Best Hang Gliding Schools

‍Attending the right hang gliding school is a big part of becoming a pilot. Pick from the best hang gliding schools in this complete guide written by experts.

The best hang gliding schools are:

• Kitty Hawk Kites
• Mission Soaring Center
• Lookout Mountain Flight Park
• Morningside Flight Park
• Wallaby Ranch

To come up with this list of hang gliding schools, we took our own experiences and combined them with input from other experts as well as research into the best schools in the country. With this in mind, we’ve curated a list of the top hang gliding schools and we’re confident you can become a great pilot in no time with any one of them.

‍What Are the Best Hang Gliding Schools?

Kitty Hawk Kites

Kitty Hawk Kites began in 1974 near the sands of Kitty Hawk in North Carolina. They started as a small company, founded by John Harris, who wanted to share his love for hang gliding and provide instruction, products, and service to the blossoming sport.

Today, Kitty Hawk Kites has expanded to become a prominent name in the world of kites, hang gliding, and outdoor leisure activities. In fact, it’s often touted as the largest hang gliding school in the country, providing new students with an excellent place to watch and learn how to fly.

As you browse their wide range of offerings, you'll find quality products that cater to your many interests. They are known for their diverse selection of kites, including single-line, dual-line stunt kites, power foil kites, and quad-line stunt kites.

In addition, Kitty Hawk Kites prides itself on providing unforgettable recreational adventures such as hang gliding lessons, kayak tours, and many other outdoor experiences that are perfect for all ages and skill levels.

Kitty Hawk Kites' mission revolves around several key principles: fun, quality, value, and customer service. They see themselves as "fun consultants," aiming to inspire moments of pure joy and happiness in their community. Their dedicated team works to exceed customer expectations and create value through efficient operations.

The main headquarters and school are located in Nags Head, North Carolina, along with an online store that offers an extensive product range for enthusiasts across the globe. The success of Kitty Hawk Kites can be attributed to their passion for providing memorable experiences and exceptional customer service, as well as the ever-growing interest in kites and other wind-related activities in the global market.

In conclusion, when you choose Kitty Hawk Kites, you are choosing a company with a rich history, a passion for fun, and a commitment to providing unforgettable experiences and top-notch customer service. So, go ahead, explore their offerings, and don't forget to give hang gliding a try—you might just find your new favorite pastime!

Mission Soaring Center

Welcome to the Mission Soaring Center, the leading hang gliding school in Northern California! Ideally located in the San Francisco Bay Area, near San Jose and Fremont, the center has been serving the local hang gliding community since 1973. Mission Soaring is expertly managed by Pat Denevan, and it offers a one-stop-shop experience for all your hang gliding needs.

As you consider taking your first hang gliding lessons, rest assured that the school prioritizes professional training and safety. Our experienced instructors will provide you with state-of-the-art equipment and personalized attention. With our guidance, you'll be ready to join the ranks of accomplished pilots in no time.

At Mission Soaring, you'll have the opportunity to train at our exclusive site in Tres Pinos, just south of the Bay Area. This location offers perfect conditions for learning how to soar like a bird. While engaging in our lessons, you'll gain hands-on experience and develop the skills necessary to navigate the skies comfortably and confidently.

Mission Soaring Center takes pride in being a part of the vibrant and enthusiastic hang gliding community in Northern California. We invite you to join us in exploring the exhilarating world of hang gliding and look forward to sharing this amazing adventure with you.

Lookout Mountain Flight Park

Next up is Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding School, which is known as the top flight destination in the Southeastern United States! The school is located at Lookout Mountain Flight Park, which has been dedicated to providing exceptional hang gliding experiences and education for over 40 years.

Their mission is to help you learn the art of hang gliding and paragliding in a safe and enjoyable environment. With state-of-the-art facilities, a comprehensive training program, and experienced instructors, you're in good hands as you embark on this thrilling adventure.

Contacting the school is simple – just give them a call at 706-383-1292 or send an email to [email protected]. The friendly office staff will be more than eager to help with any inquiries or scheduling questions you might have.

As a student here, you'll find everything you need right on location. They offer several lesson packages to suit a wide range of skill levels, from first-time flyers to advanced pilots. They also have a well-maintained fleet of hang gliders and paragliders to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The school's impressive training facility includes a large 44-acre landing area, multiple launch points on the mountain, and an aero-tow operation supported by ultralights. Additionally, full equipment and repair shops are available on-site, so you won't need to look elsewhere for hang gliding essentials.

When it comes to instruction, Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding School is second to none. The team of dedicated and experienced instructors will work closely with you to help you achieve your hang gliding goals while prioritizing your safety and enjoyment every step of the way.

At Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding School, not only will you receive excellent training and support, but you will also become a part of a welcoming and enthusiastic flying community. Get ready to make lifelong friendships, create wonderful memories, and take to the skies at Lookout Mountain Flight Park!

Morningside Flight Park

Morningside Flight Park, in Charlestown, New Hampshire, is seen by many as one of the best parks in the country. Nestled among the rolling hills of the Connecticut River Valley, this park is a fantastic place for you to learn and enjoy hang gliding and paragliding.

In the welcoming and friendly atmosphere of the park, you can find various lessons and training opportunities. The school offers a range of hang gliding and paragliding courses, from introductory sessions to more advanced techniques. With professional and experienced instructors, your learning experience will be both safe and enjoyable.

Interestingly, the history of Morningside Flight Park dates back several decades, when it started as an aviation-based training facility. Over the years, it has evolved to focus on the more recreational aspects of flight sports, becoming a premier destination for enthusiasts and beginners alike.

As a first-time visitor, you will find ample facilities and resources to support your flight journey. The park boasts tandem flights, solo flights, and even zip-lining. With top-notch equipment and well-maintained foot launching and landing sites, your experience at Morningside Flight Park will be nothing short of exceptional.

In short, Morningside Flight Park in Charlestown, NH, is an excellent choice for anyone looking to learn or enhance their hang gliding and paragliding skills. So pack your spirit of adventure, and head to this remarkable destination for an unforgettable experience.

Wallaby Ranch

Located just outside Orlando in sunny Central Florida, Wallaby Ranch is a world-renowned hang gliding school that offers year-round tandem flights and advanced instruction. At Wallaby Ranch, you'll have the opportunity to learn hang gliding in a friendly and relaxed environment, from a certified instructor with plenty of experience who is passionate about the sport.

Malcolm Jones, the founder and owner of Wallaby Ranch, revolutionized the world of hang gliding instruction in 1991 by outfitting tandem hang gliders with wheels for easy takeoffs and landings. This innovative approach, combined with aerotowing techniques, ensures the safest and most enjoyable learning experience possible.

As a first-time visitor, you're in for a treat with their World Famous Tandem Discovery Flights. During these flights, you'll be accompanied by a well-trained instructor who will help you feel confident and relaxed as you glide through the air and take in the breathtaking Florida scenery.

Aside from top-notch instruction, Wallaby Ranch also offers a unique communal atmosphere. With a screened-in kitchen and a chef on-site, as well as inviting outdoor living spaces shaded by massive oak trees, you can enjoy brunch and camaraderie with other flight enthusiasts after your lesson.

Whether you're from Orlando, Central Florida, or anywhere else in the world, Wallaby Ranch is the perfect destination to learn hang gliding and join a welcoming community of fellow flyers.

Experiencing the Thrill of Flight

Imagine yourself soaring through the sky, feeling the wind against your face and taking in the breathtaking views below you. Hang gliding can fulfill that dream, as it provides the most exhilarating and unique way to experience flight.

The Sky's the Limit

With all the adventure and adrenaline it offers, hang gliding is sure to leave an indelible impression on you. As you prepare to take off, your heart races with excitement. Once you're airborne, the feeling of freedom is overwhelming, while the spectacles of nature below are genuinely awe-inspiring.

Schools like Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding in Rising Fawn, GA, and Kitty Hawk Kites' Hang Gliding Training Center have helped thousands of flight enthusiasts from all walks of life. Regardless of your age or physical fitness levels, these schools are fully equipped to help you achieve your flying dreams.

Moreover, experienced instructors ensure that you learn all the essentials of hang gliding in a safe and controlled environment. They'll guide you through every step, from take-off to soaring, and finally, to a safe landing.

To sum up, embark on this thrilling adventure of flight and witness incredible views that you've never experienced before. Hang gliding is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a new appreciation for the vastness of our skies.

Soaring to New Heights

As you continue your search for the perfect place to learn how to hang glide, don't forget to consider factors such as location, experience, and reputation. Take the time to explore various options like the ones we've mentioned in this article.

Schools like Kitty Hawk Kites offer comprehensive hang gliding lessons for all ages and abilities. They take pride in being one of the largest hang gliding centers in the world. Lookout Mountain Flight Park in Rising Fawn, Georgia, is another option where you can witness experienced pilots perform breathtaking feats and fly smack dab in the middle of the mountains.

Remember, as you embark on your adventure to become a skilled glider, always prioritize your safety. Starting with a reputable school will ensure that you receive top-quality instruction and support throughout the learning process.

Now is the time to chase those skies and experience the exhilarating feeling of flying high above the ground. With the right guidance and dedication, you'll be soaring to new heights in no time.