Articles – Index

Technical Articles
	Paragliding Lesson Preparations	Article describing what to bring, and what to read prior to beginning a paragliding lesson program.
	Learning Winglish & There is no Secret to Kiting	Two articles describing how to feel and connect to a paraglider for kiting and while flying. The first is a story, the second a direct argument for learning to relax as the key.
	Preflight of Paraglider	How to inspect the paraglider prior to a flying session.
	Lifting the Wing for Reverse Launches in a Paraglider	The key to kiting is how to lift the wing overhead each and every time. This article summarizes the main techniques for achieving this…
	Reverse Connection to a Paraglider	Article showing step by step instructions for connecting to a paraglider for a Turn Transition or Reverse Launch. The steps are combined with the harness connection preflight checks.
	Landing and Flare Timing	Article describing the 7 – 5 – 3 “two stage” flair technique for landing the paraglider..

	Reverse Launch Primer	Article written by Joe Bosworth (Of Australia). Overview of good Reverse Launch practices.
	Paragliding Safety Primer	Long Term safety in paragliding needs some prioritization and looking out for the little things. This article discusses some systems and techniques you can use to achieve this.
	Preset Hand Kiting	An article describing how to feel and connect to a paraglider for kiting and while flying. This article is great to read at the beginning of any lesson program.
	Torpedo Launch Basics	Article describing how and why to use a Torpedo Launch.
	Flight Plans and Primary Flight Paths	An article conveying the importance of having a flight plan and how this minimizes hazards for student and every flight.
	Speed to Fly	Article I wrote describing speed management relating to glide ratio in a Paraglider.

	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 …