Australia is the birth place of hang gliding. It was in Australia that the first modern hang gliding wings were designed and flown, it was in Australia that the first hang gliding soaring flights were achieved and where the sport of hang gliding received its first official sanction in international competition. The realisation of the dream to fly like a bird is Australian and has been gifted to the world by Australian aviation pioneers.

Australia's continental climate offers ideal soaring flight opportunity all year round. An average of 600 overseas based pilots visit Australia each year to compete in the Australian competitions or to simply experience the awesome flying conditions this continent has to offer.   

Visiting pilots are welcome to Australia but there are a few things the visiting pilot needs to know and abide by while flying in this country. Please read the following advice regarding Australian flight operations.

LEGALITIES of FLYING in AUSTRALIA

It is a legal requirement in Australia that you be a member of the Hang Gliding Federation of Australia (HGFA). Membership to the HGFA provides the pilot member with 3rd party liability insurance. Many of our sites are reliant on this cover so it is essential that all pilots carry the local insurance. For the insurance to be in effect the pilot must be a current member of the HGFA prior to flying in Australia - this applies equally to visiting pilots, so please ensure you have organised your HGFA membership before flying (and preferably before arriving in Australia).

VISTING PILOT MEMBERSHIP

The following HGFA Visiting Pilot Memberships are available for overseas pilots who hold a current license from their home organisation: