Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How heavy are they?
2. Do I need a license?
3. Can anyone learn to fly?
4. How much do gliders cost?
5. How much will lessons cost?
6. What is a hang glider made of?
7. How long can you stay in the air?
8. How strong of a wind can you fly in?
9. How dangerous is hang gliding?
10. Is body weight a problem?
11. I don't know if I'd like it, what should I do?
12. Can I fly year round?
13. I want to try it, so how do I get started?

How heavy are they?

    Hang gliders usually weigh between 45 and 70 pounds.

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Do I need a license?

    No, but the USHGA incorporates a pilot proficiency program

that rates your skills as you progress.

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Can anyone learn to fly?

    Anyone with a true desire to fly can learn to hang glide.  Good

physical condition and some natural athletic ability does help speed

up the learning process.

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How much do gliders cost?

    New gliders will cost from $3200 to $8000.  Used equipment can

be purchased from under $1000.

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How much will lessons cost?

    That depends, but an average lesson will cost $75 to $125 for a day,

and it will take 3 to 4 lessons to get a good feel for the basics.  Overall

cost will depend on your instructor, and the ability you have to learn this

type of activity.  Expect to spend $1000 to $2000 for a full length program

of quality instruction.

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What is a hang glider made of?

    A hang glider is usually made form aircraft quality aluminum, dacron

sailcloth, stainless steel cable, and aircraft hardware.   All make up a strong

yet light aircraft that meet or exceed minimum strength requirements.

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How long can you stay in the air?

    Your first flights will only be a few seconds at a time, like the Wright Brothers. 

Once you master flight, you may be aloft for hours.   It depends on pilot skill and

weather conditions.

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How strong of a wind can you fly in?

    When learning, the winds will be less than 10 mph for your safety, but experienced

pilots may fly in winds that exceed 25 mph.

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How dangerous is hang gliding?

    Good question. I believe any form of flight has its dangers, but good judgement

can prevent most incidents.  Most schools have excellent safety records, or they

would not be in business.  There are thrill seekers who push the limits and increase

their risk while flying. Good judgement and managing risk should be developed in a

quality instructional program. Ultimately your decisions control your safety.

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Is body weight a problem?

    Usually not as hang gliders came in various sizes to accommodate a large range of pilots.

Good physical health is more important, as in most sporting activities.

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I don't know if I'd like it, what should I do?

    You're doing it. Find out any information you can, take a beginner lesson at a reputable

school, and then you can decide if you wish to pursue the sport with only a minimal

investment.

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Can I fly year round?

    That's up to you.  Certain parts of the country have fair flying weather year round. 

Some areas are not as user friendly in the winter, although some brave pilots

withstand the cold.  Many pilots travel to warmer climates in the winter to fly, while

others simply wait out the winter until spring.

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I want to try it, so how do I get started?

    Call Blue Sky for your first lesson at 804-241-4324. YOu can get more information about hang gliding through the USHGA (United States Hang Gliding Association) from their website at www.ushga.org.

 

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