Paragliding terms - Flying styles
Airborne
This is the paragliding terms of the most fundamental form of flight, consisting of a straight path from the launch site to the landing area. It’s primarily for beginners getting acquainted with flying. Even experienced pilots must resort to this type of flight if they fail to find a lift.
Sledge-ride
Synonymous with airborne, this term is widely used in the global paragliding community, although it’s rarely used in Vietnam.
Thermal Flying
Also known as high flying, this technique involves using columns of warm air to gain altitude, allowing pilots to ascend thousands of meters, reaching the base of the clouds.
Trigger
These are specific points where thermal updrafts are initiated. Typically, these points have a significant temperature difference or are located at sharp terrain features.
Thermal Source
The origin point of thermal updrafts where the ground heats up directly. The warm air from these sources may glide to a more suitable location (trigger) before detaching from the ground and rising.
House Thermal
Certain terrain types at specific flying sites have regular thermal triggers. Pilots familiar with these sites often head to these points for the best chance at catching thermals.
Cloudbase
Usually, cumulus clouds mark the top of thermal columns. Thermal pilots aim to reach this level and then navigate to other warm air columns
(Ridge) Soaring
In the Vietnamese paragliding community, soaring refers to flying on the lift generated by winds hitting and rising over mountain ridges. Internationally, the term has a broader meaning, including “thermal soaring,” which involves flying in thermal lift areas.
Dynamic Lift
The lift generated as wind hits a mountain ridge and rises. This forms the basis for ridge soaring flight styles.
Cross Country (XC)
A flight style where the pilot’s goal is to cover as much distance as possible, utilizing thermals to gain altitude and then using that height to travel further.
Bomb-out
Refers to pilots failing to find lift on days expected to be conducive to long-distance flights, resulting in early landings.
Way-point (Turn-point)
Predetermined points on the map that pilots aim to reach or pass through.
Task
An ordered set of multiple waypoints/turnpoints. In competitions, organizers often set tasks for pilots to complete as quickly as possible.
Ground Handling / Kite
Training activities with the wing while still on the ground, beneficial for both launching and in-flight control.
Acro
A specialized form of flying where the pilot focuses on performing aerobatic maneuvers instead of distance.
PWC
Stands for Paragliding World Cup, the highest level of competitive cross-country paragliding.
X-Alps
Refers to the world’s largest hike & fly competition, where pilots must either fly or carry their gear across the Alps. The term has also come to denote lightweight equipment.
Accuracy Landing
A competitive discipline where pilots aim to land as close as possible to a predetermined point, with closer landings scoring higher.
Paragliding terms - Equipments
Glide Ratio
Officially referred to as the “glide ratio,” it represents the ability to convert altitude into distance traveled. Modern paragliders typically have a glide ratio of around 1:9 to 1:10 under ideal conditions.
En
This is the safety certification system for paragliders. Gliders undergo a series of extreme tests, and their behavior is rated accordingly; the more benign the behavior, the higher the rating (A). The ratings include En-A, B, C, D, etc.
Control Toggle
A more precise term for the steering lines, which are directly connected to the trailing edge of the glider.
Riser
The bottom part of the line system, directly attached to the carabiner. The entire line system is organized into risers, divided into groups with distinct functions for maneuvering during flight.
Stabilo Line
The line attached to the outermost edge of both sides of the glider. It plays a crucial role in situations like a cravat.
Carabiner
The two metal links connecting the glider to the harness, forming the strongest point of the flight system. It’s often referenced when describing various techniques and concepts.
Harness
The pilot’s seat in the sky, securely fastened to the pilot to prevent falling out during flight.
Airbag (Harness)
A type of seat protection using airbag technology, inflated by the relative wind created by the pilot and the glider in flight.
Cocoon (Harness)
An aerodynamically designed harness that reduces drag, with the pilot’s legs enclosed and in a stretched-out sitting position.
Pod (Harness)
Similar to the cocoon harness, it features an aerodynamic design that reduces drag, with the pilot’s legs fully enclosed.
Speedbar
A system that decreases the glider’s angle of attack (pulling down the glider’s front edge), increasing speed but usually also the sink rate. Pilots operate it with their feet through the speedbar.
Reserve
Structurally similar to a round parachute but lighter. It’s attached to the harness at three main points: the hips, stomach, and shoulders. More information about reserve parachutes can be found at the provided link.
Variometer (Vario)
A device measuring altitude and the rate of altitude change (sink/climb rate) for pilots. Modern variometers also incorporate features like GPS, maps, etc.
Flight Computer
A device integrating all possible flying functions, including a variometer, GPS, maps, and other flight parameter calculations. Famous flight computers include models like Naviter Oudie.
Porosity (Poro)
The measure of a glider’s fabric air permeability, the most important and accurate indicator of a glider’s “age.” It’s measured in seconds taken for air to pass through the fabric. Lower porosity indicates an older, less efficient glider, while higher values are better. Typically, a porosity over 50 is considered safe, over 100 is good, over 200 is very good, and measurements over 300 are often not pursued. Brand new gliders have a porosity ranging between 400 – 500.
Paragliding terms - Emergency
Mayday
An international distress signal used to indicate, warn, or announce emergency situations.
Collapse
This paragliding term refers to the glider’s wing collapsing or deforming, typically initiated from the leading edge. There are two main types of collapses: Frontal Collapse (affecting the entire wing) and Asymmetric Collapse (affecting a portion of the wing).
Asymmetric Collapse
Occurs when one side of the glider collapses. While not inherently dangerous, its risk lies in the potential to change the glider’s direction or induce an uncontrollable spiral dive.
Frontal Collapse
A type of collapse affecting the entire wing. Though it appears severe, it is not dangerous, as the wing can quickly recover as long as the pilot does not interfere excessively.
Cravat
When the glider’s edge becomes twisted and caught inside the wing, preventing recovery. More dangerous than a collapse due to its irreversibility.
Stall
Occurs when airflow over the glider’s surfaces is excessively disrupted, losing lift and wing shape. Stalls are caused by too steep an angle of attack (pulling the brakes too deep for too long).
Spin
A condition where the glider rotates around a point near its center. A spin occurs when one half of the wing flies backward and the other forward, caused by stalling one side of the glider.
Spiral Dive
A state of continuously turning sharply in one direction, to the extent that the glider’s leading edge points almost directly downwards. Spiraling is a method for rapid altitude loss but generates high G-forces, potentially disorienting the pilot. During a spiral, the sink rate can reach up to 14m/s with a rotational speed of 120km/h, marking it as a risky maneuver.
Twist
Occurs when the harness rotates one or more turns away from its natural forward-facing position. Twists are not overly dangerous on their own, but can significantly complicate recovery in emergency situations.
Cloud Suck
Happens when thermals become excessively strong on unstable days, leading to the formation of storm clouds. The upward force can be very strong, risking pilots being sucked up high and unable to escape, along with hazards like lightning, oxygen deprivation, and cold temperatures.
Paragliding terms - Attributes and statuses
Altitude (Alt)
Height above the ground, typically measured in meters (m).
AGL (Above Ground Level)
The height of the pilot above the ground directly beneath them.
ASL / AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level)
The height of an object above the average sea level.
Sink / Climb Rate
The vertical speed of descent or ascent, measured in meters per second (m/s). The default sink rate for most paragliders is about 1 – 1.2 m/s.
Ground Speed (GS)
The horizontal velocity of the glider relative to the ground, which is the sum of Airspeed and wind speed (both speed and direction). It is usually measured in kilometers per hour (km/h).
Airspeed (AS)
The speed of the glider relative to the air around it. This velocity is almost constant for a given pilot position, takeoff weight, and glider design, regardless of external conditions.
Trimspeed
The default speed of the glider in no-wind conditions with the pilot not applying any brake or speedbar. Modern gliders typically have a trimspeed of 36-38 km/h.
Min Speed (Stall Speed)
The minimum airspeed a glider can maintain before stalling. Nowadays, gliders usually have a minimum speed of about 20 – 22 km/h.
Polar Curve
A graphical curve that describes the relationship between Sink Rate and Airspeed, and thereby also illustrates the Glide Ratio. Depending on the situation and strategy, a pilot adjusts the brake (or speedbar) to optimize for a specific factor, such as maximizing Airspeed to avoid being blown backward or aiming for the Best Glide to cover the longest distance while searching for lift.
Full Glide (Trim / Hands Up)
The default flying state at trimspeed, with the pilot not making any inputs to the glider. In this state, gliders typically have an AS of about 36-38 km/h and a sink rate of approximately 1.1 m/s.
Min Sink
The flying state that achieves the lowest possible rate of descent. This state is often used when flying in thermals, where glide distance is not the most crucial factor. Depending on the glider, the Min Sink is usually achieved with about 20 – 50% brake application.
Best Glide
The flying state that achieves the best Glide Ratio, meaning the glider can cover the longest distance. This state is often used when gliding between points. Each glider has a different Best Glide position. For high-performance gliders, Best Glide is often achieved with slight speedbar pressure. Most B+ rated gliders achieve Best Glide at trim.
Paragliding terms - Weather
Turbulence
Occurs when airflows do not move smoothly but rather move in a chaotic manner in different directions. Turbulence can be particularly dangerous for paragliding.
Rotor
A specific type of turbulence where the air does not move horizontally or vertically but spirals instead. Rotors are typically formed when wind blows over an obstacle, creating turbulent air in the area behind the obstacle. Identifying a rotor can be challenging when launching in tailwind conditions, and one must be extremely cautious, as it’s not always apparent by just observing wind indicators.
Paragliding terms - Controling
Angle of Attack
The angle formed between the wing’s chord line and the direction of flight. Essentially, it’s how much the glider is angled upwards. A larger angle of attack reduces the risk of collapse but increases the risk of stalling (and vice versa).
CHECK
An international paragliding command indicating to apply brake (to counteract forward pitching of the glider).
Slalom
A kiting exercise (or for paramotoring) requiring the pilot to zigzag through a series of predefined points.
Forward Launch
A takeoff technique where the pilot faces and moves in the same direction as the glider, commonly used in light wind conditions.
Reverse Launch
A takeoff method where the pilot faces opposite to the glider’s movement direction during inflation for better visibility of the wing. It’s the most common launch technique.
Cobra Launch
A technique for inflating or launching the glider like a cobra snake, where one side of the wing rises first, followed gradually by the entire wing. This is particularly beneficial at launch sites with strong winds and limited space. Practicing the cobra technique on the ground also enhances kiting skills.
Pitch
One of the three states when the glider is not directly overhead, alongside Roll and Yaw. Pitch refers to the vertical orientation, where the glider does not change its heading.
Roll
One of the three states when the glider is not directly overhead. Roll refers to the lateral orientation, where the glider’s wings are at different heights. Roll is primarily caused by weight shifting.
Yaw
One of the three states when the glider is not directly overhead. Yaw refers to the rotation around the vertical axis.
Brake
More formally known as the “steering lines,” these are connected to the trailing edge of the glider and serve as the primary means of control for the pilot while in flight.
Weight Shift
A control technique involving uneven pressure on the two carabiners, resulting in differential lift across the glider’s halves.
Flare
The action of pulling the brakes fully at the moment before landing to dissipate kinetic energy, converting it into a gentle lift to achieve the softest possible touchdown.
Flap
A technique involving deep but intermittent brake pulls to maximize reduction in forward speed without inducing a stall. This technique is used to decrease the glide angle for landing in tight spots.
Wing-over
The paragliding term for a basic acrobatic maneuver where the glider swings side to side, propelling the pilot upwards, sometimes even higher than the glider’s center.
SAT
An advanced acrobatic maneuver, a variation of the Spiral, where the glider rotates around the pilot along a difficult-to-describe diagonal axis, creating a visually stunning effect. Not recommended for pilots with less than 500 hours of flight time.
Paragliding terms - Competition
Competition (Comp)
A competitive event that spans several days, consisting of multiple tasks, with dozens to hundreds of participants. For example, Vietnam First National Paragliding Competition.
Task
Essentially a “stage” or “challenge” of the competition. Competitions include multiple tasks, one for each day, involving pilots flying through a series of coordinates (waypoints) before reaching the goal.
Waypoint / Turnpoint
Specific coordinates within a task that pilots must sequentially navigate through. A waypoint often defines both a radius and an exit/entry strategy.
Cylinder
An invisible cylindrical volume around a waypoint’s coordinates, with a predefined radius. Tasks typically require pilots to enter or exit these cylinders.
Radius
The radius around a waypoint, forming a cylinder.
Exit / Entry
How a pilot validates a waypoint/cylinder. Exiting means scoring by moving from inside out, while entering means scoring by moving from outside in. This distinction is particularly relevant for the first waypoint of the start, where timing is crucial. For most other waypoints, the direction of entry or exit does not significantly differ.
SSS (Start of Speed Section)
Also known simply as the “Start,” it’s a waypoint in the task designated by organizers as the point from which timing begins.
ESS (End of Speed Section)
Unlike other air sports, paragliding competitions divide the “finish” into two parts. The ESS marks the end of timing. After reaching the ESS, pilots no longer need to rush but must continue to the final goal (Goal) to complete the task.
Goal
The final destination. A task is only recognized as completed if the pilot reaches the goal. Failure to do so results in a significant points deduction, regardless of speed.
Gate Open
The period when pilots are allowed to launch, gain altitude, and position themselves optimally for the start. This usually occurs about one hour before the Start time.
Start Time
The official beginning of the race. Pilots position themselves near the starting line (SSS) and proceed past the SSS as soon as the start time passes. Launching before the start time disqualifies the task.
Deadline
The mandatory time by which pilots must “complete” the task, meaning flying through the goal line, not necessarily landing.
Land by Time
The compulsory time by which pilots must land, typically set 15 minutes after the Deadline.
Time Point
One of three components that make up a task’s score, awarded based on speed to Goal. The faster the flight to the Goal, the higher the score, calculated using an algorithm based on all pilots’ averages that day and the fastest time.
Distance Point
One of three components of a task’s score, awarded for distance covered. Pilots earn maximum points if they reach the goal; otherwise, they receive a portion based on the percentage of the task completed.
Lead Point
One of three components of a task’s score, awarded to pilots who take bold leads during the race, encouraging risk-taking and leadership to make the competition more exciting.
Gaggle
In competitions, pilots often fly closely together to share overall information and perform better collectively. Pilots who stray from the group face certain difficulties. These groups are known as gaggles.
Other paragliding terms
Local Pilot
Pilots who reside near a particular flying site, thus being familiar with both the flying techniques and logistical aspects of the area.
Landing Zone (LZ)
Each standard flying site, besides the launch area, must have a primary landing field where pilots aim to land when nearing the end of their flight altitude.
Bailout
In certain situations, an alternate landing area used if pilots lack the altitude to reach the main landing zone. This backup area is usually closer to the launch site and often less convenient in terms of logistics than the primary landing zone.
Wind Sock
Fixed poles equipped with a lightweight object that moves with the wind, commonly placed at launch and landing sites to inform pilots of wind direction and strength.
Related articles
For more articles related to paragliding, please check:
- What is paragliding and essential knowledge
- The History of Paragliding
- Paragliding in Vietnam: Requiments to get licensed for businesses
For paragliding tandem flights:
- Da Nang City Tour On Sky – Paragliding (English) or Dù lượn Đà Nẵng (tiếng Việt)
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