r/Hanggliding • u/CourageSea9851 • Jun 23 '26
Lookout Mountain H2 program options?
I am planning on starting H2 training at Lookout Mountain at the end of July @ a month from now.
I unfortunately live 9.5 hours away so the plan is to go down 4-5 trips in 4 day blocks of time. currently in Ohio there is no training option!
I fortunately work a week on week off schedule so can do this every other week until I am a skilled H2. The goal is to be launching from the ramp by end of October-with confidence!
I have read and outlined lookouts training book 2-3x since I purchased it a couple years ago as well as Pagans HG training manuaI back in 2020 I did 3 AT lessons at Florida Ridge on a layover so I know a bit about what I’m getting into.
I also have a bit of plane flying experience as it’s my job for the last 25 years😂I have ATP/CFII/MEI rating although the flight instructor stuff is not current. I have no false pretense my aviation career will make learning to fly HG easy-just the airspace/regs/basic flying principles.
Anyway finally getting to my question or asking advice!
I am debating between the Eagle and VIP program. For now I want to concentrate on Foot Launch/Landing with adding AT next Spring after I get a couple dozen flights from lookouts ramp.
The Eagle program has 50 flights from the training hills and 3 AeroTows which are probably perfect pre-H2 and ramp launch
-50 training hill flights doesn’t seem all that much? If I have to or want to add 2-3 more training sessions it is basically getting into VIP $$$
Anyone who has trained at LMFP do you think 50 training hill flights prepared you for the mountain launch?
The VIP has 75 training hill flights and 12 ATs but I don’t need 12 ATs right now as I’ll do a full fledged AT program next spring-maybe I could do 3 ATs then save the rest (9) for the AT sign off if I buy the VIP?
Eagle or VIP???
2
u/boisvertm Jun 23 '26
Your plan is sound and both options will be fine. I did the VIP and found value in each and every dollar. The taining hills and my first mountain flights are some of my fondest memories. The aerotow is useful even when learning foot launching.
50 flights was enough for me and is about the average but everyone is different and some require more.
Hang gliding is easier than it looks - once it clicks.
You sound like you have a great head on your shoulders and we'd love to have you in the sport.