1961 Introduction of the Modified Parachute aka "Parasail" 1962, A French engineer by the name of Pierre-Marcel Lemoigne , developed the ascending-gliding parachute. Lemoigne’s concept was achieved by modifying a "ParaCommander" parachute. The ParaCommander design was based on the 24-gore 'suspension line’ parachute that incorporated steering slots making it very maneuverable on descent and the parachute of choice for most skydivers and the military. Lemoigne sealed the top steering slots then added stabilizer and exhaust vents allowing on oncoming air flow to be redirected to provide lift. Lemoigne established the Aeronautical Training Service to introduce his new ParaCommander ascending parachute and establishing the sport of Parascending. He displayed his new product at various jump centers around Europe to train new parachutists in a more concentrated form by towing the parachutist to a suitable altitude behind a vehicle then releasing them to practice landings. This training method proved much more cost effective than an airplane. previous next