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Airline Travel with the Falcon 3: Short Packed
By John Wright
Originally published in Hang Gliding & Paragliding Magazine, September 2008. © 2008 United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. Reproduced with permission.
This article reflects the author's personal experience at the time of publication.
Like Bullwinkle pulling a rabbit out of his hat, I recently reached into my airline baggage and pulled out a Wills Wing Falcon 3. The analogy ends there, as no lions roared at me and there were no flying squirrels.
Wills Wing designed a Falcon 3 Short Pack Transport / Storage Container that is completely functional as airline baggage. The case for my Falcon 3 (195) is seven feet long. Because not every airline handler is gentle, I decided to document the process by typing up a walkthrough for myself (that may also help other Falcon owners). Later, launching back home at Crestline, I was surprised at how much better I knew my glider and, consequently, how much more comfortable I felt in it.
The Short Pack Process
Short packing the Falcon 3 has many steps, but it is straightforward. No personal judgment is required and there are no variables. The process requires only a few basic tools, the ability to read and follow directions, basic knowledge of hang glider part terminology, and a clear head.
The Falcon 3 short pack manual's text is without error and tells you everything you need to know to get the job done. I also created a web walkthrough with photos based on the manual.
Cutting the Battens
One part of the process that gave me pause: cutting my four longest battens and putting in inserts for reassembly. If you buy the wing and the short pack bag at the same time, Wills Wing will pre-prepare the battens for short pack. I bought the Falcon 3 Short Pack Container after I bought the wing, so with a hacksaw in my hand and a knot in my gut, I successfully cut 12 inches off my longest four battens.
The Learning Experience
Before the trip, short packing the Falcon 3 and transporting it consumed my thoughts. A week after, reassembling it at my home site was a mere matter of scheduling and I only allotted myself two hours. The glider is no longer a mystery to me, as I have handled each of its parts and seen what is normally hidden under Dacron and Mylar. I encourage all Falcon 3 owners who short pack it to do as much of it themselves as possible right off the bat. It's a fantastic learning experience. Of course, test fly it carefully after getting your dealer or an experienced pilot to give it an extra preflight check.
Worth Considering
As you look over single surface wings, the short pack option of the Falcon 3 is a feature well worth considering. Taking advantage of this capability, a process that gets easier each time, can be done by a pilot of moderate mechanical aptitude.
In New Hampshire, as I knocked out a couple dozen flights thanks to my short packing experience, the Falcon 3 proved itself to be a portable, versatile glider perfect for traveling pilots.