Training in paragliding, paramotor and paragliding; Paragliding, paragliding. Price of paragliding training

A paraglider is an ultralight, rag, but still aviation. And it requires a very responsible, methodical approach to training and uniform standards for pilot training. Such methods are developed and approved at the state level. The only official document regarding paragliding training was issued in 1987, back in the USSR - KULP-SD 87 (training course for a hang glider athlete 87). This course was developed at a time when paragliding had just appeared and was considered as a subspecies of the hang glider, which is reflected in its name. Now this document is hopelessly outdated, and some of its recommendations are frankly dangerous, since they do not take into account the specifics of a paraglider in comparison with a hang glider. Paragliders have changed a lot, flight support techniques have changed. On the other hand, paragliding and paramotoring do not require a pilot's license by law. They are removed from the licensed category, as they have a design mass of less than 115 kg. We can say that a paraglider and a paramotor in aviation is an analogue of a bicycle in traffic rules. And training on them is also not a licensed activity. Therefore, most paragliding schools have developed a more or less unified standard of the training program, which is used everywhere with some nuances.

Our club SportAviaService is one of the oldest in St. Petersburg. We have been helping paragliding pilots take to the skies since 2000. The initial training course, which we have created and polished during our activity, allows almost anyone to learn how to fly from scratch.

Flights of our club take place on a winch, on a field near the village of Uglovo. Towing makes it possible to effectively and safely gain piloting skills, practice maneuvering in the air, secure the launch and landing. With an initial altitude margin of 300-400 meters after the end of the puff, the pilot manages to complete the flight task with high quality and build a landing approach.

Paragliding in St. Petersburg

Pilots in our city fly in Mozhaisk, from a small slope, and towed, with the help of a winch. We practice winching as it is much more efficient and better than training on a small slope.

1800 rub/day

500 rub/day

250 rub/day

100 rub/day

4000 rub/day

12000 rub/day

for free

Educational literature

The book is for those who dream like a bird to soar in the sky, who want to learn how to fly with the help of an ultralight aircraft - a paraglider. The manual consists of a course of lectures on initial theoretical training and flight training exercises.

The paper edition of the book is completely sold out. Its electronic version is posted in the club library in open and free access. All readers are requested to inform the author about cases of commercial sales of the electronic version of the book.

Paragliding training

Stage 1. Ground training
and initial flight training - 2400 rubles / day

Stage 2. Landing on the target, the basics of complex aerobatics
and the beginning of soaring flights - 1800 rubles / day

Stage 3. Soaring and cross-country flights in dynamic
and thermal updrafts — 1200 rub/day

Aircraft rental
in the learning process

Paragliding kit — 1800 rubles/day

paraglider, harness, safety helmet. When flying at an altitude of more than 100 m, the harness is equipped with a rescue parachute and, if necessary, a radio station. When flying using a towing winch, a release device is installed on the harness. By decision of the instructor, up to two cadets can be trained on one paraglider at the same time.

Suspension system - 500 rubles / day

If the cadet has his own paraglider, but no harness, it can be provided by the club. When planning flights at altitudes of more than 100 m and on a towing winch, the harness is equipped with a rescue parachute.

In case of damage to flight equipment, the cadet fully pays for its repair.

Radio station — 250 rubles/day

If necessary, mainly on "distant" trips, the club can provide cadets with compact radio stations and provide them with charging after flights (including in "field" conditions).

In case of damage or loss of the radio station, the cadet fully pays for its repair or provides the purchase of an equivalent one: frequency range 144 MHz, maximum output power not less than 5 watts.

Uncoupling device (for towing flights) — 100 rubles/day

When flying on a towing winch, a special device is required for unhooking from the cable. If necessary, it can be provided by the club.

In case of damage or loss of the uncoupling device, the cadet fully pays for its repair or provides the purchase of an equivalent one.

Paramotor flight training

Paramotor flight training course — 4000 rubles/day

The "First Step" school also recommends that all cadets-motorists take a soaring flight course within the framework of task II for KULP-SD-88 (soaring flights in streams of flow) and gain a total flight time on a free wing of at least 8-10 hours. The knowledge and accumulated flight experience gained at the same time will not only facilitate the process of motor training, but also protect the novice pilot from troubles associated with unintentional paramotor hits in conditions of atmospheric turbulence and thermal activity when performing cross-country flights with a significant distance from the launch pad.

Rent a paramotor and paraglider
in the process of training - 12,000 rubles

The set of equipment provided by the club includes: paraglider, paramotor, safety helmet, radio station. The cost of renting a paramotor includes refueling for a 30-minute flight.

Before the start of practical exercises, the cadet makes insurance premium 150,000 rubles as a guarantee of compensation for the possible expenses of the club for the restoration of equipment in the event of a breakdown by a cadet. At the end of the course, the insurance fee is returned.

In case of damage to flight equipment, the cadet fully pays for its repair.

Help for club members
in the acquisition of flight equipment

At the end of training, some cadets tend to acquire a paraglider, as it were " for growth"The idea is simple - sports paragliders fly better than training paragliders, and a novice pilot or pilot wants to evaporate under the clouds as soon as possible. But at the same time, it is forgotten that sports paragliders not only fly better, but also require a significantly higher piloting technique from the pilot. They, unlike training ones, they are not inclined to forgive beginners for mistakes that they will definitely and repeatedly make in their first solo flights.

Knowing the flight characteristics and operation features of many paragliders, our instructors will help cadets to choose wings that will exactly match their flight qualifications and thus provide novice pilots with the highest possible flight characteristics of the paraglider they are purchasing, the proper level of safety.

When recommending manufacturers of paragliding equipment, the School focuses primarily on companies operating in the Moscow region. The range of paragliders, paramotors and suspension systems produced by them is wide enough to satisfy the most demanding customer, and the proximity of manufacturers to the School greatly facilitates and speeds up after-sales service and, if necessary, repairs of equipment purchased by cadets.

Paragliding is a growing sport in which you need to control a paraglider, has gained wide popularity among lovers of new sensations. A paraglider is a very light non-motorized manned aircraft, a glider with a soft 2-barrel wing, inflated through the air intakes by an oncoming air flow. Paragliding can be done by anyone, as it does not require special sports training, but attracts many with its entertainment and the ability to soar above the ground. It is necessary to learn paragliding in professional schools, while using high-quality equipment.

Paragliding flight technique

A paraglider expends altitude continuously (plans) in order to fly. Any pilot would like to master a flight technique that allows them not to lose altitude quickly, but to fly much longer. Using ascending air currents, you can achieve this result. Paragliders use two types of updraft: dynamic and thermal.

"Speaker" (upward dynamic flow) prevails if the wind blows into the slope and thereby changes the horizontal wind direction to vertical upwards. In this case, the pilot can climb to a height of 2 times the top of the slope. The advantage of this type is that it does not depend on the season and solar activity, is predictable and easy to learn flight. The disadvantages are that it depends on the direction of the wind, is formed in strong winds, the flight height depends on the height of the slope, and that the pilot is tied to the slope itself.

"Thermic" (upward thermal flow) is formed with greater heating of the earth's surface during solar activity. At the same time, warm air rises and is proportional to solar activity. In this case, the pilot can rise to the height of the clouds and above. The accumulated altitude is spent on cross-country flights to the next thermal. The advantage of thermal is that the flight altitude is much higher, the pilot is not tied to the slope, and it occurs during solar activity. The disadvantage is that this type of thermal usually occurs in our country from May to September, thermal activity is accompanied by increased turbulence, and the occurrence of thermals is probabilistic.

Three Ways to Learn Paragliding

Learning to fly is not as easy as it might seem from the outside. And if you are not lucky with self-study, then at best you simply will not do it. There are several ways to learn:

Study on your own (expensive for health and quite expensive in terms of money. You need to have a lot of free time, a large amount of literature, be very persistent and thoughtful. Do not study yourself - this is dangerous);

Learn with the help of an acquaintance or friend (even if the friend is an experienced pilot and he launches you into flight without explanation and without protection equipment, then quickly stop such training);

Study in a paragliding club or school (this is the most reliable and proven way. It is better to trust professional instructors).

We have children's paragliding clubs and schools, even championships are held among children. You can fly from the age of 18 without parental consent, and the age limit is not defined.

Paragliding equipment

Paragliding is associated with a risk to life and health, so being carried away by paragliding, first of all, you need to choose the right equipment.

The most important thing you need is paraglider , which can be picked up at the paragliding club. Paragliders come in three groups: Standard class (for beginners or pilots flying without stress - not the best flying qualities, but high stability), Performance class (transitional model, high flying qualities, moderate stability), Competition class (for experienced athletes, used for competitions). Depending on the purpose, paragliders are divided into types: training ("school") - initial training of pilots; "Acro" - performance of aerobatics (aerobatics); tandem - double (there is an instructor with a student); motorized flights - paragliders with motors.

A modern new paraglider costs about 1200 - 4500 euros, depending on the manufacturer. There are many cheap and expensive domestic paragliders that are sewn in basements. Their quality is very doubtful, as no one has tested them. There is also an extensive market for used paragliders. Their cost varies from 200 to 1200 euros (most likely not flying or imported almost new models).

For comfort and safety, you must choose suspension system - seat in which they are during the flight. It is made of durable fabrics and ribbons, and is attached to the paraglider with carabiners. The cost of the suspension ranges from 140 to 600 euros and more, depending on the version. On average, a suspension system costs 300-350 euros.

Helmet you should choose one that is the most durable, lightest, provides good audibility, free head rotation and has a reliable safety strap. The shape of the helmet should be streamlined.

reserve parachute is a necessary piece of equipment, especially if the flight takes place at an altitude of more than 50 meters (a reserve parachute is mandatory in competitions). It costs from 180 to 500 euros.

Paragliding suit allows you to protect you not only from the cold, but also from scratches. It is desirable that it be durable, waterproof and breathable.

Paragliding instrument or mini trip computer , which gives various information: flight altitude, climb speed, sink rate, air temperature, flight time, current time. Has memory of several flights. It costs from 80 to 1000 euros.

Gloves provide warmth to the hands during flights over long distances and at a certain height.

Special paragliding boots provide protection to the legs from possible damage. They are lightweight, high rise, do not allow to catch on the lines, a run-up protector and a wedge to absorb shocks.

Backpack , which fits into the pocket of the harness, allows you to accommodate all the necessary equipment.

In addition, it may be useful optional equipment :

Anemometer - a device for measuring wind strength;

Accelerator - a device for increasing flight speed;

GPS - navigation device;

Glasses - protection from sunlight and wind;

Balaclava - warms the head at low temperatures and does not clog the helmet from the inside;

Uncoupling - a device that unhooks the pilot from the winch cable after tightening.

Today, many foreign and Russian companies are engaged in the development and production of new models of paragliders and related equipment. The market for paragliding equipment is large and it will be very difficult for you to navigate the huge amount of this information.

On the Internet you can find out about manufacturers and equipment and thus make an independent choice. We recommend that you consult in advance with people who are more knowledgeable.

From dealers you can buy imported paragliders with a percentage surcharge of the following reliable and well-known companies: Austrian Nova (on the site www.nova-wings.ru), Japanese Up (on www.paraavis.com), English air wave (on the website www.paravia.ru). Their cost is from 2000 to 5000 dollars. Slightly cheaper Czech paragliders Gradient (on the site www.extreme-style.ru). The manufacturer is engaged in the production of domestic paragliders (Shop "Wings" on the site http://krilyev.net). Depending on the class, the cost of domestic paragliders made of imported fabric with a certificate is 1100-1700 dollars, and that of Russian-made fabric is much cheaper. A used Russian paraglider costs about 100-800 dollars, and a second-hand imported one is several times more expensive.

A Russian-made paraglider can be purchased from a company you like, and an imported paraglider must be ordered from a dealer or a specific foreign store. In Germany, the paragliding equipment shop is located at: skywalk GmbH & Co. KG | Bahnhofstrasse 110 | 83224 GRASSAU - GERMANY (site www.skywalk.info).

The main thing is that the equipment for paragliding is safe and pleases its owners, helping them to improve their flying skills, both on the plain and in the mountains.

Paragliding Documents

If you decide to go in for paragliding, then in general you need to know that for paragliding pilots there are some requirements for passing exams in order to get certain categories:

"A" - student (one who is studying at a flight school);

"B" - club pilot (can only fly under the supervision of more experienced pilots);

"C" - pilot (one who has experience of flying in the mountains and is an independent pilot);

"D" - XC-pilot (understands navigation and flies routes);

"E" - pilot of a motorized paraglider (flies safely on a paramotor);

"T" - tandem pilot (has the right to fly together in tandem with a passenger);

"I" - instructor (has experience and qualifications for independent training of pilots).

Through the head of the paragliding club, you can order an IPPI card (International Pilot Identification Card), which will allow you to legally paragliding in Europe and abroad.

For your participation in flying competitions, it is necessary to obtain sports additional licenses. The license will be a document that confirms your flying knowledge and skills, and also gives you the right to fly in other paragliding clubs, participate in competitions and fly abroad and in Europe.

Choosing a paragliding club or school

You can learn how to fly a paraglider in special schools, where all the skills and abilities necessary for flying will be provided by experienced instructors. As a rule, the basic ground course of paragliding takes several hours, after which you can make the first flight together with an instructor or on your own.

By the number of classes, you can complete a training course, and you can learn to fly only by successfully completing flight tasks. Find your own paragliding club or school that will help you acquire the knowledge to master the basic skills of paragliding (to start your development), as well as introduce you to the joyful discovery of flight.

Before choosing a club or school, talk to the students and find out their mood. Be sure to ask about the qualifications of the instructors and find out if training paragliders are enough. The training program at the school should not be less than 4 days.

You can practice paragliding in Moscow in the following clubs and schools:

Think in your choice about which club or which paragliding school would be best to study at. Moreover, the choice is now huge. Talk to friends and instructors, study training programs. It is desirable that oral classes take place not on the field, but indoors. Find out what is included in the theoretical training and whether field courses are offered. Ask the paragliding club management what classes and types of paragliding they teach, and even more so if they are certified. The only guarantee of safety for paragliders is that they have such certificates as DHV and AFNOR. All paragliding schools and clubs are organized by various companies that sell paragliders, which means that the club is interested in acquiring not only a student, but also a potential buyer in you. If the training takes place without a walkie-talkie, then do not appear there even close. Be very careful when choosing a paragliding club and find the best solution.

If you are serious about paragliding, then you can learn how to handle updrafts on a paraglider and successfully fly long distances.

For some, paragliding is a sporting life, for others it is a favorite job, for others it is entertainment and recreation, for others it is a way of self-affirmation. Everyone chooses what he likes. Even such a simple element on a paraglider as a tight spiral causes a lot of adrenaline in a novice pilot.

If you like the state of flight and it gives you great pleasure, then rather choose paragliding.

A paraglider is an aircraft consisting of a soft inflatable wing and a suspension system. Since the paraglider is heavier than air, after the start, it goes into a descent. This creates an incoming air flow. Due to the aerodynamics of the wing, lift is generated, which reduces the rate of descent.

The aerodynamic quality of the best paragliders does not exceed 10. This means that having dropped by 1 meter, the paraglider will fly no more than 10 meters horizontally. Of all non-powered heavier-than-air aircraft, the aerodynamic quality of a paraglider is the worst. However, from the aircraft of its family, the aerodynamic quality of a paraglider is higher than that of a paramotor, paralet and aerochute.

However, experienced pilots manage to perform cross-country flights several tens of kilometers long. This happens due to the existence of ascending currents of heated air over certain areas of the earth's surface. The better the earth absorbs sunlight (for example, fresh arable land), the more it heats up. It heats up the air. When heated, the air expands and rises at a certain speed. If this speed exceeds the vertical rate of descent of a paraglider caught in such a flow, then the paraglider will gain altitude!

There are two ways to take off on a paraglider: from a hill and from a winch. In the first case, the paraglider chooses the slope towards which the wind is blowing. The paraglider takes off, the wind picks up the canopy and the flight begins. There are no mountains in the central part of Russia; hill slopes 30-50 meters high are used. This is enough for initial training, but not enough for cross-country flights, since in 1-2 minutes of flight it is possible to find an ascending thermal flow only by chance. The winch pulls the paraglider to a height of 300-500 meters. In this case, it has 10 times more time to search for the upstream.

Since there are not so many suitable slopes and working winches, it is impossible to say that you can fly anywhere on a paraglider. However, compared to other non-powered aircraft, the paraglider gives the pilot the most freedom.

Landing on a paraglider does not require any special conditions - a fairly flat area of ​​​​the terrain. There is no run when landing on a paraglider.

Paragliding training is widespread all over the world, including in Russia. This is due to the low cost of education - the initial course costs only 20,000 rubles. After passing it, you can already buy your own paraglider, which will cost only 50,000 rubles.

The debate about where to start training - from a slope or from a winch has not subsided so far, there is no definite answer here. The slope is safer, but does not allow for long flights, skills are learned longer. The winch allows you to immediately feel the flight and slowly learn how to control a paraglider. But if a pilot has a desire to go abroad and paragliding from the mountains, then the skill of starting from a winch will not be enough, you will have to learn a little.

After completion of the initial training, a gradual increase in qualifications is possible. Pilots are trained in soaring, cross-country flights. There are also emergency exit courses and aerobatics courses.

Operating your own paraglider is not difficult. The complete complex weighs 20-30 kg and fits in a backpack, so you can get to the launch site even without your own car. You can prepare a paraglider for flight in 10-15 minutes. The wing and suspension system serve 3-5 years (in the case of active flights), after which they must be completely replaced.

A paraglider is one of the safest aircraft. This is due to the fact that flying on it is quite difficult to enter a dangerous flight mode. During the initial training, flights always take place in a calm atmosphere, so they do not pose any danger.

Sometimes, in a turbulent atmosphere or in the event of an error during the execution of complex aerobatic maneuvers, the wing of a paraglider can collapse. In this case, the lifting force is completely or partially lost, which leads to a fall. However, modern paragliders are manufactured in such a way that in most cases the wing is able to open on its own and prevent a fall.

A paragliding pilot can always put on a reserve parachute. In this case, the risk of folding the dome is practically eliminated.