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Temple Pilots P1 Notes Page 1
PARAGLIDINGTEMPLEPiLOTS
Beginner (P1)Pilot Training Manual
Revised and Updated
Picture courtesy: Darren Waring (Club Pilot) Flying Site: Candidasa, Bali, Indonesia
Beginner Pilot Training Manual Page 2
READ THIS FIRST
Paragliding is a form of aviation, with all of the inherent and potential dangers that
are involved in aviation. No form of aviation is without risk. Injuries and death can and
do occur in paragliding, even to trained pilots using proper equipment. No claim is
made or implied that all sources of potential danger to the pilot have or can be
identified. No one should participate in paragliding who does not recognize and wish
to personally assume the associated risks.
The training manual is intended to be used as one part of a professional and
instructional course. It is intended to be used in combination with personal flight
instructions by a qualified paragliding instructor. No one should attempt to teach
himself/herself to fly.
SYLLABUS FOR P1
LEVEL 1: Site & wind assessment, equipment know-how, canopy layout, pre – flight checks, inflation, deflation
and ground handling.
LEVEL 2: Take off and landing techniques, direction control (Hops), Solo clearance.
LEVEL 3: Solo flights under supervision
Note:
You will graduate to the next level only after you have acquired the necessary skill and
knowledge to the satisfaction of your Instructor.
Welcome to the Skies
The world of free flight This journey is fun, fascinating and rewarding. Let's lay the groundwork so your skyward quest is made easier through understanding. The useful attributes are good judgment, a concern for personal safety,
the ability to make reasonable decisions, a positive attitude and the will or desire to fly.
Skill development: We will always emphasize the gradual approach and we strive to ensure safety through good judgment.
1. Site and wind assessment: You will begin your introductory
lesson on flat ground and gradually work your way higher as you progress. Your instructor will guide you in assessing wind conditions that are appropriate for your level and in understanding your limitations.
2. Equipment introduction: Knowing the paragliding lingo let's you understand and communicate the technique.
In the beginning many of your decisions will be made for you by your
instructor, but gradually you will begin to take charge. If you already have goods decision making skills, fine. If not, they will be developed in the training program along with your judgment of flying skills.
Over confidence is a deficit in aviation.
Fear is natural. If you have no fear whatsoever, it may create fear in
your Instructor. How we deal with fear is the important thing. Fear is manageable. Discuss your fears with your instructor.
Remember: Knowledge dispels fear
Beginner Pilot Training Manual Page 1
Visualization Technique
Pro Tip: Use visualization.
Imagine what you want to do, and
then imagine your success. This
will train your body's responses
more readily.
VMR (Visual Motor
Rehearsal)When you visualize,
then you materialize. Here’s an
interesting thing about the mind:
Some Olympic athletes were made
to run their event only in their
mind, and were then hooked up to
sophisticated bio-feedback
equipment. Incredibly, the same
muscles fired in the same
sequence when they were running
the race in their mind, as when
they were running it on the track.
How could this be ? Because the
mind can’t distinguish whether you
are really doing it or its just a
practice. If you’ve been there in
the mind, you’ll go there in the
body. Whatever the mind can
conceive, it can achieve.
Use the imaging technique
throughout all your flying and it will
make you a better pilot.
LEVEL 1Getting Started
Learn the basics well and be thorough in everything you do; this
is laying a solid foundation for becoming a safe & competent
pilot.
Unpacking, laying out and packing the canopy
Putting on the harness and helmet
Assessing the wind direction and clearing the area for spreading your canopy
Canopy layout – perpendicular to the wind, horse shoe shape, clearing the lines and connecting the risers to your harness
Your Objective
To learn how to prepare your glider and your position for forward
inflation (alpine launch).
Pre-Flight Checks
After equipment inspection and having connected yourself to the
glider, just prior to launch:
The Checklist
Make sure you learn them by heart, from Day 1.
Start from below (leg straps) making your way up:
Leg straps – locked & secure
Safety belt – locked & secure
Carabiners – locked & secure
Risers – not twisted
Control (brake) lines – clear, untangled, free
Shoulder straps – locked & secure
Helmet strap – locked & secure
Checks before launch:Canopy layout – last look over the shoulder for alpine launch
Area in front & above clear for take off
Check wind-strength and direction
Launch
Beginner Pilot Training Manual Page 2
Safety Tip
Finding and
connecting an
equipment problem
on the ground is
infinitely better
than doing so in
the air.
Leading Edge Trailing Edge
Left steering of control line
Right steering of control line
Pilot
Harness
Suspension Lines
Preflight Requirements
Thoroughness (in detail), organized (systematic manner), uninterrupted process and correcting the deficiencies. Take your time and make sure
you miss out nothing.
Develop habits for Safety from NOW. Nothing is worth compromising safety!
Inflation (Alpine)
Make sure that canopy is laid out exactly perpendicular to the wind direction and then pulled up from the center to give it a horseshoe shape to ease inflation.
That you are standing in the center and square to the canopy
That you are not stepping on any lines
That you are holding the risers properly, correctly
Good arm position so that you apply equal & even pressure on both the risers
A smooth and continuous run
Release the risers in timely fashion – your instructor will demonstrate the
technique to you and you learn a lot by observing other students.
Look up to check the canopy
Note: For an even inflation you need an even wind and an even pull on both sides.
Your Objective
To learn how to inflate consistently in various conditions while facing forward.
In very light winds, take one step back to slacken the lines, this helps you gain momentum for a forward launch.
In calm or light winds your run supplies the canopy
airspeed. Don't slow down or stop during inflation or launch
Common Mistakes
Non centered start
Uneven jerks or improper hand position
Early or late released risers or pulling down of risers
Stopping the run when checking the canopy.
Skill Check
To see how well you can inflate the canopy. Keep a tally of how
many attempts are successes. When you are scoring 9 out of 10 you are quite adept. Now work on the tenth one.
Beginner Pilot Training Manual Page 3
Caution: Never
unfasten your leg
straps once you
are in your
harness until you
are ready to take
off the harness.
Ground handling
“Ground handing skill is the key to expert piloting skill”
Ground handling indeed prepares you for your entire flying career. The more adept you are at controlling your canopy on the ground, the better you will be able to launch and the more sensitive you will be to the feel of the glider in the air.
Your Objective
To learn how to control the glider on the ground in relation to the wind.
Note: Practice in both smooth and varying conditions. Practice turning forward and backwards while maintaining the canopy stable.
Kiting Skills (Side-to-Side controls)
This involves using the controls asymmetrically. The ability to perform these controls correctly is extremely important for handling turbulence and varying wind during launch. Also, you will be beginning to learn the proper controls for turning.
Controlling the canopy on ground is actually more difficult than it is in the air.
Pull the control on the side opposite to the direction in which the canopy is pulling and move towards the canopy. Always maintaining the forward momentum.
Remember
Steer left, step right
Steer right, step left
Stay below the canopy
Always keep the glider loaded using your body weight and forward motion
Most accidents in paragliding happen on ground (either on takeoff or landing). Thus the importance of ground handling should be thoroughly realized. It is your glider that will give you the confidence to enjoy flying.
Summary
By now you should have a real feel for the canopy and how it obeys your every command - even if your commands are incorrect! But never fear, continued practice at inflation and ground handling will soon have you making all controls automatically, timely and precisely.
Beginner Pilot Training Manual Page 4
Pro Tip : To feel how your
canopy is heading, sense
the pressure in the
controls. The mark of a
good pilot is his or her ability to know
what the canopy is doing without
constantly looking at it. This is sensed
through the forces in the control lines
and the pull' of the harness on you –
true seat of the pants flying.
Skill Check - Level 1
Site and wind assessment
Proper canopy layout, connection
and setup
Pre flight checks
Forward inflation run - consistency
Good canopy control -
pendulum & directional control
Canopy Deflation
Understanding canopy packing,
storage & care
Beginner Pilot Training Manual Page 5
How does a paraglider fly?When inflated, the canopy of the paraglider creates an aerofoil
The canopy is inflated by air entering the open cells on the leading edge, which are closed on the trailing edge
This is achieved at launch in two ways: Alpine/Forward Launch and Reverse Launch
Because of the shape of an aerofoil, air that passes over the top has to travel a greater distance than air which passes under. The air that passes over the top of an aerofoil creates a lower pressure than that which passes underneath
The higher pressure air underneath wants to equalize the lower pressure on the top thus forcing the canopy up and creating lift
The paraglider is designed to descend. It will go up only in lifting air; like in ascending air over a ridge or thermals.
Basic paraglider control movementsA paraglider is controlled by moving the control lines with your hands, independently or together, to alter the profile of the wing above your head and thereby alter the amount of lift and drag created by different areas of the wing
The glider responds by changing its airspeed or by turning.
Of the three axes of movement - pitch, roll and yaw - the pilot can normally only control pitch by moving controls together, and yaw (i.e. left or right change of heading) by moving controls differentially. In a turn, roll (banking to the left or right) develops automatically when the glider is turned.
Developing Lift
Airflow past a wing
Stalled wing
Longitudinal Axis
Vertical Axis
Lateral Axis
Vertical Axis
Lateral Axis
Longitudinal Axis
LEVEL 2Take Off and Landing (Hops)
People of all ages (from very young to very old) and body types (form couch potatoes to body builders) have successfully learned to fly paragliders.
Early on paragliding is about 90% physical and 10% mental effort. Soon this changes to 10% physical and 90% mental.
Your Objective
To learn consistent, smooth take-off's including smooth transitions from
ground to air and smooth landings on feet and into wind.
Pre Launch Check
Proper air conditions, proper glider setup and proper mental preparations.
Launch
Remember to lean forward and crouch in your initial run. This posture
helps pull against the backward pull of the glider, keeps your feet under you. This also allows you to maintain contact with the ground longer. Remember - Shorter steps initially and after the canopy is over head (after release) longer strides to accelerate. Do not slow down and do not sit.
Keep running until your feet are no longer touching the terrain. You're flying !
Your Objective
To perform a smooth, straight flight without changes in airspeed from take off and landing, then learning careful, intentional speed control.
Sitting Down – Develop the habit from your first flight of remaining in launch position (legs down) until you are well clear of the terrain.
Flight - Never lock your arms, but keep them loose and floating, maintain an even pressure (3-5 kg's) depending on how slow you want to fly.
Never – hold the risers or even touch them. Feel the amount of force on the control lines and feel the wind on your face.
All control inputs should be smooth and gentle.
Beginner Pilot Training Manual Page 6
Angle of attack is the
angle between the
chord line of the wing
and the direction of
flight through the air.
With brakes off, the
paraglider flies at a
relatively low angle of
attack
When the brakes are
pu l led down, the
trailing edge of the
canopy is depressed,
which rotates the
chord line upward
and raises the angle
of attack. As a result
of the higher angle of attack, the canopy
slows down. If the angle of attack is
raised too high, the airflow over the top
of the canopy separates, the wing stalls
and the canopy collapses
Chord line
Chord line
Flight Direction
Flight Direction
High angle of attack
Low angle of attack
Common Launch mistakes and cures
Slowing down the run once the glider begins lifting. Avoid this tendency by focusing on a point well ahead and visualize running to
that point.
Sitting down too soon. Resolve to run into the air and keep your feet under you for an imminent landing.
Over-controlling. Make all controls slow and gradual. It's better to
under control than over control at this point
Landing During Hops
The most important rule about landing is to always land into wind. Flying into wind gives you
your slowest speed over the ground, and this makes your landing easier and safer.
You will need a greater and quicker
application of brakes in zero or light winds, and less if there is more wind.
Once you have your height judgement fully developed, the
ideal “landing flare” is a smooth application from 0% brakes (or whatever your initial brake setting is) to 100 % brakes over a period of about 2 seconds, beginning
when your feet are about 5 to 8 feet off the ground.
STRONG WINDS
Remember that in strong winds, the canopy will want to inflate harder and faster, and may inflate unexpectedly. Pay attention all the time, keep a
firm grasp on the “C” risers and use them to keep the canopy on the ground until you are ready to perform the inflation.
Strong Wind Emergency Procedure
The single line save your life (and dignity) maneuver:
In strong winds, when handling the canopy on the ground, you may get
into a situation where controls of the canopy have gotten away from you, you have been or are about to be dragged off your feet, and are trying to avoid being dragged across the ground. In this case, grab one line (whatever you can get yours hands on) and reel it in hand over hand as you run towards the canopy until you have canopy cloth in your hand. In
this mode, the canopy cannot inflate and drag you.
Beginner Pilot Training Manual Page 7
Skill Check - Level 2Unassisted inflation & run (pendulum & direction control)
Smooth transition from ground to airDirection control in the airAbility to judge and maintain heading into wind for landing
Controlled touchdown on feet Into the wind
Canopy deflation & immobilization
LEVEL 3
Preparing For Your First Solo
Pre - Take Off
Know where you are going to land. Check the wind strength and direction at take off for consistency over ten minutes, before and
then during setting up the glider.
Take Off - Remember the sequence :Inflation, Control, Speed
Inflation: Once the canopy is inflated in the overhead position, some
brakes should have been applied to stop the canopy from over-flying
you.
Control: If something does not feel right, or the canopy is out of
control – ABORT, before it is too late (be decisive)
Speed: Airspeed means safety, therefore, you should create a sufficient
margin of airspeed before you leave the ground. Provided you have reached sufficient airspeed, the glider will begin to lift you. A touch of brakes at this stage will take you off your feet.
DO NOT JUMP. Shuffle back into your harness without pulling on or lettinggo of the brakes.
Beginner Pilot Training Manual Page 8
IN THE AIR : Congratulations you are flying !!
Follow your flight plan. For the time being, all you need to
worry about is speed to fly, steering (direction control),
and landing
Flying the paraglider at trim speed. Raising
the control handles from this position
increases airspeed
Lowering the controls handles decreases
airspeed
Steering
All steering inputs should be smooth and gradual
To turn left / right, gently pull on the left / right brake and ease up
gently on the right / left brake, leaning into the turn.
Clear your turns and turn in time to make good your landing area. Do not delay your turns.
Landing
Only takeoffs are optional, landings are mandatory !
Keeping an eye on the wind sock and landing field, align yourself on your landing approach.
If you need to lose some height, do so by making “S” turns, but not too tight.
Once you are on landing approach (30 feet. approx.) you should not
be turning and should not be flying with much brake – fast is safe.
On final approach (10-15 feet) – apply some brakes to slow down your descent rate and forward speed. Make sure you're heading into the wind.
At this time your legs should be out and you should be sitting
forward on the edge of your seat.
Now depending on your descent rate and forward speed (between 5-8 feet) – Pull both brakes smoothly (flare) to arrest your descent rate and forward motion to make a soft touch down.
The Key : Stay relaxed and follow instructions
Common mistakes
Not landing into wind: Will cause side travel and higher landing speeds.
Early Flare: You will drop whatever remaining distance you are
from the ground because your glider is no longer flying, so don't flare too high.
Late Flare: Will result in higher descent rate and higher landing speeds.
Beginner Pilot Training Manual Page 9
Skill Check - Level 3Consistency in unassisted and committed launch
Ability to make corrections on t/o runAbility to be decisive and abort when necessary
Ability to fly straight, make turns & align into wind for landingAbility to time flare for smooth landing on feet into wind
Proper flight planning and confident of flying solo
Proper post flight procedures
Pulling down hard on the control handles
to flare the glider for landing
Initiating a left turn Initiating a right turn
Remember to always land on your feet and
into wind.
A perfectly timed flare will result in practically
no forward motion and no significant drop but
a smooth and soft landing.
Beginner Pilot Training Manual Page 10
All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any manner without the consent of the
author.
Originally introduced in 2001
Revised and updated over the years
Recent edition 2007
Author: Amarjit Malik (Avi)
Chief Flying Instructor,
Temple Pilots
This training manual will be retained by the school.
Please try and maintain it in good condition for usage by future student
pilots
TeMple PilotsAssociate Member,
Indian Parachuting Foundation
Cell: 9823384654
www.templepilots.com