Paragliding

The main component parts of a Paraglider are the canopy wing, lines or cords by which the pilot is suspended below the canopy, risers or small straps, connecting lines and a harness. In addition, the brake cords provide speed and directional control and carabineers are used to connect the risers and the harness together. The paraglider wing is known in aeronautical engineering as a ram-air airfoil, or parafoil.

Paraglider wings are comprised of two layers of fabric which are connected to internal supporting material in such a way as to form a row of cells. By leaving most of the cells open at the leading edge only, incoming air (ram-air pressure) keeps the Paragliding wing 'inflated', thus maintaining its shape. When inflated, the Paragliders wing's cross-section describes the typical 'teardrop' aerofoil shape.

A Paraglider is similar to a modern, steerable skydiving canopy, but different in several important ways. Paragliders are foot-launched devices, so there is no "drouge" 'chute or "slider", and the construction is generally much lighter, as it doesn't have to withstand the sudden shock of opening at high velocities. The Paraglider usually has more cells and thinner risers than a parachute.

The paraglider pilot is supported underneath the wing via a network of cascading lines. The lines culminate into two sets as 'risers' (left and right). The risers in turn provide the attachment point between the wing's lines and the pilot's harness, where they connect to two carabineers. The risers collect the lines in rows from front to back in either 3 or 4 rows.

The difference between a Hang glider and a Paraglider is a Hang glider has a rigid frame maintaining the shape of the wing, with the pilot usually flying in a prone position. The Paraglider canopy shape is maintained only by air pressure and the pilot is suspended in a sitting or supine position. The Hang glider has a "cleaner" aerodynamic profile and generally is capable of flying at much higher speeds than a Paraglider.

The pilot is loosely and comfortably buckled into a harness which is able to support him/her in both the standing and sitting positions. Modern harnesses are designed to be extremely comfortable in the sitting position and may be considered as comfortable as a lounge chair. Many harnesses even have an adjustable 'lumbar support'. A reserve parachute is also typically connected to a paragliding harness.

What are the pros and cons of a Paragliding and hang gliding? A Paraglider folds down into a package the size of a duffle bag and can be carried easily. Whereas a hang glider needs a vehicle with a roof-rack for transportation to and from the flying site, as well as appreciable time to set-up and strip-down. It's also somewhat easier to learn to fly a Paraglider.

Paraglider wings typically have an area of 25–35 mē with a span of 8–12 m, and weigh 3–7 kg. Combined weight of wing, harness, reserve, instruments, helmet etc is around 12–18 kg.

The Glide ratio of Paragliders range from 8:1 for recreational wings to about 11:1 for modern competition models. For comparison, a typical skydiving parachute will achieve about 3:1 glide. A hang glider will achieve about 15:1 glide. An idling (gliding) Cessna 152 will achieve 9:1. Some sailplanes can achieve a glide ratio of up to 60:1.

The speed range of most Paragliders is usually in the area of 21–52 km/h (13-32 mph). This is from stall speed to max speed, and the range for safe flying will be significantly smaller.

Modern paraglider wings are made of high-performance non-porous fabrics such as Porcher Sport & Gelvenor, with Dyneema/Spectra or Kevlar/Aramid lines.

Tandem paragliders, designed to carry the pilot and one passenger, are larger but otherwise similar. They usually have higher trim speeds (fly faster), are more resistant to collapses and have a slightly higher sink rate compared to solo paragliders.

Paragliders are generally used for ascending. Paragliders are categorized as "ascending" parachutes by canopy manufacturers worldwide and are designed for "free flying". However, in areas where high launch points do not exist, paragliders may be towed aloft by a ground vehicle or a stationary winch, at which point they are released, creating much the same effect as a mountain launch. It is important to point out that a paraglider is generally only attached to such a tether as an initial method to become airborne.

Such tethered flights can give a paraglider pilot a higher starting point than many mountains do, and offer the opportunity to catch thermals and to remain airborne as long as conditions are conducive to "thermaling".

Therefore, the ability to tow a paraglider (or a hang glider) for a short time is the only similarity the sport has to parasailing, which does not involve free flight and thus does not require the significant skill and training that is required for paraglider flight (such as aircraft control, aeronautical theory, meteorological knowledge and forecasting ability, personal/emotional safety considerations, adherence to applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (US), or knowledge of equipment care and maintenance).