Powered Hang Gliding

A specially designed hang glider harness fitted with lightweight, 2-stroke engine converts a hang glider into a self-launching glider, giving the pilot the ability to foot launch from a convenient flat field and climb away to find the lifting thermals that all glider pilots rely on to make cross-country flights. Alternatively, the pilot can cruise around, sightseeing, retaining the uncluttered view that the hang glider pilot enjoys. The power units cost around £3 - 4,000, to which you need to add the cost of a new or second hand hang glider.

Like the paramotor, the engine can be detached and the glider used to soar without power; this flexibility is in itself an attraction, as is the leisurely flying speed, short rigging time and relatively small packed-down size that these machines offer.

Although their main appeal at the present time is undoubtedly to the already experienced hang glider buff, interest in these machines is growing rapidly, particularly in areas where there are no hills.

Learning to fly a powered hang glider
To learn to fly one you'll first need to learn to fly a hang glider before making your initial flights under power. The same degree of background knowledge of airlaw, flight theory, meteorology, etc, is required as for hang gliding, and you need to be conversant with fuels, engines, propellers etc.. For more information on learning to fly, finding a training school, BHPA membership & insurance etc. see the Learn to Fly section.

Nb. Powered hang gliders that take-off and land on wheels are classed as microlights and are outside the scope of this guide. For information on microlights see the British Microlight Aircraft Association .