Frequently
Asked Questions
Who can hang glide or fly a
Microlight?
Anyone in
good health with no disabilities that would prevent them
from obtaining a drivers license.
The minimum age is 14 years
old, and parental
or guardian consent is required until
the age of 18.
Is
it safe?
Hang
gliding and Microlighting can be dangerous, however if approached sensibly
is one of the safest and most rewarding
adventure sports around.
All schools in Australia are required to conform to the HGFA (and
CASA) minimum standards for equipment, operational systems, certification
and ongoing support. Equipment must also be certified to rigorous
international safety standard
Where
can I fly?
Having completed your hanggliding license, the sky is yours. We
have numerous coastal and inland hill sites. The West Australian
wheat belt region offers some of the best "flatlands"
cross country flying conditions in the world. HGFA qualifications
are recognised the world over which means you can also fly when
you travel elsewhere in Australia or overseas. Having completed your Certificate
in Microlighting you may fly anywhere that is not in controlled airspace
or over built up area's. However lands owner permission is required before
you may take off.
When
can I fly?
We fly virtually all year round. The
summer months usually see us sharing thermals with wedge-tailed
eagles in the West Australian wheat-belt. The Albany region also
offers excellent coastal soaring opportunities during this time
of year. During the winter we utilise the many coastal and inland hill
sites close to Perth, and in the Avon and Geraldton regions.
Microlighting you may fly all year around, however that air does
tents to be bumpiest during that heat of the day in the summer months.
Are there hang gliding competitions?
There are numerous competitions held around
Australia during the spring and summer months.
Competitions
are an excellent way to improve skills, gain lots of airtime and have
a heck of a lot of fun! Generally
the competition format is a timed race around a
predetermined course. "Tasks" are often well over
100kms and take several hours to complete. Pilots can reach altitudes
of up to 10,000 feet ASL along the way.
How much
does it cost?
Hang gliding is one of the cheapest ways to fly. A
complete kit consisting of a hang glider,
harness, parachute, helmet, instruments and
radio costs around $7000 new or $3500 second hand. All equipment
is provided during the training process. Clubs can provide hire
equipment until you are ready to purchase your own. Microlighting
can be bought from as little as $15,000 second hand, however you
must always remember you get what you pay for. It is often more
economical to buy aircraft from a reputable dealer such as Light Flight.
How
do I get started?
Simple! Light Flight offers a range of courses. We recommend
starting with the Introductory Basic Training course. If
you'd like to experience hang gliding or Microlighting before commencing
your solo training, we also offer Tandem Introductory Training
Flights. |