|
|
Hang-Gliding is a new sport practised at Billing, 14-km from
Bir and is said to be among the finest sites for hang-gliding in the
world. An annual hang-gliding tournament is also held over here.
About Hang-Gliding
Hang-glider is an aircraft to which undercarriage and take off power is
provided solely by the pilot's legs. It consists of 3 aluminium tubes
pivoted at the nose, a trapeze or cross bar for control and a decorn tail.
They are of various sizes and weights ranging from 7 to 25 kg. The safety
of the pilot is assured by a parachute. They are made of high quality
material to withstand different heights, wind force and gravity to which
they are exposed. The alti-meter, vario-meter and wind-speed meters, and
indicators are used for right movements and safe landing.
To make further improvement, a small engine and wheel with extra seat
have now been added for comfortable flying. Hang gliders are portable and
can be carried on back or in a jeep to the starting point. These can be
made ready quickly.
Hand-gliding is usually performed by using air current without an engine
power. The pilot is suspended in a swing harness from the centre of the
keel and maintains control wholly by weight shift arrangement with the
help of airframe. To take off, the pilot runs on a down hill approximately
40-degree slope and is airborne the moment he crosses the gliders stalling
speed, which vary from 15-km to 30-km per hour.
Soaring can be done by using ridge lifts created by wind striking the
hill face or by hot air columns known as "thermals" that keep
rising upward from the sun heated surface. One can fly as long as one
wishes once he has acquired good experience.