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Is Paragliding Safe?
Statistically paragliding is safer than riding a motorcycle, horseback riding, or even driving a car. We have done thousands of tandem flights and have a perfect safety record.
How long does it take to learn paragliding?
The USHPA requires 35 flight and 7 training day as a minimum to receive your P2 rating which allows you to fly on your own. Realistically though it usually takes anywhere from two weeks to a month for students to complete their training. Call 415 340 1999 for more information or to sign up for paragliding lessons.
Do I need any training or experience to fly?
Absolutely not. You need no experience to fly tandem. On the day of your flight you will go through a short preflight briefing then you will be clipped into a tandem harness with one of our fully USHPA qualified flight instructors run a few steps then sit back and enjoy the flight.
What should I wear?
On the day of your flight simply wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes such as tennis shoes or hiking shoes, it’s also a good idea to bring a light jacket or windbreaker.
How long do tandem flights last?
The typical flight last around 20 to 30 minutes but that’s not a hard time limit the most important thing for us is that you have a great time so we will usually fly until you are ready to land!
Is there a weight restriction to fly?
We have an upper weight limit for passengers of 280 lbs there is no lower weight limit.
What is the minimum – maximum age to fly?
There is no minimum age requirement and here at Paragliding San Francisco we have flown passengers from 4 to 97 years old, however passengers under 18 will need to have a liability release signed by a parent or legal guardian.
What is launching like do I have to run off a cliff?
Launching is a very easy procedure, here is a page which describes in depth how the launch process works.
Is paragliding the same as parasailing?
No paragliding is a completely different sport than parasailing. For those interested we have put together this page explaining the differences between the two.
Do you need a license to fly a paraglider?
Paragliders are regulated under Federal Aviation Regulations Part 103 which is the ultralight regulation so a license is not required. Paragliding is self regulated the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA). To keep it self-regulated, pilots and instructors adhere to the policies and guidelines of the USHPA. Local flying site regulations often times require a pilot to have certain USHPA certified ratings, such as P3 or P4, in order to fly a particular site.