Paragliding is an internationally popular aviation sport in which a pilot soars through the air on a type of glider called a paraglider. Paragliders remain aloft and fly cross country using air currents. A skilled pilot can fly for hours and travel more than 100 miles (160 kilometers).
A modern paraglider consists of a canopy made from nylon and attached to strong suspension lines. The lines are attached to a seat harness. The canopy is shaped like an arc about 21 to 25 feet (6.5 to 7.5 meters) above the pilot’s head. Its shape is maintained by the pressure of air entering through ports at the front. A typical paraglider weighs about 35 pounds (16 kilograms), including the canopy, harness, and an emergency parachute.
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Paragliding pilots foot launch from slopes by facing into the wind with the canopy laid out on the ground behind them. As soon as they begin running, the canopy starts to lift until it rises over their heads and they become airborne. An alternate form of launching consists of towing the pilot with a vehicle. The initial setup is the same as for hang gliding. However, a rope attached to the vehicle pulls the pilot in the seat harness while the canopy lifts and climbs. After achieving the desired altitude, the pilot releases the tow rope. Some pilots use a light motor strapped to their back to get airborne. The motor resembles a miniature aircraft engine with a propeller.
Because a paraglider flies as slowly as 16 miles (26 kilometers) per hour, the pilot needs only a few steps to launch. Once aloft, the pilot controls speed and direction by pulling on toggles that change the shape of the rear of the canopy, operating like flaps on an airplane.
Paragliding began in the late 1970’s when parachutists in France experimented with running down slopes to inflate their canopies. Mountain climbers realized they could use this technique for an easy and enjoyable descent from a mountain. Soon canopies were redesigned to be more winglike, inflate easier, and glide better.
In the United States, the United States Hang Gliding Association certifies instructors, administers a rating program, and provides insurance. The International Hang Gliding Commission (Commission Internationale de Vol Libre or CIVL) in Lausanne, Switzerland, governs international competition in the sport.
See also Glider ; Hang gliding .
