Guide to Air Sports

by Staff Writers Dhaeshna Booma, Kelly Shi & Lucas Zhang

Skydiving 

In 1495, Leonardo da Vinci conceived the idea of a pyramid-shaped parachute in one of his sketches.  Later, in 1797, French balloonist André-Jacques Garnerin successfully completed the first ever sky-dive jump. This pioneering feat marked what we now know as skydiving, an extreme sport which involves jumping from an aircraft and freefalling from high altitudes while deploying a parachute used for steering and safely landing. Skydivers generally reach speeds of 120-180 mph but can fall as fast as 220 mph. Although skydiving is currently not held in the Olympics, other competitions include the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) World Championships and the Indoor Skydiving World Cup. People often participate in this rapidly expanding extreme air sport at indoor tunnels such as iFly in Union City or at drop zones like Skydive California located in Tracy.

Hang gliding 

Also originating from da Vinci’s sketches, hang gliding emerged from early forms of the flying vehicles that evolved into modern airplanes. Due to the ban placed on motorized air travel in Germany following World War I, unpowered gliding further developed as a sporting event. Engineers refined glider designs, and pilots improved their technique, eventually leading to the resurgence of the sport in the US during the 1960s. Athletes began using the flexible wing designs developed by Francis Rogallo and his family, including components aiding the stiffness and support of the glider. Hang gliders take advantage of gravity and the wind to travel at speeds up to 62 mph while ensuring smooth landings for pilots. The FAI also oversees international hang gliding competitions with events such as the world championships generally held every two years since 1975. Locally, people can get involved in the sport at designated flying sites managed by the organization Wings of Rogallo at Mission Peak, Mount Diablo, and Ed Levin.

Paragliding 

Paragliding evolved directly from parachute technology but offers a unique foot-launched method to glide for extended periods. Its modern form began with Domina Jalbert’s steerable parafoil invented in the 1950s and advanced through early tests in the French Alps during the 1970s. Today, pilots launch from hills or mountains with a lightweight wing, using thermal currents to stay aloft for hours and steer by shifting body weight and pulling brake lines. In the Bay Area, popular training sites include Ed Levin County Park in Milpitas and the coastal cliffs of Pacifica, where certified schools provide multi-day courses to learn the sport. Earning a US Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) P2 rating typically requires 8-12 lessons and consistent practice. Though the sport can appear challenging, dedicated beginners often find it surprisingly accessible, and a thrilling way to explore the skies.

Aerobatics

Aerobatics, often called stunt flying, combines artistry and physics to create daring maneuvers in the air. French pilot Adolphe Pégoud’s first inverted flight in 1913 and Russian aviator Petr Nesterov’s early loops set the stage, but today’s focus is on skill and precision rather than novelty. Modern aerobatic pilots fly specialized, lightweight aircrafts, like the  Pitts Special or Extra 300, built to withstand extreme G-forces. Training usually begins with a private pilot license followed by dedicated aerobatics instruction. Locally, aspiring pilots often start at airports in Hayward and Livermore, where flight schools and aerobatic clubs offer introductory flights and advanced courses. While the learning curve is steep, requiring extensive practice and sharp reflexes, aerobatics inspire pilots to push the limits of flight.