Launch in spring

Paragliding: First turns in the air with caution

As soon as the weather warms up, the first paragliding accidents are reported again, most recently in Tyrol, where a woman had a fatal accident on Sunday. Many accidents happen through personal fault, as a flying instructor explains.

Spring is coming to Tyrol. For many, this is the time to unpack the paraglider and take to the skies. But you should be careful, especially at the start of the season: "Spring is attractive for flying, but also more challenging," explains the head of a Tyrolean flying school in an interview with "Krone".

"Many people take a break in winter, and there are stronger thermals in spring." Newcomers to paragliding can then be overwhelmed: "They still have the calm weather from winter in their heads," warns the flight instructor.

The thermals are strongest at midday, so flights in the morning or late afternoon are easier to start with.

Der Tiroler Fluglehrer

A prospective paragliding pilot has to complete 40 flights before they hold their license in their hands. According to the expert, it takes around 100 solo flights before a certain routine is established. The danger spots always remain the same: During take-off and landing - unlike in the air - there are obstacles in the way. Like the gondola of the Hopfgartner Salvenbahn, which - as reported - was the undoing of a German woman (65) on Sunday.

"Perfect conditions" are for each individual
The flight instructor does not want to comment on the fatal case. In his opinion, however, accidents in this sport are usually caused by personal negligence. Overestimating oneself and the weather conditions often plays a major role. "What are perfect conditions for a good pilot may not be ideal for a beginner."

The wind strength sometimes depends on the time of day: "The thermals are strongest at midday," says the expert, "so flights in the morning or late afternoon are easier." Paragliding is also not dangerous then. "Compared to how many people do the sport, there are very few accidents," says the flight instructor.

Number of active pilots difficult to estimate
It is difficult to say how many people practice the sport in Tyrol. The Aeroclub Tirol recorded 627 members in 2023. However, not every paraglider is a member of a paragliding club. The statistics also do not include pilots from abroad who come to Tyrol to fly.