Tandem paragliding is generally a safe activity when it is done with a licensed, experienced pilot, in suitable weather and with well-maintained equipment. As with any extreme sport, there are risks; what keeps them low is how seriously the company takes four things: the pilot's skill, the weather, the quality of the equipment and the pre-flight checks. Below is what to look for in each.
1. The pilot: licence, experience and rest
On a tandem flight the pilot flies the wing, so the pilot is the first link in safety. Questions to ask:
- Does the pilot hold a licence issued by the Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK)?
- How many flights does the pilot have?
- How does the company choose and train its pilots?
At Ulusky every pilot is certified and has more than 1,000 flights. Before joining the team they fly 10 to 20 test flights. On commercial flights we only work with pilots we have trained ourselves. Our pilots rest regularly; a stressed or tired pilot does not fly.
2. The weather: who checks it, and how often?
Weather has a decisive effect in paragliding. Strong wind or unstable air can make a flight dangerous. If the weather is not suitable, the flight should be cancelled.
Ulusky checks the weather at least 4 times a day from 4 different sources and only flies in safe conditions.
3. Equipment: brand, maintenance and reserve parachute
There is no saving to be made on paragliding equipment. The wing, harness, connectors and helmet all need regular maintenance. Your checklist:
- Is the equipment from known, quality brands?
- Is it maintained regularly?
- Is there a reserve parachute on the tandem flight?
Ulusky only uses equipment from top paragliding brands and services all of it at short intervals. Every tandem flight carries a reserve parachute. It is attached to the shared connection point that holds both pilot and passenger, and the pilot deploys it if needed. Our pilots are trained in emergency procedures.
4. Pre-flight checks and briefing
The checks and briefing before take-off are the last link in a safe flight. Your pilot should check the connections, explain clearly what to do at take-off and landing and answer your questions. Listen carefully to the briefing and follow the pilot's instructions throughout the flight.
Weight is part of safety too: the combined weight of pilot and passenger is matched with the weather in mind. At Ulusky passengers should weigh roughly 15 to 120 kg; suitability is confirmed with the pilot.
What else should I look at when choosing a company?
- Experience: how long has the company been flying? Ulusky was founded in Alanya by Ergun Ulu and has been here since 2008.
- Official licences: is it a TÜRSAB member? Ulusky's TÜRSAB licence number is 1112.
- Training: Ulusky is also a paragliding school running THSF- and THK-approved P2, P3, P4, P5 and T1 courses.
- Insurance: is health insurance provided for the flight? At Ulusky private health insurance is included in the price.
How can I help as a passenger?
- Tell us about any health condition (especially epilepsy or similar) before you book.
- Wear trainers and comfortable clothes.
- Listen to the briefing and keep running at take-off.
- Follow your pilot's instructions in the air.
When should you postpone a flight?
Not every health condition is compatible with a tandem flight. In these cases, talk to us and, if needed, your doctor before flying:
- Epilepsy or any condition that can cause sudden loss of consciousness
- An injury that would make it hard to run a few steps at take-off and landing
- Recent surgery or treatment
- Feeling unwell on the day of the flight
Do not fly if you have been drinking alcohol. This rule protects both you and your pilot.
What does it mean when a flight is cancelled?
A cancellation is the natural result of checking the weather. If the wind is not right, there is no take-off and the flight moves to another day or time. For you it means a change of plan, so we suggest booking your flight early in your holiday and asking about postponement terms when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a reserve parachute on a tandem flight?
Yes. At Ulusky every tandem flight carries a reserve parachute, and the pilot uses it if needed.
Do you fly in bad weather?
No. The weather is checked at least 4 times a day, and we do not fly in unsafe conditions.
What if I am close to the weight limit?
Passengers should weigh roughly 15 to 120 kg. If you are close to the limit, ask us on WhatsApp before you book. Suitability is confirmed with the pilot, taking the day's weather into account.
Is paragliding the same as skydiving?
No, they are different sports. In skydiving you jump from a plane and free-fall for a while. In paragliding you take off by running a few steps down a slope; the wing is open from the start and there is no free fall.
To read more about our safety standards, see our Alanya paragliding page and the FAQ. To plan your flight, fill in the booking form or contact us on WhatsApp.
