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[[Image:paraglidertakeoff.jpg|thumb|left|A paraglider taking off in Brazil]]
{{Main|Paragliding}}
A paraglider is a free-flying, foot-launched aircraft. The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing. Unlike a hang glider whose wings have frames, the form of a paraglider wing is formed by the pressure of air entering vents or cells in the front of the wing. This is known as a ram-air wing (similar to the smaller parachute design). The paraglider's light and simple design allows them to be packed and carried in large
Like sailplanes and hang gliders, paragliders use rising air (thermals or ridge lift) to gain height. This process is the basis for most recreational flights and competitions, though aerobatics and 'spot landing competitions' also occur. Launching is often done by jogging down a slope, but winch launches behind a towing vehicle are also used. A [[Paramotor]] is a paraglider wing powered by a motor attached to the back of the pilot, and is also known as a [[Powered paragliding|powered paragliders]]. A variation of this is the [[paraplane]], which has a motor mounted on a wheeled frame rather than the pilot's back.
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