Tandem Hang Gliding in Outer Banks: Fly at 2000 Feet

You fly lying on your belly in a trapeze harness while the instructor controls the glider from below.

Tandem hang gliding in the Outer Banks takes you up to 2000 feet in a two-person glider towed behind a slow aircraft, then released to glide freely back to the ground. You fly in a trapeze harness with a USHPA-certified instructor. Helmet and harness are included. The experience lasts about an hour from check-in through landing, and you'll get a chance to feel the controls during the flight. Available April through September.

The experience

Your first time flying happens near where the Wright Brothers learned to fly. After check-in and a pre-flight orientation, you'll ride a golf cart to the runway and board the hang glider with your instructor. The glider is towed on wheels behind a slow-flying aircraft up to 2000 feet. Once there, the tow cable releases and you glide freely back down to land where you took off. The quiet of the air is both exhilarating and peaceful, and from that altitude the barrier islands look fragile in a way you won't see from the ground.

You fly in a trapeze harness lying on your belly, with the instructor in the harness below controlling the glider. During the flight you'll feel the wind and get a chance to handle the controls yourself, so it's not just watching. You're actually flying. The operation runs three to six students per hour depending on conditions, and you fly one student per flight, so your instructor's full attention is on you and your experience.

What’s included

• Helmet and harness.
• pre-flight orientation.
• tow to 2000 feet with a USHPA-certified tandem instructor.
• glide back to landing.
• chance to feel the controls during flight.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 2 Apr 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kitty Hawk Kites

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to fly tandem with an instructor who stays with you the whole time. The one-student-per-flight setup means your instructor's full attention is on your experience, not divided among a group.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years). Children under 14 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens during the flight once the tow cable releases?

Once the tow cable releases at 2000 feet, you and your instructor glide freely back to the ground in the hang glider, with no engine power. You'll feel the wind, see the Outer Banks spread below you, and have the chance to feel the controls of the glider during the descent.

Do I need any experience or special fitness to fly tandem?

No experience is required. The activity suits all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. You must be at least 14 years old and weigh no more than 225 pounds.

How long does the whole experience take?

The experience lasts about an hour from check-in through landing, including the pre-flight orientation, the tow to altitude, the glide down, and landing back at the runway.

What's included in the price?

Helmet and harness are included. The certified instructor flies with you, and the tow to 2000 feet and glide back down are part of the flight itself.

When can I book this, and do I need to bring anything?

Tandem hang gliding runs from April 1 through September 30. Bring a valid ID and wear comfortable clothes. The operator provides the helmet and harness. If you wear eyewear, bring it secured to your head.