Paragliding

Paragliding

by Dixon White

Publication Date: June 1999

Most of us have dreamed of flying from time-to-time. Not the kind that has you squished in an uncomfortable seat with 200 other passengers about you, as twin jet engines hurl you to your destination. We're talking the kind of flying where it's just you and the wind, gliding like a leaf, peaceful and serene.

You don't have to have your head on a pillow to do this - you can paraglide and experience human flight, sans jet engines, for yourself. You don't have to be into extreme sports to be a paraglider pilot. This isn't jumping out of an airplane (skydiving), or being pulled around by a power boat as you dangle from a parachute (parasailing). Paragliding is pretty much the same as being a bird without flapping your arms. You soar on currents of air using an inflatable wing that the paraglider is attached to in a sitting position by a harness.

Paraglider pilots will tell you it is comfortable. Because they launch from gentle hillsides with their gliders already opened for flight, if the glider isn't flying properly, the launch can be aborted before leaving the ground. This makes paragliding different from hang gliding because it's slower paced and, if you want to stop your launch, you can. Also, the equipment used by a paraglider pilot weighs less by half or more than hang gliding.

Enthusiasts often carry their paragliders (about 30 lbs.) folded into a backpack so they can hike up to the nearest peak for take-off. Once a new pilot has developed their skill, they can use alternative launching methods. Paragliders can be launched from the ground by being towed by a boat or car. They can also be flown with backpack motors that weigh between 45 and 100 pounds and look like giant fans.

Paragliders are designed to soar whether launching from a hillside, being towed aloft, or using a backpack motor unit. The duration record is over 11 hours and the distance record is 300 kilometers. Of course the beginner starts by just skimming the ground. As skill and confidence increase, so do height and time in the air. The average recreational pilot utilizing thermal and ridge lift stays aloft for three hours and soars to altitudes of 15,000 feet. Paraglider pilots using motorized backpacks without the aid of thermals or ridge lift, can usually fly for one to two hours and travel about 20 miles per hour.

Paragliding instructors will tell you that the best way to get started is with lessons. These can be tandem or solo with radio backup. The basic techniques of paragliding are launching, turning and landing. A good course will also teach how to compensate for weather constraints, turbulence, different launches, other air traffic, and safety procedures. A Novice course will take five to seven days. Students take about 25 high flights and learn about high altitude flight, maneuvers, FAA rules, and reserve parachute deployments. Once certified, a new pilot can then add a backpack motor unit in a day of training.

How much does it cost? After lessons, a new paraglider, harness and reserve will cost between $3,500 and $5,000. Backpack motor units range between $3,500 and $8,000. Many pilots also opt for a two-way radio and a variometer for an additional $500.

Paragliding is as close as humans get to free flight, and even those who normally have a fear of heights say the slow, gentle takeoffs and landings, and pilot control make this sport a serene experience. It is recommended that those wishing to take up paragliding should be reasonably fit and ready to do a little studying.

For more information about this adventure sport, see the website: www.paraglide.com or contact Airplay at (509)782-5543.

Dixon White is a Master pilot and Examiner for the United States Hang Gliding Association. Dixon is the owner of paragliding schools in Washington and Arizona. He has over 5500 flights and has never been injured. His school has certified more US pilots than any other for over three years.

For information on paragliding organizations, clubs, schools and books (click here)