Paragliding Open Class Technical Working Group

This working group was established in February 2010 to address the issue of prototype and open class paragliders being eligible to fly in Cat 1 events.

Introduction

CIVL is fully aware that the introduction of new materials and new technology into paraglider design does not necessarily constitute a compromise in safety. On the contrary, we have seen many instances in which such innovations have actually made our sport safer. With this in mind, it is not this Commission’s wish to limit the development of such innovation. At the same time, however, with reference to FAI Category 1 events, it is this Commission’s responsibility to ensure that all participating paragliders actually adhere to or exhibit a demonstrable level of safety.

Working Group actions and timelines

1.a Interim solution – self certification
In order for an otherwise non-certified paraglider to be allowed to take part in Category 1 events, as an initial interim solution, we propose introducing a form of ‘self-certification’ in which manufacturers will be required to publish documentation and a video of the paraglider wherein its various flight characteristics have been demonstrated as a result of a series of manoeuvers.
The working group will determine what would have to be documented and displayed as well as the parameters under which it would be produced.

Goals

• ready for use at the 2011 World Paragliding Championship
• info to manufacturers in three weeks (15 March)
• 1st Meeting by 30th May (during European PG Championship)
• August – final proposal
• report prepared for the CIVL half-year meeting in October
• proposal or recommendations ready by deadline in December
• February 2011 – final decision at plenary

1.b Long term solution – New Open Class (EN) standard
As a long term solution, we propose the introduction of a new standard (eventually EN), wherein, only paragliders meeting the requirements delineated within this standard would be allowed to take part in Category 1 events. The working group will study this issue and determine the requirements such a paraglider would have to fulfill as well as the feasibility and means by which such a new standard could be introduced.

Goals

• to be able to use it as soon as possible
• have a report prepared for the CIVL half-year meeting in October.

2. PG design evolution
The working group will also study the possibility of introduction of limitations such as aspect ratio, weight of the paragliders, minimum line length or other options.

Goals

• to be able to use it at the 2012 European Paragliding Championship
• info to manufacturers in three weeks (15 March)
• 1st Meeting by 30th of May (during European Championship)
• 2nd Meeting by 30th of September (during PWC super-final)
• December - Final proposal
• February 2011 – final decision at plenary

Members

Browse the list of all CIVL Subcommittee and Working Group Members.