LEGACY PILOT NO
7
HONORING HAL STRONG
Hal Strong was a passionate pilot whose adventures inspired those around him. After his passing, his family chose to honor his legacy by transforming his wing into new companions for future journeys. Through this project, Hal's story continues to travel. This interview was shared by his son, Travis.
LEGACY PILOT #
7
WING
Advance Sigma
REBORN AS
IN-FLIGHT SIDEKICK
FAVORITE/HOME FLYING SITE
Torrey Pines Gliderport
YEARS FLOWN
Unknown
OTHER SITES FLOWN
Switzerland, France, Vietnam
PILOT QUOTE
Nothing felt more free than flying
/ THE VIEW FROM ABOVE
THE EPIC FLIGHTS
/ THE INTERVIEW
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Every wing has a story. We sat down with the pilot to capture the moments, the conditions, and the decisions that shaped this canopy's life in the sky.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE FLIGHT
Hal was a passionate pilot whose love of flight took him to some of the world's most breathtaking flying destinations, including Switzerland and France.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO SEND YOUR WING OFF FOR A NEW LIFE?
We are so appreciative to be able to pass the glider along and see it used for something else and continue its use in a different form
DO YOU FEEL MORE CONNECTED TO THE PLANET BECAUSE OF FLYING?
My dad loved feeling connected with the wind. From sailing to flying, nothing was better than having the wind at his back and feeling that connection with the earth
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THE PERSON WHO ENDS UP WEARING A PIECE OF YOUR STORY?
There’s a history already written into what it used to be and now you get a chance to experience something new with it and write the next chapter in that history
WHAT'S ONE WORD YOU'D USE TO DESCRIBE YOUR GLIDER AND WHY?
WHAT'S ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR DAD'S GLIDER?
Freedom. Nothing felt more free than flying
IN THE AIR I FEEL:
free
TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAD'S FLYING JOURNEY
Always loved flying. From hang gliding in the 70s to paragliding in the 2000s he always loved being in the air. Also always had a sense of adventure and wanting to try something that looked fun and interesting to him.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DONATE THIS WING TO OUTSPIREX?
We wanted to do something with my dads wing that continued its legacy
WHAT STORIES DOES YOUR DAD'S WING HOLD?
He loved traveling and flying over in Europe was great thrill and adventure for him. He also went to Viet Nam and flew there as well.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE THIS WING INSPIRES?
To do what you love, keep that adventurous spirit alive and enjoy every day.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF ADVENTURE SEEKERS?
Follow your passion, wherever it leads you. Don’t hold yourself back and don’t be afraid to do what you love
BEFORE THE CANOPY WAS UPCYCLED
/ WING SPECS
WING
Advance Sigma
COLORWAY
Blue/Orange/Yellow
YEARS FLOWN
Unknown
OUTSPIREX DROP #
2
This Bag Helps Fund a Flight
Every person deserves the opportunity to experience freedom, challenge, and the confidence that comes from pushing beyond what they thought was possible.
That's the mission behind Adaptive Impact.
Through adaptive outdoor recreation and flight experiences, Adaptive Impact helps individuals with disabilities and other physical challenges access adventures that might otherwise feel out of reach. Their programs are built around a simple belief: ability should never define what's possible. Similar adaptive organizations have shown that outdoor adventure can build confidence, independence, community, and a renewed sense of possibility.
Why We Partnered
At OutspireX, we believe adventure changes people. We see it every day in the stories shared by pilots whose wings become our bags. The confidence gained from taking off, the friendships formed along the way, and the perspective that comes from seeing the world differently.
Adaptive Impact is helping make those same experiences available to more people. When you purchase this bag, you're helping support Adaptive Impact's mission. That means more opportunities for adaptive athletes and adventurers. More access to specialized equipment. More experiences that build confidence, connection, and independence. More people discovering that their next adventure is still possible.
THIS GLIDER AVOIDED THE LANDFILL AND BECAME PART OF A MOVEMENT.