Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 225; Flight Crew Total 7850; Flight Crew Type 600
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure
Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach
Environment - Non Weather Related; Airspace Structure
Paragliders; I counted 5; descending from the mountains to the north of the airport; landing south of the airport; have recently become more frequent. I observed several paragliders at pattern altitude (2;500 MSL); I maneuvered around them to accommodate their descent. While turning base to final; saw the airplane ahead of me add power and execute a go-around. He too was an instructor with a student pilot. On short final; I saw the reason for his maneuver. A single paraglider about 1/8 mile north of the runway at 300 feet; transitioning from north to south across the runway. Not knowing his speed or intent; I directed the student to continue the approach to landing. There was no incident or damage to either 'craft.' The paraglider continued across the airport and landed. We; at the airport; have reported these paragliders as hazards to the FAA. We have also reported them as hazards to the City of Redlands. We have flown around them with care and precision. While the Class G airspace is uncontrolled; the landing site can be controlled. Part 103 is not clear on regulation for these types of flying craft.
Small aircraft pilot reported witnessing a NMAC in the traffic pattern between another small aircraft and a paraglider that was crossing the active runway.