Podcast
Questions and Answers
What should a pilot assess before creating a flight plan?
What should a pilot assess before creating a flight plan?
- Passenger preferences
- Weather conditions and local environment (correct)
- The shape of the aircraft
- The availability of fuel
What is the purpose of observing the terrain before a flight?
What is the purpose of observing the terrain before a flight?
- To entertain spectators
- To calculate fuel needs
- To improve flight speed
- To identify safe and hazardous areas (correct)
What should a pilot do regarding the wind conditions before take-off?
What should a pilot do regarding the wind conditions before take-off?
- Ignore them if it looks clear
- Check the direction and intensity (correct)
- Follow other pilots without assessing
- Only focus on the landing area
What is meant by the 'point of no return' in a flight plan?
What is meant by the 'point of no return' in a flight plan?
What is the importance of waiting before take-off every time?
What is the importance of waiting before take-off every time?
Which of the following is NOT a factor to check before take-off?
Which of the following is NOT a factor to check before take-off?
What equipment-related check should a pilot perform before flying?
What equipment-related check should a pilot perform before flying?
Why is concentration emphasized during paragliding?
Why is concentration emphasized during paragliding?
What year was the first paraglider made by David Barish?
What year was the first paraglider made by David Barish?
Which countries were among the first to welcome paragliding?
Which countries were among the first to welcome paragliding?
What material is the wing of a paraglider typically made from?
What material is the wing of a paraglider typically made from?
Which component of the wing is responsible for establishing its shape and profile?
Which component of the wing is responsible for establishing its shape and profile?
What are the small openings found on the leading edge of a paraglider wing called?
What are the small openings found on the leading edge of a paraglider wing called?
In what year did paragliding arrive in Portugal?
In what year did paragliding arrive in Portugal?
What type of porosity is the fabric wing of a paraglider generally designed to have?
What type of porosity is the fabric wing of a paraglider generally designed to have?
What are the groups of lines extending from the wing to the risers called?
What are the groups of lines extending from the wing to the risers called?
Who nominates the members of the Competition and Arbitration Council?
Who nominates the members of the Competition and Arbitration Council?
What is established by the REGULATION OF INSTRUCTION AND TITULATION?
What is established by the REGULATION OF INSTRUCTION AND TITULATION?
What must a student present to obtain a learning licence?
What must a student present to obtain a learning licence?
Who has the authority to alter technical regulations such as the Competition Regulations?
Who has the authority to alter technical regulations such as the Competition Regulations?
How long is the validity of the learning licence issued by FPVL?
How long is the validity of the learning licence issued by FPVL?
Which DHV classification is recommended for novice pilots?
Which DHV classification is recommended for novice pilots?
What characteristics are associated with DHV 3 classified paragliders?
What characteristics are associated with DHV 3 classified paragliders?
For which type of pilot are DHV 2-3 paragliders recommended?
For which type of pilot are DHV 2-3 paragliders recommended?
Which option best describes DHV category D?
Which option best describes DHV category D?
What is the primary requirement for pilots flying with DHV 2 rated paragliders?
What is the primary requirement for pilots flying with DHV 2 rated paragliders?
Which DHV classification involves paragliders with moderate passive security?
Which DHV classification involves paragliders with moderate passive security?
What is a characteristic of paragliders under DHV classification A?
What is a characteristic of paragliders under DHV classification A?
CEN certification regulations apply to which aspect of paragliding?
CEN certification regulations apply to which aspect of paragliding?
What does the polar curve represent in paragliding?
What does the polar curve represent in paragliding?
What is the stall speed in the context of paragliding?
What is the stall speed in the context of paragliding?
How does an increase in wing loading affect the maximum and minimum speeds of a paraglider?
How does an increase in wing loading affect the maximum and minimum speeds of a paraglider?
Under what conditions is the optimum glide ratio likely not achieved at the same speed?
Under what conditions is the optimum glide ratio likely not achieved at the same speed?
What is the significance of the tangent point on the polar curve?
What is the significance of the tangent point on the polar curve?
What adjustment to flying speed is necessary in descending air currents to achieve an optimum glide ratio?
What adjustment to flying speed is necessary in descending air currents to achieve an optimum glide ratio?
For pilots of different weights, how does the optimum glide ratio compare?
For pilots of different weights, how does the optimum glide ratio compare?
How does the glide ratio change with different wind conditions?
How does the glide ratio change with different wind conditions?
Study Notes
History of Paragliding
- David Barish created the first paraglider design in 1965
- Paragliding spread to Europe in the 1960s, with Germany, Switzerland and France being early adopters
- Portugal embraced the sport in 1987, and the European record was set there in 1994 (204 km)
Paraglider Equipment
- The paraglider consists of a fabric wing with cells, ribs, and a harness for the pilot
- The wing is usually made of 40g/m² nylon fabric with a polyurethane or silicone coating.
- The wing has key features like the top surface, bottom surface, leading edge, trailing edge, and stabilizer
- The wing's internal structure includes ribs, cells, and cell openings.
- Risers connect the wing to the harness and are often labelled A, B, C, and D.
Flight Planning
- Before each flight, pilots should plan a flight plan, including a methodical approach, weather analysis, and equipment checks
- Essential pre-flight checks include: analyzing the terrain, checking wind direction, identifying landing field and obstacles, and anticipating wind and thermals
- The "5-minute rule" is a safety technique that involves observing conditions for 5 minutes to assess any changes
Take-Off
- Prior to take-off, the pilot must check: wind direction and intensity, obstacles, other pilots in the air, take-off slope, and rotor areas.
Polar Curve
- The polar curve demonstrates the relationship between descent rate and flying speed
- Key points on the Polar curve include:
- Maximum speed (50-65 km/h)
- Minimum speed (21-24 km/h)
- Stall speed
- Maximum glide speed (best L/D - Lift and Drag ratio)
- The polar curve is obtained in calm air, without wind or vertical air currents
- Wing loading influences vertical and horizontal speeds but does not change the best glide ratio
- Optimal glide is achieved:
- At a higher flying speed in headwind or descending air currents
- At a lower speed in tailwind or ascending air currents
Paraglider Certifications
- DHV (German Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) Certifications:
- DHV 2-3: for experienced pilots with advanced handling skills
- DHV 3: for expert pilots proficient in handling collapses
- CEN (European Committee for Standardization) Classification:
- EN A: for all pilots, including beginners
- EN B: for novice pilots
- EN C: for pilots with experience in handling collapses
- EN D: for expert pilots with advanced handling skills
Paragliding Organizations
- CAC (Competition and Arbitration Council): manages competition and judges
- FPVL (Portuguese Federation of Paragliding and Free Flight): regulates instruction, pilot certification, and licensing
Flight Licensing
- FPVL issues learning licenses through registered schools
- Students must:
- Provide a medical certificate
- Obtain insurance covering personal accidents and civil liability
- License is valid for one calendar year.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the history of paragliding, the evolution of its equipment, and essential flight planning techniques. Explore the significant milestones from the emergence of paragliding in the 1960s to the specifications of paraglider wings and pre-flight checks.
