FAQ - Your Questions Answered
Is it safe? Are pilots certified?
All pilots at paragliding.community are BHPA (British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) certified, with over 20 years of flying experience. The paragliders are designed to be stable and easy to control even in changing conditions. The pilot manages all aspects of the flight so you never need to do anything technical.Source: paragliding.community
What happens if something goes wrong mid-flight?
Your certified BHPA pilot is fully in control at all times and trained to handle changing conditions. If flying becomes unsafe, the instructor's decision to cease flying is final. Weather is closely monitored and multiple launch sites mean you only fly when conditions are right.Source: paragliding.community
Is there an age or weight limit?
Everyone is welcome — young and old alike. Children and vulnerable adults require a parent or guardian to sign the booking form. Contact the team directly on 07770 300 616 to discuss any specific weight or health concerns before booking.Source: paragliding.community
Do I need to be physically fit?
You should be fit enough to carry a 10 kg pack over rough countryside, able to run 10 metres, sustain a feet-first impact like jumping from a chair, and complete 20 minutes of moderate hill walking. If you answer no to any of these, contact the team before booking.Source: paragliding.community
Can I fly if I have a medical condition?
You must complete a medical questionnaire before flying. Conditions that may prevent flying include heart disease, epilepsy, severe vertigo, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. If you are over 60 or have any relevant condition, a GP letter certifying fitness to fly is required. Pregnancy is a disqualifying factor.Source: paragliding.community
Do I need any prior training or experience?
None at all. You are harnessed with your BHPA-certified pilot who controls the glider entirely. You simply enjoy the view — no training is required beforehand.Source: paragliding.community
How does the take-off work — do I have to run or jump?
You take off from hillside launch sites across East Sussex — Devil's Dyke, Newhaven, Bo-peep, High & Over, and Beachy Head. Take-off involves a short run on the hillside, hence the need for hiking boots. Your pilot handles everything; you just move with them.Source: paragliding.community
How long does the experience last?
Paragliding.community offers an unlimited, all-day format — meaning you can fly multiple times in a single session. The full day includes transport from London, so plan for a full day out.Source: paragliding.community
Will I feel sick or scared?
Paragliding is calm and exhilarating rather than frightening — soaring above valleys, coastlines, and hills with no sudden drop like a rollercoaster. Many first-timers with a fear of heights find it more peaceful than expected as there is no sensation of falling.Source: paragliding.community
What weather conditions are needed to fly?
Sunny and cloudy conditions are both fine for flying. Rain and strong wind mean no flight. Paragliding.community operates across multiple sites in East Sussex so they can always match the best conditions on the day.Source: paragliding.community
What happens if the weather is bad on my booking day?
If flying days are lost due to bad weather, paragliding.community will reschedule your flights at no additional cost. Refunds are not offered, so booking with flexible dates is recommended.Source: paragliding.community
What should I wear?
Hiking boots are required — they provide ankle support for take-off runs and landings on hillside terrain. Wear thermal gloves in cooler months and multiple layers of old clothes for warmth and protection outdoors.Source: paragliding.community
How do I book?
Complete the questionnaire (including the medical and fitness section) on their website and pay to confirm your booking. They will contact you 2–3 days before your date to advise on weather suitability.Source: paragliding.community
Is there an extra fee on the day?
Yes. Because paragliding in the UK is governed by the BHPA, all participants must join the association on the day. The fee is £33 per day for adults and £5 for under-21s, payable on arrival.Source: paragliding.community
Is personal accident insurance included?
No. Paragliding.community strongly recommends taking out personal accident insurance before your visit. They suggest sportscoverdirect.com as one option. This is separate from the booking cost.Source: paragliding.community
Can I learn to paraglide solo after a tandem flight?
Yes. However, Paragliding.community does not offer EP Elementray Pilot Courses, nor Club Pilot courses. We offer CP Advanced Training, and Dual Pilot Training for those wanting to become certified tandem pilots themselves. The tandem experience is a great first step into the sport.Source: paragliding.community
Do you offer holidays or paragliding trips abroad?
Yes. Guided paragliding holidays run in Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Greece, Turkey, and Latin America. Trips run from 3 to 14 days and are all-inclusive with airfares and accommodation. Non-flying partners are welcome and receive free tandem flights.Source: paragliding.community
No questions in this category yet.