Paragliding Safety

With over 20 years of experience flying Hang Gliders and Paragliders, I can assure you that every time I fly, safety is my greatest concern.  I have over 350 hours of Tandem experience.  In all of these flights, I have never had a passenger injured.

 

Training:   There is a very good rating system that is managed by the United States Hang Gliding Association USHPA.  Most instructors will train you to a novice (P2) rating before delivering a wing to you.  This is a good point for most students to start to fly on their own, but I suggest some advanced training and clinics to follow up.  The most dangerous thing about Paragliding is just how easy it is to learn.  People learn so quickly that it is common for pilots to think they know a lot more than they really do.  

 

Perspective:  Perhaps even more important than good training is to know your limitations and have your guard up.   In the years I have been in the sport, a commonality of accident reports is that people often put themselves in a compromising situation because, "they did not have the correct perspective of the situation".    Read books, ask questions and always look for hazards you might not be aware of.

 

Get good training:  Good instruction teaches more than the basics and risk management.  If you are in a rush to get in the air, slow down a bit.  Keep in mind, the rating system is only a guideline.  Training will help you attain the ratings, but the good instructor has more than the rating in mind.  Real skills only come with time and a long term approach.  Good instructors will only hold you back when they see evidence that you need to be held back, to progress you, they just look for solid understanding and good flight management skills.

 

Don't fly in too much wind:   Most Paragliders can fly with a top flying speed of 25 - 30 mph. This means that the top wind speed that should be flown in is about 20 MPH (by any level pilot).  

 

On the coast, you need to learn quickly that if the wind at cliff level is 18 mph, 100 ft up it could be 25 or even more.  When you first start flying in winds on the coast or smooth ridge soaring conditions, stay in winds that are on the lighter side.  

 

In the mountains, wind is even more critical.  Winds in the mountains often go with turbulence.  Flying in 15 mph in the mountains is for advanced and above pilots only.

 

Know your site:  If you are flying a new site, ask the locals for weather feedback.  Do not fly new locations without this input.  Inform the locals of your experience and skill level and ask for their suggestions.  For one, they will respect you more from the beginning.  Secondly, they can provide huge amounts of site and safety information. 

 

Maintain your equipment:  It is highly important to have your wing inspected annually by a shop, instructor or distributor. They can check the lines (shrinkage, stretching or wear) and the fabric (porosity), and the general integrity of your equipment.  Also, reserve parachutes need to be repacked on an annual basis.  

Fly High, Safe and Have Fun!