TIP: Click the Video tab to see this activity in action
Paragliding is a recreational and competitive sport. A para-glider being 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 wing front.
Popularity
Paragliding is a comparatively new pastime that is rapidly becoming more popular with those wanting the excitement of flight or flying themselves at an affordable price.
Location
Paragliding (known in some countries as parapenting), is popularly found throughout the world. Best locations are where there are active thermals ( hilly areas and shore lines), of which there are many in Britain.
Age
Solo Paragliding is because of the potential dangers not an activity for children, although they may experiance tandem flight with parental consent, and at the desecration of the pilot.
Ability
As with all aerial activities the correct tuition and degree of competence must be achieved before attempting a solo flight, Complete novices may get a taste of the activity by taking a tandem flight.
Description
As with other forms of gliding, pilots look for thermals on which to increase height and stay aloft. The pilot holds controls in each hand which pull down the trailing edge of the wing. Pulling down the trailing edge increases the angle of attack of the wing from its ‘trim’ (hands-off) position, which slows it down and increases the lift generated (like flaps on an aircraft wing). Turning is achieved by a combination of pulling down the control on one side and ‘weight shift’ within the harness.
Dedication
As with all aircraft, launching and landing are done into wind. In low winds, the wing is inflated with a ‘forward launch’, where the pilot runs forward so that the air pressure generated by the forward movement inflates the wing. Landing involves lining up for an approach into wind, and just before touching down, ‘flaring’ the wing to minimise forward speed. The angle of approach to the landing zone will depend on wind speed. Landing will typically be at a gentle forward run.
Potential
Paragliding (and the slightly more complicated hang gliding)is often described as the closest you can get to flying as free as a bird.
Closely
Related Activities
Paragliding is closely related to hang gliding, but quite different from parasailing/parascending which don't involve free flight. Paramotoring uses the same equipment as Paragliding, with the addition of a small engine mounted behind the pilot.
Cost
A single Tandem Paragliding flight (of up to 20mins) including a briefing, will cost from around £50, and will involve being on sight for a little over an hour.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
|
Legs
|
Sight
|
Hearing
|
Speech |
Learning |
Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.