A paraglider is officially an aircraft and you are the pilot in command of your aircraft. It is the instructor’s responsibility to guide and advise you during the beginning phase of your paragliding training, however as the pilot in command of your aircraft you need to pay attention at all times. The entry level gliders that you will be flying during your training are very forgiving, but they are still potentially dangerous without the right focus and attention. You need to be prepared to start learning how to give the proper input at the appropriate time.
You will have a radio during your flights so the instructor can actively guide you through various procedures such as getting comfortable in the seat, making turns, and setting up for landing. These procedures can be challenging at first, so give yourself time to relax and be patient. It is easy to get frustrated with the glider, the conditions, etc... but the goal is for you to learn how to fly safely, confidently, and intelligently for many years to come. So be patient with yourself, everyone learns at their own pace and no one can learn for you.
During the early stages of the training process the inputs required to control the glider may seem counterintuitive. Your instructor is there to help guide you through developing a whole new set of instincts. Keep in mind that it is OK to feel a little apprehensive - it is completely normal. A positive attitude will help you and the instructor stay motivated and excited throughout the training process. Remember that you are outside, not working, and doing something that very few people in the world ever experience. Keep things in perspective and have a good time!
Simulator
Before you take your first flight, and usually before you ever connect to a glider, you will be fitted with a harness and given an opportunity to clip it to a simulator to ensure a proper fit and function. There are many different simulator designs out there and all serve the same basic function: to simulate being connected to a paraglider in flight.
Some instructors utilize the simulator to help new students get a sense for what flying a paraglider feels like once you leave the ground. At busy sites and schools, simulators are used on a regular basis to help pilots of all levels better understand transitioning from standing to sitting, demonstrating proper body posture and weight shift, practicing reserve tosses, and fine tuning the fit of a new harness.
Log Book
Be sure to log all of your flights - no matter how short they might be. Log books will help you keep track of the number of flights you have completed, the hours you have accumulated, and skills you have learned. Any log book you keep current will be useful when working toward a new rating or skill sign-off. It is up to you to keep track of all your flights, hours, and skills. If you have no record of your accomplishments you will have to do them again. Feel free to use an official USHPA log book, a log book app, a simple notebook, or anything that you can keep handy and with your paraglider gear. Carry it with you any time you plan to go flying so you can make a note of your flights they happen.
Some pilots choose to also keep a wing log - they may own several paragliders, a used paraglider, or plan to sell their gear at some point in the future. With that in mind, it is best to have an accurate count of the hours the glider has been flown. A paraglider can change hands many times before it is no longer airworthy, so having a log dedicated to a specific wing can help keep track of how much life it has left in it.
Interacting With Your Instructor
Not every school or instructor is a perfect fit for every student. The best instructors will understand this fact and make every effort to find the best way to teach you to fly safely. If you feel like you aren’t getting the best quality of instruction, don’t be afraid to talk to your Instructor about your concerns. Effective communication between you and your instructor is critical for your success as a paraglider pilot-in-training. Be honest and be prepared to listen with an open mind.
Hands On
Now that you have some of the basics, its time to get your hands dirty and start kiting a glider - so bring gloves! There are lots of different tips and tricks for developing solid ground handling skills, but all come from lots of time spent with the glider. Nothing replaces spending time kiting your glider, the best pilots in the world have the most impressive ground handling skills.
Listen to your instructor!! The sooner they see you handling the glider with confidence, the sooner they will get you in the sky.
Bring water and food! You will be outside exerting yourself, so keep that in mind when getting supplies ready for your day. Sunscreen is usually a good idea too.
Skill Development
• Laying out the wing
• Clipping in to the harness
• Identifying the “A” risers, rear risers, brakes
• Forward Inflations
• Reverse Inflations
• Turning to face the glider, turning to face forward
• Maintaining good control of the glider