The Art of Paragliding [Paperback]

Dennis Pagen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0936310146 | ISBN-13: 978-0936310145 | Publication Date: March 1, 2001

This all-new book is bound to become the standard paragliding manual around the world. It presents a detailed step-by-step training method with the latest techniques and follows the USHGA training program. Whether you are new to paragliding or wish to take a refresher course to polish your skills, this book is sure to provide a goldmine of information.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...It reinforces everything I've learned from P1 to P3, fills the gaps left by other manuals. " -- Doug Cannalte, P3, Colorado

"Great looking book!" -- David Glover,USHGA Regional Director

"I just bought your book and it's great! I wish it had been around when I first learned to fly" -- Jeff Chrisope, P3, Seattle, Washington

About the Author

Dennis Pagen has been writing about sport aviation--hang gliding, paragliding and ultralights--since 1975. He has written twelve books and over 400 articles in trade magazines, all related to flying for fun. There doesn't seem to be an end to this activity, for as sports continue to evolve, new techniques and experiences demand definition.

The author was raised in Port Huron, Michigan and educated at Michigan State University where he majored in physics and electrical engineering. Upon graduation, he decided to see more of the world and traveled through Europe and Asia for three years.

When he returned to the U.S. in 1973 he witnessed personal flight for the very first time. This was hang gliding and he fell in love with the sport. After settling in Pennsylvania and buying a glider, he learned to soar and decided to devote himself to mankind's age-old dream of free flight.

Dennis researched and wrote his first book, Flying Conditions, in 1975. This same year he got involved with the United States Hang Gliding Association Board of Directors and has served on this board ever since. During his tenure Dennis wrote the USHGA Instructor's Manual and helped develop many of the training and rating programs.

In the late seventies, Dennis expanded his interest to ultralights. He has been involved with the USUA and its competition committee and has run many of their contests.

In 1989, he chose to take up the lightest and newest aviation sport, paragliding. This booming sport was a great addition to his flying experience. Dennis thrives for any new aerial experience today. His further activity in flying consists of designing light aircraft, instructing and running meets as well as competing himself.

Product Details

• Paperback: 374 pages
• Publisher: Black Mountain Books (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0936310146
• ISBN-13: 978-0936310145
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #125,065 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only book you need on paragliding, March 20, 2003

By 

John M. Barsness "Mountain Flyer" (Boise, Idaho USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Paragliding (Paperback)

In short: Dennis Pagen has written THE book on paragliding for beginners to intermediate pilots. This book covers it all. Clearly illustrated, easy to read. I use this book as a 'refresher' each season before I begin flying. He covers all the nuts and bolts of the various topics that make up paragliding, from how to hook your risers to your harness to how to ridge soar. I have read most of the books out there on paragliding, and this one covers more than all the others combined. If you are a serious paraglider pilot who wants a good manual for refreshing, or prospective pilot who wants to learn all you can before you begin lessons, this is THE book to buy.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best intro and reference on paragliding, August 25, 2005

By 

Wolfgang Stiller (Colorado Springs, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Paragliding (Paperback)

I have read all the books available here on Amazon on that were published in the last ten years (and a few older ones) and this is clearly the best. If I could own only one book this is the one. It clearly explains the nuts and bolts of paragliding with excellent text and illustrations. All the details are covered. These are typically glossed over by most of the other authors. A good example of this is the explanation on how to attach the risers to the harness for a reverse launch. I have never seen a clearer explanation.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding book on Paragliding, June 12, 2001

By 

Ski Doc (Wilson,WY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Paragliding (Paperback)

This is the definitive guide to flying paragliders. It is a must-read for anyone who is serious about the sport... from beginning students to advanced pilots. It covers flight techniques, weather, aerodynamics and more. This book will become the standard instructional guide for paragliding. Thoughtfully organized and easy to read. Presents difficult concepts in a stepwise fashion. Pagen's sense of humor makes reading enjoyable.