| Many people having dreamed of flying and hang | | | | to know whether this is something you really |
| gliding is one way those dreams can be realised. If | | | | want to pursue before you invest lots of money |
| the thought of jumping off a cliff and not | | | | in it. Let the instructor know before you go that |
| plummeting straight down, but silently and | | | | you are interested in learning to fly and they may |
| effortlessly gliding around with the birds is the kind | | | | take time to show you and explain in more detail |
| of thing that excites you then read on and | | | | what they are doing. Carefully watch and learn |
| discover how to start making your dreams come | | | | from the instructor and note how he handles the |
| true... | | | | glider during take off and landing as well as in |
| Step one | | | | flight. |
| Do some research. Read as many books as you | | | | Step five |
| can, subscribe to magazines and surf as many | | | | If you enjoyed your experience flying with the |
| websites as you can to learn about the sport. | | | | instructor and you are surer than ever that you |
| You need to learn about the basics; the | | | | want to continue on your quest for solo flight, |
| equipment and the lingo involved. Do a search | | | | enrol in some classes to learn the basics. As you |
| online for hang gliding and you'll find plenty of | | | | go through the classes learn more in your own |
| information. | | | | time by watching videos to learn more tips and |
| Step two | | | | tricks to help you get on faster, not just so you |
| Find an instructor or school, this is not a sport you | | | | are top of the class but the faster you learn the |
| can just go out and learn on your own. The only | | | | faster you'll be flying on your own. |
| way you can really learn is by experience and | | | | Step six |
| training and you'll need the skill and knowledge of | | | | Don't just stop at the basic lessons, attend a |
| the experts to help you when you are starting | | | | certification course designed to teach you the |
| out. Look online for your nearest schools and | | | | more advanced launching and flying techniques as |
| instructors and check them out thoroughly, ask | | | | well as extra safety instruction. Obviously safety |
| for their references and safety records. | | | | is a major part of hang gliding and you should |
| Step three | | | | take extra time making sure you learn all safety |
| Watch and learn from other hang gliders, watch | | | | procedures thoroughly. |
| how they take off and land, study their technique | | | | Step seven |
| and note how they move, and how they | | | | Prepare yourself for a significant financial outlay |
| manoeuvre the glider in flight. Talk to the pilots | | | | when it comes to buying your equipment and |
| afterwards and ask as many questions as they | | | | paying for training. There are various levels of |
| will answer. Ask how it feels, how the weather | | | | certification you will need to go through and each |
| conditions affect the flight etc, the more | | | | takes time and money. However, the costs are |
| knowledge you can gain now the easier it will be | | | | considerably less than learning to fly an airplane |
| to learn to glide yourself. | | | | and once you have mastered the hang glider you |
| Step four | | | | will consider the time, money and effort involved |
| When you have located an instructor you trust, | | | | as a worth while investment. |
| book up for a tandem flight. This way you will get | | | | |