How to Maintain Your Paraglider: Do’s and Don’ts for Safe Flying.

 Taking care of your paraglider is key to keeping it safe, reliable, and performing at its best. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or just starting out, proper maintenance ensures your glider stays airworthy and ready for every flight. Think of it as similar to servicing your car—regular checks can prevent surprises and keep your adventures stress-free.

Here’s a complete guide to paraglider maintenance, including practical do’s and don’ts, tailored to maximize your glider’s lifespan and ensure safety during your flights.

Paraglider Maintenance Do’s

  1. Lay It Out Properly Before Takeoff
    Always lay out your glider with the trailing edge visible. This simple step helps prevent fabric damage and line tangles when launching.

  2. Inspect After Rough Landings or Tree Incidents
    If your glider has been caught in a tree or hit the ground hard, inspect it carefully. Look for tears or broken lines and fix any damage before your next flight.

  3. Minimize Sun Exposure
    After landing, pack your glider right away to protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Over time, sunlight can weaken the fabric and shorten its lifespan.

  4. Monsoon Care Tips
    During the monsoon season in India, store your glider in a zip-lock bag with silica gel packets used for moisture absorption to keep it dry. Just make sure the silica gel stays outside the cells of the glider.

  5. Pre- and Post-Flight Inspections
    A quick check before and after flying goes a long way. Look for any signs of wear, tears, or other issues to ensure your glider is always flight-ready.

  6. Annual Porosity Tests
    These tests measure your glider’s fabric strength and help you understand how much life it has left. Annual porosity testing is highly recommended by manufacturers.

  7. Regular Trim Checks
    Check your glider’s line lengths every year or every 100 flight hours—whichever comes first. This ensures the angle of attack is correct, preventing unwanted stalls or collapses.

  8. Inspect Your Harness Annually
    Check the carabiners for rust and inspect all stitching, fabric, and reserve compartments for damage. Make sure your harness is in top condition to support you during flights.

  9. Repack Your Reserve Parachute Annually
    Repack your reserve parachute yearly to maintain its opening speed and inspect the canopy, bridle lines, and container for wear and tear.

Paraglider Maintenance Don’ts

  1. Don’t Leave Your Glider in a Hot Car
    The heat inside a parked car can shrink Dynema lines and reduce your glider’s porosity. Always remove your glider if you stop for a meal or a break on the way home.

  2. Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure
    If you’re waiting at a launch site, use a tarp to cover your glider and protect it from prolonged sun exposure.

  3. Be Gentle When Packing
    Don’t bend the internal rods while packing your glider. Keep them straight to maintain their aerodynamic shape and performance.

  4. Don’t Store a Wet Glider
    If your glider gets wet, dry it as soon as possible. For saltwater exposure, rinse it with fresh water before drying.

  5. Don’t Drag Your Glider
    Dragging your glider across the ground can damage the fabric and lines. Instead, pick it up carefully in a mushroom fold while packing.

  6. Protect the Lines
    Watch your step! Stepping on the lines during takeoff can damage them, especially if there’s gravel or rocks underfoot.

  7. Prevent Leading Edge Damage
    Try not to let your glider fall on its leading edge, as this can wear down the rods and fabric over time. If it happens, repairs are possible, but prevention is better.

Why Regular Maintenance is Crucial

Paraglider maintenance isn’t just about protecting your investment—it’s about your safety and enjoyment. A well-maintained glider will perform better, last longer, and give you more confidence in the air. Whether you’re gliding above India’s scenic landscapes or tackling SIV training, taking care of your gear ensures every flight is a smooth one.

Need Expert Advice on Paraglider Maintenance?

At ParaglidingBawas and Pilots choice paragliding school, we’re here to help you with all your paraglider maintenance needs. From Glider Trim check to porosity tests to harness checks along with reserve repacks can all be taken care off, we ensure your gear stays in top shape.

Naasha_P

📞 Call Naasha: +91 98209 11994
🌐 Paragliding Bawas School
Instagram - Paragliding Bawas.
FB- Paragliding Bawas

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Choosing a Safe Tandem Paragliding Experience

  Choosing a Safe Tandem Paragliding Experience Paragliding is a sport of breathtaking contrasts. On one hand, it’s a magical realization of humanity’s dream to fly. On the other, it comes with inherent risks that require careful management. If you’re considering a tandem paragliding experience, safety should always be your top priority. At Paragliding Bawas School , while we don’t offer commercial tandem rides, we are committed to promoting safety in the sport. Through instructional tandem flights, we help our students experience the thrill of flight in the safest way possible. This guide is designed to equip first-time tandem flyers with essential safety tips for a paragliding experience, ensuring their adventure in the sky is both exhilarating and secure. How to Choose a Safe Tandem Paragliding Operator 1. The Pilot: Experience and Expertise Your pilot is the most critical factor for a safe flight. Experience : Look for a tandem pilot with at least 100 solo airtime hours, 200+ t...
Read more

Women in Indian Paragliding.

  Do Women Face Different Challenges in Paragliding Than Their Male Counterparts? To put it frankly, we often do. 1. Joining Paragliding in India for Women Paragliding in Kamshet and across India offers a unique yet challenging experience for women. Most women find it harder to join the sport. This occurs globally but is especially pronounced in India, where the number of solo independent female pilots is minimal. I must say I am proud to be part of this small number but also want to see it grow to be as proportionate to men as possible. Societal Norms and Gender Perceptions After speaking with a few female solo pilots in India, it quickly became clear that learning the sport itself isn't much different for men and women. The true challenges arise from societal reinforcement. How often do young boys hear statements like, “Why do you want to go camping?” or, “Be careful, that's dangerous,” or even, “Don’t go alone”? Women, unfortunately, hear these phrases far more often, accomp...
Read more

First-Time Paragliding in India? Here’s What to Expect!

  Are you planning to try paragliding in India, for the first time? You’ve come to the right place! The most common question we get from aspiring pilots is whether they need any prior experience or knowledge before starting a paragliding course. Let us put your mind at ease— no prior experience is required ! At our paragliding school in Kamshet, our experienced instructors will guide you step by step, starting from the basics. A Beginner’s Guide to Paragliding in Kamshet This 4-day paragliding course in Kamshet is designed to safely get you 3–4 solo flights, weather permitting. We aim to give you the best experience possible, ensuring you enjoy the thrill of paragliding while learning the essential skills. Day 1: Ground Training We’ll begin on a flat, open field in Kamshet, where you’ll get acquainted with the paragliding equipment. You’ll learn how to perform an alpine takeoff , also known as a forward launch technique. This simple and beginner-friendly technique is perfect for f...
Read more