Paragliding

Paragliding is a motorless air sport that harnesses the natural forces of wind and gravity. The athlete sits in a harness attached to specially designed fabric wings (canopies) and typically launches by running from a high slope. After takeoff, they glide using air currents and can travel several kilometers above ground during the flight. Paragliding can be performed as solo individual flights or as “tandem” flights involving two people for training or commercial purposes.

History

Paragliding is an air sport that began developing in the mid-20th century. In the 1940s, experiments with kite-like aerial vehicles by the Wright Brothers laid some of the earliest foundations in this field. By the late 1960s, theoretical principles for launching by running from slopes were established. In the 1980s, athletes in the French and Swiss Alps successfully launched by running off steep slopes. These developments marked the beginning of modern paragliding.

In its early stages, parachutes designed for skydiving from aircraft were adapted for paragliding. Over time, specialized fabrics, line systems, and control mechanisms were developed specifically for this sport. These technical advancements contributed to the widespread adoption of paragliding. Today, paragliding has become a popular aerial activity carried out for personal or sporting purposes in many countries.

Paragliding in Türkiye

Türkiye is a favored destination for paragliding due to its mountainous terrain, valleys opening to the sea, and climatic diversity. Throughout much of the year, favorable flying conditions are available in the Mediterranean, Aegean, Black Sea, and Central Anatolia regions. The majority of high-altitude launch sites overlook expansive landing areas such as seas or lakes, providing safe flying opportunities for both beginners and experienced pilots.

Prominent Flying Areas

Babadağ (Fethiye, Muğla): Babadağ is located in the southwest of Türkiye, within the boundaries of Fethiye district in Muğla province. The launch points for paragliding consist of three main runways at elevations of 1200, 1700, and 1965 meters. Flights typically head toward the coast of Ölüdeniz. The area is used by pilots of varying experience levels due to its meteorological stability, altitude variety, and existing tourist infrastructure. It is open to both tandem and solo flights throughout the season.

Kaş (Antalya): Kaş is a coastal district of Antalya province. The paragliding launch site is located at approximately 600 meters elevation. Flights generally proceed toward the shoreline and the town center. Thermal formations caused by temperature differences between sea and land support flying conditions during summer months. There is direct visual contact between launch and landing areas. Seasonal flight operations are organized in the region.

Gökçeada (Çanakkale): Gökçeada is an island in Çanakkale province, situated at the westernmost point of Türkiye. Paragliding activities take place on various slopes facing different directions across the island. Consistent prevailing winds during summer months provide ideal conditions for soaring flights. Launch sites are typically located on the northern and southern slopes of the island. Flights are predominantly directed toward the sea.

Pamukkale (Denizli): Pamukkale is located in Denizli province and is renowned for its travertine formations. Paragliding flights are launched from northern-facing slopes in the region. The flight path passes over ancient city ruins, agricultural fields, and travertine terraces. The elevation difference between launch and landing areas is approximately 300–400 meters. Both training and tourism-oriented flights are organized in the area.

Equipment and Flight

Equipment

Paragliding is performed using specialized equipment designed for both safety and performance. These tools enable the pilot to interact harmoniously with natural conditions and remain protected in emergency situations. Each component directly influences the flight experience.

The most fundamental and defining piece of equipment is the canopy, also known as the wing. This structure is made from airtight, specialized fabric containing internal air channels. During launch, these channels fill with wind, allowing the canopy to assume an aerofoil shape. The canopy’s shape, size, and design directly affect flight speed, glide ratio, and maneuverability. Beginners typically use wider-mouthed models that offer greater stability and slower flight, while experienced pilots prefer faster, more agile designs.

The connection between the canopy and the pilot is maintained through robust line systems. These lines are usually manufactured from high-strength fibers such as Kevlar or Dyneema. Each line attaches to a specific section of the canopy and evenly distributes weight during flight. The lines connect to load-bearing columns, which extend down to the harness—the seat in which the pilot sits. Control lines held by the pilot are used to adjust the wing’s direction and flight speed.

The harness is the seating unit in which the pilot sits and is secured with safety straps. Modern harnesses with back and hip support provide not only comfort but also protection against impacts. Some models include air cushions or foam padding to absorb shocks during landing. The harness also incorporates a compartment for the reserve parachute.

A helmet is another essential safety item during flight. Pilots must use lightweight yet impact-resistant helmets specifically designed for paragliding. Helmets not only prevent head injuries but also offer protection to the ears and chin. They assist the pilot in maintaining balance during moments of dizziness or sudden wind gusts.

The reserve parachute is a critical piece of equipment that every pilot must carry. It deploys automatically in emergencies such as loss of control, canopy collapse, or entanglement, ensuring a safe landing. These parachutes are designed to open quickly and at low speeds. Proper placement and periodic inspection of the reserve parachute are vital for safety in emergency situations.

In addition to these primary components, auxiliary equipment such as radios, variometers (altitude meters), compasses, anemometers, flight boots, and gloves further enhance flight safety and comfort. All these items work together as a cohesive system to help pilots manage natural conditions and maintain control throughout every phase of flight.

Launch and Landing

One of the fundamental phases of paragliding is launch. Launch is typically performed by running into the wind across a sloped, open area. While secured in the harness, the pilot ensures the canopy opens correctly and fills with wind. Wind direction and strength directly affect the inflation of the canopy and the success of the launch. Insufficient wind may prevent full inflation, while strong or variable winds can make launch difficult. Therefore, wind conditions are assessed before launch, and launches may be delayed if necessary.

A key technique during launch is lifting the canopy smoothly upward from the ground. When executed successfully, the pilot can become airborne with a short run. Canopy collapses or imbalances during launch can compromise flight safety.

Landing is the final phase of flight. The pilot approaches a predetermined landing area and begins descending. The landing zone is chosen to be open to the wind, free of obstacles, and on flat terrain. The canopy’s speed is reduced using brake lines, and contact with the ground is made gently. Changes in wind conditions can affect the landing process. Pilots are trained through various practical exercises to handle such situations. In particular, the final phase of landings from high altitudes is critical in terms of maneuvering and decision-making.

Wind Effects

Paragliding is an aviation sport directly dependent on atmospheric conditions. In this context, wind direction, speed, and type are decisive factors throughout all phases of flight. The launch, sustained flight, and landing are largely governed by air currents. Therefore, wind is one of the most important meteorological elements that paragliders must closely monitor.

During launch, wind enables the canopy to inflate properly and lift off the ground. Insufficient wind can prevent launch, while excessively strong or erratic wind increases the risk of losing control. Stable wind is essential not only for launch but also for maintaining balance during flight. Turbulence, sudden directional shifts, and thermal voids are meteorological phenomena that can compromise flight safety.

During flight, not only the direction and speed of the wind but also its type matter. For example, slope winds are created when sun-heated inclined surfaces generate upward air movement, helping the canopy remain aloft. Thermal winds form from rising masses of warm air from the earth’s surface and enable longer flights. However, improper management of these air movements can lead to control difficulties.

Wind direction must also be considered during landing. Wind blowing against the direction of landing reduces speed and enables a more controlled touchdown. A tailwind, by contrast, increases landing speed and may cause hard or unbalanced landings. Therefore, wind direction is a primary criterion when selecting landing areas and planning approach paths.

Safety, Training, and Institutional Infrastructure

Paragliding can be dangerous if performed without proper training and under unsuitable conditions. Therefore, comprehensive instruction from certified instructors is mandatory before beginning flight activities. Training includes theoretical knowledge, ground handling, and controlled flight practice.

Standard pre-flight checks include weather analysis, equipment inspection, and emergency procedure review. These steps significantly reduce the risk of accidents. In Türkiye, paragliding is conducted within a safer legal and regulatory framework.

In Türkiye, institutional organization and training for paragliding were first initiated by the Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK). In 1995, THK formally incorporated paragliding into its official training and sporting programs, assuming a central role in standardizing education, oversight, and organization in this field. The association contributes to the training of licensed paragliders through both basic and advanced courses.

THK’s primary training centers are the Ankara Etimesgut Türkkuşu Training Center, the Eskişehir İnönü Aviation Training Center, and the İzmir Selçuk Aviation Center. These centers regularly conduct theoretical instruction, ground handling, flight practice, and camp programs. Training follows standards set by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (SHGM) and THK, and participants who successfully complete the program receive licenses and certifications.