Hang Gliding is a sport in which a pilot flies a light, wind-powered glider at various altitudes across various distances. Control and steering is managed by the pilot shifting his/her own body weight to manipulate drafts and currents.

Invented by a German scientist in the 1880's, hang gliding builds upon gliding technology dating back to 4th century China. Today, participants hang glide both recreationally and competitively. One must use caution though, as hang gliding can be extremely dangerous due to the unpredictable nature of wind and atmospheric pressure.

Successfully pilot a glider for recreational or competitive purposes.

There are many different types of competitions involving hang gliding, each with varying sets of rules. Recently, the most popular form of competition is cross-country flying. In this type of competition, two to four waypoints must be passed before landing at a goal. Participants may only use a flexible wing hang glider, rigid wing hang glider or Class 2 hang glider. World championships are held biannually.

Early forms of gliding date back all the way to 4th century China. These gliders were rarely successful because of a lack of sound aeronautical knowledge. By the 1880's, technology had advanced enough to produce the first truly practical gliders. Soon after, German scientist Otto Lilienthal perfected these designs and built the first hang glider. The design was continuously improved over the ensuing decades, and its applications were broadened. NASA began experimenting with the hang glider in the 1960's in an attempt to use it as a system of recovery for downed space capsules. Today, hang gliding is a popular recreational and competitive sport practiced in countless countries around the world.

First-Aid Kit
GPS
Glider
Harness
Parachute
Radio
Variometer

Hang gliding is an extremely dangerous sport due to the high number of unpredictable elements involved in flight. It should only be attempted after many hours of training and practice. Also, participants should always fly with a parachute and proper first-aid supplies.

Those looking to begin hang gliding should go through a rigorous training program prior to engaging. All techniques and procedures should be taught by and practiced with an experienced hang glide

Pitch - swaying or oscillation of an aircraft around a horizontal axis perpendicular to the direction of motion

Roll - swaying or oscillation of an aircraft around an axis parallel to the direction of motion

Thermals - columns of rising warm air created by the sun's energy heating the ground; most commonly used source of lift

Yaw - twisting or oscillation of an aircraft around a vertical axis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hang_gliding