A complete understanding of the physics of flight and how a wing works is an entire science unto itself. This section will give you a basic understanding of flight - and in particular - the forces and critical angles that a glider requires to fly.
Understanding the weather is a big part of becoming a successful pilot. Try to access as much information on it as you can - the more you know, the better a pilot you will become. Almost every site has a local weather guru who seems to know things that other pilots don’t. Find out who that person is and spend time with them - ask questions, notice when they are setting up and deciding to fly, also notice when they don't even have their wing out and other pilots are flying. Ask why. Is there something they see that other pilots don’t?
There are lots of places online that provide a plethora of weather information. Your instructor will give you some tips on which sites they like best, but don’t be afraid to look around and see what looks good to you. Most pilots find that a combination of several weather sites will give a better overall picture of what to expect for that day or the coming days.
If you want to learn more about the science of weather and the atmosphere, it is highly encouraged for you look into the COMET MetEd climate science online educational database. The website is: www.meted.ucar.edu
There is a wealth of knowledge on the MetEd site that is available completely free of charge and broken into courses and lessons that offer valuable insight into the vast subject of understanding the atmosphere and all that goes on up there. The MetEd site was also the inspiration for creating the current educational program you are using. So, check it out!
It is rare for beginner level recreational pilots to find themselves in a situation where they have to throw their reserve parachute. Regardless, you should be fully prepared to successfully deploy your reserve if needed. As a pilot, it is important to have a complete understanding of your reserve system, when to use it, a good deployment procedure, and how best to maintain the parachute.
Ridge Soaring, Rules of the Ridge, and Thermal Flying
Once you have checked out your gear and hooked the risers to your harness it’s time to do your pre-flight. Just like any aircraft we need to perform a check to make sure everything is in proper order. We have a mnemonic device to help us remember each item. Your instructor(s) will be watching and asking questions to make sure that you have performed your preflight check before every flight. As soon as possible you will need to take responsibility for this. To keep from forgetting any of the items, be sure you stick to the sequence and complete the pre-flight before EVERY flight!
A common mnemonic device that many schools use is: R-1-2-3-4-S-T-A-R-V-E.
Reserve Parachute - Check the handle and pins to make sure everything is secure.
1 - Helmet Strap - Check to make sure it is securely fastened. You should never attach yourself to a glider without your helmet on.
2 - Carabiners - Check to make sure that the gates are closed and locked. 3 - Harness Buckles - Give them a tug to make sure they are securely buckled.
4 - Corners - From the two A risers and two D risers follow the lines up to the canopy to make sure they are clear and there no snags, knots, etc.
Stirrup & Speed System - Check to see that your speed system is properly attached, routed, and clear of your reserve parachute handle. If you have a foot stirrup check to see that it is clear of your speed system and will be easily accessible after launch. This usually means putting one leg through/behind the stirrup bar.
Top & Turn - Make sure the correct riser is on top for the direction you will be turning after a reverse launch.
Airspace - Check the surrounding airspace to avoid collisions during launch.
Radio - Make sure it is on the correct frequency and that you can transmit and receive.
V-shape - Check for V’s between brake lines and rear risers to avoid brake line twists.
Even pressure - Ensure the tension on A-lines are even as you prepare to inflate your glider.
There is so much information about weather it can seem completely overwhelming if you are new to sports that involve being outside and dependent on weather conditions. If you have any experience sailing, surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, or any sport that involves a basic understanding of the weather, be sure to let your instructor know. They can use that to help relate the most important parts of weather for flying to your personal experience.
The weather is constantly changing throughout the day everyday. Your instructors will do their best to keep you in the safest possible conditions and will be continually assessing the weather throughout each day to ensure your safety. Their conversations about the weather may sound foreign at first, but the more you listen the more it will make sense. If you notice a change, or have any questions about the weather please mention it. Ask questions! The weather is very complex, and your questions and observations may prompt discussions that will make you more aware of it and its interaction with the landscape. We will teach an entire class on the weather to cover the basics for safe flying. Come to class with some weather information every day! That will give us an opportunity to talk about what you found and what we see during the day.
There will also be an entire lesson later in this course dedicated to a set of weather knowledge and understanding that is crucial for all paraglider pilots to have. For now, we will stick to the basics.
Wind Direction
The first thing every pilot does when they get to the launch site is check the wind direction. Some common questions you will hear are:
Is it blowing straight in? Is it cross? How strong is it? What is it forecasted to do?
You will want at least some wind for kiting on your first days - approximately 6-8 mph is best. It is possible to kite your glider without any wind, but you will be doing most of the work with your legs and, depending on your fitness level, you will most likely end up completely exhausted from running around trying to keep the glider flying.
Thermal Development
Once you get your P2 rating you will be able to decide if flying in thermals is part of your goals for paragliding. For safety purposes, students in training are usually kept grounded during the most active part of the day (mid-day). Depending on where you do your training, you may get to experience thermic air before you finish your certification, but that is completely up to the discretion of the school and instructor in charge of your training.
Storms Or Fronts
Before planning to spend the day training, most schools and instructors will look at the larger weather picture to see if there are any storms or fronts forecasted to pass through the area that day. Storms and fronts can produce very unpredictable wind patterns that can quickly become dangerous for any paraglider pilot connected to a glider - both in the air and on the ground.
Forecast
There are lots of places online and tons of weather apps out there - everyone has their preference for which to check and when. The important thing to know is that most are fine and its a good idea to find several that you like or your instructor or school recommend, but ultimately you never know unless you go. The forecast may say one thing, but in reality the site is experiencing a very different set of conditions.
Site specifics
Every site is different. It is extremely important to have an introduction to each site you visit from a local pilot or guide so you can get all the critical information about the site: the primary LZ’s, best spot to find lift, best wind directions, bad wind directions, house thermal, when its best to head to the LZ, etc.
As a P2 Pilot, nearly all flying sites will require an intro and a witnessed flight by a mentor or local guide to ensure you are competent. Don't take offense - Every pilot that has been a P2 at one point had to go through the same scrutiny. Take advantage of the local info, sometimes the smallest tip can be the difference between a 5 minute sled ride and a long satisfying flight.