For most of us, the dream of flying has been persistent from the first time we looked up and saw birds flying freely through the air. We gazed into the sky at the billowing white clouds and longed to explore their hidden secrets or just float lazily along with them through the vast blue sky. We would run with outstretched arms, flinging ourselves through the air, sure that if we could get just one good leap into a gust of wind, we would know the wonders of our feathered friends.
Most people eventually give up this dream for fear of gravity's firm grasp on them, however some persistent dreamers pursue it through other means such as remote control planes, skydiving, and powered flight. Yet for a few people, these mothods aren't satisfactory. They find themselves not quite fullfilled. They still long for the experience of silently lifting off the ground, arms outstretched, free to follow the birds on their journey through the heavens. If you are one of these people, then you are a future hang glider / paraglider pilot!
If you are not sure where to begin, no problem. Start in our forums for future pilots. There you will find other pilots, both new and experienced, who will be glad to answer your questions. Many times, your question will have already been answered, so take a moment to search through the topics. On our site you will also find a list of hang gliding and paragliding schools in Texas. All schools are headed by a United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) certified instructor with modern training equipment for you to use while you learn. We also list USHPA clubs in Texas that can serve as a vital source of support and information.
We have also included a link to an online flight simulator that, while not quite soaring, will give you a basic understanding of some of the principles of flight we utilize. It's also just a lot of fun to play!
Austin Free Flight Association holds regular meetings for members and those interested in learning more about hang gliding and paragliding. Check our calendar for dates and locations.
We look forward to meeting you, and more importantly, to helping you fulfill a life long dream of flying like a bird!
