Essential guide to planning and executing your first cross-country paragliding flight safely and successfully.
Cross-country (XC) flying represents the ultimate expression of paragliding freedom - the ability to travel significant distances using only natural lift sources. Your first XC flight is a milestone that opens up endless possibilities for adventure.
Pre-Flight Planning
Successful XC flights begin with thorough planning. Study topographical maps to understand terrain features, identify potential landing fields, and note obstacles like power lines or restricted airspace. Use weather forecasting tools to assess thermal strength, wind direction, and stability.
Plan your route conservatively for your first XC attempts. Choose familiar terrain with plenty of landing options. A 10-20 km flight is an excellent first goal - focus on distance achieved safely rather than ambitious distance targets.
Equipment for XC Flying
Essential XC equipment includes:
- GPS device for navigation and flight logging
- Radio for communication with other pilots and ground crew
- Extra water for longer flights
- Backup battery pack for electronic devices
Thermal Strategy
XC flying relies heavily on thermal soaring skills. Learn to read the landscape for thermal sources: plowed fields, parking lots, south-facing slopes, and areas receiving maximum solar heating. Understand thermal timing - they typically begin forming mid-morning and peak in early afternoon.
Develop patience in thermal flying. Spending extra time gaining height in weak lift often pays dividends later in the flight. Learn to recognize thermal streets and convergence lines that can provide continuous lift over longer distances.
Navigation and Route Finding
Modern GPS devices make navigation easier, but develop map reading skills as backup. Learn to identify landmarks and navigate by terrain features. Plan waypoints in advance but remain flexible - conditions may require route modifications.
Understand glide ratios and how they affect your route choices. Know your wing's best glide speed and how wind affects your ground track. Practice calculating glide angles to landing fields throughout your flight.
Landing Field Selection
Choose landing fields early and continuously update your options. Look for fields that are:
- Large enough (minimum 100m x 100m for beginners)
- Free of obstacles
- Accessible by road for retrieval
Avoid crops whenever possible, and always respect private property.
Safety Considerations
Never fly XC alone as a beginner. Coordinate with other pilots or ground crew for safety and retrieval support. Carry emergency supplies appropriate for the distance and terrain you're covering.
Understand when to turn back or land early. Weather can change rapidly, and conditions suitable for local soaring may become dangerous for XC flying. Develop conservative decision-making habits - there will always be another day to fly.
Building XC Skills Progressively
Start with short out-and-return flights from familiar sites. Progress to triangle courses that allow practice with different aspects of XC flying. Gradually increase distances as your skills and confidence develop.
Join local XC groups or clubs to learn from experienced pilots. Flying with mentors accelerates learning and provides valuable safety backup.
Your first successful XC flight will be unforgettable - the sense of freedom and accomplishment is indescribable. Take time to build the necessary skills and experience. The skills you develop will serve you well throughout your paragliding career.