Welcome to the only original Rio Hang Gliding, operated by international competition champion, Hang Gliding master Konrad Heilmann and his team.
Check out some stars of our team:
Konrad Heilmann
34 dedicated to Hang Gliding, certified level 5 Master Pilot. Two times WXC Cross Country FAI World Champion WXC 2015 &2021, Brazilian Advanced Champion 2001. Currently holds the state distance records for all 4 southeastern states, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo. Represented Brazil in several international competitions from the early 90’s to present, part of Brazilian team in Ager Spain 1994, Monte Cucco Italy 2010, 2013 Hang Gliding Worlds in Forbes Australia and in the vice world champion team of 2019 in Tolmezzo Italy. Two times Winner of Wings Over Wellington, NSW, Australia, 2014 & 2015 editions..
Travels constantly for Hang Gliding competitions or expeditions.
In 97 accomplished a 25,000km hang gliding expedition from Rio to the Caribbean. In 2013 he did a 21,000km motorcycle expedition across Eurasia, from Shanghai, China to Lisbon, Portugal.
Besides Hang Gliding, also practices Cycling, Surf, Kitesurf and snowboarding.
Besides Potuguese he also speaks English, German and Spanish
Get in touch with Konrad.
Klaus Koch
Klaus has over 30 years dedicated to hang gliding and many, many hours in the air and over 10.000 tandem flights.
Participated for consecutive years of national championships and state throughout Brazil reaching goals and achievements in the sport. In 2005 made it to Brazilian vice-champion.
Certified by the Brazilian Hang Gliding Association.
In April 2015 took part of the Brazilian Nationals in Governador Valadares.
Besides flying Hang Gliders Klaus is also a professional Helicopter pilot and instructor and also kiteboarder.
Speaks fluent English, French and Spanish.
Manny Navarro
Hang Gliding pilot since 1978. Advanced experience on high altitude flights, Brasil, USA(Ca), Austrália, Asia and Europe. Hang glider pioneer on Himalaias (1985). Altitude and speed record holder in Austrália and Brasil (balloon drop). Sky Diver since 1997, with 1400 jumps plus.
Portuguese and English
Watch some of his insane Balloon drop videos:
Certificates
Rio de Janeiro Hang Gliding Association Certificate (AVLRJ - Associação de Vôo Livre do Rio de Janeiro)
Hang Gliding XC World Title 2015
National Champion Certificate
FAQ
- Flying a Hang Glider is a very special and unforgettable experience, being the closest a person can get to the sensation of being a birds
- During the flight the passenger will be given the opportunity of seeing all main attractions of Rio de Janeiro, Sugar Loaf, the statue of the Crist (Corcovado), the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana, Barra da Tijuca, São Conrado Beach and of course the Dois Irmãos (two brothers) and the Gavea peak which delimit the São Conrado valley.
- We take off from the Pedra Bonita ramp located inside the Tijuca Forest national park, where encounters with local animals like Toucans and Monkeys are frequent.
- The pictures and video that can be taken with our special camera, which is remote controlled and attached to the hang glider, will be a great souvenir of this very special event during you holidays in Rio.
- All our Hang Gliding instructors are certified by the national Hang Gliding Association with more than 20 years of experience, some have archieved diverse records and titles on competitions in Brazil and abroad.
- Hotel transfers are always done, strictly on time, in air conditioned vehicles.
- Instructors may speak English, Spanish, French and we’re the only ones in town to provide German service.
- You will not be just making a flight, you will be making a tour along the coast line passing trough Ipanema, Leblon, the beautifull Niemeyer Ave. and São Conrado.
Is it Safe to fly a hang glider?
Yes, because with the experience of our instructors together with constant proper maintenance and replacement of our equipment. Also the numbers speak for themselves there are about 30.000 tandem flights are safely done, in Rio, every year.
What experience do I need?
There is no experience needed because the whole Flight is done under the full control of the instructor. The only thing you have to do is to run about 8 or 10 steps during take off and enjoy the ride.
How long is the flight?
A simple glide lasts a bit under 10m, but when conditions are soarable we’ll extend your flight as much as possible until 30 minutes.
When are we open?
We operate 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset, depending only on the meteorological conditions.
Is there a need to book in advance?
To make a reservation is highly recommended, our website and booking team is at your service to take you call 24hs a day.
What’s the duration of the whole tour?
Usually the elapsed time between pick up and return to your hotel is about 3hs.
Wich are the best days to fly?
Most of the days in Rio, about 70% are flyable. Usually the best days for flying are those right after the cold fronts, these are the days that offer a greater chance of longer flights. Best winds are SSW, S, SE, E and ENE.
Is it possible to fly on cloudy days?
Yes, as long as cloudbase is higher than take off and it’s not raining.
Will it be good to fly tomorrow?
Contact us and check it out.
Can I bring friends and relatives to watch me flying?
Yes, as long as there are free seats on your transfer.
Are there limits of age to go flying?
Minimum age is 16 years, teenagers under 18 must be accompanied by adult relatives. Seniors can fly as long as they’re capable to make the take off procedure. Many people in their 70’s have made it ! Photo ID or copy of Passport should be available.
Is there a weight limit for flying?
The body weight limit is around to fly on our Hang Gliders is about 100 kg but this might vary according to flying conditions. If over the weight limit for hang gliding you may still be able to Para Glide, taking off and landing from the same spot and seeing the same great views.
How should I dress?
Wear comfortable clothing, on cooler winter days bringing a sweatshirt along might be a good idea considering
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Use comfortable shoes that allow you to make the takeoff sprint and which won’t fall of during your flight. Beach sandals should be avoided.
Can I bring and use my own Gopro camera during the flight?
Whenever you’re buying our video service you’re allowed to make a second angle at no additional cost with your Gopro as long as you provide a mounting system that won’t interfere with the aircraft safety.
Rio de Janeiro Hang Gliding reservation form: