How old do you have to be to go paragliding?

Minimum age for a tandem paragliding experience in the Puy de Dôme?

Legally, there is no minimum age for a two-seater tandem paragliding flight in the Puy de Dôme with a minor child. It is, however, imperative to have the authorisation of a legal representative for reasons of responsibility. The most important factor when taking a child paragliding is, above all, the child's weight.

Tandem paragliders are designed to carry two passengers, with a maximum weight range of 110-220kg for an Apolo Bi, for example. It is crucial to respect this range of total flying weight so that the wing is correctly loaded for safe flying.

More than the minimum age, the weight of the child is therefore the crucial factor in being able to fly correctly.

At Freedom Parapente we believe that a children's paragliding experience should meet the following criteria to be both interesting and safe:

• Minimum age: 5 years
• Minimum weight: 25 kg
• Have parental authorisation

At what age can I learn to fly a paraglider on my own?

Paragliding is a very accessible sport, so it is perfectly suited to young people wishing to take up hang-gliding.

Paragliding and hang-gliding, governed by the FFVL, can be practised as a leisure activity from the age of 14.

However, some schools are approved for training 12/13 year olds. In these schools, you can learn to fly a paraglider from the age of 12!

Whatever their age, minors must provide parental authorisation and a medical certificate stating that they have no contraindications to taking an introductory course.

Is there a maximum age for paragliding?

Just like driving a car, there is no maximum age limit for paragliding, whether you're a tandem pilot or flying solo on your own. The most important thing is to be comfortable on your feet, so that you can manage take-offs and landings, and comfortable in your head, so that you can manage your emotions and piloting if you're flying solo. First flights in the Puy de Dôme are therefore perfectly accessible to pensioners and the elderly. For the flight to go perfectly, all you need to do is choose suitable aerological conditions with a minimum of laminar wind, so that the glider rises by itself above your head at the take-off point without having to run up the slope or be heckled, and so that you can land gently at the end of the flight.

What is the compulsory age for competitive paragliding?

Paragliding in competition is possible from the age of 18. However, this age can be lowered to 16 by dispensation from the committee chairman and the national technical director, subject to the provision of an upgrade file.