| When did hang gliding begin?
In the late 1800’s, aviation pioneers flew foot launched gliders.
In 1947, Francis Rogallo, a NASA engineer, developed a controllable,
wing-like kite. Man-carrying versions were made of bamboo and plastic
sheeting, evolving into our modern aluminium and dacron flying wings.
How is a hang glider controlled?
The pilot is suspended in a harness from the glider at it’s
center of gravity. Move your body back and the glider climbs. Move
forward and it descends. Shift your weight to the side and the glider
banks and turns. It’s that simple.
What does it feel like to fly?
It’s a combination of adrenalin rush and a stress-relieving
sense of freedom from being earthbound. Hang gliding is a three
dimensional sport which gives it an extra kick. Like wind-surfing
or skiing, there is a rewarding sense of focus and control. You
are aware of your surroundings in a new and profound way.
Do you need wind to fly?
It is the motion of the glider, moving through the air, that supports
you, not the wind. Pilots with the proper skills take advantage
of wind or thermals (upward rising air) to turn a gliding flight
into a soaring flight that can last for hours.
Is hang gliding safe?
All action sports contain elements of risk. Good risk management
is the key to safe participation. Hang gliding risk is reduced by
the use of good equipment, proper instruction, practiced skills,
and good judgment.
How can I learn to fly?
Instruction from a NZHGPA certified hang glider instructor is essential.
You will learn the right skills faster from a qualified instructor.
Students begin flying their first day off gently-sloped bunny hills.
Most people need about 10 lessons to master the necessary basic
flying skills.
Can I fly anywhere I want to?
Not every hill has the proper terrain. Pilots must also be careful
to obtain permission from landowners. Most flying sites are managed
by a local hang gliding club to assure that pilots who fly them
have the necessary skills.
Am I built to be a hang glider pilot?
Pilots come in all sizes and all levels of athletic ability and
fitness. Gliders come in sizes to match your weight, from 50 kg
to 120 kg. It is not difficult to learn how to fly. All you need
is the desire and the ability to run down a gently sloped training
hill.
Where can I buy a hang glider?
Your local hang gliding shop is the best sourse for advice and
quality equipment. Free Flight NZ Ltd and New Zealand Hang Gliding
& Paragliding Supplies offer a range of gliders both used and
new, to properly match your skill, experience, and pocketbook. All
gliders are extensively checked over before delivery.
Are Gliders heavy?
Gliders range from 20 to 35 kilogram’s. Training gliders are
the lightest. They seem awkward at first, but you will soon learn
to use the wind to make the glider float over your head, light as
a feather. On the training hill, we use wheels to move them from
the landing area back to the take-off.
What if I’m afraid of heights?
A remarkable number of advanced pilots say they are afraid of heights!
Thanks to careful, progressive steps learning to fly, and the security
of a good glider and harness, pilots take to the air without any
of that feeling you get on the edge!
Can I build a glider myself?
Modern gliders have evolved a long way from the simple Rogallo
Wings of the past. Manugacturers used sophisticated CAD design and
automated workshops to produce precision airfoils. Glider designs
undergo extensive “wind tunnel” and flight testing. Like
any aircraft, home building is not a simple or quick solution for
the inexperienced engineer. There are no “kits” available
at this time.
How big is a glider?
The typical glider has a 32 foot wing span and a 12 foot keel when
set up. The sail is about 7 feet nose to tail. It weights 50 to
70 pounds. When folder, it fills a bag 12” in diameter and
20 feet long.
How do you store and carry something that big?
Pilots are an ingenious lot. They manage to get winds into upstairs
apartments, into hallways, even into converted PVC irrigation/drain
pipes installed under the eves of their hourse, if they don’t
have a garage. Shops often offer storage for those who really don’t
have a spot. Rack systems have been created for almost every vehicle
you can thing of.
How much does it cost?
A basic outfit includes a glider, harness, helmet, and parachute.
New, gliders range from $3800 to $6000. Accessories will add another
$1000 to $1500. Good used equipment is available starting at about
half the price of new.
Can I rent equipment?
Except for a few special locations, equipment is not available
to rent. As a pilot you will own your own glider.
Do I need a licence to fly?
The sport is self-regulated, in that you do not need a CAA or other
government license to fly a hang glider. The NZHGPA is the organization
that manages our sport. A rating is issued with your membership
that corresponds to your level of skill and experience. Your first
levels are issued through an instructor. Advanced levels are issued
by volunteers of the NZHGPA. Flying sites are managed by a local
club, and you will need a rating to fly at the site.
I am a power pilot. Does that help?
Previous flying experience is less useful than pilots expect. “The
skills necessary to control a hang glider are very different from
other aircraft. It is similar to moving to, say, a helicopter from
an airplane. Previous flying experienced will contribute to your
understanding of aerodynamics, control theory, flight planning,
and the skill of three dimensional awareness. You will need almost
as many lessons as the new pilot to master the physical skills.
I bike/windsurf/skydive/ski… will that help?
All sports that teach you situational awareness and balance will
make it easier to learn hang glider control skills. These will give
you a head start, but anyone with desire can learn these basic physical
skills.
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