Hill, winch, aerotow and power: adding hang gliding launch methods

• What it is: Short BHPA courses that add a new launch method, called an environment, to your hang gliding rating.
• What you need first: At least Club Pilot (Novice) in hang gliding. Some courses need logged hours or flights on top (listed below).
• Cost: If you train at a school, a day is usually £140 to £200. The BHPA charges £20 to add each environment (fees from 1 April 2026).
• What's next: Pilot track: Advanced Pilot, which needs a second environment. Coaching track: Tow or Aerotow Coach.

What hang gliders can do

The BHPA approves hill launch, winch tow (static or pay-out) and aerotow for hang gliders, solo or dual. Power is solo only. You can't tow a hang glider on a fixed-length line behind a vehicle.

The four courses

Tow or Aerotow to Hill

• Run by: an Instructor (Hill).
• You need: CP (Tow) or CP (Aerotow).
• You do: the Hill training record (skipping what you've already shown you can do), ridge soaring theory and practice, top landings, and the Hill exam.

Hill or Aerotow to Tow

• Run by: a Senior Tow Coach or an Instructor (Tow).
• You need: CP (Hill) plus 10 hours soaring on hang gliders, or Aerotow CP signed off by an Aerotow Instructor as competent at foot take-offs and landings.
• You do: at least 10 flights, including at least 2 launches to over 600ft and at least 4 using a chest release, plus the Tow exam.

Hill or Tow to Aerotow

• Run by: a Senior Aerotow Coach.
• You need: CP plus at least 10 hours, or CP plus at least 10 dual aerotow flights.
• You do: ground crew and aerotow theory, 4 normal aerotows to at least 1,500ft, 4 with horizontal 8s to at least 1,500ft (ending in a wave-off), at least two trolley and two foot launches, one experience of the tug releasing the line, and the Aerotow exam.

Hill, Tow or Aerotow to Power

• Run by: a Senior Power Coach or an Instructor (Power).
• You need: CP in any hang gliding environment.
• You do: the Power training record and the Power exam.

Every course avoids nil wind for first flights and ends with an assessment by the instructor or coach running it. Wheels go on the base bar for all of them except Power. Your form and fee must reach the BHPA within seven days of sign-off, and you can fly in the new environment while your card is updated.

The CAA bit

The BHPA's manual says the CAA requires its permission to tow launch inside an aerodrome traffic zone (ATZ) or above 60m. The application form for a CAA Tow Site Permit is available from the BHPA office.

Source: Technical Manual (Amendment 24) (sections 1.3.15, 3.4.3 and Section 1 Chapter 2 Appendix B) and BHPA Fees, BHPA, checked October 2026.

Governing body: British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA). It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for hang gliding, so it's the official place to find out more.

Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.

The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.