At the heart of every adventure lies the spirit of exploration, and no one embodies this more than those who take to the skies. In our latest Q&A, we had the pleasure of speaking with Billy Vaughn, a remarkable figure in the world of flight—a master pilot, expert hang gliding instructor, and co-manager at Kitty Hawk Kites in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Q: Our brand mantra is: "Run faster. Jump higher. Fly free." Which of those relates to you the most, and why–as it relates to your personal life, professional life, or future dreams?
A: Fly Free, of course! Hang Gliding is free flight. I fly lots of things, but hang gliding is by far the most like having wings come out of my back. It's not like I'm flying a machine; it's like I'm flying.
Q: Tell our Flyers about you, who you are, and your role in the world of flight or aviation.
A: I'm Co-Manager of Kitty Hawk Kites Dune Hang Gliding School, a Master-rated pilot, Advanced and Tandem Instructor, and an administrator for the Professional Air Sports Association.
Q: How long have you worked with Kitty Hawk Kites? What inspired you to join the team when you did?
A: I started teaching at KHK in 1985 and worked seasonally into the early 90s, but I taught occasionally until I returned to KHK full-time in 2017. I first tried to take a hang gliding lesson at age 12, but didn't weigh enough. At 19, I took my first lesson and was hooked.
Q: What is your favorite thing about flying?
A: I like the completely connected feeling I have to the wing and the clarity of focus it demands.
Q: What is your favorite thing to fly?
A: I'm passionate about hang gliders but also enjoy flying an ultralight sailplane called a SuperFloater. It's literally like a lawn chair with wings.
Q: Tell us a little about The 1902 Wright Glider and any notable people who have flown it to date.
A: The 1902 Wright Glider is, in my opinion, the most important aircraft in the history of aviation - the first to have full three-axis control. It's the one the Wright brothers learned to fly on. Probably the most notable person to fly it was Scott Crossfield, the first pilot to fly above Mach 2.
Q: Can anyone fly The 1902 Wright Glider?
A: Anyone over 13 and under 200 lbs can fly it.
Q: Tell us a little more about the Wright brothers. How are they connected to Jockey's Ridge/Kitty Hawk?
A: The Wrights came to Kitty Hawk for wind and sand, which is the same thing that makes Jockey's Ridge the excellent training hill it is.
Q: What are some fun facts about Jockey's Ridge? And why did the Wright brothers choose to fly there?
A: The Wrights didn't fly Jockey's Ridge, but Big Kill Devil Hill, where they did fly, is part of the same ancient barrier dune that formed this area. Today, Jockey's Ridge is still the largest living sand dune on the East Coast – "living" because it's still moving.
Q: What are some things most people don't know about flying The 1902 Wright Glider?
A: They're joining a short list of people who have. To date, fewer than 300 people have ever flown one, and that includes the Wright brothers.
From the iconic 1902 Wright Glider to the beautiful dunes of Jockey's Ridge, we loved hearing Billy share fascinating stories and experiences that highlight the rich history of aviation. His journey from a curious 12-year-old to a seasoned pilot exemplifies the power of following one's passions. This connection to flight resonates with our own values of pushing boundaries and achieving new heights.
Q: What is one of the most memorable flights you've experienced, and what made it special?
A: Probably last year, when I was able to thermal above one of my favorite mountains with two of my early mentors in the sport and both of my sons.
Q: How do you stay current with safety regulations and advancements in the sport?
A: Hang gliding is a self-regulated sport, and doing it safely is largely a matter of taking it seriously, being honest about your skills and limits, and understanding the risks inherent in any aviation.
Q: When you think of P.F. Flyers, what do you think of?
A: Honestly, I only knew them from The Sandlot, but now I'll think of the cool day I got to hang out with you guys.
Q: How would you define your everyday style?
A: Casual. Like super casual. Like baggy shorts and hang gliding t-shirt casual.
Q: Who is someone in aviation that has inspired you and why?
A: Francis Rogallo, inventor of the flexible wing that became hang gliders, paragliders, kiteboard kites, and a host of other wings. His solution to the problem of accessible, inexpensive flight was so simple, nearly anyone could build one, and he encouraged it. It's the only example of open-source aviation I can think of.
It's evident that Billy's journey of flight mirrors our own pursuits in life. He highlights that, much like the wings of a hang glider, we all have the potential to rise and thrive when we embrace our passions and remain authentic. So, whether you're running faster, jumping higher, or dreaming of flying free, remember that every step you take brings you closer to your own incredible journey.
