Byron Bay - Hang Gliding 25kt wind - Beautiful clear water day.

[Topgeneral3070]

Christ that's beautiful...can you launch from anywhere or are the areas restricted?

[markandjackif]

@Topgeneral3070 Thanks! There is lots of places to launch from.With coastal flying you are restricted to the ridge because that's where the lift is and with inland flying (launching from a mountain) you can get to cloud base and go cross-country for many kilometers providing you comply with airspace restrictions.

[powerade159]

whats the go with just buying a hang glider and teaching yourself? legal, illigal...?

[markandjackif]

@powerade159 In Oz it's illegal,but in some other countries I think you can. Hang gliding can be very dangerous if you don't have the correct training and knowledge,so if you do get a glider,seek professional training and fly safe...

[powerade159]

@markandjackif Yeah well im in Brisbane, uhm i wasnt planning on just going to buy one and go for it coz im noot really keen for killing myself just yet, iv checked out the courses they do down at byron so i might give that a go, did you do that course. if so is there an age limit? im 17. always wanted to soar above the earth, my dream. :)

[Bennyclay661]

do they do a coarse at byron bay? to get you hang gliding licence or whatever it may be called?

[markandjackif]

@Bennyclay661 Yes there is 4 instructors in the area.The training cost about $1500 and you have to complete a theory book,sit an examination and also a few soaring solo flights to get signed off.Once you have completed all this you will receive a restricted licence.

[Bennyclay661]

@markandjackif thanks for that information after that what is the next licence up and what does it take to get that and then is there any licences above that?

[markandjackif]

@Bennyclay661 There is 3 ratings,novice,intermediate and advanced.You have to sit an examination and have the required amount of hours up to progress to each level.Eg.I now have over 50 hours and just about to sit for the intermediate level.

[serioussstuff]

Thanks for the detailed reply. I'm up there on holidays in October, and if I manage to hire a glider I'll give it a shot. cheers Pete

[markandjackif]

@serioussstuff Let me know when you are here and I'll organise a glider for you,my CFI has heaps of wings.Cheers mate!

[serioussstuff]

@markandjackif

excellent, I look forward to it!

[serioussstuff]

That must be a great place to fly, I love that part of the country. What sort of height do you get there and how long is the beat?