow Competition, held at the Cotton Gin Flight Park in Jarvisburg, NC. Excellent conditions turned our typical spot landing competition into a day full of soaring! Multiple pilots flew cross country flights- landing several miles from the Flight Park! Later in the evening, members of the Kitty Hawk Kites Community gathered for a special celebration and guest speaker series from Life is Good co-founder John Jacobs! The night was a huge success, drawing a crowd of hundreds!
Soaring flights at Thursday's Aerotow Competition
Founder John Harris speaks to a crowd of hundreds at the 50th Anniversary Celebration
Friday and Saturday’s dune competition saw perfect East Winds for great spectating off the main dune in Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Pilots were able to get in 8 rounds of flying, being scored based off of accuracy of launch, landing, and awarded extra points for landing in the targeted zone at the base of the hill. The evenings after competition saw a slew of celebratory activities. Friday night, the Annual Hang Gliding film festival was held at Kitty Hawk Kites’ flagship location in Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, and Saturday the Woody Jones Memorial Street Dance made for an electric night featuring Charlottesville, VA based band the Barons.
Andy Thompson goes in for the spot landing during the dune competition in Jockey's Ridge State Park
Though Sunday’s conditions were too rough for flying, the Rogallo Foundation’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and the subsequent Awards Ceremony made for a spectacular close to the weekend! The Rogallo Foundation inducted Paul Voight, Peter Brock, and the late David Barish for their commendable contributions to Free Flight Aviation and its surrounding communities.
The Rogallo Foundation pictured with the 2024 Inductees
Congratulations to this Weekend’s Winners! And a huge thank you to the vibrant Hang Gliding Community who will carry the heart of the sport for years to come! FLY FLY FLY!
Advanced Division
First Place- Mike Pattishall, Second Place- Andy Thompson, Third Place- Billy Vaughn
Novice Division
First Place- Allison Livengood, Second Place- Austin Koontz, Third Place- Braden Yundak-Moran
Aerotow
First Place- Shane Moreland, Second Place- Dalton Burkhalter, Third Place- Andy Thompson
