Hang Gliding and Paragliding in Australia

Hang gliding is an aerial sport in which a pilot flies a light aircraft made of aluminum alloy while ensconced in a harness suspended from the frame of the craft. Although primarily a sport, hang gliding is also considered a recreational activity with many people learning how to fly a glider. Australia currently has approximately 9 world record holders in hang gliding and many companies in the country are leading manufacturers of hang gliders.

Hang Gliding Federation of Australia is a sporting body that represents the interests of hang gliding enthusiasts and administers the activity under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's regulations. It is also recognized by the Australian Sports Commission and affiliated with the Federation Aeronautique Internationale through the Australian Sport Aviation Confederation with approximately 2,500 members.

Hang gliding safety tips

• Check the key areas of your glider such as bolts, ropes, wires, battons and wing tips. Check for symmetry.
• Make sure that the harness lines are not twisted and the harness leg straps are secure. Hooking in your harness as part of your glider set-up is the best method to do this.
• Use a locked, steel carabineer and be careful when changing or adjusting your hang strap.
• The best full-face helmet and parachute is important for safety.
• Small changes on your glider can have big changes on its flying characteristics. Be careful and mindful with new gears and changes you apply on your glider.
• Always launch with correct relative wing position. Make sure that you have balance in roll and pitch.
• Do not launch into high winds or cross winds since it may be difficult for you to handle your glider.

Paragliding in Australia

Paragliding is an aerial sport that involves the pilot being suspended below a fabric wing or parachute. The pilot is loosely and comfortably buckled into a harness. Launching can either be done by forward launch, reverse launch, and towed launch. Landing can be done by flaring the wing to minimize vertical speed just before touching down.
The interests of paragliding enthusiasts in Australia are also represented by the Hang Gliding Federation of Australia. The body controls every aspect of the activity under the regulations set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia.

Paragliding safety tips

• Learn how to paraglide with the help of qualified paragliding instructors.
• There are paragliding clubs in Australia and many of these would give you advice on what to do and not to do while paragliding.
• Always use brand new equipment for paragliding. Do not buy or use second hand equipment unless it has been checked thoroughly by a qualified instructor and deemed suitable for flight.
• Plan your flight beforehand and take the weather into account before launching. Use caution when you are attempting to fly in conditions you have never flown in before.
• Only stick to a level of flight that you are familiar within your level of experience. Always use common sense and avoid taking unnecessary risks.