Question: Do you think that Florida will ever pass Parasail Regulations?  John Answer:  YEs Florida represents the largest concentration of parasail operations in the USA that generates over thirty (30) million in revenues annually and promotes the tourism industry.   The Florida legislature has been unable to create effective regulations that does not restrict  parasail operators to the point where they would be unable to stay in business.    Question:  How many people go parasailing every year in the USA?  Evan Answer: :   There is not an exact amount that can be stated.  However, the consensus is that the average can widely range from 3 to 5 million per year.  Question:  Why is Parasailing Regulated by the FAA?   Kevin  Answer: :   According to the FAA. Parasails meet the legal definition of “any kite that weighs that is intended to be flown at the end of a rope or cable,” referenced in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 101.   For more information, download the following   http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/media/ATB2012-2.pdf      Update 2013, the FAA recently issued altitude limitations to 400’  for all commercial parasail operations. Question: Is there a rule about how long before u fly people by yourself?  Boss wants me to run boat this year but won't start training until next month our season starts in march just want to know I don't want to lose my capt license if something goes wrong?   Patrick Answer: :  There are several components to this equation to provide you an answer with any degree of accuracy.  For example;  a) what is your overall boating experience?  b) have you ever work on a commercial vessel before?  c) will you be operating in open ocean or inland lakes?  d) what are the general operating conditions and weather patterns in your location?  e) what is the make and model of the parasail Winchboat you will be operating?  etc...  All of the aforementioned play an important role in determining a recommendation.  In summary, I would compare learning how to parasail, is like learning how to fly.  It not so much the physical challenge, its more about general experience, building your confidence and skills in different operating scenarios.  Most importantly, what would you do in the event of an emergency.  With all that being said, I would suggest between 400 to 600 launch and retrievals (approx.) with an experienced instructor before you take control of the helm.   Question: I have read all about parasailing and know that you are a leading expert in the field.  My question is real simple, it parasailing really safe?   Lisa Answer: :  Like any thrill sport you are going to have accidents, and parasailing has had its share.  However, based on the statistics, parasailing  is one of the safer outdoor thrill sports around, despite what you have heard or read.       Question: How many parasail operations are there in the USA?   Kenny Answer: :  During the peak summer summer months, there are approximately 240 to 270 commercial parasail concessions operating over 650 boats.  Question:  Will the US Coast Guard ever Regulate Parasailing?   Jason Answer:  I started a letter writing campaign to propose parasail regulations with the US Coast Guard beginning with Admiral Loy in 1990.  In 2010,  “twenty (20) years later”  I finally received two official responses to my more  recent petition to “regulate parasailing”  (see response letter links below) Read October 27, 2010 letter - Domestic Compliance Division  Read November 25, 2010 letter -  Marine Safety and Security Council (MSSC)  Question:  Does ASTM test parasailing products and create safety standards?   Robert Answer: The ASTM “Association of Standards and Materials” is a publishing company !!! They do not test or  analyze products or create anything, they are aggregators of information supplied by their ‘members’.  They collect what others give them then organize, copyright, publish and sell it back to their members for a price.   Question:  I watched the video of the Military Water Survival Program in Pensacola, Florida.  Do you have a copy of there training manual? and if not, who could I contact there to get one? John Answer: The only copy I have was published in 1985.  He is the link  http://www.parasail.org/NAS-Water-Survival-Training- Manual-1985.pdf    Question:  I have one task to calculate stability of parasail boats...I need to know which are the equation or diagrams or tables who solve force in towline depending of boat speed, diameter of parachute and wind velocity ? Zoran Answer: In 1990, I commissioned a study with the Naval Architect Firm of Krogen & Krogen, to conduct a parasail vessel stability study in response to several parasail vessel capsizing’s as a result of operators using high tensile strength tow line, oversized canopies  in high winds that downflooding vessels while parasailors were aloft.   Download report:  http://www.parasail.org/Parasail-Vessel-Stability-Study-KrogenReport-PSC-letter-to-USCG-2-28-1990.pdf   Important Notice:  We frequently post answers to questions that are relevant to parasail safety and the industry.   If you have  an important question, please send it to me at email@parasail.org   or complete the form below.  Thank you,  Mark McCulloh