Western New York · A volunteer-powered flying club

The sky is closer than you think.

Curious about hang gliding or paragliding? Start with the people, find an introductory opportunity, and build a learning path at your own pace.

Find a Check It Out date →Ask a volunteer

No pilot rating, USHPA number or class enrollment needed to explore. No membership or payment is needed to explore. One RAF account keeps your responses and future journey together.

Hang-gliding equipment and people on a green training hill
Learn together. Grow at your pace.People volunteer their time. Weather and wind shape the day.

Offered dates, real people

Come check it out.

Meet RAF before choosing a class. Your response helps volunteers plan; it does not enroll you or confirm a flying activity.

Finding published introductory dates…

Only published public introductions appear here. Other club activities are on the club calendar.

A clear path, without rushing

From curious to connected.

You decide how far to go. The volunteer team helps you understand the next useful step.

  1. 01

    Meet the club

    RSVP to an offered introduction. Learn about the program, equipment, time and costs before deciding.

  2. 02

    Choose your path

    Agree on a class or independent learning plan with the appropriate instructor. Enrollment is a separate step.

  3. 03

    Keep learning

    See offered sessions, share days that work for you, and follow the instructor’s weather-aware plan.

  4. 04

    See your progress

    Goals, feedback, flight evidence and history stay with your existing RAF identity across wings and seasons.

Two wings. Your own path.

Find what draws you upward.

Keep hang-gliding and paragliding development separate while staying part of one club.

Paragliding & continuing development

Ask about current instruction, observer evaluation or mentoring opportunities. Availability and the appropriate official shape your plan.

Find the right human support →
How the regular Padgham training season works

Check It Out. Ground School. Train often.

Start with Check It Out and required Ground School. Eligible students then use the recurring Padgham Hill schedule: Monday–Friday, 6 PM to sunset; Saturday, 9 AM to noon. No Sunday session is part of the regular schedule.

The recurring window is an opportunity, not automatic confirmation. Actual offered dates, volunteer instructors, weather, wind, field access and the announced July crop/field closure control. Use the current instructor notice before travelling.

Flights, practice evidence and demonstrated skills do not automatically award a rating. Authorized instructors and issuing officials control signoffs.

Already learning? Open my student journey →Complete endorsement directory →Membership & program questions →

Welcome back, whenever you’re ready

Your story doesn’t reset.

Returning after a pause? Your account, past seasons and learning history stay connected.

Open my student journey →I’m new to RAF →