All Pilots – Please read this checklist before you fly. Also please get a more detailed site introduction from an experienced local pilot. Thank you. The Bay Area Paragliding Association (www.sfbapa.org)

A small percentage of the overall population participates in unpowered flight. But, when we're in the air, sometimes it can feel kind of crowded and a little hectic. On a good day at the coast you will find lots of paragliders, hanggliders and RCs soaring our favorite ridges along several miles of the coastline. The Dunes, Cheetah, the Dump, Westlake, the Stables and Funston are all strung together on a good straight-in day to make up one huge site.

My goal here is to discuss a few of the things that help make sharing the air more harmonious.

At a recent BAPA meeting, a new pilot learning to paraglide asked how the Dump compares to other flying sites. The unequivocal answer is that it’s a great advanced site. It’s right up there for varied terrain flyable in many weather conditions and wind directions.

However, the Dump can be a very difficult site for beginning pilots. Pilots need to understand the complexity of the site and respect its potential hazards. Here are some thoughts on learning to fly the Dump.