Hang Gliding in Florida
The companies below are business listings for hang gliding in Florida.
Company: Aerolight International, LLC |
Location: Miami, Florida |
AJH Enterprises Inc. | Tampa, Florida |
Florida Ridge Air Sports Park | Clewiston, Florida |
Flying High Parasail | St. Pete Beach, Florida |
Graybird Airsports Inc. | Summerfield, Florida |
Miami Hang Gliding | Coconut Grove, Florida |
Quest Air | Groveland, Florida |
Suncoast Sport Aircraft & Ultralight | Sarasota, Florida |
Wallaby Ranch | Davenport, Florida |
Hang Gliding Company: | Website: | Location: |
---|---|---|
Aerolight International, LLC | www.aerolight.com | 14075 Southwest 143rd Court #9 Miami, Florida 33186 |
AJH Enterprises Inc. | No Website Found | 6604 Gunn Highway Tampa, Florida 33625 |
Florida Ridge Air Sports Park | www.thefloridaridge.com | 12671 East State Road 80 Clewiston, Florida 33440 |
Graybird Airsports Inc. | www.graybirdairsports.com | 14141 SE 51st Ave Summerfield, Florida 34491 |
Miami Hang Gliding | No Website Found | 2550 South Bayshore Drive Coconut Grove, Florida 33133 |
Quest Air | www.questairhanggliding.com | 6548 Groveland Airport Rd. Groveland, Florida 34736 |
Suncoast Sport Aircraft & Ultralight | No Website Found | 3383 Gulf Watch Ct Sarasota, Florida 34231 |
Wallaby Ranch | www.wallaby.com | 1805 Deen Still Road Davenport, Florida 33897 |
Hang gliding is a thrilling air sport that involves flying a lightweight, non-motorized glider known as a hang glider. Pilots launch from elevated terrains, such as hills or mountains, and use air currents to gain altitude and glide through the sky.
The glider consists of a rigid frame covered with a durable fabric, forming a wing-like structure. Pilots control the glider by shifting their body weight and using a control bar, which allows for maneuverability in the air.
Hang gliding can be done solo or in tandem with an instructor. It requires a combination of skill, knowledge of weather conditions, and understanding of aerodynamics. Pilots often seek out thermals—rising columns of warm air—to extend their flight time and gain altitude.
It's an exhilarating way to experience the beauty of nature from a unique perspective, but safety precautions and proper training are essential.
Hang gliding requires specific equipment to ensure safety and performance. Here are the main components:
Hang Glider: The core piece of equipment, typically made of a lightweight frame (often aluminum or carbon fiber) covered with durable fabric. The design allows for both lift and maneuverability.
Control Bar: A horizontal bar that pilots use to control the glider by shifting their weight. It connects to the glider's wing and helps with steering.
Harness: Pilots wear a harness that attaches them to the glider. It provides comfort and security, allowing for effective weight shifting.
Helmet: A protective helmet is essential to safeguard against head injuries during launch, flight, or landing.
Variometer: An instrument that measures the rate of climb or descent, helping pilots find thermals and manage their altitude.
Radio: Many pilots use radios for communication, especially during tandem flights or when flying in controlled airspace.
Gloves and Boots: Specialized gloves can improve grip on the control bar, and sturdy footwear provides support during takeoff and landing.
Safety Gear: This may include a reserve parachute, knee pads, and additional protective clothing depending on the flying environment.
Proper equipment, along with training and safety protocols, is crucial for an enjoyable and safe hang gliding experience.
Below are a couple of books to get you started or to continue your hang gliding journey, please see the links (to Amazon):
Hang Gliding For Beginner Pilots
The BHPA Pilot Handbook: The Complete Guide to Paraglider and Hang Glider Training and Advancement by Mark Dale
Hang Gliding at Florida Ridge Air Park in Clewiston, Florida
Hang Gliding at Florida Ridge Air Park in Clewiston, Florida
Gliding with Paradise Hang Gliding in Florida
Choose a state for hang gliding:
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Hang Gliding Adventures tries to keep the information regarding hang gliding as current as possible. The information found on Hang Gliding Adventures is not guaranteed to be accurate as hang gliding companies move, change websites, locations, phone numbers, etc. Please use this website only as a guide to your hang gliding adventure and verify all information independently.