Cross paragliding : how to learn this type of flying ?
Cross-country paragliding is a discipline that many pilots dream of. It's a type of flying that allows you to cover long distances, increasing your flight time by using thermal currents and discovering new flying sites, such as the crests of the Saint Hil plateau or flying over Lake Annecy. In fact, this aerial sport lets you take off and soar through the air in search of lift, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the sky. Your first cross-country flight will be an extraordinary experience. But how do you learn to cross-country safely? In this article, we reveal the essential steps to mastering this technique and becoming an accomplished pilot.
WHY LEARN CROSS-COUNTRY PARAGLIDING ?
Cross-country paragliding represents the quintessence of free flight. When you hear pilots recount their “cross-country flying” adventures, they usually describe whole days spent dancing with thermals, flying through breathtaking landscapes and pushing the limits of their performance.
It's a discipline that, while requiring a more or less advanced level of piloting, offers unparalleled satisfaction. In addition, cross-country paragliders such as the Skywalk X-Alps 5, the Supair Step X, the Niviuk Artik R and the Gin Avid offer a balance of lightness, durability and performance, guaranteeing unrivalled flying performance. With a more advanced level of piloting, it's also possible to fly even more high-performance wings, but with handling criteria that are much more difficult for lambda pilots to grasp.
As you can see, cross-country flying is an exhilarating discipline, to be practised according to your level and objectives.
HOW TO LEARN CROSS COUNTRY PARAGLIDING ?
Cross Paragliding Course Level 1
For pilots wishing to learn cross-country paragliding, the Level 1 Cross Course is the first step. The aim of this introductory cross-country course is to teach you the basics of cross-country piloting through theoretical instruction. It's an opportunity to understand wings movements, thermal climb techniques and the fundamentals of cross-country flight. Notions such as positioning, the concept of the load line, and gas pedal optimization will also begin to be taught.
The course also covers essential theory, including how to read weather and aerological conditions, how to choose a course accordingly, and group flying strategies.
Cross Paragliding Course Level 2
Having mastered the basics, it's time to move on to the Level 2 Cross Paragliding Course. Here, pilots learn advanced techniques and are exposed to more complex situations. This is a level where pilots are looking for greater distances, and more complex flying situations, such as changes of massifs requiring long transitions and more technical hang-ups.
This course will provide you with as many weapons as possible to enable you to envisage more ambitious flights, and will always try to give you the necessary food for thought so as not to compromise your safety. Pilots will also receive advice on finding information on the zones to be exploited (intensity and analysis of breeze direction, particularity of a zone according to the aerological environment, etc.). You'll also start to learn about airspace, because as you increase your flying distances, you'll often have to anticipate which air zones you can and cannot exploit. The aim of this course is to help you perfect your discipline, and to give you the pleasure of flying long distances.
In conclusion, learning cross-country paragliding is an exciting path of progression for any pilot. However, it's important to consider all the elements that make up a cross-country flight. If you need guidance, there's always a course to suit your needs. Embark on this adventure, experience the magic of cross-country paragliding and fly to new thrills every time you take off !
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