Where do we meet?We meet at our shop premises at 9.15 am. See the contact page for details of our address. Click on the map below to view an interactive map.
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What should I wear?Clothing. Clothes are important. In the course of one training day you'll have periods of intense activity - and sometimes you'll sit and wish! You may also have to contend with the chill factor of the prevailing wind, so it makes sense to go properly prepared. Layers of light but warm shirts/sweaters mixed with a windproof on top are much better than just one or two thick heavy garments. Wearing an overall or similar is a good idea; if you have some waterproof overalls or a one-piece ski suit, so much the better. A pair of warm gloves is essential in cooler weather, even if you take them off to fly. And take along a waterproof jacket that you can slip on over everything; you won't train when it's pouring with rain but sometimes low cloud over the hills can have the same effect. A hat is always a good idea. Foot Wear. Apart from all the walking that your feet are going to get, they do need to be kept dry. Good flexible hill walking or boots without lacing hooks (they can snag and damage suspension lines) are best. Tape can be used to simply cover any hooks. The important factor is boots with good ankle support. If you do not have boots available we have a range of all sizes for hire on the day. |
What should we bring?Please bring paperwork (vouchers etc) and plenty of food and drink to keep you going through the day. Training is usually conducted far away from creature comforts like warm cafes with loos. In the summer please make sure you bring along sun cream and a hat. If you forget to bring lunch or drinks with you, no problem, you can always purchase these from our tuck shop. |
How long will we be out?This varies, but generally we finish a good day around 3.00 - 4.00. It depends on the weather, sometimes we may go on until later. |
What if the weather is bad?You can come back and complete any days or part days lost. The sooner you come back the better. |
What is a Paraglider?A paraglider is a foot-launched, ram-air, aerofoil canopy, designed to be flown and landed with no other energy requirements other than the wind, gravity and the pilot's musclepower. A Paraglider descends at about 200 ft per minute. However, if the air is rising faster than the glider is descending (as often happens) the glider will gain height, Flights of many hours are not uncommon and easily possible. Paragliders are designed for soaring flight unlike Parachutes which are designed to descend. |
Is Paragliding Safe?Flying, like any other adventure sport, has its associated risks and to operate safely in any kind of aviation environment one must strive at all times to minimize those risks. The most important pre-requisites to learning to fly safely are: pilot attitude, competent instruction, and safe equipment. If these conditions are met the slow speeds and inherent stability of paragliders can provide a safe and easy way to experience Flying with the Birds! |
Do you jump off a cliff?Absolutely not! You don’t jump off anything. Paragliders (and hang gliders) are usually launched by running off of moderate slopes (could be above a cliff) until you are lifted off your feet and thus flying! |
What is the difference between a Paraglider and a Hang Glider?A Hang Glider has a rigid frame maintaining the shape of the wing, with the pilot usually flying in a prone (lying down) 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.
Hang Gliders pack down to about 12 ft long and are capable of being transported on car roof-racks. Paragliders pack into large rucksacks and can be stored and carried in smaller spaces. Both gliders weigh around the same weight when packed, around 25-30 kilos, depending on the harness etc. |
How high can you fly?When training you will start out just skimming the ground. As you progress and become more skilled and confident you will gradually go higher. (Under your instructors directions) There are different sources of 'lift' available to Hang glider and Paraglider pilots. The most common is 'Ridge lift' where you soar on the uprising air from hills, cliffs etc. Average height gains using ridge lift are around 500ft. The most useful form of lift is 'Thermal lift'. The skilled pilot utilises the warm rising air in the same way that large birds such as eagles do. Using thermals a pilot can reach heights of upwards of 10,000 ft in warmer countries such as France and Spain. In the UK we have a colder, wetter climate and in the summer, heights of 3,000-6,000 ft are the norm. The height or altitude that you fly at is strictly controlled by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and Learning to read Air Maps is a must for the advancing pilot. Cross country flying is restricted to pilots who have reached 'Pilot' level. The levels are: Elementary pilot (EPC), Club pilot (CPC), Pilot and Advanced pilot. |
How do I go about learning to fly?The best way to go about learning is to book a course of instruction with a registered BHPA (British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) school. i.e. Sussex Paragliding. Most schools offer one day intro courses so that you can try out before you commit to the full cost of a course.
On signing for a full course you will first do the BHPA Elementary pilots licence and then continue on the full Club Pilots Licence. The next recommended stage is to join a club where you will be taken under the wing of more experienced pilots and learn specifics about the sites you may fly. A comprehensive list of UK schools can be found listed on the BHPA website. |
What are the main components of a glider?In the case of a Paraglider, CANOPY (the actual "wing" or "glider" or "bag"), RISERS and LINES (the cords and webbing by which the pilot is suspended below the canopy) and a HARNESS (what you get strapped into!). In addition, the brake lines provide speed and directional control and carabiners are used to connect the risers and the harness together.
In the case of a Hang glider, an aluminium frame and a dacron or mylar sail. An A-Frame which is used to control the glider. In the USA they call it the 'control frame'. A hang point from where the pilot is suspended. |
How much does a paraglider cost?This varies between the makers, models, and countries, but a middle of the range new glider and harness will normally cost somewhere in the region of £2,000 - £3,000. Second hand gliders are always available and are of course cheaper. |
How long will a glider last?General wear and tear (especially the latter) and deterioration from exposure to ultra-violet light usually limit the useful lifetime of a glider. This obviously depends strongly on the amount of use and the exposure to UV. Paragliders are more prone to UV damage and have an average useful life of 3-4 years. Hang Gliders are more robust and will give a good ten years of life on average. |