Articles to read after 3rd Lesson

read_3 Avoiding BlowBack at Mussel Rock Article I wrote about avoiding Blowback at Mussel Rock – AKA “The Dumps”. People often think flying paragliders at this beautiful coastal site as being ultra safe, but many visiting and some locals have experienced blowback.
Avoiding BlowBack Same article as above, but I revised (de-referenced from Westlake Cliffs) for the USHPA Hang Gliding and Paragliding magazine and it was published December 2004 USHPA Magazine.
Active Flying Article defining “Active Flying” in a Paraglider.
Critical Flying Situations Basics of methods to deal with critical flying situations ( like spins, spirals, collapses )
Rotors and Mechanical Turbulence Article discussing how mechanical turbulence is created and how to be aware of where it is and avoid… This is now incorporated into the Mussel Rock Site Guide.
Flying Near Water Landing in water should be prevented at all costs. This is a section of the Mussel Rock Site Guide that discusses how to avoid landing in the water, the importance of flying with a hook knife, as well as how to deal with it if you land near or in the water.
Light Wind Ridge Soaring Article I wrote about flying Paragliders in Lighter Wind Conditions. Published in July 2005 USHPA Magazine.
Right of Way Rules The Basic Right of Way Rules for Free Flight crafts (Paragliders, Hang Gliders, Sailplanes)
Mussel Rock Site Guide for Paragliding Pilots Site guide for Mussel Rock, AKA “The Dumps” This article combines the Blowback and Rotors articles and adds launch and water landing avoidance / emergency procedures.
Addendum to Right of Way Rules Article I wrote about some issues within the Right of Way rules that need better definition. Published in August 1996 USHPA Magazine.
Figure 8 Landing Approaches in a Paraglider Article describing the Figure 8 landing approach in a Paraglider.
A/C Paragliding Launch Article describing a technique that uses the A and C or D riser to better manage wings quick ascent during high wind launch situations.
New
Paraglider Sizing Discussion
An article to help pilots understand some of the sizing criteria for choosing the right size paraglider.
Thermal Flying Basics for Paragliding Pilots Basics of flying in thermals. Where to look for thermals, how to turn and what to avoid.
Cobra Paragliding Launch Pictures and description of the Cobra launch technique used in higher winds to circumvent the pull of eye of the wind reverse launches.
Wind Shear Information Information about wind shears that occur in the San Francisco Bay Area at the coast.
Information
1996 Article by Paul McHugh “Taking a Flyer On the Sport Of Paragliding” – I took Paul McHugh of the San Francisco Chronicle – Outdoor Section for a brief Tandem Flight and he wrote this article about the experience.
Paragliding Rating Requirements USHPA Part 104 – rules governing Paragliding. This document lists the requirements for each rating, tasks for demonstration, and operating limitations for each rating.
P2 Study Guide A study guide to help you prepare better for the P2 Written Examination.
P3 Study Guide A study guide to help you prepare better for the P3 Written Examination.
Flying at La Salina, Baja, Mexico A site intro and basic information about flying in and around La Salina, Baja, Mexico.
Tandem Paragliding Preparations Article about what you need to know, bring with you and understand before flying tandem in a Paraglider.
Article from South Bay Accent Magazine Interview style article for general info about Paragliding.
External Sites with Articles
Sky Nomad Sky Nomad is a school and tandem operation in Bulgaria. They have a great list of articles on the linked page.
Expanding Knowledge Site by Jérôme Daoust Lots of Instructional and Technical Articles and more …