Full Day Introductory Combo Lesson: $200 to $250

If you’re really interested in learning to hang glide, this is the best one-day course to start with. It usually includes:

• Classroom instruction: how the hang glider works, harness details, how to hold the crossbar, body position, flying tips.
• Flying simulator instruction.
• Training flights: The goal of the lesson is to foot-launch by running down sand dunes or gentle slopes, fly in a straight line, and land standing up. This is harder than it sounds. You’ll get between 5 and 7 chances to do this, and once you get the “hang” of it, you’ll get 5 to 10 feet off the ground and hang glide for anywhere from 10 feet to 300 yards. [Note: In areas where foot-launches are impractical, a tow launch (by ultra light, boat, or truck) will be employed.]
• Tandem ride: 10 to 20 minute flight to 2,000 – 2,500 feet.

Complete Course To Fly Solo: $1,800 to $2,200

Earning your Hang 1 Beginner and Hang 2 Novice ratings requires a substantial investment of time, energy, and money. Some people earn their Hang 1 rating after 3 or 4 lessons while other people take 10 to 12. After approximately 16 to 22 lesson-days, most students achieve solid Hang II-Mountain skills and can fly solo at many sites, under supervision of an instructor or trained observer.

• Long Weekends or Training Camps – This is the fastest and easiest way to learn. Lessons include class time, ground training, and tandem training. Camps last anywhere from 3 to 5 consecutive days, and you may need 3 or 4 separate training camp experiences, as well as parachute training and mountain lessons, to gain your mountain-rated Hang II skills.
• Day lessons – If your schedule doesn’t allow for packaged training camps, you can take day lessons over the course of months. However, the longer you go between classes, the more review you’ll need, so try to stay on a weekly or twice-weekly schedule if you can. Stick with the same school so that they know you, your abilities, and your needs. Each day lesson averages 7 to 12 flights. $95 to $140 per lesson; discounted when you buy multiple lessons.

NOTE: There are hang gliding schools all across the country. However, many states have no sand dunes, cliffs, or mountains from which to launch. If this is the case, you will need additional training before hang gliding at sites in different areas.

Hang Gliding Equipment And Gear

During your Hang 1 Beginner training, you will use school-owned gear. But as you progress toward your Hang 2 Novice level, it makes sense to buy your own hang glider and gear. Your instructor is your best resource when deciding what to buy, and will guide you toward the appropriate, beginning level hang glider that will be easiest to fly and provide you with the most safety and fun.

The following prices are for new equipment. You can save money by buying package deals or buying used gear at greatly reduced prices. As always, consult your instructor before making your purchase.

• Novice Hang Glider: $2,500 to $3,500
• Harness: $200 to $700
• Reserve Parachute: $450 to $550
• Full face Kevlar helmet: $80 to $300
• Car rack to transport your hang glider: $50 to $300

You will eventually need to purchase an altimeter (measures altitude), variometer (measures climb and descent rate), and 2-way radio for your Hang 3 Intermediate training.