Hang gliding is a thrilling outdoor sport, similar to paragliding, that requires technical knowledge and experience. It involves suspending an individual from a wing or kite in a harness and taking advantage of thermals and weather conditions. Hang gliding can be dangerous and should only be practiced under supervision or by someone with technical experience. It is important to have a thorough knowledge of meteorological and geographical conditions and to stay in designated safe areas.
Hang gliding is a popular outdoor sport around the world, especially in California and the western United States. It is a type of unpowered flight similar to paragliding, although it involves greater technical complexity. Solo or tandem, hang gliding is a thrilling and invigorating experience, and a variety of companies offer lessons and tandem flights to let inexperienced people experience the magic.
This sport can be dangerous and should only be practiced under adequate supervision or by someone with technical experience and training. Several professional associations exist around the world to assist in the education and certification of hang gliders and instructors and are happy to refer interested parties to certified schools. To practice this sport safely requires a thorough knowledge of meteorological and geographical conditions and should not be practiced in dangerous situations.
Hang gliding is accomplished by suspending an individual from a wing or kite in a harness that is fitted to the kite for stability and safety. The pilot holds a control stick with which he can turn, raise or lower the kite, taking advantage of thermals and ambient weather conditions. When ready to land, the kite is stalled, so the pilot can land upright.
The kite is a type of airfoil, suspended on a rigid tube system. This tube can be broken down, allowing the kite to pack into a relatively small space and then reassembled. When ready to fly, the kite is assembled and the aircraft docks using a trapeze system. The use of a helmet is also recommended. The pilot sets off with a run-up, allowing the kite to gain sufficient lift for takeoff, and the hang gliding experience begins.
Once the glider is in the air, it is kept in motion by the constant force of gravity, which pushes the glider forward, flowing air around the wing and keeping the glider aloft. Additionally, pilots can take advantage of topographically caused thermal currents and air currents to stay aloft. When ready to land, the pilot pulls the glider straight up into a stall and returns to Earth.
Because hang gliding is dangerous to the inexperienced, many states restrict it to certain areas and require pilots to sign logs and display credentials. These areas also have designated landing sites so bystanders are not injured. While it can be accomplished almost anywhere, staying in these safe areas will likely result in a more pleasant experience, along with help in an emergency.
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