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What are the minimum requirements for a safe take-off?

A straight headwind is not necessary, you can take off in a slight crosswind. The runway should be clear of cables and other obstacles, but a 500m radius is not necessary. It is however essential to be able to abort your launch, for example when you notice a knot in the lines.


You just landed. What do you do?

Directly after landing, look around for other gliders that are about to land and clear the landing area as quickly as possible, without disturbing others.


You're on a straight course and you don't need to change direction any time soon. What do you do with the brake handles?

Modern paragliders fly best without any brake applied - at the so-called trim speed.

But by applying a little bit of pressure, you take out the slack in the brake lines. You feel better what the wing is doing and you can react quickly and subtly to keep the wing straight overhead. This is called active flying.

If you have some more experience it doesn't hurt to let go of the brake handles and relax, but only if it's safe to do so.


A pre-flight check should be executed...

Before you take off, you should check at least these things: pilot, lines, canopy, wind, airspace.


What is the weight of the fabric used to make paraglider canopies? (g/m2)?

Very light fabric strong enough for paragliders can be as light as 25g/m2. Very strong and heavy fabric weighs 40g/m2 or more.
At around 35g/m2, you can calculate that the weight of the fabric of just the top and bottom sail of a 25m2 canopy is a bit less than two kilos.


Despite a good flare, you have a lot of speed just before touching down, because you landed with the wind in your back. What do you do?

A is the safest option if you're not familiar with a PLF (parachute landing fall) which needs practise. Your legs are much stronger than your back or arms.

Although on a flat grassy surface, you could get away with answer B, it can be very dangerous when stones, holes or other objects are hidden in the grass.

Using the protection in your harness as a landing option is not safe - would you park your car against a wall at full speed because the airbags will catch the blow?


How tight do you need to pull the leg straps of the harness?

The tightness of the leg straps does not influence the flying properties of the paraglider.

When the leg straps are too loose, after take-off you will find yourself hanging low under the seat and it's more difficult to get in the harness.

Too tight will hinder your movements during take-off, depending on the harness design. In some harnesses it will prevent you from getting into the seat fully.


What part is indicated by C (the orange line)?

A diagonal rib connects the upper left corner of a cell with the lower right, or sometimes runs across two or more cells.
This allows the use of fewer lines, reducing the weight and drag of the paraglider.


We lay out the canopy in a semi-circle before take-off. Why?

When the center cells fill first, the canopy will rise steadily and straight.


It's sunny on launch and you're ready to take off, but the wind has been from the back for quite a while. What do you do?

Gliders suffer the most from direct sunlight. The airtight coating is damaged by the UV-radiation. Don't leave your glider out in the sun unnecessarily.
Additionally, sitting on the reserve parachute may damage it without you noticing, so it might fail if you ever need it. Never sit on your harness.


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