Morningside Flight Park

We visited Morningside Flight Park this weekend and had a fabulous time. We signed up for both tandem hang gliding and the Superman zipline. Our kite pilot, Josh, was amazing. In talking to people who flew with him, it was clear that he worked with individuals to make sure that they had the type of flight that they wanted. A few folks asked for a test-​the-​limits flight and we could actually hear voices in the sky yelling, «Wow!!!» as Josh did fancy maneuvers. The pilot who towed the kites up was equally great. He helped participants get into your harness after Josh was strapped in. What I didn’t know is that we would be flown up to about 2500 feet before disconnecting from the airplane. This is about the height of two Empire State Buildings. At about 900 feet in the air I actually thought that we topped out. No way! We went up another 1500 feet or so. Wild. While hanging in the kite, I had the most incredible view of Mt. Ascutney and the Connecticut River. Since the Connecticut River separates New Hampshire from Vermont, we may have technically passed through two states during our flight. (Don’t know this for sure.) The ride was about 15 minutes but felt longer to me. A GoPro camera was attached to the kite. We purchased videos at the end; they just give you the memory card from the camera. One downside to a tandem flight is that you must weigh less than 225 lbs to participate. I know a number of fit and health people over this weight who probably love to try this but would not be allowed.
The zipline experience was equally great as you spend the entire time in the forest. The staff take the time to educate you about the area, e.g. the tress and wildlife. On our way to the start site, we stopped to have a quick look at two monstrous oak trees, a red and white — a nice bonus. What I did not appreciate at the time that we zipped was the fact that Morningside has you hooked into two ziplines, not just one. If you look around the internet for pictures and videos of zipline setups around the world, you will see that lots of places suspend riders on a single cable. All seven of the Superman runs had double cables. A local gal, Mellisa, who does photography accompanied us on the hour long tour and took photos. Her price? Only $ 20 per person. The senior instructor with us, Dillon, was fantastic. He made us feel totally safe even though getting off the platform could at times be a bit nerve racking! All of the platforms have trees in the middle. For a period of time we found ourselves staring at the bark rather than the forest below as we waited our turn. We also had two newer instructors work with us, Caleb, and another super fellow whose name I forget. Adrenaline can do that to you! Anyway, we always felt that we were good hands with these guys.
While we were there, we saw a bunch of pizzas being brought in. Unfortunately, they were not for us! A children’s party was underway in the picnic area. After eating, the kids made their way into the forest to play laser tag. Isn’t that awesome? Morningside is a pretty cool place!

Simply an amazing place to learn to paraglide. You get fantastic instructions, very warm welcome, the hill set up is great, people are not pushy. After trying some other schools, I was sooo happy to end up here. Very safe, attentive and just all around great!

Everyone there is so nice. It is a happy place. We went there for zip lining with my 2 boys for the price of one person at Mt. Sunapee. I did not really want to zip as I don’t like rides or heights. After gearing up, we heading to the site to do the first zip… appropriately named Elimination zip. You have to walk a small suspension bridge to get to the first zip. Once we crossed that, I thought I was done. I really wasn’t sure I could do it. I actually had tears in my eyes. One of our guides took time to try to make me feel more comfortable. It didn’t work. He was very kind and patient and allowed me to take my time. I did the first zip. The hardest part was lifting my feet to take off. The patience of both guides was incredible (and mature and experienced) I was the only adult in the group and I couldn’t have done it without them. Ending compliment «Of all the nervous people, you were the most nervous person who did not back out!» So glad I did it. Ready to try Superman!

One of the best places to learn hang gliding by foot launch. If not the best. Very good hill where you can gradually move from 50 ft to 150, and then 250 and 450 altitudes.
One of the rare places in US where you can rent a glider if you don’t have your own.

my friend and I went here for our birthday to do ziplining and the ziplining itself was really great-​! there were 7 ziplines on the «superman tour». some of them really quite high at around 90 feet. i had a really nice time and the instructors did a good job.
my criticism comes however, with one of the staff members. i think her name was «Biddy» or something, but I have to say, there were some seriously unprofessional things about her. to start, we overheard her complaining to the other staff about how little someone tipped her… that being said, we had NO clue that we’d be expected to tip the instructors on the ziplining. it didn’t even dawn on me that you would tip in this situation, but okay, whatever. while i’m really glad we weren’t dicks that didn’t tip, it bugged me that she would be complaining about that out loud in front of customers. not really cool.
after that, she had another faux pas. we were walking up to the zipline area when she pointed out a little cabin they call «the castle.» a couple in our group had planned to camp at the site for the night and it was really cold. «Biddy» told them that they could rent the cabin for extra charge if they wanted and said they could negotiate a price. when the couple didn’t seem too interested, she kept pushing for them to do it and mentioned it a few times thereafter. my friend and I both thought that was kind of tacky to be discussing money and prices in front of us. she was really pushy to the couple, too. weird.
anywho, the place was pretty neat and worth the 2 hour drive. but that being said, i give a big «boo» to «Biddy» (or whatever the chick’s name was)!

Well,
I thought I almost done it all, until i came hear Jose was my teacher and He’s“s the best
it was berth taking, will i do it again probably yes, it really a thrill, if you have the Gut’s“s
Loved it.

I got a discounted ticket through another online site for $ 120.00 for a tandem flight. Myself and 6 friends origonally had scheduled for a day in August, which unfortunately got cancelled due to wind conditions. We rescheduled for a date in October, which was a go! Steve was a very good instructor, and let us each take control of the hang glider, pointed out some points of reference for scenery while we were up there. I didn’t get any adrenaline «rush» from hang gliding, it is more of a peaceful flight. Don’t mistake it for skydiving. We took a few sharp turns, and circled which was cool. I was pretty much at ease most of the time, even when the wind got choppy, I was assured that it was normal. Taking a tandem is a great way to introduce yourself to hang gliding, for a possible once in a life time experience, or turn it into a pretty cool hobby. You can stay in the air for hours once you know what you are doing. Everyone had a great time, they were very patient, and did a good job making sure everyone had fun.

Just got back from a weekend trip to do a tandem «lesson» with Morningside. The flight itself was awesome. Steve was a great teacher and flyer and made me feel at ease (though I’m not easily frightened and this may not be for everyone.) It went fairly quickly (20 minutes?) but we got up high, had a great view of the CT River, valley, mountains and sunset. He did some aerial maneuvers that were a little stomach flipping but that’s what I wanted. I’d taken a motion sickness pill prior to doing it and was glad I did though I still felt a little queazy upon returning to solid ground (and my friend felt sick for a while afterwards.) No sickness in the air though. Steve taught a lot about wind conditions and flying while we were up there and always let me know when we’d be feeling any bumps.
My only warning would be to make sure you plan a couple of days in the area. We had only planned one night and it was looking like the night we’d planned would be too windy (found out after we were up there) and the next morning wasn’t going to be an option weather-​wise. We ended up lucking out and having beautiful weather but it could have been a pricey trip (for lodging) with no reward. They’ll let you transfer to another day of course but, if you’re coming from a distance, that can be hard to plan.
Also, this is a real «no frills» outfit. Really low-​key, laid back atmosphere. We found everyone to be very nice and helpful though.
Overall, if you’ve ever dreamed of flying, this can be just the ticket!

It was one of my most terrible vacation days ever! We had planned for a group trip. My GPS had no clue about the location so was late. When I found out where my friends are by accident on an old fashion road, I stopped my car on the corner of a nearby farm/​house entrance, left the engine on with family inside and walked by the group/​trainers asking where is the way to go. Suddenly and out of no where the assigned plain pilot (40−50s aged a bit white hair short guy) comes rushing and asking repeatedily and in most teenaged rude language «get the car out of there». I tried asking what is wrong? what is going on? can you tell me where is registration etc? as there was no sigs nor directions whatsoever. He insisted on his rude language and attitude and shouted to the farm/​house sneaking neighbor «he does not listen». It was just TERRIBLE. Could not imagine worse. Finaly one of my quite friends came over and told me where registration is. His boss did not wanna listen to what happened either and insisted his «staff instructed me to move the car and I was not quick enough!!» am I supposed to be? may be if I was asked in as little possible civilized tone. What was worse was the «pilot» pretended he refused to take me up in the air?! even though the ticket was purchased in advance. I was not going to use him anyway, but you can imagine that «childish» personality of the most critical teammate on this risky trip. (by the way I learned later that neighbor farmer had sued these guys couple times so they were super anxious from any potential future reasons for another one) though does this justify them being rude to their «customers»??

A few years ago, my wife, a friend, and I all signed up for a 6-​day hang gliding course for $ 100 per day, or $ 600 for the entire course. We paid in full in cash on the first day. Unfortunately, due to weather conditions, we were only able to complete two of the six days. When we asked for a refund of the remaining amount ($ 400 per person), they would not give it to us. They responded saying, «Your credit with us never expires and we can convert your balance to a gift certificate for tandems or lessons for friends or family if you so choose.»
A couple years went by and I requested the gift certificates because I am moving and will not be able to finish the course. The first response (from owner Jeff Nicolay) was that they would only give $ 155 per person (the equivalent of one «tandem flight»). I said that was not the correct amount. Jeff responded and asked for a copy of our flight books which confirms how much of the course we completed. I sent it to him. He then responded «As of this season we are not any longer swapping tandems for unused hang gliding lessons.»
Essentially, Morningside Flight Park has $ 1200 of our money ($ 400 each). While I (we) would prefer a full cash refund for the services that were paid for but never delivered, I (we) will settle for gift certificates. However, at this point, he is at best only willing to offer $ 155 in gift certificates per person, and at worst, he now appears to not want to offer anything at all.
He has basically stolen our money and is not living up to his original agreement of our credit being able to be converted to gift certificates! I am very frustrated and do not know what to do.

Looking for a great day or weekend trip? Check out Morningside Flight Park 3 hours north of Boston. They provide instruction on paragliding, hanggliding and ultralight flying. Try a tandem flight to start. You’ll feel like Superman as you soar across the sky. It’s a *HUGE* adrenaline rush. The instructors are great. They’ll teach you how to fly, but more importantly they’ll teach you how to slow down and read wind patterns in the clouds. Nothing makes you appreciate life more than jumping off a 550 foot cliff.
*Yelp Insider Tip: bring a tent and you can camp out on the hill under the stars. Most Saturdays in the summer there’s a big bonfire where the pilots share stories of their great flights and fiascos.