Research Hang Gliding
The best way to get started is to learn about the sport. There is a lot of information online, I will list some of these reference sites at the end of the article. Visit a local book shop or library and read some books. Hang Gliding For Beginner Pilots by Peter Cheney is an excellent book. Learn about the basic of flight principles and about the hang glider. Of course I am updating this post regularly with more information.
Visit A Training Site
You can visit a local training site and you can find local training sites around your area if you are in US from U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association at http://www.ushpa.aero/. Talk to the training pilots and instructor at the public training sites. Ask lots of questions and they are generally very helping. It also gives you a feeling how it is while learning hang gliding. It's always fun to watch hang gliders launch and descend back from different heights on hang gliding training sites.
Choosing a hang gliding school and instructor
Choosing a good instructor is very important. Hang gliding is one sport that cannot and should not be learnt by oneself. It's much safer as the certified instructors know how sport requires extensive precision and attention to details. Therefore make sure your instructor is certified and has had enough teaching experience. It always helps to ask the safety rating of the instructor and the school.
Ask about the learning equipment the school uses. To begin with the special training gliders like Condor 330 and 225 are considered best. This gives students safety and enough time to practice steering and control. Check the batch size number of students per instructor, generally its 4:1 if you are lucky or 3:1 is good. Talk to your instructors and ask questions, make sure they are experts in their knowledge and can answer all of your questions.
Another good indicator is to check if the school has any manufacturer support and representation. Generally if a school has manufacturer sale and support, it means the school is trustworthy to the manufacturer to sell and can service their equipment. They would also be able to pass down more discounts on the lessons, equipment and accessories to their students, when you are ready to buy one. The most important is the instructor and school's professionalism.
- School should be USHGA certified school with certified instructors
- Average Size of the classes
- Type of Equipment used, training site details
- Expertise and professionalism of the instructor
Once you have enough information and have selected the school you are considering to start your sport, sign up for a tandem flight. Hang gliding is a big commitment, both in terms of money and time. Tandem flight will give you an opportunity to experience how it is like to hang glide and if you want to pursue it.
Sign up for a minimum 5 flights package
If you enjoyed your tandem flight and are all thumb's up for the sport- sign up for at least a 5 lessons package. Make sure not to waste too much time between classes or you will end up where you started. Attend a certification course designed to teach you flying techniques and about safety as defined in pilot proficiency system of USHPA.
U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association http://www.ushpa.aero/
Wondering what is covered in New Pilot Package Lessons check out:
Learn to Fly Lesson-1
Learn to Fly Lesson-2
"Practice is the key to the secret of flying." - Orville and Wilbur Wright
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