Welcome to the
Australian Hang Gliding History’s website

I would like to start by thanking all those out there who have already donated or loaned material and data in order that we might display to the world a complete history of how the hang glider was first invented here in Australia, and of how it grew and developed into something much bigger than the early pioneers had ever envisaged.  And to show how it spread around the world and how others took hold of the concept and developed it even further. A ‘Contributors’ name list that is growing fast, is viewable from the main menu.

However, much more information is needed so that events and inventions can be substantiated and proven, so the correct person is given the credit they so rightfully deserve.

What has become quite evident from the limited amount of information and data that has already been viewed is that Francis Rogallo played no part what so ever in the invention and early development of the hang glider here in Australia. Although John did correspond several times with Francis during the 60’s, and still has the original letters. However it also seems that the information exchange between them only flowed one way. At one time John sent Francis a full copy of his glider plans and they seem to have ended up in the hands of N.A.S.A. who then passed them on to people who were interested in building and flying such machines throughout the USA, and in one known case the UK.

While on the subject of Francis Rogallo. During the early years (60's, 70's and 80's) he was often referred to as Dr Rogallo or Professor Rogallo. Both these titles are incorrect, and there seems to be no public record of him ever trying to corrected this.

Taken from The BHGA 'Wings' magazine No 26 page 37 published February 1977

I find it hard to understand why Bob Wisley who actually met with Francis Rogallo would use the term Professor in an official magazine article, if he had not been introduced to him with that title. As you might have also noticed these titles are used many time in other articles that are available on line for you to see for your self.

If you have any old manufacturer’s leaflets, books, photos, plans, manuals, especially videos, etc etc, all would be most welcome. Never fear, I can make arrangements to copy or use the information in some way. I have a motto ‘There is always a way, you just have to sit down and work it out”!!! I will return all material I copy, and the owner and sender will be given full credit where ever possible. If you don’t like how I’ve presented it and you want it changed or removed, I will do that.

I would also like to get a few written articles from some of the early pioneers, so I can add it to a page on that person. In other words I’m interested in anything that in some small way was connected with hang gliding since say 1962, to about 1981.

I’m also looking for somebody who might be interested in some of the early hang gliders and would like to set up small museum along the lines of the British Hang Gliding History museum run by Jason Board. I can help with all the details and explain how it might work. This is something we must do before we lose many of the early gliders. I have to confess that one of my early gliders ended up propping up a clothes line.

Can I also ask for you to be patient as it’s a large and slow process building website like this? Although it will never be complete, I’m expecting it to take something like a year to get it up to something reasonable. If you become a regular visitor, rather than keep going  through the same material all the time, just click on the ‘RECENT CHANGES’ button near the top left had side of the main page.  This will take you to all the fresh information that has been posted since your last visit.

I look forward to hearing from you, and thanks for taking the time to not only visit the site, but to read this first Newsletter.

Thanks