Is Paragliding safer than Hang gliding?
Many people are under the misapprehension that because paragliders are parachutes (they are not as explained above) they must be safer than hang gliders. As noted above for hang gliders like any form of sport aviation, paragliding can be dangerous if pursued carelessly. That said, however, paragliding can be a very safe sport. In short it is as dangerous as you care to make it. The canopies are now certified and rated by organizations such as ACPUL and the DHV for structural integrity, safety and handling characteristics. Canopies which pass the testing are assigned a rating. Just as not all hang gliders are suited to the novice so to with paragliders. Safety is a very broad concept. Because paragliding is a relative newcomer on the sport aviation scene there have been dramatic improvements in canopy performance, safety and handling in recent years. This has rendered many older beginner gliders obsolescent. So to training systems have also developed. The current situation is that for b
