Hang gliding is the most exciting way of getting airborne and has turned the dreams if Icarus into reality. The weight shift steering is the closest feeling to being as free as a bird. The Hang glider is without doubt a versatile flying machine with free flight hill launching, Winching, Aero towing, or with a light power trike.

Hang gliding has progressed from its dare devil start to become  everyday sporting aviation. Pilots regularly fly at 5280ft from cloud to cloud for more than a hundred cross country miles in the UK. Sign up for a Hang gliding courses. You can start with the fun learning experience of the Taster day or if you are sure the sport is for you a 5 day Elementary pilot course.

EP course 5 Day.  video Teaching Hang gliding requires experience born of years.  We do successful qualify people to club pilot standard. At DFC we teach in the hills of Derbyshire  and have winch training available. We have the experience and the equipment to teach you to fly, dedicated training gliders and great Hang gliding sites.

CAA requirement to fly unsupervised in the UK or abroad is that you reach  BHPA Club Pilot level. By successfully completing EP and CP Hang gliding courses with the DFC you will be at that level.

Elementary pilot Course. 5 Days £650+BHPA

The EP Hang gliding course is designed to bring the beginner up to the accredited BHPA level of Elementary Pilot pilot should be capable of site selection, weather assessment, self launch and adequate flight planning to perform  flights with turns and a landing within a designated area.

Day one, we meet at 10am and start the day with an introductory talk and sign you up as a member of the BHPA. This is obligatory as it gives you third party insurance. There are several membership options depending on your circumstances and aspirations. Membership fees clicking fees page.

All Hang gliding equipment is supplied for the E.P course; you just need adequate clothing with good ankle supporting footwear a packed lunch and drink. Even on day one you will be connected to the Hang glider learning the basics of pre-flight checking and ground control on a slope or winch field where you will first defy gravity! Due to the niche appeal of Hang gliding and the need to have at least three participant’s on the day, Patience when booking your day may be needed.

What is achieved on an Elementary pilot Hang gliding course is obviously dependent on the weather and your level of fitness and ability, but you can expect to be making short exhilarating Hang glider flights on the first day, progressing at your own pace to the freedom of the Sky.

The classroom work comprises of theory sessions on flight theory, meteorology and air law. Our ability to impart the essential  knowledge will be tested with your short multiple choice exam towards the end of your Hang gliding course.

By the end of the EP Hang gliding course with the DFC  you will have experienced the truly wonderful sensation of flying above the stunning scenery of the Peak District National Park. Certainly, you will know whether you have the desire and ability to progress on to our Club Pilot course.

Once you have achieved Elementary pilot level you are able with our guidance to purchase your first Hang glider, harness and reserve parachute on which you can complete your CP training.

5 Day Club Pilot Course £1000 +BHPA

The Hang gliding Club Pilot course usually takes 5 days and progresses the EP pilot onto soaring skills. With Hang glider flights of 10-20 minutes or more. Tandem Hang glider flights are used for some tuition. Radios are used for communication. We have found that in addition to week day and weekend training it helps pilots to progress if we make one evening per week available for Club pilot tuition. The evening for Club pilot training is chosen on a Monday to suit the weather.

DFC Course theory. The Pilot Handbook. By Mark Dale. Includes all the information and theory you will need  for the BHPA  EP and CP exams. Available from BHPA online shop.

At the Derbyshire Flying Centre we take great pride in producing Hang glider pilots with a high skill level and a good attitude to embark on a long and safe flying career.

Committed to a Club pilot course. This means that you intend to take up the sport. It makes sense to be using your own Flight gear.  New Hang glider and harness will cost about £4,500, used equipment is available from about £1,800. Buying your equipment from the DFC has advantages:

• You use the same wing each time you fly.
• We take the responsibility of matching you to the right flight equipment seriously.
• Your harness is adjusted correctly for you
• You begin your flying career, satisfied that your equipment is right for you and is correctly set up and adjusted.
• We are able to give a discount when you purchase your glider from us because as a school we do not have to invest in a wing for you to fly.

You can use DFC equipment but will be charged for any damage. You can hire Hang gliding equipment from us. You can use your own Hang gliding equipment once it has been inspected for your use in the school. Hang glider inspection fee is £100. We can talk about the best options for you.