New Pilots
So you have completed a paragliding course and got your PG2 licence, what next?
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Congratulations on completing your course and welcome to the amazing world of paragliding in South Australia. Before you fly, please make contact with our local pilots for advice (see our contacts page) on when and where to fly and what essential equipment you will need (assuming you have not already purchased your paragliding gear from your flying school). We can offer advice on what to buy and from where.
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How can I make contact with local pilots?
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We have a Facebook group exclusively for current SAFA registered local paraglider pilots and we will be happy to sign you up once you have passed your course and paid your SAFA membership (see our useful links page). We also have regular social gatherings for you to meet our community in an informal environment. If you really want to fly, you will need to make the effort to keep in regular contact with our community. Please don't expect us to do all of the running - the opportunities to fly are in your hands and it is your responsibility.
How can I improve my flying skills and become a better pilot?
This is a question every pilot asks and the answer is simple - ground handling. Practice, practice, practice your ground handling at every opportunity until it becomes second nature. Find a flat open field and practice inflating your glider, keeping it above your head, collapse recovery and kiting, etc. The better your ground handling skills, the safer you will be when launching and landing. Our coastal sites often present challenging strong wind conditions or restricted set up areas, so good ground handling skills are critical for safety.
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Can I turn up to a flying site and fly on my own?
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NO - please do not do this! Our flying sites are precious and can easily be lost by any pilot doing the wrong thing. Make contact with local pilots and arrange to meet them on site. They can give you an essential site briefing, let you know when it is safe to fly and keep you safe.
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How often do I need to fly?
For a new pilot the first 12 - 18 months are critical. This is not a sport that can be approached as a part time hobby and left for months between flights. We recommend you fly as much as possible in this initial period to improve your skills, knowledge and safety. The more you fly, the more your confidence and skills will grow through experience and muscle memory. If you cannot commit, pick another sport.
How do I know if the weather conditions are right and which flying site to go to?
When you are a new pilot reading the weather is very difficult and is an art that needs to be mastered over time. The best advice is keep in regular contact with local pilots and they will tell you when and where. You can find links to some suggested weather sites on our useful links page.
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What essential equipment will I need to fly & how much will it cost?
Once you have completed your course, you will need to purchase some essential flying equipment as a minimum requirement. Before turning up to fly, please see below for our equipment recommendations. We have a general guide for new pilots we can email to you, to assist (please make contact with one of our flying community on the contacts page).
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Paraglider - your instructor will advise which wing is best for you to buy. Your flying school will be able to sell you a new wing or may have access to some second hand wings. A new wing is likely to cost you in the region of $4,000 - $8,000 or you may be able to purchase a good second hand wing for around $2,000 - $3000, maybe less if you are lucky. Be careful when buying a second hand wing and definitely take advice from your flying school or enlist the help of local experienced pilots.
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Harness - again your flying school can advise on this and offer you new/second hand options. A new harness will cost around $1,000 - $2,000 and a second hand harness around $500+.
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Speed System - a speedbar is an essential part of your flying/safety equipment, especially in the strong wind conditions often experienced in SA. It enables you to increase your flying speed (should the wind pick up unexpectedly) and land safely. It should be fitted by an experienced pilot whilst your harness is hanging, to ensure full and free movement. You should never fly without a properly fitted speed bar. A new speed bar should cost around $50 - $100.
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Helmet - another essential piece of safety equipment. Your flying school should be able to offer advice on the different options available. Expect to pay between $150 - $400+ for a good quality helmet.
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Radio - The final piece of safety equipment required for safe flight. When you have just got your licence and are wanting to fly our SA sites, it is essential to be able to speak to other pilots in the air and on the ground, to assist you in making safe decisions or just to give you reassurance or general advice whilst you are in the air. There are many options when buying a UHF radio and you can pay up to $500 for a high quality option. Please speak to local pilots for advice prior to making your purchase.
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What other equipment can i buy?
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There is a multitude of other equipment you can purchase to help with your flying, but the above is suggested as a minimum requirement. You should next purchase a reserve. This gives you the added safety of another parachute, in the event you get into difficulty with your main wing and are unable to recover it (note - this would be rarely used with coastal flying in SA). You can also buy flight instruments (will confirm the presence of lift, ground speed, height, etc - $300 - $1,500), flying boots & clothing, anemometer (measures wind speed), flying gloves and stuff sack (for quick pack up of your glider). Again, please always speak to local pilots before buying anything and they will be happy to offer advice.
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General Advice
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Please see our contacts page for details of local South Australian pilots who will be happy to offer assistance and advise about flying in SA, paragliding equipment and all things paragliding related.
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