Becoming a Better Paragliding Pilot

One of the great things about paragliding is that it is a very easy sport to learn. This means you can be up and flying in almost no time and feel competent doing so. However, many paragliding pilots think that they are experts too soon, especially when it comes to safety concerns.

Everyone can always get better at their craft, and the following are a few ways you can become a better paragliding pilot.

Do Something Different

Routines are good, but sometimes when we do the same thing over and over, we can become too comfortable. We all have our favourite places, but by choosing to fly to new sites every once in a while, you can avoid laziness.

A new site will make you inspect the area closer before you launch and keep the details in the front of your mind.

When we fly at one of our favourite sites,  sometimes we fail to notice changes in conditions and reach a false sense of security.

Safety must always be a top priority. Even though paragliding is fun and relaxing, it still involves flying hundreds of meters above the earth’s surface, which is dangerous if mistakes are made. Plus, by mixing up your location, you will have a new view and a new experience the next time you paraglide.

You can also modify your landing approach. Again, sometimes it is good to mix things up a bit. However, you may not be able to travel to faraway places to experience a new launching spot.

One way to achieve some variation in your routine is through using a different approach to your standard landing approach, coming in from all different sides.

Safety Procedures, Revisited

One of the biggest mistakes that paragliding pilots make when they paraglide is taking safety procedures for granted.

It is very important to inspect your paragliding equipment both between flights and always again before you launch. This is especially important when you travel.

Most new pilots will conduct a standard safety check as they were instructed to do in paragliding training. It is the veterans who generally get lazy and take shortcuts. That leads to mistakes and accidents.

A standard safety check will include:

1) Inspecting the reserve and the pin beforehand and at check-in.

2) Next, your helmet and chinstrap should be in good working order, in addition to your carabiners and harness buckles.

3)Then, check the edge of both A’s and brakes to make sure they are clear, as well as your speed bar and stirrup.

4) Finally, inspect the side that you turn to and also your radio.

When you paraglide, it is important to always start with the end in mind. What goes up must come down, so you should know what to expect before you launch.

The projected weather conditions should not be a surprise. Remember that you can always become a better paragliding pilot, so even if you are experienced and the location is familiar, it is important to prepare and maintain all safety measures as if you were flying for the first time.

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