Paragliding: flying with the help of wind

Paragliding is known as a competitive and recreational sport in which participants use special glider aircraft. They sit or lie in a ‘speed bag’ that is located below a wing made of fabric.

Paragliding mechanism

There is no engine in a paraglider. It moves forward with the help of a huge wing that consists of two layers of soft fabric. A stream of wind gets between them and holds a person in the air. What affects the speed of flight is the movements of the pilot, the slings and wing resistance. The height of the beginning of the flight gradually decreases and the pilot slowly approaches the land. This is how paragliders work.

Types of flying

The trajectory of flight depends on air flows. In accordance with them three types of flying are distinguished:

• If the air stream moves in the direction of mountains, the flight is called dynamical.
• If hot wind moves up, the flight is called thermal.
• If the flight is held very high and there are mountains nearby, it is called mixed.

How to paraglide

Paragliding is the easiest way to fly without helicopters and airplanes. The technique of paragliding is rather simple and consists of several steps.

1. It is necessary to find a suitable place from which it will be possible to start the flight.
2. Having chosen it, you should take a run-up to gain some speed.
3. On the edge you need to jump.
4. When flying, it is important to move carefully and accurately and be attentive to the air stream.
5. Before landing, bed your knees and make them tense.
6. Fall on your side as soon as you touch the ground.

Difficulties and dangers

Paragliding is a type of sport that fully depends on weather conditions. Any cloud, any sudden air stream may lead to losing control of the aircraft and falling. Often it becomes urgent to land as fast as possible. Thus, in such a stressful situation it might be hard to land carefully. It means that there are two key to preventing injuries: an ability to fall down in the safest way possible and wearing proper protection. Back in 1980s, only participants of parachuting clubs were allowed to go paragliding. To get a permission they had to pass a ‘credit’ on falling. Now the rules are not so strict, but it is still important to learn to fall. Firstly, paraglider pilots must be able to tuck to protect themselves.

To prevent oneself from facing such challenges, a paraglider pilot must take classes with a professional instructor. Remember: look for instructors who are ready to tell you everything about flying and landing rather than those who promise that training will take very little time. Moreover, it is paramount to know how paragliders work and be aware of all situations that might possibly happen in the air.

Equipment

To go paragliding, it is necessary to use special equipment and ammunition. First of all, you must buy or rent a paraglider. Nowadays, there are different models to everyone’s liking. The main principle that must be followed is checking the aircraft before jumping from the helicopter. Also, it is urgent to use devices that are aimed for measuring height of the flight, temperature of the air and define directions of the wind. Such devices are usually given to sportsmen before the flight begins. It is crucial to check whether the work or not beforehand.

Also, it is important to be dressed in warm clothes. Not only is it cold in the air but also the air stream may be too strong. The clothes must fit you perfectly and protect all parts of the body. It must be thick so that in case of falling you won’t get injured. Footwear should have a thick and soles to prevent traumas caused by landing. Finally, a helmet will come in useful.

Requirements

Several things must be taken into account before paragliding.

• All equipment and ammunition should be checked beforehand.
• If weather conditions are not suitable for paragliding, flying is prohibited.
• Pilots’ health must be fine: any injures and diseases may be a reason why a person will not be allowed to go paragliding.
• It is necessary to contact local parachuting center so that they will know where to look for you in case something happens to you.

Competitions

Paragliding is becoming so popular that competitions are held worldwide. Pilots compete in several disciplines.

• “Race to goal” is a competition in terms of which pilots have to cover a pre-organized route as fast as possible. This is an individual competition.
• In terms of “Open distance” pilots have to cover the longest distance possible. This discipline requires good knowledge of the aircraft, as well as a very good physical condition of the pilot.
• “Acrobatics” is considered to be the most spectacular discipline as it involves performing various tricks in the air. Such competitions take place above water, close to the banks of rivers and shores of seas.

History

Paragliding appeared in 1940s in the USA. Rogallo was a scientist who created a wing that helped a person to stay in the air for a short period of time. A British scientist Newmark is known as the first paraglider pilot. He used Rogallo’s inventions and managed to create a new kind of sport. Back in 1968, the first competition was held in the USA. Since then, they are held annually. Only in 1980 paragliding became a sport officially.

All in all, paragliding as a type of parachuting sport is both a recreational outdoor activity and a competitive sport. Although it is available to almost any person who does not have any health problems, it is advisable to train beforehand to prevent injuries and enjoy flying.