Hang Gliding - Aerobatics

Aerobatics

Hang gliders are not certified for aerobatic flight. Pilots perform aerobatics at their own risk. There are three basic maneuvers in a hang glider, not counting a loop, which is actually a climbover with the same entry and exit heading. The following descriptions are excerpts from a nationally recognized rules book.

3.1 Official Maneuvers A figure with a bank angle of more than 90° is a maneuver.

3.1.1 Loop A loop is defined as a maneuver that starts in a wings level dive, climbs, without any rolling, to the apex where the glider is upside down, wings level (heading back where it came from), and then returning to the start attitude and heading, again without rolling, having completed an approximately circular path in the vertical plane.

3.1.2 Spin A spin is scored from the moment one wing stalls and the glider rotates noticeably into the spin. The entry heading is noted at this point. The glider must remain in the spin for at least 1/2 of a revolution to score any versatility spin points.

3.1.3 Rollover A Rollover is a maneuver where the apex heading is less than 90° left or right of the entry heading.

3.1.4 Climb over A Climb over is a maneuver where the apex heading is greater than 90° left or right of the entry heading.