Is There a Weight and Age Limit for Paragliding?
What are the weight and age limits for tandem paragliding? Everything you need to know about health conditions, physical requirements, and exceptions.
Is There a Weight and Age Limit for Paragliding?
We get this question dozens of times every day: "Can I fly?" The answer is almost always "Yes!" — but there are some limitations, and knowing them is important for both your safety and the quality of your experience.
In this article, we explain the weight, age, and health conditions for tandem paragliding in full detail. Our goal is not to scare you, but to inform you correctly.
Weight Limits
Minimum Weight
- Lower limit: 30-35 kg
- Takeoff can become difficult with very light passengers because the wing operates more stably under a certain load
- Special evaluations are made for children under 30 kg
Maximum Weight
- General upper limit: 100-110 kg (varies by company and equipment)
- At FlyNow Turkey: Flight is possible up to 120 kg (with special equipment)
- A larger wing is used for passengers over 100 kg
Why is Weight Important?
In paragliding, the wing carries the total weight of the pilot and the passenger. Every wing has a "weight range":
- ✅ Within the weight range: The wing operates at optimal performance
- ⚠️ Above the weight range: The wing speeds up, control becomes harder, landing becomes firmer
- ⚠️ Below the weight range: The wing slows down, takeoff and control become harder
Total load calculation: Pilot weight (70-90 kg) + Passenger weight + Equipment weight (15-20 kg) = Total load
This total load must be within the certified weight range of the wing being used.
Be Honest When Stating Your Weight
This is really important — there is nothing to be ashamed of. Your pilot needs to know your actual weight to make the correct wing selection. Incorrect information can lead to:
- ❌ Incorrect wing selection
- ❌ Difficult takeoff
- ❌ Uncontrolled flight
- ❌ Hard landing
The pilot will not judge you when you state your weight — they will simply select the correct equipment.
Age Limits
Minimum Age
- General rule: 6-8 years old (varies by company)
- At FlyNow Turkey: From 6 years of age (with parental consent)
- Parental/guardian consent is mandatory for those under 18
Special Conditions for Children:
- ✅ 6-12 years: Parental consent + the child must be willing
- ✅ 12-18 years: Parental consent is sufficient
- ✅ Child harness system is used
- ❌ Do not force a child to fly — flying with a frightened child can be both dangerous and traumatic
Maximum Age
- Official upper limit: None!
- Anyone in suitable physical condition can fly
- We have had guests over 70-80 years old who had wonderful flights
- What matters is not age, but general health status
Real story: Last year, a 78-year-old gentleman did a tandem flight. Upon landing, with tears in his eyes, he said, "It was the best experience of my life." Age is just a number — what matters is that your spirit is young.
Health Conditions
Conditions That Prevent Flying
If you have any of the following conditions, doctor approval must be obtained before the flight:
- ❌ Serious heart conditions (uncontrolled arrhythmia, recent heart attack)
- ❌ Uncontrolled epilepsy
- ❌ Serious respiratory failure
- ❌ Advanced osteoporosis
- ❌ Pregnancy
- ❌ Major surgical operation within the last 6 months
- ❌ Active psychosis or severe panic disorder
Conditions That Do Not Prevent Flying
These generally do not pose a problem:
- ✅ Controlled blood pressure
- ✅ Mild asthma
- ✅ Diabetes (under control)
- ✅ Mild to moderate fear of heights
- ✅ Use of glasses/contact lenses
- ✅ Mild physical disability (prosthetic leg, single arm, etc.)
- ✅ Controlled thyroid diseases
Guests with Physical Disabilities
One of the best things about paragliding: individuals with physical disabilities can also fly. We apply special takeoff and landing procedures for our guests who use wheelchairs.
- ✅ People with leg disabilities can fly (with a special harness)
- ✅ People with a single arm can fly
- ✅ Visually impaired people can fly (with audio description)
- ⚠️ Each situation is evaluated individually
Just contact us regarding this — we will find the most suitable solution together.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) Matter
Some companies look not only at weight but also at BMI values. The reason for this is:
- Of two people of the same weight, one may be tall and one may be short
- It can be a problem for a short and heavy passenger to fit into the harness
- BMI value is important for harness compatibility
General rule: Harness compatibility should be checked for individuals with a BMI over 35.
However, do not panic — in most cases, a suitable harness is found and the flight is made.
Physical Requirements During Takeoff
The only physical activity expected from the passenger during a tandem takeoff is: running a few steps.
- 🏃 You need to run forward 5-10 steps at takeoff
- The running distance is usually 5-15 meters
- If you can run on flat ground, there is no problem
- Your pilot will be behind you and will guide you
What Can People Who Cannot Run Do?
For people who cannot run due to leg ailments, advanced age, or physical disability:
- ✅ Takeoff is easier on windy days (running less is enough)
- ✅ Reverse launch technique can be applied
- ✅ Takeoff points with ramps can be preferred
- ✅ A wheeled takeoff cart can be used (in special cases)
What to Expect During Landing?
- 🦶 You are asked to extend your feet forward during landing
- The pilot makes a soft landing, you usually land on your feet
- Sometimes you may need to stop by running a few steps
- People who cannot run can land sitting down (the pilot adjusts accordingly)
Special Situations
Pregnancy
- ❌ Paragliding is strictly forbidden during any stage of pregnancy
- Takeoff, g-forces during flight, and the risk of landing can harm the baby
- Do not fly even if you only suspect you might be pregnant
Effect of Alcohol and Medication
- ❌ Flights are not conducted under the influence of alcohol
- ⚠️ The effect duration of medications such as sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and painkillers must have passed
- It is essential to be fully conscious and have normal reflexes
Ear and Sinus Problems
- ⚠️ Pressure changes during active sinusitis or middle ear infections can cause pain
- Flights can be made after recovery
- Mild congestion is usually not a problem
Pre-Flight Checklist
As FlyNow Turkey, we ask every passenger the following questions before the flight:
- ✅ Your weight? (honest answer is important)
- ✅ Your age?
- ✅ Do you have a known health problem?
- ✅ Do you use regular medication?
- ✅ Are you pregnant?
- ✅ Have you consumed alcohol in the last 24 hours?
- ✅ Do you have a physical disability?
These questions are not asked to eliminate you, but to offer you the safest and most enjoyable experience.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
I am over 120 kg, can I not fly at all?
- 120 kg is the upper limit with standard equipment. However, some special large wings can carry up to 130 kg. Contact us, let's find a solution together.
Can my 5-year-old child fly?
- Generally, we have a lower limit of 6 years old. We make individual evaluations for 5-year-old children — the child's physical development, willingness, and parental consent are evaluated together.
Do I need to bring a doctor's report?
- If you do not have a known serious health problem, it is usually not required. However, if you have heart disease, epilepsy, or serious respiratory disease, doctor approval is mandatory.
Can I fly wearing glasses?
- Yes, flying with glasses is possible. We recommend using a sports band or strap so your glasses do not fall off. There is also no problem for contact lens users.
I have back pain, is it harmful for me to fly?
- Mild back pain is usually not a problem. However, if you have a serious herniated disc or spinal problem, consult your doctor. The harness's back protector provides additional safety.
Keywords
paragliding weight limit, paragliding age limit, tandem flight weight limit, paragliding health conditions, can children paraglide, elderly paragliding, paragliding physical requirements, pregnant paragliding
