Hang Glider Ratings and Representative Wings (the DHV System)

A hang glider is a wing of sailcloth stretched over a rigid frame, controlled by the pilot shifting their weight while lying prone. It's the same gliding sport, but its flight characteristics — and its rating system — differ from a paraglider's.

Differences from a paraglider

• Structure: a paraglider is a soft wing (fabric); a hang glider is a rigid wing on an aluminum/carbon frame.
• Speed: hang gliders tend to be faster, with a higher glide ratio.
• Control: brake toggles (paraglider) vs. weight shift (hang glider).

Rating system: DHV, not EN

Unlike paragliders, which use EN-A–D and CCC, hang gliders are traditionally classified by the German DHV difficulty system (in addition, there are US USHPA, HGMA, and UK BHPA certifications).

• DHV 1 (beginner): most stable, for training and beginners
• DHV 1-2 (beginner–intermediate): a widely used middle class after the beginner stage
• DHV 2 (intermediate): rising performance and control demands
• DHV 2-3 (upper-intermediate): high performance requiring active control
• DHV 3 (high performance / competition): top-performance wings for skilled pilots

Representative wings by class

Examples by class from the models in the FlyWise catalog.

• DHV 1: Moyes Sting 1, Aeros Fox, La Mouette Sphinx
• DHV 1-2: Wills Wing T-2 150, Wills Wing S-7A
• DHV 2: Wills Wing Sting 160, Wills Wing Falcon 170
• DHV 2-3: Wills Wing Sport 170, Moyes Litespeed, Aeros Combat
• DHV 3: Wills Wing XC 180, Moyes Litespeed RX

Major manufacturers

Wills Wing (USA), Moyes (Australia), Aeros (Ukraine), Icaro, North Wing, La Mouette, Airborne Windsports, Seedwings, and more.

FlyWise supports hang gliders too

Hang glider flights can also be logged automatically via IGC, and you can register your wing via catalog autocomplete to manage cumulative hours and inspection cycles. (Equipment management · What is FlyWise?)

This article is for general information; verify specs and certifications with official manufacturer sources. Always follow formal instruction and instructor guidance when choosing a wing and flying.