Paragliding Pre-Flight Check
Pre-flight checks are essential in paragliding for insuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Before you take off, it's important to inspect your equipment for any signs of wear or damage, like tangled lines or worn harnesses, which could lead to trouble in the air. Checking the weather is just as important; you'll want to know the wind speed and direction to ensure a smooth takeoff and landing. Taking a few minutes to go through these checks can boost your confidence and help you focus on the flight ahead. It’s a small but important step that can make a big difference in your overall safety and peace of mind.
One of the key safety checks and acronyms that I follow before every launch is:
R1234RST
R = reserve pins are in correctly
1 = helmet is strapped
2 = left and right carabiners that hook the harness to to the wing are closed
3 = all harness buckles on harness are clipped together
4 = leading edge, trailing edge and each wing tip is out and ready
R = radio is turned on
S = foot is behind the stirrup
T = left risers over right risers (reverse launch only)
By taking the time to perform thorough pre-flight checks in advance and on launch will not only will add consistency and safety but will also improve your paragliding experience. Stay safe and happy flying!