Radios are not only useful, but are required at some sites and should be considered part of your safety gear. It’s convenient to be able to communicate with other pilots, to obtain information prior to flight (from pilots in the air), during your flight, and for retrieval arrangements. They can also be a safety tool for information about changing conditions or accidents. You will need to determine the specific frequency being used at each site.
Instruments used by paraglider pilots include variometers, GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers, personal locator beacons, and compasses. The variometer, commonly known as a vario, indicates current altitude and rates of ascent and decent through a visual display and/ or audible tones. Depending upon the brand, model and ability to interface with a GPS, there are other functions such as; maximum altitude reached, average and maximum climb rate, average and maximum sink rate, time aloft, glide ratio, and airspeed. Some models have the ability to download flight information to a computer, allowing you to view a graphic representation of your flights. The GPS receiver uses information from a network of geosynchronous satellites to provide precise ground positioning. This makes the GPS useful as a ground speed indicator, a compass, and for determining your location in the air or after landing. Most GPS units will also interface with a computer, allowing you to view your flights in 3D. Personal locator beacons are expensive and not used by pilots unless they are flying over inhospitable terrain. You can use a GPS interface to transfer your position via satellite to search and rescue services in your area.