Hang Gliding & Paragliding Frequently Asked Questions
Please select one of the following frequently asked questions (FAQ), or click on the appropriate link to view the next or previous 6 questions. The FAQ database can also be searched.
Frequently asked questions
Displaying page 4 out of 6| What is a paraglider? What is an FLPA? What is an XC flight? What is glide ratio? What is sink rate? What is the BHPA Pilot Rating Scheme? |
[ Top ] - [ Prev ] - [ Next ] - [ Bottom ]
Search the FAQ database
| What is a paraglider? |
|---|
 A: A paraglider is a foot-launched aerofoil canopy made from nylon material, about 10m wide and 3m deep. The pilot is suspended in a harness some distance below the canopy.
Most paragliders are flown with the pilot in a head up seated position (Supine). The wing‘s aerofoil shape, necessary for the generation of lift, is maintained by air pressure. This pressure is created by forcing air to flow through restrictive compartments in the wing. The pilot uses a set of brake lines attached to the rear of the canopy to control the flying speed of the paraglider. Further information |
[ Return to the list of FAQ ]
| What is an FLPA? |
|---|
| A: An FLPA is a foot launched powered aircraft. These are essentially hang gliders and paragliders fitted with a propellor powered by a small two stroke engine so that the pilot can foot launch the glider from flat ground.
|
[ Return to the list of FAQ ]
| What is an XC flight? |
|---|
| A: An XC or cross country flight is when a pilot takes off from one location and uses sources of rising air, such as thermals, to fly to an entirely different location.
XC flights can last several hours and cover distances of over 100 miles, in the right conditions. |
[ Return to the list of FAQ ]
| What is glide ratio? |
|---|
| A: Glide ratio is the distance flown horizontally in still air for a given loss of height.
E.g. A glider with a 10 to 1 glide ratio will travel 10 ft horizontally for every foot of height lost when flying in still air. |
[ Return to the list of FAQ ]
| What is sink rate? |
|---|
| A: Sink rate is the rate at which a glider descends vertically when flying in still air.
|
[ Return to the list of FAQ ]
| What is the BHPA Pilot Rating Scheme? |
|---|
| A: This is the system used in the UK to measure the level of competence and experience of hang glider and paraglider pilots.
To move from one rating to another pilots have to pass a written examination, and demonstrate that they can safely perform a series of practical flying tasks. Further information |
[ Return to the list of FAQ ]
Displaying page 4 out of 6
[ Top ] - [ Prev ] - [ Next ] - [ Bottom ]
Hang Gliding & Paragliding Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ ver 5.11 |