Safety Protocols

Introduction

Safety in paragliding is the number one priority. Every flight begins with proper preparation and thorough checks.

Pre-Flight Check

Before every flight, completing a full pre-flight inspection is mandatory. Use the ABCDE system:

A — Airworthiness

• The wing is fully laid out with no tangles

• Lines are not crossed or knotted

• Carabiners are locked

B — Buckles

• All harness buckles are secured

• Leg, chest, and shoulder straps are checked

• Footwear is secure

C — Controls

• Brakes are correctly attached

• Left brake in left hand, right brake in right hand

• Speed bar system is functional

D — Direction

• Wind direction is verified

• Takeoff direction is established

• Flight plan is clear

E — Emergency

• Reserve parachute pin is checked

• Reserve handle location is confirmed

• Emergency procedure is mentally rehearsed

Reserve Parachute

The reserve parachute is life-saving equipment. Every pilot must know:

When to Deploy?

• The wing no longer responds to control inputs

• An unrecoverable spiral (spin) develops

• A major collapse that cannot be recovered

• Decision altitude: minimum 100 meters

How to Deploy?

1. Locate the handle — know where it is at all times

2. Grab with full force — grip firmly and pull

3. Throw the reserve away from your body

4. Wait for deployment and stabilization

Emergency Situations

Wing Collapse

Symmetric Collapse:

• Hands down (release brakes)

• The wing usually self-recovers

Asymmetric Collapse:

• Apply opposite brake to prevent rotation

• Then pump the collapsed side to reopen

Stall

• Raise both hands evenly

• Do not make sudden movements

Spin

• Release the opposite brake

• Then straighten out

• If unrecoverable → Deploy reserve!

Risk Management

5 Golden Rules for P1 Pilots:

1. Do not fly when wind speed exceeds 20 km/h

2. Do not fly during thunderstorm risks

3. Do not fly without instructor permission

4. Always perform the ABCDE check

5. Always carry a reserve parachute

Conclusion

"A good pilot is one who knows when not to fly."

Safety is not a choice — it is a way of life. Before every flight, review the protocols, check the equipment, and trust your instructor.