"There's nothing quite like having your own set of wings on your back."
We recently caught up with Megan Turner, manager of the Hang Gliding School at Kitty Hawk Kites on Jockey's Ridge. As a hang glider pilot, adventurer, dog mom, and nature enthusiast, Megan embodies the spirit of flight. We explored what it means to FLY! FLY! FLY! and the profound experience of soaring over the same iconic dunes where the Wright Brothers made history.
Q: For those Flyers who don't already know you, please introduce yourself!
A: My name is Megan Turner and I am from Virginia originally. I work at the Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I've got a dog I absolutely adore named Pilot (yes, she flies too!).
Q: For our Flyers who haven't ever heard of Kitty Hawk Kites or hang gliding, can you tell us a little bit more about it?
A: Kitty Hawk Kites is your one stop shop for adventure and outdoor recreation on the Outer Banks. As the world's largest hang gliding school, we offer beginner hang gliding lessons on the sand dunes where we teach YOU to fly, but we also offer tandem hang gliding flights where you can go 2,000 ft or even a mile high with an instructor. We're celebrating our 50th anniversary this year!
Q: How long have you been working with Kitty Hawk Kites? What role do you play and what do you love most about your job?
A: This is my eighth year at Kitty Hawk Kites. I manage the Hang Gliding School on Jockey's Ridge and teach hang gliding lessons as well.
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Q: Tell us about the community/comraderier around hang gliding within your sphere?
A: It's the absolute best! Hang gliding is a small, but extremely close knit community. This job has allowed me to make friendships and connections that have furthered my flying career and inspired me to travel and try new things.
Q: How did you first get into hang gliding (how many years ago, what inspired you, where did you do it) and what did it feel like?
A: I went on a spring break trip in college and took a tandem hang gliding flight. I was absolutely HOOKED and that summer I moved to the Outer Banks to work and learn to fly at the hang gliding school. That first flight was absolutely freeing. For me, it was the feeling of being absolutely and totally present in the moment. There's nothing quite like having your own set of wings on your back.
Q: If our Flyers are interested in learning more about how they can go hang gliding in Kitty Hawk, where should they go or what should they do?
A: They should follow us on instagram to see all the fun things we do @flykhk. Our website, kittyhawk.com has more info about pricing and lesson packages!
Q: If you could have one aviation experience (if you could fly anywhere, in any way) that you haven't had yet, what would it be and where?
A: I'd really like to fly the Point of the Mountain near Salt Lake City, UT. Hopefully this winter!
Q: What's one extreme sport you've never tried that's next on your list?
A: I'd like to become "bi-wingual" and learn to fly paragliders too!
Q: What is the significance of the Wright Brothers and flight in Kitty Hawk? And what does it mean to you?
A: There's something special about flying, and teaching others to fly, on the same system of sand dunes that the Wright Brothers took their first flights off of. We fly here for the same reason the Wrights did over a century ago–unobstructed wind flow, dunes facing every direction, and soft, forgiving sand. It's a great training location.
Q: Our personal mantra is: "Run Faster. Jump Higher. Fly Free." What does it mean to you to Fly Free (as it relates to your personal life, professional life, or future dreams)?
A: I think "Fly Free" encompasses how a lot of hang glider pilots and outdoor enthusiasts live their lives. To me, flying free is a state of mind. One where you allow yourself to dream big, you don't let worldly obstacles prevent you from living your best life, and you find yourself fully present in the now.
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Q: How would you define your personal style as a hang gliding instructor/expert? What's one essential (or a few) that you have to have with you at all times when you're on the dunes?
A: Plenty of water, extra hair ties, and sunglasses/sun protection are musts for me on the sand dunes. I'd describe my personal style as a pilot/instructor as simple and functional!
Q: When or how did you first hear about P.F. Flyers?
A: The Sandlot!
Q: What is your favorite P.F. Flyers sneaker (style/color) in the newest Center Hi lineup–Center Hi Clay, Center Hi Sea Salt/Black, or Center Hi Black/Gum, and why?
A: The Center Hi Sea Salt/Black. I love a good white sneaker. They're classic, quirky, and fun.
Q: Is there anything we didn't ask that you'd like us to know or share with our Flyers?
A: Our favorite thing to say in the hang gliding community is "Fly! Fly! Fly!" It's a way of celebrating each other and what we do.
Q: Where can we follow you on social and stay connected?
A: On Instagram @megan_by_the_sea.
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Follow the blog and our social channels over the next few weeks as we feature spotlights on a few instructors from Kitty Hawk Kites in the Outer Banks and discover what "Flying Free" and the spirit of flight mean to them.
