Paragliding equipment - Paragliders - Part 2: Requirements and test methods for classifying flight safety characteristics

EN 926-2 SUMMARY

WARNING: EN 926-2 is the definitive document. This simplified summary is for guidance only and must not be used for any other purpose.

Introduction
EN 926-2 describes methods for classifying the flight safety characteristics of paragliders in terms of the demands on pilot flying skills.
This summary of that standard concentrates on presenting the flight tests and requirements in a simplified format. EN 926-2 should be referred to for all supporting details.

Classification
In each test precise criteria allow the behaviour of the paraglider to be classified A, B, C, D or F.
The highest classification (ie furthest from A) obtained by the paraglider in any test is the final overall classification given.
Table 1 - Description of the paraglider classes

1 Flight tests
1.1 General
The behaviour of the paraglider in the programme of test manoeuvres is demonstrated by a manufacturer's pilot. If this demonstration is judged satisfactory by the test laboratory pilot, the test procedure is then carried out.

1.2 Apparatus
See 926-2 for details.
1.3 Test specimen
1.3.1 Selection
The test specimen must be complete with the user's manual in a language acceptable to the testing laboratory, ready to fly and conform in all points to the production model.
1.3.2 Conditioning
Before the flight tests begin the test specimen must first complete a sustained load test procedure (see EN 926-1, point 4.5.2) either:
a) the loads exceeds eight times the maximum total weight in flight recommended by the manufacturer, for a mini-mum continuous duration of 3 seconds, or with
b) five peaks obtained above five times the maximum total weight in flight recommended by the manufacturer, in one run.
1.3.3 Marking
The test specimen supplied by the manufacturer shall be clearly marked in the following way:
 markings are required on the lower surface of the canopy at 25 %, 50 % and 75 % span, starting at the leading edge, and at 50 % span, starting at the trailing edge. These positions are percentages of the flat (i.e. non inflated) span, and are determined with the paraglider laid flat.
 markings are required on the control lines to show zero and the symmetric stall positions.
NOTE To mark zero and symmetric stall positions, it is recommended that manufacturers attach an additional reference line to each side of the paraglider, running from the B riser to the seat of the harness, and incorporating elastic to maintain tension. Each reference line should be fitted with 2 adjustable toggles (e.g. tonkasTM).
When moving the controls to a position to be marked, the pilot moves both the controls and the appropriate tonkas down. When releasing the controls again, he lets go of the tonkas (refer to the procedure in 5.5.19.4).
If the position of any of these marks obtained at the minimum weight in flight differs noticeably from the position obtained at the maximum weight in flight, the manufacturer is required to provide the test specimen with a second pair of identical control lines or reference lines, one marked for the minimum, the other one for the maximum weight in flight.
 a streamer 1 m long and 5 cm wide on one riser to help visualise the trajectory

1.4 Procedure
1.4.1 General
Two different test pilots of the testing laboratory each carry out one complete programme of the test manoeuvres, one at the minimum weight in flight declared by the manufacturer, the other one at the maximum weight in flight de-clared by the manufacturer.
The maximum weight in flight declared by the manufacturer shall not exceed the maximum weight in flight up to which the paraglider is in compliance with EN 926 1.
In the exceptional case that the minimum weight in flight declared by the manufacturer is less than 65 kg and the testing laboratory cannot provide a light enough test pilot, then the test programme at the minimum weight in flight is replaced by a test programme flown at the lowest weight in flight which is achievable. The manufacturer is then additionally required to demonstrate a test programme at the declared minimum weight in flight. This demonstration programme must be witnessed by a test pilot of the testing laboratory and recorded on video.
Any test weight in flight up to 125 kg must be achieved using 1 pilot.
If any test weight in flight exceeds 125 kg, this weight can be achieved using 1 or 2 pilots.
If any test weight in flight exceeds 155 kg, this weight must be achieved using 2 pilots.
All weights are subject to an acceptable tolerance of  2 kg.
All speeds are subject to an acceptable tolerance of  2 km/h.
If a test manoeuvre has not been performed in precise accordance with its procedure, the manoeuvre is repeated. (This may be due to an error of the test pilot or due to meteorological influences.)
1.4.2 Trimmers
If trimmers are fitted to a paraglider, then the complete test programme is repeated with the trimmers set both to the slowest and to the fastest position.
1.4.3 Other adjustable or removable devices
If the paraglider is equipped with other adjustable or removable devices which are not covered explicitly in this section and which may influence its flight characteristics or its control, the paraglider shall be tested in the least favourable (symmetric) configuration.
1.4.4 Video and radio documentation
Certain tests have to be videoed and the test pilots comments during flight recorded.
See 926-2 for details.
1.4.5 Harness dimensions
The test pilot (and the passenger when testing in two seater configuration) shall use a harness with a distance of 42 cm from the paraglider riser (or spreader bar) attachment points (measured from connector centrelines) perpen-dicular to the seat board top surface.
The horizontal distance of the paraglider riser attachment points (measured from connector centrelines) shall be set to 42 cm.
In the case of a pilot's weight of less than 50 kg the horizontal dimension is reduced to 38 cm.
In the case of a pilot's weight of more than 80 kg the horizontal dimension is increased to 46 cm.
When testing in two seater configuration the horizontal dimension of the passenger's harness is set to the same width as the pilot's harness.
1.4.6 Ballast
Any ballast shall be tightly attached to the pilot and positioned as close as possible to the centre of gravity of a pilot sitting in the harness not carrying any ballast.
When testing in two seater configuration any ballast carried by the passenger shall be attached following the same principles as for the pilot's ballast.
The use of water ballast is recommended for safety reasons.
1.4.7 Sitting position
Unless the test procedure states otherwise, the test pilot should adopt a normal upright sitting position with his feet perpendicularly below his knees.
1.4.8 Controls in hand
Unless the test procedure states otherwise, the controls are always held in the pilot's hands. The term ‘releasing the controls' means taking all tension off the control lines.
1.4.9 Wraps
The test pilot shall never need to use wraps unless the test procedure requires this.
1.4.10 Maximum travel of the accelerator
The accelerator is considered to be fully activated when the mechanical limits of the glider are reached and further action on the accelerator does not result in a further decrease of the angle of attack.
1.4.11 Pitch angles
Measurement is of the change of angle. A straight line taken from the leading edge at the centre of the canopy to the pilot's buttocks is compared to the horizon before and after the manoeuvre.
1.4.12 Keeping course
The paraglider is considered to have kept its course throughout a test if it stays within 15 degrees either side of its original course.

1.4.13 Details of test manoeuvres to be carried out
1.4.13.1 Inflation/take off test
This test is to find out how difficult it is to take off with this paraglider (including checking for undesirable tenden-cies).
Procedure
The inflation shall take place on a slope between 10 % and 33 %.
It shall be carried out in headwinds of less than 8 km/h (measured about 1,5 m above the ground) and shall be
repeated twice (to ensure the genuine behaviour is established).
The test pilot uses a normal forward launch technique (controls and A risers in the hands, the other risers in the el-bows, A lines just tight, constant steady acceleration).
If a special take off technique is required for a paraglider then this information shall be contained in the user's manual, and these instructions shall be followed by the test pilot

Classification of a paraglider's behaviour
in the inflation/take-off test

Classification of a paraglider's behaviour in the landing test

                  Classification of a paraglider's behaviour in the stability
   in gentle spirals test

Classification of a paraglider's behaviour in the symmetric front collapse test

Nb. Timing starts from the instant that the controls reach the zero position after the pilot releases them.
The glider is considered to have exited this test when it reaches its furthest forward pitching point. If there is no noticeable pitching, the glider is considered to have exited this test when the streamer on the riser reaches 45° to the horizon.
                                                        Classification of a paraglider's behaviour in the exiting deep stall (parachutal stall) test

Nb. Timing starts from the instant that the controls reach the zero position after the pilot releases them.
The glider is considered to have exited this test when it reaches its furthest forward pitching point. If there is no noticeable pitching, the glider is considered to have exited this test when the streamer on the riser reaches 45° to the horizon.
                                                          Classification of a paraglider's behaviour in the high angle of attack recovery test

Nb. Timing starts from the instant that the controls reach the zero position after the pilot releases them.
Collapse on the opposite side: A collapse on the opposite side has occurred when less than 50 % of the span of the paraglider's leading edge is affected. If more than 50 % of the span is affected, this is a cascade.
Twist: A twist has occurred, when after 5 s or after a turn of 360° the pilot's position still is rotated more than 180° relative to the glider.

 Classification of a paraglider's behaviour in the asymmetric collapse test

Classification of a paraglider's behaviour in the recovery
from a developed spin test

Nb. Timing when exiting stalled flight conditions. The glider is considered to have exited this test when it reaches its furthest forward pitching point. If there is no noticeable pitching, the glider is considered to have exited this test when the streamer on the riser reaches 45° to the horizon.

Classification of a paraglider's behaviour in the B line stall test

Nb. Timing starts from the instant that the controls reach the zero position after the pilot releases them.

Classification of a paraglider's behaviour in the big ears test

Classification of a paraglider's behaviour in the big ears in accelerated flight test

Procedure
Stabilise the glider in straight flight at trim speed.
By initial use of one control only, direct the paraglider into a spiral. By use of the controls the glider is accelerated until a sink rate of 14 m/s is achieved. (If 14 m/s cannot be obtained then evaluate at the highest possible sink rate).
Then release the controls over a period of 2 s and observe the paraglider's behaviour.
If the turn clearly tightens, the pilot acts to recover the glider. Otherwise the pilot waits for three turns to establish the glider's behaviour.
The pilot shall not counteract inertia effects on his body at any stage.
The sink rate when evaluating spiral stability is recorded for documentation and information purposes.
                                                                                    Classification of a paraglider's behaviour
                                                                                    in the behaviour exiting a steep spiral test

Procedure
Stabilise the glider in straight flight at trim speed.
Apply the alternative control method recommended in the user's manual without affecting the primary controls and perform a 180° turn.
Wait for 20 s or until the turn is completed.
                                                                                 Classification of a paraglider's behaviour
                                                                         in the alternative means of directional control test

Classification of a paraglider's behaviour
when testing any other flight procedure
and/or configuration described in the user's manual

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