How do you hang glide in Florida?
A specially designed ultralight tows the hang gliders up into the sky. Learning
this way is much faster, easier, safer, and more convenient than mountain
launching. We teach this way more than any school in the nation.
What is tandem hang gliding?
A USHGA-certified tandem instructor and a student fly side by side in a hang
glider built for two. This is the best way to learn
to fly.
When can I do it?
The ideal time to learn to hang glide is in still, calm air. Usually this
means early in the morning and later in the afternoon. The Wallaby Ranch
offers tandem training every day of the year, weather permitting.
How safe is it?
Hang gliding, when done conservatively, is one of the safest forms of
recreational aviation. It depends largely on the
training and operations policies of the particular site, and the Wallaby
Ranch has a reputation for being over-cautious and very patient. It has paid
off: we have an excellent safety record.
How high will we go? A regular tandem flight goes to 2,000 feet (almost
half a mile up). Half-tandems go to 1,000 feet and are used for practicing
approaches and landings. Thermal tandems have lasted for hours and been to
heights of over 6000'.
How many tandems before I can go solo?
3 tandem flights is what is takes to get your first rating and about 15 dual
flights to go by yourself. (Including a few half-tandems towards the end.)
Some people take less and some take more. You will know when you are ready.
How long does it last?
A tandem flight lasts about fifteen minutes. The experience lasts a lifetime.
Do I have to buy a hang glider?
No. The ranch has more nice rental gliders than anyplace.
Can I bring my friends and family to watch? What can they do
there?
They'll have a blast -- check out the other
amenities.
Where can I stay?
On site (you can camp here) or at one of the seven
nearby motels.
How long can you fly?
The Ranch record is for over six and a half hours and 100 miles.
What is the best time of the day for flying?
Early morning and late afternoon for students, and the middle of the day
for advanced pilots. (Rising air means longer, higher
flights, but it also means turbulence.)
When are you open?
7 days a week, all day. If you call and get the machine it is because everyone
is outside flying. Someone will get right back with you.
How much does it cost?
A tandem flight costs $75. Half-tandems cost $50. This price includes everything:
all your equipment, the instructor, glider rental, and the tow, plus ground
school. A package of ten tandems costs $650. Once you learn, a tow costs
only $15, and a beginner glider rents for $15. Gift certificates available.
How do I get there?
We are just minutes off Interstate-4, a few miles from Disney World. See
the directions.
Do I need a reservation?
No. You don't even have to pay unless you feel it was worth it. Satisfaction
is guaranteed. Please do call ahead so we know when to expect you, and you'll
know what to expect. Gift Certificates are available.
Can I get trained and checked out to fly elsewhere?
Yes. We can get you ready to fly anywhere, including mountain sites. Once
you know how to fly, learning to foot-launch will not be difficult. We can
sign you off with all your official ratings, too, so that no matter where
you go, people will know what your skills and abilities are.
Who will I fly with?
You will fly with one of the most experienced and qualified USHGA-certified
tandem instructors in the world. Malcolm
has made many thousands of tandem flights.
What else should I know?
The weight limit is about 220 lbs. for tandem students, less if conditions
are not perfectly ideal. Hang gliding is very weather dependent. Good conditions
for beginner solo flying, tandem flying, and advanced flying are not
the same. Fortunately, here at the Ranch the weather
is good most of the time. Weekdays are usually less busy than weekends.
Appointments are suggested, but not necessary.
What are the prices for everything else?
We have kept the same prices for about 4 years. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
If you think anything you do with us was not worth it you do not have to
pay. Email me and I will send you a
detailed breakdown.
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