FAQ
What is Paragliding?
Paragliding is the simplest form of foot launched aviation. A paraglider is designed with the likes of an airplane wing that is made of rip-stop nylon and strong lines made of kevlar and dyneema which inflates with air with a simple run. The pilot is suspended in a supine (sitting) posture below the wing in a harness that is extremely comfortable. The sport is accessible to most people being affordable compared to most other aviation sports. It doesn’t take strength to perform this activity, which allows everyone to experience the possibility of free-flight. Paragliders and harnesses are light weight and fit in a simple backpack which can be transported easily to many flying destinations whether through a hike or international travel. Using our natural environment as the setting and nature as our guide we fly in harmony with our feathered friends which happens frequently while soaring in currents of rising air. Many times we are within feet of golden eagles and red-tail hawks climbing in the same thermal.
Who is Capable of Being a Pilot?
Everyone! There is no need to be an Olympic athlete or extremely strong to be a pilot. The sport takes feeling and finesse and with proper decision making anyone can enjoy this sport. With your first lesson and within a day or two you will be flying solo from the training hill, and with about two to three weeks be certified to fly on your own making your own decisions. After being certified the learning doesn’t end. Every pilot continues to be mentored with more experienced pilots or through attending clinics. There is no age limit, and with will and mental preparation being more important than physical conditioning you can experience free-flight.
How Long Does it Take to Learn?
You will be flying solo within one to two days of your initial training. We start on the ground managing and controlling the paraglider practicing in a safe environment. With proper skills intact you will soon access the training hill for your first flights. You will be under guidance from an instructor for your first 35 flights gradually increasing your launch height as your skills develop. The goal is to experience several flying sites during your training to develop a comprehensive understanding of weather, performance skills, and site considerations, developing knowledge and judgment for your personal safety. You can immerse yourself in consecutive daily training or pace yourself over the course of the summer, we will tailor the training to your needs and at your pace. Once you have fulfilled the required skills needed for the novice rating you will be certified as a P2 pilot through the United Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA).
How to Get Started!
It is recommended that you schedule a tandem flight for your first paragliding experience. This is the best way to understand what paragliding is about and whether it is a sport you would like to pursue. Once you have decided and ready to take the plunge, we can schedule you to learning solo, and figure out the best schedule for your needs. We do recommend that when you decide to take up the sport that you commit yourself to a regular schedule, whether it’s daily or weekends so you can maintain skill development and understanding. Usually once you take that first flight, there is no going back, you are ready to commit to a sport that many will never have the chance to experience.
Where do we Fly?
We have access to many different sites. Our entry level training area is on the front-range in Boulder, Colorado. This site allows for a greater margin of safety with very little in the way of obstacles. We also have mountain sites in the Vail, Colorado area. These are mountain sites and are usually experienced after several flights from the Boulder sites. If time and conditions permit we will spend time in the Grand Junction, Colorado area toward the end of your training for high wind and soaring flight conditions. Once your training is finished all Alpine Cross students will be able to travel to any site our instructors go to for additional training and mentoring.