What is the maximum weight for a paragliding tandem flight ?
If you'd like to take a paragliding tandem flight, but aren't sure whether your weight is suitable for it, we'll try to help you find out. By the end of this article, you'll know what the maximum or minimum weight is for your tandem paragliding flight.
DOES WEIGHT AFFECT MY PARAGLIDING TANDEM FLIGHT EXPERIENCE ?
For a paragliding tandem flight, you need to take into account the weight of the crew (pilot + passenger) and the weight of the equipment.
Your instructor will use this data to assess whether the flight is feasible. Weight affects two-seater flights, but is not in itself a problem, as long as the equipment and weather conditions remain suitable.
There are 2 main limiting factors :
The passenger can't fit into the harness, and therefore can't be strapped in. On the other hand, the harness may be too large for safe flight.
The total weight of the crew exceeds the limits that the paraglider can accept to ensure a safe flight. This applies to both high and low limits.
WHAT IMPACT DOES WEIGHT HAVE ON PARAGLIDING TANDEM FLIGHT ?
In free flight, there are 2 main situations. Let's take a closer look at their impact on paragliding.
The case of a lightweight crew :
If the entire crew is light, then the paragliding jump will have a longer flight time in equivalent conditions than with a heavier crew. Indeed, with a light crew, the sink rate is slightly lower, which saves flight minutes. Another advantage is that the instructor will find it easier to gain altitude in thermal lift.
The case of heavy crew :
In the case of a heavy-crew baptism, paraglider pilots have more maneuverability with their gliders, which makes for a more enjoyable flight, especially if you choose a Sensation Tandem Flight. The paraglider's speed is also increased, making piloting and moving around easier. If you choose a 30 or 40-minute paragliding experience, you'll be able to see a bit more of the landscape, and move further and faster around the flying site.
MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM WEIGHT FOR PARAGLIDING : OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
If you weigh between 30 and 40 kilos (for children) and up to 80 and 90 kilos, you shouldn't have any problems making your first paragliding tandem flight, either during take-off or landing, or even during the flight itself.
In all other cases, the first thing to do is to contact the paragliding school where you'll be taking off to specify the weight restrictions.
Maximum weight for a paragliding experience
In addition to weight, don't hesitate to specify the person's profile. A person may be heavy, but not overweight. In this case, the qualified pilot will be able to install you in the harness without any problem.
As for the weight itself, again, don't hesitate to call, as the maximum weight may vary depending on the instructor. A pilot weighing 60 kilos, for example, will be able to bring heavier passengers than pilots weighing 100 kilos. To understand this, we need to think in terms of the total weight of the crew, which can generally reach a maximum of between 150 and 190 kilos for a “classic” tandem paraglider.
Here are two examples :
Maximum crew weight for a tandem paraglider flight at 160 kilos:
If the pilot weighs 100 kilos, he can theoretically take a passenger weighing 60 kilos maximum.
If the pilot weighs 60 kilos, then he can theoretically take a passenger weighing 100 kilos. However, you should call ahead to find out whether the pilot is willing to take a heavy passenger, and whether he has a suitable harness.
Minimum weight for a paragliding experience
Once again, we recommend that you contact the FFVL-certified paragliding school, especially if you are a child. In this case, it may be preferable to schedule your flight early in the morning, or a little later in the afternoon to take advantage of calmer, more pleasant air conditions.
In the case of a child, be sure to specify the child's size and age to ensure that your school is able to take your little one up in the air to discover the joys and pleasures of flying!
If after reading this article you still have doubts about the feasibility of your first leisure flight, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be delighted to help.
CONSULT THE COMPLETE GUIDE ABOUT THE PARAGLIDING TANDEM FLIGHTS :
Paragliding Tandem Flight : everything you need to know to choose and prepare for your first flight
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