Curiously, there is no reliable recommendation for the duration of use of paragliders!
However, every time they fly, they are exposed to UV rays, abrasion on the ground, humidity, various clumsiness… + wear and tear and deformation!
Fabric
The number of flights or the time spent in the air are unfortunately not sufficiently relevant criteria,
because one crucial element can change everything >>
However, it is rare that the fabric does not pass the tear test.
ATTENTION
The ageing of a paraglider takes place gradually without you noticing it.
“I didn’t notice anything, my sail flies well!” is not a criterion!
Trimming
The setting of the glider is already changing after a few dozen hours of flight ! The speed decreases and the glider becomes less lively, with an increased risk
- of stalling
- of stable parachuting
- of spiral instability (the canopy remains in a spiral with its speed increasing and a pilot action is required to exit)
It can become dangerous and it is no longer the paraglider you had chosen!
Lines
After a few years, the strength of the lines may have decreased to the point where replacement of some of the lines (usually the lower A and B lines) is necessary!
It’s a bit silly…
Most unchecked paragliders are outside the scope of certification !
Fortunately, there are control procedures to ensure that your glider is fit to fly.
