The DC Traveler

Have you ever wanted to try hang gliding?

Gliding was first documented as early as the late 8th century. Over the next thousand years glider technology, materials and performance improved. In the 1960s, hang gliding as we know it today, began to grow in popularity.

Now’s your chance to give it a try without doing a face plant as you run down a steep hill. The team over at Highland Aerosports offers first-timer the chance to safely experience a low or high-altitude ride in a two-person tandem hang glider piloted by an instructor. You can decide if you want a short 15-minute “flight” at an altitude of 2,500 feet, or go for the Mack Daddy - a 60-minute, flight from 10,000 feet (almost 2 miles up).

No previous flying or hang gliding experience is required, just a serious need for a big dose of adrenaline and a desire for a sense of freedom.

Unlike most hang gliding schools that have students run down a hill and only reach heights of up to 100 feet for less than a minute, Highland Aerosports has come up with a different way to give you the real feel of higher altitude gliding.

Since there are no mountains in the area to safely jump off of, pilots and their gliders are towed behind ultralights specifically designed for towing. It tows you and your glider (and pilot/instructor) to the designated altitude. At that point, the pilot/instructor releases the 250-foot towline and you start soaring. After you get to altitude, you get to control the glider with the instructor assisting. At about 300 feet, the pilot/instructor takes over again and lands the glider.

You also get basic safety, procedure and control instructions.

Highland Aerosports Inc.
24038 Race Track Rd.
Ridgely, MD 21660

About 1.5 hours by car (68 miles) east of DC.

Cost - Instructional first-time flight costs are based on the altitude and flight time.

• 2,500 feet which lasts 12-15 minutes - $130
• 5,200 feet (1 mile up) which lasts 25-30 minutes - $230
• 10,000 feet and lasts 45-60 minutes - $550

In Greek mythology, Icarus, after being warned by his father, plummeted into the sea after he flew too close to the sun and melted the wax holding his wings together.

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Tags: Washington DC, DC, Washington, hang gliding, Maryland,