Foot launch
The traditional way of launching a hang glider, either running down a hill or off of the side of a mountain.
- Hill launch from Lookout Mountain's big training hill{{#ev:youtube|XRLNTLlo8JY}}
- Mountain launch from Lookout Mountain Flight Park, Georgia, USA{{#ev:youtube|yTt15RiKci0}}
- Training hill flights, Taylor Farm,Virginia {{#ev:youtube|VRAo7HA6IRc}}
Towing
You don't need a hill to get a hang glider into the air. There are a number of different ways to tow a glider.
Aerotowing
An ultralight aircraft can tow a hang glider thousands of feet into the air.
- Aerotow Launches from Wallaby Ranch, Florida, USA
- Collection of AeroTow Launches by Beginner to Intermediate Pilots
Scooter Towing
A modified motor scooter can make an excellent winch, and can pull a hang glider to nearly 1000 feet.
- A different view, looking backwards from the glider
- Rear View Scooter Tow Launch
Truck Towing
A truck or trailer equipped with a Payout Winch is a popular launching method in flatland areas.
A Payout Winch can tow HGs up to several thousand feet AGL, and any vehicle with a trailer hitch can be the tow-vehicle.
A rewind motor can retrieve the towline, before it can hit the ground.
- The Truck Gets Little {{#ev:youtube|rrlxSs9-hLI}}
- Platform towing with Martin Henry in Mansfield:
Boat Towing
The same payout winch used in truck towing works just as well from a boat.