A hang glider is a soaring aircraft, capable of flights of over 300 miles and several hours duration. They were developed from rogallo wings, but a modern hang glider offers a glide angle of over 15:1. They are a semi-portable aircraft; they can be easily carried by car but weigh too much to carry for any considerable distance.

Launching from hills and either ridge soar or find areas of warm rising air (thermals) and climb to cloudbase. While you are learning it is unusual for you to gather the skills required to start soaring in less than eight days. Once you have qualified as Club Pilot and gained a little aditional experience, you may wish to start to launch by aerotow, where you are towed into the air by a microlight. This is rapidly becoming the most popular launch method.

Do they cost a lot?
A top-of-the range competition hang glider can cost over £4,500 new, although sports machines with only slightly less performance cost £2 - 3,500 and second hand ones much less. A full training course will cost around £900, much less for a shorter introductory course. Pilots also need a harness, helmet, flying suit, boots, etc; additional bits of equipment such as instruments may be required as you progress.