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DHV test reports |
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Paraglider classificationThe classification scheme gives a scale for the grade of pilot skills necessary to operate a glider safely. The overall classification of a glider is found by taking the highest (e.g. most demanding) classification in a single flight test category. On reading the test reports you should bear in mind that test programs are flown and evaluated in a well-standardized manner, as this is the only way to achieve reproducible test results to be compared with certification limits. You also get an objective scale to compare gliders, but any statement concerning in-flight characteristics applies in absolute precision only to maneuvers flown in the standardized manner under perfect test conditions. The addition to the overall classification denotes the group of harnesses that are allowed to be operated with the glider
New class descriptionsThe progress in paraglider-technology has shifted the relationship between glider classes and requirements of pilot skills. Therefore DHV and OeAeC have changed the official wording of the paraglider class descriptions. The performance of today's class 1 and 1-2 gliders is pretty close to the performance of the more demanding gliders. As their good-natured flight characteristics give a high level of active and passive safety, they are recommended to anybody who doesn't fly regularly or whose motivation to fly is pure fun rather than ambition. On the other hand class 2 gliders, who were formerly used in training, due to their higher speed-potential today require an actively flying and well-reacting pilot. Experienced pilots of course like their handling characteristics and their high rate of active safety, which is combined with a level of performance equaling that of high performance competition wings a couple of years ago.
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