Are there common courtesies for hang gliding? Take turns taking off? Minimum distance between gliders?
It depends partially on the site and the people using it, but there are some basics to help keep people out of trouble:
1. When ridge soaring, the glider closest to the ridge has the right-of-way.
2. When approaching head on during ridge soaring, the pilot with the ridge to his right has the right-of-way.
3. The low pilot has the right-of-way.
4. Always turn away from the hill when reversing directions.
(ALWAYS CLEAR YOUR TURNS!)
5. A glider overtaking another glider flying the same direction should pass between the ridge and the glider being overtaken.
6. The first pilot to enter a thermal establishes the turning direction for all other pilots entering that thermal.
7. Do not fly directly over or under another glider with less than 50 feet clearance.
8. When approaching head on with another glider, both gliders should turn to the right.
9. When two gliders are coming together, the pilot on the right has the right of way.