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Step 1
Know your options. Use the United States Hang Gliding and Parasailing Association's (USHPA) website to get a list of hang gliding schools near you (see Resources below).
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Step 2
Carefully weigh the qualifications and experience of the staff. You'll want to choose a school whose instructors are certified by the USHPA. Ideally, your instructors should also be armed with years of experience, both as pilots and as teachers.
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Step 3
Evaluate rates and features. Rates will vary among schools--be sure to weigh each school's rates against what it has to offer. Classes range from large to small among varying schools, so you can make a selection based on the learning environment you're most comfortable in. Additionally, some schools offer private lessons.
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Step 4
Ready your finances. Hang gliding lessons are expensive. Many schools allow you to learn on their equipment, but once the lessons are done, you'll need to purchase a hang glider. These are quite costly.
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Step 5
Start with just a single lesson. Some schools allow you to purchase a single lesson before committing to a full lesson series. If you choose this option, it can help you decide if hang gliding is right for you early, before the total training investment has been made. It can also help determine how comfortable you are with your instructor, and the degree of confidence you have in his or her ability to teach you effectively.
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Step 6
Make room in your schedule. Each hang gliding lesson can last more than five hours, and you'll need at least five lessons to build a basic level of competency.
