AIRLORE | How to do the SAT manoeuvre

INTRODUCTION TO PARAGLIDING
© Greg Hamerton

Greg has been flying since 1992 and is a paragliding instructor and cross-country pilot from Cape Town, South Africa.

Paraglide .. and the sky is your playground.

What's it like?
Imagine launching yourself from a high mountain peak, gliding out over the valley, not a care in the world. This is paragliding, and it is easier and more accessible than you think!

Paragliding began in the Alps in the late 1980’s, utilizing square parachutes for rapid descents from the peaks. Advances in manufacture and design have seen the paraglider evolve into a wonderful aircraft, capable of soaring for hours on the power of the wind alone. The current world record distance flight on a paraglider is 335km. A gentle breeze blowing up against a mountain-slope can provide smooth lifting currents. Or on a warm summer’s day, thermals lift from the ground and allow pilots to circle skywards.

The paraglider is simple to control, and has the slowest take-off and landing speed of any gliding aircraft. Low speed equates directly to safety. To further reduce the risk of injury, we fly with large foam-padded harnesses, sturdy boots, and helmets. Combined with the nurturing environment created by a SAHPA qualified instructor, the steps to mastering flight are simple, safe and good fun!

Although all participants have to be physically fit, paragliding does not require strength. It has far more to do with perception, the spirit of adventure and a developed feel for the flexible wing.

How do I get started?
Contact a school near you by enquiring at the South African Hang-gliding and Paragliding offices : call Louise on 012 668 1219 or visit www.sahpa.co.za

You could book yourself a tandem flight, begin an introductory course, or you could sign up straight away for a Basic License Course - comprehensive pilot's training taking you from ground zero to solo license level. Having completed at least 40 flights (probably 3 hours airtime in total) under instructor supervision, learning basic glider control, theory of flight, good airmanship, safety precautions and emergency techniques, you're ready to fly on your own at any Basic graded site.

How much does it cost?
Prices change, but in 2007 the Basic Licence course costs approx. R7250, including all equipment during training. Basic second hand kit (wing, harness, helmet) - R15 000 upwards. New kit, with all the bells and whistles - R40 000

Where can I fly?
A wide variety of flying conditions can be found around South Africa. SAHPA controls and regulates the sport, under the authority of the Department of Civil Aviation. Each site used regularly has a grading, allowing newcomers to avoid potentially dangerous sites until they have the required experience. It is considered polite to contact the local club before flying a site for the first time, to learn of any rules pertaining to the use of the land, and to arrange guidance.

What better way to watch the sunset over Cape Town?

Leap into the air

One step beyond ...

Ready to launch a paraglider at Sir Lowry's Pass.

HOTLIST OF TOP SOUTH AFRICAN PARAGLIDING SITES

RANK	SITE	PROVINCE	BEST IN	RENOWNED FOR
1	Porterville	Western Cape	Oct-March	Consistent distance-flying
2	Bulwer	Kwa-zulu Natal	Aug-Nov	Fun flying
3	Hartebeespoort	Gauteng	Oct-Nov	Regular thermals
4	Barberton	Mpumulanga	June-July	Big height gains
5	De Aar	Northern Cape	Oct-Dec	World records
6	Ngodwana	Mpumulanga	March-May	Technically challenging
7	Graaff-Reinet	Eastern Cape	Oct-Dec	Strong thermals
8	Wilderness	Western Cape	Sep-Dec	Mellow soaring
9	Sir Lowry's Pass	Western Cape	July-Nov	Scenic mountain flying
10	Lion's Head	Western Cape	Nov-Feb	Beauty, beaches and babes

Cautions :
Coming from Europe and other mild climates, pilots often find the strong conditions of Southern Africa overwhelming. Take care! The air is different here, turbulence seems to be more unpredictable, the wind is stronger, and things do not work the same as in the Alps or England. Don't forget that temperatures can be very high in the afternoons, with low humidity - always fly with plentry of water, some glucose/energy bars, sunblock and a sunhat, as dehydration during walkouts is not uncommon. But for consistant flying and big distance potential, South Africa can't be beaten.

How to find these sites :
The Fresh Air Site Guide is packed with information : descriptions, flying tips, contact details, and directions to each of more than 135 sites. It has become the definitive reference for all paragliding and hang-gliding in South Africa, and offers cross-country flying instruction and aerobatic advice as well as colour photographs, maps and more.

Are you ready for the adventure?