Learning to fly link?
'Jason' posted the following comments as a site suggestion, but hasn't left any contact details. I'm re-posting it here so he can see the reply, and everyone can add any comments they like (please, try not to turn it into Paragliding v.s Hang Gliding war).
Hi everyone.
I'm wishing to get into hang gliding this season and I've been looking for possible hang gliding schools. I've seen Active hang gliding limited and Aqua air adventure so far on the NZHGPA website and saw this website but I noticed that the link on "Learning to fly" page on this website is not working.
Anyone know of any other hang gliding schools around Auckland area? Also What flying sites are available for hang gliding around Auckland? I'm trying to decide between hang gliding and paragliding. Hang gliding looks more fun but I'm worried about potential lack of flying sites nearby.
Any of these schools you'd particularly recommend?
Jason
Re: Learning to fly link?
Hi Jason
Thanks for letting me know about the link.
Choosing between HG and PG is tricky. I chose PG because the equipment is small and easy to put in the boot, or take as luggage and travel overseas with. I plan to learn to Hang Glide one day though because I want to experience the speed and better glide rates that Hang Gliders have.
For Paragliding, I trained with Wings and Waves. They were - and continue to be - fantastic. The other Paragliding school that I know of here in Auckland is SkyWings. I know several great pilots that have trained with them.
Hopefully, one of the more knowledgeable HG Pilots will post the details for the Hang Gliding schools, but if not I'll try and get them listed on the Links page in the next day or so.
Brendon
Re: Learning to fly link?
Thank you Brendon. That was me that posted the comment. I decided I should really register and get involved at the end :D
I've been trying to decided between HG and PG for a while now, but haven't had the chance to get into either since I've been a poor student until now. (meaning that since I have a job now I can get a loan for PG or HG now, yeah!)
Being a fixed wing pilot (CPL) I prefer the sound of Hang gliding with its full pitch control but you just really can't beat the convenience of paragliding. I have heard on some overseas websites of people lugging their hang gliding rig around in a small car (I have a 1.8Lt sedan) but if anyone has any experience with transporting hang gliding rid on small cars, any input would be appreciated.
If I decide on PG I'm thinking about SkyWings as they are situated very close to where I work and I'm thinking about giving them a ring in the next few days to see if I can get an introductory day booked with them in any case.
A question for anyone who is familiar with the licensing... I hold a CPL fixed wing and a class 1 medical, do I still need to get the medical declaration from my GP and set the VFR law exam? (from little I read these are two things needed to get PG2?)
Thanks everyone
Re: Learning to fly link?
HI Jason, welcome aboard. Like Brendon I'm a PG pilot but I originaly tried out HG many years ago but couldn't take it up as I was an avid motorcyclist at the time. No chance of strapping a HG on to my trust GPZ!
As far as the transportation goes i have seen a number of HG pilots with quite modest cars rigged to carry HG's so I can't see that being too much of a problem.
Something to think about irrespective of whether you choose PG or HG is that more and more sites are restricting vehicle access to launch sites to 4WD's only.
The VFR and medical you can confirm with the school when you are ready to start but I believe that you still need to sit the exam and the medical is a personal declaration only.
Cheers,
Xen.
Re: Learning to fly link?
Hi Jason, I'm Sebastian from Activesky Hanggliding. If you want to know more about the way of hangie please give me a call.
021 1703646
419 2556
Since you have a CPL there are some other options we can discuss...
Cheers
Re: Learning to fly link?
Hi everyone, thank you for the input. I actually had a introductory day with Skywings and decided to train with them and put a deposit down for a Paraglider... Hoping for some good weather now... sucks having to work during the week...