The sport of Hang Gliding has been revolutionised by the adoption of Aerotowing techniques. We have adapted techniques used by sailplane pilots who employ light aircraft to tow fixed wing sailplanes aloft. We now employ microlights to tow Hang Gliders aloft and can now tow a hang glider up to 10,000ft by this method. But, the real advantage of the system is the ability for the 'Tug and Tow' to search out pockets of rising air, thermals, for the hang glider to be released into, once into this rising air a hang glider can remain airborne for hours and cover considerable distances flying 'Cross Country'.

History
In 1986 we travelled to Hungary where the aerotow launching of hang gliders using microlights was an established and commonplace activity. The Hungarians taught us a great deal about these techniques; We were so impressed by the simplicity and efficiency of the Hungarians aerotowing system that, on our return to the UK, we set about convincing our own aviation authorities the system was safe and practical and should be permitted in the UK. Four years later the UK authorities formally endorsed the Aerotowing of Hang Gliders using flexwing, 2 axis, microlights

How it works
The microlight (tug) is fitted with a towing yoke and a release facility for the tug pilot. The towline, approximately 60m long, is connected to the tugs towing yoke whilst at the other end the Hang glider pilot hooks on to the line with a specialised quick release bridle. As the tug powers down the runway the hang glider becomes airbourne. The hang glider pilot may elect to use a trolley arrangement to assist the launch thus avoiding the running that is required when foot launching behind a tug in light winds.

Tug Aircraft
Lejair has the best flexwing, weightshift, microlight tug aircraft currently available, a French Chronos 16m Phase 2, powered by a Rotax 582, 2 stroke engine, coupled to a six bladed propeller. The aircraft is quick to climb and very quiet. This powerful tug also allows us to tow dual hang gliders aloft with ease.

Aero Towing Dual Gliders
The aerotow launching of Dual Hang Gliders is now a straight forward and commonplace activity. For a dual launch the pilot and passenger arrange themselves side-by-side in their own harnesses and securely attach themselves to the glider which, in turn, sits on a specially designed trolly that acts as a wheeled undercarriage arrangement. This arrangement avoids the need for any running by the pilot and passenger during takeoff or landing making the whole flight much easier and a lot more fun.
Aerotowing is popular all over the world. There are several schools operating
entirely with dual flying. Just imagine yourself being towed up to 10,000ft and then taking an hour or so to gracefully glide back down to earth.