Tests

Some of our paragliders undergo new EN tests.

Earlier we have been certifying our wings according to AFNOR scheme.


Below you can see a chart with approximate test ranges.

Some of our paragliders are currently being tested following new European norm regulations (EN 926-2:2005 and 926-1:1995).

Earlier we have been certifying our wings according to AFNOR scheme.

The European norm is focused on the least experienced pilots - in their case maximum safety must be guaranteed, while the more seasoned can take care of themselves. That's why the initial classes are very tight, and even slight deviations from directional or vertical axis in specific manoeuvres can disqualify the wing. In case of higher classes there is fast increase in tolerance limits.

Full test schedule results in thorough description of given paraglider's behaviour in specific manoeuvres, each tried both at minimum and maximum weight.

For every our paraglider you will find details of its certification along technical datas. Authenticity of certifications can be verified at www.para-test.com.

Certificate name, category and number are given on the rating plate (wingtip).

On the wing there may be present a different sticker as well, confirming new European certificate, with detailed results in its bottom line.

Below you will find a brief outline of EN paraglider categories with flight test details.

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PARAGLIDER CATEGORIES

class	flight characteristics	pilot skills required
A	Paragliders with maximum passive safety and exceptionally forgiving flight characteristics. Very resistant to any deviations from normal state of flight.	Designed for all pilots, including all levels of training.
B	Paragliders with good passive safety and forgiving flight characteristics. Partly resistant to deviations from normal state of flight.	Designed for all pilots, including all levels of training.
C	Paragliders with moderate passive safety and possibly dynamic reactions to turbulence and/or pilot mistakes. Return to normal state of flight may require precise pilot input.	Designed for pilots who know principles of active steering and fly regularly, understanding consequences of using a wing with decreased passive safety.
D	Paragliders with demanding flight characteristics and possible abrupt reactions to turbulence and/or pilot mistakes. Return to normal state of flight requires precise pilot actions.	Designed for pilots flying very actively with considerable experience in turbulences, who understand and accept risk inherent in flying such paragliders.

 

FLIGHT TEST DESCRIPTION

Flight test report (as described in European Norm 929-2) gives account of 24 manoeuvres. Each of them is ranked as A, B, C, D or F (Failure). There is no percentages here, a paraglider gets as its overall result the lowest mark it obtained at any point. Even a single failure means that a paraglider did not pass at all, i.e. is not conforming to the norm. During flight tests following elements are assessed:

• 1 - inflation/take-off
• 2 - landing
• 3 - speed in straight flight
• 4 - steering forces and range
• 5 - pitch stability when exiting accelerated flight
• 6 - pitch stability using controls while in accelerated flight (any collapses?)
• 7 - roll stability and damping
• 8 - stability in gentle spirals and recovery
• 9 - behaviour in a steeply banked turn (sink rate after two revs)
• 10 - symmetric front collapse
• 11 - exiting deep stall (parachutal stall)
• 12 - recovery from high angle of attack
• 13 - recovery from a developed full stall
• 14 - asymmetric collapse
• 15 - directional control during maintained asymmetric collapse
• 16 - tendency to spin at trim speed
• 17 - tendency to spin at low speed
• 18 - recovery from a developed spin
• 19 - B-line stall and recovery
• 20 - big ears: entering, steering, exiting
• 21 - big ears in accelerated flight (entering, steering, exiting)
• 22 - behaviour on exit from a steep spiral
• 23 - alternative means of directional control
• 24 - any other flight procedure and/or configuration described in the users manual

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We recommend getting some knowledge on the test & assessment methods, since they can give you an objective report of wings' behaviour. Just search the web, here is one of the links.