How Do You Estimate Paragliding Flight Time?
Since a paraglider has no engine, flight time is fundamentally determined by how slowly it descends from takeoff altitude to landing altitude. A recreational EN-B rated glider sinks at roughly 1.1 m/s at best glide speed, with a glide ratio of about 8:1 — meaning it travels 1,000m forward while losing about 125m of altitude.
Thermal lift changes the equation. If the lift is weaker than the glider's sink rate (1.1 m/s), you lose altitude gradually at the net rate, extending your flight time. If the lift is stronger than the sink rate, you can maintain or even gain altitude, and flight time theoretically becomes limited only by pilot decision. Many cross-country pilots chain thermals together this way to fly for hours at a time.
Keep in mind this calculator applies a simplified average sink rate and average lift strength. Real flights are affected by wind direction and strength, thermal conditions, piloting skill, and the glider's performance class, so use this only as a rough planning reference — always check actual weather and flying conditions before you fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
A recreational EN-B rated paraglider sinks at roughly 1.1 m/s at best glide speed, giving a glide ratio of about 8:1.
If thermal lift is stronger than the glider's sink rate (about 1.1 m/s), you can maintain or even gain altitude, so flight time is theoretically limited only by pilot decision.
This calculator uses simplified average values. Real flights depend on wind, thermal conditions, and piloting skill, so treat this as a rough planning reference only.