Tips for Aspiring Paragliding Pilots

Filed under: Paragliding

Paragliding is intrinsically a dangerous sport. But while almost anyone can aspire to be a paragliding pilot, people who are truly passionate must use their personal judgment and training to intelligently decide whether their qualifications are appropriate and whether they are ready to indulge in this kind of activity.

Know the basics

A very basic requirement to paragliding is to be acquainted with paragliding gear. The main part of the gear is obviously the wing. The wing is made of a double layered fabric with the space in-between fabrics divided into a row of cells. The cells are open in front and are kept inflated by the air that enters the wing when a pilot runs or when flying. The rest of the gear includes a harness that is connected to the lines of the wing, a plank for the pilot to sit on, and a helmet.

There are a lot of companies that offer paragliding courses. The very first and probably the most difficult thing a beginner has to learn about this activity is how to make a successful launch. In launching, an aspiring paragliding pilot must learn how to properly pull the wing.

Before doing so, ensure that all the lines are connected to both the wing and the harness, spread the wing out properly on the ground and make sure the open side is facing up. Learn to properly pull the wing above your head, find your balance, and then run. Run with enough speed, keep the wing above your head but do not immediately sit down.

Learning the basics of paragliding can be a very tiresome activity but with enough patience a beginner can learn the ropes in no more than a week.

Get yourself equipped

After proper training and assessment of your qualifications and abilities, get yourself equipped. Of course, the first thing you have to buy is a paraglider. The primary consideration in choosing the appropriate unit is your in-flight weight. Paragliders are tested by certification organizations based on their flying characteristics and weight, after which a weight range is set for every paraglide. Factors such as launch altitude, weather, and a pilots physical condition have to be considered in selecting the appropriate paraglider however, the most important consideration is the pilots weight. For increased speed, better handling, smoother flight, and minimal risks for wing collapse a pilot must choose a wing size that will place his or her weight near the top end of the weight range.

Other essential equipment in paragliding includes a watch, a variometer, a helmet, a GPS, and other extras. It is of greater importance for beginners to be fully equipped with the right paragliding gear for them to have extra assistance in performing and enjoying the sport.

Set a goal and do some research

Set a personal goal for yourself. This allows you to evaluate your progress, and provides you with a path to where you want to proceed with the sport. Beyond the gear, practice and actual experience are the best teachers to successful paragliding; research and readings are also essential for a pilot to understand the theories and principles behind the activity.

Paragliding is for anyone physically capable of the sport. With patience and determination it can be a very exhilarating experience.