Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 350; Flight Crew Type 150
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Aircraft; Human Factors; Procedure
Was on an IFR flight plan and had descended to 5;000 feet (around 150 TAS) being vectored toward PAE. Looking out after reconfirming ATIS on the radio; saw a flock of paragliders on the left side of the plane. Had about 5 seconds to react.The aircraft was on autopilot on an ATC issued vector. Considered 3 options:1. Climb2. Descend3. Veer rightDid neither one; because of the fact that it seemed like the paragliders were actually climbing; and the possibility of others camouflaged between the aircraft and the ground below and mountain on the right side where they launch from.Straight ahead was clear and so decided not to knock off the autopilot. Called Seattle Approach and reported. ATC mentioned that this was an unexpected occurrence. Most disconcerting was the fact that I was not able to detect them on my visual scans right up until the time they were too close. Also; even while I passed them they seemed to be rising higher. I estimated the miss distance at 100; however; they seemed to be still climbing above my altitude.
Pilot reported NMAC with paragliders near RNT airport.