Introductory Lesson

If you are still not sure what hang gliding is all about, this three hour lesson provides a video presentation, a groundschool on how a hang glider flies and teaches the basics of assembly, launch and ground skimming on the lower slopes of the dune. The student gets to practice first in a simulator. You are assisted and supervised in three beginning ground skims. Your feet leave the ground 3 to 5 feet and you can begin to practice straight and level flight. Be careful though, its hard to just have three flights! You might as well pay for a full lesson. Check the Schedule for availability. Cost $70.00

Day Lessons

These lessons build on the introductory lesson material above using United States Hang Gliding Association competency standards. Ground school is integrated into the lesson before and after dune and hill and training. Tandem flights and radio solo tow flights are used at the appropriate stages in proficiency to introduce the student to high flights. Mountain launch skills are introduced after solid Hang II skills are attained. Each lesson-day averages 7-12 flights. 14 lesson-days are usually required to gain the necessary proficiency to become an independent mountain or tow pilot. Cost: $130 per lesson (7-10 flights) No flight limits when bought in a package of three. $100 per lesson with first equipment purchase. See Step Package lesson program below. Nonrefundable but always redeemable. Lesson policies apply

Solo/Tandem Lesson

The most meaningful and memorable experience is to have hill-tandem lesson. First, you have a hill lesson on a beautiful oregon coast dune or an inland hill or at the tow park, where you solo pilot a glider four to five feet off the ground. Then we have the tandem. Since you understand how the glider works and flies you are a much safer passenger. Also, your familarity with the feelings of flight will not overwhelm your senses! Since the weather is in control of when we fly, and who flies in the weather, there is a certain process that we follow for success. Please read the Solo/Tandem protocol guide on the registration form.

The Four Step Program

This training program is comprised of four 3 day-lesson training camps. Time between camps can used to study for the written examinations.

General Schedule

Over 40 flight proficiences in four steps are learned in series. The goal is to earn a mountain-rated Hang II in 12-14 flying lesson-days. Each package of 3 lessons is purchased seperately during the program. Lesson step package can be applied to single day lessons and camps. Beware that sporadic lessons require constant review so it may take longer and cost more if you go this route.

Each step teaches Hang I, Hang II and Mountain and/or tow skills in sequence. Radio communication, video review, parachute course and tandem instruction is used in training. The cost of the training is significantly decreased because of the student's time and financial committment and subsequent increase in effective learning. A Step Card is given each student to help track progress. There are a number of lessons on one side of the card and list of proficiences on the other side. As you take a lesson, your proficiences are checked off.

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

Step Four

Purchase of equipment in each step saves you $60.00 to $120.00 per step. Purchase of packages waives all flight limits. Purchase of an comprehensive equipment package at the start of training brings down the lesson cost to $85.00 per lesson. Clearly, this is the best deal when used in conjunction with Step packages. All step packages must be used within seven flyable scheduled weekends of purchase.

See the specifics of what you learn here

Why the entire program is important

Compare costs to other programs here

Check the Schedule for availability.

Hang Gliding Training Camps

The one week camp teaches Step One and Two skills to make a great adventure vacation! Please register for one by contacting the instructor and negotiating dates. You will be able to say "I learned to hang glide" at the end of the week and may be the best way to learn for those with scheduling problems. Some will stop here and it would have been totally worth the experience.

However, taking 3 three-day (long weekend) Hang Gliding Training Camps with a parachute clinic and mountain lessons is the quickest and most cost effective way to learn Hang I and II skills for the serious student. The student will get the all the instruction, learning materials and memberships you will need to have fun and stay safe. This lesson format incorporates the Step One and Two package skill-set and and the Second Step equipment purchase discount insuring the most effective and cost efficient progress. There are fewer lesson costs because there is less review of previously learned skills and no equipment purchasing mistakes. Between camps you will study for the required written exams and pass each with your increasing physical proficiencies.

For instance, during these series of camps, the most proficient students can expect to launch unassisted and land softly from the mid-dune (60-70 feet) by the second camp and begin to work on Step Two proficiencies like cross-wind launches and turns. A daily schedule of two 3 hour lessons and evening ground school and video review prepares the student for the beginner hang one written examination. Similarly, a 3 day weekend mountain or tow clinic gives the novice the confidence to become a independent high alitude pilot. These camps are strongly recommended. You will develop some great friendships with your camp-mates!

See the Schedule Page for camp dates and registration. Cost: $300 (Step Package price) + accommodations price (depending on luxury of accommodations i.e. tents or cabins).

Group Rates

As a group leader, you may want to build some commardarie between the participants or just have a team building experience. Register for the group/special event lesson day. Nothing bonds like a challenge to the body and senses! Your group can experience what hang gliding is all about through this extensive introduction to hang gliding. The day starts with informative videos presenting the basics and progress of foot launched flying. The attendees then get to practice in a ground simulator, applying the control movements seen in the videos and coached by the instructor. But now, the real fun begins. The group then assembles a hang glider and learns how to launch on flat ground. Finally, we go a little higher up the slopes of the dune for your first solo ground skimming flights (with your instructor running along side). Only the easiest flying gliders are used.

The day ends with showers for all and a group dinner in a fine restaurant in Pacific City.

(See the Schedule Page for dates and number registrants. Cost - $95.00 per person for groups of 4-6. $75.00 per person for groups of 6-12 (five flights each)

Coastal Lesson Location

Cape Kiwanda (Pacific City, OR) Meet at Stimulus Coffee Shop at 10:00 am. 2.5 hours mins from Portland (See Map Here)

Inland Lesson Location

Buttercup Butte (southeast of Albany, OR) Meet at intersection of I-5 and Hwy 34 at the Gas and Go station at notified time. Camping is available in Corvallis for the evening before.(See map of Training hill Location and Camping Location

Monroe Hill. Meet at intersection of 4th St and Van Buren at the Hollywood Video in Corvallis, right across the the Willamette River bridge into Corvallis from Hwy 34 at the notified time. Camping is available in Monroe.

Please fill out the registration form on the web. Also, print out the waiver and bring it filled out.

Remember to bring a light backpack to carry water, light jacket, sunglasses, sunblock, light pants and shorts, baseball cap, tent, sleeping bag (camp reservations (503) 965-5001) /or motel reservation :(866)567-3466 Email: reservations@pacificcityinn.com