🌐 APPI Pilot Equipment Manual – Web‑Friendly Summary

1. Paraglider Components

• Canopy: Upper & lower sail forming an airfoil; divided into cells by internal walls for pressure balance.

• Suspension Lines: A, B, C, D (and sometimes E rows). Front lines carry ~80% of the load.

• Risers: Connect lines to harness; modern wings use 3–4 risers per side.

• Brake System: Brake handles attached to rear risers control trailing edge.

2. Key Wing Concepts

• Real vs. Projected Surface: Projected area is smaller and used for wing‑loading calculations.

• Span: Tip‑to‑tip distance.

• Glide Ratio: Horizontal distance per unit of height lost.

• Wing Load: Total flight weight divided by projected surface (affects speed, stability, sink rate).

• Chord & Aspect Ratio: Determine aerodynamic efficiency.

• Camber & Trim: Line lengths set angle of attack; incorrect trim affects safety (stall risk, launch behavior).

3. Brake Line Adjustment

• Must maintain 10 cm of free travel hands‑off.

• Too short = high stall risk.

• Too long = poor flare and control.

• Avoid line twists; use swivels if needed.

4. Speed System & Trim Tabs

• Speed Bar reduces angle of attack → higher speed, increased collapse risk.

• Never use speed bar near ground or in turbulence.

• Trim Tabs (common in paramotors): adjust angle of attack for cruise speed and torque compensation.

5. Types of Paragliders

• Beginner / School Wings: Maximum stability & forgiveness.

• Intermediate: Higher performance; require active piloting.

• Competition: For expert pilots only; high risk for inexperienced pilots.

6. Certification

• Wings tested under EN / CE / DHV standards.

• APPI requires certified wings for examinations.

• Classes: A (beginner), B (mid), C (advanced), D/competition.

7. Harness Systems

• Should match pilot skill and flight style.

• Key factors:

  • Suspension height (affects stability)

  • Seatboard width

  • Weight‑shift response

  • Reserve placement

• Pod harnesses = higher performance but greater twist risk.

APPI Harness Safety Points

• T‑safety line mandatory for tandem passengers.

• No knots in rescue webbing connections.

• No shoulder‑mounted reserve pockets.

• Maximum harness lifespan: 10 years.

8. Wing & Line Materials

• Fabrics: Polyamide or polyester with UV‑sensitive coatings.

• Rip‑Stop fabric resists tearing.

• Lifespan: 300–500 hours depending on UV exposure & care.

• Line Types:

  • Dyneema (more elastic, low heat tolerance)

  • Kevlar/Aramid (low stretch, sensitive to bending)

9. Inspection & Maintenance

Daily Preflight Check

• Canopy: Tears, internal damage, correct size/load.

• Lines: Check for sheath damage, knots, tangles.

• Harness: Straps, buckles, karabiners.

• Reserve: Handle & pin secure.

• Helmet: EN966 certified.

Periodic Inspections

• Fabric porosity tests.

• Line length measurement (change >1 cm requires retrim).

• Carabiners replaced every 3 years.

• Reserve repacked every 6 months.

Cleaning & Storage

• Clean only with warm water (no chemicals).

• Store dry, away from sunlight, heat, moisture, and chemicals.

• Do not fly with wet equipment.

10. Instruments

• Variometer (altitude & climb/sink rate).

• Anemometer (ground wind & airspeed).

• GPS‑enabled flight instruments for advanced tasks.

11. Personal Equipment

• Protective clothing, gloves, ankle‑supporting boots.

• EN966 certified helmet (open‑face recommended for visibility & wind sensitivity).

12. Reserve Parachutes

• Mandatory on many sites; essential safety device.

• Must be repacked every 6 months.

• Maximum lifespan: 10 years.

• Use when:

  • Mid‑air collisions

  • Irrecoverable spins

  • Spiral dive lock‑ins

  • Equipment failure

  • Low‑altitude large collapse

• Deployment steps: Look → Grab → Pull → Throw → Disable main wing.