Step by step · 8 guides

Hang gliding: from first flight to instructor

Start with your first flights at a BHPA school, then work up the pilot ratings and add launch methods. From there you can fly passengers, coach, teach or fly competitions. Every step is here in order.

Quick links

Prices

What it costs

Experience day
£180 to £220 per person (one-day taster)
Become qualified
£1,300 to £1,600 (Elementary Pilot + Club Pilot; BHPA membership extra)
Per day
£140 to £200 a day

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

Governing body

Competitions

Start here

  1. Step 1: How to start hang gliding in the UKHow to start hang gliding in the UK. Then work up the ratings.Read the guide →

Pilot ratings track

  1. Step 2: Hang gliding Elementary Pilot and Club Pilot: your school courseHang gliding Elementary Pilot and Club Pilot: your school course.Read the guide →
  2. Step 3: Hang gliding Pilot and Advanced Pilot ratings: what the BHPA asks forHang gliding Pilot and Advanced Pilot ratings: what the BHPA asks for.Read the guide →
  3. Step 4: Hill, winch, aerotow and power: adding hang gliding launch methodsHill, winch, aerotow and power: adding hang gliding launch methods.Read the guide →

Passenger track

Needs the Pilot rating (step 3).

  1. Step 5: BHPA Dual Pilot for hang gliders: flying with a passengerBHPA Dual Pilot for hang gliders: flying with a passenger.Read the guide →

Coaching and teaching track

Club Coach needs Club Pilot (step 2) plus 10 hours on the hill or 50 tow flights. The other coach awards need the Pilot rating (step 3). Instructor training needs the Pilot rating plus 25 launches.

  1. Step 6: Hang gliding coaches and instructors: BHPA Tow, Aerotow and Instructor routesHang gliding coaches and instructors: BHPA Tow, Aerotow and Instructor routes.Read the guide →

Competition track

  1. Step 7: Hang gliding competitions in the UK: the British Open Series and XC LeagueHang gliding competitions in the UK: the British Open Series and XC League.Read the guide →

For everyone

  1. Step 8: Hang gliding in the UK: kit, prices, who's in charge and safetyHang gliding in the UK: kit, prices, who's in charge and safety.Read the guide →

Ready to start? The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport, or use the enquiry form to have a coach found for you.