When it comes time to purchase your own equipment, there are some important considerations to make. Your skill level is going to determine the class of glider you will fly. Most paragliders are tested by the new European Norm (EN) testing method. After rigorous testing, each glider is given a certification based on how well it performed during the test. The glider is then given a letter to signify its appropriate skill level. The EN system is broken into 4 levels: A, B, C, and D. This system was created to replace an earlier method called the DHV which only had 3 levels.
All ‘A’ level gliders and some easier ‘B’ level gliders are appropriate for a pilot with entry- level skills. This doesn’t mean the glider is not capable of thermal flying or going cross- country. It means the glider is more forgiving on launch, in demanding conditions, and in recovery from malfunctions. The newest entry-level gliders offer a wonderful combination of performance and stability.
The condition of the equipment should be your next consideration. If you are getting a new glider, you already know what condition it is in. If not, there are a few things to consider. The older the glider, the older the technology involved in its design. Gliders have come a long way in recent years, so you should look for something that was made within the last 3-5 years. The next question to ask is how many hours the glider has on it. Most gliders last approximately 300-400 hours, depending on intensity of UV radiation and the original quality of the fabric and materials. What is the porosity of the glider? Porosity is measured with an instrument that pulls 1 liter of air through the sail-cloth of the glider and is measured in seconds. A new glider generally scores somewhere around 250 to 300 seconds. A glider that scores anything less than 5 seconds is considered un-airworthy and is good for windsock material or other crafty projects. Does it look faded, have repairs, or do the lines look worn and frayed? If you plan on buying a used glider make sure that it has been professionally inspected recently and ask for the results of that inspection. Other considerations when buying equipment should include serviceability of the glider and reputation of the manufacturer. Whoever you buy from, make sure they will take care of you on the service end. Remember, it is your instructor’s responsibility to help you find an appropriate glider, so use their knowledge and experience to help you make the best choice.
If you have any questions about gear you would like to purchase please ask your instructor! They will be straight with you about the appropriateness of the equipment, its condition, and reputation. We don’t want to see you flying gear that could be dangerous any more than you want to be flying dangerous equipment.