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Instructional Paragliding Articles

Syllabus
Article

Description

Technical
Article describing what to bring, and what to read prior to beginning a paragliding lesson program.
Two articles describing how to feel and connect to a paraglider for kiting and while flying. The first is a story, the second a direct argument for learning to relax as the key.
How to inspect the paraglider prior to a flying session.
The key to kiting is how to lift the wing overhead each and every time. This article summarizes the main techniques for achieving this...
Article showing step by step instructions for connecting to a paraglider for a Turn Transition or Reverse Launch. The steps are combined with the harness connection preflight checks.

Landing and Flare Timing

Article describing the 7 - 5 - 3 "two stage" flair technique for landing the paraglider..
 
Article written by Joe Bosworth (Of Australia). Overview of good Reverse Launch practices.
Long Term safety in paragliding needs some prioritization and looking out for the little things. This article discusses some systems and techniques you can use to achieve this.
An article describing how to feel and connect to a paraglider for kiting and while flying. This article is great to read at the beginning of any lesson program.
Article describing how and why to use a Torpedo Launch.
An article conveying the importance of having a flight plan and how this minimizes hazards for student and every flight.
Article I wrote describing speed management relating to glide ratio in a Paraglider.
 
Article I wrote about avoiding Blowback at Mussel Rock - AKA "The Dumps". People often think flying paragliders at this beautiful coastal site as being ultra safe, but many visiting and some locals have experienced blowback.


Same article as above, but I revised (de-referenced from Westlake Cliffs) for the USHPA Hang Gliding and Paragliding magazine and it was published December 2004 USHPA Magazine.

Article defining "Active Flying" in a Paraglider.

Article discussing how mechanical turbulence is created and how to be aware of where it is and avoid...
Article I wrote about flying Paragliders in Lighter Wind Conditions. Published in July 2005 USHPA Magazine.
The Basic Right of Way Rules for Free Flight crafts (Paragliders, Hang Gliders, Sailplanes)
Article I wrote about some issues within the Right of Way rules that need better definition. Published in August 1996 USHPA Magazine.
Article describing the Figure 8 landing approach in a Paraglider.
Article describing a technique that uses the A and C or D riser to better manage wings quick ascent during high wind launch situations.

Pictures and description of the Cobra launch technique used in higher winds to circumvent the pull of eye of the wind reverse launches.

Information about wind shears that occur in the San Francisco Bay Area at the coast.
Information

"Taking a Flyer On the Sport Of Paragliding"
- I took Paul McHugh of the San Francisco Chronicle - Outdoor Section for a brief Tandem Flight and he wrote this article about the experience.
USHPA Part 104 - rules governing Paragliding. This document lists the requirements for each rating, tasks for demonstration, and operating limitations for each rating.
P2 Study Guide New - A study guide to help you prepare better for the P2 Written Examination.
A site intro and basic information about flying in and around La Salina, Baja, Mexico.
Article about what you need to know, bring with you and understand before flying tandem in a Paraglider.
Article from South Bay Accent
Magazine
Interview type article for general info about Paragliding.
External Sites with Articles
Sky Nomad is a school and tandem operation in Bulgaria. They have a great list of articles on the linked page.
Expanding Knowledge
Site by Jérôme Daoust
Lots of Instructional and Technical Articles and more ...
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