FAQ  

You'll complete a combination of training hill (beach) and tandem (mountain) lessons to learn to fly a hang glider solo. The number of lessons to earn flight ratings may be different depending on the student and weather conditions. At Windsports, students earn their Hang 1 beginner rating in about 5 full beach lessons. ($800 - New Pilot Package) H -1 students can typically earn their Hang 2 Novice rating with an additional 5 beach lessons, 5 mountain tandem flights, and 8 solo flights. ($3,500) Prices may change. Please see our Pilot Training Program page for current pricing.

A new Beginner/Novice Glider will cost anywhere between $3,800-$4,500. A used Glider can be found as low $1500. However the Glider is not the only piece of equipment a new pilot needs. Different styles of Harnesses and Parachutes are also needed. It is a very gear intensive sport and can be a big investment, but we will always help you find the right gear for you at the most affordable price.

Hang Gliding is described by USHPA as an Inherently Dangerous Sport. There is no getting around the fact that there is risk involved every time you decide to fly. However the number one lesson you will learn at Windsports is Risk Management and Good Judgment. We want you to be able to fly for a very long time and to be safe every single time you take to the sky. Our Mountain Tandem Flight instructors have perfect safety records.

The short answer is no, this is a common misconception. A glider flies due to the aerodynamics of the wing and is driven by gravity. However wind does play a tremendous part in the sport. In your training you will learn not only about how the wind affects our flights but all about meteorology and its’ effect on aviation.

There are flying sites all over the world that a Hang Glider pilot can launch from. However most sites are associated with certain skill requirements which we classify with ratings. As you progress in your flying career and develop your abilities, more flying locations will become available to you. Many sites are also protected and/or maintained by local clubs and organizations that may require special permits/fees/waivers to be submitted first.

The short answer is yes every pilot should join The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) to become a rated pilot. There is paperwork including a waiver and a yearly fee involved with joining. Membership includes a monthly magazine and liability insurance coverage. We have to follow some FAA rules but we are not rated by the FAA. USHPA instructors issue ratings to hang glider pilots.

Windsports has storage facilities at our mountain and beach locations for $15 a month. The local club (SHGA) also has storage available at the base of the mountain.

Almost any car/truck/trailer can be fitted with a simple rack to carry a glider if there is not already a system on the vehicle.

Hang gliding and paragliding are similar; think skiing and snowboarding, The key differences are: Transport: Hang gliders typically weigh around 50-70 pounds, can be carried balanced on your shoulder, and require a roof rack to transport on a vehicle. Paragliders usually weigh less than 30 pounds, are carried in a backpack, and can fit inside a vehicle. Setup: Hang gliders fold up for transport and take about 10 to 15 minutes to set up and prepare to launch. Paragliders are packed completely assembled and take about 5 to 10 minutes to set up and prepare to launch. Flight: Hang gliders are more streamlined and are capable of much faster speeds, improved glide ratios (farther glides), and the ability to fly in stronger conditions compared to paragliders. Pilots fly hang gliders prone, and the glider's rigid airframe prevents it from collapsing in flight. On a paraglider, the pilot flies seated and must learn to avoid or fix collapses and keep the wing flying in strong conditions. The slower speed of paragliders also means they can typically land in smaller fields compared to a hang glider. *Hand gliding is when you stick your hand out your car window and feel the wind on your fingers. Parasailing is a parachute towed behind a boat. Neither of these are pilot activities.

Yes, for the safety of our instructors and customers we limit all of our lessons and flights to 200lbs.

We recommend participants be at least 14. Call to inquire about exceptions.

We have different experiences, lessons & programs available. Lessons start as low as $115. Please view the Flights tab to find the cost of each activity.

Our low-altitude beach lessons are located at Dockweiler State Beach, 1 mile south of LAX. Route to: 12623 Vista Del Mar Los Angeles, CA 90293 Enter the parking lot, turn left (south), and you'll find our training hill at the end of the lot.

The beach lesson length depends on the size of the class & the lesson you choose. We have two options for the intro beach lesson - Mini & Full. The Mini lesson lasts about 1.5-2 hours and you fly 4 times. The Full lesson lasts about 2-3 hours and you fly 7 times.

We have different experiences, lessons & programs available. Lessons start as low as $115. Please view the Flights tab to find the cost of each activity.

Our high altitude tandem flight is located in Sylmar, CA in the Angeles National Forest. Route to: Sylmar Flight Park 12580 Gridley Street Sylmar, CA 91342 Free parking is available in the lot next to the landing area. You'll ride up the mountain in the Windsports truck, then fly down to the landing area with your instructor.

The entire process lasts about 2.5 hours including checkin, safety briefing, travel up the mountain, Etc. The flight itself lasts on average 10-20* minutes. We cannot guarantee a longer flight as we depend on the weather to stay aloft longer.