õhukelgutaja

Õhukelgutaja refers to a person who engages in paragliding, a recreational and competitive adventure sport that involves flying a paraglider, a lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure. The pilot is seated in a harness suspended below a fabric wing. Unlike hang gliders, paragliders are more portable and easier to transport.

The sport originated in the Alps in the 1950s as a way to descend mountains after climbing. Modern paragliding developed in the 1970s and has since evolved into a globally popular activity. Pilots launch from hills or mountains, using rising air currents, known as thermals, to gain altitude and extend their flight. Navigation and skill are crucial for staying airborne and traveling distances.

Paragliding requires training from certified instructors. Pilots must learn about weather patterns, aerodynamics, equipment handling, and safety procedures. Different types of paragliding exist, including recreational flying, cross-country flying where pilots aim to cover long distances, and aerobatic paragliding. Safety is paramount, with pilots using reserve parachutes and adhering to strict flying regulations. Equipment typically includes the paraglider wing, harness, helmet, and variometer, an instrument that indicates ascent or descent rate. The experience is often described as serene and offering unparalleled views of the landscape.