The document discusses the basics of paragliding, including how to fly by catching rising thermals, safety precautions for pre-flight checks and equipment, rules and regulations for pilots, and prices for necessary gear like paragliders, harnesses and helmets. It describes the freedom of soaring through the sky like a bird by gliding on wind currents between mountains and hills. Safety is emphasized, advising pilots to receive proper training from qualified instructors before attempting to fly.

1. Paragliding
By Christopher Williams
The freedom to
fly

2. Paragliding
• The freedom to fly is to
feel like bird
• Soaring through the sky
paragliding is one way to
do it.
• Catching thermals on
rising hot air that you
circle round to get higher.
• You can also fly between Image by Winkelbohrer
mountains, from peak to
peak.

3. Wind
• When you land you fly
into the wind to slow
you down
• A good wind to fly in
is between 10 to
15mph.
• For a soft flight the
higher you go the
more bumpy it gets so Image from clipart
it’s best to stay in the
middle.

4. Safety
Paraglide pre-flight checks Image by Dominic's pics
1. Roll out the paraglider in an area with no wind. Spread out the
glider and gently pull to form the glider into a horseshoe shape.
2. Find the straps that connect the lines and extend them
completely. Check each glider line is attached to a carabiner
which is securely attached to the harness. Inspect each line for
defects.
3. Check the entire glider while it is laid out on the ground and look
for tears, snags or other imperfections that could put your life in
danger.
4. Your harness should be free from defects and the harness lines
should be secured to the harness with individual carabiners for
each line. Your helmet should fit snugly and not be cracked.
5. If you use radio equipment, make sure that it works with clear
communication.
6. Check your reserve parachute to ensure it is without flaws.

5. Safety
• Don't try and teach yourself how to paraglide, that can be
extremely dangerous. Paragliding is a form of aviation
and you'd never think about trying to teach yourself how
to fly a jumbo jet…would you?
• Learn to fly from a fully qualified paragliding instructor.
• Join a registered club.
• If you are a beginner don't buy second hand equipment,
unless it has been seen by your instructor and is
deemed suitable.
• Paragliders are rated on performance. Make sure you
start off with a paraglider rated for beginners

6. Beginner Flights
• Plan your flight beforehand.
• Take the weather into account before launching.
• Use caution if you are attempting to fly in weather
conditions you have never flown in before.
• Don't attempt a level of flight that is beyond your level of
experience.
• Never attempt fixed rope towing or tethering, this is
extremely dangerous.
• Use your common sense. Don't take unnecessary risks.
Paragliding can be dangerous enough without making
rash decisions or judgments.

7. Air Law
• Sources of
information
• Airspace rules
• Reading charts
• Rules of the air
• Weather minimums Image from clipart
• Altimeter settings

8. Equipment
• Equipment you will need apart from a canopy is
a harness, flight suit, boots and a helmet.
• More advanced pilots may also need navigation
instruments and other accessories.
Equipment Price
£551.74
Reserve APCO Mayday Hang Gliding Reserve Parachute
Paraglider £2 757.67
Ozone Rush 2
£659.00
Harness Advance AXESS 2 Air - Now available (March 2010)

9. Sources
• Useful Information for Prospective
Pilots
• Paragliding Safety - Safe Sport (UK)
• Flickr Photo Download: Sky and Cloud
• Paragliding - Wikipedia, the free
encyclopedia
• flyestival 019 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!