ACT Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association

The ACT Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (ACTHPA) is a sports club based in Canberra, Australia. It serves as the primary club for hang gliders, paragliders, and their motorised forms in the region. The club boasts excellent flying conditions, with numerous launch sites and a supportive pilot community.

One of the key features of ACTHPA is its dedication to carbon-free flying. The region offers great opportunities for eco-friendly flying, and the club actively promotes and supports this practise. Additionally, there are areas suitable for motorised flight, catering to a wide range of flying preferences.

ACTHPA maintains several launch sites in the local area and provides wind talkers, which offer real-time wind speed and direction information. This enables pilots to make informed decisions about when and where to fly. The club also provides resources and links to helpful weather information on its website.

Flying is a popular activity among ACTHPA members, and there is usually someone out flying whenever conditions are favourable. To facilitate coordination and socialisation, the club encourages pilots to post messages on their Telegram group when planning to fly at one of their sites. This allows members to connect and fly together.

For those interested in learning to fly, ACTHPA recommends checking out the SAFA Schools page and joining their Facebook group. They also encourage potential students to attend club meetings, which are held on the first Tuesday of each month at the Weston Creek Labour Club (subject to COVID restrictions).

ACTHPA includes an “About” section on their website with updates on recent flights by club members. This section showcases some recent achievements of ACTHPA pilots, highlighting their names, the sites they flew, the aircraft models they used, and the distances covered. These flights provide inspiration and serve as a testament to the skill and passion of the club's members.

The club also recognises the longest cross-country flights in the Canberra region, listing them on their website. This gives pilots the chance to strive for new records and encourages a sense of friendly competition within the club.

Overall, ACTHPA is a vibrant and active sports club that offers a supportive community for hang gliders, paragliders, and motorised flying enthusiasts in Canberra. With its excellent flying conditions, dedicated launch sites, and a wealth of resources, the club is a hub for anyone looking to embrace the thrill of flight in the Australian capital.