Lessons and Instruction

InstructionTopImg.jpgWhether you're new to hang gliding or have already logged hundreds of hours, the Florida Ridge is the ideal place to establish or improve your flying skills. As a United States Hang Gliding Association certified school, we teach hundreds of beginners to fly and offer extensive continuing education to pilots of all levels. With our modern tandem Aerotow training and South Florida's near-perfect conditions, we can help you reach your goals quickly and safely.

 

 

 

Learn, Improve, Succeed!

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Level I: The Soaring Program

The Florida Ridge's Soaring Program is your entry into the world of modern hang gliding. From our 60-acre grass field, a specially-designed ultralight (tug) will tow you (in your pilot's harness) and our certified instructor safely into the air on a customized tandem glider. When released from the towline at more than 1,500 feet, you will literally glide through the air, getting a bird's-eye view of South Florida the way it was meant to be seen... from the air.

9 Tandem Flights over 1,500 Feet
In one of the most advanced training programs hang gliding has to offer, you will learn how to launch, fly and land a hang glider with a USHGA Certified Instructor. Practical instructions will include:
• Launch Techniques
• Pitch Control
• Yaw Control
• Roll Control
• Aerotow Yaw Control
• Landing Techniques

Ground School
In ground school, you will learn basic hang gliding skills, including:
• Hang glider components and terminology
• Setup and breakdown of a hang glider
• Skills including pre-flight inspection, hang check and pre-launch techniques
• Weight shift training on a simulator

In-shop Viewing of Hang Gliding Training Videos
These videos are designed to reinforce your flight training and ground school. Available for viewing as often as you like.

Test and Qualification
At the end of the Level 1 Program you will take a written test that will qualify you for your United States Hang Gliding Association (USHGA) beginner Hang 1 Rating and prepare you for the Level II Solo Program. Any incorrect answers will be discussed and explained by an instructor.

USHGA certification and ratings are contingent on pilot performance.

The Level I Soaring Program is $945.00
If needed, additional tandem training flights are $149.00 each as part of this training program.

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Level II: The Solo Program

After successful completion of the Level I Program, you are ready for The Solo Program. This course is your continuation into the the world of hang gliding. You will perfect the skills learned in Level I in preparation for solo flight. All flights will be tandem or supervised by a USHGA Certified Instructor.

11 Training Flights at More Than 1,500 Feet
You will learn enhance your skills in launching, flying and landing a hang glider under the supervision of a USHGA Certified Instructor. Upon successful demonstration of the necessary skills and an evaluation by an instructor, you will be prepared for solo flight. Practical instructions will include:
• Launch Techniques
• In-Flight Maneuvers
• Landing Approach
• Landing Techniques

Ground School
In ground school, you will learn basic additional hang gliding basics, including:
• Basic Aerodynamics
• Airspeed vs. Groundspeed
• Speeds of Flight: Minimum Sink, Trim, Best L/D (Lift Over Drag)
• Micro Meteorology
• Equipment Safety
• Ground Handling Skills

In-shop Viewing of Hang Gliding Training Videos
These videos are designed to reinforce your flight training and ground school. Avaialble for viewing as often as you like.

Test and Qualification
At the end of the Level II Program you will take a written test that will qualify you for your United States Hang Gliding Association (USHGA) Novice Hang II Rating. Any incorrect answers will be discussed and explained by an instructor.

USHGA certification and ratings are contingent on pilot performance.

The Level II Soaring Program is $1,195.00
If needed, additional tandem training flights are $149.00 each as part of this training program.

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The Pilot Program

Combining the Level I and Level II Programs for a cost saving and a free extra flight, the Florida Ridge's Pilot Program is your entry into the world of modern hang gliding and solo flight. Our tandem instruction offers an accelerated way to learn and perfect the skills necessary to launch, fly and land a hang glider solo. Get a bird's-eye view of South Florida the way it was meant to be seen... from the air. When released from the towline at more than 1,500 feet, you will literally glide through the air, as klight as a feather.

21 Aerotow Training Flights at More Than 1,500 Feet
Under the supervision of a USHGA Certified Instructor, in one of the most advanced training programs hang gliding has to offer, you will learn to launch, fly and land a hang glider. Practical instructions will include:
• Launch Techniques
• Pitch Control
• Yaw Control
• Roll Control
• In-Flight Maneuvers
• Approach Methods for Landings
• Landing Techniques

Ground School
Through hands-on training, your instructor will teach you basic hang gliding skills, including:
• Hang glider components and terminology
• Setup and breakdown of a hang glider
• Equipment Safety
• Pre-Flight Inspection, Hang Check and Pre-Launch Techniques
• Basic Aerodynamics
• Micro Meteorology
• Ground Handling Skills
• Weight Shift Training on a simulator

In-shop Viewing of Hang Gliding Training Videos
These videos are designed to reinforce your flight training and ground school. Avaialble for viewing as often as you like.

Test and Qualification
At the ends of Level 1 and Level II you will take written tests that will qualify you for your United States Hang Gliding Association (USHGA) Hang I and Hang II ratings. Any incorrect answers will be discussed and explained by an instructor.

USHGA Certification and ratings are contingent on pilot performance.

The Pilot Program ( Levels I and II combined plus an extra flight ) is $1,995.00
If needed, additional tandem training flights are $149.00 each as part of this training program

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Solo Practice Program

For Solo Pilots who need or want to practice or brush up on the basics, and have their own equipment. This program includes up to 4 aerotows up to 800ft in altitude. This will give you an opportunity to quickly find your weaknesses and work on them from one flight to another since the flights will be short and you will have the assistance of the the tug pilot to help you on towing technique and the ground crew for retrieval, launch setup and launch priority.

Solo Practice
With the Assistance of the Florida Ridge Crew or Instructor, in a quick succession of up to 4 tows you will be able to practice:
• Aerotow Launches and Launch Techniques
• Pattern Tows - Towing Techniques
• Landing Approaches
• Landings and Landing Technique

The Solo Practice Program  is $90** for Yearly Members $120** for Non-Members
For assistance please make and appointment and allow an hour and a half for this program.

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Solo Rental Program

After you have successfully completed the Level I and Level II Programs at The Florida Ridge, you should have the basic ability to fly solo under the guidance of an instructor. The Solo Rental Program is designed to refine your solo skills and prepare you to fly in more challenging conditions. Instructional methods may include solo flight in combination with tandem flights, both of which will be under instructor supervision to improve confidence and continue the development of new skills. This course may be augmented with further ground schooling and video training. This Program includes 10 instructional flights up to 2000 feet. All tows, rental equipment (i.e. harness, glider, helmet, parachute, landing wheels) and instructor guidance are included in these 10 flights.

4 Flights to Refine Basic Skills
Under the supervision of a USHGA Certified Instructor, you will cover:

  • Judging Airspeed
  • Stable Tracking Under Tow
  • Stalls
  • The “Round Out” Method
  • Flare Techniques
  • Altitude Awareness
  • Dolly Launch Techniques
  • Lock Out Awareness

3 Flights to Refine In-Flight Maneuvers

  • Turn Techniques
    • Coordinated
    • Slipping
  • Landing Techniques
    • The “Figure 8” approach
    • Airport (or “Box”) Approach
    • Landing Zone Setup
  • Constant Airspeed & Bank Angle
  • Transitioning from base tubes to down tubes

3 Flights to Refine Towing Skills

  • Cross Wind Launch
  • Tow Positioning
  • Thermal Conditions

The Solo Rental Program is $995.00

If needed, additional tandem training flights are $149.00 each as part of this training program

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