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Paragliders at Torrey Pines can launch and land in the same spot
Image: Torrey Pines Gliderport
If a bird stops flapping its wings, it will slowly descend towards the ground. However, hang gliders and paragliders can launch from and land on the cliffs of Torrey Pines. Why don't these gliders descend to Blacks Beach below or land in the ocean? How can a powerless glider stay at the same altitude for the duration of its flight?
Resources:
Southwest Airports: Paragliding Physics
Torrey Pines Gliderport - FAQ
NASA - What is Lift?
Type
Phenomena
Subject
Physics
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