Expand Your Horizons

General

Are there any hang gliding video games?

FlightClub.gif

The only one I've really enjoyed is FlightClub - it's a free java game online. It's actually quite realistic for cross-country (XC) flying.

Find it here

Do you do full height scooter tows?

Yes. If you're signed off to scooter-tow, we'll tow you as high as we can. Tow heights are anywhere from 500' to 1000' depending on the winds and are $10 a tow.

You have to have your HPAC insurance and a member of SOGA to tow.

Do you tow paragliders?

PGScooterTow.jpg

We 'can'. The scooter is certainly capable and ideal for towing paragliders. Our operators though, do not have the experience. We're willing to learn so if you are a PG pilot with lots of tow experience, we're keen on learning how to tow you safely. Or if you are an experienced PG scooter-tow operator, we'd be keen on learning from you.

To be able to tow on our scooter you would need HPAC insurance and be a SOGA Club member. Cost of a scooter tow is $10 per tow.

What if you have to go the bathroom in flight?

depends.jpg

"Depends". :) (seriously...that is an option)

It's not easy, but possible to perform the 'aerial-whiz'. But it's best to follow your parents' age-old advice, "go before we leave".

How far can you fly a hang glider cross country?

In decent soaring conditions we can go cross-country. You find a thermal and climb in it as high as you can and then venture off in search of your next thermal. You can't see them so this is where experience comes into play.

The World Record for distance covered in a single flight is just over 700km's! It took him over 10 hours to do it...no landings, no pit-stops. This happened in Texas.

The Canadian record is 330km achieved in Alberta. The Ontario record is 202km.

How long can a hang glider stay up?

As long as you can find lift, you can stay up as long as you want.

Thermal lift is obviously dependent on heat so it's limited to day-light hours but ridge-lift can continue on indefinitely. Ridge-lift is when the wind blows up the side of a hillside and deflects the air vertically - the hang glider gets in that and up it goes! A long time ago a pilot in Hawaii stayed airborne 30 hours by riding the sea-breeze coming in. He would adjust his speed and hover close to the ground and people on the ground would hand him drinks and something to eat.

How do you get airborne on flat ground?

ScooterTowInt.jpg

We use a 'scooter-tow' which is the industry standard method of instruction to introduce people to getting in the air...even with no prior instruction.

How old do you have to be?

Minors (under the age of 18) need parental consent. It usually more of a question of weight and maturity.