MORE TECHNICAL STUFF

Q. What is a Paraglider?
A. A paraglider is a foot-launched, ram-air, aerofoil canopy, designed to be flown and landed with no other energy requirements other than the wind, gravity and the pilot's musclepower. A Paraglider descends at about 200 ft per minute. However, if the air is rising faster than the glider is descending (as often happens) the glider will gain height, Flights of many hours are not uncommon and easily possible. Paragliders are designed for soaring flight unlike Parachutes which are designed to descend.
top

Q. What is a Hang Glider?
A. A hang glider is a wing constructed from an Aluminium frame with a Dacron or Mylar sail. The pilot hangs underneath the wing in a harness thus giving the hang glider its name. Hang gliding was invented in the USA by some adventurous people who got hold of some plans for a NASA space ship recovery system and adapted the idea into a recreational sport. Hang gliders today are a far cry from the original design and are very safe, strong and capable of covering great distances in soaring flight using only thermals and ridge lift.
The current world record stand at 307 miles in one flight. Beat that if you can.
top

Q. Is Paragliding and Hang Gliding Safe?
A. Flying, like any other adventure sport, has its associated risks and to operate safely in any kind of aviation environment one must strive at all times to minimize those risks. The most important pre-requisites to learning to fly safely are: pilot attitude, competent instruction, and safe equipment. If these conditions are met the slow speeds and inherent stability of hang gliders and paragliders can provide a safe and easy way to experience Flying with the Birds!
top

Q. Do you jump off a Cliff?
A. Absolutely not! You don’t jump off anything. Paragliders and Hang gliders are usually launched by running off of moderate slopes (could be above a cliff) until you are lifted off your feet and thus flying!
top

Q. What is the difference between a Paraglider and a Hang Glider?
A. A Hang Glider has a rigid frame maintaining the shape of the wing, with the pilot usually flying in a prone (lying down) position. The Paraglider canopy shape is maintained only by air pressure and the pilot is suspended in a sitting or supine position. The Hang-glider has a "cleaner" aerodynamic profile and generally is capable of flying at much higher speeds than a Paraglider.
Hang Gliders pack down to about 12 ft long and are capable of being transported on car roof-racks.
Paragliders pack into large rucksacks and can be stored and carried in smaller spaces.
Both gliders weigh around the same weight when packed, around 25-30 kilos, depending on the harness etc.
top

Q. How high can you fly?
A. When training you will start out just skimming the ground. As you progress and become more skilled and confident you will gradually go higher. (Under your instructors directions) There are different sources of 'lift' available to Hang glider and Paraglider pilots. The most common is 'Ridge lift' where you soar on the uprising air from hills, cliffs etc. Average height gains using ridge lift are around 500ft. The most useful form of lift is 'Thermal lift'. The skilled pilot utilises the warm rising air in the same way that large birds such as eagles do. Using thermals a pilot can reach heights of upwards of 10,000 ft in warmer countries such as France and Spain. In the UK we have a colder, wetter climate and in the summer, heights of 3,000-6,000 ft are the norm.
The height or altitude that you fly at is strictly controlled by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and Learning to read Air Maps is a must for the advancing pilot. Cross country flying is restricted to pilots who have reached 'Pilot' level.
The levels are: Elementary pilot (EPC), Club pilot (CPC), Pilot and Advanced pilot.
top

Q. How do I go about learning to fly?
A. The best way to go about learning is to book a course of instruction with a registered BHPA (British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) school. i.e. Sussex HG and PG. Most schools offer one day intro courses so that you can try out before you submit the full cost of a course. On signing for a full course you will first do the BHPA Elementary pilots licence and then continue on the the full Club Pilots Licence. The next recommended stage is to join a club where you will be taken under the wing of more experienced pilots and learn specifics about the sites you may fly. A comprehensive list of UK schools can be found listed on the BHPA WEBSITE.

top

Q.What are the Main Components of a glider?
A.In the case of a Paraglider,
CANOPY (the actual "wing" or "glider" or "bag"), RISERS (the cords by which the pilot is suspended below the canopy) and a HARNESS (what you get strapped into!). In addition, the brake cords provide speed and directional control and carabiners are used to connect the risers and the harness together.
A.In the case of a Hang glider,
An aluminium frame and a dacron or mylar sail. An A-Frame which is used to control the glider. In the USA they call it the 'control frame'. A hang point from where the pilot is suspended.
top

Q. How much does a glider cost?
A. This varies between the makers, models, and countries, but a middle of the range new glider and harness will normally cost somewhere in the region of £2,000 - £3,000
Second hand gliders are always available and are of course cheaper.
top

Q.How long will a glider last?
A. General wear and tear (especially the latter) and deterioration from exposure to ultra-violet light usually limit the useful lifetime of a glider. This obviously depends strongly on the amount of use and the exposure to UV.
Paragliders are more prone to UV damage and have an average useful life of 3-4 years.
Hang Gliders are more robust and will give a good ten years of life on average.

top of the page