Introduction
Hang Gliding and Paragliding are two closely related air sports in which lightweight foot launched gliders are used to take off and soar in ridge lift and thermals. Recent improvements in glider efficiency mean that in the right conditions we can climb thousands of feet and fly cross country covering 50 – 100 km or more! All this is possible with an aircraft that packs into a rucksack or fits onto a car roof rack?

Where Do I Learn to Fly
Initial training is provided at the Joint Services Hang Gliding and Paragliding Centre (JSHPC) in Wales or the British Forces Alpine Hang Gliding and Paragliding Centre in Germany. Courses are provided free of charge under the JSAT Scheme. See links below for further details. Some members also train at their own expense through civilian schools registered with the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA).

Role of the AHPA
The role of the AHPA is to promote and encourage participation in the sports of Hang Gliding and Paragliding in the Army. We are also a fully constituted club within the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA).

While Hang Gliding and Paragliding are demanding and potentially hazardous pursuits free flight is also immensely rewarding. While this forges a strong bond among AHPA members we are always keen to welcome in new members who share our passion for free flight.

When to Join
New members join on achieving their BHPA Club Pilot (CP) rating at one of the Service Centres or occasionally having qualified in a BHPA civilian school.

CP Rating allows pilots to fly without the supervision of a BHPA Instructor. Although we are unable to offer full membership before pilots gain their CP Rating we very keen to provide advice and support to those considering taking up either pursuit or undergoing their initial training.

Benefits of Membership
The benefits of AHPA membership are significant, especially for newly qualified pilots as we can offer the loan of entry level gliders on completion of CP training at very reasonable rates for up to 12 months.

We also offer coaching and run regular events in the UK as well as expeditions and sports tours overseas. In recent years we have organized trips to Lanzarote, Slovenia and Spain.

To keep costs down we make maximum use of duty travel, service transport, service messing and accommodation.

Competition flying is strongly encouraged and supported and we regularly send teams and individual pilots to compete in UK and overseas competitions. We also provide equipment and financial subsidies towards competition entry fees and travel. In this respect we are very well supported by Army Sports Lottery and encourage all members to join the Army Sports Lottery Scheme.

Communications are managed via an internet email group so you can stay in touch wherever you serve.

How to Contact Us or Join. To contact us please refer to the details at the top of this page.

See Fixtures