Flying alone in a paraglider is certainly for some the ultimate dream: flying with your paraglider, in the beautiful region of Haute-Savoie, above Lake Annecy, without an instructor, and piloting your aircraft yourself, does that tempt you? We’ll explain it to you, because as we explained here, paragliding is an activity that requires you to know the right practices, to evaluate the dangers, to prepare your equipment, etc.
Taking lessons in a school
Flying a paraglider is not an activity like any other. Before starting out on your own, without an instructor, it is important to take lessons in a school, supervised by professionals. To begin with, the ideal is to make your first paragliding flight in tandem. This is an opportunity for you to get to know the aircraft, to enjoy a thrilling experience in complete safety, and to make your first take-off without any stress. An unforgettable moment to learn the basics of this activity. Once this first step is over, there is nothing better than to fly for a few hours accompanied by a professional pilot during an initiation course. Your instructor has undergone a tailor-made training to accompany you and share his experience in order to give you the best training, so that you can then fly… on your own!
Training
The introductory course will give you all the skills you need to fly solo. You will start by familiarising yourself with your equipment (canopy, harness, reserve parachute and radio), and practice flying on the first day of training. Combining theory and practice, you will finish the initiation fully prepared. Technical terms, air regulations, safety, weather conditions, flight from take-off to landing, piloting, flight path, free flight… accompanied by practice: preparation of equipment, choice of location, control of the wing, folding of the canopy… Paragliding will no longer have any secrets for you!
Taking the plunge
What is your first paragliding flight like ? During your first solo flight, don’t worry: your instructors will be there to guide you via radio and reassure you. And, once you’ve taken the plunge, what could be better than continuing to practice, with others? Find fellow pilots, organise group outings, exchange best practices and experiences, encourage each other! In short, make the most of your outdoor experiences, alone in your harness, but surrounded by companions with whom you can share these thrills! And don’t forget to take advantage of the magnificent view: the surroundings of Lake Annecy with pleasure, the Forclaz pass, the snowy mountains…