|
 HANG GLIDING, since its inception in the 1970s, has developed into a practical and relatively safe sport, using simple, yet sophisticated machines built of aluminium, carbon-fibre and hi-tech sail fabrics.
Hang glider pilots, suspended from their gliders by a special harness, launch from hills facing into wind, from winches on flat ground or by being towed aloft from an airfield behind a microlight aircraft.
The objective is to stay airborne in lifting currents of air and - for many - to undertake long cross country flights. The UK record for distance currently stands at more than 250km and for altitude at an astonishing 16,000ft.
The pilot launches his or her machine by running to accelerate it to flying speed, then relaxes into the comfortable prone harness while controlling the glider by moving their weight in relation to the control bar.
Flying a hang glider is a little more demanding than flying a paraglider and not quite as easy to learn, but the machine is capable of much higher speeds and better gliding performance and can be flown in stronger winds.
Pilots fly from hill and tow sites controlled by one of the numerous British Hang Gliding and Pa
Clubs in Wales |
|
Mid-Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club
Club Contact: Piers Nesbitt
Tel: 01597810732; 07775662196
|
|
South-East Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club
Club Contact: Paul Wilkinson
Tel: 01656 648246
|
|
North Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club
Club Contact: Stuart Harrison
Tel: 0151670 1587
|
|
ragliding Association clubs dotted around the country. The accent is on hill flying but tow operations and aerotow facilities are normally in lowland locations.
Competitions are held at club, national and international level and the "Brits" have often led the way in competition at world level.
It normally takes around 10 days of flyable weather to train a would-be pilot to club pilot level, although two-day "taster" courses are also available.
Your instructor will show you how to rig and inspect the glider before you have your first short flight down a gentle slope.
First flights in tow training are conducted using a very gentle winch pull, keeping you close to the ground.
For the first day or two the glider will be restrained by tether ropes until you become adept at steering and controlling airspeed by moving your weight. You'll then graduate to higher and longer flights, and when the weather's not so good retire to the classroom to learn basic flight theory, meteorology and air law.
Towards the end of the course you'll progress on to a more sophisticated glider than the first one you first flew, and subject to a good assessment from your instructor and a pass in the simple exam you'll receive your club pilot rating, allowing you to fly on club sites and begin your progress to more and more rewarding flying.
A full training course will cost around £900, much less for a shorter introductory course.
|