Hang gliding and paragliding policy

This policy provides guidance on the management of hang gliding, paragliding and related activity on and above NPWS land.

The use of hang gliders is subject to a civil aviation order, which specifies the conditions to be complied with by hang glider pilots. The civil aviation order governing hang gliding requires that a person may not act as a pilot in command of a hang glider unless the person is the holder of a pilot certificate or the person is under the supervision of an approved instructor.

Hang gliding and paragliding are appropriate recreational activities in national parks and reserves under certain conditions and in certain areas. These activities will not be permitted in nature reserves, Aboriginal areas or declared wilderness. There are specific topographical and wind requirements that enable hang gliding and paragliding activities to take place, and activities are limited to specific locations. Many of the locations that have the appropriate requirements (cliffs, bluffs etc.) are located within areas reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

Existing suitable hang gliding sites will be authorised through a written consent in accordance with this policy and the procedural guidelines. For these sites, interim consent arrangements will be put in place until a formal site assessment is conducted, prior to consideration of a longer-term consent.

All recreational activities, including hang gliding and paragliding, can generate impacts on the park environment and must be managed in accordance with legislative requirements and the objectives for which certain lands are reserved.

The take off requirements for weight shift micro-lights is considerably different to hang gliding and paragliding. Weight shift micro lights are not considered a hang glider and are not covered in this policy.

This page only gives a summary of the policy. For detailed information, please download the full policy below, together with related documents. The policy includes contacts and a list of relevant legislation.

Documents to download

• Hang gliding and paragliding policy (PDF - 167KB)

Page last updated: 27 February 2011