HANG GLIDING & ASSOCIATED SPORTS
This section covers three types of sport: hang gliding, paragliding and paramotoring.
In Hang gliding pilots are suspended from the gliders by a special harness. Launch can take place from hills
facing into wind, from winches on flat ground or by being towed aloft from an airfield behind a microlight aircraft.
Hang gliding is one of the most exciting and affordable ways to get into the air. It can allow you
actually to own an aircraft that doesn't require an expensive hangar or pilot licence. You can launch under
your own power, climbing and gliding as you please. The equipment needed is minimal by aviation standards with the
principle items being the glider (or wing), the harness and necessary safety and communications gear.
The basic techniques of hang gliding are fairly easy to learn and you can fly solo from the training hill
and progress to higher flights, all in a few days.
Despite the relatively low risk involved with hang gliding there still remains the possibility
of serious injury if a pilot doesn't properly prepare and exercise good judgement. Hence safety is always at
forefront of the pilot's mind. Preparation of the craft, observance of future weather conditions and proper
training go a long way towards a pilot's well-being and enjoyment.
Paragliding is similar to hang gliding but a paraglider is more portable, a little easier to learn to fly and
are easier to land in small fields.
The latest development in ultra-light aviation, paramotors combine the easy flying characteristics
of the paraglider with the autonomy and range of powered flight. Paramotors are relatively easy to learn to fly, yet
being foot launched they do not need an airfield to operate from.
Search for hang gliding and paragliding experiences.
See also: microlighting and gliding.