Skip to content

Book Now

Let's get your next great story on the schedule.

Reservations 1.877.FLY.THIS Talk with someone who can help you choose the right option and book with confidence.
1902 Wright Glider Experience

Adventure

1902 Wright Glider Experience

1902 Wright Glider Experience is one of Kitty Hawk Kites' signature hang gliding experiences in Nags Head, NC. It's a strong fit for guests looking for flight experiences and groups.

1902 Wright Glider Experience

Starting At

$399 +6% Online Convenience Fee

Duration

4 hours

Best For

History & Local Culture, Flight Experiences, Thrill Seekers

Pricing

1902 Wright Glider Experience

1902 Wright Glider Experience is one of Kitty Hawk Kites' signature hang gliding experiences in Nags Head, NC. It's a strong fit for guests looking for flight experiences and groups.

1 Person $449 per person
2 people $449 per person
3 people $399 per person

Adventure Overview

Wright Glider Experience on Jockey's Ridge

Looking to make history while you’re on the Outer Banks? Fly a reproduction of the Wright Brother’s 1902 Glider! This replica was built by the Wright Experience and is one of a few in existence.

Looking to make history while you’re on the Outer Banks? Fly a reproduction of the Wright Brothers’ 1902 Glider! This replica was built by the Wright Experience and is one of a few in existence. It’s also the only one of its kind available for the public to fly. The 1902 Wright Glider replica is museum quality and allows participants to experience exactly what the Wright Brothers felt as they prepared for their historic flight of the first powered plane in 1903. Your 5 flights over the Dunes will be just like the Wright Brothers. And you’ll be one of the few in the world to ever fly this glider just as the Wright Brothers did (even at the same location) over 100 years ago!

Adventure Promotion Recreation

$5 OFF!

Save $5 person when you book for Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday

Adventure Promotion Recreation

$5 OFF!

Mention the offer when booking by phone or apply the discount online during checkout. It’s the perfect way to fly high and save.

Call 1-877-FLY-THIS (359-8447) for booking assistance.
Discount subject to availability. Valid at participating locations only.

Weight Limit is set at 200lbs

Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Review some commonly asked questions so you know before you go.

What is the Wright Glider Experience? +

The Wright Glider Experience allows you to fly a reproduction of the 1902 Wright Glider, just as the Wright Brothers did over 100 years ago! Built by the Wright Experience, this museum-quality replica lets you feel what the Wright Brothers experienced as they prepared for their historic flight in 1903. You’ll soar 5-15 feet above the ground, flying about 50 yards with the wind beneath your wings—just like the pioneers of flight!

Where does the experience take place? +

The flights take place over the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which is the perfect location for this historic adventure. After your experience, you can visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial to learn more about the history of flight and see where the Wright Brothers made their famous powered flights in 1903.

When is the experience available? +

We offer the Wright Glider Experience year-round, but the best flying conditions are typically found in the fall, winter, and spring when winds are most consistent. We schedule clinics during these months, but if you can’t make the clinic dates, we can also arrange custom dates for groups of 3 or more. We encourage flexibility, as wind conditions are essential for safe and enjoyable flights.

What kind of wind conditions are required? +

The Wright Glider requires winds between 15-25 mph for optimal flying conditions. This is typical for the Outer Banks, but wind conditions can be unpredictable. Because the glider experience depends on suitable weather, we encourage you to be flexible with your schedule. Keep in mind, ideal winds may occur a day before or after your scheduled clinic.

How many flights will I take? +

Each participant takes 5 flights during their Wright Glider Experience, with each flight lasting between 10-15 feet off the ground and covering a distance of about 50 yards.

What is included? +
  • Ground School: Before flying, you’ll receive a briefing that includes glider orientation, controls, and history of the Wright Brothers and their flight legacy.
  • Flights: You’ll take 5 flights, each tethered to ensure safety.
  • Safety Gear: All participants are provided with necessary safety equipment.
Are photos or video available? +

Kitty Hawk Kites offers GoPro footage of your lesson so that you can relive this memory for years to come. We film each flight you take above the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Within 48 hours of your lesson all of your flight footage plus at least 50 to 100 fully edited digital photos of your 1902 Wright Glider Experience will be emailed to you.

How do I book the experience? +

All bookings must go through the Hang Gliding School at 252-441-2426. You can schedule your experience over the phone or inquire about specific dates, availability, and wind conditions.

Reservations Policy

Adventure Reservations Policies

We try to be as flexible as we possibly can to make your experience great, but please be mindful that we do have some policies that should be reviewed.

Read Policy

Reservations Policy

Adventure Reservations Policies

Our activities tend to fill up, so we encourage you to make your reservation early, especially if you plan to come in June, July, August, September, or during a holiday. While walk-ins are welcome, there is no guarantee that space will be available without a reservation.

Payment

Full payment is required to book your reservation. Kitty Hawk Kites does not hold spots without payment. Your card will be charged when you click “Accept” on the confirmation page. We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover. If you want to pay by cash or gift card, you must make your reservation at one of our retail stores or activity sites. If you are unsure of where the nearest reservations facility is, please call or text 252-251-4314.
Prices are subject to change, so confirm the rates at time of reservation.

Weather Related Cancellations and Refunds

Weather changes frequently and unexpectedly in coastal areas, and many weather forecasts are inaccurate. Due to these factors, weather related cancellations will likely not occur until very close to time of the scheduled reservation. Should Kitty Hawk Kites cancel your scheduled activity due to unsafe weather conditions, you will be offered the chance to reschedule your activity or Kitty Hawk Kites can either issue you a **wind check** (for Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Kayaking, Kiteboarding, Paddleboarding and Surfing) or provide you with a refund for the portion of the activity you were unable to complete.

For instance, in the case of Demo and Beginner Dune Hang Gliding Lessons the first portion (“Ground School”) of your lesson will not be cancelled and is non-refundable within 48 hours. The ground school is pro-rated at $39 per student.
Note: if you were booked on one of our packages, and part of your activities are cancelled due to weather, and you opt for a refund, you will be charged regular price for the activities you completed.

Customer Related Cancellations & Rescheduling

Should the purchasing customer request a refund, Kitty Hawk Kites will provide a full refund for any request that is made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled activity. No refunds will be given for customer cancellations made within the 48 hours before the scheduled activity. If the reservation is made within the 48 hours before the activity time, the reservation is non-refundable at the time of the booking.

Fishing Trips scheduled on the Carolina Blue and the Southern Run require a weeks notice to cancel for a full refund.  Any cancellations made within a week of your fishing trip will be charged full cost of the trip.

Reschedules

Customers may request to reschedule or wind check their scheduled activity to a future time or date at any time up until the day preceding their scheduled activity. Same day rescheduling shall not be permitted.

Late Arrivals & No Show Policy

NO REFUNDS or reschedules will be given if you fail to show up for your activity. Please contact Kitty Hawk Kites 24 hours prior to your scheduled activity if you need to reschedule.

Waivers

For activities that require a liability waiver to be completed, each participant of that activity must complete a waiver to participate in that activity. Minor participants (anyone under 18 years old) must have their waiver completed by their parent or legal guardian in order for the minor participant to take part in the scheduled activity. If you have any questions concerning whether the scheduled activity requires a waiver or how to obtain a waiver for a minor not traveling with their parent or legal guardian, please call 1-877-FLY-THIS to speak to a Kitty Hawk Kites reservations associate.

**Wind Checks**

A wind check is a non expiring voucher which allows you to schedule your activity (Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Kayaking, Kiteboarding, Paddleboarding and Surfing) for a future date if you are unable to complete your scheduled activity and cannot reschedule during your stay on the Outer Banks. Wind checks do not have to be used by the person to whom they were issued – so don’t lose them. Kitty Hawk Kites is not responsible for lost or stolen wind checks. If you have a wind check and would like to schedule your activity, simply call reservations at 1-877-FLY-THIS and them know you are redeeming a wind check to begin the scheduling process.

Accessibility

We are committed to making our activities as accessible as possible. While some activities may have limitations, we’re happy to work with you to explore accommodations. For assistance or questions, please contact us at (252) 441-4124.