Penatibus
Paragliding is the closest a human being will come to flying like a bird. A paraglider is a flying wing that is launched by foot. The paraglider is easy to set up, easy to carry, and easy to fly. It is made of Nylon that is coated with silicone. The pilot of the paraglider is suspended by very strong Kevlar or Mylar lines. He or she flies in a harness that is much like a reclining chair. Soaring through the air, the pilot can experience free flight. The paraglider is kept afloat by a Ram-air aerofoil canopy. It can be steered by using the vertical riser lines that are attached to the chute.
The paraglider launches from cliffs, tow winches, mountains, and hills. It can go high into the air and cover a lot of ground. A person who wishes to paraglide does not need to be in perfect physical condition. It does require that the individual is mentally alert. Paragliding a good way to get some exercise, and shape up. Age is no barrier either. Twelve year olds to seventy year olds can paraglide.
Legally, a license is not required to paraglide because it is a self-regulated sport that is governed by Civil Aviation Authority. However, it is highly suggested that a person take lessons and receive a pilot's license before paragliding, for his or her own safety.
Paragliding originated from the sport of parachuting. American parachutist Pierre Lemoigne's successful design, in 1960, of cutting slots in the round canopy of the parachute allowed the flow of air to go through the canopy. This allowed the pilot to steer his chute in an expected fashion.
Walter Newmark of England modified Lemoigne's design in 1962 so that the chute could be towed aloft.
Domina Jalbert of Florida created the Ram Air Para Foil, a square canopy that would allow air to pass through the double surface of the glider, so that the pilot had more control over it.
The sport of paragliding took off in the 1970's, when French pilots in Mieussy ran down the hills of the Alps launching the wing.
Paragliding was introduced in the 1979 World Hang Glide Championships by Gerard Bosson. This introduction was responsible for making it the well known and popular sport it is today.
The paraglider can last up to four years, depending on where and how it is used.
The worlds distance record for paragliding is 200 miles. The paraglider is prohibited from flying above 18,000 feet because oxygen is required at that height. They have been launched from peaks such as Everest.
Over the last few years the United States, Asia, and Europe have developed a wide range of equipment. Products are put through many tests by their manufacturers to ensure the pilots safety.
There are also many qualified instructors available to teach people how to paraglide. A proper attitude and good judgment are the most important requirements for safety and successful paragliding. A paraglider can put himself in harm's way if he loses concentration, or makes poor decisions. A pilot should always be learning, even after receiving his pilot license. It is much like driving. The pilot should continually go over emergency procedures in his mind in case circumstances change.
The paraglider launches from cliffs, tow winches, mountains, and hills. It can go high into the air and cover a lot of ground. A person who wishes to paraglide does not need to be in perfect physical condition. It does require that the individual is mentally alert. Paragliding a good way to get some exercise, and shape up. Age is no barrier either. Twelve year olds to seventy year olds can paraglide.
Legally, a license is not required to paraglide because it is a self-regulated sport that is governed by Civil Aviation Authority. However, it is highly suggested that a person take lessons and receive a pilot's license before paragliding, for his or her own safety.
Paragliding originated from the sport of parachuting. American parachutist Pierre Lemoigne's successful design, in 1960, of cutting slots in the round canopy of the parachute allowed the flow of air to go through the canopy. This allowed the pilot to steer his chute in an expected fashion.
Walter Newmark of England modified Lemoigne's design in 1962 so that the chute could be towed aloft.
Domina Jalbert of Florida created the Ram Air Para Foil, a square canopy that would allow air to pass through the double surface of the glider, so that the pilot had more control over it.
The sport of paragliding took off in the 1970's, when French pilots in Mieussy ran down the hills of the Alps launching the wing.
Paragliding was introduced in the 1979 World Hang Glide Championships by Gerard Bosson. This introduction was responsible for making it the well known and popular sport it is today.
The paraglider can last up to four years, depending on where and how it is used.
The worlds distance record for paragliding is 200 miles. The paraglider is prohibited from flying above 18,000 feet because oxygen is required at that height. They have been launched from peaks such as Everest.
Over the last few years the United States, Asia, and Europe have developed a wide range of equipment. Products are put through many tests by their manufacturers to ensure the pilots safety.
There are also many qualified instructors available to teach people how to paraglide. A proper attitude and good judgment are the most important requirements for safety and successful paragliding. A paraglider can put himself in harm's way if he loses concentration, or makes poor decisions. A pilot should always be learning, even after receiving his pilot license. It is much like driving. The pilot should continually go over emergency procedures in his mind in case circumstances change.