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Q.What is a paraglider?
A.
A paraglider is similar to a parachute, but
it is designed to gently lift its pilot from
the ground. Paragliding is more closely related
to hang-gliding, though the hang-glider is
heavier and faster. Paragliding is free flight,
unlike para sailing where the pilot is towed
by a boat, truck or winch.
A paraglider permits the pilot to float on
the air and it is not uncommon for experienced
pilots to achieve flights that can last for
hours.
Q.Is it very difficult and how fit do I need
to be?
A. The principles of flying a paraglider are
very simple and the equipment is not complicated
to use. You don't have to be super fit or
muscle bound to fly one. In the early training
stages the most physical it gets is walking
back up the hill carrying the paraglider
and they are not very heavy.
Q.Is it safe?
A. There are risks in any sport, but with paragliding,
as the canopy is already inflated, it is
much safer than some other extreme sports
like parachuting.
Equipment checks are an essential part of
pre-flight take off, easy due to open chute.
Paragliders prefer light winds, so you will
be flying only in very gentle weather conditions.
As with any sport, the more you learn the
better you become. Paragliding safety involves
knowing when and when not to fly. Getting
good training, checking your equipment and
weather conditions carefully and seeking
the advice of experienced fliers when flying
in new areas, will increase the safety level
considerably. The majority of accidents are
due to poor training leading in turn to pilot
era.
Q.What if I can't understand much Japanese?
A.No worries! The owner of this school speaks
English very well and the school has more
than one bilingual instructor. Some of his
instructors have flown and trained overseas
and are familiar in dealing with foreign
pilots. While their English might not be
perfect, they are able to instruct non-Japanese
pilots. I have passed my A/B licenses and
I will be working towards my Novice Pilot
but I'll be happy to help you with any questions
related to basic training.
Q.
What if the weather turns bad?
A.A paraglider takes off facing into the wind,
which can create a lot of delays and problems
at many schools. However, this school is
very fortunate as its location offers 360
% launch areas. That means that whatever
direction the wind is blowing take off is
possible.
However, if wind conditions are too strong,
there are strong cross winds, or it rains
then training will be cancelled. But this school offers a flight
guarantee program, so if the weather does
not permit flying that day you can try again
later, when the weather improves, at no extra
charge.
Q.
What will we do if flying is cancelled?
A. Nagano is a very beautiful part of Japan
and that there are a lot of hot springs in
the area worth visiting. Local food is not
very expensive and there are some beautiful
areas to hike.
Traffic and route to Sugadaira