CHARLESTOWN AIR ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
First Flights from the Ridge: Beginner Hang-Gliding at Morningside Flight Park
A 3–4 hour, instructor-led intro combining ground school, slope training and your first supervised solo flights—this guide unpacks what to expect and how lessons run.
First Flights from the Ridge: Beginner Hang-Gliding at Morningside Flight Park.
Set on the slopes of Morningside Flight Park in Charlestown, New Hampshire, the Intro to Hang Gliding Lesson is a deliberately paced, beginner-focused course that moves from classroom basics and equipment setup to level-ground practice, slope work and the chance to fly the glider yourself under instructor supervision.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A complete, beginner-friendly progression
The lesson introduces the history and principles of hang gliding, then leads students through safety checks, preflight procedures, equipment setup and stepwise training that builds from level-ground drills to slope launches.
Ground school, simulator practice and hands-on slope training
Lessons begin with classroom instruction and equipment setup, include simulator work to practice weight shift and posture, then move to level ground and slope training before progressing to first solo flights under supervision.
Weather-dependent, best in light to medium winds
Sessions are weather dependent and typically run when conditions are favorable—light to medium winds (about 3–5 MPH) from WNW through SW—and lessons may be offered daily during the operating season.
What the day feels like
What the lesson feels like
Over roughly three to four hours you move from briefing and hands-on gear time through controlled practice: posture and weight-shift on a simulator, level-ground handling, then slope launches that culminate in supervised solo flights. The pace is instructional and incremental—designed to build confidence and fundamental skills in a single session.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this lesson is best for and when it may not be a match.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Lessons typically begin at 9 AM and are offered up to seven days a week during the operating season when weather permits; the full lesson runs about three to four hours.
The lesson includes equipment setup as part of the program; check with the operator for any specific personal clothing or footwear recommendations before arrival.
Lessons are held at Morningside Flight Park in Charlestown, NH under the Kitty Hawk Kites program; availability is weather dependent.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does an Intro to Hang Gliding Lesson take?
The lesson runs approximately three to four hours.
Where are the lessons held and who operates them?
Lessons are held at Morningside Flight Park in Charlestown, New Hampshire, and are run by Kitty Hawk Kites.
When do lessons usually start and how often are they offered?
Lessons typically begin at 9 AM and may be offered seven days a week during the operating season when conditions allow.
Are lessons weather dependent?
Yes—lessons are weather dependent; ideal conditions are light to medium winds (about 3–5 MPH) from WNW through SW.
Will I get to fly the glider myself?
As the lesson progresses and under instructor supervision, students have the opportunity to fly the glider themselves.
What does the lesson cover?
Instruction covers the history and basic principles of hang gliding, safety considerations, preflight checks, weight-shift and posture, takeoff and landing technique, level-ground and slope training, and simulator practice.
Can I buy a lesson as a gift?
Yes—gift certificates are available for this lesson and they do not expire.