Manquin Flight Park

If I had to learn hang gliding again from being an absolute beginner, this is where I would start. Being able to launch from any wind direction using surface towing as long as the velocity and character of the air is within reasonable limits allows for many many flights for practice. That's something that can't be done on a training hill; so much waiting is involved and so many weekends that you can't train when practicing on a training hill because you have to wait for the right wind speed and direction. And the progression is so much safer; Steve can halt the flight and limit the altitude before the student can commit an error that can lead to broken downtubes, leading edge or keel, or worse a physical injury. After learning how to control a glider in flight and knowing how to make landing approaches and safe landings (because surface towing makes it easy to get high altitude flights with very fast turnaround), it becomes much easier to learn foot launching at other places like Lookout or Morningside, because you have already developed the skill and reflexes to control the glider and you are no longer worried about crashing, so you can keep a relaxed grip free from anxiety when running down the hill. The white knuckled grip during a foot launch during my early training because of the anxiety involved in having a bad landing is what really kept me from progressing as an H1 student. I wish I found this place sooner instead of sweating blood, tears and cash for 3 years on a training hill.

Steve is an excellent instructor, with a huge emphasis on safety and teaching correct technique. Best way to learn how to hang glide, and a great community of Pilots.

Good flying dromes

This is Blue Sky Flight Park. Best spot in VA

Wonderful experience, and Steve is a great teacher!