Frequently asked questions about paragliding in Kansas.
1. Is it possible to fly free flying paragliders in Kansas?
Yes. We go up using special towing winches. Sometimes, we launch from a small 250 ft. high ridge named Vern’s Hill.
2. Does KCpara sells paragliding equipment?
Yes. We have a great choice of high quality equipment (Axis, Gradient, Apco, SOL, Flytec).
3. Are package deals available?
Yes. It is available training and equipment package. Includes: P2 training, beginner paraglider (your size and color), harness, reserve, overall, full face helmet, tow release, electronic variometer/altimeter (Flytec 6005). That is all you need to start your soaring career. The cost is $4150. Contact for more details.
4. Is it towing more dangerous than foot launching?
In the flatlands where we fly, the air is usually much calmer than in the mountains. There are no rotors (wind folding over the top of a ridge), no violent thermals, and there is lots of space to land. Towing does require some extra skills that are learned during the training. The whole flight, in general, is considered by some to be safer than flying in mountains.
5. How high you can I be towed?
Tows usually take you up to about ~1200ft but can go as high as 2500ft depending on pilot skill, wind strength and direction relative to the tow road.
6. How hight can I fly?
By using thermals you can climb to cloud base, which, in eastern Kansas averages 3000-4000ft. Sometimes cloud base reaches altitudes over 7000ft.
7. How far can I fly?
The Kansas state paragliding cross country record is 200km or ~125 miles. 20-mile flights are fairly common, depending on conditions and pilot skill.
8. How long are flights?
The length of a paragliding flight depends on conditions and pilot skill. In order to stay up you must learn how to find and stay in thermal lift. As you progress you learn to move from one thermal to another. On good days, skilled pilots have flights that average one to two hours. Flights of four or more hours are possible.
9. Do I need thermals to fly?
Thermals help the pilot stay in flight longer but are not necessary for flight. As a beginner you will avoid thermals and their associated turbulence by taking lessons in the morning (6am-11am) or evening (6pm to sunset) when thermal activity is very low or non-existent.
10. How long is the Paragliding season in Kansas?
The thermal season lasts from February to the end of November. Training can be conducted all year round. Paragliding is limited to a maximum of about 18mph winds (for experienced pilots) and 10mph winds for training. In Winter and Spring there are a lot of windy days. Spring usually is a mix of excellent and windy weather. Mid-June to Early September provides mostly good flying weather (usually we fly every weekend 2 days in a row). Spring and early Fall provide the most comfortable weather for training (not hot or cold).
11. How much airtime can be expected in a season?
Airtime depends on pilot skill and how often you get out to fly. Some local pilots are achieving 45 – 125 hrs/year.
12. How much airtime can a beginner expect?
If you start in early Spring you can expect 10-20hrs in your first season just by flying regularly in Kansas. By taking multiple flights, it is possible to get an hour of total airtime in a day without ever flying in a thermal.
13. Does KCpara pilots fly paramotors (powered paragliders or PPG)?
Yes. Using a paramotor is a good option to fly when there are no thermals.
14. Does KCpara provide tandem training flights?
Tandem flights are available for certified pilots P2/H2 (non-comertial)
15. Do you need special training to go from paragliding to powered paragliding?
Paramotor flying is generally conducted during smooth morning and evening conditions. During those times, higher canopy control skills including weight shift control are not needed. Before going airborne, the Paramotor pilot must know how to ground-handle the paraglider when ‘kiting’ the wing and must get used to the added weight of the power unit.