A paraglider is a mixture of parachute and hangglider (delta). The shoot is made of a rectangular peace of rip stop nylon which is specially coated with polyurethane to avoid porosity. The shape is attached to a reed by lines. The canopy is constructed of a top and a bottom surface joined by a number of vertical segments, resulting in chambers known as "the cells".
The opening at the front is called the leading edge. After inflation the canopy takes up an airfoil shape with a fattish lower surface and a curved top. The rear edge of the wing is called the trailing edge. The lines are made of very strong Kevlar and are usually encased in an outer sheath of nylon. The risers connect the canopy lines to the reed. The trailing edge is connected by risers called control lines and constitute the most important part of the glider. The control risers let the pilot maneuver the paraglider.
Tandem Glider
If you are inexperienced and would like to give paragliding a try, you may fly in a double seater (tandem glider) at Solang Nala with an experienced instructor. As a passanger you are strapped on a seat in front of the pilot. The launch involves that you run down a few steps of a slope in coordination with the pilot. Your air experience is thrilling as you have full surround view and can leave all the maneuvring of the glider to the pilot.
A typical "tourist" training program for your "own" first flight consists of some theory lessons, aerodynamics and air safety precautions. Ground training is integral part of every course.
Paragliding and Hanggliding
Paragliding has a number of advantages compared to hanggliding (delta flying). First, the glider weighs only 6 to 7 kg and easily fits into a backpack. Second it's easy to maneuver and can be packed in 8 to 10 minutes, thus making it a happy combination of sky diving and hanggliding.
Season
February to June and September to November.
Clothing
Rough trousers, shoes with ankle support, warm shirt and jacket, (the weather tends to be very cold 'up here').
Safety
You should be physically fit and not suffer from epilepsy, heart disease or other serious ailments. Consult a doctor in case of doubts.
