Learn to Fly - Buy Hang Gliding Course - South Downs Hang Gliding
Introductory
Hang Gliding - One-Day Course - £135
Training starts with a One Day Intro on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday. All flights are made with assistance from ground tethers or sliding tramline tethers in lighter winds. This day is equivalent to the first day of the elementary course (EP). BHPA membership is £15 payable by cash or cheque on arrival.
Up to one hour is spent in the classroom covering some basic theory of flight and discussing what we expect to achieve for the day. Out on the hill, after assessing the weather and rigging the gliders, students take turns flying the glider in the wind assisted by tethers. As well as learning the general feel of the glider, specifics such as correct body position, looking ahead and "relaxing" in the harness are focused on. Glider rigging and derigging, preflight checking and basic ground-handling are other important skills introduced during the day. We finish by log-book signing and debriefing. You learn loads about the sport and it's a great fun day out.
Introductory Hang Gliding - Two Day Course - £245
Two full days of training are offered available most weekends. If you prefer, each day can be taken on different weekends. All flights are made with assistance from ground tethers or sliding tramline tethers in lighter winds. The tethers allow you to really fly the hang glider safe in the knowledge that the instructor can override your control if necessary! Our structured training method starts with simply balancing the glider on the breeze, then progressing when ready to little hops. At your own pace and only when you're comfortable do you take longer flights. Become familiar with the weight-shift control as you ride the air on these incredible lightweight aircraft. These days are equivalent to the first two days of the elementary course (EP). BHPA membership is £15 per day payable by cash or cheque on arrival.
Elementary
Pilot - Five Day Course - £675
Five training days lead toward the Elementary Pilot qualification. The course includes flight theory and the BHPA exam.
Usually after the first two days the student is ready to fly the glider without the use of tether ropes. These first "solos" are low ground-skimming flights. The aim being to keep the glider flying straight and achieve good landings. Higher flights on subsequent days allow the introduction of deliberate turns and the flying of a predetermined flight plan. The final EP qualifying day sees the student flying high flights with good turns, takeoffs, and landings. Basic theory is tested in the EP exam. All untethered flights require that the student pilot accept that they are "pilot- in-command" and are responsible for the safe conduct of the flight exercise.
All equipment is supplied. BHPA membership required: training (3 months £73), or full (annual £117), payable by visa or cheque on arrival.
Club
Pilot Course - Four Day Course - £480
Following EP, the Club Pilot course involves progression on to higher launches and flying in the fully prone position. A progressive training method leads toward soaring flight, (maintaining and gaining height), by flying in rising air. Students fly their own glider and harness during CP training, storing them at home. Hang Gliders are transported by using car roof-racks. The first flights on new equipment are short, straight and at a low altitude. Further flights are from the hilltops. Learn the flying conditions on different sites. Make and fly accurate flight plans. The CP training improves the skills to a level suitable to continue flying independently within your local hang gliding club. CP qualifying flights can be completed at the school or out in the club with a BHPA qualified Coach. Three soaring flights and a flight theory exam complete the CP.
Full annual BHPA membership is required and membership of your local area HG club.
The CP Course has special requirements. Contact us for payment options and booking information.
Click this link to view the website of our local area Club: Southern Hang Gliding Club
You are already a PG pilot or HG tow?: Conversion Courses
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South Downs Hang Gliding
Gibraltar
Farm, Firle, East Sussex. BN8 6NB
Tel. 07890 362648
E-mail: info@southdownshanggliding.co.uk