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Gliding and Paragliding - the dream of Dædelus 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 gliders open up 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. |