![]() ![]() Starting in the 1880s technical and scientific advancements were made that led to the first truly practical gliders. Most early glider designs did not fulfill safe flight the problem was that early flight pioneers did not understand the underlying principles that made a bird's wing work. Summary: Some glider flights have been recorded as early as 875 AD. The pilot can cruise in good weather at speeds of 40 to 72 km/h (25 to 45 mi/h), but powered harnesses have limited power, range and thrust, so are best used as self-launch devices to achieve enough altitude to find a warm-rising air thermal for soaring. Although the main appeal of FLPHGs is to the already experienced hang glider pilot, interest in these machines is growing rapidly, particularly in areas where there are no hills for foot-launching. An ordinary hang glider is used for its wing and control frame, and the pilot can foot-launch from a hill or from flat ground, needing a length of about a football field to get airborne, or much less if there is an oncoming breeze and no obstacles. Our members hold pilot ratings issued by the SAFA, which range from those just starting out through to advanced pilots.Flying a powered hang glider over the Cyprus coast.Ī foot-launched powered hang glider (FLPHG), also called powered harness, nanolight or hangmotor, is a powered hang glider harness with a motor and propeller in pusher configuration. We welcome all enquiries about flying in Tasmania from anyone who is interested in learning more. The THPA is committed to encouraging and supporting all members to fly safe and have fun! For this reason, microlights are often stored in a hanger. A trailer is required for transport and running costs are higher. Microlights allow higher, faster flying - and can be flown in more varied weather. This is suspended below a fabric wing that looks similar to a hang glider wing.Īs with hang gliding and paragliding, microlights are also weight shift controlled. Microlight pilots sit in a propeller-driven trike pod. They are a popular choice over a microlight due to relative ease of transport, and the reduced entry cost over a microlight. ![]() Paramotoring offers the pilot the opportunity to safely fly slower and lower. Powered paragliding is most suited to low wind conditions. This in turn provides enough energy to launch from flat ground. Powered Paragliding is achieved through the use of paraglider wings specifically designed for paramotoring.Ī paramotor pilots has a similar setup to a paraglider, however with the addition of a motor and propeller on their back. Being more “aircraft-like” with their solid wing structure, hang gliders can glide further than paragliders and they can fly in stronger winds too. Hang gliders have a significantly more substantial structure than a Paraglider. The wing is most often an aluminium frame covered in a synthetic sail material. Hang Glider pilots fly in a horizontal position, face down in a harness that is affixed to a more rigid wing. Paragliding and hang gliding are possibly the cheapest type of flight. Paragliders can launch and maintain flight in lighter conditions than hang gliders, and are generally more manoeuvrable too. Paragliders are relatively simple to set up and are light enough to be carried in a backpack. Paragliders are controlled via the manipulation of the lines – primarily via the two hand held brake lines – and through the shifting of the pilots weight under the wing. Here is a basic overview of each of the four types of flight that to get you thinking – then check out some of our videos and pictures to help you get a feel for what might interest you! ParaglidingĪ Paraglider pilot sits upright in a seated harness connected via lines to a fabric wing that maintains flight via air pressure under the wing. ![]() There are four kinds of sports aviation that come under the Sports Aviation Federation of Australia (SAFA) - Hang gliding, Paragliding, Powered Paragliding and Microlighting.Įach of the different types of flight has its own specific requirements – and there are big differences in equipment, portability, suitability for conditions, etc. Choosing a type of flight is an entirely personal decision – we recommend researching the available options and then deeply exploring the type of flight that you feel drawn towards to ensure it is the right choice for you. ![]()
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