Tips & Know-how for Paraglider and Hang Glider Pilots

Short articles for paraglider and hang glider pilots: how to read a thermal forecast, what matters about wind and how to plan a flying day. Each article also shows where the thermal map gives you the answer.

• How to Read a Thermal Forecast: Working Height, Climb Rate and Cloud BaseWhat thermal height, cloud base, usable working height and climb rate (w*) mean — and how to use them to judge whether a day is good for paragliding or hang gliding.2 min read
• How to Read a Meteogram: Launch Window, Wind by Altitude and CloudsA meteogram shows the flying weather at one launch site over several days. Here’s how to read the launch window, wind barbs, working height and weather symbols.2 min read
• Wind for Paragliding: Surface Wind, Gusts, Valley Wind and FoehnHow much wind is too much? Surface wind, gusts, wind aloft, valley winds and foehn explained clearly — with rules of thumb for launch, flight and landing.2 min read
• Spotting Thunderstorms and Overdevelopment: CAPE, Clouds and Warning SignsThunderstorms are the biggest weather hazard for paraglider and hang glider pilots. Learn to read CAPE in the forecast and spot overdevelopment in the sky in time.2 min read
• Planning a Flying Day: A Checklist from the Evening Before to LaunchA practical checklist for paraglider and hang glider pilots: the big weather picture, choosing a launch, the morning check and the decision on launch — step by step.2 min read
• Airspace for Paraglider and Hang Glider Pilots: An OverviewControl zones, airspace classes, restricted areas and altitudes in feet and flight levels — what paraglider and hang glider pilots need to know before flying cross-country.2 min read