Emil Kissel
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2018 8:04 amEmil Kissel was one of the first contributors of Low and Slow in 1967 leading to the new beginning of Hang Gliding in the 1970s. He was quite insightful.
Emil Kissel wrote:I distrust the Rogallo and for that matter the Irving Parawing because of the “luffing” of the sail when the angle of attack becomes less than about 20 – 25 (degrees) which may be caused by rough air. Low, Slow & Out of Control Vol. 1, Issue 2 July 1967
Clipper Pioneers Passings wrote:Emil Kissel of Pacific Grove Ca. died December 5, 2012 at the age of 94. A lifelong aviation enthusiast, the test flight of a model flying wing procured a Boeing scholarship leading to an engineering degree from CCNY. Entering Pan Am engineering department in 1939 he found no romance in designing anchors for the flying boat and quickly transferred to Miami as a flight engineer on the B314. After war service with the AAC he returned to Pan Am operations from Treasure Island eventually marrying PAA stewardess Marylou Smith. He retired in 1979 with his favorite aircraft being the 747SP. A glider enthusiast, he constructed an Olympia Meise for the later cancelled 1940 Games. Later he served as Governor of the California chapter of the Soaring Society of America. He is survived by his wife and son Steve who wonder if there is any veracity in certain anecdotal stories: The Established Bribe for Pakistani Customs, The Mean Captain and the Stewardess with 100 Wigs, Cabin Pressure Adjustment and the Inflatable Brassiere and, of course, The Escaped Rhesus Monkey Who Hid in the Cabin Insulation. Link
