ROGALLO FOUNDATION MISSION

In 1948, Francis and Gertrude Rogallo enjoyed the first successful flight of their flexible wing, a revolutionary aero concept that was constructed from Gertrude's kitchen curtains and developed from research conducted in their in-house, homemade wind tunnel. This remarkable invention was a wing with no rigid members that creates an airfoil shape when flying and generates lift similar to a rigid airfoil. This incredible invention led to hang gliders, paragliders, kites, stunt kites, and revolutionized parachutes. Based on the Rogallo invention, millions of people around the world have been introduced to the pleasures, adventures, and challenges of aviation.

The Rogallo Foundation was created in 1992 and its mission is to honor the Rogallo's; preserve their priceless records, artifacts, and research; interpret their incredible story; and protect this legacy of free flight for millions of people in all the Nations of the world.

ROGALLO FOUNDATION PROGRAMS

The Board of Directors of the Rogallo Foundation has approved a long-range plan to build a Rogallo Museum, located on North Carolina's Outer Banks, near the Wright Brothers Memorial. This Museum will reflect the highest caliber of design and exhibits, reflecting the significant contributions of the Rogallo's to aviation; their inventions; and. their incredible story. The Museum will be dedicated to the development, enthusiasm, adventures, and excitement of the worldwide sports of hang gliding, paragliding, flexible wing ultralighting, parachuting, and kiting. To assure that the Museum will meet certifiable standards and comply with the Museum Code of Ethics, the Rogallo Foundation has joined the American Association of Museums, an affiliate of the International Association of Museums.

It is estimated that land acquisition, structure design, and construction may approximate $5 million. The funding for this ambitious project will be raised through individual and corporate donations. Your support in the form of effort, time, or funding is welcome and needed. The Rogallo Membership Legacy Section explains opportunities for donations, gifts, and other expressions of support.

Washington, D.C.-based hang gliding pioneer, Vic Powell, and author/writer Michelle Dawson, are collaborating on a retrospective biographical book on the Rogallo's. Vic and Michelle spent many hours conducting interviews, reviewing personal papers and artifacts, examining many secondary sources of information, and conducting interviews of families, friends, and personal and professional associates of the Rogallo's. The book is anticipated to be published and on sale in early 1999. All proceeds from book sales will be donated to the Rogallo Foundation. The book is one of many contributions to the Foundation that Powell and Dawson have made through the years.

Conducted in the month of May on North Carolinas Outer Banks every Mothers Day weekend, the Fly-In features low-pressure competition in which both novice and advanced pilots have the opportunity to improve flying skills and see the latest techniques and equipment. The Fly-In is in the best spirit of the Rogallo Foundation, offering opportunities to learn more about low speed flight, meet pilots of all standings, and expand the abilities of pilots through structured flying. Winners in the various classes of competition earn awards. Whether you are just interested in learning about the sport, or are an experienced pilot, come join the festivities. You'll always feel welcome at the Annual Fly-In.

Francis and Gertrude Rogallo have saved and stored a large number of items that were used in various experimental developments of the flexible wing concept. Following the invention and patenting of the wing, the Federal government expressed interest in the concept. Rogallo was involved in a number of government projects in which the flexible wing served as the basis for experiments in powered and unpowered aircraft, landing cargo and vehicles, and returning spacecraft to earth. A wealth of artifacts accumulated over the years of personal and governmental experiments could, if catalogued and readily available for study, serve historians, experimenters, engineers, and enthusiasts. The Rogallo flexible wing has had an enormous influence on low speed aviation. What further breakthroughs await humanity in this realm of flight resulting from the evaluation and study of these artifacts? The Rogallo Foundation, through its membership and gift programs, can help you express your interest in preserving, protecting, cataloguing, and researching these priceless artifacts.

People from around the globe have made important and lasting contributions to the development of sports that the Rogallo wing has influenced. While latest improvements may be popularized in the media, each development was often based on a contribution made by earlier enthusiasts. As time moves further from the early years, the value of individual contributions can recede in memory. The Rogallo Foundations Hall of Fame offers the opportunity to permanently recognize those who have improved the sports. The program also recognizes current-day advances. The Hall of Fame will be housed in the Rogallo Museum. Join the Foundation in extending honors and awards to deserving individuals who have built upon the Rogallo's gift to the world of the flexwing invention.

ROGALLO MEMBERSHIP LEGACY

ROGALLO FOUNDATION MEMBERSHIP FORM
(Print it out and return it for your tax deductible contribution today!)

The Rogallo Foundation is the caretaker of America's living legacy of free flight. The Foundation commemorates the great achievements of the Rogallo's and the men and women who continue to lead the world into the skies.

Your support will help us collect, restore, and preserve forever, a great collection of artifacts and valuable research: priceless symbols of the Rogallo's heritage.

The museum will also display hang gliders, paragliders, parachutes, ultralights, kites, equipment, and pilot memorabilia.

But there is more to the Rogallo Foundation and Museum than just history. Your support will help the Rogallo Foundation to become a national leader in educating America's children, the pilots of tomorrow, exciting them about the great history of flight and science and inspiring them to lead us to new heights.

And most of all, your support will help the Rogallo Foundation lay the groundwork for a world-class Museum. The Rogallo Foundation asks for your support because the Foundation is also your story. The Foundation needs your support because it is your organization, a place where your dreams can fly.

Five Ways You Can Help

1. Gifts Through Wills Leave a lasting legacy for the story of free flight by remembering the Rogallo Foundation through a bequest or other estate gift. By making a bequest or estate gift you will help ensure the Rogallo Foundation's future for generations to come.

2. Gifts Of Stocks Or Bonds You can support the Rogallo Foundation by transferring securities from your investment portfolio to the Foundation to receive a tax deduction for the market value of the securities .

3. Gifts Providing Lifetime Income Your gift of cash, marketable securities, or other assets will not only help the Rogallo Foundation, but can also benefit the donor by providing tax benefits and additional income for life. For more information about all the gift giving programs and how your gift can help you and the Foundation, call 1-919-261-1040, and ask for Sandra Allen, the Rogallo Foundations Planned Giving Advisor.

4. Matching Gifts If your employer offers a matching gift program, you can easily double your contribution to the Rogallo Foundation at no extra cost to you. Ask your company's personnel office if they have a Matching Gift Program, then contact the Foundations Planned Giving Advisor, Sandra Allen, at 1-919-261-1040.

5. Membership Membership in the Rogallo Foundation brings a special feeling of satisfaction that comes from knowing your membership will preserve this legacy of free flight. Your membership will continue to enrich your life and the lives of tens of thousands of people who will visit the Rogallo Museum and benefit from Rogallo Foundation Programs. Eagle Membership enters you into the Rogallo Ring, a society of members earning extra benefits of membership, such as Rogallo dinners and briefings, in exchange for your generous support. Whatever your level of support you can know that the Foundation warmly welcomes you and thanks you for your membership. Show your love and support by participating and contributing to the Rogallo Foundation today! Print out the membership form and send it to the Foundation address with your tax deductible membership donation.

Wings For the World is the first limited edition, numbered, and personally signed print honoring Francis and Gertrude Rogallo. Available exclusively from the Rogallo Foundation, this dynamic color fine arts quality reproduction depicts the thrill of free flight and represents contributions of the Rogallos to aviation. Only 350 of these signed collector prints will be issued.

Order your limited edition print today. Price for each print is $40, exclusive of shipping and handling. Your purchase supports the Rogallo Foundation and its many programs.

The Address:

Memberships and limited edition posters may be obtained by sending check, money order, or Visa/Master card (Cardholder Name, Card Number, Expiration Date) to:

The Rogallo Foundation
P. O. Box 1839
Nags Head, North Carolina 27959-1839
252-441-4124
John Harris, President

Many thanks for your support and interest, and come visit us at the Annual Fly-In!

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