Collapse all | Expand all
 What is Paragliding?
Paragliding is a form of unpowered flying and uses the same
principles as gliders (sailplanes) and hanggliders. The engine
here is the gravity, which makes all of them descend (less than
1.5 m/s) through the air but also flying ahead (with more than
60 km/h). In still air a 1000 meter descent/gliding with a paraglider
results in 9 km flight.
How Paraglider can fly in the sky?
The miracle is the SUN. Because of the energy it contributes
to the earth's surface and because of the wind's energy (which
is also result of the Sun's activity). In the real atmosphere,
during our gliding (and descending) flight, we meet surprisingly
often and surprisingly many areas of lifting air. When this
air is rising faster than the glider's descending rate we can
gain height of hundreds and even thousands of meters, this can
extend the duration of our flight (6-7 hours and more) and aids
cross-country flights of several hundred kilometers. Just like
birds -without a drop of fuel and engine noise - only because
of the free Sun energy! Passenger minimum 4 years old above.
How long is the air time in Tandem Paragliding Experience?
Paragliding sports is very dependent on weather especially wind condition. Approximately will be from 5 to 15 minutes based on your luck.
What is a Paraglider?
A Paraglider is actually the wing that gives us the freedom
of unpowered flying. It consists of ram-air, aerofoil canopy
and many lines (strong thin ropes/cords) and risers on which
the pilot is suspended in his comfortable harness. The first
paragliders were developed from parachutes and looked like a
modern, steerable, skydiving canopy. Thus came the name paraglider
(a gliding parachute), paragliding (gliding/flying with parachute).
The shape, profile and characteristics of modern paragliders
change and develop but will always use the same aerodynamics'
principles as the wing of any airplane.
What are the main components of a Paraglider and how does it fly?
The canopy consists of two surfaces, connected with ribs, which
divide it into 40-70 cells. There are openings at the leading
edge, while the trailing edge of the canopy is closed. During
the flight, part of the passing air fills and maintains a pressure
in the cells (thus maintaining the wing-like shape of the canopy),
while most of the air passes around both surfaces creating lift
force. Because of this lift force we descend gently -not fall
like a stone.
How does a Paraglider launch?
Unlike the parachutes where you jump from an airplane or high
object (rock, bridge, building - BASE jumping), you inflate
and launch a paraglider whilst on your feet - after few steps
running against the wind and down a hill (mountain) or towed
by a winch or vehicle in flatlands.
How do you control and land a paraglider?
Two "brake" lines/cords are controlling each half
of the trailing edge of the wing. Pulling one of them deforms
the same half of the trailing edge, creates drag and makes the
wing turn the same direction. When landing we pull both brakes
which reduces the speed of the paraglider, this converts most
of its kinetic energy into potential (slower descent) and we
land as soft as standing up from a chair.
What is the difference between a Hangglider and a Paraglider?
A Hangglider has a rigid frame maintaining the shape of the
wing, with the pilot usually flying in a prone position. The
Paraglider canopy shape is maintained only by air pressure and
the pilot is suspended in a sitting or supine position. Paragliders
folds down fast (5 minutes) into a package the size of a large
rucksack and can be carried easily (10-15 kg). Conversely, a
Hangglider is bigger (3-6 meters), heavier (30-50 kg) and needs
a vehicle with a roof rack for transportation to and from the
flying site, as well as appreciable time to set-up and strip-down
(20-30 minutes). Despite some advantages of hanggliders (faster
air speed, better turbulence resistance, higher gliding ratio),
it's also somewhat easier to launch, land and learn to fly a Paraglider.
Is Paragliding Safe?
With proper training and equipment, paragliding is one of the
safest forms of personal flying. But like any other adventure
sport, paragliding has its associated risks. In order to practice
it safely everyone must strive at all times to minimize those
risks. The most important prerequisites to learning to fly safely
are: pilot attitude, competent instruction, and safe equipment.
If these conditions are met, the slow speeds and inherent stability
of paragliders can provide a safe and easy way to fly.
Can I teach myself Paragliding?
Paragliders are the most simple of aircraft. Most people can
learn to launch, turn, and land in about an hour and a half
of instruction. This is partly possible because we control the
situation, assess the conditions and make safety decisions for
our students. What cannot be taught in this period of time,
however, are all the things necessary to make flight decisions
on your own. In order to do this safely, it is necessary to
have a comprehensive knowledge of aerodynamics, weather, equipment
and safety procedures and most importantly anti-collision rules
and air law. The pilot training program encompasses these things
and is the fastest and safest possible way to learn Paragliding,
while initial self-teaching needs much more time and is the
main reason for most accidents.
How much does a Paraglider cost?
This varies between manufacturers, models,
and mainly the countries it is sold. New paraglider cost from
RM2,000 to RM4,000. Don't forget that you also need a harness (RM500 - RM800),
a reserve parachute and a (RM500 - RM800) helmet (RM100). Gloves, flying
suit, good boots, sunglasses, variometer, GPS, radio, etc. are
not obligatory but make flying more comfortable. The second
hand equipment is much cheaper but an experienced pilot should
choose it.
How long does a Paraglider last?
General wear and tear (especially the latter) and deterioration
from exposure to ultra-violet light, usually limits the useful
lifetime of a canopy to somewhere in the region of 4-6 years.
This obviously depends strongly on how much use and the exposure
to UV light.
What should I wear?
Casual & Smart: Trousers, long jeans, T-shirt,. Sport Shoes
What happens if there is bad weather?
Lightning: In the event of a locally severe lightning storm, activities may stop or wait for rain stop. Activities may be delayed if a storm is occuring at the fly zone.
Paragliding activities are very weather dependant sport and it's out of pilot and OXBOLD control and knowledge. If the rain keep continue and activities may be cancelled or postpone to a later date. In the case of the activities cancellation, participants are offered the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept CASH payment as well as cheque prior to your activities date. Credit and Debit cards are done in the PayPal via our website.
What does the package rate cover?
Brief theory of flight, paragliding introduction, rules of the air before the activities. You will have 20 minutes leisure flight time.
|