Paragliding tandem flights over the Anatolian hills. No prior experience required for tandem flights. The club arranges transport from central Ankara.
Tandem paragliding flights over the Anatolian plateau surrounding Ankara give participants an aerial perspective of the rolling hills and open grasslands characteristic of the Turkish capital's hinterland. Launch sites are located 30–60 km from central Ankara, with the exact location varying by wind conditions on the day. The Ankara Yamaç Paraşütü Kulübü (Ankara Paragliding Club) coordinates tandem flights from April through October, the window when thermal activity is reliable and weather patterns over the plateau are sufficiently stable for safe operation.
No prior paragliding experience is necessary for tandem flights. Participants are harnessed directly to a certified tandem pilot who manages the entire flight — wing inflation, the running takeoff, in-flight manoeuvres, and landing approach. A pre-flight safety briefing covers correct posture on takeoff, what to expect during flight, and the correct landing stance. Flight durations typically range from 15 to 30 minutes depending on thermal strength and the pilot's assessment of conditions; longer soaring flights are possible on days with well-developed thermal activity over the plateau.
The club holds certifications under Turkish civil aviation standards. Equipment — harness, helmet, and reserve parachute — is provided for all tandem passengers. No personal gear is required. A minimum age of approximately 14 years is generally applied; participants above 110 kg body weight may be declined depending on equipment load limits. The club arranges transport from a designated collection point in central Ankara to the launch site, typically a grassy hillside with a clear run and no obstructions.
Weather dependency is significant. Flights are cancelled when winds exceed safe operational thresholds, when cloud base is too low for safe flight, or when electrical storm risk is elevated. A rebooking or refund policy applies for weather cancellations; passengers should confirm exact terms at the time of booking. Advance reservation of at least one week is recommended, and the club requires a same-morning weather confirmation call before the drive to the launch site. In-flight photography is possible; the availability of GoPro mounts and video package options should be confirmed with the club when booking.
Activity facts
- Where
- Anatolian plateau hills, 30–60 km from central Ankara
Equipment
- All equipment provided for tandem flights
- Book at least 1 week in advance; weather-dependent
Location
Anatolian hills, outskirts of Ankara
39.9000, 32.8000 View on map
Highlights
- Tandem paragliding over the Anatolian plateau with certified club pilots — no experience required
- All equipment provided: harness, helmet, and reserve parachute included in the flight price
- Club arranges transport from central Ankara to the launch site
- Flight durations of 15–30 minutes with potential for extended soaring on strong thermal days
- GoPro mount and in-flight photography options available — confirm with the club at booking
Tips for visiting
- Book at least one week in advance; spring and early autumn slots fill quickly and flights are weather-dependent.
- Call the club on the morning of the planned flight to confirm conditions before committing to the drive.
- Wear comfortable, layered clothing and flat-soled closed-toe shoes suitable for a short running takeoff.
- Ask about GoPro mounts and video packages when booking — in-flight photography is not always included in the base price.
- Confirm the rebooking or refund policy at the time of payment; weather cancellations should incur no financial penalty.
When to visit
May–June and September offer the most stable thermals and comfortable temperatures. Midsummer flights are possible but midday heat can produce turbulent conditions; morning flights are generally preferred by club pilots.
Accessibility
Tandem paragliding requires the ability to walk short distances over uneven ground to the launch point and to perform a short running takeoff stride. The activity is not suitable for passengers with significant lower-body mobility impairments or those unable to follow rapid verbal instructions during launch.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need prior paragliding experience for a tandem flight?
No. Tandem flights are designed for complete beginners. The certified pilot manages all aspects of the flight; the passenger only needs to follow the pre-flight briefing on takeoff posture and landing stance.
Is there a weight limit for tandem passengers?
Participants above 110 kg may be restricted depending on equipment specifications. The club should be informed of body weight at the time of booking to confirm eligibility.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable on the flight day?
Flights are cancelled when conditions are unsafe. Most clubs offer a rebooking option for the next available weather window at no extra charge, or a refund if rebooking is not possible. Confirm the policy before paying.
How far in advance should a flight be booked?
At least one week in advance is advisable, especially during peak spring and early autumn periods. Same-day bookings occasionally open up but the weather-dependent nature of the activity makes advance booking significantly more reliable.
Can passengers bring a camera or GoPro during the flight?
Camera mounts can often be arranged on the pilot's equipment or harness. Confirm this option when booking — loose handheld cameras are generally not permitted for safety reasons during takeoff and landing.