Frequently Asked Questions
IS IT PARAGLIDING SAFE?
Tandem paragliding with an experienced instructor is very safe. The equipment we use is tested and certified according to the European norm after passing stringent tests for the material and flight behavior to ensure maximum peace of mind. Today the equipment has developed to be very safe. Paragliding manufacturers have invested a lot of time and money into the technologies and designs of paragliders. Tandem paragliding instructors need to have a special tandem master license, it takes many years of experience and a very high level of skill to obtain this license.
Paragliding Malaysia’s instructors are highly skilled paraglider pilots. Our pilots are experts at assessing the weather and will only fly in safe conditions and wind. Ultimately you will not fly alone as we will be attached to you all the time and easy communication is possible during the whole experience. It is safe and fun for the whole family!
CAN YOU FLY WITH NO WIND?
A paraglider does not need wind to fly, it flies because of the airfoil shape it has and the weight of the pilot hanging on the lines that are connected to the wing. When there is no wind a paraglider will just glide straight down to the bottom of the hill and the pilot will steer it to the landing area. For a paraglider to maintain flight or gain height we do need to have either wind blowing up the slope of the hill or thermals which is warm air rising that also feels like wind. By making use of either thermals or wind a paraglider can maintain flight.
When booking your tandem flight, we will recommend the best time of the day to fly, a time that we know there will be wind or thermals. We want to let you fly as long as possible and ensure the optimal experience.
HOW HIGH A PARAGLIDER CAN GO?
Paragliders can fly up to altitudes of over 6000m above sea level, the world record for the highest paragliding flight is 8157m by French adventurer Antoine Girard in Pakistan.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WIND JUST SUDDENLY STOPS OR CHANGES?
As mentioned above no wind is still a perfect scenario as it allows for better thermals and sometimes even better thermic flights. As far as variable weather during flight, it does not affect our flight that much as we will maintain constant airspeed regardless of the meteorological wind experienced. There are however some cases where inclement weather could affect the pilot’s decision about aborting his takeoff. Typically, this includes gust fronts, wind squalls, increasing wind speed, or a change in wind direction. All of these have visible signs to experienced pilots and can be avoided altogether
In the worst case in no wind conditions, we will simply glide steadily until we land safely.
CAN YOU FLY ALONE?
Yes, you can! Most pilots do fly on their own. You can also fly on your own by enroll our paragliding course.
Paragliding Malaysia is registered under Malaysia Sport Aviation Federation (MSAF), we offer paragliding training courses and no experience is needed before attending the course.
Our basic pilot course of 7-11 days. During the course, you will learn all the theory and practical skills necessary to fly on your own and to obtain your paragliding license. During the course, you will do a minimum of 10 flights on your own, while under radio instruction from an instructor as well as a syllabus.
WHAT IS THE WEIGHT LIMIT FOR TANDEM PARAGLIDING?
The paragliding equipment has to be operated within the manufacturer’s specification, most commonly the passenger’s weight can range from 20 to 120kg, depending on your pilot weight and flying conditions. Also, the minimum age to take a part in these flights range from 4 years old and above, with parental consent. Kids however are usually less fearful than adults and love the experience.
I AM AFRAID OF HEIGHTS
The fear of heights is usually absent while paragliding as most people refer to vertigo. Vertigo is the fear one experience while standing on the edge of a tall building. The fear of height and Vertigo are not the same and most passengers enjoy the flight despite having immense vertigo. (Even some pilots suffer from vertigo)
I DON'T UNDERSTAND ENGLISH/MALAY
Language barrier won’t stop the excitement, very simple gestures is needed to convey a few basic briefing instructions. The rest is very self-explanatory.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
Simply walk a few steps on takeoff and enjoy the flight- the more you enjoy it the more your pilot will share with you! And on the landing just be ready for a few steps of walking again. Very little physical input is required as your pilot will be doing most of the hard work.
I WANT TO BOOK A SPECIAL REQUEST
We have many special flight packages available ranging from marriage proposals, unique flight packages for that special person, or even some extraordinary once-off events! Simply get in touch to discuss what is possible.
THE WEATHER WAS BAD ON MY BOOKING DAY, CAN I RESCHEDULE?
We will be in contact regardless and our team would happily assist you to reschedule for the next good flying day.
