Harnesses

While you can buy some hang glider harnesses online, most need to be purchased from a dealer, which will typically be listed on the harness manufacturers website.

Instruments

Hang glider pilots use an instrument called a “variometer” or a “vario” to determine their altitude. As a student, you won’t need a vario, but once you own a hang glider, you will want a vario on your aircraft.

* Flytec was founded in Switzerland and bought by the Slovenian company NavITer in 2016. Flytec instruments are made at the Flymaster factory in Portugal.

Hang Glider Manufacturers

Most hang gliding instructors are also hang glider dealers, who will sell you the aircraft of your choice, after your piloting skills have earned you a beginner rating from the United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association.

Reserve Parachutes

As a student flying on training hills, you won’t need a parachute. However, once you begin to fly at higher altitudes, most airfields will request you have a parachute in your harness.

Hang Glider Bags

A quality glider bag is essential to store and transport your hang glider. Storage bags are included with every hang glider you purchase, but a backup or a replacement may be necessary someday.

Helmets

Safety certification tests for airsport helmets (EN966) are one of the lowest in the helmet industry. Therefore, many pilots use downhill mountain bike (ASTM F1952) or ebike helmets (NTA 8776), since they follow more stringent safety ratings.

Used Gliders

If you chose to purchase used equipment, make sure to have that gear inspected by an experienced and reputable pilot before using it.

Radio Transceivers

Some airfields request pilots carry a 2-way handheld radio.
A ham radio license is not required to use these transceivers, because United States Code, Title 47, Chapter I, Subchapter D, Part 97, Subpart E, permits unlicensed transmissions for the safety of human life.