This section of our web guide focuses on hang gliding and paragliding.
Both hang gliding and paragliding are non-motorized extreme aerial sports that involve launching from the ground and soaring through the air using a wing. However, hang gliding uses a rigid wing and requires more physical strength and skill, offering faster speeds and dynamic maneuvers. On the other hand, paragliding uses a flexible wing, is easier to learn, and provides a more relaxed and slower-paced flight experience.
The origin of hang gliding goes back to the late 19th century and a German engineer, Otto Lilienthal, who laid the foundation for modern hang gliding. Significant advancements came in the 1960s and 1970s, with the development of the flexible Rogallo wing by Francis Rogallo and its adaptation for recreational flight.
A modern hang glider consists of a wing made of synthetic sailcloth stretched over an aluminum or composite frame, a frame made from lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber, a harness suspended below the wing, and a control bar used by the pilot to shift body weight and control the glider.
Safety measures include proper training, pre-flight checks, weather assessment, and safety gear.
Launching is accomplished by running down a slope until airborne, being towed by a vehicle or winch to gain altitude, or being towed by a powered aircraft.
Soaring flight involves using thermal updrafts and ridge lifts to stay aloft for extended periods. Cross-country flying takes this a step further, with pilots traveling long distances by navigating from one thermal to another.
Modern hang gliders can achieve high lift-to-drag ratios, allowing for longer and more efficient flights. Pilots can soar for hours, gain thousands of feet in altitude, and cover long distances.
Stability is achieved through the design of the wing and the pilot's ability to control the glider. Modern gliders are designed to be stable, but pilots must learn to manage pitch, roll, and yaw through weight-shift control.
Instruments used in the sport include variometers, altimeters, GPS, and airspeed indicators.
Hang gliding competitions test the pilot's skills in cross-country flying, speed runs, and aerobatics. Competitions are held at local, national, and international levels.
The roots of paragliding go back to the mid-20th century. The idea began with parachute-like devices used for gliding through the air. In the 1950s, French parachute inventor Pierre Lemoigne developed advanced round-parachute canopies, which were tow-launched. In the 1960s, ram-air-inflated cell structures were introduced. These innovations laid the groundwork for modern paragliding, which evolved further in the 1970s.
Paragliding equipment is designed to promote safety and enhance the flying experience. The primary components include a wing (canopy) made of fabric cells that inflate to form an aerofoil shape, a harness, lines and risers that connect the harness to the wing, a helmet, a reserve parachute, a variometer to measure the rate of ascent or descent, and a GPS.
Ground handling involves the control of the wing while on the ground. This practice helps the pilot understand their glider's behavior better and develop proper reactions.
The flying techniques involved in paragliding include launching from hills or mountains, with the pilot running down the slope to gain flying speed. Landing requires precise control to ensure a smooth touchdown, including brakes and weight shifting. Control of the hang glider involves steering, braking, and weight shifting to manage direction and speed.
Soaring involves the use of wind currents along ridges to stay aloft. Thermal flying exploits rising warm air currents to gain altitude. Cross-country flying allows the pilot to travel long distances by navigating various air currents and thermals. In-flight wing deflation refers to managing partial or full collapses of the wing by using control inputs and weight shifting to reinflate the canopy.
Held worldwide, paragliding competitions such as the Paragliding World Cup and national championships test the pilot's skills in cross-country flying, precision landing, and aerobatics.
Online resources for hang gliding and paragliding are appropriate for this category, although product sales sites should be listed in the proper Shopping & eCommerce category.
Recommended Resources
British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association
Headquartered in Leicester, England, the BHPA supports a country-wide network of recreational clubs and registered schools and provides the infrastructure for hang gliding and paragliding in the United Kingdom. Among its responsibilities, the BHPA oversees pilot and instructor training standards and provides technical support such as airworthiness and coaching courses for qualified hang gliding and paragliding pilots. Its executive council and contacts are posted.
https://www.bhpa.co.uk/
This is a relatively comprehensive website dedicated to the hang gliding community. It includes what appears to be the largest hang gliding discussion forum in the world, where enthusiasts can join conversations, ask questions, and share experiences with others. Also included is a classifieds section for buying and selling hang gliding gear, a collection of hang gliding videos, and guidance on how to get started in the sport, including introductory flights and lessons.
https://www.hanggliding.org/
LMFP employs some of the world's top hang gliding and paragliding instructors to help clients achieve their flying dreams, all of which are USHPA-certified, experienced, and put through extensive training courses to receive the highest level of certifications in the sports before getting their instructor ratings. In business since 1980, the business is a family-owned and run flight park. Its flight school, tandem flights, cabin rentals, and an online store are available.
https://flylookout.com/
The Oz Report is an online resource for hang gliding enthusiasts. It features news, articles, and videos about hang gliding events, competitions, and techniques. Flight reports, equipment reviews, a calendar of events, and interviews with top pilots are also included. A free classified ad section allows advertisements to be submitted and viewed on the site, and an online store offers branded apparel, cups, mouse pads, and a book by David Straub entitled "Cloudsuck."
http://www.ozreport.com/
Sports Aviation Federation of Australia
Formerly the Hang Gliding Federation of Australia, SAFA is the sporting body that administers hand gliding, paragliding, and weight shift microlights in Australia under regulations laid down by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The organization provides training, certification, insurance, advocacy, and administration. SAFA also manages competitions and promotes the sport across the country. Its services, contacts, and an online shopping area is included.
https://safa.asn.au/
United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association
The USHPA is a private, voluntary membership organization incorporated in California but doing business in Colorado. The organization began as the Southern California Hang Gliding Association in 1971 but became the United States Hang Gliding Association in 1973, later adding paragliding. Its board of directors, committees, staff, and membership information are introduced, along with training and pilot resources, awards, and advertising opportunities.
https://www.ushpa.org/
Utah is home to some of the better-known paragliding sites in the world, with great views and ideal flying conditions for pilots of all skill levels. Utah Paragliding offers flight lessons teaching the skills necessary to become a confident and competent paragliding pilot, as well as opportunities for tandem flights and its Skywalk Paragliders, designed for pilots. Contacts, directions, client testimonials, a FAQ, external links, and an online shopping area are included.
https://utahparagliding.com/
