Windsports Frequently
Asked Questions
Do I need to be really fit to hang glide?
Hang Gliding requires no exceptional talent or skill. Almost...anyone of average height, weight, and physical conditioning can learn. The most strenuous part of flying lessons is walking back up the training slopes.
If I'm afraid of heights, can I learn to fly?
Many hang glider pilots claim to be afraid of heights. If you enjoy flying in airplanes then you will probably be comfortable in a hang glider.
How much does it cost to learn to fly?
Flight lessons vary between $85-199. each. The average student will spend about $1800-2200. in lesson fees. Since people have differing rates of learning, the number of lessons required is impossible predict.
How long will it take to learn?
The more often you train, the faster you will progress. Some students take lessons nearly every day and can become qualified pilots in just a couple of weeks, Most students train one or 2 days per week while extending their training term to several months.
How much is equipment?
Complete equipment packages begin at $4400. for a brand new hang glider, parachute system, flight harness, helmet, safety wheels and airspeed indicator. Used equipment packages begin at $2000.
When can I train?
In Los Angeles, the weather is usually good for flying year round. WindSports offers beginner slope lessons Wednesdays through Sundays and mountain instruction 7 days per week, year round.
How do I enroll?
Simply call Windsports at 818-367-2430 and enroll by credit card by phone, order securely online or email us at info@windsports.com for assistance.
Where do you teach?
Flight training is most commonly done in 3 phases. Phase One, training slope lessons are conducted at the newest and most modern hang gliding training facility in the U.S. The Dockweiler State Beach Hang Gliding Training Park was designed and built by the city and county of Los Angeles and is known as one of the safest and most efficient training slopes in the nation. You will glide from our gentle 25 ft. high sand dunes on the beach near Los Angeles International Airport Phase Two, tandem (dual) flight lessons and our Phase Three mountain (solo) lessons are taught at the world famous Sylmar Flight Park. The park is located 30 miles north of Los Angeles Airport, and very near Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain and the Getty Museum. Phase three, solo flight lessons are also conducted at other sites in the Los Angeles area.
Can I come and simply watch?
Absolutely! We strongly encourage visitors to visit the training parks.
What should I bring to my lessons?
Long pants, comfortable running shoes and 1 liter of drinking water. Cameras are welcome. Be prepared to pay a $5-7 parking fee to the county.
What time do lessons begin and end?
Lesson times vary with the seasons. Winter classes begin at 1 pm. and last for approximately 4 hours, while summer classes are scheduled throughout the day. Call the shop for details (818) 367-2430.
How many students per class?
A maximum of Five for beginner classes and Six for more advanced classes.
How many flights do I get in my lesson?
On your first full lesson, it is common to receive up to 7 flights. Subsequent lessons usually provide more flights per lesson, depending upon class size and student stamina.
How heavy is a hang glider?
Our modern light weight training gliders weigh about 50 pounds and with just a little bit of wind, they weigh nothing at all.
Do I need my own equipment?
No, our standard lesson prices include the use of all equipment. We do provide substantial discounts on lessons to students purchasing their equipment from Windsports Soaring Center.
When should I buy my equipment?
Once you know you are going to become a hang glider pilot. This usually takes a few lessons of discovery.
What kind of equipment should I buy?
There are many important factors to consider including size, weight, aptitude, your flying schedule, and your budget. It's important to involve your flight instructor in such an important decision.
Where can I buy Equipment?
Windsports offers a wide selection of hang gliding equipment and accessories and many modern new and used gliders.
How many lessons are required to become a safe pilot?
Skillful flying at our beach site generally requires about 8 lessons. Students commonly earn their Novice rating and solo from 3500 foot tall Kagel Mountain on the 13th lesson. Our complete training program averages 20 lessons.
How early must I schedule my lesson?
Windsports has more professional, full time flight instructors than any flight school in southern California, so it never hurts to try and schedule your lesson up to the last minute. We recommend however that you schedule your training slope lessons at least several days in advance, and the Tandem flight lessons at least one week in advance.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Don't worry, full credit will be issued and your lesson will be rescheduled for another day.
Can I learn high altitude flight skills before I learn take-offs and landings?
Yes. Although not as commonly done, you may participate in several tandem (dual) flight lessons before proceding to the training slopes for your solo launch and landing lessons.
Does Windsports have a tandem flight training course?
Yes. For those persons wishing to develop their flying skills before visiting the beach training slope, we offer on going tandem instruction.
Can I learn to fly with only dual (tandem) instruction?
No. Tandem (dual) instruction is great for teaching high altitude flight skills such as turn coordination, stall familiarity and landing approaches, but it is not an effective method to teach take-offs, landings, and flying near the terrain.
Can my kids learn to hang glide?
Yes. Flying on our beach dunes is fun and easy and available for young and old. Kids must weigh at least 90 lbs, and be accompanied by their parent. Ask about our highly selective "Teen Program" where teens can learn to fly at the beach for about 1/2 the cost of adults.
Are your instructors certified?
Yes. Our flight instructor are certified by the United States Hang Gliding Association.
How long have you been training people to hang glide?
32 years in Los Angeles.
How safe is hang gliding?
Although accidents are rare these days, respecting the dangers of aviation is one prerequisite of safe flight. Over the past 32 years, our school has averaged fewer than one broken bone for every 10,000 flights.
Am I the right age to fly?
We have taught people as young as 14 years old and as old as 75. Those under the age of 18 must have parental approval.
Do I need a license to hang glide?
The USHGA Pilot Proficiency Rating is required at most flying sites throughout the nation.
Once I become a pilot, where do I go to fly?
There are thousands of flying sites throughout the U.S. In Los Angeles, we are fortunate to have 9 popular flying sites within 90 miles.
Who will I fly with?
There's no shortage of friends to meet in hang gliding. Local hang gliding clubs provide access to flying sites, sponsor events, flying trips and contests, publish newsletters, and even get involved in local community service.