How to Select a Hang Glider

A hang glider is a small, very basic aircraft that utilizes wind power to achieve flight. The pilot is attached to the hang glider via a harness joined to its wing frame.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Get financially prepared. Hang gliders are expensive and can cost as much as a new car.
2. Weigh the pros of and cons of buying new or used. You can save money with used hang gliders. Remember, though, that this is not a purchase you want to cut corners on, since the quality of your glider can have a profound impact on your safety once in flight. Many experts recommend that beginners choose new hang gliders over used models.
3. Seek the help of a qualified instructor. Hang gliding instructors have a sense of each glider's pluses and minuses and may be able to help you select the hang glider that's best for you. If you've already undergone training, consult with the instructor you've trained with, and ask him or her for a recommendation. Given the fact that this instructor has worked with you and is familiar with your strengths and weaknesses as a pilot, you'll likely get a recommendation that's tailor-made to suit your capabilities.
4. Learn from the buying experiences of other hang gliders. Visit an online hang gliding community like HangGliding.org to make contacts and gather information (see Resources below).
5. Gather more insight on hang gliding. Purchase
   "Hang Gliding Training Manual: Learning Hang Gliding Skills for Beginner to Intermediate Pilots" by Dennis Pagen (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Before hang gliding, be sure to get adequate instruction at a hang gliding school. Though hang gliding has grown much safer in recent years, there have been many fatal accidents in its history. Locate a hang gliding school at the United States Hang Gliding and Parasailing Association website (see Resources below).
• If you've opted to purchase a used hang glider, avoid those made prior to 1979. Don't select gliders with rusted hardware, dented frame parts, kinked wires or a degraded sail. Finally, if buying used, don't put your money on the table until you've had a chance to take the glider for a test ride. Test it in conditions you're familiar with, so you can make a fair assessment of its capabilities.