Paragliding
What is Paragliding?
Paragliding is the easiest form of solo flying that has ever been devised, the dream of mankind come true. All of your equipment fits into a rucksack. With training, pilots are able to soar above hills and mountains using thermals and ridge lift. More experienced pilots aim for cross-country flights to great altitudes and long distances. The current world record is approximately 16,000 feet height gain and more than 400km. distance.
Contrary to popular belief there is no jumping involved in the launch. You begin at the top of a grassy slope and, if there is a breeze blowing up the slope, the canopy inflates and flies above your head like a kite. In these conditions you only need take a couple of steps to be airborne. There does not have to be a breeze to launch, it is possible (to launch) by running a few steps to gain enough airspeed to take off.
What is a Paraglider?
Paragliders are recent developments that evolved from parachutes and hang gliders. They are wings with a forward flying speed that fly by much the same principle as any other wing, even a Jumbo jet. Paragliding is not to be confused with parascending, where one is towed aloft behind a boat or jeep.
All the paragliding equipment packs into a large rucksack and is very easily transportable, weighing at about fifteen kilograms in total. Paragliders fly slowly and gracefully. They are easy to control and are certainly the most accessible form of flying, available to anyone.
Learning to Paraglide
Contact Peak Airsports. Paragliding is an adventure sport with risks. It makes good sense to minimize those risks by taking expert tuition. Peak Airsports conducts training in the heart of Derbyshire's Peak District mid-way between Manchester and Sheffield, easily accessible from anywhere in the Midlands and only about two hours from North London. The Peak District has the added attraction of many other recreational facilities such as walking, rock-climbing, caving, pony trekking and mountain biking.
All paraglider and hang-glider pilots in Britain are members of the British Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA). The BHPA is the controlling body of the sport, officially recognized by the Civil Aviation Authority. The BHPA examine and issue licenses to instructors and schools, and set the rules by which all pilots are expected to fly. They provide the mandatory third-party insurance that (like when driving a car) all pilots of aircraft must have. The BHPA set the training syllabuses for registered schools to teach to students to enable them to become qualified and safe pilots.
To fly by yourself without the supervision of a school, you have to achieve 'Club Pilot (Novice)' standard. This takes about ten days training. This is like getting your driving license for a car, in that you can take yourself off to sites whenever you want, without the watchful eye of your instructor. This is naturally a big step to take, and Peak Airsports aim to make this transition as easy as possible. After a year or two flying, you may decide to take the BHPA's 'Pilot' exam. Being a fully rated 'Pilot' means that you have learned the skills to begin to navigate your way around the complex network of airspace around the UK to make cross-country flights of many miles.