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How do you make a paraglider fly?

A paraglider pilot just jumps off a mountain or cliff and hopes the glider will open and start to fly, much like a parachutist jumps out of a plane. To launch a paraglider, the pilot inflates his glider from the ground until it is above his head, filled with air and ready to fly. He then accelerates to gain speed and flies off. A paraglider always needs something to propel him, like an engine or a rope to pull him up into the air.

Launching a paraglider is a controlled action. We never jump off a cliff but instead we fly the paraglider.

Although paragliders sometimes use an engine (paramotors) or a tow rope (with a winch) to get into the air, the launch procedure is always the same: we inflate and control our gliders before we take off.

Can you fall out of a paraglider?

No you can't fall out of the harness even if you would turn upside down. Yes you can fall out, so be careful and sit still while you fly.

As long as all buckles are securely fastened, it is impossible to fall out of a paraglider harness.

Are you comfortable in a paraglider?

A bit strenuous but it's OK. No it's horrible, but that's part of the game. Yes, the harness is a comfortable seat to sit in for hours. A seat with a view! You can even bring some food and drinks. Just make sure you're warm in colder climates.

Why does a paraglider fly?

That's magic. Because it has a hidden engine somewhere. When the canopy is filled with air, it has a wing shape. The airflow around a wing creates lift.

The concept of lift (and drag) which makes a wing fly is complex. It really is a sort of magic!

Read the Aerodynamics chapter of the book Paragliding - The Beginner's Guide for a more detailed explanation tailored to paragliders.

How much does a paraglider cost and how often do you replace it?

A paraglider wing is very cheap, around 200 euros/pounds/dollars. The rest of the equipment is even cheaper. It will last a lifetime. A paraglider is very expensive, you have to spend thousands of euros/pounds/dollars before you can even start your course. You need new kit every one or two years. A new paraglider wing suitable for beginner pilots costs around 2500-3500 euros new. The harness with a reserve is between 1000-1500 euros and you'll need a helmet suitable for free flight. For your training you can rent your kit.
Most people replace their kit after about 5 years. It's fine to spend only a couple of hundred euros/pounds/dollars to buy ten year old second hand equipment for your first training. It will last you another ten years.

Paragliding is the cheapest form of flight. You don't need new equipment to start your training.

Once you have learned to fly, your instructor can help you find the right kit, on which you will spend 3000-4000 euros/pounds/dollars and which will last a number of years if you treat it well.

Buying cheap second hand kit is tricky. After all, your life is literally depending on its quality.

What is a paraglider made of?

The canopy is made of very light ripstop nylon with an airtight coating. The harness is made of strong polyester straps with lighter, comfortable materials like cordura or ripstop cloth for the seat. The lines are made of high tech synthetic fibers such as Dyneema or Kevlar. All of the above are true.

Can you fly a paraglider in the rain?

Sure, you're nice and dry under a large umbrella. As long as you're wearing a raincoat and rubber boots you're OK. No, it can be very windy before or after a rain shower. That's dangerous for a paraglider. Also, a paraglider doesn't fly very well when wet. No it's illegal to fly in the rain.

You can never be sure you can land in time when you see a rain shower coming. The safest option is not to take off and wait for better weather.

I want to learn paragliding. How do I start?

Book a course with an accredited school. Start groundhandling on a local field or beach with used equipment. Buy this book: Paragliding, The Beginner's Guide. All of the above!

How long can you fly with a paraglider?

A couple of minutes, just like a parachute. Up to about 30 minutes, depending how high you are taking off. You can fly for hours, as long as you can find thermals to go up. You can fly day and night if you want.

Paraglider pilots use warm rising air called thermals to stay up. Flying from thermal to thermal, they can fly all day. The record is almost 600 km and more than 10 hours.

At night you can't fly a paraglider. It's illegal and you can't see where you are going.

Is it difficult to learn to fly a paraglider?

No, you can learn the basics in a few days, after which you can fly alone under supervision of an instructor. You need to take a couple of weeks training before you are ready to take your tests and get the first licence. With that, you can fly alone without supervision. Yes it takes years and years of practice. All of the above are true.

The basics of paragliding are easy to learn. You'll be surprised how easily you progress.

But becoming an independent pilot needs a lot of practise and knowledge, for example about flying techniques, gear and weather.

There is so much to learn and so many disciplines, that no pilot is ever done learning.

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