A drive unit for a paraglider (1) comprises a motor (2), a propeller (3), and a control unit (4) for the motor (2). The motor (2) can be fastened to the back of a paragliding person (7) by way of a fastening unit (6). The control unit (4) controls the motor (2) depending on control commands (SB) received and first/second sensor signals (S1, S2). The first sensor signals (S1) are characteristic of whether or not the paraglider (1) is located in a stable position above the paragliding person (7). The second sensor signals (S2) characterize a position of the paragliding person (7) relative to the propeller volume (V).