Hang glider pilots primarily control their aircraft by shifting their body weight.
Here's a breakdown of how weight-shift control works in hang gliding:
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Turning: To turn, the pilot shifts their weight to the side they want to turn towards. This shifts the center of gravity of the glider, causing it to bank and turn. For example, to turn left, the pilot leans to the left.
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Pitch Control (Speed and Altitude):
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Increasing Speed/Descending (Diving): To increase speed and descend (dive), the pilot pulls the control bar in towards them. This shifts their weight forward relative to the glider, causing the nose to pitch down.
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Decreasing Speed/Ascending (Slowing Down): To decrease speed and ascend (slow down), the pilot pushes the control bar away from them. This shifts their weight back relative to the glider, causing the nose to pitch up.
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Summary of Control Inputs:
| Control Action | Pilot Action | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Turn Left | Shift weight to the left | Banks and turns the glider to the left |
| Turn Right | Shift weight to the right | Banks and turns the glider to the right |
| Increase Speed/Dive | Pull control bar in | Nose pitches down, increases speed, descends |
| Decrease Speed/Slow | Push control bar out | Nose pitches up, decreases speed, ascends |
It's important to note that hang gliding requires significant training and skill to perform safely. Proper instruction from a certified instructor is crucial before attempting to fly a hang glider.
