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Weather to Fly is a trademark owned by Paul Hamilton. All rights reserved. No claim is made to the exclusive right to use "weather", apart from the mark as shown. Contact Us with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2001 - 2008 Loretta Hamilton. All rights reserved. Last modified: August 03, 2008 |
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Q.What is a "Paraglider"?
A. A paraglider is a foot-launched, ram-air, aerofoil canopy, designed to be flown and landed with no other energy requirements than the wind, gravity and the pilot's musclepower. We descend at about 3 minutes per 1000’ of altitude. However, if the air is rising faster than we are descending (as often happens), flights of 1-3 hours are not uncommon. Paragliders are designed for soaring flight. Parachutes are designed to descend. As of 1994, paragliders have stayed aloft over 11 hours and are close to achieving 200 mile distance records.
Q.Is Paragliding Safe?
A. Paragliding, like any other adventure sport, has its associated risks. To operate safely in any kind of aviation environment one must strive at all times to minimize those risks. The most important pre-requisites to learning to fly safely are: pilot attitude, competent instruction, and safe equipment. If these conditions are met the slow speeds and inherent stability of paragliders can provide a safe and easy way to experience the realization of one of humankind’s oldest and greatest dreams: personal flight.
Q.Can I teach myself Paragliding?
A. It is true that paragliders are the most simple of aircraft. Most people can learn to launch, turn, and land in about an hour and a half of instruction. This is partly possible because we control the situation, assess the conditions and make safety decisions for our students. What cannot be taught in this period of time, however, are all the things necessary to make flight decisions on your own. In order to do this safely, it is necessary to have a comprehensive knowledge of weather, equipment and safety procedures. The pilot certification program encompasses these things. Self teaching has been shown to be a key factor in the accident data compiled by the U.S.H.G.A.( United Hang gliding Association) IT HAS PROVEN TO BE VERY DANGEROUS TO TEACH YOURSELF!
Q.Do I need a license to fly in the US?
A. Paragliders are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration under Part 103 and are classified as ultralights. An F.A.A. private pilot’s license is not required. However, the vast majority of paragliding pilots and instructors in the U.S. are members of the United States Hangliding Association. U.S.H.G.A membership provides rating cards, a national magazine, and a liability insurance policy for its members. You’ll need a certification to purchase equipment from a reputable dealer and some regulated flying sites will require you to have a rating issued by a certified U.S.H.G.A. instructor.
Q.Do you jump off a cliff?
A. To begin with, we don’t jump off anything. Paragliders are usually launched by running off of moderate slopes with the glider inflated until you are lifted off your feet.
Q.How high do you fly?
A. In training you will start out just skimming the ground. As you progress and become more skilled and confident you will probably want to go higher. Paragliders have reached over 18,000’ above sea level.
Q.What are the main component parts of a Paraglider?
A. A canopy (the actual "wing" or "glider" or "bag"), risers (the cords by which the pilot is suspended below the canopy) and a harness. In addition, the brake cords provide speed and directional control and carabiners are used to connect the risers and the harness together.
Q.Is a Paraglider the same thing as a parachute?
A. No. A Paraglider is similar to a modern, steerable skydiving canopy, but different in several important ways. The Paraglider is a foot-launched device, so there is no "drouge" 'chute or "slider", and the construction is generally much lighter, as it doesn't have to withstand the sudden shock of opening at high velocities. The Paraglider usually has more cells and thinner risers than a parachute.
Q.What is the difference between a Hang-glider and a Paraglider?
A. A Hang-glider has a rigid frame maintaining the shape of the wing, with the pilot usually flying in a prone position. The Paraglider canopy shape is maintained only by air pressure and the pilot is suspended in a sitting or supine position. The Hang-glider has a "cleaner" aerodynamic profile and generally is capable of flying at much higher speeds than a Paraglider.
Q.Why would anyone want to fly a Paraglider when they could fly a Hang-glider?
A. A Paraglider folds down into a package the size of a largish knapsack and can be carried easily. Conversely, a Hang-glider needs a vehicle with a roof-rack for transportation to and from the flying site, as well as appreciable time to set-up and strip-down. It's also somewhat easier to learn to fly a Paraglider.
Q.How much does a Paraglider cost?
A. This varies between makers, models, and countries, but a middle of the range canopy and harness will normally cost somewhere in the region of $2600 to $3800.
Q.How long does a Paraglider last?
A. General wear and tear (especially the latter) and deterioration from exposure to ultra-violet usually limit the useful lifetime of a canopy to somewhere in the region of four years. This obviously depends strongly on use and the exposure to UV.
Q.What are Big-Ears (Rossette, A-Line Stall, Collapses)?
A. These are advance manueveurs that you will be taught when you sign up for lessons... Example of Big-Ears: Kinsley performs Big Ear Manuever (1.3MB-MPEG)
Q.What should you ask your instructor and look for when sign up a lesson with an instructor?
A. The instructor should be certified. For example: In the U.S., the instructor must be certified as a Paragliding Instructor with the USHGA. Things to look for when sign up a lesson with an instructor: How big is his class? How close is the training hill? Does he offer lessons by Tandem flying? In the U.S, class I lessons running from $350 to $1150. Most of the instructors will try to sell you the glider when you sign up for your lesson, so make sure you let your instructor know your flying intention: where you will be flying most of the time? how often will you be flying?
Q.What do you need to know when purchasing your first glider?
A. If this is a new glider: make sure you purchase the right class of glider. Beginner class or Novice glider (DHV 1) is very stable but also slow and high in sink rate. Performance class or Intermediate glider (DHV 1-2 / 2 or Afnor Standard/Performance) is faster but also stable. High Performance or Competition glider is definitely NOT your choice for first glider. It is very fast and requires the pilot's precision input.
If this is a used glider: make sure the glider has been manufacture inspected. Ask about the perosity test, if it available. Ask about where the used glider has been flying? A 100 hours coastal flying glider at late afternoon is much better than a 40 hours glider on the training hill during daylight hours. Make sure you are in the weight range for the glider. Click here to see A Purchasing Guide Line.
Q.What Paragliding Books or Magazines are available?
A. Paragliding Books:
In the U.S., Paragliding Magazine: If you join USHGA, you will receive the Paragliding Magazine free.
In the Europe, there are SkyWings-Online Magazine
Subscriptions and Distribution:
Cross Country
Gunn Publishing
PO Box 1904
Maidenhead
Berkshire SL6 8UT
Great Britain
Tel/fax: +44 1189 321703
office@xcmag.com
Editorial and Advertising:
Cross Country
L'Orangerie
Alleé du Docteur Maffet
06620 Bar-sur-loup
France
Tel/fax: +33 493 429636
xcmag@aol.com, hugh@xcmag.com, nic@xcmag.com
new website: www.xcmag.com
If you have the address of any magazines above, please contact Kinsley Wong.
thanks
Q.What Paragliding Electronic Newsgroup and ListServer are available?
A. Just send an email with Subscribe as a header to subscribe to ListServers:
sfbapg@lists.aggroup.com (the San Francisco Bay Area Paragliding Group list server)
sbglide-list@silcom.com (the Santa Barbara HangGliding, Paragliding list server)
nwpglide@kurious.org (the North West Paragliding List Server)
NEWSGROUP: rec.aviation.hang-gliding
What is paragliding?
Paragliding is as close to the feeling of flying like a bird as you will
ever get. It is free flight (non-powered) in its purest form. A paraglider is a
foot launched flying wing. It is convenient because it is easy to carry, easy to
setup, and easy to fly. Paragliders are constructed from nylon and coated with
silicone (UV protection). The pilot is suspended from incredibly strong mylar or
kevlar lines. The pilot flies in a harness positioned like a reclining chair for
maximum comfort in the air. When flying, you can actually soar like a bird-
taking advantage of rising air in the form of thermals or ridge (wind) lift.
Are paragliders the same as parasails?
Most people have a tendency to confuse paragliding with parasailing.
Parasails are large parachutes generally pulled behind a boat at the beach or at
a lake. Paragliders are launched from hills, mountains, cliffs, or from tow
winches. Paragliders dynamically are closer akin to the wings of a 747 than to a
parachute. A parachutes purpose is to bring you down to the ground slowly. The
purpose of a paraglider is to go up higher into the air allowing you to fly for
hours at a time, covering miles of terrain, by utilizing the upward movement of
air to keep you afloat.
Hang gliding vs. paragliding?
The major difference lies in the wing shape and design. Hang gliders are
solid wing structures, utilizing an aluminum frame to create a V-shaped wing
that resembles the stealth bomber. Paragliders are soft wing structures (no
internal frame) that once inflated have an elliptical shape. Because paragliders
have a slower flying speed they are much more forgiving. As a result the
learning curve is usually quicker on a paraglider. Also, paragliders fold up
into a small bag.
Total weight of the paraglider, harness, reserve parachute, helmet is
usually around 25-30lbs. A hang glider rolls up into a bag that is about 15ft.
long and weighs 70-100lbs. Paragliders are carried in a large backpack, whereas
hang gliders require a vehicle with extra racks. Obviously paragliders are the
more convenient of the two. Hang gliders will always be faster than paragliders
because of their solid wing structure, yet with the slower flying speed,
paragliders tend to be much more maneuverable, and can fly in lesser conditions.
Safety: paragliding or hang gliding?
The main factor concerning pilot safety in either of these sports is
pilot attitude. There is a saying in the flying community, "There are old
pilots, and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots." The
bottom line here is that most deaths occur due to pilot error. Very rarely do we
see equipment failures. The majority of fatal accidents occur because pilots
were flying in weather conditions that were too extreme, or pilots were doing
dangerous maneuvers close to the ground. Our main concern in your training is
pilot safety. We can teach you how to judge meteteorological conditions,
physical terrain dangers, weather changes, etc., but it is up to you the pilot
to judge weather the conditions are safe for you to fly in.
Are there any age restrictions?
Paragliding is about peace and serenity. Paragliding does not require a
large amount of physical strength therefore many people can enjoy the sport for
hours on end. More important than actual physical conditioning is physical and
mental alertness. On the other hand if you are looking to lose a couple of
pounds paragliding is a great way to get yourself back into shape. We have
trained pilots as young as 12 (with a guardian learning as well) and as mature
as 70.
What certifications do I need to fly?
Yes, paragliding works on a certification system. Pilots receive ratings throughout their flying career that should reflect the pilot skill level. The ratings are as such:
What will it cost me?
The training will be the first cost that you incur. At Fly Above All, it
costs $1200.00 to receive your P-2 or Novice rating. The P-1 rating only allows
you to practice under the direct supervision of an instructor (student rating),
and therefore has no real meaning of its own. Most of our students are enrolled
to acquire their novice rating, but will fulfill the requirements for their
beginner rating along the way.
We allow you to use school equipment at no charge during your novice
training. As your skills progress we will give you the opportunity to fly a
number of different gliders in different conditions, before making a decision to
purchase your own. The required flying equipment is helmet, harness, reserve
parachute, and glider. This will cost you between $3400.00 and $4400.00
depending on what features you like. If properly maintained, this equipment will
last you at least 4 years.
Can I find used equipment?
Used equipment is available from a number of different sources. The
problem is that it is hard to tell if used equipment is safe. The number one
factor that damages paragliders is UV exposure. It breaks down the glider
coating and allows air to escape from the canopy reducing the internal pressure
and making the canopy more prone to collapse.
It is hard to really tell how much UV exposure a glider has received.
Pilots will tell you it only has 80 hours of flight time on it, but how many
100's of hours was it sitting in the sun? As new pilots you are still learning
and thinking a lot while you are in the air. We do occassionally carry used
equipment from former students that have upgraded their gliders. In this case we
are in a good position to accurately judge the number of hours of flight and UV
time the glider has been exposed to as well as the general upkeep it's been
given. We will also perform an annual inspection and line check to assure that
the glider is still within specifications.
Because our purchasing protocol is so particular, quality used equipment
may be difficult to find in your size and budget, so a lot of patience will be
required to find the best deal for you. Our recommendation is to buy new
equipment the first time.
How do I get started?
The best way to start is take a day lesson at our training hill. During
this 4 hour, hands-on lesson you will learn to not only handle the glider on the
ground but you will fly on your own (under radio supervision) from our 200 foot
training hill as well. We have qualified instructors who work with us full time,
so reservations are available 7 days a week. This means that we are available to
work around your schedule. Once you discover the wonder of paragliding, this day
lesson can be fully applied to your Para 2 (Novice) certification.
How long will the course take?
The Para 2 program generally takes 6-10 (average 8) days to complete.
Because Fly Above All averages less than 3 students per instructor, you will
receive the personal attention you need to advance your skills quickly. But
learning to paraglide well will be a long time obsession. Once you have trained
with Fly Above All, you're part of our family. You will be encouraged to join us
for fun flying trips several times a week as well as have the opportunity to
take part in more formalized courses, clinics and tours.
Why learn at Fly Above All?
The instruction at Fly Above All is unsurpassed by any other school in
the United States. Currently we have 3 full time instructors and staff that are
available to teach our students on a daily basis. Two of those instructors were
members of the 2001 US Team, have held cross country distance records and they
have the knowledge of educational theory, abound in enthusiasm, years of
paragliding instruction and the experience of flying around the country and the
world. In 2001, we flew almost every single day somewhere in and around Santa
Barbara. For more about choosing a paragliding school, and why Fly Above All,
click here.
| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about PARAGLIDING |
| John Little, gaijin@Japan.Sun.COM |
| Questions: |
| What is a paraglider? |
| What are the main component parts of a paraglider? |
| Is a paraglider the same thing as a parachute? |
| What is the difference between a hang glider and a paraglider? |
| Why would anyone want to fly a paraglider? |
| How much does a paraglider cost? |
| How long does a paraglider last? |
| What are Big-Ears (Rosette, A-Line Stall, Collapses)? |
| Q.What is a paraglider? |
| A. A paraglider is a foot-launched, ram-air, aerofoil canopy, designed to be flown and landed with no other energy requirements than the wind and gravity. |
| Q.What are the main component parts of a paraglider? |
| A. A canopy (the actual "wing"), risers (the cords by which the pilot is suspended below the canopy) and a harness. In addition, the brake cords provide speed and directional control and carabiners are used to connect the risers and the harness together. |
| Q.Is a paraglider the same thing as a parachute? |
| A. No. A paraglider is similar to a modern, steerable
skydiving canopy, but different in several important ways.
The paraglider is a foot-launched device, so there is no "drouge" 'chute or "slider", and the construction is generally much lighter, as it doesn't have to withstand the sudden shock of opening at high velocities. The paraglider usually has more cells and thinner risers than a parachute. |
| Q.What is the difference between a hang glider and a paraglider? |
| A. A hang glider has a rigid frame maintaining the shape of
the wing, with the pilot usually flying in a prone position.
The paraglider canopy shape is maintained only by air pressure and the pilot is suspended in a sitting or supine position. The hang glider has a "cleaner" aerodynamic profile and generally is capable of flying at much higher speeds than a paraglider. |
| Q.Why would anyone want to fly a paraglider when they could fly a hang glider? |
| A. A paraglider folds down into a package the size of a
largish knapsack and can be carried easily.
Conversely, a hang glider needs a vehicle with a roof-rack for transportation to and from the flying site, as well as appreciable time to set-up and strip-down. It's also somewhat easier to learn to fly, as a paraglider flys at much slower speeds. |
| Q.How much does a paraglider cost? |
| A.This varies between makers, models, countries, but a middle of the range canopy and harness will normally cost somewhere in the region of $3000 to $4000. |
| Q.How long does a paraglider last? |
| A.General wear and tear (especially the latter) and deterioration from exposure to ultra-violet usually limit the useful lifetime of a canopy to somewhere in the region of 200 to 300 hours of airtime. This obviously depends strongly on use. |
| Q.What are Big-Ears (Rosette, A-Line Stall, Collapses)? |
| A.You don't wanna' know ...yet! |
Can I teach myself
Paragliding?
It is true that paragliders are the most simple of aircraft. Most people can
learn to launch, turn, and land in about an hour and a half of instruction. This
is partly possible because we control the situation, assess the conditions and
make safety decisions for our students. What cannot be taught in this period of
time, however, are all the things necessary to make flight decisions on your
own. In order to do this safely, it is necessary to have a comprehensive
knowledge of weather, equipment and safety procedures. The pilot certification
program encompasses these things. Self teaching has been shown to be a key
factor in the accident data compiled by the BHPC (British Hang Gliding &
Paragliding Council) IT HAS PROVEN TO BE VERY
DANGEROUS TO TEACH YOURSELF!
Do I need to take all
my days at once?
No, in fact with British weather it is unlikely that you will get a full course
completed in one go. Most people come at weekends or two days at a time. Unless
you are very fit that will be enough anyway!
What is a Paraglider?
A paraglider is a foot-launched,
ram-air, airfoil canopy, flown and landed with no other energy than the wind,
gravity, and the pilot's muscle power. It gets lift from the wind and sun,
providing a way to soar along a ridge or to rise in the warm air of invisible,
thermal currents.
Is a Paraglider the
same thing as a parachute?
No, a paraglider is similar to a modern, steerable skydiving canopy, but
different in several important ways. The paraglider is foot-launched from the
ground either by running down a hill or being towed into the air. The
construction is generally much lighter, as it doesn't have to withstand the
sudden shock of opening at high velocities.
Is this like BASE
Jumping?
No, BASE jumpers open their parachutes to land after they free-fall from
bridges, cliffs, or buildings. Paragliders launch from hillsides with their
glider already opened for flight. If the glider isn't flying properly the launch
can be aborted before leaving the ground. An important distinction!
What's a Parasail?
That's what you ride at the beach. It's a modified parachute connected by a rope
to a boat. The driver of the boat determines where you go and where you land.
Paragliders fly free. In a parasail you're a passenger, in a paraglider you are
a PILOT.
What is the
difference between a Hang Glider and a Paraglider?
The hang glider has a rigid frame maintaining the shape of the wing, with the
pilot usually flying in a prone position. The paraglider canopy shape is
maintained only by air pressure and the pilot is suspended in a sitting or
supine position. The hang glider has a "cleaner" aerodynamic profile and
generally is capable of flying at much higher speeds than a paraglider.
Is a Paraglider the same thing as a parachute?
No. A Paraglider is similar to a modern, steerable skydiving canopy, but different in several important ways. The Paraglider is a foot-launched device, so there is no "drouge" 'chute or "slider", and the construction is generally much lighter, as it doesn't have to withstand the sudden shock of opening at high velocities. The Paraglider usually has more cells and thinner risers than a parachute.
Why would anyone
want to fly a Paraglider instead of a Hang Glider?
Many pilots fly both. The paraglider is more portable and suitable for back
packing to launch sites. It folds down into a pack weighing as little as 8kg,
complete. Conversely, a hang glider, weighs around 50kg, needs a vehicle with a
roof rack for transportation to and from the flying site, as well as 30 minutes
to set-up and strip-down. Paragliders are ready to fly in 5 minutes. It's also
somewhat easier to learn to fly a paraglider.
How "physical" is
it?
In the UK paragliders are currently flown by pilots from 15 to 75 years of age,
female and male. Hiking to launch is good exercise but many sites can be driven
to. Good pilots find that finesse is more important than brute strength.
How much does a
Paraglider cost?
This varies between makes and models, but a new middle of the range canopy,
helmet, and harness will cost around £2,500. High quality equipment is worth the
investment. In addition to the canopy and harness most pilots purchase a reserve
parachute and other safety equipment. Two-way radios, GPS position finders, and
a variometer complete the equipment for advanced pilots who fly cross-country.
Between instruction and new equipment most pilots invest somewhere around £4000
for their complete flying equipment in a backpack, ready to go. Although you can
start from as little as £1200 with used equipment and professional training
included.
Click here to see inclusive packages.
What is AFNOR and
DHV certification?
Those are two norms developed for the certification of paragliders, AFNOR in
France, adopted by SHV and most countries, DHV in Germany. Without going into
detail at this point, their categories essentially classify which paragliders
are suitable for which pilot levels. Those categories are Standard, Performance,
Competition in AFNOR/SHV and Class I, II and III in DHV. Paragliders are not
certified by the FAA. But the voluntary certification as described above is
certainly a good indication for what is generally suitable for a beginner,
intermediate or very advanced pilot.
How long does a
Paraglider last?
Generally four years of average use. This obviously depends on how and where it
is used. Ultraviolet rays from the sun and physical abrasion on harsh terrain
are the greatest source of canopy deterioration. 300-500 hours of exposure to UV
is considered the normal life, depending on the quality of materials being used.
Canopies are routinely tested for strength. Long before they become unsafe their
flying performance will typically mark the need for replacement.
How high and far
can a paraglider fly?
The current world's distance record is over 200 miles. In the UK flights of over
100 miles are not uncommon. Paragliders are restricted from flying above 18,000
feet. (Oxygen is normally used above 10,000.) Paragliders have been launched
from the highest mountains of the world including Everest.
How can I get
started and how long does it take ?
A Tandem flight with an instructor will give you a first impression, a beginner
Funday or weekend will actually get you flying on your own (with radio
supervision). Training proceeds from the "bunny hill" where you hardly get off
the ground to ever higher launches. To become a certified Club pilot you will
have to invest several weekends, and this will be fun, since you want to go fly
anyway. Paragliding can be dangerous. Learn with a certified instructor. If you
are still not convinced buy the Training
Video by email.
Do I need a license
to fly?
Legally no. No license is required to paraglide or hang glide. Paragliding and
hang gliding is governed by the Civil Aviation
Authority and is a self-regulated sport under the auspices of the British
Hang Gliding & Paragliding Council (BHPC) which certifies instructors and
they issue pilot's ratings based on experience and skill. However to own a
paraglider and go fly it, you should have the knowledge and skills that you
acquire with these ratings.
