Modern hang gliders and paragliders can be launched by running off a hill, or by being towed into the air on a line attached to a winch on the ground. Speed flying wings are usually between 12 and 18 sq.m in area. Below about 12 sq.m, the wings are used predominantly for speed riding which is foot-launching on snow with skis. Bridging the gap between speed wings and full size paragliders are mini wings. These are essentially mini paragliders with wing areas between 16 and 20 sq.m and are often used for hike and fly. Training is usually conducted far away from creature comforts like warm cafes with loos. On your first day at the school, even if your instructor knows a good tea-shop in the village, don't neglect something to eat and drink to sustain you through your day. Most schools also offer a one day taster course which is ideal if you are not ready to commit to a full course of training. In which case you will need to apply online for One Day Introductory Membership. Martin regards himself as a "newbie" to the sport having only seriously taken it up in 1999. He has served on Exec for the past sixteen years, but has now retired from active flying due to a knee problem.

There are two strands to Pilot rating: demonstrating skills attained through practical flying tasks, and demonstrating theoretical knowledge. The flying tasks are completed in the club environment, being guided by Coaches or Instructors. If you wish, you can also "strap on" an engine and turn a hang glider into a powered hang glider, and a paraglider into a paramotor. You can then take off from a flat field, rather than a hill. Your instructor will explain how the canopy is laid out, inflated and controlled by its brake lines. You'll then take it in turns with other members of your group to have your first short training hops down a gentle slope.After a few minutes spent inspecting your equipment you put on your helmet and harness, look around, allow the wind to raise the canopy of your glider and launch off into space. This is paragliding!

Additionally, other badges can be earned, which include: the Club Coach badge (gained by going on a weekend training course to learn how to 'coach' and advise those new pilots just out of school); the Senior Club Coach badge (usually a very experienced club pilot who can oversee certain types of post-school coaching); the Tandem badge (awarded after a short training course to learn how to fly a tandem—pilot and passenger—paraglider). When you show that you can safely and confidently get yourself into the air and down again, your instructor will start to progress you to take-off points higher up the hill. With this extra height you will be able to learn how to turn. Once airborne, the paramotor can be used to motor along and watch the world go by beneath you or, if conditions permit, soared in thermal lift to make long cross-country flights. Tom has been an active and passionate member of the worldwide paramotor & paragliding community for over 10 years, and in that time he's enjoyed great experiences, made new friends, and witnessed the progression of our sport. He believes in the continued growth of our sport, but also knows it poses many challenges of how to best support new and experienced pilots and the greater flying community at large, whilst respecting non flyers.Having previously been an active competition pilot for the last 6 years she has served as Meet Director for the British Open HG Series, UK Nationals and GB HG Team Manager. A further 4 - 6 days of instruction should see you well on your way to completing your Club Pilot tasks, and as things fall into place you'll learn to soar, and stay up in favourable winds so you can make longer flights. No CAA licence is required to fly a paramotor – but you still have to know and obey the rules and regulations applying to UK Airspace – of which there are many! The UK is a small island, and much of the airspace above it is reserved for commercial air traffic, bird sanctuaries, weapons testing etc.. Paragliding competitions are held at club, national and international level, and the 'Brits' usually do well in international competitions. Much of Flyability's work in the sport, focuses around changing peoples perception of disability and their attitudes toward people with disabilities. Disability awareness, education and advice play key roles in Flyability's aims and objectives, as does the development of specialist equipment, training and flying techniques.