There are two main types of helmets, open face and full face. Full face helmets offer more protection than open face helmets while also doubling as eye protection. Helmet: The main function of the helmet is to protect the head of the pilot. Some are even insulated for hang gliders of high altitudes. The harness is attached to the center-of-mass of the glider, which is just behind the control bar. The harness fastens the pilot to the glider while also allowing the pilot to move freely. There are many different types and styles of harnesses. Harness: The harness is a very important piece of equipment for hang gliding’s safety and functionality. It also helps not to be looking directly into the sun when hang gliding, so having goggles with glare reduction similar to ski goggles or sunglasses is a good idea. Having goggles on increases visibility by sheltering the eyes from the elements faced. Goggles: Similar to skiing and skydiving, having goggles when hang gliding protects the eyes from the high speeds, wind and aids in glare reduction. Read more about the safety equipment essential to hang gliding below. Part of the correct execution to hang gliding is having the proper safety equipment. As fun and adventurous as hang gliding can be, it is also a high-risk activity that poses many dangerous threats if not executed correctly. This includes safety equipment as well as instruments used on a basic flight. Now that the glider’s components has been covered, it is time to discuss the other aspects of hang gliding equipment. Plastic Battens: Plastic battens are inserted into the pockets underneath the sail to stiffen certain spots, thus making the glider itself more aerodynamic. They connect the kingpost with the nose of the glider. They also connect to the back of the keel and each leading-edge crossbar intersection. Landing Wires: The landing wires are essential to connecting everything on the glider. There are two rear wires connected to the hang glider.įront Wires: The two front wires on the hang glider connect the control bar with the intersection of the leading-edge tubes and the crossbar. Both the front and rear wires are durable and can last for years at a time before needing to be replaced. Even for beginners who have never seen a hang glider before, the rear wires are easy to identify. Rear Wires: Located in the back of the glider, the rear wires connect the control bar to the rear of the keel. The nose wires create balance for the glider and prevent it from flipping over. The nose wires are important to the geometry of the glider. Nose Wires: Nose wires connect with the nose of the control bar. A good set of steel wires on a glider goes a long way. The wires are durable and do not corrode easily. Steel Wires: These are aircraft grade and designed to support the various weights and stresses on the glider. The stainless steel wires are important as they provide a strong support system for the glider. Kingpost: Attached to the keel at the other side of the control bar is the kingpost. The kingpost supports the wires at the top of the glider. Sail: The sail is what catches the wind and makes flight possible. Keel: While the leading-edge tubes are on the outside and help form the triangular shape, the keel bisects the two tubes and forms the point of the triangle.Ĭrossbar: The crossbar connects the keel with the leading-edge tubes to provide support for the glider.Ĭontrol Bar: Similar to how a steering wheel operates, the small, triangular-shaped tube called the control bar is used to maneuver the glider. The control bar is connected at a right angle beneath the keel and the crossbar. Leading-Edge Tubes: Two of these are needed and are what make up the triangle-type shape of the glider. The tubes are placed on the outside of the glider and help provide support outside the glider. It consists of different structures that make up the skeleton and structure of the glider.Īluminum tubes: These are aircraft grade and make up the skeleton of the glider. They provide support for the glider and the pilot as well.
The hang glider, also known as the flexible wing, is the main piece of equipment in hang gliding.
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