Paragliding

Definition:

Paragliding is a recreational and competitive adventure sport where a person flies a lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure. The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing comprising a large number of interconnected cells. Unlike parachuting, paragliders take off from hills or mountains by running and inflating the canopy by wind and movement.

Etymology:

“Para-” comes from the French word “parachute,” where “para-” implies “against” (from Latin “parare” meaning “to shield”) and “chute” means “fall.” “Gliding” comes from Old English “glīdan,” meaning to move smoothly or effortlessly. The term began being used in the late 20th century, aligning with the emergence of the sport in the 1970s and 1980s in France and Switzerland.

Description:

Paragliding is characterized by the use of a fabric wing with an aerodynamic shape, maintained by air pressure flowing into vents at the front of the wing. The pilot steers using brakes connected to the trailing edge and may use thermals and ridge lifts to stay airborne for hours.

There are various forms of paragliding:

• Soaring – riding ridge lifts generated by wind.
• Thermal flying – using rising warm air to gain altitude.
• Cross-country – traveling long distances using various lift sources.
• Acro paragliding – performing stunts and tricks in the air.

Symbolism:

A paraglider in flight often resembles the Star and Crescent symbol when viewed from the side or at an angle, as its curved wing and suspended pilot create a similar silhouette. The canopy of the paraglider, with its curved, arching shape, mirrors the form of the crescent moon. Suspended beneath it, the pilot appears as a distinct point, much like the star positioned near the crescent in the emblem.

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