paragliding
Is paragliding open to everyone? The short answer is: largely, yes. But some health conditions genuinely do create risk, and knowing about them matters for your safety and your pilot's.
We are going to be honest in this article. We do not want to put you off flying, but hiding the risks would not be right either. Which conditions are safe to fly with, which are risky, and which are an absolute no — let's go through all of them.
Pregnancy and Paragliding
The Clear Answer: No ❌
A tandem paragliding flight is not recommended at any stage of pregnancy. The reasons:
- Take-off stress: running and leaving the ground abruptly can put pressure on the abdomen
- The harness: a tandem harness passes across the chest and abdomen and presses on a pregnant belly
- Pressure changes: rapid changes in altitude can be a problem during pregnancy
- Turbulence: unexpected jolts are always possible
- Emergencies: if the reserve parachute is deployed, the g-forces are high
- Stress hormones: a surge of adrenaline and cortisol can have unwanted effects in pregnancy
So when? After the birth, with your doctor's approval — generally 3 months after a natural birth and 6 months after a caesarean.
"But I am only six weeks, you cannot even tell" — we hear this often. Our answer does not change: it is not worth the risk. You can fly after your holiday, and one day you can come back with your child.
Paragliding for People with Disabilities
This is one of the subjects that excites us most, because paragliding is an accessible sport for many people with disabilities.
Physical Disabilities
Leg Disabilities / Wheelchair Users ✅
- On a tandem flight the legs are not actively used, except at take-off
- Special take-off techniques exist — a seated launch with the pilot's assistance is possible
- Special arrangements are made for landing as well
- Adaptive paragliding programmes exist in many countries
- But: not every operator can offer this — always get in touch in advance
Arm Disabilities ✅
- A tandem passenger does not need to use their arms
- The harness wraps around the whole body
- The pilot is in full control
Blind and Partially Sighted Guests ✅
- Flying is entirely possible — and many blind guests describe it as the most beautiful moment of their lives
- Feeling the wind on your face, hearing the birds, sensing changes in temperature — a flight is far more than a view
- The pilot narrates and guides you by voice
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Guests ✅
- All pre-flight instructions can be given in writing or in sign language
- In the air the pilot communicates by touch
- The experience is fully lived, visually and physically
Intellectual Disabilities ⚠️
- It depends on the individual case
- What matters is that the person can follow instructions and stay calm for a few seconds at take-off
- Approval from a companion or carer is required
- Every case must be assessed individually
Chronic Conditions and Paragliding
Heart Conditions ⚠️
There are clear rules here:
- ❌ A heart attack within the last 6 months — an absolute no
- ❌ Heart failure that is not under control — do not fly
- ❌ Serious arrhythmia — the risk is high
- ✅ Blood pressure controlled with medication — possible with a doctor's approval
- ✅ Stable patients with a stent fitted in the past — a doctor's approval is essential
- ✅ Mild valve disease — with a medical report
The golden rule: get a written report from your cardiologist saying you may paraglide. A verbal go-ahead is not enough.
Epilepsy ❌
- Tandem flights are not recommended for people with active epilepsy
- A seizure in the air is extremely dangerous for both passenger and pilot
- If you have been seizure-free for two years and your medication is stable, speak to your neurologist
- Some neurologists will give permission for well-controlled epilepsy
Diabetes ✅ (conditional)
- Most people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can fly
- But note:
- Measure your blood sugar before the flight
- If you are at risk of hypoglycaemia, carry sugar with you
- Always tell your pilot that you are diabetic
- Do not fly on an empty stomach
- Insulin pumps are safe and do not affect the flight
Asthma ✅ (conditional)
- Controlled asthma is not an obstacle
- Bring your inhaler — your pilot can carry it in a pocket
- The air gets colder with altitude — take care if cold air is one of your triggers
- If you have had a severe attack in the last week, postpone the flight
Herniated Disc and Spinal Problems ⚠️
- Flying is not advised while you have active disc pain
- There can be load on the spine at take-off and landing
- Turbulence can make the pain worse
- If you had surgery in the past and have recovered, it is possible with a doctor's approval
- A cervical disc problem carries similar risks
High Blood Pressure ✅ (conditional)
- Blood pressure controlled with medication is usually not a problem
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure — flying is not advised
- Take your medication at the usual time before the flight
- Excitement raises blood pressure — do some breathing exercises
Panic Disorder and Anxiety ⚠️
- Mild anxiety — most people relax in the air, thanks to the endorphins
- With a diagnosis of panic disorder, talk to your psychiatrist
- Assess whether there is a risk of a panic attack during the flight
- A pilot can safely land a passenger who panics — but preventing it is better
Pre-flight Health Checklist
A simple checklist that applies to every passenger:
- ✅ I have not drunk alcohol in the last 24 hours
- ✅ I have not been scuba diving in the last 24 hours (decompression risk)
- ✅ I have taken my regular medication
- ✅ I have told my pilot about my health condition
- ✅ I have a doctor's report if one is needed
- ✅ I ate something light at least 2 hours ago
- ✅ I am rested and not short on sleep
Be Honest with Your Operator
This is the most important point. Do not hide your health condition from your pilot. Why?
- Your pilot adjusts the flight plan to your health
- They need to know what to do in an emergency
- Your safety is their responsibility
- Your health information is kept confidential and shared with nobody
Some people withhold information out of a fear that they will not be allowed to fly. That is dangerous. A good pilot will either fly you safely, taking your health into account, or explain why they cannot. Either way, you win.
How FlyNow Approaches This
We assess every guest individually:
- We ask you to fill in a health form
- Where there is doubt, we ask for a doctor's report
- We make special arrangements for disabled guests, with advance notice
- We never fly anyone by taking a risk
- When we have to say no, we explain why
If you have questions about your own health, write to us on WhatsApp and we will work it out together.
Frequently Asked Questions
I flew without knowing I was pregnant — is that a problem?
Do not panic. A single flight generally does not cause a problem, but do tell your doctor and keep up with your check-ups.
I use a wheelchair. Can I fly in Alanya?
Yes — if you contact us in advance we can make special arrangements. We use adaptive techniques for take-off and landing. Every case is different, so we need to discuss the details with you.
Does a pacemaker rule out paragliding?
A pacemaker on its own is not an absolute barrier, but written approval from your cardiologist is essential. The g-forces and stress levels during the flight need to be assessed.
How long should I wait after surgery?
It depends on the operation. The general rule is full recovery plus a doctor's approval. For abdominal surgery, a minimum of 3 months; for orthopaedic surgery, whatever period your doctor allows.
Can older people paraglide?
Absolutely. Age alone is not a barrier — we have flown guests in their seventies. What matters is general health and a doctor's approval.
