Taking a hang gliding course?

Hang gliding is perhaps the most fun way to be outdoors. Imagine: soaring through the air like a bird! Who wouldn't want to try that at least once? In the Netherlands, you can take a hang gliding course at various locations. Don't worry, the hang gliders are super safe and completely optimized, so everyone can fly with them. And bonus: it's the cheapest air sport there is. During the course, you'll not only learn how to fly, but you'll also get some theory about how everything works. In this blog, we'll briefly explain how hang gliding works, why you should take a course, and discuss various flight schools.

What is hang gliding

You use a light, kite-like wing and jump from a hill or cliff to take off. After that, you soar through the air, just like a bird, by using warm air currents (thermals) and wind. As a pilot, you hang in a harness under the wings. You control it by shifting your weight. You can sometimes stay in the air for hours! Besides your harness and wing, you also have a helmet, variometer (for the thermals), radio, and sometimes an emergency parachute.

Why take a course?

Do you want to hang glide yourself? Then you need a hang gliding license. You can obtain this after an exam through the KNVvl (Royal Netherlands Association for Aviation). Not sure yet if it's something for you? No problem, you can always try an introduction course first.

During a course in the Netherlands, you're usually pulled up by a winch or an ultralight aircraft. Once you've reached a height of 300 to 500 meters, you release the cable and go in search of thermals. With those, you can soar even higher, up to 1000 or 2000 meters!

Recognized Dutch schools

In the Netherlands, there are several recognized hang gliding schools. These schools organize practical courses both domestically and abroad. The courses are for beginners without any knowledge or experience or for advanced pilots. With beginners, the exercises start on flat ground and they get time to get used to it. For advanced pilots, there are courses to become even better at thermal flying or cross-country flying. Everyone is guided by radio from start to landing.

At these schools, you don't need to worry about the necessary equipment. Often you can rent the equipment here and don't need to purchase flying gear yourself yet. Do you eventually want to purchase your own gear? Then the instructors can advise you about suitable materials for your level. The various schools often work together in practice. This way, locations, materials, and expertise are shared with each other.

Delta Fly Adventures

Delta Fly Adventures offers a wide range of courses for both beginners and advanced pilots. In the beginner course, you make 20 tandem flights, attend theory lessons and ground exercises, and fly solo for the first time. The program is divided into 4 lesson blocks, suitable for participants up to 95 kg. The course costs €2,895. You pay €2,895 and receive an official certificate of participation upon completion. Before starting, you fill out a health form to minimize risks.

Want to first discover if hang gliding is something for you? Then join the introduction course. You make two guided flights, learn about the basic principles and receive a safety briefing. This hang gliding course costs €380. Are you an advanced pilot who wants to perfect your skills? That's possible during the specialized mountain flying course. This 9-day course in the French Alps is accessible for pilots with at least Brevet 2 and costs €900.

High5 Deltavliegschool

High5 deltavliegschool has more than 30 years of experience. They offer courses for pilots of every level. Whether you're just starting out or want to take your skills to a higher level with a masterclass, High5 is the right place for you. Additionally, you can obtain the official Brevets 1, 2 and 3 here. Want to learn more about theory? Then you can also take courses like Flight Technique & Equipment Knowledge, Navigation, Regulations & Rules. For prices, it's best to contact the flight school personally

Max L/D

At Max L/D (deltavliegen.nl) there are also courses for every level. These courses are mainly located abroad. For a beginner course, you can take the 1, 2 or 4-day introduction course in Germany. With a maximum of 10 students, you attend the introduction lessons. You start on fairly flat terrain to master your flying technique. After this course, you can take a follow-up course for your Brevet 1. Advanced pilots can take mountain flying, soaring, brevet 3 and towing courses. Contact Max L/D for prices and more information about the hang gliding course.

Take your chance to learn to fly!

Hang gliding is an adventure you simply must experience. It's an unforgettable experience where you can enjoy the freedom, adrenaline and soaring through the air! Whether you're a beginner who just wants to try it once, or an advanced pilot who wants to improve their skills, there's always a course that suits you. Curious about hang gliding with a motorized glider? Then read the blog about deltavliegen met een motor!