Flying with birds allows one to experience the joy and freedom of soaring through the skies like an eagle or hawk without engines or fuel. Using a lightweight frame hung with fabric wings, experienced hang glider pilots are able to catch rising columns of air called thermals to lift themselves hundreds of feet in the air and coast on the breeze for minutes or even hours at a time. With practice and the right safety precautions, hang gliding provides an unforgettable feeling of flying like a bird over scenic landscapes.