Repacking a paragliding reserve parachute is one of the most critical components of flight safety. According to international standards (FAI, APPI, DHV), a reserve parachute must be repacked at least once or twice a year (every 6 months) to prevent fabric deformation and ensure minimum deployment time. Main standards and training stages to be observed during the repacking course: 1. Environmental Standards Repacking cannot be done just anywhere. The standard requires: Clean and dry surface: Ideally a special table or a clean floor (without carpet, to avoid static electricity). Low humidity: The environment must be dry to prevent the fabric from absorbing moisture, which subsequently causes the parachute to become "sticky." Lighting: High-quality lighting so that the pilot can detect damage to each line and the fabric. 2. Training Stages (Course Curriculum) Stage I: Inspection Before repacking begins, the student must learn to perform a detailed check: Fabric integrity: Searching for holes, burns, or chemical stains. Line check: Ensuring they are not frayed or tangled. Ventilation: The parachute must be hung in an open state for at least 6-12 hours before repacking to allow the fabric to "breathe" and release moisture. Stage II: Symmetry and Flaking Dividing the parachute into sections according to the manufacturer's instructions. Maintaining symmetry: Each panel must lie perfectly straight so that the airflow acts uniformly during opening. Stage III: Lines Organization This is the most responsible part. Lines must be arranged in a figure-eight pattern (S-folds) so that they do not become entangled during opening. The use of special rubber bands that do not melt over time and do not damage the lines. Stage IV: Deployment Bag Packing Placing the parachute into the inner container so that when the handle is pulled, the lines come out first and then the canopy unfolds. 3. International Standards and Certification Manual Compliance: The main standard of the repacking course is - "Follow the manual." Different types of parachutes (round, square, Rogallo) have different repacking specifics. G-Force Test: During training, the pilot must know that in a real situation, centrifugal force makes throwing more difficult; therefore, the course includes "practice throws" on a special simulator. Certified "Repacker": In many countries, a pilot does not have the right to repack the parachute themselves unless they have completed the relevant course and hold "Licensed Repacker" status. 4. Required Equipment for Training During the course, the pilot must have: Their own reserve parachute and harness. Special folding weights. New elastic rubber bands (Replaceable rubber bands). A checklist for each step of the repacking process. Summary: A reserve parachute repacking course is not just "packing." It is an engineering process where there is no room for error. After completing the course, the pilot must know not only how to repack but also how to check the carabiners and "soft links" connecting the parachute to the harness.
7 modules • 19 lessons • 10 h 15 min
+2 more modules
View Full SyllabusCertification and responsibility represent the legal and moral finale of the Reserve Parachute Repacking Course. This stage makes the pilot realize that technical knowledge is only half the battle—the other half is the profound responsibility for their own life or the lives of others.
4 minSafety Critical Checks are the boundary that separates a "simply packed" parachute from a truly functional survival system. Many pilots make the mistake of ending the repacking process once the parachute is inside the container; however, the most vital stage begins right after.
4 minRepacking a reserve parachute is not just a mechanical task; it is a process that begins with the meticulous preparation of the work environment and materials. An improper environment (such as high humidity or static electricity) can significantly slow down the deployment speed, potentially preventing the parachute from opening in time at a critical altitude.
4 min
Anatoly Mikhailuta: A Pioneer of Georgian Paragliding Based on records from Sky Atlantida and historical data of Georgian aviation, Anatoly Mikhailuta is recognized as one of the founding figures and most highly qualified instructors in the country’s paragliding history. His career spans decades and has been fundamental in establishing a professional flight school in Georgia. 1. Pioneering and Early Career Anatoly Mikhailuta has been a prominent figure in the paragliding industry since the 1990s. He was among the first pilots to explore and map the terrain of Gudauri, identifying its potential for both commercial tandem flights and professional pilot training. His experience is backed by thousands of flight hours in diverse alpine conditions. 2. Founder of Sky Atlantida He established "Sky Atlantida," one of Georgia's most prestigious paragliding clubs and schools. Under his leadership, the school moved beyond recreational flying to adopt an academic approach, training students according to rigorous international standards (such as APPI). 3. Educational Impact and Mentorship Anatoly is renowned for his systematic and disciplined teaching style. His contribution to education includes: Training Future Instructors: He has mentored generations of pilots who are now leading instructors across Gudauri and other regions of Georgia. Comprehensive Methodology: His curriculum integrates deep theoretical knowledge—covering meteorology and aerodynamics—with intensive practical training. 4. Safety and SIV Expertise His name is synonymous with a high-level safety culture. He possesses expert-level knowledge in SIV (Simulation d'Incidents en Vol), enabling him to teach pilots how to manage wing collapses and recover from extreme flight configurations safely. 5. Legacy in Georgian Aviation Site Development: He played a crucial role in popularizing Gudauri as a world-class paragliding destination. Regulatory Advocacy: Anatoly has been a consistent advocate for implementing official safety regulations and certification frameworks within the Georgian paragliding community.
