This blog is for anyone wanting to pursue the passion of free fright with a paraglider blog that covers basic physical requirements, aptitude, and how to choose paragliding schools & instructors in India.
Age limit
Paragliding schools admit students. of age 18 - 50+ (see 2.), Maturity gives a stable mind, a must ingredient to become a pilot.
Physical Fitness
Paragliding demands a level of fitness to walk or ascend a few kilometers (1-3) and be able to run at above 30kmph for a few seconds. The reason to keep it simple is to invite older wannabe pilots to paragliders (50+ years old).
The first week of Paragliding training is physically toughest. It's because student pilot fights with gliders and is in less demand as their wing control improves with practice & experience. Our beginner guide will help you prepare for training in advance.
Note:
Start your fitness regime of walking or running at least a month before your student paragliding license.
Choosing paragliding School
Depending, on your location in India, choose a school closest to you. Paragliding requires constant practice. As a student pilot has to go through multiple courses, and instructor courses need constant travel & weekends are required.
Your paragliding instructor has decades of flying & thousands of hours. All students start flying after the 4th day of training and this makes many student pilots underestimate this sport. It takes years to master the basics of paragliding & decades to achieve your Cross Country & Acro dreams.
Your instructor is your guru/guide & a friend for years to come. You need to feel comfortable with your instructor as you trust your life with them. Choose an instructor with in-depth theoretical knowledge of paragliding the soaring and weather.
Paragliding training equipment
Learning to drive a car Damages its mechanical parts, and the glider suffers wear & tear. Be sure to ask for a rescue parachute & use conditions even before bumpy hops. Many ignition schools cut ambers & give bad-quality equipment & without a rescue system.
Paragliding course details
There is beginner for schools that cut advanced courses. To simplify: Basic paragliding (P) courses are P1, P2, P3 P4. Advanced courses are thermal with mini XC & SIV. Most courses last 4- 7 days Please refer to this site for more information on each of the above student courses. For more detailed information read our complete guide.
Course cost details
Please google paragliding courses with your state & city name. Visit each website & read their online reviews of their online previous students. Do not worry about the price as your life & finding a life-long guru is Important.
Mental aptitude
Flying is not inherent, as birds do as it is for birds. As a student paragliding pilot, one has to fight many fears & understand our limits. Paragliding is more of a mental & mind game with forces of nature. A calm, mature, panic-free, mind frame is a must and youthful foolishness.
Similarly, choose an instructor & who understands that each student is enough and is flexible to change teaching methods according to your nature. blog Paragliding tandem frequently asked questions (FAQ) & precautions As tandem paragliding in which a passenger accompanies an experienced pilot, is gaining popularity in India, this blog attempts to answer common tandem flying queries.
Safety first
Paragliding is an extreme sport and to be safe make sure to get adrenaline dosage for a year. Choose a paragliding school and instructor who value the above. As with any extreme sport, you will find adrenaline junkies, be sure to avoid them.
Peer Pressure
A paragliding batch typically consists of multiple students, so it's important not to compare yourself with others. Instead, focus on your own progress and talk often with your instructor about mistakes to try to personalize your training. By paying attention to your own development, you'll be able to make the most of your paragliding experience.
Radio equipment & its importance
Basic & advanced courses require student pilots and instructors to respond in action to the instructor's radio commands. When you fly in P1&P2 courses solo, radio is what connects & keeps you safe in the air.
And the radio communications are not fully-proof. Make sure to check your battery & sound level in the pre-flight check. Many student pilots carry two radio handsets.
Fighting the urge to fly
The initial days of ground training are hard and the student Pilot keeps looking into the sky & just wants to take off. As a student pilot, make sure you are confident in ground handling skills and that you can run the length of the training ground while keeping your glider overhead.
Remember that it will only take one bad landing or take-off to a lifelong physical/mental trauma. Aim to fly life long and tomorrow is another beautiful day to fly, learn to abort.
Conclusion
This blog aimed to help you to make a Smatter decision on choosing a paragliding school and instructor in India. It gives you an idea of what al to Consider & be better prepared. We have tried not to do self-promotion as we know every pilot in their career comes to Bir-billing in Himachal & we will definitely meet and fly together. Whatever you decide, be Safe & happy landings.