Hang Gliding and Paragliding are two of the most exciting yet probably the least expensive of all the airsports. Whether you are young or old, male or female, hang gliding and paragliding can offer you some of the most exhilarating experiences of your life. Once you have flown, your life will never be the same again.

The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) is the national organisation that governs, promotes, represents and co-ordinates this type of flying activity in the UK. The BHPA licences flying schools and coaching clubs to ensure that the newcomers into the sport receive the safest, most professional training possible. The BHPA also organises flying competitions for the more committed pilots, and is responsible for selecting national teams to compete in international competition. British pilots and British manufacturers are amongst the most successful in the world The BHPA publishes a monthly colour magazine called 'Skywings' which covers all aspects of the sport. Readers are kept up to date with the very latest news and results. Skywings is available on subscription or free with membership of the BHPA.

Just what are the different sorts of gliders?

Hang Gliders
These can be rigid or semi-rigid. Rigid hang gliders are made of hard, composite materials such as glass fibre. Semi-rigid, which is the most common type, have aluminium spars and battens in their wings, but are covered in a tight sheath of polyester cloth. Both types of hang glider can be winched up on a line like a kite and then released, they can be aerotowed behind a powered microlight and then released, or they can be run off a hill to get them airborne.

Paragliders
The term is used to describe both high performance and the more basic parachute-type craft. Modern high performance paragliders are usually of an elliptical wing shape and are designed for soaring flight. They inflate into an aerofoil section, quickly rising above.the pilot's head ready for launching. The colourful canopy is constructed of soft fabric and the pilot is suspended beneath it by a number of lines. They can be winched aloft on a tow line and released, or run off hills to get airborne. Other canopies may be of square planform or round shape and rely on a winch, tow vehicle or boat to lift them high into the air. A beginner is lowered gently back to earth, whereas a more experienced pilot would release the tow line and free-fly.

What type of glider should I go for?

This is entirely dependent on what you want out of the sport. If you are attracted by the thrill of being towed around the sky behind a boat or a Landrover, or trying to spot land on a target from a great height then square or round paragliders could be the answer. The flying wing type paragliders and hang glidersup the possibility of soaring flight. You can stay airborne for hours at a time just soaring the gentle winds that blow up the faces of hills and cliffs. You will also be able to climb away in thermal upcurrents and fly cross-country.

The best thing to do is to contact one of the many BHPA registered schools and arrange for an introductory course. New students are introduced to flight in a thoroughly safe and progressive set of lessons. You can then go on to join one of the numerous local flying clubs to extend your experience and improve your skills. There has never been a better time to take up this exciting sport.