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Day 1:
My first day of the basic course. We get to know what a paraglider
is. How you're supposed to fly it. Maybe even get to see a
few flights. We learn the different parts of the glider, types
of wings, leading edge, trailing edge, brakes, lines, harness,
etc. How to attach the glider to the harness, very important!
Every thing is very new. The feel of the wing, the language
used (very technical it may seem), but then you look around
and see quite a few faces with the same confused/excited look.
If I'm confused and everyone else is with me, we should make
a hell of a team. Then ground handling begins, this is basically
practising on the ground. The golden rule we learn is , don't
try to fight the movement of the wing. Instead go with it .
This sport is not about strength you're told, it's about finesse.
Day 2:
Today we begin with one hell of a sore shoulder.
But the bug has gotten to us. Your heart wants to fly and your body just
follows. So you go through the whole practice routine once more. Forward
launch procedures, running ahead with the lines of the wing straining at
your back. You run straight into the wind direction and the wing rises.
May not happen on your first try but hey! no problem, you get
lots of cheers for your attempts from your fellow batch mates
anyway. They all join in to help mushroom the wing after every
attempt. Then help spread it out for you. There are a whole
lot of encouraging words being shouted back and forth. You
feel happy to be a part of this team. That is what keeps you
going. The spirit is so alive. Folding the canopy is also very
important. - 'you take
care of the wing and the wing will take care of you'.
Now you're going to try what are called hops. No it's not a joke. It means
you get on to a gentle slope and do a forward launch. You're not at a great
height, but you get a few seconds off the ground. To actually get used to
the feeling of leaving the ground and being suspended in the air for a
few seconds is really enthralling. That's when you realise that ground
handling is far more difficult than actual flying. 'Better you are at ground
handling the better you are at flying'.
Day 3:
So today is the day you might get to fly.
You're heart's racing and it's not just because of the climb
uphill (200 ft approximately). You strap on the harness and
go through a checklist that has been drilled into your head.
Put on your helmet, gloves; check wind direction, confirm your
flying circuit with the instructor and then, finally - you're
ready to take-off. I think myself very lucky to have had my
first flight straight into a sunset. Colours running riot in
the sky, reflections of the sun in the clouds and cool breeze
in your face. It still feels like a dream... Ran hard and took
off. Wow! What a feeling. It's so breathtaking, you forget
to be scared. Then you hear the instructor's voice in your
earphones - immediately your brain takes over. Apply right
brake, then left and before you know it the ground is rushing
to you. You apply brakes and land gently on your feet and feel
the wing settle peacefully behind you. A good landing, a good
flight. My first taste of freedom. I'm hooked !!!.
Day 5:
Get to learn more about site assessment. Every day
we have been having theory sessions. Each of us studies from the manual.
We continuously discuss each others flights and learn from each others mistakes.
From the birds too! It's fun watching the birds flying and figuring out flying
conditions from them. This is what it must mean to be in harmony with Mother
Nature. At the end of the day you are exhausted, but feeling tired never
felt so good.
The beauty of this sport is that its so easy to learn, and with the right attitude
it can become a very fulfilling experience. I could never imagine being able
to fly after just a few days of instruction, high above the mountain ridges,
all by myself, so tranquil yet so thrilling. This is what I love about flying,
to feel the wind in my face and soar with the birds. It's one helluva feeling.
Having finished my basic course I'm now a 'student pilot' - looking forward
to flying at other sites and having a lot of fun!!!
- Anita
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