Hang gliding training centre

Beginners on courses and taster days, returning students working towards their next qualification, and experienced pilots wanting coaching or equipment servicing.

Course and taster fees, progression coaching, group and corporate days, and possibly kit hire or sales to students.

• Qualified instructor, ideally with experience teaching others
• Running bookings and managing a small team
• Weather and site judgement
• Marketing to adventure and gift buyers

• Instructor qualifications and school requirements, check with the BHPA
• School, public liability and employer's liability insurance once you take on staff
• Planning permission or change of use for your base, check with the local council
• Landowner permissions for the sites you fly from
• Heavy dependence on weather and season, so keep cash reserves
• Equipment inspection and record keeping for safety

Startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £80,000, depending on your base, equipment, insurance and whether you bring in extra instructors. Check planning permission or change of use for your base with the local council before committing.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on course bookings, taster days, coaching and servicing work. Income depends heavily on weather and season, so it is wise to keep cash reserves for quiet months.

Check instructor qualifications and school requirements with the BHPA. Also check school, public liability and employer's liability insurance once you take on staff, landowner permissions for your flying sites, and equipment inspection and record keeping for safety.