Photo credit: Twisted Sifter
If you’ve only just heard of hang gliding today, it’s basically an airport where a pilot flies a light, non-motorized, foot-launched, heavier-than-air aircraft. Most modern versions are made of an aluminum alloy or composite frame covered with synthetic sailcloth to form a wing. Launch techniques include launching from a hill on foot, tow-launching from a ground-based tow system, aero-towing (behind a powered aircraft), powered harnesses, and being towed up by a boat. Professional hang gliding pilot Wolfgang Siess recently recorded his launch off a mountain in Interlaken, Switzerland. Continue reading for more interesting images from around the web.