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. Avaialble 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 $795
If needed, additional tandem training flights are $95 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 $1,049
If needed, additional tandem training flights are $95 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 $1,795
If needed, additional tandem training flights are $95 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 apointment
and allow an hour and a half for this program.
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