2010 Hang Gliding Championships

SI Staff | Jul 27, 2010

2010 Hang Gliding Championships

David E. Klutho/SI

Each summer, 80 to 125 pilots venture to Idaho to compete in the King Mountain Hang Gliding championships. SI photographer David E. Klutho was at the 2010 contest from July 19 to July 24. Here are some of his best shots from the event. L.J. O'Mara, who was part of the recreation class, glides beneath a glistening sun on the afternoon of July 20.

David E. Klutho/SI

Four-time world acrobatic champion John Heiney glides in front of a desert background.

David E. Klutho/SI

John Heiney soars toward a luminous sun.

David E. Klutho/SI

Amidst a smooth, uplifting evening air, a pilot flies toward the mountains.

David E. Klutho/SI

Lucy Stilson glides below the clouds. Stilson finished second in the women's class.

David E. Klutho/SI

Before lifting off, John Kangas uses his last pre-flight stride as momentum for takeoff.

David E. Klutho/SI

Ken Muscio, a 70-year-old pilot, finished 16th overall in the Flex Wing Class 1.

David E. Klutho/SI

A pilot glides amidst a background of Idaho mountains.

David E. Klutho/SI

Two pilots engage in the "riding the thermals" formation.

David E. Klutho/SI

On the flight's end approach, a pilot lowers his landing gear.

David E. Klutho/SI

One of the pilots in the competition launches on July 23.

David E. Klutho/SI

Upside down in his hang-glider, Heiney performs one of his famous glider loops.

David E. Klutho/SI

Craig Perkins approaches the upper landing area at King Mountain. Perkins finished 20th in the recreation class.

David E. Klutho/SI

Rob Wolf begins his flight to Mackay, Idaho, an 18-mile journey. Wolf placed 23rd in Class 1.

David E. Klutho/SI

Sam Cox prepares to land at the lower landing zone.