Lookout Mountain Flight Park- Hang Gliding and Paragliding Training Center — Attraction in Fort Oglethorpe

I HAD AN ABSOLUTE BLAST! WHAT A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE! The entire office staff and all of the hang gliding instructors are highly experienced and true professionals within the hang gliding and aviation world. Everyone was very patient and understanding from the beginning of my conversation with each person. Each reviewed every possibility and took his time going through the complete process giving me a review of what is involved in starting and about the progression of the learning curve for gaining a new skill. Each consistently took the time to break the flow of the conversation to ensure I was completely understanding every bit of information. Their experience and service ethic left no gaps for questions, I ended up with a head full of fantastic information. The info leveraged against my own research helped me make my decision of how far I wanted to go and what I wanted to complete. The staff never exerted pressure or sales tactics, they wished only to serve to inform the interested and to be immediately available for any questions.

For those who are uncertain they offer Tandem flights with an instructor towing you in an ultralight, you only need to hang and communicate with the pilot to gain a “what’s it like” experience. There are also package deals that include training on their tiny bunny hill with progression to the small, and then the big hill. You can approach each hill only after you have proven your skills before you graduate to your next challenge. It is reassuring to know the purchase is good for 2 years, which was a concern, as at my tenure on this planet, stuff wiggles a bit and gets tender, even though I consider myself in excellent condition for my years.

The value of their accommodations is great and you will end up saving some of your hard earned money as nearby State Parks, Lodges, and Campgrounds are all more expensive than their rates. Just pitching a tent in the nearby Cloudland Canyon is going to cost you north $30 per night. LMFP has a campground at the LZ with nearby facilities and a tiny charge of $5 a night. I opted for a bit more comfort, their Pentagon cabins, which is barely twice the price of pitching a tent in a state park. I must inform you they are rustic, and small, so if you bring a feminine partner or if you're a couple, the feminine mate may not be happy. For this I would suggest one of the upgraded cabins with a porch that faces the LZ as these cabins are newer and larger. I am not knocking the P cabins, they are just more rustic and smaller. I stayed 5 nights in a P cabin and it was plenty of comfort for a single person. Comparing the P cabins to a tent, the P cabins are “Glamping”. The cabins have a window unit with AC, Fan, and Dehumidifier and it keeps the small space more than comfortable. There was a nice size bed with clean and fresh linens and a mini kitchen with what you need to cook. There is a tiny kitchen with a double kitchen sink and an electric two burner stove. The cabin is stocked with a few plates, cups, and a bit of flatware and includes a mix of cooking utensils, pots, and pans. There is a mini bathroom with a full toilet and a mini vanity sink with hot and cold water. There is a full size bath/shower fiberglass type and plenty of hot water, believe me, you are going to need it. The P cabins include a full size refrigerator and freezer which made them a better value than any motel/hotel.

I was provided with all the required safety gear and the flight instructors closely monitored my progress as I was learning how to fly. Remember, speak up and communicate with your instructor. LMFP has strict safety policies in place, and they enforce them as they should, no need for stupid human tricks in any real sport. I am very impressed with the level of safety at LMFP and I always felt confident that I was in good hands. I knew that my safety was always everyone's...

I had a blast! It was amazing! I'd definitely recommend it. This was my first time doing anything like this. They had a labor day discount and I signed up for 1500 ft hang gliding. The address takes you to the office. Side of the road parking. Initially I thought this was where I would be launching from -IT'S NOT! So don't freak out like I did. Here you see people running and launching themselves into paragliding and such. I guess these are for the more advanced or trainers. But you do go to the office and complete your forms. The workers were very nice. They offer pictures and video/picture package. The picture package was $30 and video/pictures was $50. I selected the picture package upgrade. After completing the initial part of your form you're told which launch zone to go to. They give you a map and verbal directions. They say it's easy to find with GPS. Mine was only 10 mins away and easily found via GPS. I arrived around 3:45 and my scheduled flight time was around 6pm and that's when I flew. So don't stress about running a little late. At my landing zone there's a instructional video to watch and then you completed the rest of your form. There was a covered wooden seating area with benches. A water dispenser. Here is where I found out that you're launched by being towed by a plane. It was cool to watch. Everyone was efficient. When it was my turn they got me strapped up and I was provided a helmet. My instructor was super friendly and I felt very comfortable. The ride was so smooth even though I was a little bit nervous. Once you reach the right altitude which the glider has a device on it to calculate that, then we detached from the plane. The view up there was amazing and I was amazed by how easily the instructor steered it. He offered for me to steer but I declined. Maybe next time. I was smiling the entire time. Near the end was a little surprise from my instructor. Please bring a tip for your pilot. Attire - casual (shorts, jeans, leggings. Some people jad on flip flops, I'd recommend sneakers or sandals that secure to your feet). I definitely want to go higher and try the paragliding too! ...

We scheduled the Eagle Package as a family of three with my dad who is 68, my brother, and my daughter who is 18. We arranged to spend two consecutive weeks at the flight park with the goal of enjoying family time while learning a new hobby together. The best case scenario was to leave with H2 ratings and be foot launching from the top, and we planned the trip so it would end with the Wingman competition.

It turned out to be my favorite vacation yet. Even if you do not want to fly yourself, simply being there and soaking in the atmosphere is an incredible experience. You do not have to take lessons in a two week block either. Some people move faster, while others spread it out over time, which can be easier on your body. Staying on site for two weeks was awesome. The LZ community felt like our kind of people. They were welcoming, fun, and full of encouragement. When you are there long enough you get to know everyone, including instructors on the hills, pilots at the top, tandem students, and families in the LZ. That sense of community makes learning to hang glide even better.

We also brought our dogs. The RV park and LZ are dog friendly, and although our pups were a little unruly at first, by the end of the trip they were running around with all the other dogs who came for Wingman weekend. They added something special to the whole experience.

Personally, I pulled a muscle and came down sick during the trip, but it was still my favorite vacation ever. My dad progressed to the big hill and will soon be cleared for the cliff. My daughter and her uncle both earned their H2s and even competed in Wingman. If you are doing back to back hill flights, I cannot emphasize enough how important stretching is, especially if you are older or pushing hard every day. My dad has his heart set on foot launching, but aerotow is also a fantastic option that is easier on the body.

Beyond the flying we enjoyed just spending time around the flight park. One of our instructors, Scott, was a great local guide. He pointed us toward amazing food and fun outings, and we loved exploring Chattanooga and Trenton.

All around it was a perfect experience. We will...