Hang Gliding Questions?

Question

I have always wanted to hang glide and I am hoping that I could get some info from someone that knows about it.

1. Typically, How much are the lessons and how long does it commonly take to learn how to fly on your own?

2. Are there rules on when, were, how high you can fly, etc. like they have for aircrafts?

3. Do you have to get a license or ratings to fly a hang glider?

4. How much does a hang glider cost?

5. How long can you normally stay up?

Sorry about all of the questions but if you could answer any of them or give me a link that would help me out.

Answer 1

Not really up on it but since no other answers:
1. Expect to pay a professional his due, $25.00 an hour or so.
2. Yes. There are altitude/airspace limits. You will learn them as part of your training.
3. I believe a certificate is required.
4. It's aircraft rated stuff - Expensive for what you get.
5. Depends on the thermals or winds off a slope.
All day, if your bladder can stand it, if conditions are right.
(ALLWAYS TURN AWAY FROM THE HILL).
Best of luck.

Answer 2

1)This place has some pretty cheap (but good, I've heard) lessons, most are like 120$$ for like three flights or something. They have a lot of information on it.

2) Not entirely sure. You can fly above the clouds if you have the experience, but don't like go so high you run out of oxygen unless you have an air tank.

3) Yes, from the USHGA (unites states hang gliding association) or USHPA (united states hang gliding and paragliding association) or something. Like that if ur not in the us.

4) A lot. A good one can be from 3,000 to 20,000 from what I hear.

5) the longest hang glider flight ever recorded was from south america to somewhere in like Kansas or Tennessee or something. It just depends on conditions and your personal skill.