Common Mistakes of Beginner Paraglider Pilots and How to Avoid Them
Paragliding is a gliding sport, but above all, it’s an aeronautical activity that requires precision and rigor. It’s a craft that forgives many mistakes compared to other aircraft, which can sometimes lead to complacency or overconfidence. Here’s a list of frequent errors and tips to avoid them.
1. Not Checking Equipment Before Flight
Mistake: Taking off without inspecting each component of your gear or neglecting a pre-flight check.
Mistake: Taking off without inspecting each component of your gear or neglecting a pre-flight check.
Tip:
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Pre-flight: Thoroughly inspect your wing, lines, harness, and carabiners before every flight. Check for tears, knots in the lines, and ensure your reserve parachute is properly stowed.
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Routine: Develop a systematic checklist to never miss anything (helmet, reserve, harness buckles, brake loops, harness straps).
2. Poor Wing Management at Takeoff
Mistake: Neglecting takeoff technique and assuming it’s mastered after initial training.
Mistake: Neglecting takeoff technique and assuming it’s mastered after initial training.
Tip:
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Ground Practice: Regularly return to the training hill until controlling the wing feels like second nature, like driving a car. Forward inflation practice can become a standalone activity, just like flying—it’s fun and useful!
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Trick: If your takeoff site allows, occasionally practice inflation there to demystify the process, familiarize yourself with the location, and ensure a calmer flight.
3. Poor Assessment of Weather Conditions
Mistake: Flying without a solid understanding of current weather conditions.
Mistake: Flying without a solid understanding of current weather conditions.
Tip:
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Weather Education: Learn to interpret weather forecasts, clouds, and thermal conditions. Flying in thermals too early often leads to confusion, inaction in piloting, and sometimes accidents. This is why many pilots quit after a few solo flights.
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Observation: Always watch other pilots before flying, noting their wing movements and whether the sky is already filled with cumulus clouds.
4. Poor Thermal Management
Mistake: Engaging thermals too early in your progression.
Mistake: Engaging thermals too early in your progression.
Tip:
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Learn Thermals: Understand what thermals are, how to spot them (cumulus, birds, other pilots, etc.), and how to use or avoid them (until you’re fully confident in landing, flying straight, and turning smoothly).
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Caution: Avoid strong thermals without experience; start with gentler conditions, like evening restitution flights.
5. Not Knowing How to Land Properly
Mistake: Poorly executed landing approaches.
Mistake: Poorly executed landing approaches.
Tip:
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Approach: Work on your landing approach. Be aware of your altitude and wind direction. PTU or PTS (standard landing patterns) are essential for EVERY flight, from beginner to expert.
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Practice: Log many flights in calm air to hone your landings. Rigorous school training (like the Markstein Flight School) will help you progress safely.
6. Underestimating Safety and Overconfidence
Mistake: Taking unnecessary risks or not wearing proper safety gear (like a helmet or reserve parachute).
Mistake: Taking unnecessary risks or not wearing proper safety gear (like a helmet or reserve parachute).
Tip:
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Training: Take regular training courses and advanced clinics. Earn your certifications at FFVL-accredited schools.
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Equipment: Start with an EN-A or A+ wing for a safe and enjoyable progression. Trust us, they’re fun for a long time!
7. Lack of Communication
Mistake: Not informing someone of your flight plan or failing to communicate with other pilots in the air.
Mistake: Not informing someone of your flight plan or failing to communicate with other pilots in the air.
Tip:
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Flight Plan: Always tell someone where you’re flying and when you expect to return. This applies to any high-risk activity (mountain biking, hiking, etc.).
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Radio: Use a VHF radio on the FFVL frequency to communicate with other pilots or rescue services in case of an incident.
8. Ignoring Signs of Fatigue
Mistake: Continuing to fly when tired, which can impair judgment and reflexes.
Mistake: Continuing to fly when tired, which can impair judgment and reflexes.
Tip:
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Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your physical state. If you’re tired, stop flying and end the day on a positive note.
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Planning: Schedule breaks and bring food and water for your flying days. This applies to your first short flights as much as your first 100km cross-country.
Conclusion:
Paragliding offers unmatched freedom and connection with nature but is among the world’s most dangerous sports (just below BASE jumping). Treat it as it deserves: a precise and rigorous aeronautical activity. Be confident but not overconfident, stay diligent with your equipment even as you grow comfortable, and don’t rush your progression. Before tackling thermals, master flying straight, turning smoothly, and landing perfectly in the center of the field.
Happy flying!
Cyrille MARCK