Tandem Paragliding is a thrilling recreational activity in which participants use a paraglider tandem to fly in the air like an aerial animal. It is not only a popular adventure among sports enthusiasts but also an unforgettable trip for youngsters and adults. Further, this enables individuals to explore the skies and admire the beauty of their natural surroundings.
It is an accessible and cost-effective approach to:
- Tackle your acrophobic fears
- Allow yourself to cherish the cool breezes while flying
Without an engine or a motor, paragliders are capable of covering great distances, even hundreds of kilometres. They can fly at altitudes of up to 23,000 feet (7,000 metres) or 18,000 feet (5,500 metres) (paragliding füssen). Also, you can even fly a paraglider at much higher heights if you have:
- Right equipment such as weather forecasting tools, emergency parachutes etc
- Attended extensive training programmes
- Years of experience
Beginner pilots often paraglide for an hour or two, while advanced pilots may fly for up to six to eight hours. Additionally, they can go to any chosen destination while following all the rules and regulations for compliance and safety purposes. However, the speed at which a paraglider can travel relies on numerous factors. These attributes are important to be taken into account before launching into the air.
Factors Affecting How Fast a Paraglider Can Go
To ensure a safe and comfortable flying experience, pilots must:
- Stay within their proficiency level
- Follow the critical instructions
- Take the weather into consideration
Let’s delve into the factors that affect paraglider speed and have an overview of the potential speeds that can be achieved.
Wind Design
There are many different types of paragliders, and each has its own characteristics and speed range. For example;
- The aspect ratio, or the proportion of the wing’s length to its breadth, is a crucial element. The wing will be longer and narrower with a higher aspect ratio, which will aid in accelerating the glider. Also, a wing can cut through the air more quickly and efficiently with a larger aspect ratio because it causes less drag.
- Similarly, the design of the wing is another important consideration. Better aerodynamic characteristics are a common marker in paragliders with a more streamlined design, such as an elliptical or tapered wing. This is because the glider can maintain a higher speed as a result of the reduced drag.
- Moreover, the wing’s cell count and location may also influence the speed. More cells provide a smoother airflow, while the position of the cells can help optimize lift and lessen drag. Furthermore, high-performance wings are designed for speed and manoeuvrability and can travel farther than intermediate wings.
Wind Conditions
The rate of speed that a paraglider can travel depends significantly on the wind conditions. The speed and direction of the wind have a tremendous impact on the paraglider’s:
- Performance
- Aerodynamics
- Forward speed
- Ability to gain or maintain altitude
Also, the speed of a paraglider can be greatly increased by tailwinds, or winds coming from behind it. It accelerates the paraglider’s airspeed, causing it to move at a faster rate. When trying to travel long distances or during descents, this additional speed can be extremely helpful. How? Because the paraglider may sustain lift and fly faster due to the tailwind!
Nevertheless, you must keep in mind to maintain:
- Correct wing loading
- Control inputs
This is for guaranteed stability and safety during flights. We all know excessive speed can make controlling the paraglider difficult and daunting.
On the other hand, headwinds, or winds that are blowing in the paraglider’s direction, might alleviate its speed. The relative airspeed of the paraglider drops when flying into a headwind, which decreases forward motion. Further, to make up for the loss of forward speed, pilots must utilise multiple lift sources:
- Thermals
- Ridge lift
Additionally, pilots can improve the overall speed and lessen the effects of headwinds by:
- Comprehending wind patterns and
- Using numerous strategies
Glide Ratio
A paraglider’s glide ratio indicates its capacity to maintain altitude while flying horizontally. It gauges how effectively the glider can transform potential energy into forward motion. Moreover, the glide ratio is influenced by several factors, including:
- Wing shape
- Pilot technique
- Weight distribution
In comparison to a paraglider with a lower glide ratio, one with a higher glide ratio has the ability to travel at higher speeds. With a higher glide ratio, the paraglider may travel farther horizontally while just slightly losing height. Hence, the pilot can achieve a faster average speed during the flight.
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Plus, higher glide ratio paragliders are frequently made with:
- More aerodynamic wing forms
- Lower drag profiles
With the help of these design elements, they can cut through the air more efficiently, transforming potential energy into forward motion with the least amount of loss. Using dynamic lift sources can help pilots who are proficient in making the most of their paraglider’s glide ratio. Also, they can maximise speed while travelling long distances.
Conversely, a paraglider with a lower glide ratio will be unable to efficiently sustain speed over horizontal distance. Lower glide ratio paragliders often have larger, more stable wings. They are the source of prioritising stability and safety. Although they may not reach the same high speeds as gliders with larger glide ratios, they are highly recommended for beginners. Are you wondering why? Because of ease of control and a more forgiving flight experience.
In addition, pilots may need to learn a few different techniques to increase speed while flying a paraglider with a lower glide ratio. They must also be aware of the features and constraints of the glide ratio of their paraglider to:
- To maximise performance
- Make wise judgements during flight
What is the General Speed at Which a Paraglider Travels?
Under normal circumstances, paragliders may often glide at speeds between 25 and 40 kilometres per hour (15 to 25 miles per hour). But, competent pilots have been known to reach speeds greater than 60 kilometres per hour (37 miles per hour).
Note that this is during descents or while flying in dynamic air currents with the right wind conditions and specialised wings.
Bottom Line
The experience and expertise of a pilot also impact how fast they can fly safely. Also, professional pilots must have developed their abilities and have a thorough understanding of the sport to achieve high speeds. Remember that paraglider speed should never be approached without caution because safety should be your topmost priority while engaging in this activity.
At Tandem Paragliding Center, we aim to hone the skills of beginners to turn them into professionals. If you wish to reach your desired speed limit, get in touch with our specialists.