There is a whole segment of the senior population that has no plans for slowing down in retirement. Instead they're ready to see, do, learn, and experience new things. Some of the most adventurous are excited at the prospect of soaring above the landscape protected by nothing more than wind power, a harness, and set of wings. For these seniors the hang gliding North Carolina schools offer is the dream of a lifetime.
There is no way you would get in a car with someone who is driving without a license or any experience. By the same token, you don't want to go hang gliding, or be instructed by, someone without credentials. Some flight schools train instructors themselves.
If you really want to ensure you have the most qualified instructor, you need to ask about his certifications. There are two main programs in the United States. These are the Parachuting Association Certification and the United States Hang Gliding Association Certification.
Safety must be your number one concern. Soaring over the ground might not seem especially risky. There are thousands of people doing it each year safely and without mishap, but it's still important to heed the instructions. In order to minimize the risks, instructors give lessons in controlled environments. If you have questions, this is the time to ask them. If you notice something unusual about your harness, helmet, or other equipment, you need to say something.
Taking lessons with a group has several advantages. For one thing, group lessons are less expensive than private ones. Someone in the group might bring up a subject, or ask a question, that you are hesitant to do yourself. You can learn from the mistakes and successes of the other people in the group. You'll probably have a lot more fun, and might make some new friends in a group environment.
Remember not to look down. Students have to go against all their instincts when they're racing downhill and gathering the necessary speed to take off. It is difficult not to watch the ground while you're running, but it is always the wrong choice to make. After you're in the air, it's important to focus on the horizon. When you start looking down, you will lose altitude and have to adjust your wings.
Do relax and enjoy yourself. Soaring above the landscape is supposed to be exhilarating. If you tense up, your arms and shoulders will throw you off balance. That make it harder to fly in safety. When you're relaxed, you can feel how the wind is working and flowing. You will be able to gauge the best way to control your wings. When you're tense you tend to fight the wind instead of going with it.
Go sailing before the weather gets too hot or too cold. You will enjoy the experience a lot more if you aren't up in the air freezing to death or dehydrating from the heat. You need the right kind of wind to have a safe trip. It should be a calm, clear day.
There is no way you would get in a car with someone who is driving without a license or any experience. By the same token, you don't want to go hang gliding, or be instructed by, someone without credentials. Some flight schools train instructors themselves.
If you really want to ensure you have the most qualified instructor, you need to ask about his certifications. There are two main programs in the United States. These are the Parachuting Association Certification and the United States Hang Gliding Association Certification.
Safety must be your number one concern. Soaring over the ground might not seem especially risky. There are thousands of people doing it each year safely and without mishap, but it's still important to heed the instructions. In order to minimize the risks, instructors give lessons in controlled environments. If you have questions, this is the time to ask them. If you notice something unusual about your harness, helmet, or other equipment, you need to say something.
Taking lessons with a group has several advantages. For one thing, group lessons are less expensive than private ones. Someone in the group might bring up a subject, or ask a question, that you are hesitant to do yourself. You can learn from the mistakes and successes of the other people in the group. You'll probably have a lot more fun, and might make some new friends in a group environment.
Remember not to look down. Students have to go against all their instincts when they're racing downhill and gathering the necessary speed to take off. It is difficult not to watch the ground while you're running, but it is always the wrong choice to make. After you're in the air, it's important to focus on the horizon. When you start looking down, you will lose altitude and have to adjust your wings.
Do relax and enjoy yourself. Soaring above the landscape is supposed to be exhilarating. If you tense up, your arms and shoulders will throw you off balance. That make it harder to fly in safety. When you're relaxed, you can feel how the wind is working and flowing. You will be able to gauge the best way to control your wings. When you're tense you tend to fight the wind instead of going with it.
Go sailing before the weather gets too hot or too cold. You will enjoy the experience a lot more if you aren't up in the air freezing to death or dehydrating from the heat. You need the right kind of wind to have a safe trip. It should be a calm, clear day.
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