What’s the Difference?
Hang gliding and paragliding are popular forms of unpowered flight, but they have significant differences in equipment, flight characteristics, and training requirements. Here's a breakdown of the main differences:
Equipment
Hang Gliders: have a rigid frame made of aluminum or carbon fiber, which gives the wing a defined shape. Pilots lie prone in a harness suspended from the wing, controlling the glider by shifting their body weight. Hang gliders are often launched by running off a hill or using a winch tow.
Paragliders: have a flexible, inflatable wing (canopy) with no rigid structure, which inflates with air to take shape. Pilots sit in a harness and control the glider using brake lines attached to the trailing edge of the wing. They’re typically launched by running down a slope or being towed into the air.
Flight Characteristics
Hang Gliders: generally fly faster and have a better glide ratio, allowing them to cover more distance and handle stronger winds. The rigid frame provides more stability and control, making it easier to maneuver in turbulent conditions. They require a larger, clearer area for landing due to their higher speeds.
Paragliders: fly slower and have a lower glide ratio, which limits their ability to cover long distances. Paragliders are more sensitive to turbulence and require more active piloting to maintain stability and control. Due to their slower speeds they can land in smaller, more confined areas.
Training and Accessibility
Hang Gliding: generally requires more extensive training due to the complexity of the equipment and the higher speeds involved. It can take 3-6 months to earn the first two USHPA pilot ratings*. The necessary equipment is bulkier and more challenging to transport and set up.
Paragliding: tends to have a shorter learning curve, making it more accessible for beginners. You’re looking at 10-15 days of training. The equipment is more portable and can be packed into a backpack, making it easier to transport and set up.
Experience and Community
Hang gliding communities tend to be smaller and more specialized due to the more extensive training and equipment requirements. Pilots often have a background in other forms of aviation or have been involved in the sport for many years.
Paragliding communities are larger and more diverse, with a wide range of participants from beginners to experts. A more accessible sport, it attracts a broader range of participants, from casual flyers to dedicated adventurers.
Both hang gliding and paragliding offer unique and exhilarating flying experiences. Hang gliding provides faster speeds, greater stability, and the ability to cover more distance, making it ideal for experienced pilots seeking high-performance flight. Paragliding, with its greater accessibility, portability, and shorter learning curve, is perfect for those looking to quickly get into the air and enjoy the freedom of flight.
A Very Brief History
Paragliding evolved from parachuting in the 1970s and 1980s. The sport began when parachutists started modifying their canopies to enable better control and longer flights. Over time, these modifications led to the development of the paraglider, a wing specifically designed for gliding and maneuverability.
Para:comes from "parachute." The wing used in paragliding is similar in concept to a parachute but designed for a different purpose. While parachutes are primarily designed to slow descent and ensure a safe landing, paragliders are designed for gliding and to enable sustained, controlled flight.
Gliding:indicates unpowered flight, which is to glide through the air without an engine. It highlights the aspect of using wind currents and thermals to maintain altitude and to maneuver through the air.
*The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) offers a structured pilot rating system designed to ensure pilots have the necessary skills and knowledge for safe flying. There are 5 levels each for Hang Gliding and Paragliding (Beginner to Master). Beyond these are Tandem Rating, Instructor Rating and Aerobatics Rating.
To obtain a rating, you must complete a combination of training flights, written exams, and practical tests. Training is conducted under the supervision of a certified instructor.
See: https://www.ushpa.org/page/find-a-school-or-instructor
