How to build a hand glider for my personal use?

Question

How to build a hand glider for my personal use?

Answer 1

Are you talking about a small model glider you throw out of your hand, or a "hang glider", a full-size type that you actually ride in? If the full size type, you must be educated in construction and material strengths, you have to use aircraft-grade aluminum tubing ( expensive), etc. Building a full-scale , SAFE Hang Glider is no easy task, as you must master many different skills from metal-working to sewing to achieve a safe and flyable aircraft. People were killed in the '60's and '70s trying to build their own flying machines, by using inappropriate materials to get by cheaply. You must know what you are doing, especially trying to build a machine capable of flying and lifting you high in the air - you don't want it failing on you!

  I'm afraid there aren't many, if any, books available to teach you to build your own, it's a self-learned craft, for the most part. You'd be better off to save your money, buy one first, then learn to build or improve it later. But with the advanced technology today in Hand Glider design, you could hardly build a better one without years of learning in school.

Bottom line is, don't try this at home! ( unless you are just building a small "hand glider", then it's ok to crash'em! LOL )

- The Gremlin Guy -