Morningside Flight Park
4.8(85)google
4.2(23)yelp
Youth-FriendlyOutdoorThrillingAdventurousAviationSports
Overview
Morningside is a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's East End. It has two Zip Codes, 15201 and 15206.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM 5:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeBest experienced during the dry summer months from June to September. You must pre-book the morning's first flight lesson session around 8:00 AM; early morning thermal air currents over the Connecticut River valley are at their mildest and most predictable, granting smooth gliding conditions and crystal-clear photography windows.
Getting ThereLocated near Charlestown at 11 Morningside Lane. Drive via I-91, take Exit 8 (Vermont side) for NH-12 N/NH-103 E across the river. Drive north for 2 miles, make a left turn onto Morningside Lane, and follow the aviation flags straight to the base launch hangar. Offers extensive free flat unpaved surface parking on the grass field.
Travel Tips
- Hang gliding and paragliding flights depend strictly on wind currents; slots may be canceled at short notice if wind vectors fail minimum safety limits.
- On-site campsites and cabins are located in a verified cellular dead zone with no Wi-Fi; pre-download all waivers, maps, and digital payment confirmations.
- Sturdy, high-top hiking boots are legally mandated for training on the training hills to prevent ankle injuries; running shoes or sandals are prohibited.
Reviews
Positive
- An unparalleled flight experience! Tandem hang gliding or paragliding with expert instructors offers staggering aerial valley views.
- The instructor team prioritizes safety, executing rigorous and patient ground school and equipment checks to ease beginner nerves.
- Beyond flying, they offer great wooded zipline tours and campsites with clean amenities, perfect for outdoor lovers' weekends.
- The flight park is vast with lush alpine meadows; just relaxing on the grass to watch paragliders drift by is a premium visual treat.
Heads up
- This sport is highly weather-dependent; flights are instantly canceled or endlessly delayed if wind directions shift or rain rolls in.
- Pricing is very premium; standalone flights are costly, and high-definition aerial video recordings require an expensive add-on fee.
- The final mountain access road is mostly unpaved dirt and gravel, featuring deep potholes that test low-clearance sedans.
- Nestled in a remote valley, cell service is weak, and there are few food stands, making it essential to pack your own lunch.