Tandem paragliding with a pilot: step by step

On a tandem paragliding flight, the pilot controls the entire flight: assessing the wind, checking the equipment, taking off, gliding and landing. Your part is much simpler: give accurate information, listen to the briefing, run a few steps when told, then sit back and enjoy. No experience is needed. Below is the full process of a tandem flight at Quản Bạ, Hà Giang, with a clear split between your role and the team's, including the behind-the-scenes work you usually don't notice.

What is tandem paragliding?

Tandem means two people sharing one large wing designed to carry two. You sit in the front seat and the pilot in the back seat, with the two harnesses joined by dedicated connectors. That way, anyone in normal health can fly without any training.

At Quản Bạ there are two options: paragliding (PG), with a foot launch from a mountaintop at about 950 m, and paramotor (PPG), with an engine on the pilot's back and a take-off from the valley floor beside the Miện River. Both land at an altitude of about 450 m. The standard packages are 10–15 minutes of paragliding (2.290.000 đ/guest) or 15 minutes of paramotor (2.590.000 đ/guest); for the long cloud-chasing and sunset packages, see the Booking page.

Step 1: Booking

Your part

• Choose PG or PPG, your preferred date and time, and the number of guests.
• Provide details for each guest: full name, date of birth, ID document and weight. Guests over 90 kg, please let us know in advance.
• Declare your health honestly; if you have heart problems, are pregnant, have had recent surgery or have epilepsy, tell the team.
• No deposit, nothing to pay when you book — you pay at check-in at the meeting point, before your flight.

The team's part

• Confirm your booking by phone, Zalo or WhatsApp and send you the meeting point location.
• Use guest details for insurance, and weight to match you with a suitable pilot and wing.

Step 2: Weather confirmation on the morning of your flight

The pilots monitor the forecast for wind, gusts, cloud and rain from early on, then confirm the exact flight time on the morning of your flight. Flights take place between 06:30 and 18:30, with the best windows usually 07:00–11:00 and 15:00–17:00. If conditions are not right, the team will let you know and reschedule, completely free of charge. You can also keep an eye on the flying weather forecast page yourself.

Your preparation the night before: get enough sleep, avoid alcohol, and lay out long-sleeved clothes and sneakers with good grip. The full list is on the before you fly page.

Step 3: Meeting at the meeting point

Arrive at the meeting point in Quản Bạ commune 30 minutes before your flight time. The team checks you in, weighs you, asks again about your health and introduces your pilot, who will stay with you for the whole flight. The team's shuttle takes you up to the mountain take-off (paragliding) or out to the flat field by the river (paramotor). On the way, the pilot watches the wind and chooses the take-off direction.

Step 4: Equipment check and briefing

The pilot's part

This is the part you usually don't notice, but it matters most:

1. Observe the actual wind direction and strength on site.
2. Lay out the wing, untangle the lines and check each line group and the leading edge.
3. Check the harnesses, reserve, buckles and connectors.
4. Put the harness on you, adjust the straps to fit and fit your helmet.
5. Double-check every buckle on both of you before take-off.

Your part

Listen to the briefing of about 5–10 minutes, covering:

• How to stand while waiting and how to run for take-off.
• Signals between you and the pilot.
• How to sit back into the harness once you leave the ground, and what to do with your hands in flight.
• Your position for landing.

Ask anything you are unsure about; there is no such thing as a silly question. If you are afraid of heights, prone to motion sickness or have an old leg injury, now is the time to tell your pilot so they can adjust how they fly.

Step 5: Take-off

For paragliding, the pilot waits for a steady breeze and then calls "run". Run hard and steadily, looking straight ahead; don't stop and don't sit down too early, even if you feel the wing tugging you back slightly. The wing fills with air and after just a few steps you leave the ground.

With paramotor, the running is even easier: the engine starts on the pilot's back and a few steps on the flat field lift you off.

Step 6: In the air

This is the best part. The roles are split like this:

• The pilot controls direction and speed, looks for rising air, keeps track of time and the landing field, and films you on GoPro (free of charge).
• You sit back and relax against the harness, keep your phone and belongings secure, and smile, wave and pose.

Below you lie the Lùng Tám valley, the Miện River, the Cô Tiên twin mountains and the tai mèo (cat-ear) limestone peaks; in the right season, add a sea of clouds and the patches of corn and buckwheat on the plateau. The pilot will ask whether you want a smooth scenic flight or to try a few banked turns. Say honestly how you feel: if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, the pilot will fly more gently.

Step 7: Landing and after the flight

The pilot slows down and brings the wing down onto the landing field by the river, at an altitude of about 450 m. Stretch your legs out in front, ready to stand up or run a few light steps, as explained in the briefing. Don't tuck your legs in and plop down unless the pilot asks you to. Most landings are gentle, either standing or seated on the grass.

Afterwards:

• The pilot unclips your harness and packs up the wing.
• You receive your free GoPro photos and video.
• Payment was already settled at check-in at the meeting point, before your flight, together with the paperwork, the insurance confirmation and the liability waiver (cash, bank transfer, card (+3%) or PayPal (+3%)).
• The shuttle takes you from the landing field back to the meeting point.

Many guests ask to fly again the moment they touch down. For other camera angles, you can add a drone or 360 camera (400.000 đ/guest each).

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to steer the wing?

No. The pilot controls the entire flight; you just follow the instructions for take-off and landing.

What if I stumble while running at take-off?

The pilot will abort the take-off, gather the wing and try again when the wind is right. It's perfectly normal and won't affect your flight. Find out more on the flight safety page.

Can I choose my pilot?

The team assigns pilots based on weight, wing and schedule. If you have a special request, add a note when you book.

What does the price include?

A tandem flight with a pilot, GoPro photos and video, insurance, and shuttle transfers in Quản Bạ between the meeting point, the take-off and the landing field.

What if the weather doesn't allow flying?

Weather cancellations are free and the team will reschedule your flight. You can also cancel or reschedule yourself free of charge with at least 3 hours' notice.

Ready for take-off? Book your flight online with no deposit, or call Hotline / Zalo / WhatsApp +84 964 073 555.