An Introduction to Paragliding...

How Safe is Paragliding?

Like any other adventure sport, paragliding is only as safe as the person with the controls in his/her hands. You can find some comfort in the fact that it is considered a low airspeed type of aviation, meaning that if you crash, impact with the ground should be softer than that of a fixed wing aircraft. You can however accelerate to extremely high G's with your body achieving speeds of up to six times glider trim speed (200kph or more). There are three main factors that will make your time in the air safer....

- Pilot attitude (airmanship)
- Competent instruction
- Safe, certified and/or rated equipment

Meeting these conditions, combined with the generally lower ground speeds and inherent stability of todays paragliders will give you the opportunity to experience one of mans age old ambitions... Personal flight!

How Did It All Begin?

Paragliding gained its roots from the sport of parachuting. It all began in the early 1960’s, when Pierre Lemoigne produced the designs, which led to the Para Commander (PC) parachute. By adding several cutouts and slots, Lemoigne found that forward speed and control recognizably improved. . In 1962 a man named Walter Newmark developed Lemoigne’s design further for parascending (being towed aloft by a line behind a vehicle). Newmark was responsible for the creation of the British Association of Parascending in the early 1970’s. Then in 1964 a man named Domina Jalbert invented a square canopy known as the Ram Air Para Foil. The unique design worked by letting air pass through the twin surface glider allowing for increased maneuverability and more efficient lift. Paragliding didn’t actually take off as a sport till the 1970’s when pilots successfully launched the wing on the hillsides of the alps. The sport further increased in popularity when Gerard Bosson introduced paragliding at the 1979 World Hang-gliding Championships. Soon after, paragliding schools began to open all over the world.

Where Can I Learn?

We have an ever growing database of schools and clubs available to help you find the closest school or instructor near you. All paragliding schools will introduce you to the initial steps of inflating the canopy, landing and launching, plus basic flying controls within a few of days. Radios play an important role in the communication between teacher and pupil during airtime. Tandem flights and class theory sessions are likely to ensure you get the knowledge and experience required to enjoy the sport of paragliding in safety. It takes approximately seven days to qualify for your restricted license, then you are free to roam the skies at a huge range of sites all over the world.

What Equipment Do I Need?

Everything you need to know about equipment is available in our Paragliding Equipment section of ParaglidingPilot.net. Instructors and schools will also run you through all the instruments used while flying a paraglider during your course. There are a number of cool accessories available these days from wind resistant clothing to mountable cameras so you can immortalize your experiences. Remember, it is highly recommended to consult your instructor before purchasing your first wing, harnesses and safety gear etc. There is a massive range of manufacturers and equipment, and without the proper knowledge, you could find yourself with equipment far beyond your experience or even worse, too dangerous to fly.

Where Can I Fly?

We hope to amass a large archive of specific flying locations in our Flying Locations section with the help of the Paragliding Community. As far as general terrain is concerned, free flying launch sites are generally situated at places such as, coastal cliffs, mountain ranges, hill slopes and even sand dunes. If you are just starting out, talk with experienced pilots in your area to find the best sites for your level of experience.

What is the age limit?

The minimum age requirement to fly a paraglider legally is 14 but there is no maximum age limit, yet more evidence that paragliding can be a lifelong adventure.

Who can fly?

The physical requirements to fly a paraglider are not high, due to the lightweight of the aircraft. Anybody with decent eyesight, a healthy attitude, and solid balance, is a prospective paraglider pilot. People of all sizes, shapes, strength and gender can participate in paragliding (even those with minor disabilities!). People who have been blessed with superior hand/eye coordination will find themselves on a sharper learning curve just like any other sport, but again, just like any other sport, practice makes perfect.
People with diabetes and epilepsy may need to visit their doctor before trying to fly, but if you can swim, drive or ride a bike the chances are you will turn out to be a competent paraglider pilot.

What are the costs involved?

The cost of getting up in the air will depend entirely on you. Learning costs will be dictated by the school you have decided to attend but generally range between $1000-$2000. It’s tough to put a price range on equipment, as there is an active secondhand market to consider. Feel free to take a look at Paraglidingpilot.net’s Paragliding Equipment section to get a rough idea on the prices of brand new equipment. You will at least need a wing, harness, UHF radio, reserve parachute, helmet, and vario. After you have bought your equipment and completed your course, the financial pros of paragliding start to shine, because all you need to fly is good weather (no fuel expenses).

We hope this introduction has shed some light on the world of paragliding and motivated you to come and join us in the sky. Safe travels...

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