Air Sports Disciplines > Hang Gliding & Paragliding

Hang gliding predates powered flight by about 12 years.  Otto Lilienthan of Germany invented a hang glider in 1891 while attempting to build an airplane. While few people dabbled in the new sport in the early 20th century, Dr. Francis Rogallo developed a hang glider into a practical form in the 1960s. Paragliding is one of the youngest air sports, introduced in the U.S. in 1986.

The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc. (USHPA) began in 1971 as an organization just for gliders in Southern California, but quickly grew into a national group. USHPA is the only authorized affiliate of NAA on all matters dealing with hang gliding and paragliding in the United States. Together NAA and USHPA work to promote the sport of hang gliding through record setting activity and competitions.

United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association web site: http://www.ushpa.aero/