Distinctly Montana Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.distinctlymontana.com/i/835509
W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M 25 PARAGLIDING Paragliders are soft, packable, multi-cellular wings. Pilots hang in a sitting position in a comfortable body harness and steer using left and right hand controls. e wings are extremely maneuver- able and user-friendly. Like parachutes, paragliders can make soft, precision landings. Paragliders also launch from a hill or cliff. A paraglider can be packed on one's back so it makes a perfect craft for flying off mountains. Paraglider pilots have even flown off Mount Everest. One of the biggest thrills for paraglider and hang glider pilots is to fly with birds of prey like hawks and eagles. Imagine looking a golden eagle in the eye while flying at 12,000 feet over the Bridger Range! Cross-country paragliding involves flying distances with no defi- nite plan for landing. Andy Macrae of Bozeman holds the current Montana distance record for a paraglider flight — 192 miles. An even more advanced form of paragliding is speed flying. Speed flyers use a smaller wing which allows for only downward progress and no long-distance flights. But you can go 35 mph with a speed wing as opposed to 15-25 mph with a paraglider, and you can "terrain fly." Some speed flyers combine flying with skiing to ski extreme lines and fly off cliffs and over obstacles. Saddle Peak in the Bridger Range is a popular destination for this extreme sport. Speed flying lessons are available for free from Bozeman Paragliding for all paraglider pilots. Speed wings are also much lighter and easier to carry up a hill. A new speed wing starts at about $1,800.00 USHPA.org — US Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association — is a great resource for learning about these two related sports. eir Web site has links to instructors and lessons, regional clubs, flying sites, certifications, and equipment. Why drive when you can hop on an easy flight between eastern Montana and Billings? For business, travel, doctor appointments, family visits and more, saddle up with Cape Air. And enjoy the ride. Havre Glasgow Wolf Point Sidney Glendive Billings Git along faster. $ 29 * from each way Enjoy the ride. capeair.com 800-CAPE-AIR *Including all taxes and fees. Fares are subject to availability and other conditions. Fares may change without notice, and are not guaranteed until ticketed. CONTINUED