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While Hang Gliding is almost certainly the least expensive form of aviation, it still requires some expenditures.


Tom Sterner offers this suggestion:

Something to keep in mind if one is money strapped:

  • Most instructors do not have a problem with on lookers, at least if you stay out of the way. I hung out frequently listening to the instructor train people, to the point I eventually voluntarily worked for my training. You can learn just as much watching people make mistakes, and listen to debriefs of the instructor.
  • As I worked for the airfield more and more, the more aka: free training I got.
  • After watching beginners make mistakes, it came to me much faster how to avoid making the same mistakes.
  • After investing my time I ended up getting trained as a reward for the work I had done.
  • This is not going to happen everywhere, but making relationships with instructors and proving that you want to be a part of the growth and development of the sport: this will get you much further than thinking about doing it or even blaming someone else for your non involvement in the sport.

Tom Sterner (Tizeagle)


Others have some notes

  • Use the bus to transport yourself and your hang glider to launch sites and from landing sites.
  • Clean launch sites and landing zones. Find dropped coins, recyclables, and other valuables.
  • Ever fly so that you do no injury to anyone or self or to any property.
  • Build your own hang glider from discarded materials. Study crafting to the point where this activity becomes fully successful and safe. (NOTE: This practice is generally considered unsafe, especially for beginners.)
  • Become a driver-to-launch and retriever-from-XC flights. Receive tips for such service sometimes; use their cars and trucks, not yours (you go without a car or truck).
  • Prepare questions from studying. Look for answers far and near.
  • Teach some speciality hang gliding topic in ground school.