If you are a traveler at heart, a seeker and life’s friend at large, longing for new friendships and laughter, sharing the joys of love and light then… Paragliding is for you! Paragliding is the closest humans can get to the feeling of flying like a bird. It is a fun, safe way to experience flight in its simplest form. You simply lay out a wing on a hillside or mountain, inflate it over your head like a kite, run a few steps and before you know it you’ve stepped off into the sky! Once in the air, a pilot is able to maintain and even gain altitude using lifting air currents and thermals. Landing a para-glider is extremely easy. A pilot simply steers it into the landing area, and glides down for a very gentle touch down back on to earth.
Paragliding is more about finesse than fitness. More about skill than strength which is why women often do much better than men because they don’t try to fight the paraglider around. More important than physical conditioning, is being physically and mentally alert and prepared. To be a successful paragliding student and pilot, you need to be able to think clearly and to listen well. There is no age limit, but it’s important to have the maturity to respect the risks involved. Participant ages range from students in their teens to seasoned pilots in their 70’s. Most of the active pilots are from the age group of mid – twenties through mid – forties. Although it is not uncommon to see senior citizens as paragliding pilots.
Like any other adventure sport it is exciting because of that little element of risk but no more than climbing or swimming. Personal judgment and attitude are of fundamental importance. Gain ‘pilot attitude’, obey instructions and use of safe equipment. If these conditions are met, the slow speeds and inherent stability of para-gliders can provide a safe and exhilarating way to experience the realization of mankind’s oldest and greatest dream: personal flight. Fear plays a big role in many aspects of our lives and is a basic instinct that functions to keep us safe. Common to all adventure sports including paragliding, fear of heights or new experiences is natural and healthy. How we deal with fear is the important thing.
When you learn to fly/paraglide you will begin your first lessons on flat ground to familiarize yourself with the controls of your glider. Gradually you will work your way up to a nursery slope to master and practice the take-off and the landing technique, assisted and guided by your instructors every step of the way. Your first solo flight will be an exhilarating experience as you float across from the training hill to the ground. Your lessons are tailored to minimize fear and maximize fun. It’s when you do advance level courses that we help you recognize, counter and even control fear. Flying is a lot about taking decisions. Initially many of your decision will be taken by your instructors and gradually you will begin to take charge of your flight. Finally a positive attitude and a desire to learn to fly are the motivation fuel to learn effectively with enthusiasm. It is exactly how it works in life, if you truly desire to become a competent and experienced pilot, you can and you will…
Temple Pilots is the leading paragliding training school in the country which provides the best paragliding education and conducts basic to advance level courses. FAI: Federation of Aeronautique Internationale lays down rules and regulations for aero-sports all over the world. In India it is represented by ‘Aeroclub of India’.Temple Pilots is the only registered school in the country as an associate member of IPF – Indian Parachuting Federation, which is a registered member of Aeroclub of India. The Chief Instructor is an ex-Air Force fighter pilot with 22 years of aviation background. The CFI, Chief Flying Instructor has thousands of hours solo and tandem flying and 14 years of training experience and the Senior Instructor has over 8 years of experience. Temple Pilots Flight training Program is a step by step, well structured program that makes learning to fly easy, safe and a fun experience.
India Yacht Page spent a weekend with Temple Pilots, we had a firsthand experience with the sport and completed the first level of training. The course along with the instructors gives you the lesson of your life! Be prepared to build up those triceps and quadriceps, hamstrings and calves! This sport calls for some decent levels of stamina and oodles of enthusiasm. It tests your spirit and rewards it too. Watch this space as we compile more articles about personal and individual experiences in paragliding.
For more information visit: http://www.templepilots.com/