Critical emergency procedures that could save your life, including when and how to deploy your reserve parachute.
Emergency situations in paragliding can develop quickly, and your response in the first few seconds often determines the outcome. Every pilot must know these procedures by heart and practice them regularly.
When to Deploy Your Reserve
Deploy your reserve when you cannot recover your main wing, when you're losing altitude rapidly, or when you doubt the integrity of your main wing. Common scenarios include:
- Unrecoverable collapses
- Line twists preventing control
- Structural damage to the wing
- Any situation where you're approaching the ground with an uncontrollable wing
Reserve Deployment Technique
Look, Locate, Grasp, Pull, and Throw - this five-step process should be automatic:
- Look at your reserve handle to locate it visually
- Locate it with your hand without looking away from your wing
- Grasp the handle firmly with your dominant hand
- Pull the handle straight out with maximum force - there should be no hesitation
- Throw the reserve container away from your body and the main wing with maximum force
After Reserve Deployment
Once your reserve opens, assess your situation. If your main wing is still partially inflated, it may interfere with your reserve descent. In most cases, you should attempt to deflate the main wing by pulling the rear risers. Be prepared for a firm landing - reserves descend faster than paragliders.
Collapse Recovery
For asymmetric collapses, apply weight shift away from the collapse and gentle brake input on the open side. Avoid aggressive brake inputs that might stall the remaining wing. For symmetric collapses, maintain course and wait for the wing to recover naturally - aggressive inputs often make things worse.
Emergency Equipment
Always carry:
- A knife to cut lines if necessary
- A whistle for signaling
- A first aid kit
- A mobile phone in a waterproof case
- Consider a GPS device for remote area flying
Remember: The best emergency procedure is prevention through proper training, equipment maintenance, and good decision-making.