Paragliding: A Pilot's Training Manual [Paperback]

Mike Meier (Author), Mark Stucky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2004

Paragliding - A Pilot's Training Manual is a complete resource for both new students of paragliding and experienced pilots looking to expand their knowledge and understanding of this dynamic sport. The book covers all of the basic essentials of aerodynamics and principles of flight, along with pilot techniques from the beginner through expert level. Included with the book is a bonus DVD with 80 minutes of instructional video.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Brilliant! The book presents the technical info in a progressive and organized manner that is not geeky, boring or intimidating. -- Mike Masterson, Instructor - West Coast Paragliding, Big Air Forum, July 16, 2004

About the Author

One of the owners and executive managers of Wills Wing, Mike Meier is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, and has been a test pilot for Wills Wing since 1976.

Mark Stucky, who began his aviation career in hang gliding, is a professional military and NASA test pilot and member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, whose flight test experience ranges from sub 20 mph speeds in paragliders to beyond Mach 3 in the SR 71 Blackbird.

Product Details

• Paperback: 390 pages
• Publisher: Wills Wing; 7th edition (June 2004)
• ISBN-10: 0975446509
• ISBN-13: 978-0975446508
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #238,984 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Much better than I thought after a few months experience, September 2, 2005

By 

Simon Waddington (Oakland, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paragliding: A Pilot's Training Manual (Paperback)

I bought this book before taking lessons, I read a few chapters and then my instructors recommended Pagen's "The Art of Paragliding". As a brand new beginner I found Pagen's book more approachable and ended up using it as my main reference while learning. However several months after getting my P2 Novice qualification and finding myself looking for more advanced information I dug out my copy of "Paragliding: A Pilot's Training Manual". I was actually pleasently surprised and found that it covers in lots of detail all the advanced topics I wanted to know about, in particular soaring, advanced landing and launching skills, collapse and incident recovery, etc. etc.

On reflection I can see now that when you're just learning about paragliding and flight in general there is so much information to take in. In that respect the gentler pace of Pagen's book makes it easier to read, it also presents paragliding from a beginners perspective whereas this book, although it has introductory information, really is aimed at a complete manual - it has no "refere to my book on advanced paragliding" comments. Everything you need is here.

So, if I were to buy just one paragliding book this would be it. What it lacks in information for complete beginners you should get from your instructor. When you've got your P2 and have a few hours under your wing be sure to read or re-read all the advanced chapters of this book.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent combination of manual and DVD, December 5, 2004

By 

Susan R. Kent "Paragliding Pilot" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paragliding: A Pilot's Training Manual (Paperback)

Paragliding, A Pilot's Training Manual is a comprehensive, well-written manual that takes beginners through early training to advanced paragliding techniques. Easy-to-read and understand, the book details concepts and techniques, reinforced with graphic illustrations and chapter quizzes. The highlight of the manual, though, is the accompanying DVD which uses relevant video footage to clearly demonstrate concepts from launches to advanced flying skills and paragliding safety. The DVD alone is an exceptional teaching tool, and the combination of the manual and DVD together make this a winning package.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference for All Pilots, November 16, 2004

By 

C. Paul (Thousand Oaks, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paragliding: A Pilot's Training Manual (Paperback)

This is the most complete, up to date paragliding book out there. It covers all of the basics in depth, but also has a lot of tips that will be of interest to more advanced pilots. Topics covered include kiting, launching, landing, aerodynamics, meteorology, thermals and cross country flight. In the accompanying DVD, the author, a U.S. Air Force test pilot, demonstrates maneuvers such as stalls, spins, and collapses as well as launching, landing and thermalling. Altogether a great value and excellent reference for pilots of all levels.