Hang Gliding in New York

Hang Gliding in New York

The companies below are business listings for hang gliding in New York.
Company:
Cooperstown Hang Gliding
Location:
Cooperstown, New York
Finger Lakes Aerotow Park Macedon, New York
Fly High Hang Gliding Ellenville, New York
Mountain Wings Ellenville, New York
The following are popular launch areas for hang gliding in New York.
Popular Launch Areas:
Altamont
Location:
Altamont, New York
Ashokan High Point West Shokan, New York
Bee Hill Kerhonkson, New York
Brace Mountain Millerton, New York
Bristol South Bristol, New York
Dansville Dansville, New York
Ellenville Ellenville, New York
Finger Lakes Aerotow Park Macedon, New York
Hammondsport/Mt Washington Hammondsport, New York
Hancock Hancock, New York
Harris Hill Elmira, New York
Indian Cliffs Elmira, New York
Italy Valley Italy, New York
Little Mountain Olive, New York
Katydid Chemung, New York
Mossy Banks Bath, New York
Mount Utsayantha Stamford, New York
Overlook Mountain Woodstock, New York
Petersburgh Pass Petersburgh, New York
Sugarloaf Mountain Warrensburg,New York
Susquehanna Flight Park Cooperstown, New York
West Mountain Glens Falls, New York
Whiteface Mountain Wilmington, New York
Hang Gliding Company: Website: Location:
Cooperstown Hang Gliding www.cooperstownhanggliding.com Susquehanna Flight Park
293 Hade Hollow Rd.
Cooperstown, New York 13326
Finger Lakes Aerotow Park No Website Found 1342 Eddy Road
Macedon, New York 14502
Fly High Hang Gliding www.flyhighhg.com Pine Bush, New York 12566
Mountain Wings http://www.mtnwings.com Mountain Wings Shop
77 Hang Glider Rd.
Ellenville, New York 12428


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

 

Tandem Hang Gliding Extreme in Upstate New York

Tom Glavin Hang Gliding Over Ellenville, New York


Hang Gliding Locations  

 
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.