"BDS" wrote in message
...
"Dana M. Hague" d(dash)m(dash)hague(at)comcast(dot)net wrote in message
...
On Sat, 21 May 2005 22:04:19 -0600, "Michael 182"
wrote:
Very good info. I may reconsider... Thanks,

Michael, don't let all the scare stories scare you. Yes, paragliding
has its risks, just as does GA. Like GA, those risks can be reduced
by good training and careful decision making, and also like GA, can't
be eliminated. It's all about flying within your limitations and the
limitations of the aircraft.

With a big emphasis on "the limitations of the aircraft". One huge
problem
with a paraglider is that the wing can be compromised by turbulent air or
thermic action at the worst possible time, during your approach to land.
When you're 30 feet above the ground and your wing is suddenly 50%
collapsed
due to localized turbulent air or a nearby thermal lifting off, no amount
of
training is going to help you deal with the 30 foot plummet you are about
to
experience because there isn't going to be time to recover.


Well spoken description of a significant risk. IMHO this risk increases
with the higher performance PGs. It claimed one of the very best PPL/HG/PG
(several time national champion) pilots I have known.

One very important thing to keep in mind is that conditions that a GA
pilot
wouldn't normally give a second thought to can be very significant to an
aircraft like a paraglider or an ultralight, especially when your legs and
feet are your landing gear.

From personal experience my preference for free flight is hang gliders.
While they are a flex wing they have a ridgid frame and have much better
penetration and fly more like a traditional wing. Soaring them is a truly
exqusite experience. Current models are well developed and proven designs,
and even intermediate types offer good performance.