The Fear and the Fun of Flying

There are many ways to fly, some more extreme than others. Here are the fears and fun of three.

1. Airplanes

The fear: Despite the favourable statistics about airplane safety, there are still a huge amount of people who dread flying- and not just because of the line ups, swollen feet, and jet lag. I'm convinced that their fear is mostly stemmed from a lack of understanding and control. Controlling an airplane and understanding how to navigate the skies is way over the heads of most lay men, and as a result, it makes them uneasy. Even though there are many more reported car accidents, people are less afraid because they understand cars, roads, and how to drive.

The fun: The trip might be long, but it's usually well worth it, when you get off the airplane and you're in a whole new place, with new sights, culture, and adventure to be discovered. Or, you're in a familiar place, but one you have not visited in a while. Finally you have the opportunity to catch up with old friends, reconnect with family, and visit all of your favourite places- the ones you have been very nostalgic for.

2. Parasailing

The fear: It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why parasailing would be nerve racking. After all, you are hundreds of feet up in the air attached to the back of speed boat by a rope. Even if you fall in the water, it's not going to be pretty. This is definitely not an activity recommended for people with a fear of heights (although, it might help you overcome it).

The fun: Parasailing is like the easier version of skydiving, paragliding, or bungee jumping. You still get the thrill of floating through open skies, but you don't have to do anything other then sit in a harness and let a boat pull you up and drag you around. There is no training required. It's fun and easy and you can even sit down.

3. Hot Air Balloon Flying

The fear: While this is a sport often enjoyed by senior citizens, some people (daredevils even) get a bit nervous at the idea of being in the sky in none other then a basket. The good news is, there will always be an expert on board to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Moreover, hot air balloons are the oldest successful human-carrying flight technology. People have been flying in them for over 200 years- if that's not tried and tested, I really don't know what is.

The fun: Like parasailing, flying in a hot air balloon is easy. All you have to do is get in the basket. An experienced pilot will take you up and make sure you're safe. Heck, he'll even serve you champagne in flight. There isn't much like sailing through open skies with someone you love.

Like anything in life, there are pros and cons, fears and thrills to flying. In the end though, I think the fun is worth it.

Balloon Safaris provides hot air balloon flights all over England. All departure points are easily commutable from London.

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All About Powered Paragliding and Training Courses

In the past, paragliders did not have motorized propellers for exerting the propulsive force on their flights, and the flights were totally controlled by the power of wind. As a flying enthusiast, you might have felt helpless when you were steered in direction of the wind-flow, instead of the course that you wanted to take. Sometimes, when you jumped off the cliff top, you would have sashayed awkwardly downwards towards the earth instead of gliding like a bird.

Typically for a paragliding flight, you will first need to find a spot on the mountain slope that has the decent air current, and an edge to haul you up. The upward air currents help paragliders in floating up in the air. Any sudden change in weather can result in chaotic experiences of gliding down to the earth hastily, or being directed away from the course.

Human brain has conquered this challenge, and has successfully generated a way out of these inadequacies. The innovation of powered paragliding was motivated by the restrictions. Now it allows you to be in command of your flights anywhere you desire. You can easily stay floating in the sky, and in the directions that you wish to maneuver.

This innovation has eliminated the need to look for an elevated location. By using the motors, you can now take flight from a flat ground by using the velocity of wind, and glide above. The motors are powered with fuel similar to that of any light motored aircraft. In addition to being almost weightless, it is comparatively cheaper.

The powered paragliding equipments are available in several designs to give you varied flying experiences. If you have an unpowered paragliding wing, then you can upgrade it to the mechanized type by purchasing and attaching the paramotor to it. Those units will offer you with the necessary propelling power, especially while you are soaring in the sky when the winds are not that strong.

One best thing about this flying mechanism is that you get to enjoy the adventure of a flying sport without having to go through the meticulous exercise of attaining a flying license. Even, if you are making use of a motor to fly, you will not have to worry about the safety of powered paragliding. All you will need to do is join a professional training course to get trained.

One should take up powered paragliding training to gain knowledge and develop skills. If you desire to get professionally trained in PPG, there are two types of training courses:

1. Beginner's training course

2. Advanced training course

The beginner's course of PPG offers the dexterity and understanding that are necessary to fly single-handedly. You get to learn all about the equipments, and about how to launch and land. You also get trained on equipment maintenance, and about the basics of understanding the weather. Additionally, you will get to know a lot about flying techniques during the powered paragliding training.

The advanced powered paragliding training course covers cross-country flights along with other pilots. You will be trained on advanced flying skills like close to the earth flying, spot landing, and modifications of both the ground handling and on-flight skills. If you get trained professionally, you will find PPG to be safe, adventurous, and full of excitement.

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