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What is Hang Gliding?
 Hang
gliding is the closest we can get to flying like a bird. Lying face
down beneath the wing, you are unaware of the hang glider above
you. Moving your body to manoeuvre the wing around the sky, you
enter a different world of freedom and excitement. You can use thermals
to climb to the base of the clouds, or fly all day in the silky
smooth air of a coastal ridge.
In sensible hands, hang gliding can be amongst the safest of adventure
sports. The expertise you need to keep you safe starts with the
school you learn with. Airways Hang Gliding School is registered
with the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (school
no. 313). At Airways Hang Gliding School we aim to equip you not
only with excellent flying skills, but also with the knowledge to
keep you flying safely whilst having maximum fun!
Learning to Fly a Hang Glider
Airways Hang Gliding School is based at Darley Moor, near Ashbourne,
Derbyshire. The friendly atmosphere and excellent teaching means
you will enjoy fulfilling your dream of learning to fly.
You begin your course by being shown what a hang glider is and
how it works. This will be combined with an introduction to the
complexities of meteorology and air movement so that you know when
and where to fly. Then it's on to the practical airborne sessions,
with tether ropes attached to the hang glider which help to guide
you while you learn to control the wing.
At Airways Hang Gliding School, we use a winch to tow hang gliders
aloft. This is a major advantage over traditional hill training
because there is no need to change sites if the wind direction changes
- we simply move the winch to the other end of the field and continue.
Flying time is also maximised as the winch can hold you just six
feet off the ground as you learn to control the hang glider; so
rather than five-second 'hops' during your initial training on a
hill site, you may get a whole minute in the air using the winch.
The strain of carrying a hang glider back up a hill is removed as,
after a winch flight, the hang glider can be rolled back across
the field, thus conserving your energy for flying.
Hang Gliding Instruction
Chris Dawes - Chief Flying Instructor
Chris is one of Britain's top paraglider pilots and has been flying
both paragliders and hang gliders for 15 years. He also flies microlights,
paramotors and light aircraft and competed for several years internationally
as a member of the British Paragliding Team. He won the British
Cross Country Championship in 1995 and has recently performed two
stunts for "Don't Try This at Home, flying tandem with people
for their Challenge of a Lifetime. With his sound communications
skills and dynamic personality he is a great instructor.
Mark Bosher - Instructor and winch operator
Mark is a skilled hang glider, paraglider and sailplane pilot.
He is easy to get along with and bubbles with enthusiasm for flying.
Eddie Geczy - Instructor and winch operator
Steady Eddie flies both paragliders and hang gliders. He is a keen
instructor who will be ready to help you.
Hang Gliding Courses
1.) Taster Day
A chance to try out hang gliding. You will be introduced to the
sport and the equipment and will then be taught the techniques for
take off and how to move your body to control the hang glider's
direction. By the end of the day you should be making tethered flights
up to fifteen feet above the ground. A taster day gift voucher makes
an ideal present for those looking for something different.
2). Two Day Taster
As above, but with an extra days flying and some basic theory.
This is the first part of the Elementary Pilot Certificate course,
and will count towards your certificate if you decide to continue.
3). Elementary Pilot Certificate Course (EPC)
This is a 4-7 day course (depending on ability). By the end of
this time you will have completed at least six high flights
(from the winch tow, these will be around 200 feet). You will
also have learned to turn the hang glider and to land in a
predetermined spot. There is also a written exam to be completed.
Further Hang Gliding Courses
At Airways Hang Gliding School we can take you forward to whichever
level you decide on. Club Pilot Certificate (CPC) follows the EPC
and takes about a further 5 days. You will learn to do circuits
(landing where you take off from, thus enabling many flights per
day) and convert to intermediate hang gliders with height gains
of over 1,000 feet. Your skill level and theoretical knowledge will
increase to prepare you for flying in a club environment. We offer
a Hill Conversion Course in the Derbyshire Dales for those who wish
to soar in the hills. The school also runs courses in the south
of France for those wanting to fly in mountainous areas under the
guidance of our very experienced instructors. Here an introduction
to thermalling and cross country flying can be given with airborne
radio tuition. You will benefit from the local knowledge of the
instructors and their vast experience in mountain flying, removing
the "trial and error" factor from learning to fly in the
Alps.
BHPA Membership and Insurance
The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association is the governing
body of our sport and membership includes third party insurance
cover. Membership of the Association is compulsory for all
students in the UK. The price for this cover depends on the
time scale for the flying experience you want; for example,
a one day taster course will only require one days cover,
whereas an EPC course will need a minimum of a "training
membership". We will arrange BHPA membership for you
on the first day of your course.
Weather
Good weather is a big factor in learning to fly hang gliders
and we assess the weather conditions early each morning. If,
due to bad weather you cannot fly, we will rearrange your
booking as soon as possible. Should the weather interrupt
flying during your course, any unused flying may be taken
at a future date by arrangement. 
The choice of payment structure for tuition is yours. By buying
a set course, e.g. EPC or CPC, then you are trained to that level,
irrespective of the number of days needed. This puts the emphasis
on Airways to teach you, rather than for you to turn up and keep
paying - makes sense!
Accommodation
The Peak District National Park has plenty of hotels, B & B
and camp sites. We have an accommodation list of these if you need
it.
Basic Requirements for Hang Gliding
You don't have to be super fit. Your initial training will involve
running around on open ground so bring sturdy footwear (walking
boots will do). In the summer it can get hot so bring lighter clothing
and plenty to drink. If the weather is cool, bring an extra fleece
and lightweight windproofs are advisable. Don't forget the most
important thing of all - a picnic lunch!
Facilities
Our shop stocks a huge range of hang gliding equipment. We offer
a range of gliders, both new and second hand. We also stock helmets,
harnesses, books, videos, reserve parachutes, instruments, flying
suits and all round cool clothing. Whatever your budget, our advice
and support will always be available, with your safety and fun our
prime consideration.
Cost of Hang Gliding Training
Prices
How to book
Just phone the shop on 01298 23021 to book a place. A deposit will
be needed to confirm your slot.
How to find us
We meet at Airways Flight Park at Darley Moor, near Ashbourne.
From Ashbourne take the A515 south towards Lichfield. After
three miles, you will go up a steep, long hill. Once you have
passed Darley Moor Race Track on your left, look out for a
small left hand turning signposted "Yeaveley". Turn
left here and Airways Flight Park is accessed via the second
gate on the right hand side with an "Airways" sign
on it. If you arrive after flying has started, look out for
gliders and the red winch as training may be happening on
the opposite side of the Yeaveley road in certain wind directions.
See you there!
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