Paragliding (known in some countries as parapenting) is a recreational and competitive flying sport. A paraglider is a free-flying, foot-launched aircraft. The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing, whose shape is formed by the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing.
It is closely related to hang gliding, but quite different from parasailing/parascending, which don't involve free flight. Paramotoring uses the same equipment, with the addition of a small engine and propeller mounted behind the pilot, making it a form of ultra-light aviation as opposed to free flight.
There are several key components to a paragliding pilot certification instruction program. Initial training for beginning pilots usually begins with some amount of ground school to discuss the basics, including elementary theories of flight as well as basic structure and operation of the paraglider.
It is closely related to hang gliding, but quite different from parasailing/parascending, which don't involve free flight. Paramotoring uses the same equipment, with the addition of a small engine and propeller mounted behind the pilot, making it a form of ultra-light aviation as opposed to free flight.
There are several key components to a paragliding pilot certification instruction program. Initial training for beginning pilots usually begins with some amount of ground school to discuss the basics, including elementary theories of flight as well as basic structure and operation of the paraglider.
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Last Updated: Sep 2009
Last Updated: Sep 2009
Students then learn how to control the glider on the ground, practicing take-offs and controlling the wing 'overhead'. Low, gentle hills are next where students get their first short flights, flying at very low altitudes, to get used to the handling of the wing over varied terrain. Special winches can be used to tow the glider to low altitude in areas that have no hills readily available.
