I regularly get emails for information about paragliding.  After getting a response most people do not get back to me. The reasons I assume for this reaction are: cost implications, time constrain, lack of desire or procrastination and fear.

There is nothing I can do about lack of desire but I can offer solution for other reasons.

The solution is one day training - advantages are: less cost, less time, hands on feel of flying.

How can we do training in  1 day when we talk about 3 day basic course?

We have advantage of winching skills and location. We are qualified to teach by winching up Paragliders from ground level.  We have locations close to the club house that are suitable for this kind of training so cost and time involved is reduced.  We schedule the training days when we have free time.

What is the difference in hill based training and winch based training?

The basic ground training, flying and landing is same.  What is different is the takeoff.

In hill flying you climb up the mountain with 12 to 15 kgs of equipment to the takeoff point.  In winch based flying you spread your wing on the ground, get connected to the winch rope and you are pulled up to desired height.  Wind pattern at lower altitude (height) in open spaces are more predictable. In winching, altitude can be controlled unlike in case of hill training. Fear is less; safety is more as you start at ground level on a flat surface.

You need more ground training for hill flying because the terrain and altitude is decided by nature and winds are affected by these obstructions so you need more control at takeoff. Risk is more.  

Risk factors are lesser in winch based training as height is controlled by winch operator. Since the area of operation is open spaces, your takeoff and landing areas are chosen without trees, electric poles or other obstructions.

In case of hill flying duration of flight is extended by staying closer to the ridge while in winching you try to find thermals to gain height. This does not affect beginners as in both cases initial flying is restricted to understanding takeoff and landing before your start to extend duration of flight. Experienced pilots do cross country flying using either of the method for takeoff.

Training by winching has advantages as one can do multiple flights in one day. You do not spend time and energy to climb the hill for takeoff.

Why others do not teach by winching?

Lack of skill, investment in equipment and lack of open spaces is the main reason.  I personally enjoy hill flying more than flights by winching. But for training I prefer winching as it has many advantages over hill based training.

In both training methods experience of instructors plays an important role.  At Space Apple we have been training people using winch based and hill flying method since 1998. We are also into paramotoring, parasailing, power kiting and aeromodelling which add up to our knowledge and skill.

One day orientation training session with minimum two solo flights is Rs.4500/-.

Hand Tow Winch Video