Highland Aerosports

I decided to surprise my boyfriend for our birthdays and take him hang gliding, something he’s been wanting to do his entire life. Me — not so much. I’m actually pretty uneasy with heights, but I figured what better way to get over that fear! Sunny was so friendly and got me talking during the flight which really helped me loosen up and actually enjoy the experience! On the ground, the other instructors and individuals waiting to fly were also super friendly. Highly recommend this place!

Super experience. Made even better with Bob. He is the man you need for flight lessons.

I had the time of my life hang gliding at Highland! I was lucky enough to get Sunny as my tandem; he’s so nice and knowledgeable. The site is correct, you do minimal paperwork, they give you a rundown of the equipment and safety, and you’re off! I climbed to 2,500 feet where Sunny pointed out different landmarks and let me take the reins for a bit. It was a beautiful day and I’m so thankful he recommended pictures.
I highly recommend Highland Aerosports for all your high flying needs :)

What a great experience! Our family of 4 went Hang gliding today and everyone loved it. Sonny is very knowledgeable and encouraging. I’m a bit scared of heights but he helped me relax and enjoy the flight. My fiancé’s 77 year old mother came to watch and was so inspired she decided to take a flight too. Our teenagers are hooked and ready for more! So glad we chose Highland Aerosports!

Fantastic people! We went with a group of 10 for a morning of hang gliding, and had a great time. Bob did a fantastic job of explaining very quickly and without scaring a few of the more skittish in our group, and soon we were off! I don’t really know what else I can say that hasn’t already been said, other than just give them a try!

I think this place is a great establishment. I always keep coming back for more. This past time I went, like always it was a great experience. Sonny was so nice to accommodate us last minute and he even remembered our faces even though we havnt visited in 2 years. Once I start having more free time on my hands, i will be working to get my official certification and maybe even buy a used hang glider from them if they have any.
I dont believe in bad reviews but I do have one complaint where i experienced a couple things that bothered me which i hate to point out in the moment because i hate to be a buzz kill and we are there to have a good time. Our guide Bob was very knowledgeable and accommodating to our needs very well, but I didnt like the fact that he emphasized the fact that me and him might get into a physical clash while we are in the air and he would have no problem handling that. I mean who thinks about that kind of stuff and why would I risk my life and waste my money trying to duke it out with my instructor. Maybe it was a misunderstanding but i dont know. Im the kind of guy that doesnt like to have someone tell me they have no problem fighting me while we are 2,500 feet in the air. Its irrelevant to my experience there and I didnt say anything or act any way to encourage that type of conversation. If I was to tell him my view on it, then we would have to have a conversation that is not appropriate to the moment and I just want to have a good time.
Also I would advise them not to talk about our life and what we do while we are there. Me and my guest both agreed that when we are up in the air enjoying our limited time up there, the last thing we want to do is talk to someone about what we do for work during the week. I mean, we are here to escape reality right? Or am I crazy.
Overall, no matter what, when I get up 2,500 feet, im having the time of my life. I just wish it would last longer. When you call or go to Highland Aerosports, ask for Sonny. Hes very professional and will show you the time of your life.

Just went here today with my boyfriend and had an AWESOME time. Neither of us had ever hang glided before but we had gift certificates so went to check it out. Scheduling a reservation was really easy. I had no idea what to expect but Sunny did a really great job explaining how the glider works, all of the safety features, and what I needed to do while up in the air. The ride was a lot of fun and lasted longer than I expected. The best part was definitely getting to control the glider yourself, during turns and dives. My boyfriend and I both felt totally safe and had a blast. Sunny was an awesome teacher and the rest of the staff was really great and friendly too. Would definitely recommend!

These guys at Aerosports are super nice and friendly. My instructor was «Sunny» and he explained need to know info in brief. I was gliding in 15 minutes after my arrival. It was my first time so I do not know what to expect. Sunny explained how they prepare for failure and also show me where parachute is located.
I was able to chit chat with Instructor during the flight in the air. The wind blowing to my face in flight was not very strong at all and was able to record the whole flight video with my smart phone camera in my hand !!
I feel like I was flying a Kite and was attached to the Kite while gliding in the air. I am not adventurous, not even on roller coaster ride nor bungee jump. This is the thrill ride of my life.
Berry Smooth takeoff and berry berry smooth landing. I’ll do it again soon.

5 stars for the company and the instructors in it and 3 stars for the hang gliding itself. I did not find the hang gliding all that thrilling or all that fun, but it was a pleasant experience, not so fun that I would spend anywhere near the 300 bucks for the mile that I did though. I emphasized that I wanted to do some tricks, especially the «roller coaster kind of tricks» that another instructor mentioned on the ground, and while it was more fun than just gliding, I still wasn’t impressed. The instructors are awesome though and I’d give them 5 stars. I just don’t find hang gliding that impressive… at least so far.

I went here in May with my wife, sister in law and her husband. First time experience for all of us, and it could not have been better! Adam is very laid back but at the same time puts your mind at ease knowing that you are in the hands of an experienced instructor. Everyone there was very nice.

Absolutely wonderful. I wasn’t nervous going in, but if I had been the guys at Highland would have assuaged all my fears. They couldn’t have been more friendly, knowledgeable, laid-​back, and in love with what they do. They give you a full briefing on your glider and what you need to do, and make you full totally at ease. Do everything on the ground and in the air to give you the exact experience you want — the more exciting variety for my friend, and the more chill version for myself. :) I can’t recommend them more highly. Special shout-​out to our instructor and co-​pilot Sunny. :)

It’s difficult to get a hold of them sometimes, but the actual flight is amazing. I was fortunate enough to go in the fall, as the leaves were changing colors, and, whilst in the middle of my flight, the sun finally broke out, so the view was both unimpeded and spectacular. Steve’s a great instructor, as well.

The hang gliding experience far exceeded my expectations. I found it much more thrilling (and relaxing) than skydiving, parasailing, or hot air ballooning. After one tandem glide, I feel hooked and would go again in a heartbeat. If you’re hesitating, rest assured that these guys are professionals, all the equipment is rated above & beyond any limits, and you will love the experience (and photos to go with it).
Many thanks to instructor Steve, who was personable, knowledgeable, and just down to earth. It’s a little awkward to be strapped in a baby bjorn hovering above the instructor, but he was great. He also thoroughly answered all our questions before we went up, and I felt completely at ease in his hands.
And it’s only 1.5hrs from DC. Stop off at Annapolis on your way back for lunch. But do not eat much before going up (just in case you get queasy).

Wanna get high? This is the place to do it! You can get as high as you want: a half mile, a mile, or two miles. Best to be sober while doing it though, because, you know, gravity.
Highland does hang gliding (
). Which, in my opinion, is awesomer than skydiving, because flights last longer (you can catch thermals and potentially ride them for hours) and it feels more like really flying (shifting your weight left and right points you where you want to go in an amazingly natural way).
You can absolutely go in with zero knowledge and be soaring through the air the same day (with an appointment, of course!). The fabulous folks at Highland will safety train you, then strap you and an instructor to a massive glider which gets hooked behind a small plane and towed up into the blue beyond (
). At the appointed height, the instructor releases the rope from your glider and you two are left to explore the sky! Even on your first flight, you’ll get to control your aircraft, riding thermals, taking brief nosedives, spinning in circles; pretty much anything besides crashing into the ground is acceptable (
). If you do anything weird, your instructor will take over. Basically, these tandem flights are a great way to experience hang gliding without having to worry about doing something stupid and killing yourself.
Also money is the camera mounted on one wingtip that allows you to take photos of yourself in flight by pushing a little button, recording your coolness for all to see (
).
The Highland team is super friendly, easygoing, and knowledgeable about their passion. They’re safe, accommodating, and professional while still being laid back. AND they let you bring your dog to wait for you on the field, amidst the handful of other hang-​glide enthusiasts casually sippin’ beers in their folding chairs and watching the goings-​on (baller afternoon activity).
If you’ve ever dreamed you could fly, this is the place to make your dreams come true! I know I’m being cheesy, but this shit is awesome. Do it.

This was my first time hang gliding so I was happy to find a place that did tandem flights. I found out a group was going on
. It is big pricey but it is well worth it. I paid about $ 150 for a 15 min flight that goes 2,500 ft in the air. The instructors and staff are very friendly and make you feel at ease with the whole experience.
They offer a CD of pictures for an additional cost, which I think is about $ 20. It is definitely worth it. Most attractions or activities I do I never think to buy the pictures. If you want any pictures of you in the air, you need to get this. The pictures are high quality and well worth it.
I full summary of my review is located at

…just 90 minutes from DC metro. you too can fly…
Few years ago I organized a group of 15 to soar with the birds. Group rates apply so call your amigos and amigas. Great day trip. or even a date. There are three options, 2500ft, 1mi (5280ft) or 10,000ft altitude start. Everyone in my group chose the first two. Basically the difference was how long you’re up in the air for. Not counting thermals (which the birds use when they are tired) to keep you up longer.
Keep in mind that the temperature drops every 4 degrees every 1000 feet in the air. We chose the fall weather for our adventure.
They were really accommodating, answering all of my groups questions and concerns leading up to fly day.
Not being a fan of my stomach dropping I was a bit skeptical. No reason for that. When the tow is released from the hanglider is the only barely uncomfortable time. The rest is smooth sailing and AMAZING views of the countryside. It’s really quiet — I truly felt like a bird.
While the instructor takes care of take-​off and landing you (if you choose so) control the glider in the air. right, left, forward, back, you just move your hip side to side to control. Amazing feeling.
I think this is from their site:
1).Arrive for lesson.
2).Complete about five minutes of paperwork.
3).Talk about the procedures and controls.
4).Climb into the glider.
5).Review procedures and controls.
6).Relax and enjoy the view while your instructor pilots the aircraft to altitude
7).Release from the tow line.
8).Take the controls and pilot the glider down to an altitude of about 300 ft.
9).Relax while your instructor rolls in on the wheels for a smooth landing.
10).Become addicted to hang gliding and sign up for more lessons.
btw — they mentioned sometimes they’ll start in Ridgely and land on the beach. how cool is that. I think you have to become a Jedi Master for that.

Wow. Out of all the 5 star reviews I have given, this place would certainly be among the top 10. I am not even talking about the experience of hang-​gliding which in and of itself deserves a 5. The service and expertise here are what truly separates my hang-​gliding experience from my skydiving experience in terms of a top notch review. The owners (Sonny and Adam) take great care in selecting days that are absolutely perfect for hang-​gliding. They take no minimal risks in the name of short-​term profit. When we decided to switch to 2500 feet from 5000 feet, they did not charge us for the higher foot amount even though we had reserved it weeks earlier at that height. Indeed, they didn’t blink an eye. Sonny’s knowledge and ground demonstration on the hang-​glider definitely placed us at ease and maximized the experience we had flying with Adam. Adam was so phenomenally skilled at high-​end maneuvers in the air that it almost made me not even bother that it was a tandem jump (since it would take months if not years to pull off the aerial maneuvers that he does with such simplistic ease). The other flightgoers were jovial, and many of them were learning to fly on their own.
Oh yeah, the actual experience. Hang-​gliding provides a great adrenaline rush upon the first 100 feet, and unlike skydiving, there is no highly uncomfortable move from free falling to the opening of the chute. Indeed, you hardly even notice when the plane lets you go. The experience lasts much longer than skydiving and there is no difficulty with the landing on the tandem. I would highly recommend it to anyone even if they have apprehension about heights or anything related to aviation. I have no question that Sonny or Adam will put them at ease and provide them with a unique, enjoyable experience that will last them a lifetime.