Paragliding

MG - Pico da Ibituruna - Governador Valadares

PARAGLIDING2019

Paraglider Golden Gardens 07

Paraglider

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Gurtzeug (Gleitschirm)

Paragliding is an adventure sport that involves flying paragliders: lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure. The pilot sits in a harness or lies supine in a cocoon-like 'speed bag' suspended below a fabric wing, comprising a large number of interconnected baffled cells. Wing shape is maintained by the suspension lines, the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing, and the aerodynamic forces of the air flowing over the outside.

Despite not using an engine, paraglider flights can last many hours and cover many hundreds of kilometers, though flights of one to two hours and covering some tens of kilometers are more the norm. By skillful exploitation of sources of lift, the pilot may gain height, often climbing to altitudes of a few thousand meters.

History

Paragliding evolved from the sport of parachuting, where the early ram-air parachutes were rectangular in shape and offered controllable descent. Paragliding as a sport began in the late 1970s when parachutists found that their equipment could also be used to launch from hills, not just airplanes. The sport has grown significantly since then, with pilots now able to perform a variety of aerobatic maneuvers, and it is practiced worldwide.

Equipment

The main components of a paragliding setup are the wing or canopy, the harness, and the reserve parachute. Additional equipment may include a variometer, GPS, and helmet. The technology of paragliding gear has advanced significantly, allowing for safer and more enjoyable flights.

Wing

The wing of a paraglider is known as a canopy. It is made from high-strength fabric, which forms cells. These cells are interconnected and open at the front, allowing air to inflate the wing, giving it its aerodynamic shape. The pilot controls the direction and speed of the glider by manipulating lines attached to the trailing edge of the wing.

Harness

The harness attaches the pilot to the paraglider, providing comfort and safety. It can range from a simple seat with minimal padding to a complex cocoon-like enclosure that includes a speed bag for improved aerodynamics.

Reserve Parachute

A reserve parachute is a crucial safety feature that can save a pilot's life in the event of a wing collapse or other in-flight emergency. It is typically a round or square parachute that provides a rapid but controlled descent.

Flight

Paragliding flights can be initiated from hills or mountains where the pilot runs down a slope to take off or from flat ground using a tow system. Once airborne, pilots look for sources of lift such as thermals, which are updrafts of warm air, or ridge lift, which is created by wind blowing against a mountain or hill. Pilots can use these natural phenomena to gain altitude and extend their flights.

Safety

While paragliding is an extreme sport with inherent risks, advancements in equipment and training have made it safer over the years. Pilots must undergo thorough training, which includes understanding weather conditions, learning to control the wing, and executing take-offs and landings safely. The use of helmets, reserve parachutes, and other safety gear is mandatory.

Competitions and Records

Paragliding competitions test pilots on their precision flying, cross-country ability, and aerobatic skills. There are several categories of competition, including distance, accuracy landing, and aerobatics. Records are kept for the longest distance flown, the highest altitude reached, and the longest duration of flight.

Conclusion

Paragliding offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and is a way to experience the beauty of the natural world from a unique perspective. With proper training and respect for safety protocols, it can be a rewarding activity for adventure seekers.