Become a Hang Glider Pilot 

It's definitely changed my life for the better

One can get into Hang Gliding for the cost of a decent mountain bike (here in US). Training around $2k, used good beginner glider $1500- 3000. Many parks have a camp ground $5-25/night. Training in average takes 10- 15 lessons

Great introduction to the sport. As a new pilot from France the only difference I see is cheaper lessons. I learnt the basics with a club for about 250 euros. It's true that a 5-day training session in the Alps (where most instructors operate...) will cost at least twice as much. Still it seems to be a bit cheaper to learn here compared to the US or Great Britain. Anyway it's worth the money. Flying is pure magic!

Just one thing ....... Before you decide to hang glide , ensure your area has a certified , competent , WORTHY instructor. Also ensure you have a club that takes the sport seriously , offers backing and support way past your Novice License .

In USA training will cost well over $3000 with the cost of stay since you cannot find HG school close to you unless u are lucky living closer to those few schools. When it comes to equipment, new single surface hang gliders will cost about $5000 or more depending on the tax bracket in different states , a new reserve parachute will cost about $1200 , a new bag harness will cost $1300 A new helmet and radio will cost $400 and if you want to have an average vario , that will cost about $600 So the true cost of all the equipment and training will be $5000+$1200+$1300+$400+$600+$3000= $11500 If you choose used equipment, it may cost no less than $8000 ( you do not want to offer a cheap double surface wing to a new student, that will be dangerous and wrong ) most used single surface hang gliders still hold their value and they cost a lot if in good shape .. My personal believe is not to buy any used equipment when it comes to flyings, this is not like motorcycle, flying is way different and you need to have piece of mind when it comes to equipment safety and more importantly, the new wings have better design and definitely light weight and easier to handle for some one that wants to start flying.. I strongly suggest getting new equipment, it might feel like a lot of money, but it's not .. a used motorcycle will cost more than $11500 if you account for all the gears that you need to buy+ cost of getting training and endorsement .. After a few years of flying, you most likely will want to buy a better and faster double surface wing and a race harness, a better helmet and vari , a better camera, etc the high end equipment can run way over $38000 .. yap $38,000 An Atos VR hang glider can cost you well over $25000 alone, + tax and shipping a good race harness with 2 reserve parachutes can cost you well over $5500 + tax and shipping A good race helmet and headset set up with a good radio can cost you $650 + tax and shipping A good vario and mount can cost you $1500 + tax and shipping A good camera and mount and external battery set up can cost you well over $1000 + tax and shipping And you can add even more stuff to the list like custom made glider bag, hang rack for you car, good gloves, etc.. But remember, just because you may have a lot of money, you cannot jump into buying the high end equipment, this is not like buying a car , you need to buy beginner equipment and practice many hours before you become qualified to buy better and faster equipment, .. when you see those Hang glider pilots with high end equipment, that will mean they are rich in experience and they have flown many many hours and they know what they do.. this is true for any like of flying equipment, from paragliders, hang gliders , aircrafts to helicopter s...

2:19 I didn't understand the prices you mentioned, a sports glider is more expensive than a basic one, both new ones, isn't it?

45 yrs,a few scares,, don't fly when you're tired,, very poor decision,,,have fun ,land and pack up well,, for another good flying day to come,,,it is better to wish you were flying,(on the ground) than be in the air wishing you were on the ground,must admit, it's been a lot of fun,and adventure, and challenge