Many people dream of gliding silently over mountains and lakes – but at the same time they ask themselves a key question: how safe is tandem paragliding really?
In Austria in particular, with its alpine flying areas, safety is not a marketing promise, but a clearly regulated and professionally implemented basis. In this article, you will find out why tandem paragliding is one of the safest adventure sports – and what really matters.
Why tandem paragliding is fundamentally safe
With tandem paragliding, you don’t fly yourself, but together with an experienced, certified pilot.
The most important safety factors:
- the pilot takes off, steers and lands
- Passengers do not need any prior knowledge
- Decisions are made exclusively by the professional
- Modern paragliders are extremely stable and good-natured
Especially for beginners, a tandem flight is the safest way to get to know paragliding.
Strict training & legal requirements in Austria
Austria is one of the countries internationally with the strictest training and safety standards in paragliding.
Tandem pilots must:
- complete extensive flight training
- have a special tandem authorization
- Provide evidence of regular training and checks
- be medically and aeronautically fit
In addition, flight schools are subject to clear legal requirements and controls.
Modern equipment & regular checks
Another decisive safety factor is the equipment.
The following applies to professional tandem flights:
- Use of high-quality, certified paragliders
- Regular material inspections by specialist companies
- Reserve parachute mandatory for every flight
- Helmets and harnesses according to current safety standards
Today, the technology is so advanced that it enables a very high level of security.
Weather & flight conditions – the most important factor
Safety begins long before the start.
Experienced tandem pilots:
- analyze weather, wind and thermals on a daily basis
- cancel flights if conditions are not optimal
- customize flight time and flight type
- only fly in safe and stable conditions
A flight only takes place if all factors clearly speak in favor of it. When in doubt, the decision is always made in favor of safety.
Who is tandem paragliding suitable for?
Tandem paragliding is suitable for almost everyone:
- Ideal for beginners
- No top athletic performance necessary
- Suitable for adults, young people and active seniors
- often no problem even for people with a fear of heights
All you need to do is walk normally and be prepared to run a few steps at the start.
Tandem paragliding on Lake Wolfgangsee – safety through experience
Guests benefit from the Zwölferhorn on Lake Wolfgangsee in particular:
- local tandem pilots with many years of experience
- perfect knowledge of the flying area
- ideal take-off and landing sites
- calm, enjoyable flying conditions
This makes Lake Wolfgangsee one of the most popular and safest tandem flight areas in the Salzkammergut.
If you want to experience tandem paragliding for yourself, a flight on Lake Wolfgangsee is the perfect way to get started.
