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edichka2 August 18 2010, 19:03:14 UTC
I just read this to the seven-year-old junior engineer, who was quite drawn in by the story.

But he's pacing around the room now, wheels turning, ready to go to the next level:

"Daddy, since I actually have a budget [just got an allowance, two bucks a week], unlike him, I might be able to get some proper materials eventually! Some strong tubing of some kind.... And also NAILS! Why didn't he use nails?!"

We'll be watching the garage carefully.

Cheers,
- E

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mckitterick August 19 2010, 01:41:56 UTC
Aw, yeah. Proud to be corrupting the youth ;-) Give him my best wishes!

If he starts building something (though I've read a number of DON'T DO THIS sites; used gliders are cheaper than making a real one yourself), or if y'all decide to buy a used glider, post about it!

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martyn44 August 18 2010, 20:55:29 UTC
Not 'Holy crap I'm flying' but 'Holy crap I'm stalling', and then the discovery that flying is a doddle compared to landing.

As a kid I (tried to) fly model aeroplanes - still would if I had the time - and they taught me enough to look at plans like that and walk away.

What the hell, it was an adventure and you survived!

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mckitterick August 19 2010, 01:42:43 UTC
Good point!

Me, too, but that came later. I probably wouldn't have tried a hang-glider if I'd actually flown anything first.

Here's to adventure!

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garyomaha August 19 2010, 00:50:05 UTC
You must come to Omaha and at least help M crew a hot air balloon, or, better yet, actually fly with him (once he can take passengers, which is soon, but not yet).

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mckitterick August 19 2010, 01:43:29 UTC
You don't have to ask that twice. Just give me a bit of warning ahead of time, and I'm there!

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anonymous August 19 2010, 03:29:56 UTC
Great story. My friends and I had a somewhat similar experience with a giant kite we built. Things went great until we realized that even giant kites might need a tail.

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mckitterick August 19 2010, 03:30:53 UTC
Neat! What happened? (And who are you, good visitor?)

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