Tandem Paragliding in the Bolognese Apennines

Tandem paragliding in the Bolognese Apennines is a passenger flight with a qualified pilot over the ridges around Monte Pizzo and Castel del Rio, in the hills south-east of Bologna in Emilia-Romagna. The typical take-off area is near Castel del Rio, 40022 Bologna, though the exact launch site should be confirmed with the operator on the day. The activity is offered through the Freedome booking platform, which connects travellers with licensed local pilots, and flights near Bologna are weather-dependent and are sometimes listed as unavailable, so availability must be confirmed before travelling. The flight itself lasts about 15 to 30 minutes, while the full experience, including transfer, briefing, kit-up and landing, takes one to three hours. No experience is needed: the pilot controls the wing, and the passenger only needs to follow a short briefing and run a few steps at take-off. Fitness requirements are low, but weight limits apply and should be confirmed with the pilot, and age limits and medical restrictions depend on the operator. Equipment, insurance and the pilot are included, while participants bring sturdy closed shoes or hiking boots, long trousers, a light jacket, sunglasses and a hat. Tandem pilots are licensed and use certified wings and reserve parachutes, and the briefing covers take-off, landing position and what to do in turbulence. The flight is cancelled if wind, cloud or thermal conditions are unsafe, which is the main rescue-plan principle in paragliding: the pilot decides to fly only when conditions are suitable. The season runs from March to October, with April to June and September offering the most stable air. Strong wind, rain, low cloud and midday thermals in summer are the conditions to avoid. Photo and video extras are sometimes sold separately, at about EUR 30 for video, and the price starts from about EUR 120 per person.