Airborne Paragliding

Airborne was originally founded in 1973 as the Northern School of Hang Gliding, by the former Hang Gliding World Champion Graham Hobson. He was joined in 1979 by Tony Delaney who took his first steps on the same slopes used today. Tony spent time at various location across the country and in South Wales before returning to Manchester. Where he reunited with Graham. He liked the school so much that he became a partner in 1981. Tony is now the Club Chief Flying Instructor. The school, which is widely regarded as the most experienced in the country, flourished teaching only hang gliding until paragliders were invented. In 1989 the company had a name change to "Airborne" to incorporate paragliders. Throughout the 1990's, Tony whilst running the school full time with his team of instructors was also dominating the competition scene, winning a string of national and international titles. He remains the British Tandem Paragliding Pilot, undefeated since 1997. He runs the school with his son Oliver, who is office manager. John is Head Of Training is Club Senior Instructor and acts as CFI when Tony is not out. Graham - Senior Instructor and Ned & Kevin who are assistant instructors who work in the school.

Fly from day one!

If you haven't flown before, paragliding offers you the unique opportunity to fly solo on your very first day!. Hang gliding with its more complex controls and higher speeds takes considerably longer. It is more demanding, physically and mentally and therefore most beginners opt to fly paragliders first. In fact, the latest paragliders now have "hang glider" performance becoming, in fact the new hang glider. If you have experience and wish to progress onto a hang glider, we will be happy to construct a conversion course that specifically meets your requirements and any previous experience.

A paraglider is best described as a hang glider in a rucksack. Weighing as little as 5Kg (11lbs), it is easily carried and stored. It takes minutes to set up, yet they are capable of flying huge distances across country (currently the record is over 200km) and at very high altitudes regularly at cloud base!

ONLINE SHOP

Airborne provide the UK's widest range of Hang Gliding, Paragliding and associated equipment direct to you - keeping costs to a minimum. By clicking the link above, you will be able to access our website and view our massive product range without obligation to purchase.