Hangliding
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Introduction
In this article we are looking at hangliding and it's sister sport paragliding. Hangliding is recognisable for the manner in which pilots "hang" from beneath their craft. Paragliding comes from the curious parachutists who found out they could glide using a parachute-like canopy, by launching off hills & mountains.
Paragliding
Paragliding should not be confused with skydiving. Although the equipment looks the same, a parachutists canopy lets the air through it, whereas paragliding requires the air to be contained. From the paragliding chutes, evolved the longer and thinner wings to create hangliding:
Hangliding
A hanglider has a rigid frame with an aerofoil wing. The pilot hangs below the wing in a harness and controls the direction by moving his weight forward to dive and speed up, back to climb & slow down, and left or right to turn in that direction.
Experience
So you are keen to get airborne, cool. But you can't just strap yourself in and go leap off a mountain! No, all beginners are advised to learn the basics with a recognised flight school.
Similar to airline pilots, your experience is measured in flight time, as this time increases, so will your confidence and opens up certain privileges e.g. to fly unsupervised and purchase your own equipment. The first goal has to be the Elementary Pilot level, which requires around 4 - 5 days of flight time.
Characteristics
Hangliding and Paragliding both operate using similar natural forces. Like utilising updrafts, vertical streams of warm air, which can give you lift and increase your altitude.
Walls of vertical air, created as horizontal currents hit mountains / hills and are forced upwards can also provide lift. Which is why these types of landmarks are often popular launch areas.
Both facets of flying are capable of twin person units, so you can have the experience of flying without having to train for a week or more to get a solo license to fly unsupervised alone.
Summary
Unique opportunity to glide from a birds eye's view.
Smooth, peaceful and sociable sport.
Costs are low to maintain your gliding, and is generally one of the cheapest air sports going.
Not as extreme a rush as skydiving, but gliding lasts longer.
Risk of serious injury if things go wrong (Note the crash helmet in pictures).
Reliant on suitable weather conditions
When learning to hanglide, seek training from a recognised flight school.
Studying weather patterns and behaviour is just as important as being able to handle the craft.
Try to buy new equipment instead of second hand for safety reasons.
To experience flying attached to a professional, expect to pay �100 for a tandem flight.
A weeks course to fly solo is likely to cost between �400 - �700
Figures to purchase all your own necessary equipment range between �1,000 - �3,500
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BHPA - British Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association.
Airways UK - Flight School for free flying based in Buxton UK. Knowledgeable site with lots of specific info on the different classes of flying.
Flying Planet Anglo / French Paragliding supplier, with details of some flight schools.
Related sports featured on Adrenaline-Sports.net include: Kite sports, Skydiving and Windsurfing.
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Hangliding Resources
Adrenaline-Sports.net users are looking for reputable businesses to purchase from. Your business can be featured right here!
Active Highs - UK based company specialising in mountain sports and tandem paragliding.
A4 Hang Gliding &
Paragliding School - Flight School situated off the A4 near Swindon. Site provides useful info, prices and more.
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