How do you hang glide in Texas?
Texas offers some of the most diversified hang gliding anywhere in the United States. There are some very good foot-launch training sites in Central Texas and West Texas offers some very challenging mountain sites. Launching and landing a hang glider on your feet is called foot-launch hang gliding. Pilots in the flat areas of Texas have developed towing hang gliders aloft using pay-out winches (constant tension devices similar to a fishing reel but much larger). This is called tow launch hang gliding We also use specially designed ultra lights to tow hang gliders up into the sky. This is called aero tow hang gliding and is much faster, easier, and more convenient than other forms of hang gliding. Austin Air Sports is one of the few schools in the country to teach and certify students in all of these launch methods.
How safe is it?
Hang gliding is one of the safest forms of recreational activity. We are a very conservative school that uses state-of-the-art equipment in all forms of instruction. Austin Air Sports has been teaching hang gliding in the Central Texas area since 1978. We have an excellent safety record.
What is tandem hang gliding?
An USHGA certified tandem instructor and a student fly together in a special hang glider built for two. This is one of the best ways to learn to fly and is used in most forms of aviation.
How high will we go?
A regular tandem flight goes to 2,000 feet. We offer tandems up to 3,000 feet. Half-tandems go to 1,000 feet and are used practicing approaches and landings. We tow solo pilots up to 6,000 feet!
How long does it last?
A regular tandem flight lasts about 15 minutes - the experience lasts a lifetime. Foot launch lessons last about 4 hours or you can schedule to spend the entire day on the training hill. Student pilots can easily get 2 or 3 hours airtime during a weekend visit.
When can I do it?
The best times for training are early morning and late in the afternoon when the winds are calm and smooth. The best time for experienced pilots who want to thermal and stay aloft are during the middle of the day when conditions are strong. We have had pilots stay aloft for more than 4 hours at a time.
When are you open?
We are open 7 days a week. If you call and get the machine it is because everyone is outside flying or the weather is bad and we're out doing errands. We'll get right back with you.
Do I need a reservation?
YES! We fly every day weather permitting. Tandem instruction is available anytime on weekends or by appointment on weekdays. Foot launch instruction is available on the weekends. You must call ahead so we know what to expect, even if you want to fly solo. Gift certificates are available.
How much does it cost?
There are separate pricing levels for hill launch, tandem tow, and combinations of the two. We have many combination packages to accommodate your training. Please click to see our current pricing information. Prices listed include everything: ground school, equipment, an USHGA certified instructor and glider rental. Once you learn to fly, solo prices are much lower.
Do you sell and service equipment?
Absolutely! Selling and servicing equipment is part of the business. We represent most major hang gliding manufacturers (Wills Wing, U.S. Aeros, Altair, Moyes and Pacific Airwaves). We are dealers for BRS and High Energy. We stock Ball and Flytec Varios. Our "Pro Shop" has harnesses, helmets, instruments, hang straps, releases, and t-shirts. Our "Sail Loft" is capable of minor repairs and alterations. If you are shopping for a new glider or need equipment, give us a call - we can probably save you some money.
Can I bring my friends and family to watch?
YES! We have amenities for the whole family. We have shaded picnic facilities and a shaded play area for small children. We have a trampoline, small swimming pools and bikes for the kids. Our air-conditioned office/clubhouse has a TV, VCR, and Nintendo 64!
Where can I stay?
You can camp at the airpark (we have bathrooms facilities) or stay at one of several nearby hotels in Hearne. Austin is about 1 hour away, Houston is about 2 hours away, Dallas is about 2 hours away, San Antonio and Beaumont are about 3 hours away.
How do I get there?
We are located at the Hearne Municipal Airport off of FM 485. Coming from Houston or Beaumont on Hwy. 6, you would go through town and turn left at FM 485, the airport is about 1.5 miles down on the left. Coming from Dallas on Hwy. 6, you would turn right onto FM 485 just as you came into to Hearne. From Austin or San Antonio off of Hwy. 79, you would come through Hearne to Hwy. 6, turning left, and go up to FM 485 making another left turn. See a detailed map for directions.
What else should I know?
Remember to call ahead to set up a reservation.