Parachutes are designed to descend. As of 1994, paragliders have stayed aloft over 11 hours and have achieved over 300km distance records. A. Paragliding, like any other adventure sport, has its associated risks. To operate safely in any kind of aviation environment one must strive at all times to minimize those risks. It is true that paragliders are the most simple of aircraft.
Most people can learn to launch, turn, and land in about an hour and a half of instruction.
This is partly possible because the instructor controls the situation, assesses the conditions and make safety decisions for their students. What cannot be taught in this period of time, however, are all the things necessary to make flight decisions on your own. In order to do this safely, it is necessary to have a comprehensive knowledge of weather, equipment and safety procedures. The pilot certification program encompasses these things. Self teaching has been shown to be a key factor in the accident data compiled by the U.S. Hang Gliding Association.